Kyari: Rising Oil Prices Will Create Problems for Nigeria IMF laments re-emergence of fuel subsidy Welcomes CBN’s measures to unify exchange rates Obinna Chima in Lagos, Petroleum Corporation cause major challenges for the re-emergence of fuel recent moves by the Central Energy Congress, tagged: Francis Ndubuisi and (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, resource-dependent nations subsidy in Nigeria in the face Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to unify “Securing a Sustainable Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja has warned that rather than like Nigeria. of the country’s low revenue exchange rates, certifying Future Energy System through being a positive development, He spoke just as the mobilisation. Nigerian banks as being liquid Strategy, Collaboration and Group Managing Director the rising prices of crude oil in International Monetary Fund The Washington-based and well-capitalised. of the Nigerian National the international market could (IMF) expressed concern over institution, however, welcomed Kyari, at the virtual Citizens Continued on page 12

Drop Press Regulation Bill, Media Leaders Tell House... Page 5

Friday 18 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9566. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO

STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY... Air Peace congratulates Nigeria as the third of the 13 brand new planes the company ordered arrives Lagos…yesterday Buhari in Maiduguri, Vows Not to Rest Until Peace is Restored Urges military to ramp up fight against insurgency Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured residents of Borno State of the federal government's readiness to fight terrorism to the end, telling the military not to give criminals a breathing space to undermine Nigeria’s interests. The president, during a visit to Borno State, commended troops for their loyalty and selfless service to Nigeria and urged them not to relent in their efforts to end the insurgency in the North-east. He promised support for the families of fallen security personnel, saying he would ensure all Internally Displaced BOOST FOR YOUNG ATHLETES... Persons (IDPs) return to their L-R: National Trade Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Funso Ayeni; President, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Ms. Olabisi Joseph; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Overall Best Athlete, Demilade Ajayi; and Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ms. Sade Continued on page 12 Morgan, at the celebratory breakfast for all Lagos State gold medalists from the just concluded 2021 Maltina School Games in Lagos…yesterday 2 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY, 
͹΀˜
ͺ͸ͺ͹
˾
THISDAY 5

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 Drop Press Regulation Bill, Media Leaders Tell House No court can stop us, lawmakers reply Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ishiekwene added: expectations of the type of done like the Cybercrimes can be made to pay a fine committee to treat it by "Of course, the federal legislative paths Nigeria Acts which Sections 24 and of N250,000, saying that it rejection. The Nigerian Press government has appealed would pursue to expand the 38, which in no fewer than is punitive. He suggested that the Organisation (NPO), the ruling and the matter frontiers of press freedom. 10 instances have been used He decried that Section provision relating to comprising the Newspaper is currently before the Presenting a joint to clamp down on bloggers 33 (3) and (4) does not revocation of licence for Proprietors’ Association Supreme Court. So, I will memorandum on behalf or journalists for expressing give room for retraction or alleged publication of fake of Nigeria (NPAN), the rest my case by appealing to of various organisations, opinion antagonistic to apology where fake news news should be removed Nigerian Guild of Editors the honourable members of including International Press politically or economically is mistakenly published from the Act, adding that (NGE) and the Nigeria this committee to refer to the Centre (IPC), Media Rights powerful elites. but recommends a blanket decisions for appropriate Union of Journalists (NUJ), conversation that was had on Agenda (MRA), Centre for He stated that bodies sanction of up to N10 million sanctions in relation to such yesterday called on the a similar matter in 2018 when Media Law and Advocacy, like Amnesty International or closure for a period of offences should be vested House of Representatives this matter came up before and Premium Times Centre have documented 50 cases one year or both. in the court. to step down a bill seeking the Senate and the pendency for Investigative Journalism, where the law had targeted, Arogundade recommended In his presentation, the to amend the Nigerian Press of this matter before the court the Executive Director, IPC, not cybercrime suspects, but that the committee should Executive Secretary, Nigeria Council Act as the matter is was canvassed and the 8th Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said bloggers and journalists for take a cue from the Press Council, Mr. Francis sub judice. National Assembly at that it was not that regulation was writing on what they “know Ghanaian constitution by Nwosu, commended the The media organisations time agreed that the prudent not necessary, especially in to be false, for the purpose recommending the inclusion section of the bill that seeks and other groups also thing to do was to step it this age of fake news and of causing annoyance, of the provision for press to empower the executive criticised the various clauses down. I urge this House to hate speech. inconvenience danger, freedom in the constitution secretary of the council to in the bill, saying that they also, consider a similar step." He stated that regulations obstruction, insult, injury, while it should also issue a summons, saying it will discourage freedom of However, Odebunmi must not erode media criminal intimidation, enmity, recommend that government would enhance the council's speech and the press. said the committee had the independence or freedom hatred, ill will or needless should not appoint managers effectiveness and efficiency The representative of mandate of Nigerians to and are not unduly punitive. anxiety to another." of the public (state) media. in handling complaints. the NPO, Mr. Azubuike amend any law. According to him, the He described the penalties He added that the He suggested that the Ishiekwene, who is also the He added: "And that is regulator must also be free for offences as stipulated board should have name executive secretary Editor-in-chief of Leadership what we are doing. It is of the stranglehold of the in Section (3) i & ii of the management control over should be changed to Newspapers, said at a public not about the matter being powers that be, political proposed amendment, the commission, including director-general to be in hearing on the Bill for an in court or not. or other interests, so that it including a fine of N5 million the executive secretary and tandem with other agencies Act to Amend the NPC Act, "To the best of my can judiciously adjudicate or three years imprisonment, the appointment should under the supervision of the organised by the House knowledge, constitutionally, in matters bordering on the as being too punitive, saying be made by the President Ministry of Information and Committee on Information, we are doing our own job infringement of the code of it will threaten media through the confirmation Culture. National Orientation, Ethics and I am very sure no court ethics of journalism. independence and freedom. of the National Assembly He added that the and Values, in Abuja, that will restrain us from doing He added that the Arogundade also criticised Arogundade said the inclusion of fake News was there is a matter before the the job." amendment seeks to restrict Section 17 (3)( a & b), which composition and functions a welcome development but Supreme Court on the Act. He stated that the freedom of expression. provides that a journalist of the Council and the that the proposed amendment But the Chairman of the amendment does not prevent Arogundade added that could be held liable for philosophy of the bill all should define what will Committee, Hon. Olusegun the parties involved from the amendment attempted the offence committed by run counter to international constitute fake news for Odebunmi, said no court pursuing the case in court, to do what other laws have his or her organisation and best practice and urged the easy interpretation. could stop the National adding: "This is the position Assembly from performing of the National Assembly." its constitutional role. Earlier in his opening Ishiekwene said: "There is a remark, Odebunmi had said matter, and I am sure as the the committee tried its best to stewards of the people and get all stakeholders to attend stewards of the law you are the public hearing of the bills. aware that there is a pending He said: "I want to matter between NPO and categorically state that some parties being called we tried to do our best in in this legislation. getting all the stakeholders "There is a matter pending invited, but some said before the Supreme Court we couldn’t reach them. between NPAN and some Notwithstanding, we are all parties involved in this bill human beings and we are that is being amended. And bound to make mistakes. It as stewards of the law, I'm was published in the daily sure you are constrained news and announced on just as I am to make any Radio Nigeria that cut across further conversation on this all the federation and even matter because it is a pending on social media platforms. matter and it is before the And I’m sure that’s why we Supreme Court." have this kind of audience. Ishiekwene said the case I’m sorry if anybody thinks had been in court since 1999. we didn’t invite them but He stated that the last time it's not by intention." the matter came up in 2010, However, media 17 of the 39 clauses contained development organisations in the bill being considered expressed worry that the in the new amendment were proposed amendment to Y’ELLO VISITS THE GOV... declared unconstitutional by the Nigerian Press Council L-R: Chief Executive Officer, MTN Group, Mr. Ralph Mupita; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Act falls far short of the the court at that time. Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, during a courtesy visit by the MTN Group to the governor in Abuja…yesterday Naira Stages Recovery, Strengthens to N483/$ on Parallel Market Obinna Chima greenback, resulting in was committed to improving the currency crisis to desist. travel allowances, payment tuition fees, and medical speculators losing their shirts. funding for over 5,000 BDCs “The ABCON and CBN of tuition and medical fees, payments as well as Small The naira, which has been The President, Association nationwide in a new move have observed with disdain among other Invisibles. and Medium Enterprises under pressure at the parallel of Bureaux De Change to deepen market liquidity the speculative behaviour The moves followed (SMEs) transactions or for the market, staged a major Operators of Nigeria and protect the naira against currently beclouding the warning by the CBN repatriation of Foreign Direct recovery yesterday to close (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu speculators. the market with the Governor, Mr. Godwin Investment (FDI) proceeds. at N483 to a dollar. Gwadabe, had last week He had called for the misinformation that the Emefiele, at a weekend Acting Director, Corporate Yesterday's rate made the warned that forex speculators return of normalcy to the CBN has adopted the I&E meeting with bank managing Communications Department naira stronger than the N502 might lose over N100 billion market, saying speculative window as its official rate,” directors, cautioning them at the CBN, Mr. Osita to a dollar it has been trading in the next one month as behaviour hampering the he had said. to desist from denying Nwanisobi, had said in a at the black market in the the Central Bank of Nigeria market operations and The CBN had a fortnight customers, particularly note that the CBN remained past few days. (CBN) sustained funding for stability would come at a ago increased forex allocations travellers, the opportunity to committed to ensuring Forex dealers attributed the Bureaux De Change (BDC) huge loss to speculators. to banks to meet the requests purchase forex for Personal liquidity in the forex market to gain at the parallel market operators. He had also warned those of customers, particularly Travel Allowance (PTA), Basic meet genuine and legitimate to improved supply of the Gwadabe had said the CBN hoarding dollars to profit from travellers, seeking forex for Travel Allowance (BTA), demands of customers. 6 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 FRIDAY, 
͹΀˜
ͺ͸ͺ͹
˾
THISDAY NEWS Police Comb Forests for Abducted Kebbi Pupils Launch manhunt for kidnappers Ismail Adebayo in Birnin kidnapped 40 pupils as well and conveyed their victims in however, were overpowered while the girl sustained a death of a policeman and Kebbi as some teachers. a bus belonging to a parent by the outlaws. gunshot injury on her arm,” gunshot injury to one of the The bandits killed a after killing a policeman and He said after abducting the he added. students has assured parents The police have launched a policeman during the raid injuring one pupil. victims, the bandits used a But the state police and guardians of the students manhunt for bandits who on the school. The heavily-armed bandits bus belonging to the parent command said it had raised that the command is following yesterday invaded Federal They were said to have were said to have come of a pupil, who came to the a special team to comb the credible leads and intensifying Government College, Birnin raided the school in the early from the neighbouring school to pick his child that forests with a view to rescuing efforts to track the assailants Yauri, in Kebbi State and morning hours of yesterday Rijau forest on motorcycles was to write matriculation the pupils and apprehending and ensure the rescue of the and overpowered the mobile examination on Saturday, their abductors. missing students and teachers." police unit that was guarding to evacuate the victims. A statement by the Police The statement added that the school. He stated that in the Public Relations Officer, Mr. three teachers and a yet-to-be Osinbajo: NEC to Review A teacher, who spoke on confusion that ensued after the Nafiu Abubakar, a deputy ascertained number of pupils condition of anonymity, said attack, the school authorities superintendent of police, said were still missing. Reports from #EndSARS prior to the attack, they had were unable to conduct a operatives from the Police Adeyinka appealed to received information on a headcount to ascertain the Mobile Force, Anti-kidnapping residents of Kebbi State Judicial Panels plan to invade Birnin Yauri number of the abducted and Counter-terrorism units to assist the police with community. students. were combing nearby forests, information that would help Deji Elumoye in Abuja Boboye Oyeyemi, as secretary. He said to prevent an attack “Three or four teachers of routes and suspected hideouts to apprehend the abductors. Other members of the on the school a detachment of the college were abducted. Out of the bandits to rescue the He said the command Vice President Yemi Osinbajo council include the Governor riot policemen was deployed of the abductees, there is a pupils. would do everything within has said that the National of Anambra State, Chief Willie in the school. vice-principal and a female The statement said: "The its power to ensure that the Economic Council (NEC) will Obiano, representing the South- The teacher said when teacher. Two students, male Commissioner of Police, CP pupils were safely reunited convene a special session to east zone; Governor of Delta the bandits finally struck, and female, were said to have Adeleke Adeyinka, while with their families while consider all the reports that State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, they were engaged by the been shot by the bandits. The condemning the attack, which perpetrators of the crime are ready from the judicial representing the South-south policemen on guard, who, boy was shot on the buttocks resulted in the unfortunate would be brought to book. panels set up late last year zone; Governor of Lagos State, to address the concerns of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigerians on allegations of representing the South-west police brutality and other zone; Governor of Gombe related issues. State, Alhaji Muhammad This, he said, was one of the Inuwa Yahaya, representing resolutions reached yesterday the North-east zone; Governor at the council’s meeting held of Kaduna State, Mallam virtually and presided over Nasir El-Rufai, representing by him. The meeting was North-west; Governor of attended by state governors, Kwara State, Alhaji ministers, the Central Bank Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq, of Nigeria Governor, Mr. representing the North- Godwin Emefiele, and other central zone; Secretary to the top government officials. Government of the Federation, Osinbajo said the council Mr. Boss Mustapha, and would also consider the Minister of Transport, Hon. implementation of the reports, Rotimi Amaechi, among including remedies, redress others. and compensations. Also, the Minister of State for At the meeting, the vice Budget and National Planning, president also inaugurated Mr. Clement Agba, briefed the the 29-member National Road council on the federation's Safety Advisory Council as a finances. demonstration of government’s According to him, the continued commitment to nation’s excess crude account addressing the challenges (ECA) as at June 16, 2021, stood of road safety. at $60.8 million. According to him, the For stabilisation and advisory council, which development of natural comprises six governors resources accounts, the representing the six geo- minister said the balance political zones will be chaired as of 16th June 2021 by him, with the Corps stood at N24.8 billion SEEKING PROGRESS... Marshal of the Federal Road (24,802,716,416.22) and N28.2 L-R: Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), during during the Progressives Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. billion (28,215,689,963.31), Governors’ Forum meeting in Abuja…recently PDP Govs Tackle Presidential Spokesman, Says He’s Ignorant Party: Our govs don’t peddle falsehood Chuks Okocha in Abuja He also accused the by NNPC. It is an imposition They said: "If his statement response." Congress (APC)." governors of leading efforts to of law,” they said. represents the thinking of the The PDP supported its The PDP said Nigerians Peoples Democratic Party frustrate moves by the federal The governors cited APC federal government, then governors, saying that it was would not forget how the (PDP) governors yesterday government to reinstate the Section 162 (1) of the 1999 we are in more trouble than appalled by the unwarranted president and his party came berated Senior Special local government system as Constitution as altered to we think. The implication of attack and name calling by to power by means of fake Assistant to the President on the third tier of government. support their position. the fall of the naira for the the presidency against them. news, lies, falsehood, fake Media and Publicity, Mallam But in a statement by the They said: “It was a cost of goods and services, The party described as not promises, deceit, beguilements Garba Shehu, for accusing Director-General of the PDP demonstration of impunity including the price of food presidential and pedestrian, and negative innuendos, a them of not helping to find Governors’ Forum, Hon. Cyril and gross abuse of the law and basic needs of Nigerians a statement by Buhari’s aide, scope they had widened and solutions to the problems Maduabum, the governors for NNPC to continue to are becoming unbearable for in which he described the deepened in the last six years. bedevilling the nation. said the statement from the disregard the unmistakable the average Nigerian. PDP governors as peddlers It added that it was on The party also said it was presidency betrayed the mandatory constitutional "Perhaps the most of fake news, just because record that never in the appalled by the unwarranted abysmal ignorance and the provisions of the law. insensitive is on the issue of they pointed to his failures history of Nigeria had attack and name-calling by lack of appreciation of the "It is even more shocking Twitter suspension. How can and proffered solutions to the Nigerians had a presidency the presidency against its issues raised in the PDP for the presidency as to a presidential spokesman be challenges facing the nation. that so thrives on lies like governors, stressing that governors' communiqué after embody the desecration of so stone-deaf? He is unable A statement by the National to the extent that Nigerians the governors elected on a meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. our constitution in such a to see the grave assault of Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola have even given one of its its platform do not peddle The PDP governors added flippant, brazen and unserious freedom of speech embodied Ologbondiyan, said: "For the ministers the appellation of falsehood like the presidency. that it is unbelievable that manner as portrayed by the therein. He doesn't see the avoidance of doubts, the PDP a “liar.” The PDP governors and such a low-quality response presidential spokesman." need to motivate our youths. insists that our governors are PDP said Buhari openly the party were reacting to could come from Nigeria's The governors stated that He trivialises serious matters responsible and responsive resorted to false claims when Wednesday’s statement by seat of power. the president could not of state. It is very unfortunate. leaders, who have always he told Nigerians that his Shehu, in which he said They described as a pity the change the constitution at "He repeats his assault on shown concerns towards administration has pulled the decisions made at the presidency’s comments on the his pleasure. the sensibility of Nigerians the plight of Nigerians. 10.5 million Nigerians out Monday meeting of the non-remittance of funds by the “Perhaps, these matters in the way he addresses the "It is on the record that of poverty in the last two governors, including the call Nigerian National Petroleum are too complex for Garba herder – farmers’ conflict. they attend to the wishes of years only for the World on the federal government to Corporation (NNPC) to the Shehu to comprehend,” the Calling the legitimate request Nigerians in their respective Bank to do a fact-check reconsider the suspension of Federation Account. governors stated. for ramping up ranching as a states and do not by any and discovered that, to the Twitter's operations in Nigeria "The duty and responsibility The governors noted that denial of the right of Nigerians whim, recourse to the contrary, 7.8 million Nigerians showed that the party could of NNPC to pay revenues Shehu celebrates the fact that to live and work anywhere peddling of fake news and lies have rather been dragged not be trusted with national into the Federation Account naira is now over N500 to a in Nigeria is perhaps the like the Buhari’s presidency below the poverty line in leadership in the future. is not a matter of discretion dollar in the parallel market. most illogical of the entire and his All Progressives the last 12 months. FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 FRIDAY, 
͹΀˜
ͺ͸ͺ͹
˾
THISDAY PAGE TWELVE APC Seeks Buhari’s Approval for Convention Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 22 APC governors in Abuja have started from bottom-up Bagudu said the governors that they consult with all. So recorded and recent defections on Wednesday night, the and I gave the acting chairman started the meeting by that at the end of the day, the of high-profile politicians to the The All Progressives Congress Chairman of the forum and the end of June to submit a commending the committee final output will be such that all party. (APC) National Caretaker/ the Governor of Kebbi State, report on the convention we it assigned to oversee talks on party members will be happy. He stated that in the last few Extraordinary Committee Senator Atiku Bagudu, said are going to conduct and then the autonomy for the legislature "The PGF met this evening months, former Governor of has submitted a proposal to once the president approved arrange the general election, and judiciary. and reviewed a number Ogun State, Chief Gbenga President Muhammadu Buhari, the proposal, the committee all elections till 2023. We He stated that the governors of issues relating to the Daniel; the Governor of Ebonyi, seeking approval to conduct would announce the date. have started this from the considered the timetable for assignments given to committee Chief Dave Umahi and Ayade, the party's congresses and Buhari, in an interview with bottom up so that members the congresses and convention members, which participated in among others, have joined the convention. ARISE NEWS Channel, the of the party will feel they are of the party and also made party affairs, national security ruling party. The Progressive Governors' broadcast arm of THISDAY involved in decision making,” recommendations, particularly and economy. Bagudu said this was a Forum (PGF), a forum of Newspapers, aired last Buhari had said. on the need to comply with the "There is a proposal before testament to the fact that governors elected on the Thursday, had said that he gave The meeting of the APC electoral law and the party's Mr. President and once he APC had become Nigeria's platform of the party, confirmed the party’s caretaker committee governors’ forum was attended constitution. approves it, the National preferred party. this to THISDAY yesterday, up till end of June to submit by 22 of its members, while Bagudu said: "Remember we Caretaker Committee will According to him, the saying the committee has its report on the convention. the Deputy Governor of Cross (PGF) are just one organ of the announce the date." forum also acknowledged the submitted the proposal to “We should allow the party River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, party, though a very important He added that the governors constraints of the economy and the president. to decide (on his successor), represented Governor Ben organ, but we advised the commended the leadership of the successes that have been Rising from a meeting of the I have just told you that we Ayade. caretaker committee to ensure the party on the achievements achieved. BUHARI IN MAIDUGURI, VOWS NOT TO REST UNTIL PEACE IS RESTORED homes. contributions to our peace- envoy to Chad and the Lake administration would deserve our thanks and of military and security men He also commended the restoration efforts." Chad Basin was intended to continue to make concerted warm appreciation for their who have been engaging the state Governor, Prof. Babagana He stated that many accelerate the restoration of efforts towards guaranteeing resilience, moral leadership terrorists. Zulum, for his resilience and servicemen and women, democratic stability in the energy security to all, adding and support for the federal "We have witnessed the relentless efforts in rebuilding as well as volunteers, had Chad Republic and enhance that Maiduguri could not, and state governments gradual return of peace to the state. been killed in the fight to cooperation among all the and would not be left out. during these trying times. Borno State and it is our Buhari, during the visit to rid communities and the countries of the Lake Chad He said the Nigerian "I will never forget in my sincere hope that insurgency appraise the security situation country of terrorism and Basin. National Petroleum life that during my career will soon be brought to an in the state and to inaugurate insurgency and thanked He assured the people that Corporation (NNPC) had as a politician, Borno State end," he said. some development projects all those involved for their the federal government had been directed to expedite is where I got the highest The governor appreciated attributed the recent successes gallantry and sacrifices. taken decisive measures to the delivery of 50MW power percentage of votes, more the president for various recorded by the military Buhari assured their loved safeguard IDPs and refugees plant in the state towards than 90 per cent! The least I developmental interventions, against the insurgents and ones that their sacrifices who recently returned from ensuring the restoration of can do for you is to continue which include infrastructure, terrorists at Dikwa, Damboa will not be in vain: "I must Cameroon and the Niger electricity to Maiduguri and the relentless effort to fully particularly the approval of and Gwoza to careful also acknowledge the very Republic, adding that it its environs. restore peace to this state, 10,000 units of housing for planning, infusion of new important role and the was engaged in the task of "Furthermore, in the light the North-east region and IDPs of which 4,000 had been equipment and other war sacrifices made by parents, rebuilding their communities of the current improvement the country as a whole," completed. materials as well as quality guardians and other loved after more than a decade of of security in the state, I have he said. military leadership. ones amongst the people of war and terrorism. also issued directives for the He urged the military and President Thanks He, however, acknowledged Borno State, the North-east According to him, "It was immediate resumption of oil security agencies to continue Nigerians for the enormity of the task ahead region and the country as part of these measures that I & gas exploration activities to make Nigeria proud. Opportunity to Serve of the military. a whole, who support their gave approval for the federal in the Lake Chad Basin. This Buhari also interacted "The attacks launched by sons, daughters, husbands, government to build 10,000 is part of our overall effort with some of the wounded In the meantime, the president cowardly terrorists against brothers and sisters in going resettlement homes in Borno to restore the state back to soldiers assuring them has expressed his gratitude to military and civilian targets to battlefields to defend State. Four thousand of these normalcy,” the president that the government was Nigerians for the opportunity last month and in previous Nigeria’s sovereignty, homes have already been explained. committed to their recovery given to him to serve them. months were a pointer to us territorial integrity and peace. completed. Furthermore, The president applauded and welfare. He said under his watch, that the work of defeating I thank and commend them I approved for constant Zulum's efforts at providing In his remarks, the efforts would be made to insurgency and terrorism and for their resilience and assure release of food intervention facilities that directly impact Commander of Theatre improve the livelihood of of restoring permanent peace them success is in sight.” by the Nigerian Customs the livelihood of people, Operations HADIN KAI, Nigerians, starting with to this region is not yet over,” He said it was a mark of Service and the North East particularly building Maj. Gen. Felix Omoigui, adequate security. he said, adding: “We will not appreciation for the sacrifices Development Commission in educational and health assured troops of the He said at the palace of rest until all the millions of made by Borno State’s order to support displaced institutions and constructing president’s confidence and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Internally Displaced Persons volunteers that the Nigerian persons. roads. commitment to their welfare, Abubakar Ibn Garbai El- are able to return and resettle Army was authorised to "I have directed these He also commended the especially in ending the war. Kanemi, that he started in their homes and rebuild enlist hundreds of them agencies to sustain and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar He thanked the president his administrative career as their shattered lives." into the Army. deepen this support. I also Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, for the visit to the troops, a military officer in Borno He expressed the hope He urged the people to wish to specially commend as well as all the other royal which he said would greatly State as a governor for that the service chiefs would sustain the cooperation with His Excellency, Governor highnesses and Bulamas boost the morale of all those seven months, under Gen. bring to bear on the war, their the military and the other Babagana Umara Zulum, at all levels for their very fighting to keep the country Murtala Muhammed, before experience as commanders security services. for his tireless efforts in exemplary leadership, in peace. he was appointed Minister of in theatre at various times. “Both must see each other directly supervising the patience, determination Governors of Borno and Petroleum by former President The president said: "All of as being on one side in order distribution of food and and wisdom during the Yobe State, Zulum and Mai Olusegun Obasanjo, who was them are, therefore, personally for us to succeed," he said. economic empowerment to past decade of ravage by Bunu respectively; Chief of then a military head of state. familiar with the challenge Buhari said the late IDPs in all local government insurgency and terrorism. Defence Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor; He added: "My commitment of insurgency. I fully expect President Idris Deby of Chad areas." He expressed the According to him, the fact Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. to serve Nigerians is a them to bring this wealth of played a major role in the belief that the efforts at that royal highnesses now Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval payback for the love shown personal experience to bear as fight against terrorism in the alleviating the suffering of operate from their domains Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal to me. I started my political we move to end this scourge Lake Chad region and urged displaced communities will was evidence that peace Gambo; Chief of Staff, Air adventure in Maiduguri and once and for all. his successors to work hard hamper attempts by terrorists was being restored to the Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, I always look forward to "No doubt, these successes in restoring democracy to and insurgents to recruit communities despite the and National Security Adviser, coming here." owe a lot to the role played the country and support the fighters and spies from challenges that remain to Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno In his remarks, El-Kanemi by volunteers of the Civilian processes of bringing peace IDPs and other vulnerable be overcome. (rtd), were also at the event. thanked the president for JTF, hunters and vigilantes. to the region. populations through the use "The elders, statesmen, In his remarks, Zulum consistent response to the These good people include He said the recent of paltry material incentives. Muslim and Christian thanked the president for the plight of the people in the women, who are making appointment of Ambassador On electricity community leaders all over relative peace in the state, state, saying that the security huge sacrifices and patriotic Babagana Kingibe as special supply, Buhari said his this state and region also buoyed by the heavy presence situation has improved. KYARI: RISING OIL PRICES WILL CREATE PROBLEMS FOR NIGERIA Innovation,” yesterday the company. a big problem because your of about 5.8 million barrels produced up to 2.4 million described the rising price of Brent crude, Nigeria’s oil consumers shut down their a day that the Organisation of barrels of oil per day for both crude oil as a “chicken and benchmark, is currently selling demand. Demand will go Petroleum Exporting Countries oil and condensates. egg” situation. for over $74 and is likely to down and obviously even (OPEC) still has offline since With declining investments He added that oil prices increase further in the coming as the prices go up, you will the pandemic, due to the curbs in the oil sector, Kyari stated TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % had started exiting the comfort days as the NNPC continues have less volume to sell. in production quota imposed that in a short time, most likely CHAMPBREW 0.18 1.98 10 zone set by the NNPC, and to battle the dilemma of “So, it's a chicken and egg by the oil cartel. the next five years, the world CORONATION 0.05 0.58 9.4 becoming a burden. shouldering the payment story and that's why in the He said adding that number may experience an energy LASACO 0.11 1.50 7.9 The forum was organised by of petrol subsidy, which has industry when people make to demand will stabilise and crisis if the current situation BERGPAINTS 0.55 7.70 7.6 DMG Events, a London-based made it unable to contribute to estimates for the future, they probably bring oil prices is not properly managed. MBENEFITS 0.03 0.49 6.5 Public Relations company, the Federal Account Allocation always make it about $50 to down to about $60 level or “But we know that a TOP LOSERS NGN % which said the occasion was Committee (FAAC) on two $60. Nobody puts it beyond a little below $60, stressing number of things are going to provide an opportunity for occasions. $60. that that's a comfort zone for on in the transition journey CHI PLC 0.06 0.61 8.9 players to reset the energy Kyari expressed the concern “But for us as a country, every producing company or at renewables. Many oil UNITYBANK 0.02 0.55 3.5 agenda post- COVID-19 and that as the commodity prices as prices go up, the burden country. companies are transiting to STERLBANK 0.03 1.54 1.9 connect the divergent and rise, buyers of Nigeria’s of providing cheap fuel also “I don't see them (Nigeria) renewables in the future. And INTERBREW 0.10 5.40 1.8 polarising perspectives. crude may be compelled to increases and that's a challenge having any difficulty agreeing that means that emphasis will LINKASSURE 0.01 0.55 1.7 Kyari put the comfort accelerate their investment in for us but on a net basis, you to add additional volume to be on gas and I see a very HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 zone globally at $58-$60, renewable sources of energy, know, the high prices, as long cushion the effect of these high turbulent next five years and Volume: 160.439 million shares saying that for the NNPC, thereby leaving the industry as it doesn't exceed $70 to prices for this period,” he said. potentially some stability in anything above $70-$80 will in a quagmire. $80, it's okay for us.” He stated that Nigeria is the next 10 years,” he said. Value: N1.395 billion create major distortions in the He said: “In a resource- According to him, Nigeria already producing well below He described the transition Deals: 3,260 projections of the corporation dependent nation like Nigeria will have no problems its capacity, because in early As at yesterday 17/6/2021 Continued on page 42 and add more problems to when it gets too high, it creates supporting the restoration 2020, the country actually See details on Page 38 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] THE JUDICIARY: NOW THAT THE STRIKE IS OVER It’s time to enthrone financial autonomy across the states, writes Kesiena Igho Oghoghorie

