NNPC Fixes Base Oil Price for 2022 at $57, $61 for 2023 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Managing Director after a careful appraisal of the and alternatives for electricity He noted that the NNPC, Also speaking on the pro- and Peter Uzoho in of the corporation, Mallam Mele three-year historical dated Brent generation. These are reflected based on the directive of the priety of establishing NNPC Kyari, made the disclosure in oil price average of $59.07 per in the medium term revenue president had mobilised some retail stations in neighbouring The Nigerian National Petro- his presentation to the House barrel premised on Platts spot framework,’’ Kyari informed. customs officers, the Economic countries to curb the challenge leum Corporation (NNPC) of Representatives, according prices. On the perennial issue and Financial Crimes Commis- of illegal haulage of petroleum yesterday projected a medium to a statement released by the “Price growth is to be moder- of smuggling of petroleum sion (EFCC), the police as well products across the border, Kyari term base crude oil price corporation’s spokesman, Mr. ated by the lingering concerns products, Kyari implored the as the Security and said though the NNPC once scenario of $57 to a barrel for Garba Muhammad. over COVID-19, increased National Assembly to come to Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) considered the option, it had to 2022; $61 for 2023 and $62 for Kyari explained that the energy efficiency, switching due the aid of the corporation in to find workable solutions to 2024. assumptions were arrived at to increased utilisation of gas battling the menace. the menace. Continued on page 10 Uzodinma Breaks from Southern Governors on Anti-open Grazing... Page 8

Thursday 26 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9635. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO Presidency to Ortom: You’re Ethnic Jingoist Fanning Embers of Disunity Says he's a political failure that has changed party five times Deji Elumoye in Abuja Benue State, where he accused governor as an ethnic jingoist politically, having moved Assistant to the President on played up ethnicity and President out to cause disunity among from one party to another Media and Publicity, Garba sectarianism to achieve his The presidency has reacted of making grazing routes a Nigerians. It also accused for a record five times. Shehu, the presidency said goals, governed Benue State. to some recent utterances by condition for peace. The Ortom of being an ethnic In a release issued Wednes- it was unfortunate that a Governor Samuel Ortom of presidency described the irredentist, who had failed day by the Senior Special fair-weather governor, who Continued on page 10 Buhari: NDA Attack Will Accelerate Total Uprooting of Evil in Polity Says invasion won't deter military's resolve to end criminality Commiserates with victims’ families DHQ orders probe, denies staff slept on duty FG needs political will to deal with terrorists, says Okowa Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Ugo Aliogo in Lagos and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said Tuesday's at- tack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, had provided grounds for more urgent measures to rid the country of “vermin” and emancipate the polity. Buhari stated this in a release by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. The president declared Continued on page 10 Why Peace Brokered by PDP A DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE... Elders, Governors L-R: Senior Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the celebrant and former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, during the special book presentation titled: “For Failed... Page 6 The Good of ” and launch of SDG Challenge Fund in commemoration of Sanusi’s 60th birthday, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...on Tuesday 2 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY, aUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 5

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: [email protected], 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322 NEWS

AKEREDOLU, FAYEMI VISIT TINUBU IN LONDON... L-R: Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN; former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during their visit to Tinubu in London... yesterday PIA: PENGASSAN Insists on Single Regulator for Oil, Gas Industry Oil recovers from seven-day losing streak Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and today are transiting from being happening with the Niger for breath after a nine per cent Added to that, on the production benchmark price for purchases, Peter Uzoho in Lagos just oil and gas companies to Delta Development Commission rally in the first two days of the side, data showed US crude rose 42 cents to $71.47 a barrel, energy concerns, stating that as (NDDC). week, which erased most of the inventories fell by 1.6 million while US West Texas Intermediate The Petroleum and Natural Gas it is, the Nigerian government “So, our advocacy is that this slump from a seven-day losing barrels in the latest week while (WTI) crude increased 6 cents to Senior Staff Association of Nigeria is not prepared for that major amount of money that is to be set streak early in the month. about a quarter of Mexico’s oil $67.60 a barrel. (PENGASSAN) has insisted that development. aside should be used judiciously Although concerns over the production was cut after a fire Over the past days, both Brent the provision for two regulatory “So, that was our advocacy, for us not to have issues like the impact of the coronavirus delta on an offshore platform operated and WTI have risen around 9 per agencies in the oil industry as which some percentages should ones with the NDDC,” he said. variant on fuel demand persists, by Pemex on Sunday, taking off cent while the rally erased most of prescribed by the Petroleum be set aside to start developing Meanwhile, Brent crude futures there were signs that China is about 400,000 barrels per day from the slump from a week-long losing Industry Act (PIA) would result our renewables, so that the energy surged above $71 a barrel on bringing its latest outbreak under the market. streak on the back of a resurgence to wastages and bureaucracy in transition will not catch up with us, Wednesday, as the market paused control. Brent crude oil, Nigeria’s in COVID-19 cases. the sector. because from the research currently The National President of the ongoing, it is really difficult for union, Mr. Festus Osifo, who us to predict the future of oil in spoke on Arise News Channel, the 30 years. So, the time to Zenith Bank Launches Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, ZIVA act is now,” he added. THISDAY’s broadcast arm, noted Hamid Ayodeji confirm cheques, pay bills, apply experience and sound financial and commitment to best-in-class that although there are some novel On the controversial host community fund, he argued that for loans, block their accounts, indices. service, Zenith Bank was voted as portions of the legislation which and request mini statements, “The bank has remained a clear Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria would help draw investment Late President Umar Yar’Adua’s Zenith Bank Plc has introduced government had in 2008, proposed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) amongst other banking services. leader in the digital space with in the World Finance Banking to the sector, the ease of doing Commenting on the new bank- several firsts in the deployment Awards 2021, Bank of the Year business would be impeded by 10 per cent of oil and gas profit, powered Chatbot on WhatsApp whereas the new law proposes named ZIVA (Zenith Intelligent ing solution, the Group Managing of innovative products, solutions (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the provision. Director/Chief Executive of Zenith and an assortment of alternative the Year Awards 2020, Best Bank Also, Osifo argued that the three per cent of operating expenses Virtual Assistant), which enables in the previous year. customers to perform financial Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu channels that ensure convenience, in Nigeria in the Global Finance legislation does not take cognisance said: "The launch of ZIVA is driven speed and safety of transactions. World's Best Banks Awards 2020 of the ongoing energy transition “So, the 10 per cent would transactions and enjoy real-time have meant that any year that customer service from their mobile by the need for additional secured “The bank's commitment to and 2021, and Best in Corporate which would require the Nigerian channels of communication with world-class service standards has Governance 'Financial Services' National Petroleum Corporation the companies don't make profits, phones. like last year most of the companies A statement from the bank our customers as we deepen our led to several product innovations, Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical (NNPC) to focus on renewable retail penetration." including the "Zenith Timeless Boardroom. sources of energy. operating in this sector actually explained that with this solu- reported losses, you will get 10 tion, customers would be able Speaking further on the What- Account", which allows Nigerians Also, the bank emerged as the “Part of the downsides in the sApp chatbot, Onyeagwu noted aged 60 years and above bank Most Valuable Banking Brand in Act is the issue of regulators in per cent of nothing. to enrol by simply adding the “So, we think that this three per bank's verified WhatsApp mobile that, "since the behavioural pattern for free, the "Zenith Save4me", a Nigeria in the Banker Magazine the industry. We think this is a of the modern customer dictates high-interest target savings account Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and downside, in an era where we cent as it is today now is already number 07040004422 on their in law. The fact that we have 3 per mobile devices, agree to the legal that they want to engage with and the deployment of contactless 2021, and Number One Bank in are talking about reducing the brands over the channel of their payments and QR on ATM points, Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the cost of governance and the ease cent of the operating expenditure terms of use and then initiate a of the preceding fiscal year, if it conversation. choice, it was really important for amongst others. "2021 Top 1000 World Banks" of doing business. us as a leading financial services “Zenith Bank places a premium Ranking by The Banker Magazine. “It would be better if we had a was 3 per cent of profit, we would This product provides the have said it's bad ,if it was 3 per convenience for the bank’s custom- institution and a pioneer of several on its core business strategy The bank was also recognised one-stop shop on our oil and gas technological innovations in the anchored on People, Technology as Bank of the Decade (People's industry. We believe that a single cent of capital expenditure, it would ers to interact and transact on a have been bad. 24 hours basis on the encrypted financial services industry to and Service, to create value for its Choice) at the ThisDay Awards regulator would be the best for implement this solution in order numerous clientele. With a team of 2020, Retail Bank of the year at the industry because the way it is “But operating expenditure WhatsApp platform, it added. is there because the company It further explained that with to continue to create value for dedicated professionals, the bank the 2020 BusinessDay Banks today, it has introduced wastages,” our teeming customers who leverages its robust Information and Other Financial Institu- the labour leader said. must operate, pay salaries, the the capability to respond to chats/ company must expend some queries anchored on the existing incidentally were already using and Communication Technology tions (BOFI) Awards, and Best On the energy transition, he WhatsApp as a primary channel (ICT) infrastructure to provide Company in Promotion of Good explained that during the public sizeable amounts of their fund WhatsApp platform, customers on operating expenditure,” he would be able to open new ac- of communication." cutting-edge solutions and Health and Well-Being as well hearings by the National Assembly, It stated that Zenith Bank products through its network of as Best Company in Promotion PENGASSAN had advocated that maintained. counts, receive instant transaction However, he said the challenge notifications, check their balances has continued to distinguish branches and electronic/digital of Gender Equality and Women there must be a deliberate attempt itself in the Nigerian financial channels,” it added. Empowerment at the Sustainabil- to start developing renewables. was to make sure that funds are on the go, transfer funds and top used judiciously, so as not to have up airtime. services industry through superior In recognition of its track ity, Enterprise and Responsibility He pointed out that this was service offerings, unique customer record of excellent performance (SERAS) Awards 2020. because a lot of companies issues like what is currently They would also be able to 6 THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS

DIALOGUING FOR A NEW NIGERIA... L-R: Former member, House of Representatives, Uche Onyeagocha; Leader of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; chairman of the occasion and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Spokesman, Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, at the Ripples Nigeria Dialogue in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT Why Peace Brokered by PDP Elders, Governors Failed Stakeholders mull options ahead of expanded meetings Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Emma Okonji statement said, "The chairman party, adding that the party of two officers and abduction of their holiday and quickly come Chidoka said, “The constitution and Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Rt would resolve its crisis before the an officer. together, using their legislative of the party will address all of Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, weekend. He stated that PDP had Addressing a news conference at instruments, to protect our country the internal wrangling within The truce brokered two weeks CFR, in consultation with his the power to reinvent itself and the party's secretariat, Ologbondi- from falling apart." the party. The constitution is ago by some elders of the Peoples colleagues, has summoned an resolve the crisis, explaining that yan described Buhari's In another development, a clear on who becomes the next Democratic Party (PDP) and emergency meeting of the Forum there are no provisions in the PDP as incapable of resolving the former Minister of Aviation and party’s national chairman, in the governors elected on the party’s to hold on Thursday 26th August, constitution empowering a ward existential threat occasioned by the member of the PDP, Mr. Osita absence of the national chairman. platform failed largely because 2021 at 5pm. to suspend the national chairman. violent campaign of bandits and Chidoka, said only the party’s The two contenders may have some elements in PDP reneged "The meeting will discuss Ologbondiyan said, "Our terrorists. He said the invasion of constitution would produce the their individual views, but the on the gentlemanly agreements recent developments in the PDP. constitution is clear that no the military academy had exposed next national chairman of the constitution will determine the believed to have provided some The governors enjoined all PDP ward has powers to suspend a the vulnerability of Nigerians to party, and not internal politics true position. respite from the squabbles, members and stakeholders to national chairman. We all saw the the attack of bandits and sundry and wrangling. Chidoka made the “The crisis between the national THISDAY has learnt. exercise patience as efforts are acting national chairman, when criminal elements. assertion yesterday, when he spoke chairman of a party and the sitting It was gathered that one of being made to ensure continued he came. He is cognitive. Only a The PDP spokesperson called on from the United States, during the governor of a state, where the such agreements was that the stability of the party in the days medical doctor can declare anyone members of the National Assembly Morning Show on ARISE NEWS national chairman comes from, current members of the National ahead." incapacitated." to cut short their recess and quickly Channel, the broadcast arm of has been an age-long issue. When Working Committee (NWC) led Yesterday, the acting national PDP National Secretary, Senator convene at plenary to find ways THISDAY Newspapers. former Sam Nwodo was Chairman by the ousted National Chairman, chairman of the party, Elder Yemi Tsari Umar, also said the PDP was of making the country safe for Chidoka reacted to the of PDP, he had crisis with the then Uche Secondus, would not seek Akinwonmi, was present at his in the process of vacating the court Nigerians. emergence of two factions in Enugu State governor, Sullivan re-election at the next national office at the national secretariat in order on the leadership crisis. "We Ologbondiyan stated, "It PDP following a court ruling Chime, who removed Nwodo convention. Abuja, while the deputy national have seen the court order and we has never been this bad and it in Rivers State, which restrained from office as PDP chairman, But while the meeting that chairman (North), Suleiman Nazif, are in the process of vacating the is unthinkable that a military Secondus from parading himself close to the time of a national brokered the truce agreed that was nowhere near the secretariat order,” Umar said. facility such as the NDA would as the party’s national chairman. convention of the party. such a sensitive choice would not complex. Meanwhile, against the be invaded and officers killed. He said a self-imposed acting “Another example is the crisis be made public, especially since Akinwonmi told THISDAY said backdrop of spike in insecurity A Boy Scout leader would have national chairman of the party between former APC national no one was actually coerced into that there would be no National in the country, PDP condemned provided better leadership than would not do the party any good. chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and it, some NWC members started Executive Committee (NEC) meet- the leadership of President the president is currently doing. Describing the sudden emer- the Edo State governor, Godwin to react to the agreement and ing and reiterated that the NWC Muhammadu Buhari, alleging At least in those days, leader of gence of the two party chieftains Obaseki, which also consumed vowed never to keep their end meetings remained suspended to that the leader of a Boy Scout the Boy Scout would protect every as disturbing and could unsettle the party’s national chairman. of the bargain. This development enable further consultations. would have faired better. The party member and ensure they were the party’s structure, he maintained The fight had always been who was said to have prompted the "As you can see, I was here stated this following Tuesday's safe. Nigerians are not currently that only the party’s constitution, if controls the party and most times, court option. on Tuesday and here again today invasion of the Nigerian Defence having that under Buhari. well interpreted and implemented, the governors succeed, because Recall that some personal (Wednesday). I was sick and by Academy (NDA), by suspected "The PDP calls on members of would produce the next national they are the major financiers of aides of Secondus and the official the Grace of God, I'm now better," bandits, which led to the death the National Assembly to cut short chairman of the party. the party.” spokesperson of the party, Kola he said. Ologbondiyan, had dismissed any But speaking on the crisis, such understanding, saying it is Ologbondiyan said an expanded unconstitutional and can prompt meeting of the party's Board of Dreadful Culture of Silence on Sexual resort to court action. Trustees (BoT) would hold on Although they, too, agreed Friday. that the idea was mooted at the It was gathered that the Harassment Must Be Broken, Says Mrs. Fayemi meeting, they denied the fact that expanded BoT meeting would Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo extent possible," she said. one of the greatest universities could be noted and lessons learnt. the Secondus NWC consented to take place, instead of the NEC The first lady stressed that as, on the African continent, and "This policy should be shared it. They hinted at the possibility of meeting summoned by Nazif. Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi "OAU launches this document should lead by example on this with other tertiary institutions challenging it in court, saying it THISDAY gathered that the Fayemi, yesterday, posited that today, I would like to appreciate issue as the vice-chancellor has around the country as others is against the spirit of the party’s idea of an expanded BoT meeting, the dreadful culture of silence all the members of the ASH Com- promised the required political work towards establishing models constitution. instead of NEC meeting, was the about sexual harassment in mittee, under the able leadership will to implement the policy, of good practice. I am on the It was based on this, especially, outcome of a meeting between the higher institutions of learning of Professor Moji Olateju, for their which she claimed was vital Governing Council of Elizade that the elders of the party thought chairman of the PDP BoT, Walid must be broken. hard work on this document. for success. University and we are currently the understanding was gentlemanly Jibrin, and Nazif. Speaking at the official launch “I thank the VC Professor She posited "Gender main- developing our Gender Policy and not forced on anyone. They The meeting, THISDAY was of the Anti-sexual Harassment Eyitayo Ogunbodede for inviting streaming teaching and learning as well as a Sexual Harassment allowed stakeholders to embrace told, decided it was better to Policy of Obafemi Awolowo me to join the ASH Committee. need to be strengthened here at Policy" other options, but considered the report the trends in the party University Ile-ife, she pointed out I accepted the invitation to serve OAU. We also need data and However, in his remarks, the understanding the most effective. to the expanded BoT that first that tertiary institution needed a as my punishment for telling the analysis of SGBV/SH trends on Vice-chancellor, Professor Eyitope In its continued attempt to mediated in the crisis and see policy on sexual harassment and VC that SH and GBV issues are an ongoing basis. The Center Ogunbodede, said the Senate of reunite and resolve the leadership their reaction. a zero-tolerance culture. always swept under the carpet, for Gender and Social Policy the University has approved the crisis threatening it, the party has Besides, the BoT chairman was She remarked that leadership because of the insular practices Studies should therefore strive to revised Anti-Sexual Harassment lined up series of meetings of stake- said to have told the Nazif-led of tertiary institutions needed of tertiary institutions!" be a center for excellence in the Policy of the University, the holders. Ologbondiyan disclosed delegation that his group did not to demonstrate that they were She reminded the university study and teaching of GBV and launching and official presentation this, saying PDP governors would form the quorum, as they were serious about the issue and should community that policies and power relations in an evolving of the policy to the public slated meet today over the crisis. only six members, when the NWC not condone a culture of abuse, procedures were meant to be world." for April 2020 could not hold Director General of the PDP quorum should be 12 out of 18 silence and impunity. implemented and not left to She urged that Anti-Sexual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governors’ Forum, Cyril Madu- members. "Where there are policies in gather dust on shelves, saying Harassment Committee should He noted that the University abum, had also issued a statement Ologbondiyan, while addressing place to prevent and deal with in the absence of concrete action, have a robust Monitoring and intended to launch the policy calling for an emergency meeting newsmen, insisted PDP was a sexual harassment, they should impunity would continue to reign. Evaluation framework in place immediately normal activities of the governors. Maduabum’s united, indivisible and indissoluble be implemented to the fullest She remarked that OAU was so that progress and challenges resumed. THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Uzodinma Breaks from Southern Governors on Anti-open Grazing Opts for partnership between farmers, herders Says IPOB stay-at-home order ineffective Deji Elumoye in Abuja Imo State for anti-grazing. But in Imo State, there is only one all. Workers are going to work President. You know him (Mr. do is to ensure that we embrace what we have done is that we Governor and only the governor and normal business activities are President), he will only encourage the ruling party, the APC. And With just six days to the Sep- are regulating grazing activities can order, working with other ongoing. And for now, I told you you. He doesn’t interfere. We are we are taking the message to tember 1, 2021 target set by the in Imo State under a partnership members of the government, that Imo State is relatively calm." in charge of the campaign. I’m Anambra. And by the grace of 17 southern governors for states between our farmers and herders. that people should sit at home Speaking as Chairman of the the Chairman of the Council. God, Anambra people will buy in the region to enact anti-open They have signed a Memorandum and it will be obeyed. I don’t APC campaign Committee for the And the good news is that the the message and Igbo land will grazing legislation, Governor of Understanding (MOU) in want to sit here and recognise November 6, 2021 gubernatorial political leadership in Igbo land be recovered". Hope Uzodimma of Imo State my office and agreed to work that there is any order outside election, Uzodinma stated that has resolved to be part of the The governor also disclosed has become the first governor together. And both parties are the government of Imo State the Igbos would the election to federal government, to participate that the President has intervened from the region to go against going about their businesses because there is a government. confirm their readiness to play at the national level, to leave in some ecological problems the agreement reached with his without interfering or causing “IPOB is not a government in national politics and be part of the provincial championship facing the state as three contracts colleagues. any grievance or anger to each Imo State. Imo State government the government at the center. to national championship. for the control of erosion would The governor yesterday other." has not authorised anything at He said: "You know our “So, what we have decided to soon be awarded. declared that there is no law He also said the recent sit- forbidding open grazing by at-home order given by the cattle rearers in the state. Independent People Of Biafra Uzodinma, who spoke with (IPOB) was not carried out in newsmen yesterday after meeting the state, saying people went with President Muhammadu about their normal businesses. Buhari at the State House, He further disclosed that the Abuja, argued that though there Igbo people are now ready to play is presently no anti-grazing law national politics by belonging to in the state, his government was the party at the centre, saying trying to regulate grazing activities this would play out with the through collaboration between forthcoming gubernatorial election the farmers and herders. in Anambra State. The 17 governors of the Commenting on the sit-at-home southern states had in a meeting order, he said: “To the extent of held in Lagos on July 5, 2021, what I know on the sit-at-home urged states in the region to order, even the people on their ensure that the legislation against own called off the sit-at-home open grazing of cattle was put in order. In Imo State, it is not being place on or before September 1. observed. People are doing their Following the governors’ businesses. resolution, Delta, Osun, Ondo, “Most people in Imo are Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, businessmen and women who and Enugu state governments depend on their daily activities had moved to enact anti-open and income to feed their families. grazing laws. But before the So, they cannot afford to sit at resolution of the governors, the home idle and allow hunger to anti-open grazing law was already ravage the state." operational in Ogun, Abia, Oyo, Uzodinma stressed that there Ekiti, and Ebonyi states. is only one government in the But in sharp contrast with state headed by him and that the agreement reached by the at no time did he ask people southern governors, Uzodimma not to go about their businesses. said: "I don’t have any law in According to him: "I know Ozekhome Charges Police to Thoroughly Investigate BEST HUMANITARIAN GOV… Ataga's Murder Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Alex Enumah in Abuja society itself,” he said. (left), presenting the Best Humanitarian Governor award to Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, in Abuja... yesterday Ataga, a 50-year-old married Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) man and father of two, was and rights advocate, Chief Mike reportedly killed in a short-let Ozekhome yesterday called on apartment at No 19, Adewale Abiodun Lists Kidnapping, Cultism as the Nigeria Police to carry out Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1,Lagos a thorough investigation of the State on June 15, 2021. gruesome murder of the Chief The alleged culprit, Chidinma, Security Challenges Confronting Ogun Executive Officer of SuperTv, Mr. 21 years and a 300-level Mass Michael Ataga. Communication student of the Ozekhome said a thorough University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba Calls for synergy between army, Police, DSS investigation was necessary so had on June 24, 2021, during a Oluchi Chibuzor to work in synergy with the for approving the use of a the way to Ogun Waterside or that justice would not only be public parade by the Police in Army to achieve the set objective. Nigeria Police helicopter that Ijebu-Igbo, the helicopter was served, but the image of Nigeria Lagos, admitted to stabbing the Ogun State Governor, Dapo "The biggest issues we have has been working and providing able to respond swiftly to the would be enhanced since the late Super TV CEO to death. Abiodun, has listed random today in Ogun State are that of air surveillance in the state. distress calls while your men matter has been in the public Ozekhome, who is leading a kidnapping and cultism as random kidnapping and cult He said: "The use of that now move in, thereby ensuring domain after the arrest and parade team of lawyers on the side of the biggest security challenges activities. helicopter greatly assisted that the kidnappers are not able of the major suspect, one Miss late Ataga's family said there are confronting the state. "I believe that the cult activities us in reducing the response to leave the immediate corridor Chidinma Ojukwu. evidence with which the court Abiodun who made this have abated now because of the time to kidnap situation and before the men arrive. I want to The senior lawyer's charge was have the responsibility to prove known yesterday, when he joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, consequently reduced kidnap use this opportunity to implore contained in an open letter he that Chidinma did not act alone, hosted the new Assistant the State Security Services and situations. I understand that the that you help us to discuss with wrote to the Inspector General stressing that the Police have Inspector General of Police in the Nigerian Army. helicopter has been re-assisgned your men of the Air Wing to of Police, dated August 25, 2021. to be more professional in the charge Zone 2, Johnson Kokumo, "However, we are still for use somewhere else, it is my ensure the speedy return of this Part of the letter titled, "The investigation. in his office at Oke-Mosan, struggling and dealing with hope that AIG, you will use your helicopter". Gruesome and Horrific Murder "This entire murder case has so Abeokuta, equally said Ogun issues that relate to kidnapping good office to ensure that the Speaking earlier, Kokumo said of Mr Micheal Usifo Ataga: A far been most unprofessionally with many federal roads would of contractors, farmers and helicopter is redeployed back Zone 2 comprising Ogun and Clarion Call for Thorough handled and perhaps deliberately require huge manpower and innocent Ogun State residents. to Ogun State. Lagos States police commands Investigation and Delivery of bungled", he said, "But why equipment to monitor criminal We sincerely hope that as we "You will note that Ogun has was planning a joint operation Justice," reads, "We write this should this be the case? The activities on the roads. go along in our relationship, an unusual amount of federal between the two commands to letter to you to request, Not for Ataga family (our client) has The governor lauded the Air we will collaborate to ensure roads compared to other states. fight criminals, particularly at any special favours, but that you already pointedly accused the Wing of the Police Force for that we reduce this incident of We have the Lagos-Ibadan Kara and Under the Bridge along use your good offices to ensure Police of deliberately bungling helping in combating criminal kidnapping to absolute zero,” expressway, Epe-Ijebu-Ode, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. that this murder is thoroughly the investigations, so as to allow activities, especially kidnapping the governor said. Sagamu-Ikorodu and the This, according to him, was and professionally investigated, some major suspects escape justice, in the state. While describing insecurity Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, all to ensure that adequate security perpetrators prosecuted and justice or give them soft landing by He commended the AIG for as an act of sabotage, he said these are federal roads. We is provided for companies, immediately served in this savage arraigning them before a Chief his initiative to provide security Ogun has been proactive in the find out that 80 per cent to 90 industries and individuals and barbaric murder that cries Magistrate court and slapping at Kara and under the Long area of security by rejigging per cent of the stretch of these operating along the axis. to the high heavens for redress." their wrists with lesser offences." Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan the State Security Trust Fund, roads are in Ogun State and it is The AIG who hinted that “Consequently, the whole Ozekhome therefore called on Expressway. which according to him, had humanly impossible for the men he was in the state on a world has been following the the police to carry out a fresh Abiodun explained that the helped in providing patrol of the Nigeria Police to patrol familiarisation visit, noted unfolding melodrama with keen investigation of the murder to Nigerian Army, through its vans, communication and all those roads as adequately that the Zone was working interest, to know the way and unravel the real masterminds General Officer Commanding other gadgets to enable security as they require on a synergy between the manner that Nigeria’s criminal and all accomplices, assuring that (GOC), had pledged to support agencies carry out their functions "But each time we have a Marine Olive Units of Lagos justice system works and how no stone shall be left unturned the state by deploying tracking effectively. distress call on any of those and Ogun State command to justice is eventually served to in the pursuit of justice for the equipment to track kidnappers, Abiodun, however, thanked locations, either from Yewa, provide security in the coastal the suspect, the victim and the late Ataga. urging men of the Nigeria Police President Muhammadu Buhari meaning Imeko, Ipokia, all areas. THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THURSDAY, aUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY TEN Buhari: NDA Attack Will Accelerate Total Uprooting of Evil in Polity that rather than demoralise president “vowed that the de- nel found culpable and also a way out of this challenge. to bury their children hacked Igbo Youths World Wide calls the country's Armed Forces, ceased would not die in vain, prevent future occurrence. “The federal government down in their prime, with on the federal government the attack would strengthen as the degenerate act would "Let me also assure that we must urgently tackle this others languishing in their to commence immediate their determination to make a have consequences that will shall continue to update the challenge to reduce the level captors’ dens and family source investigation with a view to decisive end to criminality in eventually clean the country general public as events unfold of insecurity and ensure food of livelihood destroyed." exposing the perpetrators of Nigeria. He urged his critics of vermin, and emancipate the as we are all aware the search security. Criminal herdsmen Similarly, Executive Secretary this heinous crime against to desist from politicising the polity from deliberate, targeted and rescue of the abducted must be dealt with within our of the National Human Rights the Nigeria Army and (they terrible act. and contrived atrocious acts.” officer is still on. Troops of the laws and Internally Displaced Commission (NHRC), Tony should) be made to face the The Defence Headquarters Buhari thanked Nigerians, Armed Forces of Nigeria will Persons (IDPs) need to be Ojukwu, condemned the attack wrath of the law. has ordered an intensive probe who valued and appreciated continue with its operations resettled in their homes.” on the NDA, describing it as "The Igbo youths stand of the audacious invasion of the efforts of the military to to ensure all those involved in The Minority Caucus in the an affront on Nigeria’s security, by the unanimous decision the strategic military training root out criminality from the the dastardly act are brought House of Representatives also which is highly unacceptable. of the 17 southern governors institution. But it denied whole country. But he urged to justice." decried the escalating acts of Ojukwu, who expressed shock made known to the general stories making the rounds those playing hateful politics Denying reports that per- terrorism and banditry across and disappointment in his public through a communiqué that officers in charge of with the base assault on the sonnel on duty at the CCTV the country, particularly, the reaction to the attack, said on May 11, 2021, resolving to the Closed-circuit Television military academy to desist from monitoring room were asleep, invasion of the NDA. In in Abuja that the NDA was ban open grazing of cattle in (CCTV) at the academy slept such. The president said rather when the bandits attacked the a statement by its leader, a pride of the country, where their states. We don't want on duty while the criminals than resort to recriminations, officers' residential quarters, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu of the people from other parts of the to lose more innocent lives conducted the assault. “this is the time for all patriots the statement explained, "The main opposition Peoples world came to train. in Igbo Land. Enough of this But Delta State Governor, Dr. and people of goodwill to Nigerian Armed Forces wishes Democratic Party (PDP), The NHRC executive sec- carnage! Ifeanyi Okowa, called on the support and encourage those to state categorically that the the caucus lamented that retary stated, "The invasion "Whoever that is subscribing federal government to muster who are in the of allegation is untrue and hence hardly a day passed without of the institution with high for opening grazing in Igbo the political will to deal deci- the battle against wickedness challenge the publication to the country being jolted by international repute, where Land should know that our sively with bandits, criminals, in the land.” publish forthwith a verifiable reports of gruesome killings, very intelligent military of- 17 southern governors are not and kidnappers, regardless of The Defence Headquarters, proof of personnel sleeping abductions, arson, and mind- ficers are produced is most stupid to have defended their their ethnic group, religion, or which said search and rescue during the incident. less plundering by terrorists unfortunate, unexpected and people through that resolve. status. Okowa spoke yesterday operation for the missing "It is, therefore, imperative and bandits, who now freely condemnable." That person should know that in Lagos while delivering a personnel was on-going, to caution the publication to operated on highways, schools, Ojukwu said the attack on he/she is the core enemy of keynote address at the 2021 directed the management guard against being used as a and communities. the military institution was Igbo Land and shall be treated Ripples Nigeria Dialogue, with of the military institution to propaganda tool by enemies The lawmakers demanded bad in itself, and worst of as such." the theme, “Rebuilding Trust in constitute a board of inquiry of our dear country. immediate action by the All all, officers were killed and On its part, the Coalition a Divided Nigeria: Advancing to look into the incident. "It should not consciously Progressives Congress (APC)- abducted. He said, "This is the of Northern Groups (CNG) the Conversation,” organised A statement signed by the or unconsciously collaborate led federal government to worst form of human rights said the invasion of the by the Ripples Centre for Data Director, Defence Information with these unscrupulous ele- check the ugly trend. They violation of our time. NDA indicated apparent and Investigative Journalism. (DDI), Major General Benjamin ments to spread unverified called for forensic investigation “Military officers, like other loss of control, explaining That was as more groups Sawyerr, said the board, whose stories on the unfortunate into the circumstances that security personnel, are entitled that it is a key indicator of continued to condemn the membership was ordered event that occurred at NDA enabled the invasion of the to carry out their duties in a failed state under the present development, which they said by the Chief of Defence Kaduna while tarnishing the NDA and subsequent killing relative safety and security. administration. The group, in had grave implications for the Staff (CDS), General Lucky good image and reputation of and abduction of officers. They are fathers and moth- a statement issued Wednesday country's fight against terror. Irabor, was not disclosed, but personnel of the Armed Forces The caucus also called ers of their families, who are by its spokesperson, Mr. Buhari, in the release, said it would ascertain the remote of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes for investigation into the entitled to go to work and Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the attack, which resulted in and immediate causes of the of the civil populace." concerns raised by some come back alive." the attack signified a dangerous loss of lives and the kidnap of security breach. Defence Headquarters noted groups, including the Arewa He called on the military loss of control of the nation's an officer, “came at a time that The board, according to that the Nigerian Armed Youths Consultative Forum to leave no stone unturned territory by the government. the military had put insurgents, Sawyerr, was also expected Forces was a professional (AYCF), about the handling of in its efforts to rescue the It said while effective bandits, kidnappers, and to sanction personnel found force consisting of highly insurgents by the authorities. abducted officer and fish out governments provided core other types of criminals on culpable and make recom- trained personnel, who were However, the lawmakers the abductors to face the wrath guarantees to citizens in the the retreat.” mendations to prevent a future dedicated to their duties of urged troops involved in the of the law, saying, “This will three inter-related realms According to him, “The hei- occurrence. protecting lives and property fight against terror not to be discourage further attacks on of security, economics, and nous action would accelerate The statement said, "Let me of all Nigerians. deterred but to remain firm in other national critical assets politics, the current administra- the total uprooting of evil in use this opportunity to reiter- As the attack on the elite their commitment, promising and infrastructure.” tion in Nigeria had assumed the polity, which members of ate that the NDA authorities, military university continued to intensify legislative action Ojukwu commiserated with the reputation of the most the Armed Forces are solidly acting on the directive of the to elicit shock and anger from that would support genuine the families of the gallant insensitive in the country's resolved to accomplish in the Chief of Defence Staff, has Nigerians, the Delta State effort towards restoring peace men of the Nigerian military, history, with the level of shortest possible time.” constituted a board of enquiry governor called on the federal in the country. Lieutenant Wulah and Flight waste and impunity exhibited While commiserating with to ascertain the remote and government to summon the The statement read in Lieutenant Okoronkwo, saying at the recent wedding of the the families, who lost loved immediate cause(s) of the political will to deal decisively part, “The Minority Caucus they paid the supreme price in president's son in Kano. ones in the attack, and pray- breach of security with a with armed criminality in the notes the heightened attacks the service of their fatherland The northern group la- ing God to comfort them, the view to sanction any person- country, regardless of the on military formations and and their sacrifice would not mented that the polity had ethnicity, religion or status mindless killings and maim- go in vain. disintegrated to a point, Presidency to Ortom: You’re Ethnic of the culprits. ing of innocent Nigerians Condemning the attack, too, where basic conditions and Jingoist Fanning Embers of Disunity He lamented that the war by bandits and terrorists in the youth wing of the highest responsibilities of a sovereign on terror was being seriously various parts of the country, Igbo sociocultural organisation, government no longer func- According to the statement, time he feels the wind may be undermined by the payment despite the assurances of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Wordwide, tioned properly. Ortom stirred up hatred by blowing in a certain direction, of ransom to criminal ele- All Progressives Congress described the assault as an CNG stated, "This appar- targeting one single ethnic he follows it. ments, saying there is need (APC) administration. affront. ent loss of control by the group in Nigeria – using “Unfortunately, for the good for the deployment of modern “The situation has become National Youth Leader of government has given rise language reminiscent of the citizens of Benue State, the security architecture anchored extremely horrifying in Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Damian to widespread corruption Rwandan genocide. most dangerous direction on technology to win the war Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Okafor, who stated this on allegations, and escalating The presidency said, "As he blows in today is that of against insurgency. Kano, Yobe, Benue, Borno, Wednesday, while briefing criminality, rampant interven- was the case in Rwanda, sectarianism and ethnicity. Okowa explained that the Niger and other states across journalists in Abakaliki, the tion of non-state actors with where the then Hutu leaders “In an attempt to boost herdsmen/farmers conflict our nation, where killers and capital, noted that the attendant sharp economic of the country incited their his sinking political fortunes, was fast becoming the greatest kidnappers are now having a the group was solidly behind decline, proliferation of refugee countrymen against each Ortom takes the cheapest and threat to the country’s unity field day raiding communities the position of the southern settlements and the involuntary other, claiming there was a lowest route possible by play- and economic wellbeing, and killing our compatriots. governors that open grazing movement of populations, ‘secret Tutsi agenda’ over the ing on ethnic themes – and adding that the nomadic "On yesterday night, 35 be banned across southern which are key indicators of Hutu, Ortom claims there is in doing so knowingly causes Muslim Fulani pastoralists and Nigerians were reportedly Nigeria. Okafor said the attack state failure. a ‘secret Fulanisation agenda’ deaths of innocent Nigerians Christian farmers of various massacred in Yelwan Zangam was an affront on Nigeria’s "The effect of the apparent over other ethnic groups in by inciting farmers against ethnicities have continued to in , , barely a security architecture, stressing erosion of legitimate authority his state and in Nigeria. This herders, and Christians against clash resulting in loss of lives week after innocent travellers that open grazing has triggered to make collective decisions is a copy of the language of Muslims." as well as economic crops and were ambushed and brutally conflicts between host com- on such serious matters as Hutu Power – which falsely, It also averred that Ortom cattle. murdered in the state. munities and migrant herders, national security, despite and intentionally, accused the was unbefitting to hold public He stated, “This threat to “Our caucus is distressed resulting in several deaths in the more than N5 trillion Rwandan Tutsi of plans to office but took solace in the our country’s stability and that every day, families are states across the country. said to have been invested dominate the country. fact that 2023 was close-by unity needs to be addressed deprived of their breadwin- He stated, "Igbo youths and another N1 billion put "This wicked talk is aimed for Benue people to vote right urgently by our federation. It is ners, scores of children are condemn in its entirety the in the purchase of arms, has at giving cover to his so-called and restore the dignity of the my opinion that ranching and orphaned, wives are turned to invasion of NDA, Afaka, where invariably raised serious ques- ‘policy’ on the Ranches state. cattle colonies with support widows, husbands turned to two army officers were shot tions of credibility and probity Establishment Law, which The statement continued, by the federal government are widowers, parents are made dead and another abducted. against the administration." in reality is purely an act of "These are not the actions of denial of the law, intended to a man, who should be trusted withhold rights and freedoms with running public services NNPC Fixes Base Oil Price for 2022 at $57, $61 for 2023 from one ethnic group alone, or holding public office. For jettison the idea when it became the official prevailing prices at He stated that the equity This guarantees our market at whilst inciting race hatred the governor of a major state imperative that the measure approved stations but carry out interest was secured after due a period when every country against them amongst all in Nigeria to be politically would be counterproductive. under the counter deals. consideration of the national is struggling to find market for others." driven by ethnic hatred is a He explained that smugglers The NNPC GMD also interest and best possible op- their crude oil,’’ he explained. are not looking for officially took time to provide detailed tions. The release further quoted The statement also said, stain on our country. priced petroleum products. To explanation on the corporation’s “We will have a right to 20 the Chairman of the House "Governor Samuel Ortom "The good, and fair-minded this end, he said going ahead to equity shareholding interest in per cent of production from Committee on Finance, Abiodun has few political principles. people of Benue State deserve establish NNPC retail stations Dangote Refinery, reiterating this facility. We structured our Faleke, as expressing satisfaction We can see this from the fact more than this, and we look would not yield the desired that the package which was equity participation on the basis with the insider perspective on that he has changed political forward to the next elections, result since the people who at the instance of NNPC was that the refinery must buy at some issues surrounding the party five times during his when they have an opportu- take products across the border designed to guarantee national least 300,000 barrels of crude operations of the NNPC and undistinguished career. Every nity to restore its greatness." are not interested in selling at energy security. oil per day of our production. the oil industry. THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 11 NEWS Confusion, Condemnation as Gunmen Kill Another 35 Persons in Fresh Attack on Jos Community storms govt house with remains of victims in a truck, accuses gov of compromising Lalong re-imposes 24-hour curfew in state capital Seriki Adinoyi in Jos threw the city of Jos into a state the already tensed situation. of the state. people were killed and property “It is true! I have been informed of confusion, as the people of the The community members, it As the people became unruly destroyed. that gunmen attacked my people There was palpable confusion in community threw caution to the was also learnt, angrily conveyed and undermined security agents, In a statement signed by his last night, with many casualties. Jos, Plateau State, yesterday as wind to ensure their safety, thereby the remains of the 35 people in a the governor consequently and Director of Press, Simon Macham, But we are still investigating the unknown gunmen again attacked causing tension in the city. truck to the Government House immediately re-imposed the 24-hour the governor stated that the situation to know what really Yelwa-Zangam, a community Parents and guardians, it was and deposited them there with curfew on Jos, which had earlier proactive decision (re-imposing happened.” behind the University of Jos, in learnt, hurriedly withdrew their the gesture to the state Governor, been relaxed this week. the curfew) became necessary Meanwhile, the Special Task Jos North Local Government Area children/wards from schools, even Simon Lalong, to bury them. Lalong said the measure was following imminent threat to lives Force on Jos crisis, Operation of the state, killing more than 35 as shops were shut immediately, They accused him of compromise to contain the growing tension and property in Jos North LGA and Safe Haven, has said its efforts persons. and shop owners scampered for and complacency in the face of arising from the attack on Yelwa the need to forestall a breakdown to rescue the community were The latest killings reportedly the safety for fear of escalation of continuous onslaught on the people Zangam community, where the of law and order. impeded by the destruction of He said the action would also the bridge leading into the area enable security agencies deploy in by the attackers. the area to appropriately maintain In a statement issued by its security as the search for the spokesman, Major Ishaku Takwa, attackers of the villagers continued. the military taskforce said: “The Appealing to people, Lalong troops eventually got to the urged them to cooperate with his scene of the attack by navigating government by "abiding by the through other villages and met 24-hour curfew order commencing some houses already burnt and from 4p.m. yesterday, as security casualties recorded. Troops are now agencies have been mandated to in pursuit of the killers.” ensure that those who violate the Condemning the attack, the curfew are arrested. Senator representing Plateau "Also, the 6p.m-to-6a.m. curfew North, Istifanus Gyang, described in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still the development as disturbing. remains in place until further notice. In a statement signed by his Only those on essential duties such media aide, Mr. Musa Ashoms, as health personnel, journalists, fire the senator said: “On the night service and para-military members of last Tuesday, terror was visited and others are exempted from the on Yelwan Zangam of Anaguta curfew order, but should move community in Jos North, with over around with their means of 35 persons killed, some of whom identification at all times." were burnt beyond recognition. The governor sued for calm, ”Senator Gyang is gravely saying he is seriously grieved by disturbed and outraged by the the attacks, but urged the equally serial and continuing terror attacks grieving people to show restraint on communities in Plateau State and allow the government to handle with thousands of lives brutally the matter-to prevent hoodlums massacred over the years and still from taking advantage of the continuing.” unfortunate situation to cause The statement added that “the more mayhem and destruction. situation on the Plateau is that Eyewitnesses in the bereaved of a people abandoned to their community said the armed men fate by the federal government. invaded the community at about No sympathy, no empathy, no 9 p.m. last Tuesday and raided attention, and no relief to the for many hours without any help affected communities. No statement from security agents; shooting and and outcry from the appropriate maiming everyone on sight. quarters on the latest massacre at BUILDING BRIDGES TO CENTRAL EUROPE... They also burnt houses and Yelwan Zangam in Jos.” destroyed everything in the It noted that Gyang is against Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 2019 presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, and community,” they said. threats to the life of every Nigerian, Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E. Joanna Tarnawska, at a dinner held by the Nigeria Platform to mark the 60th birthday of HRH The attackers had reportedly adding that: “No citizen should be Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, in Abuja... recently destroyed the bridge leading to made to suffer or lose his or her life the community thereby preventing simply on the basis of ethnicity or any possible access for help, before religion. It is, therefore, disheartening launching the attacks on the people. that the Plateau people are targeted, Bad Governance, Ethno-religious Conflicts, In the aftermath of the attack, isolated and deemed good only no fewer than 35 bodies were to be attacked and killed.” recovered. Houses were burnt Calling on the government to Bane of Nigeria's Unity, Says Okowa with the occupants in them; an demonstrate sincerity in securing the Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi corruption is subjected to all do not count and have, therefore, the Electoral Act has deepened entire family was burnt alive in their lives of all citizens, the lawmaker Okowa, on Wednesday, said bad manner of scrutiny based on our sunk into disillusionment, resent- the distrust that the public has for house, while those who attempted said all hands must be on deck governance, ethno-religious conflicts ethnic affiliations and religious ment and resignation. politicians and the ruling class," to escape into nearby bushes were to ensure necessary and decisive and lack of faith in electoral process persuasions. "To restore faith in the electoral he said. shot dead by some of the assailants actions are taken to apprehend were major causes of disunity in "The sad reality is that we process, there should be stiff penal- He averred that governance that laid an ambush. Several persons and prosecute the perpetrators, Nigeria. seem to derive more comfort, ties for electoral violence and other system at all levels, particularly at sustained fatal gunshot wounds as well as ensure that the lives Okowa stated this in his keynote protection and security from malpractices, regardless of which the federal level, must be just, fair, and are being treated at the Jos and livelihoods of all law-abiding address at the 2021 Annual Lecture our ethnic identity. The concept party is culpable. equitable and seen to be inclusive, University Teaching Hospital citizens are protected. and Symposium organised by of one Nigeria is still just that – a "Election results should also adding that Nigeria could only (JUTH) and Bingham University Also condemning the attack, Ripples Centre for Data and concept. be transmitted electronically at grow if ethnic, religious and tribal Teaching Hospital. the Senator representing Plateau Investigative Journalism (RCDIJ) "Another factor responsible for the point of counting the votes divides dissolve and a pan-Nigeria South in the Senate, Professor at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. our current disunity is the lack of at the poling units to remove the goal truly desired and pursued Yelwa-Zangam is Nora Dadu’ut, called on law The theme of the Dialogue is political will to devise a constitution opportunities for later alterations by all. enforcement agencies to be swift ``Rebuilding Trust in a Divided that supports true federalism. of figures. Okowa urged the Federal Gov- Dominated by Christian at apprehending the perpetrators. Nigeria: Advancing the Conversa- "The 1999 Constitution (as "It goes without saying that the ernment to muster the political will Anaguta Natives She described the attack as “man tion’’ amended) centralizes political and refusal by the National Assembly and deal decisively with criminals, Also confirming the attack on the inhumanity to man, adding that: The governor stated that bad economic powers in the Federal to include a mandatory electronic regardless of their ethnic groups, phone, the Paramount Ruler of the “We must work to ensure lasting governance at different levels of Government and emasculates the transmission of election results in religions or status. Anaguta, Ujah Johnson Jauro, said: peace in the state.” government was a major con- States by denying them powers tributory factor to disunity in the to secure their own territories and country, adding that absence of a control their natural resources for shared national vision or aspiration, the development of their territories Set-up Military Base in Crime-prone Areas, Obaseki Urges Army Chief primordial loyalties and sentiments and people. Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City help curb crimes and criminality 120 kilometers space between calming the restiveness that we largely held sway among the "A situation where the Federal along that route them does not have any military are seeing around communities, citizenry. Government takes 52.68 per cent, The Edo State Governor, Mr. He also called for increased presence, hence it is difficult for largely because of land disputes. He listed indices of bad gov- the 36 States and 774 local gov- Godwin Obaseki has appeal to synergy between the government them to respond either from the "We have laws in place that will ernance to include tribalism and ernment areas that carry most of the Nigeria Army to consider and security agencies to tackle the Edo South or North when there help us deal with these issues, but nepotism, lopsidedness in power the burden of development get setting up an operating base proliferation of arms and combat is an incident. when these communities find out sharing, corruption and lack of 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent, between Edo North and South, insecurity in the state. “I appeal to the Nigeria Army that there are heavily armed men transparency and accountability, respectively, does not augur well saying that would help the state The governor said: “First, l have to consider setting up a forward within their communities, peace religious bigotry, insecurity, un- for effective grassroots develop- cover the axis where incidents of to commend you and your men operating base to close the distance will return to the affected areas. employment and poverty. ment, inclusive economic growth crime are experienced. for the cooperation that we have between the Edo North and South, "I want to say that we are very Okowa called on the National and social cohesion," he said. Obaseki who made the plea continued to enjoy with them. as that will help us cover the happy with you and will continue Assembly to take steps in bequeath- According to the governor, when he received the Chief of However, we are still having axis where we are beginning to to support you by providing some ing to Nigerians a true Constitution another cause of disunity in Nigeria Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk security challenges, especially experience a lot of incidents.” logistics to ensure that you function that would provide for the overall is the current lack of faith in the Yahaya at the Government the spate of kidnapping on Obaseki added: "The 4 Brigade optimally,” Obaseki assured. interests of Nigerians. electoral process by the electorate, House in Benin City, on Tuesday, Benin - Auchi axis. has been very helpful in terms In his response, the army chief "It is not a secret that during resulting in the massive apathy and noted that the setting up of "We have military formations of supporting our community disclosed that he was visiting elections most people vote along self-disenfranchisement prevalent military base in areas prone to in Edo South, as well as in Auchi crisis. We also appeal that you formations and units in the army sectional lines, be it religion or during elections. kidnapping and armed robbery and Agenebode, both in Edo support us with a special squad to interact with officers and men ethnicity. Even the war against "The people feel that their votes along Benin - Auchi Road would North Senatorial District; so that to complement our efforts in on ground to motivate them. 12 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] THE HEMORRHAGING OF AFGHANISTAN The Taliban needs to refresh their thinking. Laptops must replace guns, writes Rajendra Aneja he fear, chaos and literal dissolution of Afghanistan, consequent to the withdrawal of the American troops, has superpowers. The USA, Britain and Russia have already burnt their shocked the global conscience and sensibilities. The TV fingers, in managing the Taliban in the past. So, they will prefer to remain images of Afghans risking their lives, clinging to the wheels in the shadows and try to manoeuvre events, rather than engage directly of departing aircrafts, in desperate attempts to leave the or militarily. They will heed the warning given by the British Nobel country, are horrifying. The pictures and reports of women Prize winner, Rudyard Kipling, “When you’re wounded and left on Tand children wandering, desperate to escape or find some food and Afghanistan’s plains, and the women come out to cut up what remains, water, are outrageous. A gargantuan humanitarian disaster is brewing in jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains and go to your gawd like Afghanistan, during these Covid-19 times. a soldier.” The Afghan men and women, are tough fighters. The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan will change the China will fill the new vacuum in Afghanistan. The Taliban will be geopolitical paradigms and ecosystem in Asia and Middle East. mesmerised by Chinese infrastructure promises. The country needs rail Afghanistan will now always be in the news as the emerging hotspot of links, roads, bridges, airports, electricity and military training. China will repression in the world, along with countries like North Korea, Belarus, pamper the Taliban with these projects’ aka toys. However, knowing the etc. The Taliban will rule the country imperiously without any elections or Taliban, they will accept all the infrastructure gifts, but not tolerate any public sanction. Despite some tentative reassurances, women will not be ideological or operational intervention. permitted to study or work. Erstwhile government and army members India is rightly concerned with the developments in the region. In could be targeted in vengeance. Religious indoctrination will be the norm. the past, Afghanistan under the Taliban had become a haven for violent Free thinking will be penalised. and anti-Western movements like Al Qaeda, etc. “Mujahideen” (guerrilla There is widespread criticism of President Biden on the hasty departure freedom fighters), could move again from Afghanistan to the Indian from Afghanistan. It is understandable that the USA after fortifying borders, near Kashmir, to create new thorns. This could impact India’s Afghanistan for 20 years, wanted the Afghans to manage their country. development agenda. America had trained an Afghan army of 300,000 and equipped them with Pakistan is gleeful with the reinstatement of the Taliban. This is modern arms. They were even paying the salaries of the Afghan army. unfortunate. Pakistan should be focussing on its agenda of developing Over 20 years, America has expended a few trillion dollars in Afghanistan. and enriching its citizens. Economic growth should be the focus of Yet the Taliban army of only 75,000 fighters, fell the Afghan government Pakistan. army in a few days, like a pack of cards. The world is shell-shocked. With the Taliban in power, expect regression, not progress. Taliban does In the movie Godfather II, Al Pacino predicts after a visit to Cuba, that not offer a future. It offers the medieval. Fidel’s Castro’s rebels would win. His logic was that government soldiers Now, the priority of the world community should be to “damage fight and die in battle because it is their job and they are paid. However, control” and preserve the lives and livelihoods of the common citizens he saw, that the rebels were willing to die for their cause. A similar of Afghanistan, who cannot exit the country. The world must unite to scenario played out in Afghanistan. The government soldiers fought, since ensure the safety of the Afghans. it is their job. They stop fighting, if their President flees. However, the The dialogue with the Taliban should continue. Taliban should Taliban soldiers fight with passion for a cause; it is not just a job for them. respect the lives of the locals and refrain from vengeance against former Perhaps, American troops could have departed from Afghanistan in government employees. The key priority should be to supply food, water phases over a two-three-year period, to ensure that the local government and medical aid to those who need them. The United Nations can play a and army could manage the situation. This would have given an major role in ensuring that aid reaches the needy. opportunity to Afghan soldiers to take control, state by state. Anyway, The Taliban should facilitate the exit of foreigners and staff of various there is no point in crying over spilt milk. The train has already left. embassies. Kabul airport resembled a swarming, anarchic bus terminus The comparison of the American walk-out from Afghanistan with THE TALIBAN LEADERS SHOULD ALSO on 16 August. Flights were suspended. Thousands of foreign staff, Vietnam in 1975, is superfluous. When America left Vietnam, the Viet INTROSPECT TO EVOLVE A CONTEMPORARY waited to be evacuated. Taliban’s cooperation will be essential for the Cong led by Ho Chi Minh, swiftly captured the entire country. Now, after GOVERNMENT. IT IS HORRENDOUS PUBLICITY smooth functioning of Kabul airport and departures of foreigners. The 30 years, Vietnam is an emerging economic power. The Vietnamese put THAT PEOPLE ARE READY TO CLING TO THE world will have to be pragmatic in managing the Taliban. their agony, hurt and pain behind them to build a new future. Vietnam BODY OF AN AIRCRAFT, FALL FROM THE Aneja was Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an exports the finest garments and electronics components. Vietnamese are alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of books industrious and serious. No such hope exists in Afghanistan. SKIES AND DIE, RATHER THAN LIVE IN THE entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Express”. Afghanistan haemorrhages. It will continue to be the playground of NEW REGIME He is a Management Consultant THE VINDICATION OF ATUWATSE II Olusegun Adeniyi writes that Tsola Emiko rightly earned the crown Continued from the backpage by the way his wife and children responded when must be to our God, for He is worthy of our praise, I do not know any member of the royal family the crown prince was denied the throne in 2015, it no man on earth should give glory to himself….’ but I have followed their story since I first wrote ven if we choose to ignore the contradic- is also evident they were well grounded in the faith Following his coronation, I knew the new Olu of about the 19th Olu of Warri in 2013. Speaking about tions in such God-Mammon portfolio, they profess. There was neither desperation nor Warri is his father’s son and the Itsekiri nation will his upbringing in a BBC interview, Atuwatse III questions must be asked as to whether expression of bitterness. Rather than go to court as be the better for it. said he grew up in a very normal household. “My the faith of this ministerial G.O. is it is most often the case on such matters in Nigeria, I have in recent days had interesting conversa- parents ran a modern household with my father reflected in his stewardship as a public the children of Atuwatse II rallied behind their uncle tions with my host, Professor Jacob Olupona, watching TV with his children. We lived a regular official. What many failed to understand who was given the throne. Six years later, Prince NNOM, who teaches Indigenous African religions life except that we could notice palace activities.” Eis that to develop our country and uplift our people, Tsola Emiko is now Atuwatse III. at Harvard Divinity School. A Christian himself, Asked whether his late father trained him for we need to burnish our cultural identity while While so much song and dance have been made though of the Anglican denomination, Olupona the palace, Atuwatse III said no such thing ever adopting the instruments and methods of scientific of the 1979 edict and the ‘missing crown’, they do believes that the first response of Atuwatse after happened. “Some chiefs and family members would civilization. not in any way invalidate the coronation of a new coronation should have been to draw strength from say to me, ‘I hope you are watching and taking However, a fuller exploration of the issues will Olu of Warri nor do they detract from his legitimacy. his native spirituality and culture, rather than from notes of this and that’ but my father never formally take us to the place of symbols in belief systems; the There is a scene in Eddie Murphy’s timeless movie, a Christian song. But he also conceded that it could sat me down on my role,” said Atuwatse III. essential privacy of religion and indeed the tricky ‘Coming to America’ that is instructive. After King be how deep faith played a role in this matter for I believe this was deliberate on the part of point of how all these intersect to sustain public Joffe Jaffa of Zamunda had forbidden his crown the young monarch. “He probably believes his Atuwase II. He apparently wanted to build in his order and social peace. To that extent, the peaceful prince, Akeem, from marrying his American love throne was saved by a Christian God of Justice who son the character needed to navigate life without resolution of the clash between the Olu of Warri’s choice, Queen Eoleon became angry with her brought it back to him after six years. Whether we any sense of entitlement about the Itsekiri throne private Christian belief and the imperatives of his husband. In trying to rationalize his decision, King agree or not, there is a lot of theology there.” even as a crown prince. He wanted his son to public cultural symbolism as a traditional monarch Joffer said, “They could not marry anyway. It is However, Olupona enjoins the monarch not develop a sense of responsibility that would make speaks volumes to the rest of us. Religion as an against the tradition.” To this, the Queen replied, to make the mistake of discarding the myths, him earn even what ordinarily should be his. That aspect of culture thrives on symbols and rituals. “Well, it is a stupid tradition.” The King mused: worldview, rituals, and values that may provide way, Atuwase II knew his crown prince would Pentecostalism of course rejects the rites of the “Who am I to change it?” The Queen replied: “I sacred canopy to his people because they have be prepared whenever duty called. It has paid off. traditional Christian churches as it is founded on the thought you were the king.” significant meaning. “Civil religion tradition such When Prince Tsola Emiko was denied in 2015, he redemption work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. That tradition was changed and the crown prince as the Warri’s Ogiamen story is not regarded as wholeheartedly supported his uncle. And when the But I remain unconvinced that salvation is also a married his American wife. pagan but a unifying belief system that surpasses throne became vacant last December and the selec- function of cultural suicide. For me, there is nothing We may say that is in the realm of fiction, but individual sectarian religion. Olojo in Ife is an tion process started again, he prepared himself for that should preclude a traditional ruler from being a the reality also is that customs and traditions are example and so is Osun in Osogbo.” any outcome, including being overlooked. “I didn’t disciple of Christ as well as an authentic symbol of not static, even within our environment. They Meanwhile, we must deal with the issue of lobby for it; I didn’t manipulate the process but at the culture of his people. This is the crux of a debate evolve as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru discrimination against married women in Nigeria the end, the same instrument that was used to deny that is waiting to be inaugurated. Adetona, reminded us in his 2010 autobiography. which comes in different forms. There have been me in 2015 endorsed me almost unanimously this ENDNOTE: I wrote the foregoing eight years ago Aside unmasking many of the superstitions usually situations in which a woman who has lived and time.” and the monarch died two years later. In picking his associated with coronation rites, the 87-year-old Ijebu worked for decades in the state of her husband There can be no better testimonial for Atuwatse successor, the crown prince was bypassed reportedly monarch who ascended the throne 62 years ago (in suddenly finds that she cannot claim a position III than the one given by Prince Yemi Emiko, a on account of where his mother hails from. Mean- 1959), wrote that “custom or tradition should not be rightfully earned. In this particular instance, such younger sibling to the immediate past Olu of Warri, while, the late Atuwatse II ascended the throne in dominating the people but rather, people themselves denial of rights is being extended to her son. Yet, Ogiame Ikenwoli. He is also uncle to the incumbent. 1987, eight years after the enactment of the edict that should be creating the traditions and customs the notion of ‘indigene/settler’ dichotomy within a Shortly after the choice was announced, Prince placed impediment on any aspiring Olu born by a according to their needs.” palace setting is indefensible and I hope Governor Yemi Emiko told reporters: “He (Tsola Emiko) was mother not Bini or Itsekiri. The implication of that That is what the Itsekiri chiefs have proved with Ifeanyi Okowa will send an executive bill to the the most qualified. Stable character, strong mental law against his crown prince (then just about two the coronation of Atuwatse III which can be seen Delta State House of Assembly to nullify that capacity, clear understanding of the sensitivities of years old) could not have been lost on Atuwatse II, as a victory for married women in Nigeria who are repugnant 1979 edict, so that it no longer becomes our people, deep, calculated thought processes, and a legal practitioner who succeeded his own father. not only discriminated against outside their ‘state of an issue in future. To progress we must put an end skillful analytical mind on kingdom matters. There It was a perfect excuse (if any was needed) for him origin’ but are also often denied certain rights and to the warped politics of identity that has practically was simply no serious competition with him this to marry another wife from Edo or Itsekiri to satisfy privileges. And the moment Atuwatse III started rendered Nigerian women married to men from time around.” the ‘military provision’ on succession. And going the Christian praise worship song, ‘All the glory states other than theirs practically ‘stateless’. Long may Ogiame Atuwatse III reign! THISDAY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 15 EDITORIAL THE KILLINGS AT NDA BARRACKS

The authorities must do more to secure the nation

uesday’s dare-devil attack of the hile we commiserate with the families of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) by the deceased officers, we enjoin the authori- unknown gunmen who killed two of- ties to understand the implication of this ficers on the spot and abducted another attack so that it would not attract the usual (whose remains were later found) has tepidW response. If gunmen could also cynically invade the underscored the fact that we are dealing NDA like they did to some fortified military barracks in with a far bigger security threat than the the theatre of the insurgency in the Northeast, it is very authorities can comprehend. Despite the telling of the capacity and the boldness they have mus- claim by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, this tered. Indeed, the ability of criminal gangs to thumb their Ttragedy has also exposed how vulnerable Nigerians have noses at the federal government in different locations become, regardless of where they are domiciled within across the country must be seen as a measure of their the country. The choice of location and victims could not strength. But this is not the first time they would strike have been an accident. We want to believe that the attack at military targets. We recall also that in November 2012 was carefully planned with the intention of daring the two suicide bombers successfully attacked St. Andrews federal government and sending some sinister message Military Protestant Church, Jaji with the first vehicle about the capacity of the perpetrators. exploding inside the church premises while the second It is more instructive that the NDA is located opposite detonated outside. Eleven people were confirmed dead the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka on the spot, with dozens of others seriously injured. in Kaduna State where 39 students were abducted by The attack on military institutions and their person- bandits in March this year. That ordinarily should have nel is a pointer to the extent the security crisis has put the institution on red alert and a state of prepared- degenerated. Almost daily, these criminal gangs given ness. The Arewa fanciful titles kill and abduct innocent citizens in many IT IS IMPORTANT FOR Consultative Forum of the communities, especially in the northern parts of THISDAY ALL THE CRITICAL (ACF) is therefore apt EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU the country. Aside the thousands of people they kill, STAKEHOLDERS IN THE in its reading of how DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA several families are today dislocated with countless of MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO COUNTRY TO LOOK “ordinar y street ban- DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU our citizens physically and psychologically maimed for BEYOND POLITICS AND dits” could invade and CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI life. desecrate a military EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN For the umpteenth time, we reiterate that the military RENDER WHATEVER MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI ASSISTANCE THEY CAN IN institution that trains THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE and security agencies need to step up their game to THE BID TO PUT AN END TO our officers and, in the checkmate the current descent into anarchy. But they THE SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE process, “outwit the also need the support of the larger society for them to security system and THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED succeed. As we have repeatedly pointed out, it is impor- men there, kill officers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA tant for all the critical stakeholders in the country to look GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, and take one away to an unknown destination.” That ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI beyond politics and render whatever assistance they can the attack came barely a month after a Nigeria Airforce DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, in the bid to put an end to the spiral of violence, which fighter jet was brought down in Zamfara State makes the ANTHONY OGED ENGBE clearly puts all at risk. But the greater responsibility is DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI situation more serious. Although the pilot of that ill-fated SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH with the federal government that must restore law and aircraft survived by ejecting to safety, the NDA incident ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI order to the country. The current culture of impunity CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI has no such happy ending. DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO will not end until people with criminal tendencies realise TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] that the law can, and will, always catch up with them.

