Govt, Operators Move to End $2bn Aircraft Maintenance Capital Flight Initiative to help Nigeria conserve forex Chinedu Eze annually, some operators in In the last four years, 7-Star Global Hangers Limited, for executive jets. on stream, while the Chairman the aviation industry and the the Nigerian Civil Aviation and Overland Airways for the Also, by early next year, and CEO of Air Peace, Mr. As part of efforts to end the Akwa Ibom State government Authority (NCAA) has maintenance of ATR aircraft the Maintenance, Repair and Allen Onyema, has announced huge capital flight spent have taken steps towards given Aircraft Maintenance in addition to the certification Overhaul (MRO) facility being that the airline has completed on maintenance of aircraft developing maintenance Organisation (AMO) given to Execujet, a global built in Uyo by Akwa Ibom overseas put at $2 billion facilities in Nigeria. certificates to Aero Contractors, maintenance organisation State government will come Continued on page 10

NEITI: FG’s Earning from Mining Rose to N79.96bn in 2019... Page 8

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In Kebbi, 10 Rescued, Scores Still Missing, Hunters Join Battle...Page 49 NADECO Writes Buhari on Insecurity, Insists on Abrogation of 1999 Constitution Seeks suspension of elections until new grundnorm is promulgated Urges UN to intervene in resolving crisis in Nigeria Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja which was in the vanguard of the clamour for the rebirth of The National Democratic democracy in Nigeria during Coalition (NADECO) the military regime of late has written to President Gen. Sani Abacha, leading Muhammadu Buhari over to the return to civil rule the rising security challenges in 1999, in an open letter to in the country and canvassed the president, pressed for the as panacea, the return to the suspension of further elections 1960 and 1963 Constitutions until the country gets a new to replace the extant 1999 constitution. grundnorm, which it said the The letter, dated June military imposed on Nigerians. The pro-democracy group, Continued on page 10 Courts, Assemblies Move to Relist Cases, Bills Stalled by Workers’ Strike Our Reporters Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) called off With the resumption of after two months. activities in courts and state THISDAY investigations Houses of Assembly, the showed that the industrial judiciaries and the legislatures action, embarked upon to press in states of the federation home the workers' demands have begun to relist cases for financial autonomy for the and bills that were stalled two arms of government in SOLIDARISING WITH BORNO... as a result of the strike by the 36 states of the federation, the Judiciary Staff Union of L- R: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari; President Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Continued on page 10 and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, during the president’s visit to Borno State...recently