collective sigh of relief is now audible across Nigeria the state level were subsequently drawn up, with agreement reached following the suspension of the industrial action by between JUSUN and the government, thus leading to the eventual the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) which suspension of the strike on Wednesday 9th 2021. paralysed judicial activities across the federation for over Yet while the strike may have been suspended, the whole situation two months. has clearly lit the blue touch for a wider discussion on the subject. The industrial action was called by the JUSUN to Clearly, one swallow does not make a spring, but the resolution of demandA for the implementation of financial autonomy for the states, the industrial dispute is an indication of a small flock of birds of good as per Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which omen hovering around the subject of financial autonomy. provides that any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in The battle for financial autonomy is, clearly, not going to be achieved the consolidated revenue fund of the state shall be paid directly to the on a platter of gold, as whoever wants to make an omelet will have heads of court concerned. to break eggs. There is, therefore, the need to create a long-termist and The judiciary, clearly, occupies a significant position in the country, forward-looking framework to deal with the issues already agreed. as it is saddled with the role of stabilizing democracy based on the A five-man committee has already been set up by the judiciary’s fundamental principle of state governance. Yet the judiciary has, regulatory body, NJC, to monitor the implementation of financial sadly, not been able to meet up with expectations in carrying out its autonomy for the judiciary in the various states of the federation. This, constitutional functions, which could be partly attributed to its constant indeed, is the right step to take, given that the road up the mountain is, dependence on the executive for funds. Whilst discussing the present, given the challenges ahead, steep and winding, and likely to be strewn it is, however, important to relive the battles of the past, as it will with obstacles, tricky traps and veiled in a lot of mist. So what now? aid in navigating the future. The circumvention of the constitutional Moving forward, consideration would need to be given to the report requirement of disbursement of funds to the judiciary by the states, over of the Presidential Implementation Committee on compliance with the time, led to several suits filed against the government, and judgments Section 121 (3) provisions, as currently obtains at the federal level, with given in favour of financial autonomy in 2014. These were largely a view to enthroning uniform modality across the country. disregarded, thus leading to the industrial action of January 2015. The concept of ‘autonomy’ would also need to be reconceptualized, The non-compliance with the judgment of the court later led to the so as to be viewed beyond the lenses of financial independence. Such invocation of the Presidential powers under section 5 of the constitution, move would require broadening its scope to include other areas such culminating in the Executive Order 10 of May 2020. The order made as the mode of appointment, removal, promotion, discipline, security it mandatory for all states in the country to include the allocations of of tenure in office, of judges, so as to ensure non-interference from the the judiciary in the first line charge of their budgets. The order was, other arms of government, etc. however, not implemented following objection by the state governors The remuneration and welfare of judicial officers should also be in on the premise that the president acted ultra vires his powers. The state the mix, given that the salaries of judges were last reviewed a long of affairs led to the JUSUN ordering its members to shut all courts in time ago under the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders the country from April 6, 2021 to press home its demand for implemen- (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2008. This, clearly, has tation of financial autonomy for the judiciary. since passed its use-by-date, with the level of inflation and currency The government, in response, held several reconciliation meetings devaluation over the years. Urgent steps would therefore need to with the leadership of JUSUN aimed at hashing out resolutions to end be taken to remedy the situation, so as to make the remuneration of the strike, with a Memorandum of Action signed between the Nigeria judges to be in sync with the current economic realities. Governors’ Forum, after initial hesitation, and JUSUN on June 4. The Finally, adequate safeguard would be required to ensure that agreement required the state governments, amongst others, to credit THE CONCEPT OF ‘AUTONOMY’ WOULD “financial autonomy” is not abused or misused. Adequate checks and the accounts of each state judiciary with the pro-rata amount due to ALSO NEED TO BE RECONCEPTUALISED, SO internal monitoring tools would therefore need to be created within the them, with the monthly allocations to the judiciary, in the event of any judiciary to ensure the proper utilization of its funds. shortfall, reflecting a percentage of the appropriated sum or an irreduc- AS TO BE VIEWED BEYOND THE LENSES OF These are, clearly, trying times for the judiciary, and the teething ible minimum amount to be allocated every month for the purpose of FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE. SUCH MOVE problems are not going to be solved with the same thinking we meeting its costs whichever is higher. WOULD REQUIRE BROADENING ITS SCOPE TO used when the problems were created. This is therefore a moment in Each state is also required to set up a State Account Allocation INCLUDE OTHER AREAS SUCH AS THE MODE history when we have a chance to think outside the box. There is not Committee (SAAC) to be given legislative teeth in the various fund OF APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL, PROMOTION, just the responsibility to do better for now at least, there is now the management laws, charged with the responsibility to oversee the opportunity. distribution of available resources to the judiciary. Modalities and DISCIPLINE, SECURITY OF TENURE IN OFFICE, Oghoghorie, a policy writer & public affairs analyst, wrote from timelines for the full commencement of full financial autonomy at OF JUDGES Abuja FEES IN KADUNA STATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS Shuaibu Idris Miqati urges the state government to review the fees downwards

couple of weeks ago the government extent that a member of the State Executive Council said to be too much and cannot and never be said As always, it would be most unfair not to see of our great state was reported to in charge of Security and Home Affairs while doing to be excessive or expensive irrespective of income reasons with the government’s actions but the have announced a review of school well to inform citizens about development to avoid levels of parents. scale of the increase needs to be reviewed urgently fees payable by various students misinformation, has transformed into an obituary Yet, it is unaffordable in the reality of the particularly in the light of our current challenges. in the state government-owned announcer! economy of our time. Truly, teachers, lecturers The Governor of our dear state should have tertiary institutions by a significant Trading, which was another major source of and other staff must be paid, facilities for teaching listening ears and see reasons to adopt a gradualist proportion.A income to many has been badly affected also either and research have to be provided and above all, approach to the increase in the fees. Such action It was reported that the said fees in Kaduna through payment of ransoms, which depletes the standards have to be maintained at all cost as would engender trust and confidence by those State University (KASU) for indigenous students capital of traders or the urban renewal projects required by regulatory bodies of tertiary education. being governed. were reviewed upward from about N27,000 to of the state capital and major towns, which have Luckily, the schools have been doing well with the Shock therapy or massive increase at once will between N150,000O and N200,000 per student resulted in the demolition of several markets, production of quality manpower comparable to exacerbate the already difficult and precarious annually; depending on the programme of study. corner shops and other places of businesses by the anyone one can find around. To this I say Bravo to situation we are in today. It’s akin to one blow seven Indigene medical students as well as students from government without appropriate alternatives. the students, the teachers and the administrators of die! Many children may drop out of the schools other states are now to pay N305,000 respectively With the above-mentioned scenario, one would the schools. as many may not be able to register to continue annually. This is apart from hostel accommodation, have expected that the state government would Government alone cannot and would never be with their studies and the consequences of such feeding and other sundry expenses. temper justice with mercy and delay the impending able to single-handedly fund these costs and ex- unpalatable development may further worsen our While education cannot and shall never be said increase of the fees to a later date to assist parents penses if the truth must be told. Somehow, parents already terrible security condition and poverty level. to be expensive, at a time like this when and where most of whom either have fallen victims to the must augment government’s efforts in bearing the In the light of the foregoing, in my capacity as citizens are facing serious excruciating economic recent right-sizing exercises by the government, lost costs, particularly given the long term benefits to an ordinary citizen of the state, I wish to call on the challenges and other related hardships, various their businesses from the modernisation project of be derived from the qualifications to be obtained governor to kindly in the name God Almighty and efforts of government to alleviate poverty are hardly the capital city, or have paid through the nose huge by the students. We are (His Excellency inclusive) with empathy to our teeming vulnerable citizens, to making any positive impact. These increases are, to sums as ransom to kidnappers and or the economic evidences of such benefits of free education in the see reasons to review the position of government as say the least unwarranted, ill-timed and ill-advised crisis occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic. past somewhat at all levels, which unfortunately is regards the increase in fees recently announced. Let particularly coming from a government that Indeed, some of these parents have become not feasible now. there be a gradual increase in the fees. The increase promised compulsory, qualitative, free at some levels vulnerable and highly indebted with many already Increases or review of fees by whatever name is may be achieved over a period to ease the suffering and affordable education at other stages especially at adjudged to have gone bankrupt. As a parent not new at all. Massive or one-off increase at a time of students and parents. the tertiary levels. myself with children and wards in various schools, is the issue. Moreso looking at the current environ- Government should consider the immediate Parents and children particularly of the less I feel the pains of parents and guardians in our state ment as stated earlier. implementation of a workable student’s loans privileged citizens had welcomed this promise with who have children in schools currently, affected by Over the years, the government failed to scheme which can augment parents’ efforts and enormous joy and happiness particularly when they the economic hardship and the high cost of living in implement a gradual increase in the school fees. I serve as an alternative source of funds for the school saw one of the Governor’s son being enrolled in a our society, and now burdened with ill-timed school was once a Council Member of KASU and several fees of our children. Such a scheme will prevent state - ran school. fees increase. efforts were made during our time to actualise children from dropping out of schools arising from Citizens of the world are just coming out of the No doubts one may not fault the desire or the an increase in the fees but due largely to political this neo-liberal attitude at a time the government economic meltdown occasioned by the vagaries rationale for the increase in the fees. Yes, N300,000 reasons such moves were blocked and rejected by has not developed any recovery plan from the of the Covid-19 pandemic as a result of which may seem too insignificant for those who depend the government. Could this be blamed on parents economic meltdown. Nigeria’s economy went into recession. Our state on the government or work in the private sector but who could have adjusted over the years had the Furthermore, just as the school fees are being has been sadly ravaged by bandits and killer this amount is huge sums of money for most of the fees being gradually reviewed in phases? To my increased, the government should immediately herdsmen. The source of livelihood of the citizens, vulnerable citizens in our society. mind no! Indeed, if in two years there was 100 review and announce new amounts to be given which is majorly from farming, in recent years Paradoxically and axiomatically, in the schemes percent increase, parents may not cry much, a to students as scholarship grants to serve as usual is badly affected due to the incessant security of funding of and significance of tertiary education further increase by another one hundred percent say government’s token contribution to low-income challenges, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, in national development and human capacity in another three years and so on may have helped families. cattle rustling. Thefts have been all-time high to the development and mobility, these amounts cannot be the situation. Miqati mni, wrote from Kaduna THISDAY • FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 15 EDITORIAL THE END OF SHEKAU’S REIGN

The war on insurgency is still far from over

he death of Abubakar Shekau, the pledged its loyalty to a more sophisticated foreign brutal leader of Boko Haram, is support. It is the beginning of a new era, in which the end of a chapter on the insur- ISWAP takes new territory, after getting rid of its gency in Nigeria. His death was chief rival, with renewed confrontations. first confirmed by Abu Musab al- Barnawi of the breakaway Islamic he supremacy of ISWAP over Boko Haram State of Iraq and the Levant’s could reopen a new era in insurgency branch in West Africa Province backed by foreign powers. It should there- (ISWAP). In an audio recording, al-Barnawi said fore not be seen as reduction in the terror TShekau, “killed himself instantly by detonating Tattacks as the al-Barnawi-led group has lately an explosive” when offered to repent and join posed the greater threat to the Nigerian military. them (ISWAP), adding that Shekau “preferred It means that the terror group which has pledged to be humiliated in the afterlife than getting allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq, that has humiliated on earth.” been decimated in the Middle East, is shifting In the latest and most authoritative signal its energy to insurgencies in Africa. This bodes that Shekau is finally gone, there was another ill for Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Cameroun and other short video on Wednesday by top Boko Haram neighbouring countries of West African region. commander, Bakura Modu, also known as In the last few months, there has been a Sahaba, urging his faction’s members to remain dramatic upsurge in violence with the insurgents loyal despite the loss of their leader. That the unleashing vicious and gruesome attacks on Nigerian military was not involved in the power civilians as well as members of the armed forces, struggle that led particularly in Borno State. The series of brazen IF NIGERIA HAS TO RID THE to Shekau’s death attacks and killings by the militant group in COUNTRY OF THE TERROR is an indication recent months have shown that the insurgents GROUP, THIS IS THE TIME of the strength are still very much in business. Although security TO PILE UP PRESSURE ON of the insurgents THISDAY agencies have managed to foil some of these THE TERRORISTS WITH in the Northeast. EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI attacks, it is all the same somewhat bogus to still For several years, DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, hawk the impression that the war against the SUPERIOR FIRE ARMS MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO whenever Shekau DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE insurgents is “technically” over. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI was reported to EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN There is no doubting the fact that the military have been killed by the military, he would ap- MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE has whittled down the striking powers of the pear in a new video, taunting the authorities and violent group which has in the last 10 years led boasting of kidnapping security women and using to the death of over 30,000 innocent Nigerians. them as slaves. THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED But the militant group still constitutes mortal Shekau was best known for the kidnapping of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA danger to their immediate and outlying com- GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, hundreds of schoolgirls from a boarding school ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI munities and indeed, to members of the armed in Chibok in 2014, with several other cases of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, forces. Now that the military authorities have a ANTHONY OGEDENGBE kidnapping, killing, raping of women and robbing DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI single enemy to deal with, it doesn’t make the of several thousands of people as well as many SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH war against insurgency less difficult. But it should cases of suicide bombing. His death should not be ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI help in planning their strategies. If Nigeria has CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI seen in any way as a triumph over the insurgency, DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO to rid the country of the terror group, this is the but a mere elimination of a leader of a rival HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA time to pile up pressure on the terrorists with group. The Al- Barnawi’s new militant group has TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] superior fire arms. It can be done.

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.

DON’T RELOCATE LASSA TECHNICAL COLLEGE CAN HE WALK ON WATER? umours have been making the rounds of plans citing of the Technical School in the town. to relocate Technical College Lassa in Borno State Many people have argued that if there is fairness by succes- allegedly as the result of insurgency in the North sive governments, Lassa deserves the citing of an Advanced East. The rumour is apparently being orchestrated Teachers College. It is not surprising that even education ost people think of the great soccer by some mischief makers who don’t see anything authorities in the state have in recent years argued that Lassa player Ronaldo as having god-like good in Borno State recovering from the over one- is the most deserving and suitable place for a higher education skills and maybe that includes Rdecade destruction by the Boko Haram and the Islamic State institution in the state. walking on water although so far, West African Province. If there is anything Borno State needs Those orchestrating the rumours of relocating Lassa Techni- we have just seen his preference for at the moment, it is peace and support for the government of cal College are therefore mere enemies of progress bent on drinking water over soft drinks. A Professor Babagana Zulum. sabotaging Professor Zulum’s efforts to bring good governance Mwise choice. Our people have really suffered, hence the appeal of our to the people and ensure even spread of development in a His moving of two display bottles lowered the value of people against any form of disruption. We want to categori- state ravaged by insurgency. the company by about $4 billion although only temporarily. cally state that if there is any form of insecurity in Lassa, The rumour of a plan to relocate Lassa Technical College is What would those $4 billion dollars be able to do to provide where the Technical School is located, it is not more than those not only an act of sabotage but an act of distraction in a state safe, drinkable water to many people? Most people like an in other parts of the North East. As a matter of fact, Lassa is that has enjoyed relative calm despite the insecurity foisted on occasional soft drink but all people need to drink water. comparably one of the safest parts of the North East despite the peace loving people of the state. Maybe there could be a few big, maybe billion dollar, occasional attacks by displaced insurgents. We urge the hardworking Governor of the State, Prof. donations given to solving the worlds water shortages. Then It should also be noted that the Technical College, Lassa Babagana Zulum to stand resolute against the machination of more people would have the time to watch him play rather is the only institution of higher learning in the whole of the mischievous makers. The Governor should be rest assured that than walking great distances to bring back water that is Margi area in Borno State. Lassa for those who care to know the people of Lassa and Askira Uba will always stand by him probably not that clean. is the center of Western Education that has produced several and President Buhari at all times. A simple message from Ronaldo but a particularly professors, army generals, security chiefs and educators of A. A. Gadzama OFR, mni, Chairman, Governing Board, important one. various cadre. These were the very reasons that informed the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia 16 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾
FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY Constitution Amendment, National Assembly and Hypocrisy of the Elites Mon-Charles Egbo, Print Media Aide to the Senate President posits that Nigerians may have lost the chance to campaign for a repositioned National Assembly for classical performance

y their expressed passions and in are time- bound, so such projects suffer. some cases, desperation, Nigeri- Where revenues could not be enough, defi- ans are unanimous that tinkering nitely not every aspect of the budget will be with the 1999 constitution is not implemented. But it is our desire that every only timely but long overdue. aspect of the budget will be implemented.” BParticularly with Nigeria’s diverse Even without these explanations, Nige- peculiarities, the constitution is largely ria’s President is the most powerful in the defective and shallow to guarantee peaceful world, going by the constitution. With a coexistence, mutual tolerance and accelerat- clear-cut military mindset inspired by the ed national development. Having operated tradition of idolizing the Commander-in- for over two decades, it is no longer in tune Chief the framers of the constitution vested with most of the contemporary realities. overwhelming influence with the presiden- There are systemic opportunities for pow- cy. This was seamlessly achieved because ers and processes abuses because rather there was no legislature in place to embody than strong institutions, the constitution the pulse of the people. Consequently, there favours strong individuals. is a fairly little touch of democracy about One of the unfortunate fallouts of these the constitution, beyond few ceremonial fundamentally flawed laws is the recent rituals. introduction of the “rubber stamp National As an instance, it is the exclusive role of Assembly” into Nigeria’s political lexicon. the Presidency to make proclamations for Though a creation of the elite, this phenom- the inauguration of the National Assembly. enon is validated by the hollowness of the Again, it is not binding on the executive to constitution. It is a socio-political invention honour the National Assembly’s directives, to distinguish between the Bukola Saraki- by way of resolutions and even reports of led 8th National Assembly and the present legislative probes. It is purely discretionary. one under Ahmad Lawan. The former was Also, if the National Assembly withholds adjudged ‘vibrant’ because it was major approval for executive requests including opposition to the executive arm. It turned budgets and confirmation of nominees, it down requests and proposals from the makes no difference because the constitu- Presidency. Among others, the 8th Senate tion protects the executive immensely. declined approval for President Muham- we are going to be critical that every cent want to inform this gathering and, indeed, There are cases in point. The legislators madu Buhari to borrow money for some that is borrowed is tied to a project. These Nigerians that the letter conveying the loan passed several resolutions for the removal capital projects, and also twice rejected his are projects that will have spill-over effects request of the executive came with every of the then over-stayed service chiefs and nomination of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman on the economy and we will undertake our possible detail and, in fact, we will ensure also advised on how to productively of Economic and Financial Crimes Com- oversight so well to ensure that such funds that we are getting the right information implement the special works and social mission, EFCC. Again, it made a resolution are properly, prudently, economically and from the executive arm of government…. investments programmes but the executive compelling the Comptroller-General of transparently applied on those projects. I you will agree with me that some projects disregarded them. Nigeria Customs Service to wear official Granted, the legislature can constitution- uniforms. While the face-offs arising from ally override the executive or refuse to even those actions lasted, the legislators were pass the budgets. But how will the ultimate roundly applauded as being alive to their Why Ogbebor’s Claim on aims be achieved given that the executive constitutional responsibilities. But in the controls the treasury and law enforcement final analysis, the actions amounted to agencies? Again, if the National Assembly mere motions without movement. Magu NDDC Board is False for any reason issues a warrant of arrest served for over five years, though in an Akpoebide Okotiene Edet Ekpenyong against any individual, especially a acting capacity, and the Customs CG is still and , President and Secretary presidential appointee, who enforces it? dressed in civil attire even to date. Equally, respectively of Niger Delta Integrity Group dismiss the false claim that What if the Inspector-General of Police those celebrated hostilities did not in any the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission which was decides to withdraw all the policemen in way enrich the economy or improve the screened and confirmed by the Senate was dissolved by President the service of the National Assembly? Does living standards of the citizenry. Even those the constitution empower the National projects that necessitated the borrowing Muhammadu Buhari as deliberate misrepresentation of facts Assembly to question the personalities proposal were as well not executed, sadly to of presidential nominees? And above all, the disadvantage of the masses. ur attention has been drawn Board was not due to any non compli- what if the President refuses to direct for the Then came the 9th assembly. to the statement credited to ance with the NDDC Act. It was strictly inauguration of the National Assembly? Of Guided by a sense of foresight informed one B.J Akomolafe, acting on to make way for the “Forensic Audit” course, there would not be a legislature in by experience, the President of the Senate, behalf of Rita Lori Ogbebor to be undertaken. There was no dis- such dispensation. Ahmad Lawan, had impressed it on every- whereinO false and dubious claims were solution of the Senate confirmed Board These and some other potentialities for one that he would not work merely for ap- made in her call for the reconstitution as it had not been inaugurated. anarchy are the reasons constitution review plause but a cause. He recognized that the of the NDDC Governing Board. People like Rita Lori Ogbebor have is now inevitable. Thankfully, the 9th constitution places the national assembly in The statement wherein her agent deployed falsehood to build a nest of National Assembly made it a cardinal goal a precarious situation where it is practically claimed that the Governing Board unearned and undeserved privileges of its legislative agenda. powerless. And towards saving the masses of the Niger Delta Development over the years by feasting in false- Advancing its citizens’ participation further deprivation, the 9th assembly opted Commission (NDDC), which was hood, acrimony and division. A decent and inclusiveness ideology, the senate for collaboration with the other arms, while nominated by the President, screened society cannot allow her to continue to organized well-publicized two-day public preserving the relative independence of the and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate spew lies to deliberately interfere with hearings in twelve locations across the legislature. It rather chose to argue, only on November 5, 2019, was dissolved the legitimate process of governance. six geo-political zones of the country and when necessary, relying on its minimal by President Muhammadu Buhari is Rita Lori Ogbebor claimed that later held an additional two-day national strength within the constitution. Again this a deliberate misrepresentation of the the Governing Board on standby was hearing in Abuja. From the consolidated parliament recognized that it is the preroga- facts to further her and her cohorts’ stood down on account of the false legislation reflecting the desires and tive of the President to appoint whoever he fraudulent agenda. claims made by her clique following concerns of their constituents and other deems fit, while the Senate in certain cases, The facts are very clear and indisput- lawsuits launched by them. This is interests that submitted memoranda, the only confirms, upon establishing that the able. What happened in the case of capital falsehood. The truth is that the lawmakers itemized all the raised issues nominees have high school education and the Board is that after the nominees so-called claims made by her and her for legislative interventions. They were also belong to political parties. In other were screened and confirmed by cohorts have not been upheld any- “gender equity/increased participation words, senators are to care less about the the Nigerian Senate on November where because they are false claims. for women and the vulnerable groups character, competence and capacity of 5, 2019, Mr President asked that the All her claims do not hold water and in governance, the federal structure in nominees. inauguration of the Board should be are intended to fraudulently ambush governance and devolution of power, local Then remarkably, and unlike its predeces- put on hold pending the completion the legitimate process. Her strategy is government administration/local govern- sor, the 9th Senate approved President of the forensic audit, for which an to throw up inaccurate, unfounded ment autonomy, public revenue, fiscal Buhari’s loan requests, albeit with reasons. Interim Management Committee was claims with the aim of misleading the federalism and revenue allocation, consti- According to Lawan, “the situations are appointed for the NDDC. The Federal public and institutions. tutional provision for the establishment of not the same. In 2016 there were no details. Government announced during the We call on President Buhari to state police, judicial reform-adjudication of I think the presidency has learnt its lesson. inauguration ceremony of the IMC that disregard these unwarranted, puny election and pre-election matters and other This time, the presidency brought the the Senate-confirmed NDDC Board selfish agendas whose sole aim is for judicial delivery concerns.” requests with every possible detail. If we will be inaugurated after the forensic the perpetrators to attempt to intro- don’t have money and you have projects to audit. The decision to step down the duce some confusion into an orderly NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the build, how will you provide the infrastruc- inauguration of the Senate confirmed and legitimate process. online edition on www.thisdaylive.com ture that you need? But one thing is that, THISDAY ˾
FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 19

PERSPECTIVE What Do Fulani Herders Do to Get Meat to the Market at the Cheapest Cost? Biden, Putin and Games Glenga Olawepo-Hashim believes the federal and state governments may have ignored very Nations Play important lessons from Fulani Herders, who are the Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline.com best local experts in cattle rearing and management reviews the first meeting between American s a businessman and one with President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart a passion for Economics, I have always believed that price could be Vladimir Putin and concludes that both men retained a signal of the best economic policy Achoices. In my secondary school, some of my their personal honour and respect for their countries classmates called me ‘Baba Econs’. For the fun of it, I took the O’ level WAEC examina- American dignity, the late, straight-talking tion in Economics as an external student Sen. John McCain rated Trump’s action as in my Junior class, and I was glad with the ”one of the most disgraceful performances result; I had A1 .When I attended University by an American president in memory.” of Buckingham in United Kingdom for my Biden is the fifth American President to sit Masters’ Degree, I was grateful to God that across the table or chair for a meeting with I obtained Distinctions in International the controversial Putin. Biden is one of the Economics and International Finance to be three most experienced foreign policy per- sure that the Secondary School performance sons in the United States elected President. was not a fluke. Sounds boastful and immod- Overall, I believe that both men returned est but it has become necessary in the Nigeria with the dignity intact and with both sides heavily self-opinionated atmosphere to make looking better. For Putin, the clout and such introduction on this emotive subject infiltrated our forest with the generally prestige of Russia always gets an advantage matter. After all, I am just another politician; peaceful and lawful activities of local herders whenever it is placed on the wall footing one of those expected ‘not to know anything’. that have done their business peacefully for with those of the United States of America. Back to the real question; what are the ages. For Biden, he had a commendable Interna- things that Nigerian herders do that has kept Some of these well adumbrated ‘sins’ of tional trip to the G7, and then the high-wire the beef price in Nigeria one of the lowest open grazing include; destruction of farm engagement with Putin. in the world, precisely $4.85 per kilogram, lands, violence against sedentary farmers ussian President Vladimir Putin’s Biden, clearly not beholden to the Rus- compared to higher prices obtainable in and sometimes resulting in death, trespass on complimentary assessment of the sians spoke clearly, precisely and in direct countries where most western oriented com- private properties, land grabbing, ambition U.S President Joe Biden — reflecting condemnation of some of the excesses and mentators want us to switch our livestock of the Fulani ethnic group even though on their meeting on Wednesday abuse of human rights including Putin’s production pattern to; such as the United unsubstantiated. RJune 16, 2021, near Lake Geneva, Switzer- alleged murderous attacks of opposition and States where the price of beef is five times My economic instinct tells me that we land: pro-democracy activists/candidates. the Nigerian cost, a whopping $24.18 per may have ignored very important lessons “I can say that he is a very constructive, On the issue of cyber attacks on U.S kilogram, Netherlands $24.19 per kilogram, from the best local expert in cattle rearing balanced person, as I expected. It seems to private business organizations and some Israel $21.49 per kilo. and management – the Fulani Herder in me that we generally spoke the same lan- government and public facilities, president I reproduce below a global index of beef our emotionally driven path to create a new guage. This doesn’t mean at all that we must Biden warned that “If in fact they violate prices. livestock management system. necessarily look into the soul, into the eyes these basic norms, we will respond cyberly. What will be the consequence when we Agro-Economic policies should not be a and swear in eternal love and friendship. Not He knows. In a cyber way.” change the method of raising cattle? Pretty function of sentiments and politics but sound at all, we are protecting the interests of our Even as he spoke strongly, Biden’s simple stuff. economics. Ranching which some gover- countries and peoples. These relations are measured and realistic sense of the historic The first is that, he takes his cattle to the nor’s favor will deliver beef to the market primarily pragmatic.” opportunities and challenges ahead let him grass, he does not pay for the price of bring- at a higher cost than that of U.S. if finally Those carefully and strategically deployed to establish common ground for the two ing the grass to his cattle. adopted, because the landing cost of equip- words of international relations reminded militarily very powerful countries: “This is The second is almost similar, he takes his ment and services will make the price of beef me of my Political Science class at my not a ‘Kumbaya’ moment … but it’s clearly cattle to water, and he does not bring water to completely unreachable for most households. great alma mater, the University of Nigeria not in anybody’s interest — your country his cattle through a complex irrigation system The last time I checked the cost of fairly Nsukka (UNN) where I was taught the or mine — for us to be in a situation where that needs to be paid for in hard currency used 18,000 acres ranch in Argentina was a existential dynamics, strategic and mate- we’re in a new cold war.” and needs to be maintained by experts from whopping $10M (N5billion). Hundreds of rial interests determine, substantially, “the Similarly, Putin who had the first press overseas. such ranches would be needed, plus land- games nations play.“ There’s an international conference said “What’s the point of keeping The third and most important, most times ing cost, cost of corruption, cost of delayed relations magnum opus with the same name score? It makes no sense to try to scare one he is the pharmacist, nurse and doctor of his delivery, ports congestion, etc. ‘Games Nations Play: Analyzing Internation- another.” cattle through a deep understanding of plants I understand that some people don’t mind al Politics.’ It was published in 1972 by John Only time will tell, as much as the digital in the forest, passed to him by his ancestors higher cost of beef as long as we ‘deal with W. Spanier. It was updated with additional trails of any cyber attacks. from generation to generation, now lost to the Fulanis’. contributions by Robert L. Wendzel. The I recall it was the former President Ronald most sedentary people. This may not be an I discussed this with a couple who replied book’s summary notes points to its value as a Reagan who insisted that in dealing with the exactly preferred veterinary medical practice, me in Yoruba ‘Aani tori pe a je eran, ka “study of the shifting balance of power in the Russians and the old Soviet Union, America but it helps him keep his cost low. pe malu ni boda’ (meaning literarily - we world today, and the domestic factors and must follow one principle: trust but verify! He’s also the social worker and the security won’t pass the respect normally reserved for varying perceptions of reality that influence personnel to his cattle like David in the Bible humans to a cow on account of our desire policy decisions. The authors also reveal the that would puts his life at risk to save one to eat beef). That may be true and maybe disturbing continuation of the dangerous Both men returned with the of his sheep, fighting physically with bare in sync with prevailing sentiment, but an adversary games that nations play.” hands against the Lion. enduring National Agricultural Policy cannot For most nations, the propellers of dignity intact and with both Most of us today ridicule that commitment be determined by base sentiments but on the international engagements are anchored and sides looking better. For Putin, to a work culture that has endured for gen- numbers. focused on pragmatism and the core national the clout and prestige of Russia erations. We say in derision that some people I am persuaded, a policy that confines the interests of the country. But for a few but prefer cows to life. The truth of the matter is herders to a grazing reserve where they will important countries, the banner of its values always gets an advantage that for any enterprise to succeed and endure, still be in control of their cattle but will not are like beacons of moral conscience in the whenever it is placed on the there must be passion even before money. be in a position to trespass on other people’s continuing battle for dominance among na- Perhaps that is why the herder is reluctant to land would be superior choice to a plan that tions, in the battle between authoritarianism wall footing with those of the embrace a system that would put his cattle hopes to put experienced pastoralists under and freedoms. United States of America. For in the hands of civil servants that have been the management of civil servants who lack Coming some months after impeached designed to manage the national livestock any experience in cattle breeding and who ex President Donald Trump’s complicated, Biden, he had a commendable transformation plan. are advised by imported specialist with zero questionable and curious relationship with International trip to the G7, and I am not a Fulani, but I grew up in New- knowledge of the local environment. Putin, Americans were pregnant with under- then the high-wire engagement Bussa Niger State and in Kwara, surrounded The policy of developing grazing reserve standable anxiety about the likely outcome by Fulani settlements. I did not grow up must however not be imposed on any state of Biden’s first tangle with Putin. Putin, to with Putin. Biden, clearly not with the consciousness of seeing Fulanis’ as that does not want it; after all, ‘Land-Use’ put it bluntly, governed and owned Trump’s beholden to the Russians oppressors seeking to grab anyone’s land, as under the Nigerian constitution is under the deferential mannerisms especially Trump’s is now the narrative, because of the almost jurisdiction of state government. Those who inexplicable comment that he trusted spoke clearly, precisely and in abject poverty of most of them I know while want to breed their cattle at 5 times present Russia’s security statements more than the direct condemnation of some growing up. As a matter of fact, we had a lot cost have the fundamental human right to American security/intelligence following of the excesses and abuse of of them as our helps, we respected them and choose that, and those who want to breed their meeting in Helsinki in 2018. Remember learnt a lot from their wisdom and simplicity. their cattle at low cost also have rights to do when he asserted to the media “My people human rights including Putin’s We all agree that the open grazing must so; that is what true federalism means. ... said they think it’s Russia. I have President alleged murderous attacks of go for it sundry limitations even though Putin; he just said it’s not Russia. I will say sometimes exaggerated through a general NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.” opposition and pro-democracy stereotyping that confuses the criminal online edition on www.thisdaylive.com For this unbecoming act and subjugation of activists/candidates activities of some foreign nomads who have 20 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾

 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 21

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08024557078 RATES AS AT JUNE 11,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 22.33 % CALL 22 % INDEX LEVEL 515.40 % 1/4 TO DATE -7.76 % N410.80/1US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 22.93 % 1-MONTH 23.50 % 1-DAY 0.01 % YEAR TO DATE -23.11 % *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 25 % MONTH-TO-DATE -1.42 %