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OSUN APC, LET REASON PREVAIL

et me start by making a categorical statement: this state of anomie become the norm when a society is in disarray. went on its knees and it never regained its vigor until the intervention is not aimed at apportioning blame to Instability over a period of time leads to the embracement of military struck in 1966. In fact, that was what prompted most any of the factions, so to say, of the All Progressives atavistic social orientation. In a disorganized social system, of the unappeased members of the defunct AG to join the Congress (APC) currently at daggers drawn in barbarity, tyranny and wickedness will take the place of peace National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1978, to the disadvantage of Osun State. On the contrary, it is intended to be a and space of unity. The elite will be seen as exploiting the the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Even, Ogbomoso, Akintola’s gentle nudge on all the aggrieved persons from both masses even as the elite see the masses as leaches that must be hometown, never forgave Awolowo. The tragic truth is that Lsides of the disputations towards a viable alternative option of tolerated for humanity’s sake. Of course, no government can the political animosity between ‘Awo’ and ‘SLA’ (as Akintola peaceful resolution of thorny issues. It is also aimed at dwelling survive under such a situation. Even, if the government has was fondly called) has now gravitated into what looks like a on why reason must, as a matter of necessity, prevail in Osun resources, it will be spent. generational transfer of hatred. politics, especially, among members of the same political family. Basically, a political party is as good as its structural outlay Alliance for Democracy (AD) was also a vibrant party at the Thinking deeply, orun n ya bo, kii se oro enikan’ (The sky is and organizational discipline. For instance, the founding fathers inception of the Fourth Republic. Even when its alliance with falling, is not a matter limited to a person). Already, the situation of politics in Nigeria, the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi the All Nigerians People’s Party (ANPP) lost the presidential is getting out of hand, with the destructive stage for personal Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello bequeathed ‘the supremacy of election to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, it enmity being set. In the theory of warfare, the most difficult the party’ as the Golden Rule to the younger generation of remained a bride to be courted for the political gladiators. But, war to bring to an end is that which is among brothers; in this Nigerians. In other words, once the elders and the leaders of as politics would have it, what held its fabrics together was case, products of the same political womb. July 16, 2022 is just the party decided on the course of a particular event, other demystified somewhere along the line; and AD broke into some hours away and the enemy is already waiting at the door, members should - and would, out of loyalty - get behind the pieces! PDP was also treated to a similar fate in the events praying earnestly and waiting patiently for the wall to open up. decision. But then, that wouldn’t foreclose the possibility of leading to the 2015 General Elections; and, the rest, as they If APC falls, it will consume everybody, irrespective of where disagreeing without being disagreeable. Impliedly, people can always say, is history! the antagonists or protagonists may have pitched their tent. discuss thorny issues and arrive at reasonable conclusions, If we may ask: what has Osun APC learnt from Zamfara If we must confess, stability is the beacon upon which the which will not only be healthy for our politics but will also be State (2019); Rivers State (2019); Oyo State (2019); Edo State dream of development is nurtured. In a stable society, people helpful to the polity. (2020); and a host of others? Aren’t these sufficient material engage in businesses and economic activities without fear or History has shown that, where acrimony and negative reasons to show that ‘a house divided against itself cannot hindrance. Not only that, life is also fairly predictable, which insinuations are allowed to thrive, the end-result is always stand’? Isn’t it time President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju makes short- and long-term planning feasible. Ideas and a regrettable disaster. Those with the benefit of hindsight Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, General Alani Akinrinade as innovations will flourish in a stable environment and the living would recall that the famous Action Group (AG), founded by well as relevant organs of the ruling party helped resolve the standard of an average citizen will improve. Awolowo as a Centre-left party in Ibadan on March 21, 1951, contradictory tendencies, which are most likely to “embarrass or Conversely, unending tales of arrested development, chaos, became polarized immediately the Samuel Ladoke Akintola have adverse effects on the party.” policy summersault, social disorganisation, and, ultimately, the faction pulled out of the arrangement. In a wink, ‘Egbe Olope’ Abiodun Komolafe wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State 16 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) Senator Sani Musa Anti-graft Agencies Have Recovered Over N800 billion Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East holds a conversation with Nseobong Okon-Ekong on his conviction that the All Progressives Congress remains the most disciplined, inclusive and friendly political party trusted by a majority of Nigerians, among other issues of national importance. Excerpts:

Musa

hat is your assessment of and outside of the political space and obtained before, you will agree with it in our own way. President Muhammadu the state of the nation, secured assets forfeiture. my opening statement that things are Buhari is the leader of our party, and he with particular referenc- For the first time, we witnessed the not the way it used to be. The era of has done the right thing by dissolving the es to the anti-graft war, prosecution of judges, government lawlessness, impunity, highhandedness National Working Committee (NWC) and economy and national agencies (NNDC, NSIT and EFCC), top and a lack of political willpower to appointing a caretaker committee for the unityW that appears to be ebbing away? military officers and expatriates who tackle corruption head-on is behind party. Since then, our party has witnessed If you take a closer look at Nigeria of are in the business of bribing govern- us now. tremendous growth and the efforts of the today, we can agree that things are not the ment officials in Nigeria. As at today, The government also deserves some caretaker committee is yielding positive way it used to be anymore. Speaking with the anti-graft agencies under the pres- commendations on how it is handling results across the states. So, when you talk every sense of responsibility as a nationalist ent administration had recovered funds state aggressors who are hell bent on about leadership crisis, maybe you’re refer- and a great lover of Nigeria, our country in excess of N800 billion and secured breaching public peace, destroying ring to the major opposition party because, in the last few years has passed through a more than 1,400 convictions. These public and private properties and despite our internal challenges, the APC very challenging period. Within this period, recoveries in cash (local and foreign threatening our sovereignty. We must remain the most disciplined, inclusive and we have recorded some major gains and currencies) and assets I believe will continue to support the government friendly party trusted by majority of Nige- at the same time we have had to endure help stimulate our economic growth. in fostering national unity and eschew rians. We have witnessed the defection of a plethora of issues that have constantly You can also see what the National every divisive tendency capable of serving governors, lawmakers and political put the leadership of this country on their Drug Law Enforcement Agency heating the polity and a breakdown heavyweights’ to our party alongside their toes – to change policies where necessary and (NDLEA) is doing, before now, drug of law and order. supporters. Some of the aggrieved members come up with a problem-solving approach pushers had a filled day trafficking -il that left the party are coming back, court in handling these challenges. Corruption is licit drugs and tarnishing the country’s How, in your view, can the leader- cases instigated against the party have been a global phenomenon and it is not limited image abroad. Today, that institution ship crisis rocking the ruling APC dropped. So what happened after the 2015 to Nigeria or Africa. No doubt, any seri- has recorded numerous successes in can be resolved? and 2019 elections where we lost Edo state ous nation that hopes to grow its economy smoking out these bad eggs and this Every political party has its own chal- and some of the State House of Assembly, and develop every facet of its country must has drastically improved our image lenges and the APC is not exempted. We Federal and Senatorial elections due to these give priority to its anti-graft war. In 2015, globally. have had our share of this crisis before, issues I mentioned above could have been when President Muhammadu Buhari was So, when you look at the records during and after the 2019 general elec- better managed but we are trying to address elected as the 4th democratic President of so far and compare with what was tions and we have been able to manage all that now. Nigeria, he pledged to fight corruption and The APC recorded overwhelming victory empower the anti-graft agencies to function at the polls in 2015 and in 2019 respectively, effectively without interferences from any People are now taking advantage of these agitations and with the right leadership and structure, quarter. We are all a living witness to the we can replicate these feats in subsequent pervasive corruption and impunity that was to perpetrate criminal activities and when the security elections. As a loyal party man, I have a the hallmark of the last two administration strong confidence in the leadership of our presided over by the Peoples Democratic agencies move in to restore peace what do you think great party to do the right thing and set the Party (PDP) before the All Progressives will happen? There will be casualties. Oduduwa nation APC on the right path to continue these Congress (APC) came on board in 2015. innovative reforms that our party needs so President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft couldn’t be achieved even when all the conditions were badly to break new territories and secure war was endorsed by world leaders at the favorable back in the 70s and Biafra was also not achieved more electoral victories. World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzer- land, and ever since then, this administration in 1967 when perhaps that was the best time to have NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the has successfully carried out high profile online edition on www.thisdaylive.com prosecutions, convicted criminals within it. So, why do you think it can be achieved now? THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 19 POLITICS Orji: Why Umahi Reduced Membership of State Execo Commissioner for Information, Ebonyi State, Orji Uchenna Orji, told Ugo Aliogo, that his principal, Governor David Umahi, has the capacity to ensure a hitch-free transition of power to the next governor of the state, who will maintain the tempo and surpass his development strides. Excerpts: ome of the news coming out of the state governor. Ebonyi State is about the issue One thing you cannot take out from him is between the State Governor, Mr. his capacity to work day and night to ensure Dave Umahi and Sen. Sonni Og- that he has a peaceful state. Security agencies buoji on who has better control of are working day and night to ensure that there AllS Progressive Peoples (APC) since the are no criminalities and unprovoked attacks governor met Ogbuoji as the leader of the from any source. The Local Government Council party there. In the just-concluded ward Chairmen are trying to toll the line of the governor congresses, there was an official report that to replicate what he is doing at the state level at it was peaceful. But we heard that there the Local Government level and this has resulted were some issues largely as a result of the in the calmness we are enjoying. personality clash between the governor and Senator Ogbuoji. What is really going on? The state executive council is fully I am not sure that you are very correct on this. constituted back now. I know there is no Senator Ogbuoji has been working in tandem benchmark because you have been in that with the Governor, who is the leader of the APC cabinet, so the governor can choose to work in Ebonyi State. The Governor facilitated an with three or four persons, but it was dis- all-inclusive and transparent ward congress solved and some people are back. What is looking at the different stakeholders across the the composition now? various wards. The factor that made the election I don’t know what you mean by being fully transparent was that one can’t influence what constituted. Do you have a benchmark? The is happening in another ward from their ward. governor has the exclusive discretion to constitute So contestants were restricted to their wards. the executive council of any number and I know Every stakeholder had to go back to their ward he has exercised that power. Before now, he had and try their luck. The governor also tried to over 110 executive council members, which gave reconcile all stakeholders such that there was Ebonyi the state with the highest number of something that looked like a harmonisation, and executives. They are there not as members truly where this didn’t work as expected, there was speaking, they are there as watchers. We also call an opportunity for hitch-free election. The party them Exco members because they come to listen, at the state level is made up of men and women but they are not members under the constitution. of integrity who were given instruction by the They cannot vote, but they can make up the leader to ensure a very robust and hitch-free list of members. They are there in the execute congress at the ward level. We have 171 wards council, and they also make contributions. They in the state and I can assure you categorically seek the leave of Excos to make contributions. Of we had a very wonderful ward congress. course, it is not by nomenclature, it is by capacity Senator Ogbuoji believes in the wonderful and intellectual capability, it is the reason why strides of the governor especially since the time we are seeing a lot of wonderful strides in the he entered APC. He has been giving the necessary state. It is not about being a Commissioner, but support. The people that would have caused a Orji it is about having the intellectual capacity. The rift were talked to particularly by the leader of point I am trying to make is that the governor the party on to cue into the business. decided to take reduce the number of the execu- me, we must give him all the support until year, and part of this year, we had com- tive councils and part of the reason is that it is In some States such as Yobe, Nassarawa, such a time that the National Executive munal clashes, the governor felt he must becoming clear that some people will like to go where the kind of scenario you are trying Council of the party will decide otherwise. do something different to address the issue, into politics and want to contest for one position to paint happened, there was no election don’t forget that we are an agrarian state or the other. ,Others want to go into business, at all, it was just ratification. In Ebonyi, Another thing coming out of Ebonyi and we believe in agriculture. having being exposed to business as an Exco was it a ratification or you had an election? State is the incidence of communal Until the governor came onboard, we had member. So, the governor feels that those can It was an election where there was harmonisa- crisis. It appears to be happening too no roads and there was no consciousness, take their time and go into politics or business, tion. The voters still queued behind those that frequently agitation and contention about owner- while those who want to get focused, will have were contesting in the various wards. Even What is the cause? ship and dominion of land. But when the to be brought back. That is what happening. where we had 100% consensus, people still You are not correct. It was happening governor tried to open up all the rural queued behind the candidates, in order to be when we had during the period of IPOB communities, including this recent issue of Did these people say so expressively? sure. We have a platform whereby whatever you and EndSARS. But the Governor had to 189 kilometer railroad that is constructing in Did they apply? How does the governor do, you send to the platform and through that take the bull by the horn and did something concrete pavement, people began to show know those that want to go into business process, we were able to know that everyone different engaging directly with stakehold- consciousness. Then the governor had to and politics? had the election. We had returning officers that ers in all the communities involved and use both the religious leaders, town union It is either by interest, directly or indirectly. are three-man electoral committee in each ward also through our sensitisation processes leaders, and traditional rulers to engage That is just the situation. We are looking at 60% and we also had a senate electoral committee and advocacy. Today, we have a very calm to talk to the people. Today, everywhere is of the original 110 that is coming back. that came and they supervised the process. So situation in every part of Ebonyi state. calm, if you talk about Enyi-bechire-Enyi- there is no issue about ratification, it is not part Let me state here that our conflict resolu- Egba, the place is calm, you talk about Aba Regarding the issue of zoning for the next of our constitution. An election must be held tion is part of the virtues of the Governor. Omege-Ukawu, which is also peaceful. governor of Ebonyi State, some groups are whether or not there is consensus and that is the When he came onboard, we had a national You also talk about Effium-Ezza Effium. of the view that there should be zoning; provision of the constitution of APC. issue of communal clash in Ebonyi state The committee on Ezza-Effium and Ef- others are saying there should be no zoning. that Ezza/Ezillo which was going to be fium crisis just made a presentation about You are close to your principal; can you tell I will like to find out what your attitude a national menace because people who the remote and immediate causes of the us his view on the issue? is on the third extension of time for the were passing Abakaliki to Cross the River crisis. I can tell you that even before the We have a charter of equity, even if it is not Buni Committee which was set to perform and get to Akwa Ibom were victims of that report was made everywhere was already justifiable. But it is morally justifiable that in a specific assignment for six months. Now violence. But the governor came through calm. They realised that never again would Ebonyi State, the first governor came from the it appears there is no time again and it his ingenuity and engagement processes they because of ownership of land shed North had his eight years. The second governor can continue like that till the next general to talk to the stakeholders. What happened of blood. Even the issue of Fulani attack came from the Central had his eight years. By election. Are you concerned about it? was he ensured the permanent demarcation on some communities in Ebonyi State, it divine intervention and God’s providence, the I must say that the national caretaker committee of the disputed area and today they are is no longer there, the situation is totally third governor came from the South, minority of Governor Buni is very legitimate and this is living in peace, enjoying social amenities under absolute control because of the part of the state. Therefore it is only equitable a mandate given by members of the party to from the governor. When sometime last engagement and negotiation power of that it goes back to those that have been there restructure. Therefore people who are trying to before. But whether it is going to the North or wag tongues are doing so in vain. I must say Central, it is left between God and the governor, that we have great men and women of APC but he is actually looking beyond this to get the who know the law, so well that they have not The governor decided to take reduce the number best hands. breached any provision of the law of the Federal He is looking at the best hands that will get Republic of Nigeria or any extant law, or the of the executive councils and part of the reason the support of God and support, the capacity constitution of the party because of having the is that it is becoming clear that some people will to deliver, because succession is very critical committee. in ensuring sustainability in the programmes We must appreciate the wonderful contribu- like to go into politics and want to contest for of the governor. He is looking at ensuring that tions of Gov. Buni. In this period, he has been able equity is made permanent in the polity of to bring onboard very wonderful governance, one position or the other. Also, wants to go into Ebonyi state that is why whatever appointment thereby reducing the number of PDP states in he is giving, he is looking at equality of good Nigeria and this is a great feat. He is a silent business having being exposed to business as an governance, so whatever appointment he is achiever. I wish that the constitution will permit giving even at the Local Government level him to be our chairman and we are sure that Exco member, so the governor feels that those he makes sure that it is zoned equitably. So he will achieve a lot for us. He has never been can take their time and go into politics, business, he believes in zoning. involved in anything controversial even in the issue of looking for a structure anywhere, unlike while those who want to get focused, will have to NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the what we used to have before he came onboard- online edition on www.thisdaylive.com confrontation between people at all levels. For be brought back. That is what happening 20 THISDAY ˾ ˜26, 2021

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], Tel: 07010510430 Tackling Irregular Migration through Radio Series UNESCO intends to use Conceptualism Wakabout, a radio series on irregular migration, to create awareness about the menace and the dangers associated with it, Michael Olugbode reports

nited Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has explained the reason for it collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Corporation and UAgate Multimedia Concepts to create a radio drama series “Wakabout.” Wakabout Series, which has been airing on six radio stations across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, including Bronze 101.5 FM, Benin City, Edo state, every Tuesday at 1:40pm; Caritas 98.7 FM, Enugu at 5:30 pm every Friday; Dala 88.5 FM, Kano at 7:30am every Saturday; Albarka 99.7FM, Bauchi at 8:30am every Saturday; SMA 104.7 (Lagos and Ijebu Ode) at 9:15am every Saturday and Armed Forces Radio 107.7, Abuja, is to dissuade Nigerians from irregular migration. A press release by the National Information Officer of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun titled: "Curbing The Menace Of Irregular Migration: UNESCO, Italian Agency Reach Out Through WAKABOUT Radio Drama Series", said the drama series has become important to draw the message home that irregular migration is exploitative and can be best described as modern day slavery. The statement read that migration as a phenomenon takes places for various reasons but it becomes a cause for worry when it takes The casts that were trained place in an irregular manner, and this is what has become endemic in modern-day society. Irregular migration is prompted by desperation living conditions are guaranteed outside the change from the status quo. trigger irregular migration and the resultant and possibly done through illegitimate means, shores of Nigeria. Facilitated by consultants who are effects. Speaking on the reason for the choice many Nigerians and citizens from other developing It thus, however, becomes imperative for migration and drama for development experts of radio as the medium of dissemination, the countries of the world, in the quest for greener creation of avenues for information sharing respectively, the workshop equipped the actors popular Nollywood actor also known as John the pastures, defy all legal ways to ensure they migrate and informed debate on the issue. with adequate knowledge on migration and Genius said “… not all homes have television. to countries where they believe they can have This is what informed the initiative of how drama can be used as an eye-opener to We discovered that radio is everywhere and easy new and improved lease of lives, particularly the United Nations Education, Scientific prospective victims of irregular migration. to penetrate larger audience even more than the to Europe. and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) The contents developed, in the form of radio screen; that is why we picked that medium; The statement said findings have shown with the support of the Italian Agency for drama scripts, were aimed at empowering and we decided to make the drama in Pidgin that members of human trafficking syndicates Development Corporation to reach out to people with the right information, raise English so as not to have a language barrier. A lure people, sometimes, relatives and close the public, particularly the low class who awareness, create discussions on migration very large percentage of Nigerians understand acquaintances who have some trust in them are the most vulnerable. It is in employing issues, job opportunities for youths, returnees, and can communicate in pidigin English.” to pull them out of harrowing living conditions viable and most effective means of getting risks associated with irregular migration “The broadcast is factored in a way that only for the greener pasture seekers to know, the public enlightened and informed that and other related matters to have positive listeners can air their opinions on the various on arrival at their destinations, that they have a radio drama series tagged WAKABOUT effects on achievement, self-confidence and subjects bothering on migration ads treated by been deceived. was birthed. motivation in various studies. each of the episodes as the last drama lasts for They therefore end up in slavery and cheap The issue is far beyond what could be “We always believe that migrating illegally 1o minutes and the last 10 minutes of the 20 labour. In this process, thousands of women perceived or assumed on the peripheral; is a norm, so we are made to know that minutes scheduled for broadcast is for analysis have been lured into sexual exploitation within there are several underlying issues that migration does not have to be illegal. The of the treated subject and phone-in. This has Italy, Spain and the Netherlands while others catalyse cases of migration and in properly radio drama is focused on explaining the helped to know how crucial the issue of migration have been subjected to involuntary domestic addressing the issue, via whatever medium, economic and social conditions necessitating is in our society and the impact this drama is servitude. the fundamental causes have to be properly the desperate desire to migrate, sensitise the having in terms of informing and enlightening The statement regretted that even with the understood. public on the gimmicks of human traffickers the public vis-à-vis the subject of migration. massive and somewhat strategic efforts been The collaboration of UNESCO and the in luring unsuspecting victims, unveil the " In fact, the management of Armed Forces made by the conventional media at reporting Italian Agency for Development Corporation dangers of traveling abroad in search of better radio 107.7 FM, Abuja had to, on its own, increase the cases of the large number Nigerians in this thus formed a synergy with Agate Multimedia life based on beliefs that foreign countries are the broadcast time to 30 minutes to enable the situation in various countries abroad who are Concepts, a media and Theatre Production havens, sensitise the public on the dangers listeners of the station air their views more, as yearning to return home, which involves the Company, adopting the medium of radio of illegal trans-border migration and reveal the calls and reactions of the station’s listeners narration of personal dehumanizing experiences drama to speak to Nigerians particularly on the harrowing condition of Nigerians being became overwhelming. of rescued victims, the phenomenon has been the dangers of irregular migration. subjected to slavery and other dehumanising The management of SMA 104.7 FM, Lagos, on the increase still. The step started with a two- day workshop conditions abroad” Said Taiwo Ibikunle, the after the broadcast of the first episode, began to This increase, many have attributed to the with professional actors on diverse issues Director of Agate Multimedia Concepts and broadcast the drama on its network, linking with harsh economic situation and the biting living relating to migration and how their craft, Director of the radio drama project. its station in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to on the conditions of Nigerians in their homeland; which is drama, can be effectively used in The 13-week radio content/drama, were request of its listeners”, explained the director coupled with the unfounded belief that better communicating and effecting an enduring produced with some of the themes that of the drama. Cellente Launches Pro Bono Services for MSMEs to Fight Poverty, Unemployment in Nigeria Chiamaka Ozulumba run the business successfully, this is a major Though significant growth has been achieved concern for me and I knew something had in the MSME sector, there is still much to be Cellente Limited is a business management to be done, one MSME at a time. done. According to an article on “developing consulting firmthat partners with corporate This led to the birth of the Cellente SME Africa through effective, socially responsible and personal brands across Africa to grow Drive designed to create viable businesses investing”, “there still exists a ‘missing middle’, into desirable global brands by working with that will drive economic growth. which finds it hard to access funds due to the these firms and individuals in varying phases Cellente aims to partner like minds across category of funding they belong to.” of the business cycle; usually from ideation various industries to provide financial aid and Other challenges encountered by the sector to maturation. or products for goods-based businesses and include lack of skilled manpower, multiplicity The creative business advisory firm aims organise regular trainings for these business of taxes, and high cost of doing business, at stabilising micro and small businesses in owners who are unarguably a vital part of among others. their initial stages of development, enabling the economy and employment, to enhance Cellente has introduced its SME Drive with these business owners, their customers and the growth and sustainability. the mission of "challenging the status quo" economy to flourish in the current economic After a careful review of the 17 Sustainable and seeking to reduce the current state of climate. Development Goals (SDGs) and the current poverty and unemployment to the barest When the world is going through a tightening situation in most African countries, Cellente minimum by partnering and empowering economic strain, compelling MSMEs to either Limited decided to tackle seven of the 17 small businesses that have proven beyond shutdown or charge higher rates and pushing SDGs with the aim of taking a stand and doubt to be backbone of the economy and customers to compensate beyond their budget, joining forces to achieve these goals by 2030. eradicating unemployment, to create viable Cellente introduces a Pro Bono service that Despite the significant contribution of SMEs business solutions, increase revenue, enhance helps level the playing field for small business to the Nigerian economy, challenges still persist growth and sustainability. owners to continue to thrive, thereby extending that hinders the growth and development of If we are to meet the number one Sustainable these benefits to their clients. the sector. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Development Goal- to Eradicate Poverty by Statistics, small and medium scale enterprises 2030, “more people will need to be financially The Director, Cellente Limited, Victoria Victoria Odimba Odimba shares how her passion compelled (SMEs) in Nigeria have contributed about empowered; via knowledge acquisition and 48 per cent of the national GDP in the last financial support” Victoria Odimba further her to start up Cellente to provide business going smoothly. advisory and marketing communication five years. added. “I have seen too many micro and small With a total number of about 17.4 million, The marketplace is brimming with highly solutions to help businesses and individuals businesses go under due to various challenges thrive in the business world, especially small they account for about 50 per cent of innovative business ideas offering a myriad such as high operating costs, human resources, industrial jobs and nearly 90 per cent of of goods and services, and Cellente plans to business owners who cannot afford the basic inadequate knowledge or lack of business business requirements to set the business the manufacturing sector, in terms of number work with a select number of micro businesses strategy, operational skills and capital to of enterprises. in the coming months to achieve its goal. THISDAY ˾ ˜Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21