Again, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, PANDEF, PDP, Tackle FG over Restructuring...Page 6 2 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 5 6 MONDAY, 
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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 Again, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, PANDEF, PDP, Tackle FG over Restructuring ACF insists on referendum Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha presides over the sharing of for a discussion on the state of and Nigerians demanding for it the president must be bound taken our stand that the country in Abuja, Christopher Isiguzo the revenue of the federation the nation, particularly in the as “mischievously dangerous,” by the will of the people. should hold a referendum on in Enugu, John Shiklam in to which his state probably face of worsening insecurity, the party said. In his reaction, "The entire people of Nigeria whether we want to remain Kaduna, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos contributes nothing. How else economic hardship and Chairman of the Kaduna State have accepted the fact that the as one country or not.” and James Sowole in Akure can he impress his principal sectional disagreements, further chapter of the CAN, Rev. Joseph only way out of the myriad of PANDEF also described the than tell him what would demonstrated their arrogant Hayab, said it was unfortunate the crisis facing the country at statement credited to the Buhari The pan-Yoruba socio-political soothe his sectional and and dictatorial disposition that the same government, the moment is restructuring. administration as indicting the organisation, Afenifere, the sectarian ego? towards the people. which set up a committee for The South-east, South-west, president and the ruling APC, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan "The elected governors of National Publicity Secretary restructuring, was opposed to South-south, the Middle belt which committee headed by Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the constituent states of the of the party, Mr. Kola restructuring. region and the intelligentsia in Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Middle Belt Forum, the Peoples federation, the leaders of the Ologbondiyan, in a statement "This same government has the core North have all accepted Kaduna State had earlier Democratic Party (PDP) and entrenched federating ethnic issued yesterday, stated in the past set up a committee that we need to restructure. approved restructuring. the Kaduna State branch of the nationalities, former leaders, that Buhari as citizens of a on restructuring and it came The president alone cannot In a statement by its National Christian Association of Nigeria presidents and knowledgeable democratic state, Nigerians up with a report. If the same impose his views on the rest Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken (CAN) yesterday tackled personalities are all calling for have every right to demand government is saying that there of us,” he said. Robinson, PANDEF said no President Muhammadu Buhari- the restructuring of the political constitutional restructuring as is nothing to restructure then Also in its reaction, the ACF, responsible government led administration for taking architecture to reinvent the well as a democratic forum to it is telling Nigerians not to called for a referendum, adding, anywhere in the world a position on restructuring foundational federal principles deliberate on good governance believe anything they say in however, that the president has would make or sanction that they say is contrary to of the polity and here you find and national cohesion. the future seriously,” he said. the right to hold opinions. such statements against its the wishes of the majority of an opportunistic official heading The PDP stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Spokesman of the forum, citizens, adding that "We are, Nigerians. a parasitic office, which had such demands are neither also berated the Buhari Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, said the undoubtedly, under a grossly Buhari, represented by the no place in a true federal state, synonymous nor contiguous administration for saying that position of the ACF was that a blinkered leadership, sadly, to Executive Secretary of Revenue, talking down on the nation. to warfare. it would not yield to calls for referendum be conducted on the detriment of the security Mobilisation, Allocation and “State governments are "It is appalling, and to say restructuring or convocation whether the country should and welfare of citizens". Fiscal Commission, Alhaji demanding the powers to the least, despicable, that Mr. of a constitutional conference. remain one. According to the group, the Mohammed Shehu, at the establish state police to deal President and his party, the Reacting to the He said: “The president has RMAFC executive secretary launch of Kudirat Abiola Sabin with insecurity, and prominent APC, who came to power administration’s position that the constitutional right to hold could afford to voice the Gari, Zaria Peace Foundation traditional rulers, especially in 2015 on the promise of those calling for restructuring his views. Whether such views prattle remarks on behalf of on Saturday, had condemned emirs, have called on their restructuring, have not only are “mischievously dangerous,” are in line with the provision the president because he is the call for restructuring and people to rise in their own reneged, in utter duplicity Ohanaeze Ndigbo National of the constitution is another aware of their crooked agenda national dialogue, saying that defence, and some uninformed towards Nigerians, but also Publicity Secretary, Chief thing. to perpetuate the subjugation he could not hand over to government officials areturned around, six years after, Alex Chiedozie, said since the “We, at ACF, have considered and gross injustice against the unelected persons. threatening us with war if to label restructuring as warfare country is practising democracy, this issue of restructuring, and rest of the country. He described those agitating we seek restructuring or for restructuring as people, who self-determination. It is so are mischievously dangerous, nauseating, this rudderless and afraid to join partisan government.” politics. President of the Middle But Afenifere yesterday Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, said the restructuring being also described Buhari’s clamoured for by various administration as confused interest groups in the country, for claiming that restructuring would not be at the whims implied that he should hand and pleasure of Buhari’s over to a national conference. administration. “Otherwise, who told him Afenifere’s Secretary-General, that by restructuring he’s going Chief Sola Ebiseni, said the to hand over to a national call for restructuring of the conference? Restructuring has so country's political architecture many components; devolution was a popular one among all of power, having electoral knowledgeable personalities, system that is acceptable by elected governors and the all, ensuring that power is leaders of entrenched federating given to federating units rather ethnic nationalities. than having it centralised at Ebiseni said: "It is so the top,” he said. unfortunate that Nigeria The PDP cautioned the has descended so low that Buhari administration to the position of the federal stop pushing the nation to government or even the the precipice by its arrogant president would have to be and dictatorial remarks as well deduced from some innocuous as inflammatory referencing officials. to war, particularly in his "From what I read in the apparent aversion towards papers, the fellow to whom the constitutionally guaranteed this statement is credited is one rights of Nigerians. Executive Secretary, Revenue PDP described Buhari’s Mobilisation, Allocation and reported remarks that he EMIR TAKES OFFICE... Fiscal Commission, Alhaji and his All Progressives Emir of Rano, Alhaji Kabiru Inuwa (left), and Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, during the presentation of staff of Mohammed Bello Shehu, who Congress (APC) had no time office to the emir in Kano...weekend Ngige Meets Buhari over Labour Issues, Insecurity in South-east Deji Elumoye in Abuja for two months before the strike Kaduna State. way to go in all these. Like I Employment intervened to ago, wrote to Mr. President was called off last week. On the security situation keep on saying, there is a very broker a truce in the industrial complaining that the Kaduna Minister of Labour and He said: "We are going to in the South-east, Ngige said: thin line between perception dispute between the two. State government wasn't Employment, Senator Chris monitor the agreement. He "We also looked at the security and reality; so, certain things The minister said it was keeping to their own side of the Ngige, at the weekend met is very interested in it. And situation, especially in my zone, should be done, at least to resolved that there was no agreement, signed, especially with President Muhammadu if you remember, he had the South-east, and we made assuage the feelings of the need for another industrial in the area of victimisation Buhari on some recent labour to do an Executive Order some proposal to him, based people in the area and make disharmony between labour and of workers, said that the issues that had led to strikes. 10 in consonance with the on the yearnings of the people, them not feel unwanted so the Kaduna State Government, government of Kaduna State Ngige, in the company of the constitution so that we have and what the government also that area was also discussed. " especially as the country was has sacked some staff from their president’s Chief of Staff, Prof. independence, financialwants. Ngige stated that his faced with serious security workforce for participating in Ibrahim Gambari, also briefed autonomy for the judiciary "And we are following up mission at the State House challenges. the strike. Buhari on the challenging and the legislature in the states. with dialogue which at the was to brief the president on He added: "We also looked at "And Mr. President sought security situation in the “So, it is one of the few end of the day is what will developments in the labour the Kaduna State Government/ advice on it and we've South-east. things and he was happy that happen. We have to talk, we ministry with regard to the Nigeria Labour Congress transmitted the advice today. He told journalists in Abuja at least the strikes had been have to discuss. And part of industrial action embarked imbroglio. We have arrested the So, I and the Chief of Staff that he briefed the president called off." the discussion starts also. The upon by some unions. strikes, we have apprehended have jointly briefed him on on labour issues, including He added that the recent face- Minister of Defence, Minister of The leadership of the NLC them and formed committees that and we are taking action the recent strike embarked off between the Kaduna State Interior and the service chiefs had complained to Buhari that for the workers through the to make sure we don't have upon by the Judicial Staff government and the Nigeria were in Enugu earlier last the Kaduna State government NLC and the Kaduna State a repeat of what happened Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Labour Congress (NLC) was Saturday and we are going to had allegedly refused to obey Government so that they can in that state, he said that we and the Parliamentary Staff also discussed at the meeting do follow-up meetings on that the terms of agreement reached do some social dialoguing have already been bedevilled Association of Nigeria (PASAN) with the president, adding that again starting from tomorrow. between the two parties after and reconciliation through with security issues, we don't that paralysed legislative and the president warned against "We briefed the president and the federal government through that route. want any more compounding judicial activities in the country another industrial action in he accepted that dialogue is the the Minister of Labour and "The NLC just five days of those issues." MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 MONDAY, 
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THISDAY NEWS NEITI: FG’s Earning from Mining Rose to N79.96bn in 2019 New figure breaks 3-year1 record Solid-minerals-producing states get 13% derivation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 2020 was N3.948 billion. to 46.7mt produced in 2018, total export for the year. A sectorial review of compliance department A breakdown of the closely followed by 43.08mt On contribution of the revenue distribution of carried out reclamation of Nigeria earned N79.96 billion distribution shows that the and 39.27mt produced in 2016 sector to the economy, taxes and royalties by the seven abandoned mines from the solid minerals sector federal and state governments and 2015 respectively, with NEITI’s report cited data 74 companies showed costing N534.81million. in 2019, representing a 15 per received N4.073 billion or the lowest production figure from the National Bureau of that manufacturing and It added that a total of cent increase when compared 45.83 per cent and N2.065 of 35.32mt recorded in 2017. Statistics (NBS), which stated construction companies 32 mining sites have so far to the N69.47 billion recorded billion or 23.25 per cent An analysis of revenues that mining and quarrying contributed 68.60 per cent and been reclaimed from 2007 to the previous year, a new respectively, while local flow from the sector also contributed 0.26 per cent 29.67 per cent respectively 2019, costing N2.39 billion. report released yesterday governments got N1.592 showed that N79.96 billion to Gross Domestic Product in royalty and taxes while On social expenditure, the by the Nigeria Extractive billion or 17.92 per cent. recorded in 2019 was the (GDP), higher than 0.18 per quarry, mining companies and report revealed that N2.598 Industries Transparency The balance of N1.155 billion highest in the past five cent contribution recorded buying centres contributed billion was spent on 557 Initiative (NEITI) has shown. was distributed to only solid- years, followed by N69.47 in 2018. only 1.73 per cent. projects by 44 extractive The data contained in the minerals-producing states as billion and N69.2 billion “Nigeria’s GDP in 2019 On environmental impact companies. 2019 audit report of the solid their shares of the 13 per cent recorded in 2018 and 2015 was N144.210 trillion and social expenditure, the To address the non- minerals sector released by derivation. respectively, while N52.76 with contributions from report said 10 companies payments of taxes and the organisation in Abuja According to the report, out billion was recorded in 2017 the solid minerals sector reported environmental multiple Tax Identification stated that the 2019 earnings of 702 companies that paid and accounted for N41.98 totalling N368.99 billion, expenditures to the tune Numbers (TIN), the NEITI accounted for 16 per cent of royalties to the government billion in 2016. representing 0.26 per cent of of N17.13 million, covering report recommended that the total revenues of N496.28 in 2019, only 74 companies On minerals exported, the the total amount. This shows environmental fees, air FIRS should carry out billion that have accrued to met the materiality threshold report showed that the solid steady growth in the sector’s quality and waste permits, comprehensive tax audits the federation from the sector of N3 million, representing minerals sector accounted contribution to the economy and registration fees for to recover all unpaid taxes over the period of 13 years a 7.2 per cent increase when for N124.23 billion of the in the past five years, from a environmental impact by companies and work (2007 to 2019). compared to 69 entities that total government exports contribution of 0.12 per cent assessment (EIA). in collaboration with the It also represented met the threshold in 2018. of N24.275 trillion for 2019, in 2015 to 0.26 per cent in The report stated that superintending ministry to the highest since 2007 “These 74 companies representing 0.51 per cent of 2019," it stated. mines environmental reconcile the numbers. when NEITI commenced accounted for 87.63 per cent reconciliation of payments of total royalties of N2.50 in the solid minerals sector, billion paid in 2019, with the now in the 10th cycle of the top five companies (Dangote independent audit. Cement PLC; Lafarge PLC; A breakdown of the 2019 Dangote Industries; Julius receipts as reported by NEITI Berger; and Reynolds showed that taxes to the Construction) paying more Federal Inland Revenue than 50 per cent of total Service (FIRS) on behalf of royalties” the report stated. the federation accounted for It added that a total of 1,296 N69.92 billion or 87.4 per cent mineral permits were issued of the total, while fees and by the MCO in 2019, with royalties paid to the Mining small-scale leases being the Cadastre Office (MCO)highest with 602 permits. and Mines Inspectorate This was followed by Department (MID) accounted 501 and 169 for exploration for N2.37 billion (3.0 per cent) licences and quarry leases and N2.55billion (3.2 per cent) respectively, while the least respectively. figure of 24 was recorded for Revenue accruals to the mining leases. states stood at N5.1 billion, The 2019 audit report representing a 42 per cent revealed that the total volume increase when compared to of minerals produced was the N2.1 billion recorded in 59.82 metric tonnes, while 2018, with FIRS accounting a five-year trend analysis for the highest flow to the of minerals production coffers. showed that the total minerals In addition, the outstanding production in the past five amount of N8.887 billion, years stood at 224,188,056 which accrued from the tonnes, out of which 59.82mt solid minerals sector as of was produced in 2019. This 31st December 2019, was signified the highest in the distributed amongst the five years reviewed. THANKFUL HEARTS... three tiers of government in In addition, the 2019 May 2020 using the revenue volumetric figures alsoL-R: Member, representing Nsukka East Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Nwamba; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; sharing formula while the represented an increase of Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Cosmas Ugwueze and member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South balance as of 31st October 29.41 per cent when compared Federal Constituency, Hon. Pat Asadu, during a thank-you rally for the governor in Opi, Nsukka LGA…yesterday SSANU Rejects Plans to Sack Varsity Staff School Workers Says action may affect 3,000 workers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Industrial Court (NIC) to the agreement with the universities should expunge approved by councils under made five or six years ago, would affect the industrial union even when the court or remove the list of our the terms and conditions for when the government decided The Senior Staff Association of harmony being enjoyed in had given a judgment on members who teach in the engagement. to remove them completely Nigeria Universities (SSANU) the universities. the matter. university demonstration "We will not allow this we from the employment and has threatened showdown It stated that if the Ibrahim, who was reacting schools, meaning that they will fight again with all the we went to court, as you're if federal government goes government should go ahead to the alleged circular from shouldn't be captured in the vigour and we will follow all aware, we went to industrial ahead to remove teachers to implement the directive, the Budget Office directing CONTISS salary table. the legal ways of making sure court. in staff schools from the over 3,000 of its members that teachers in staff schools "But the government is that we defend the interests "After a long battle, we got Consolidated Salary Scale, would be affected. should be removed from planning to put them in a of our membership, like we a judgment in our favour. (CONTISS), in the 2022 However, the federal the CONTISS in the 2022 different salary table called did in the first instance," he And it was interpreted that budget. government has promised budget even when there is CONPISS, the consolidated said. members of staff in the It warned the federal that everything will be done a subsisting court judgment public service salary scale". He said the government universities who teach in government to withdraw to address the matter and in favour of the union, said He said it was a negation did not consult the union the university staff schools the circular directing that ensure that it didn't lead to SSANU would "fight" the of SSANU's agreement with before issuing the directive or demonstration schools are workers of the staff schools a crisis. development to finish. the government, because the and threatened that it will bonafide members of staff should not be captured in Speaking to journalists He said: "Well, the issue workers in the university fight it till the end. of universities, as employed the 2022 budget, saying it in Abuja, weekend, on is that we are also taken demonstration schools "Unfortunately, this by councils; therefore, they would amount to sacking the looming crisis in the aback by the recent negative were bonafide members of development shows that should be treated as such, them. universities, President of development that we just saw university staff, adding that the government is trying those that were sacked should SSANU also warned that SSANU, Mohammed Haruna last week that the federal they have their employment to create another friction be returned, and that their reopening a matter that had Ibrahim, accused the federal government through the letters signed by the registrar's between us and them. salaries should be restored,” been decided by the National government of going contrary Budget Office directed that of various universities, as Because the attempt was he stated. MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 MONDAY, 
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THISDAY PAGE TEN NADECO WRITES BUHARI ON INSECURITY, INSISTS ON ABROGATION OF 1999 CONSTITUTION 15, 2021, and obtained by It also decried the owners’ rights "in awe of Representatives members, the 17 Southern states received appeals by eminent Nigerians THISDAY, was signed by deterioration of national such trespassers." the South has 169, while the 45.1% and contributed 100 per and ethnic nationalities leaders its General-Secretary, Mr. security and political instability It stated that it is such North has 191. cent, while the 419 LGAs of for the country to return Ayo Opadokun. under Buhari's administration. defence for especially preferred It also decried the injustice the 19 Northern states received Nigeria to the independence Another letter by the group It said: "Other than ethnicities that had led to the in the distribution of oil 54. 9% and contributed 0.00 constitution as negotiated by also dated June 15, 2021, diminishing democracy to a various discomfort experienced revenue. per cent. the founding fathers and and signed by Opadokun, virtual dictatorship, NADECO by other groups, including Citing the Nigeria Bureau NADECO added: "The upon which Nigeria sought to the Secretary-General, wonders by which Section of Ndigbo and the whole of the of Statistics report of 2017, foregoing narrative explains membership of the United United Nations Organisation our Ill-founded and presently Middle Belt and Southern NADECO stated that the why the owners of Nigeria Nations, but would rather (UN), Mr. António Guterres, extremely beleaguered so- Nigeria, which now want North-central receives 20 were not given the opportunity accuse the protagonists of requested the global body’s called the Federal Republic to opt out of Nigeria. per cent of oil revenue and to participate in constitution- seeking to break up the intervention to halt the fast of Nigeria Constitution 1999 NADECO argued that contributes 0.00 per cent, while making whilst the Tables of country whilst ridiculing deterioration of national do the trio of your good self, the growing secessionist the North-east receives 16 per Rights of the component and threatening them with security and political instability Mr. President, the President tendencies in the country were cent and contributes 0.00 per parts of the country show the charge of secession. in Nigeria. of the Senate, the Speaker of fueled by what it called the cent. the reasons why you, Mr. It said it was based on this THISDAY also obtained a the House of Representatives obvious policy of Fulanisation It added that the North-west President, and your preferred that it decided on behalf of copy of the letter to the UN aided by your hound dog, and the president’s refusal to receives 21 per cent from the citizens, will forever not allow Nigerians to put world leaders copied to the UN Security the Minister of Justice, public discontinue the operation oil revenue and contributes Nigeria to go back to what on notice through the open Council; the President of the service officers all, with of the 1999 Constitution as 0.00 per cent. was agreed and formed part of letter. United States; the Speaker specific functions set out altered. NADECO said every month, the independence constitution; NADECO stated that it of the Congress and Leader in the constitution, find the It said: "In all the the 19 Northern states receive making one Nigeria the supported and endorsed of the Senate of the United justification to judge yourselves circumstances of this a minimum of 57 per cent of biggest fraud ever." the clarion call made by a States; the European Union entitled to jump uninvited, matter, NADECO has no 100 per cent of oil revenue NADECO decried what former Minister of Defence, and European Parliament; the with decrying statements, alternative but to join in the to which they contribute 0.00 it regarded as the nepotism, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma Prime Minister of the United into the compendium of insistence that there better per cent. ill-treatment, inequitable and (rtd), and the 'Save Our Soul Kingdom and the House of frays between trespassing be no more elections under According to it, the South- unjust nature with which the Plea' of the Ilana Omo Odua Common and the President Fulani herdsmen and ancestral the 1999 so-called federal west receives 16 per cent, Buhari administration has led by Prof. Banji Akintoye, of the Christian Association land owners exercising their constitution, until we return contributes 6.36 per cent, while governed Nigeria. asking Nigerians to exercise of Nigeria (CAN), Buhari as primordial rights to decide to the negotiated 1960 and South-east receives 11.00 per It said since Section 6 of the their rights of self-defence. well as the President of the whom they want or do not 1963 federal constitutions to cent; contributes 3.12 per cent 1999 Constitution ousted the It said its reason was that Supreme Council of Islamic want on their lands." which Nigerians subscribed and South-South receives 16.00 jurisdiction of courts, there the federal government had Affairs of Nigeria. NADECO said perhaps at independence and when per cent and contributes 70.64 was no local Nigerian legal failed to fulfil its constitutional NADECO, in the letter to Buhari's interest in supporting we became a republic." per cent. forum the entrapped ethnic responsibility as contained the president, accused him of the herdsmen was due to the NADECO also expressed Working with the data from nationalities who constitute the in section 14 (2) (b) of the fuelling secessionist agitations fact of his being the patron concern about the inequitable the office of the Accountant majority and are occupying 1999 Constitution as altered, through the “Fulanisation” of the Fulani herdsmen distribution of political posts General of the Federation, as four out of the six zones in which states: “The security policy of his administration and cattle traders, (Miyetti between the North and the published by the Ministry of the country can seek redress. and welfare of the people shall and its disregard for the Allah), making him to push South, saying that out of Finance (2013 April), NADECO NADECO accused Buhari be the primary purpose of constitution. for the suspension of land the total of 360 House of stated that the 357 LGAs of of rejecting all entreaties and government." COURTS, ASSEMBLIES MOVE TO RELIST CASES, BILLS STALLED BY WORKERS’ STRIKE stalled proceedings in over cases that were not filed at the strike embarked by the The Public Relations Officer, The Chief Registrar of Maikeffi, also said 15 bills were 100,000 court cases, some of the appropriate time. legislative workers. Ekiti State Judiciary, Mr. Oba Sokoto High Court, Mr. Bashir not passed into law by the which were in the judgment THISDAY also gathered that He said: "The assembly Olayiwola, told THISDAY Ibrahim, told THISDAY that legislature as a result of the delivery stage, in 16 states. the strike may have plunged has five outstanding bills that a total of 880 cases were over 100 cases filed in the state parliamentary workers' strike. The strike also stopped the the Niger State House of at various stages of passage paused by the industrial high court were stalled due In Bauchi State, the passage of 49 important bills Assembly into a constitutional before the strike by legislative action. to the strike. Chairman, House Committee in six states, while debates on crisis as it sat for only 176 began." He said: "Out of these cases, He lamented that many on Information, Hon. Garzali many other legislative bills days before it entered a new On the judiciary, THISDAY’s 600 were in the Ekiti State lawyers complained that their Wunti, said the lawmakers had were halted. legislative year last Thursday investigation revealed that the High Court, Ado Ekiti, while clients who were awaiting only four bills pending, which According to the against the mandatory 181 judicial workers in the state the magistrates and other trials suffered unnecessarily would have been considered investigation, the passage days stipulated by Section did not embark on any strike. high court divisions had 280 due to the strike. and passed if not for the of five bills was affected in 104 of the 1999 Constitution. It was gathered that their pending cases. The Public Relations Officer parliamentary staff strike. Edo State; four in Bauchi; Investigations showed that refusal to join the national However, the Speaker of the (PRO) of the Nasarawa State In Taraba State, the three in Ondo; one in Cross to avert such a constitutional body was borne out of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Judiciary, Mr. Enoch Ali-Maku, Chairman, House Committee River; 15 in Nasarawa and crisis, the Ekiti and Imo States' experience they had when Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, said also told THISDAY that many on Information, Mr. Bashir 21 in Niger State. Houses of Assembly were they participated in such strike the strike didn't affect the cases that were on the cause Bape, who represents Nguroje Also, proceedings in 880 sitting at the official quarters during the administration of legislature much because the list could not be heard while State Constituency, told court cases were halted of the speakers since they were Mr. Adams Oshiomhole and lawmakers were meeting at fresh ones filed shortly before THISDAY that some bills in Ekiti; over 100 cases in public buildings recognised were not paid for the period his lodge regularly to attend the commencement of the that were at various stages Sokoto; and over 100,000 by the House rules. they were on strike to date. to legislative issues. strike could not be listed. of passage were affected by cases in Katsina, mostly in In Edo State, the Speaker of In Ekiti State, no fewer Afuye, however, agreed He, however, said he did the industrial action. sharia and magistrate's courts. the state House of Assembly. than 880 cases were stalled in that the industrial action not have the exact number of In Katsina, the Chief To reduce the burden on Hon. Marcus Onobu, told different hierarchies of courts affected the passage of some the cases whose proceedings Registrar of the state High lawyers and litigants, Lagos THISDAY that about five bills as a result of the strike, which bills, which he assured would were disrupted by the strike. Court, Mr. Kabir Shu’aibu, and Plateau states’ courts have critical to good governance commenced on April 6 and soon be passed to make up The Clerk of the state waived the default fees on could not be passed due to ended on June 14. for the lost period. House of Assembly, Mr. Ego Continued on page 11 GOVT, OPERATORS MOVE TO END $2BN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE CAPITAL FLIGHT plans to set up an MRO facility expect the MRO organisations clientele and the skills so that for maintenance, saying: amount of capital flight, is ready, we have acquired the in Nigeria for the maintenance to reciprocate and properly their operations would be “I think there are so many monies that could have been land, we are ready to give of its fleet and others. equip their facilities. I do not profitable,” he advised. disadvantages to taking your used for other things in our this country a maintenance Owing to these, industry have any doubt that we can On the market for the aircraft out of the country for nation is going abroad. Let me repair and overhaul facility experts said the move would accomplish that. MRO facilities in Nigeria, maintenance. If you talk about give you an example, at the that Africa will be proud of.” end the huge resources spent “There is huge market for the Managing Director of how much it is going to cost last count, as at two weeks Recently NCAA granted overseas in the maintenance the facilities in West, Central Aero Contractors, Captain an airline to fly its aircraft from ago, Air Peace has 21 planes 7Star Global Hangar Ltd, of aircraft, which is the highest and other parts of the continent Mahmood Abdullahi, said Aero Nigeria, to probably Europe, out of this country. You don’t AMO certificate to operate operations cost to airlines after and beyond. It makes me Contractors had been having or wherever it is going to, want to know the amount we an all-inclusive Maintenance aviation fuel by Nigerian happy that the owners of these third party aircraft (from other if you talk about the fuel are spending on those planes. Repair and Overhaul facility. carriers and others. maintenance facilities have a airlines) for maintenance and that they would burn to go, “We are at the mercy of The maintenance facilities good purpose. It is people we they were not coming from navigational charges paid, the these MRO owners overseas would, in turn, be a source of know their background and Nigeria alone. aircraft goes there, and then and you and I know the forex earner for the country we have interacted with. “You can see a lot of third fly it back again. way they stigmatise us and as airlines and aircraft owners “These facilities will be party aircraft are here in “All these costs are saved everything in Nigeria. So you in Africa and beyond could saving Nigeria $2 billion the hangar. It is not only by having an MRO here. We expend a lot of money taking maintain their equipment in annually if properly harnessed. Nigerian airlines. There is have saved the airlines such these planes abroad. We need TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % Nigeria. We shall have more of the the Democratic Republic of huge costs. Then, if you come to have our MROs here. The CHI PLC 0.06 0.67 9.8 The Head of Engineering facilities by the time Akwa Congo, they have their Boeing to the maintenance aspect, you good thing about having MRO and Maintenance of Ibom Air, Ibom completes its own early 737 here and we have already are talking about the labour. is that you are not only going REGENCY 0.04 0.50 8.7 Mr. Lookman Animaseun, next year. signed with the Ghana Civil If they go there, they pay for to be maintaining your own ROYALEXCH 0.04 0.72 5.8 told THISDAY in a telephone “What makes me happy is Aviation and they have given man-hour in dollars, but here fleet, other Nigerians will come UNITYBANK 0.03 0.58 5.4 interview yesterday that it was that there is a huge market for us the approval to maintain we charge them the man-hour there, the whole of Africa will CORNERSTONE 0.03 0.58 5.4 good that the NCAA was these maintenance facilities. aircraft registered in Ghana. in naira. So it is easy for them come here. Aviation is the same licensing MRO organisations Aero Contractors, which has “And so, we have an if they cannot access the forex, worldwide. TOP LOSERS NGN % in Nigeria to save the country maintenance facility, cannot agreement with Passion Air at least we are giving them “Once you have EASA MBENEFITS 0.04 0.45 9.5 about $2 billion spent on cope with the demand in Ghana. So is Tunisia, they an opportunity to pay naira (European Union Aviation COURTVILLE 0.01 0.20 4.7 aircraft maintenance overseas anymore. It should look for are working on it to get their here.” Safety Agency) approval AIICO 0.03 1.09 2.6 every year. a place to expand its hangar. approval and then Malta Onyema decried the for your MRO, you have Animaseun said besides The company needs to up its also, we are working on it huge costs the airline incurs FAA (US Federal Aviation JAPAULGOLD 0.01 0.50 1.9 the Nigerian market, airline game to match to what the to get their approval. Yes, maintaining its aircraft Administration) approval for CORONATION 0.01 0.57 1.7 operators in West and Central industry is looking up to now.” we are working on all those overseas, saying that the your MRO, NCAA approval HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 Africa would also bring their Industry expert, Captain approvals; once we have those company has completed plans and you have other civil aircraft to be maintained in Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY approvals we will maintain to establish a maintenance aviation authorities’ approval, Volume: 220.638 million shares Nigeria, which would attract that the MRO business is a aircraft registered in those hangar in Nigeria. the whole world will be Value: N2.529 billion forex to the country. good one. “But before investors countries in our facility here,” He explained: “The coming here. And that will Deals: 2,952 He said: “It is good that go into it, they should do Mahmood said. establishment of a veritable be capital influx, not the ones NCAA is licensing MROs. This their commercial evaluation, He also spoke about the MRO is long overdue. You (forex) flying out of Nigeria. As at Friday 18/6/2021 is good for Nigeria. We also looking at the manpower, the cost of taking aircraft overseas don’t want to know the So it will help. Yes, Air Peace See details on Page 37 MONDAY, 
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THISDAY 11 NEWS Niger Delta Elders Urge President to Inaugurate NDDC Board Now As youth group warns against violence, petitions DSS Iyobosa Uwugiaren and and confirmed by the Senate the next one week,” he stated. not contemplate interim leaders added. the already screened and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja in 2019. Clark added that the management to take over the Similarly, a group under confirmed list will be against The Leader of the Forum, inauguration of a new board management of the commission. the auspices of South-South the spirit of understanding and As the one-week ultimatum Chief Edwin Clark, gave for the commission was critical The elders also argued: "Since Youth Initiative has also agreement reached on June 3, issued by the Pan Niger Delta the ultimatum to the federal to enable it to realise its mandate the tenure of the last board accused Akpabio of a plot to 2021, with the youths from the Forum (PANDEF) to the federal government a week ago, while of impacting positively on the elapsed by effluxion of time, it is wilfully bypass the established region.” government to inaugurate addressing journalists in Abuja. lives of the people of the region. expedient upon President Buhari protocol and extant rules as To this end, it called on the the board of the Niger Delta The Ijaw leader had noted In a letter to the president, the to swear in a board in pursuant directed by President Buhari Director-General of the DSS to Development Commission that his desire was to see the Niger-Delta chiefs described the to the provision of the clear, to inaugurate a substantive use his good office to intervene (NDDC) expired weekend, some best man appointed for the job, Interim Management team set up sacrosanct and unambiguous board of the commission for so as to avoid unrest in the elders in the region under the saying there was no need for by the Minister of Niger Delta, of the NDDC Act. alleged pecuniary reasons. region. auspices of Rural Chiefs and the perceived power tussle. Senator Godswill Akpabio, as "We make bold to say that In a petition dated June 10, The confirmed nominees Development Initiative have “The two persons involved illegal and unacceptable, saying the interim caretaker committee 2021, to the Director-General, for NDDC are former Deputy called on President Muhammadu are from my state and are it negates the Act that establishes set up by the Minister of Niger Department of State Security Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Buhari to dissolve the interim my children, but all I am the commission. Delta Affairs is not a legal entity Service (DSS), made available Odubu, Chairman; Bernard management committee of the interested in is for a board to be The letter jointly signed by as same is not recognized by law. to THISDAY, the group alleged Okumagba (Delta), Managing NDDC and inaugurate the inaugurated for the commission. the Chairman of the group, Therefore, there is no confusion that it was aware that Senator Director; Otobong Ndem (Akwa president’s nominees cleared And this should be done within Chief Nengi Eriwori, and Legal in the NDDC that will warrant Akpabio has ‘’cooked up a new Ibom), Executive Director of Adviser, Mr. Ebinyu Aderigba, the setting up of an interim list of nominees’’ other than Projects; Maxwell Oko (Bayelsa), made available to THISDAY, management committee. the ones already screened and Executive Director of Finance said the tenure of the previous "We, therefore, demand the confirmed by the Senate. and Administration; Jones Erue PDP Renews Call on Senate to interim management board had immediate dissolution of the The group recounted how (Delta); Victor Ekhator (Edo); expired, noting that they were interim caretaker committee President Buhari had in August Nwogu N. Nwogu (Abia) and Reject Onochie for INEC Job not unaware of the power of in the interest of peace and 2019 approved the inauguration Theodore Allison (Bayelsa). the president under the 1999 development of the Niger Delta of the board of NDDC that Others are Victor Antai (Akwa Chuks Okocha in Abuja a card-carrying member of a constitution as altered to delegate Area, which we stand for as was "vetted by the mandatory Ibom); Maurice Effiwat (Cross political party for clearance as his powers to any ministry your Excellency may have been security agencies screened and River); Olugbenga Edema The Peoples Democratic Party INEC national commissioner." to carry out any function as ill-advised by some self-seeking confirmed by the National (Ondo); Uchegbu Kyrian (Imo); (PDP) yesterday cautioned the The PDP said sending contained in Section 170 of persons contrary to the spirit and Assembly." Aisha Muhammed (North West); Senate not to test the will of Onochie's nomination to the the constitution. the intendment of the Act setting The group, however, warned Shuaibu Zubairu (North East) the people by pushing through Senate Committee on INEC They argued that the Act up the Niger Delta Development that "any attempt by the Minister and Abdullahi Bage (North the confirmation of President for clearance was offensive to establishing the NDDC does Commission," the Niger Delta’s of Niger Delta Affairs to replace Central). Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, Mrs. all parliamentary procedure Lauretta Onochie, as a national of due process as it is akin to commissioner of the Independent sending the name of Buhari National Electoral Commission to the committee for clearance Tinubu’s Supporters Accuse Ekiti of Persecution (INEC). as INEC chairman or national It added that doing so will officer. violate the wishes of the people It said: "If he meant well, and the 1999 Constitution as Senator Lawan ought to, Seek APC's intervention altered. upon receiving the obnoxious Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Local Government Area, Mr. the state and the recent refusal for the enormous patronage, The PDP accused the Senate nomination, immediately return Kayode Adetifa and Mr. Jide of the government to allow credibility and acceptability that President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, same to President Buhari and The South West Agenda for Oso, over their membership SWAGA to erect its billboards SWAGA is lending our party. of testing the will of the people advise him to send a replacement. 2023 (SWAGA), a group rallying of SWAGA. in the state despite observing “And as a result of these by his failure to reject Onochie’s "Senator Lawan must know support for the presidential It added that the action was due protocol. strange beats, we are calling on nomination as demanded by that he is holding the office of the ambition of a former Lagos State allegedly taken by the state "SWAGA is a group within the national body of our party to Nigerians. Senate president in trust and that Governor and National Leader government taking punitive the APC, rooting as well as look thoroughly at the lingering In a statement yesterday by the the constitution has ample and of All Progressives Congress action against SWAGA members canvassing Bola Ahmed political hide-and-seek of our National Publicity Secretary of the unambiguous provisions with (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, before Tuesday’s inauguration of Tinubu, to show interest in government in Ekiti State and PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the regard to a legislative official, has condemned the perceived the state’s chapter was capable the coming presidential race call this Hitler of our party to order. main opposition party warned who chooses to grossly violate hostilities of the Ekiti State of igniting crisis in the party. and also mounting support for "A government that allows the that Lawan pitting the Senate its provisions, as being witnessed government towards members of A statement yesterday by the party’s electoral success in billboard of the opposition party against Nigerians, adding that in his desperation to confirm the body in the state and called SWAGA’s Chairman in Ekiti coming elections. to thrive but will not stand the the consequence of such arrogant Onochie as INEC official." on the national leadership of the State, Senator Tony Adeniyi, “We are abashed by the one erected by its own party is derision to the definite provision Also, the PDP said it was in party, headed by Yobe State cautioned the Ekiti State unfriendly reception of SWAGA, at war with itself and must be of the 1999 Constitution as well solidarity with Nigerians, and Governor, Mr. Mai Mala Buni, Government against actions that a wing canvassing the leader of hurriedly rescued by stakeholders as the precise demands by urged the Chairman of Senate for his intervention. could inhibit the chances of the our party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in APC.” Nigerians to return Onochie’s Committee on INEC, Senator The group urged Buni to arrest party in the coming elections. to contest the forthcoming But absolving the state nomination to the president could Kabiru Gaya, to detach and the situation, by calling on the Adeniyi expressed gratitude presidential election for the government and the party of cost the institution its respect distance himself from Lawan, Ekiti State Government to order to the people of Ekiti State for general good of our party and masterminding the suspension, with the people. in his mission to desecrate the to ensure a united house that their loyalty to Tinubu, the Nigeria. As we speak, some the state Publicity Secretary of It added: "Our party is sanctity of the electoral system. could sustain victory in coming show of love for SWAGA and members of our party who are APC, Hon. Ade Ajayi, said the appalled that Senator Lawan, PDP counselled Gaya not to political contests. the impressive turnout for the supporters of SWAGA are going two were disciplined by party who swore to protect the heed Lawan’s push, urging him The group said these in inauguration, despite the odds. through series of frustrations leaders at the ward level, for constitution, will brazenly debase to act in line with the demand a reaction to the suspension Adeniyi said : "I condemn and victimisation by an APC factionalising the party, adding its clear provision in paragraph of Nigerians that Onochie’s slammed on two members of the ongoing victimisation of government that is supposed that the suspension has nothing 14 of the 3rd schedule by sending consideration is turned down. the party in Ayede Ekiti, Oye members of the group across to embrace and support them to do with SWAGA. COURTS, ASSEMBLIES MOVE TO RELIST CASES, BILLS STALLED BY WORKERS’ STRIKE told THISDAY that there were added that he could not give six-week annual vacation. Section 104 of the constitution, Prohibition Bill; and the He stated that members were over 100,000 outstanding cases, an exact figure. In Lagos State, the strike had which provides that Houses of Public Fund Committee Bill meeting at the official quarters of whose proceedings were stalled Also speaking to THISDAY, minimal effect on the workings of Assembly should sit for 181 days of the Judiciary and Legislative the Speaker, Hon. Paul Emezim, as a result of the strike. the Chief Registrar of Jos High the state House of Assembly as it in a legislative year. Autonomy were stalled by the which is a public building in Shu'aibu, in an exclusive Court, Hon Ladi Madaki, said carried on its business normally. The Clerk of the House, Alhaji strike. line with the rules of the House interview with THISDAY, said the judges were currently ‘calling Within the period, the Abdullahi Kagara, confirmed "Apart from these three bills, of Assembly, to deliberate on Sharia and magistrate's courts over’ cases that should have assembly suspended six local that the assembly is thinking there are other bills at different matters concerning the smooth had the highest number of been heard during the strike, government and development about how it will solve the stages of debate and legislative running of the state. pending cases. and assigning them new dates. councils' chairmen for breaching constitutional crisis the strike actions, which were affected by Speaking yesterday, the He said: "We have over 100,000 According to her, there is a rules and regulations guiding has plunged it into, as a result the strike.” spokesman of the Osun State pending cases because of the timing for filing of cases, and the operations of council areas. of its inability to meet for the In Cross State House of House of Assembly, Mr. Kunle strike. Sharia and magistrate's defaulters are expected to pay It also approved the executive number of days it should sit Assembly, the Cross River State Alabi, told THISDAY that the courts are the courts with default fees, but the state chief branch's request for the purchase in a legislative year. Mining and Quarrying Bill (2020) state legislature used the period of the highest number of these judge has issued a circular that of operational vehicles for Kagara said: "This is a is the only outstanding Bill whose the strike to increase its oversight outstanding cases. The police default fees should not apply ministerial and extra-ministerial problem we are trying to solve passage was stalled by the strike. functions since the assembly have even called us that they between April 2021 and June departments. but since it is not deliberate and Speaking with THISDAY, the complex was shut. have about 400 inmates and 15 when the courts opened to However, the same cannot it is a national issue, we will Clerk of the Abia State House But the state Commissioner that some of the inmates were avoid burden on litigants and be said of the judiciary where get over it." of Assembly, Sir John-Pedro for Justice, Mr. Femi Akande, dying in their cells because of their counsel. all activities were crippled In Ondo State, efforts to Irokansi, said that with offices said the strike stalled all court the congestion during the strike." She feared that judges' annual throughout the strike. ascertain the number of cases shut down, it was impossible for proceedings in cases as far as The spokesman for the Kano vacation, which begins by July Following the resolution of stalled by the strike from the legislative activities to continue hearing of both substantive State High courts, Mr. Baba Jibo, ending and will last through the strike, a memo was sent to Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin during the strike. and interlocutory matters were told THISDAY that he could August, may further constitute all heads of department and Akeredolu, was unsuccessful. For Imo State House of concerned. not tell the number of pending a delay, but said it was statutory registrars of court by the state Speaking with THISDAY, Assembly, the Chairman, House The Director of Public cases since they were still been for judges in superior courts. Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Prosecution (DPP) in Kwara compiled. But Plateau State NBA Alogba, waiving default fees of Assembly Committee on Johnson Duru (representing State, Alhaji Mumin Jimoh Chairman, Plateau State chairman, Mr. Yakubu Bawa, in the state from April 6 to June Information, Hon Gbenga Ideato South State Constituency), (SAN), told THISDAY that House of Assembly Committee said his association was already 14, 2021. Omole, said the passage of told THISDAY on the telephone thousands of cases that were on Information, Hon. Peter meeting the state Chief Judge, In Niger State, the House of three important bills were stalled. that the activities of the house supposed to be adjudicated Dasun, said a backlog of bills Justice Yakubu Dakwak, to appeal Assembly is now in a dilemma He said: "Anti-Open Grazing was not badly affected by the upon at the various courts in and motions were stalled but to the judges not to go on the over how to comply with Bill; Violence Against Persons strike. the state were affected. 12 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] THE RIGHT TO FOOD Timi Olubiyi writes that reducing wastage will strengthen food security in the country