Quick Takes ‘No Political Interference in Aircraft Operations’ The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to maintain the critical separation between politics and aviation safety issues. The call followed an incident when Ryanair FR4978 was intercepted over Belarus Airspace and forced to land in Minsk. On June 2, EASA replaced its recommendation (Safety Information Bulletin) for European airlines to carefully assess the risk of flying in Belarus airspace with a blanket prohibition (Safety Directive) on European aircraft entering Belarus airspace. “Aviation safety must never be politicised. IATA condemned the actions of the Belarus government and called for an independent investigation. Banning European aircraft from using Belarusian airspace with a Safety Directive is also a politicization of aviation safety. “This is a retrograde and disappointing development. EASA should rescind its prohibition and allow airlines to manage safety as they do each and every day—with their normal operational risk assessments. “Two wrongs do not make a right. Politics should never interfere with the safe operation of aircraft and politicians should never use aviation safety as a cover to pursue political or diplomatic agendas,” IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh said. In May 2021, Ryanair flight FR4978, while overflying Belarus en-route MEDIA BRIEFING from Athens to its final destination, Vilnius, was made to divert and L-R: Co- Managing Partner/Head Financial Advisory, Comercio Partners Limited, Mr. Steve Osho; Co- Managing Partner/ land in Minsk by Belarusian authorities. In the immediate aftermath of Head Investment, Mr. Tosin Osunkoya; and Co-Managing Partner/Head Trading, Mr. Nnamdi Nwizu, during a media briefing to the incident, EASA had issued a Safety Information Bulletin advising commemorate the company’s fifth anniversary held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT airlines to avoid operations in Belarusian airspace. United Begins Non-stop NYC-Joburg Route United Airlines said it has inaugurated its nonstop daily service between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport Economic Free Zones May Bring about and O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to United Airline, the new service is operated with state- of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring United’s Aerotropolis, Experts Say award-winning United Polaris business class cabin and United Premium Plus premium economy seats. Together with the airline’s Chinedu Eze AVIATION would find a home in the companies like Amazon will seasonal, three-times weekly service between Cape Town and New economic free zones, adding come and warehouse their York/Newark, United said it will offer more non-stop services from Aviation experts have said warehousing of aircraft spare that same would apply for goods, as they will not be South Africa than any other US airline and would be the only airline if the federal government parts and maintenance facility, e-commerce where companies subjected to Customs scrutiny providing a daily non-stop service between Johannesburg and New York. properly executes the plan to if implemented. like Amazon, Alibaba and or pay taxes. From the free South Africa Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, said, “The aviation designate four major airports Adam said aerotropolis Konga will warehouse goods zone in Lagos they will supply sector worldwide has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Our in the country to economic free would emerge from the and distribute to Nigeria and goods to other parts of Africa,” Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has not been an exception. zones it may give birth to an economic zones because other countries. he added. Though we have not recovered to pre-covid numbers, the indications are that we are on a recovery path and South Africa is still a destination aerotropolis in the country. international companies, which “You know that an aerotropo- Adam said the current of choice for economic and tourism travellers. The experts said with that, would otherwise not come to lis is a metropolitan sub-region space at the Lagos airport “The return of United Airlines to South Africa is one of the important international companies would Nigeria would invest at the whose infrastructure, land use, would not be enough by the indicators that we are on a recovery path and the aviation sector will come to the airports and set up airports, as Customs are not and economy are centered on time the economic free zone see growth. We welcome and celebrate the return of United Airlines businesses and from Nigeria supposed to have access to the an airport. The economic free will blossom so government back to our open skies.” distribute to other countries zone as what is produced in zone designated at the major could extend it to Ibadan Also, South Africa Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, in West and Central Africa, as the zone is tax free and Nigeria airports by the federal govern- airport because it would take stated: “We are excited to welcome United Airlines as it will definitely DHL is presently doing. being the biggest market in ment, if well implemented, will the whole of Mafuluku area boost South Africa’s efforts to continue to grow business and leisure Managing Partner, TMSS Africa would become a hub serve as booster for economic at the airport. tourists’ arrivals out of North America. Logistics, Alhaji Nuhu for distribution of goods and development. Adam who was former “South Africa is ready to welcome back visitors from across the world and is certainly open for business.” Adam, told THISDAY that services to other countries in “It will provide aviation General Manager, Business the economic free zone the continent. value chain; it will enhance Development, the Federal Air Cairo Receives First Airbus A320neo would open a new vista for He said private airlines and technology transfer and create Airports Authority of Nigeria Air Cairo said it has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft. The aviation logistics, e-commerce, charter service providers that thousands of jobs. It will also new aircraft will join Air Cairo’s all Airbus fleet of seven aircraft. equipment leasing, real estate, build fixed-based operation promote e-commerce because Continued on page 22 According to Air Cairo, the aircraft is on lease from ICBC Leasing and is equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines. With improved levels of efficiency, the new aircraft will be deployed on Air Cairo’s regional and international network to serve countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East – demonstrating the operational flexibility of FG Urges Shippers to Be Involved in the A320neo. Air Cairo said its fleet expansion and modernisation strategy coincides with its decision to open more routes, fostering closer links with Policy, Trade Negotiations countries across continents. Offering the airline exceptional technical, economic and environmental Eromosele Abiodun MARITIME trade, shipping procedure, now, and one of the problems performance, Air Cairo revealed that its A320neo is configured with 186 shipping instrument like bill of is access to the port, we have seats in an all-economy class cabin. Passengers onboard the aircraft The federal government has nationally and internationally. laden, incoterms – International cargoes that spend 20-days will benefit from the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft and the enjoined shippers nationwide According to him, the Commercial Terms, the contract and 24days before they gain latest generation in-flight entertainment system. to unite and take part in purpose of establishing the of affreightment, contract of access into the port, we have The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including policy formulation and trade national body of shippers as- carriage of goods,” he said. struggled so much to ensure new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together negotiation in Nigeria as well sociation apart from enhancing deliver 20 per cent in fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to NASAN, Bello added, should that this is not done. previous generation Airbus aircraft. as globally as key players in the bargaining power of the ensure its members participate “We need exporters who are the nation’s economy. associations to negotiate with actively in the newly established shippers to also have free access The Executive Secretary of their stakeholders, locally and African Continental Free Trade to the port, they should have Nigerian Shippers Council internationally was to increase Area (AfCFTA) to ensure that access to information about the (NSC), Hassan Bello, stated this their visibility in the shipping they benefit optimally in all market, and they should also at the Election and Inauguration industry. relevant sectors of the regime. have access to finance. The same “Nigeria is for of the National Shippers As- He lamented that for so long, He said in other neighbouring situation is with importers, there all of us. The sociation of Nigeria (NASAN) the Nigerian shippers have ports, cargoes spend just 7-days are issues at the port, cargoes in Lagos. neglected their roles in the hands dwell time at the port. have 21-days dwell time, bigger Nigeria While stressing the need to of freight forwarders adding He assured stakeholders meanwhile it is 7-days at our is the best focus on exports, he said export that as cargoes owners, they that the Council was already competing neighboring ports” thing ever that cargoes still suffer 20 or 24 days are supposed to be engaging in talks with the Central Bank The NSC boss said it was the delay before gaining access into government directly and even of Nigeria (CBN) on the need duty of the newly inaugurated can happen to the port, while imported cargoes to issue instructions to the NSC. for Nigerian shippers to have NASAN to engage the govern- Nigeria” suffer 21-days cargo dwell time “They need to have strong access to finance, information ment and ensure reduction in at the port. voice, be organised and that and connections on the inter- dwell time of cargo. Chairman/CEO, Air Peace, Bello urged NASAN to is why the councill is here to national market. “You should also ask for the Allen Onyema speak with one voice so as to bring them together,, have the He said: “There are many boost their bargaining power capacity to negotiate freight shippers, who are exporting Continued on page 22 22 THISDAY ˾

 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

ECONOMIC FREE ZONES MAY BRING ABOUT Electricity Consumers in Akwa Ibom Allege AEROTROPOLIS, EXPERTS SAY Poor Services by PHEDC (FAAN), however noted that the free zones would Okon Bassey in Uyo Thomas, frowned upon the “PHEDC has been stealing yet, you don’t want to fight following series of unending only succeed when they are alleged continued display from the people, because they against such deliberate act of complaints from the residents. professionally run, just as he Some residents in Akwa of impunity, arrogance and know the people don’t know stealing by PHEDC in the name The state executive director recalled the free economic zone Ibom State have continued insensitivity by PHEDC staff their rights, and very unfortu- of estimated bills. and human rights activist, Mr. at Onne, which experts were to lament what they termed in carrying out their duties. nately the people themselves “We have received several Saviour Akpan disclosed that invited to develop and today the poor electricity supply in He opined that the Disco was don’t want to fight for their complaints and in the next two the organisation was launching is successful. the state by the Port Harcourt deliberately refusing to supply rights, I don’t know, either weeks, we are going to convene a campaign against the anomaly “The free zone will witness Electricity Distribution Company metres to customers in order to they are docile or they are afraid a stakeholders’ forum to address in the system. rapid growth that if not well (PHEDC). continue fleecing them through of seeking justice for the unfair the issues. We are sending letters But in its response, the managed it will be another They alleged that the attitude crazy estimated and bulk bills. treatment they are getting from to the police, the SSS, and many PHEDC said it has increased Apapa, so government will of the PHEDC, and the staff on Thomas maintained that the PHEDC. other groups, and the manage- efforts to address challenges have to extend it to Ibadan electricity supply to consumers company was taking undue “I can’t also tell if they are ment of PHEDC will be invited, faced by its customers regarding airport. The Lagos Airport could be to frustrate efforts of advantage of the ignorant of enjoying the suffering. How the public should come out and unavailability of prepaid metres, economic zone will grow faster the state government in ensur- the people to force high bills can someone who has been air their grievances,” he said. epileptic power and overbilling, than the ones in Abuja, Kano ing constant power supply down their throats and blamed paying a bill of N6,500 before, Also, a civil society organisa- while describing the allegations and Port Harcourt because it across the state. helpless members of the public and suddenly PHEDC brought tion, COMPPART Foundation for of deliberate metre bypass by is the commercial hub of the Residents including Civil for not wanting to pursue their a bill of N45,000 and you agree Justice and Peace Building has its staff to exploit customers as country. Society Organisations (CSOs), rights. to pay, yet you are complaining, decided to wade into the issue unfounded. “FAAN revenue will be particularly expressed concern boosted by the free economic over the inability of the PHEDC zone and it will also benefit to provide prepaid metres to airlines because the zone will their customers which they said house aircraft maintenance was an illegality and a deliberate facility, aircraft spares and even ploy to exploit residents with equipment leasing companies,” outrageous bills. Adam said. They fumed that power Speaking in the same vein, supply has remained epileptic the former Managing Director with many consumers and of the Nigerian Handling communities being forced to Company Plc (NAHCO), Mr. pay exorbitant bills for power Bates Sule, told THISDAY that not supplied. the economic free zones is a A civil society group in the welcome idea because it would state, the Foundation for Civic boost revenue to the federal Education, Human Rights and government through FAAN. Development Advancement ( He recalled that NAHCO FoCERaDA) recently tasked the established the free zone electricity distribution companies but was yet to maximise on the need to ensure that all the benefits before he left the her customers are metred in company, adding that with order to guarantee justice and government’s designation of fairness in the billing and pricing such zone it would become of electricity. economic hub in a short time. In an interview with journal- STRENGTHENENING PARTNERSHIP “Free economic zone will ists in Uyo, a human rights L-R: Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Hari Elluru; Country Manager, ViacomCBS, Mr. Bada give rise to airport city. The lawyer, activist and FoCERaDA Johnson, and Head, Showroom Operations, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Souhad Achour, at the official announcement of LG/ federal government through Executive Director, Clifford VaicomCBC media advertising and sponsorship deal held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA FAAN will be the major beneficiary,” he said. Zafar: Nigeria Remains Important Market in West Africa FG URGES SHIPPERS TO BE INVOLVED Eromosele Abiodun stakeholders in the maritime responsible for the expansion Saharan Africa in various the business he has led, IN POLICY, TRADE sector towards expanding the and transformation of the leadership roles in Nigeria, whether it is deployment of NEGOTIATIONS The Managing Director, West frontiers of the sector. global terminal operator’s Ghana, Democratic Republic WAFMAX vessels for Maersk simplification of processes and Africa Container Terminal “I am happy to be back in strategic gateway terminal of Congo and Benin. Before Line in West Africa, pushing procedures, we should ask for (WACT), Onne Rivers State, Nigeria to contribute to the in Eastern Nigeria. joining APM Terminals, he for double taxation treaty digitalisation of our ports. I Naved Zafar, has stated that realization of the country’s “Zafar will report to Klaus had also worked as CEO between Denmark and Ghana, am happy to inform you that Nigeria remains an important economic aspiration. Nigeria, Laursen, the Country Manager for Damco West and Central setting up new intermodal digitalisation of our ports has market in the West African which is the largest economy of APM Terminals in Nigeria Africa area,” the statement corridors between the two gotten to a very critical stage region. and most populous country in and will work closely with said. Congos thereby connecting where most of our terminals Zafar, who was recently Africa, remains an important the senior management team It added: “Prior to working Pointe Noir to Kinshasa by have really grown up, we are appoint Managing Director market in the region. in Nigeria and the regional for Damco, he served as Head land or establishing a new insisting that they must have of WACT, expressed readiness “I look forward to working team in Dubai. of Operations for Maersk Line inland office in mines rich 90percent compliance, the banks to contribute to the economic with relevant stakeholders Zafar joined Maersk Group for the Central West Africa Lubumbashi region in the must come in, so that you can aspiration of Nigeria. towards the successful imple- in 1997 as a Maersk Inter- cluster comprising Nigeria, Eastern DRC, Zafar has been transact even without coming Zafar who until his new ap- mentation of our strategic national Shipping Education Benin, Togo and Ghana as in the forefront of pushing to Lagos, the freight forwarders, pointment was the Managing priorities in WACT. I also (MISE) trainee in Pakistan well as Country Manager the boundaries and delivering truckers and shipping lines Director of APM Terminals look forward to expanding and spent his early years in for Maersk Line in Ghana solid results while improving must be online, this would Cotonou, said he was ready the frontiers of service delivery commercial and operations and later in the Democratic engagement with the stake- stop the corruption going on to expand the frontiers of to our numerous customers functions for Maersk Line in Republic of Congo. With deep holders of Maersk Group. He at the port,” he said. service delivery to numerous especially in Eastern Nigeria,” Pakistan and Germany. knowledge and passion for holds a Masters in Commerce customers in Eastern Nigeria. he said. “With a passion for new Africa, Zafar has shown from University of Karachi According to him, he is WACT in a statement said challenges, Zafar has spent strength in his people leader- and has attended leadership ready to work with critical Zafar in his new role, will be the last 13 years in sub- ship – building and growing development courses at IMD.” ‘Improved Regional Navy Cooperation in Focus at Gulf of Guinea Forum’ Group Business Editor Obinna Chima The Gulf of Guinea Mari- Centre (ICC) Yaoundé. co-chairs would set the vision groups: Cooperation at Sea would provide a full report Capital Market Editor time Collaboration Forum The online meeting, the and plan for what GOG-MCF/ (Operations), Reporting and of the activities of the forum Goddy Ogene and Shared Awareness and communiqué stated, would be SHADE will seek to accomplish, Information Sharing, and Air on an on-going basis and Comms/e-Business Editor De-confliction conferencehosted by the Gulf of Guinea “it stated. De-Confliction, with each work- consequently review and Emma Okonji (GOG-MCF/SHADE) has Maritime Institute (GOGMI) in The ICC Yaoundé and ing group chaired by a regional adapt the meeting as required Asst. Editor, Money Market identified cooperation at sea Accra, Ghana, and would be Nigeria noted that the meeting representative and supported to achieve its intended goals. Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent between regional and interna- by invitation of the SHADE would be to produce mean- by a Subject Matter Expert. Nigeria and ICC Yaoundé ËÒÏÏ×
ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß
(Advertising) tional Navies as the focus at Co-chairs, the ICC, and the ingful actions and measures “The maiden GOG-MCF/ recently floated the GOG-MCF/ Correspondents its inaugural plenary meeting Nigerian Navy. that translate to a significant SHADE plenary will be an SHADE following discussions Chinedu Eze (Aviation) scheduled to take place in July “There will be two sessions increase in the cooperation invitation-only working meeting between the Director General of ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ
ÌÓÙÎßØ
(Maritime) this year. at the meeting: the morning at sea between regional and initially focusing on implement- NIMASA, representing Nigeria, Ë×ÏÝ
×ÏÔÙ
(Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) This was disclosed in a session, which would formally international navies, the inter- ing the framework by bringing and Executive Director of ICC Chineme Okafor (Energy) joint communiqué signed by open the historic plenary and national shipping industry, and together stakeholders who have Yaoundé, Admiral Narciso ××ËØßÏÖ
ÎÎÏÒ
(Energy) the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian include welcome addresses by the maritime stakeholders in committed to tackling piracy Fastudo Jr. The forum aims Reporters Maritime Administration and regional and international the Gulf of Guinea. and armed robbery at sea in to galvanise regional and ÙÝË
ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ
(ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Safety Agency (NIMASA), and dignitaries; and the second “These actions would be the Gulf of Guinea, “it added. international efforts for security the Inter Regional Coordination session in which the plenary delivered by three working The co-chairs said they in the Gulf of Guinea. THISDAY ˾
 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 23

  
 Airtech, NAAPE Launch Database for Manpower Devt Chinedu Eze licenses uploaded on initial launch of Avian the database platform QDB would start with Airtech Aviation would be secured in manpower avail- Support Services in Digital Ocean’s cloud ability for pilots and partnership with the and can be retrieved engineers, adding that National Association online for personal use work was ongoing to Examining Stiff Competition of Airline Pilots and by the professionals add the other skills to Engineers (NAAPE) has when needed. the database platform. launched a database. He said, “The da- In his comment, among Airlines The database would tabase will provide President, NAAPE, serve as a single visibility for aviation Abednego Galadima Chinedu Eze resource point for professionals to pro- expressed delight manpower availability, spective airlines and at the launch of the In 2018, there was a voice recording trending aviation information aviation companies. platform and the as- then that was allegedly attributed to the leader and data in the Ni- Employers will access sociation’s partnering of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Suleiman. gerian aviation sector. the database for a to- with Airtech. The message had prophesied impending The database, Avian ken fee. The database He said that AVIAN- doom on various transport companies and QDB, is the first of its will provide skill gap QDB would serve as had urged members of the public not to fly kind in the country’s analysis between what one-shop for aviation one of the airlines then. aviation sector, and the industry needs and manpower solutions, The message was all over social media, as according to Airtech, available manpower. It noting that the devel- people who received the message broadcast would also provide a will also help track job opment of the database and sent it to friends and family and soon platform for industry’s market trend. was in line with the it went virile. This continued until Apostle professionals to regis- “AvianQDB also has association’s mandate Suleiman discredited and disowned the voice ter their profiles and a unique feature that to promote and protect in a press statement. upload certificates and will send an email the welfare and well A couple of days after, another message licenses, making them prompt to remind being of its members. started trending. This time it was another visible to prospective registered profession- He encouraged all airline. The report was allegedly made by a employers. als when licenses will aviation stakehold- pilot warning the public not to fly the airline, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, AON Group Chief Ex- expire so as to ensure ers, especially pilots alleging that it had technical challenges. Chairman ecutive Officer (CEO), aviation professionals and engineers in the The message was passed around that Airtech Aviation Sup- always possess updated country to patronise the airline was not maintaining its aircraft. The operators have also admitted that such port Services, Mr. Bu- licenses to operate. it the platform and This continued until it was also discredited. cutthroat competition cannot benefit any kola Nzegwu, assured “The platform will assured that the ap- Later it was found that the two obnoxious airline; rather, it leaves so much animosity that information on the also serve as depository plication would provide messages were sponsored by another airline and bitterness to exist among them, not- database are secured, of relevant local and tremendous benefits for that unscrupulously wanted to increase its ing that it is one of the reasons why Airline stressing that the international aviation both employers and market share. Operators of Nigeria (AON) is not strong company would make information through employees, stressing THISDAY also learnt that ground staff and influential as it should be. the platform accessibly feeds and links to that it would also of airlines run one another down, by mis- The stakeholders noted that why the US- with a token fee. aviation agencies.” serve as a good guide informing passengers about rival airlines. based airlines are very successful is because According to him, Nzegwu, however, for policy and decision This phenomenon has been in the aviation of their collaboration, stating that codeshare the certificates and emphasised that the makers. industry over the years. and interline became very successful in the Few days ago, the Governor of Akwa Ibom US and they have become eternalized. claimed in a video that it acquired two Airbus Aviation consultant who is also the Chief A220 brand new, but there was earlier report Executive Officer of African Aviation Services about how the two aircraft were leased from Limited and the President of African Business Air Sinai by the airline. Aviation Association (AfBAA), Nick Fadugba Industry stakeholders have frowned had spoken extensively about collaboration upon such claim, saying that it should be among Nigerian airlines and had noted that discouraged by the regulatory authority, the it would be difficult for Nigerian airlines to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). go it alone and compete on international The claim prompted the Chief Operating routes with foreign carriers; unless they Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide to work together. clarify that the aviation industry in Nigeria He had said the key for survival of the and globally was aware that nearly a decade domestic carriers is partnership. now it is only Air Peace that has acquired “First of all, I am very passionate about brand new aircraft in Nigeria. aviation in Nigeria, I believe we are not where Olajide said it is public knowledge that we should be today, given our resources. Air Peace made firm order for 13 Embraer There is no market in Africa that is comparable E195-E2 aircraft and the new aircraft, which to Nigeria. Whether you are a market lady Embraer showed the world when it was in or a board chairman, we travel; we are a the production line has started arriving. nation of traders. “The first one arrived in January 28, the “Many foreign airlines are coming second came on March 18 and the third one into Nigeria making good profit and yet is coming in on June 17, 2021. They are flown most Nigerian airlines, to the best of my directly from the manufacturing facility in San knowledge, are not making a lot of money,” Jose, Brazil. The 13 aircraft we ordered will be Fadugba noted. brought into the country by the manufacturer, He also said, “In fact, some airlines are quite Embraer. I don’t understand the tendency poorly financed, so we need to do better. You to deceive the public by claiming an aircraft know the international aviation industry that was leased from another airline is brand has changed dramatically since the days new,” the Air Peace COO said. of Nigerian Airways; today no airline can Industry stakeholders have also acknowl- succeed working alone. “Therefore, I want edged that what would guarantee the success to once again appeal to airlines in Nigeria to of Nigerian carriers is if they work together come together, to work together in opera- and forget the ongoing backbiting, which tions, training and maintenance. We need to many attribute as the reason why Nigerian partner. Even if we don’t merge we need to airlines go under after 10 years. partner with one another,” he said. Fadugba also observed that if airlines don’t have a critical mass in terms of size, in term Industry of good management, in terms of fleet, in terms of good network, it would be very stakeholders have hard for them to succeed. “So we have the market in Nigeria, we also acknowledged are very fortunate but the fact is that our airlines are at the moment not of the size that what would that can compete effectively against the big airlines coming into Nigeria”. guarantee the success This was why the industry commended the of Nigerian carriers is collaboration between Ibom Air and Dana Air which recently signed code-share agree- if they work together ment and other airlines have been urged to do the same because working together has and forget the ongoing invaluable benefits, which would be taken away by the current competition style full backbiting of bitterness and animosity. 24 THISDAY ˾
 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE Strides, Challenges of Ports Economic Regulation Francis Ugwoke percent physically in what is not cheering news. But it would appear the NSC is in a he job of an economic regulator dilemma when the Customs argues that it is no doubt a formidable task. is targeted at checking smuggling of arms It is even more so in a sector and ammunition. like the maritime industry. This As the ports economic regulator, the is considering the setting and NSC sets this month June to attain high Tpractitioners. Some would describe the level of automation in ports services. In environment as having a mafia setting April, Bello had given a score card of the and therefore a sector to beware because efforts to achieve automation at the ports. of the activities therein. Although, this He had disclosed that some terminal is not to smear the good image of the operators and shipping companies have providers and consumers of shipping attained between 50 to 90 percent level services, the truth is that the sector is not of automation. As at April, PTML BUA one for cosy practitioners, so to say. and Grimaldi were leading in automation. It is a sector where everyone is in the Bello is full of commendation for the habit of hustling to maximize profit in a terminal operators and believes that this is peculiar way. It is an industry where some the way forward for the industry to attain would often circumvent trade rules for global attention in trade facilitation. The maximum profit. push for automation is to end the era of It is also a sector where government human contact at the ports with associ- has over the years continued to wage war Bello ated corrupt practices. against all forms of trade malpractices. He said, “We shouldn’t forget that we This is not just about the shippers (im- on the high way. At the end, it is the final NPPM, though some were yet to fully have competition. Nigerian ports should porters and the exporters), terminal opera- consumers of the goods that suffer the comply with the new SOPs. be the hub in the West and Central tors and multi-national shipping agencies, costs involved. To observers, the situation Under the mandate given to the Council African region. However, we can’t achieve but also government’s own personnel in the ports is therefore one of conspiracy as a lead agency in ports process manual this without ports that are fully automated who are supposed to be gate-keepers in in what some shippers and customs is to create a port environment that is and operating 24 hours daily. the system. In effect, what the shippers do officers are potential beneficiaries in trade very efficient and comparable to what “Most ports across the world are is of interest to the gate-keepers without malpractices. obtains in other global ports. The Council digitalised. Human contact is dangerous, which the latter is out of business. For the Nigerian Shippers Council in a bid to carry out the assignment has it brings delay and extortion. A port For instance, it would be recalled (NSC) as the ports economic regulator, the been involved in sensitizing of the ports isn’t a place for contact. We are trying to that the former military President, Rtd. task of addressing such ills in the system community on ending trade malpractices achieve 100 per cent automation. To do General Ibrahim Babangida, while in could therefore be herculean. Indeed the and creating an environment for trade this, we need full integration with banks, office decades ago tried to reduce the maritime industry is a major economic facilitation. The Council has carried out Nigeria Customs Service, terminals and number of security agencies at the ports zone which operations could be likened equipment audit on terminal operators shipping lines, among other stakeholders.” to no avail. The security agents would to a mild war arena. And this is with to ensure that they provide latest cargo If the ports which are already linked get a directive to leave, but would have a poor infrastructure leading to unending handling equipment that can ease trade. with rails attain 100 percent automation way of remaining put, enjoying the spoils gridlock. The ports economic regulator In effect most of the terminals can boast of soonest, perhaps what remains is the of the sector. The security agents would will no doubt with the sad scenario in the providing enough cargo handling equip- issue of gridlock at the ports. The federal insist on being part of examination of ports environment give credence to this ment to position containers for examina- government is targeting between end of goods at the ports, or mount their own view. Saddled with the task of leading tion as required by the Customs. The this year and early next year to fix the roadblocks if not involved for extortionist other agencies in implementing the result has been impressive, but the other Tin Can Island port road. For Bello, with tendencies with the excuse of protecting National Ports Process Manual (NPPM) side is that most times the Customs has good roads in and out of the ports, rail national security interest. announced by the federal government been overwhelmed. Enough cargo han- network, multi-modal transport system That was before the concessioning of in December last year, the Council no dling equipment has made it possible for such as deployment of barges, Nigeria the nation’s ports in 2006. Since then and doubt has sad experience to share about improvement on ship turn-around time would be among other global nations in line with the ease of doing business the activities of the security agencies. as vessels are not delayed in discharge of having efficient trade facilitation which at the ports, the agencies have had their One example is the efforts to eradicate cargos. What the ports economic regulator impact will have multiplier effect on the numbers cut down. Yet, those affected, bribery involved in boarding of vessels however is championing is the introduc- national economy. like the National Agency for Food and on arrival at the ports. In the past, some tion of scanning machine which will Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) agencies were in the tradition of boarding fasten examination of goods at the ports. -Ugwoke is the Publisher/Editor- and Standard Organisation of Nigeria separately until the Council decided Incidentally, the Customs has insisted in-Chief of Shipping World, an online (SON), among others, have not stopped that this should be done jointly by all that all containers must be examined 100 platform in Lagos lobbying to come back. the representatives of agencies assigned The scenario is that even some person- to the ports. The old system was prone nel not posted to the ports among the to corruption in which some of the approved agencies have devised new operatives collected large sums of bribe means of finding their way into the ports, from the ships. Executive Secretary, NSC, or staying few meters away to the ports. Mr Hassan Bello recently threatened to Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit expose corrupt officials of government of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) security agencies demanding bribe to are part of this. Surprisingly, they even carry out their functions at the nation’s engage the services of freight forwarders seaports. to justify their being on the road. Condemning such attitude, Bello said In Apapa port, for instance, one can this has negative effect on the ports as find operatives of the FOU stationed it sends bad signal to the international permanently near Flour Mills/Area B Police shipping community. He appealed to the Station waiting for containers that have Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and been cleared at the ports. The FOU opera- other agencies to support the joint inspec- tives also have a check-point at Otor Wharf, tion to work at the ports. Bello believes near Mile2 waiting for containers from Tin that seven days cargo dwell time can be Can Island, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and achieved with joint boarding of vessels Sifax terminals at Coconut. Owners of such and joint inspection of cargo. He argues containers and other goods leaving the that 21 days cargo dwell time as has been terminals must settle the operatives or they the case was because there has not been will seize or delay movement of such goods joint examination. on flimsy excuses. He said, “What kind of country or port The situation has even become so do we want if agencies responsible for embarrassing to the resident customs joint examination don’t report on time? commands whose personnel wonder why Examination of cargo should be done at such vigil few meters away from the a given time and people should abide by gates of the ports where these consign- the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ments had gone through scrutiny. The as far as clearance of cargo is concerned” operatives have had to claim that they Bello had disclosed that through joint have information on the containers as boarding of vessel, the Committee recov- their excuse for stopping any truck. They ered $20,000 being bribe money by people have the backing of some highly placed who go onboard vessels. He warned that customs officers at the headquarters who boarding of vessels in the ports is being undoubtably may be part of the ‘deal’. monitored, adding that any agency or Again, the truth is that the resident individual frustrating this process would customs officers are also involved in their be exposed. “We are going to name and own deal in which they extort so much shame them publicly and we will arrest from the erring importers and allow them them,” he threatened. to go. So, he irony is that the importer is However, Bello disclosed that a lot faced with a double tragedy in which he of progress has been made as far as settles the resident customs officers and compliance with the ports process manual again settles those waiting for him few was concerned. Many of the agencies, he meters away from the gates and others added, have been complying with the THISDAY ˾
 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 25 BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Weather, Precautionary Measures and Air Safety Besides human error, the weather has been identified as major cause of air accidents. Chinedu Eze writes that recent weather-related incidents in flight operations call for another review of agencies and airlines collaboration on flight safety