#THISISNIGERIA-Seun Onigbinde Nigeria’s Revenue Crisis: Growth, Institutions & Human Capital

atching Nigeria’s public bracket. How unconscionable can it be to that naira has been devalued significantly revenue-generating institutions such as CBN, finances has become an tax a person who is trying to get by? The over the period, which means FG earned NIMASA, NCC, NPA, and others. Nigeria is inconvenient chore as the other angle is that most Nigerians living in more from FX components such as oil and yet to apply rigorous reform that can bring numbers are nothing to rural areas are also involved in agriculture, custom duties. How does FG that has nearly cost-efficiency mechanisms into these institutions. cheer about. After several a sector largely untaxed at its production the same amount of revenue in 2012 and Nigeria ranks 159 out of 190 countries on the denials, it is comforting to levels. When you add up most Nigerians 2020, spend twice as much in 2020? This is World Bank’s Ease of Paying Taxes Index and hearW public leaders finally accept one fact: in semi-urban and urban areas involved because FG has downed all tools of fiscal this speaks directly to the capacity of institutions. Nigeria is facing a revenue crisis. Nigeria in informal trade, it is most obvious to practices and resorted to excessive borrowing Before Nigeria can find a balance for expanding planned a revenue of N5.84tn for the 202o the eye why we might have an outsized and a CBN support programme, a luxury revenue growth, it must rigorously review and budget but was only able to raise N3.42tn, population but we have not been able that it won’t perpetually have. create workable ways to capture its informal representing 59% performance. For context, to pick up revenue. It begs the question: In my own view, FG has lost the incentive system that forms a core part of its economy; the Federal Government revenues were N3.1tn don’t we just have human resources and to rapidly seek revenues as it found the improve its institutions to ease the process of as of 2012, a period with stronger exchange not human capital? A recent SBM Intelligence continuous loop of using CBN to patch tax payments and rework the incentives for the rates but oil prices rode at high levels. If report counters my argument that 98% of its fiscal balances. For the states, they are federating units across the country. I have put there’s anything scary, it is to see that the FG businesses in Nigeria’s informal sector paid quibbling over the removal of subsidy these things forward as the low-hanging fruits but had revenue of N3.42tn in 2020 and spent their taxes — but to non-state regulated that keeps shortening their revenues and these aren’t going to solve the revenue challenge around 97% on debt servicing. I have not actors. This is the state of things when the we have seen encouraging stories on IGR in a significant way. The flaw in the revenue seen any country's decent financing come up social contract does not stand as the thesis growth. However, the fundamental question argument is that we are looking at the fruits this way, not even the early Obasanjo days for a functional society. Nigeria cannot reap is that there has been no review of the tax rather than grooming the trees. Without Nigeria that necessitated foreign debt cancellation. revenues if it chooses not to severe public architecture of Nigeria in years. How does a paying attention to cross-sectoral growth—ICT, FG's non-oil revenue grew through an troughs from gangs and “unions” that have state take only personal income taxes? Why small manufacturing, entertainment, real estate, increase in its share of non-oil taxes, from become tools of political expediency. should Lagos not get benefits for hosting the agriculture—and supporting productivity, there N704bn in 2012 to N1.58tn in 2019. Non-oil Nigeria has issues around incentives busiest ports? Why can states that attract is no way it would solve the revenue challenge. revenues have become the core of FG’s revenue for raising revenues at all levels. The FG businesses to their environment get more Our leadership needs to understand that to as oil revenues contributed 41% to total revenue is finding means through the Central from Company Income Taxes, which are still earn returns, it would need to invest capital on in 2020; in 2012, oil revenues accounted for Bank’s “ways and means” approach to largely distributed along with population? assets. Human assets would not yield returns 56% of FG’s total receipts. The times have plug its deficit hole. For example, FG had Is Nigeria pushing the incentive for states until there’s a concerted effort to invest in them. changed. However, how big is the revenue a revenue of N3.13tn in 2012 and spent a to look inwards to get revenues? How is This is where the human capital question looms of the Federal Government of Nigeria? In total of N4.13tn, which means its deficit the FG supporting states on this or are FG again. dollar terms, FG revenues fell from $19.94bn to revenue ratio was 32%; this means for funding gaps only to close payroll gaps Without significant investment in education, in 2012 to $8.97bn in 2020, a painful effect of every N100 earned, N33 was borrowed in and not to enable productivity? digitalisation, health, credit expansion and skill devaluation. At 6%, Nigeria has one of the 2012. In 2020, FG had revenue of N3.42tn We cannot talk about gaps in revenues development, Nigeria cannot expect yields on lowest revenue to GDP in the world, which but spent N10.07tn, which showed a piece and not appraise the quality of the collecting these human assets. The size of revenues to means it has a relatively huge economy but of staggering evidence that for every N100 institutions. Nigeria’s revenue institutions run the state should mainly come from taxes takes too little revenue for public development. earned, N193 was borrowed. Lest we forget need a revamp and this includes independent and if Nigeria chooses not to build a country, There have been several efforts to optimise it would run out of options as shown in oil public revenues with voluntary declarations, revenues (FG earned N1.4tn from oil revenues tax sanctions and review of tax waivers. The but spent N10.07tn) that no longer meet its Federal Government has even changed the Before Nigeria can find a balance for expanding expenditure. Nigeria needs to actualise a growth tax institution’s leadership but this has not revenue growth, it must rigorously review and agenda (sub-2% growth with weakening GDP changed the matrix in a significant way. per capita can’t excite the Nigerian economy) and What are the things to understand in create workable ways to capture its informal a clear roadmap for human capital development. Nigeria’s revenue challenges? Without these, it will continue to romance the There must be a clear understanding that system that forms a core part of its economy; low tax-to-GDP numbers without understanding you cannot tax zero output. If the 2019 NBS that it has failed at both the short-term and Poverty Report numbers show us that 40% improve its institutions to ease the process of long term work to rewrite its destiny. of Nigerians, which represents over 80m Nigerians, are poor, then we have at least tax payments and rework the incentives for the t0MVTFVO0OJHCJOEFJTUIF%JSFDUPSPG 40m able-bodied Nigerians outside the tax #VEH*5BOEUIFBVUIPSPG5IF&YJTUFOUJBM federating units across the country 2VFTUJPOT 22 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 23

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08056356325 RATES AS AT AUGUST 25,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 15.50% CALL 4% INDEX LEVEL 558.25% 1/4 TO DATE 4.74% N411.00/ 1 US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 15.75 % 1-MONTH 6% 1-DAY 0.43% YEAR TO DATE -16.71% *AS AT LAST WEDNESDAY 3-MONTH 10% MONTH-TO-DATE 3.91% Telcos Record Reduction in Mobile Number Portability as Porting Figure Drops from 23,059 to 616 in One Year

Emma Okonji June 2021, a space of one year. of 90 days before they are eligible figure dropped to 616 in June porting figure picked up to reach of subscribers that ported to Mobile Number Portability, to return to their original network 2021, one year later. 21,385, and dropped again to its network, numbering 360, Statistics obtained from the which was introduced by NCC or move to any other network A breakdown of the 23,059 19,412 in September 2020. followed by 9mobile 191, and Nigerian Communications few years after the rollout of their choice. subscribers that ported in In October 2020 to December MTN 65, while Globacom did Commission (NCC) has revealed of Global System for Mobile Although several subscribers June 2020 showed that 10,964 2020, the total number of not record any incoming porting that telecoms operators (Telcos) Communications (GSM) in 2001, took the opportunities offered subscribers ported to 9mobile subscribers that ported across to its network in the month June in Nigeria have recorded steady enables subscribers to migrate by Mobile Number Portability network in search of better service networks, reduced again from 2021. reduction in Mobile Number from one network to another, to migrate to their network of quality, while 9, 142 subscribers 19,771 to 16,342 and to 4,085 Analysing the rate of porting, Portability (MNP) in the last while retaining the original choice in search of better service ported to Airtel network in respectively. From January the President of National one year. mobile number of the subscriber quality, while still retaining their search of better service quality. 2021 to May 2021, there was no Telecoms Subscribers’ Association Analysis of the telecoms on the new network. It was original mobile number on the Only 2,667 subscribers ported to porting across networks, as all (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu industry regulator numbers introduced to allow subscribers new network, the rate at which MTN network, while only 286 networks recorded zero porting Ogunbanjo, said the statistics showed a deep decline in the port to another network, when subscribers now port to other subscribers ported to Globacom within that period. showed that most subscribers still number of inward porting of they are not satisfied with the networks, is gradually reducing. network, in the month of June Then in June 2001, a total of experience poor service quality, telecoms subscribers to other quality of service offered by their According to the recent 2020. 616 subscribers, ported across hence the need for porting in networks. network operator. Subscribers’ statistics posted on the NCC’s In July 2020, the number of networks. The breakdown of the search of better quality of service. According to the NCC who port to another network, are website, a total of 23,059 telecoms subscribers that ported 616 subscribers that ported in the According to him, “Subscribers numbers, porting reduced from however expected to remain on subscribers ported to other across networks, dropped to month of June 2021, showed that 23,059 in June 2020 to 616 in the new network for a minimum networks in June 2020, but the 19,469, but in August 2020, the Airtel had the highest number Continued on page 26 Minimise Importation through Deliberate Policies to Reduce Pressure on Foreign Reserve, ICAN President Tells FG Ugo Aliogo fundraising for the building of cost it is a twin evil because for especially by providing the plans have been finalised with Small businesses complain of District’s Secretariat, commended you to get more enhancements enabling business environment an IT firm to install a strong multiple taxations which is The National President, Institute the federal government’s drive and reduce inflation, you must for SMEs to strive. web for ease of accessibility and overwhelming, and for businesses of Chartered Accountants of in tackling the rising inflation, improve in terms of economic In his acceptance speech, the payment by members. to strive, it must be profitable. If Nigeria (ICAN), Mrs. Comfort and appealed for increased development. But that is difficult new Chairman of ICAN Ikorodu, According to Eyitayo, “It is SMEs have an enabling business Eyitayo, has advised the federal commitment. to achieve when the cost is rising Mr. Olusola Akinloye, hinted that well established that the SMEs environment, they will be able government to minimise She stated that the penchant everyday due to fewer goods all efforts would be channeled are the engine of growth in any to bring down the cost of importation of goods and services for imported goods and services which could also be linked towards the construction of the economy. But most SMEs don’t production and consequently in order to reduce the pressure were also affecting the economy to insecurity because farmers proposed permanent secretariat have access to sufficient capital to reduce price. But if the enabling on the foreign reserve through because the government spends are not able to go to farm and on a piece of land directly inject into the business, and when business environment is tough, deliberate policies. more revenue importing foreign produce, or those that are able opposite the Oriwu Club on they have capital to drive the then the reverse will be the case Eyitayo, who disclosed this goods that put pressure on the to produce small cannot come Sagamu road. business, they lack other indices for SME businesses. in Lagos during the Investiture foreign exchange. to the market,” she noted. He also stated that the to support the business. I know “You can borrow in the short of the 8th District Chairman; “In a situation where you Eyitayo advised the new Excos was committed to the efforts on the ease of doing term. There are borrowings that Inauguration of Executive have the resources dwindling, government to encourage the improving the district’s visibility business which is ongoing, but Members and N20 million and we are not controlling our Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through its website, adding that it has to be further strengthened. Continued on page 26 MARKET DATA AS AT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25,11, 2021 FGNFGN BONDSBONDS BILLS OTC FX FUTURES CPsCPs DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change (%) MATURITY Discount Yield ChangeChange (%) (%) CONTRACT MATURITY Discount Discount Yield Yield ChangeChange (%) (%) DESCRIPTION Price Yield TENOR Contract Current (%) TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) 11.15011.668 FGNSB (MONTH)(MONTH) UNCPMREP CP CP III XXXI 27- 100.36100.09 3.303.16 0.450.00 NTB 9-Sep-2126-Aug-21 2.803.00 2.803.00 0.000.00 9.024.42 9.03 4.42 0.000.78 11-SEP-202115-AUG-2021 1 NGUS SEPAUG 29 25 2021 2021 420.93 AUG-2113-AUG-21 10.301 FGNSB UNCP CP III 27- 12.364 FGNSB 100.10 3.16 0.00 NTB 16-Sep-219-Sep-21 2.963.10 2.963.11 0.000.00 VAAG CP I 27- 4.2610.40 4.27 10.40 0.000.78 12-SEP-202116-AUG-2021 100.44 3.30 0.43 2 NGUS OCTSEP 2729 2021 422.38 AUG-21 11.150 FGNSB TTNGVAAG CP III 27-31- 12.175 FGNSB 100.67 3.13 -0.240.00 NTB 30-Sep-2116-Sep-21 3.273.15 3.283.16 0.000.00 10.204.76 10.25 4.76 0.000.69 10-OCT-202111-SEP-2021 101.10 3.30 3 NGUS NOVOCT 2724 2021 423.83 AUG-21 12.364 FGNSB SIBPTTNG CP CP I 2-SEP-II 31- 11.244 FGNSB 100.80 3.12 -0.380.00 NTB 14-Oct-2130-Sep-21 3.593.25 3.603.26 0.000.00 4 NGUS NOV 24 2021 425.28 4.594.30 4.60 4.30 0.000.66 16-OCT-202112-SEP-2021 101.11 3.31 4 NGUS DEC 29 2021 425.28 21AUG-21 12.175 FGNSB NBRPSIBP CP CP I XIII2-SEP- 10.296 FGNSB 101.47 3.08 -1.020.00 NTB 28-Oct-2114-Oct-21 3.903.35 3.933.37 0.000.00 5 NGUS JANDEC 26 29 2022 2021 426.73 4.134.98 4.14 4.98 0.000.66 13-NOV-202110-OCT-2021 101.51 3.31 2-SEP-2121 24 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 25 26 THURSDAY AUGUST 26,ͰͮͰͯ˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

A BOOST FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES… L-R: Deputy Governor, Sokoto State, Alhaji Manir Dan’iya; Director of Government Relations, BUA Group, Alhaji Aliyu Idi Hong; Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Managing Director, ASR Africa Initiative, Ubon Udoh and Group Head, Corporate Communications, BUA, O’tega Ogra during the presentation of a N2.5billion Tertiary Health Systems Support Grant for the construction of a College of Medical Science at the Sokoto State University to the state government in Sokoto… yesterday Discos: We Have No Hand in Suspension of Eligible Customers’ Scheme Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Mr. Sunday Oduntan explained with the laid down procedures to ensure sanity in the Nigerian According to the power these illegal eligible customers on that the Discos recognise the and requirements. In response Electricity Market (NEM),” ANED distributors, the available records the electricity market and the entire Power Distribution Companies relevant provisions of the electricity to the insinuation that NERC added. indicate that NERC has not value chain, had to issue a directive (Discos) in the country yesterday law, 2005 and therefore could not and the Discos are colluding to The Discos stressed that NERC approved any application for with Ref. No: NERC/REG/ reacted to allegations that they have prevailed on NERC to make frustrate the implementation of confirmed in their letter to the eligible customer status. OCFML/APPR/EC/2655/068, forced the Nigerian Electricity the decision. the regulation, we wish to state Transmission Company of Nigeria “Despite that, these companies dated 7th July, 2021, to TCN to Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Rather the Discos argued that unequivocally that this is untrue,” (TCN) on the suspension of the proceeded to arrogate the powers transfer back to the Discos all suspend trading of electricity under what NERC tried to do was to ANED stated. bilateral electricity trade that of NERC to themselves by vesting electricity customers that failed the eligible customer regulation. stop the alleged illegalities being The Discos added that such customers are yet to meet in themselves eligible customer to obtain eligibility status under The regulation empowers NERC embarked by certain elements stakeholders who have failed requirements that include requisite status and continued the unlawful the regulation.” to grant customers using more than within the system, noting that to meet the requirements of the energy demand and proof of excess and illegal operations over the ANED also clarified that NERC two megawatts/hour approval to with more collaborations to regulation were attempting to capacity by the Gencos to supply years unperturbed. has not cancelled the regulation as get their electricity directly from the increase efficiencies of the entire pass the buck to the electricity the energy. “The illegal and unlawful claimed, saying that the directive Generation Companies (Gencos) value chain, there had been an distributors. In addition, the Discos listed the operations of these companies was simply to stop the illegality rather than through the power improvement in the supply of “In fact, to fault NERC (who payment of requisite charges and and the Gencos involved are that had been perpetrated by those distributors. uninterrupted power supply to have been unduly lenient with fees to exit conventional network a direct cannibalisation of the they described as “unscrupulous A statement by the Association Nigerians. them) is undermining the powers as well as getting eligible status electricity market and the entire companies and their supplier of Nigerian Electricity Distributors “The regulation is therefore of the commission as the regulator from the regulator as some of value chain,” ANED said. generation companies who (ANED) through its Executive a welcome initiative provided of the Nigerian power sector, the conditions required by the It added: “NERC, having duly have gone rogue for four years Director, Research and Advocacy, that the stakeholders comply vested with the requisite authority regulation. noticed the damaging impact of unchecked.” US, YALI Hub Move to Enhance Clean, Sustainable Environment in S’West Nigeria Emma Okonji in the year, offered a grant Mandela Washington Fellowship, Hub, was able to mobilise commended the initiative of Flooding has been a major through the Mandela Washington Regional Leadership Centre and volunteers who partnered with the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign challenge in cities like Lagos, The United States government, Fellowship, to Young Africa the YALI Online Network. the hub to clean up South-west group, said the partnership caused by blocked of drainages, through the Mandela Washington Leadership Initiative (YALI), to Speaking at the closing event of states, including Lagos State, since between the group and the which can cause ill-health to Fellowship, has reiterated its promote clean and sustainable the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign January this year. Through the Lagos State government, was people living close to drainages. So commitment to enhance clean environment in South-west project in Lagos recently, the campaign, YALI Hub was able a welcomed development that the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign and sustainable environment Nigeria, through the Clean Up Deputy Public Affairs Officer, to boost the momentum around would promote sustainable initiative, which was extended to in South-west Nigeria. Nigeria Campaign initiative. United States Consulate General young volunteers, who engaged environment in Lagos State and South-west Nigeria, where Lagos The US government, earlier The grant, totaling over in Lagos, Jennifer Foltz, said the themselves in a clean up exercise improve the health conditions of is located, has helped in no small $24,000, was used by the YALI US government partnered YALI in Lagos and the South-west states. the people of Lagos. measure in keeping Lagos clean Hub to mobilise volunteer Hub to promote environmental Keeping the environment clean “Lagos State, through its and safe,” Oshun said. groups, who embarked on total protection and proper waste is about safeguarding the health of agencies, will continue to support Coordinator, YALI Hub, evacuation of blocked drainages management in South-west humans and animals, which will the Clean Up Nigeria Campaign Mr. Austin Emmanuel, who around the South-west states, Nigeria. greatly impact on the economy,” initiative. Each time a group of commended the US government including Lagos State, with “The YALI Hub has its expertise Foltz said. volunteers clean up any part of for the grant, said YALI Hub was support from environmental and well connected networks of Member, Lagos State House Lagos, they contribute towards inspired by the need to enhance experts from the private and people that manage waste. The of Assembly, representing Lagos building a sustainable environment clean and sustainable environment Group Business Editor government agencies. Clean Up Nigeria Campaign, Mainland Constituency, Moshood for the state, which is in line with in South-west Nigeria, Lagos Eromosele Abiodun The YALI Hub comprises of which is an initiative of YALI Olarenwanjun Oshun, who the state government’s initiative. inclusive. Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji MINIMISE IMPORTATION THROUGH DELIBERATE POLICIES TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON FOREIGN RESERVE, ICAN PRESIDENT TELLS FG Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze are targeted at development, but frivolities, you are deepening with the economy is not the is meant for. If the borrowing and development, then it will when you borrow to finance your debt profile. The issue borrowing actually, but what it is channel towards productivity regenerate itself.” Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent TELCOS RECORD REDUCTION IN MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY AS PORTING FIGURE DROPS FROM 23,059 TO 616 IN ONE YEAR Raheem Akingbolu do not care about brand identity. Portability was one of the best all networks in the months of He listed some of the factors in the country and declares (Advertising) What they need is better service things that have empowered January to May 2021; hence it to include: Delay in granting telecoms facilities as Critical Correspondents quality and they are ready to telecoms subscribers to exercise was needless for any subscriber access to Right of Way (RoW) National Infrastructure (CNI), James Emejo (Finance) port to any network that offers their rights in making their choice to port to another network within to telecoms operators for network telecoms operators will continue Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) better service quality and remain of network. that space of time. expansion; multiple taxes; to witness the impunity in the Chineme Okafo (Energy) on the network, as long as the They added that MNP would Chairman of the Association incessant closure of telecoms incessant closure of telecoms Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) network continues to provide put telecoms operators on of Licensed Telecoms Operators sites by government agencies; sites by government agencies, the best of telecoms services to their toes to compete among of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga willful destruction of telecoms as well as other disruptions in Reporters their customers.” themselves in offering the best Adebayo, however blamed poor sites by social miscreants, among telecoms facilities, which are Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Some telecoms subscribers who of service quality. service quality on various factors, others. factors responsible for poor Peter Uzoho (Energy) also spoke to THISDAY said the They were of the view that which he said, were beyond the “Unless the federal government service quality across networks, Ugo Aliogo (Development) introduction of Mobile Number telecoms services stabilised across control of telecoms operators. rises to protect telecoms facilities ”Adebayo said. THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 27 BUSINESSWORLD DEVELOPMENT Charting A Better Path for Refugees Ugo Aliogo examines the efforts of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), development partners, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and policymakers to raise awareness about the rights and obligations of refugees as enshrined in the 1951 Geneva Convention

recent report released by the United some isolated cases where the provisions of government must also act on their behalf integrated into the host communities. Nations High Commission for Refugees the convention are violated so it is the job of in a way that you can have this problem According to her, “Under the local solution (UNHCR) revealed that in 2020, one in UNHCR to ensure that countries that ratify resolved politically and amicably. strategy in Nigeria, the Federal Government every 95 people on earth fled their home the convention are implementing it to the “We don’t need to amend the law to has abolished the encampment policy, hence as a result of conflict or persecution latter of the law. accommodate the rights of refugees; once refugees are either in transit settlements like (aboveA one percent of the world’s population). “In Nigeria, I feel the conversation should you have entered Nigeria either seeking those in Benue and Cross Rivers States or live The report also stated that at least 82.4 million not end in implementing the provisions of asylum or as a refugee, you are also entitled in the host communities like those in Taraba State. people (IDPs and refugees) were forced to flee the convention, but also Nigeria government to the rights and privileges of a Nigerian. This is in keeping with the tenets of the Global their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, should implement legislation that protects You cannot be expelled from Nigeria without Compact for Refugees (GCR) on burden-sharing. violence, human rights violations, and events the rights of refugees. Aside from the isolated going through due process. Article 12 of the “There are some challenges with the seriously disturbing public order, among them cases, for the most part, if Camerounians African Charter states that anybody who enters implementation of the convention by States, are nearly 26.4 million refugees, around half of in Nigeria don’t pose a security threat to any African country can be deported without but they are not insurmountable. Poor or lack of whom are under the age of 18. the country, they should be given refugees going through due process and that is what political will and commitment is one. The deleterious These numbers are quite disturbing judging status, if they have documentation, though is playing out in Benin Republic where our effects of climate change have engendered with the fact most countries have implemented UNHCR is still registering them. We have ambassador has already prepared a plane for human movements that would otherwise not strict border control measures and strengthened not finished the job yet; many of them are in Igboho to be brought back to Nigeria, but have happened. The phenomenon of insurgency, immigration laws to ensure that refugees who remote communities. We are working with the government of the country has refused, communal clashes, banditry, political instability, come through land borders are allowed in the the government to find and register them. stating that he must be tried in their court and separatist tendencies due to discontent with country. For 70 years, the Refugee Convention We will ensure that we provide them with of law.” central Governments in Africa and some Arab has been protecting people forced to flee. The the assistance they need so that they can live countries, are cases in point. Inadequate funding convention was drawn up to address the impact here and find jobs and get the freedom of FG’S POSITION of programmes and projects that would provide of conflict and persecution; it is as relevant today movement, health, and education until such The Federal Commissioner, National durable solutions to refugees and the effects of as it was in 1951. a time that is safe for them to go back home. Commission for Refugees, Migrants and COVID-19 Pandemic bear mentioning. As a frontline agency in addressing the challenges “It will be good to reverse the national Internally Displaced Persons, (NCFRMI), Mrs. “I would like to state that since the NCFRMI of refugees globally, UNHCR recently organised legislation and include all forcibly displaced Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, lauded the United was created in 1987 as Nigeria’s agency mandated a symposium to commemorate of 70 years of the persons such as IDPs. So technical works Nations and the international community, to coordinate all issues relating to refugees and 1951 convention on refugees. A core principle of need to be done on the revisions of the particularly, the States parties to the Convention, migration as well as providing succour to internally the refugee convention is non-refoulement. The national act.” for the successes and sustenance of the 1951 displaced persons in Nigeria, the Commission convention asserts that refugees should not be Convention on refugees and its 1967 protocol. has been providing and will continue to provide returned to a country where they face threats LEGAL RIGHTS She explained that the convention remains support and promote initiatives that will impact to their life or freedom. The refugee convention In his remarks, Human rights lawyer and the chief regulatory instrument for international positively our Persons of Concern (PoCs). Indeed, enshrines an ancient, fundamental and universal activist, Femi Falana (SAN), explained that refugee protection, adding that without the as of May 2021, Nigeria has been a very friendly human right-the right to seek asylum. Nigeria has a very comprehensive law for the convention, other regional and national and accommodating host to about 71,400 Refugees The symposium provided an opportunity for protection of refugees such as the National instruments on refugee protection would and 1,600 Asylum-seekers. On almost weekly policy makers, development partners, and Non- Commission on Refugees’ Act 2004, noting have been non-existent, “the convention basis, an average of 300 persons cross over to Governmental Organisations (NGO) to chart a that the law is a domestication of the United charted the course for others national laws Nigeria, through unmanned borders points, from course for refugees globally. The discourse brought Nation Convention of 1951 as well as the for refugees, to follow.” the Cameroon, as refugees. A good number of to the front burner the depressing conditions facing Africa Union (AU) Refugee Convention of Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who represented at them are unregistered.” refugees in countries of refuge, what should be 1969. the event by her Special Assistant, Stephen done to address these challenges and the rights Falana remarked that Nigeria law is clear Mediayedu, noted that the National REFUGEES, IDPS AND RETURNEES of refugees. on who is a refugee, “and the majority of Commission for Refugees Establishment The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, To set the ball rolling, the Deputy Representative, the refugees in the country are politically Act, and the 1969 OAU Convention, which and National Planning, in 2020 made a special (Protection) United Nations High Commissioner victimised people or who fear that their lives governs specific aspects of Africa Refugee provision for NCFRMI in the designing of Economic for Refugees, (UNHCR), John Mckissick, stated that are at stake”. problems exist today because of the 1951 Sustainability Plan so as to ease the implementation with the rise of repressive governments across the He advised the federal government to show Convention. of key actions relating to refugees and Internally world, the numbers of refugees were increasing leadership and take care of the 73,000 refugees She also stated that in some States that are Displaced Persons (IDPs). because they have been forced to leave their homes in the country, adding that majority of those not a party to the Convention, the commission One of the key economic sustainable plans is the due to persecution, conflict, and human rights refugees are from Cameroun. is playing host to refugees, such as Bangladesh, commencement of the building of Resettlement violation. Speaking on the political crisis in Cameroun, which hosts over 1 million Rohingya refugees Cities (400 units of 2 bedroom flats) in Borno, Edo, He hinted that the situation doesn’t look good Falana hinted that the Nigerian Government ride on the guiding light of the tenets of the Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States (first phase) for and refugees and Internally Displaced Persons cannot pretend that all is well in the French- convention. Returnees and IDPs towards ensuring durable (IDPs) are likely to remain for a longtime. speaking country, and urged them to intervene. She further argued that the three traditional solution for their shelter needs. He lauded Africa countries for ratifying the1951 According to him, “Regarding the crisis durable solutions to the global refugee problems The projects for the establishment of migrants/ refugees’ convention and the 1967 protocol, adding in Cameroun, the government of Nigeria of voluntary repatriation, local integration, refugees resource centers transit camps in critical that the 1969 Africa Union (AU) provides the cannot pretend that all is well in Cameroun. and resettlement have recorded milestone locations, establishment of learning centers in IDP protection regimes for refugees so that they are There was a judgment delivered in 2006 in successes as countries of origin, “have camps, upgrade and expansion of zonal offices able to enjoy the right to asylum. which the people of Southern Cameroun witnessed successful voluntary returns of and field offices and establishment of appropriate According to him, “Receiving refugees is not a sued the government of Nigeria to intervene displaced citizens from countries of asylum PoC database have been included in the 2021-2025 difficult task in Africa and countries are receiving and they signed terms of settlement that in safety and indignity”. Medium Term National Development Plan. refugees. Refugees are forced to flee because of Nigeria was going to take up the crisis in She posited that some refugees have been persecution and conflict; neigbouring countries Southern Cameroun at the level of the UN uprooted and resettled in many different in Africa receive, protect and assist them. I think General Assembly. In South Sudan, there is developed countries to begin a new life, for the most part, the conventions are being also the violation of human rights and this adding that many refugees, especially those NOTE: Interested readers should continue in upheld although as we heard today, there are has led people to flood into Nigeria, so the in protracted situations have been locally the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com 28 THURSDAY AUGUST 26,ͰͮͰͯ˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD MARKETING Sustaining Creative Ingenuity in Marketing Communications Industry Raheem Akingbolu writes on how various competitive platforms initiated by sectoral bodies in the nation’s marketing communications industry have deepened creativity and prepared Nigerian firms for global recognition

