Zenith Bank Gets Recognition for Best Corporate Governance Nume Ekeghe Ethical Boardroom. institutionalisation of corporate testament to our commitment standards which is attributable practices. The bank, in a statement governance as well as setting to quality, accountability, to the joint collaboration of For instance, Zenith Bank Zenith Bank Plc's strong yesterday, said the an industry-wide example of fairness and transparency the management and staff." was voted as Bank of the Year business ethos, ethical values, award, published in best practices in that field. in our engagement with all The award comes on the (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank and impeccable corporate the June 2021 edition of Commenting on the award, stakeholders. heels of others and recognitions of the Year Awards 2020; Best governance have been The Ethical Boardroom Group Managing Director/ "It is also an affirmation of that the bank has garnered in Bank in Nigeria in the Global rewarded with 'Best Corporate magazine, recognised Chief Executive of Zenith Bank the bank’s professionalism, recent times for its track record Finance World’s Best Banks Governance’ Financial Services’ the bank’s adherence to Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, ethical conduct and sustenance of excellent performance and Africa 2021 award by the global best practices and said: “This recognition is a of global best practices and commitment to global best Continued on page 10

Oil Price Upswing Continues, Inches Closer to $75pb... Page 8

Thursday 17 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9565. Price: N250

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NPAN Rejects Media Exclusion from Press Bill’s Public Hearing...Page 42 Lagos, Kano Get Lion’s Share of INEC’s New Polling Units Commission creates 56,872 centres Fixes dates for Ekiti, Osun governorship elections Chuks Okocha in Abuja polling units, Nigeria now has 176,846 polling units. After 25 years and ahead The new polling units were of preparations for the created after over 25 years of 2023 general election, the the creation of the old polling Independent National Electoral units of 119,973. Commission (INEC) yesterday INEC also removed announced the creation of 749 polling units from additional 56,873 polling units, inappropriate facilities, nine with Lagos and Kano States of them from shrines, while topping the distribution list others were from religious with 4,861 and 3,148 centres houses and palaces. respectively. With the creation of the Continued on page 10 No National Law on Grazing Routes, Falana, Basiru Tell Buhari Emma Okonji and Nosa is no national law on open Alekhuogie grazing. Fielding questions on The Human rights lawyer and Morning Show, a programme Senior Advocate of Nigeria on ARISE NEWS Channel, the (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, and broadcast arm of THISDAY the Senate spokesman, Senator Newspapers, the silk said Ajibola Basiru, have opposed contrary to the impression President Muhammadu the president has created, Buhari’s directive to the Nigeria has no national law Attorney-General of the on cattle grazing routes. DISCUSSING MATTER OF STATE... Federation and Minister of He spoke against the Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami backdrop of Buhari’s response L–R: National Security Adviser to the President, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); Attorney-General of the Federation and (SAN), to reclaim land for the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami; and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Mohammed Bello, during the open grazing, saying there Continued on page 10 Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

FEC Approves Resumption of N1tn FCT Land Swap Scheme...Page 5 2 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY, 
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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 FEC Approves Resumption of N1tn FCT Land Swap Scheme Deji Elumoye in Abuja the FCT administration and to bring in “conditionalities that federal highways, namely "So, we identified the need for cumulate to over 70%. If we the private sector that would protect everybody and all these Lagos-Ibadan highway, the various actions to be taken from reduce this, we bring the The federal government is to ensure provision of infrastructure are done based on the experience Abuja-Kano highway, and municipal, local government level numbers down. resume the Federal Capital to develop the districts in the of the administration over the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia highway, have to state and national level.” "So, I think our focus as Development Authority (FCDA) territory. last few years regarding previous the highest cumulative number According to Fashola, the a government is that we've land swap initiative, started by According to him, the private investments done particularly of road accidents. process is on to reduce road agreed that the driver has the administration of former investors will provide the entire using the mass housing model, According to him, in January accidents on federal highways. a role to play, starting from President Goodluck Jonathan. infrastructure within a particular which is really in terms of size 2021, more people died of car He added: “We are looking education and certification for The Federal Executive Council district and then they will be is just a fraction of what we are accidents than COVID-19 and at also putting speed metres more level. So, this is going to (FEC), rising from a meeting compensated with land. talking about. malaria combined. on the highway. There is a be a multidisciplinary activity in Abuja yesterday, approved He said: “They will take a “So, this is the whole essence, He said: “So, we saw that this combination of factors and from the Ministry of Education, the resuscitation of the land certain percentage of the land this is what we intend to start was something that needed to be we are also trying to educate Ministry of lnformation, FRSC, swap programme aimed at developable within that district, rolling out now based on the focused on. We saw that for the drivers. We saw that the biggest state and local governments in ensuring massive infrastructural while the FCT administration conditions approved to the month of January, the number factor for these accidents from terms of how they test and certify development in the Federal will take a certain per cent. effect.” of people who died from road over-speeding, loss of control, drivers. Capital Territory (FCT). “The whole essence is to Also briefing newsmen, crashes exceeded the combined wrongful overtaking, brake “We are hopeful that FRSC FCT Minister, Alhaji encourage the development of Works and Housing Minister, numbers of people who died failure, tyre blowing out points will start something like a Mohammed Bello, told reporters the city according to the master Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said he from malaria and COVID to the role of the driver. random check on the highway after the meeting that the land plan in designated districts and presented a note to the council on together for the same month. “Consistently over the years for people to produce the driver's initiative, worth about N1trillion then, of course, to also to resolve the need to be conscious of the “While COVID and malaria and this data is available. The licence. And that awareness, under the previous dispensation, the issue of compensation and increased number of road traffic were receiving national concerted impact of bad roads and hopefully, will reduce the was designed to remedy the payments and relocation of crashes on federal highways, attention, perhaps it was accidents was less than 2%. As number of uncertified drivers infrastructure deficit in the federal people as the city grows, and saying that the majority of necessary to bring this to the big as that may be, it is less on the road - because they are capital by swapping land with then, of course, to reduce the accidents are not caused by attention of the government as than 2%. These factors I have also a very big source of the private investors who would in overall housing deficit within bad roads. part of our strategy for protecting mentioned; overspeeding, loss problem. So, these essentially turn provide development. the FCT. So, basically, this is the He stated that three major life and property. of control, wrongful overtaking are the highlights." The minister stated that background. FEC approved the resumption “And what we have approved following a memo he presented today is to establish a very solid to the council, adding that some legal system, whereby all the amendments were made to the parties in this transaction are original initiative by establishing protected. And who are the a legal framework to protect all parties, the first party is the parties. investor, the second party is the He said: “Today, at the Federal FCT administration, while the Executive Council meeting, I third parties are the off-takers. presented a memo and an update And in so doing, investors will on the FCT Land Infrastructure create a special purpose vehicle, Swap Initiative at the council. whereby the investors will come And after a lot of deliberations, in and then the quantum of the the Federal Executive Council investment will be determined on approved the FCT Land the basis of which the financial Infrastructure Swap Initiative, institutions will provide financial which is popularly known as guarantees to the administration land swap, which was started through performance bonds. some time ago by the previous “And this performance bond FCT administration. will cover the totality of the “After a review of what has project and will be reduced as transpired over the years, and the project is being delivered. changes made, the Federal And then the land that is going Executive Council approved to be used as swapping for the that we now continue with investment that is going to be the land swap initiative on held in custody by designated the basis of amendments to financial institution, which will the procedures as well as new serve as the custodian. Of safeguards introduced so that course, as milestones are being investors, the FCT, that is the achieved, land will be released to government, as well as off-takers the investors which, obviously, will be protected. So, this is what they will sell and use to pay for NEW ADDITION... we discussed today.” their investment. So, this is the On the key provisions of the whole concept.” L-R: Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor initiative, the minister described He added that the idea of Dapo Abiodun; former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and wife of the first deputy governor, Mrs. Esther Soluade, during the deal as an initiative between reviewing the agreement was the inauguration of the Lantoro-Elite-Idi Aba Road in Abeokuta…yesterday PDP Accuses Buhari of Increasing Poverty Restates call on Senate to reject Onochie’s nomination for INEC job Chuks Okocha in Abuja Democracy Day had said that to the worst form of poverty The party said: “Lawan will violation of the provisions Congress (APC) from Ward 5 his administration had lifted 10.5 and hardship, with collapsed have nobody but himself to of the 1999 Constitution (as Onicha Olona, Aniocha North The Peoples Democratic Party million people out of poverty purchasing power, occasioned by blame for the ridiculing of his amended) and total derision Local Government Area of Delta (PDP) has criticised President in two years. a voodoo economy management tenure in office if he failed to for the sensibility of Nigerians. State, and who is also a public Muhammadu Buhari for the But the PDP, in a statement by that has wrecked our productive return the nomination as “Our party reminds Senator campaigner for the APC and increasing rate of poverty in its National Publicity Secretary, sectors and pummeled our naira demanded by Nigerians.” Lawan that the reasons that President Buhari, cannot, by the country, following a report Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, from the about N167 to a US The PDP also tasked the forced his hands to stand down any stroke of imagination, be by the World Bank. blamed the All Progressives dollar in 2015 to the current Chairman, Senate Committee Onochie’s faulted nomination appointed as an INEC official at The party has also threatened Congress-led administration over N500 per dollar on INEC, Senator Kabiru Gaya, eight months ago have neither any level and under any guise to file a lawsuit against the for the inflation. “It is unfortunate that not to partake in the plot to changed nor abated. The reasons whatsoever. Senate President, Dr. Ahmad It called on the president to Mr. President will choose to confirm Onochie despite the are still sticking and they are “If anything, our party Lawan, if the Senate fails to reject work on the economy “before always bandy fictitious figures outcry against her nomination. not far-fetched assures Senator Lawan that his the nomination of presidential every Nigerian is turned into and false performance claims, The party, in another “In case Lawan needs to desperation to appoint Onochie aide, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, as a street beggar.” when he has, in a space of six statement by Ologbondiyan, be reminded, paragraph 14 of into INEC through the backdoor a national commissioner in the The party added: “It indeed years, destroyed our national charged Gaya to stand down the 3rd schedule of the 1999 is an act of rebelliousness to Independent National Electoral appears that Mr. President productivity and reduced our deliberations concerning Constitution (as amended) 1999 Constitution as well as Commission (INEC). enjoys living in denial while country to a beggarly nation, Onochie before his committee. forbids a person involved in impudence to the sensibilities The World Bank, in a report watching millions of Nigerians a laughing stock and object “Senator Lawan must know partisan politics to hold office of Nigerians, which must never released on Tuesday, had stated go down in abject poverty, of pity among the comity of that Nigerians are now holding as a member of INEC. be allowed to stand,” it added. that inflation pushed about excruciating hunger and nations.” him directly answerable “Relying on the above in PDP directed its members seven million Nigerians below starvation as our country now The PDP also threatened to for gross misconduct and demanding for a litmus of and other democratically- the poverty line in 2020. ranks 98th out of 107 in Global sue Lawan, if he fails to return impeachable act of perfidy respect for the supremacy of minded members of the Its position contradicted Hunger Index under his watch. the nomination of Onochie as a for sending Onochie’s already 1999 Constitution, the PDP holds National Assembly, across that of Buhari, who in a “Under President Buhari, national commissioner in INEC rejected nomination to the that Onochie, as a card-carrying party lines, to reject Onochie’s broadcast on Saturday to mark Nigerians are now subjected to the president. Gaya’s committee, in utter member of the All Progressives confirmation. 6 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THURSDAY, 
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THISDAY NEWS Oil Price Upswing Continues, Inches Closer to $75pb Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The country now sits energy demand just as the that demand could take He stated that the subsidise the petrol price on a double-edged sword Organisation of Petroleum years to recover to pre- pre-emptive information at N162 per litre and The price of crude oil crept as “under-recovery” cost, Exporting Countries (OPEC) pandemic levels. was necessary to prevent identified Lagos, Oyo, higher yesterday, almost the difference between and its allies maintain In May, Minister of nationwide chaos over a Ogun, Rivers and Abuja hitting the $75 per barrel what the government pays a cautious approach to Petroleum Resources, Mr. recent communiqué released as the top consumers of mark as industry data to import fuel and how boosting supply. Timipre Sylva, moved to by the governors that they petrol in the country. pointed to a substantial much it sells the fuel for Although still largely douse the usual end of the had agreed on an N385 But the minister had decline in United States continues to wipe out the fragile, the new market month tension occasioned minimum pump price. stated that the current price crude stockpiles coupled gains of the resurgence in demand outlook suggests by rumours of petrol price The governors’ report of petrol would be retained with rising fuel sales the international price of oil could roar back in the increase, assuring Nigerians revealed that Nigeria spends in June until the conclusion in India as the country the commodity. second half of this year, that the price would be between N70 billion and of the ongoing engagement continued to show signs of On the one hand, Nigeria despite earlier predictions stable in June. N210 billion monthly to with the organised labour. recovery from the COVID-19 is earning the much-needed pandemic. foreign exchange, but is But the rising crude price also bearing increased has sent Nigeria’s bill for importation cost for fuel subsidies rocketing, petroleum products and by threatening to exacerbate extension the landing cost. the nation’s fragile economy. In March, NNPC stated Although Nigeria that it was paying about currently produces about N120 billion in petroleum 1.5 million barrels of crude subsidies monthly, even at per day, it has an almost a time crude oil price was zero refining capacity and lower. imports roughly 100 per Wednesday’s rise in crude cent of its fuel for local price came as Indian petrol consumption, negating much and diesel sales rebounded of the benefits oil-producing in the first half of June as the nations across the world get number of new COVID-19 from high crude prices. cases in the country slowly A plunge in the price of started to ease and as China the commodity last year sent also processed a record the country's oil-dependent volume of crude oil last economy reeling into a month on a barrels-a-day recession from which it basis. recently barely exited, while Global oil benchmark a rally has since pushed the Brent, which Nigeria uses, oil price past the $70 mark. rose 0.6 per cent, after earlier But instead of reaping approaching $75 a barrel the benefits, Nigeria’sat $74.42 and West Texas subsidy bill, borne by the Intermediate increased 0.4 Nigerian National Petroleum per cent at $72.44 per barrel. Corporation (NNPC), Oil’s rally has been has surged beyond N100 reinvigorated this month billion, with the national as leading economies oil company being unable continue to reopen, aided LAND FOR DAIRY... to remit monies to the by widespread vaccine Federal Account Allocation programmes. L-R: Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe; Governor Nasir el- Rufai; and Managing Director, Arla Foods Nigeria, Committee (FAAC) for two The development is Mr. Peder Pedersen, during the signing of the lease agreement between Kaduna State and Arla Foods on the development of a consecutive months. boosting worldwide dairy farm in the state...yesterday Army Seeks Stakeholders’ Support to End Security Challenges Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja action in Nigeria. these challenges, the Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Farouk sincere gratitude to the to remain steadfast as they Nwachukwu, who took Nigerian Army and the Yahaya, for finding him chief of army staff for my carry out their essential role The Nigerian Army said over from Brig. Gen. media must be partners worthy of the appointment. appointment while assuring of educating and informing yesterday that the security Mohammed Yerima, said: in progress to surmount Nwachukwu pledged to him of my unalloyed the public. challenges confronting the "Permit me to note here that these security threats in promote the core values of commitment to his vision "I urge you to use your nation required a multi- it is an indisputable and very order to berth the peace the Nigerian Army among for “a professional Nigerian reportage and medium to stakeholder approach. well established fact that the and tranquillity we all officers and soldiers of the Army, ready to accomplish positively shape public It said the deployment sword or gun cannot alone, earnestly desire as a people Directorate of Army Public assigned missions within a perception and opinion of arms and ammunition provide a panacea to the and nation.” Relations. joint environment in defence towards endearing national alone would not contain complex and multifaceted He said he was He said: "I wish to most of Nigeria.” defence and security insecurity. security challenges that not oblivious of the respectfully thank the Chief He appreciated his institutions to the public. The new Director of characterise today’s world. responsibility of his office, of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky predecessor for the laudable "This, I believe, will enable Army Public Relations "I must therefore, make which is to project the Irabor, for his immense feats he recorded during his the harnessing of requisite (DAPR), Brig.Gen. Onyema haste to say that the complex activities of the army with support and encouragement tenure and also assured elements of national power Nwachukwu, said at a nature of these security the objective of galvanising during my tour of duty as him of his commitment to to confront our common ceremony in Abuja to mark challenges require a multi- public goodwill and support the immediate past Acting consolidate on his successes. adversaries," he said. his assumption of duty, that disciplinary approach and a for as its strives to surmount Director Defence Information He lauded journalists for Earlier, Yerima had tasked the sword and gun alone conglomerate of stakeholders contemporary security of the Armed Forces of their individual support officers and soldiers of the could not deny terrorists, of which the media is a very challenges bedevilling the Nigeria. and cooperation during directorate to extend the insurgents and bandits and vital one. nation. "Let me use this medium his tenure as the Acting support they gave him to other criminals freedom of "In decisively overcoming He thanked the Chief of to once again, express my DDI and implored them his successor. NCAA Warns Pilots over Hazardous Weather Chinedu Eze addressed to all pilots and Southern states while cooperation of the following It also directed flight information and briefing airline operators and signed April/June 2021 is the stakeholders to ensure safety crews/operators and air from NIMET Aerodrome The Nigerian Civil Aviation by its Director-General, Capt. commencement of the air transport at all times,” traffic controllers to ensure Meteorological Offices prior Authority (NCAA) has Musa Nuhu. rainy season in central and NCAA said. adherence to published to flight operations. warned pilots over severe “This is coming on the Northern states. It called on pilots, aerodrome weather minima, “While the authority enjoins thunderstorms and other advent of the Seasonal “Consequently, this operators and air traffic while pilots must exercise all passengers to exercise hazardous weather, which Climate Prediction (SCP) weather advisory circular controllers to observe series maximum restraint whenever patience and understanding hamper flight operations released by the Nigerian is necessary to bring forth of responsibilities. adverse weather is observed during this period of heavy as the rainy season sets in. Meteorological Agency the evolving weather According to the agency, or forecast by NIMET. downpour, strict compliance NCAA said the warning (NIMET) for the year 2021,” information associated with air traffic controllers may NCAA also directed to this warning is expected was a follow-up to the NCAA added. the commencement of rainy temporarily close the airspace that pilots/flight crewfrom all stakeholders as Advisory Circular (AC) NIMET has predicted season and the effects on when any of the severe members must obtain maximum sanction shall be with reference no AC: March as the commencement safety and efficiency of flight conditions are observed or adequate departure, en-route imposed for non-compliance,” NCAA-AEROMET – 31 of the rainy season in the operations; and to elicit the forecast by NIMET. and destination weather NCAA stated. THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THURSDAY, 
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THISDAY PAGE TEN Agbakoba Asks N’Assembly to Consider Regional Autonomy in Constitution Review Alex Enumah in Abuja Speaking on the review unit in the interest of the the only fully French-speaking The senior lawyer also immemorial – Yorubaland, process in a statement local people, according to province, yet Canada is suggested that legitimacy can be Igboland, Hausaland, Tivland, A former President of the yesterday, Agbakoba said their aspirations. Nigeria bilingual for the sake of Quebec. conferred on the constitutional Kanuri, Ijaw, etc. It is the ethnic Nigerian Bar Association regional autonomy is the is made up of multi-ethnic On the other hand, Yugoslavia review process by full nationalities that ceded or (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba best solution to some of the nations managed by a central mismanaged its diversity and involvement and incorporation granted sovereign powers (SAN), has asked the National challenges facing the country. authority. This model has the result was the emergence of the leaders of traditional and of government over their Assembly to consider regional “Calls for restructuring have, proved unsuccessful. of six distinct countries. The ethnic nationalities. territories to Britain which autonomy in the review of the in my personal view, become “Europe understood that same fate befell Czechoslovakia, “Prof. Ben Nwabueze makes them (i.e. the ethnic 1999 Constitution. a catch-all phrase that has diversity is best managed by now the nations of Czechs and has indicated that ethnic nationalities) the original and Following calls for introduced more confusion regional autonomy. Switzerland Slovaks.” nationalities are the true primary stakeholders in the restructuring, among other than solution. I believe the has four ethnic groups. Each He said devolution of powers representatives of Nigeria. Nigerian state,’” Agbakoba said. issues, the National Assembly simple way to go is by regional of them shares the presidency is a related concept to regional To quote him, ‘Nigeria He also expressed optimism had recently held public autonomy,” he said. through four cantons that make autonomy, as this means the has no territory other than that more would be achieved hearings across the country “Regional autonomy up their federating units. transfer of powers from one the traditional territories by giving prominent seats to on the proposed review of refers to the governance and “According to Prof. George level of government to another inhabited by its constituent the leaders of traditional and the 1999 Constitution. administration of a federating Obiozor, even though Quebec is and vice versa. nationalities from time ethnic nationalities. LAGOS, KANO GET LION’S SHARE OF INEC’S NEW POLLING UNITS INEC Chairman, Prof. the commission established point settlements by officials, and voting points. with disabilities, women and would hold on Saturday, June Mahmood Yakubu, who voting points and voting point the 56,872 voting points and "Two of these elections in youth groups, students’ unions, 18, 2022, while the Osun State gave the figures at a meeting settlements nationwide as a voting point settlements were Sabon Gari State Constituency the Federal Executive Council governorship election would with Resident Electoral pragmatic response to necessity. converted and added to the in Kaduna State and Gwaram (FEC), the state governors hold on July 16, 2022. Commissioners (RECs) in He said: "The voting points existing 119,974 polling units. Federal Constituency in Jigawa under the auspices of the Abuja, said the history of were tied to the existing "The commission is glad State are holding this weekend National Economic Council State by State creating and expanding polling polling units and voting point to report that 25 years since while the commission awaits (NEC) and the National Distribution of New units in Nigeria had been long settlements. The number of the current polling units were the formal declaration of Assembly. Polling Units and complex. registered voters in a polling created in 1996, the hard nut is vacancies by the Honourable "We also acknowledge Meanwhile, Lagos State and He said the adequacy and unit and the voting point finally and successfully cracked Speaker of the House of the invaluable support of Kano State got the highest accessibility in terms of number settlements in the FCT was after several unsuccessful Representatives in respect of the development partners allocation from the 56, 872 and location across the country used to determine their voting attempts. Nigeria now has Lere Federal Constituency of for facilitating some of the new polling units, with 4,861, were some of the challenges points, based on the upper 176,846 full-fledged polling Kaduna State, and Jos North/ stakeholder engagements and and 3,148 units, respectively. that had to be addressed in the and lower thresholds of 500 units," Yakubu stated. Bassa Federal Constituency of the publication of advocacy According to the breakdown interest of credible elections. and 750 voters respectively. According to him after Plateau State. documents." obtained by THISDAY, the Yakubu said: "Before 2010, "These were also, the limits consultation with stakeholders, "For subsequent elections, Yakubu said that the 19 northern and the Federal the commission operated on a used for the 2019 general the commission has successfully beginning from the Anambra commission was preparing Capital Territory (FCT) have round figure of approximately election. The number of new removed 749 polling units State governorship election to conduct the remaining a total of 31,196 polling units 120,000 polling units. However, polling units in a state is the from inappropriate locations holding on 6th November off-season end of tenure while the 17 Southern states a census undertaken by the number of voting points to appropriate public facilities 2021, there will be no voting elections ahead of the 2023 have 25,676 polling units. commission before the 2011 aggregated from those polling or open spaces in line with points anymore in Nigeria," general election. Abia State got 1,387 polling general election arrived at units having voting points. INEC policy to guarantee he explained. He said activities listed in units; Adamawa 1,495; Akwa the precise figure of 119,973 "Furthermore, it was unencumbered access to polling The INEC chairman said the the timetable for the Anambra Ibom, 1,374; Anambra 1,112; polling units. The commission discovered that one polling units for all voters. new approved polling units State governorship election Bauchi, 1,349; Bayelsa, 440; also made efforts to relocate unit in Lagos State had been Of this figure, 232 removed for each state of the federation were being implemented, Benue, 1,414; Borno, 1,138; many polling units from wrongly categorised as a from private units were and FCT would be presented along with the those of the Cross River, 998; Delta, 2,239; inappropriate places such voting point and the error was relocated for various reasons to the public in 37 volumes FCT Area Council election Ebonyi, 1,161; Edo, 1,892; Ekiti, as private residences and corrected. With this adjustment, which include distance, difficult at this meeting. holding on 12th February 2022. 250; Enugu, 1,187; FCT 2,260; properties, palaces of the actual number of approved terrain, congestion, communal He said: "On behalf of He stated that the Ekiti Gombe, 770; and Imo 1,235. traditional rulers and places polling units came to 119,974. conflict, new settlements and the Independent National and Osun State governorship Others are Jigawa, 995; of worship to public buildings "As a result, the commission general insecurity." Electoral Commission, I elections would hold next year. Kaduna, 2,910; Kano, 3,148; accessible to voters, polling arrived at the exact figure of However, Yakubu said would like to express our In keeping with its policy Katsina, 1,750; Kebbi, 1,345; agents, observers and the 56,563 voting points in addition that in view of the advanced profound appreciation to the of announcing the dates Kogi, 960; Kwara, 1,015; Lagos, media during elections." to 309 voting point settlements preparations already made by leadership of political parties, of elections in advance to 4,861; Nasarawa,1,761; Niger, He stated that following in the FCT, making a total of the commission, four pending civil society organisations, enable early and effective 1,765; Ogun, 1,832; Ondo, 924; unsuccessful attempts to 56,872 voting points." bye-elections in Kaduna, Jigawa the media, security agencies, preparations by all concerned, Osun, 753; Oyo,1,607; Plateau, create additional polling units According to him, after and Plateau States would be religious leaders, socio-cultural Yakubu said the commission 2,358; Rivers, 2,424; Sokoto, despite pressure from increased wide-ranging consultations the last to be conducted using associations, the labour unions, had approved that the Ekiti 956; Taraba, 1,685; Yobe,1,109; number of registered voters, with stakeholders and voting a combination of polling units professional bodies, persons State governorship election and Zamfara,1,013 units. NO NATIONAL LAW ON GRAZING ROUTES, FALANA, BASIRU TELL BUHARI to a question in an exclusive in the Eastern region at that it concerns open grazing since of milk because the country was land outside of the Federal On the federal government's interview with ARISE NEWS time. We had Obudu Ranch governance is a continuous spending between $1.2 billion Capital Territory, according to position that Twitter and its Channel last Thursday that he in the Eastern region that was process. and $1.5 billion yearly on milk the Land Use Act of Nigeria. So Founder, Mr. Jack Dorsey, had directed Malami to get an established in 1951. Giving reasons why Nigeria importation. the federal government cannot are vicariously liable for old gazette on grazing routes “So Nigeria does not have needs policy consistency, Emefiele had added that acquire land from any state losses incurred during the and reclaim the land for open a uniform policy in animal Falana said the government the federal government would under the Land Use Act. So #EndSARS protest in Nigeria, grazing by herdsmen. husbandry and open grazing. seemed not to be consistent make loans available for cattle with the Land Use Act, the law the learned silk said: “I heard He stated that the president So, the call by President with its policies, adding that ranching. on open grazing is no longer the statement and I must confess may have been misinformed Muhammadu Buhari, telling inconsistency will lead to “In February this year, the applicable.” that I was taken aback because by those who told him that Malami to make available the people’s mistrust. entire 36 states governors He urged Buhari to withdraw the Honorable Minister of Nigeria had a gazetted law country’s national gazette on He said in 2016, the then had at a meeting agreed to his position on open grazing Information and Culture, Alhaji on cattle routes and called for cattle routes for open grazing Minister of Agriculture, Chief discontinue open grazing and align with the current Lai Mohammed, is a senior sanction against those who had is misinformation on the part Audu Ogbe, had announced and embrace ranching in line Land Use Act. lawyer; so, I expect that he misinformed the president. of those who informed the that the federal government had with the federal government's Reacting to Malami’s knows the implication of his He said: “Before 1964, Nigeria president that Nigeria had a acquired 55,000 acres of land policy. Later this year, the 17 comment condemning the statement. Again, this is why the had an indigenous political class gazette on cattle routes for open in 11 states for cattle rearing. South-south governors banned ban on open grazing by the government must ensure that that was ruling the affairs of grazing because Nigeria had He said the same government open grazing in Southern parts 17 Southern governors, and for it is consistent in its policies, the regions during the colonial none, except for the northern later came up with the idea of of the country. Most Northern defending the rights of cows to otherwise, this country becomes master’s reign in Nigeria. region that was not applicable a cattle colony also called Ruga. governors have begun ranching move around in any part of the a laughing stock in the comity “That was when the grazing to all other regions of the He stated that Ruga was in their various states and Kano country, Falana quoted Section of nations.” reserve law was enacted by country that were autonomous opposed by most state State has invited all those cattle 41 of the 1999 Constitution, the political class that was in at that time.” governors who felt it was rearers who were displaced to as saying that the freedom Continued on page 42 charge of the northern region Falana, however, said the a means through which the come to Kano for ranching of of movement can only be and the law was enacted for grazing reserves of the First federal government will acquire their cattle and this is where applicable to human beings only the northern region, which Republic had been seized by their land. we are today,” he added. and not cattle or any kind of was not applicable to all other Ashanti farmers, adding that Falana added that in 2018, the Falana called on Malami to animals. regions of the country. The law it would take a serious legal federal government and states brief Buhari on the level of “The law is very clear that was not enacted in the Western battle that would last for years, came up with the National development with regards to humans have freedom of region, Mid-western region and to reclaim them. Livestock Transformation cattle ranching in Nigeria. movement and not animals,” the Eastern region. He said the Northern Plan that will cost N100 billion He said: “The president may he stated. TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % "At that time, regions like Governors’ Forum had earlier and the states will provide mean well for the country On security in states, Falana CORNERSTONE 0.05 0.55 10 the Western region had ranches spoken against open grazing N20 billion while the federal but without cognisance of said Buhari erred for saying MORISON 0.12 1.36 9.6 in Epe in the current Lagos and had also announced government will provide N80 the level we are with cattle that governors have control LEARNAFRICA 0.06 0.98 6.5 State, Akunu in the current that they had adopted the billion. ranching and the Land Use over security in their states, Ondo State, and Oke-Aku in agriculture transformation He stated that in 2019, the Act that empowers every state since the constitution vested AFRIPRUD 0.35 6.40 5.7 the current Ekiti State. These plan of the federal government. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor the right to control power in the president to COURTVILLE 0.01 0.21 5.0 ranches were established in According to him, the federal Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, land in their states. declare a state of emergency, TOP LOSERS NGN % 1956, under Obafemi Awolowo’s government must be consistent had announced plans for "The president of Nigeria without vesting such power regime. We also had ranches with its policies, especially as Nigeria to ban the importation does not have control over in governors. ABBEYMORTGAGE 0.10 0.95 9.5 CHI PLC 0.07 0.67 9.4 ZENITH BANK GETS RECOGNITION FOR BEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CWG 0.09 1.15 7.2 Awards 2020 and 2021, and World Banks” Ranking by The Good Health and Well-Being (NGX) hence its listing on and service, to create value for CORONATION 0.04 0.53 7.0 Best Corporate Governance’ Banker Magazine. as well as Best Company in the Premium Board of the its numerous clientele. 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See details on Page 39 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] WHAT THE G7 LEADERS’ SUMMIT MEANS FOR NIGERIA Nigeria will benefit from the leaders’ commitment to fight climate change, and more, writes Catriona Laing