y way of comparison, do you think the indigenous personnel in aviation NCAA Warning in Nigeria are doing well and do On Wednesday, the Nigerian Civil Aviation you prefer an expatriate especially in Authority (NCAA) cautioned all pilots over technical areas to Nigerian personnel? severe thunderstorms and other hazardous BRecently there was a virile video where weather, which hampers flight operations, now passengers who disembarked from one of that the rainy season has set in. NCAA said United Nigeria Airlines flight knelt down this warning was a follow up to the Advisory at the foot of the aircraft to thank God for Circular (AC) with reference no AC: NCAA- saving their lives. AEROMET – 31 addressed to all pilots and At first, many industry observers saw it as airline operators and signed by the Director the usual exaggerated reaction of passengers General, Capt. Musa Nuhu. who tend to go over drive over air incidents. “This is coming on the advent of the Seasonal But THISDAY investigations revealed that Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian bad weather gave rise to severe turbulence Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for the year that might have led to accident if not for the 2021,” NCAA explained. dexterity of the pilots. It noted that NIMET had predicted early/late While some of the passengers who reacted March as the commencement of rainy season publicly on the incident on social media could in the Southern states while late April/June not explain exactly what happened, a statement 2021 was the commencement of rainy season issued by the airline indicated that the flight in Central and Northern parts of Nigeria. was exposed to severe turbulence and was “Consequently, this weather advisory circular lucky to make air return and landed safely is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather to the excitement and relief of the passengers. information associated with commencement The statement signed by United Nigeria of rainy season and the effects on safety and Airlines Head of Corporate Communications, efficiency of flight operations; and to elicit Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu explained that on cooperation of the following stakeholders June 4, 2021, a United Nigeria flight from Port to ensure safety air transport at all times,” Harcourt to Abuja, departed the Port Harcourt NCAA said. International Airport, Omagwa with “clear So the regulatory authority cautioned pilots, and good weather forecast,” but on approach airline operators and Air Traffic Controllers and to Abuja, the flight experienced moderate directed to observe series of responsibilities turbulence, which necessitated diverting back which include that Air Traffic Controllers might to Port Harcourt, “as weather conditions were temporarily close the airspace when any of the below our operating requirements. The crew severe conditions are observed or forecast by took the required and correct decision to return Matazu, NIMET Director General NIMET; flight crews/operators and Air Traffic to Port Harcourt.” Controllers (ATC) must ensure adherence to The statement also said that there was no at a critical point the pilot in command of a to advise the pilot. published aerodrome weather minima; pilots time the flight was in any danger because, flight should take his final decision, relying Yomi also explained that there could be must exercise maximum restraint whenever “our experienced crew acted with utmost on his own judgment, not on the advice of projections in weather situation because the adverse weather is observed or forecast by professionalism, which the passengers highly the traffic controller, for example. weather condition at any moment could change NIMET and pilots/flight crew members to obtain and profusely commended and complimented.” This is because pilots, controllers and others in the next few or more minutes. adequate departure, en-route and destination But further investigation disclosed to THISDAY constitute the human error attributed to be For example, if there is a flight from Lagos weather information and briefing from NIMET that what happened was more severe than responsible for the many accidents in air to Kano and at the time the flight is about to Aerodrome Meteorological Offices prior to the statement painted and that the claim by transport. take off from Lagos it might be raining in Kano flight operations. the passengers who said they feared there For example, the crashed ADC Airlines but by the time the flight would reach Bida, the “While the authority enjoins all passengers to was going to be an accident if not for the Flight 86 on November 7, 1996 was attributed rain might have stopped and the weather very exercise patience and understanding during this experienced management of the emergency to controller’s error. The crew of the Boeing clear for landing, “So such weather situation period of heavy downpour, strict compliance to by the pilots should not be dismissed. 727-200 operating the flight was reported to ought not discourage pilots from flying. You this warning is expected from all stakeholders have lost control of the aircraft while avoid- cannot say because the weather is like this at as maximum sanction shall be imposed for Weather Update ing a mid-air collision (with Triax Airlines’ the beginning of the flight you decide not to non-compliance,” NCAA said. So the question that arises is: was the flight flight) on approach; the aircraft crashed at fly,” he said. crew not updated on the weather situation a very high speed, killing all 144 passengers On collaboration among agencies in the Precautionary Measures en-route and at destination? THISDAY learnt and crew on board. Investigators determined delivery of safety in the airspace, the NATCA Airlines told THISDAY that they have stuck from informed source that the pilot in command the primary cause of the accident was an air President said the Nigeria Meteorological Agency religiously to their standard of operation on of the flight said he followed the advice of the traffic control error. (NIMET) and other agencies are culpable in issues relating to weather and safety, noting air traffic controllers in his effort to avoid the Also in 2008, this writer was in Afrijet flight the challenges facing the sector because old that most often when flights are delayed due turbulence, but the severity of the turbulence from Enugu, which was about to land at the equipment is not replenished, the right personnel to weather, many passengers express anger, forced him to return to base. Murtala Muhammed International Airport are not employed and the necessary upgrades but now they are beginning to understand The Director General of the Nigeria Meteo- (MMIA), Lagos Runway 18R when the domestic are not done, adding that industry stakeholders that it is for their safety. rological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Bako Matazu, runway was still under rehabilitation. As the have allowed politicians to hijack the sector. The Head of Communications, Dana Air, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that flight approached to land, the pilot saw Arik “NIMET and other agencies are culpable Kingsley Ezenwa told THISDAY that although he was aware of the United Nigeria Airlines Air flight taking off and he quickly powered because the industry is not improving. Stakehold- the airline has not recorded any incident due incident from what he read from the media, as the aircraft, disengaging the landing mode and ers are leaving the industry to politicians, so to weather recently but the airline’s pilots there was no official report about the incident. gained altitude immediately and suddenly, the system is not working optimally. We need take precautionary measures in accordance However, he said NIMET Annual Prediction banking away from the take-off position of the certain workers who are skilled but instead to its standard of operation to ensure that its for 2021 issued in February, had already alerted Arik Air flight. The passengers were gripped of such skilled personnel, you are bringing operations are safe. that starting from April to June, weather in the by fear, some cried and one of the passengers people the agencies do not need. The kind “We have not really have much delays oc- Central area of Nigeria would be characterised regretted why he listened to his relation who of personnel NIMET needs is not the people casioned by bad weather. We take precautionary by adverse weather, including thunderstorm, advised him to travel by air. When the flight they are bringing to the agency. You have to measures to ensure we fly safely. We also have lightening, high winds, hail, downburst and stabilised and repositioned its approach to land, put the right people in place if you want the not recorded many delays due to bad weather. rain with attendant low visibility for flights. the Ukranian pilot in his smattering English agencies to grow and improve,” the NATCA Our pilots take safety issues very seriously. He said NIMET has offices in all the airports explained that the controllers directed Arik President said. We communicate to our passengers and I am where pilots take weather briefing and updates Air flight to take off while also directing his happy they are now beginning to understand are done every 30 minutes, noting that like to land. Vagaries of Weather that whatever we are doing is for their safety driving automobile, flying depends on how But reacting to the incident, the President of Industry operatives said in the past, thun- and comfort,” Ezenwa said. the pilots manage it. the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association derstorm usually characterise the beginning In 2019, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Matazu said there could be localised and (NATCA), Mr. Agoro Yomi told THISDAY that and end of the rains, but due to what they decried escalating weather conditions, which widespread rainfall, which also affect flight the Air Traffic Controller by his training and attribute to global climatic changes, weather it said, had been ravaging the country as a operations. the rule that governs his operations might has been changing so unpredictably and in the result of climate change. “While approaching landing, pilots can vector the pilot to a location, taking cognisance middle of the year, the weather has remained The agency, however, said it would install experience turbulence during the rains and of the traffic in the airspace, but pilots have unstable, causing disruptions to flight operations. additional 100 weather stations across the every cloud can potentially cause turbulence the right to either accept or reject, but the Although bad weather if not well managed country to reduce the consequences of escalating and there is also clear air turbulence, but pilots controller must agree with the pilot on the could lead to accident, but so far pilots have weather conditions. collect briefs from our offices and these are decision taken and it is his responsibility to said that the NIMET has effectively been THISDAY gathered that in the last seven updated for them by NIMET. We are relating give the pilot the level or altitude to fly. delivering accurate weather reports that have years, NIMET has enjoyed good reputation effectively with the control tower and working “In case of emergency, the pilot takes the helped airline to operate safely. Airlines also for being accurate in its weather forecast. effectively with our sister agencies. So we advise final decision,” the NATCA President said. explained that delays and diversions occur Before that time, foreign airlines used to rely that pilots should be cautious and passengers during sudden weather changes when the on satellite and weather forecast from agencies should have patience in case of delays caused Weather Projection flight is already airborne because weather outside Nigeria that provided weather reports by bad weather,” he added. He went further to explain that controllers could change suddenly without notice. A to flights going and leaving Nigeria. may not even have knowledge of the weather major example is the low level wind shear, But it is expected that aviation agencies and Air Traffic Control situation at the upper airspace at that point in which is known as very devastating to flights, airlines must rally together to ensure that the Some industry sources told THISDAY that time, adding that it is the duty of the controller could occur suddenly within few minutes. current weather issues are effectively managed. 26 THISDAY ˾

 

ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD MARITIME As FG Moves to Battle Corruption at Ports Eromosele Abiodun writes on the need for the Nigerian Shippers Council and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to implement the promised joint measures to minimise delay and corrupt practices at the nation’s ports.

ecently, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Annual Growth Rate – to 144.2 million tons Network (MACN) launched a col- between 2010 and 2015. The annual growth lective action aimed at improving rate of 1.8 per cent is expected to rise until 2021 container tracking information despite the challenges in the sector. technology (IT) systems, promoting However, the growth projections were premised Ran e-governance system for cashless export on the assumption that the nation’s ports will licences; integrating whistle blowing into existing continue to be the preferred means of transporting procedures; establishing a stakeholder forum goods in and out of the ECOWAS sub-region. for discussion; and raising awareness about In its recommendations, the report pointed out laws and regulations in the maritime sector. that authorities should embark on immediate The project resulted in improving transpar- port reforms. ency of the regulation for importing goods in These reforms are expected to lead to faster selected ports around the world. As a result clearance of goods, shorter waiting times for many of these institutions have improved the ships awaiting berth, and eliminating redundan- accountability of key government stakeholders cies in the functions of the several regulatory towards the private sector. That is not all. government agencies in the ports. The shipping industry operating in Africa is It also called for the adoption of an Integrated facing specific challenges regarding the inspections Advance Cargo and customs clearance system, of holds and tanks, custom declarations, and on with scanning, sealing and tracking capabilities; board-practices. Data from shipping companies the establishment of a National Trade Data Centre highlighted a systemic issue with demands for and implementation of a Single Window platform. payment, including cases of extortion. Due to The report also called for more private sector this, experts have called on Nigeria to draft new investment in Nigerian ports, reduction in the regulations to improve specific areas: approval number of government agencies to 6 from 14. From of a vessel’s holds or tanks for the loading of the policy end, the report called for immediate agricultural products, development of new IT Jamo Amaechi passage of certain legislative bills that will aid system for processing and registering holds/ port reforms and improve performance. These tanks inspections. can easily be exploited for pecuniary gains and indirectly. There is also the need to empower bills include the National Transport Commission “Specifically, the new regulations must limit including gratifications and bribes. Customs customers to report corruption and inefficiency Bill and the Port and Harbour Bill (PHB). the inspector’s discretion by having more precise officials and port officers have influence on directly to the highest level beyond the ports definitions and objective criteria for holds or ports operations by law and function in the in way that will prevent witch haunting and NSC, NIMASA Declaration tanks rejection introduce inspectors’ rotation bureaucracy, which they can manipulate as either backlashes. Customers should become strategic As part of their contribution to the effort to in ports and terminals to hinder collusion enablers or disablers depending on interests per partners in enforcement/compliance and driving eliminate corruption in the ports, the Nigerian and development of proper arrangements in time. For custom officials for instance, the fact anti-corruption. Officials still exercise discretionary Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian certain ports and client interactions increase that they have full information on shipments, powers and perpetrate corruptions without fear Maritime Administration and Safety Agency the timeframe allowed for remedying hold’s shippers and have the powers of assessments of consequences, “it stated. (NIMASA) have agreed to implement joint deficiencies strengthen control mechanism by and valuation make them able to manipulate measures to minimise delay and corrupt practices creating a new Technical Appeals Tribunal ports processes if they so desire. Economic Loss at the nation’s ports. develops a risk matrix on the basis of which “Custom officials and port operators function In another report on the performance of Both agencies reached the conclusion when the inspections will be supervised establishes a at the supply side of the system and are very Nigerian ports released recently, it was revealed Executive Secretary of NSC, Hassan Bello paid trustworthy whistle blowing hotline,” maritime influential in manipulating the system for and/ that the country loses over N1trillion every year a working visit to the NIMASA headquarters. lawyer, Mr. Godwin Omose said. or against the demand side of port users. Even to inefficiencies, process failures and corruption Both agencies of the federal government noted though not as statutorily discretionary as customs in the cargo clearing process. that full automation of processes at the nation’s Corruption in Nigerian Ports officers, port officials like port gate officials, “The report titled: Nigeria: Reforming the ports would go a long way to curb human Nigeria is considered one of the most chal- stevedores, document clerks, and scanner agents Maritime Ports,” which was inaugurated by interface, delays and corruption at the ports. lenging countries to do business due to systemic also have influence on the demand side and the Centre for International Private Enterprises NIMASA and the NSC thus agreed to har- corruption. Recently, Maritime Anti-Corruption can manipulate the system in manners that in collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of monise the implementation of Port and Flag Network supported a pilot project implemented trade-off efficiency. Commerce and Industry and Financial Derivatives State Administration to minimise human direct together with local authorities and the United “Ports and terminal officials enjoy exercise Company, was publicly unveiled in Lagos at the contact onboard vessels, calling at the nation’s Nations Development Programme. of wide discretionary powers even when these LCCI public-private discussions on port reforms. ports in line with provisions in the Nigerian The aim was to identify and address vulnerable are in conflict with the legal procedures and The report stated that while the efficiency of Port Process Manual (NPPM). elements in vessel port call processes where processes. These discretionary powers are port processes is a major driver of trade and The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir corruption is prone to take place. Measures taken sometimes indiscriminate, bridge port processes, economic activities across countries, Nigeria’s Jamoh, noted the agency’s operation was close to included improving and harmonising public lead to bottlenecks and create fertile ground for case has been rather gloomy. 85 per cent automated, adding that NIMASA has officials’ port clearance procedures, establish- corruption and graft and the procedures become It said over the years, users and operators undertaken an in house harmonisation exercise ing a new complaint mechanism that enabled convoluted. Often, such exercise of discretion at the Nigerian ports have been facing linger- to reduce human interface and now fully ready companies to file a complaint when faced with creates opportunities for outright graft and ing challenges and bottlenecks which include for inter-agency harmonisation. improper demands from government officials, extortion of port users. Poor infrastructures and infrastructure shortcomings, policy and regulatory He also commended the management of conducting anti-corruption training of selected inefficiency cause delay in port processes and inconsistencies, overlapping functions and duplicity the NSC for its commitment to ensuring the officials and developing anti-corruption policies create administrative and clearing bottlenecks of roles among government agencies operating success of the introduction of cargo tracking for all relevant agencies. which make the ports/terminals prohibitive within ports across the country. notes in port operations. This effort has not really changed the reality to legitimate businesses.” The report also pointed out that a lack of “We thank you for obtaining approval for on ground that much. Late last year, a report The report pointed out that grievance clear legislation, ports governance remains prone the cargo tracking note. This will reduce loss of by Integrity Organisation Limited GTE and mechanisms are available at the ports but some to inefficiency and corruption. It added that man-hour and assist in exposing non-declaration its private sector facing arm, Convention on customers are not aware of these mechanisms. under such condition, companies in the Nigerian or under declaration at the nation’s ports. Thus, Business Integrity (CBi), revealed that corrup- It stated: “For those who are aware of the ports have to deal with bureaucratic red tape, improving revenue generation for the federal tion and exercise of discretionary powers by availability, most of them have never used the constant delays; high costs, harassment, and government,”he said. the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and port mechanisms. Even in the case of grievances, demands for illegal charges by representatives Commenting on the Secure Anchorage Area, officials has had huge implications for ease customers often choose not to complain because of government agencies operating at the port. Jamoh noted that since the Deep Blue project of doing business in Nigerian seaports and they perceive the process as subjective. There These, according to the report, diminish the took over security working closely with the terminals, leading to revenue loss of as much is perceived weak enforcement and poor seaport’s potential to create about 10,000 new Nigerian Navy, the nation has witnessed a as about N2.5 trillion corporate revenue in the investigative structures and ineffectiveness in jobs annually and about 800,000 jobs on the reduction in the number of security breaches ports industry annually. Integrity Organisation the case of complaints/feedbacks. Port users do long run. The reforming the Maritime Ports at the anchorage. Limited is an anti-corruption research, advocacy not have total trust in the complaints/feedback report claimed that Nigerian seaports remain the “We are beginning to record a reduction in and consulting organisation concerned with mechanisms as they consider the mechanisms most expensive in the West African sub-region attacks in our waters, and we hope to sustain issues of accountability and transparency in part of the problematic processes. There is also attributing this to the cumbersome Customs this and later demand a change in status of cost public and business life. It was founded in the belief that the mechanisms will always lead documentation requirements and double charges of insurance of vessels visiting Nigerian waters. 1995 during the late Sanni Abacha’s regime to backlashes.” imposed on importers and exporters. On his part, Bello said that cost of port opera- as a direct reaction to the corruption and poor “The problem is not about relevant policies, Using a semi-structured survey, respondents tions in Nigeria could be reduced by over 35 governance of Nigeria represented by that era. frameworks or government order and pronounce- of the study listed the documentation processes, per cent when standard operation procedures The report, which was jointly funded by ment but compliance. Even when authorities requiring 25-33 different papers from multiple contained in the Nigerian Port Process Manual ActionAid and UK Aid, revealed that the put relevant policies in place, compliance and agencies as the biggest issue contributing to were fully implemented. negative operational elements have pushed enforcement is poor. Port officers/officials appear time and cost delays. “Our Ports are in competition with other many customers to now use ports and terminals too strategically and creatively powerful that About one-fourth of the respondents sampled by Ports in the Region, so we need to strengthen of neighbouring countries thereby leading to they manipulate the system and port operations the report also complained about the duplication collaboration on the establishment of indicative loss of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria. with unwavering exercise of discretions against of functions of the multiple agencies within the freight Rates, ”the NSC Executive Secretary said. The report said capacity utilisation stands the rules even when this makes doing business ports while 29 per cent of those surveyed in Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched the at 38-40 per cent, adding that approximately at the ports difficult,” it stated. the report say multiple cargo inspections are manual on December 9 last year in Abuja, during 40 per cent of businesses located around the The report recommended that the federal the most critical of operational bottlenecks at the 2020 International Anti-Corruption Day. It is ports communities have either relocated to other government empower Nigerian Ports Authority the nation’s gateways. a collection of processes taken from the Standard areas, scaled down operations or completely (NPA) to be able to maintain effective oversight It was, however, not all doom for the industry Operating Procedures of stakeholders in the closed down. on all officials and officers at the port. according to the report, as it stated that Nigeria’s port sector, and it aims to improve operations, According to the report, “Customs officials “The NPA should be able to sanction non- ports continue to see substantial increment in service timelines, efficiency, and accountability have enormous discretionary power and this compliance and exercise of discretions directly gross tonnage by 3.3 per cent – Compounded at the ports. NEWS METRO WEEKLY MAGAZINE THISLIFE THIS ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi [email protected] WEEKEND 07010510430

Andrea Ekpenyong: How Dating in Marriage Strengthens Homes 28 THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ COVER Andrea Ekpenyong: How Dating in Marriage Strengthens Homes

Andrea Ekpenyong is an architect who also doubles as the co-founder and lead partner of Antora24 Limited, a construction firm. This certified Life Coach, Neuro Linguistics Programming and Emotional Freedom Techniques Therapist, also wears the hats of an author, relationship and marriage strategist. Her passion is about nurturing marriages from belligerent chaos to happily ever living. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she talks about the launch of her new book titled, “Whimsical Date Nights”, and why she feels marriages need to take dating as therapeutic solutions

Ekpenyong

not married couples and they more often simple or inconsequential as dating can ou are the latest and have fun in your marriage. leave you with more questions. This book be the bedrock to a happily ever after. author around. How is an answer to dating in marriage. long have you nursed You seem to have a hat in many Your book is published by Worital. this dream? industries. How do you manage? How best does this book work? To What was the experience with the Writing has always been Construction, Coaching, e.t.c read as a couple or read as separate publishing company like? a passion from as long as I They are not mutually exclusive as the individuals or how exactly do you Working with Worital was an absolute Ycan remember, so much so that when the key in both coaching and construction, prescribe this book as a medication delight and a very professional experi- neighbourhood needed a child to write supporting the client towards attain- for a lot of needing marriages? ence, so much so that though it is my first to the authority for our children’s park, ing their desired outcome. This is more or less a dating manual. published book I understood everything I was unanimously chosen. What prepared you for this assign- It includes activities you’re advised to that was required at every step and the ment? Writing a book on marriage, practice as often as required until dating published book came out fantastic. So you wrote a book about dating relationship and dating is quite a becomes your preferred lifestyle. in marriages. Why? road for the experienced and called. Tell us when the book is hitting the By the 4th year in our marriage, I re- I believe you agree with me. What’s the most romantic date you book stands, where we can get them alised that we had gotten so busy being Years of training, lots of research, had with your husband? and if possible how much is a copy? married but there was a gap. Something life experiences, using my marriage There are too many to choose from Pre-orders are currently ongoing was missing. We found that dating before as the testbed. I also had the experi- but we both had a really intense day online. The book would hit the stands marriage was fun and easy but had become ences of others I leveraged. sometime in February and we decided to on the 19th of June. The book would be consumed by life and starting a family play a game to wind down, we literally available to order online from https:// at the detriment of our marriage so I How long have you been married ended up staying awake all night gisting shor.by/marriageNurturer The ecopy started reading and researching simple and why do you think that with and laughing so hard reminiscing on can also be purchased from Bambooks ways to bring back the sparks. that number of years of marriage our dating years. We ended up at work Okadabooks and Amazon both prints you are qualified to advise on with puffy eyes but it was well worth it. and ebook You are postulating that married relationships and marriage? people invest more in their dating My husband and I have been to- Tell me one great thing that came And what else would you like to games, why? gether for 18 years and married for out from that date? share with the readers? I often get asked; “why should we date 10 years, being with someone for that It was a reaffirmation that positive Majority of couples got married after in marriage? Why not just reserve it for long comes with years of experience thoughts and actions to life’s curveball dating for a while. It is disheartening special occasions instead?” When people coupled with years of research and and pitfalls results in a better and much to see that we find it necessary to date come with me using these arguments, I qualifies me to advise on relationship happier outlook. Also you don’t need to to get married but can’t find the time usually counter them by asking; “Why and marriage. break the bank to date your spouse as to date to stay married. Dating in mar- do you think you found it easier to go sometimes simplicity and spontaneity riage is about creating new memories on dates before you got married?” It is There are many outlets and are all the fun you need. while on the old. It’s about connecting disheartening to see that we find it neces- online resource centres these with your spouse irrespective of how sary to date to get married but can’t find days. YouTube inclusive, why should What’s been the feedback from those busy life gets, dating has been proven to the time to date to stay married. Marriage someone bother buying this book that have read the book? improve intimacy among couples so it is meant to be enjoyed not endured and when they can get dozens and tons The feedback has been fantastic. The shouldn’t be a special occasion activity what you will learn in the pages of this of counsels free online? general feedback is the timeliness of the but a lifestyle geared towards building book will show you how best to enjoy Most online resources are for dating book and how something often considered a happy home. THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 29  Amaechi Bemoans Damaging Effects Group Solicits Government of COVID-19 on Transport Sector Intervention to Curb Hunger in Nigeria

Stories by Mary Nnah challenges, adding that one of such challenge was the inability of manufacturers of finished The Minister of Transporta- goods to source for raw materi- tion, Rotimi Amaechi has said als from international suppliers the outbreak of the COVID-19 thus disrupting the wholesale, pandemic stalled a lot of ac- retail and distribution opera- tivities and crumbled several L-R: Founder/CEO, RichLife Africa Project, Modestus Bernard; GM, RichLife tions chain and resulting in the Africa Project, Mr Promise Egbujor and Communications Manager, RichLife economies globally, stressing reduction of volume of goods that the transportation sector in distributed across the value Africa Project, Mr. Chris Okoro at the event particular, was one of the worst chain and increased inflation RichLife Africa Project Limited Project, a social enterprise hit as the sector was the greatest rate. vector of the disease. with a primary aim to identify societal challenges such as L-R: Chairman Covenant University Conference on E-government and E-Busi- He said therefore that the hunger, poverty and insecurity and then proffers solutions He said in a bid to curb theme of this event, “Impact the spread of the virus, the ness, Prof. Samuel Oni; Chairman, Governing Council, ACSC, Prof. Abdulganiyu has solicited for the intervention of President Muhammadu Sumaila; Director, Transport Planning and Coordination, Federal Ministry of of COVID-19 on Transportation Buhari to curb hunger in the land which has push a lot people transportation sector became System in Nigeria”, reflected straddled with restrictive safety Transportation, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ilori; Director General ACSC, Dr. Madu Obiora into various vices, which include kidnapping, ritual killing, the practical experiences trans- armed robbing and so on. measures aimed to preserve and Group Chairman GMC Logistics, Mazi Sunday Allison at the event port operators are encountering lives and properties, adding Speaking during the launch of its recent projects, “Students at this peculiar time in human Against Hunger Online Contest (SAH)” and “Drop That however, that Nigeria is gradu- that though Nigeria is gradu- Amaechi lamented further history. ally weathering the storm and ally winning the war against that the rail sub-sector was Gun (DTG)”, fashion label, designed to solve the problems Speaking at the event also, of insecurity, hunger and poverty in Nigeria, Chief Executive would totally overcome this the deadly virus, its impact on not left out in the scourge as the Director General, ACSC deadly pandemic with the the economy, particularly the it led to compulsory reduction Officer RichLife, Modestus Bernard, called for the intervention Council, Obiora Madu,said of President Muhammadu Buhari through the intervention aggressive approach of the transportation sector have been of passengers on the train there was a need for collabora- Presidential Task Force on damaging. which led to loss of revenue of relevant ministries and office of the Vice President, Prof tions amongst all stakeholders. Osinbajo to collaborate with the organisation for a successful COVID-19 and the doggedness “The road sub-sector which for the government while in “Any company that refuses of the health workers. is considered as the most preva- the maritime subsector, the ap- implementation of the projects. to collaborate will die. For “The escalating hunger and poverty in Nigeria has given Speaking during the public lent and extensively used mode plication and implementation instance, you run a fertilizer presentation of the 2019/2020 of transportation in Nigeria of various restrictions imposed rise to high criminal activities while sophisticated guns are company and transport fertil- now freely used like toys in the streets of Nigeria. Nigeria is edition of the “Nigerian Logis- encountered massive loss of by national and sub-sovereign izers to the North and the truck tics and Supply Chain Industry workforce as some transport authorities negatively affected gradually becoming a war zone. The citizens are living under returns empty. Collaboration the grip of fear of uncertainty and are running away for safety Report” during the 9th the Af- companies reduced their staff shipping and port operations means going to a company in rican Centre for Supply Chain strength to ameliorate the effect activities, as it became very and greener pasture”, Bernard lamented. the north and they have some- He said therefore that “At RichLife Africa, we feel obliged to (ACSC) Fellowship Investiture of the pandemic on operational challenging for stakeholders thing to send down to Lagos, and Induction ceremony, held cost. in the shipping industry to fulfil provide a solution that will not just provide food and economic the company can collaborate relief but also guarantee adequate security for all Nigerians.” in Lagos recently, Amaechi “The negative toll of the their contractual obligations. with another company here in who was represented by the sharp reduction in the global The minister noted that as Bernard said “Mr President, the current state of insecurity Lagos and they can both share is escalating and about to get out of hand, a case for sincere Director, Transport Planning demand for crude oil further the impact of COVID-19 spirals the profits. We just have to get and Coordination, Federal shrunk the economy and led across the Nigerian economy concern as Nigerians are being killed like animals on daily strategic, that is the only way”, basis”, stressing further that the Police, Army and every other Ministry of Transportation, to a hike in the cost of living”, while the supply chain industry Madu noted. Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ilori, stressed the minister noted. has also faced some associated security agency were overstretched and therefore can no longer secure Nigeria with guns. Bernard said therefore that RichLife Africa has taken time to study the problem facing Nigeria in the area of security, unity PwC Announces New Strategy: The New Equation and economy and have come up with workable solutions which it considers as the cheapest, easiest and efficient way PwC has unveiled The New It is believed that organisa- outcomes they promise. A new strategy, bringing together a to save Nigeria. Equation, PwC’s landmark tions increasingly need to earn approach is needed. passionate, diverse community global strategy which responds trust across a wide range of top- “The profound changes in to help organisations build to fundamental changes in the ics that are important to their the world mean that to succeed, trust and deliver sustained world, including technological stakeholders and that success organisations need to create a outcomes. Maison Martell Makes Davido disruption, climate change, depends on fundamental shifts virtuous circle between earning The model enables invest- fractured geopolitics, and in the way executives think, trust and delivering sustained ment at scale in the combination New Ambassador the continuing effects of the organisational culture, systems outcomes. By bringing our of capabilities that is essential to Maison Martell has an- COVID-19 pandemic. and ambition. unique combination of capa- delivering quality and impact nounced singer, songwriter The New Equation is based The second is to deliver sus- bilities together and matching for clients, stakeholders and and record producer, Davido on analysis of global trends and tained outcomes in an environ- it with serious investment and society. PwC firms will invest as its new “Standout Swift”. thousands of conversations ment where competition and our commitment to quality, US$12 billion over the next five He will become an interna- with clients and stakeholders. the risk of disruption are more we can help them do that. In years, creating over 100,000 net tional ambassador for the It builds on more than a decade intense than ever and societal doing so, we will help clients new jobs across PwC, as well Cognac House, with which of sustained revenue growth expectations have never been unlock value for sharehold- as continuing to develop the he shares a sense of freedom and continued investment. greater as businesses need to ers, stakeholders and wider skills of PwC’s partners and and audacity, as well as the The New Equation focuses on change faster and more thor- society”, Chairman of PwC, employees. will to pave the way for others two interconnected needs that oughly to attract capital, talent Bob Moritz, Global, said. PwC’s approach to building and create a legacy for future clients face in the coming years. and customers. PwC will help build trust and trust¸ Moritz said, is designed generations. The first is to build trust, which Too often, however, narrowly deliver sustained outcomes in to meet rising expectations of Over the past decade, has never been more important, conceived transformation that PwC’s multidisciplinary transparency and stakeholder Davido has raised the bar or more difficult. initiatives do not deliver the model is the foundation for the engagement. by shifting from the norm, Maison Martell Makes Davido New reaching milestones that have Ambassador brought the Naija music scene to international prominence. His roots in both the United States and Nigeria help to create a link for cultural tolerance amongst UK Prosperity Fund, AREAi Hold Stakeholders’ its fan base, making him particularly influential among the emerging leaders who are shaping the future. Roundtable to Promote Digital Equity For Martell, a “Standout Swift” is someone who challenges convention and opens the way for others and Davido certainly Fostering digital equity in schools. has that power. rural communities requires At the end of the event, over Speaking, CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët, César Giron, putting systems and structures 10,000 copies of output mate- said, “Davido and Martell are above all the story of an encounter. in place to strengthen the ability rials including the Learning Davido is fired by the same creative energy as Martell. His of communities to understand, Manual for Students, Access songs are a way for him to express his unique talent and his know how to use and drive Toolkit for Teachers and School bold personality and – above and beyond that – to speak for technology and its outcomes Leaders and Policy Guide for his generation.” to solve local problems and Education Administrators Davido launched his own production company DMW support local innovation. were distributed to the event (Davido Music World) to inspire creativity by paving the way Therefore, it has become per- attendees as well as to the for talented young musicians. Like Martell, he is creating a tinent, especially on this path beneficiary states. legacy that starts – but does not end – with him. to the new normal for the focus Speaking on the essence Speaking on his new responsibility, Davido said, “I am to be on digital equity, which Participants at the AREAi event of the event, Chief Executive proud to go on this incredible adventure with Martell, as I will include prioritising public Director, AREAi, Prince Gideon know we are pursuing the same goal: opening the way for infrastructure investments, Regional Education Digital Eq- wealth and Development Office Olanrewaju, stressed the need others, each within our own creative field. We share the same public-private partnerships, uity Workshops organised by under the Prosperity Fund’s to leverage the contributions idea that we rise by lifting others. Through my songs, I want deep community engagement Aid for Rural Education Access Digital Access Programme. of all stakeholders to bridge to show the new generation that anything is possible. That’s and multi stakeholders consul- Initiative (AREAi). The regional roundtable the gap in education digital what I love about Martell’s history and expertise: the capacity tations which are significantly The initiative was part of events, held in four states equity in rural communities to continually reinvent tradition.” pivotal towards deploying the activities to end months of com- including Kwara, Kano, Ad- and remote schools across “For Pernod Ricard Nigeria, the collaboration with Davido right processes and policies to munity surveys, stakeholders’ amawa and Ebonyi states, the six geopolitical zones in represents a major step that will contribute to further raising optimise the use of technology consultations and grassroots provided the opportunity Nigeria. The organisation the profile of contemporary Nigerian culture and bringing it for educational purposes, even engagement and information to facilitate exchange of new also announced the launch to a worldwide audience,” the Managing Director of Pernod in the most remote communi- materials development within understanding on strategies of a series of initiatives which Ricard Nigeria, Sola Oke said. ties. the Education Digital Equity and solutions to the challenges includes STEM training for girls The new Martell Blue Swift campaign featuring Davido This and many more were Initiative funded by the United of education digital equity in and a digital skills training for will be unveiled later this year. the highlights of the series of Kingdom’s Foreign, Common- rural communities and remote teachers. 30 THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ

MUSIC SHOWBIZ E-TRENDS …Your weekly entertainment delight NOLLYWOOD The Voice: The Battle is Over. Meet the Finalists They came, they fought with their vocals and Nigeria. She wowed the coaches at the blind auditions now, are ready to conquer the grandest stage in and pitched her tent with Falz. Her vocals sailed music reality TV shows. her through to the battles where she and Tamara The race to the grand finale of The Voice Nigeria’s gave one of the most memorable performances. third season took another hue last week after Kitay, She started singing at age nine and uses music to Anu, KPee and Esther were saved by their coaches relax. Naomi Mac is an extrovert and will always to advance to the live shows. They join Dapo, be caught wearing heels over sneakers. Inioluwa, Eazzie and Naomi Mac for the live Dapo: Initially on Darey’s team, Dapo joined shows where the eventual winner will be crowned. Falz’s team during the Knockouts round. At the But, four of the talents evicted also stand a Battles, Dapo defeated Peace in their performance chance to return to the love shows if saved by of Beyoncé’s ‘Already’ featuring Shatta Wale and the viewers. Major Lazer. Dapo started singing at 23 and his The Voice Nigeria introduced a new element in first music concert experience was The Experience. the show that allows viewers to save their favourite talent to earn a spot at the live show. They can do KPee: From the blind auditions, KPee displayed so by visiting the show’s website where voting his creativity. He gave a melodious twist to Kizz instructions are detailed. Voting for last week’s Daniel’s ‘Sofa’. Picking Falz as his coach, KPee would performance will end today. later join team Darey at the Knockouts round. For For the moment, a brief history of the finalists’ the Battles, the 20-year-old gave an entertaining journey so far and some fun facts about them. The Voice Nigeria S3 finalists performance while fighting vocally with Rachel as they sang D’banj’s ‘Oliver Twist’. KPee would Kitay: Kitay was the last person to win a spot Knockouts round. Anu started singing at the age surprisingly, Waje picked her over Teslim. At the have been a football player if he wasn’t singing. in The Voice Nigeria. By the time he performed, of 12 and recognises Beyoncé as the best artiste Battles, Waje favoured her again over Nuel Ayo The first concert he attended was Sound Sultan the other coaches had filled their teams except in the world while Wole Oni is her best music after their performance of Ed Sheeran’s’ Perfect’. Carnival. His favourite music producer is Sarz for Yemi Alade. He was also the last performer producer. An introvert, Anu’s vocal power was Eazzie described herself as an extrovert and if she and when tense, he writes music to relax. One for his team during the Knockouts round. His greatly admired when she performed ‘God is a wasn’t singing, she would probably be dancing. thing to know about him is that he’s a vibe, and favourite colour is black and he spends more time Woman’ in the Knockouts round. However, her that is clearly seen each time he picks up the mic. on Instagram than any other social media platform. memorable performance yet the show would Inioluwa: The Afro-soul singer got Falz and Born Okiemute Okotete, the talent revealed he probably be the Battles where she and Toeseen Waje turning for him at the blind auditions, but Esther: From the blind auditions, Esther showed loved singing because he loves music and can’t gave an emotional rendition of Rihanna’s ‘Stay’ chose Waje. He got an automatic ticket to the Battles her vocal prowess, getting four chair turns with do without a necklace. He is also a sneaker boy. featuring Mikky Ekko. where he edged out Ayomikun. Inioluwa is a lover her performance of ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day. She Kitay edged out Vanilla in the Battles to claim a Eazzie: Born Elizabeth Osesiameh, the 24-year-old at heart and expresses this through his music, and was among the talents who got automatic tickets spot in the live shows. singer has been a favourite of coach Waje. She rings are one of his fashion obsessions. to the Battles on Darey’s team. At the battles, she stole her heart in the blind auditions with her outshone Jeremiah in their performance of Teni’s Anu: During the blind auditions, Anu got three performance of ‘Love on the Train’ by Rihanna. Naomi Mac: The fashion designer and singer is ‘Uyo Meyo’. Fun facts about her include her love for chair turns but eventually picked Waje as her coach. Full of nerves during the Knockouts round, many not a stranger to music competition shows but is sneakers and the Holy Spirit is the most important However, Yemi Alade would steal her during the thought that she would be out of the show, but perhaps shining her best on the stage of The Voice person in her life. Del-York International Lands Partnership with US Conglomerate Following its recent partnership Africa,” said Huffine. syndicate providing world-class We believe that this collaboration with the Lagos State government The US conglomerate is a innovation in technology, mass will, in no small measure, acceler- to train youths in the art and group of cultural interpreters communication, education, ate the development of project business of filmmaking through and pioneers that employ the and sustainable energy while opportunities across key sectors its film academy, Del-York Group most modern technologies to also facilitating market entry that are critical to Nigeria and has sealed another deal with an transform the natural resources for companies and institutions Africa’s development,” added international conglomerate Huffine of nations into sustainable health around the world interested in Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del-York. Global Solutions (HGS). The an- and prosperity for their people doing business in Africa. In the The partnership will see nouncement was made recently and supports US-based businesses film industry, its academy is HGS and Del-York working by HGS’ Chief Executive Officer, that wish to increase the scope of among the highest-rated in the together to conceptualise and Edwin Huffine. their activities and international country. “We are excited about the execute projects in Nigeria and “HGS is looking forward to sales. Its projects have so far possibilities that this partnership across Africa, building on the partnering on projects with Del- yielded success in 21 nations brings to the vast majority on the strength of both companies in York that strengthen the growing on six different continents. African continent, and our partners fostering excellence and promoting commercial and trade relations Del-York Group, on the with whom we share this common sustainable and environmentally between the United States and other hand, is known as a global HCG CEO Huffine and Idahosa of Del-York Group vision of sustainable prosperity. friendly development. First Bank Takes Ayinla to the Big Screen Ibejii is Back with ‘Gonto’

Priding itself as a custodian of select personalities at the screen- Nigerian arts and culture, First ing recently at EbonyLife Place Bank of Nigeria collaborates in Lagos. He continued: “Over with filmmakers Tunde Kelani time, we have been involved and Jadesola Osiberu to resurrect in the sponsorship of several the life and times of the legendary socio-economic initiatives in the singer Ayinla ‘Omowura’ Waheed creative arts industry. The bank’s Yusuf in the full-length feature film sponsorship of ‘Ayinla’ affirms its ‘Ayinla’ that debuts in cinemas support for the development of today. arts under our First@arts initiative. The film, which arrives 41 years We believe that our culture and Mr Macaroni, Adeduntan and Lateef at Ayinla movie Ibeji after his demise and captures art are essential parts of who we Ayinla in his prime, highlights ego, and ambitions of all parties Set in Abeokuta in the mid-70s, are and should not perish. That The mysterious afro-soul artiste thinker and romantic, Ibejii his contributions to amplifying the involved, thus revealing the fragile it is a time capsule that offers is what this movie emphasises a Ibejii recently released a new single relays ‘Gonto’ as a victory of apala genre into the mainstream bond between him and manager a panoramic view of the social lot.” Rendered solely in Yoruba ‘Gonto’. tiny masquerades in the face of in the ‘70s across the South-west. Bayewumi (Debo Adebayo, aka setting of the Egba people in vernacular, it retains authenticity The track is an afro-orchestral a selfish big masquerade that The plot’s timeline kicks Mr Macaroni). Abeokuta, Ogun State. The rich through language. anthem that takes the listener will not let other voices rise. It off after he visits Mecca on a Beyond the tour, the plot culture of the people manifests ‘Ayinla’ vividly showcases on a journey of the insensitiv- is his celebration of the ultimate holy pilgrimage (1975). As it introduces the audience to a through fashion, lifestyle, food, Ayinla in his most proper form to ity of the powerful in society victory of ordinary people over progresses, the beginning to his character who finds pleasure in the music, and architecture. a new generation. The film starts while daring a new generation those who oppress and silence us. end surfaces – a tour to perform company of beautiful women, a “We are very proud to be the new conversations around the of believers whose defeat The song is coming off his yet in London. What would have competitive musician who thrives sponsor of ‘Ayinla’ the movie, singer, opening doors to creatives of fear makes confrontation to unannounced fifth project. His been a milestone in his career on feuds, and an extrovert who MD/CEO FirstBank, Adesola to draw influence from his work, inevitable. last body of work was the nine- turned around to feed the greed, is quick to express his emotions. Adeduntan said to a crowd of thus extending his legacy. A reputed storyteller, poet, track ‘Ilu Ilu’, released last year. THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ ͱͯ  Online Entrepreneurship a Plus for Nigeria’s Economy, Says Bricks to Cribs CEO Olawale Ajimotokan in ployed. is different. Hence, with a including real estate, ag- Abuja He further implored the new age comes a new way riculture, entertainment, government to consider such of doing things. He stressed logistics, finance, and a few As many economies of new age ventures, create more that the internet has taken other industries. the world are gradually opportunities for people to over, and it is only right that With an aim to create a recuperating from the ef- learn, and enact policies that they exploit opportunities stable market that offers fect of COVID-19, the would aid people to give that it offers them. high-quality and reliable CEO and GMD of Bricks room for more entrepreneurs “The world is now con- services and products, he to Cribs & Bar, Akarah to emerge. nected globally, giving you enthused, “Our main goal is Ebenezer Ulochukwu has As the founder of the Royal access to the other parts to be a pathway to financial urged the nation to embrace Niger Green Farms founda- of the continents in just a freedom in Africa”. online entrepreneurship to tion, Akarah, described click,” continuing that this Its group of companies in- boost the nation’s economy. online entrepreneurship globalisation is one of the clude BTCBARS, a real estate He made this call during as every other kind of main ingredients in this sort firm; Afri D Ltd, a courier a virtual interview with business opportunity. of entrepreneurship. “You and logistics company; ZL journalists in Lagos. “It is time-taking, risky, can buy, sell, trade, discuss, Empire Ltd, the entertain- “Online entrepreneurship requires dedication and and sign deals almost im- ment arm of the group; will definitely be a plus to hard work. It is definitely mediately.” Afri Festival Ltd, African Nigeria’s economy. This is not a get-rich quick scheme In a swift switch, he shared Financial Revolutionary because everyone can do Akarah Ebenezer Ulochukwu as some people have been an insight into BTCBARS, Innovators (AFRI); and it. It is not secluded to the made to believe,” he empha- which is a group of com- Royal Niger Green Farms, elites or the enlightened He said if this path is for the nation and ensure sised. panies invested in making an agricultural investment anymore,” he emphasised. towed, it would be a relief that so many youths em- For the CEO, today’s world impacts in various sectors firm. TIWI Launches TEN for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment Yinka Olatunbosun line. Still, unemployment and less privileged. children back to school over the underemployment are on the As part of his interest in solv- next ten years. TEN provides In Lagos, a world-class plat- increase. ing problems, Wealth started skill-sharpening training to its form for charity and humanitar- In his introductory speech an initiative called The Isaiah beneficiaries and thereafter pro- ian services, The Isaiah Wealth at the launch of TEN, Wealth Wealth Initiative (TIWI) in vide the first phase of financial Initiative (TIWI) in partnership shed more light on this with 2012 to render top notch and empowerment. Beneficiaries with Joint Church Action (JCA) reference to available statistics. cutting-edge humanitarian are monitored closely by volun- and LIFTED recently launched “According to a 2010 services through interventions teers to ensure that they utilize a strong body called The Em- Harmonised Nigeria Living in the areas of health, educa- the grant as intended and also powerment Network (TEN) to Standard Survey (HNLSS), 70.3 tion, human empowerment, make compulsory savings tackle poverty and empower per cent of Nigerian children amongst others. TIWI boasts of before qualifying for the next less privileged youths. lived in poverty while 23.2 per 15 specialised NGOs catering round of empowerment. TIWI was founded by Dr. cent lived in extreme poverty. for specific needs of the less- TEN is currently providing Isaiah Wealth and his wife, “Despite a national mandate privileged in the society. these services to the unem- Liana to fast-track the opera- for compulsory education, a Hence, there is a dire need to ployed in Nigeria targeting tion of 14 non-governmental survey conducted by the provide a working programme all 774 local governments in organisations (NGOs) for the United Nations Children’s that has education of the future Nigeria with a minimum of needs of women, children and Fund (UNICEF) indicates generation integrated to it, as one empowerment centre in Dr. Isaiah Wealth the vulnerable in the society. that the population of out of many Nigerians slip deeper each local government. Iroro Onoriode (Edo); Destiny “We are using this opportu- Thus, TEN is a project that school children in Nigeria into poverty. With the first phase, each of Felix (Abia) who is an orphan nity to call on all well-meaning is born out of TIWI’s concern has risen from 10.5million to That prompted LIFTED, an the beneficiaries gets N20,000 with four siblings; Goodness Nigerians, corporate bodies, for the harsh social reality in 13.2million,’’ he said. arm of TIWI to bring special each while undergoing the test Patrick (Niger) who has five NGOs and charity organisa- Nigeria. Although Nigeria is The problem of poverty in initiatives to help in combat- of business viability and sav- dependents; Richard Yongube tions to consider partnering Africa’s biggest oil exporter Nigeria is a recurring subject ing poverty in Nigeria. One of ings. Afterwards, they stand (Abuja) with a monthly income with us towards the actualiza- with the largest natural gas of concern by public analysts them is The Empowerment the chance of receiving N30,000 of N7000 as well as Tracy Im- tion of these first of its kind pov- reserves on the continent, it and well-meaning Nigerians. Network (TEN) is a poverty each at the second phase of the ishaka (Lagos). erty alleviation programmes,’’ is reported by the National While some have blamed the alleviation and empower- empowerment programme. One of the lead collaborators she said. The students of the Bureau of Statistics in 2019 to government for its inaction, ment initiative structured to The first five beneficiaries in the TEN Project, Freda Utake Bethesda School for the Blind have 83 million people living others point accusing fingers lift 40 million Nigerians out of include an unemployed called for public support on this added colour to the event with in below the nation’s poverty at the church for milking the poverty and return 16 million polytechnic graduate, Annabel humanitarian cause. music, dance and electrifying How Winners Emerged at the Fanice GetInThe Mix Dance Challenge Moreplex TV Introduces Lease Option Mary Nnah get the dish and LND at N4, 500 instead Fanice, one of the ice-cream brands of N6, 000”, he noted. under FanMilk Nigeria Limited, has In its bid to further demystify the pay “Our decoder is a free to air sports rewarded 10 lucky winners of the tv industry and to make it’s TV decoder dedicated channel named Top Sports #GetInTheMixDanceChallenge com- available in every home, Moreplex TV, the sports TV is bringing top petition which concluded recently TV has come up with Lease Option matches into Nigeria homes, it has via their Instagram page. as it also embarks on a promo which started broadcasting live matches The challenge kicked off on commenced from June 15, 2021. of Brazilian Championship Serie A #WorldDanceDay Thursday, The Lease Option package enables since May 29 and it will continue April 29, 2021 and ran for five customers to get a Moreplex TV de- to broadcast live Euro 2020 tourna- weeks till Sunday, June 6, 2021. coder with N1, 000 nonrefundable fee ment till July 11 when the tournament Ten winners were selected on a and start paying installments for the comes to an end”, he added. weekly basis for the duration of decoder over a period of 16 months Okorocha said the company is the competition with a winner and at N1, 000 per month. also extending the promo to all runner up announced each week According to the Chief Executive its plans. and rewarded with cash prizes of Israel, Ogbu Jennifer and Victor that emerged from the #getinthe- Officer of Moreplex TV, John Okorocha, “Our JARA plan has promo price N100,000 and N50,000 respectively. Dennis. mixdancechallenge displayed “Moreplex TV is for us in Nigeria and of N1,000 per month, N300 per Participants of the challenge According to a statement by the competitive energy levels, passion it must be available for every Nigerian week, N100 per day and N8,800 were asked to reproduce a dance brand manager, the #GetInTheMix- and dance skills which yielded in that’s why we are coming up with per year; KORECT plan has promo routine by @ggbdanccrew while DanceChallenge competition was their selection for voting and them different customer friendly promo that price of N2,450 per month, N750 per playing the themed tune in the set up by Fanice with the objective eventually winning for each week. enable our brand of pay TV decoder week, N300 per day and N26,950 per background. of bringing Nigerians together, cel- Some winners when asked what gets to every home”, he said year; AREA has N2,700 per month, The cash prize winners are: Ko- ebrating happiness through dance they will do with their winnings said “Aside the Lease Option, there is a 50 N750 per week, N300 per day and lawole Kolade, Markus Blessing, and exciting the dance community they will use it to further their tertiary per cent discount on instant purchase N26,950 per year and FLEX has Chidubem Goodluck, Tiamiyu across the country. education while some said they of our decoder, instead of N16, 000, promo price of N3,450 per month, Babatunde, Yinoluwa Ajiboye, Cyril They also added that Fanice are would invest it in self-development customers pay N8, 000 and go home N950 per week, N500 per day and Oscar, Igbinoba Priscilla, Adekolu proud to say that every winner and their content creation careers. with the decoder. Also the customers N37,950 per year”, he added. 32 THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ

ART WEEKEND…For pure art enthusiasts Broadening Perspectives on Nigeria with Sanusi’s New Book The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is undoubtedly one of the most respectable intellectuals from Nigeria whose new book, ‘For The Good of The Nation: Essays and Perspectives’ is a potential catalyst for creative arguments, says Yinka Olatunbosun

his is not a kind of book caused deep-seated rivalry between ensure the triumph of good over evil. the Northern and Southern Nige- While making a case for Shari’ah you want to read in a ria whilst the nation was heading law, he posits that the law creates an hurry. Although the towards restoring democratic rule. environment that is conducive to all prints are very legible, The elections were held and Presi- Muslims who wish to live according the worldview that dent Olusegun Obasanjo became to their faith to do so without tempta- createdT every article is a potpourri the President. It was during this tion, distraction or trepidation. He of Islamic ideology, western phi- period that Sani Yerima declared full cited several examples to buttress implementation of Shariah in Zamfara this point of view which is quite losophy, global politics and other state which sparked heated debate in unpopular in the Southern part of cultural leanings that manage to the polity. That action largely accounts Nigeria. For him, it is only criminals defy a category. Surprisingly tilted to why many Southerners believe who should live in fear of the law not towards being a near-academic that Northerners are to blame to the law-abiding citizens. Other argu- writing, with credit to his two-year regressive laws that govern certain ments against the law includes the stint as a graduate assistant at the parts of the country. allegation that it infringes on the Department of Economics, Ahmadu What Sanusi did was to compile rights of others. That is why most all his publications of this period, of the arguments raised in the book Bello University, Sanusi’s book is albeit his views have evolved between are subject to dialogue and debate to multi-dimensional in its analysis then and now. Certainly, his views broaden perspectives on both sides of issues. It’s also safe to say that on Islamic facts will be a constant of the discourse. the concern of the writer seems to because he wrote passionately and It is critical to note too that Sanusi be targeted at making the reader from a place of sound knowledge of explores the impact of Marxist phi- develop an open mind towards the Quran which also hinges on his losophy on Islam citing the example study of Islamic jurisprudence. In of Ali Shari’ahti. He regarded it as understanding certain fundamental the book, he examines the negative a progressive ideology aimed at truths about the Nigerian state and stereotypes and misrepresentation of not just imposing morals and laws how religion plays a very instru- the Islamic North while exploring the but actualizing Islam’s objective of mental role in the scheme of things. possibilities of mutual understanding establishing justice and equity in A critical reader of the book may between the group and the Christian human relationships. However, his have been given a soft landing with South. position on feminism is not very clear its introduction written by the patri- Sanusi believes that the tragedy but he acknowledged that many na- otic Nigerian-Canadian Professor, of Nigeria lies in its lack of national- tions had prospered under female writer and satirist, Pius Adesanmi ist and visionary leadership. He leadership. His love for humanity who wrote his contribution before maintained that no nation can be is unmistakable throughout his his death in 2019. The foreword, built on the platform of inequity, writings as he repeatedly made written by one of the most contro- intolerance and selfishness. For reference to poverty, oppression versial figures in Nigerian politics, him, the murky waters of politics and the general welfare of the Nasir El-Rufai is a foregleam of the Book Cover in Nigeria cannot be cleansed by people- the latter he considers as framework within which the writer were originally published in Weekly ment in Nigeria’s political history. only self-righteous indignation but sacrosanct if any law in Nigeria will created each piece-some of which Trust around a very turbulent mo- The annulment of June 12 elections by active involvement in politics to serve its purpose. Master Composer and ‘Evening of Classics’ Sets Elizabeth Chioma Ekpetorson’s Guitarist, Femi Sofela Plans Ikoyi Club Aglow Second Solo Exhibition, Hits

Another Homecoming Yinka Olatunbosun Lagos Tomorrow

Lagosians are set for be- Yinka Olatunbosun dazzling moments as music maestro, Lanre Delano, CEO, One of Nigeria’s contem- CHOPiN, Church Organ porary artists, Elizabeth Projects in Nigeria, and the Chioma Ekpetorson is set prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 for a solo exhibition tomor- have concluded plans for an row Saturday June 19 at the ongoing show called Evening Olu Jacobs National Museum, Onikan, of Classics. Lagos. The exhibition which The maiden edition held on ‘Desiring’ by Biodun Falode on runs till June 25 is titled ‘Dif- Sunday June 6, 2021 had set the organ and Biodun Adebiyi- ferent Shades of Being.’ The Femi Sofela and the Inrhythms Band the tone for the July edition Batik on the trumpet. show is Ekpetorson’s second “The problem with touring to be held at The Rotunda, Their set moved the EoC solo exhibition and it is organ- Yinka Olatunbosun Ikoyi Club. The inaugural EoC along at its exciting pace which is the cost,’’ he said in a short ised by Affordable Art Online, One of the works at the televised interview. “You have began with an organ recital was sustained by the artistic the promoters of the Annual exhibition The Nigerian-born Brit- of Amazing Grace by Victor director, Angela Loks. A goose- Ibadan Art fair. to make sure that you recoup thinking and of living. ish musician and producer, the money. Festivals usually Asaolu, with a befitting kick pimple moment it was with Ekpetorson, also known as Femi Sofela is set for another start from the Entertainment a vocal solo by the beautiful Eleez, is a non-binary artist “What I do isn’t an integral cost a lot of money. It takes a aspect, or a percentage, rather homecoming to record his new lot of planning.’’ Chairman Bolaji Martins. and charismatic soprano Lady from Nigeria. Born in April album in Lagos and hit the Ademola Mumuney, Chair- Ifunanya belted ‘Climb Every 1991, she holds her BA in Fine it is me in entirety. It is safe to His taste in music is widely say it does not start at one point stage at Nigeria’s longest music accepted in the western world man, Ikoyi Club, in his opening Mountain’ from the popular Art and Design from the Uni- festival, Felabration 2021. The speech, said, “This Evening of musical movie, ‘Sound of versity of Port-Harcourt, Rivers to end at another, but present especially in the Europe. After in all facets. My experiences in multi-instrumentalist with a a successful outing in Europe, Classics is part of what we felt Music,’ and ‘You’ll Never state. After her Internship at special affinity for bass guitar is we should bring up so that ev- Walk Alone,’ the Liverpool the Universal Studios of Art, life inform my artistic practice he decided to bring the music in the same way the art in itself the in-house music director for flavour back to its roots. ery Ikoyi Club member enjoys Football Club anthem. Lagos, Nigeria, the Lagos- Joyful Noise Productions and their membership. There are a John Eclou delivered a near based artist embarked on an continues to have tremendous “My music is a combina- influence over my existence. In had produced two albums. In tion of Yoruba and English great deal of innovations we flawless My Way by Frank independent studio practice. 2012, he formed his band ‘Femi have for you, entertainment- Sinatra and O Sole Mio. In- She has participated in various rendering my compositions, I language so that everyone can employ human forms as muse, and the Inrhythms’ which is flow with it,’’ he said. Produced wise. We want to step things between Ifunanya and Eclou’s art exhibitions in Nigeria and an afro-funk embellished with up a little bit higher and try to solos, there was a medley of abroad. thereby harnessing my feel- by Joyful Noise Records, the ings, conjuring memories and African traditional jazz. international Afro-fusion night bring back what used to hap- three classical hymns by Batik In creating the works for Sofela had his first home- pen such that even if it’s not the and Falode including the ever- ‘Different Shades of Being’, putting a stamp on the feeling also featured Ace Trombonist resident in my work. coming recently in April when Femi Slide, Adunni Nefertiti same, it’ll be very close to it.” green, ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.’ the artist who was coping he returned to Nigeria for the He also acknowledged the A saxophone solo of the smash with depression created the “In the past, I have encircled & DJ Raymond Brown. my works within an impres- international Afro-fusion night Though he is master guitar- presence of Nollywood icon, hit, Duduke by Simi prepared works as a diary of how she alongside friends and other Olu Jacobs, and Ex-Deputy the way for the artistic direc- felt, manifesting in the series sionist – cubist root, right ist, he started out with drums. now, all art movement labels music contemporaries. The As early as age 16, he had his Governor, Lagos State, Femi tor, Loks to also perform with ‘duality of nature’ and ‘two show which was performed at Pedro. Delano introducing her as a seasons’. With this exhibition, are stripped off. The motive first band. In his later years, is to not be boxed up within the Freedom Park in Lagos was he explored funk, jazz, fu- Taking back the microphone, worthy soprano. Living up the artist preaches acceptance an introduction of the familiar Delano expressed his pleasure to the billing, she delivered a of each individual’s unique an identity that does nothing sion and afro-beat. His music but inhibit artistic possibilities. yet new music to the Nigerian stature had since burgeoned at the EoC which he labeled as captivating rendition of ‘I Feel nature and being because as audience who were witnessing music for matured minds and Pretty’ which was followed by humans we are blessed with For a spontaneous practice as into a great music export from mine, it has proven to be not his first tour in the country. Nigeria. then introduced the first official the beautiful duet ‘Time to variety and different ways of performance, Jesu Joy of Man’s say Goodbye’ performed by just a box, but a cage. “ THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 33 
Lanre Jaiyeola: Passionate about Creating Growth of Sustainable Value for Stakeholders For the Managing Director of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, who is passionate about creating growth of sustainable value for stakeholders, he has also been able to build, sustain and improve the tradition of success as MD. Among many factors that set Honeywell on the path of success, Jaiyeola in this interview revealed that by future-proofing the capital value of the business, it will ensure transfer of responsibility, ownership of key business processes and knowledge to the next generation of leadership. Chiamaka Ozulumba brings excerpts:

ongratulations on the food items to their Emergency Food Response success recorded by programmes and COVID-19 relief packages. the company - N109.5 In addition to all this, our Sagamu factory, billion in revenue for in Ogun State now directly employs about the 2021 financial 450 people with an additional 1,000 indirectly year, a 36 per cent engaged in and around the community. increase from the pre- vious year - how was What are your expectations for Honey- this feat achieved despite the pandemic well Flour Mills over the next few years? andC other issues? In the medium term, we are pursuing cat- Thank you very much. It was indeed a tough egory expansion plans based on commercialisa- year affecting people’s health and the national tion of locally available raw materials for food economy significantly. Our thoughts go out production. We have identified 5 scalable food to all those that have been impacted by the categories that will be developed over the next pandemic. 10 years. These categories have both consumer As a major food manufacturer in a critical and industrial food processing applications industry, we were convinced that once our and provide us with potential for export. people are safe and motivated, the business In the longer term, our goal is to be a highly would be able to overcome any challenges that valued foods business with a diverse portfolio the pandemic brought. We implemented a wide of brands and products, and we are determined range of protocols across all our manufacturing to be at the forefront of the carbohydrate food locations to prevent the occurrence and spread industry providing affordable foods to a fast- of the virus and thankfully, we did not have growing population. to shut down any of our locations due to the Strategic opportunity exists for the develop- outbreak. ment and commercialisation of modern formats The peculiarity of the period enabled us of indigenous carbohydrates. We have already to deepen our customer relationships which commenced the development of an exciting enhanced our ability to sell and offer competi- opportunity in the indigenous tubers category tive trade terms. We pioneered new ways of that will significantly broaden our business selling and developed relationships with base and serve as a source to generate forex new customers all over the country across through export to diaspora consumers. the traditional and modern trades. This and many other strategic initiatives Do you have any advice for young implemented led to a high single digit volume entrepreneurs in the Nigerian business growth year-on-year. Our B2C category com- landscape? prising Ball Foods [Semolina, Wheat Meal], My advice to entrepreneurs and busi- Pasta and Noodles delivered a strong perfor- ness leaders in Nigeria is to always put the mance on the back of 40 per cent-plus growth customer first. in Pasta and over 20 per cent growth in the Ball Based on identified customer’s needs, Foods category. The Pasta performance was they can then fashion out how efficiently driven by increased capacity at the Sagamu to meet those needs. This is what gives Pasta factory. Jaiyeola them competitive advantage in the market. I would particularly like to acknowledge the In addition, leaders and their teams support of our people, our business partners We remain committed to ensuring the sup- by 36 per cent, while operating profit grew must be guided by a clear strategy that is and our customers. Without their commitment, ply of high quality and affordable nutritious by 39 per cent. This success is attributable to well communicated, a common purpose resilience and contributions, we would not staple food products to all Nigerians across clear focus, teamwork, improved production while pursuing corporate goals, and strong have achieved meaningful results during the the country. capabilities, improved operational efficiencies organization culture. Historically, this period. I am extremely proud to have led the We will continue to innovate and renovate and cost optimisation. is what we have always been about at team during these challenging times. our products so that they meet and exceed our We will continue to focus on our competitive Honeywell, and it has served us well customers’ expectations and increase market advantage and improve our product offerings through the decades. What are the factors you considered share. We will also leverage our expertise in in order to exceed our customers’ expectations, to set Honeywell on this path of success? research and development to introduce to the while increasing market share, and delivering Leading a successful company We worked collaboratively towards the market healthier products, tailored to consum- value to our shareholders. like Honeywell Flour Mills Plc can execution of our corporate goals and were ers’ tastes, nutritional needs and spending be demanding. How have you been guided by a clear strategy that was effectively power. One of such products is the Spaghetti What are some of the company’s laudable able to build, sustain and improve the communicated across business functions. A Mini, a high-quality single serve product at projects, especially CSR-focused projects tradition of success as the Managing clear understanding of our strengths relative an affordable price point which we have just that have impacted local communities? Director? to the competition and how to maximise them recently launched. At Honeywell, we are passionate about creat- I have been working with Honeywell was another key success factor. ing and enabling the growth of sustainable for close to three decades, and in that We benefit from a highly skilled and engaged What were the major challenges the value for all our stakeholders. Our sustainability period, I have learnt that the quality of workforce, who range from people with years company experienced, and how are you agenda has two broad objectives – creating our people is the true secret of our busi- of experience to young, dynamic talents with tackling them for another successful a positive impact as a responsible corporate ness success. Therefore, we continue to make fresh ideas. Our investments in organic growth financial year ? citizen, while minimizing the adverse effects of deliberate investments in people development and expansion were also central in meeting the In the period under review, we faced chal- business operations on the environment. This and organizational resourcing through the pro- expectations of our growing customer base. lenges with forex, high prices of manufacturing agenda thus encompasses both Sustainability cess of retaining, developing, optimizing and Our capability to measure market trends inputs and COVID-induced disruptions in and Corporate Social responsibility initiatives properly engaging our 2,000-plus workforce. and collate customer and consumer insights global trade which affected the sourcing of raw and is anchored on three pillars: Health & Safety, We are focused on retaining high performing enabled us to respond with speed to rapid and packaging materials. All this contributed Education, and the Environment. employees, promoting employee engagement changes occasioned by the pandemic. Lastly, to an increased cost of sales which grew by 41 Our agenda also aligns with the United and satisfaction levels, and ensuring the develop- our investment in digital transformation helped per cent compared to the previous financial Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals of ment of employee capabilities and skills to drive us to become data-powered, thus enhancing year, against a 36 per cent revenue increase Zero hunger, Good health and well-being, achievement of our business goals. our insights, speed and execution. over the same period. This implies that the Quality education and Decent work and We will remain successful by future-proofing company did not fully pass on the increase economic growth. the capital value of the business by ensuring From a consumer perspective, what in costs to consumers, instead we looked at In the heat of the global pandemic, Honeywell transfer of responsibility, ownership of key should be expected from Honeywell Flour alternative ways to shoulder the burden. partnered with both the CaCOVID initiative and business processes and knowledge to the next Mills in the rest of 2021? Despite these challenges, our revenue grew a number of State governments by providing generation of leadership. 34 THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ

METRO …Your city life in print Gbenga Adesina: I Can’t Remember Taking Loan to Run My Business Since I Started 30years Ago’ The publisher of Distinguished Nigerian Magazine and a former Political Editor of Daily Times Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adesina, in this interview with Adedayo Akinwale bears his mind on a wide range of issues. Excerpts:

Nigeria is going, crime-wise, the pace is too ell us a briefly about high. We want a reduction, if we cannot have yourself zero tolerance of peace, it should be low because My name is Gbenga Tayo the average Nigerian now is not safe. Adesina. I’m a graduate There is a political angle to it. Some are argu- of political science from ing that it is politically motivated. Politically Ahmadu Bello University, motivated or otherwise, Mr. President should Zaria. I graduated in 1986, please find a solution to this problem because and served 87. After that, I I believe he still has a lot of support. did my lineage correspondent with the old DailyT Times which I rose to Senior Political One of the campaign promises of the correspondent then and eventually political present administration is to fight corruption editor. I was there until I resigned voluntarily to a stand still, how would you rate the to set up my Public Relations firm called Omo- anti-corruption war of its government? ronike Ventures Limited. That name may sound As I said earlier, the President started very interesting to you, it is the name of my late well fighting corruption and facing the security mother. I set it up to immortalise her name. challenges. But mid way maybe because of the Essentially my outfit is into Public Relations, handlers of this corruption war, he had a crisis. printing and motor dealerships. Check the case of Magu (Ibrahim). Magu started I was doing that until I got invited into the very well, you could see the way he ended up. Presidential Villa to join the presidential crew Though investigation is still on, but the fact under President Olusegun Obasanjo. I was there that he was removed in that manner, to me, for about five years, I left again and I established goes to show that there must have been some my magazine called Distinguished Nigerian skeletons. So what we are saying is, the President, Magazine, it is an international quarterly I think he might have meant well in fighting magazine. Then, after 10 years, I also set up a this corruption war based on his own style and sister newspaper called Distinguished Nigerian personality which you can visualise. Buhari is Newspaper, in short DN News. not corrupt, he is a very simple President, he is Adesina not amassing wealth. But it is like his aides, his What informed this publication? taking any loan since I started my business over people say it is politicians, some people say it is foot soldiers, they are not as good as he is. What Before we started the publication, I started 30 years ago. I don’t take loans because I’m not even his fault that we should go down to the we are saying is that the check, the feedback is the Distinguished Nigerian Journalist’ award. scared of loans. What I do is that I do business grassroot, the local government and States. But not well done. Because If the feedback is well I had it about four or five times. So, that that maybe reinvent itself. When I started the the argument of this group is that you can’t just done, the President ought to have known, that metamorphosed to setting up Distinguished magazine, I wasn’t selling, there was no advert bring out a single person and start criticising, is, his second lieutenant, not all of them, that Nigerian Magazine. And if you ask me why but I kept on doing that until we got stabilised. that Nigeria is too big. some of these bad eggs in his administration are Distinguished Nigerian Magazine, I just felt We now have a specialised publication. Every But your question is direct, he is the President, not doing too good in terms of anti-corruption that there are a lot of good things in Nigeria edition has a focus and that focus will pay for Commander in Chief of the armed forces, so war. We have on record some of them that are and why should we just set up a lot of media itself. The next edition that is coming up now the buck stops on his table. That is why I also very corrupt, just as we have some of them organisations only to criticise Nigeria activities. is going to cover the activities of the Kano state share your idea that we need a more pragmatic that are very good, that are very clean. I have I felt we have many good things to celebrate government because the Guild of Editors was President. The president should come out more. some of them as friends in the government. in this country and setting up the magazine held in Kano. We will use that now to showcase At this time we have this crisis here and there, Inasmuch as I believe we cannot have a hundred is to promote these values. And that is not to what the government has been doing. The same especially insecurity challenges. I think Nige- percent corruption free society, but I think the say that we close eyes when we see bad things package will also involve the Minister of Works rians are expecting more from the President in temple is not as low as we ought to be. Under happen but we concentrate mainly on the good and Housing, Babatunde Fashola. Those are the terms of action and performance. We should the Buhari administration, by now we should things. Recently have just been elected as a types of things we do and we have no regrets. also be careful in this analysis because we are have a much lower corruption tendency rate Standing Committee member of the Nigeria also talking of a government fighting guerrilla but I don’t think so. That is why the solution is Guild of Editors. This is my first interview after How do you rate media coverage of warfare. It is easy for the guerillarist to hide the the citizens- you and I. What role are we playing the election and I feel honoured by THISDAY insecurity and political developments in bomb and throw it in the marketplace, after he in reducing corruption. Because corruption to have been the first organisation to have this the country? throws it, he disappears, lots of lives are lost. A starts from the family level, to the school level interview with me. My friends say that this Let’s say it as it is, the Nigeria media are one of government cannot go and say because we are and to the workplace level. election is a 60th birthday gift. the best in the world as far as I am concerned. If looking for someone that throws the bomb, you go out now to bring the newspapers, listen you now throw a counter bomb in the market. What’s your take on the ongoing con- From being a journalist to a businessman, to radio and television, by the time you listen These are details people don’t understand. So, stitution review? what was the transition like, what was the to two or three, all of them cannot be pro-this, fighting guerilla warfare is not easy because My take is let them do a good job. Let them experience like? anti-this, anti-that. You will get a balanced view. if care is not taken, more lives will be lost. So carry out their town hall meetings, let them When you want to do business, you can do Of course, there could be some organisations in the process, people think the government give opportunities for Nigerians to fully par- a business that is related to your profession, that could be biased, it is natural. But in specific is not doing anything. I’m not speaking for ticipate and let us give it time and check the if you do that, it makes it more interesting. terms, the Nigeria media are doing a very good the government, what I am saying is that the salient areas. What they are arguing is they If you see my transition, they all have links. coverage. I give the Nigeria media kudos. But government is sensitive and issues cannot be don’t want a break up but they want devolu- From active journalism to Public Relations they could do more, there is room for improve- easily handled in such a simplistic manner the tion of power. And to me, people are not even and printing, you can see the link. And from ment. That is not to say we don’t have bad eggs way people think. cleared, what is devolution? What is break up?. there to publisher - to publishing Distinguished among us. But I am saying in my profession in I think essentially what people want is that Nigerian magazine and DN news, it has links. Nigeria, the majority are super. I’m so happy The president, being a retired general, are the old regional set up so that every region So, if from there, I went to something absurd, to be one of their leaders today as a member of you satisfied with his handling of security will be independent but they will be managed let’s say construction, I might have a problem the executive of the Nigeria Guild of Editors. in the country? by a central government. People are saying because I don’t know the style. But because I I’m not satisfied, just like many Nigerians this because they want to develop their own am doing business in line with my profession, The APC administration led by President are not. I expected more because in all honesty, resources themselves and use those resources to it makes it a lot easier. I didn’t venture out my Muhammadu Buhari came into power in instead of reduction in crime waves, it is escalat- develop their area, giving a certain percentage professional calling. 2015, this year makes it its sixth year in ing. So, we want the federal government to to the federal government. They believe the To answer your question in another angle, office, how would you access his admin- introduce new measures and a better style to federal government is too powerful now and the business environment is not easy these istration? handle the situation. The average Nigerian is they get all the resources without distributing days because you need a lot of resources. But The President, Muhammadu Buhari started not happy and we believe in this government evenly, even to the extent that the owners of again, I have always believed also that it is not well, he meant well and a lot of people supported that they can do it, we still believe they can the resources are being shortchanged. the amount of loans that make a successful him. For the first four years he was on track. But do it. All we want is, we don’t want killings businessman, sometimes it is more of ideas, the average Nigerian knows that something is again, we don’t want armed robbery again. It NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the if you have ideas and you package it, it will wrong in Nigeria today. Some people blames cannot be stopped totally, no country doesn’t online edition on www.thisdaylive.com go a long way. For instance, I can’t remember it on those that surrounds the President, some have crime. But If you reason, the rate at which THISDAY ˾ 


ͯͶ˜
ͰͮͰͯ 35

áÓÞÒ
ÎÎã
ÎÓàáÜÓ POLSCOPE

ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט
͸΀͸ͽ
ͻ͸;
΁ͻͽ; Why Nigerians Are Angry with Buhari

ou don’t need to be a politi- cian to hate or love President Muhammadu Buhari. If there is one time and season where the saying: “The rich also cry”, applies, it is now! It is so because there is no special place or market for the rich and the poor. Everybody faces the same situa- tionY across board. What differs is the capacity to accommodate the harsh vagaries thrown at us. While the poor are simply withering, the rich and not-so-rich are sweating. Everybody is crying. The difference is that those close to President Buhari are merely groaning and grumbling in silence, while those far from him, and many are they, are just wailing and screaming. The times are rough and tough! Thomas Hobbes may have had the Nigeria of today in mind when he wrote about life being nasty, brutish and short. And those who are curious enough are asking how we got here. High Inflation There appears to be a conspiracy of seen and unseen elements to maximally frustrate Nigerians, chief of which being the ever-rising inflationary figures. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), earlier this week, announced a minor drop in the inflationary figures from 18.17% last month to 17.93% this month. Perhaps the difference is too slim to reflect in the price of things in the market. Suddenly, the cost of living has spiraled upward so much that people are no longer able to afford even two measly meals in a day. They are almost now eating from the dustbin, as Umaru Dikko would prefer. And many who cannot understand the interplay of macro-economic forces simply lament: this Buhari government na die. They Buhari Emefiele really do not need to understand macro- economics. Life should just be bearable and under siege now. People are being killed and continuous killings everyday across the land? language they will understand, also smacks liveable. But the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hacked to death right in their farms and on the of insensitivity. Yes, nobody supports the does not seem to care a hoot. The Naira is on highways. Many persons suddenly go missing, Poor Electricity Supply wanton destruction of lives and public a steady and sure fall. It is weakening almost sometimes forever. A young man, Anifowose Yes, this problem predates the Buhari ad- property in the east, yet, threatening them everyday against the stronger currencies of Opeyemi Ebenezar left his Abeokuta home for ministration. But truth is that we have not with sulphur and brimstone hardly solves the world like the United States Dollars, the Lagos last month, and suddenly got missing made any significant progress in six years. the problem. Indeed, many argue that if UK British Pounds, the Euro etc. The Naira is before getting to Lagos. Till date, there is no Apart form increased payment for electric- Mr President has capacity to speak in the literally on a free fall. With Naira exchanging trace of him anywhere. There are many such ity service, there is also increased hours of language brigands will understand, he for about N500/$, what can any average home cases across board. darkness. There are many neighbourhoods should speak same to Boko Haram ter- do in an economy that is heavily hinged on Farmers can’t go to their farms anymore. that have no electricity supply for days and rorists or the so-called bandits raining importation? Nigerians can hardly see what Either they are killed or they are kidnapped, weeks unend. Yet they pay even more. The terror on Nigerians. the managers of the economy are doing. With after their wives have been raped or kidnapped so-called unbundling of the PHCN has led He further challenges governors to work no Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), no new or even killed. Little wonder cost of food items us nowhere in terms of improved services. out their own security arrangements and companies, no financial security or easy access have gone really high. In all cases, the suspects Nigerians cannot understand why it ap- not run to him every now and then. Does he to capital (without a crushing interest rate), are “unknown gunmen”, a running epithet pears a jinxed project for us to have steady not realize that they run to him because he the economy is bound to flounder and flap that has come to describe Fulani herdsmen. power supply, in spite of all the huge monies is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed in a tottering state. The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom poured into the project by every succeeding Forces? Do the governors control any lever It is true that the hungry man is an angry has literally shouted himself hoarse, over government. What is in the technology that is of law enforcement bodies? man. President Buhari must realize that hunger the reckless killing of his people by Fulani actually beyond Nigeria? The pall of darkness Yes, the governors, with their huge se- is at the base of most of the anger and disquiet herdsmen. But nobody seems to be listening. is choking and frustrating Nigerians. Those curity votes should be seen to be doing in the land. The advent of the Corona Virus Two of his fellow governors, Bala Mohammed who live in Government Houses may not feel more, yet, they would need the support pandemic which fatally hit most businesses (Bauchi) and Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna) even the pinch. But the fact is that the darkness is of the federal government to rein in the last year, still has its effects on the economy. believe Ortom is just making noise. killing Nigerians instalmentally. mindless criminals in their various states. Jobs were lost. Companies were shot down. Everywhere, kings and plebeians are being Meeting with traditional rulers, youths and Businesses shrank , if not choked to death. kidnapped. There is no sacred mark on any Government’s Insensitivity other stake holders in the state can only The World Bank recently released a report forehead. In the north, especially Kaduna, One thing that seems to rile many Nige- produce a template of operation. Without saying that over 7 million Nigerians have Zamfara and Niger States, school children rians is what comes across as government’s the support of Mr President and the armed been thrown into poverty by the Buhari have become endangered species, as they get insensitivity. It is bad enough that a child forces, such a template will remain what administration, even as President Buhari kidnapped every now and then. Right now, experiences what makes him/her to cry, it is: template! claims that his administration has lifted ten some Islammiya pupils, some as young as four but it is doubly bad to forbid that child million people out of poverty. Strange! We years, have been in custody of their abductors from crying when so provoked. Queer Politics hardly can feel the latter. in Niger State for over two weeks now. The Some of the actions and utterances of Those who do not sufficiently understand Even the 774,000 persons employed by the other day, parents of abducted Greenfield government are indicative of not allowing the President and his style are wont to FG have had problem receiving their N20,000 University students raised N180 million as the child to cry even when beaten. accuse him of being selfish. monthly stipend. ransom before their children were released The ban on twitter as well as the move How does he not care of what Nige- Life and living has simply become tougher. by their abductors. towards monitoring Internet Content are rians think of his government and the If people can’t build houses (with cement Five of the students were shot dead by the seen as being insensitive by government. political party that brought him to power? selling for N4000 per bag) can’t they even abductors. What state of insecurity can be Yes, some of the social media operators Nigerians, largely, are not only angry with eat at home? worse than that? We hardly remember the are reckless and mischievous, attempt- President Buhari, they are also angry, if not President Buhari does not need to be an remaining Chibok girls or even Leah Sharibu, ing to place a seal on all social media angrier, with the All Progressives Congress Economist to know that Nigerians are gnashing except on their abduction anniversaries. Cry platforms as the Information Minister, (APC) for deceiving them into thinking that their teeth in his administration. They now beloved Nation, Cry! Mr Lai Mohammed is attempting to do, the CHANGE they promised was a positive pay more for petrol, diesel, kerosene, pay What Boko Haram and ISWAP and bandits will be tantamount to throwing away the one. They have not quite seen any positive more for electricity, pay more for food items, are not able to do in the South east, IPOB baby with the bath water. change. The indices of a defective change are ditto every other thing, yet income is either (Indigenous People of Biafra) and ESN (Eastern The other day, Mr Abubakar Malami, the all over the place. So what is Mr President static or even unsure, so why won’t there be Security Network) are very well filling in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General doing to shore up the image o the party for frustration? Why won’t there be crime? And gap. The amount of killings and destruction of the Federation, had drawn a parallel the 2023 elections? every month, the CBN merely reels out jaded of government and private infrastructure in between a ban on Open grazing by Southern More than a year after sacking the Oshiom- statistics in annoying banking jargons that the South east along with the rounds of fatal governors with the sale of Spare parts in hole-led APC, the interim body has not been neither sooth our nerves nor offer hope of a attacks is astounding. the North. Such a warped and dwarfed able to organize a congress for a new executive. better tomorrow. In all of these, Mr President is either seeming intellectual manifestation! Presently, there appears some confusion as to aloof, or indifferent or even non-committal. He The pronouncement of Mr President dur- which zone will produce what. Mr President, Insecurity hardly speaks on the issue. He’s completely ing the ARISE TV interview, on grazing in his characteristic way, remains quiet about The second most troubling concern to many ignored the call for a security summit. His routes smacks of great insensitivity. Here the raging storm. Is Mr President concerned Nigerians is the issue of insecurity. That the rather frequent meetings with his security is a case of Fulani herdsmen encroaching about the future of democracy in general and state of insecurity in the country is parlous is chiefs have led us no where in the true sense in people’s farms, destroying their crops his party (APC) in particular? simply an understatement. First, it was just of it. and even killing them, rather than speak The above and a few other matters are those the Northeast that was under siege, being He’s given orders that those carrying AK to such barbaric and despicable act, the causing the anger against the sitting govern- the operational base of Boko Haram terrorist 47 rifles should be shot on sight. But is it President talks about looking for first ment. Perhaps, the presidency can commission gang. Then it spread to north Central, with not a wonder that all along, no herdsman or republic grazing routes in the 21stcen- a rating agency to assess its acceptability , Plateau and Benue states bearing the brunt of bandit wielding these high caliber weapons tury. This is coming at a time when there if nothing else, to reset its perception and herders and farmers’ clashes. Then Banditry has been shot? Is it that the soldiers and the is much talk about cattle ranching, but recalibrate its operations and policies. It came over the northwest, spread to the South policemen are not seeing these AK 47-weilding our President is still tethered to grazing still has about two years to redeem itself. west, South south and even South east. There brigands? Or is it that they feel that the body routes of 1961. That is quite insensitive!. No politician worth itself can afford to ignore were isolated cases here and there at the begin- language of Mr President does not accord with The talk about teaching the Biafra boys the grumblings of those who voted him/ ning. Not anymore. Just everywhere appears his utterance? Otherwise, what explains the some lessons and talking to them in the her to power. 36 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 • THISDAY 37 38 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 39 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 16- 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 154.14 155.67 4.72% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.26% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 304.15 304.15 -23.78% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.40 111.40 -0.62% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.84% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Vantage Balanced Fund 2.83 2.89 23.32% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 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) 149.85 150.30 -3.57% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.19 3.35 -6.00% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.24 1.28 31.38% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.36% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.95% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.38 1.40 1.39% Anchoria Equity Fund 130.65 132.09 -1.77% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.20 1,146.20 3.75% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.04% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.02 19.59 4.88% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.89 10.92 3.91% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 416.42 428.98 4.01% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.66% ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -1.39% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.92% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.62 1.64 7.35% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.45 11.50 -5.61% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.94% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.62 1.63 2.14% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.66 104.66 2.90% PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.99 112.66 0.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 129.75 130.40 2.73% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.13% 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 1.96 1.96 -20.31% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.34% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.03 2.07 -20.37% 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 3,159.76 3,185.15 -1.75% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.42 230.42 2.48% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.19 1.12 -2.12% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 302.32 302.32 2.60% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 219.74 222.35 0.53% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.03% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,318.04 10,447.26 -1.76% Paramount Equity Fund 16.05 16.33 0.31% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.54% Women's Investment Fund 133.51 134.91 0.27% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.08 114.08 2.70% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.55 101.55 Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.99% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.47 117.24 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.38 -0.44% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 3.01% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.83 106.83 United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.94 5.99% 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 121.08 121.08 3.41% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.12 2.32% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.58% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.36% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.18 1.19 -2.02% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -13.98% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.65 12.76 6.60% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.03 14.15 14.82% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.93% Zenith Income Fund 24.11 24.11 0.57% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.97% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.04% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,163.70 1,172.84 -2.77% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 123.95 2.66% FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Union Homes REIT 51.43 -1.85% FBN Balanced Fund 186.79 188.00 -0.47% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.29% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.91 13.01 -2.32%

SIAML Pension ETF 40 124.66 124.66 2.40% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.52 125.52 3.48% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 98.12 99.92 -1.28% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.72 156.81 2.34% MERGROWTH ETF 17.28 17.38 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 17.46 17.56 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Balanced Fund 3,621.05 3,671.28 -3.30% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund 3,358.16 3,358.16 2.50% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 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. 40 THISDAY ˾ ˜
JUNE 18 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE CBN Grants Lotus Non-Interest Banking Licence Nume Ekeghe experience. and products,” she added. According to the Managing Araoye further stated that, The Central Bank of Nigeria Director, Lotus Bank’s focus and “Our products and service of- (CBN) has granted a non-interest guiding principle is, “to deliver ferings will include non-interest banking licence to Lotus Bank an alternative option to interest- business financing, deposit Limited. based banking and to cater to products (current, savings and Lotus Bank seeks to pursue the needs of not just the banked investment accounts) and personal the mission of creating value and but also the under-banked and financing. growth for all through digital unbanked population.” “The bank aims to be a socially innovation and best-in-class She explained that non-Interest responsible organisation that will customer experience for Nigerians. banking is geared towards sup- satisfy its customers across all Founded & Chaired by Mrs. porting the real sector, adding touch-points.” Hajara Adeola, who is also the that Lotus Bank aims to improve With its flagship branch located Founder and Managing Director financial inclusion in the country. at Victoria Island, Lagos, the bank of Lotus Capital (the pioneers of “In addition, the bank will will open its doors to customers non-interest finance in Nigeria), operate transparent pricing from July, 2021.Globally, non- a statement yesterday explained models as is the norm in non- interest banking is worth $2.23 that the bank is starting its op- interest banking. trillion and is expected to grow erations on a solid foundation “Our values are deeply to about $4 trillion by 2024. This of experienced leadership and rooted in partnership. A critical type of banking is recommended a strong Advisory Council of component of our mission is the to all Nigerians who desire to Experts (ACE). provision of innovative solutions be involved in ethical and non- Lotus Bank is managed by a that drive ethical prosperity for speculative business. team of seasoned professionals all stakeholders. “Lotus Bank is the first non- and financial experts led by the “We pride ourselves on digital interest bank to commence opera- Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. solutions that provide our cus- tions from South-west, Nigeria Kafilat Araoye who has over tomers with the convenience of with a focus to serve people of 25 years commercial banking unlimited access to our services all faith,” the statement added. MARKET INDICATORS Kano to Boost Milk Production in Nigeria MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Ibrahim Shuaibu
ÓØ
ËØÙ MCCs would pool at least 250 curtail huge economic loss due liters each day, adding that to milk spoilage”. JANUARY 2021 Kano State government the quantity would increase “If you bring the MCCs closer Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 through its planned 200 Milk significantly, when his project’s to communities, the Fulani milk Collection Centers (MCCs) has proposed artificial insemination maids will not need to transport -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 the potential to add at least 50, scheme takes off. the milk over long distances, with Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 000 liters daily, to Nigeria’s dairy “This will further be reinforced the attendant risks, to sell their requirement. by our intended intervention products. That is why we are -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 The State Project Coordinator, in small and large scale fodder looking for appropriate sites to -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 Kano Agro Pastoral Development production schemes, which build the centers”. Project, KSADP, Alhaji Ibrahim will provide more pasture for Ibrahim remarked that each ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 Garba Muhammad, announced the cattle, which will lead to MCC would include cooling this during a meeting with increased dairy production. facilities, testing kits, a tank ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 Livestock stakeholders in Kano “In this regard, we have and a fodder bank among Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 yesterday, regarding identifica- awarded consultancy for the other things, stressing that the tion of sites for the project, to be design and supervision of the centers would be managed by Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 executed by his agency. MCCs. The aim is to assist in a committee involving relevant -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 He explained that based on improving nutrition through stakeholders in the communities, available statistics, each of the consumption of milk and to for sustainability. ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 UBA Foundation Donates Books to ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 Schools, Others across Africa --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 The UBA Foundation, the donating thousands of books “One of the best ways to Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 corporate social responsibility to less privileged children on lift people out of poverty is arm of United Bank for Africa the continent. to educate them and at the --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 (UBA) Plc, on Wednesday In 1991, the Organisation of Foundation, we understand the --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾

ÙßÜÍÏ
̋

 joined the rest of the world African Unity, now known as changes education can bring to --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 to celebrate African children the AU, announced June 16th, a child’s life and to the lives on the International Day of as the International Day of the of subsequent generations. the African Child. African Child, to honour the “Reading books is something Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) The UBA Foundation has been students who courageously never to be taken for granted Month March 2018 focused on education as one of marched for their rights to as there are so many children Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 its main areas of development better education in Soweto, who don’t have the privileged for almost two decades. South Africa during the Soweto of access to reading materials Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Through its Read Africa and Uprising of June 16, 1976. be it educational or recreational. National Essay Competition Speaking during a visit “We wanted to bring smiles Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 initiatives the Foundation has to Ignite Africa Leadership to the faces of thousands of Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 been impacting lives positively Foundation in Lagos, Managing children on this day of the across the African continent. Director/CEO, UBA Founda- African Child,” she added. Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 The International Day of the tion, Bola Atta, was quoted in Founder, Ignite Africa, Kolawole African child was another oppor- a statement to have emphasised Oyeyemi, who received hundreds 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 tunity for UBA to demonstrate its the role that the UBA Foundation of books donated by the UBA commitment to the communities has been playing in the area of Foundation, commended the 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 in which it operates across Africa, education. UBA Foundation saying, 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21

Access Bank Rewards NYSC Members with N15m Prime Lending rate 17.35

Access Bank Plc has rewarded during the final business pitch of among talented corp members. Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 serving members of the Nigeria the contest for NYSC 2021 Batch So far, the competition has proved Youth Service Corps (NYSC) A Stream II Orientation Course. to have a great impact on youth with over N15 million in the Winners of the N1 million star empowerment in the country as ˾
ÙØÏÞËÜã
ÙÖÓÍã
ËÞÏ
̋
ͯͱϱ third edition of the bank’s youth prize were Easngbedo Precious we received more entries during OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 16 JUNE 2021 business challenge competition, in Abuja camp; Nwakor Favour the current challenge. Accessprenuer. Alex in Osun; Olusanya Miracle in “It is a way to support the The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.16 a barrel on Wednesday, The competition was held Rivers; Omoha arinze in Enugu, young men and women who are compared with $72.05 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. recently simultaneously across and Egbewole Abduljelli in just graduating from university The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan five NYSC camps in Abuja, Osun, Nassarawa camp. to grow. We are also using this Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light Enugu, Nassarawa and Rivers Speaking on the Accessprenuer as an opportunity to imbibe the States. A statement from the bank challenge initiative, Executive spirit of entrepreneurship among (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), stated that five top winners won Director, Retail Banking, Access the youths whilst providing them Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and N1 million each, while others Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu, said: with financial grants through this Merey (Venezuela). were rewarded with consolation “The challenge is aimed at pro- competition to grow them from job SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna cash prizes totaling N10 million moting entrepreneurial aspirations seekers to employers of labour.” THISDAY ˾
 ˜


ͯͶ˜

ͰͮͰͯ 41

 