ntil about 15 years ago, ‘Best Event - B2B’ featuring the seamless when the leadership of the “To win more global awards, we must be original, execution of the HP Elite Dragonfly Association of Advertising Launch Event; ‘Best use of Digital in Agencies of Nigeria, focused and professional. Much as it is important an Event’ for the HP Elite Dragonfly introduced the Lagos for us to compete with global campaigns and ideas, Launch Event; and ‘Best Use of Digital UAdvertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF), in an Activation’ for the HP Be Free to challenge and spur local creative we shouldn’t discard our local nuances because each to Create Campaign accompanied the agencies to look out of the box, it market comes with its culture. So far, we can be Gold win. was an annual ritual for stakeholders The event was organized by the in the industry to play the role of sure we are heading there with what is coming out sectoral trade body for forward-looking spectators at various global advertising of our market in recent times.” experiential marketing communications festivals and awards, especially the agencies in Nigeria to promote, encourage Cannes Lions International Festival of Brandlife Limited, one of Africa’s have shown that Nigerian agencies and foster unity and growth among of Creativity. leading experiential agencies, Mr. could perfectly compete amongst key players in the marketing industry. After several efforts by Nigerian Julius Agenmonmen, said the crave other international awards globally. The EXMAN awards for excellence agencies to clinch trophies on the to come out with a marketing Speaking on the performance of seeks to reward, honor and celebrate international stage, industry leaders solution that would compete his company at the award ceremony, outstanding member agencies and thus returned to the drawing board and within and outside Nigeria has Aganmomen described it as a marketing communications professionals applied ‘the charity begins at home’ also helped the agency owners to significant feat that would spur the who have raised the bar in terms dictum to groom local agencies for further service their clients. experiential agency to do more for of creativity, strategies and project international competition. “Beyond the laurels that normally their clients and other future brands executions to provide consumers Over the years, they haven’t only go with awards, I think the they work on. meaningful experiences and impact achieved that but have been able to determination to win has also He said: “These awards are positively on clients’ businesses. compel agencies in various fields; spurred players in the marketing testimony to the agency’s commitment Speaking on how Nigerian agencies experiential, out-of-home, public communication industry to come to working with its clients to always can win more laurels on the global relations and creatives to further out with problem solving ideas deliver value with winning strategies stage, Agenmonmen called for impact on brands and businesses that are fast changing fortunes and excellent executions. We are consistency, originality and global through their works. To this end, of businesses in Nigeria,”he said. grateful to our clients for trusting best practice. many agencies have raised the bar Agenmonmen, who spoke to us over the years. We dedicate “To win more global awards, we must and performed creditably well on the THISDAY after his agency – BrandLife these awards to them. We thank be original, focused and professional. foreign stage, including winning and Limited achieved remarkable feats the almighty God for taking us Much as it is important for us to making Nigeria proud at the African by winning a total of four awards this far” compete with global campaigns and Cristal Festival in Marrakech, Morocco in various categories at the 2021 At the event, Brandlife won Gold ideas, we shouldn’t discard our local and other places. Experiential Marketers Association for ‘Best Trade Activation’ with the nuances because each market comes Speaking on how competition of Nigeria (EXMAN) Awards, held flawless and exciting execution of the with its culture. So far, we can be has strengthened the marketing recently in Lagos, noted that the Gulder Red Night Parties under the sure we are heading there with what communication industry in recent innovations being deplored by Nigerian Breweries beer brand. It also is coming out of our market in recent time, the Group Managing Director Nigerian agencies in recent time, won three other silver awards for times,” he added. THURSDAY AUGUST 26,ͰͮͰͯ˾THISDAY 29 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Crown Interactive Offers N400m Grant to Nigerian Manufacturers Emma Okonji their supply chains. Selected relating to the manufacturing thinking and technology have these companies will testify of manufacturing, key distributors companies will be offered the supply chain, including customer combined to redefine the the impact of our solution in of fast-moving consumer goods, As part of its ongoing ‘Automate firm’s suite of Business Support order, inventory and workflow business landscape and that terms of lowering costs, building and suppliers of raw materials and Collaborate’ campaign, Systems (BSS) free of charge for management and provides a manufacturers that aspire to partnerships for future business that are either exporters or Crown Interactive has announced the first 12 months. Subsequently, platform for electronic payments succeed cannot afford to be growth, balancing their product have demonstrated an interest a N400 million value in product it will be available at a monthly and inventory finance. left behind. We look forward supply with market demand, in exporting their products. and support grant to be offered to fee of N12,000/user but with no Commenting on the promotion, to showing selected companies and enhancing the customer To apply, the firms must also 20 medium sized manufacturers, obligation on the company to Managing Director of Crown the impact of our supply chain experience.” engage over 50 employees and distributors of Fast Moving continue to use the service. Other Interactive, Wumi Oghoetuoma, software on their operations. Over The offer is open exclusively report an annual turnover of over Consumer Goods (FCMG) and benefits include free software said: “We believe that design a year, we are confident that to enterprises involved in N100 million. suppliers of raw materials. implementation and training It is offering its supply chain as well as export promotions software at no charge for one opportunities and access to year to 20 companies in the inventory finance. Nigerian market that meet The applications within specified criteria. the CICOD BSS can be easily The promotion represents a integrated to existing systems value of N20 million delivered within an organisation’s to each firm in terms of the Enterprise Resource Planning technology offered and support (ERP) software or operated service rendered. independently to provide a The special offer presents platform for automating key Crown Interactive’s Supply business processes. Crown Chain Management solution Interactive’s solution is designed to the selected firms and to address common challenges Globacom Launches TV Streaming Service to Boost Customer Experience Nosa Alekhuogie reliable internet is required to enjoy mobile TV contents. If the Globacom has launched its internet is slow, it takes more television streaming service on time to load the video contents its network, to boost customer and this can be annoying to experience, while on the move. users. With Globacom’s 4G data The telecoms company said powered by Glo 1, subscribers MOU WITH MICROSOFT… the desire to offer subscribers are assured a pleasant streaming L-R: Philanthropies Lead, Nigeria and Ghana, Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; Executive Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye, LGA, premium television content for experience”. Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; Co-founder, Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo; and Assistant Director, Legal officer for Ifako viewers of all ages, informed its According to him, “Globacom Ijaiye Local Government, Agunloye Ayodele, during the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a 3-Year decision to launch Glo TV, a first- is a network that is constantly Youth Development between Ifako-Ijaye LGA and Microsoft in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE of-its-kind mobile television app re-inventing itself with innovative on Android, IOS and the web. yet affordable products and The company’s Head of Web services and promised that it Sales, Ugochukwu Ibe, who will not rest on its laurels. spoke at the recent launch in “We will continue to enhance ASR Africa Donates N2.5bn to Sokoto Lagos, explained that the app the quality of service and data was designed for watching live speed, as well as expand State University Medical College linear TV, Video-on-Demand network capacity in order to and catch-up content, which accommodate the new additions The Abdul Samad Rabiu house yesterday. the areas of health care delivery, grant to develop a world-class will cater to the preferences to our subscriber base on account Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) Receiving the proposed designs education, social development oncology centre whilst Sokoto of Nigerians across different of Glo TV and other numerous - brainchild of Industrialist, for the various projects from and sustainable infrastructure is strengthening their Tertiary socio-economic groups and offer products and services recently philanthropist and founder Governor Aminu Tambuwal which are also the pillars of healthcare infrastructure and them an exclusive opportunity added to our fecund stable. of BUA Group, Abdul Samad of Sokoto state, Abdul Samad ASR Africa’s vision for African delivery systems. We expect to to experience best-in-class TV To guarantee a thrilling Rabiu, yesterday presented a Rabiu, founder of BUA Group development. We are therefore deploy resources to commence content. experience on Glo TV, we are N2.5billion Tertiary Health and ASR Africa said the initiative ready and committed to partner work in Sokoto as soon as “This exciting product is partnering with numerous Infrastructure grant to the was proud to complement the serious governments to make possible.” designed to ensure that access content providers to ensure Sokoto State Government for the work already being done by critical interventions and In his response, Tambuwal to television programming that we constantly offer content construction of the College of the Sokoto State government sustainable impact in healthcare thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu, graduates from computer and that will appeal to all categories Medical Sciences at the Sokoto in healthcare delivery at the and development for the benefit Founder/Executive Chairman of television to mobile devices such of subscribers across social State University. primary and secondary levels. of the people.” BUA Group and initiator of ASR as smartphones, tablet computers demographics.” ASR Africa in a statement Represented by the Chairman Also speaking, MD/CEO, Africa for the grant and noted and is available on the go and He explained that the app said the grant will also be of ASR Africa, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh said that “Just as BUA, through its in real time. It can be considered was designed for all customers deployed to other infrastructure he commended the Governor of Sokoto is one of four states cement holdings, BUA Cement as part of our 18th anniversary on its pre-paid and post-paid at the School of Nursing, Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal that were announced recently Plc, has become an economic delight to our over 50 million platforms who own compliant Tambuwal as well as the for his holistic approach and as beneficiaries of the ASR Africa powerhouse for sokoto state, we subscribers,” Ibe said. android and iPhone devices and School of Health Technology, commitment to healthcare Health Systems Support grant are also very happy to partner He also assured subscribers will be required to visit myglotv. Gwadabawa in the state. development at all levels. of N2.5billion each per state, with Alhaji Rabiu and his ASR of a delightful experience on com to register and download This grant was presented According to him, “ASR Africa “the other states being Kwara, Africa Initiative on this healthcare Glo TV service, adding that, the Glo TV app free of charge during a ceremony at the is passionate about social impact Edo and Ogun States. Kwara development partnership for “we are aware that fast and until September 30th, 2021. Sokoto State Government and development especially in State is using their ASR Africa sustainable impact. NCC Lauds 9mobile for Promoting Expert Challenges Youths on Digital Digital Skills among Nigerian Youths Innovation, Internet Benefits Emma Okonji of Bichi. Bichi, thanked 9mobile for its Emma Okonji revenue spinner for individuals, “As organisations, individuals According to him, the support for the youths of the corporate organizations and and societies continue to go The Executive Vice Chairman, programme is in line with key Emirate through its sponsorship A tech enthusiast and pioneer even governments. Thus, there digital, we would like to Nigerian Communications policy documents developed of the digital skills programme. promoter of the digital economy, is really no need to be involved canvass for the responsible Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar by the Federal Ministry of “On behalf of the Bichi Dr. Bayero Agabi has advised in fraudulent activities while use of the internet. Don’t do Danbatta, has commended Communications and Digital Emirate Council and the Nigerian youths to shun all using the Internet.” today what you will not be 9mobile for driving initiatives Economy, including the good people of Bichi, I wish to forms of internet scams and He said: “Rather than proud off tomorrow. Use the that empower Nigerian youths, Nigeria National Broadband specially express my profound embrace digital innovations, leverage the power of the internet responsibly,” Bayero especially in digital skills Plan 2020-2025, the National gratitude to the board and stressing that there is lot of internet for fraudulent activities, advised further. acquisition. Digital Economy Policy and management of 9mobile for money to be made legitimately, our youths should learn various He also warned that as the Danbatta gave the Strategy 2010-2030, and the the support shown to our while leveraging the internet. online skills available and begin usage internet grows, there commendation while delivering National Policy on Promotion people. We therefore hope to Bayero gave the advice while to make real and legitimate would be specific harmful a lecture at the launch of the of Indigenous Content in the receive many more of this kind making his opening remarks as money.” effects associated with it. Digital Bichi Emirate Initiative Nigerian telecommunications of gesture in the future,” the the National Coordinator of the He disclosed that while Such effects, according to him and graduation of the pilot class sector (NPPIC), to promote a Emir said. Centre for Cyber Awareness and some young Nigerians were included internet addiction, of the 9mobile sponsored digital digital economy. The Executive Governor of Development (CECAD), which making good money from information overload, harm skills entrepreneurship program Also speaking, the Visioner Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar organised World Wide Web uploading captivating videos on to social relationships, harm to for youths as part of activities of the Bichi digital skills Ganduje, noted that the initiative (WWW) celebration conference YouTube, others were involved cognitive development, harm to mark the coronation of the programme and Chairman, ties into his administration’s in Lagos last week. in coding and some other ICT to public/private boundaries, Board Chairman of 9mobile, Board of Directors of EMTS efforts to empower and create According to Bayero, “the skills that fetched them regular harmful effects on knowledge and His Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado (9mobile), His Highness, Alhaji meaningful employment for the internet has proven all over income even from international beliefs and harm to democracy Bayero as the second Emir Nasir Ado Bayero, the Emir of youths. the world to be a legitimate organisations. and democratic citizenships. 30 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS FG Raises TraderMoni Loan Portfolio by 400% Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja loan, the beneficiaries will federal government in 2016 2030. and uplift under-privileged wheelbarrow boys, orphans be provided with a value and in 2019 to lift 100 million Farouq said TraderMoni and vulnerable youth and youth with special The federal government has chain and creation of digital Nigerians out of poverty in will target empowerment like scavengers, market needs. jacked up the loan portfolio marketplace (E-platform) to of TraderMoni to N50,000 enable them to sell their representing a 400 per cent products. increment. The minister said a digital The Minister of integration and coordination Humanitarian Affairs, platform along with strong Disaster Management and and centralized monitoring Social Development, Sadiya and evaluation system aimed at Umar Farouq disclosed this enhancing loans recovery has during the flagging off of also been put in place. the restructured GEEP 2.0 She said GEEP 2.0 is (Government Enterprise structured to effectively Empowerment Programme) deliver soft loans and skills in Abuja. to a wide range of unbanked The portfolio, which is for and unemployed citizens. marginalized youth previously These include persons living used to be N10,000. The with disabilities, marginalised FarmerMoni was also increased women and unemployed youth to N300,000 respectively. among other vulnerable groups Farouq said the upgrading in the society. was aimed at empowering The GEEP 2.0 is one of the traders, scaling up poverty reduction intervention agroprenuership and ensuring clusters under the National food security. Social Investment Programme Aside from the reviewed (NSIP) approved by the ipNX Bags Most Innovative Fibre Optics PROMOTING POLO… L - R: Chairman Kano Turf Club, Tajudeen Dantata; Deputy Governor, Kano State, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna; Executive Provider of the Year Award Governor, Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Executive Director, Public Sector, FirstBank, Abdullahi Ibrahim and SSA Nosa Alekhuogie offerings and leadership. on sports to the governor, Ibrahim Mu’azzam, presenting trophy and cash prize of N250,000.00 to the winner of Late We dedicate this award to sir Ahmadu Bello cup, organised during the Kano Northern Derby held in Kano State...recently ipNX, an Information and our consumers, especially Communication Technology knowing that they are the company, has clinched only reason for our existence the most innovative fibre in the marketplace.” optics provider of the year Project Director Tech TV, THT, Experts Harps on Innovation, award at the 17th edition organizers of the awards, Don of Titans of Tech Hall Pedro Aganbi, said available Awards, in recognition of intelligence revealed that Resilient Healthcare Delivery Post COVID-19 its contributions towards “ipNX is widely acknowledged Total Health Trust (THT) the moments we all shared freely system is required. A sustainable issues facing the sector. boosting the business as one of Nigeria’s fastest- Limited and health experts have without physical distancing.” health system is one built on For the country to build connectivity and broadband growing information and advocated for effective innovation He said the 2021 Providers’ local capabilities and realisable blocks of resilient health Internet access needs of her communications technology and resilience healthcare delivery Forum is critical to the company local potentials such that the systems, he highlighted good customers across the country. companies, serving a multitude Post- COVid-19 as recent as it helps the company community can maintain the governance, service delivery, Speaking on the award, of needs across enterprise, pandemic erupted businesses understands key challenges system at all stages of its socio- health workforce access to Divisional CEO, ipNX small businesses and residents and healthcare delivery across facing health providers across economic development.” essential medicines, financing Business, Segun Okuneye, said with innovative, world-class the globe. the country. He hinted that weak health and health information system “this award recognition is for services”. On the heels of the Post- He added, “These discussions systems make it impossible to including effective disease the ipNX brand to sustain the He further said: “ipNX’s COVID-19 pandemic, the are important to us at THT as attain national health goals and surveillance as major conditions. quality of service and establish commitment to continually company in Lagos at its 2021 they help us understand your are also a threat to global health The head, Provider a new bar of operational add value to her customers’ Providers’ Forum with a theme, challenges and how we can security. Management, THT, Dr. excellence.” operations, strong drive “Creating Impact in Chaos: work together with you to In his presentation titled, Chinyeaka Aguboshim in her According to him, “The to meet and exceed her Healthcare Resilience Lessons make Nigeria Healthier. A “Building Back Better: presentation titled, “Creating award is the result of the customers’ expectations and to Post Covid-19,” had a discussion healthier Nigeria is good for us Improving Healthcare Delivery Impact in Chaos”, said the brand’s efforts and series of always deliver within specified with health experts on the need all, good for the economy and Post-Pandemic In Nigeria,” he forum offered the company strategic investments and timelines, lends credence to for effective healthcare delivery good for business. Our purpose challenged key stakeholders to opportunity to interact with deployment of resources across its emerging status as one of in Nigeria. revolves around this and you, develop a health system that providers, generating useful the brand value chain in line the country’s most valuable Delivery his opening remarks, our provider partners, are an is strong for all times and has insights from the interaction to with the vision to be the most Broadband and Fibre Optics the Chief Executive Officer, Total integral part of this mission.” capabilities to meet the needs of help forge better in partnerships. preferred communications providers”. Health Trust (THT), Godden Speaking virtually at the the present while anticipating While speaking on basic and IT enabler in Africa and In a related development, Kieran noted that: “global forum, health expert at the and preparing for the future. lessons for healthcare resilience beyond. We appreciate this ipNX was recognised by Ookla economies and businesses Department of Community He highlighted inadequacy in chaos, she said: “By healthcare vote of confidence from the Global SpeedTest Intelligence emerged from the scourge of Health & Primary Health Care of health human resources resilience, we mean the ability to general public and industry Report as the fastest and most the pandemic, innovation and College of Medicine University management – relative healthcare providers to absorb players and pledge that the consistent Fixed Broadband resilience becomes extremely of Lagos, Prof Akin Osibogun unemployment of health chaos, adapt lessons learnt and ipNX brand will continue Internet Provider in Nigeria important for growth and called on key stakeholders in the workers even in the presence re-organise in order to continue to provide desired service for Q1 and Q2 2021. sustainability. healthcare sector to strengthen of poor worker/population ratios; delivering needed services in a “As healthcare providers, the health system for improved increasing inter-professional timely manner. you remain at the forefront of performance and response to rivalry due to unclear job Speaking from a different this development. The world pandemic. definitions or at times crass perspective, Consultant JARA Stores Set to Open is depending on the success According to him: “To prevent, opportunism; Insufficient public Psychiatrist and Psychologist, and resilience of the health detect and respond to biological health financing of basic inputs Dr. Otefe Edebi highlighted sector to breathe light into the and other threats to health, a for service delivery and weak four key components lessons Second Outlet in Benin darkness, and perhaps, return to resilient and sustainable health supporting public utilities key to learn Post COVID-19 Nigeria’s foremost discount to the faith that we have in retail outlet, JARA stores, has the retail sector in Edo State concluded plans to open its and our commitment to the second retail store in Benin partnership with the Edo SON Arrests Dealers of Adulterated City, at the Ugbowo axis of State Government through Benin City, the Edo State the EDPA. capital. “There is no denying that Engine Oil in Sokoto In a statement, a we have had a good run these Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto According to the suspect who intelligence information for and engines. representative for JARA past few months. We now refused to give his name, he the Organization for the According to him, SON stores, Ayo Bademosi, said want to extend our amazing A team of the Surveillance said he is a manager of Na’ada apprehension of those dealing would not relent in the ongoing the opening of the new store offers to more people in Edo Investigation and Monitoring company a dealer of engine oil. with substandard products. fight against unscrupulous is in line with the company’s State with the opening of this (SIM) unit of Standard Speaking to newsmen at the “Last time we got a hint that elements who persist in vision to extend the unique new store. It is such a delight Organization of Nigeria (SON) scene, the state coordinator some one is selling adulterated defrauding Nigerians through shopping experience at its because the new store will on has uncovered lubricant of Standard Organization of total engine oil, we swung into their dubious acts. stores to more shoppers in bring our unique offerings adulterating syndicate at mini Nigeria, Sokoto state Alhaji action and arrested the suspect, He however advised Benin City. to shoppers in the Ugbowo mart along Gidan Mada area Jubrin Mohammed represented “he stated. dealers and manufacturers According to her, “We community.” of Sokoto State. by SIM team leader Murtala He further explained to always do the right thing are excited to be opening a JARA is a leading discount The team swooped on the Muhammad Yusuf described the that despite SON’s several by upholding standards in all new store in Benin City. This store in Lagos, Ibadan and location and arrested a primary discovery as shocking stating arrests in the past deviants their undertakings stressing it will be the second store in Benin, offering Nigerians a suspect who was found at the that it is indeed a wake up Nigerians persist in the act will ensure a vibrant economy Benin in less than two years unique shopping experience premise with various litres of call for Nigerians particularly of adulterating engine oil through the strengthening of of commencing operations in and low prices on quality Adulterated Mobile and Amasco the general public who have and selling to unsuspecting business as they adhere to Edo State. It is a testament everyday shopping needs. engine oil. responsibility to provide Nigerians destroying machinery international best practices. THURSDAY AUGUST 26,ͰͮͰͯ˾THISDAY 31 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Buhari, Kagame, Emefiele, Others for CIBN Conference Nume Ekeghe event is been organised through a transformation, thereby moving Minister, Federal Capital Territory as the Keynote Speaker. Other Mene, Secretary General, Af- Consultative Committee, chaired the future of Nigeria forward. and may others. The Chief Host confirmed resources persons are: rican Continental Free Trade President Muhammadu Buhari by the Group Managing Director/ “Dignitaries expected to grace of the Conference is Mr. Godwin Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Area (AfCFTA) and Ms. Vera and his Rwandan counterpart, CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert the occasion are: His Excellency, Emefiele, CON, FCIB, Governor, Honourable Minister of Finance, Songwe, UN Under-Secretary President Paul Kagame and an Wigwe, body of bank CEOs, and Professor Yemi, Osinbajo, GCON, Central Bank of Nigeria while Budget and National Planning, General/Executive Secretary, array of other dignitaries are co-chaired by the Managing Direc- SAN, Vice President of the Federal the host is Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Ms. UN Economic Commission for expected to attend the Chartered tor/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Republic of Nigeria; His Excel- FCIB, President and Chairman Amina Mohammed, Deputy Africa; Honourable (Mrs). Abike Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Tomi Somefun and the Managing lency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of Council, CIBN. Secretary-General, the United Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, (CIBN) annual conference, the Director/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Executive Governor of Lagos “His Excellency, President Nations / Chair of the United Nigerian Diaspora Commission CIBN has announced. Hassan Usman. State; Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Paul Kagame, President of the Nations Sustainable Development and Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere The CIBN in a chat with The theme of the Conference, Honourable Minister of Finance, Republic of Rwanda will speak Group; Professor Benedict Oramah, Awosika, Chairman/Independent newsmen to announce the event “Economic Recovery, Inclusion Federal Republic of Nigeria and on the theme of the Conference President, African Export–Import Non-Executive Director, Access said the 14th Annual Banking and Transformation: The Role Mr. Mohammed Musa, Honorable and set the tone for the Event, Bank (Afrexim); Mr. Wamkele Bank Plc, “CIBN said. and Finance Conference will of Banking and Finance,” it hold, simultaneously in Abuja, added, is predicated on the need to Lagos and virtually September reposition the Banking and Finance 14 – 15, 2021. Industry as a catalyst for economic The CIBN added that the recovery, inclusive growth, and Expo to Showcase Investment in Nigeria’s Potato Value Chain Gilbert Ekugbe Lalong said that the expo is in line with the objectives of the The Organisers of the agriculture policy of the State. international potato value Lalong stated this when a team chain and root crops expo from the ABG Paulas Resources and conference, ABG Paulas Limited team that was led by Resources Limited, which is its Managing Director and Chief scheduled to hold on the 14th Executive Officer, Mr. Ambrose to 16th September, 2021, in Jos, Okojie, paid him a courtesy visit Plateau State, is set to showcase at the Government House in investment opportunities in Rayfield, Jos, which was used REGENERATOR TRAINING… Nigeria’s potato value chain. to officially decorate him and L-R: GM, CONLOG Nigeria, Elungile Mzimba; CEO Ikeja Electric Folake Soetan; Head MAP and Supply Chain, MOJEC Indeed, the expo is apt coming Tyoden as chief ambassadors Meter Asset Management Company Mr. Michael Onuorah; Pearl Uzokwe, Director of Sustainability and Governance, at a time when agri-food systems of the expo. Sahara Group; MD Energy Training Centre (ETC) Ibiene Okeleke at the Sahara Foundation Regenerator Training are failing as many nations are He said the event is scheduled Program in Lagos State seeking ways to develop solutions to open up investment to drive their agricultural value opportunities, create jobs for chains. stakeholders and facilitate According to the organisers, increased production as well Millionaires Emerge at Ecobank’s Promo Draw potato is the third most consumed as food and nutrition security, food crop globally coming after adding that the event has got Four customers of Ecobank South South were announced and transaction value across the “On a weekly basis, 50 rice and wheat, consumed by a the participation of Grimme and Nigeria Limited have emerged as the grandprize winners of regions of the country within customers with the highest billion people worldwide, saying Pottinger, German and Austrian winners in the recent draw of N1million each in the Ecobank the campaign period. deposit and transaction value that the expo would be the first based companies respectively its super reward scheme. Super Rewards Scheme. “We segmented the country were rewarded with N25,000 international potato value chain and others to promote all The customers were Tsoo The four months campaign into four regions including Lagos, each. In all, 800 customers expo in Nigeria. varieties of potato and root Alaye, with an Ecobank Microfi- had seen a total 800 customers Federal Capital Territory (FCT), benefited during the four Nigeria remained the fourth- crops production, processing, nance Special Account represent- winning N25,000 weekly in Mid-west/South West and South months campaign period. I largest producer of potato in preservation, packaging and ing FCT / Northern Region; batches of fifty per week. South/South East regions where use this opportunity to reassure Sub-Saharan Africa and the promotion in Plateau State Badero Modupe Olufunmilayo, Announcing the winners in one millionaire emerged based everyone that Ecobank remains seventh-largest producer in Africa. and Nigeria in general towards with a Personal Flexi Account, a statement, Head Consumer on highest deposit and transac- committed to maintaining its The Executive Governor of meeting global best standards representing Lagos Region; Banking, Ms. Korede Demola- tion value within the campaign industry leadership in reward- Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, and quality. Omiwole Damilare Daniel, with Adeniyi said the scheme was duration. They are today being ing its customers. I enjoin has appointed the Deputy Similarly, the Nigeria Incentive- an Ecobank Microfinance Special designed by Ecobank to reward rewarded with N1 million naira those that are yet to open an Governor of Plateau State, Sonni Based Risk Sharing System for Account, representing Midwest customers’ loyalty. She lauded each. The spread of the benefi- account with the bank to do Gwanle Tyoden, to oversee the Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and South West Region; and the level of participation and ciaries across customer segments so to enjoy its state-of-the-art hosting of the International has declared support to partner Hayford Gogo Lawson, with interest generated by the scheme. and geographical locations is a digital payment and collections Potato Value Chain and Root the organisers to deliver the a Personal Savings Account, She explained that the four mil- clear indication that the bank is platforms, including its products Crops Expo and Conference international conference on representing South East and lionaires had the highest deposit accepted all over the country. and services.” She stated. that would be held in Jos, the potato value chain and other state’s capital. root crops. Access Bank Launches Unity Bank Challenge Produces 30 More Winners A total of thirty members of the Ayinde and Omolola Kehinde software solutions, fashion, fish Divisional Head, Retail, SME National Youth Service Corps in the Kano NYSC camp, while production, poultry farming, bee Banking and E-Business Awareness Campaign to (NYSC), have won cash prizes Chiamaka Nweke, Nduke farming, retail chains, piggery Directorate, Unity Bank Plc, and business grants totaling Oduobuk and Victoria Adesope to beverages were assessed on Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, said N10 million in the 6th edition emerged as the winners in the originality, marketability, future the competition has proved to Combat e-Banking Fraud of the expanded Unity Bank Enugu State camp. employability potential of the be a great tool for empowering Nume Ekeghe not only protected but are also flagship business plan competi- In Lagos, Aliu Haira product and knowledge of the fresh graduates in the country. aware of the tactics employed tion known as Corpreneurship Abimbola, Uzoechi Ihuoma business. “The corpreneurship chal- As part of its commitment to edu- by fraudsters. Access Bank will Challenge. Augustus and Adesanolu Recall that Unity Bank lenge is a creative entrepre- cate and protect customers from never request for personal bank- Unity Bank is currently in 10 Lukmon Abiodun emerged started the Entrepreneurial neurial development initiative e-banking fraud, Access Bank ing information such as your states of the federation where winners to claim the cash prizes. Development Initiative in by Unity Bank in conjunction Plc has launched an awareness 16-digit card number, password, three winners each emerged One of the winners in Abuja, 2019, to specifically target corps with the National Youth Service campaign aimed at sensitizing PIN, BVN, CVV or One-Time from the Batch B Orientation Ebingha Ogbe John appreciated members, as part of efforts to Corps, NYSC. It is aimed at customers on measures they Password (OTP). So, customers course in the Corpreneuship Unity Bank for the opportunity, contribute to job creation in driving job creation through can take to protect themselves. are also advised to never share competition held last week. which she said, has helped her Nigeria. It continues to gain entrepreneurship. The campaign, themed, “Banks this information with anyone The states that the winners to showcase her business to the traction, growing bigger and “With rising youth unemploy- Don’t Ask,” focuses on three even if they claim to be from emerged included Lagos, Ogun, world. “I thank Unity Bank for better in grooming corps ment in the country, it is just key activities that account for the Bank. Benin, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, making my project, Mama’s members having successfully common sense to consider the most fraud incidents in Nigeria, ”From all indications, the Kano, Sokoto, Enugu, Osun Ally Crashfish to come alive run several editions of the entrepreneurship alternative”. phishing, SIM card fraud, ATM rates of phishing, SIM card and Kwara. in this Abuja,” She said. scheme in partnership with “As the corps members join fraud and POS fraud. fraud, ATM fraud and POS As in the previous editions, The initiative continues to the NYSC Skill Acquisition and the labour market after their In a statement, ED Retail fraud in the country has the cash prizes included a attract increasing interest among Entrepreneurship Development, youth service, not every one of Banking, Victor Etuokwu, stated: tripled in the past few years. N200, 000 business grant for the corps members, as over 2000 SAED. them will get the opportunity “In the past few years, there Also, the sophistication with third place winners; N300, 000 applications were received but The Bank has invested over for a paid employment. But has been a significant increase which these activities are carried business grant for second place only 100 were shortlisted for N80 million in the initiative, with what Unity Bank is do- in the rate of internet-based out has evolved, resulting in and a star prize of N500, 000 the pitching sessions where the which has now produced 58 ing, many of them will get the and technology-perpetrated unsuspecting customers being for the winners. thirty winners emerged. winners since it was launched. support they need to start a fraud”. He added “We want highly susceptible to these Some of the winners included The contestants’ business Speaking during the finale small business and even become to ensure that our customers are criminal activities.” Yahaya Muhammad, Alade plans which ranged from in the FCT NYSC camp, the employers of labour”. 32 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala IMAGES Email [email protected]

L-R: Philanthropies Lead of Nigeria and Ghana, Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye, L-R: Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare; Director-General, National Information Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; Co-founder, Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Oladepo; and Assistant Director, Legal Office, Ifako Ijaiye LGA, Agunloye Ayodele, during the signing of the Leader, Ismail Ahmed; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and APC National Youth member, Sani Ahmed, during a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a three-year youth development project between Ifako-Ijaye LGA courtesy visit to the vice president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…recently and Microsoft in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

L-R: Executive Director/CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib; acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Grill Atkinson; Director, Logistic and Health Commodities, L–R: Film Director, Frederick Atigogo; Managing Director/CEO, Mediabxng, Julius Osumah; Vice President, Pry Health, Hajiya Daradara; and Country Lead, AstraZeneca Nigeria, Mr. Morris Nyarko, during the handover Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Queen Blessing Ebigieson; and Director, Superscreen TV, Ik of 699,760 AstraZeneca vaccines to the Nigeria Government, donated by United Kingdom Government in Osazuwa, at the Inaugural Producers and Directors’ Meet-up organised by Mediabxng in Lagos...recently Abuja…recently

R-L: Son of the late former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, Alhaji Musa Mantu; former Senator for L-R: Groom’s mother, Mrs. Olubunmi Igbaroola; groom, Dr. Ayoola Igbaroola; bride, Kadijat Abimbola Sarumi Kogi Central senatorial district, Tunde Ogeha; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees Igbaroola; and groom’s father, the Majekobaje of Ilesaland, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, during the their son’s (BoT), Senator Walid Jibril; and former Senate President, David Mark, condoling with Alhaji Musa Mantu, wedding ceremony at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Isokun, Ilesa, Osun State…recently during a prayer held for the deceased at the Zone E’ Mosque, Apo in Abuja…recently

L-R: International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Chairperson, Mrs. Ose Akhahon; NTA Zonal Director, Iryn Omorogiuwa; Mrs. Pauline Igbanor; Mr. Nosa Edo-Osagie; and NBA Benin-city branch Vice Chairperson, A public rally for COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaign tagged: ‘VaccineNoBeBadThing! GoCollectYaOwn’, by Mrs. Paula Agbale, during the FIDA proposed building fund-raising dinner and award night, where Igbanor and the Global Health Advocacy and Innovation Alliance (GLHADIA) at Ikeja, Lagos...recently Edo-Osagie received awards of distinction for their support to FIDA Edo State chapter in Benin-city…recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THISDAY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021

ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ[email protected], HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Tel: 07010510430 Cholera Outbreak in FCT: Appraisal of Efforts to Halt Spread Following the outbreak of cholera in the nation’s capital in May, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has taken some steps to halt the spread of the disease. Adedayo Akinwale writes on the impact of measures taken to check the disease and also reduce fatalities ince May, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has witnessed a frightening outbreak of Cholera which is currently ravaging the nation’s capital, Abuja. Though the current outbreak is however Snot limited to the FCT as states like Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa and Kaduna are also facing the scourge. A recent report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed that 47,603 suspected cholera cases have been reported in 23 states. The 23 states where there are suspected cholera cases in 2021 include; Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Adamawa, Enugu, Katsina, Borno, Taraba and FCT Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. In most cases, the outbreak is usually triggered One of the Cholera treatment centres in the FCT, Abuja by poor living conditions and lack of access to potable water supply, in over-crowded communities. now move promptly to the nearest facility and get Since the outbreak started in FCT in May, 1,170 set up the risk communication desk, adding while the Cottura Susceptibility was done that the approach is slightly different from at the national reference laboratory under assistance. Once the intervention is prompt, the suspected cases have been recorded out of which mortality goes down and the cases are mitigated.” about six per cent have died, which is about 73 other outbreaks like COVID-19. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Abdulraheem added: “You need the factors to understand the real situation or the type Abdulraheem listed some of the communities of suspected cases as at August 13. where the sensitisation and advocacy had been However, all the six Area Councils in the FCT to mitigate the outbreak. It is a factor of poor of the germs involved. hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, lack “Are we only dealing with cholera? If we carried out to include; Gwagwa, Jiwa, Kabusa, have recorded cases of Cholera in 26 Wards and Karu, Bwari, Dutse, Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Dobi. In 120 communities of the FCT, with Bwari and Abuja of access to potable water and individual are dealing with cholera, what is the sensitivity attitudinal change especially in communities pattern of the drug? So, these are some of the Kuje, Jigiri, Robochi, Kwali, Kinlankwa, Kudunwa, Municipal Area Council (AMAC) remaining the Yangoji, Abaji, Kurudi, Gawo, among others. most affected area Councils. As of August 13, where they are into open defecation. We also things we are looking at. And these numbers started Identifying the gap in the water side.” are increasing on a daily basis because all our A nurse at the Primary Healthcare Centre in AMAC has recorded 575 cases, Gwagwalada Dutse who preferred anonymity said the number of (346), Bwari (190), Kwali (37), Abaji (12). The Director said it was against this Diseases and Surveillance Officers from Area background that the Public Health Department Councils will go and take these samples to the cholera cases have reduced. Dutse was one of the communities in FCT where cases of Cholera have Interventions had a technical meeting with the Water Board, reference laboratory for us to have a clearer RUWASA and AEPB. He said the needs of picture on issues around the choice of drug and been recorded. Though the nurse only restricted The acting Director, FCT Public Health her answer to when she was on duty. Department, Dr. Saddiq Abdulraheem told THISDAY the communities have been categorised. to understand if we are dealing with Vibrio He noted, “Those that don’t have water cholerae or other additional bacteria, that is According to her, “I can only talk about when that out of the 39 of the 62 wards of the FCT about am on shift but from last week till now we have 120 communities reported at least suspected cases at all - meaning they get their water source one. The result will also guide us for a long from either Rivers, streams or Mai Ruwa time to take a decision; to also bring on board not recorded any case. From last week Sunday of cholera, the FCT administration has activated (August 15) till Saturday (August 21) for children. its Emergency Operation Centres of cholera with (water vendor). Those that have a borehole intervention using vaccination, because you but not functional, those that have a borehole cannot base your vaccination of the public For adults, there was a case of a woman we recorded nine pillars. This includes: Surveillance, risk on Saturday (August 14) who has stooped for communication, case management and logistics. that is functional but not adequate. We have on the RDT test, that is currently where we taken water samples and done water analysis are,” Abdulraheem explained. five times. She was treated and was okay the He said all these pillars have been active since following day. Unlike before, the number of cases then and we also constitute about three teams. to also assess the quality of water in these respective areas. Both the microbiological Interventions Outcome have really reduced.” The director explained that Cholera as a Also, the immediate past President of FCT multi-sectoral disease requires a multi-sectoral aspect of the chemical analysis of this water The director said the interventions made is being analysed on a daily basis. by the FCT administration have started National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), approach. Hence, relevant agencies were brought Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Roland Aigbovo, said on board such as FCT Water Board, Rural Water “As we speak, if you compare to COVID-19 yielding results. He said people have started deaths to what we are getting from cholera, cultivating awareness and reporting cases of since the outbreak started in May, high prevalence Supply Agency (RUWASA), Abuja Environmental of death and infection rates were recorded in both Protection Board (AEPB), World Health Organisation it tends to be higher in number. However, it Cholera. He noted that at the beginning of the is a disease that could be mitigated within outbreak, people were not sure where to go AMAC and Bwari Area Councils. He added (WHO), UNICEF, Area Council Chairmen and that though, there were deaths from other Area religious and traditional rulers. a shortest possible time.” due to lack of understanding and awareness Abdulraheem stated that as part of the of the disease. He revealed further that the Councils but the percentage was not as high as He said advocacy has been intensified, while in those two. He further said that it was based the Disease Surveillance Notification Officers at the strategies adopted by the Public Health number of cases have stagnated over the Department to contain the outbreak, a number last three weeks. on this that the FCT administration increased Area Councils are working in synergy with the awareness on personal hygiene, adding that Disease Surveillance Notification Officers of FCT. of tests which vary from Rapid Diagnosis According to him, “Awareness has increased Testing to cottura susceptibility have been both in the media. Also we have been going people are now cautious of their environment. Abdulraheem said: “The cases of asiatic started Aigbovo noted that people now go to the nearest in May till date. We have been witnessing it until carried out. with Outside Broadcast Vans to the targeted He pointed out that the Rapid Diagnosis communities, announcing and sensitising and hospitals whenever a cholera case occurs. Aigbovo June when the cases were going up. We did some however said it is appalling that the seat of rapid tests and we confirmed serotypes in the Testing (RDT) was conducted to ascertain having meetings with the key stakeholders. the disease itself and to know the serotype, That has yielded positive results. Individuals power still has open dedication over the places. Cholera outbreak - serotype 01 and serotype 0139. He said there was need to tackle the root So, the one we have so far is serotype 01 and the cause of the cholera . number has been steadily increasing. However, He added: “Go to Mabushi roundabout, the from that period till 13th of August, we have had Since the outbreak started in FCT in May, 1,170 place is a mess. If you are driving by you just up to 1,170 infections or suspected cases out of have to wind up your glass because of the which about six per cent have died, that’s about suspected cases have been recorded out of which scent. Drive along that Kubwa express, you see 73 of this number.” people in the gutters and tunnels defecating The director added that FCT administration has about six per cent have died, which is about 73 and urinating there with such disregard to released funds to procure the necessary consumables, the extant laws. I strongly believe that laws adding that all these are being distributed to all of suspected cases as at August 13...You need the should be implemented about this issue of the public health facilities, selected comprehensive open dedication.” primary health centres across the six area councils factors to mitigate the outbreak. It is a factor of In tackling the root causes of cholera, the and targeted communities. physician said there should be provision of Abdulraheem further explained that communities poor hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, portable water so that people do not have to that have already reported cases had been mapped make use of contaminated water. out and they have been categorized according to lack of access to potable water and individual “There should be provision of toilet facilities. the disease burden which guides the distribution Yes! Abuja is a busy place, but even at that you of these commodities to each respective facility attitudinal change especially in communities can see a lot of human activities, there should in Area Councils and Wards. be proper planning. Where you have increased where they are into open defecation. We also human activities, there should be one or two Strategies public facilities like a toilet which people can He revealed that the FCT administration had started Identifying the gap in the water side make use of.” THISDAY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021 35 NEWS [email protected]; FERTILITY Website: lifelinkfertility.com Rotary Club of Maryland 08033083580 Cost Implication: A Major Barrier to Boost Maternal, Child Preventing Access to Fertility Health, Others with N79m Treatment and Services (Part 2) Uchechukwu Nnaike in communities; work to reduce the club to execute the projects gender disparity in education; as of the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. In line with its commitment well as provide financial support According to him, work has to an improved maternal and for career-minded professionals commenced on the maternal child health, the Rotary Club related to basic education and and child centre and the project of Maryland, Ikeja, recently literacy. would be inaugurated before the announced plans to build a For water hygiene and end of the current Rotary Year, maternal and child centre in sanitation, he said the club while the block of classrooms Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos would construct five boreholes will be ready by September. and provide other services in the in communities to the tune of He therefore solicited the sector at the cost of N50 million N4.2 million. support of members and other for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. It will also strengthen the stakeholders, as he promised to The newly installed President, ability of communities to work tirelessly to actualise the Rotarian Bamidele Onalaja, who develop, fund and maintain seven points agenda of Rotary announced this during his sustainable water and sanitation International. investiture ceremony in Lagos, system; support programmes While highlighting the club’s said the club will invest a total that enhance communities’ achievements last Rotary Year, of N79 million to intervene in awareness of the benefits of safe the immediate past President, maternal and child health and water, sanitation system and Rotarian Obafemi Obadina said six other areas to cover Rotary hygiene; and support studies the club was able to execute International’s seven areas of for career-minded professionals projects covering the seven areas focus in the current year. related to water and sanitation. of focus, despite the COVID-19 In the area of child and Other areas of intervention challenges. He said at the end maternal health, he said the are: disease prevention and of last Rotary Year, the club club plans to improve access control (N3 million); peace emerged the second overall to essential medical services, building and conflict preven- best of the Rotary International trained community health lead- tion (N2 million); community District 9110. ers and health care providers economic development (N3.5 In his remarks, the District for mothers and children. It will million); and supporting the Governor, Rotarian Remi Bello, also provide financial support environment (N2 million). urged Nigerians to inculcate the for career-minded professionals The event, attended by digni- spirit of Rotary in everything with interest in maternal and taries, including the Ooni of Ife, they do; to see their positions child health. Onalaja, the 20th Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as an opportunity to serve. He ast week, we started a topic on freezing is an option to reduce subsequent Hope President of the club said was also an avenue to raise also advised the new president the cost implications of IVF. We choice of treatment. Frozen embryo transfer in the area of basic education funds for the projects. not to lose focus, as his projects also began to discuss the various cycle is usually less than half the normal fee and literacy, his administration The president stated that are in line with the theme of reasons for the high cost if IVF for fresh IVF cycle. Couple who freeze their intends to build a new block the Chris Bamidele Onalaja the new Rotary Year, ‘Serve to in Nigeria and other parts of the embryos earlier are also less likely to require of classroom at the cost of N15 Foundation (CBOF), which he Change Lives’. So he should world. This week, we will talk donor gametes later in life should they want million; increase adult literacy founded, will collaborate with stay focused to complete them. Labout more reasons why IVF is not generally further attempts of IVF cycles thereby keeping affordable and also explain ways by which cost of treatment fee far cheaper. couples can afford the IVF fees. Fertility Support Group: Most fertility support Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic Vaccinates 115 Are there ways to make fertility treatment groups are charitable organizations, usually cheaper or source for fertility treatment fund? offering a chance for couple to meet up and Finding the means to fund your IVF treat- share experience with others who are also trying Students, to Revamp PHCs in Lagos ment can add a layer of stress which is the to conceive. They serve to educate, advocate, Chiamaka Ozulumba delivery for maternal and child people. last thing you need when you are already support and provide financial aim to members. health. The club will also embark struggling with the challenge of infertility. Highly Fertility support groups can also help instill the The Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic As the female President of Eko on a Mega Scale Rotary Family sophisticated Assisted Reproductive Technology discipline of savings for fertility as planning for is set to revamp the Lagos Island Atlantic, Deb Roy confirmed that Health Camp to touch more than requires substantial financial investment and fertility treatment is also crucial to the funding and Ogba Primary Health Centres the club already administered 3000 lives in Badagry, vocational for many, paying for this type of treatment of fertility treatment. Lots of this group abounds after successfully vaccinating the HPV vaccine to about 115 training to empower youth on a can seem out of reach. At the moment there in our environment. about 115 female students with students at Girls Junior School, sustainable programme, sensiti- are no insurance plans tailored towards IVF Some couple make up their mind that fertility the Human Papilloma Virus Marina, Lagos. sation on awareness of mental treatments in Nigeria. treatment is expensive; hence they never get to (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer. Beneficiaries included students health, free feeding programme, Basically treatment option depends on the do anything about their fertility, so information The club also announced its agedd nine to 13. This was in provide support to cerebral palsy cause of infertility. Some patients presenting is key. resolve to upgrade the Tinubu their efforts to prevent cervical home, and setting up of the blood for infertility may require fertility awareness Fertility Grants: Grants are free money that you Methodist Primary School. This cancer. donation camps. and education, ovulation monitoring and do not have to repay. There are several NGO`s was made known by its President, Other projects lined up for Other projects to be executed, timed intercourse, induction of ovulation, that provide fertility grants. Most of them have Rotarian Mamta Deb Roy recently. this Change Maker Rotary year according to the president are: and intrauterine insemination and may not certain criteria and requirement that must be She told newsmen that upon include plastic segregation, with Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic will require IVF. met to access. Which may often be subsidize or adopting the school, the club is the focus of recycling plastics set up a 10-bed dialysis centre cover for fertility treatment. Fertility grants are set to renovate the classrooms, and making Lagos plastic-free in JV with International Rotary Early presentation: The chances of pregnancy not easy to find and qualifications are usually library, borehole, provide potable in collaboration with the Lagos Clubs, empowering golden agers are higher in younger women than in older difficult to meet because it is usually free money. water for the students, donate State Waste Management Author- by teaching them to know the women. Hence cost of fertility treatment is likely school bags, books, and stationery ity (LAWMA), tree planting to basic usage of technology on to be cheaper in women aged 25 to 35 years Loans: An option for many couple who wish among others. support the environment in a day-to-day life, end polio than older ones. Older women may require more to spread out the cost of their IVF cycle over a According to the president, the collaboration with Lagos State programme, peace and conflict cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment to get pregnant, more manageable amount of time. IVF loan seem club also focuses on providing Parks and Gardens Agency resolution seminars and ‘Project while some women may require the use of the most viable for most people. Some financial medical equipment for the (LASPARK), and free cataract Ominira’ for health & hygiene of donated egg/sperm or even surrogates which institution offer medical loans or unsecured PHCs, thereby improving service eye surgery camp for over 300 girl child below 18 years. usually comes at a more expensive fee. personal loans which can be used to pay for Several studies have shown that most fertility treatment and there are companies who infertile couple usually present at a much specialize in this type of lending. While some 40 Paediatric Surgeons to Benefit from Smile later age, past 37 years when their fertility are even non-profit which offer interest free potential has drastically reduced. Couple loans others may offer loan at a reduced interest presenting at their reproductive peak are rate. Criteria for eligibility include: Train, KidsOR Scholarship more likely to incur less expenses for fertility Sunday Ehigiator it was revealed that candidates Obi noted that “the core of treatment as compared to couple presenting r(PPEPSFYDFMMFOUDSFEJUTDPSFBOEIJTUPSZ from South Sudan, Burundi, Smile Train’s ‘teach a man to with reduced fertility potential. Global charities Smile Train, and Rwanda, Malawi, Liberia and fish’ model is capacity building The best recommendation is that couple r4VGàDJFOUJODPNFUPIBOEMFNPOUIMZQBZNFOU Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) Tanzania are already in session and sustainably empowering local who have been trying for a baby for 12 have revealed plans to support at various training institutions healthcare professionals in the months of regular unprotected sexual r7FSJàBCMFFNQMPZNFOUTFMGFNQMPZNFOUSFDPSE the training and education of under COSECSA and WACS, cleft ecosystem. intercourse should seek medical help. Older 40 paediatric surgeons across with additional candidates “Smile Train is committed to women and women with condition that Some fertility clinics may offer favourable Africa in partnership with the expected from Lesotho, Eswatini supporting the education and compromise fertility like irregularities in financing option to their favourable financing West African College of Surgeons and Sierra Leone. training of medical professionals, menses or have been diagnosed of Endo- option to their patients, whether they want to (WACS) and the College of The statement revealed that and we are excited to expand this metriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and cover the cost of an IVF cycle or cover expensive Surgeons of East, Central and the scholarships, which support work with KidsOR to strengthen other gynaecological abnormality should seek fertility medications. Some clinic offer professional Southern Africa (COSECSA) recipients for a duration of three the surgical systems and increase help early when attempting pregnancy and discount to certain healthcare providers. In a statement jointly signed to six years, depending on the access to safe, quality, surgical this will likely reduce the cost of fertility over the weekend by Smile Train course of study, would cover care in low- and middle-income treatment. CONCLUSION Vice-President and Regional the cost of exam registration countries thereby providing Cryopreservation/Freezing of gametes: Educating yourself about the many financial Director for Africa Mrs. Nkei- and fees, transport and visas consistently available and cultural Women undergoing IVF are encouraged to options available to you is very empowering ruka Obi, and Africa Director for the country in which the appropriate care for patients with freeze excess embryos. Considering the overall and may be a guide towards access to funds of KidsOR, Rosemary Mugwe, recipients are training. cleft.” success rate of IVF at first attempt, embryo required for treatment. 36 THISDAY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021 FEATURES Nordica Launches Non-invasive Fibroid Centre to Boost Fertility in Women Nordica has launched a first-of-its-kind high intensity focused ultrasound Fibroid Care Centre in Lagos State to treat fibroids and boost fertility rate in women across Nigeria and West Africa. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

or women like Patricia Omoke, Dr. Joy Oluwatobi, Bolaji Olusoji, and Celina Esowe, who lived with multiple fibroids for years, Nordica has given them a breath of fresh air with its newly unveiled non- invasiveF method of eliminating fibroids- the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). According to research, fibroids are non- cancerous growths in the uterus that can develop during a woman’s childbearing years. While the cause of fibroids remains unexplainable, medical experts have warned that risk factors include a family history of fibroids, obesity or early onset of puberty. Today, Nordica Fibroid Care Centre carries out the HIFU procedure, which requires no body cutting, leaves no scar, and records no loss of blood. Rather it is attributed to quick recovery on the same day of procedure, low complications, and preserves fertility. The fibroid gets melted with the use of high intensity ultrasound waves to generate localised heat to destroy individual fibroid cells. And this is the first of its kind in the entire West Africa. In the words of 38 years old Omoke, who is among the three beneficiaries of Nordica HIFU, “All I felt about the treatment was pure excitement. It’s a good thing for our generation of those who have fibroids.” L-R: Mrs. Tola Ajayi, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Dr Adedamola Dada, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nordica Fertility Centre, Mr. Adetokunbo Adesanya, and Dr. Just like about 20 to 80 per cent of African- American women who develop fibroids before Omobolade Johnson age 50 according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Omoke described her journey as anything but fun. “It has been hectic and difficult for me. I was diagnosed with fibroid in 2018. Since then, it has been a problem for me. I was scared of surgery. I never wanted something that would cut me open and the complications and possible deaths that follow. Omoke, who is a unmarried, explained: “Some people even came up with fibroids years after surgery. So I opted for substitutes. Although there were significant benefits, at the end of the day the fibroid wasn’t dealt with. Until December 2020 when I came across HIFU through the internet while searching for solutions.” For fear of confusing and contradicting solutions, the medical doctor kept her health status with a few members of her family. “The few instances I made it known to people, they suggested surgery. That was a pressure I didn’t want; having to go through what I didn’t want.” Now, 27 years old Oluwatobi is a benefi- ciary. She was diagnosed with fibroid in 2013 which, according to her, brought her life to an excruciating halt. “My life practically came to standstill. I had to resign from work in a private hospital. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t go out or come in at will. I had to organise my life around my cycle.” Dr. Xia Ning demonstrating how the HIFU machine is used to ablate fibroids and adenomyosis to the guests Four years after the diagnosis, Oluwatunbi experienced heavy bleeding in 365 days. She narrated to newsmen, “In 2017, I bled everyday. ferers resulting in loss of man hours, On if this new technology is something In their quest to make the technology available It was that serious. But then I went into research impact on their homes, careers, jobs and to spin a positive story for the country, the to medical doctors, the centre also embarked and had to adjust my diet. Still the symptoms relationships across all spheres of life. “It medical doctor expounded, “Nigeria, by on a free training for gynaecologists, who were present during menstruation. I had to is a specialist healthcare facility focused virtue of this new technological acquisition, indicated interest. According to Ajayi, “this is come in for surgery.” on giving Nigerian women best-in-class has joined a unique league of 29 countries in furtherance of its desire to share knowledge, “I read online that Nordica was offering minimally and non-invasive solutions to in the world where this feat is possible. as it has continuously done through two of HIFU technology. I got in touch with them, their fibroid challenges” HIFU is a scientific breakthrough which our initiatives”. paid my bill, and it was worth every dime. It For most women suffering from fibroids, is available in 29 counties and about 350 Speaking at the official launch of the centre, was seamless, no scar, no cut, non-invasive. I Ajayi highlighted acknowledged their fears Centres globally. the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke went in for surgery on a Tuesday and walked for open surgery, which was the only option “On the African continent, HIFU is avail- Sanwo-Olu, described the HIFU technology as a out same day after the procedure” in taking out the fibroid. He expressed, able in only three countries: South Africa, welcome development that will greatly facilitate While Omoke and Oluwatobi are two unmar- “Today, Nigerians have a choice of our Egypt and now Nigeria. The HIFU company the treatment of uterine fibroid management. ried ladies who lived with this female-killer various Endoscopic services or pin-hole of Chongqing, China is very optimistic Being a normal growth that develops in disease, fibroids is said to trigger infertility surgeries as they are commonly referred that this relationship between themselves women’s uteruses, Sanwo-Olu said fibroids in many women. However, Mrs. Olusoji, a to or the new-age non-invasive solution and Nordica will further strengthen the sometimes can be large and can cause severe widow, was one of the lucky women living using HIFU”. relationship between Nigeria and China.” abdominal pain, heavy periods, pelvic pain, with uterine fibroid and has three children In a tour of the HIFU facility, the At the Fibroid Care Centre, their ultimate frequent urination, constipation, back pain, already. MD explained that the procedure uses goal is seeing women live more fulfilled painful sex and even delay in childbearing, Esowe, is a tailor, whose fibroid journey ultrasound rays to literally burn off the lives despite their challenge with fibroids. among others. began in 2017. For her, despite her constant use fibroids without any invasive method. He To ensure it brings this dream to reality, The first lady, represented by Dr. Omobolade of herbal concoction like a few other women hinted that patients can walk in, have the “We decided to give three lucky women Johnson, further expressed excitement over the with the same health challenge, she saw no procedure done and, in a few hours return free treatment and I believe one of them many benefits of the technology, which will improvement until she stumbled on Nordica to their normal lives. will be sharing her story with us today”. considerably improve on health indices in the HIFU on Facebook. state as well as Nigeria, especially as it concerns In the words of the Nordica MD/CEO, Dr. screening for fibroids, diagnoses, treatment, care, Abayomi Ajayi, for quite a number of women, and support. these fibroids have contributed to their inability HIFU procedure, which requires no body Others present at the launch included Mr. to conceive babies, thereby affecting their fertility Adetokunbo Adesanya (Chairman of the Board and its attendant challenges emotionally and cutting, leaves no scar, and records no loss of Directors of Nordica Fertility Centre; Mrs. Tola psychologically. Ajayi (Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre); Hence, the Fibroid Care Centre is the response of blood. Rather it is attributed to quick Chief Medical Director Federal Medical Centre to the yearnings of a teeming population of Ebutte Metta, Dr Adedamola Dada, representating women suffering from uterine fibroids. This recovery on the same day of procedure, low the Minister of State for Health; and the Senior condition, Ajayi noted, has been known to Assistant on health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, greatly impact on the quality of life of suf- complications, and preserves fertility representing the state governor. THISDAY ˾ AUGUST 26, 2021 37 FEATURES DDH: Carving a Niche in Premium Affordable, Accessible Dental Health Services For two decades, Divine Dental Home, DDH, a leading family dental clinic in Nigeria, has carved a niche in ensuring affordable and accessible dental health services for all. Billed to commemorate its 20 years anniversary on Friday, August 27, the Medical Director, Dr Olukayode Adeyanju, details the journey so far and the unveiling of its absolute exclusive DDH Deluxe in Victoria Island area of Lagos State. Rebecca Ejifoma reports he Medical Director of Divine Dental Home (DDH), Dr Olukayode Adeyanju is proud of how far DDH has come in the last two decades. Thanks to its already established arm offices across Lagos State,T DDH is marking the anniversary with the opening of a small house for its new arm of clinic, specially designed for the topnotch clients in Victoria Island area of the state. “We have one our head office in VI, then we have another one in Ikorodu, Ketu, then one starting up in Isolo. We are now opening a new arm that will be exclusive for the high earning individuals in VI.” DDH is in the dental industry with the mindset to bring to Nigerians a premium dental care that is affordable and accessible through information and awareness. “So on that background we decided to begin to take our practice hoping for a chain of networks of clinics, which we are prospecting”, he posited. According to the MD, two key attributes stand DDH out. He listed, “We are customer centric. Everything we do revolves around our patients. So in Nigeria we make our services friendly and our fees quite affordable. We know Nigerians have challenges when it comes to healthcare, so we have extremely warm reception. That’s why we use the word ‘dental home’ where you feel warmth, care and hospitality.” DDH services caters to all Nigerians including the middle class and the premium. In the words of Adeyanju, “We look at most people who can afford dental care as people who are a bit informed and educated. Although our primary target audience is the A class, we are now opening an arm for the B and A class also so it cuts across all Nigerians. And now because we have a Nigerian flavour we don’t want to make our services exclusive for privilege. We are opening locations in neighbourhoods that are not primarily premium like in Isolo, Dr Olukayode Adeyanju and Ikorodu.” Despite its services to Nigerians at all levels, the medical director noted that the quality of dentist will help you remove all the plaque their services does not drop, as it takes them We are customer centric. Everything we and calculus that are trapped in between your closer to people in such neighbourhoods. This teeth and inside your gums.” is as it makes its services a bit lower than what do revolves around our patients...at DDH, As a dental expert, whose dental home it would charge in Victoria Island, and in Ikeja. boasts of colossal strides in two decades, Sharing the list of services DDH offers, we have core values that have guided us Adeyanju advised most dental clinics who Adeyanju described DDH as a conglomerate are starting not to practice based on money. of specialists. “We have about five different over the years. When everything changes, “At DDH, we have core values that have specialists. So it’s not just a clinic but also a guided us over the years. When everything specialist hospital, in the sense that we have an those values don’t change...number one changes, those values don’t change. You know oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Even if you want we have witnessed several governments. We to do an operation we have an orthodontist. value in DDH is service, then humility, have witnessed bank closure, but our values We have an implantologist who does braces. remain the same. “Number one value in DDH We have a cosmetic dentist, if you want to trustworthiness, and friendliness is service, then humility, trustworthiness, make your teeth whiter, cleaner and beautify and friendliness.” your smile, smile enhancement therapy, smile DDH is known for corporate social overall. We also have an endodontist then we responsibilities (CSR), the MD assured. It have general practitioners. We have several take for granted. But unfortunately this Nigerian and the chemist also will give carries out its CSR once or twice a year specialists all working together in DDH. bleeding gum can affect premature babies you the wrong diagnosis then by the time by visiting schools, giving dental talks, For the dentist, the gateway to the body in pregnant women. you resort to the dental clinic a lot of distributing toothbrushes, and toothpaste. is the mouth, and the mirror to the world is “If a woman has a very infected gum damage would have been done. So gum Adeyanju chipped in, “Like now, in our one’s teeth and smile. One for a growing child it will affect the baby, most people who disease and dental caries are major dental 20 years we are trying to get some widows that won’t lack self esteem, all your education have Corona barely survived they have diseases affecting Nigerians. That is why together and tell them the importance of might be in vain if a young growing teenage underlying disease like diabetes, cardiac we recommend that Nigerians, especially oral care and give them palliatives like rice girl lacks confidence in her smile. “The mirror problems. Once you have covid your body the moment you are 30 years and above, and other things to support them. Then of especially in growing kids is their smile. And becomes compromised to fight because see your dentist once yearly and ask for course we go to orphanages and give some we see children growing up with crooked teeth of this underlying disease. Same thing scaling, polishing, and dental checkup.” things to those children and tell them the and their mates calling them funny things when you have gum disease and you While the dental expert conceded that importance of oral care, too. We believe which makes them see themselves poorly and have underlying cardiac problems, it tooth decay is another major problem that CSR is part of our policy in DDH.” undermine their potential, that’s one in terms could result in stroke but unfortunately Nigerians live with after periodontal Expressing gratitude to God, the expert of growing up psychology.” we don’t have data in Nigeria, so there’s or gum disease, he emphasised, “Tooth hinted that DDH is a brand that cuts across He, however, said the gum is the most abused no way we can monitor this, but when decay is when you have food trapped in Nigeria and is a bit on the moderate side. part of the human body. “Now in general body you go to developed countries , if you between your teeth or when you drink “From the beginning our vision is to make health, the gum is the most abused part of the enter a dental clinic it is mandatory they water your teeth is sensitive or when you sure that we are affordable and accessible human body. The gum can take so much just check your gum, your bp because it’s been take something sweet, you feel like picking yet premium. However, over the years like the heart, there are some diseases called linked to your life expectancy.” and it’s painful. But you know the tooth we found out that, by God’s grace, we non-communicable diseases, that is diseases Speaking to THISDAY, the DDH boss is the strongest tissue in the mouth so are having quite a big raise of high net that don’t shout loud but kill silently. Number added that when the gum becomes swollen usually you will not feel tooth decay until individuals who want to enjoy a bit of one is diabetes, most people have diabetes but and infected, bad breath becomes the effect. after two or three years of active disease. privacy. don’t know until the extreme stage. Number “Indeed, gum disease affects people globally. So if you have a tooth decay now you “We have a few folks who come with two is hypertension, most people have high It makes the gum feel swollen, becomes won’t know until three years later.” their officer, entourage and they want to be BP but don’t know until the extreme stage. loose and it bleeds when an individual Meanwhile, Adeyanju recommended private and in our office they really don’t Adeyanju harped on the grave consequences brushes. Then you notice that your teeth everyone visits the dentist twice yearly. like the idea. In their thirst for something of gum disease. “Number three is gum disease. begin to feel wider or scattered. All these “We encourage Nigerians whenever you more exclusive we are giving them this Gum disease is when your gums are infected things don’t affect your life; you still jump drink or eat something sweet and feel special wing for absolute privacy, exclusive- but the danger is that it doesn’t shout, it doesn’t around, drive your car, enter your bus, sensitive, see your dentist for a checkup. ness and want to enjoy the best of trying say I have pain, it doesn’t give headache or eat your food. You should see a dentist at least once a to save foreign currency so they can come ache the tummy. But gum disease has some “By the time you know you have a year. Ideally, it’s twice a year but worst to DDH Deluxe. So it’s like we have a big dangerous complications. It causes bad breath problem is when you occasionally drink case scenario once in a year. You check lounge where you can come in and enjoy your which most people have and they won’t know. something and you feel sharp pain, then your teeth, your gums, your soft tissue, privacy while you get your treatment done.” It also causes bleeding gum which most people you run to the chemist like a typical your palate and your tongue then the 38 THISDAY ˾ ˜26, 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE At N513m, Securities Lending on NGX Hits Historical Record The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) According to NGX data, to make quick gains, or a Limited has disclosed that the volume of units as at long-term investor holding value of Securities Lending 2019 stood at 61,435 valued at stocks, securities lending market increased to N513mil- N344,555. In 2020, the market provides strong potential lion as at 20 August 2021. grew to 7.38 million units to deliver benefits to all According to NGX’s most valued at N95.2 million; and market players through recent report, there has been as at 20 August 2021, it stands capital gains and low-risk an uptick in stakeholders’ at 6.8 million units valued incremental income. It also participation as 2.3 million at N513.1 million. plays an important role units of MTN Nigeria valued The report also gave the in the capital market by at N395.6 million was bor- breakdown of the companies providing liquidity, which rowed. that pledged the shares as in turn reduces the cost of Securities lending is the Zenith Bank Plc with 77.33 trading and promotes price market practice of transfer- million shares, MTNN with discovery.” ring shares for a fee from a 8.89 million shares, Dangote The Nigerian Exchange, holder (the lender) to another Sugar with 43 million shares, in a bid to widen the pool party (the borrower), with the GTCO with 31.09 million of securities available for borrower agreeing to return shares and UBA pledging lending and increase par- the securities to the lender about 45 million shares. ticipation, issued guidelines, either on demand or at the The Head, Trading Business which became effective on end of the agreed loan term. Division at the NGX, Jude 7 January 2019. It essentially means that Chiemeka had during an The guidelines were pre- the owner of a share can interactive session recently pared to adequately address temporarily loan out his said that securities lending stakeholders’ expectations in MARKET INDICATORS shares to someone else and presented significant benefits securities lending transactions earn an income that they to investors in a bull or bear and to provide proper educa- MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) ordinarily would not have market. tion on the procedures and enjoyed if the shares were He said: “Whether you are controls involved in securities JANUARY 2021 left sitting in their portfolio. a speculative investor looking lending. Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55