he G7 has long been a forum for decisive vulnerable countries, Nigeria will directly benefit from international action on the greatest challenges these developments. It will also benefit from the £500m of our time. Last weekend, leaders from G7 global Blue Planet Fund launched by the UK during Members countries, were joined by South the summit which will help protect marine biodiversity Africa, Australia, India and the Republic of around Nigeria’s coastal regions. Korea at a summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, in Nigeria will also benefit from the agreement by G7 Tthe south west of Britain. Outcomes from the summit on leaders to increase international climate finance with a global health, COVID-19, climate change and biodiversity, new partnership on infrastructure investment that will and global trade will be of direct benefit to the people of help propel global green economic growth. The UK Nigeria. joined the US and Germany with a £120 million donation The Carbis Bay Declaration on health showed G7 to scale-up protection for the world’s most vulnerable countries’ determination to ensure the global devastation communities against the impacts of climate change. caused by coronavirus is never repeated. G7 leaders G7 leaders also committed to reinvigorate the global reaffirmed their support to end the pandemic in 2022 economy and champion freer, fairer trade within a and agreed to send one billion more COVID-19 vaccine reformed trading system, a more resilient global economy, doses to developing countries. The UK will contribute and a fairer global tax system. And for the first time 100 million of these, including five million in the coming ever the G7 Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and weeks. multilateral partners came together to commit to invest This contribution is an extension of the UKs longstand- over $80 billion in the private sector in Africa over the ing commitment to get as many safe vaccines to as many next five years. people as possible as fast as possible. It adds to the £548 Investing in girls’ education is one of the smartest in- million support the UK has given to COVAX and to the vestments we can make to accelerate growth in Nigeria’s UK’s funding of the research that developed the Oxford- economy and workforce. Ahead of the Global Education AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine is now responsible for Summit that the UK is co-hosting with Kenya in London 66 million of the 67 million COVAX vaccines provided to on 28 and 29 July 2021, G7 leaders increased support to developing countries and makes up one in three of glob- get the world’s most vulnerable children, particularly ally administered vaccines so far. Nigeria has received girls, into school and agreed to give at least $2¾ billion to 3.94 million of these and I was pleased to hear from the the Global Partnership for Education. This will include a National Primary Health Care Development Agency on £430m contribution from the UK. Tuesday that Nigeria will get a further 3.92m doses of the At the heart of last weekend’s G7 outcomes lies a com- Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine before mid-August. mitment to strengthen values of cooperation, openness The summit was an important milestone in protecting AT THE HEART OF LAST WEEKEND’S G7 and equality between nations to help solve our shared our planet for future generations. Ahead of the 26th UN OUTCOMES LIES A COMMITMENT TO global challenges. As we look forward to partnering Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November STRENGTHEN VALUES OF COOPERATION, with Nigeria to build back better from the pandemic, I’d (COP26), G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to OPENNESS AND EQUALITY BETWEEN like to encourage everyone from Nigeria to continue to fight climate change, halt and reverse biodiversity loss uphold these values, which are encapsulated in the spirit by 2030, and tackle deforestation, marine litter and the NATIONS TO HELP SOLVE OUR SHARED of last weekend’s Democracy Day. illegal wildlife trade. As one of the world’s most climate GLOBAL CHALLENGES Laing is British High Commissioner to Nigeria

BOGORO: PILLAR OF THE PEOPLE

Elemdi Akowe pays tribute to Suleiman Bogoro, executive secretary of TETFund

henever the life and times value and overcoming development challeng- very well. Other organizations will learn rapport with the professor whom they regard of the people of Bogoro es in various fields. This is best captured in how to run and manage human beings with as a son, a father and a worthy ambassador. comes up for historical his deserving inclusion among accomplished respect.” The solemn funeral witnessed a memorable review, there is every members of the Council for UNIBADAN’s Then he reverted to his unfinished mission convergence of Muslims, Christians and indication that Professor pioneer National Think Tank for Translating of making TETFUND a dynamic facilitator diverse ethnic groups genuinely empathizing Suleiman Elias Bogoro Research to Innovations, Strategies and of the imperative for translating research with the illustrious family of Baba Elisha willW stand out. The latest such indication Evidence for Policies in Nigeria, comprising to innovations, strategies and evidence for Bogoro and Mama Salamatu at a time Profes- comes from the people themselves as they leading academics and national professional policy and national development which he sor Bogoro was no longer Executive Secretary rose in unison to honour their illustrious son officers in technical, business and administra- activated by the establishment of a pioneer of TETFUND. He used the occasion to urge with a significant traditional title, Jenndem tive sectors selected from universities, research Department of Research and Development (R religious and community leaders in the Za’ar, that translates to Pillar of the Sayawa institutions, national agencies and the media. and D). Since then it has been giant strides in country to continue to foster unity, peace and (Za’ar) people of Bauchi State. Apart from Professor Bogoro is an outstanding researcher giving research priority hinged on Professor mutual co-existence among the compatriots the self-explanatory meaning of the title, the who has produced several publications, Bogoro’s frank observation that “the reason through preaching and enlightenment. emergence of a thoroughbred academician earning him recognition and consultancy on why research has not taken its rightful place Earlier this year, the Sayawa Muslim and professor, typically relishing blissful and management of international, national and is not contributing to the economy is Community in Bauchi State hailed Professor scholarly isolation from the mundane world and regional projects supported by the World because there is inadequate commitment of Suleiman Bogoro for donating foodstuffs to in lofty towers of ivory, as the hero of the Bank, UNDP, USAID, DFID among several funds. That is why at TETFUND, we decided them for the Ramadan fast. Leader of the multitude of common folk way down below other world class agencies. Prof. Bogoro has that one of the main recommendations is Sayawa Muslims under the aegis of ‘Zaar in his hometown, is a welcome departure taught, supervised and mentored several the emergence of a National Research and Muslims Community’, Danjuma Sheikh Bala from the norm. postgraduate students at M.Sc. and PhD Development Foundation for Nigeria.” Bar noted that Bogoro has been making such The humble but high-achieving professor levels and 14 of them are now professors. TETFUND has been steadily increasing donations to the community in Bogoro local has thus demonstrated a remarkable ability to This distinctive track record powered its funding volume for research from N3b government yearly, adding that the gesture make a mark in the competitive circle of cogi- Professor Bogoro’s epoch-making appoint- to N7.5b and hopefully, to N8.5b, which is has brought succour to the less privileged tative captains of academia while entrenching ment as Executive Secretary of the Tertiary the largest research grant in Nigeria. Bogoro people. “We are very proud of the TETFund his feet firmly on the no less contentious Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) where observed that most of the challenges confront- Executive Secretary, for not only making the ground of grassroots greatness! It’s not a case he again set a marvelous precedence as a ing the nation today were due to the inability state proud through his significant projects of self-glorification that has overtaken many principled administrator whose sterling legacy to inject science and technology for value but for his unbiased relationship with academics and public officers’ endeavours alone fought uncompromisingly against addition, and remarked that Nigerian tertiary Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious such that acquisition of titles, both academic entrenched excesses during his first tenure institutions only conduct research for award- inclinations. We urge other politicians and and traditional, has become a rat-race. Profes- from April 2014 to February 2016 when the ing degrees, adding, “if outcome of those public officers to emulate him”, he said. sor Bogoro is no ordinary academician. He system couldn’t cope with his scrupulous researches are not problem-solving, we have This narrative provides a factual panoramic has attained international stature by dint of stance. He got a rare, if not unmatched, failed our generation.” Qualified institutions testimony to Professor Bogoro’s unique studious quest for excellence in his field of vindication three years later by a news- would draw a maximum of N50 million attainment of outstanding international interest. From a Bachelor degree in Agricul- breaking re-appointment in January 2019 that grant from the N7.5 billion National Research academic, professional and administrative ture in 1981 to a Master degree in Animal was greeted with tumultuous applause and a Fund (NRF) while it plans to fund establish- stature combined with sustenance of Science from ABU, Zaria in 1988, he earned a hero’s welcome by TETFUND staff! ment of more molecular laboratories and down-to-earth humane respect, recognition PhD in Animal Science in 1997, with research It was an overwhelming event that not research on gene sequencing and phytogenic and admiration among his people. The and bench-work shared between ATBU, The even the stoic professor could withstand, as medicine in addition to vaccine research and people of Sayawa (Za’ar) have remarkably Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland he addressed excited staff saying: “I struggled production. reciprocated with the traditional equivalent and The Department of Clinical Veterinary with tears on Monday when I resumed The professor’s exemplary attachment to of professorship by conferring him with Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK. and I am so proud of you all and may God his roots has also been evident all his life as Jenndem Za’ar, Pillar of the People. Together He was elevated to the rank of professor of bless you. I will never forget your style of he deployed his personal qualities of humility they give modern meaning and relevance to Animal Science (specializing in Biochemistry welcoming me because it has vindicated me. and broadminded embrace of people from all their ancient motto of Sohrgha Nanbong Yi and Ruminant Nutrition) in 2003. I give God the glory for my unprecedented walks of life to earn respect, recognition and Tuhd Lihbah? (Can a stick of broom sweep Notwithstanding these impressive academic re-instatement in a way that never happened admiration in Bogoro. As far back as 2016 a place?) in the symbolic unity of the diverse accomplishments, Professor Bogoro’s enviable before. I do not know how to thank the when he was bereaved with the demise of his people of Bogoro and its bright prospects for international professional acclaim took root president for giving me a medal that no younger brother, Engineer Yusuf Bogoro, the peace, progress and prosperity, a welcome and blossomed in his exceptional exertions in Nigerian has attained before and I pledge to people of Bogoro, irrespective of age, tribe or gesture in these troubling times. impactful research work devoted to adding do everything to manage the Fund’s affairs faith, demonstrated uncommon solidarity and Akowe wrote from Ilorin THISDAY • THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 15 EDITORIAL TOBACCO AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

All the stakeholders must do more to tackle the menace of smoking

he recent call by the Corporate declaration by the Federal Ministry of Health that Accountability and Public about five million Nigerians consume, on an annual Participation Africa (CAPPA) and basis, more than 20 billion sticks of cigarettes. Nige- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids ria should be worried about such dismal statistics. (CTFK) for an end to using smok- Given the demography in which young people ing scenes in movies, music video constitute about 70 per cent of the population, there and other aspects of the entertain- are obvious dangers of smoking to the health of the ment industry, is one we whole- country. For instance, it has been established that heartedly endorse. According to CAPPA Executive for every tobacco-related death, two new young TDirector, Akinbode Oluwafemi, the entertainment people under the age of 26 become regular smokers. materials are veritable tools for the transfer of ideas The relationship between active smoking, reduced and promotion of alternative lifestyles. “Youths lung function and impaired lung growth is linked are initiated into using tobacco products through to a strong tobacco habit. Therefore, Nigeria needs advertising and subliminal promotion of smoking to focus on protecting young people from starting scenes in movies, music videos and product place- to smoke. An increase in expenditure on sustained ments”, said Oluwafemi. “The tobacco industry has and comprehensive tobacco control programmes exploited the entertainment sector (films and music has proved effective in the reduction of youth and videos) to entice and conscript young people into adult smoking rates in many countries. Our govern- smoking.” ments, at all levels, need to lend its financial support In her message on this year’s World No Tobacco to these initiatives. Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director he tobacco industry invests heavily in UNTIL WE CAN CURTAIL for Africa, Mat- research on how best to capture the imagi- THE USE OF TOBACCO, shidiso Moeti said nation of youth; assured in the knowledge OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL tobacco kills half that nicotine (a heavily addictive drug found of its users every Tin cigarettes) would continue to ensure that the CONTINUE TO GET SICK, THISDAY EFFICIENCY WILL CONTINUE year and about 1.2 EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI target group would persist in smoking into adult- million non-smokers DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, hood. Studies have also confirmed that the younger TO DECLINE, AND OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO die from exposure DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE the age, the heavier the addiction and thus the NATION WILL CONTINUE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI to it. The WHO EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN harder it is to drop the habit. The calculation, which TO LOSE MANY OF ITS director reports that MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE has proved true, is that most of these young people OTHERWISE PRODUCTIVE currently more than never consider the long-term risks. CITIZENS 75 million people Until we can curtail the use of tobacco, our young on the continent THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED people will continue to get sick, efficiency will use some form of tobacco, adding that this burden EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA continue to decline, and our nation will continue to GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, is likely to increase as consumer purchasing power ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI lose many of its otherwise productive citizens. We improves coupled with intensive efforts by the DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, must avail our young people the true perspective on ANTHONY OGEDENGBE tobacco industry to expand the African market. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI smoking; we must aim at creating the environment Most worrisome, according to available studies, is SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH that makes it difficult for smoking to thrive. We that about 5.6 per cent Nigerians from age 15 years ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI urgently need to prevent the needless suffering CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI and above use tobacco products. DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO of premature disease caused by tobacco, the huge That smoking is still a major public health issue HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA expenditure on health, while committing to save in Nigeria was confirmed last week with a recent TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] millions of lives.

TO OUR READERS Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details [email protected] . We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. NIGERIA’S RISING UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY

nemployment and poverty are two of the major reduce the suffering of the poor. For example, in an interesting In the recent United States election, Andrew Yang, a Democratic issues currently affecting Nigeria’s economy and its three-part ‘Viewpoint’ column published in the Vanguard news- Party presidential aspirant, shot to the international podium for his society. According to data released by the National papers some years ago, a prominent Nigerian, Aare Afe Babalola sermon on UBI and how he planned to pay the poor a monthly Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the population of the highlighted the importance of giving/generosity/philanthropy in stipend of $1000 each, if he emerged the U.S president. But unemployed in Nigeria during the last quarter alleviating the suffering of the poor in Nigeria. Yang is not the only advocate of UBI. Elon Musk of Tesla, Mark of 2020 stood at 33.3 percent - an increase of 6.2 Among other things, he stated in his writings that, “although Zuckerberg of Facebook, Pope Francis, Jeff Bezos (the founder of Upercent points compared with the 27.1 percent of quarter two 2020 many factors can and have been adduced as partly responsible for Amazon), Bill Gates and Jeremy Corbyn (the former Labour Party (Q2 2020). This places Nigeria in the number three position among the state of poverty in Nigeria, what makes poverty so endemic in leader) are among millions of global leaders who are currently countries with the highest number of unemployed people in the Nigeria is partly the poor disposition of Nigerians to giving.” He calling for the adoption of UBI. world! Also, according to data from the World Poverty Clock (a said “government alone cannot reasonably be expected, particularly Nigeria’s closest semblance of UBI is the National Social Invest- Web tool produced by World Data Lab), the number of people in the light of the world’s current economic realities, to improve ment Programme (NSIP) launched in 2016. But contrary to the pass living in extreme poverty in Nigeria rose from 86.9 million in 2018, the quality of life of everyone to the level which most people mark the government has given to the programme, a professor of to 93.7 million in 2019, thus Nigeria stands as the nation with the expect. Wealthy individuals can aid government in the provision economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sheriffdeen Tella, highest number of people living in extreme poverty across the of amenities of life to the less privileged. The rich in our society said that the government’s self-assessment was far from the truth. world! should imbibe the culture of giving. Philanthropy is rooted in love He said only a thorough impact assessment could show whether This trend of unemployment and poverty is projected to and compassion; it is of immense benefit not only to the person the programmes have achieved their desired results. worsen, as the World Data Lab noted that the outlook for poverty who practices it but also to the beneficiary and the society at large.” Also, Professor Akpan Ekpo, a former Director-General of the alleviation in Nigeria is weak, and that an estimated 120 million Sometime ago, a group of activists sought the institution of a West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management Nigerians are expected to slip into extreme poverty by 2030. ‘Universal Basic Income’ (UBI) and polled over 200,000 signatures (WAIFEM), said UBI was not out of the question. However, he What could help to improve this situation of rising unemploy- to drive home their demand. The movement renewed the call for said that unavailability of data was an albatross of an efficiently ment and poverty in Nigeria? A revival of the agricultural sector the establishment of basic income guarantee as an essential part of administered UBI. Ekpo, who expressed concern about Nigeria’s in Nigeria is one suggestion that has been put forth. Another modern economies. rising misery index, noted that even a large number of those with dominant thought amongst local economists is that if the country’s UBI, as an economic philosophy, dates back to hundreds of jobs are barely surviving. This, he said, justified UBI, rather than manufacturing sector is properly developed it can absorb a large years ago and was central to the concept of utopian society. In the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). He, however, said that the number of the labour force, thereby reducing the high population recent years, some European governments had to test its popularity first port of call is to develop full-proof data on employed and of the unemployed. through referendums. But it has never been given more attention as unemployed Nigerians, their income levels and dependency ratio. Other palliative measures have also been recommended to a tool for building inclusive economic growth than it is now. Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, Lagos 16 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾
THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) APGA Has Failed, Anambra Needs APC to Move to the Centre A frontline aspirant in the November 6, 2021 Anambra State governorship election and leading Industrialist, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo, speaks to Nseobong Okon-Ekong on the leadership question in Anambra and the chances of his party, the All Progressives Congress among other issues s the primary election inches Are you saying that Anambra state closer, what chances do you government has failed in providing that have over other aspirants to kind of responsible leadership? emerge as your party’s flag Absolutely! While I wouldn’t want to bearer? dwell on their failures, I believe we need a AMy reputation in Anambra State speaks better government, and I’m sure it’s going for me. My connection with the people of to happen. If you go to Anambra, there are Anambra at different levels gives me a complaints everywhere. I’m not going to veritable edge over my brothers who are lay emphasis on that, but the electorate will contesting for the same party ticket and I decide, by their votes, whether they are satis- know that they also appreciate that fact. fied with the administration or not. But I Having been the head of the biggest markets can tell you for free that the people are not in Onitsha - because Onitsha controls all happy because the government in Anambra the elites that are the decision-makers in State has not been able to create industries all the 177 communities in our dear state, that can employ the teeming youths. The Anambra - it would be a familiar turf thousands of young people coming out running Anambra. I have been a leader in from universities every year are not able Onitsha Main Market for 10 years. Within to find jobs. Our system is not actually the 10 years of my reign, I brought about what it should be. So, people are agitating changes that cannot be erased in 100 years because they are asking for better life, they going forward. I have been in the market are asking for jobs. We have to ensure that and our popularity is indescribable. The as people are coming out from school, they legacy I left when I was the leader of the are empowered. As a business owner, I’m main market supersede any influence the going to approach governance differently. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or Believe me; we are going to set up industrial any other aspirant have in the state. It may parks all over Anambra. We are going to interest you to know that I run a company bring in the biggest industrial managers in that employs 4,000 people today in Nigeria. the world. I am assuring you that in the first So, yes, some of them must have had their four years of our administration, we will be own attainment, but an average Igbo person bringing over 500 companies from Europe believes in practical entrepreneurship, not and Asia. When that is done, we would theory. It is about what can be proven with- have reduced unemployment drastically. out reasonable doubt; that one can manage We are also going to develop infrastructure, resources; that one can actually set out from provide power source for our industries and a humble beginning and be able to build a Nwankwo provide conducive environment that would company. Mind you, I started the business encourage our people to come home and with N10,000 and was able to grow it to be There is this adage that a tree can never make a lot of lies to us and we have ignorantly invest, as well as attract foreign investment. able to employ 4,000 people today. What a forest. APGA has remained a single tree believed them. It is what has brought us to This is what I have been doing in the private does that tell you? A visible capacity to create that has increasingly become unhelpful to the ditch we are in today. We need to wise sector; I own one of the biggest industrial and manage wealth. I will bring my wealth the people. Anambra, for instance, has 11 up. What I’m trying to say is that for us to parks in Ogun State today. A lot of foreign of experience to bear in industrialising the oil blocs with gas reserves. Yet, today, we be where we are supposed to be, we should companies are there working. There is a gas state. I will make Anambra the industrial are not able to put the state on the list of oil have a good leader; a leader who has what it turbine there, supplying power to companies hub of the country and Nigeria can copy the producing states. When we belong to the takes to lead Anambra to prosperity. Then, that are manufacturing there. It’s the same template. I have been a catalyst throughout centre, it is then that Anambra will be able we also need the right party that will give us thing that I would replicate in Anambra. my life. I have always brought change to to sort out this issue and even our erosion the right access to power and resources. That By God’s grace, you will see a total change whatever I do. My records show that in every problems. We are going to generate funds party is APC. Beyond belonging to the right in governance in the state. The truth is that field of human endeavour I have engaged from the right corners in order to improve party, it is important to have the right leader you can only give what you have. myself, I have always brought changes, not the state. There is no one tree that can make who has the prudence required to manage only in Nigeria but across the world. a forest. We have to be part of the centre. So, the resources. That is very important. And You always speak passionately about Anambra state deserves a leadership that that’s where party comes in to bridge the by the grace of God, I will be that leader! your business, can you tell us a bit more can create wealth and ensure a meaningful gap. So, we should wise up. They have sold about that? development that other states would envy. I started my business in 1986 with only N10,000, distributing glass sheets to Oluwa APGA appears to be a household name I am going to create an economy that will sustain Glass in Ondo State. The business grew and in the state. Don’t you think it would we began importation of the raw materials be a big challenge to defeat the party? Anambra without the Federal Government allocations. used in making the glass sheets and some The Anambra electorate are wiser and better other building products. I identified an op- informed now more than ever before. Every There is this adage that a tree can never make a forest. portunity in textile business, so we started reasonable person knows that APGA has lost APGA has remained a single tree that has increasingly importing textile from Asia, and created our steam under the current leadership. The party own “blue ocean” to facilitate importation has failed woefully over time. The party hasn’t become unhelpful to the people. Anambra, for instance, for other importers. This gave birth to a been able to meet the wishes and aspirations shipping outlet called Global Express Ship- of the people who gave them the mandate has 11 oil blocs with gas reserves. Yet, today, we are ping Services. It was this shipping business to lead. People are disillusioned and hungry that brought the fortune. We first started in for a fresh initiative that promises to work not able to put the state on the list of oil producing Indonesia, expanded to Hong Kong, had for the overall good of Anambra people. We states. When we belong to the centre, it is then that three offices in China, and offices all over have made that mistake of party sentiment Asian capitals. I had a partner who owned in the past and I don’t think we are going to Anambra will be able to sort out this issue and even 40% of the Shipping business. Together, we make it again. We cannot also chose people partnered with Maersk Line, and became to lead us because they are eloquent and can our erosion problems. We are going to generate funds the biggest customer in Nigeria for about win debates. What Anambra needs at the from the right corners in order to improve the state. 10 years. The business was very successful, moment is result oriented leadership, not until 2005. showmanship. Now, the coming election There is no one tree that can make a forest. We have is going to be about practical competency What will happen to your businesses and not about party logo. APGA will not to be part of the centre. So, that’s where party comes now that you have your eyes on the hoodwink the people any longer with party governorship seat? sentiments. It is when you have used your in to bridge the gap. So, we should wise up. They have It is simple. We have in place a good cor- own initiative to create something; you have sold a lot of lies to us and we have ignorantly believed porate governance structure at Wichtech. to show what you have been able to do by As I step aside as the CEO, we have other your own initiative, that’s what is going to tell them. It is what has brought us to the ditch we are directors. The board is going to appoint a new us what you can do. As executive governor Managing Director who will still carry on of Anambra State, you are supposed to move in today. We need to wise up. What I’m trying to say with the activities of the company. The truth the state to a whole new level. You are going is that for us to be where we are supposed to be, we is that no-one owns a company alone. Ours to basically create and run an economy, and is a family business, I have other directors, that’s what I’m going to do. I am going to should have a good leader; a leader who has what it so the business is continuing across Nigeria, create an economy that will sustain Anambra with over 200 offices. One person’s absence without the Federal Government allocations. takes to lead Anambra to prosperity will never stop the business. THISDAY ˾

THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 19 POLITICS ‘This Country will be Salvaged by its Exceptional People’ Mr. Charles Oputa, better known as, Charly Boy has earned his badge of honour as an advocate of good causes. Nseobong Okon-Ekong finds out why he has spent the better part of his 70 years on earth, which he lives on his own terms, promoting activities that are not managed for profit, particularly shaping the perspective of Nigerian youths

o you have any group or people have when they come into this space movement by description is that they forget that I am not their mate. I with which you galvanize your don’t carry myself about as an ancestor. I don’t followers or society towards carry myself as somebody’s father or brother. a better environment? I carry myself as their buddy. This is the same DYes and no. No, because there is no known principle I apply to my biological children. group like that. The closest I have come to that Sometimes you can’t even differentiate who is Our Mumu Don Do, which was more or less a the father is and the son or the daughter is campaign about our docility and our shameful because I decided from the word go that I will ignorance when it comes to our environment raise my children totally different. I remember and government, but I am proud of the brand when I was younger my father will tell me called Charly Boy that for the past four decades stories of how he walked four miles to go to it has inspired millions of youths to be their school. One day, I asked my father why he authentic self, regardless of what anybody says, wanted me to always hear these stories. There even their parents or what the environment are God-knows-how-many-cars in the garage. is pushing out or their rubbish and stupid Are you telling me this story so that I can be leadership, that they should never ever give walking to school? I was not born in your era. up on their self; that everything comes through I do not even know what these stories are sup- hard work, being focused, being consistent, posed to do for us. You don’t expect me to be being tenacious and a then a little touch of walking to school when there are cars in the sagacity and audacity can help you get their garage. My father was a big disciplinarian. He faster. These are the values that I promote. I ran our home like a military barracks-time for remember at one point at the beginning of my this; time to come to the table to eat, time to career, I was the underdog. My parents never pray, time to be with the family together and believed in me. Most Nigerians never believed everybody is talking to everybody about how either. These shows you what consistency can their day went. I was raised in a family filled achieve, which is what I will say I have in with love. As a young person I didn’t lack common with the late Fela Kuti-consistency anything. My father was very strict. My father and doggedness and following whatever your whipped my ass. At one point I didn’t like my mind tells you; whatever you believe. I don’t father. I hated my father. I thought he was have to have a movement. I believe that my overbearing cantankerous, too old fashioned, life has influenced millions of people. I don’t too stuck in his old ways. We used to argue have any desire to enter into active politics, I because my father brought me up to question don’t need a movement. Thank God for social certain things. I wasn’t going to accept just media. Thank God that we keep sending our anything from them. As a little boy we were messages to inspire and encourage young encouraged to be among elders. We were not people to be their authentic self asked to go to our rooms because there was an elder in the room. We were encouraged to Yours is not about political sloganeering stay and ask questions even though we did or trying to compartmentalize yourself into not know what they were discussing at the a democrat, republican, liberal, nationalist, Oputa time. My disposition to life is coming from federalist or progressive this pedigree. Growing up in the city of Port Charly Boy means different things to different who are sincere. We should not have the kind Why do you still believe that you can Harcourt in the early 50s, when my father was people. Charly Boy is everything like a packet of environment that we have today, which be an authentic voice for people 50 years attorney to some of the oil companies, we were of potato chips. Like I keep saying, Charly is not good for young people. That is where younger than you? Is there no disconnect? used to seeing white people in the house. A Boy no fit finish and e no dey finish because my anger stems from. How can you bring up Do you still see things the way they see white person did not make any difference. till tomorrow, I am still studying the soul and young people in this kind of toxic environment, it? How is that possible? I did not even think about it until I went to the life of the brand. You can’t put Charly Boy where dreams die? Is it any wonder when That is why somebody may be counting America. My stay in America was cut short where you find the trend or a particular way people leave the shores of Nigeria, they start my physical age that is increasing but not my because as a Black person I was being asked that people are doing things, you can’t see to excel. I believe in the Nigerian youths and mental state of mind and not my spirituality. I the stupidest question. I confronted racism Charly Boy there. That is why some times, I I believe that this country will be salvaged by am talking to my No. 1 group-young people. I head on. They almost killed me. After that say that it is unfortunate. Tha is the bane of its exceptional people. I have been privileged believe I can never go wrong and I can never incident all my racism came out. I had to go pioneers-people who start something; they to meet one or two outstanding Nigerians. I run out of ideas. How do you talk to a group of for counselling to reset my head. I decided start-they are not the ones who are recognized. know it is possible and we are not all demons. people if you are not into their psyche already, ‘okay I have my papers but I do not need to You know in the music industry how it used We are not all that bad. Because we have a if you don’t understand their nuances, if you stay in America.’ I stayed in America for about to be not too long ago, may be 25 years ago. It shameful government the world starts to see don’t understand their lingo? I am not called six years and that was it. The rest of my life I has changed dramatically and some people us as the worst of the worst, but there are good Area Fada for nothing. These are the people have lived in Nigeria and nobody is driving fought for that change. You don’t get that far Nigerians. My only concern is that most of the that I learn from, in terms of their lingo, what me away from this country, not even Buhari. by following trends. One should be able to be a good people are in hiding and that is why you is frustrating them. You may see a disconnect trailblazer. I consider the Charly Boy brand as have demons parading the space. because of their age disparity, but I don’t see Are you saying that you are not grateful one of the biggest things I have done in my life. that kind of disconnect. The problem young for the manner that your father tried to I consider the brand a classic, a special edition; raise you? you can’t put the brand and any other brand Far from it. As a young person, sometimes in the same category, I don’t think it is fair. The All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic you don’t understand what is happening? I Party are all the same thing-na the same papa, the same used to be asked when I came to adulthood Will it be fair to say the Charly Boy, about my hero. It wasn’t up until like 30 years where politics is concerned, is a liberal? mama. There is not difference and they can never get ago that I started to really look at my father Why would you associate the brand with as my hero. Even though he did a number on politics, even though life is politics? When you anything reasonable from any of those parties. It is me when I was young, but he prepared me, use that word politics, you should be really not possible. I believe that though, right now I can see not for the Nigeria of today, he prepared me careful because the kind of things that are done to be a good father, a good husband and a under that term is not politics for the people. It a change, because we are going back to the root of the good citizen. And that is a lot. All the things is politics of oppression. I am not comfortable problem. And what is that problem? The foundation of that I rebelled against when I was young are when that word is thrown my brand because all the things that I have run back to in my the word politics is different from what the this contraption called Nigeria is faulty, right from the adult years-that, integrity is worth emulating. Area Fada as an influencer does, which is to Truthfulness is good. There should be reward show young people that they should demand time the British hand it over to us. It has always been for goodness. When we were born in the early a better life. That is the focus of the brand, the faulty. You can’t continue to put floors upon floors on 50s. If you are caught in the neighbourhood youths; no more no less doing something naughty, it was not just your a building with a faulty foundation. That building will parents that had a responsibility to discipline You are never shy or afraid to dabble you, the community too. The government had into the politics of the day-you are always collapse one day. That is what we are about to witness. indirectly had some hand in it, but now you see commenting and you take sides, as things We can’t have a constitution that favours one part of how the whole equation has changed against happen young people. Is it the elders that they can Unfortunately, people like me suffer from the country over the other. That is a scam. How do we look up to? It is the leadership they can look diarrhea of the mouth. We suffer from our make progress, if we can’t at least come to the table to up to? The community has failed. Everything nakedness, in terms of telling it like it is. You has failed them, but like we always say when can’t see something and not pass a comment. resolve some of the issues? Is that not why the Middle- the manage to leave the shores of this country, You can’t see something that you love or some- Nigerians are excelling in a lot of areas. thing that really causes a revolt in you as a belt is shouting, Oduduwa is shouting, Biafran people person; something you can’t stand. I cannot be are shouting. All these emanate from the injustices that NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the frustrated and never talk about it and keep it online edition on www.thisdaylive.com to myself. Ordinarily, you should have people parades the whole country 20 THISDAY ˾
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Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], Tel: 07010510430 Stemming Perennial Water Scarcity in Katsina Francis Sardauna chronicles the efforts of Governor Aminu Bello Masari in revitalising the hitherto abandoned 47-year-old Ajiwa water works in order to curb perennial water scarcity in Katsina State or all the rural and urban tran- formation projects ongoing in Katsina State which can visibly acknowledged and verified by both staunch members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, nitpickers andF rumour peddlers, the holistic modernisation and reconstruction of water supply system in the state evidently occupies a prime place in the restoration agenda of Governor Aminu Bello Masari-led administration. The placement of water supply as the basic necessity of life and most secured channel of ensuring healthy living amongst urban and rural dwellers as well as basis for a sound economic and social development of any city, community or rural settlement is incontrovertible. For this reason and perhaps more, Masari had become a discerning reference for where a workable, sustainable and pragmatic approach is being made to tackle perennial water scarcity and water-borne diseases from a realistic and multidemensional point of view as against what was obtainable in the past. Masari, on assumption of office in 2015, inaugurated a restoration agenda committee on the water sector and considered it as a basic resource to both human, domestic and industrial activities despite its negligence by successful regimes and administrations in the state. Beside, the capacity of water pumping machines designed in the early 80s and installed by the previous regimes and administrations to supply water to residents of the state were grossly inadequate and below the water supply needs of the growing population of over 8.7 million people in the state. The outdated and poorly managed machines could no longer be maintained and their servicing cost lines became unsustainable. Sadly, numerous components of integral water supply system, vital and strategic facilities at different booster stations in the state were bedevilled with absolute dysfunction due to 47 years of neglect and lack of government One of the generators installed at Ajiwa water works to supply power to the pumping machines resuscitation plans or initiatives. Even the pipelines, concrete reservoirs and steel that Axially-Split High Lift Pump, nine Butterfly Katsina metropolis. Six horizontal Highlift available. were sited at various locations within Katsina, Valves and other accessories to replace the Pumps with various technical specifications He said: “First of all we started with the the state capital, became rusted and clogged extent broken-down obsolete machines have been manufactured, shipped, supplied dam, we have completely rehabilitated it with huge heaps of refuse by residents. with current technology options, which has and are now available for installation. While while all the pumps at the chemicals room Similarly, the Kofar Kaura booster station's improved and adequate pumping capacity. six control panels and valves of different have been changed, the filter media has been facilities were also left in bad condition by the These machines are equally capable and have sizes are currently being shipped and would changed and what is now left is works on previous administration. The booster station the durability of supplying the required and be due "for installation and commissioning the pump house which we have done 90 was seen by many as a thick hideouts bushes, substantial quantity of water on regular and by August, 2021". per cent. "squalid cesspool of contamination", rather stable basis in the state. Interestingly, this Ajiwa water treatment “International trade and travel restrictions than a compliment to water supply, safety Additionally, three Modern ABB Soft plant, after the ongoing revitalisation and due to the COVID-19 pandemic have stalled and sanitation while pumping machines and Starter Control Panels and Local Control installation of equipment, will supply atleast the project for the past couple of months but the generator powering the booster station were successfully replaced at the Ajiwa Water 50 million litres of potable water daily to the project is still on course. By the time all have all been completely broken and left at Works Pumping Station. Also, a dual Turbo residents in the state as part of efforts to the pumps are installed and all the civil, the mercy of God. Turbines diesel powered generators with end perennial water scarcity facing most mechanical and electrical aspects of the project The level of dilapidation which pervaded a combined power supply of 4.2mw that communities in the state, including Katsina, are completed, the Ajiwa water works will the whole water supply system in the state were purchased by the state government the state capital. Masari has also assured that be able to produce its initial design capacity that led to acute shortage of the precious from Messrs Rolls-Royce Power of Germany his administration would not relent until the of 50 million litres of water per day which susbtance across the nooks and crannies of have been powered, tested and integrated water shortage afflicting the state is stemmed. will be taken to Katsina for distribution". the state before the coming of Masari, whom into the main control panel to boost water Meanwhile, Governor Masari while inspect- The contractor handling the project, Alhaji many described as the earthly messiah, was supply and avert its scarcity. ing the onging rehabilitation and expansion Salisu Mamman while briefing the governor extensive that only a complete and radical These brand new and highly-powered of Ajiwa water works and other notable water at the premises of the facility explained that overhaul of the system could restore capacities generators are meant to power the three projects awarded by his administration, the dilapidation and disuse which pervaded for adequate sustainable water supply for Highlift Vertical Pumps at the pump house, directed that after the complete replacement the whole water supply system over the the citizenry. dosing and auxiliary pumps, electrify the of the pumps at the Ajiwa water works, all pre-Masari government was so thorough Infact, the inability of the past governments entire office complex, and staff housing the scribe materials should be sold off in and extensive that only a complete and to provide safe, adequate and regular water estate with a view to curbing the decade order to generate more revenue to the state radical overhaul of the system could restore for diversified domestic and industrial use for lingering power shortages hidering stable government. capacities for any appreciable and adequate the first-ever rising population of the state water supply in the state. He added that the rehabilitation of Ajiwa water provision for the citizens of the state. apparently led to the outbreak of water-borne The administration also procured and water treatment plant and the construction He said the technology and capacities diseases in some communities and villages, installed electro-mechanical equipment for of distribution networks for Zobe Dam will of the old system designed for the early hike in cost of commercial water by vendors the new pump house at the Ajiwa Water supply no fewer than 100 million litres of 70s and 80s were grossly inadequate and even in Katsina, the state capital. Works, which includes three High Lift water to the state capital and its environs below the water supply needs of the rapidly Thus, in his elementary drive to boost Horizontal KSB pumps configured along daily. He noted that ongoing rehabilitation growing population of the state, hence the water supply across the 34 local government with three 500Kw ABB, five Soft Starter at Ajiwa Water Works is a holistic one that ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of areas and 361 political wards in the state, the Panels, three ABB 1000kva Transformers, includes expansion of the trenches of the the Ajiwa water works, assuring that the "people's governor", in collaboration with the Overheads and five Tonnes Crane with dam and comprehensive works on the water project would be completed before the end United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), various sizes of Non-return and Butterfly treatment plant and the power supply system of this year. has constructed over 5,000 hand-pumping Valves. of the facility. Therefore, the unflinching efforts of the boreholes, 1,000 solar motorised and over In a bid to enhance stable water supply in According to him, an additional 20 mil- present administration in the water sector has 500 latrines in communities, primary schools, the state and inflow of the commodity from lion gallons or 450 million liters of water, drastically alleviated the spate of water-borne healthcare facilities and market places across Zobe Dam, the Masari-led government also is expected to be pumped from Ajiwa and diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentry, cities and rural areas of the state. bought one 800KVA brand new basic Perkins Zobe dams for public consumption. He added typhoid and polio which have hitherto bedev- The administration also purchased and Electric Generating, installed and commissioned that residents would heave a sigh of relief, iled citizens due to negligence by successful installed three brand new KSB (Germany) at the Kofar Kaura Booster Station within as potable water would become constantly administrations in the state. THISDAY ˾
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#THISISNIGERIA- Ike Chioke Southeast Nigeria: When Silence is no Longer Golden

igeria and Nigeria’s the destruction of lives, livelihoods, and the federating unit must be treated with leaders of the various separatist groups in friends must speak out on physical infrastructure, the very negative as much weight as the other. the region. It is almost safe to assume that the heightened spate of sentiments of insurgency have also cost The legislators from different regions there has not been a serious attempt to sit insecurity in the Southeast Nigeria and the region even greater losses must commence their own rounds of down with them at a roundtable. Democracy now before it is too late. in local and foreign investment. And no conversations among themselves. Our thrives on dialogue. Our elected leaders What started as flickering matter how indifferent some Nigerians political leaders must recognize that as must find a way to engage with different candlelightN is quickly snowballing into might feel, we have all been touched in the greatest beneficiaries of present-day interest groups who have a viewpoint that a huge forest fire. And if we do not act varying degrees by that situation. But a Nigeria, they need Nigeria much more might affect the wellbeing of society no quickly, history will not be kind to all prolonged conflict in the Southeast will than the average Nigerian. All channels of matter how reactionary they seem. We lay of us who knew the awesome power of cost Nigeria much more. There is no doubt communications between the custodians of avoidable landmines when we ignore the speech but chose silence. about that. traditional institutions across the regions threat such people represent and allow The situation in the Southeast is worri- And that is why silence is dangerous must be opened and sustained. The Emirs their grievances to fester into open sores. some; not just because of our bitter history now. Indeed, we are in a rare moment must talk to the Igwes, and the Obas and It is morning yet on creation day though. but because no great society ever stumbles in time when only sincere, in-depth, our religious leaders must seek intelligent We can still engage these people to save twice over the same stone in their col- and far-ranging conversations can save pathways to roundtable discussions across the day and give our elders a chance for lective march to progress. While Nigeria the impending storm. This is the time different zones. Those of us who are in a peaceful retirement and our young ones has weathered the storm in the Northeast to start the conversations. Our leaders business must also create spaces for dialogue a chance to chase their dreams. for years, the threat in the Southeast is in all spheres of life must begin to talk across all spheres. If we do not talk to Fellow Nigerians, we all have a re- grounded in a long history of injustice. to one another in a language that will one another, soon enough, we shall be the sponsibility to work towards averting the That is the difference. And we must not heal the land. Our elected leaders must ones encouraging those who feel cheated threatening storm. War does not always gloss over this fact if we want a good engage at all levels. The governors from by Nigeria to put a gun to her head. end in victory and defeat. It ends with understanding of the current problem. the various regions must wake up to their I am of the candid view however that the fractured lives and broken dreams. It ends Happily, the reality of modern devel- responsibilities and create robust spaces for Southeast governors have more work to do with disruptions and dislocations. Nobody opment is that in many interconnected meaningful dialogue among themselves. in the emerging scenario. Since truth is a wins in the end. We will lose families, we societies, no sub-group ever suffers adversity The South must meet the North in a critical element in the pursuit of peace and will lose friends, we will lose businesses, alone. Misery often seeks new neighbor- dialogue of logic and reason. The time justice, I think that the Southeast governors and the survivors will lose peace of mind. hoods to occupy. That is why no part of to show all the wisdom, level-headedness, should withdraw into the Ime Obi with We all end up as losers! Nigeria can be said to have been completely and charisma of statesmen has come. Our our aggrieved youths for a family meeting. insulated from the effects of the sustained governors must rise above pride, prejudice, I have followed developments since the t*LF
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insurgency and brazen acts of terror in and personal motivations to meet at the current recrudescence of self-determination, BOE
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$IJPLF 22 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾
 

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Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 



ͯͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OBB 22.33 % CALL 22 % INDEX LEVEL ͳͯͳ˛Ͳͮ
ϱ 1/4 TO DATE ̋͵˛͵ʹϱ Ͳͯͮ˛Ͷͮ˹ͯ
 ̩ OVERNIGHT 22.93 % 1-MONTH 23.50 % 1-DAY ͮ˛ͮͯ
ϱ YEAR TO DATE ̋Ͱͱ˛ͯͯ
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JUNE 17, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

REPORT: FINANCE APPS’ DEPLOYMENT RISES BY 160% IN FG Urged to Lift Twitter’s Suspension to NIGERIA per cent in 2021. Finance app Restore Investors’ Confidence installs increased 20 per cent overall, but financial services Stories by Emma Okonji the rights that citizens have on cursory analysis of the brain drain, loss of ideas likes instead of suspension and traditional banking app offline must apply online. implications. He, however, and creativity. or outright ban. He promised installs saw only a 15 per cent Weighing the economic Coincidentally, this resolution said the NCS was convinced He, however, said Twitter that NCS would continue increase between Q1 2020 and implications of the suspen- was co-sponsored by Nigeria very strongly that the negative should realise that having a to work with government Q1 2021. However, only in the sion of Twitter’s operations with others. Nigeria Computer effect of Twitter’s suspension dominant share of 200 million in promoting ethical and first quarter of 2021, traditional in Nigeria by the federal Society is ever ready to ensure outweighed the gains in people from Nigeria, comes professional use of information banks picked up speed with government, the Nigeria the coordination of a level Nigeria. He described the with a lot of caution and technology in Nigeria. a 22 per cent rise in installs. Computer Society (NCS), playing ground of giant tech negative effects as indeed decorum. NCS, in its communique, It said there was 3.3 times has called on government for the good welfare and alarming and huge, and listed Sodiya said government observed that Twitter had growth in the number of to rescind its decision over wellbeing of Nigeria People.” them to include: Job losses, should also have a legal become the platform for re-marketing conversions the suspension in order to President of NCS, Prof. unemployment, economics framework to register and young people and indeed between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021, restore investors’ confidence Adesina Sodiya, said Nigerian woes and recession, youth regulate tech giants and all Nigerians to exercise their adding that following a 32 per and guarantee economic government might have taken restlessness and banditry, institute a deterrent punitive fundamental right to express cent drop in spend in Q2 of stability. the extreme decision based insecurity and terrorism, measures like fines and the and publish opinions. 2020 in global market, efforts NCS gave the advice in rebounded in Q3 and with a communique it released rising user acquisition costs, recently after a meeting in marketers increased activity in Lagos. remarketing, which soared 3 The federal government times by Q1 2021. Overall, the had penultimate week, growth path of non-organic suspended the operations installs continued upward, of Twitter in Nigeria for hitting 172 per cent growth deleting the tweet of President between 2019 and now. Muhammadu Buhari, which he sent to address the agita- tors of South-east extraction. ‘HOW TELCOS But the NCS in a com- BATTLED TO munique stated: “We appeal ACHIEVE SEAMLESS to the federal government to INTERCONNECTIVITY lift the suspension forthwith. AT INCEPTION’ This will restore investors’ several risks to operate in a confidence and business market that other operators growth and guarantee refused to operate in, because economic stability. The 70 of the perceived risk factor per cent youth population report, which they got from of this country will once their initial market survey. again have confidence in the “The telecoms industry has digital economic policy being done very well in the last 20 canvassed by the present years, despite the challenges administration. and risks. Nigeria has done “This will also guarantee FACILITY TOUR extremely well, not in just the their freedom of expressions L-R: Executive Director, Sahara Group, Wale Ajibade; Manager, WAGL Energy Limited, Ijeoma Isichei; Chairman, Egbin Power way we accepted the use of as contained in the constitu- Plc, Temitope Shonubi; Company Secretary, Ejiro Gray; Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, NNPC, Yusuf Usman; and GSM, but by the way that tion. After all, 2016 United Managing Director, WAGL Energy Limited, Emmanuel Ubani, during the courtesy visit of the NNPC COO to Egbin Power Plc in Nigerians have taken joint Nations resolution affirms that Lagos... recently Photo: Egbin Power Plc ownership of mobile services, which have become the com- mon wealth for all Nigerians,” Adebayo said. NCC Moves to Review Telecoms License Structure Narrating the risks in the last 20 years, Adebayo said The Nigerian Communications carry out the task. for improved revenue for of the terms and conditions of report on benchmarking of the risk factors were not with Commission (NCC) has initi- Danbatta, while inaugurating government.” the various license categories. license with similar jurisdic- emerging technologies, because ated the process for the review the Committee, said the need “Therefore, it is evidently These, he said, would include tions, a report on the impact Nigerians have adapted to of existing licensing structure for the review of the existing clear that this standing licensing fee, as well as identi- of certain licenses on other changes in technology very in the Nigerian telecommunica- license structure was informed committee, drawn up from fication of the limitations of the license holders. The committee rapidly. He however said the tions industry. by the wide range of techno- competent hands in various various license categories, with is also expected to recommend risk factors were variables The move was a demonstra- logical advances, convergence departments of the Commis- a view to clearly determining solutions as well as develop beyond the control of the tion of NCC’s responsiveness to of technologies and services sion, is perfectly suited and licenses that should be phased updated regulatory framework telecoms operators like the global trends and the dynamics which have characterised the capable of addressing the out or amended. for new and amended licenses harsh operating environment in the Information and Com- global telecoms space over the enormous task of reviewing Danbatta outlined the Com- as the case may be; and a final that led to the collapse of most munications Technology (ICT) years, and which impact is the existing license structure of mission’s seven-point deliver- report on the project with all telecoms operators. He said ecosystem. increasingly being experienced telecom licensees in Nigeria,” ables from the committee to recommendations. the early telecoms operators The Director, Public Af- in Nigeria. Danbatta had said. include a comprehensive review Also speaking during the like Multi-Links, Intercellular, fairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu According to him, “the cur- While noting that the work and report on existing licenses; inauguration of the committee, Starcomms, VGC Communica- Adinde, in a statement, said rent license structure is almost of the standing committee report and recommendations the Director, Licensing and tions and Visafone, that have the initiative was taken by the 20 years old, hence the need would be carried out in on consultative fora; and report Authorisation at NCC and gone into oblivion, suffered Executive Vice Chairman and for an urgent review of the phases, Danbatta said effective on recommended new license Chairman of the committee, challenges of lack of funding Chief Executive Officer of NCC, existing license pattern to reflect delivery of the committee’s task undertakings. Mohammad Babajika, assured among other variables. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, new licencing trends in line would help the Commission Others include a report on NCC of the committee’s resolve when he inaugurated an in- with international standards to institute a process, which recommended amendment to to deliver on the terms of their house standing committee to while providing opportunities would culminate in the review license fees and durations; a assignment.

‘Internet Connectivity Will Enable Digital Transformation, Education’

President of the Institute of Digital Cooperation: Enhancing He stressed the need for build an ecosystem that could access and data sovereignty. Software Practitioners of Nigeria Multi-stakeholder Governance government to recognise an change the narrative, ISPON Education, for instance, he

(ISPON), Mr. Chinenye Mba- for Digital Economy, discussed ‘ecosystem’ in the technology president said the Institute said, must be harnessed with Group Business Editor Uzoukwu, has said ubiquitous how government could tap space that is systemic in outlook. planned to sensitize the com- the national aspirations to Obinna Chima internet connectivity will into emerging technologies to adding that in technology, the munity about the local software the potential of technology enhance digital transformation leapfrog Nigeria in attaining most intriguing ecosystem is the industry; provide fora to share for powering the pragmatic Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene and enable digital education, digital transformation. innovation ecosystem, which he software development initia- development of world-class, Comms/e-Business Editor adding that software Nigeria, in Mba-Uzoukwu, who pre- described as a “human network tives; aggressively support the innovation cum oriented and Emma Okonji line with internet connectivity, sented the keynote on ‘The that generates extraordinary expansion of Nigeria’s human entrepreneurial workforce. He Asst. Editor, Money Market has the capacity to contribute Role of Nigerian Software creativity and output on a capital, foster co-operation with emphasized that employment Nume Ekeghe to national development. in Enhancing Governance in sustainable basis.” Nigeria IT in diaspora; and and entrepreneurship must Senior Correspondent Mba-Uzoukwu, disclosed Digital Economy,’ noted that According to Mba-Uzoukwu, cooperate with other countries deploy technology in support ËÒÏÏ×
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(Advertising) this during his keynote address there was nothing in human “Existence of telecommunica- to boost global exposure and of the genuine aspirations of Correspondents Chinedu Eze (Aviation) at the Internet Governance for history as transformative as tion infrastructure, the first competitiveness. Nigerian youth. ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ
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(Maritime) Development (IG4D) forum, the internet, because it has precondition to overcome the He advised the government, “Beginning with the National James Emejo (Finance) organised recently in largely changed virtually digital divide; Current economic industry players and academia, Association of Computer Science Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Lagos by DigitalSENSE. everything. He outlined some models for Internet access, place to continue to promote workable Students (NACOSS), we will ××ËØßÏÖ
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(ICT) Computer Society (NCS), Prof. healthcare, prosperity, lifestyle Speaking about the challenges intellectual property and privacy through personal enterprise,” (Energy) Peter Uzoho Adesina Sodiya, with the theme: and well-being. of the ecosystem, and how to rights, education, information he declared. THISDAY ˾ 

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 Nigerian Students Shine Danbatta Seeks Stakeholders’ Support at Robotics Challenge for ICT Adoption Nosa Alekhuogie in a 3-day virtual competition. Emma Okonji “Prof Umar Garba Danbatta He charged the students to tions for JAMB installed in At the end of the National Computer Laboratory” donated avail themselves of the ample the computers for the benefit About 1,320 students from the Championship, Queen College The Executive Vice Chairman by Huawei Technologies to opportunity provided by the of the students. 132 teams including student Lagos; a new entrant to the of the Nigerian Communica- Government Senior Secondary new facility within their own “As a company, Huawei from all 104 Unity School in program and all-girls school, tions Commission (NCC), School (GSS), in Danbatta, Kano domain. looks forward to making Nigeria, were among the over emerged as the overall winner Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, State. Restating the NCC’s commit- more contributions to Nigeria 500,000 children around the of the championship. has urged stakeholders in The historic school is the alma ment toward digitalisation of by supporting the NCC in world who participated in Federal Science and Tech- Nigeria to support the Com- mater of Danbatta. Nigeria’s economy, Danbatta, bridging the digital connectivity the 2020/2021 LEGO League nology College, Orozo, came mission in its quest to ensure He expressed gratitude to the said the Commission would divide, training talents, building Challenge. second, while Team AIROL, an ubiquitous adoption and use of company for choosing his alma continue to be in the forefront capacity, knowledge transfer The missions reflected poten- all-girls team from University Information and Communica- mater for the important ICT in the implementation of the and supporting the process tial thought-starters for their of Lagos AI Lab, came third. tions Technology (ICT), with project, noting that the facility federal government’s policies of achieving a fully-digital self-directed innovation project, The three teams will repre- a view to transforming the will not only bring invaluable aimed at achieving the goal. economy,” she said. where students will identify a sent Nigeria at the International nation’s economy. benefits to the students and Speaking at the event, the Also speaking at the occasion, problem related to people not Open Championship in Greece. Danbatta also pledged the teachers of the GSS, Director Public Relation of Hua- the Chairman of Danbatta Char- being active enough, research The National Champions commitment of the NCC to but would also impact other wei Nigeria, Mrs. Lola Fafore, ity Foundation (DCF), Alhaji the problem and design a new from Queens College created continue with the implementa- neighbouring schools, which observed that the fully-fledged Nasiru Danguda, commended piece of technology or improve an amazing App called Ac- tion of federal government’s can utilise the tech facility for computer laboratory donated the NCC for attracting major an existing one to help them cess- The app that gets people policies aimed at digitalising preparing their pupils for the to the school is equipped with development projects to the solve that problem. active by connecting people the nation’s economy. Joint Admission and Matricula- free 4G internet service for 90 community, thereby opening The aim of the program interested in the same sports. Danbatta made the call tion Board (JAMB) and other days as well as computer-based unprecedented windows of was to help students develop Many other teams like FGGC recently, while commissioning, educational purposes. testing (CBT) training applica- opportunity for the people. innovation, critical thinking Ikot Obio, Vivian Fowler Me- and lifelong skills and these are morial College, FGC Robochi, the skills that would prepare FSTC Usi-Ekiti, FSTC Tungbo, them for the future of work FGC Daura, FGGC Ezzamgbo, and the Fourth Industrial Hillside School Abuja and oth- Revolution (4iR). ers, won accolades in different The program was organised categories. by Coderina Education and The Director, Technology Technology Foundation and Science Education, Fed- (Coderina) in collaboration eral Ministry of Education with the Federal Ministry of in Nigeria, Mrs. Elizabeth Education with support from Adedigba, said the objective SAP, DOW, Ford, NITDA, the was to expose the children LEGO Foundation and FIRST. to 21st Century technology Students from schools in the and skills. northern and southern regions “The Ministry is aware of Nigeria, competed in Kano of the fact that the world and Lagos respectively in a does not wait for anybody head-to-head, putting more and artificial intelligence is than 12 weeks of research, gaining ground across sectors. design, and programming The Federal Unity Colleges; to the test in the first-ever being model schools, we have regional championships to to start with the children win honors and recognition. to acquire the skills and For the National Champion- boost their creative insights, ship, the regional qualifiers/ innovation and team work winners, alongside other progression such they can private schools and neighbour- built it in them right from hood teams converged online this stage,” Adedigba said.