Board of Capital Hotel Plc Agrees to Sell 51% Stake to 11 Plc Goddy Egene meeting of its board held on Hotels Plc at the same price, required from the regulatory per cent. And some market planned to partner with a major June 14, 2021. and on such other terms and authorities. analysts said it would be good international brand to provide The Board of Directors of The board agreed to partner conditions as the Directors The board further agreed for the company if the investor world-class hospitality services. Capital Hotel Plc, owners of with 11 Plc to offer the right may deem fit subject to that if the new investor agrees to take the offer at the “11 Plc currently owns Sheraton Abuja Hotel, has competition in the Abuja obtaining the approval of accepts the conditions , an price. several prime properties in resolved to sell 51 per cent hospitality market, and the regulatory authorities. extraordinary general meeting Market analysts said the its real estate portfolio fully stake in the company to 11 Plc, resolved to sell 51 per cent The board also agreed that would be convened to get the move is in line with 11 Plc’s rented to blue chip tenants and formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc. stake in Capital Hotels Plc to in order to balance the interest approval of the shareholders expansion drive into hospital- the acquisition of this asset is In a notification to the Nige- 11 Plc at the price of N7.00 per of Capital Hotels Plc, Hans for this transaction. ity industry which it began consistent with our desire to rian Exchange (NGX) Limited share subject to Hans Gremlin Gremlin Nigeria Limited and Considering the closing in 2019 by acquiring Lagos diversify our interests given the yesterday, the board of Capital Nigeria Limited (the Core 11 Plc, the transaction could be price of N2.40 per share of Continental Hotel. current challenging environ- Hotel Plc said the decision sell shareholder) being given structured with offer for sale Capital Hotel Plc yesterday, Managing Director/CEO ment in the downstream sector the 51per cent stake to 11 Plc the opportunity to exit 50 per and offer for subscription the N7.00 offer price is at of 11 Plc, Adetunji Oyebanji, of the petroleum industry,” was reached at the emergency cent of its stake in Capital subject to obtaining approval a premium of about 191 had then said the company Oyebanji said. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 17/06/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 42 FRIDAY, 
͹΀˜
ͺ͸ͺ͹
˾
THISDAY NEWS Buhari, Obasanjo, Jonathan Mourn Zambia’s Founding Father, Kaunda Deji Elumoye in Abuja and African and world leaders of selflessness and passion for solace in the knowledge that his family and the government younger politician and I am Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta all time who loved his country service." President Kaunda has gone of Zambia, the former president glad to have maintained a and people profoundly." Buhari extended his home to a well-deserved rest described the deceased as close relationship with the President Muhammadu Buhari In a statement by his condolences and that of Nigeria and to proudly take his place a foremost pan-Africanist great sage. and two of his predecessors, spokesman, Malam Garba to the family, the government beside his brothers such as who was of significance to “Kaunda was a specimen of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Shehu, the president said: and people of Zambia. Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, the continent’s struggle for the highest level of patriotism. and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, "I have received his passing In his condolence message, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, liberation. He was also a strong promoter have mourned the founding with great shock because I Obasanjo said the death of Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Jonathan also described his of pan-Africanism, an idea father of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth knew his contributions to Kaunda ended the roll-call of Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, relationship with the late sage that has reached maturity Kaunda. the development of not only living pioneers and forefathers Léopold Sédar Senghor of as cordial, adding that he with the African Continental Kaunda, the first president Zambia but also Africa at large. who led the struggles for the Senegal, Nnamdi Azikiwe of visited him in Yenagoa during Free Trade Area, which itself of Zambia, died yesterday at “We can't forget in a hurry decolonisation of the African Nigeria, Ahmed Sékou Touré his time as the governor of was a product of the vision the age of 97. how Kaunda gave shelter to continent. of Guinea, Félix Houphouët- Bayelsa State. of men and women like Mr. He ruled for 27 years from anti-apartheid freedom fighters Obasanjo, in a statement Boigny of Côte d'Ivoire, Patrice “I am deeply saddened Kaunda,” Jonathan added. 1964 after Zambia gained from South Africa and from yesterday, said he arrived in Lumumba of Congo, Nelson by the passing on of former Jonathan also recalled that independence from Britain. former Rhodesia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, only Mandela of South Africa, to Zambian President and Kaunda visited him a couple Kaunda was said to have "The late Kaunda was one to receive the sad news of the name but a few." foremost Pan-Africanist, Dr. of times when he was in office been admitted to Maina Soko of the loudest voices for the death of Kaunda. "All of them, without Kenneth Kaunda, who died as President of Nigeria. “We military hospital in the capital, liberation of Africa from In a tribute with the exception, were nationalists today at the age of 97 years. last saw each other in 2016 Lusaka, where he was treated colonialism and imperialism caption: “Gone if the last who made sacrifices in diverse “Not only was he of very when I visited him while I for pneumonia on Monday. and he did so with passion of the Mohicans: Tribute to ways," he added. great significance to Africa’s was in Zambia as Head of the Reacting to Kaunda’s death, and sincerity. It is impossible Kenneth Kaunda,” Jonathan also paid tribute struggle for liberation he African Union (AU) Election Buhari described the former to reflect on Kaunda's legacy Obasanjo urged all Africans to the former Zambian leader. was also quite significant Observation Mission,” he leader as "one of the greatest without acknowledging his and friends of Africa to "take In a condolence message to to me. I met him as a much stated. Govs Promise Speedy Composition of Allocation Committee for Judicial, Parliamentary Autonomy SGF unveils FG’s plan to build 38 oxygen plants Chuks Okocha in Abuja Mustapha, unfolded plans (MoA) by major stakeholders The communiqué said A supplementary budget as well as sustained clinical by the federal government and witnessed by the Minister the governors received has also been submitted by care for patients. Governors have agreed to to bolster efforts in the fight of Labour and Employment, an update on the federal the federal government to The communiqué added set up and inaugurate as against COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Chris Ngige, to address government’s response to enable the country to access that the governors were soon as possible the State by building one oxygen plant the industrial action by the COVID-19 pandemic from additional vaccines for its briefed on activities of the Account Allocation Committee in each state with an extra members of the Judiciary Staff Mustapha, who is also the citizens." forum, including the meeting (SAAC) in their states to ease one in Lagos and Abuja, Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) chairman of the Presidential The communiqué of the Nigeria Governors’ the release of funds to the bringing the number to 38 and the Parliamentary Steering Committee (PSC) on stated that the SGF called Wives Forum (NGWF), which judicial and legislative arms oxygen plants. Staff Association of Nigeria COVID-19. for continued action to took place on June 10, 2021 of government in line with In a communiqué after a (PASAN). The communiqué said: maintain non-pharmaceutical to commemorate the first the terms of agreements that meeting in Abuja, and signed An insider at the meeting "To bolster the government’s interventions, including the anniversary of the declaration ended the 10-week industrial by the Chairman, Nigeria told THISDAY that the efforts, the SGF informed the enforcement of COVID-19 of a state of emergency strike by workers in the two Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. governors agreed to forum that Mr. President guidelines in public places against gender-based sectors. Kayode Fayemi, the governors immediately set up the SAACs has approved the set-up and government institutions, violence, acknowledging Also, at the meeting of the said the NGF deliberated on in their respective states to of 38 oxygen plants in the heightened surveillance, the commendable role of the governors, the Secretary to issues of national importance, ease the release of funds to country, with at least one risk communication, social NGWF and alluding to some the Government of the particularly the signed the judiciary and legislature plant in each state and two mobilisation, testing and of the appreciable milestones Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Memorandum of Action in each state. each in Lagos and Abuja. reporting of data, vaccination, over the period. KYARI: RISING OIL PRICES WILL CREATE PROBLEMS FOR NIGERIA to renewables as a reality, “Yes, it's possible, it can the Nigerian authorities, held GDP growth turned positive effects from elevated food maintaining the momentum adding that for Nigeria, what be in 10 years time but you from June 1st to June 8th, 2021, in the fourth quarter (Q4 2020) price levels. toward fully unifying all is clear is that the country is also know that what we are to discuss recent economic, and growth reached 0.5 per Downside risks to the exchange rate windows and deficient in infrastructure and, doing today in the industry financial developments and cent (year-on-year) in Q1 2021, near-term arise from further establishing a market-clearing therefore, needs resources from is also curtailing investment outlook. supported by agriculture and deterioration of security exchange rate. oil to exit poverty. and meeting the transition At the end of the visit, services sectors. conditions, and the still On the monetary policy He stated that for Nigeria, target in 2050. Rahman, in the statement, However, it said uncertain course of the to strengthen the monetary to transit means to go for a “What that means is that in said the Nigerian economy had employment level in the pandemic both globally and targeting regime, the mission low-carbon option and move five years’ time, you could be started to gradually recover country continued to fall in Nigeria, it added. recommended integrating the towards more gas development in a situation of shock and this from the negative effects of the dramatically and, together “The mission commended interbank and debt markets than the liquids, adding that shock will mean that people COVID-19 global pandemic. with other socio-economic the authorities’ measures to and using the central bank in the long term, the country will have to put more money He said: “The mission indicators, remained below contain the transmission or government bills of short- needs to find a way out of into producing the liquids and expressed its concern with the pre-pandemic levels. of COVID-19 in Nigeria, maturity as the main liquidity dependence on oil. that means that it will defer resurgence of fuel subsidies. “Inflation slightlyincluding the ongoing management tool, instead of “Renewables are real and the date for liquid oil and It reiterated the importance of decelerated in May but vaccination programme the cash reserve requirements. we are making efforts to go in potentially pushing it by 20 introducing market-based fuel remained elevated at 17.93 under the COVAX initiative, “The banking sector remains that direction, but obviously, to 30 years.” pricing mechanism and the per cent, owing to high food and strongly supported the liquid and well-capitalised our first step is to develop need to deploy well-targeted price inflation. With the authorities’ efforts to acquire while non-performing loans our gas resources. Re-emergence of Fuel social support to cushion any recovery in oil prices and additional doses from countries (NPLs) are contained. The “In this industry, you can't Subsidy Worrisome, impact on the poor. remittance flows, the strong with surplus stocks. extension of the moratorium do anything except you have “The mission recommended pressures on the balance of “The mission urged the on principal payments of the financing and financing is Says IMF stepping up efforts to payments have somewhat authorities to keep reliance qualifying credit facilities on now clearly constrained both Meanwhile, the IMF has strengthen tax administration abated, although imports are on CBN overdrafts for a case-by-case basis through in terms of available resources expressed concern over the to mobilise additional rebounding faster than exports deficit financing withinMarch 2022 should be limited and the decision of some of the re-emergence of fuel subsidy revenues and help address and foreign investor appetite legal limits, while the to viable debtors with strong shareholders of some of the in Nigeria in the face of priority spending pressures.” remains subdued resulting in government continues to pre-crisis fundamentals. lending institutions,” he said. the country’s low revenue It stated that tax revenue continued forex shortage. make efforts to strengthen “CBN stress tests purport He added that although mobilisation. collections in Nigeria were “The incipient recovery in budget planning and public that the banking system would everyone seems to be talking The IMF in a statement gradually recovering but with economic activity is projected finance management practices remain adequately capitalised about peak oil, there is no at the end of its staff virtual fuel subsidies resurfacing, to take root and broaden to allow for flexible financing except in case of a severe reference to gas, which contains meeting with top Nigerian additional spending for among sectors, with GDP from domestic markets and deterioration of credit quality. lower carbon. officials, said the views COVID-19 vaccines, added growth expected to reach 2.5 better integration of cash and “Nevertheless, it remains Kyari said: “Everybody is expressed in the statement to address security challenges, per cent in 2021,” it added. debt management. to be seen what share of saying that in the next 10 years, were those of the IMF staff the fiscal deficit of the It anticipated that inflation “The recent removal of forborne loans may turn non- we will get to peak oil. But and did not represent those consolidated government was in Nigeria would remain the official exchange rate performing as the impact of the nobody has said peak gas. And of the IMF’s Executive Board. expected to remain elevated at elevated in 2021, but likely from the CBN website pandemic abates. Since NPLs it's very difficult to distinguish The IMF team was led 5.5 per cent of Gross Domestic to decelerate in the second and measures to enhance often rise at the later part of the two because as you get by IMF’s Mission Chief for Product (GDP). half of the year to reach about transparency in the setting economic crisis, CBN’s strong peak oil, in many cases, Nigeria, Ms. Jesmin Rahman, It added that following 15.5 per cent, following the of the NAFEX exchange rate oversight remains critical to you know, oil is produced in the virtual meetings with sharp output contractions in removal of border controls are encouraging,” it stated. safeguarding financial sector alongside gas. the second and third quarters, and the elimination of base The mission recommended stability,” it said. FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 43 NEWS Gombe, Sokoto, Jigawa Lead in Ease of Doing Business Survey Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos (EoDB) in Nigeria, according average score of 7.69, out of a KPMG Nigeria. The survey 11, 13 and 20, respectively 27th position. and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe to a report by the Presidential maximum score of 10. also showed that the Zamfara with 5.88, 5.74 and 5.28 marks. PEBEC surveyed 998 Small Enabling Business Environment The report obtained yesterday, State had the lowest score with Also, for the South-east and Medium Enterprises Gombe State has been ranked Council (PEBEC). also showed that Sokoto State 3.54 and ranked 37. states, Abia State with overall (SMEs) in 36 states and the number one by a survey on Gombe State was ranked and Jigawa State took the In addition, Edo State, average score of 4.48 was Federal Capital Territory (FCT). the Ease of Doing Business number one with an overall second and third positions, Delta State and Taraba State ranked 33; Anambra with a Its respondent distribution respectively. These states were ranked 34, 35 and 36, score of 6.35 took the seventh showed that the North-west, also scored 6.88 and 6.79 respectively. They scored 4.38, position; Imo State with a score the North-central and the Court Restrains Akeredolu respectively. 4.32 and 3.91 respectively. of 5.88 took the 11th position; North-east had 157, 180 and 85 The “States Ease of Doing However, Rivers, Kaduna Ebonyi with overall average respondents respectively while Business Survey Results,” and Lagos States that are score of 5.20 took the 23rd the South-west, South-east and from Sacking Ondo CJ by PEBEC was prepared believed to be the country’s position; and Enugu with a South-south had 314, 128 and Alex Enumah in Abuja According to the judge, before in collaboration with the economic hubs were ranked score of 5.02 held on to the 134 respondents, respectively. a state governor can unseat a A Federal High Court in Abuja judicial officer, he or she must act yesterday stopped Governor on the recommendation of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) NJC, adding that in the instant of Ondo State from removing case, the NJC had not investigated the Chief Judge of the State, the plaintiff. Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu Ekwo also noted that there from office. was no recommendation from Justice Inyang Ekwo in a NJC for governor Akeredolu to ruling restrained the governor act upon to legally remove the and five others seeking to remove Chief Judge. the Chief Judge from office on Justice Ekwo consequently the grounds that they lacked granted an order of perpetual constitutional powers to do so. injunction, restraining the Justice Akeredolu had governor and five others approached the court for an from probing, investigating or order restraining the defendants tampering with activities of Justice from illegally removing her from Akeredolu in the discharge of office without recourse to the her official duties. National Judicial Council (NJC). He also made an order Delivering ruling in the nullifying any decisions made application, Justice Ekwo held that by the governor and other the powers to investigate, probe defendants aimed at suspending, and indict any judicial officer for sacking and investigating the CLOSING RANKS FOR 2023 … any misconduct in the discharge plaintiff on the ground that L-R: Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye; his counterpart in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of duties is constitutionally vested doing so will tantamount to Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu in the NJC only. act of illegality. State; former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo; his wife, Mrs. Pat Nwobodo; and Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Poland, Maj. Gen. Christian Ugwu (rtd), during the Enugu East senatorial district’s mega rally on 2023 governorship position, held at ...Rejects EFCC’s Request to Michael Okpara Square, Enugu… yesterday Amend $9.8m Fraud Charges against Former NNPC Boss Gunmen Kill Policeman, Abduct Four Chinese in Ogun Alex Enumah in Abuja on counts three and four of the Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Numbering about eight and The Baale of Alaagba village, to the forest with the Chinese charge. According to the judge, all clad in black caftan, the a border community between rail workers. A Federal High Court in Abuja, the appellate court judgment still The Police in Ogun State has gunmen allegedly invaded Ogun and Oyo states, Chief It was learnt that members of yesterday rejected the request of subsists. deployed a team of special Adeaga/Alaagba village, site Adekunle Olabamiji, said some the Oodua People’s Congress the Economic and Financial Crimes “Allowing the EFCC to amend tactical unit to roads and forest of the railway project in Odeda residents observed that fierce ( OPC) gave a hot chase to Commission (EFCC) to amend counts three and four of the in Odeda Local Government Local Government Area, where looking gunmen entered the the kidnappers in the forest, the criminal charges filed against a criminal charge is tantamount to Area of the state in search, of they shot dead, a police Inspector forest in the direction of the searching the entire bush path former Group Managing Director disobeying the subsisting order four Chinese workers handling before abducting the Chinese location of the expatriates shortly in an attempt to apprehend (GMD) of the Nigerian National made by the Court of Appeal on the Ibadan-Lagos federal expatriates handling the Ibadan- before the abduction. the kidnappers and rescue Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), April 24, 2020”, the court held. government standard gauge Lagos standard gauge railway He said it was shocking the victims. Mr. Andrew Yakubu. After the ruling, the defence railway project. project. because the railway workers THISDAY also gathered that Justice Ahmed Mohammed counsel, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN) The four Chinese expatriates It was learnt that the remains were always guarded by despite the efforts by the village rejected the request while ruling expressed readiness to continue were abducted by unknown of the policeman had been policemen and soldiers. youths , who mobilised OPC on an application by the EFCC with the matter. gunmen dressed in black evacuated by a team of police The kidnappers were said members into the forest, the seeking to amend the criminal However, the prosecution caftan, numbering about eight personnel and operatives of the to have seized their victims kidnappers could not be traced charges against the former NNPC counsel, Halima Shehu prayed for on Wednesday while working Federal Road Sector Commission immediately after disarming as they disappeared with the boss. an adjournment to enable the lead on the rail project. (FRSC). the security men and headed Chinese expatriates. Justice Mohammed based his prosecution counsel, Mohammed decision on a judgment of the Abubakar be in court to handle Court of Appeal, Abuja, delivered the matter, a request the court Makinde: Those Behind Ibadan Clash will Be Brought to Book on April 24, 2020 wherein the granted and adjourned till June Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan the loss of lives as a result of In the meantime, we will sanitise Wednesday’s violence and called appellate court had ordered 30, 2021 for the former NNPC the clash, promising that those the area behind Iwo Road where on the governor not to return the boss to open his defense. the defendants to enter defence The Governor of Oyo State, Mr. involved will be brought to book. cultists congregate and review the state back to the era of brigandage. Seyi Makinde, yesterday visited He said he had ordered an Park Management System. We It urged him to learn from the scene of a clash that occured investigation into the incident have also informed the phone the eight peaceful years of the Land Seller Arrested for Raping, in Iwo Road Area of Ibadan, “I visited the scene of the Iwo sellers to choose representatives administration of the late Senator the state capital on Wednesday, Road incident this morning. The who will discuss how we can Abiola Ajimobi. Killing, Woman in Rivers and threatened to deal with the loss of lives during the mayhem assist them.” The party in a statement by A man identified as Prince ostensibly on an inspection. perpetrators. that occurred is unfortunate and Meanwhile, the Oyo State the state Publicity Secretary, Dr. Reuben yesterday paraded by Unknown to this innocent The clash between some should never have happened. I chapter of the All Progressives AbdulAzeez Olatunde, and made the Nigerian Police Force for hardworking woman, Reuben drivers who are members of Park give you my word that we will Congress (APC) yesterday asked available to THISDAY, condemned raping and killing a woman had conspired with three other Management System (PMS) and ensure that everyone involved the governor not to return the the violence unleashed on innocent who wanted to buy a plot of friends of his namely Nwaba, some telephone sellers led to the in the dastardly act is brought state back to the era of brigandage. traders and passersby at the Iwo land from him in Rivers State. Promise and Chinedu. death of two persons. to book. The main opposition party road axis of Ibadan, describing it According to Force Publicity “During the inspection tour, In a tweet, Makinde regretted “I have ordered investigations. in the state condemned the as barbaric and wicked. Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, Joy was kidnapped by these the suspect and three others who men. They took her into the are at large committed the crime forest, gang-raped her, stole the DHQ: Military Determined to Contain Terrorism, Armed Banditry together. only cash sum she had with Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja had contained the activities of brief, comparatively there is a efforts of the troops for their “Prince Reuben who hails her (N20, 000) and then shot terrorists, bandits and other decrease in the criminal activities resilience and unrelenting from Eche in Rivers State had her to death. After killing her, The military high command said criminal elements at the end within the period under review. commitment and we wish to earlier sold a plot of land to they poured acid on her body yesterday it remained resolute of second quarter of the year. “This is as a result of troops’ encourage the general public to one Joy Saturday, a hardworking and then threw it into the forest. in its determination to contain Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, operational efforts to deny support our efforts by providing mother of four and a petty trader “Nwaba, Chinedu and terrorism and armed banditry Acting Director, Defence Media criminals freedom of operation credible and timely information who laboured so hard to put Promise are currently at large.” and other vices in the country. Operation (DDMO), Brigadier and we remain resolute to take that will facilitate our proactive together the first N250, 000 to Speaking further, Mba It said coordinated military General Benard Onyeuko, said decisive and adequate actions engagements,” he said. buy the plot of land. appealed to Nigerians who operations conducted across the military operations had ensured to further abate terrorists and On the non-kinetic operations “Thereafter, he (Reuben) lured might have information on the country had abated terrorism and a decrease in criminal activities bandits’ activities as well as of the military in the South- this lady, pretending that there whereabouts of the suspects at armed banditry in the country. across the country. other vices across the country”, east, Onyeuko said the recent is another vacant land for sale. large to inform authorities so Defence Headquarters (DHQ) “Considering our operational he said. dialogue with stakeholders and “Joy Saturday accompanied that they can be apprehended said that the coordinated military activities in the various theatres Onyeuko said “the military leaders from the zone would Reuben to the bush side to face the law. operations across the country of operation as highlighted in the high command also lauds the lead to sustained peace. 44 FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY NEWSEXTRA How Ahmadu Bello Moved to End Open Grazing, Says Taraba Speaker Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir peace building dialogue in Lafia, The dialogue was organised for collaborative prevention across Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello, moved to put an Nasarawa State, stated that by the West Africa Network the three states in the Middle Belt “At that time the regional The Speaker of Taraba State House end to open grazing in the North. Bello’s administration prepared for Peace-building (WANEP), region. government frowned at open of Assembly, Dr. Joseph Albasu Kunini, who spoke at a two- a document for investors in 1963 in conjunction with the United Kunini noted: “Research has grazing by the herdsmen; for Kunini, has revealed how the late day multi-stakeholders regional that frowned at open grazing. Nations Development Programme shown that in 1963 the then instance, on page 155 of the The speaker further disclosed (UNDP) for stakeholders from Northern Nigeria Government, 287-page document, the Northern that the 1963 document that was Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba through the Ministry of Trade Nigeria Government under the titled “The Industrial Potentials of States that were worse hit and Industry, prepared a leadership of the Premier and INEC Urges Political Northern Nigeria” was prepared by herder/farmer conflict to comprehensive feasibility studies Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu by the Ministry of Trade and collectively review emerging for potential investors titled, “The Bello, vowed to end open grazing Parties to Submit Investment of Northern Nigeria. conflicts, risks and opportunities Industrial Potentials of Northern by herders.” Election Expenses Says only seven parties have complied Chuks Okocha in Abuja Also, the political parties at the meeting urged INEC The Independent National to ensure the passage of an Electoral Commission (INEC) efficient electoral law, as the yesterday met the leaders of old act will not guarantee a recognised political parties in transparent elections in 2023. the country to intimate them In a motion at the meeting on the June 28, 2021, date for moved by the National the commencement of the Chairman of the Peoples Continuous Voter Registration Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince (CVR) exercise. Uche Secondus, and supported The commission also by the National Chairman of reminded the political parties Young Progressive Party (YPP), on the need to submit their Bishop Amakiri, the leaders election expenses as stated in of the political parties told the Electoral Act. It also told the INEC Chairman, Prof. the political parties that only Mahmood Yakubu, that his seven have so far complied efforts in the commencement with the directives to submit of voter registration exercise their election expenses before would amount to nothing if and after the elections. there is no new and efficient FIFTY-SIX HEARTY CHEERS… INEC further expressed electoral law. L-R: Chairman, Chemical Allied Products (CAP) Plc, Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. David Wright; and the concern that it has become According to Secondus, “We Company Secretary, Ayomipo Wey, at the 56th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN the vogue that courts of the appreciate what you are doing, land determine the candidates but we state here unanimously of the parties for elections that it will amount to nothing instead of the people during if there is no new and efficient NEITI: Nigeria Generated $34.22bn from Oil Industry in 2019 their elections. electoral law to give life to it. Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja federation sales of crude oil and Sharing Contracts (PSCs) companies lifting 469.010mmbbls, gas accounted for $15.32 billion. contributed the highest volumes of while 266.650mmbbls was lifted The Nigeria Extractive Industries From 2010-2019, the aggregate 312.042mmbbls followed by Joint by the Nigeria National Petroleum Man to Die by Hanging for Transparency Initiative (NEITI) financial flows from the oil Venture (JV) and Sole Risk (SR) Corporation (NNPC) on behalf yesterday disclosed that the and gas sector to government, which recorded 310,284mmbbls of the federation. Robbery, Gun-running in Ekiti country earned a total sum of according to NEITI, amounted to and 89.824mmbbls respectively. “Analysis of crude oil $34.22 billion from the oil and $418.544 billion, with the highest The Dr Ogbonnaya Orji-led lifted by NNPC showed that Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Jurist said: “He is hereby gas sector in 2019, an increase revenue flow of $68.442 recorded organisation, listed others as 159.411mmbbls was for export, sentenced to death by hanging of 4.88 per cent over the $32.63 in 2011, while the lowest revenue Marginal Fields (MFs) and while 107.239mmbbls was for An Ekiti State High Court until he is dead in count charge billion revenue netted from the flow of $17.055 was recorded in Service Contracts (SCs) which domestic refining and 97 per in Ado Ekiti has sentenced three; may God Almighty have sector in 2018. 2016. accounted for 21,762mmbbls cent of the volumes for domestic one Kehinde Olajide, 22, to mercy upon his soul.” A breakdown of the earnings, According to NEITI, the total and 1,330mmbbls respectively. refining (104.475mmbbls) was death by hanging for robbery, Olajide is also sentenced contained in the just-released crude oil production in 2019 was The report also showed that utilised for the Direct Sale Direct conspiracy and illegal possession to 10-years imprisonment in 2019 oil and gas industry audit 735.244mmbbls, representing an total crude oil lifted in 2019 was Purchase (DSDP) programme of firearms. count nine with an option of report, showed that payments increase of 4.87 per cent over the 735.661mmbbls, indicating a 4.93 while the remaining 3 per cent However, three other accused N20,000 fine. by companies accounted for 701.101mmbbls recorded in 2018. per cent increase to the 701.090 (2.764mmbbls) was delivered to persons, Kareem Azeez, 24; Justice Ogunmoye added $18.90 billion, while flows from It stated that Production mmbbls recorded in 2018, with the refineries,” it stated. Bamisile Lateef, 28, and Adebayo that there were no proof against Basiru, 25, have been set free the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused on the order of the court. persons in commission of the While delivering his judgment offence charged with, and they Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Cleric for Allegedly Killing Wife on a case of armed robbery were acquitted and discharged Okon Bassey in Uyo accused the wife of being the buried the wife, 40, in a shallow the corpse in a shallow grave in and others slammed against accordingly. source of his numerous woes in grave in his compound in Ikot his compound. the convict yesterday, Justice According to the charge, the A cleric, 40, has been arrested life, as well as infidelity, hence Abia village. “The suspect, who said he Lekan Ogunmoye ruled that accused persons were charged by the Akwa Ibom State police he allegedly beat her to death The police said the arrest had domestic differences with the prosecution has proved with nine-count charges that for allegedly killing his wife, a on June 9, 2021. was effected following credible his wife, accused her of being ingredients of armed robbery bother on conspiracy, unlawful mother of five, over domestic A statement issued by the state information from youths of the the source of his numerous woes against the first convict beyond possession of firearms and crises. Police Command yesterday, said area, prompting the DPO of Eket in life and infidelity, confessed reasonable doubt. armed robbery. The clergyman, Ukachukwu the incident happened at the Divisional Police headquarters, to have beaten her to death as a Enoch Christopher, who is the resident of the cleric in Ikot Abia CSP Sunday Digha, and his team result of the unresolved differences founder of Omega World Global village of Eket Local Government to arrest the cleric. on June 9. In order to cover his NDLEA Promotes 3,506 Officers Ministry (Fellowship Church), Area of the state. “The state Police Command tracks, he dug a shallow grave reportedly committed the crime The statement signed by the has arrested one Ukachukwu in his compound and buried after Years of Stagnation last week, but the corpse of the state Police Public Relations Enoch Christopher, 49, a resident her. The deceased’s corpse has Michael Olugbode in Abuja approval followed a report by wife, Patience Christopher, was Officer (PPRO), SP Odiko of Eket LGA, who hails from been exhumed by the police and the harmonisation committee discovered on June 16, 2021. MacDon, said the cleric, who Ebonyi State, for allegedly deposited in the mortuary for Approval has been given for the set up by Marwa soon after The pastor was said to have hails from Ebonyi State, allegedly murdering his wife and burying autopsy.” the statement stated. promotion of 3,506 officers and assuming leadership of the agency men of the National Drug Law in January to address the issues Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of low morale and stagnation by the Chairman/Chief Executive in the career path of personnel. Girl Arrested During #EndSARS Protest Gives Birth in Ondo Prison of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba He said after due consideration James Sowole in Akure All the accused were thereafter to the Federal University of my conviction as a believer in Marwa (rtd). The promotion of the of the recommendations by the taken to Surulere Prison in Ondo Technology Akure (FUTA) to humanitarian cause of justice, to officers came after several years committee, the NDLEA chief An 18-year-old girl, Kemisola West Local Government Area collect money for her mother’s appeal to you that for the sake of stagnation on a rank. They executive approved the immediate Oguniyi, who was arrested of the state. treatment when she was of the sinless newborn child are now to move to their next promotion of 2,910 officers during the #EndSARS protest, The lady was said to have apprehended by the Nigerian and in the interest of justice, to senior rank after the approval between the rank of Narcotic has given birth in prison custody gone into labour on June 15, Army on random raiding, and give directive that this matter by Marwa yesterday. Assistant I and Superintendent in Ondo State. and gave birth to a baby boy handed her over to the police be given an urgent hearing as Many officers and men of the of Narcotics while 596 others Oguniyi and three others, the following day. for investigation. this is one deserving case sir, agency have stayed rooted on a between Chief Superintendent Ayodele Bukunmi, Ojo Samuel, In a letter to the Chief The lawyer said: “She was in which the powers in this particular rank for many years of Narcotics and Assistant and Ani Obinna, were remanded Judge of Ondo State, Justice later alleged to be part of direction could be exercised.” in what seems like a stop in Commander-General of Narcotics in prison custodyduring the Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, her those who set APC Secretariat He also appealed to the state promotion, a jinx now broken were recommended to the board protest. lawyer, Tope Tomekun, argued in Akure on fire during the Commissioner for Justice and by the agency chief executive. of the agency for elevation to their They were charged with that Oguniyi, was innocent of #EndSARS protest that took Attorney-General, Sir Titiloye A statement issued by the next ranks, a recommendation conspiracy to commit felony the crime preferred against her. place in October 2020. Charles, to use his powers to spokesman of the agency, that was approved by the board to wit: arson, riotous assembly, Tomekun in the letter said “I write to you sir, first as a discontinue the prosecution of Femi Babafemi, said the on June 16, 2021. stealing and malicious damage. Oguniyi was on her way lawyer and in furtherance of Oguniyi and others. FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 45 NEWSEXTRA Okowa Submits List of 18 Commissioner- nominees to Delta Assembly Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Egbedi, Agriculture; Festus Assembly by the Speaker, Hon executive council was in line Constitution as amended. more names are expected to Ochonogor, Housing; Arthur Sheriff Oborevwori. with the powers vested in him The list of nominees represents be selected from the remaining Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Akpowowo, Urban Renewal; Okowa said the nomination by the virtue of Section 192, the first batch of prospective seven of the 25 local government Okowa, has sent a list of 18 Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, Youth of members of the state subsection 2 of the 1999 Nigerian commissioners as at least seven areas of the state. cabinet member-nominees to Development and Orientation; the state House of Assembly Flora Alanta, Women Affairs for due screening and possible and Community Development; confirmation as commissioners Churchill Amagada, Lands and members the State Executive and Survey; Chris Onogba, Council. Environment, and Lawrence Eleven persons in the old Ejiofor, Culture. state executive council (Exco) The fresh nominees in the made the list, including Charles governor’s list are Evelyn Aniagwu and Fidelis Tilijie, who Oboro, a former member of were the information and finance the House of Representatives; commissioners, respectively. Noel Omordon, Rose Esenwu, Others nominees, who were Shola Ogbemi-Daibo, Jonathan formerly commissioners until Ukodhiko, Kate Oniawan, and the dissolution of the Exco Johnbull Edema. last month, are Dr. Barry Gbe, The names of the nominees Economic Planning; Julius were read on the floor of the Halt Incessant Killings in Plateau, Jos Monarch Tasks WELL DESERVED HONOUR … L-R: Wife of the senior Pastor of God Blessed Apostolic Miracle Church International Rev. Juliana Oyelade; her husband Apostle John FG, National Assembly Oyelade; newly elected Chairman, Lagos State Mechanical Engineering Association of Nigeria, Mr. Samson Idowu; his wife, Mrs. Bolatito Idowu; immediate past Chairman of the association, Mr. Morufudeen Arowolo; and his wife, Mrs. Folake Arowolo, during the Seriki Adinoyi in Jos on innocent people, killing at thanksgiving service in honour of the new chairman in Lagos…yesterday DAN UKANA least 12 persons. They also Members of the Federal injured several others during Executive Council (FEC) the attack. and the National Assembly “Similar attacks keep Tinubu Congratulates Akeredolu on His A’Court Victory have been tasked to put their happening in one part of the The National Leader of All former Lagos State governor The APC national leader said The APC chieftain urged heads together to find lasting countryside or another every Progressives Congress (APC), noted that the appellate by this judgment, the appellate Akeredolu to continue to strive solution to the persistent killings day. No one is spared, and Senator Bola Tinubu, has court’s verdict was emphatic court clearly showed that and do his utmost in the service and other acts of criminality nowhere is safe. Therefore, it congratulated the Ondo State and clear endorsement of the Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa of his state and for the welfare bedeviling Plateau State and is high time the federal executive Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, sound judgment of the election were the candidates whom the of all the people therein, political Nigeria in general. and federal legislative councils and his deputy, Hon. Lucky petitions tribunal. people of Ondo State chose to friend and foe alike. Giving the charge at his put their heads together and Aiyedatiwa, for the Court of Tinubu pointed out that the pilot their affairs for the next He also acknowledged palace in Jos during a courtesy found lasting solution to this Appeal judgment affirming Appeal Court’s decision stands four years. that the opposition PDP and call on him by the House of national calamity. their overwhelming victory in for the vital proposition that the He said the confidence its candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Representative Committee on “I’m confident that for any the governorship election in rule of law serves to protect the the people reposed in the Jegede (SAN), have exercised Industry, the Gbong Gwom Jos, problem, there must always the state. sovereign will of the people Akeredolu’s administration has their constitutional rights by who is the Chairman, Plateau be solution, and Nigerians In a statement issued yesterday when expressed in free and been well earned and should challenging the election results State Council of Chiefs, Da are eagerly waiting for the by Tinubu’s Media Office, the honest elections. be wholly respected. via the legal process. Gyang Buba, said it was high government to proffer solution time Nigerians stopped dying to this also. needlessly. “Nigeria needs peace to It’s Our Turn to Produce Gov in 2023, Says Enugu East The monarch said: “Just develop like other nations across Ejiofor Alike support for the district to produce long-established rotational template for you to take a decision on your yesterday, some gunmen the world, so the federal and his successor in 2023. in the state. choice of your successor from any stormed my territory in Kuru state governments must do The people of Enugu East Speaking at the well-attended The Speaker who applauded of the six local government areas village and unleashed mayhem something to end insecurity.” senatorial district of Enugu rally, themed “Oganiru Enugu East Ugwuanyi for attending the rally, of Enugu East Senatorial District State comprising leaders of Senatorial District”, the Convener stated that it was the unanimous and we will support the person political, religious and traditional and Speaker of the Enugu State stance of the people of Enugu overwhelmingly”, Ubosi said. Electoral Act: Tambuwal Urges Canada institutions, yesterday converged House of Assembly, Hon. Edward East senatorial district and beyond Aligning with the Speaker’s on the popular Michael Okpara Ubosi said that the only agenda that the governor has a major speech, the Chairman of the All to Demand Quick Passage Square, Enugu, for a mega of the gathering was to demand role to play in the choice of his Progressives Congress (APC) in The Governor of Sokoto State, Simard, paid him a courtesy call. rally, urging Governor Ifeanyi for the governorship seat of the successor since his predecessors Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has Tambuwal further explained Ugwuanyi to uphold the long- state in 2023 in the spirit of equity, enjoyed such privilege during their announced that his party has urged the Canadian Government that the state and the country established rotational template fairness and justice, stressing tenures as governors of the state. zoned its governorship position to appeal to the Nigerian are interested in deepening with regards to the office of the that it is the turn of Enugu East “Your Excellency, your own will in 2023 to Enugu East senatorial Government and the National its democracy, stressing that governor of the state by lending his senatorial district going by the not be different. We are waiting district. Assembly to expedite action this can only be achieved if on the timely passage of the there is free, fair and credible National Electoral Act into law. election, “which is only possible EFCC Urges Tsoho to Retain Abang for Maina’s Case He also asked the Canadian if you have a properly captured Government to weigh in on the elections system in the Electoral The Economic and Financial Nigeria (NAN) reported that took over from Abang, Justice EFCC’s office told NAN that issues of freedom of expression Act.” Crimes Commission (EFCC) Justice Okon Abang was the Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo, since Maina’s trial had gone and sustenance of democratic According to him, “From has urged the Chief Judge of presiding judge in the trial who was transferred to Enugu, far, it would only be good, values in Nigeria. what is discernible, the National the Federal High Court, Justice of the Maina and his son, was replaced by Justice Zainab in the interest of justice, for In a statement issued by his Assembly is not doing much John Tsoho, not to reassign before he was transferred to Abubakar and Justice Ijeoma Abang to conclude the matter. Special Adviser on Media and in that regard, thus the need to the case of the ex-chairman of the Warri division of FHC. Ojukwu, now in Calabar “He (Maina) has been Publicity, Muhammad Bello, appeal to Canada to add its voice the defunct Pension Reformed Justice Tsoho, had, in a division, was replaced by arraigned, we have called yesterday, the governor made the to this call and the issues of good Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed March 16 circular, ordered Justice Bolaji Olajuwon. all our witnesses and the statement last Wednesday when governance and transparency Maina, to another judge. a mass transfer of judges in The EFCC subsequently defendant (Maina) has opened the acting High Commissioner of in the general administration The EFCC also called on the 36 divisions of the court applied to Justice Tsoho for his defence. Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Nicholas of the country. Justice Tsoho not to transfer and directed the newly posted a fiat to allow Justice Abang “So it will only be proper the trial of his son, Faisal, judges to assume duty in their conclude some of the cases for the presiding judge to and few other cases to a new newly reassigned places on he started, including Maina’s conclude the trial to guard Ubah Emerges YPP candidate for judge. April 12. matter. against delay in justice,” the Anambra Gov Poll The News Agency of While Justice D.U. Okonkwo A competent source at the source said. Deji Elumoye in Abuja candidate of the All Progressives Ninth House Passed 41 Bills in Two Years, Says Spokeman Grand Alliance (APGA). A member of the National He recalled that he defeated Udora Orizu in Abuja Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) According to him, as of session, with 246 considered Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, candidates of the People’s after which the legislation June 10, 2021, the House in the second session. has emerged the candidate of the Democratic Party and the APGA in The Spokesman of the House will proceed to passage. had considered 853 bills, out On electoral reforms, he Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the last national Assembly election of Representatives, Hon. Kalu who made this of which 41 were passed, said substantial progress the November 6, 2021, governorship in his senatorial district. Benjamin Kalu has said the known in a statement, 66 awaiting action by the has been made in the election in Anambra State. He said: “We gave them a hot ninth House has passed a stated that a comparative Committee of the Whole, and consideration of the much- Ubah, who is the senator chase in the Senate and I am going total of 41 Bills since they analysis of the ninth House 105 passed second reading. anticipated Electoral Act representing Anambra South to defeat them again.” assumed office in June 2019. and previous assemblies, On motions, the (amendment) Bill, adding Senatorial District, emerged the The YPP’s candidate absolved This is as he disclosed that revealed that the current Spokesman said so far, that the report of the relevant party’s governorship candidate his party of the crises rocking the the House is set to receive House performed better the House has considered committee is currently before yesterday in Abuja with a pledge APGA and PDP chapters in the the long-awaited report of in bill considerations and a total of 730 motions, while the House as the bill awaits to defeat whoever emerged the state. the ad-hoc committee on passage. 484 were taken in the first passage. 46 FRIDAYJUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 24 HOURS... WORLD OF ISLAM Air Peace to Receive all 13 Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email [email protected] Brand New Aircraft in 2022 The Sharia of Human Chinedu Eze latest one. There will be two include Douala (Cameroon), coming in August to make it Kinshasa (Congo), Niamey Air Peace yesterday received five and before the end of 2021, (Niger), Dakar (Senegal) as Interconnectedness - 1 the third of its brand new we will have eight aircraft. We well as Monrovia (Liberia). Embraer 195-E5 aircraft at the hope to have all the 13 aircraft He also spoke about the Abdul Malik Mujahid/SoundVision we are unable to differentiate between right Nnamdi Azikiwe International we paid for in 2022. new domestic destinations and wrong behavior, nor does it prevent us Airport, Abuja and disclosed “In addition to the firm and commended the federal In Islam it is not enough for success to believe from acting against wrong actions. Rather, it that it would receive all the orders of 13 aircraft, which we government, the Minister of in God and worship Him. It would be just half discourages the human tendency to ‘sit in 13 aircraft it ordered from the would have received before Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika of the test of one’s faith. The other half test judgment’ of others. Brazilian plane marker before the end of 2022, we would and the Nigerian Civil Aviation is how our relationship is with other human Elsewhere in the Quran, God asserts that He the end of 2022. make further commitment of Authority (NCAA) for the beings. created all human beings as one people (one The airline said that it would 10 additional aircraft and by support they have been giving After all, it’s so much easier to pray, fast, and Ummah) and it is human beings who created create about 17,000 jobs with the time we have 30 aircraft domestic airlines. contemplate without the distraction of other divisions within themselves. (Quran 10:19). the total of all its aircraft fleet. we would employ about 17,000 “We have new domestic human beings who place impositions on our In terms of religious coexistence, the Quran Chairman and Chief personnel,” Onyema explained. routes that we want to deploy time, energy, and wealth. Yet, in Sharia, the says: “…To each among you have we prescribed Executive Officer of Air The Air Peace Chairman said the aircraft to. We have new Islamic way of life, it is only by serving other a law (Sharia) and an open way. If God had Peace, Allen Onyema made that the airline would deploy routes that we have just opened human beings that we can truly connect to our so willed, He would have made you followers this known in a speech just the aircraft to international, and more routes will still Creator. God holds the person in high esteem of one faith. But He willed otherwise to test before the aircraft touched regional and domestic come in the coming months. who tries to be just in his or her dealings, you in what He has given you; therefore strive down at the Abuja airport destinations, as it has started We are opening Gombe very whether that is in relation to a business deal, to excel one another in all virtues. Ultimately from the Embraer facility in opening new routes in Nigeria. soon and our intention is to a difficult parent or child, or an annoying you all shall return to God; then He will show Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil. He said the new aircraft open up this country. We will neighbor. you the truth of those matters in which you “We have paid for 13 aircraft would hit the West Coast also connect North-east with In contrast, someone who neglects his or dispute” (Quran 5:48). and made purchase right of and African region as the North-west and other routes. her duties to parents, children, neighbors, and This understanding of how human beings were additional 17. We now have domestic carrier extends its Owerri-Kaduna and other society as a whole, even if they pray ardently, created, as well as why humans are different, three with the arrival of the West Coast destinations to routes will be connected. fast diligently, or contemplate daily, comes up is built into the faith structure of Islam. as a zero. We believe that there is only One God who created all. We are asked to believe in all of ICPC, Shippers’ Council Inaugurate Task The Twin Test of One’s Faith in Islam: the Prophets, not just Biblical Prophets but all. We are also asked not to prefer one Prophet Connection with God & Connection with above others in terms of respect. We are asked Team for Port Harcourt, Onne Ports Humanity to believe in the earlier scriptures despite God’s criticism of people for changing those scriptures The Independent Corrupt implementation of the Nigerian in the ports that would There is a small chapter at the end of Practices and Other Related Ports Process Manual (NPPM). Quran called Small Kindnesses (Almaoon). (Quran 2:285). generate evidence-based In it, God describes the person who has lost Any Muslim who does not believe in the Offence Commission (ICPC) The PSTT, which is made infractions of the the Standard and the Nigerian Shippers’ the interconnectedness with others, and in whole set of these principles is not considered Council (NSC), the Nigerian up of officers of the ICPC, Operating Procedures (SOPs), turn has lost his faith. In this twin test of our a believer by God (Quran 4:136). Ports Authority (NPA) and the NSC, the NPA and the the NPPM and the Ease of faith God says: “Have you ever seen a human These principles are also a part of an Islamic other ports agencies, has Directorate of State Services Doing Business (EoDB) policy being who contradicts the faith in God and social structure: justice and fairness, upholding inaugurated a Port Standing (DSS), was charged with the of the federal government. His Judgment? the rights of the poor, as well as charity to Task Team (PSTT) in the Eastern primary duty of ensuring The team would engage in That is the person who pushes the orphan those in need, extend to all people without Ports of Port Harcourt and that standard procedures quick enforcement actions, aside and does not promote feeding the poor. any differentiation between a Muslim and a Onne as part of the on-going were followed in carrying including sting operations Woe, then, unto those who pray, non-Muslim. collaboration to ensure the full out transactions in the ports. on identified areas based on but their hearts and minds are remote from In the peace sanctuary of the Prophet, Madinah, The team was enjoined to regular intelligence. the essence of their prayers, those who appear the Prophet established peace between various CHANGE OF NAME strictly carry out activities The Head of Investigation to pray, tribal and faith groups after a hundred plus years that would dismantle the at the ICPC, Mr. Hassan but refuse to share necessities of life with of warfare. He negotiated and implemented a I formally known and address others.” (Quran 107) written constitution. Classical Islamic literature as MISS AINA IBUKUN OMOD- corruption network that has Mohammed, who represented been fuelling traffic logjam the chairman of the Connecting with God and serving His Creation refers to this document in Arabic as “waseeqatun ELE, now wish to be known and are, therefore, twin pillars of faith in Islam. Nabi.” address as MRS AINA-AKIN- within the port area. commission, charged the team The PSTT was also required to be diligent in carrying out Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings What is significant about this document is BIYI IBUKUN OMODELE. All that after stating the equal religious and legal to carry out regular operations their duties. be upon him, said: “The person who meets former documents remain valid. with people and endures the harm they do rights of each of the Jewish and pagan tribes The general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME is better than the of Madinah, this document repeatedly uses the person who does not mix with them or phrase “one Ummah with the believers.” This I formally known and address as I, formerly known and addressed APC Screening Committee MISS AINA BOLANLE AGNES, as MISS FRANCISCA TOBE- endure the harm they do” (Recorded in the constitution implemented the Quranic recognition now wish to be known and ad- CHUKWU OJIAKOR now wish- Clears 14 Anambra Hadith collections of Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah). of the presence of multiple religions as well as dress as MRS. AINA- AKINME- es to be known and addressed That may be why a conservative South Asian other variations among people, while keeping in JIWA BOLANLE AGNES. All as MRS FRANCISCA TOBE- Governorship Aspirants, scholar, Ashraf Ali Thanwi, said one cannot mind the “oneness of humanity”, and offering former documents remain valid. CHUKWU LOUIS. All former be a good Muslim unless he first become a equal security, mutual defense, legal and civic The general public should please documents remain valid. General Submits Report good human being. autonomy and freedom of religion to all citizens take note. including those who worshiped idols. public take note Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja I formally known and address I, formerly known and ad- Oneness of Humanity & Diversity Dealings with the Theological Divisions as ADEWUMI TOLULOPE dressed as NIYI OLADEJO The All Progressives Congress GBOTEMI, now wish to be God says that human differences are for PERRY now wishes to be (APC) Screening Committee has While God insist people to follow Islam, He known and address as ADEKA- differentiation purposes only: known and addressed as screened and cleared all the 14 “O Mankind, We created you from a single recognizes some will not. He, therefore, prefers HUSI TOLULOPE VICTORIA. OLANIYI PERRY OLADEJO. Anambra State governorship pair of a male and a female and made you that the differences in faith are to be referred All former documents remain val- All former documents remain aspirants ahead of the party’s into nations and tribes, so that you may know back to God, Who will judge between us on id. The general public take note. valid. General public take note primary scheduled for July 26. one another. Verily the most honored of you a day when He is the Final Arbiter instead of The Secretary of the All I formally known and address as I, formerly known and ad- in the sight of God is he who is the most quarrelling over religious differences (Quran Progressives Congress (APC) righteous of you” (Quran 49:13). 5:48). NWOSU IFEANYI CHINONSO, dressed as IRETI HOPE now Caretaker/Extraordinary now wish to be known and ad- wishes to be known and ad- From this short verse, Islamic scholars In the meantime, we must learn to peacefully Convention Planning coexist by establishing cordial relationships of dress as CHUKWU IFEANYI dressed as IKECHUCKWU have drawn several fundamental Islamic Committee, Sen. John principles which are reaffirmed elsewhere in mutual benefit, thankfulness to each other, and MICHAEL. All former documents IRETI HOPE. All former docu- Akpanudoedehe, who received the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings: care for the disadvantaged and neighbors, remain valid. The general public ments remain valid. General the report yesterday in Abuja God is addressing all of humanity here, not regardless of whether they share our faith or take note. public take note on behalf of the National only the Muslims. not. Muslims are required to cooperate for the Chairman, Governor Mai God says that He created us from one man good, in righteousness and piety for all, and I formally known and address I formally known and address as Mala Buni, also commended as AKINTADE OLORUNFEMI CHINYERE CATHERINE FRAN- and one woman, thus making us all brothers not for sin and rancor (Quran 5:2). OLAYIWOLA, now wish to be the committee. and sisters. The Islamic prayer called Salat literally means CIS UGWU, now wish to be known Akpanudoedehe said: “I known and address as AKIN- and address as CHINYERE CATH- The verse invalidates the claims of superiority connection in Arabic. It connects us to our TADE OLORUNFEMI EM- ERINE JOSEPH AKABUOGU. All received this report on behalf of due to one’s birth by stating that all are born Creator five times a day. Another word derived MANUEL. All former documents former documents remain valid. the National Chairman of the through a similar process, i.e. from a male from the same root is used for the connected remain valid. The general public The general public take note. Party in good faith. The report and female. phones. Another is used when referring to take note. will be sent to the National God made tribes and nations as a means relations between human being, particularly Chairman immediately. The I formally known and address I formally known and address as of identifying and differentiating. This is not family “Silatul Rahm”, with the word “Rahm” National Chairman is with meant to be a source of superiority, nor as meaning the womb, giving precedence to ties as KUJA AHMED KELU, YAHAYA PRECIOUS NNENNA, the President in Borno State, now wish to be known and now wish to be known and ad- a contributing component of tribalism, caste that bind us through our birth. I am sure you are aware of systems, nationalisms, colonialism or racism. Perhaps this is why in Islam, a person cannot address as AHMED-KUJA dress as PEACE PRECIOUS that. By what you have done, MARIAN KELU. All former NNENNA. All former documents The only measure of greatness among give away all of their wealth even to charity you have removed the need without first making sure they have paid the remain valid. The general public human beings is at the individual level, not documents remain valid. The for an Appeal Committee. We on a national or group level, based on the inheritance shares due to family members. general public take note. take note. are indeed very grateful to the character of “Taqwa.” This Arabic term means But relations of the womb or blood are I formally known and address as I, OLADEPO AFEEZ ADIO, my committee for serving the party a character build around God-consciousness. not the only ones that emphasize human OYINTOMI ADEPEJU OSOFU- name was wrongly captured as in the screening exercise.” This singular criterion of preference, Taqwa, interconnectedness in Islam. Neighbors are SAN, now wish to be known and OLADEPO AFEEZ instead of Earlier, the Chairman of however, is not quite measurable by other given high priority, regardless of whether the Screening Committee, Mr. address as OYINTOMI ADEPEJU OLADEPO AFEEZ ADIO, hence- human beings since it deals with the inner they are Muslim or not. In Islam, therefore, forth my full name is OLADEPO AF- Ikechi Emenike, stated that the self. Therefore, human beings must leave relationships, justice, rights, and duties toward OBAFEMI. All former documents committee approached the remain valid. The general public EEZ ADIO. All former documents re- even this criterion to God to decide rather one’s neighbors are not limited to Muslims. main valid, the general public should assignment with a patriotic take note. than using it to judge each other. At the same please take note. spirit. time though, this principle does not mean that To Be Continued FRIDAY JUNE 18, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 47