he demand for more food consumption is a global On the other hand, food waste refers to the food that is of good qual- phenomenon, mainly due to the increasing population ity and fit for consumption, but does not get consumed because it is year-on- year. One of the extreme challenges that Africa discarded-either before or after and it is left to spoil. Surveys of families faces particularly Nigeria is that of feeding its growing in Lagos State, the economic capital of the country, to understand the population amidst other perennial issues. Consequently, this causes of food waste elicited packaging and preservation as a key aspect makes hunger, undernutrition, and food insecurity prevalent of the problem. One of the root causes of food waste is a lack of power Tacross the continent despite government agriculture and food business and some restaurants equally mentioned lack of proper packaging sector supports. Without mincing words, food insecurity might worsen if techniques. It was easy to conclude from the survey that food waste the population continues to grow and a corresponding response to arrest occurs at various stages of the supply chain due to a lack of constant the situation is not in sight. power and adequate packaging. In Nigeria, each year the country loses and wastes a substantial por- Though funding and investing in agriculture or food sector can tion of its food production which is never preserved despite hunger and improve food security and promote sustainability, improved food suf- undernutrition. One of the key reasons is that food loss and food waste ficiency can be achieved by considering the reduction of food loss and continue to grow without any significant intervention by the government food waste. This can be a more effective and cost-saving strategy for a or businesses. The magnitude of food loss and waste (FLW) is undeni- developing economy like Nigeria at this time. Because when food is lost ably common and high in the country along the food supply chain, or wasted, all the resources that are used to produce the food, including from the North to the South of the country. The loss and waste problem water, land, power, labour, and capital, are also wasted. So, a reduction have been neglected for so long and the last few years have witnessed in loss or wastage will more than likely reduce wasted resources and a consistent increase as a result of heightening insecurity, movement, increase profits along the food supply chain. and transport restrictions due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) To address this prevailing huge problem, businesses and the pandemic, street trading, open animal grazing, decrepit infrastructure, government must result in policy responses to enhance storage, cooling illiteracy, inconsistent power supply, environmental pressure, lack of technologies, and packaging for the preservation of perishable foods innovation and climate change. Though food loss and waste are a global and to lengthen food shelf lives. The good news is that there are a problem, it appears it is more prevalent in Nigeria now with the current variety of ways to prevent food loss and waste throughout the supply realities. Therefore, persistent food loss, and food waste amid starvation chain. For example, investment can be made in the importation of should not be overlooked. cooling and refrigerated trucks for transportation of perishable fruit While I agree that both “food waste” and “food loss” signifies the and vegetables. Farm produce such as tomatoes, plantain, or even food portion that is wasted and not eaten, the terms are different but catfish can be preserved with the cooling system from the farms often used interchangeably. Painfully, both are damaging to the economy, directly to urban businesses or consumers, thereby reducing food loss businesses, households, and the well-being of the populace. The fact is and increasing fresh produce availability in the country. Furthermore, food loss and waste are quite different anyway in terms of origin and innovative smart food packaging and smart sensing technologies for scope and the true difference lies in exactly where the waste occurs. monitoring food quality can be also be introduced for the sustainability According to literature, food loss typically takes place at the harvest, of high-quality standards and improved product safety. These are lines storage, transportation, and sometimes at processing, and distribution of business opportunities for investors to explore or for the attraction of stages in the food value chain. Staggeringly, in sub-Saharan Africa, foreign direct investments(FDIs). Sincerely, the government, businesses, post-harvest food losses are estimated to be worth US $4 billion annually and decision-makers need to target investments deliberately in the food - or enough to feed at least 48 million people, according to a report by supply value chain because opportunities abound. The government the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In my opinion, the large also needs to create incentives to boost efforts to reduce food losses by chunk of this may likely be from Nigeria, considering the population businesses and smallholder farmers. and economic size of the country in Africa. In conclusion, no single solution can tackle this whole issue but Further findings in the report indicated that some of the leading having an innovative mindset, can get the government, businesses, causes of food loss are poor storage, insecurity, loss during transporta- researchers and the populace started. In fact, reducing food wastage will tion, insufficient and inefficient agro-processing skills among smallholder strengthen and enhance general food security in the country. Indeed, farming communities, and lack of innovative approach to preservation, investments in training, technology, digital agriculture, innovation, and and insufficient infrastructure. It is not out of place to mention that behavioral change are key to reducing food loss and waste. Therefore, with the current realities particularly with the disruptions occasioned by innovative initiatives in the agriculture sector should be encouraged COVID-19 and increasing insecurity, food waste must have increased FOOD WASTE OCCURS AT VARIOUS STAGES because it will create more job opportunities and also improve urban- exponentially in the last two years, indicating a major barrier to food OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN DUE TO A LACK rural migration, increase food exports, and reduce food imports. security and development in the country and this obviously requires OF CONSTANT POWER AND ADEQUATE Dr. Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship & Business Management attention. PACKAGING expert THE ‘NEW SUPER POWER’ WITHOUT BORDERS It is the government of technology, innovation and creativity, writes Taiwo Akerele