Smile Introduces ICT centre Revamped eSIM Offer Galaxy Backbone, DataSixth Partner to Deliver Nosa Alekhuogie connected through Wi-Fi or mobile data. Cybersecurity Service Smile Communications has “To maximise the new revamped its eSIM offer that eSIM service, once a customer Nosa Alekhuogie detection and response services, cybersecurity ensures that malware, Abubakar said. was designed to further delight joined Smile, is activate the security analytics and data customers are provided best Anyanwu said with the its customers. eSIM service. Just download Galaxy Backbone, the govern- protection across the country in class cybersecurity services company’s unique capabili- The company disclosed the the free SmileVoice app on ment agency responsible for and Africa at large.” and to be the clear choice for ties, it would leverage on the launch of the eSIM offer in a a compatible smartphone, delivering connectivity services DataSixth SOCaaS tracks, cybersecurity, tied to its multi- partnership to deliver value, and statement, which underscored running an Android or iOS to public and private organisa- identifies and responds to layered cloud solution that actionable security intelligence that the offer is a means for system, through the respective tions, has partnered DataSixth cyber events in real-time and safeguards organisations against to customers. Voice and SMS communication App stores. Consulting to offer cybersecurity is supported by security analysts through the SmileVoice app. “Once the download is as a service. who perform threat detection, The revamped eSIM offer, successful, a customer will The partnership was expected analysis and remediation. which comes at a price of be required to activate the to cover service offerings rang- It also offers cyber threat intel- N500 and available at all Smile service on their device. Once ing from Security Operations ligence and forensic capabilities touch points, is loaded with activated, the device needs Centre as a Service (SOCaaS), and uses a timely alerting process free unlimited on-net calls to be connected to wireless State of art SIEM (managed and to reduce false-positive alerts. and SMS. It also embodies or mobile internet for the leveraged), Ransomware mitiga- The Managing Director/ 50 minutes of free local calls customer to launch the dialler tion and security automation, CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. to any network on activation. on the app and initiate a call Threat intelligence and Darkweb Muhammad Bello Abubakar, According to the Chief Mar- like a regular call to use the monitoring, as well as Security said the partnership would keting Officer of Smile Com- service,” Hafeez said. assessment, VAPT and forensic strengthen the national cyber munications, Abdul Hafeez, A University lecturer and Other service offerings include: posture, increase cybersecurity the re-launch would aim to user of the earlier eSIM variant, Endpoint detection and response resilience, the efficiency and empower Smile’s existing and Dr. Iniobong Emem, confirmed (EDR),Security Orchestration, quality of public administration prospective customers with a that he cherished the eSIM Automation and Response service in Nigeria. product extension derived from product offering that was (SOAR), and White label services. According to him, “The an existing product with many multifaceted and cost-effective. Announcing the partnership requirement for enabling goodies and freebies. His genuine expectation about and the its benefits to customers, cybersecurity services in today’s Hafeez noted that, unlike the re-introduction of the Smile the Founder, DataSixth Consult- ever-changing threat landscape the regular SIM card that eSIM will be that it offers more ing, Mr. Michael Anyanwu said: is becoming an increasing needs to be inserted in the advantages. “We are excited about the national level priority. Galaxy smartphone and only functions Smile Nigeria has remained prospect of joining in partner- Backbone’s relentless focus on wherever the mobile network consistent in its deployment of ship with Galaxy Backbone delivering expert solutions as a is available, eSIM could be superior technology to avail at this critical stage of our government trusted advisor to its used anywhere in the world. consumers with cutting-edge growth journey. “In our opinion, clients, means that the business The only requirement is for services that pivot around Galaxy Backbone has an is ideally placed to deliver cyber existing Smile customers to product offerings that are enormous potential to set resilience and threat reduction.” activate the free SmileVoice essentially peerless in the new standards in cybersecurity Galaxy Backbone believes App on their smartphone, market. including providing managed the expanded services in 28 THISDAY ˾
 
JUNE 17, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Assessing Telcos’ Contribution to GDP Emma Okonji reviews the performance of the telecom sector in the first quarter Gross Domestic Product figures released recently by the National Bureau of Statistics

Pantami Danbatta Aziz

ew weeks ago, the National Bureau set quality standards and requirements of offered by telecoms operators to banks. by the end of March, 2021. of Statistics (NBS), released its SIM Card Registration as issued by the Banks use different USSD codes to support During the same period, basic active Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Federal Ministry of Communications and transfer of money through the use of internet subscriptions also dropped from statistics for quarter one (Q1) Digital Economy and the Commission. mobile devices, without internet data 154.8 million to 144.9 million, according 2021, which showed a sharp NCC had further warned MNOs that connectivity. to statistics obtained from NCC’s website. declineF in the contribution by the telecoms non-compliance with the directive would The earlier disagreement between Nigeria had surpassed the 30 per cent and Information services sector. be met with strict sanctions, including banks and telecoms operators led to broadband penetration as at December The development which was worrisome the possibility of withdrawal of operating the introduction of a new USSD rate 2018, in the first Nigeria National Broad- to telecoms industry players has been license. of N6.98 kobo from the initial N10.50 band Plan (NNBP), which spanned from attributed to several dwindling which Although the suspension was later lifted kobo rate for every USSD transaction. 2013 to 2018. By 2020, Nigeria came up includes harsh policy formulation as well by the federal government in April 2021, Although the new rate has not been with a second National Broadband Plan as implementation of certain regulations. but within the five months suspension, the implemented by the banks, since it was from 2010-2025, with a target of 70 per Specifically, telecoms industry players telecoms sector had lost over 15 million arrived at in April this year, THISDAY cent broadband penetration, but industry attributed the development to the imple- subscribers across networks, the number gathered that the banks have now com- analysts have said that could only be mentation on SIM registration, SIM-NIN in the porting of subscribers from one menced implementation of the new rate. achieved if the right policies are put in synchronisation, initial suspension on the network to another also dropped and It was gathered that some banks recently place. sales of SIM cards that led to loss of over revenue generation for telecoms operators sent notices to their customers, informing 15 million subscribers within a space was adversely affected because new SIMs them that the banks have commenced NIN registration of five months, the directives on IMEI were not sold. deduction of N6.98 kobo for USSD. The National Identity Management mobile phone number, and the effect of This affected revenue and some sub- THISDAY also gathered that the meeting Commission (NIMC), the government COVID-19, among others. scribers lost their SIM cards to banditry, to discuss the sharing formula on the agency in charge of registration of the Since the inception of Global System for kidnapping and armed robbery and N6.98k USSD charge, would soon be National Identification Number (NIN), Mobile (GSM) communication in Nigeria could not SIM replacement because of conveyed. has been facing challenges in registering in 2001, the sector’s contribution to GDP the suspension order, which also slowed Nigerians and in issuing our NIN slips, as has been on a steady rise and it reached down revenue drive for telecoms operators Teledensity and number porting a result of improper funding of the agency its peak in 2015, when the investment because majority of the subscribers were From the data obtained from NCC’s by the federal government, a situation in the Nigerian telecoms sector, reached disenfranchised and could not buy airtime website, teledensity, which measures that has slowed down registration process $70 billion, and had since surpassed that for data and voice calls, a situation that the percentage of the total number of across NIMC’s office across the country. figure. impacted negatively on GDP contribution. telephone lines per 100 inhabitants in Nigerians, including NIMC staff have According to statistics obtained from Pantami thereafter lifted the ban in an area at a given time, dropped from expressed concerns over the inadequate the website of the telecoms industry April. 108 per cent to 100 per cent during the funding of NIMC operations. They are regulator, the Nigerian Communications He had said the implementation of duration of the suspension. of the view that NIMC must be properly Commission (NCC), in 2015, telecoms the policy and issuance of new SIMs As at November 2020, the total number funded in order to offer the best of contribution to GDP was 8.50 per cent, and other suspended activities would of telecoms subscribers reached a peak national identity management services in 2016, it rose to 9.13 per cent. resume on the same date, provided that of 207.9 million, with a teledensity of to Nigerians. In 2017, it reached 9.16 per cent, and verification had been completed and the 108.92 per cent, which later dropped to The Director General of NIMC, Mr. in Q1 of 2018, it rose to 9.19 per cent guidelines fully adhered to. 204.5 million with a teledensity of 107.14 Aliyu Aziz, also recognised the need and in Q2 of 2018, it rose again to 10.43 But before the lifting of the ban, so per cent in December 2020, and further for adequate funding, had said national per cent. In 2019, it was 11.39 per cent, much damage had been meted in telecoms dropped to 200.2 million with a teledensity identity management required the political and in 2020 it further rose all high to operations, which adversely affected of 104.89 per cent in January 2021. will of government and adequate funding 14.30 per cent before sliding to 11.66 per revenue generation and contribution By February and March 2021, subscribers’ to succeed. cent and later to 7 per cent in Q1 2021. to GDP. number further dropped to 196 million and The Chairman of Chams Plc, Demola The statistics showed that decline in 192 million respectively, while teledensity Aladekomo, had said that Nigeria lost GDP contribution set in from 2021, shortly USSD Imbroglio also dropped to 102.72 per cent and 100.80 about $2.5 billion in the last 45 years after the Minister of Communications Another indices that affected telecoms per cent respectively. Telecoms operators due to poor implementation of several and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim contribution to GDP between 2020 and also attributed the drop to unfavorable failed national identity projects. Pantami, ordered the suspension of 2021, was the tussle between telecoms policy implementation. The inadequate funding of NIMC op- Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) operators (telcos) and the banks over For number porting, the statistics from erations across the country, was however registration last December. Unstructured Supplementary Service NCC’s website showed that number aggravated in December last year, when Data (USSD). porting dropped between 2020 and 2021. Pantami ordered the linkage of all registered Suspension of SIM card registration Both the telcos and and banks were As at October 2020, the total number of SIMs with NIN, within a short period of On December 9, 2020, the Nigerian at loggerheads over non-remittances of subscribers that ported from one network two weeks, an order that generated a lot Communications Commission had sus- money charged for USSD service by to another, was 19,771, which dropped to worries among subscribers who felt it was pended further sales and activation of banks, which the telcos said accumulated 16,342 in November 2020, and to 4,085 ill-timed, given the fact that it was Yuletide new SIM cards. since 2019 to N50 billion as at June. This, in December 2020. In January, February, time, when people travel. It had stated that the suspension would they stated had further stated affected and March 2021, all networks recorded Even though the initiative was laudable, last till the completion of the audit of the revenue generation and contribution to zero porting as well. Nigerians felt the short time limit of two Subscriber Registration Database, which GDP in the weeks was not achievable. sought to achieve global standards and Telecoms operators said the accu- Broadband penetration Although the federal government quality in the issuance of SIM cards. mulated money charged by banks for Broadband penetration in the country had shifted the deadline severally, the The Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. USSD, which the banks failed to remit which had grown from less than than latest being from May 6 to June 30, 2021, Ikechukwu Adinde, who announced the to telecoms operators since 2019, rose six per cent in 2015, to 45.93 per cent as but the continuous shift in dates also suspension in a statement issued by the from N42 billion in March this year, to at Q1, 2020, also witnessed a decline to affected effective planning on the part of Commission, had said the action became N50 billion as at June 1, 2021. 41.18 per cent between December 2020 subscribers and operators, which analyst necessary in line with the federal govern- Although the banks denied accumulating and March 2021, which was the period said, also slowed down telecoms growth ment desire to consolidate the achievement such huge amount of money from USSD that Nigerians suffered SIM card ban. and development. of the SIM card registration exercise of charges, they insisted that they do not Statistics showed that the number If wrong policies could affect operations September 2019. charge for USSD service. of Nigerians with access to broadband and revenue generation, it then becomes The objective of the audit exercise USSD is a critical channel for delivering (internet high-speed) services on their obvious that government must come up was to verify and ensure compliance financial services, particularly for the mobile devices as at Q1 2020, which stood with policies that will enhance growth by Mobile Network Operators with the underserved and the financially excluded, at 87.6 million, reduced to 78.6 million in the telecoms sector. THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 29 30 THISDAY ˾

 

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  La Riccia: Automation Hub Will Boost Local Resources in Nigeria Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of Digital Services for Middle East and Africa, Lucky La Riccia, in this interview speaks on the benefits of the company’s automation hub in Nigeria and how it will bring a new set of skillsets close to customers for easier transition to automation.

Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: Is Ericsson planning to invest in local tech start-ups in Nigeria? ricsson recently announced plan to Ericsson innovation platforms around the launch automation hub in Nigeria. world are part of our global push to drive Can you break down the intricacies innovation in the markets we operate in. We around how the automation hub strongly believe in the transformative impact works? of network automation as a technology that EThe Ericsson Automation Hub is an open can fuel innovation. The automation hub will innovation platform, inspired by lean startup tap into the talent here in the country and will methodology in which Ericsson team works in ultimately evolve the nation’s digital landscape. close dialogue with customers, users, and partners to showcase and reach the high potential that Nigeria is yet to roll out 5G network, network automation allows in configuration, how does this affect the full potential of provisioning, assurance, and orchestration of the automation hub? network services. This will enable service provid- The automation hub is a long-term plan with ers to gain the ability in their environments to set objectives which will grow and evolve once govern, manage and orchestrate hybrid networks 5G is rolled out in Nigeria. However, the benefits holistically and in real time and as a result, offer of automation are already significant for networks an enhanced consumer experience. that are being developed, maintained and delivered The objectives of the Nigeria hub are to increase today. Customers are already benefitting from quality and customer experience one step at a Time to Market and Total Cost of ownership time: recruiting and training local resources on benefits of more efficient software delivery and Ericsson’s automation portfolio, support local higher quality deployments. Service automation customers and enable automation in project has a transformational power for businesses and deliveries, bringing a new set of skillsets close service providers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to customers for easier transition to automa- automation will further provide value across tion. Our immediate next step however is the lifecycle of network operations to make the the recruitment of engineers with automation most of 5G, when it is launched. and software development skills in Nigeria to ultimately increase the capability of the team on Businesses need emerging technologies the ground and integrate them into the wider to remain competitive. How is Ericsson Ericsson global automation community. supporting African businesses in today’s La Riccia digital era? What is motivation for Ericsson and what As Industry 4.0 accelerates in Africa, automa- does the hub seek to achieve? milestone by shipping its first Cognitive Software tion in operations is proven to boost customer The initial focus of the hub will be expanding How soon will the Hub be established to be used by Ericsson customers worldwide experiences. Ericsson continues to support the the adoption of CI/CD practices in the Africa here in Nigeria? to design and optimize networks. The hub telecom industry players in setting #AfricaInMo- region working with customers to make the most The hub is already established today, we are focuses on research and development (R&D) tion, and with the Ericsson Automation Hub of this exciting technology development. Use already revolutionizing Time to Market benefits in AI and Automation, leveraging cutting-edge in Nigeria, we will focus on driving business of such innovations as Kubernetes and cloud with automated deployments as a first step. technologies to create data-driven, intelligent, outcomes for our partners in Africa as they aim infrastructure as a base the hub will be a key and robust systems for automation, evolution, to leverage on digital transformation to turn link between Ericsson’s African customer base How many countries in Africa has the and growth. The establishment of similar hubs complexities to opportunities while offering and the quickly evolving adoption of systems hub been established? are always an opportunity to deliver top-notch a greater experience and value to consumers. automation in the telecommunications sector. We announced our plans to open innovation technological innovation and transformation hubs across the Middle East and Africa region plans through local talent. How will digital connectivity help achieve How accessible is the automation hub? back in 2018. Our Artificial Intelligence and From Ericsson’s perspective, AI adoption is economic sustainability in Africa? The automation hub is accessible to all Ericsson Analytics Hub in Egypt has been operational essential to efficient network management and Africa is home to over a billion people, and customers wishing to push their organization since 2019. operations. AI and automation will help address it is also a continent with the most growing forward in this exciting area of innovation. We the complexity of 5G networks, drive efficiencies economies. ICT is essential for the region’s will also be working with organizations who What are the success stories in other and improve customer experience as well as development, and adequate ICT service are not currently Ericsson customers to explore countries? open new revenue streams for communications deployment and digital connectivity will innovation opportunities for their organizations Late last year, Ericsson’s Artificial Intelligence service providers (CSPs). play a crucial role in achieving economic partnering with Ericsson. (AI) and Analytics Hub in Egypt achieved a key sustainability in the continent. Shoprite: New Investor Assures Nigerian Lagos PPP Office Identifies New Strategies Consumers of Improved Services for Greater Impact Stories by Raheem Akingbolu “We are thrilled to complete the better within Nigeria,” said The Lagos State Office of the of the retreat was to provide a the Director-General for the acquisition of Shoprite, ensuring Amusan. “With benefits Public Private Partnership has platform for the participants quality of resource persons, as it Following the acquisition deal the continued operations of one from our knowledge of the held a three-day retreat for its staff to refresh their mind, broaden underscores his vision to position between Retail Supermarkets of the biggest retail success ever-evolving Nigerian retail with a view to deepening their their knowledge generally, and PPP as a force to reckon with, in Nigeria Limited (RSNL), owner stories in Nigeria. We look marketplace, well-grounded knowledge of the core mandate upscale their skill set. the efforts to build a greater Lagos and operator of the Shoprite forward to building an even social and economic research, of the PPP Office. He added that it was also through infrastructure renewal stores in Nigeria, and Ketron stronger company following and hands-on experience from The retreat which held in Lagos designed to prepare them and upgrade. He went further Investment Limited, the new our acquisition and are excited our team, we are confident that was attended by staff of the PPP adequately for greater impact to emphasize that it is imperative investor has assured consumers about the greater impact we this acquisition will foster a Office across all cadres, and it was in the discharge of the PPP’s to review the Lagos State PPP of robust services in the years will achieve to the benefit robust and sustainable business resourced by experts and policy strategic mandate, stressing that Law (2011) to properly create a ahead. of our customers and other model for the ultimate benefit of makers drawn from diverse fields the PPP Office is pivotal and very more robust and enabling legal Ketron, a Nigerian company stakeholders now and well all stakeholders,” he concluded. and expertise in public-private crucial to the accomplishment and regulatory framework for owned by a group of institu- into the future.” Professional services firms, partnership, infrastructure of the goals of the T.H.E.M.E.S. viable and bankable projects. tional investors led by Persianas Since its launch in Lagos in KPMG Advisory Services, MBO development, legislature, legal, agenda of Governor Babajide Speaking on the topic, Investment Limited, recently December 2005, Shoprite has Capital Management Limited finance and integrated marketing Sanwo-Olu-led administration. ‘Concessions: Regulating and acquired the supermarket expanded to 25 outlets across and Banwo & Ighodalo advised communications among others. ‘‘We are key custodians of monitoring compliance of terms brand. eleven states and Abuja, FCT. Ketron on the deal. CEO, MBO Themed, ‘Private Sector the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda of the and conditions of projects against The divestment by Shoprite According to the terms of Capital, Jide Ogundare, stated Collaboration: A service-driven administration of Governor market externalities’, Managing International was in line with the acquisition, Ketron acquired that the deal signalled an op- culture for enhanced infrastruc- Babajide Sanwo-Olu; our role Partner/CEO, G A Capital Ltd, its strategy to change from 100 per cent ownership of portunity for Ketron to uphold tural delivery,’ also sought to is very strategic. So, in order Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, emphasised an ownership model to a Shoprite in Nigeria and will a thriving business. empower the staff by exposing to effectively deliver on this that establishing a framework franchise model. This change continue operations across all “It will be hard work,” he them to issues, challenges and important role, we have put this is germane to a successful PPP in ownership has also received existing outlets. It also plans said, “but with the plans we opportunities, and current retreat together to retool every programme which can only be the approval of the Nigerian to open additional stores and have in place, and with the realities in the implementation one of us for optimal performance achieved where there is political regulator the Federal Competi- introduce more Nigerian-made support of the larger Shoprite of public-private partnership in our respective role within the will, consistency and continuity tion and Consumer Protection products in the stores. This he family in Nigeria including projects. value chain,’’ George said. in project plan, integration and Commission (FCCPC). noted, will also result in more our staff and every Nigerian Welcoming the participants, Chairman, House Committee collaboration among all relevant Speaking on the acquisition, opportunities for Nigerians. shopper that walks through the Director-General of Public on PPP, Lagos State House of stakeholders, clear assigned roles Chairman, Ketron Investment “It is our vision to create our doors, we are confident Private Partnership, Mr. Ope Assembly, Lukmon Olumoh, and responsibility, and high breed Limited, Tayo Amusan said, fundamental change for the of success.” George, said the key objective also in attendance, commended of opportunities for investors. THISDAY ˾
 
JUNE 17, 2021 31 BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS How Top African Brands Weathered the Storm amidst Pandemic Raheem Akingbolu reviews the report of ‘The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, pointing out that Dangote, GTBand and others retained 13 per cent share of top 100 most admired brands in Africa despite global pandemic.

Dangote GTBank Segun Agbaje

he last 16 months have been most brought the world to a halt with several with Nigeria one step behind on the log and which is the only African airline to have enduring for businesses, no thanks markets having no other options than to South Africa unchanged with 5 brands each, seemingly thrived during the pandemic, the to coronavirus pandemics which adapt to the new reality. Ethiopia (+1) and Kenya (-) also accounted first of the continent’s airlines to resume ravaged the world. MTN, consistently the only African brand for the13 brands among the Top 100 most service and converting passenger planes As a result of this, handlers of among the Top 10 brands overall, dropped admired brands in Africa. into cargo planes to transport critical PPE’s variousT brands are compelled to think out to number 11 for the first time in a decade Furthermore, brands within the computer/ around the world and the continent during of the box to navigate the turbulent waters. while American sports and fitness giant, electronics (17%)(+3), consumer (non-cyclical) the pandemic’s depths. Another cheering news Despite this, some local and global brands Nike retains the top spot for the fourth (14%)(+6), luxury (8%)(-2), auto manufacturers in this edition is that Nigeria’s Globacom that were not prepared for the shock failed year in a row with consumer-electronic (13%)(+3), and apparel (8%)(-) make up the Communications and Nasco Group join the and crumbled because they didn’t devise heavyweight, Samsung, tech-giant Apple, top 5 categories. Consequently, Nigeria’s list at number 62 and 63 respectively among winning strategies. beverage maker Coca-Cola, sportswear eCommerce giant, Jumia and telecoms the top 100. However, according to a report by The manufacturing brothers, Adidas and Puma, provider, Globacom also ranked amongst According to the commentary by Thebe Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, also joining the list, while Gucci, Toyota the top ten most admired African brands. Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Dangote Group, MTN Group and Guaranty and Zara also made the list. In other areas of the ranking, the world Africa and Brand Leadership on the rank- Trust Bank Group, among other African MTN and Dangote retained their status health organisation (WHO) emerged as ings, there is no doubt the pandemic, that brands still made it to the top and ranked as the most admired African brands. the number 1 most admired global brand continues to cost lives and livelihoods, and as the most admired brands in Africa while Also, Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank perceived to have been the most helpful brand, coincided with the launch of the implementa- the World Health Organisation (WHO) and retained its position as the most admired given its predictably global omini-presence tion phase of the AfCFTA which aims to MTN top the list of brands recognised as the financial services brand in Africa in 2021. during the pandemic. accelerate intra-Africa trade from 18 per most helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic., It was followed by First Bank of Nigeria. Significantly, MTN, which donated over cent to 50 per cent in 2030, is becoming a Reacting to the report, the Group Chief South Africa’s ABSA Bank inched two places seven million doses of Covid-19 vaccine catalyst for loconomies with nations having Branding and Communications Officer of the higher in the rankings to become the third to nine African countries, was the leading to look internally for sustainability. With the Dangote brand, Anthony Chiejina, said he most admired financial services brands in African and private sector brand standing internal shifts in the rankings in particular was not surprised by the position, given the 2021 from 5th position last year. In the same at the number two spot, in private sector list the African brands, Africa can and will fact that Dangote connotes both economic vein, Nigeria’s top lenders United Bank for where all multinational mobile operators in need to grow its own brands to meet the and psychological emancipation by igniting Africa (UBA) maintained the fourth position Africa such as Vodafone Group at number needs of its growing consumer market. industralisation zeal in the continent, as well from last year, while Zenith Bank rounded three, Orange at number four, Airtel Africa African brands will continue to play a dual as restoring confidence in the narrative that off the top-ten list. at number six position; as well as media role of being globally competitive but most Africans can develop and transform Africa. With Covid-19 limiting entertainment brands such as Facebook at 10th on the importantly of transforming the continent’s He said: “The revolutionary impact of options beyond the house, while many chart and DSTV at 24th position made the promise into a real change.” the brand will further be strengthened with businesses struggled, many digital busi- list of the Top 25 most admired brands. Also, Caitlin van Niekerk, Global Client the mechanical completion of our 650,000 nesses such as streaming services thrived. These brands were highly instrumental in Development Manager, GeoPoll, said “While BPD Oil Refinery later this year as well as This undoubtedly explains South Africa’s communicating about the pandemic and mobile has always been an expedient and the already completed 3 million MT Urea DSTV becoming the most admired media keeping people connected. effective tool to provide us reach and ac- Fertilizer Plant that recently commenced brand in Africa, knocking off BBC from However, Nigeria’s Dangote in the eight cessibility across the continent, it became production” its long-held position. Similarly, American position is the only industrial brand on the more important during the pandemic as In various interviews conducted by Cable News Network (CNN) retained its list of most helpful brands. virtually the only way to reach respondents THISDAY, most of the respondents were position at number three alongside Al Jazeera Based on the fundamental role played by across the continent, providing us vital and of the opinion that Dangote and others in fourth. Netflix found itself leaping the the private sector during the pandemic, the list timeous results at a critical time.” that have made it to the top despite the line into the fifth position from 9th, while is 80 per cent dominated by diverse private Meanwhile, Karin Du Chenne, Chief Growth global crisis achieved the feat because of Canalsat, Facebook, NTV, MTN and France’s sector brands and 20 per cent governmental Officer Africa Middle East for Kantar, which their consistency and abiding by the best RFI positioned as 6th,7th,8th,9th and 10th and non-governmental agencies such as the has been the insight lead for Brand Africa global practice. respectively. Red Cross holds the 5th position, multi- since its inception in 2010 says, “Despite the For instance, Mr. Toyin Oluwadare, a build- According to the report, the top 100 brands lateral agencies such as WHO and Unicef increase in the sample size and countries ing contractor, who spoke on the Dangote in Africa have always been dominated by on the 7th position, government agencies surveyed and more than 80,000 in brand Cement said the brand has successfully European brands which have held their such as the Center for Disease Control stand mentions, the survey continues to yield a very pushed others to the back seat in Africa share at 41 per cent, but falling one step at the number 16 spot and USAID at 19. consistent picture of a steadily transforming by not relenting or allowing complacency from its previous position. Unsurprisingly, the leading pharmaceutical continental brand landscape and the brands to set in despite early success in the market North America advanced by one place on groups, Johnson & Johnson stay 12th and that will drive the African transformation.” place. the ladder, Asia stood unchanged, and Africa AstraZeneca stays 25th and rounded off The take home from the whole exercise is “I may not be able to speak for other retained its 13 per cent share of the most the list. that brands should always be ready consider- brands on the stable of the group but as a admired brands in the world. Similarly, the Spectacularly breaking into the list and ing the top of the mind awareness created by builder, Dangote Cement has remained my leading African countries that dominated staying at the 51st position of the top 100 the various brands in a year defined by the winning tool. Aside the quality, the company the rankings largely retained their positions admired brands in Africa is Ethiopian Airways, pandemic which brought the world to a halt. gives it a robust marketing support that It is obvious that the shifts in the rankings would make it difficult for anybody to this year’s rankings are bound by a common look elsewhere. To sustain the tempo, the theme – the Covid-19 pandemic. Given its manufacturers have been very painstaking Despite the increase in the sample size and countries impact on lives and livelihoods, this year and consistent in their strategies” he said. Brand Africa survey sought to understand Meanwhile, with the report under review, it surveyed and more than 80,000 in brand mentions, the which brands were perceived to have been has shown that African brands have continued helpful during the pandemic. No wonder, the retention of their 13 per cent market survey continues to yield a very consistent picture of a the WHO, as a result of its global relevance share of the top 100 most admired brands steadily transforming continental brand landscape and during the pandemic, emerged as the #1 on the continent in the space of a period most admired global brand perceived to defined by the coronavirus pandemic which the brands that will drive the African transformation have been most helpful during the pandemic. 32 THISDAY ˾
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President, Institute of Directors, Chief Funlola Okunnowo (left) and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a courtesy call on the Governor by the president at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta .recently

L-R: Former United States’ congressman, representing State of New Hampshire, Amb. Richard Swett and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, during the former’s courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa. bayelsa state government house

L-R: Samuel Gidson-Jofortan; Celebrant/Pastor in- Charge of Area, RCCG Fountain of Life Parish, Ire-Akari, Lagos, Pastor Joe Gidson-Jofortan, his wife, Eunice Olufunke, and Enoch during the 50th birthday celebration of Pastor Joe in Lagos..recently FUNKE OLAODE

L-R; British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, : Ben Llewellyn-Jones OBE; Commercial Manager, Savannah Energy, Ndidi L-R: Chairman Board of Directors SecureID Group, Adedotun Sulaimon (MFR); Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Ejekam, and Country Director, UK Department for International Trade, Chimwemwe Chalemera, during the breakfast meeting or- and, Founder/MD, SecureID Group, Kofo Akinkugbe during the Minister’s visit to SecureID’s Transport Payment Solutions (TPS) ganised for business leaders by the British High Commission in Lagos…recently Company in Isolo, Lagos recently.