CBN Approval Delays GTCO, Stanbic Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69

IBTC H1 2021 Audited Results -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19

Darasimi Adebisi that: “The CBN is still in by the fact that we are cur- ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 the process of reviewing rently seeking the approval Guaranty Trust Holdings the AFS and same would of our primary regulator, ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 Company (GTCO) Plc has be published upon receipt the CBN for the half-year Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 joined Stanbic IBTC Holdings of approval.” audited financial statements, Plc and United Bank for On his part, the Company following which the said Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 Africa (UBA) Plc to explain Secretary, Stanbic IBTC Hold- financial statements will then -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 the delay in the release of ings, Mr Chidi Okezie in a be released to the market. half year (H1) audited result notice informed Nigerian “We are working diligently ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 for the period ended June Exchange Limited (NGX) to ensure that our company’s ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 30, 2021. and its stakeholders said half year results are submitted The Company Secretary/ the company was currently to the NGX as soon we receive ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 General Counsel, GTCO, Erhi seeking approval from the approval from our primary Obebeduo in a statement CBN to ensure the release of Regulator, the CBN; and this ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 yesterday said the Holdings its audited half year results may occur before or shortly --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 company has taken steps ended June 30. after the regulatory due date to finalise the audited H1 The notice read: “This is of August 29, ”it explained. Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 financial statement (AFS) to inform NGX Regulation UBA had last week hinted for the period ended June Ltd. as well as our esteemed investing public and manage- --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 30, 2021 with the external stakeholders that we are ment of the NGX that bank’s --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ auditors and some submit- experiencing a slight delay board at a meeting last week --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 ted to the Central Bank of in the release of the 2021 considered and approved the Nigeria (CBN) for approval half year audited financial 2021 audited H1 2021 and pay- before release of some to the statements for Stanbic IBTC ment of an interim dividend, Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) market. Holdings Plc. subject to the approval of Month March 2018 He stated in a statement “This delay is occasioned the CBN. Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) World Remit Raises $292m, Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 Rebrands to Zepz Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Digital Money Transfer firm, strengthen its technology progress with the integration 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 World Remit, now Zeps platform. of the different businesses has has announced that it It stated further that it and are retaining both the 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 raised $292 million in new foresees a significant growth Sendwave and WorldRemit 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 primary Series financing, opportunities in existing brands. In that context we thus achieved a valuation markets, thus driving are proud to announce the 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 of $5 billion. engagement and deeper rebranding of our holding The company in a state- market penetration, as Company to Zepz. Prime Lending rate 17.35 ment said the round includes well as expanding into “The additional funds Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 new equity investors Farallon new markets. raised enable us to acceler- Capital among others, as well It said the opportunity ate investment to prosecute as backing from existing had enabled it to further our very sizeable growth ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ investors Leapfrog, TCV extend its platform to offer opportunity whilst further and Accel. additional value-added strengthening our high- OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ͰͳͰͮͰͯ The funding round, it services to its users. quality investor base and added, will stir more growth Speaking on the fund, our mission to provide fair, The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $69.71 a barrel on Tuesday, in Nigeria’s technology Chief Executive Officer fast, flexible payments for compared with $67.33 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. market which already is of Zeps, Breon Corco- our customers”. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan projected to create three ran said, “ The raise is In 2020, Zepz brands Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light million jobs in the economy. another important step enabled over 4.5m monthly (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), The organisation in the in the execution of our transactions on its platform generating almost $10bn of Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and statement informed that strategy. Following the Merey (Venezuela). the fund would enable its acquisition of Sendwave, Gross Send Volumes and invests in customers and we have made significant $338m of revenues. THISDAY ˾ ˜Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39

   Stock Market Down on Profit-taking in GTCO, Oando, Zenith Bank Darasimi Adebisi Trust Bank Holding Company trillion from N20.56trillion. Capital Hotels and Eterna Plc Press led the losers’ chart by traded increased by 0.3 per cent (GTCO) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Sectoral performance was recorded the highest price gain 9.76 per cent to close at 37 to 198.332 million shares, worth Transaction at the Nigerian Oando Plc, FBN Holdings Plc broadly negative as the of 10 per cent each to close at kobo, per share. Pharma Deko N1.056 billion, and traded in equities market yesterday closed and 15 others. Insurance (-0.5 basis points), N3.19 and N6.82, while Mori- Plc followed with a decline of 3,336 deals. Transactions in in a negative note with 0.03 per In summary, the Nigerian Consumer Goods (-0.1 basis son Industries followed with 9.52 per cent to close at N1.71, the shares of Sovreign Trust cent declined, reversing the rally Exchange Limited (NGX) All- points), Banking (-0.1 basis a gain 9.74 per cent to close while Mutual Benefits Assur- Insurance topped the activity recorded in the previous trading Share Index (ASI) dropped by points) and Oil and Gas (-0.1 at N1.69, per share. Transcorp ance declined by 8.57 per cent chart with 48.384 million shares session. 10.68 basis points, representing a basis points) indices closed in Hotels went up by 9.30 per to close at 32 kobo, per share. valued at N11.167 million. The market negative decrease of 0.03 per cent, to close the red. The Industrial Goods cent to close at N4.70, while Associated Bus Company Mutual Benefits Assurance performance was driven by at 39,449.82 basis points from index was flat. UACN Property Development shed 7.69 per cent to close at followed with 27.092 million price depreciation in large 39,460.68 basis points it closed Also, investors’ sentiment as Company (UPDC) appreciated 36 kobo, while Unity Bank shares worth N8.707 million, and medium capitalised yesterday. Similarly, the overall measured by market breadth by 9.22 per cent to close at depreciated by 6.67 per cent while Jaiz Bank traded 10.905 stocks, which were: Dangote market capitalisation value lost closed negative, recording 19 N1.54, per share. to close at 56 kobo, per share. million shares valued at N6.790 Sugar Refinery Plc, Guaranty N6 billion to close at N20.554 gainers as against 17 losers. On the other hand, Academy Meanwhile, the total volume million. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 25/08/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 40 THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 • THISDAY 41 MARKET NEWS

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 155.37 156.72 -4.02% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.92% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 321.79 321.79 -16.17% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 108.08 108.08 -3.53% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.78% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.68 2.75 -5.99% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.48% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.53 152.81 -1.91% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.30 3.46 -2.89% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.31 1.05% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.51% [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.77% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 4.86% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.99 141.67 5.25% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.20 1,146.20 5.56% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.26% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.64 20.23 8.30% Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.45 11.49 8.69% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.17 445.20 7.94% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.66% ARM Ethical Fund 38.19 39.34 13.29% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.11% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.34% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.15% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.67 1.69 7.15% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.54 11.53 -5.14% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.92% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 4.02% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.85 105.85 4.07% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.88 114.74 2.76% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,028.16 1,028.16 2.82% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.71 134.29 8.88% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.61% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 10.04% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -8.68% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -7.25% Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.58% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund 16.50 16.80 3.16% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Women’s Investment Fund 136.51 138.09 2.58% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.48% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.95 118.70 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.90% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.30% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.42% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.01 108.01 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.17% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.92 119.92 4.77% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.08 3.95% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.03% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.81% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.54% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.39 1.39 -12.07% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Zenith Equity Fund 12.87 12.98 8.47% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.23 14.36 16.50% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.39% Zenith Income Fund 24.30 24.30 1.33% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.68% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.18% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,152.95 1,169.12 0.08% REITS FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 SFS REIT 125.36 10.94% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Union Homes REIT 51.90 2.86% FBN Bonds Fund 1,405.97 1,405.97 11.21% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Balanced Fund 191.06 192.39 1.80% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Halal Fund 112.04 112.04 8.35% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.36 13.46 1.10% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.38% SIAML Pension ETF 40 121.57 124.61 1.11% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.85 126.85 3.52% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.77 98.89 -2.46% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 155.97 159.28 3.17% MERGROWTH ETF 17.46 17.56 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 18.24 18.34 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.72% Legacy Debt Fund 3.96 3.96 2.43% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.90 3.94 3.31% Legacy Equity Fund 1.59 1.62 4.33% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.55 5.63 -2.49% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.18 1.18 4.30% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.51 17.61 7.89% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.32% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.67 19.87 -4.13% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 156.91 158.91 -28.61% Coral Balanced Fund 3,726.18 3,780.87 -0.49% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Coral Income Fund 3,358.16 3,358.16 2.50% Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.13% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.40 13.11% 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. 42 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Doctors’ Strike Untimely, Says Ehanire

Emma Okonji and Nosa areas like names miss-spelt, He denied not attending numbers in search of better on their part, if they abandon hire doctors from outside of Alekhuogie names omission and double some of the meetings with salary and welfare, said such Nigerians, when their services Nigeria to replace doctors payment. Once all these are doctors, saying that most times movement was unnecessary are most needed in the country. who are leaving the country, The Minister of Health, Dr. addressed, their monies will be he sends his Minister of State and untimely at a critical time He said government would he, however, explained that Osagie Ehanire, yesterday said released. We are at risk when for Health and most times he when Nigerians needed their look into the demands of government had no such the on-going doctor’s strike doctors think of themselves attends himself. services the most. He expressed doctors and treat them plans at the moment. He is untimely and unnecessary alone without looking at the Ehanire, who said the federal worries that the doctors leaving accordingly in order to keep therefore, advised the doctors considering the critical health dangers around sick people government was worried that the country were trained in the doctors in Nigeria. not to doubt the sincerity of challenges posed by COVID-19, who are not been attended Nigerian doctors are leaving Nigeria with tax payers’ money He said although the federal the federal government in which Nigerians and the entire to,” Ehanire said. the country in their large and that it would be unfair government has the right to addressing their demands. world are currently facing. Ehanire, who spoke on ARISE NEWS Night, said some things were critical, which doctors must avoid by calling off the on-going strike. According to him, “There is cholera outbreak and Nigeria is already witnessing the third wave of COVID-19. These and many others are critical factors that doctors need to address by calling off the strike, in order to save lives of people. This is a wrong time for doctors to go on strike.” He explained that the federal government had had several meetings with the striking doctors and that some of their demands were purely administrative and some centred around state governments, and that the federal government would not interfere in state matters. “Their demands that concern the federal government are already been addressed. The federal government has not said it will not pay doctors’ salaries and allowances. What CAPACITY BUILDING… government is doing is to L-R: Board Member, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Mrs. Patience Inyamah; Board Chairman, Senator Oladipo Olujirin; Director General, Dr. Gambo clean up some minor grey Aliu, and Board Member, Mrs. Manuela Izunwa, during the capacity development, governance and strategic programme for the board members in Abuja…yesterday Cholera Kills Eight, Falana Wants Govt Officials Banned from Infects 129 in Kogi Seeking Healthcare Abroad Wale Igbintade state governments spend billions pave way for the suspension all forms of hostilities pending Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja between February and August of naira to train medical personnel of all forms of hostilities in the the hearing and determination 2021, with eight deaths from Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi and other health professionals health sector. of motion on notice. No fewer than eight persons three communities from three Falana (SAN), has advocated the but allow them to leave the On the suit filed by the federal According to the statement, “In have been reportedly dead, while of the five LGAs. need to ban medical tourism country to serve in other countries government before the National view of the intervention of the 129 others were seriously infected “It has become very important for top government officials, where conditions of service are Industrial Court (NIC), which National Industrial Court in the in several communities following for us as a ministry to brief the “since the federal government qualitatively better than what is seeks to restrain the doctors from dispute, the federal government the outbreak of cholera disease press on the outbreak of diarrhea has continued to toy with the obtained in Nigeria. continuing with the strike, Falana should meet the demands of the in five local government areas and vomiting suspected to be health of the people.” Falana also urged the federal noted that the court did not grant resident doctors without any of Kogi State. cholera in some LGAs of the In a statement issued by the government to meet the demands the order of interim injunction further delay, to pave way for The Kogi State Government, state in recent time. Lagos-based lawyer yesterday, of the resident doctors without sought by the government but the suspension of all forms of through its Ministry of Health, ‘’So far local governments he lamented that the federal and any further delay in order to directed both sides to suspend hostilities in the health sector. “ yesterday confirmed the outbreak namely, Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, of diarrhea and vomiting Ankpa and Kabba Bunu have suspected to be cholera. been affected between February This was contained in a and August, 2021. Unlawful Arrest: EFCC Loses Appeal to Businessman statement made available to ‘’Seven communities were Alex Enumah in Abuja the sum of N50 million over Justice Inyang Ekwo of a apology to the applicant and to be journalists in Lokoja, by the affected in the aforementioned its unlawful detention of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had published in two national dailies State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Austin LGAs with 129 cases. The Abuja Division of the Court businessman, Mr. Babatunde on March 1, 2021, slammed a sum over the illegal arrest and detention Ojotule, on behalf of the Kogi ‘’However, we were able to of Appeal yesterday dismissed Morakinyo. of N50 million on the EFCC of the businessman. State Commissioner for Health, confirm cholera in three of the an appeal by the Economic and A three-member panel in a after finding it liable for abuse Dissatisfied, the commission Dr. Saka Haruna Audu. communities in Kogi, Lokoja Financial Crimes Commission unanimous decision held that the of power and infringing on the approached the appellate court Ojotule explained that seven and Ankpa LGAs with 66 (EFCC) against the judgment abuse of statutory power by the right of Morakinyo. praying it to set aside the judgment communities were seriously persons affected and 8 deaths of a Federal High Court, which anti-graft agency is oppressive, The trial court also ordered the of the trial court on the grounds affected in Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, (CFR=12.12%). These are border hammered the anti-graft agency repressive and condemnable. anti-graft agency to tender a public of alleged miscarriage of justice. Ankpa and Kabba Bunu Local communities with hard to reach Govermnet Areas (LGAs) terrains. Three Killed as Robbers Attack Bullion Van in Ondo James Sowole in Akure robbers, had on August 18, the escort van while on motion. Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Appeal Court Adjourns Ruling attacked another bullion van at It was gathered that the van for the Ondo State Command, Three persons, including a mobile Emure Junction, near Owo and was conveying undisclosed Mrs. Funmi Odunlami, confirmed on Ozigbo, Uba Case policeman and one civilian, were injured many persons including amount of money to a company the incident. yesterday shot dead by robber, a policeman. located at Araromi Obu, when Odunlami said: “ Yes, some Nseobong Okon-Ekong Uba instituted the suit, Justice who attacked a bullion van at The incident, according to the robbers that laid ambush for armed robbers indeed attacked O. A. Nwabunike granted an Ofosu town on the Benin-Ore- a source, occurred at Costain the team struck. a bullion van at a village very The Court of Appeal Enugu ex parte injunction restraining Ijebu Ode Expressway in Odigbo area, few kilometers from Ore As at the time of filling this close to Ore. The bullion van Division, yesterday adjourned INEC from carrying out their Local Government area of Ondo Headquarters of Odigbo Local report, it was not known whether was coming from Benin in Edo its ruling on the appeal brought constitutional duty and also State. Government. the robbers were successful in State, heading to Michelin Robber before it by Mr. Valentine Ozigbo abridged the time within which The incident, was the second The source, said the robbers carting away money in the van. Company, at Araromi Obu when and the Peoples Democratic Party the Defendants are legally obliged within two weeks, as dare devil opened fire on the bullion van and When contacted, the Police the incident happened. against Senator Ugochukwu Uba to file their defence from 42 days & two others. to only three days in violation Senator Uba, who had on of Order 16 Rule 1(2) of the Sanwo-Olu Emerges Political Brand Icon of the Year July 5, emerged as Anambra Anambra State High Court Critical stakeholders will converge Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso among others. Lagos State, to the admiration of all governorship candidate of the (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019. on Lagos tomorrow, Friday, said in a statement that Governor According to him, communi- stakeholders and the applause of PDP in a parallel primary, Despite the apparent hardship August 27, 2021, to mark the 18th Sanwo-Olu, would receive the cating Governor Sanwo-Olu’s even the international community.” instituted a suit against the PDP, created by this strange ex parte anniversary of the Marketing Edge award conferred by the Board emergence as Political Brand “Marketing Edge” maintained its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo order, the judge, on the day Brands and Advertising Awards of of “Marketing Edge,” Nigeria’s Icon of the Year, the Board of that Sanwo-Olu had remained and the Independent National of the hearing, being July 16, Excellence and celebrate Governor leading brand and marketing “Marketing Edge” said: “It is focused, determined and daring in Electoral Commission (INEC), denied the defendants time to Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s publication, in recognition of his obvious to the Board that the his promise to move Lagos beyond wherein he challenged Ozigbo’s respond to the processes served emergence as Political Brand sterling performance in tackling urban renewal train of your the common standard of excellence candidature for the November on them and proceeded with Icon of the Year. the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos administration is already moving at through his administration’s six- 6, 2021 governorship election. the hearing of the plaintiff’s case The Honourable Commi- as well as his laudable strides in top speed towards the Smart City pillar development plan, which is Barely 24 hours after Senator and delivering judgement. ssioner for Information and health, education and infrastructure destination, which it envisions for driving its projects and policies. THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY 43 NEWS XTRA Gunmen Kidnap Nasarawa Electoral Commission’s Scribe Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia led a detachment of police Mobile Force, Counter Moreover, the Deputy (SCID) was directed to move of those responsible for the personnel comprising Terrorism Unit and other Commissioner of Police in to the scene and conduct a commission of the despicable Gunmen in the late hours of personnel of the Anti tactical units of the command charge of the State Criminal comprehensive investigation act, rescue the victim and of Tuesday kidnapped the Kidnapping Unit, Police to the scene.” Investigation Department in order to unveil the faces arrest the perpetrators. Secretary of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Opu, at his residence in Bakin Rijiya village, an outskirt of Lafia, the Nasarawa State’s capital. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nasarawa State Police Command, ASP. Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the kidnap yesterday in a statement that was made available to journalists in Lafia. Nansel added that the secretary of the NASIEC was kidnapped in his residence at Bakin Rijiya village, along Lafia-Shendam Road. The statement read: “On 24/8/2021, at about 23.45 hrs, unknown gunmen numbering about five abducted one Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Opu, the secretary of the NASIEC in his residence located at Bakin Rijiya village, along Lafia-Shendam Road, Nasarawa State. QUEST OIL ROUND TABLE… “On receipt of the complaints, the L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Quest Oil and Engineering Services Limited, Mr. Dele Taiwo; Corporate Communications and Branding Manager, Mr. Gerald Moore; Technical Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. to the CEO, Mrs. Bethel Esamah-Aina; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Goke Dele; General Manager, Business Operations, Dr. Ochuwa George; and Head, Trading and Supply, Mr. Adesina Soyemi, immediately Olanrewaju Ogundele, at the Quest Oil and Engineering Services Limited media roundtable in Lagos…yesterday. ETOP UKUTT ‘Those Calling for Buni’s Anambra Poll: Collect Politicians’ Money, Vote Removal, Ignorant of the Law’ Your Conscience, Ezeife Tells Youth Emma Okonji and Nosa issue so many times, and A former Governor of Anambra Ezeife, while acknowledging the forthcoming governorship are all of no use. The moment Alekhuogie have maintained there is no State, Chief Chukwuemeka that desperate politicians would election in Anambra State. you vote according to your contravention of section 183 Ezeife, has advised youth go to any length to assume “Take money from all the conscience, they all expire,” Following the on-going crisis of the party’s constitution. to vote according to their power, assured the youth that politicians who are giving you he said. rocking the All Progressives Buni said: “Most people who conscience and not continue no harm could come upon money if they tell you to jump He commended those who Congress (APC), where some are on the other side of the table to mortgage their future by anyone, who voted in line over a coffin as an oath, jump cancelled the sit-at-home order, members of the party are who are saying his leadership allowing monetary and other with his conscience, irrespective that thing, the only thing that noting that it was a right unhappy about the extended and is illegal are ignorant of the materialism influence their of whatever shrine they were affects you is your conscience. step,because it made no sense continuous stay of the leadership law by not going into the nitty choice of candidate in the taken for oath. If you vote according to your for the Igbo to join outsiders of its caretaker committee, -gritty of how he emerged and forthcoming governorship He spoke Tuesday evening conscience, the money you are to inflict more burden on an headed by the Governor of he is operating business. election in Anambra State. in Abuja, at a youth summit on given, the oath you have taken already marginalised zone. Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, They need to sit down with have called for his removal, a lawyers who are not biased to former member, Bauchi House of actually explain to them how FG: Nigeria Can Earn from its Brian Drain Assembly, Ibrahim Bala Hassan, Governor Buni is still the acting Kuni Tyessi technology education and its more medical institutions and new institutions. You can see has said that those calling for his caretaker committee chairman in Abuja implementation guidelines. improved access to medical that there are specialised medical removal are ignorant of the law. of the party because this is not Echonu said the issue of brain services. institutions being established. Hassan, who spoke yesterday a paid job, he was asked to The federal government has drain, which is being looked at Echonu said: “It’s a holistic “Government is also on the Morning Show of ARISE come and do it. said that Nigeria would make holistically by the government problem and something that expanding access because if NEWS Channel, the broadcast “I know there are a lot of huge profits from the migration would be resolved soon. we have to address, not only you look at JAMB records arm of THISDAY Newspapers, diverse legal opinions about of Nigerian medical doctors to He, however, said that the as a government, but also as medicine is one with the highest explained that there was nothing this, I am not a lawyer but foreign land. current migration of the medical a people. The medical field applicants where you have over wrong in appointing a care I know he is doing his best The Permanent Secretary of the doctors was poorly timed; adding is one of the areas where we subscriptions of over ten to one. taker committee headed by and his team is working to Ministry of Education, Mr. Sonny that the federal government is have deficit and that is being But the reality is that it takes the governor of a state. ensure that there is a transition Echonu, stated this yesterday making efforts to tackle the issue addressed by the government a lot of investment to train a According to him, the from the caretaker commuter to during a one-day workshop on is through the establishment of through the establishment of doctor as in other fields.” legal team had trashed this elected executives of the party.” national policy in science and 2023: Group Wants Presidency Zoned to North Central Fayemi Promises Completion of Laleye Dipo in Minna equity fairness and unity of Mr. Abdullahi Jibrin Muregi, the successor of President the country. declared that “we appreciate Muhammadu Buhari come 2023 Ado-Ifaki Dual Carriage Way The North Central Network The group claimed that the fact that our demand is “We believe that our demand Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti major highway. for Better Nigeria (NCNBN), its request was based on the coming at a time that leaders is not out of place having The Udiroko festival 2021 was yesterday asked all the fact that the north central geo of other zones are scheming painstakingly worked for other The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. held in a low-key manner in line registered political parties political zone of the country to produce the president come zones in the past to produce Kayode Fayemi, has said with COVID-19 regulations and in the country to pick their has not produced the president 2023, but we appeal to their the presidency or to emerge as his government would soon was attended by guests including presidential candidates for the of Nigeria since the country collective consciousness for the Vice President of Nigeria make moves to ensure speedy the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar 2023 presidential election from returned to civil rule in 1999. equity, justice and fairness to through the large block of completion of Ado-Ifaki dual Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, any of the states in the north Addressing a press conference drop their ambition and rally votes we always deliver to carriage way to shore up Prof. Muhammad Abdulazeez. central geo political zone of in Minna, Niger State, the round the North Central Zone the winning political party in infrastructural development The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba the country in the spirit of Director General of the NCNBN, in its justifiable bid to produce all elections since 1999. of the capital city. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, used The governor, who spoke the occasion to pray for peace, yesterday, during the celebration prosperity and development of SON Arrests Dealers of Adulterated Engine Oil in Sokoto of this year’s Udiroko Festival, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria Onuminya Innocent in The team swooped on the Coordinator of SON, Mr. “Last time we got a hint that said the new Ado-Iyin dual and an end to the COVID-19 Sokoto location and arrested a primary Jubrin Mohammed, who someone is selling adulterated carriageway is one of the legacy pandemic. suspect who was found at the was represented by the SIM Total engine oil, we swung projects of his administration to Fayemi, who congratulated A team of the Surveillance premises with various litres of Team Leader, Mr. Murtala into action and arrested the indigenes and residents of the city. all Ado Ekiti indigenes at home Investigation and Monitoring adulterated engine oil. Muhammad Yusuf, described suspect,” he stated. Fayemi, represented by the and abroad on the occasion of (SIM) unit of the Standard The suspect, who refused the discovery as shocking wake According to him the SON Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi festival, hailed Oba Adejugbe Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to give his name, said that up call for Nigerians to provide would not relent in the ongoing Egbeyemi, also disclosed that for being at the forefront of the yesterday uncovered lubricant he is a manager of Na’ada, intelligence information fight against unscrupulous work would soon commence development of the kingdom adulterating syndicate at mini a dealer of engine oil. for the organisation for the elements that persisted in on the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road and working for the peace of mart along Gidan Mada area Speaking to newsmen at apprehension of those dealing defrauding Nigerians through to give respite to users of the the state. of Sokoto State. the scene, the Sokoto State with substandard products. their dubious acts. 44 THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS XTRA FRC, FRSC Disagree over Alleged Unremitted N5.1bn to Federation Account Udora Orizu in Abuja by the Road Safety. to forestall unnecessary agency is spending N3 billion of N152 million on postages adding that it was uncalled for. He warns that the borrowing. above its income; we saw between 2019 and 2020 . Responding, Oyeyemi The Fiscal Responsibility lawmakers will expunge Faleke said, “the biggest where they spend money not Soli further requested noted that there had been no Commission (FRC) and unnecessary budgetary problem confronting the budgeted for.” Also a member for explanation on the N70 budgetary provision for the Federal Road Safety Corps provision in order to shore country was revenue of the committee, Hon. Sada million budgetary provision production of number plates (FRSC) yesterday disagreed up revenue for the country generation. We saw where Soli queried FRSC spending for acquisition of software, since inception of the scheme. over allegation that the latter is yet to remit N5.1 billion into the Federation Account from 2016 to 2019. FRC made the allegation in Abuja at the ongoing public hearing on 2022 to 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance. The official of the commission had said that there was no evidence that the FRSC remitted the money, adding that the non-remittance was gotten from audited financial report Countering the allegation, Road Safety’s Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that he was prepared to give evidence of the remittances, while urging the committee to give FRSC the requisite time to reconcile with the FRC. The Chairman of the REWARDING HARDWORK… Committee, Hon. James Faleke, L-R : General Manager, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Mr. Thiru Rajaseker; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi; an awardee of the Engineering Department, questioned the unnecessary Mr. Sadiq Babatunde Raheem; and the General Manager, Human Resources/Admin, Mr. Hassan Salisu, during the second edition of the Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc expenditure embarked upon Employee Motivation and Recognition Award for Excellence held in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN Eight Killed as Suspected Ondo Records 1,106 Cases of Tuberculosis in 2021 James Sowole in Akure 18 local government areas of Giving the breakdown of the June 2021. the state. cases, he explained that from “So far, from January to June Herdsmen Attack Benue The National Tuberculosis, Aina, who spoke in Akure, January to March, 635 cases 2021, we have had 1,106 cases Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy the state capital, said as the were recorded, while from of tuberculosis detected, notified Community Control Programme has country was battling with April to June, a total of 471 and placed on treatment across revealed that the Ondo State the spread of the COVID-19 cases were recorded. the 18 local government areas George Okoh in Makurdi him since then.” has detected a total of 1,106 pandemic, the fight against He said: “From the report at of the state.” Confirming the incident, cases of tuberculosis disease tuberculosis was also ongoing. our national headquarters, a He said despite attention Suspected herdsmen last the Chairman of Guma LGA, between January and June 2021. He said the agency had total of 635 cases of tuberculosis being given to COVID-19, Tuesday night attacked Caleb Aba, explained that the The cases, according to been embarking on series of was detected and notified in the agency has not stopped Yelwata village in Guma Local herders invaded the community the state Coordinator of the campaign across the country, Ondo State in the 18 local its sensitisation, especially at Government Area of Benue on Yelwata market day. programme, Dr. Oluwafem adding that cases were reported government areas in quarter the grassroots level, in a bid to State, killing eight persons. He added that the people Aina, were recorded across the on quarterly basis. two of 2021-that is April to eradicate the disease in the state. According to a local source, were still in the market when the herdsmen had attacked the herders opened fire and the busy community market killed eight people as well as EFCC: Court Convicts 27 Fraudsters, Three Others in Rivers shooting sporadically on anyone injured two others. Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Economic and Financial Crimes Paul; Akinayomide James; Adejube one of them reads: “That you in sight. The council chairman said the Commission, EFCC. The convicted Isaac Oluwadunsin; Isaac Phillip; Adebuje Isaac Oluwadunsin on He revealed that eight people attack was unprovoked, adding: A Federal High Court sitting internet fraudsters were arraigned Ibrahim Olalekan Olagoke and the 5th day of August, 2021 at were killed and several others “Our people had no problems in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, separately on one count charge Paul Obinna Thomas. Ondo State within the jurisdiction wounded, disclosing that one with the herders before they yesterday convicted 27 fraudsters bordering on impersonation and Others are: Damilola Michael; of this Honourable Court did other person was kidnapped. carried out the attack. and three others for perversion obtaining by false pretences. They Umoru Mosuru; Dotun Ogunboye fraudulently impersonate the According to the source, “Yesterday was Yelwata of justice. are: Okei Morrison Onome; Ejiro Olaleye, Adekunle Joshua, Elliot identity of one Michelle Orton a “It was around 7 p.m. last market day, and the people The trial Judge, Justice A.T. Nwaju; Oki Alex Efe; Omoghene Igunbor, Ezomo Junior, David (white woman) and citizens of the Tuesday when the herdsmen were still in the market Mohammed, convicted and Gift; Collins Odinaka; Onyue Oluwatobi, Ereoman Emmanuel, United States of America in your came straight to the market, around 6p.m. when the sentenced to jail the accused Martins Ifeanyi; Azubuike Oyetunde Victor Temitope, Samsung S8 and email address where they started shooting herdsmen came and started persons as was filed by the Christian; Achiever Effiong; Nurudeen Abiodun Imole and [email protected] to and killing people. Some of shooting sporadically. In the Benin Zonal Command of the Adeniyi Michael Femi; Eze John Adeboye Victor. The charge against gain advantage for yourself. our people escaped but eight end, eight people were killed, people were killed. two injured, and one person “One person was taken away who was abducted is yet to Gombe Gov Explains Relative Peace, Security in Gombe and we have not heard from be released till now.” Deji Elumoye in Abuja with the Chief of Staff to the We are in the midst of the social differences that normally President, Professor Ibrahim Northeast and we are aware of cause friction among the Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gambari, at the State House, the challenges in the frontline people and we have gotten Flood Alert: Lagos Assures Gombe State has explained Abuja, Governor Yahaya States of Borno, Yobe and the understanding of our the relative peace and security said the people saw reason Adamawa are facing so we’ve people and with the support Residents of Preparedness reigning in the state saying on the need to reject ethnic tried as much as possible in of the security agencies, we Segun James cleaning and clearing to contain it was a deliberate effort by and religious bigotry for the order to live in peace and have been able to relate well run offs. both people and government sake of the peace of the state. harmony. and manage security in Gombe Following the flash flood He explained that the same to sustain it. His words: “We thank God “This is despite our State. We are happy and by alert issued by the Nigeria level of preparedness is what Speaking yesterday with for helping us as far as the differences, religious difference, the grace of God we shall try Metrological Services (NIMET), the state has in store for the newsmen after meeting issue of security is concerned. social difference and other to sustain that going forward”. the Lagos State Government has advisory by the management assured residents of the state of Ogun Osun River Basin that irrespective of the advisory, Authority on the release of 2022: Osun Teachers Endorse Oyetola for Second Term adequate measures are in place water from the Oyan Dam in Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo the governor to his ‘rare passion executive members of the executive members of the NUT to contain any eventuality. September. and love for education, welfare NUT are an amalgam of the in the state held at the Staff Addressing journalists According to Bello, “A Members of the Nigeria Union and well-being of teachers in leaderships of teachers at the Development Centre, Osogbo. at Alausa on the state of practical demonstration of of Teachers (NUT), Osun State particular, and socioeconomic primary and secondary levels, Speaking on behalf of the preparedness for heavy rainfalls, our preparedness was the over chapter, yesterday passed a development of the state in the two arms which represent teachers in the state, the state which will resume in September 10 hours rainfall experienced vote of confidence on the state general’. the foundation of education in Chairman of NUT, Adekomi on the release of water from in Lagos on July 19, which Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, This is even as the governor the state. Kabir Adekunle, said their the Oyan Dam, the state resulted in flooding that “for prioritising workers’ welfare reaffirmed his administration’s The ecstatic teachers wore solidarity and endorsement Commissioner for Environment submerged some houses and and well-being, particularly the commitment to making caps with the inscription: ‘NUT of the governor for second and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, vehicles especially in Marina teachers in the state.” education the bedrock of the for Oyetola’, and pledged their term were informed by the said the capacity of primary but which had disappeared The over 11,000 teachers in the socioeconomic development support to the governor and numerous support and honour and secondary drains have been the next morning, which was state workforce attributed their of the state. his administration during the the administration has accorded enhanced through consistent some eight to 10 hours after.” solidarity and endorsement of The governor said the inauguration of the newly-elected the union. THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY 45 NEWS XTRA Retired Matron Jailed 10 years for Buying Six-year-old Boy in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo is that one Ubong Charles sum of N50,000, and Akpan Akwa Ibom State to Owerri, care and upbringing by their While sentencing Akpan to Ekwere had on May 12, 2018, in turn, sold the victim to Kate Imo State. parents.” 10 years imprisonment without A 47-year-old woman in Akwa abducted the six-year-old boy Ojukwu Ogbonna in Owerri “It is sadistic that Akpan, a According to Justice Okon, an option of fine, the court held Ibom State has been sentenced in the lawful custody of his at the sum of N200,000. mother of children, indulged “The evil trade must be that “buying and selling of to 10 years imprisonment for grandmother and sold him Justice Okon found Akpan in sales of children of others, deprecated, forestalled and children is against social and buying a six-year-old boy in to the convict, Gertrude “guilty of unlawful removal and thereby depriving the innocent checkmated by every right- moral values of the people of Uyo, the state capital. Thompson Akpan, at the transfer of the child victim from children of the natural love, thinking member of the society.” Akwa Ibom State.” The convict, Gertrude Thompson Akpan, was said to have transferred the boy after buying him, to Owerri in Imo State where she sold him to one Kate Ojukwu Ogbonna, a native of Bende in Abia State for N200,000. Justice Okon Okon of an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo sentenced Gertrude Akpan, a mother of three children from Ikot Eyo village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state, without an option of fine yesterday. The convict, who retired in 2015 as a Matron at the Immanuel Hospital in Eket, confessed that she had been in the business of selling and buying children since 2008. Justice Okon in his judgment, said: “apart from the confession of the convict, the evidence of the prosecution witness that she assisted the police in the recovery of the child victim from the buyer in Owerri, BOOSTING ELECTRICITY… remained unchallenged and L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo; Executive Director, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Mrs. Ijeoma Ozulumba; and Chief therefore accepted.” The court further held that Operating Officer, DBN, Bonaventure Okhaimo, at the Rural Electrification Scheme/DBN Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony to increase access to finance the evidence of the prosecution for the development of mini-grids in Nigeria held in Abuja...recently Three Suspected Kidnappers Rivers Varsity Suspends Lecturer over Sex-for-grade Scandal Blessing Ibunge in Port grade from one of his female that Abiye directed the semester of 2020/2021 be Arrested in FCT Harcourt students. female student to meet him re-graded through conference Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Force Criminal Investigation THISDAY gathered that at the King James Hotels marking to be supervised by Department (FCID) in FCT The Management of Ignatius Abiye was recorded by a female towards Eagle Cement area the Dean of Education. The Local security outfit and a Area 10. Ajuru University of Education student who he allegedly of Rumuolumeni, where she In an action statement by patrol team of Abuja Municipal Chinda said the community (IAUE), Rivers State has promised to help to pass his was to be explored sexually the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Area Council (AMAC) had been experiencing incessant suspended one Dr. Samuel course and all other courses in exchange for grades. Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, added yesterday apprehended three kidnappings for a very long Abiye, of the Department of taught by other lecturers in Following the development that “all his (Abiye) courses suspected kidnappers in Karshi time. Curriculum Studies, for three their department if she could and exposure, the university and supervisees have been community of the Federal It was learned that security months on half salary on grant him sexual gratification. has directed that all courses reassigned to other lecturers Capital Territory (FCT). operatives in a bid to curb allegation of sexual extortion for It was further gathered taught by Abiye for the 1st in his department. The Marshall General, the string of criminalities AMAC, Mr. Kassim Isyaku and kidnappings confronting Chicha, confirmed the incident Kashi in recent time had set Court Convicts Undergraduate for Lottery Scam in Kwara yesterday. a manhunt for the suspect Hammed Shittuin Ilorin has secured the conviction of anti-graft, to which he pleaded WhatsApp business line and It was gathered that the before they finally succeeded Okon for alleged involvement guilty. fraudulently deceived Kimberly, suspects have been handed by arresting the criminals in A Kwara State High Court in in Facebook lottery scam. The charge read: “That an American, to send $500 over to the Nigeria Police’s the early hours of yesterday. Ilorin yesterday convicted a 300 Udoh, a 300 level student of you, Udoh Sunday Okon worth of Ebay gift card to you level student of the University of the University of Ilorin, allegedly (Christopher Wray), sometime after you made him believe that Ilorin, Mr. Udoh Sunday Okon, defrauded an America national, in March 2021 in Ilorin, within he won $1,000,000.00 Facebook Court Dismisses Certificate over offences bordering on Kimberly, to the tune of $500 the jurisdiction of this court, lottery, and you thereby Facebook lottery scam. via Facebook lottery. did cheat by personation committed an offence contrary Forgery Suit against House The Ilorin Zonal Command The 20-year-old Akwa Ibom when you pretended to be to Section 321 of the Penal Code of the Economic and Financial State indigene was prosecuted one Christopher Wray, a white and punishable under Section Spokesman Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge by the male with +18315088635 as your 324 of the Penal Code.” Udora Orizu in Abuja adding that the legislator fully complied with the law in his Nigeria Accounts for 40% of Global Fistula Cases, Says UNFPA A High Court in Umuahia, change of name. Okon Bassey in Uyo National Council on Women According to Omosehin, by UNFPA while a total of 5,000 Abia State capital, has Speaking to journalists Affairs taking place in Uyo, the main causes of Fistula cases have been successfully dismissed a certificate (name) shortly after the judgement, The United Nations Population the Akwa Ibom State capital. are prolonged labour due to repaired and established forgery suit filed against the the lead counsel to Kalu, K.C Fund (UNFPA) has revealed Omosehin maintained that early marriage by underage economically. spokesman of the House Nwufor (SAN), expressed that Nigeria accounts for 40 though UNFPA has a robust girls, sexual violence, harmful Omosehin enumerated the of Representatives, Hon. happiness over the court percent of Fistula cases in the Fistula project in Nigeria, a lot traditional practice, unskilled challenges faced in reducing Benjamin Kalu by Okey ruling, saying, however, that world. still needed to be done. birth attendance among others. Fistula cases to include poor Ezeala, who alleged name his client’s character has been The Head, UNFPA, Dr. She highlighted the repair Speaking further, the political will, lack of national forgery on his academic defamed, and that they are Omolaso Omosehin, disclosed cases undertaken by UNFPA head of UNFPA said 12, 560 data base, weak health systems certificates. preparing to file an action this yesterday at the 21st to be 3,000 a year in Nigeria. repairs have been supported among others. Ezeala, a chieftain of the All against the claimant and his Progressives Congress (APC) co-detractors to the tune of in the state, filed a case against N5 billion for defamation. Yiaga Africa: We’ll Check Rigging in Anambra Governorship Poll the legislator, claiming that He said: “It is a day for David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Africa’s Watching the Vote election day observation assembled from the sampled there was a name discrepancy justice, and I am happy that (WTV) media roundtable with methodology called the Parallel polling units, a citizen observer in his academic certificates. justice has been done. As you A non-governmental journalists on the forthcoming Vote Tabulation (PVT). group can release projected In the court judgement can see, this was a frivolous organisation (NGO), Yiaga governorship election in the “The PVT is an election estimates and verify the delivered by Justice A.O. and malicious suit aimed at Africa, has said it would deploy state. day observation methodology accuracy of results declared Chijioke yesterday, the Judge defaming the clean reputation Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) He said: “#WatchingTheVote that leverages on statistics and by the election management dismissed the suit against of one of the best legislators to monitor the Anambra State (WTV) is a comprehensive technology to observe the body.” governorship election, to check observation of the electoral process of voting, counting James said using this Kalu, describing it as malicious Abia State has ever sent to rigging. process which includes the and tallying of results. methodology, observer reports and frivolous. the National Assembly. It The Head of Elections observation of the pre-election “We are deploying 500 are sent via text message to a The court said the claimant was aimed at denting his Programme for Yiaga Africa, period environment. observers to 250 polling units central database which enables failed to differentiate or prove reputation as the image- Mr. Paul James, disclosed this “For the election day in the state. Each polling unit WTV to analyse and share his claims of forgery and maker and spokesperson of in Awka, the state capital, observation, Yiaga Africa’s will have two observers on the timely findings on the conduct impersonation against Kalu, the National Assembly.” yesterday during the Yiaga WTV will use an advanced election day. With the results of the election in near real-time. 46 THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: [email protected] THURSDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Premier League's Stance, Rancour over Balogun Delay Eagles’ List Femi Solaja high risks, Rohr is likely to miss Lagos since the nation is on amber Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo, WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS the services of about 10 players list, the same is not with Cape Emmanuel Dennis and William With air of uncertainty on from the topmost league in Verde who is on Red List and Troost-Ekong while Leon Balogun, the availability of key Super Monday or latest by Tuesday for Balogun's condemnation of the Europe and further compounded the players will not be available Semi Ajayi and Joe Aribo are from Eagles players from the English the NFF secretariat to commence NFF's non-payment of some with three additional players for the match. Scottish the league making a total Premiership, Italian Serie A and travel plans was delayed by the outstanding allowances of the in Italy now in doubt for the A top official in the NFF admit- number of 10 players and in Italy, in-house rancour over the invita- EPL stance on players going to players didn't seat well with the qualifiers too. ted that the body is considering the trio of Victor Osimhen, Ola tion of Rangers FC of Scotland Covid high-risk countries to play leadership of the federation. It Super Eagles will host Lone Star alternative arrangements which Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi have defender, Leon Balogun are partly for their respective countries and was further learnt that there of Liberia on 3rd September and could mean foreign-based play- all been listed to miss the match the reasons why Gernot Rohr's last night, Italian Serie A also were moves to drop the defender four days later, the team will travel ers from other leagues and in for similar reason. World Cup 2022 Qualifiers list of joined in the collective effort to from the senior national team but to Cape Verde for the Day-two proportion with those from the “We are weighing the options invited players is yet to be made stamp out the virus meaning head coach Rohr is believed to fixture against the Blue Sharks domestic topflight prosecuting the and it is not out of place if we public by the Nigeria Football Nigerian stars in the league be adamant not to do so. in Praia. game of Match-day two. allow more players in the domestic Federation (NFF). are in doubt to make the trip With EPL insisting no release of But while it is safer for the Affected players from England league with those from outside THISDAY's check revealed that to Eagles camp. players in England for the Qatar players to play in the home match include: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred of the United Kingdom to form the list scheduled for released on It was further learnt that 2022 Qualifiers to countries with at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Frank the bulk of invitees for the two matches. “It’s a complex situation that requires diligent response. It would not be okay to rush the decision of players to be invited considering the magnitude of the competition at hand,” an NFF official observed last night. The situation will leave Nigeria to make do with an under-strength squad against a potentially strong Cape Verde which caused a sensa- tion in the season 2013/2014 and ranked among African top three in FIFA rankings. Cape Verde were almost making it to Brazil 2014, but for annulment of their crucial win against Tunisia on account of fielding ineligible players. They were undefeated in their two AFCON qualifiers with Cameroon, whom they walloped 3-1 in Praia last March. EPL RESULTS Newcastle 3–4 Burnley Newport 0-8 S’hampton W B A 0– 6 Arsenal UCL PLAYOFF Broendby 1– 2 Salzburg Agg 2-4 agg Zagreb 0-0 Sheriff Agg 0-3 Shakhtar 2 - 2 Monaco Agg 3-2 Super Eagles players during a freindly match against Tunisia September last year in Austria D’Tigers Devour Mali Nigeria Eyes First Medal as Adesokan as Afrobasket Gets Competes in Para-Powerlifting Underway in Kigali Nigeria's world Para- Powerlift- acid test for quick recovery from then to match out for action His disposition is to make ing champion, Yakubu Adesokan, the long (almost 20 hours) trip by 11am this morning good the gold medal he lost Nigeria’s D’Tigers started their 4 assists and 8 rebounds had arrived Tokyo on Wednesday from Nigeria and the long and Adesokan however exuded in Rio 2016 when he missed 2021 Afrobasket championship an amazing day on the court night to light up the Team tiring immigration and health confidence as he emerged from his way to the competition on a winning note with a posting a 60.0% accuracy from Nigeria's camp in expectation check processes at the Tokyo the departure lounge, indicating venue and arrived too late for dominant 81-73pts win against the three-point line where he got of early entry on the medals table. International Airport, Narita, his readiness for the task. the contest. a determined Malian team. all his points from 10 attempts. Competition in Para- The win which was the Domingo who was recently Powerlifting at the Tokyo first after its last win against with the San Antonio Spurs Paralympics starts this morning Argentina in the run up to the during the NBA Summer with Adesokan taking the first 2020 Olympics saw a young League added 16pts, 5 assists go in the 48kg category. Nigerian team captained by and 5 rebounds. He is joined by Latifat Tijani, Stephen Domingo bagging Uzodinma Utomi scored gold medallist at the Brazzaville the maximum points. 15pts while TK Edogi was 2015 Africa Games and silver After running to a 28-12pts the highest rebounder for the medallist at the Rio 2016 lead in the first quarter, fatigue team with a total of 12 and Paralympics, who will also be induced turnovers and contributing 5pts offensively in the women's 45kg straight wayward shooting saw the in the game. gold medal contest same day. Malians coming back within Speaking after the game, Adesokan, a London 2012 a touching distance. Brown praised his lads for Paralympic and 2014 World D’Tigers were able to cling holding their heads above the Para-Powerlifting Championships to a 44-43points lead heading waters in the first game against gold medallist is world favourite into halftime. a typical physical African team. for gold in Tokyo, going by his Third quarter saw the Mike He said, “We have to take record 180kg lift. Brown inspired side shooting care of the ball better, we can’t He did not come early with themselves to a 71-53pts lead foul. Teams are going to get the rest of the team on August as they did enough to hold off beat, teams are going to get 14 and 21 due to circumstances the marauding Malians in the upset. What you do is just unforeseen and beyond human fourth quarter to close out the learn from it and hopefully control. game. grow from it.” While his arrival has sent Benjamin Emelogu who Nigeria will face Kenya in jitters on challengers from other helped the team with 18pts, their next game. countries, he however faces an Yakubu Adesokan at the last Games five years ago in Rio, Brazil THURSDAY, ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 47 SPORTS