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] FRIDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Okagbare: Now, I Am Ready for Tokyo Olympics Runs wind-aided 10.63 secs to win eighth national sprint title Duro Ikhazuagbe Centre yesterday when she hit Nwokocha finished third in Games in Glasgow, Scotland. everything and I hope it counts medalist. the finish line in 10.63 secs to 11.11 seconds. “Since the start of this at the big stage, that’s the In the men’s 100m final, After scorching to her eighth win the blue ribband event. Speaking shortly after the season, I see myself as very Olympics. Enoch Adegoke blasted to national sprint title with an However, she was denied race, Okagbare told THISDAY ready,” stressed the Delta Star With so much now expected the title in 10.00sec and a incredible 10.63secs yesterday, a new African recorded due that she was now ready for who won her first Olympic from her due to her current place in the Olympics, leaving Blessing Okagbare has to the 2,7 tail wind that aided the challenge in Tokyo 2020. bronze medal at the Beijing form, Okagbare refused Usheoritse Itsekiri (10.07) and announced her readiness to the race. “I am now ready for the Games in 2008. to point at any medal in Okeoghene Brume (10.09) for battle for a silverware at the Before the final, theOlympic Games in Tokyo. I That medal has since been particular to expect from her the silver and bronze medals . Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games University of Texas in El Paso am happy that this time came elevated to silver following in Tokyo. In the absence of US-based next month. (UTEP) graduate had given today. I have been looking the disqualification of Russian “I was very disappointed Divine Oduduru and Raymond Okagbare who is Africa’s a glimpse of what to expect forward to something like athlete who won the silver at my last meet when I ran Ekevwo, the fans were looking previous record holder at when she dusted the field in this in front of my home fans based on dope infraction. 11.2, I was like this is not me, up to Edo 2020 Festival duo 10.79secs in the women’s 10.99secs. and I am glad it came today,” “I feel healthy, stronger and so when they mentioned the of Alaba Akintola and Enoch 100m created a buzz on the Another US-based athlete, gushed the Olympics, World like the real Blessing Okagbare trials, I said I am going to be Adegoke winning the trials. opening day of the 2021 Rosemary Chukwuma finished and Commonwealth Games again. I am really happy that there, not because I just want Akintola however cupped National Olympic Games second in 11.07 while National medalist this time came down today, it to run, but because I really an injury in the semis leaving Trials at the Yabatech Sports Sports Festival winner, Grace She admitted that the last will boost my confidence, my want to compete and run well. Adegoke who raced home in time she felt this healthy and faith and trust in God. I just So in Tokyo, I am praying to a new 10.00 seconds PB and in ready was when she won hope this same thing happen remain in this same form and the process confirm his place double sprint gold medals at the Olympics. will give my best,” concludes in Team Nigeria’s flight to the Gov Sanwo-Olu Empowers at the 2014 Commonwealth “I have been working on the former long jump bronze Olympics in Tokyo. Schools with Sports Equipment Femi Solaja fully committed to improving sporting facilities in our In what many see as a schools to take full advantage major step towards sports of the benefits of enhanced development from the sporting activities in our grassroots, Lagos State public schools that cannot Governor, Babajide Sanwo- be overemphasized. We most Olu, fulfilled part of his certainly cannot do this alone, promise to youth engagement hence we are always ready to following the donation of join hands with the private sporting equipment to all sector and notable individuals the six Educational District to constantly and sustainably in the state yesterday. raise funds for the promotion At a colourful ceremony of sporting activities and the held at the Adeyemi Bero development of sporting Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, facilities in Lagos State,” the governor through the the governor said. Lagos State Government Trust He added: “The Fund (LSSTF), said all the distribution of sports equipment must be channelled equipment to the public to all the public institutions secondary schools via the six Blessing Okagbare celebrating with the 10.63sec winning time for her eighth Nigerian sprint title ...yesterday within the education districts educational districts in Lagos in the state. State today is a testament to He said that the donation the great work being done of the equipment was a by the LSSTF.” Edo 2020: Gov. Diri Splashes N195m on Team Bayelsa demonstration of their Besides these equipment understanding of the benefits being distributed, LSSTF is of sports in education. currently reconstructing an Adopts Oborodudu, Godbless for Special Funding The governor who was Olympic size swimming pool, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Chambers of the Government bronze medallists was N300,000, “We pray that you would not represented by the Deputy warm-up pool, training pool Douye Diri, has generously House, Yenagoa, said the gesture team bronze medallists N100,000 end at just the national sports Chief of Staff, Gboyega and a 500-seater spectator rewarded athletes that made was in appreciation of the while bronze medal winning festival. Your Commissioner is Soyannwo, said that the stand at Rowe Park Sports the state proud at the National honour they brought to the state. coaches and secretaries got a world champion in wrestling. LSSTF has been playing a Centre, Yaba. These projects Sports Festival held in April this For every individual gold N200,000 each. We pray that you follow those crucial role in assisting the will soon be delivered and it year in Edo State. medallist, Governor Diri The largesse also captured footsteps. government to source the is expected that the number An elated Governor Diri announced a cash reward non- medal winning athletes “Your next sports festival in fund from private sectors to of medals in swimming announced a total package of of N1m while team gold who were appreciated with 2022 began the day Edo 2020 improve sports infrastructure for the state will triple in N195 million for the gold, sliver medallists got N500,000 each N50,000 each likewise their ended. I’m sure that if you in the state. future swimming competitive and bronze medallists as well with outstanding swimmer, coaches and secretaries who go to Asaba 2022 with the “Lagos State Government is events,” Sanwo-Olu added. as the coaches and secretaries Ifiezibe Gagbe, getting over got same amount. same passion, patriotism and of the teams. N10 million reward having won The governor urged the commitment you exhibited in Bayelsa, for the first time, eight gold, two silver and five athletes to reciprocate the Edo, you would surpass your Mikel Visits Lalong, Pledges placed third on the final medals bronze medals. gesture by improving on their performance. That is why I table behind Delta and Edo, a Gold medal winning performance in the next festival charge you not to relent in More Investments in Plateau feat that surpassed its fourth coaches and secretaries were and assured that the government order to go beyond your current also rewarded with N500,000 would not relent in promoting position.” Seriki Adinoyi in Jos people around him as well place recorded since 2006 at as the beautiful and serene the games held in Abeokuta, each while individual silver sports at all levels. The governor also announced He said: “We appreciate you the adoption of two Bayelsa- Former Super Eagles Captain atmosphere of the state which Ogun State. medalists smiled home with and Stoke City Star, John Obi was main attraction for people In a press release by his Chief N350,000, team silver medallists for bringing honour to the born athletes in line with the Mikel, has hinted of plans from within and outside the Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel N250,000 each and silver medal state. As you know, sports is “Adopt an Athlete Initiative” to increase his investments in country. Alabrah, the governor, who winning coaches and secretaries no longer a social event. It is of the Minister of Youth and Plateau State and also engage While receiving the football received the state’s contingent N300,000 each. now a money-spinning business Sports Development, Sunday in other social development star, Lalong described Mikel as inside the Executive Council The reward for individual if you get committed to it. Dare. activities as a way of giving a pride to Nigeria, and Plateau back to his place of birth and State in particular. where his footballing career The governor said Plateau Dettol Becomes Official Hygiene Partner of Super Eagles took wings. remains famous for grooming The Nigeria Football Federation as a ‘historical moment’, insisting finals taking place in Qatar at President of the Nigeria Mikel who visited Plateau stars in sports, entertainment, and Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria the agreement aligned firmly the end of next year. Football Federation, Mr Amaju State Governor, Simon Lalong academia, banking, admini- Limited on Thursday in Lagos with the firm’s purpose, which is “We will also seek to extend Melvin Pinnick, acknowledged at the Governor’s Lodge in stration among others. signed a contractual agreement “to protect, heal and to nurture the protection to millions of fans Dettol as the household name for Abuja, lauded his efforts at He therefore urged Mikel that immediately made Reckitt’s in relentless pursuit of a cleaner of the Super Eagles through our anti-septic globally, and expressed restoring peace in the state. to continue to connect with product, Dettol the Official and healthier world.” partnership with the Nigeria the excitement of the football Mikel attributed this move the state and show more Hygiene Partner of the Super In this spirit, Dettol is primed Football Federation. The world body to welcome the much- for the development and presence by contributing Eagles. to provide hygiene protection for is presently going through the loved product on board. “In prosperity in the state. to the development of not At a simple ceremony inside the Super Eagles at every turn worst health crisis in the history truth, the COVID-19 pandemic The former Chelsea star only sports, but other areas the Studio2 of HotSports Media before and after every of their of mankind and it is a glorious has changed the way so many described Jos where he was of investment. Group in Oregun, Akbar Ali matches on the road to and at opportunity to underscore the things are done, including the born and raised as his home. The governor is looking Sha, General Manager of Reckitt the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations importance of hygiene and best organisation of football itself. We Mikel recalled with nostalgia forward to a summit of ex Benckiser in Sub-Sahara Africa, taking place in Cameroon next health practices around the Super are guided and guarded, and his upbringing in the state and internationals that have their described the union between the year summer, and on the road Eagles and their supporters,” with Dettol, we know we will the hospitality and love of the roots in the state. Football House and his company to and at the FIFA World Cup Ali Sha added. be the better for it.”

T RU N TH & REASO

TR N UT SO Friday June 18, 2021 H & REA Price: N250

MISSILE

Book Your

Okogie to FG

COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Well it is true that our problems did not start under this TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 administration, it seems to have worsened economically 26years and politically in these past six years” – Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, This service is provided in association with accredited service providers Cardinal Anthony Okogie, lamenting the state of the nation. PATUTOMI GUEST COLUMNIST Saving Nigeria for Good of All f wisdom were ever desperately contemporary Nigeria needed, that time is now. But Thanks to the work of Joshua Greene reason is embattled and truth at the centre for moral cognition at often comes with a high price Harvard, and others, it is easier to show in this kind of season even if it how the gap between us and them Imay bring post hummus tribute to comes through as emotion triumph over those who speak them today. reason and rational public conversation Why are we caught in this gale which Jurgen Habermes offers as the of emotional neighbor-bashing and peg of modernity. bitterness of spirit even as Terrorists The solution is in enlightened rule our forests, innocents are murdered leadership who can see the forest in cold blood, bandits kidnap at will, beyond the trees, and can manage making the drift to a Hobbesian state to rise above the emotions that prey of nature clear and palpable? on the fear of strangers. The absence of honest, rational, public Here we can learn much from a conversation can explain the unreason visionary thinker Malcolm Gladwell, of people holding on to ideas that are who has some drops of Nigerian ostensibly advancing their interests in blood in his system. His excursion a narrow parochial way, whereas in into the many tragedies the world reality it is worsening their condition, has suffered because many people do often at levels that should make these not know how to engage strangers, people Madochists of an extraordinary point to how Nigeria is can profit nature if they could glance into a future from leaders with strong emotional they are unwittingly subverting. intelligence. Much of the trouble in I will use four examples from ethnic Nigeria today will be easily overcome jingoism in the current Nigerian if we could learn how to talk with experience to illustrate this dysfunction Buhari Lawan strangers. If we all cannot do so, at before offering some explanations for of Nigeria was quite a production to me about this 15 years ago lack the least let those people who are leaders why things happen in these strange region as the groundnut pyramids courage to speak truth to the people and exercise influence, so learn. ways. Then I will turn to some problems symbolized, and even in processing lest they be seen as sell outs. Whether it be the open grazing with leadership and what Malcolm or manufacturing, Bompai, in Kano, In the South-east there are people matter, which Katsina State found two Gladwell would call talking to strangers as an industrial estate, even before so angry with perception of injustice decades before the current crisis, is in his enlightening engagement of how the government stimulated Kakuri that they seen to be cutting their nose prime driver of dessert encroachment people make a mess of the world Industrial Estate in Kaduna, tells the to spite the face by developing post and needed to be controlled. Ditto for because of how prejudice affects the story of productive enterprise. Nigeria visions. the agitations in irredentist movements way they engage with people they But when oil revenues started Same errors prevail in some in the for the decoupling of the federation. do not really understand. flowing, political power led to local South-west who harass prospering The naked truth is that most are Back in the 1840s, in France, there government becoming a federating people from other parts of Nigeria. working against their best interest was a Laissez Faire activist Frederic units and many more local governments You wonder if they do not wonder simply because they have not learnt Bastiat repeatedly pointed to the nature being created further North. The sad why how some smart countries go in to talk to strangers. of man who was inclined to seek gain result, following the “lottery effect” , search of smart foreigners with Visa Whenever I read again Hammd without pain. Even more interesting, that phenomenon in which the poor policies that canvas their relocation. Bubboyi’s delightful collection of some he points to the fact that those who man who wins the lottery usually Yet, these points do not come to the leadership values of the Troika of the have power encode into law the means ends up poor a fees years after, has fore in public conversation because founding of the Sokoto Caliphate in to preserve their advantage to plunder drained the North and made it jettison political actors play up emotions that the book ‘Principles of Leadership’ “legally’’. production, becoming much poorer, make people embrace as their best I wonder where the present leaders But before Bastiat wrote The Law, as a result even though it gets more interest, factors that are against their of Nigeria got their education. If the plunder in fields of adventure by revenues. But those who know better, interest but provide revenue capture ghosts of Uthman dan Fodio (Sheik conquistadores had brought Spain including a former president of the opportunities for a few individuals in Uthman Ibn Foudaye) Sheik Abdulai plenty of cash. The elite squandered the Kano chamber of commerce who spoke the state capture scenario that defines IbnFoudaye and Sheik Mohammed revenues like Nigeria’s elite currently Bello Ibn Uthman Ibn Foudaye were squander oil revenues. But one or two to run a Retreat for the leadership of generations down the line “rich” Spain today’s Nigeria, we could have more would be much poorer than smaller peace and progress. countries of Europe like Switzerland To save Nigeria from the precipice and the Netherlands. These had that it is, we need a leadership that invested in their youth to enhance To save Nigeria from the precipice thinks, works with knowledge in the their ability to produce while Spain way Deng Xiaoping canvassed it in was sharing revenues. We learnt that it is, we need a leadership that 1978 and not present day Nigeria’s from them that revenues do not make denigration of intellect as in China’s sustainably rich. What makes rich is thinks, works with knowledge in the cultural Revolution. Has leadership production as the case of Switzerland principles of the Utomapp Dan and Netherlands show. way Deng Xiaoping canvassed it in Fodios, has Emotional Intelligence, When, in fact Netherlands had a is compassionate and understands revenue surge from Oil and Gas finds 1978 and not present day Nigeria’s how to talk with strangers. in the 20th century it had an effect that we have come to know as Dutch denigration of intellect as in China’s r6UPNJ
B
QPMJUJDBM
FDPOPNJTU
JT
disease from that surge of cash. UIF
GPVOEFS
PG
$FOUSF
GPS
7BMVFT
JO
In our Nigerian experience the North cultural Revolution -FBEFSTIJQ 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. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]