L- R: Director, Public Affairs, Nigeria Communication Commission NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management; Mr. Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Ms. Josephine Amuwa; Director, Human Capital and Administration, Mr. Usman Malah, at the Industry Stakeholder Forum on Cost-Based Pricing of Mobile International Termi- nation Rate for Voice Services (ITR) organized by NCC at its Headquarters in Abuja… yesterday THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THISDAY ˾
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[email protected], HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Tel: 07010510430 Securing Greater Funding for Nutrition, Maternal Newborn and Child Healthcare Interventions in Nigeria Amidst the worsening economic, social and healthcare challenges in the country, children are increasingly being affected and their basic needs for survival are no longer guaranteed. Reports in 2020 showed at least one in three children did not grow well because of malnutrition, and at least two in three are not fed the minimum diet they need to grow, develop and learn to their full potential, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo ccording to the findings of the United Nations, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal and child deaths globally. About 20 per cent of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria with more of these deaths occurring in rural areas. TheA report of National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS 2018) quoted by UNICEF said maternal mortality in the country is 556 per 100,000. Most of these deaths occur either during pregnancy, at childbirth or within two months postpartum. The report also said that there are approximately 40 million children under five years of age in Nigeria, of which one in eight do not survive to their fifth birthday: leading to a mortality rate of 132 per 1000 live births. Despite the economic growth Nigeria recorded over the last decade, poverty remains persistent with child malnutrition becoming the order of the day in most parts of the country. The situation has also come with widespread inequity and regional disparities which has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN said an estimated 40 per cent of Nigerians ( about 83 million people) live below the poverty line (US$1.05 per day). In the same vein, the report showed that UNICEF Country Director making her speech at the Maternal, newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Abuja the overall poverty incidence in Nigeria stood at 64 per cent in 2016, with almost Maternal, Nutrition, Newborn and Child allocations to efforts at improving nutrition child nutrition is core to the human capital two-thirds of that total found in rural areas Health Week (MNCHW). A key objective of and healthcare of children as well to tackle development of Nigeria, this presents an with the north-east of the country exhibiting the event was to secure the commitment and problems of high maternal mortality rate in urgent crisis we need to address.” the highest level (74 per cent). financial support of commissioners for use the country. She expressed the hope that She said there is an obvious reduction The impact of this startling economic in promoting nutritional health of children resolutions reached at the meeting will go a in donor funding, adding that MNCHW indices on health and wellbeing of children in the country. long towards achieving quality and increased operations are being threatened. In addition, is enormous. The same report has shown The MNCHW in Nigeria was a week-long coverage of nutrition and maternal heath Hedjeboj said that COVID-19 pandemic that malnutrition is the underlying cause of campaign introduced at the 53rd Assembly in the country. has worsened the situation. The UNICEF many childhood deaths in Nigeria. According of the National Council for Health meeting representative further suggested that the best to the UN agency, “By 2026, with no change in 2010 as a priority and strategic action to High Level Commitment way to respond to reduced donor funding: is in nutrition, more than half the population accelerate the reduction of child mortality Speaking at the meeting, the UNICEF’s for government to take financial ownership of children will die from stunting alone. and improvement of maternal health. Vitamin Deputy Representative, Rushnan Murtaza of the Intervention programme. Malnourished children are more likely to A supplementation is a main indicator to who was represented by Chief of Nutrition, suffer and die from common childhood determine performance of the MNCHW. Nenat Hedjeboj said children’s lives are more Poor Health, Nutrition Indices illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia Organisers said MNCHW bridges the gaps in threatened today than before. She federal On her part, the Executive Director of and may be more likely to develop chronic uptake of routine health and nutrition services government and UNICEF have demonstrated Nutrition International, Titiola Abolade diseases such as heart disease in adulthood.” and presents a good opportunity to drive up a high level of commitment over the years said Nigeria has poor health and nutrition Experts say Anemia during pregnancy is coverage of services. It also a huge role in in tackling the problem. However she said indices. She explained that the National associated with maternal and neonatal deaths overall improvement of nutrition and health that “there is a need to scale quality nutrition Demographic and Health Survey 2018 puts and is a major cause of low birth weight. indices if done properly and consistently. interventions, sustain, increased allocation as Nigeria’s Maternal mortality ratio at 512 They also said babies with low birth weight The campaign has been implemented for well as timely release of the funds, annually”. per every 100,000 live births and under are five times more likely to die within the about 10 years now, but many states still miss According to her, increase of investment five mortality rate at 132 per every 1,000 first month of life than normal birth weight at least one or both rounds every year leaving and commitment for MNCHW and Nutrition live births. babies. many children and women unprotected with interventions is needed to contribute to the According Abolade studies show that 37 life-saving health and nutrition interventions. prevention and treatment of malnutrition per cent of children under five are stunted, Impact on Education There is also need to align MNCHW dates among vulnerable women and children while 22 percent are underweight and seven By 2026, it is being projected that if there to national dates ensuring six-month interval under five years. per cent wasted. She further said that almost is no change in stunting, children will lose between rounds of the campaign annually. Hedjeboj said: “This year, we are com- 58 percent of women of reproductive age are 33 million equivalent school years of learning As part of efforts to achieve the goal, UNI- mitted to reaching 31,299,942 children six anaemic. She said: “Malnutrition especially in from stunting alone. CEF is partnering with the federal government to 59 months with Vitamin A supplementa- children under the age of five and pregnant Regarding it’s impact on economic to sensitise commissioners for Health and tion”. The UNICEF scribe who expressed women has many adverse consequences for development malnutrition weakens the Economic Planning and Executive Secretaries worry at the growing number of children child survival and long-term well-being. affected person and on whole tends to of State Primary Health Care Boards on the witnessing stunted growth said close to 17 Poverty is widespread in Nigeria which has impart negatively on his or her ability to need for enhanced quality and increased million Nigerian children are undernourished been further increased with the COVID-19 develop and become useful citizen. In order coverage of nutritional health interventions (stunted and or wasted), thus giving Nigeria pandemic and the attendant effects of restric- to address the situation in the country, the in all the states in Nigeria. To this end, the the highest-burden of stunting in Africa and tions on livelihoods, access to healthcare federal government is collaborating with the meeting served as an opportunity to formally the second highest in the world. and food in households”. UNICEF and state governments to find ways introduce and present the optimised MNCHW Hedjeboj added that Vitamin A supplemen- Abolade said government plays critical and of scaling up funding to promote nutritional strategy to the commissioners of Health and tation reduces all causes of child mortality vital role at all levels which is vital towards health of children, especially in this period Economic Planning and Executive Secretaries. by up to 24 percent; reduces deaths from reducing the burden of malnutrition and of worsening economic difficulties. Federal government also said that it will diarrhea by 12 percent and reduces the health issues in Nigeria through quality and work with UNICEF to ensure that 31,299,942 incidence of measles by 50 percent. She increased coverage of maternal and child MNCHW Week children between six to 59 months are provided added that Vitamin A is also an enabler for health and nutrition services. She expressed In this regard, a one-day high level advocacy with vitamin A supplement within the next the reduction of stunting. Nigeria’s Vitamin the hope that the advocacy campaign will and accountability meeting was held recently one year. While declaring the event open, A supplementation status is unacceptably secure the commitments of states to prioritise, for state commissioners of Health, Budget Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget low (45 per cent). increase allocation and ensure timely release and Economic Planning and Executive and National Planning, Mrs. Olusola Idowu “Unfortunately, Nigeria is not on track funds for Nutrition and MNCHW as well as Secretaries of relevant agencies to mark the said the advocacy meeting was convened to meet Sustainable Development Goal align dates for the conduct of the MNCHW primarily to seek ways enhancing budgetary (SDG) Targets on undernutrition. And since to national dates. THISDAY ˾
 , JUNE 17 2021 35 NEWS [email protected]; Website: lifelinkfertility.com Global Fund Provides $900 Million FERTILITY 08033083580 for anti-Malaria, Tuberculosis Common Misconceptions And Intervention in Nigeria Myths About Infertility And In Onyebuchi Ezigbo
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is no doubt that considerably According to Ipinimoye, results have been achieved in many of the rural dwellers do Global has allocated the the malaria Intervention in new not know that these stagnant Vitro Fertilization (Ivf) (Part 2) sum of $900 million to support Nigeria with Global funding. water being maintained around national efforts to address the On the state of malaria their houses in the name of challenges of malaria, tuber- problem in Nigeria and the storing water during rainy season culosis and HIV in Nigeria. reason for embarking on the is a major source of mosquito The amount which is an next phase of the programme, lavatories that subsequently ter- improvement on the previ- Ipinimoye said:” Nigeria alone rorise them and spread malaria. ous project funding of $700 is responsible for 25 percent of ACOMIN Coordinator listed million is meant to cover the the world’s malaria burden”. some of the progress recorded third phase of the anti-malaria “In order to turn this situation on the programme to include programme between 2021-2023. around, Global Fund recently improved human resources for The 13 states that are key allocated the sum of $900 million the primary healthcare centres, beneficiaries of the Global Fund for the 2021 to 2023 for the anti improved community investment assisted anti malaria interven- malaria programme,” he said. and participation and reduced tion are Kaduna, Kwara, Kano, Ipinimoye said that there is cases of malaria commodity stock Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Taraba, need for the federal, state and out and leakages at the health Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Ogun, local government councils to centres. Osun, and Delta. contribute towards the funding Other achievements include As part of the strategies to of the programme and to take increased patronage by com- ast week we started addressing the Myth 9: IVF Is Not a Safe Procedure due to ensure proper monitoring and interest in its implementation. munity members and access issues of myths and misconcep- Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). assessment of the Implementa- For instance, he said there is to free malaria care services. tions about IVF with the aim Fact: The Choice of an experienced IVF tion of the program’me, a health a limit to what donor funds can He said that the through to debunk them with scientific center is important. There are simple ways advocacy group, Civil Society do to solve the health challenges the programme, communities evidences and facts, this week to predict the right doses of medications. in Malaria, Immunisation and in the country. have been able have improved are having a continuum. The Monitoring visits and serial ultrasound scans Nutrition (ACOMIN) has said He advised communities to Infrastructures such as portable world’sL oldest IVF baby will be 42 years allow for dose adjustments to be made in that it will deploy 624 com- appreciate the efforts being put water and electrification. on July 25th and this coincides with the real time to control the ovarian response. munity volunteers to help in in to address the malaria scourge A representative of the World Embryologists Day. However years Also different medications can be used to monitoring the implementation and not to sabotage such efforts. Catholic Relief Services which is after, people still have misconceptions about facilitate an effective and safe release of eggs of the anti malaria intervention He cautioned that just as a partner in the implementation these techniques. but reduces the rise of estrogen after egg program’me in the 13 states. the rainy season is about of the malaria programme, retrieval. Only about 2% of patients stand While giving update on the to set in, that efforts should Maureen Okolo said efforts Myth 5: Herbs and Supplements Are the risk of becoming unwell from OHSS. It roll out of the third phase of directed towards educating should be made to carry Harmless Ways to Boost Infertility is extremely rare today for any patient with the project during an interactive and enlightening the people along communities which are Facts: Just as there are different books and OHSS to be hospitalized as it is easily and meeting with journalists, Na- in the communities to avoid the prime target of the health sites that guarantee certain diet plans that effectively managed. An experienced IVF tional Coordinator of ACOMIN, keeping stagnant water around intervention programme so as will enable you to get pregnant, there are also center is skilled at prevention. Mr. Ayo Ipinimoye said there their households. to achieve lasting results. data sources that guarantee unique herbs, naturopathic cures will improve your fertility. Myth 10: IVF Is For The Rich Patients Only Although some supplements exits that may Fact: IVF is a little expensive but cheaper boost fertility, they are not sufficient to cure than many other surgeries. The cost has not Abia Intensities Fight against anyone’s fertility issues. However, if you risen in the past few years. Treatment plans must try something, consider this and ask with financial institutions partnering on access yourself sincerely: is it safe and are these to women and children health loans / grants are Sickle Cell Disease, Integrates claims all true? available. You need to find out the information Not all natural interventions are completely about waiting periods and eligibility before Study into School Curriculum harmless. In some cases, they can interact with you begin your treatment plan with fertility other medications. Herbal remedies can be center of your choice. Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo government in all the 17 local as powerful as prescription drugs and some He said that his administra- governments of Abia. are not regulated by the government and Myth 11: IVF Medications Make a Person Efforts to eliminate Sickle tion has already made a legisla- should be treated with utmost caution. The Really Moody with Weight Gain Cell Disorder (SCD) from Abia tion making it compulsory for She noted that an estimated use of wrong dose of vitamins and minerals, Fact: An IVF cycle requires women to take State has received a major boost every citizen in the state to 150,000 babies are born each which are otherwise beneficial, can be hurtful medications known as Follicle Stimulating as the state government has undertake genotype and blood year with sickle cell anaemia and may even be deadly. Hormones to assist with the production of eggs. now integrated the study of group test and have the results and most of the babies die As the follicles increase in size and number the disorder into the Abia State inscribed on their identity cards. before they are five years Myth 6: Fertility Is Not a Problem If some women report an increase feeling of school system. Ikpeazu further stated that old while those who survive You Have Previously Had A Child. bloating and pre-menstrual tension. It is the Wife of the State Governor, institutions and marriage reg- the illness beyond age five, Fact: The term “Secondary Infertility” is follicles themselves that release the hormones Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has istries that wed or join couples become a financial and emo- used to describe couples who are experiencing that some women feel moody. The good news been at the vanguard of the without first demanding geno- tional burden on families and difficulties getting pregnant or carrying a is, by the time this potential change in mood campaign to break the cycle type test results risked being caregivers as they struggle to baby to term after previously giving birth. accumulates it is only a few days until all the of SCD in the state, using fined or closed as provided keep the children from dying. Unfortunately, past successful pregnancies eggs are collected and the side effects usually the platform of Vicar Hope in the legislation. Mrs Ikpeazu said presently do not guarantee subsequent successful ones. subside immediately. Foundation(VHF), her pet He commended the Abia the only cure for SCD is a Changes can occur over time, new conditions Myth 12: IVF Pregnancies Always Result In project. First Lady, Dr Nkechi Ikpeazu bone marrow or stem cell may develop or existing ones may worsen. In Cesarean Births This ambitious strategy of for driving the effort and her transplant, adding that the some instances, previous pregnancies may cause Fact: IVF pregnancies are just like naturally exposing pupils early enough Vicar Hope Foundation, which process is very expensive hence new fertility problems, for example, surgical conceived ones and not an indication for cesarean to the knowledge about SCD facilitated the workshops, for its the best approach remains for complications or infections can cause scarring section. Couples who have tried to conceive is seen as the culmination of advocacy and technical support people seeking to have babies which could lead to fertility challenges. for many years or those with higher chances the Abia First Lady’s relentless to Abia State government that to ensure they have matching Regardless of whether you have conceived of a multiple pregnancy can opt for elective campaign to drastically reduce has led to measurable successes genotypes. naturally in the past or not, if you are attempting cesarean delivery. A very normal vaginal delivery the prevalence of the disease in the fight against sickle cell The Abia Commissioner to get pregnant with another child without is possible following IVF. in the state. disease in the state. for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, success, visit your specialist. There could be Sickle Cell disease is a Governor Ikpeazu therefore represented by Dr Sam Ohaeri, something wrong requiring attention Myth 13: Long time off work is needed hereditary ailment that becomes charged teachers to ensure they explained that the 17 Sickle Cell for IVF manifest when two persons effectively disseminate infor- focal offices set up in the local Myth 7: Cancer Can Be Caused By Fact: Fertility Clinics understands that with mismatched genotypes mation to school children and governments were meant to Fertility Treatments treatment can be time intensive. You need to have babies. communities while observing assist with drug distribution Fact: Major scientific researches have negated choose a center that fits treatment around your Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the required caution in message and case management in rural this myth: the records of women who had lifestyle and work commitments. In a regular while flagging off a two-day development and delivery. areas. undergone fertility treatments for any diagnosis IVF cycle you can expect to only need one train the trainer curriculum Mrs. Ikpeazu, who is the He further stated that a Sickle of ovarian and breast cancer were tracked, and day off work on the day of egg collection for dissemination workshop for President of Vicar Hope Foun- Cell Desk office has been set it was concluded that IVF poses no apparent own cycle and in recipient with use of donor teachers in Umuahia, broke the dation, said the interventions up by the Ministry of Health, rise in risk of developing either. Another study eggs ,there is no need to go off work . Most news of his government’s deci- made by the foundation were manned by a qualified officer, in 2018 of over 250,000 women reconfirmed patients are comfortable enough to return to sion to integrate the teaching of geared towards reversing the who is helping to guide govern- this. It also concluded that IVF treatments pose work the next day following egg collection. SCD into the school curriculum. onslaught of the hereditary ment policies and programmes minimal risk of breast and gynecological cancer Other forms of information dissemination Represented by the Secretary disease. in relation to SCD, while also risk for women. may include telephone consultations with to the State Government (SSG), The First Lady, who was doing disease surveillance. electronic communication except in few cases Mr. Chris Ezem, the governor represented by the Admin- In his remarks the Permanent Myth 8: Birth Defects and Malformations where physical visit to the clinic is compulsory. said his government was istrator of the foundation, Secretary, Ministry of Educa- May Occur With IVF Babies Serial scan appointments can be scheduled committed to generating as Dr Edith Nwosu, noted that tion, Sir Princewill Eze Ajuzie Fact: The absolute risk of delivering an IVF for weekends and if on week days it can be much awareness as possible the foundation had set up assured that teachers would baby with malformations is low. The risk of appropriately timed so that less time is spent about the disease so that the two modern sickle cell care imbibe the knowledge and an abnormal fetus in spontaneous natural waiting at the clinic populace can make informed hospitals in the state to comple- disseminate the information conception or IVF babies is the same as in decisions about life choices and ment the sickle cell care focal appropriately through the the general population. TO BE CONTINUED marriage partners. desks established by the state school system. 36 THISDAY ˾
 , JUNE 17 2021 NEWS UCTH Medical Interns Protest Seven Months Unpaid Salaries r"DDVTF
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Rebecca Ejifoma where did we go wrong?”, of the hospital, Prof. Ikpeme said they are entitled to monthly are having with payment of and Midwives UCTH branch, “Enough is enough!”, “We are Ikpeme, of neglect. salaries ranging from N120,000 non-regular staff nationwide. DSS, the police, and the heads After seven months of unpaid hungry”, “We are tired”, and “Till date, our CMD has not to N150,000. Having worked It’s not a University of Calabar of departments.” salaries by the management of “We are dying”. addressed us. Other teaching for seven months without being Teaching Hospital problem,” the With plans to pay the raging the University of Calabar Teach- Speaking to THISDAY, one hospitals in the country have paid paid once, Idara reminded the CMD said. interns soon, the CMD said, ing Hospital (UCTH) Calabar, of the interns, Idara (last name all the interns from November management, “We have only According to him, non- “We have prepared all the a faction of health care profes- withheld) recalled: “We got till this month except us,” she four months left to round off”. regular payroll, as it is called, schedules submitted. That is sionals undergoing internship employed last October, but of- bemoaned. In her words, “We are tired, has not been paid because the why I said the government is with the hospital, recently took ficially resumed in November. For Idara and her colleagues, frustrated, sick and hungry. government wants to verify the coming for verification. When the to the streets and social media Since then till date, no payment. whose video recordings were During COVID-19 nobody interns. “The government has government comes, they should to demand their pending fees. Only house officers, that is the shared with THISDAY, it is gave us nose masks or hand sent a verification team around make themselves available to be The interns, which include doctors, have been paid. And very frustrating. “We begged sanitisers. We got them with the nation to verify them before verified”. radiographers, medical lab sci- we all started together.” him. We are begging him to our money.” the payment. Ikpeme, however, clarified entists, nurses, dental therapists, According to her, they have do something about it or tell Reacting to the accusation He continued: “The allegation that the interns have been paid pharmacists, and ophthalmolo- been working tirelessly, and us what is going on”. that the medical interns have that they have not been addressed something. “Based on the amount gists among others, demonstrated were exposed to COVID-19 Following their plea, the intern not been paid for seven months is not correct. I have spoken to the of money released, we have paid at the main gate of the hospital, patients and other diseases, yet acknowledged that the CMD sent coupled with failure on his interns at least four times even them something (N16,500, and chanting continuously, “Pay us the management meted out such N16,500 and N17,750 in April and part to address them, Ikpeme in the presence of witnesses: the N17,500 Idara mentioned) all in now! “depressing treatment” on them. May to their various accounts debunked part of the allegations. management staff of the hospital, an effort to try to assuage them Among the inscriptions on To further aggravate the situ- to make up for their pending “That is not exactly true. Yes, the leadership of Joint Health that we are trying to solve the their banner displayed is “UCTH, ation, Idara accused the CMD salaries. interns have not been paid, Sector Unions (JOHESU), the problem working with the Meanwhile, the medical interns as part of the challenges we National Association of Nurses government.” MRCC Unveils Cancer Treatment Centre in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa Rebecca Ejifoma here in Nigeria. “This expertise supported by Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre new technology now makes & Specialist Hospital (MRCC), world-class treatment here in Nigeria’s first fully-equipped Nigeria possible and affordable”. private oncology centre has Meanwhile, GE Healthcare is kicked off. providing the comprehensive To achieve this, GE Healthcare suite of solutions to the plan- completed the delivery and instal- ning, development, building lation of advanced radiology and and equipping of the oncology radio pharmacy equipment in diagnostic and treatment facility Nigeria, which will accelerate at MRCC. diagnostic care for cancer. The solutions include the Founded by renowned physi- award-winning Senographe cian Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi Pristina 3D, the first patient- and husband, Bolaji Odunsi, assisted compression device in MRCC combines the highest mammography; the advanced standard of care with the lat- LOGIQ F8 ultrasound, the est treatment and technology comprehensive radiation therapy in comfortable surroundings solution Discovery RT; and the designed to promote healing. BRIVO XR575 X-Ray and OEC According to the management, 785-C Arm, two easy-to-use the clinically trained members of systems that deliver superior UCTH medical interns demonstrating over unpaid salaries the founding team all qualified image quality. from medical colleges in Nigeria While noting that all of and completed postgraduate MRCC’s medical professionals trainings specialised in oncology have completed advanced Matrix Energy Organises Free Medical Outreach and haematology overseas. training on the machines, The exceptional team of the General Manager of GE for Aged People in Its Host Communities highly skilled personnel include Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa, by the leading indigenous oil out to the elderly, explaining Olisa Olusegun disclosed that the consultant medical and radiation Eyong Ebai, expressed, “We are Sylvester Idowu
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and gas company, Matrix Energy that the aged people, who are beneficiaries accessed Consulta- oncologists, surgeons, family proud to continue supporting Group. the primary focus, could register tion /Counselling, Blood Pressure physicians, radiation therapists, the development of Nigeria’s Over 100 aged persons from The Head of Health, Safety and be provided with ambulance Check, Calculation of BMI, Blood nurses, pharmacists, imaging healthcare infrastructure. 60years and above, have benefit- Security & Environment (HSSE) services, even with phone call, Sugar Check, Outpatient Treat- technicians, laboratory scientists, “Our partnership with the ted from a week-long free medical Matrix Energy Group, Mr. whenever there is emergency, for ment of uncomplicated diabetes nutritionists, counsellors, and Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre outreach, organised by Matrix Fredrick Olomuro, who rep- a token. The Matrix Energy HSSE and Hypertension as well as healthcare administrations, & Specialist Hospital is a true Energy Group, for people in its resented the management of Boss, urged people living within launching of Geriatric care, as working together to treat and landmark as it underlines the role host communities of Ifie, Ubeji, Matrix Energy, disclosed that the the five Warri South Communities health challenges during the care for patients. that the private sector can play in Egbokodo, Ijalla-Ikenren and Ogiame Ikenwoli Hospital, Ubeji, of Ifie, Ubeji, Egbokodo, Ijalla- free medicare. Commenting on the facility, delivering world-class healthcare Aja-Etan, in Warri South Local was built and equipped by the Ikenren and Aja-Etan as well as Mercy Ukueje and other Elebute-Odunsi said: “We built delivery in the country”. Government Area, Delta State. company to provide easy access other members of the public, to beneficiaries who spoke during the MRCC hospital to help ad- He outlined that the new The medical outreach, which to standard medicare to people make good use of the medical the exercise expressed apprecia- dress the gap in the treatment and solutions are designed to expand began Monday, May 31, rounded of its host communities and facility and take advantage of tion to Matrix Energy Group for diagnosis of cancer in Nigeria. capacity and improve quality up on Saturday June 5, at Ogiame members of the public in the area. the free medicare. the programme and encouraged “Patients, who previously for diagnosis and treatment at Ikenwoli Hospital, Ubeji-Warri, Olomuro said the programme Medical Director of Ogiame others to take advantage of the would have had to travel abroad MRCC and help meet the needs which was built and equipped was an opportunity to reach Ikenwoli Hospital, Ubeji, Dr. medical facility. to receive world-class treatment, of community within the country are now able to get the critical and region. Citing a study by the care they need here at home. World Health Organisation, Ebai Early detection is vital to the acknowledged that it is possible Africa Healthcare Awards to Hold in Lagos diagnosis and treatment of this to prevent a third of cancer cases Vanessa Obioha Mary Akangbe. and give back to their commit- of Saturday, June 26 at Oriental disease.” and treat many other cases with “The impact of excellence in ment to nursing the nations back Hotel, Lagos. As a consultant haemato- early diagnosis and treatment. A first of its kind Africa healthcare across Africa cannot to health during the pandemic. Some of the recipients include oncologist, she added that the He continued: “The latest Healthcare Awards and Summit be overemphasised and it is a Starting on Friday, June 25, the Dr Kunle Hassan for the Lifetime hospital has finalised partnerships statistics shows that cancer will be held in Lagos this month. privilege to be able to celebrate first day will begin with a summit Achievement award; and Dr with leading healthcare insurance accounts for 18.2 per cent of Organised by Zenith Global that.” titled ‘Advances in cancer and Mohamed El Sahili for the Special providers in Nigeria including premature deaths attributable Health, an organisation set up “This is a great initiative to diabetes care: Plugging the gaps’ Recognition award. BUPA, Allianz, AXA Mansard, to non-communicable diseases by healthcare professionals for support as not only is it bringing According to the World Founded in 2016, Zenith AETNA, CIGNA, and United (NCDs), and in 2018, of the collaboration, shared learning and stakeholders together, it is also Health Organisation (WHO), an Global Health has over the Health Group. 115,950 cancer cases reported, upholding excellence in healthcare a source of inspiration for our estimated number of deaths as- past five years hosted its annual For Bolaji Odunsi, they are 70,327 patients did not survive.” globally, the two-day event will youth, especially young girls sociated with non-communicable awards ceremony in the UK by delighted to see their vision of Now, the MRCC purpose-built, have thought-leading healthcare in choosing ‘STEM’ as a career diseases (NCDs) will increase by celebrating innovation, creativity the MRCC finally come to life. fully equipped facility on Victoria professionals from across Africa, pathway,” added the First Lady 17 per cent over the next couple and groundbreaking work of He described their mission as Island underscores the importance the USA, UK and Europe in of Kebbi State, Zainab Bagudu- of years and by 2030. healthcare professionals globally. simple: “bring together an excep- of in-country diagnosis of cancer attendance. Shinkafi. This only reinforces the fact The Sheikh Khalifa Medical tional team of Nigerian medical and other chronic diseases, which “We cannot afford to drop the The organisation believes the that discussion to reduce the City OR team, Abu Dhabi is professionals with international has come in this time of travel ball regarding non-communicable awards will boost the morale of numbers should be ongoing. The one of the recipients alongside training and experience to deliver restrictions during the COVID-19 diseases,” said Founder and flagging healthcare professionals summit will conclude with the notable individuals on the global the highest quality care to patients pandemic. President of Zenith Global Health, who are under increased pressure awards ceremony on the evening platform. THISDAY ˾
 , JUNE 17 2021 37 INTERVIEW Creating Awareness of Orthodontics in Nigeria The Clinical Director and Founder, Smile360 Dental Specialists, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumnosho, is passionately creating more awareness of the positive impacts of orthodontists in Nigeria. Rebecca Ejifoma reports that in commemoration of World Orthodontics Health Day, the expert gave insight on the practice of the profession in Nigeria and the need for awareness

or many Nigerians, every problem with the teeth or oral health is the responsibil- ity of the dentist. This is no thanks to poor level of aware- ness of orthodontics and its existence in the country. That is why the Clinical Director, Smile360, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumnosho, has calledF for continuous awareness. She described orthodontics as a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws, misaligned bite patterns, and abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaw. The expert, who had her training in Dental Studies and specialisation from the University of Toulouse and the University of Paris in France and also in the US, emphasised the role of the orthodontist to the overall in achieving flawless smiles. “An orthodontist is an engineer and architect of your mouth. We ensure that your mouth functions and that you have that beautiful and confident smile that will help to change your life so that smile will impact others as well”, she clarified. Traore-Shumnosho also acknowledged that an orthodontist studies for an additional five years after being a dentist just “so, we have the baggage, competence, and skill to deliver great alignment of teeth, functional bites, beautiful and teasing smiles”. However, to boost its presence globally, the World Orthodontics Health Day (WOHD), marked every May 15, is set by the World Federation of Orthodontics (WFO) to ap- preciate the profession of orthodontics and create awareness about the rarely talked about profession. “This day is set aside to celebrate the profession. Although we don’t have enough orthodontists in Nigeria, we have various dental centres that are having the orthodontics speciality. We now see two to three orthodontist consultants graduating every year. We are going to see the number grow,” she noted. While giving a rough estimate, she said there are about 5,000 dentists in the country, which translates to only one per cent of orthodontists. Harping on the continuous awareness to upgrade the figure, she noted that “one thing we need to do is to create awareness so that as more orthodontists are being qualified we will have the awareness of what orthodontists can do. The level of awareness is growing thanks to the dental practices at the centres in the various teaching hospitals that are offering this speciality to people”. And with access to social media today, the