ransiting through North Africa, on Songhai Empire and the rich golds of Mali and bullet, chaos and wars as often witnessed during technology, innovation and creativity. The issues for my way to the United States in the the generosity of King Mansa Musa who ‘literally violent change in the society, yet, it has conquered consideration are as follows; when will Africa key early summer of 2021, gave me an dashed’ gold to everybody on his trip to Mecca the world. The influence and power of the innova- into the evolving new world order and invest in its opportunity to digest a non-fiction book and Medina. This book also painfully detailed how tion government didn’t dawn on the world and own future influenced by technology and creativity? I bought a year ago at the San Francisco slavery started and in the process Africans were the its people until December of 2020,when Facebook How much of our annual budget goes into research International Airport, titled the Silk major victims as millions of Africans were forcefully and Twitter deleted the posts of the President of the and development? TRoad: A new History of the World written by John sold into slavery in far flung places such as Spain, United States Mr. Donald Trump on the so-called Are our youths still regarded as lazy? Do we still Koparkan, a renowned historian at the Worcester North and South America. allegation of fraud in the U.S elections that had rely on oil to fund our whole existence? Are we College Oxford, published in 2015. The inspiration, one got from this very inspiring produced Joe Biden as President elect. Till date, the going to continue with poverty alleviation programs The size of the book, about 636 pages will dis- and well researched book, is that for centuries, the ex President is still on suspension by Facebook. as against wealth creation programs? Are we still courage even a professor from starting it. However, world has been shaped to be ruled and governed As recently as June 2021, the all-powerful Twitter going to continue with the culture of ‘empower- on this trip, I took the time to read through the book by those who have the instrument of force and had also deleted the tweet by the Nigerian President ment’ where billions are wasted purchasing Keke and digest the contents for the two nights I spent power, of cohesion; this has later been reduced to a Muhammadu Buhari which was considered as NAPEP, sewing machines and grinding machines en route New York, while attending to my mission. few persons coming together to draft a document offensive and violating the policies and ethics of the for a group of people that could be deployed into The summary of the book is that for thousands of on behalf of others and call it the constitution. organisation. What? How can you delete the tweet commercial agriculture and its value chain? What is years, the world has been ruled and dominated by This document further details codes and modes of Nigerian president? For what? Of course, I trust happening to the small and medium scale sector of very powerful individuals who built empires and of conduct expected of residents in that location my country, we quickly suspended the operations the economy? conquered kingdoms. Territories and treaties were prescribing what institutions that could be estab- of twitter in Nigeria amidst huge outcry of some It was widely reported in October 2020 that either peacefully signed or cities were violently lished such as the Supreme Court for instance, and segment of the civil society and youths across Paystack, a startup built by Nigerians was taken over. Millions of people were forced to pay other arms and tiers of government. Such is the new Nigeria. Twenty years ago, whoever thought that purchased for $200m (approximately N85b) by an taxes and royalties to those who have more power world order, that has replaced the use of force and the Nigerian President will depend on twitter to American technology firm, Stripe. You would think and exert influence rather than those who should physical conquest, which has seemingly brought address his citizens? Not only that, whoever thought that the Nigerian government should be interested legitimately do. relative peace to the world as against the old order that there will be an organisation that will dare in this business that has made a foreign firm commit The book also tried to explain, that outside of of wars and warlords and the medieval era that suspend the president of the United States from such a huge amount of resources into purchasing Europe, there was a significant trading and buoyant was described by the English Philosopher Thomas using its platform to share his views? it, but I guess we are not there yet. You would economic system that existed in the Persia Empire Hobbes, as short, nasty and brutish, etc. Are we still debating that power has indeed think that the Nigerian government will conduct which in turn spurned the economic and industrial While it is instructive enough to note that, changed hands in the 21st century and the world a follow up mechanism with those talented young growth in Europe centuries later. yes, the world may have moved from the era of affairs are no longer being influenced by the United men and others scattered across Lagos and other It depicted, the very powerful Persia present day physical warfare rulership, to colonialism and now Nations or the G7 or China alone, but by young cities to ensure their knowledge is further tapped Iraq, the Roman Empire, the Portuguese conquest of to constitutionalism, self- rule, sovereignty and boys and girls sitting down behind their laptops for the development of the nation. In context, how the East Atlantic, the exploits of the Mongolian war independence, territorial integrity and institutional in San Jose and San Francisco and in the Silicon many Nigerian government -owned agencies or lords, under Ghenkis Khan and his very powerful order. valley deploying useful applications and re-writing parastatals can boast of generating N85bn in a year? successors such as Ogedei that ruled between 1221 A vast majority of government and people across the whole concept of human rights, go vernance, Rather 70% of these agencies including the almighty and 1241, the role of Christopher Columbus in the the world are yet to wake up from their slumber technology, determining trade volumes and financial Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) discovery of the new world and the very innovative that a new world order has emerged albeit without systems, balance of trade, maritime and services run at a loss and they are subsidised by the govern- Spanish Kingdoms that established forts and territory or physical government and a capital worth billions of dollars on a daily basis across the ment at huge cost to the already over-burdened tax military bases in Southern America. devoid of the different arms of government as globe. payers. The records are there. The conquest of China, and the rise and fall of evidenced in the era that is gradually going obsolete. Are we still in denial that there is a new Akerele is Country Director, Policy House Constantinople, present day Istanbul. The era of government of creativity and innova- government and power in our hands other than the International and the author of Sage of Growth I was proud as an African, reading about the tion has gradually crept in without the shot of a conventional government? This is government of and Stranger in Power THISDAY • MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021 15 EDITORIAL WHEN KIDNAPPERS TARGET SCHOOLS

The authorities must do more to secure the children

epeated attacks on schools in recent tion of children. When gunmen enter school years have created fear in many premises almost at will to cart away children, vulnerable students and their parents, government must understand that it is dealing especially in some sections of the with a serious problem. Rcountry and is affecting the attitude to educa- The challenge of insecurity becomes more tion. Criminal gangs now target schools from perplexing when parents can no longer send where they abduct students and teachers, their children or wards to school without and with damaging implications. Dozens of the fear that they could be abducted. The students and five teachers were last Thursday pertinent question to ask therefore is: What abducted from Federal Government Col- have the security agencies done to understand lege, Yauri, Kebbi State, a third of such mass the nature of the sundry forms of criminality kidnapping within a month. “They killed one that now engulf the country and what are the of the (police officers), broke through the gate strategies for countering them? and went straight to the students’ classes,” the school security man told reporters. ith a growing pattern of roving While the assurances being offered by genocidal gangs, we must chal- the authorities are understandable, payment lenge the federal government of ransom and doing deals with bandits and the authorities in many of whenever they steal our children cannot be a theW states concerned to do a little more than sustainable approach to handling a challenge the usual display of incompetence and blame that borders on law and order. When a school game that have deepened our insecurity. is under attack The Safe Schools Initiative, launched WHEN A SCHOOL IS UNDER and students after the 2014 Chibok kidnap, was meant to ATTACK AND STUDENTS become targets, counter the growing attacks on the right to BECOME TARGETS, NOT according to education and to build community security ONLY ARE THEIR LIVES Manuel Fotaine, THISDAY groups to promote safe zones for education, SHATTERED, THE FUTURE OF West Africa EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI consisting of teachers, parents, police, and Regional Director DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, community leaders. “We cannot stand by and THE NATION IS STOLEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO of United Nations DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE see schools shut down, girls cut off from their CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Children Fund EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN education and parents in fear of their daugh- (UNICEF), “not only are their lives shattered, MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE ters’ lives,” said former British Prime Minister, the future of the nation is stolen.” Mr. Gordon Brown, then UN Special Envoy From Federal Government College, Buni on Education at the launch. “The Safe School Yadi where no fewer than 58 male students THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED Initiative will put Nigeria on track to help were brutally assassinated to Government EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA more and more girls and boys go to school GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Secondary School, Chibok where more than ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI and learn.” a hundred girls are yet to be accounted for DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, Unfortunately, the idea has long been ANTHONY OGED ENGBE to Government Girls’ Science and Techni- DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI abandoned with many of the schools left to cal College (GGSTC), Dapchi where Lear SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH their individual devices. There is an urgent Sharibu remains in captivity three years ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI need to go back to the drawing board on how CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI after, these criminals not only target the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO to keep the schools safe. We cannot afford to most vulnerable of our citizens, there is also a HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA leave our children at the mercy of bandits who calculated attempt to circumscribe the educa- TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] are bent on truncating their future.

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. NASRDA, SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY AND NIGERIA’S SECURITY PLASTIC, PAPER OR igeria has the potential to be a great country. This assertion is potential of the space programmes in addressing real life issues and improving the true and even truer with the successful development by the conditions of living on earth. Nigeria should not be an exception. BOTH? National Space Research and Development Agency of a satel- Nigeria by following suit and committing huge but scarce resources to the lite technology that has the capacity of tracing the movements exploration of space for socio-economic gains and national pride is beginning to reap wo days ago of bandits and other criminal elements disturbing the peace its fruits through NASDRA. Currently, it is on record that Nigeria has three functional I went to our of Nigeria and even neutralising them. The development of satellite stations orbiting the earth, delivering important data and contributing to the monthly com- Nthis technology came at the right time considering the security challenges socio-economic development in various sectors of our national life. From an analysis, munity food confronting our country. technology companies are doing a lot, varying from backend programmings to swap morning The management of the present NASDRA under the leadership of Dr Halilu payments platforms, software developments, robotics and internet of things, artificial and noticed that Ahmad Shaba must be commended for their timely intervention through satellite intelligence and many more which are spinoffs space explorations and commercial Tmany of the people had technology of the security challenges of Nigeria. This goes to show that given the activities. paper bags to take produce chance, institutions in Nigeria are becoming stronger in fulfilling their mandates just However, NASDRA given the mandate of overseeing space activities in Nigeria, home, which is in line with as NASDRA has done. dominates satellite launches in Africa with 10 launches, space policies and operations our environmental approach. The agency has also shown that it is willing to collaborate with other governmental among others, and operates through sub-centres and laboratories throughout the I joked that the paper bags agencies charged with the responsibilities of securing the country to live up to their country. would come in a plastic bag constitutional responsibility of maintaining the peace in the spirit of achieving goals Meanwhlle, the fundamental goals of Nigeria space programme were to sustain and yes, they do! The local for the general development of Nigeria. development and security, disaster and environmental monitoring, scientific research supermarkets have banned With the readiness of the NASDRA to collaborate with other relevant agencies in development, human capacity development and security intelligence. us from using plastic bags protecting lives and properties, I think we should consider empowering NASDRA The agency recently succeeded in developing a 10-metre digital elevation stimula- which I support but they use to develop a SPACECOM project. This is entirely about the formation of a combined tion map and vegetation density map for Sambisa forest, using the Nigeria SAT-X lots of them including selling space security command that involves agencies like the security agencies collaborating to assist the Nigerian military in combating the dreaded Boko Haram who at some their organic vegetables and with NASDRA in the formation of command that would be charged with the usage point overran several towns in Nigeria. fruit in plastic containers. of the developed space technology in fighting insecurity in our country. Examples of NASDRA is the principal space intelligence team collaborating with the Nigeria Have I missed the point or is countries that has formed and deployed their space programs for security through the military and foreign military aids agencies corroborating to eliminate Boko Haram the world just getting crazier? space commands are Russia and the United States of America. from West Africa. Therefore, with its development of this space security programme it No more plastic! Space programmes used to be a luxurious show of technological strength between is actually meeting its goals and mandate. Dennis Fitzgerald, Mel- the United States and the former Soviet Union. Developed nations started to see the Musa Musawa, Abuja bourne, Australia 16 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾
MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 19

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY MONDAY DISCOURSE Bumpy Ride to 2021 Guber Polls in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke writes that with just five months to the Anambra State governorship election, there seem to be increasing controversies dogging the process, both on the part of the participating political parties and the electoral umpire