Kane Knocks off

Harry Kane Man City Move,

Benitez Salutes Iwobi Stays at Spurs Despite having only played it is not a surprise as Benitez is three games so far this season, known for his ability to work HarryHarry Kane has announced he will stay fromfrromom thethhe SpursSpurs fans on SundaySunday and to toto comecomme closeclloose tot an agreement withwith Spurs. Super Eagles midfielder, Alex his way into his players’ heads attTtt Tottenham h thithis summer afterft a move readd some offh the messages off support NewN SpursS headhd coachhN Nuno Iwobi seems to have won the and make them play better. to Manchester City failed to materialise. I've had in the last few weeks. Espirito Santo was delighted by Kane's heart of his new manager, Everton will know their Kane, who has three years left on his Kane, who has been a target for City all announcement as he addressed the media Rafael Benitez with his recent third-round opponents in the Spurs deal, had asked to leave the club summer, came off the bench in Saturday's ahead of today's Europa Conference League performance. draws that will hold today. this summer in search of silverware, 1-0 win at Wolves in the Premier League play-off second leg tie against Pacos de The Everton gaffer has Meanwhile, their next fixture but appears to have softened his stance in his first appearance since returning Ferreira, saying: "Great news. Fantastic heaped praise on Iwobi after the in the Premier League is at the following a long summer of negotiations late for pre-season. news for everybody. Nigerian put up an outstanding Amex Stadium against Brighton. between City and Tottenham chairman The England captain, though, remains "I think since Harry joined us, he's been performance to help Everton Everton secured a hard-earned Daniel Levy. adamant he was always scheduled to working, so this is what we value. His advance to the third round of 2-1 victory over Huddersfield In a post on Twitter, Kane said: "It was come back later than his team-mates attitude in training sessions has been great. the EFL Cup following a 2-1 Town in Tuesday’s Carabao incredible to see the reception from the after Euro 2020. "It's finished, Harry's going to be win against Huddersfield. Cup game, with Alex Iwobi Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some Spurs value Kane at upwards of £120m, with us. He worked today and he's an Iwobi scored the opener in finding the net at the John of the messages of support I've had in but were keen to keep the striker despite option for tomorrow. It's fantastic news the 14th minute, and even after Smith's Stadium. the last few weeks. him believing he had a gentleman's for everybody. Everton were reduced to 10 men, The Premier League side came "I will be staying at Tottenham this agreement with Levy to leave the club "We are all very happy. He's one of he still put up a good show in into the encounter on the back of summer and will be 100% focused on this summer. midfield to help Everton beat a 2-2 draw against Leeds United, the best players in the world so we are the Championship side. while the EFL Championship helping the team achieve success." City made an offer worth £100m for delighted to have one more option to Speaking after the match, side recorded an impressive It was incredible to see the reception Kane at the start of June, but were unable the season ahead of us." Benitez praised Iwobi’s for 2-1 result at Sheffield United. putting in a brilliant shift After a frenzied opening, it despite picking up an injury was Benitez’s men who took in the encounter. the lead through Iwobi in the “I like to see Tom Davies 26th minute. FIFA Urges UK Govt to Exempt Players from Quarantine Rules work so hard with a little The former Arsenal man FIFA president Gianni Infantino On Tuesday, Premier League month. in the world compete in leagues problem in his quadriceps, I nudged in a smart finish past has written to Boris Johnson to clubs reluctantly agreed not to This will affect around 60 players in England and Spain, and we like to see Alex Iwobi limping goalkeeper Lee Nicholls after request that any UK-based players release any players who are set in total from 19 Premier League believe these countries also share but still trying to help the team, being released by Tom Davies. travelling to red-list countries on to play matches in countries that clubs, who were due to travel to the responsibility to preserve and and I like the second goal and Iwobi was in action from start international duty are excused from are on the UK’s coronavirus red 26 red-list countries in total. protect the sporting integrity of the way we finished,” Benitez to finish and would be hoping quarantine. list. Anyone returning from one Despite this decision, FIFA have competitions around the world. said on Everton’s website. to take this new found form World Cup qualifiers are set to of these ‘danger areas’ is currently not given up hope that the UK “On the issue of quarantine Under the tutelage of his new to the Falmer Stadium when be played next week and many required to undertake 10 days of government could offer quarantine restrictions in England, for players Spanish boss this season, Iwobi’s Everton take on Brighton & nations could be missing some quarantine, which would rule them exemptions as they have done returning from red-list countries, gameplay has improved, and Hove Albion on Saturday. of their best players. out of important club fixtures next many times previously. 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What else do we need to show that our national security system is running in reverse gear?” —Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), bemoaning the insecurity in Nigeria, following the NDA attack OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT [email protected] The Vindication of Atuwatse II espite the five-hour time difference country. Richard Niebuhr’s highly revealing and even superstitions. For instance, I have between Boston and Warri, I book, ‘Christ and Culture’, perhaps opens listened to several songs and messages that followed last Saturday’s coronation some window of understanding on this the economic and political problems which of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st crisis. To demonstrate how Christians have plague our nation today can be traced to Olu of Warri. That a blindfolded attempted to deal with the challenge of our hosting FESTAC during which, as the Dmonarch picked that title (from the 20 ceremonial their faith against the background of old tale goes, several countries came to dump swords bearing the names of his predecessors) beliefs and customs, Niebuhr identifies five their Satanic gods on our land. Not only could not have been a coincidence. It is a testament approaches which he listed as: Christ against do I believe there was nothing wrong in to the courage of conviction exemplified by his Culture; The Christ of Culture; Christ above our hosting FESTAC, I see no correlation late father, Ogiame Atuwatse II. I congratulate Culture; Christ and Culture in Paradox and between it and the inability to harness our the Atuwatse III and the entire Itsekiri nation Christ the Transformer of Culture. enormous potentials for the advancement for how this story has ended. Unfortunately, the Pentecostalism that has of our society. At the Aghofen Palace ground in Warri on 30th been embraced in Nigeria today fits into The Olu of Warri already has a Church November 2013, then Prince Tsola Emiko had the paradigm of ‘Christ against Culture’, a within the palace and it is not on record that joined his siblings (Nere, Toju, Ola and Neye) and notion which rejects all the traditional African his people quarrel with that. So, the attempt their mother to publicly seek forgiveness from mores as archaic, backward, and evil. The to change the tradition under which he came anybody their father (then just deceased) might presupposition is that those traditions belong to power is not only wrong but indeed have offended. His elder sister, Princess Nere to some sinister gods that need to be dropped self-serving. Like all positions of authority, Teriba who spoke on behalf of the royal family for us to prosper materially and spiritually. there are sacred rules that bind the leader said on that occasion, “forgive him (Atuwatse II) For that reason, many Nigerian Christians to the community and that explains why if he had offended you. Find it in your hearts just have had to change their names based on the in other climes, Kings have been known to let it go. He blessed everyone. He never kept theology that those names were dedicated to abdicate their thrones whenever there or harboured grudges against anyone. He kept to some ancestral spirits whose yokes must are irreconcilable conflicts between personal us on our knees praying,” said the Princess who be broken for them to be free from poverty, convictions (which sometimes include the pledged support for their uncle who had been disease, and curse. While expressions of faith love of certain women) and the traditional selected to succeed him. “I thank Iwere nation differ from one denomination to another, the order. for honouring my father when he ascended the preponderance of opinion among pastors In the case of Warri, the matter is even throne. Growing up as a young man, the elders is that our traditional heritages (sometimes simple. If the Olu can demonstrate the and chiefs honoured and crowned him, even including priceless artifacts, dating back true essence of the faith he professes and though he was not a conventional king.” to centuries) are hindrances to our faith his subjects see the evidence in his deeds, Many could not understand this act of grace Ogiame Atuwatse III as believers hence we must do away with perhaps he could gradually reform some of from the immediate family of Atuwatse II, them. It is within that context that we can the traditions without the public drama that especially considering that the crown prince of wine, blood, food, water, kola nuts and other situate the spiritual edict which got the Olu almost ended in hubris. The problem I see, had just been denied the throne on account items offered in Iwere land. In conformity with of Warri into trouble. however, is that such public profession of of where his mother hailed from. Besides, the the new covenant, through the blood of Jesus, Now, I must make something clear: I am political Christianity has become the vogue. I Itsekiri people didn’t believe the late monarch did I release the royal bloodline, the chiefs of the also a Pentecostal Christian—even with all my have read of a minister who holds a strategic anything to warrant the forgiveness being sought Iwere kingdom, the Iwere people and land, waters failings and imperfections—and I understand portfolio under the current administration in by his family. In fact, the much-revered Igba of and atmosphere of Iwere kingdom from all ties that one cannot serve the true God and still Abuja and doubles as the General Overseer Warri, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, was almost angry to other spiritual covenants and agreements.” be worshipping idols. But I have problem of a Church he founded. about it. “Obviously, the children are innocent and With the foregoing royal proclamation, the with a faith that is expressed in symbolisms NOTE: Piece concluded on page 14 ignorant of the tradition. From the day he was Olu of Warri, Atuwatse II, recently decreed crowned 28 years ago, Atuwatse II transformed a stop to some ancient customs of the Warri from being just their father to being father of Kingdom after publicly renouncing the the entire Itsekiri nation.” She added that the traditional name ‘Ogiame’. The Olu also UN House Bombing: A Decade After vowed to replace all the rituals and practices Atuwatse II on whose behalf his children were in 2011, Member has today turned what apologizing was a great monarch who merely that do not conform with his new faith in oday marks exactly a decade that the Jesus Christ. But the royal father did not United Nations building in Abuja was started as a support network of friends and stepped on a number of big political toes. family members into an advocacy group that Remarkably, the transition from Atuwatse II to have the last word on the matter as he met a Tattacked by Boko Haram suicide bombers. stiff challenge from a cross-section of Itsekiri On that day, 19 dead bodies were recovered demands improved service delivery and more Ikenwoli went without rancor. But with his death accountability, especially for the poor and last December, there was a consensus among people who called for his dethronement. By with scores of others seriously injured. One the third day of what was almost becoming of them was Member Feese, a young woman marginalised of society. Itsekiri people that this time, Tsola Emiko should For the past seven years, her initiative, ‘Team be the next Olu of Warri. Of course, there were a violent protest, several youths and women from a remarkable family, who has refused to had erected canopies and were cooking in allow the tragedy to define her, despite the Member’—of which I am a board member also a few powerful chiefs who insisted on using alongside Mrs Aisha Oyebode, Mrs Angela a contentious 1979 military edict to rewrite history front of the palace gate. horrible experience and the visible (and other However, following the intervention of invisible) scars she still bears. To mark today Ajala, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs Maryam and the tradition of a Kingdom that began in Uwais and her mother, Mrs Nguyan Feese—has 1480 with Ginuwa who reigned as the first Olu the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel in Abuja, there is a little ceremony at 1 Ebele Uduaghan, himself an Itsekiri man, the Okeke Crescent, Wuye this evening to give been working to establish a prosthetic center of Warri until 1510. At the end, the will of the as a way of supporting amputees to become people prevailed and last Saturday. traditional ruler (who happens to be a limbs to three amputees. staunch member of the Foursquare Gospel Then a post-graduate student of Poverty and functional citizens and live with dignity. More Before I conclude with the substance of this importantly, Member, who works at the CBN, intervention, let me take readers back to my Church), had to annul his own decree for Development at the Institute of Development peace to reign. Now that Uduaghan and other Studies, University of Sussex, Member was at has been unrelenting in the advocacy for other column of 19th September 2013 on the late 19th victims that a normal life is possible, after such Olu of Warri, Atuwatse II. Titled, ‘The Olu of prominent Itsekiri sons have rallied to put the UN Office on 26th August 2011 to collect out the fire that could have had far-reaching data for her dissertation on social protection in tragedies. Warri and His God’, there are embedded lessons Despite having had her leg amputated from that his son, Atuwatse III, may find useful as consequences in their ancestral land, a most Nigeria when the terrorists struck. It is tragic pertinent question remains as to whether that our security challenge has not abated. Nine above the knee (because of the tragic incident), he begins what promises to be a long reign on Member is able to handle her everyday needs the throne of his forebears. indeed the Olu could unilaterally reject years after two suicide bombers successfully the title ‘Ogiame’. This question is worth attacked the Command and Staff College, Jaji, without any qualms or complaints; driving herself ======to work during the week, traveling for official ======interrogating since what the royal father killing 11 people on the spot and injuring dozens, sought to jettison without due process were the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) was on duties and generally doing what needs to be done efficiently, confidently, and competently. “Henceforth, I submit and present the title established values and deep-rooted beliefs Tuesday invaded by gunmen who killed two of his people which have persisted over officers and abducted another who was also She therefore remains an exemplary role model ‘Ogiame’ to God, the creator, who made the for so many. For our society to develop, we sea and rules over all. Therefore, no Olu or generations—traditions over which he was later confirmed dead. But this is an issue for appointed to serve as custodian. another day. need more shining stars like Member, who person may bear the title or name that now would exude the presence of mind and strength belongs to God. I nullify all tokens of libation I find the Warri crisis fascinating because Given a three percent chance of survival it speaks to the tension between Pentecostal upon arrival at the London hospital where of character to convert personal tragedies to poured on the land and seas or sprinkled into opportunities for helping others. the air in Iwere land. I frustrate all sacrifices Christianity and tradition, especially in our she was treated for life-threatening injuries Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. 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