Dr. Amy Traore-Shumnosho

clinical director noted that people get more if one’s teeth are not in the right position, themselves so the transformation is much information about orthodontics and how one stands the chance to lose those teeth. deeper than just the smile that we see.” they can straighten their teeth. However, “Those teeth may either get secured because On how to maintain a general oral health, she emphasised the need for orthodontists of crowding or getting traumatised because Traore-Shumnosho recommended visiting One thing we need to do to take control internally so that people of the condition they are in. For as long the dentist twice a year, who would refer get information from the right source like as we live, we need our teeth to eat; we patients to an orthodontist, if need be. is to create awareness so the Nigerian Association of Orthodontics need our teeth to function”. Her words: “ There is no better time to that as more orthodontists (NAO) website, which affords people a The expert soon pointed out that having have your braces on and have your smile are being qualified, we more intense and robust explanation of good health goes beyond the absence of fixed because from a distance that smile the profession. disease, adding that it shows the importance will connect you to the next person. It will have the awareness “So WOHD has become necessary today. of social wellbeing. “Having teeth that is a remote way of making an impact. of what orthodontists can One day creating awareness has enabled us to function, and a pleasing smile is not just Because we are wearing our masks there make more impact. We are clamouring what nice to have, but impacts you emotionally is no better time to take care of our teeth do. The level of awareness orthodontics can do for the population,” As and gives you the confidence you need to at this time.” is growing thanks to the the president of NAO, Traore-Shumnosho take the seat this society has left”. And with this year’s theme, “Smile dental practices at the expressed the need for more awareness about As a rarely recognised profession in bridges distance”, the dental specialist oral health in general so people understand Nigeria, the NAO president says what says for an orthodontist it is more about centres in the various the impact oral health has on their overall keeps her going as an orthodontist is the the power of a smile. “People should take teaching hospitals that are health. transformation she makes on her patients the opportunity to invest more because a While knocking off the idea of considering by changing their bite and their smile. “I smile can break barriers. It can bring things offering this speciality to orthodontics as a nice to have cosmetic see the transformation being more deep together and definitely a smile that bridges people procedure, Traore-Shumnosho cautioned that by how I change the way they comport distance.” 38 THISDAY ˾
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JUNE 17 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE NSPM Restates Readiness to Print Gambian Currency James Emejo ÓØ
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He further observed that the Govenor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele success of the collaboration would to seek the assistance of the apex The Managing Director, Nigeria set a good precedence for other bank in improving its operations Security Printing and Minting African countries to follow suit. and collaboration in the printing Company (NSPM) Plc. Mr. Abbas According to him, the NSPM of its currency the Dalasi. Masanawa, yesterday reiterated currency division has the capabil- The team later undertook a the Mint’s readiness to print the ity and capacity to deliver the facility tour of the NSPM factory Gambian currency the Dalasi. entire life cycle of currency in Abuja, where they inspected He, however, explained that production – from the actual the state-of-the-art production this will come to fruition when the design of the currency to the facilities. proposed collaboration between physical printing of the currency. Speaking during the visit, the the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) He said it was on record Executive Director, Corporate and the Central Bank of The that over the last six years, the Services, Mr. Ahmed Halilu Gambia (CBG) is finalised. NSPM had continuously and also said the NSPM has the The NSPM boss gave the as- successfully printed 100 per wherewithal to meet the currency surance when the CBT Governor, cent of the currency requirements needs of other African countries. Mr. Buah Saidy paid a visit to of the CBN. He added that the He described the financial state the company in Abuja. security document division of the NSPM as being stable and Receiving the delegation, currently produces conventional progressively profitable. Masanawa explained that the secured print solutions including Also speaking, the Executive Mint has the capability to print certificates, ballot papers, stamps, Director Operations Abuja Factory currencies, security documents among others and digital secu- Mr. Abubakar Minjibir said that and provide a wide range of rity solutions such as product the, “MINT is on a sustainable digital security solutions much authentication and verification; growth path as the foremost secu- easier, safer, cheaper and faster track and trace solutions and rity printing outfit in Africa with for the Gambia. document digitisation. a dynamic strategy of developing He specifically commended the Saidy, who is on a two-day high yield portfolio. Currently, proposed partnership as a major official visit to the country, the NSPM is one of the most boost for the African continent. had earlier met with the CBN secured critical national assets”. MARKET INDICATORS

European Businesses to Explore MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Opportunities in Lagos Free Zone JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 European businesses are the purpose of the visit to the LFZ Rathi, disclosed that phase one exploring opportunities at was to explore the opportuni- of the LFZ, which covers about -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) as ties for European companies to 45 per cent of the 830 hectares Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 their investment destination simplify their investments and area, would be completed by the in Nigeria. operations in Nigeria. year 2022. He declared that the -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 This was disclosed by the “My expectation moving completion of phase one of the -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 President, European Business forward is that we would see zone would be marked by the Chambers (EuroCham), Mr. several of our organisations that completion of the Lekki Deep ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 Adefolu Majekodunmi during visited today setting up their Sea Port, scheduled to commence a visit by a delegation to the facilities within the LFZ. its operations next year. ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 zone recently. “We do know that many Responding to questions from Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 According to a statement, of them have already shown members of Eurocham on the EuroCham is the organisation interest in doing this and I think plan for digitisation in line with Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 that represents the interests of the experience from today has the current global realities, Rathi -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 leading European companies solidified their decision and explained that the process flows operating in Nigeria. thought process to make the within the zone were being set out ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 The delegation comprised move to set up a base in the LFZ. as a modern smart city leveraging ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 c-suite executives from some It has been a very worthwhile on the latest technologies. of the top European companies experience for EuroCham and “We would leverage technol- ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 in Nigeria. They expressed their its members,” he said. ogy not only as an enabler but delight with the progress made at Delivering his remarks to the also as a differentiator. LFZ ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 the LFZ, its plans for infrastruc- delegation during the visit, the would be a full-fledged digitally --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 ture and the focus on enhancing Chief Executive Officer, LFZ, Mr. enabled zone. We are currently the Ease of Doing Business for its Dinesh Rathi, described the zone working with a leading telecom Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 investors, which they said was a as the next frontier and the best and network solutions provider major attraction for Europeans investment destination not only to connect the entire zone with --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 organisations. in Nigeria but also in the entire high-speed fibre optic network,” --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾

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 Majekodunmi explained that West African sub-region. he said. --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 Lawmakers Commend ITF over its Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month March 2018 Role in Fighting Poverty, Others Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ
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indigenous factory with such our commitment to equipping an ideal standard. Nigerians with technical skills for Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 The House of Representatives Presenting the scorecard of the employability and entrepreneur- Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 Committee on Industry has ITF, Ari said despite the enormity ship has never wavered. commended the Industrial of the mandate of providing “Our emphasis on skills acqui- Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Training Fund (ITF) over the skilled manpower sufficient to sition has been premised on our vital roles it has been playing meet the needs of the public and firm belief that it remains the most 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 in alleviating poverty and private sectors of the Nigerian sustainable solution to increasing providing employment to the economy, “I am pleased to note poverty and unemployment, and 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 teeming unemployed Nigerian that the ITF has discharged it the catalyst to economic growth 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 population. with great successes by training and development. Chairman of the committee, over 25 million Nigerians that “Therefore, in 2020 and 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 Hon. Dolapo Baduru, who led are manning key sectors of the despite the challenges posed committee members on oversight national economy in its 49-year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Lending rate 17.35 function to the Fund’s headquar- history.” we implemented the following Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 ters in Jos, also commended the He added that regardless of skills intervention programmes: leadership of the Director General these achievements, the Fund the National Industrial Skills De- of the Fund, Sir Joe Ari for the has sustained the pace of activi- velopment Programme (NISDP), ˾
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ͰͮͰͯ for achieving so much in the face skills infrastructural develop- Programme (SSDP), Federal of paucity of funds. ment, intervention programmes, Government Skills Empowerment The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $72.05 a barrel on Tuesday, Baduru, who was also at the direct training services, new Programme (FEGOSEP), Info-Tech compared with $71.99 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Grand Cereal industry, expressed administrative structure and Skills Empowerment Programme The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan satisfaction with the level of staff welfare and development, (ISEP), and Agri-Preneurship Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light local content being produced students’ industrial work Training Programme (ATP). “Together, the programmes (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), in the industry, the cleanliness experience scheme (SIWES), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and of the environment, and the and reimbursement. trained thousands of Nigerians level of safety precautions the He said, “Since the as- that were empowered with Merey (Venezuela). industry observes, adding that sumption of the incumbent start-up packs for them to set SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna it was encouraging to see an Management in the ITF in 2016, up on their own. THISDAY ˾
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Dangote Cement Raises N50bn Bond to Fund Expansion, Others Goddy Egene participation from a wide range cent for the 3, 5 and 7 years instrumental in supporting our est cement producer with an its Ibese plant in Ogun State of investors including domestic tranches respectively. export strategy while improving installed capacity of 48.6Mta has four cement lines with a Dangote Cement Plc has an- pension funds, asset managers, The statement quoted the our cost competitiveness. We capacity across 10 African combined installed capacity of nounced its successful issuance insurance companies and high Chief Executive Officer, Dangote thank the investor community countries. It operates a fully 12Mta, and our Gboko plant of a N50 billion Series 1 Fixed net-worth investors. Cement, Michel Puchercos, for their continued support in integrated “quarry-to-customer” in Benue state has 4Mta. Rate Senior Unsecured bond According to the company, as saying the ability to issue the management of Dangote business with activities cover- In addition, the company under its new N300 billion the proceeds of the bond issu- Green Bonds and Sukuk will Cement and their successful ing manufacturing, sales and has operations in Cameroon multi-instrument issuance ance will be deployed for its enable the company leverage participation in the bond distribution of cement. We (1.5Mta clinker grinding), programme. expansion projects, short-term the depth and breadth of the issuance”, he said. have a production capacity of Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.5Mta The leading cement debt refinancing and working Nigerian market. The bond is expected to be 32.3Mta in our home market, import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), manufacturing firm said in a capital requirements. “This bond issuance allows us listed on the Nigerian Exchange Nigeria. Its Obajana plant in Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone statement that despite market The bonds were issued at move a step further in achieving Limited and FMDQ Securities Kogi state, Nigeria, is the (0.5Mta import), South Africa headwinds, the bond issuance coupon rates of 11.25 per cent, our expansion objectives and Exchange. Dangote Cement Plc largest in Africa with 16.3Mta (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), was well received and recorded 12.50 per cent and 13.50 per will be deployed to projects is Sub-Saharan Africa’s larg- of capacity across four lines; Zambia (1.5Mta). PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 16/06/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N )

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 Thursday, June 17, 2021 s

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Remains Unchanged

The Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index remained unchanged at 1,649.29 points. THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Local Bourse Inches Higher... ASI up 15bps Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index Price Price zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƚLJ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ŽŶ Lagos Customs Previous Current Current Change Change Divindend Earnings Ticker Price ROE ROA P/E P/BV Price Weighting YTD Index to Yield Yield ƐƚƌĞĞƚ ƚŽĚĂLJ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞůLJ͕ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĐŚĞƌƌLJ-pick Change Date on SEPLAT (+1.5%), MTNN (+1.2%), and ZENITH (+0.1%). As THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1,649.29 0.00% 12.4% 64.9% 15.0% 3.5% 5.3x 0.6x 5.7% 13.4% 1 753.30 0.0% a result, the All-Share Index rose 15bps to 38,564.70 Airtel Africa PLC 29.9% -11.6% -11.6% 10.0% 3.5% ot Applicable 2.4% 2 BUA Cement Plc 74.00 0.0% 11.6% -4.3% -4.3% 19.1% 11.2% 35.5x 6.7x 2.5% 2.8% points, YTD loss improved to -4.2% while market capitalisa- 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 28.05 -1.6% 8.7% -13.3% -13.3% 26.6% 4.3% 4.0x 1.0x 10.6% 24.7% 4 Zenith Bank PLC 23.40 0.2% 6.8% -5.6% -5.6% 23.1% 2.9% 3.2x 0.7x 12.9% 31.7% ƟŽŶƌŽƐĞďLJേϮϵ͘ϵďŶƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϭƚŶ͘dƌĂĚŝŶŐĂĐƟǀŝƚLJǁĂƐŵŝdžĞĚ 5 Dangote Cement PLC 230.00 0.0% 6.1% -6.1% -6.1% 32.0% 15.5% 12.9x 4.1x 7.3% 7.8% 6 165.00 1.2% as volume traded rose 1.8% to 302.7m units, while value MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 5.1% -2.9% -2.9% 97.1% 11.4% 14.7x 13.3x 5.7% 6.8% 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 1,400.00 0.0% 4.0% -7.0% -7.0% 104.8% 17.8% 28.3x 37.9x 4.3% 3.5% ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϯϯ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ േϮ͘ϴďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 21.00 -0.5% 3.6% -0.2% -0.2% 8.8% 6.2% 10.6x 0.9x 4.8% 9.5% 9 Access Bank PLC 8.50 0.6% 3.1% 0.6% 0.6% 16.4% 1.4% 2.6x 0.4x 9.5% 38.7% stocks by volume were STERLING (37.5m units), ETI (27.4m 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 7.25 2.1% 2.4% -16.2% -16.2% 0.3x 7.2% 11 FBN Holdings Plc 7.25 0.7% 2.7% 1.4% 1.4% 11.1% 1.1% 3.9x 0.3x 6.2% 25.9% units), and WEMABANK (27.1m units) while GUARAN- 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 58.30 0.0% 2.3% 4.1% 4.1% 4.5% 1.8% 63.2x 2.9x 1.6% 1.6% TY ;േϳϰϱ͘ϯŵͿ͕ SEPLAT ;േϱϬϲ͘ϴŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ZENITH ;േϮϮϴ͘ϲŵͿ 13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 39.00 -2.5% 1.9% 3.3% -11.5% 20.7% 2.9% 6.9x 1.3x 8.8% 14.4% 14 International Brew eries PLC 5.50 1.9% 1.5% -7.6% -7.6% -15.5% -3.4% 1.0x -8.5% led by value. 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 29.50 -0.7% 1.3% 13.5% 13.5% 0.8x 4.8% 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C 700.00 1.4% 1.9% 74.0% 74.0% 1.6% 0.9% 41.0x 0.6x 5.9% 2.4% 17 11 PLC 0.0% -100.0% 7.4% 3.2% 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 105.50 0.0% 1.0% 15.9% 15.9% 24.6% 16.0% 12.8x 2.9x 6.6% 7.8% Mixed Sector Performance 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 2.26 0.0% 0.7% -10.3% -10.3% 11.4% 1.1% 2.3x 0.2x 9.7% 44.4% 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 5.20 -1.9% 0.6% -13.3% -13.3% 0.6% 0.0% 69.1x 0.2x 1.4% Across sectors under our coverage, performance was mixed 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 17.75 0.3% 0.6% 0.9% 0.9% 25.5% 12.6% 7.3x 1.7x 8.5% 13.7% 22 FCMB Group Plc 3.13 1.3% 0.5% -6.0% -6.0% 3.4x 4.8% 29.5% as 3 indices gained, while the other 3 lost. The Oil & Gas 23 Sterling Bank PLC 1.57 -1.9% 0.3% -23.0% -23.0% 9.2% 0.9% 3.9x 0.3x 3.2% 25.8% 24 14.45 0.0% index led gainers, up 0.9% amid buy interest in NASCON Allied Industries PLC 0.4% -0.3% -0.3% 18.4% 5.8% 8.4x 3.1x 2.8% 12.0% 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 0.90 1.1% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% -1.3% -0.3% 0.5x 1.1% -2.4% SEPLAT (+1.5%). Likewise, the AFR-ICT and Consumer Goods 26 Presco PLC 74.00 0.0% 0.3% 4.3% 4.3% 17.9% 7.3% 14.1x 2.4x 2.7% 7.1% 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 13.25 1.9% 0.2% -4.7% -4.7% -6.2% -4.1% 1.2x -5.2% indices rose by Ϭ͘ϳйĂŶĚϬ͘ϮйƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐƉƌŝĐĞ 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 5.80 0.0% 0.2% 9.4% 9.4% 1.7% 29 6.17 1.3% ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ MTNN (+1.2%), DANGSUGAR (+0.3%), and United Capital PLC 0.3% 31.0% 31.0% 35.5% 4.2% 4.7x 1.5x 11.3% 21.2% 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 29.00 0.0% 0.3% 52.6% 52.6% -17.8% -9.0% 0.9x -22.4% UNILEVER (+1.9%). Conversely, the Insurance, Banking, and 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 5.95 0.0% 0.2% 1.7% 1.7% 25.0% 7.8% 3.0x 0.7x 9.2% 33.0% 32 A IICO Ins uranc e PLC 1.09 -0.9% 0.2% -3.5% -3.5% 20.5% 3.3% 3.0x 0.2x 33.4% Industrial Goods indices declined by 0.5%, 0.3%, and 3bps 33 Total Nigeria PLC 145.00 0.0% 0.2% 11.5% 11.5% 21.9x 4.2% 4.6% 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 19.10 0.0% 0.2% 8.4% 8.4% 8.3% 1.1% 8.4x 0.6x 2.0% 11.9% ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ due to sell-ŽīƐ ŽŶ CHIPLC (-9.5%), GUARAN- 35 Wema Bank PLC 0.55 -3.5% 0.1% -20.3% -20.3% 8.4% 0.5% 4.3x 0.4x 7.3% 23.1% TY (-1.6%), and WAPCO (-0.1%). 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 0.0% 0.0% -100.0% 7.4% 0.9% 6.6x 0.7x 4.3% 15.1% 37 Oando PLC 2.97 -1.0% 0.1% -19.7% -19.7% 14.5% 2.6% 1.3x 0.2x 78.2% 38 62.50 0.0% Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% -28.7% -7.6% 1.9x -16.8% 39 Beta Glass PLC 52.95 0.0% 0.1% -4.4% -4.4% 9.3% 6.4% 7.6x 0.7x 2.1% 13.1% 40 3.57 0.0% /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ Transcorp Hotels Plc 0.0% -0.8% -0.8% -10.6% -5.5% 0.6x -22.5%

Top 10 Gainers Top 10 Trades by Volume /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϯdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϳdž Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Volume Price Chg % CORNERST 0.55 10.0% STERLNBANK 37.5 -1.9%

recorded in the last trading session as 27 stocks advanced M ORISON 1.36 9.7% ETI 27.4 -1.9% while 21 stocks declined. COR- LEARNAFRCA 0.98 6.5% WEMABANK 27.1 -3.5% AFRIPRUD 6.40 5.8% GUARANTY 26.5 -1.6%

NERST (+10.0%), MORISON (+9.7%), and LEARNAFRI- COURTVILLE 0.21 5.0% JAPAULGOLD 22.1 -1.9% CA (+6.5%) led gainers while ABBEYBDS (-9.5%), CHIPLC (- REDSTAREX 3.35 3.7% ACCESS 19.1 0.6% HONYFLOUR 1.40 3.7% SOVRENINS 12.0 0.0%

9.5%), and CWG (-7.3%) led decliners. We expect market LASACO 1.39 2.2% TRANSCORP 10.5 1.1% ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚƚŽďĞĂŵŝdžŽĨďĂƌŐĂŝŶŚƵŶƟŶŐĂŶĚƉƌŽĮƚ-taking UB A 7.25 2.1% ZENITHBANK 9.8 0.2% UNILEVER 13.25 1.9% FIDELITYBK 9.1 0.0% in today's trading session. Top 10 Losers Top 10 Trades by Value

Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Value Price Chg %

ABBEYBDS 0.95 -9.5% GUARANTY 745.3 -1.6%

CHIPLC 0.67 -9.5% SEPLAT 506.8 1.4%

CWG 1.15 -7.3% ZENITHBANK 228.6 0.2%

WAPIC 0.53 -7.0% M TNN 225.7 1.2%

REGALINS 0.45 -6.2% ACCESS 161.8 0.6%

CHAM S 0.20 -4.8% ETI 142.5 -1.9%

ETERNA 7.65 -4.4% FLOURM ILL 85.9 -0.7%

VERITASKAP 0.22 -4.3% UACN 59.6 0.5%

WEMABANK 0.55 -3.5% STERLNBANK 57.8 -1.9%

STANBIC 39.00 -2.5% DANGSUGAR 53.5 0.3%

Brokerage Asset Management Investment Research Afrinvest West Africa Limited Adedoyin Allen | [email protected] Robert Omotunde | [email protected] Abiodun Keripe | [email protected]