Yakubu Obiano Secondus Oye

arring unforseen circum- there is nothing of such, and it can not on the above (his reinstatement), I, The source said: “He is working for his stances, on November 6, stand. I want to tell you that there was Hon. Chukwudi Umeaba, the acting brother, Ugochukwu Uba. He wants 2021, Anambra State citizens another judgment on 24 May 2018, by chairman caretaker committee of PDP, to give the ticket of the party to his will go to the polls to elect one Justice AO Musa of the FCT High Anambra State working in concert with brother. It is his stock in trade to divide a new governor, and this is Court. That judgement clearly stated the terms of reference and the powers of the party for his personal gain, but Bjust five months away. Despite the the process in which we emerged, my office will make pronouncements. this time, his major aim is to use the short time remaining for the exercise and it stated that we fulfilled all the I hereby suspend the ward congress leadership of the party to favour his to take place, there seems to be some processes, and we were duly elected. of 9th June to elect a three-man Ad- brother, Ugochukwu.” hitches to overcome before a smooth We have taken notice of the efforts hoc committee for the governorship election can be conducted. of political merchants and in a short primary. I will contact the NEC of our All Progressives Grand Alliance As at June 15, less than one month while, those who are bent on being great party to give me a new date for The PDP is not the only party in cri- for the political parties to conduct and fifth columnists will hear from us.” the ward congresses that will elect sis, the ruling All Progressives Grand forward the names of their candidates He stated that so far, there have been the three-man Adhoc committee for Alliance (APGA) is also experiencing to the Independent National Electoral no leadership problems in the state the governorship primary.” He urged turbulence. In previous election, APGA Commission (INEC), the various po- chapter of the party, adding that Mr the party members to keep calm and is known to have benefited from the litical parties in the race, especially Ejike Oguebego, who was referred look forward to new developments division among PDP members, so just the most notable among them do not to as the new chairman by the Abuja that his leadership will bring out to when some of its (APGA) members seem to be prepared for the conduct High Court judgement said to have ensure growth of the party in the state. were already rejoicing that their party of the primaries at all. This is as a been delivered via Zoom, has been He insisted that the primary election would take advantage of the crisis result of political squabbles dogging its loyal to the leadership of the party. will go on as planned, and will not be in the PDP to win the election, it has leadership, which may have emanated Just days after he debunked the truncated by the change in leadership. now emerged that all is not well with from action of the political parties. judgement, a new chairman of the The development has since given the APGA. party resumed work in a separate party impression that the party may have It started weekend when a story of Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in Awka, just a few meters returned to its old rancorous ways the disqualification of some of its top The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the one occupied by Nwobu. The which has cost it elections in the past. governorship aspirants filtered in. The is one of the prominent political parties factional chairman who turned out Political analysts say the fight, which party later confirmed the rumours, in the state. It first clinched power in to be, Mr Chukwudi Umeaba while has just started may lead to a crisis that announcing the disqualification of the state in 1999, and again in 2003, addressing journalists quickly an- will engulf the party, polarizing it, to five of its governorship aspirants. A but was removed by the court in 2006, nounced the annulment of the election the benefit of other political parties. press release signed by Barr Ifeanyi with the All Progressives Grand Al- of a three-man Adhoc delegates held The recent move a source said is the Mbaeri, the National Organizing Sec- liance (APGA) replacing it. Several by the Nwobu-led faction, which was handiwork of the acclaimed godfather retary of the party confirmed it. The attempts by the party to return to the concluded a day after. He said: “Based of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba. aspirants disqualified are: Hon Chuma Anambra State Government House Umeoji, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, has been unfruitful, not because it’s Cater Dike Umeh, Hon Nonso Smart popularity in the state has waned, and Ozoka Odera Ifeanyi. Meanwhile, but because there have always been Despite the attacks on its facilities, the INEC has shown those cleared are; Prof. Chukwuma infighting among its members every Soludo, Damian Okolo, ThankGod election year. that it is willing to ensure smooth conduct of election in Ibe and Ezenwankwo Okwudili. During the buildup to the forth- Anambra State. Though the commission recognises that Even though the party gave reasons coming 2021 governorship election, for its action, it was believed that the there have been unbelievable synergy attacks on its facilities have undoubtedly become a national disqualification was a ploy to clear among the party’s bigwigs, including emergency which may alter its plans for the November 6 the way for Prof Soludo, while those the aspirants, to the level that political cleared were only left to give the pundits believe that if the cooperation governorship election in Anambra State, it has assured party’s primary election the semblance is sustained, the party will not fail to of a contest, as the aspirants cleared clinch the governorship seat in the all stakeholders that the election would hold. Though alongside Prof. Soludo are not known state. To make matters good for the the commission noted that so far, not less than 10 of the to pose any threat to him. While Uzoka PDP, the state leadership of the party, was disqualified for being less than led by Mr Ndubuisi Nwobu has tried commission’s facilities in Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, 18 months old in the party, being a to remain neutral in the affairs of the registered voter in Abuja instead of party, despite the many camps created Imo and Anambra have been attacked by arsonists, this Anambra and not also receiving waiver by governorship aspirants of the party would not hamper the conduct of the election. The INEC nor applying for it, Nonso Okafor was and the temptation to endorse one disqualified for insorbordination, and of them. had in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Festus that such action casts doubt on his But the same thing being feared Okoye said two stores housing electoral materials, 376 person and loyalty as an aspirant in by political watchers came calling the party. recently with the rumoured sacking generating sets and seven utility vehicles (Toyota Hilux) Carter Dike was disqualified for the of the Nwobu-led executive com- same reason as Okafor, and also for mittee by an Abuja High Court. This were completely burnt in the coordinated attack on its being unsuitable to be a candidate of was quickly debunked by Nwobu state headquarters in Awka. He said: “In what is a major the party, while Umeoji who is known at a press conference he addressed. to be Prof Soludo’s main challenger was Nwobu said: “Our attention has been blow to our preparations for the governorship election accused of inconsistent age declara- drawn to a court judgement delivered scheduled for 6th November 2021, two stores housing tion, doubtful financial status of his via zoom, which purportedly sacked nominators and being insorbordinate to this executive. We want to tell you electoral materials were burnt down the party. Another aspirant, Nwankpo 20 THISDAY ˾
MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 MONDAY DISCOURSE

Buni Soludo Ubah Moghalu was also disqualified for being less the group would not support the con- the commission recognises that attacks preparing strongly for the Anambra than 18 months in the party and also duct of the governorship election in on its facilities have undoubtedly election, but also for Ekiti and Osun not applying for, or obtaining waiver the state. Though the group did not become a national emergency which States, whose dates of election he has from the party. state how it would ensure the election may alter its plans for the November already announced. The INEC said: The party had advised that any of does not hold, but the recent attacks 6 governorship election in Anambra “Looking to the near future, the Com- the aspirants who feels aggrieved on police facilities and INEC offices State, it has assured all stakeholders mission is preparing to conduct the can appeal their disqualification, many believe may be the handiwork that the election would hold. remaining off-season end of tenure and the supporters of the disqualified of the group and one of its tactics to Though the commission noted that so elections ahead of the 2023 general aspirants have already begun making ensure that the election does not hold. far, not less than 10 of the commission’s election. Already, activities listed in noise about the action of the party, but Recently, there was an attack on facilities in Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, the timetable for the Anambra State no one envisaged the twist that may the headquarters of the commission Enugu, Imo and Anambra have been Governorship election are being imple- follow it. On Tuesday, the National in the state. Even though security attacked by arsonists, this would not mented, as well as those of the FCT Executive Committee (NEC) of APGA agencies applauded themselves for hamper the conduct of the election. Area Council election holding on 12th convened and announced the sack of successfully repealing the attackers, a The INEC had in a statement signed February 2022. the National Chairman of the party, warehouse which contains hundreds by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye “In the sequence of off-season Dr Victor Oye and another factional of power generating sets belonging to said two stores housing electoral ma- elections, the Ekiti and Osun State National Chairman, Edozie Njoku. the commission was razed down, while terials, 376 generating sets and seven Governorship elections are holding In their place, Chief Jude Okeke was operational vehicles and the collation utility vehicles (Toyota Hilux) were next year. In keeping with our policy named as a replacement. The NEC gave centre were also completely burnt completely burnt in the coordinated of announcing the dates of elections the reason for their sack as involving down. Some of these may form part attack on its state headquarters in in advance to enable early and effec- themselves in anti-party activities. of the challenges for the election. But Awka. He said: “In what is a major tive preparations by all concerned, the In what gave a hint to the reason for a governorship aspirant of the APGA blow to our preparations for the gov- Commission has approved that the their action, the NEC also suspended and former governor of Central Bank ernorship election scheduled for 6th Ekiti State Governorship election will a member of the House of Representa- of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma November 2021, two stores housing hold on Saturday 18th June 2022 while tives, Hon Chinedu Obidigwe who is Soludo in a previous interview with electoral materials were burnt down. the Osun State Governorship election known to be a staunch supporter of THISDAY said he has no fears that “New and old (but serviceable) elec- will hold one month later on Saturday Prof Soludo. It also annulled the dis- despite such attacks, that the election tric generating machines numbering 16th July 2022. The detailed Timetable qualification of the five governorship would hold. 376 for all the Electoral Wards and and Schedule of Activities for the two aspirants, while calling on members He said that even in far North-east the extra numbers for backup were elections have been uploaded on the of the public to discountenance their where there is a situation akin to completely burnt. The electric genera- Commission’s website and social media disqualification. war as occasioned by banditry and tors were recently relocated from the platforms. We implore political parties Reacting to the news of his removal, insurgency, elections have severally Local Government Areas (LGAs) to the and aspirants to ensure rancour-free Chief Victor Oye has denied that he been held without hitches. He added State HQ in the belief that it is more primaries and thereafter conduct was sacked by the party, saying that that the fact that Anambra governor- secure than the LGA offices. Similarly, peaceful electioneering campaigns.” those who announced his sack were ship election is a lone election even as part of the Commission’s proac- With such strong assurances, there not known to the party. Oye who makes it better and would give the tive measures to ensure the success is renewed hope about the success spoke to THISDAY on phone said, electoral commission the opportunity of the governorship election later this of the forthcoming polls.Speaking “It is what we see in every primary to fully focus on ensuring security by year, about 50% of the non-sensitive with THISDAY, a political analyst, election, so no shaking. If this were in a demanding adequate security from the materials required for the November Mr Benard Ndueze expressed hope civilized country, they will be arrested Federal Government to ensure that the 6, 2021 governorship election already that the Anambra election would be and jailed. There is a procedure and election was prosecuted successfully. delivered to the state have also been concluded without hitches if the INEC you have to give INEC a notice to be lost in the fire. In addition, seven utility and the Federal Government have the able to convene a NEC. I don’t know INEC vehicles (Toyota Hilux) were burnt,” determination to conduct it. He said: them. These people do not exist and Meanwhile, despite the attacks on Mr Okoye said. “In 2017, didn’t these separatists swear I’m surprised that people are giving it its facilities, the INEC has shown that But speaking last Wednesday, the that there will not be election? Was publicity. What they did is media sack. it is willing to ensure smooth conduct chairman of the commission, Prof there an election or not? The good Those people do not exist and they of election in Anambra State. Though Mahmood Yakubu INEC was not only thing is that it is an election that will be should be dealt with,” Oye said. Be that conducted in just one state,so the INEC as it may, those who are conversant has the power to demand for security with political party administration logistics that could help them achieve already believe that the rancour in The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the best in their job. The worst that the party is big enough to cost it the can happen is that there will be voters’ governorship seat. has recently announced through its leader, Nnamdi aparthy, but if that happens, it will still not prevent a winner emerging. All Progressives Congress Kanu that the group would not support the conduct The person who polls the highest vote Though there are no squabbles in the from among the few voters will still party currently, the party’s members of the governorship election in the state. Though be declared the winner, so long as the are hopeful that they may use the unity the group did not state how it would ensure the spread that fulfils the constitutional currently being experienced in the requirement is there,” Ndueze said. party to win the governorship contest election does not hold, but the recent attacks on As the date of the election draws in the state. close, it is expected that before July, But a top ranking member of the police facilities and INEC offices many believe the political parties may have been party who spoke to THISDAY on con- done with their primary elections, dition of anonymity said the party may be the handiwork of the group and one of its and the real candidates standing for is not also spared of squabbles. The each of the political parties would source said, “Right now, there is also tactics to ensure that the election does not hold. be clearer. In PDP, 16 aspirants have suspicion by some aspirants of the Recently, there was an attack on the headquarters been cleared by the party to slug it party that a a certain aspirant has out at the primary election which been pencilled down by the powers of the commission in the state. Even though holds on June 26. The All Progressives that be, for the ticket of the party. Congress had earlier announced June Senator Andy Uba’s name has come security agencies applauded themselves for 26 too as it’s date for the governor- up repeatedly as being favoured for ship primary. The party has about the ticket of the party by the hierarchy successfully repealing the attackers, a warehouse 10 notable names running to.clinch of the party. This has not gone down it’s ticket. In APGA, the party earlier well with other aspirants, but so far, which contains hundreds of power generating sets choose June 23 for the primaries, they have been able to manage it well,” which would happen between Soludo the source said. belonging to the commission was razed down, while and four other aspirants. But owing to operational vehicles and the collation centre were the squabbles, a faction of the party IPOB Threat has fixed July, 1, and has agreed to The proscribed Indigenous People of also completely burnt down. Some of these may conduct the election for all aspirants Biafra (IPOB) has recently announced who paid for the form. Only time through its leader, Nnamdi Kanu that form part of the challenges for the election will tell how the election would go. THISDAY ˾
MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 21

POLITICS Winning Seyi Makinde Over in an Argument Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State may present a friendly disposition, but behind that facade is a very active and probing mind that demands incontrovertible evidence and details, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong obody has been able to win houses are, so you can go there and check. him over yet on the matter of You can get the address, the owner, and the issuing, either an outright ban estimated value of that property. That is how on commercial motorcyclists, far the world has progressed. Some people better known as, Okada, in said I should not do that but I insisted I was NIbadan metropolis or, at least, a restriction going to do it. What will be your own sacrifice from 8:00pm. to ensure that we have a decent society? We The argument has endured, for some time, all have roles to play really.” between the Oyo State Chief Executive and For him, leading from the front and by members of his cabinet. Two years on, Gov- example is important. By staying on that ernor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is still being commitment, Makinde has been able to badgered, even by the eminent persons on change the financial narrative of Oyo State. his security committee to issue a decisive He told the journalists, “When we came in, it pronouncement on the operation of Okada was almost like we did not meet anything in riders in Ibadan. “Show me the data that sup- the treasury, and what was coming from the ports your argument, “ he said to members federation account could not even cover the of his team. salary bills. So, what we did basically was to They are all familiar with Makinde’s as- try to increase the IGR, which we have been sertions. He is more interested in facts and very successful in doing. We have increased statistics that have been collated for reference. our IGR from less than N2 billion to over N3 It doesn’t matter what the subject is. It is billion now, which means monthly, we have N1 the same when he is dealing with anything: billion available, which was not there before Whether it is about increasing the yield in now. The N1 billion in a year means I can do Cassava cultivation, justification for siting N12 Billion worth of projects and the target a new road project or committing funds to for us is to push that IGR to about N7 billion any venture, he will convene meeting upon per month, and we think Oyo State has the meetings, to hear a more convincing position potential to quickly get to that.” or a superior argument, even against his own Mr. Makinde, 54, one of the new crop of Ni- stance, to which he may concede. “We don’t gerian leaders who is approaching governance want to be sensational because other states are with refreshing pragmatism is a successful doing something. I don’t think we should just engineer and businessman who entered the ban Okada or restrict them to certain areas, contest for Oyo governorship on his own, he pointed out. without a political godfather and was able Explaining further, he said, “I took people to to emerge winner. Not too long ago, he proved Ojoo to see how many people were boarding that his popularity and increasing understand- Okada. From Ojoo to Iwo Road, go and check ing of the processes in politics by taking on the number of people that take Okadas on that Makinde the enfants terrible of Nigerian politics and express road; the number is few and I have former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele tried it more than three times just to convince manage an ordinary national ID card properly, Jumping to conclusions is not the way Fayose in superiority contest over who leads myself. So, why are people not taking okada that is federal. For Oyo State, we should be Makinde likes to operate. He is deliberate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the on that axis? It is because you have enough able to do things right and if we are success- about his moves and is not afraid to go alone South-west. Makinde came up tops! Micra cars out there and the road is such that ful, others can replicate. But I don’t think and on a road that is less travelled. Many of his That night as he walked into the ante-room people are moving at a fast pace, and the road mark it, in all the places okadas were banned, aides told him it was a mistake to make his at Governmemt House, Ibadan, he reminded is not that great.” give them six months, they will be back there asset declaration public. He was convinced his guests that he was tired and desired a A stickler for details, Makinde takes his time because they are filling a gap.” otherwise and went ahead, anyway. Today, he good sleep, but once he was reminded that to reach a decision. “We went to the Old Toll The Oyo State Governor suffered heavy is an example of transparency and integrity journalists who were in town the previous Gate and I asked them to tell me how many criticism last year when many states were on a among Nigerian governors, that is difficult to night were still waiting for an audience with people they see boarding Okada from there lockdown to stave off the effects of Coronavirus. find; not even among the so-called progres- him, he encouraged himself to keep the to, say Ogunmakin, the border community He told a group of journalists conversing with sives. He believes that the society can only get appointment. Indeed, for the better part of between Oyo State and Ogun State. Why him at Governmemt House, Ibadan, “There better if each person is determined to be the the day he played host to Governor Samuel are they not doing that? We should create is no name Nigerians did not call me. They change he desires. He mentioned an example Ortom of Benue who accompanied him to superhighways. How come when I go to my abused me thoroughly, but I was not going to of personal sacrifice, he had to undertakeat commission various projects around the state Estate at Kolapo Ishola, we don’t have Okadas shut my borders or restrict movement because the beginningof his administration. “We have to mark the second anniversary of the Makinde in there? If you go inside the IITA, you don’t other states were doing it. We were watching bbocked a lot of loopholes and reduced the administration in Oyo State. have Okadas in there, and few estates like that.” the statistics and analysing the data. There cost of running the government here. For one The interaction with journalists began as His graphic example of the futility of trying was nothing alarming to be worried about. At year, everybody in the cabinet was using their soon as formal courtesies were established. A to ban commercial motorcyclists, better known certain times of the year. It is called ‘ofiki’, the vehicles and the ones we met here. I was using couple of hours after, it was well past 2:00am as, Okada may sound hilarious, and indeed, flu-it comes with all these symptoms-cough, my own car. We prioritized project delivery in the early hours of the next day when his elicited uncontrolled gawfaw around the room, catarrh and cold.” At the time of this report, for the people as opposed to taking care of media aides Messrs Jide Ajani and Taiwo but the didactic and compassionate note was the the Nigeria Centre for Disease Comtrol ourselves first.” Adisa assured him that there were no more not lost. “You can see them in some general (NCDC) COVID-19 statistics for Oyo State “After I was sworn in, I said I was going to questions. He promptly got up and bumped areas where people going short distances use show total cases as 6,858; number of persons declare my assets publicly. You don’t need fists with everyone, as much as COVID-19 them. I liken the ban on okada to a Police recovered 6,734 and 124 deaths. freedom of information, I listed where my protocols would allow. officer chasing after prostitutes. It is fine to Completely surrounded by ‘enemy’ states see them stand by the roadside and you go controlled by the opposing All Progressives and arrest them. But that is the supply side, Congress (APC) in the South-west region of what about the demand side? What have you Nigeria, being the only PDP-controlled state in done to the people demanding the services of Leading from the front and by example is important. the region, Makinde lives under the constant those prostitutes? So, the okada is like that. If threat of political ambush, therefore, putting the transportation system is such that they are By staying on that commitment, Makinde has been him in a position of fighting to stay alive filling a gap, it is okay. And for many of them, under a barrage of political onslaught from that is the only legitimate thing they are doing able to change the financial narrative of Oyo State. the opposition that wants to dislodge him. for a living. Do you want to turn them into He told the journalists, “When we came in, it was But the Oyo Governor seems unperturbed, armed robbers? I have been to China and I leaving everyone with the impression of one don’t see those okadas on the major highways almost like we did not meet anything in the treasury, who has little time for profanities and is in a but I see them on streets all over. So, if you hurry to enact lasting legacies. have demand, you would also have supply and what was coming from the federation account He dismissed the speculation that he wanted and if you try to suppress the process, they to defect to the APC. “Is that a party that will go underground.” could not even cover the salary bills. So, what we anybody will want to cross to? He asked It doesn’t take long to become a Makinde rhetorically. He then went on to advance disciple as some of the journalists, kept nodding did basically was to try to increase the IGR, which reasons why that can never happen. “When in agreement. The Oyo Governor is willing to we have been very successful in doing. We have we came in, they were saying the previous go an extra mile to prove a point. “Please, take administration was the architect of modern me up on this,” he challenged the media men. increased our IGR from less than N2 billion to over Oyo State; they said they constructed roads “We can go to Kigali and check out what they and I asked them to tell me the roads they have done. This is a place where they were N3 billion now, which means monthly, we have N1 constructed and calculate the kilometres of at war 20-something years ago, but now the the road. We listed all of them and discovered current French President bypassed Nigeria, billion available, which was not there before now. that, for eight years, they did not do up to 40 visited them and stayed there for two days. kilometres of road and you can investigate If we solve that problem, it is solved. When The N1 billion in a year means I can do N12 billion that. I can list those roads they started and others are coming in, you don’t know them, completed for eight years. you ask questions. We want to be able to get worth of projects and the target for us is to push on the street, flag an okada down, and say, that IGR to about N7 billion per month, and we think NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the you, where is your ID card? They must carry online edition on www.thisdaylive.com it on them. Though here in Nigeria, we cannot Oyo State has the potential to quickly get to that 22 THISDAY ˾


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Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 Lessons as Atuche Begged for Mercy Lessons were on display last Wednesday when a former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB, Mr. Francis Atuche, begged Justice Lateefa Okunnu not to send him to prison following his conviction for defrauding the bank of N25.7 billion, Davidson Iriekpen writes

Courtroom

he atmosphere inside the Justice Lateefa Okunnu courtroom at the Ikeja High Court last Wednesday was tense and palpable as Francis Atuche, a former Managing DirectorT of the defunct Bank PHB, literally begged the judge not to send him to prison following his conviction for defrauding the bank of the sum of N25.7 billion. For the period he held sway in the bank, Atuche could not have envisaged his own downfall. He was like a colossus, he made news and headline, lived large and dressed immaculately. But in dock last Wednesday, he was looking pensive, humbled, sober, reflective and meditative. The former bank chief, his wife, Elizabeth, and a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu, were both found guilty of 22 of the 27 counts of conspiracy and stealing charge preffered against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2011. His conviction brought to an end the first stage of his trial after 12 years of rigorous and tenacious legal battle by the EFCC. Atuche who held sway in the bank from 2004 when it as first called Platinum Bank, had quickly resigned his appointment in anticipation of his sack by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led Sanusi Lamido Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth Sanusi in the wake of his reforms aimed at cleaning up the banking industry in 2009. arraigned Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and to quash the charges against Atuche and After listening to the EFCC's counsel, a But that still did not stop the EFCC from Anyanwu before Justice Lateefa Okunnu others, it ordered Justice Okunnu to hands panel of the apex court, in a unanimous arresting him as it promptly alleged that of the Ikeja High Court on a 27-count off the trial. It further directed the Chief decision, overturned the decision of the between November 2007 and April 2008, the charge of conspiracy and stealing of N25.7 Judge of Lagos State to re-assign the case appellate court. The panel agreed that former bank boss stole about N25.7billion billion belonging to the bank via fictitious to another judge. the lower court’s decisions on the matter belonging to the bank. It claimed that of loans and shares. Following the decision of the Court was “perverse” and, therefore ought to the total N25.7bn, he stole about N14.7bn After about three years into the trial, of Appeal, the EFCC approached the be set aside. by fraudulently describing it as a loan Atuche and co-defendants approached the Supreme Court to set aside the decision Justice Ejembi Eko, who prepared to some companies and subsequently Lagos division of the Court of Appeal to and order trial in the matter to continue. and read the lead judgment of the apex converted the said sum to personal use. challenge their trial by the lower court When the case came up at the apex court court, said the order which the Court In 2009, he was promptly arraigned on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction. for hearing, EFCC’s lawyer Kemi Pinheiro of Appeal made on September 23, 2016, at the Federal High Court in Lagos for In a judgment delivered in September (SAN) revealed that the matter had gone for the remittance of the casefile to the money laundering and other offences. Not 2016, the Court of Appeal stopped the far at the lower court and that the deci- Lagos State Chief Judge for the purpose satified with the slow pace of the trial at lower court from going ahead with the sion of the Court of Appeal hampered of re-assigning the case to another judge, the Federal High Court, the EFCC in 2011 trial. Though the appellate court failed the expeditious conclusion of the trial. was not aimed at serving the interest of THISDAY ˾


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EFCC officials justice. by Bank PHB were then used to pay for my all to the bank. Never at any material Mrs Atuche’s wife, Elizabeth, regarding The Supreme Court panel noted that the shares which were taken by these time did it occur to me that I would set two companies affiliated to her which the appellate court did not adduce any companies owned by Atuche and his up a scheme to defraud the bank. I plead were said to have fraudulently received reason for disqualifing the trial judge that wife,” Nkpe said. for mercy, leniency, your kindness, and N2 billion worth of Bank PHB shares, took the plea of the defendants in the first According to him, these companies I plead that out of your kindness and Justice Okunnu held that there was no instance. Justice Eko also stressed that never repaid the money to Bank PHB, generosity, you will not allow me to go act of fraud or dishonesty overt or covert such order, being “a contentious one”, despite the fact that the transactions placed to jail. that had been linked to her. required the lower court to give reasons them on the top 1,000 list of the bank’s The convict told the court that as a “Nothing was proved beyond reason- why Justice Okunnu should not be allowed shareholders. professional banker and chartered ac- able doubt that she silently or knowingly to continue with the trial. After listening to the submissions, in a countant, he certainly did not want to endorsed the perpetuation of fraud; rather, The apex court panel equally noted that judgment that lasted over 10 hours last become a convict. it was the first defendant (Atuche). On neither Justice Okunnu nor Justice Lawal- Wednesday, Justice Okunnu convicted “I am sorry and remorseful. I pray that account of this, the prosecution failed Akapo were accused of any wrongdoing Atuche alongside Anyanwu on 21 of God will place in your heart to be kind. to prove its case of stealing against the by any of the parties to the case to warrant the 27-count. She held that the EFCC I plead from the bottom of my heart. I’m second defendant (Elizabeth),” she said. the transfer of the matter to a new judge. successfully proved its case against the extremely sorry; today will be a turning On the charge of conspiracy against It consequently directed that the case be convicts beyond a reasonable doubt. point in my life, I’m very sorry,” he said. Mrs Atuche, the judge held that there returned to Justice Okunnu for continuation The judge rejected the claims of the His counsel, Paul Nneoma, also put in was no evidence that linked her to the of trial of the defendants. defendants that they were merely profes- some words for him, describing him as a shares bought for the two companies Other Justices of the apex court that sionally negligent. She specifically held responsible family man who had never affiliated with her. concurred with the lead verdict were Justices that Atuche and Anyanwu abused their been convicted of any crime. He appealed “I find that the case of conspiracy does Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Paul Galinje and powers, ignored established rules and to the court to give him a fine instead not hold,” the judge held. Iyang Okoro. regulations thereby putting the bank and of incarceration, in order to preserve his Mrs. Atuche, who was reciting prayers When the case returned to Justice Lateefa depositors’ funds in danger. professional career. with a rosary during proceedings, heaved Okunnu of Ikeja High Court, Atuche and Justice Okunnu also came to the con- On his part, Anyanwu told the court a sigh of relief upon hearing the verdict. his spouse were accused of fraudulent clusion that the convicts corruptly took that he was the only son of a police officer The judge equally made an order for conversion of money described as bank advantage of their positions to confer who died when he was barely a year old. restitution. loans. The EFCC said the couple diverted on themselves undue financial benefits He said that he grew up on the premise The conviction of the Atuche brings to funds belonging to the bank by buying without regard to the health of the bank. of hardwork. three the number of former chief executive shares for fictitious companies linked to She said Atuche abused his position of “What I achieved in the banking industry officers of banks convicted as a result of them. Anyanwu, on his part, was accused trust by stealing from the bank. is by stint of hard work. I have suffered the fianacial crises that rocked the banking of using his position as the bank’s CFO “By stealing from the bank, they stole in the last 10 years of this trial. I am sorry industry between 2007 and 2009. While to aid Atuche in committing the crimes. from innocent customers of the bank. if I was appearing cocky in the witness the former Chief Executive Officer of EFCC team led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), I hereby make an order of restitution box during my examination-in-chief. I the defunct Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia accused the defendants of fraudulently against the first and third defendants to have two kids who are barely teenagers. Ibru bagged six months imprisonment purchasing the bank’s shares for 18 of his refund the sums stated in counts one to They look up to their father, and I wonder after a plea bargain deal with the federal companies. A field investigator with the 11, 14 and 24. The sums are to paid to what kind of impact this will have on government, Okey Nwosu of the defunct EFCC, David Nkpe, while testifying in the relevant agencies that recovered the them. Please temper justice with mercy,” Finbank Plc was convicted and sentenced the case, claimed that the shares, worth funds on behalf of the bank,” she ordered. Anyanwu said. alongside three directors of the bank. billions of naira, were purchased using “It was a well-planned, well-executed Anyanwu’s counsel, Silva Ogwemoh A lawyer, Abiodun Mogaji, advised funds belonging to Bank PHB. scheme but the bubble burst when the (SAN), also begged for mercy on his bank executives to learn from Atuche’s Nkpe, who was being led-in-evidence by Central Bank of Nigeria intervened. The client. He said that one of Anyanwu’s fall and not abuse their positions. He also EFCC prosecutor, Kemi Pinheiro, claimed first defendant (Atuche) was diversionary children had a medical condition requiring cautioned them to ensure that depositors’ that Anyanwu had admitted in a statement and evasive on the witness stand; some- special attention. He added that Anyanwu funds kept in their trust are not abused to the EFCC that Atuche instructed him times confrontational and rude. The third was hypertensive, urging that the court and recklessly stolen. to purchase the shares on behalf of the defendant (Anyanwu) was also combative should take judicial notice of the COVID-19 Mogaji hoped that the appellate courts companies. and rude under cross-examination,” she pandemic and impose a fine on him instead uphold what he described as “the sound The companies included Claremount said. of custodial sentence. judgment of Justice Okunnu” to serve as a Investment Ltd., Montrax Investico, After convicting the two bankers at The pleas did not stop Justice Okunnu deterrence to other banks’ chief executive Stanford Global Ltd., Arabian Probity, 8:18 p.m., the judge asked if they had from slamming a 12-year jail term on officers. Consolidated Business Support Ltd., Com- any plea to make. They answered in the Atuche, while Anyanwu was given 10 “This is why if you attain a position of mercial Trading Ltd Filemon Enterprise, affirmative. years imprisonment. She held that neither trust, you conduct and behave well. From Oakwood Asset Ltd., Ventures Resources, Addressing the court, Atuche begged Atuche nor Anyanwu was convincing as Atuche’s plea, you can see that is actually Caledonia Enterprise, Financial Company not to be sent to jail. He said: “All the ‘witnesses of truth’. guilty and that justice was well served. Ltd., Claremount Asset Management Ltd, time I was the MD of Bank PHB, I gave Dismissing the charge of stealing against This is definitely not a case of miscarriage Clairville Business Support, Gazali Yakubu of justice. This should clearly serve as a Ltd., Afco Associate Ltd., Septron Trading lesson to other banks’ chief executive, that Ltd., Guess-Trade Services Ltd and Nolly they should not be careless and reckless. Investment Ltd. I plead for mercy, leniency, your kindness, and I They should use their positions well and He said a thorough investigation and plead that out of your kindness and generosity, for the betterment of all. confirmation from the Corporate Affairs “Imagine the lives Atuche ruined with his Commission (CAC) revealed that these you will not allow me to go to jail…I am sorry recklessness. People put their life-savings companies were mainly owned by the in the bank and the bank went under Atuches. and remorseful. I pray that God will place in due to recklessness. Let’s hope that the “During our investigation, we discovered appellate courts do not upturn the sound that the shares certificates were collected your heart to be kind. I plead from the bottom judgment of Justice Okunnu to serve as a by Bank PHB company secretary, who deterrence to other banks’ chief executive during interrogation, admitted to us that of my heart. I’m extremely sorry; today will be officers,” he said. he collected and transferred them to the For now, Atuche and Anyanwu’s fate owner (Atuche). The funds transferred a turning point in my life, I’m very sorry is in the hands of the appellate courts. 24 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾

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



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ͰͮͰͯ MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT 19.25 CALL 18 INDEX LEVEL 520.51% 1/4 TO DATE -6. 85% Ͳͯͯ˹˹ͯ
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  3-MONTH 20 MONTH-TO-DATE 2.42% Quick Takes AfDB Approves €83m Loan for Egypt The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an €83 million loan to finance the second phase of Egypt’s Electricity and Green Growth Support Program. The funding is part of the bank’s budget support to the Egyptian government to strengthen its electricity infrastructure, which is expected to bolster the private sector and accelerate recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. The program seeks to enhance the power sector’s financial sustainability, governance and operations. According to a statement, it will also advance the provision of clean, reliable energy to drive green growth. Egypt’s successful reforms in the sector have led to greater private investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects. “Egypt’s Vision 2030 instills the sustainability ethos across all sectors. Energy and electricity are amongst the top sectors in Egypt’s International Development Cooperation’s portfolio, pushing towards a green reform,” said Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al Mashat. WELCOMING NEW AIRCRAFT “With 2021 being the year of private sector engagement, the Electricity Managing Director/CEO Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (left) and Chairman, Air Peace Airlines, Mr. Allen Onyeama, at the welcome ceremony and water salute for the new and Green Growth Support Program will contribute towards sustainable Embraer aircraft of Air Peace at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja... recently growth and job creation and catalyse the development of Egyptian private entities,” she added. PwC Announces New Strategy PwC has unveiled ‘The New Equation,’ its landmark global strategy which Expert Seeks End to Petrol, responds to fundamental changes in the world, including technological disruption, climate change, fractured geopolitics, and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new strategy is based on analysis of global trends and thousands of conversations with clients and stakehold- ers. It builds on more than a decade of sustained revenue growth and Electricity Subsidies continued investment. It focuses on two interconnected needs that clients face in the coming Peter Uzoho “The NNPC itself has said to subside electricity, adding that years. ECONOMY it can no longer sustain its most of the subsidy does not benefit “The first is to build trust, which has never been more important, nor An economic expert and the Chief remittances into the Federation the poor, maintaining that eighty more difficult. Organisations increasingly need to earn trust across a Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, He also made reference to the Account because it has to pay for per cent of that subsidy went to wide range of topics that are important to their stakeholders. Success Mr. Tilewa Adebajo, has called on recent declaration by the Group these subsidies, and the higher rich people that can afford to pay depends on fundamental shifts in the way executives think, organisational the federal government to put an Managing Director of the Nigerian the petroleum prices go up, the electricity tariffs. culture, systems and ambition. end to the wasteful spending on National Petroleum Corporation more the NNPC would have to Adebajo further said: “So, that “The second is to deliver sustained outcomes in an environment where petrol and electricity subsidies. (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, that put aside for subsidies and the needs to be scrapped and the competition and the risk of disruption are more intense than ever and According to him, subsidy the corporation would no longer less that is going to not only the power sector reforms need to be societal expectations have never been greater. payments are detrimental to the sustain its remittances into the federal government but the state put in place so that the distribution “Businesses need to change faster and more thoroughly to attract nation’s economy and no longer Federation’s Account due to governments. companies can make the necessary capital, talent and customers. Too often, owever,h narrowly conceived sustainable. subsidy payments, noting that “So, we are getting ourselves investment to make the grid more transformation initiatives do not deliver the outcomes they promise. Adebajo also called for the one of the key structural reforms into this vicious cycle and it’s clear efficient. A new approach is needed,” the statement added. privatisation of the Transmission needed to be made by the govern- that one of the reforms, one of the “Subsidies are detrimental to the Commenting on the new strategy, Global Chairman of PwC, Bob Moritz, Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ment was the removal of subsidy. key structural reforms we need to economy and we have a situation said: “The profound changes in the world mean that to succeed, organisa- make the agency more efficient Adebajo said: “The subsidy is- make is removal of the subsidy. whereby government is spending tions need to create a virtuous circle between earning trust and delivering in its mandate in the Nigerian sue in Nigeria is one of the biggest “And to re-enforce this, I 90 per cent of its revenues to service sustained outcomes.” power sector. political problems we have had. think the President’s economic debts. Clearly, we are into a debt It noted that PwC’s multidisciplinary model is the foundation for the strategy, Fielding questions on, ‘The Unfortunately, the problem has management team has also made trap and a vicious cycle that is no bringing together a passionate, diverse community to help organisations Morning Show,’ a flagship pro- been politicised, because if you that recommendation for subsidy longer sustainable. build trust and deliver sustained outcomes. gramme of Arise News Channel, remember clearly, the same set of because it’s clearly, it’s no longer “So, it’s important that the govern- THISDAY’s sister broadcast station, people who are in government sustainable.” ment drops this subsidy so that it Ogilvy Strengthens Senior Leadership Team recently, today were the one who were He said similar reform where can have significant revenue to be The First Primus Group (consisting of Nigeria operations of Ogilvy Africa, Adebajo described subsidy protesting against subsidy removal the subsidy regime would no able to fund its operations on a amongst other subsidiaries) has announced senior level appointments payment as one of the biggest by the last government. longer be in place should apply day-to-day basis. Because it is clear to bolster its country’s leadership team and the business. political problems facing Nigeria. “But obviously, we can see in the nation’s power sector, to that the government is finding it The three new appointees, announced by the Group CEO of First Primus He argued that even those in the that the subsidy is not sustain- enable the distribution companies difficult to right-size. Nigeria, Seni Adetu include Henry Akpede, who will be the new Country current federal government were able. You saw the NNPC GMD make the necessary investments “So, that for me, is a no-brainer, Manager and Chief Creative Officer; Sandeep R Inamke, Director Business the ones that protested against complaining about the rising prices for efficient service delivery. it’s not something that we should Development & Strategy and Jolomi Awala as the Creative Director. the removal of petrol subsidy by of fuel and how that is going to He pointed out that the country They will work closely with the regional leadership team at Ogilvy Africa, the past administration. impact subsidies. spends about $2 billion annually Continued on page 26 led by CEO, Vikas Mehta. Akpede is a creative professional with over 15 years’ experience working in some of the top advertising agencies and is expected to bring in strong insight-driven creative skills and hands on experience in creative project ‘64% of MSMEs Affected in #EndSARs management, connected consumer journeys and creative innovation. He will be charged with the responsibility of leading the day-to-day business operations while doubling as the backbone of quality assurance of the Protest Owned by Women’ creative service delivery. Ugo Aliogo therefore recommended increased of the requesting agency and adap- ECONOMY training for MSMEs on business tation of the needs and demands The Lagos MSMEs Recovery formalisation. of the donor organisation. Fund report has revealed that 64 According to the report, “There “There is need to create aware- “In a resource-dependent nation like per cent of the micro, small and It noted that a significant is need for policies targeted at ness on the need for insurance, Nigeria when crude oil price gets too medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) number of businesses did not MSMEs to be custom made, in partner with brokers and insurance high, it creates a big problem because affected by the destruction of have business bank accounts and order to accommodate the different companies that can create afford- your consumers shut down their properties by hoodlums during the grants from the LSETF were business categories and growth able structures to pay premium.” demand. Demand will go down and the #EndSARs protests were paid into the personal accounts stages of these businesses. Speaking on the report, the women-led businesses. of the business owners. “Government and non- Lagos State Government, Mr. obviously even as the prices go up, According to the report, there The report revealed that busi- governmental agencies should Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for the you will have less volume to sell” was need for improved awareness ness registration, formalisation of periodically undergo a SWOT deepening of the recommendations for business interruption insurance operations and adequate record (strength, weaknesses, opportuni- of the Lagos MSME Recovery for MSMEs in the state, adding keeping improves the chances ties and threat) analysis before Fund report by developing a that insurance companies should of small businesses to access seeking partnerships for projects. second phase of the report in order create affordable products for business support programs and “This ensures that proposals GMD, NNPC, MSMEs. credit from financial institutions. It take into cognisance the peculiarity Continued on page 26 Mallam Mele Kyari 26 THISDAY ˾

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EXPERT SEEKS END TO PETROL, ELECTRICITY SUBSIDIES Expert Advocates Use of Green talk about and it’s important that we ginger up the political will to get that done.” Technology to End Gas Flare He, however, called for the federal government to privatise the Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja in Houston, is presently partnering and streams it together with enhanced oil recovery. where nothing is wasted. The oil TCN to make it more efficient and with a green technology company the water in the well to a “Then, because a lot of com- is separated right at your well and capable of transmitting electricity Managing Director, Clenik to develop the technology which pipeline. But before this, it has panies spend so much money on then sold, the gas is compressed generated to the distribution Petrotech Solutions, Clara Ikuku has been successfully applied at a whole lot of separators right water disposal; they drill water re-injected or sold and the water companies. has advocated the use of green the Appalachian Basin in the US. at the well site, the separators disposal wells, they are looking is recycled.” He blamed the TCN, not technology in Nigeria’s oil and Explaining how the technology will separate the constituents. for ways to manage the produced She said the company, which the generation companies, as gas industry to end gas flaring works, she stated that it remains “The oil which you can sell water. currently consults for Saudi Ar- the main cause of the problem and half incessant loss of the one of the most reliable ways and then the gas which you “This case, it is a closed loop amco in Texas is seeking to go into in the country’s power sector, molecules. to ensure clean energy for the can compress and re-inject and so you don’t need to spend discussion with people in charge explaining that, “the fact is that Speaking on the sidelines of Nigerian people and avoid the if you want to manage your money on disposal. All you need of gas-to-power programme as we cannot distribute the power the recently concluded Nigeria hazards associated with carbon reservoir to maintain pressure to do is recycle the water and well as the Nigerian National we are generating into the grid International Petroleum Summit emissions. in your reservoir. You can re-inject it into the well for pressure Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) because the grid will collapse. (NIPS) in Abuja, the geologist and She added: “It takes the gas, compress the gas and sell maintenance as well.” on the benefits of deploying the So, it’s important that that aspect reservoir engineer, who noted once the well has been completed, them or re-inject them for She added: “It is a closed loop technology in Nigeria. of the power sector is actually that green technology has been privatised for efficiencies and successfully applied in basins in opportunities.” Texas where there is zero gas flare. The CFG boss equally urged Ikuku said Nigeria has a lot the Presidential Muhammadu to benefit from utilising its gas Buhari-led federal government resources from generating more to use the remaining two years of revenue to protecting the environ- its administration to complete the ment around the industry. key infrastructure projects under She said: “My green technology construction such as rail, roads will be a game changer for the gas and bridges. to power programme. It is time now to end gas flaring because ‘64% OF MSMES AFFECTED we need the gas to develop our IN #ENDSARS PROTEST economy and for future genera- OWNED BY WOMEN’ tion. We need it for sustainable to lift millions of Lagosians out development. of poverty and support small “We cannot continue to do businesses in the state. business as usual. A lot of big Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed banks and financial institutions are this during a virtual launch the taking out their money from the report recently, noted that the oil sector because they think that study which was carried out to we are polluting the environment identify SMEs affected during because of global warming. the #EndSARs protest brought “If we show to these stakehold- to the fore some of the things ers and these big banks that we the state government needed can still produce the oil safely with to take into consideration in its zero gas flares, then we can get policy implementation. the investment we need.” UNVEILING EXPANSION PLAN “From this report, it is She said the Canadian-based L-R: Vice President, Sales, TeamApt, Ifeanyi Duru; Chief Growth Officer, Bili Sule; Vice President, Moniepoint, Solomon Amadi, and Chief evident that there is need for company which also has an office Operating Officer, TeamApt, Tobi Amira, at a press conference on the company’s expansion plan, held in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT small businesses to enter into partnerships and affiliations, and organise their businesses Lawmakers Pledge Speedy Passage of NDIC Amendment Bill into one form or other, so that they can formalise themselves Authorities and the Banks,” which insurance would be driven on Sokefun, who was represented industry continues to be safe, around associations, and Dike Onwuamaeze held in Lagos at the weekend. a robust platform that will be by Mr. Adewale Adeleke, observed sound and stable,” Shokefun said. sectors, to ensure that they He said the proposed legislation able to cushion our economy that the nature and scope of The Managing Director/Chief have people that can speak on The Chairman, House of would enable the corporation to and make us to stand better on banking risks have changed Executive Officer of the NDIC, their behalf and make them Representatives Committee on keep abreast with the dynamic the international plank. significantly with the growing Mr. Bello Hassan, in his welcome become a strong voice in the Insurance and Actuarial Matters, changes in the financial sector and “I want to assure you that this adoption of fintechs that have address said the corporation would industry,” he said. Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, provide Nigeria with a deposit committee, with the support of opened up new opportunities for continue to work with relevant The governor also disclosed has pledged that the commit- insurance system that meet global the entire House, will use all the banking system and equally stakeholders to strengthen the that the report revealed how tee’s would facilitate a speedy best practices. the legislative fireworks and gave rise to additional risks for the NDIC in a bid to achieve the undocumented many small amendment of the Nigeria Deposit “We want to go through the instruments to give you the legal banks and regulatory/supervisory set public policy objectives and businesses were, stating that Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Bill NDIC Act to know those changes framework that will ensure that authorities. effectively deliver on its core it was a challenge and opportu- in order to boost confidence in that will be good for our country the insurance, as far as the banking “These risks have even assumed mandate. nity for the state government to the Nigerian banking industry to meet international best practices sector is concerned, will be one a larger dimension as the speed of Hassan said: “We are committed take forward, therefore they are and facilitate a robust deposit standard. of the best in the whole world,” fintech growth accelerated during to strengthening the deposit insur- asking for registration around insurance system in the country. “We will amend any aspect Nwokocha said. the COVID-19 due to the need to ance framework; providing timely the Lagos State Residency Card. Nwokocha, made the pledge that is no longer useful and have Speaking during the retreat, the deliver financial services through support to insured institutions as during the 2021 NDIC retreat for become obsolete in order to give Chairman of the NDIC Board of technology platforms to minimise and when required; implementing the House committee with the the corporation the strength it Directors, Mrs. Ronke Shokefun, human contact. faster and orderly resolutions of theme, “Fast Tracking Nigeria’s needs to work. told the House Committee that “The NDIC is effectively collabo- problem of insured institutions and Economic Recovery Agenda Dur- “Therefore, we are introducing banks were rapidly employing rating with relevant stakeholders assisting the monetary authority ing and Post COVID-19: The Role legislation, via the amendment, fintech to innovatively deliver to effectively manage the risks and in its efforts at promoting stability of the Regulatory/Supervisory that would ensure that Nigerian financial products and services. ensure that the nation’s banking in the nation’s banking industry.”