Taiwo Ogundipe | [email protected] Christopher Omoh | [email protected] THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 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 15- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jun-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 153.87 155.40 -4.89% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.25% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund 304.06 304.06 -23.78% [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.36 111.36 -0.66% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.23% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.82 2.89 23.09% 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 5.56% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.82 150.27 -3.59% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.12 3.17 -13.44% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.24 1.28 31.19% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.36% Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 4.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 130.61 132.04 -1.81% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.38 1.40 1.39% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.15% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,145.82 1,145.82 3.72% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.96 11.00 4.64% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.59% ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Balanced Fund 1.62 1.64 7.37% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.44 11.49 -5.74% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.94% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.65 104.65 2.89% PACAM Equity Fund 1.62 1.63 2.19% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.90 112.55 0.88% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 129.34 129.99 2.41% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.28% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.90 127.71 6.46% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -20.42% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.21% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.06 2.10 -20.78% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,159.59 3,184.94 -1.75% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.54% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.38 230.38 2.46% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.19 1.20 1.27% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 302.23 302.23 2.57% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 219.35 221.92 0.35% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.83% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Paramount Equity Fund 16.08 16.37 0.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,301.80 10,430.72 -1.92% Women's Investment Fund 133.36 134.75 0.15% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.52% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.06 114.06 2.68% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.53 101.53 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.85% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.49 117.26 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A - United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -0.82% United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 2.99% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.82 106.82 - United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.94 5.79% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.97% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 121.06 121.06 3.38% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.41% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.07 -2.99% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.17 1.19 -2.16% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.34% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -14.00% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.65 12.72 6.43% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.96% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.01 14.13 14.69% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.97% Zenith Income Fund 24.11 24.11 0.57% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,163.42 1,172.49 -2.79% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.76% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,376.87 1,376.87 11.01% SFS REIT 123.83 2.56% FBN Balanced Fund 186.49 187.67 -0.63% Union Homes REIT 51.43 -1.85% FBN Halal Fund 109.94 109.94 5.93% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.25% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn -- -Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.87 12.97 -2.66% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.50 125.50 3.46% SIAML Pension ETF 40 124.41 124.41 2.19% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.51 156.61 2.21% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 97.95 99.72 -1.46% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERGROWTH ETF 17.49 17.59 - Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 MERVALUE ETF 17.50 17.60 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.71 3.75 -1.73% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.62 5.70 -1.23% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.11 17.21 4.63% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.09% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.42 19.62 -5.31% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 161.16 163.16 -26.37% Coral Balanced Fund 3,619.59 3,669.78 -3.33% 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 5.57% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 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, 
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THISDAY NEWS NPAN Rejects Media Exclusion from Press Bill’s Public Hearing Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja It expressed surprise at the initially been scheduled for earlier practice when the on the leadership of the “We also call on all news of the public hearing yesterday along with four NPAN was invited to a public National Assembly, especially media workers and their The Newspaper Proprietors' on the NPC Amendment Bill, other media-related bills. hearing on the same bill in the House of Representatives, organisations to pay attention Association of Nigeria scheduled for today. “As a stakeholder in the the last Senate. This time to redress the anomaly, adding to the public hearing, (NPAN) has kicked against NPAN, in a statement Nigerian media space, we around, we find it strange that with the public hearing which may have important the exclusion of the media yesterday by its President, don't understand why print that we would get to know now delayed by a day, it consequences on the freedom from the public hearing on Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, stated media owners have not been of this development by sheer would endeavour to show of the press in particular, and Nigerian Press Council (NPC) that available information invited to participate in the happenstance,” NPAN said. up, even without a formal good governance in general,” Amendment Bill. showed that the hearing had hearing. This is contrary to The media leaders called invitation. NPAN said. Presidency: PDP Can’t Be Entrusted with National Leadership Accuses opposition govs of frustrating LG reforms Deji Elumoye in Abuja Presidential spokesman, were re-elected by an increased on our country. What the is an affront to democracy, The presidency took exception Malam Garba Shehu, said margin in 2019, and why their governors are asking of NNPC constitutionalism and federalism, to the call by the PDP governors The Presidency yesterday took in a statement that the winning trend is set to continue is to “break the bank” for their they failed to mention their for their increased involvement issue with Peoples Democratic PDP Governors’ Forum's far into the future." own profligate political ends. refusal to support the federal in mining and geophysical Party (PDP) governors over their communiqué was a According to him, in "Similar profligacy and government’s earnest desire to activities in their states asking decisions on national matters demonstration to Nigerians bemoaning the decision by contradiction are in full view reinstate the local government why it has taken them this long at a meeting in Uyo, the Akwa on why the party and its the Nigeria National Petroleum with their call to the central as the third tier and finding a "as such opportunities and Ibom State capital. representatives should not Corporation (NNPC) not bank to appreciate the value lasting solution to farmer-herder states’ powers have been fully The presidency said the be entrusted with national to make contributions to of the naira. This would damage conflicts. available since independence – decisions made at the Monday leadership soon. the Federation Account, the exports – including oil revenues "This initiative brings rights yet only now the PDP realises meeting, including the call Garba said: "The PDP governors appeared to believe on which NNPC depends – as and support for generations it?" on the federal government to governors propose no solutions NNPC can spend the same well as damage small businesses of all ages to bring solutions It also wondered why reconsider the suspension of to any of our nation’s challenges money twice: once on the and employment. But an to challenges that different the PDP will grieve over Twitter's operations in Nigeria in the face of COVID-19 and petroleum subsidy – which appreciated currency would communities of our country have the suspension of Twitter's showed that the party could global economic downturn: they all support – and then on benefit those spending on faced, but the PDP governors operations in Nigeria, adding not be trusted with national instead, they grasp for more their states via the Federation luxuries from abroad – this, no reject it - denying all Nigerians the suspension represents the leadership in the future. money and mourn their lack Account. doubt, being the leading desire their constitutional right to live curtailment of the opposition It also accused the PDP of access to social media to "NNPC is a trustee for of a typical PDP governor," the and work in any state of the party's ability to use the governors of leading efforts to spread falsehoods and hate. the nation – and this means presidency stated. federation - preferring to appeal platform "to spread fake news frustrate moves by the federal Their statement is evidence, if it must manage its finances It added that when the to ethnic division and hatred and invented stories to the government to reinstate the local any were needed, as to why the with prudence and for the governors claimed a lack of rather than support the first detriment of community and government system as the third president and the APC ended long-term to safeguard the federal institutions’ money practical solution offered since good-neighbourliness between tier of government. the PDP’s one-party rule in 2015, financial support it bestows pouring into their states’ coffers independence," it added. the peoples of Nigeria." IPC, CSOs Reject Proposed Tariff Regulation for Satellite TV We have responsibility to monitor media content, says FG Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja cannot be challenged even in Assembly. be challenged even in the court consumers by providing specifically that internet the court of law. Arogundade pointed out of law." consumers with a wider broadcasting and all online The International Press Centre In his presentation titled, that the conduct of the NBC The Executive Director, variety of quality products media should be included in this (IPC), as well as civil society 'Independence of NBC/ overtime presented it as an Institute for Media and (and services) at competitive because we have a responsibility organisations and other Depoliticised Process of extension of the office of the Society, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, prices." to monitor content, including stakeholders in the industry Licensing, Industry-sensitive Minister of Information and said the most prominent gap He pointed out that he Twitter." have rejected the proposed Pricing System, Promotion Culture, which rarely acts in the NBC Act is its failure to does not consider that price Declaring the event open, tariff regulations for satellite of Inclusivity and Checking independently. provide for the independence regulation would be of benefit the Speaker of the House television in the new National Arbitrariness,' the Executive He stressed that in In recent of the regulatory body. to consumers, stressing that of Representatives, Hon. Broadcasting Commission Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre times the NBC has taken actions He said lack of independence in public services where Femi Gbajabiamila, said the (NBC) Act Amendment Bill. Arogundade, said fixingagainst certain broadcast media manifests in many ways such government subsidies are committee convened the public This is coming as the Minister tariffs arbitrarily could lead that are believed to be politically as in skewed decision-making, involved, price regulation may hearing to allow citizens and of Information and Culture, to excessive pricing that has motivated, adding that the time inconsistencies in attention to be relevant. stakeholders to review and Mr. Lai Mohammed, has said the potential to discourage is, therefore, overripe to make regulatory functions, inability Earlier in his presentation, contribute to draft bills currently the federal government has a investment in the sector and NBC truly independent. to protect the industry and the Minister of Information under consideration in the responsibility to monitor media the attendant job losses. Arogundade noted that strengthen its professionalism, and Culture, Mohammed, House of Representatives. content. He emphasised that the the process of licensing inability to meet international proposed that the bill should He said bills under The stakeholders made their provisions must also not broadcast stations is politically standards and, ultimately, failure grant power to NBC to regulate consideration are A bill for views known yesterday in Abuja encourage the regulator to compromised, as under the to deliver on its mandate. internet broadcasting and all an act to amend the National during the public hearing of become a dictatorial behemoth present NBC Act. Also, making his presentation online media. Broadcasting Act, CAP N11; A a bill to amend the NBC Act whose powers and conduct He stated: "Fixing tariffs on behalf of Ataguba & Ataguba He stated: "Section 2C bill for an act to establish the organised by the House of cannot be questioned as such arbitrarily could lead to solicitors, Mr. Emmanuel states that the commission Nigerian Institute of Translators Representatives Committee would negate democratic norms excessive pricing that has Ataguba, said the intendment shall receive, process and and Interpreters; A bill for an on Information, National and values. the potential of discouraging of this amendment to regulate consider applications for the act to repeal the Advertising Orientation, Ethics and Values. The Executive Director noted investment in the sector and and control prices in the interest establishment, ownership Practitioners; A bill for the They were of the view that unlike other regulatory the attendant job losses. of consumers of Digital Satellite and operation of radio and establishment of a Council for that giving the NBC the sole institutions such as the National "Giving the NBC the sole Television Services is against television stations including advertising practitioners as the right over tariff issues, which Communications Commission right over tariff issues, which the objective of the Federal Cable Television Services, apex regulatory authority for the cannot be interfered with (NCC), the appointment of the cannot be interfered with could Competition and Consumer Direct Satellite Broadcast, Direct Nigerian Advertising Profession could be interpreted as an board, including the director- be interpreted as an ouster Protection Act which is to Home, IPTV, Radio, EPG and and Practice and a bill for an ouster clause that arrogates general is not subject to the clause that arrogates to its to "protect and promote Digital Terrestrial television. act to repeal the National Film to it arbitrary powers that confirmation of the National arbitrary powers that cannot the interests and welfare of "I want to add here and Video Censors Board Act. NO NATIONAL LAW ON GRAZING ROUTES, FALANA, BASIRU TELL BUHARI Also speaking on the the North nor in the South Region of Nigeria (NN Law Nigeria, adding that the It appears that Jigawa State “However, what is ‘trade same issue, the senator has a law creating grazing of 1965). Northern Region Laws are omitted the Grazing Reserves route’ was not defined in the representing Osun Central routes either as state law “For examples, CAP 3 Laws not applicable everywhere Law as part of its law in the law and there is no other Senatorial district, Basiru, or federal law, saying it is of Kwara State; CAP 56 Laws in Nigeria. more recent compilation of reference to the term ‘trade yesterday said Buhari has unfortunate that the president of Bauchi State; and CAP 55 According to him, by its laws,” he added. route’ in the law. The purport not received well-informed has been misadvised on the Laws of Katsina State. In the the present constitutional “Further and be that as of Grazing Reserve Law, and proper legal advice from matter. case of these laws, it was provisions, such a law cannot it may, none of the extant contrary to the impression Malami and his legal team. According to him, “The expressly stated that they be within the competence of Grazing Reserves Laws made being sought to be created, “Looking through all Grazing Reserves Laws in are adopted from Northern the National Assembly. mention of grazing routes not is to create grazing reserve relevant laws pertaining some states created from the Nigeria Laws of 1965. There “The Grazing Reserves to talk of making provisions areas to be created with to cattle grazing, there is former Northern Region of is no provision for grazing Laws are only applicable and thereof. necessary legal requirements in fact nothing to gazette Nigeria are deemed to be routes as it is being claimed,” enforceable in those states “It was only in section 37(1) and criminalise grazing because whether in the state laws by Section 318 the senator explained. created from the former (a) of the law that the law outside the grazing areas. North or South there is no of the 1999 Constitution Basiru added that there has Northern Regions that chose mentioned ‘trade route’ in Under those laws animals law of grazing routes,” the (as amended), having been never been federal legislation to adopt same as part of their criminalising open grazing are only allowed to graze in senator said. adopted from the Grazing on Grazing Reserves and/ revised laws like Kwara, outside the grazing reserves the grazing reserve or ‘trade He argued that neither in Reserve Law of Northern or Grazing Routes in Bauchi and Katsina States. areas. route,” the senator explained. THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 43 NEWS Ex-Bank PHB MD, Atuche Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment Davidson Iriekpen Managing Director of the defunct In a judgment that lasted over powers, ignored established rules received into her account from her Limited, and Tradjek Nigeria Ltd. Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, on 10 hours, Justice Lateefat Okunnu and regulations thereby putting husband and she had no powers The EFCC also alleged that A Lagos High Court sitting in charges of stealing the sum of convicted Atuche alongside a the bank and depositors’ funds to take any decision to influence another N11billion stolen by the Ikeja yesterday convicted a former N25.7billion belonging to the bank. former Chief Financial Officer in danger. the transaction. defendants was used to purchase of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu. The court also came to the The EFCC had alleged that about 984,375,000 units of Bank The court convicted the duo conclusion that the convicts between November 2007 and PHB shares for themselves. on 21 of the 27-count amended corruptly took advantage of their April 2008, the accused persons According to the commission, Okogie: Nigeria Has charge of conspiracy to commit positions to confer on themselves stole about N25.7billion belonging the sum used for purchasing the a felony and stealing brought undue financial benefits without to the bank. shares was described as a loan Practically Become a against them by the Economic regard to the health of the bank. The anti-graft agency had to some companies including, and Financial Crimes Commission Justice Okunnu however, also claimed that of the total Guesstrade Services, Sentron (EFCC). cleared Atuche’s wife on the N25.7billion, they stole about Trading, Montrax Investico, Failed State Justice Okunnu held that the charge of conspiracy and stealing. N14.7billion by fraudulently Claremount Management Ltd., Peter Uzoho seems to be no end in sight at EFCC successfully proved its case According to the judge, the describing it as a loan to some Trenton Trade, and others. present,” he stated. against the convicts beyond a EFCC failed to link her to the companies and subsequently In proof of its case against Emeritus Archbishop of the “As they say, the matter reasonable doubt. crime and insisted that suspicion converted the said sum to the accused persons, the EFCC Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, speaks for itself as it is evident The judge rejected the claims no matter how strong cannot take personal use. called 12 witnesses who gave oral Cardinal Anthony Okogie, that Nigeria has practically of the defendants that they were the place of fact. The commission had listed evidence. It also subpoenaed six yesterday lamented the state of become a failed state. A country merely professionally negligent. The judge held that it was the companies as Future View others to present some documents the nation, saying Nigeria has fails when it is no longer able She specifically held that Atuche not proven that she was aware Securities, Extra Oil Limited, which were admitted as exhibits virtually become a failed state. to protect its citizens from harm and Anyanwu abused their of the source of the funds she Resolution Trust and Investment by the court. Okogie spoke at his 85th and secure their welfare. birthday thanksgiving mass “A country fails when, instead and 50th Episcopal Ordination of being a harbor of refuge for anniversary held at the Catholic its citizens, it turns out to be a Church of Assumption, Lagos. conundrum of fire and sorrow He said while the problems that consumes its citizens. confronting the country did “A country fails when instead not start under the present of reassuring its citizens by administration, the challenges actions and policies that the have worsened in the last six future is secure, it becomes a years. case of most people planning He said it was shocking for to flee the country to other President Muhammadu Buhari climes where their governments to declare during the sixth are truly functioning. Such is anniversary of his government practically our case today. that Nigerians were better off “Well it is true that our compared to when he took over. problems did not start under He stressed that the country this administration, it seems to is experiencing all indices of a have worsened economically failed state, lamenting the high and politically in these past level of insecurity. six years. Insurgency in the Okogie, a former President northeast is still ongoing of the Christian Association and insecurity has spread of Nigeria (CAN), lamented nationwide in spite of the that every part of the country military being deployed HALE AND HEARTY… is battling insecurity and everywhere. National Leader, All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu, during his arrival from a trip abroad, in Lagos...Tuesday insurgency. “The avalanche of banditry He argued that there has been and kidnapping that has no “articulated and coordinated overwhelmed parts of the response” to tackle the challenges northwest and central cannot be Hoodlums Behead Man, Raze Ex-Imo Commissioner, apart from the usual “playing described as they stroll casually to the ostrich.” into schools and cart away tens Lawmaker’s Houses He also condemned the recent to hundreds of students and Amby Uneze in Owerri representing Orsu state The hoodlums, on arrival at The lawmaker, Nnodumele, ban on the micro-blogging mysteriously melt into nearby constituency in the state the compound, reportedly shot also expressed shock, and platform, Twitter, by the federal forests or bushes, the entire Suspected hoodlums, who House of Assembly, Hon. sporadically into the air to scare described the alleged beheading government, describing it as too security apparatus often seem disguised as local vigilante agents, Ekene Nnodumele, and neighbours away before setting of his gateman as unheard off. harsh. clueless or helpless. in the early hours of yesterday allegedly beheaded a man at the house ablaze. When contacted on the phone, He stated that what Nigeria “The situation in some parts stormed Okwuamarihe village the lawmaker’s house. Akaolisa, who is also a the state Commissioner of Police, needed was national restoration of the southeast also leaves in Orsu Local Government Area The building, which is former Transition Committee Abutu Yaro, admitted knowledge which he observed is not entirely much to be desired, with of Imo State and allegedly burnt situated in the ancestral home chairman of the Orsu LGA, of the incident, saying he had manmade but given by God. the officers mobbed, soldiers down the private residence of the of the ex-Attorney General, was who confirmed the incident in a sent his men to the area for an “It seems that Nigeria has butchered, innocent citizens immediate-past Attorney-General completely reduced to ruins telephone chat with THISDAY, on-the-spot assessment of the become a killing field as killed, properties destroyed, and Commissioner for Justice, with explosives by the criminal expressed shock that some situation. impunity and terror reign from people are no longer safe in Chief Cyprian Akaolisa. elements who later vanished into criminal elements could commit He promised to unravel those one end to the other and there the land. They also touched the thin air after perpetrating the such atrocity, which he described who carried out the ‘heinous residence of the member dastardly act. as ‘man’s inhumanity to man’. act’ and bring them to book. Alleged Assault: Court DSS Arrests Five Prime Suspects over the Rape, Murder of Unilorin Student Rejects Baba Ijesha’s Hammed Shittuin Ilorin people at her sister’s residence locations in Ilorin in the last investigation.” located at Oke-Odo area of four days. Checks by THISDAY Operatives of Kwara State Tanke, Ilorin two weeks ago. It was gathered that revealed that the suspects were Bail Application Command of the Department Since then, security agencies the suspects have made members of cultists group in Sunday Ehigiator its jurisdiction, explaining that of State Security Service (DSS) in the state have commenced confessional statements over the institution. the case has already been filed have arrested no fewer than five intensive manhunt for the their alleged involvement in It was gathered that the A Magistrate Court in Lagos before the high court. prime suspects in connection killers of the student. the dastardly murder of the deceased rejected love advances State has denied the embattled Also speaking, the with the rape and murder of a Impeccable sources that student from a member of the gang Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Superintendent of Police in 300 level student of University are close to the family told Sources also added that who mobilised his group to James Omiyinka popularly charge of the case, Yetunde of Ilorin, Miss. Olajide Blessing. journalists yesterday that the “the prime suspects have been invade the place where she was known as Baba ljesha, bail in Cardoso, noted that “ Omiyinka Blessing was raped and affected five suspects were arrested. They’re cooling off and residing to rape and murdered the ongoing trial over alleged was actually granted bail during murdered by gangs of some tracked and arrested at different helping the DSS with further her in a cold of blood. sexual assault. the JUSUN strike, and based on During the trial yesterday, the conditions given, he couldn’t Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Kayode meet them and he was properly Rail Track Vandalisation: Police Arrest Syndicate, 36 Suspects Olabiran, prayed the court to charged today (yesterday). Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja deliberate efforts by the force of illegal firearms, cultism, violent crimes in the country. release his client, citing his “Just like the court stated, to contain and clamp down on murder, economic sabotage, Exhibits recovered in the deteriorating health. the case has already been filed The Nigerian Police yesterday perpetrators of recent incidents cybercrime, car snatching operations included eight AK-49 According to him, the before the High Court, and the disclosed that detectives of rail tracks vandalism, carting among other crimes. rifles; three AK-47 rifles; one controversial nature of the case Directorate of Public Prosecution have arrested a criminal away of critical locomotive Parading the suspects in locally made rifle; 346 rounds of has made it difficult to secure (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry syndicate responsible for equipment and other related Abuja, he said the arrests AK-47 live ammunition; 24 live his release despite his bail which of Justice has taken over the recent vandalisation of rail economic crimes in some parts were achieved due to sustained cartridges; 20 AK-47 magazine, was granted on May 17, as matter from the police. tracks in the Northwest and of the country. nationwide tactical, anti-crime N1.4 million; vehicles, including “intending sureties were scared “Presently, we have handed North-central parts of the He said the arrested operations by the Police two Toyota Corolla (Abuja -RBC of the likely consequences.” over to the DPP, so the case country. suspected vandals were among Intelligence Response Team 653 AE and ABC 906 AG); one But in his ruling, the Judge, is before them (DPP). It has The Police Public Relations a total of 36 criminal suspects (IRT) and the Special Tactical Toyota Camry; one 307 Peugeot P. E Nwaka held that the court nothing to do with the police Officer (PPRO), Mr. Frank arrested by the police recently Squad (STS) in the ongoing (Abuja-BWR 920 HK); one cannot grant the actor bail anymore; it’s for the DPP to Mba, a Commissioner of for banditry, kidnapping, efforts aimed at stemming 406 Peugeot and one Honda because the matter is beyond handle.” Police, said the arrest followed armed robbery, possession criminal activities particularly civic. 44 THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 ˾
THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Jegede Heads to S’Court as Appeal Court Upholds Akeredolu’s Victory Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja provision of the constitution “For me, it is clear that with people say that if you throw firm belief that it was either the Reacting to the judgment, the and James Sowole in Akure with regard to qualification or God on our side, no matter the cutlass up 50 times by the PDP was the one instigating state APC declared the action disqualification of a candidate where they are going about time it is landing, it will land Jegede to challenge the result of the Appellate Court as an The Court of Appeal in in an election. this case, it will be the same on its side.” in court or he is the one pushing affirmation of the people’s Akure, Ondo State, yesterday The judge said the appellate result. It is just like when Yoruba Akeredolu said he was of the himself. decision. declared that the appeal filed court came to a conclusion that by the candidate of the Peoples the appeal lacks merit, though Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. some of the grounds were Eyitayo Jegede, against the meritorious. decision of the Election Petition The other four Justices Tribunal that upheld the election on the appeal, H. A Barka, of the All Progressives Congress Andenyangtso Ali, J.G (APC) candidate, Governor Abudanga, concurred to the Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, in the judgment. October 10, 2020, governorship Reacting to the judgment, poll, lacked merit. Akeredolu told Jegede that he The five-man panel led by cannot upturn the will of the Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua gave people through the back door. the judgment after considering Akeredolu stated this while the seven grounds of appeal addressing journalists yesterday of Jegede. in Abuja while reacting to However, the PDP and its the Appeal Court judgment candidate said the decision of delivered in his favour. the court would be challenged According to him, “I have said at the Supreme Court. this over and over that this case Jegede had approached the itself is so flimsy for me as a appellate court after the tribunal person. And it is clear, because on April 20, 2021, dismissed where you believe that you can his petition challenging the go through the back door and EXPANSION DRIVE… nomination and election of up turn the will of the people, Managing Director, Access Bank, South Africa, Mr. Bennie van Rooy (left), and Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa it is not going to work.” Herbert Wigwe, exchanging pleasantries at the formal launch and unveiling of the new Access Bank, in South Africa…recently for lacking in merit. The governor said the election Delivering the lead judgment result was clear and without monitored virtually, Justice contestation as the APC won 15 MTN: Service Disruption Won’t Affect all Subscribers Abadua said the appeal was out of the 18 local government Emma Okonji customers about potential includes communicating to a routine notification to a small allowed in respect of issues 1,2, areas in the state. service disruptions, the Chief and informing customers of group of businesses affected by 4, 5 with regards to guidelines He added: “You are not MTN Nigeria Communications Executive Officer, MTNany potential disruptions in a a specific challenge in very few while issue 6 was partly contesting the result of the Plc has clarified that only a Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, said timely manner, whether due to specific locations. These notices dismissed and partly allowed. election, but you are hinging small group of its enterprise in a statement yesterday that maintenance on the network, are regularly distributed to The appellate court dismissed your petition on the chairman customers will experience maintaining network stability outages due to faults or other partners and are not out of the grounds 3 and 7 of Jegede’s of the party, who signed service disruptions. and high levels of customer circumstances that may pose the ordinary.” appeal. the nomination that was as Reacting to what it described service remained a key priority a risk, enabling them to plan The company said small, The court said the Electoral forwarded to INEC. I don’t see as misleading media coverage for the company. appropriately and put in place medium and large enterprises Act does not override the any court that will allow that. relating to a notice sent to a “In line with MTN’s business continuity measures. were integral to driving Buhari Visits Borno select group of its enterprise standard practice, this “The notice in question was economic growth in the nation. Four Policemen, Many Bandits Killed in Zamfara to Appraise Security No fewer than four policemen neutralised. planned to rob innocent number that was believed and a National Security and Shehu said the road was clear commuters of their valuables to be around 200. Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for motorists to ply and that was gallantly foiled by Police “The road is now clear Challenges in North-east officer, were feared killed in the bandits who planned to Tactical Operatives deployed to for motorists and other road Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri is concerned about the a gun duel with bandits in attack and rob motorists had safeguard the road against any users with rigorous confidence humanitarian situation and is Gora Namaye community in been driven away. invasion by criminal elements. building patrol being President Muhammadu Buhari sincerely committed to finding Maradun Local Government “The Zamfara State Police “At the end of the gun intensified to avert further is expected to visit Borno peace in the troubled state. Area of Zamfara State. Command has succeeded in battle that lasted for hours, road blockage elsewhere. State to appraise security He said: “This is why he The state police command repelling an armed robbery many bandits were fatally However, bush combing of challenges in the Northeast is visiting us on Thursday through its spokesman, SP attack by large number of injured with some of them the surrounding forest is being and commission some projects (today). While I must admit Muhammad Shehu, had earlier suspected armed bandits along believed to have escaped with conducted by combined Police in the state. that we still have security announced that several bandits, Gusau – Sokoto Road, near gun injuries. They however Tactical operatives including A statement that was issued challenges, at the same time, who had blocked Gusau Dogon Karfe in Bakura LGA.” managed to evacuate the Police Special Forces,” Shehu yesterday by the Borno State if we cast our minds back to -Sokoto highway, had been “The attack which was corpses due to their large said in a statement. Governor, Professor Babagana the realities before President Zulum, titled: “Thursday: Buhari’s coming, we would Why Buhari Deserves Borno’s factually recall that many of Police Arrest Seven Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna our communities in northern, Rousing Welcome,” said the John Shiklam with the killing of one Mr. Idris one Idris Bashir, left home and central and southern Borno in Kaduna they killed him and dumped President would be in the state Bashir, who left his Zaria home never returned.” the body in an abandoned well. to appraise security situation in were mostly no-go-areas. The Kaduna State Police on June 4, 2021, and never He said the matter was “They decided to commit the North-east, during which “The president is focused on Command has announced returned. reported to the police by the the dastardly act of ending he would commission some our security situation. Buhari the arrest of seven suspected Salihu, who was alleged to father of the deceased who the victim’s life in a gruesome developmental projects executed has regularly demonstrated kidnappers in Zaria and be a friend to the deceased, pointed accusing fingers at manner to avoid refunding the by the state government. deep compassion and love Kaduna. allegedly killed him to Salihu, his son’s friend. sum of N385,000.00 they owed Zulum said that Buhari for Borno State.” This was announced avoid refunding the sum of He said a manhunt for the the deceased. yesterday at a news briefing N385,000.00, he owed the suspect was launched and Salihu “The suspects led the police to that was held at the command’s deceased. was apprehended. the scene where the body of late JAMB Releases Mock headquarters in Kaduna by the Jalige said: “On June 5, The police said that Salihu Idris Bashir was exhumed and State Police Public Relations 2021, at about 09.00 hours, the confessed that he, alongside taken to Hajiya Gambo Sawaba UTME Results Officer, Mr. Mohammad Jalige. command received a complaint “one Aliyu Yahaya of No.94 General Hospital, Zaria, for Jalige said that those arrested from one Bashir of Zaria town Anguwan Magajiya, Zaria examination and later released Kuni Tyessi in Abuja released. included one Mannir Salihu, that on June 4, 2021, at about City, lured the victim to an to the family for burial according Benjamin added that who was napped in connection 10.00 hours his biological son, uncompleted building where to Islamic rites,” Jalige said. The Joint Admissions and candidates can proceed to the Matriculation Board (JAMB) Boards website to check their yesterday stated that it has results. He added that candidates released the results of its should click on quick link then Sanwo-Olu Promises to Deliver on Six-lane Lekki- Unified Tertiary Matriculation log on to the facility to provide Examination (UTME) mock registration number to check Epe Highway Project Next Year examination conducted on the result. Segun James the pace of work on the road, rehabilitation of the 40-year-old Epe, while the right-of-way for June 3, 2021. Benjamin said: “The result of expressed delight over the quality infrastructure. the entire project has been fully This was contained in the mock examination conducted Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide of work being done, even as The second phase of the project, cleared. a statement issued by its on June3, 2021, is now on our Sanwo-Olu, has promised that he persuaded the contractor which will start later this year, is After communicating the spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, website and candidates can barring any unanticipated handling the project to increase 26.7km from Eleko junction to work progress to the governor, in Abuja yesterday. check their results by visiting event, the construction of 18.7 his momentum in order to push Abraham Adesanya junction in representatives of the contractor The statement noted that the website. kilometre six-lane rigid pavement the progress to an encouraging Eti-Osa axis. led him and cabinet members a total of 160,718 candidates “A total of 160,718 candidates carriageway from Eleko Junction level before the end of the year. At the time of the governor on legwork for assessment of indicated interest to sit for the indicated interest to write the in Ibeju Lekki to Epe T-Junction The governor flagged off the inspected the project, the features on the completed stretch, examination, but only 62,780 examination but only 62,780 in the state will be completed and first phase of the expansion on contractor had completed a including drainage channels, turned out for the mock exercise turned out for the mock exercise unveiled by first quarter of 2022. the Lekki-Epe expressway last stretch of 3 km on the lane kerb and segregated lane for which results have now been which results are now released.” Sanwo-Olu, after inspecting November, kick-starting the from Eleko junction inward heavy-duty vehicles. THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 45 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... Court Fixes Date for Suit against NJC over Marginalisation of South-east Judges Alex Enumah in Abuja of the Court of Appeal, Federal determine whether the South-east retirement, and death of the Court of Appeal as unjustifiable entitled to three slots in the Character Commission (FCC), was not entitled to three slots three justices of the Court of and unconstitutional for only ongoing appointment exercise The Federal High Court Abuja and the Attorney-General of in the ongoing appointment of Appeal from the zone. allocating one slot to the South- and restrain the defendants from yesterday fixed June 23 for the the Federation as 1st to 5th judges to the Court of Appeal The group prayed the court to east. continuing with the exercise until hearing of the suit instituted by defendants respectively. to fill up the vacancies that declare the actions of the NJC, It also prayed the court the South-east is accorded their the South-Eastern group, Alaigbo The group asked the court, were caused by the elevation, FJSC, and the President of the to declare that the zone was rightful slots Development Foundation, against in its originating summons, the National Judicial Commission to determine whether the (NJC) over the appointment of defendants can disregard the judges to the Court of Appeal. principle of fairness, due process, In suit No FHC/ABJ/ and federal character in the CS/347/21, the Incorporated appointment of judges to the Trustees of the foundation sued Court of Appeal, with regards to the NJC, Federal Judicial Service the South-East Zone of Nigeria. Commission (FJSC), President It also asked the court to African Child Must Be Heard, Says Aisha Buhari Michael Olugbode in Abuja perilous work.” She lamented that in most The First Lady of Nigeria, African countries, the voices Aisha Buhari, has stated that of children have not been there is urgent need towards heard, insisting that certain making the voices of African cultures and norms and the children heard. complexities of their current Speaking at the celebration of and past realities put the the Day of African Child 2021 children on the continent at in Abuja, the first lady who a disadvantaged position. was represented at the event She said: “We are also COLLABORATIVE VISIT… to mark the day in Nigeria by aware that every disaster or L-R: Principal Partner, Kunle Ogunba & Associates, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN); Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Special Assistant to the President conflict comes with terrible Branch, Mr. Olabisi Abdul-Azeez; and the Financial Secretary, Mr. Samuel Ogunnaike when the NBA executives paid a courtesy visit on African First Ladies Peace consequences for children. to Kunle Ogunba & Associates in Lagos…recently Mission, Mairo Al-Makura, said: Besides protecting children from “It is indeed sad to note from harm whenever we can, it is research conducted by some equally important to help them organisations that Africa has cope with the shattering effects Rivers to Send Anti-open Grazing Law to State Assembly the largest number of child of violence. This involves setting Rivers State Goverment has Area yesterday, Wike said the “So, that everybody must children employed?” labourers, which states that up child-friendly spaces and promised to give the ban on proposed bill was in harmony understand it, it’s clear, without Wike said Nigeria was on life 72.1 million African children emergency education initiatives open grazing in the state a legal with the resolution of the Southern any hesitation, we must do it to support and required prayers from are estimated to be in child to restore children’s sense of backing by sending the required governors. protect our farms, to protect our the citizens to salvage the county. labour, and 31.5 million in stability and normalcy.” bill to the House of Assembly. He said: “You can’t go to the women, to protect our youths, He said: “Since APC came into Governor Nyesom Wike said farm anymore; those who rear so that nobody will go and kill power, you can now see what yesterday that his administration cattle, they’ll not allow your crops them. Nigeria has turned to. Each day Oyo Community Sends settled for an anti-open grazing bill to grow. Let me say clearly, now “The exchange rate has now you wake up, you hear people to protect the people of the state. that the House of Assembly has got to N510 to a Dollar. When are being killed. If you watch SOS to Makinde over Speaking at the inauguration come back, we have to submit they took over, it was N150 to television and read the news of the Isaiah Odoli/Omerelu the bill on Anti-Open Grazing a Dollar. They said they’ll give on newspapers, you will hear Encroachment on Land Streets in New GRA Phase 1 in as we agreed in the Southern employment. Do we have so and so number are killed or Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan the affected residents, Pa Obio-Akpor Local Government Governors’ Forum. employment today? Are your kidnapped in so and so state. Adetunji Adekunle said the Residents of Orisumbare state government had earlier community in Oluyole Local acquired some land in the Funds Misappropriation: Kebbi APC Sacks Government Area of Oyo area for trailer park during State have appealed to the the administration of former Governor, Seyi Makinde, for Governor Lamidi Adesina, Chairman, Presents Replacement his urgent intervention over which the people believed was Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi executives held a meeting he was picked by the party’s Zayyanu Aliero, narrated in illegal encroachment on their for the development of the area. recently where they constituted stakeholders to replace the sacked detail the circumstances that lands by officials of the state Adekunle lamented that The All Progressives Congress 11-man committee to investigate chairman, they informed the led to the suspension of the government. the developer employed by (APC) in Kebbi State has sacked the petitions against the caretaker governor that they were at the former caretaker Chairman, This is just as the community the present state government its caretaker Chairman, Bala Sani chairman, treasurer and financial Government House to brief him Kangiwa; the Treasurer, Alhaji said most of the lands affected is now trespassing beyond the Kangiwa, over crisis bothering secretary of the party. on latest happenings and changes Garba Musa Tungan Marina, are farmlands which served as boundary of the land earlier on the misappropriation of funds While presenting the new in the party executives, as well and Financial Secretary, Alhaji their only means of livelihood, acquired by the government, released for the inauguration acting Chairman, Alhaji as thank him and affirm their Aliyu Bature, while the caretaker and have nowhere to go if their adding that their farmlands have of the party’s wards and local Abubakar Muhammed support for his administration. Public Relations Officer, Alhaji lands are taken from them by been destroyed by government government executives. Kana, to the state Governor, The state Caretaker Assistant Sani Dododo, resigned on his the government and houses on tractors and some of the houses A faction of the party’s Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, after Secretary of the party, Alhaji own volition. the land also demolished. on the land also marked for Speaking on behalf of demolition. Group Insists on Creation of Aba State Insecurity: Adams Drags FG The Aba State Movement Imo State recalled that the House He argued that on the same decision. has told the House of of Representatives passed a day the National Assembly Nkire, who is the first before UN, AU, US, Others Representatives’ Special motion for a referendum on confirmed the four states and Attorney-General of Abia Committee on Constitutional the creation of Aba, Abia, others for referendum. State, said that most recently Segun James point. Review that the request for Ebonyi, and Enugu states “Of the four States the Aba State’s case was made by “The inability or apathetical the creation of Aba State was from the then Anambra and National Assembly confirmed a Committee that Chief John The Aareonakakanfo of attitude of the federal a quest for equity based on Imo States in January 1982. In for referendum by 1983, Aba Nnia Nwodo, immediate past Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun government, pitiably as it is, history stretching more than June 1983, the Senate passed the State is the only one that has President-General of Ohanaeze Ige Adams, has dragged the is already compounding an 40 years. same motion on the creation of not been created from the South- Ndigbo Worldwide, inaugurated federal government before the already gory situation. Mr. Theo Nkire, who Aba, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu east,” he said, waving copies on 11 September 2018, in his United Nations, as attempt to “While you already know, presented the case for the States from the then Anambra of the 39-year-old Hansard that capacity as President-General seek the immediate intervention through diplomatic sources proposed Aba State, in Owerri, and Imo States. reported the National Assembly’s of Ohanaeze. on the spate of killings in the and the media, what is going South-west region of the country. on in the world most populous Adams in his letter to the black nation, Nigeria, I want Stakeholders Rally Support for Laah over S’Kaduna Senatorial Seat world body, which was copied to urgently alert you that an Candidates for the upcoming It is his second attempt. from the Southern in Kaura In a joint statement, Habu the Africa Union (AU), the agenda bordering on pogrom Senatorial election in Southern Jagaba is seeking for LGA of Kaduna state . backed Labari ‘s description president of the United States, is gradually being executed in Kaduna are lining up. nomination by the main But many strong politicians of Laah as a heavy duty value the British Government and Yorubaland.” A former member of the opposition Peoples from Southern Kaduna politician of repute. the International Criminal In the letter titled: ‘Urgent House of Representatives, Democratic Party (PDP) to considered Laah as a political On his part, the convener Court (ICC), decried the level Need to Stop Killings by Fulani Hon.Adams Jagaba Adams is challenge the incumbent heavyweight according to a of SDL 100% Support of insecurity in the region Herdsmen in Yorubaland’, the to contest against the current Senator Danjuma Laah in three-term member of Kaduna Group, Comrade Victor and the country, saying the Yoruba leader wrote: “This is to Senator Danjuma Laah . 2022 senatorial primary State House of Assembly, Bobai Mathew said the PDP “senseless killings and massacre bring to your attention a clear Jagaba is the latest election scheduled for Hon.Labari Tella, aka Agroo needed a fearless leader and of Nigerians, almost on a daily and present danger threatening politician in the Southern February 2022. and a former special adviser a good team player whose basis, are tragically sliding the fragile union of our great Kaduna to announce that Laah is a well-known to three different governors in major interest is all about toward an anarchical terminal country, Nigeria.” he is running for the office. politician and a businessman Kaduna, Hon.Douglas Habu. his people. 46 THURSDAY, 
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THISDAY BACK PAGE CONTINUATION OBA EWUARE, OBASEKI AND THE BENIN ARTS DIVIDE Meanwhile, the governor has responded to resolve their differences. Incidentally, I had to the issues raised by Oba Ewuare II by been re-introduced to the Benin story when my stating his own side of the story. The Benin brother, Ose Oyamendan, a Hollywood-based Dialogue Group, according to Obaseki in a filmmaker attempted to produce a documentary 14th May 2021 letter he personally signed and about the stolen artifacts. After years of trying addressed to Oba Ewuare II, “is a body made and being frustrated, Ose abandoned the project up of curators of major European museums to complete an award-winning documentary, and representative of the palace of the Oba ‘Other Voices’, on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. of Benin” that had been meeting for over a Last Saturday, it was part of Ose’s coming decade without much success until he became documentary film on the ‘June 12 crisis’ that governor. Upon interrogation, Obaseki said the federal government adopted for telecast he discovered that three main problems were on local channels to mark ‘Democracy Day’. inhibiting progress in the effort to return the But the conversation around Benin artifacts artifacts. The first, according to the governor, continues across the world. has to do with the lack of advanced museum Last week, the London Metropolitan Museum storage and display infrastructure in Benin. of Art announced that it would be returning “Having had these works in their custody for to Nigeria three Benin artworks. They include almost a century, the international museums two 16th-century brass plaques created at the argued that artifacts of this importance need Court of Benin, and a brass head produced in to be stored in an environment that possess Ile-Ife (Osun State) around the 14th century. adequate climatic controls regulating humidity, “The plaques produced at the Court of Benin, temperature and other conditions, as well ‘Warrior Chief’ and ‘Junior Court Official’, were as advanced security systems that operate among the works removed from the Royal Palace on a 24/7 basis. To preserve these artifacts, in 1897 during the British military occupation they argue that this infrastructure does not of Benin,” the Met explained in a statement. exist in Nigeria today, and are expensive to A month earlier, Museums in Germany also build and maintain.” The need to respond agreed on a coordinated approach to the return to this challenge, Obaseki wrote, led him to of Benin bronzes following a meeting with the launch the Edo Museum of West African country’s culture minister, Monika Grütters. Art (EMOWAA) project which he said, “will According to Grütters, the participants were “in provide a comprehensive, world-class set of agreement that addressing Germany’s colonial infrastructure for the storage, research and Benin Bronzes on display at the British Museum. Credit: Alamy past is an important issue for the whole of display of objects not just for Benin artifacts, society and a core task for cultural policy” and but for artifacts and art from all West Africa and successes in our efforts to repatriate these communication with his late father whose “reaffirmed their willingness in principle to spanning the influence of Great Benin empire.” works and the role of German Government efforts on the issue, along with others, led make substantial returns” to Nigeria. The second problem, according to the in this regard, it is important that we present UNESCO to recognise the Benin Moth as a That Germany’s museums, like their governor, centred around the multiple claims a united position and avoid the appearance World Heritage Site. “Incidentally, I learnt a London Metropolitan counterpart, pledged of owners/relevance in the negotiation process. of disunity which gives detractors and those significant lesson while I was serving in Rome. to “create extensive transparency” regarding Obaseki said that to return such priceless objects, opposed to the return of object the excuse to When I started the conversation on Benin arts, the decision to return the Benin bronzes in “many institutions and governments who have delay such returns.” they told me of their own experience with their collections resulted from recent efforts custody of these works abroad want to be In my conversation with Oba Ewuare II, he France which, as at then, I was not conversant by Governor Obaseki through the EMOWAA certain that they are dealing with relevant explained what the Benin artifacts mean to him with. They said most of their artefacts were initiative. Therefore, I believe both the palace counterparties in Nigeria. One argument raised and why he can never agree to any deal that carried away and were in France and that and the government should work together to forestall the return of artifacts is the question would return them anywhere except the palace. they were also battling to retrieve them. I felt with the federal government on this matter. of who the works should be returned to. They The more the Oba spoke, the more his story encouraged by what I learnt from them about I agree with Oba Ewuare II not only about argue that there was no country called Nigeria resembled the Biblical account in the book of their own history.” A significant event also the proprietary rights of the artworks but also or state government when many of the works Chronicles when King David was preparing occurred while Oba Ewuare II was in Rome that their return will only have meaning if were taken to Europe. However, under Nigeria to transfer the throne to his son, Solomon. as Nigerian ambassador which he recalls. “Dr they are domiciled at the palace from which Law, these artifacts of national important come Oba Ewuare II who started his diplomatic Boladei Igali was the ambassador to Sweden they were looted. But I don’t see why this under the purview of the National Commission career with the United Nations in the early at the time so one day, he called me about an should create a problem for Governor Obaseki for Museum and Monuments.” So, according eighties served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to exhibition on Benin Arts in Stockholm. When who I am aware has done extensive work on to Obaseki, “a Trust that is independent of Sweden, with accreditation to Norway, Denmark, he noticed I was hesitant about attending, he the proposed museum for which he is really all three parties but where each party as an and the Republic of Finland. He would later pleaded that my presence had become central very passionate. interest allows these issues to be dealt with serve in Angola and Italy. It was during his to the event since it was about my heritage. In writing my book, ‘From Frying Pan to once and for all,” became imperative, hence diplomatic assignment in the nineties that the He added that he had used my presence to Fire: How African Migrants Risk Everything in he acted accordingly. “The trust does NOT idea started for the monarch. “When I was sell the exhibition to the Swedish royal family. their Futile Search for a Better Life in Europe’, own the object and can only hold an object appointed the ambassador to Sweden, Norway I had to clear from the Ministry of foreign I spent considerable time in Benin early in with the implicit authorization of each party, and Denmark, my father (who was then on the affairs in Abuja and I was granted leave to 2018 to research my chapter on ‘Edo and the which means that all relevant parties continue throne) considered it a very strategic posting go to Sweden. It turned out to be a big event. Prostitution Ring’. That provided opportunity to maintain any and all ownership claims it because these Scandinavian countries are also In my speech at the occasion, I made a peach for me to have extensive discussions with has – the trust simply acts as a common agent royalties. Before I left Nigeria, he commissioned for the return of the stolen Benin artworks. Obaseki on sundry issues, including that of for the federal government, state government two special Benin bronze works for the Kings It was a passionate plea. I told them that the the stolen Benin artworks and his effort to and royal palace. It allows the artifacts to be of Norway and Sweden. There was also a artworks would only have value when they have them returned. So, now that there are returned to Nigeria and then we can resolve present for the Queen of Denmark which I are domiciled in their original abode. The positive signals in that direction, there is no the ownership and display issues on our soil cannot now remember. But the two others discussions I had with a few people after the reason why Oba Ewuare II and Obaseki cannot without the involvement of foreign parties,” were big bronze works, heavy materials that event convinced me that people in Europe work together. The West African museum Obaseki stated. were shipped to me abroad and were cleared were paying attention to the campaign.” being envisaged will be enriched if domiciled The third problem the governor identified by embassy officials.” Having gone to such lengths, Oba Ewuare II within the precincts of the palace of the Oba as informing his decision was the lack of an Pointing to the Health Minister, Ehanire said he could not understand why Governor of Benin. The returned Benin artifacts can, for international standard funding vehicle for who was seated beside me, the Oba said: “the Obaseki would be establishing a museum instance, take one wing while other works are the project. Obaseki contends that creating district where they do those bronze works to house such artifacts outside the palace featured in another. The palace of the Oba world class facilities and infrastructure to in Benin is where the honourable minister and without prior consultation with him. of Benin, with its history (including the fact house and maintain these objects requires comes from. That was why I asked you to He recalled the day in 2014 when a retired that it was from there that the artworks were substantial funding. “A credible funding meet him yesterday. These bronze works have medical consultant, Dr Mark Walker, whose forcefully taken) and culture will add value vehicle will need to be set up which will spiritual and aesthetic values. Now, why did grandfather was one of the soldiers involved to the entire project. be structured specifically to attract funding my father send those bronze materials? The in the 1897 British raid, visited Benin to As things stand, the controversy between Oba from international foundations, institutions idea was for my host countries to know that personally hand over two statues to his later Ewuare II and Governor Obaseki only plays and individuals. Such international funding the ambassador they were receiving was also father, Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I, at a into the hands of political hawks in Britain source required a new vehicle, designed to their coming from an ancient and respected kingdom. ceremony attended by royal officials and local who do not want these artifacts returned to requirements with participation/ownership My father also gave me a special message for dignitaries. “So, there were already discussions Nigeria. Last September, Prime Minister Boris by relevant stakeholders but with a majority them. In presenting the bronze gifts, I told which my father started on the possible site for Johnson’s Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden of independent directors (satisfactory to them) the kings in these countries about the stolen the museum within the precincts of the palace. wrote national museums in the country, warning who they will hold personally accountable Benin artifacts that were scattered across homes I had held a discussion with the governor on them not to take any action on objects with for the financial transparency, reporting and and museums in Europe and the fact that we this before. He is aware of the place we have “difficult and contentious” histories if they performance of the Trust.” needed their help to return some of them. in mind. But now, all these ideas have been want to retain government funding. Given The Legacy Restoration Trust, according to My father always said that we should not jettisoned,” Oba Ewuare lamented. that the British Museum which houses almost Obaseki, was established to satisfy these exacting seek a return of all the artifacts. His message The monarch believes that if the governor 900 of these items is already shielded by the funding requirements. “This vehicle will be was that we should allow some to remain in really meant to carry critical stakeholders along, British Museum Act 1963 and the Heritage Act responsible for not just the establishment of the Europe so that they can continue to tell our the composition of his ‘Legacy Restoration 1983, any division in Nigeria will be exploited museum complex but on-going maintenance stories. That was how these efforts started.” Trust’ should not have been done without due to ensure that these stolen artifacts remain of such complex,” argued Obaseki who said According to Oba Ewuare II, he used his consultation with, and input from, his Palace. in Britain. he had to get a seasoned financier that is tours of duty as Nigerian ambassador to The legal framework under which the Trust From my reading of the situation, both very familiar to the international investment lead this campaign because he saw it as a was established, the funding requirements, Oba Ewuare II and Governor Obaseki are community to chair that body. “To date, the national duty, even though he had a personal accounting mechanism and the identity of the working to achieve the same goal: Return Trust has already attracted substantial funding interest as a direct descendant (great great ‘seasoned financier’ who would be chairman of the stolen Benin assets that are tied to the from both international institutions as well as grandson) of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi remain shrouded in secrecy, according to Oba history of their people and culture as well as local sources, on the back of the full, written under whose reign the artifacts were carted Ewuare. These and many other issues make the the legacy of Oba Ovenramen who refused support and authorization from both federal away. “Any opportunity I had; I spoke about whole arrangement suspicious to him. Besides, to be cowed by some brutal colonialists and and state government.” these artifacts. From Sweden, I was posted to he takes the issue very personal. “Return of paid heavy price in the process. The only Obaseki explained further that plans by ‘The Angola where I happened to have met the the looted Benin artefacts to the palace is a fitting and proper final resting place for those Legacy Restoration Trust’ and the EMOWAA current Chief of Staff to the President, Prof sacred mandate given me by my father. It was artworks is the palace of the Oba of Benin. remain “an integral part of a revamped cultural Ibrahim Gambari. As UN Under-Secretary something he started and would want me to But the governor is also right on the need to district” that is central to his government’s General, he was there to broker the peace deal. see to reality. I will not agree to any deal that put in place proper mechanisms to ensure urban regeneration and planning. He then From Angola, I moved to Rome as Nigerian takes the artifacts to any other place but the that the returned artifacts do not deteriorate concluded his letter with an admonition for ambassador to Italy where I hosted your late palace of the Oba of Benin from where they or disappear. I am sure that both Governor Oba Ewuare II: “While I understand that boss (President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua) during were looted,” Oba Ewuare II vowed. Obaseki and Oba Ewuare II can work out a there are concerns and issues that need to the G8 Summit in L’Aquila in July 2009.” Moving forward on this issue will require compromise in the interest of Nigeria and be discussed, however given the progress Oba Ewuare II said he was in constant the governor and the monarch sitting down all Benin people. THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 47

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] THURSDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Rivers United FC Manager, Eguma, Kidnapped by Unknown Gunmen Duro Ikhazuagbe Tuesday. Football League (NPFL) pick up truck with Rivers is not now known if they Now, the kidnappers are clubside is yet to make State government number were also abducted alongside The insecurity in the land believed to be demanding any official statement on plate. him or have been released. has crept into the country’s N10million before the the whereabouts of Eguma, “Coach did not return Eguma is the second high football scene following the cerebral coach can regain sources close to the team with us. You know he drives profile coach of the Nigerian kidnapping of Rivers United his freedom. hinted yesterday that the in his own official car. We topflight to be kidnapped in FC Manager, Stanley Eguma Although the Rivers State Coach did not return to Port just heard this and we are recent times after Abdulahi by unknown gunmen on owned Nigerian Professional Harcourt after their Sunday waiting to hear from the club Biffo spent about a month match with Adamawa United management,” one source in kidnappers den some in Gombe. told a Port Harcourt based time ago. Top football sources in the football only online site on Players of Adamawa Okagbare Faces Toughest Garden City said Eguma condition of anonymity United had similarly faced is believed to have been yesterday. similar fate along the Benin- Hurdle as Tokyo 2020 abducted around the Enugu Eguma was said to be Ore Road on their way to axis on his way back to Port travelling with two of his honour a NPFL game in Stanley Eguma...in kidnappers Olympic Trials Begin Harcourt in his official Hilux Personal Assistants and it Lagos. den Nigeria’s Queen of the sole aim of another podium tracks, Blessing Okagbare, finish. will today face the toughest Since the likes of Damola hurdle at the National Trials Osayomi and Gloria Asumnu and Invitational Relays in left the stage, it has been a Lagos as she looks forward stroll in the park for Okagbare to winning her eighth in major finals, but will have national sprint title. to contend with Nwokocha The opening day of the who also will be on the flight Tokyo 2020 National Trials to Tokyo after securing her will see Okagbare competing qualification at the venue in the 100m alongside one of the National Trials, the of the best kids on the Yabatech Sports Complex, block at the moment, Grace Yaba, Lagos. Nwokocha. The key event for the Okagbare picked her last opening day is the 100m with national championship title both the men and women’s in 2016, after winning it finals taking place in the back-to-back between 2009 to evening. 2014 and also 2016, missing Morning events will witness out only in 2015. the 20km women and men Despite having already final, the 100m prelims, 400m qualified for the Olympics, heat (men and women), Okagbare will be hoping to 1,500m women final and continue her preparations the hammer (women) final. for the Games in Japan with Apart from the 100m finals expected to take place in the afternoon, there will be shot- WALES CRUISING… put men final with all eyes on Wales players celebrating Connor Roberts’ added time goal in the 2-0 defeat of Turkey at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. It was their second Group A match of the ongoing Euro 2020 Championships...yesterday Tobi Amusan will be geared up towards erasing the African record in the women’s 100m hurdles when she takes to the Egbe Congratulates New AFN Boss, Okowa track in the heat as the men 110m hurdles will be taking The Chief Executive Officer of “I congratulate Okowa on challenges facing the game to do is that of reconciliation place also. Monimichelle Sports Facility his well-deserved victory. I in the country. so that everybody would be The trials, which will Group, Ebi Egbe, has hailed make bold to say that those “My plea is for the on the same page,” Egbe be used to select Nigeria’s the emergence of Tonobok who elected him have settled stakeholders to rally round pleaded. contingent to the delayed Okowa as the new president for the right man. Okowa has him and give him the needed Okowa had after his victory Games of the XXXII Olympics of the Athletics Federation of the pedigree to lead AFN and support to succeed.” said the welfare of athletes in Tokyo which is scheduled to Nigeria (AFN). he has demonstrated it with Egbe stressed that Okowa and coaches remains top on hold from July 23 to August 8, Egbe in a congratulatory the good job he is doing in should on his part take his priority. message to the Delta State Delta,” Egbe stressed. immediate steps to reconcile The new AFN board was Blessing Okagbare...dominance 2021, will see 11 events taking place on the opening day. Sports Commission boss, The stadium construction members of the athletics sworn into office on Tuesday threatened stated that the nation’s expert urged athletics family in the overall interest in Abuja by Sports Minister, athletics family has chosen stakeholders to rally round of the nation. Sunday Dare, who charged the Euro 2020: Wales Boost the right man to lead the Okowa who he noted has “With the elections over, it is new board to hit the ground Chances with Defeat of federation. a lot of job to do given the time to work and the first job running. Turkey in Baku Marylove, Oparaoji Make History at Lagos Tennis Cup Wales took a significant stride Although Turkey came back Teenage tennis star, Marylove conjunction with the Nigerian visa to feature in Nigeria’s beat him in the CBN Open towards qualifying for the strongly, Wales squandered Edward and Uche Oparaoji Tennis Federation, featured maiden Fed Cup appearance final – in the second set of second round of Euro 2020 a glorious opportunity to made history at the weekend 16 of the best tennis players in Lithuania. their semi-final clash due to as they overcame Turkey 2-0 consolidate their lead when when they became the first in Nigeria who qualified for Her Fed Cup partner, Sarah a sore hand. Oparaoji had after a gripping encounter in captain Bale ballooned a penalty ever women and men’s the event after finishing in Adegoke, however opted to however taken the first set 7-5. Baku. over the bar. singles champions of the the quarter-finals of the recent play, but retired due to injury Imeh became one of four With a crowd of more than There were some nervous Lagos Tennis Cup. CBN Open played last month after setting up a semi-final retirees at the tournament as 30,000 in Azerbaijan’s capital moments for the Welsh defence At the five-day tournament in Abuja. clash with Edward. players paid a steep price for city effectively making this as they withstood Turkish a home game for Turkey, attacks - with Danny Ward played at the Lagos Lawn Edward, 16, took full In the men’s final No. 3 participating in three grueling Wales responded to the hostile making a vital late save to Tennis Club in Onikan, 3rd advantage of the absence seed, Oparaoji, dispatched an back-to-back tournaments in a atmosphere with a vibrant, deny Merih Demiral. seed, Edward, brushed aside of the No.1 seed, Oyinlomo apparently fatigued Timibra space of one month, including attacking display in which But Connor Roberts struck the more experienced No. 2 Quadri, who beat her 6-1, 6-0 in straight sets to claim the the DavNotch Cup, the CBN they cut their opponents open from a corner deep in injury seed, Aanu Aiyegbusi 6-2, in the CBN Senior Open final, ultimate prize. The Imo State Senior Open and the Lagos at will. time to seal a win that takes 6-2 in the final to claim the to cruise to the title and claim star was merciless against his Tennis Cup. After a host of missed Wales to four points with one crown, while Oparaoji cruised the N500,000 prize money Bayelsa opponent who had The winners got N500,000 chances in a breathless first half, match left in the group stage. to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Timibra without dropping a single set. reached the final after playing each, while the runners-up Gareth Bale played a brilliant That final fixture will be Godsgift. Quadri had pulled out of four three-setters. received N250,000. The semi- lofted pass through the heart of in Rome on Sunday against The maiden Lagos Tennis the tournament just before Oparaoji reached the final finalists earned N125,000, the Turkish defence for Aaron Group A favourites Italy, Cup organised by the Tennis it began as she was caught following the retirement of while group stage participants Ramsey, who brought the ball who face Switzerland later down and finished elegantly. on Wednesday. Management Company in in the middle of securing a No. 1 seed Joseph Imeh – who got N75,000 each. T RU N Thursday, June 17, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your Sani Bello to Nigerians COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Let me be blunt. As I speak here now, there are people providing information to the TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 bandits, especially within the political circle. They send messages directly to the bandits of whatever strategies the government adopts. Whatever we discussed, the details are already with the bandits; they call to tell us exactly what was discussed. The informants are everywhere even in the Government House, so I don’t trust This service is provided in association with accredited service providers anybody any longer” – Lamentation by Niger State Governor OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT [email protected] Oba Ewuare, Obaseki and the Benin Arts Divide n March this year, the University of British Forces in the year 1897, during which Aberdeen, Scotland announced it would the Oba’s palace was burglarized, vandalized return one of the thousands of metal and and items looted by aliens; a calamity that ivory sculptures and carvings looted by seriously impacted the over 1,000 years old British soldiers from the palace of the Benin civilization in a destructive manner. IOba of Benin in 1897. According to the Head By that expedition, the history, cultural of Museums and Special Collections, Neil identity and dignity of Benin people were Curtis, the University had previously agreed to injured, when priceless ancient heirlooms, repatriate sacred items and ancestral remains the expressions of their history, heritage, to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and values, were forcefully appropriated following a procedure that considers such and exported by aliens, only to be found in requests in consultation with claimants. “An museums around the world.” The monarch ongoing review of the collections identifi ed then put it on record that neither the Benin the Head of an Oba as having been acquired royal family nor the board of trustees of the in a way that we now consider to have been ‘Oba Ewuare II Foundation’, at any point in extremely immoral, so we took a proactive time, whether verbally or in written form, approach to identify the appropriate people waived their “proprietary rights of custody to discuss what to do,” said Curtis. Professor of ancient Benin Palace and religious cult George Boyne, principal and vice chancellor, artifacts, nor appointed agents or intermediaries provided further insight into what informed to act for, or on behalf of the Palace for this the university’s decision: “It would not have purpose or on any such other business.” been right to have retained an item of such While Oba Ewuare II welcomes the interest great cultural importance that was acquired in and renewed commitment of Edo sons and such reprehensible circumstances. We therefore daughters and other local and international decided that an unconditional return is the stakeholders, including Governor Obaseki, in most appropriate action we can take and Governor Obaseki Oba Ewuare the bid to correct “a historical wrong on the are grateful for the close collaboration with royal family and people of Benin, by restoring our partners in Nigeria.” The fi rst public auction reportedly took place Offi ce, the British Museum, Ministers of their expropriated property to their rightful For the Twitter generation who may in May 1897, following advertisement in the Foreign Affairs and Information and Culture owner and location,” he announced that the not understand what I am talking about ‘Times’ newspaper for the sale of “several and the Director General, National Museum ‘Oba Ewuare II Foundation’ had already been (because they were deprived of learning carved tusks and other trophies from Benin Commission. In the letter, Oba Ewuare II established as a special purpose vehicle to Nigeria’s history), let me break it down in city collected by naval offi cers in the recent claimed that he is “from time immemorial, “midwife the setting up, for national and two paragraphs before I go to the controversy expedition”. But from France (where President the sole authority and custodian of Benin international public good, of museums to that provokes this intervention. In the late 19th Emmanuel Macron has openly endorsed the traditional law and custom” and for that hold and place on display, said artifacts, of century, what is now the Edo state capital had idea) to Germany that intends to return many reason “all Edo traditional and cultural rites, which the Palace shall be lead custodian.” a strong kingdom that survived the British (of about 580 Benin artworks scattered in citizen interests and proprietary rights over On what he considers the only appropriate expedition and the 1885 Berlin Conference Berlin museums) next year, there is an collective intellectual property as well as landed, solution to the logjam, the Benin monarch where Africa was partitioned and shared ongoing conversation around the world movable, non-moveable property within the concluded that he and the Board of Trustees among European powers at the time. In the about the morality of keeping these artifacts. premises of the Palace of the Oba” are vested of Oba Ewuare II Foundation, “have long last decade of that century, James Phillips, But there is serious contention in Nigeria in him. Same with “dealings in any artifact before now, mooted the idea of building the British Consul General for Niger Coast between the current Benin monarch, Oba of historical, ancestral, spiritual, cultural or a classic museum to be known as ‘The Protectorate (the present-day South-South zone) Ewuare II and the Governor of Edo State, native religious rites’ of signifi cance and value, Benin Royal Museums’ and to be located found the Benin Kingdom too independent Mr Godwin Obaseki regarding the issue of pertaining to the great Benin kingdom and in the premises of the palace of the Oba of and sought to neutralise the powers of the Oba ownership and where these artifacts will be her heritage,” also vested solely in him or Benin, where they rightly belong. The Royal on the pretext that the palace was engaged domiciled when they return. While Obaseki persons or groups so delegated by him. Museum is to inherit, protect and manage all in human sacrifi ces. He therefore requested is working towards the creation of the Edo Then the kernel of the message: “Particular artifacts that are returned from the various permission from London to invade the city, Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) mention is made here of extensive property museums across the world, in trust for the depose the Oba and replace him with a Native in the state capital, Oba Ewuare II contends seized or stolen from the palace, during the royal family as the heritage of Edo people, Council. “I have reason to hope that suffi cient that only a museum domiciled within the reign of Oba Ovenramen Nogbaisi, Oba of for the benefi t of students and visitors from ivory would be found in the King’s house palace from where the artifacts were looted, Benin Kingdom, (1888 to 1897) the great, great all around Nigeria and the world.” to pay the expenses incurred in removing will serve the end of justice. grandfather and direct bloodline ancestor of the King from his stool,” Phillips wrote in Two weeks ago, the Oba of Benin was Oba Ewuare II, in the wake of an invasion by NOTE: Piece is concluded on page 46 his December 1896 letter to Lord Salisbury, in Abuja, and he called me. After a long then Foreign Secretary. telephone chat, he arranged a meeting between Without waiting for a response from London, me and the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Phillips sent a request to the Benin palace to Emmanuel Ehanire, who hails from Benin. 2021 Teens Career Conference expect a delegation from him. Despite the plea A day after my meeting with Ehinare who The 2021 edition of annual Teens Career laughing matter. In 2017, we reiterated that from the Oba of Benin that he could not at briefed me on developments concerning the Conference of the Redeemed Christian life is a stage, where we all play our different the period receive visitors, Philips nonetheless artifacts and the contending issues, I met Oba Church of God (RCCG) The Everlasting parts. In 2018, the message was that if we sent a military contingent on a supposedly Ewuare II at his Asokoro residence amid Benin Arms Parish (TEAP), Abuja holds on have a dream, we need a healthy dose of peaceful mission. But knowing the history Chiefs, including my egbon, Oseni Elamah, Saturday, 14th August with the theme, ‘A hard work, self-discipline, and sacrifi ce to of the British, particularly in their dealings the executive secretary of the Joint Tax Board Brave New World: Who Dares, Wins!’ Like make it happen and the 2019 edition was with King Jaja of Opobo, the suspicious chiefs (JTB) and the Okaoivbiore of Benin Kingdom. previous editions, it will bring together dedicated to nurturing talent and developing decided to confront the British troops. In the In an emotional voice that spoke to his pain teenagers from Abuja and its environs to character. This year, we explore the theme ‘A aftermath, only two members of the contingent and anger, Oba Ewuare II shared the story listen to expert advice on career choices Brave New World: Who Dares, Wins!’ with survived to tell the tale of what became known of the artifacts and the sacred mandate he in today’s dynamic and challenging three young, accomplished personalities: Mr in British history as the ‘Benin Massacre’. In received from his late father, the revered Oba world. Specifi cally, the objectives of the Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Mr Chinedu Azodoh retaliation, Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson, a Erediuawa, 39th Benin monarch who ruled conference are to: Teach the teenagers to take and Ms Omowale David-Ashiru. Naval commander was appointed to lead for 37 years from 1979 to 2016. Before I get responsibility for their future; Have their In deference to Covid-19 protocols, we are as many as 1,200 Royal Marines for the 9th to the beef of my chat with Oba Ewuare II, imagination fi red through interaction with restricting physical attendance to no more February 1897 invasion of Benin, capture the let me recount the exchange between him accomplished professionals in the society; than 250 participants this year. Others may Oba and destroy the city, in an operation and Governor Obaseki on the matter. Make them realize that no matter the odds, join by Zoom. The Conference registration codenamed ‘The Benin Punitive Expedition.’ A letter dated 10th March 2021 signed by Mr they can reach their goals, and get them will begin on Thursday, 1st July, and the It took just weeks after that invasion for Dennis I. Osaretin, executive assistant to Oba to understand that God still intervenes in portal would be shut once we hit the desired the looted Benin artifacts to fi nd their way to Ewuare II on legal & corporate affairs, was the affairs of men. number. For details on the conference as museums and private collections around the directed to all foreign missions and embassies At the maiden edition in 2016, we affi rmed well as profi les of our speakers, please visit world; either as gifts or through purchases. in Nigeria, the European Union Commission that our lives and our future are not a www.rccgteapteens.org Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. 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