‘Digital Transformation Will Enhance Business Growth, Expansion’

Emma Okonji organised by MainOne, held costs of adopting technology. He, however, said not every digital transformation. Group Business Editor organisation’s journey would be The Co-Founder of CC-Hub, Obinna Chima in Lagos recently. “The COVID-19 pandemic, Tech experts have stressed the Managing Director of MainOne, improved technology innova- the same. Mr. Bosun Tijani, said both the Capital Market Editor need for business owners and Ms. Funke Opeke, was of the tion, growth in broadband Founder and Group Managing employer and the employee have Goddy Egene employees to embrace digital view that digital disruption is penetration, millennials ease Director, Interswitch Limited, great roles to play in achieving Comms/e-Business Editor transformation in order to the change that would occur with digital platforms, growth in Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, noted that digital transformation. Emma Okonji sustain business growth and when digital technologies and social media, growth in mobile organisations must think of the The Chief Digital Officer at Asst. Editor, Money Market penetration and the shift to work traps and triggers on their digital Sterling Bank, Mr. Yinka Oni, Nume Ekeghe expansion. business models affect the value According to them, organisa- proposition of existing goods from home.” transformation journey. said more digital solutions should Senior Correspondent tions need to take full advantage and services and the outbreak Also, Chief Digital Transfor- According to Elegbe, “Digital be made available for financial Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) of the evolving Information and of COVID-19 pandemic sparked mation Officer at MTN Nigeria, is about solutions that work for transactions, in order to enhance Correspondents Communications Technology a new era in the application of Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, everyone. Regulation is very customers’ experience. Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) (ICT) landscape and embrace ICT to business. advised organisations during important, as digital has implica- The 2021 edition of the event James Emejo (Finance) digital technology capable of According to her, “The major one of the panel sessions to tions for national sovereignty and was collaboratively put together Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) positively disrupting their busi- cause of digital disruption is the master and own their digital security.” by Deloitte, which addressed two Chineme Okafor (Energy) ness model in order to survive rapid advancement of technology transformation in order to On his part, the Chief audiences, the online, which Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) business challenges, especially the and globalsation, which allows survive, adding that these days, Investment Officer, GreenTec composed of participants from Reporters challenge posed by COVID-19. new business models to be most businesses are going digital Capital Partners, Mr. Tomi Davies, around the world and the offline Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) They spoke at this year’s introduced at an ever increasing and the COVID-19 has made stressed the need for the training which accommodated other Peter Uzoho (Energy) NerdsUnite hybrid forum rate and with rapidly declining it inevitable. of competent personnel to drive participants physically. THISDAY ˾

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 Sealink Eyes Stock Exchange Listing James Emejo in Abuja to launch out before the end of that the Ajaokuta second jetty had to sealink.” or Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire destinations within the continent the year. been ceded to the company as She said the initiative was or Senegal - and it would go all to be shipped to Europe and bring The much anticipated multi- Sealink seeks to integrate the the base of the sealink operations. conceived, promoted as well the way to Europe and be trans- back again home. She stressed million dollar Sealink project, West and Central African sub She said: “Sealink will take off as funded by the Nigerian shipped for weeks and sometimes the need for Africans to trade which is expected to boost region as well as the continent and the consortium partners will Export Import Bank (NEXIM) months before the same cargo is more with one another, lamenting intra-African trade, will eventu- by trade thereby ensuring continue to manage it for a while, to respond to complaints and brought back to Africa.” that while others were trading ally list on the Nigerian Stock improvement in trade statistics. may be six months and then it worries of shipping companies, Shall-Holma said the project between 40 to 50 per cent with Exchange (NSE) to provide Chairperson of the Sealink will hit the capital market. exporters and importers whose was also conceived to reduce one another, “Our trade is dismal. Nigerians opportunity to invest Implementation Committee, “I envisage that in the next trade was suffering on account of cost of shipment among African It’s still below 11 per cent.” in the company. Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma, three to five years, sealink will trans-shipment to Europe. countries adding that the expenses “We need to do something Also, barring further delays, the who disclosed this, also told be a transcontinental project and She added:” A cargo will leave were often three times more about changing the dynamics of shipping company is expected THISDAY, in an exclusive chat every African will want to belong Nigeria and is going to Liberia when allowing goods meant for our trade as Africans,” she stated. PMI Offers Nigerian Professionals Discount on Certification Dike Onwuamaeze showed that by 2027, there will be a need for 25 million The Project Management Institute project professionals working (PMI), an association for project in enterprises around the world. professionals and change makers, “With the accelerating and has granted 26 per cent discount pervasive nature of technological to assist Nigerian professionals change across industries, newer desirous of taking the Project competitors are now able to Management Professional (PMP) threaten incumbents with new certification exams as well as to ways of working at a pace not ensure the global supply of an before seen. estimated 25 million project “This is why at the PMI professionals by 2027. we encourage and empower The PMP is a globally recog- organisations to ensure their nised professional certification that talents are skilled in order to is offered by the PMI, a US-non- be at a competitive advantage. profit professional organisation, “The PMP initiative was created which is considered essential for to encourage individuals and project managers. organisations to take the PMP The discount of 26 per cent certification, which is the world’s would be valid during the second leading project management quarter of 2021, but would be certification. “The PMP provides PARTNERSHIP FOR AGRICULTURE reduced to 15 per cent by the project leadership experience and L-R: Managing Partner, ALTS, Akintunde Sawyerr; Co-Chief Executive Officer, Farmforte Limited, Osazuwa Osayi, and CEO, HYBR, third quarter and to 10 per cent expertise in any way of working. Charles Ojei, during the recent signing of a strategic partnership between Farmforte, Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters by the fourth quarter. It supercharges careers for project Association of Nigeria , HYBR, and ALTS consulting firm in Lagos…recently The Business Development leaders across industries as well as Leader for Africa at the PMI, Mr. helps organisations to empower George Asamani, said, “findings candidates to work smarter and Air Peace Begins Lagos-Ilorin, Rydal Mews Announces Offer for from PMI’s Talent Gap Report, perform better.” Ilorin-Abuja Flights Young Real Estate Enthusiasts Green Africa Suspends Ticket Chinedu Eze connectivity for the people in As part of Rydal Mews’ “The successful candidates the Middle Belt region.” 10th-anniversary celebrations, would be exposed to the intri- Bookings, Delays Operation to July Air Peace has commenced Ogbogu described the daily the real estate management firm cacies of negotiation, property daily flight to Ilorin from Lagos flights into Ilorin from Lagos has announced an intern search management, facility manage- Chinedu Eze is certainly a bump in the road, and Ilorin to Abuja as part of its and Abuja as, “a momentous for young real estate enthusiasts. ment, and identifying genuine and we are mindful of the impact expansion drive. feat”, saying it would boost the A statement explained that the title documentation. They would Upcoming Nigerian airline, especially on our customers and The move is also part of the economy of the state and generate programme aims to help young also be taken through the Green Africa has announced other stakeholders. airline’s no-city-left-behind policy employment for the unemployed Nigerians with a passion for rudiments of effective business the suspension of the sale of “However, we are confident to connect major cities in Nigeria. people in the state. real estate management convert communication. its tickets because the Nige- of the NCAA’s support and The inaugural flight, P47110, “If you have been keeping tabs their academic knowledge into “We believe the programme rian Civil Aviation Authority commitment to get Green Africa from the Murtala Muhammed on the trajectory of Air Peace, you industry skills. would instil professionalism (NCAA) has given notice that into service, and we have also Airport, Lagos landed at the Ilorin will have noticed our strategic It is open to young graduates in successful participants, the award of its Air Operator put plans in place to compensate International Airport by 11:00 am and consistent route network with a maximum of two years build their work ethic, grow Certificate (AOC) would be our affected customers.” on Thursday, and was received expansion. This is driven by of experience in any industry. their real estate management delayed till July, 2021. To mitigate against any further by the Governor of Kwara State, our unwavering resolve to plug The programme will provide knowledge and skills. It would The airline said this was occurrence, the airline said Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who the gaps in Nigeria’s air travel an opportunity for successful differentiate them from quack reached at a joint meeting between new bookings on greenafrica. was represented by the Deputy and more importantly, give candidates to gain first-hand realtors that outnumbers the top officials of the regulatory body com have been temporarily Governor of the state, Kayode the Nigerian flying public real estate management expe- experienced ones, ensuring that and senior executives of the suspended and customers who Alabi. multiple network options. rience through a six-month they climb the career ladder airline, saying it was concluded had booked previously would Other dignitaries that welcomed “We are famed for our internship programme with steadily and surely,” Modupe that AOC would not be available be contacted. the flight included the National ‘no-city-level-behind’ initia- an emerging market leader, added. till July 2021 due to unforeseen “All customers who have President of the Ilorin Emirates tive. The goal, really, is to it added. Application is open to all circumstances. booked flights with Green Africa Descendants Progressive Union interconnect various cities Announcing the initiative, qualified candidates and can be Speaking on the development, will be able to move their flights (IEDPU), representing Ilorin in Nigeria and beyond to Chief Executive Officer, Rydal accessed through the company’s Founder and CEO of Green Africa, to future dates starting August indigenes at home and in the tremendously impact the Mews, Modupe Anjous, said, social media pages. Babawande Afolabi said, “This 2021 at no extra charge. Diaspora, Alhaji Ota Aliyu Uth- country’s economic indices. “We are excited to give back After the first selection, a man and other excited indigenes “This explains why we have to the real estate management youth empowerment coach of the state who were on ground also extended our wings to industry on the occasion of our will train the selected applicants VersionFlex to Redefine to welcome the flight. Ilorin. With the support of 10th anniversary by nurturing among whom the finalists would Safety Manager of the Airline, the state government, under the young professionals and equip- emerge, it explained. e-Hailing Services Capt. Godfrey Ogbogu who visionary leadership of Abdulrah- ping them to start off in the real Founded in 2011 to provide represented the Chairman/CEO of man Abdulrazaq, whom we are estate industry the right way.” customer-centric services and Oluchi Chibuzor “We are redefining and repo- the Airline, Mr. Allen Onyema said profusely grateful to, Air Peace She added that Rydal Mews value addition to the real estate sitioning the concept and usage the commencement of the Ilorin is promising the people of Ilorin was searching for young real management sector, Rydal Mews VersionFlex, an indigenous of e-hailing to suit the unique flights, “signifies the provision and its environs seamless and estate enthusiasts willing to be has created a niche for itself in company, has announced that Nigerian business environments. of more network options and affordable air travel,” Ogbogu said. trained for six months. the ecosystem. it is set to redefine online trans- “For too long, Nigerians, who portation and logistics service are very mobile, have been taken delivery, especially e-hailing in for granted and have lost so Firm, IHS Nigeria Partner to Tackle Endemic Diseases in Ekiti Nigeria and West Africa. much ‘resources and manpower/ The company in a statement labour hours’ to inadequacies of Oluchi Chibuzor Ekiti State. improving the quality of life expanding a sustainable and said it would consider the transportation services. It said the planned donation of the recipients. locally driven movement to prevailing economic situations of “We will strive to provide good The END Fund, a private from IHS Nigeria would enable The END Fund announced its end NTDs in Africa supported Nigerians in both the availability rides, attractive incentives and philanthropic initiative solely it deliver thousands of treat- partnership with IHS Nigeria the event. and affordability of its products quality services. dedicated to ending the five ments to those most affected on the occasion of its multi- “The END Fund is de- and services. According to the “Our niche is to make it afford- most common neglected by Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic stakeholder webinar being lighted to collaborate with spokesperson of the company, able. It is going to be affordable, tropical diseases (NTDs), has Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and hosted under the aegis of IHS Nigeria, in tackling these Mr. Olusola Amosu, “The main dependable and available. Our announced its partnership Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis; its African NTD Leadership diseases that cause cognitive drive and priority of the startup is company with headquarters in with IHS Nigeria, a telecom reducing the suffering, disabil- Initiative on June 01, 2021. impairment, physical ailments, geared towards mass employment Lagos has presence in Ogun State infrastructure service provider ity and poor health caused by Critical stakeholders who social isolation, and economic and citizens empowerment. to start with,” he said. company, to tackle NTDs in these diseases, and significantly are committed to building and regression. 28 THISDAY ˾

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 FG to Expand Farmers’ NDPHC Plans to Develop Small Biometric Data Hydro Power Plants James Emejo and Folalumi incessant clashes between the Alaran in Abuja farmers and herdsmen as well Peter Uzoho Adamu, recently. company has 10 power generation transmission and distribution as introduce the herders to the NDPHC, in a statement by its plants with eight linked to the assets all over the country, in The Minister of Agriculture and modern way of raising cattle The Niger Delta Power Hold- Head, Communication and Public national grid and with about every state.” Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo among other benefits. ing Company (NDPHC) has Relations, Olufunke Nwankwo, 4,099 megawatts, most were He added that the company Nanono said the federal govern- To this end, he pointed out announced plan to collaborate quoted Ugbo, to have explained located in the southern part of had also invested in solar home ment has decided to expand that already 22 states including with the Federal Ministry of during his meeting with Adamu the country and we’re unable to systems, noting that it started the biometric data capture of the Federal Capital Territory Water Resources to enable it build that the company was looking generate optimally due to poor from not just underserved but smallholder farmers from 2.4 had registered with the NLTP small and medium hydro power at setting up small hydro plants transmission and distribution un-served communities. million to 10 million farmers. Office, out of which 10 states plants in the country, particularly on existing dams in the country, infrastructure. Ugbo said in the course of those He said going forward, the have created their own teams in the north. especially those in the northern According to him, “We have investments, NDPHC did 20,000 database would be the platform which had been trained by the This is just as the company also part of the country. 4,099MW but not all are taken in the first phase, which called which would be utilised by the federal office. disclosed that the construction “We are here to pay you a in the grid due to systemic ‘Beyond the Grid Programme’, and government for intervention He added that seven of out of work on the 330/132/33KV sub- courtesy visit and at the same problems. If you check today, that it started the second phase in support in the agricultural sector. the 10 states had also earmarked station project in Lafia, Nasarawa time let you know what our we have 500-700MW on the Kazuare Emirate in Bauchi State The minister said this would about 19 grazing reserves for the State, has been completed and the programmes are with regards to grid. That is not to say our with 100,000 connections. effectively put an end to ghost implementation of the NLTP, with project due for inauguration soon. renewable so that we can start machines are bad, it is because “But having developed our schemes and other unscrupulous a total land size of about 400,00 The Managing Director/Chief discussing with your ministry in of transmission and distribution thermal plants reasonably, we practices in the industry. hectares. Executive Officer of NDPHC, earnest on how we can develop challenges. thought it is time to move to Nanono, at the opening of The NCARD is a platform Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, disclosed the small hydro resources around the “In those areas too, NDPHC the next phase of our project the council meeting of the 44th for appraising existing policies, planned building of small hydro country, preferably, in the northern has done significant work. development and that phase regular meeting of the National programmes and projects at the power plants when he led the part of the country because of We pride ourselves as having is where after optimising gas Council on Agriculture and Rural national and sub-national levels company’s management team on the quality of electricity in the invested about 50 percent of the resources, we have to optimise Development (NCARD), themed: for the purpose of entrenching a courtesy visit to the Minister area,” Ugbo said. transmission assets in the country. other resources we have for power “Nigeria’s Agriculture and Food synergy, best practices, entrepre- of Water Resources, Suleiman He noted that though the We have invested heavily in generation. Security in the Face of COVID neurship, livelihood and growth – 19, Floods and Insecurity,” in the sector. also said the administration of The minister said the challenges President Muhammadu Buhari brought by the emergence of the remains committed to seeking COVID-19 pandemic, floods permanent solution to the recur- and insecurity had galvanised ring clashes between farmers and the government into setting up herders in the country, noting necessary structures and upgrade that the clashes had often existing ones to address infrastruc- produced violent and expensive tural deficiency, technology gaps, consequences for the country. security challenges and extension He said the National Livestock inadequacy. Transformation Plan (NLTP) He said there has also been an currently being implemented by influx of new rice farmers as the the federal government, remained profitability of rice farming had a well-conceived project which significantly improved, thereby will transform the livestock sector providing opportunities for young from nomadic-dependent sector people to engage in farming. into an organised ranching. He added that agricultural He also disclosed that going productivity can only improve by the aggressive investments through mechanisation of in the sugar sector, the federal production activities, stressing government planned to stop the that the federal government had RENDERING ACCOUNT TO SHAREHOLDERS importation of the commodity entered into a partnership with L-R: Finance Director, International Breweries Plc, Bruno Zambrano; Independent Non-Executive Director, Olutoyin Odulate; Non-Executive Director, Michael Ajukwu; Manag- within the next three to four years. the government of Brazil through ing Director, Hugo Rocha; and Marketing Director,Tolulope Adedeji, at the 44th Annual General Meeting of International Breweries Plc held in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT However, he said when fully one of their foremost technology implemented, the livestock plan transfer institution, the Fundacao would bring an end to the Getulio Vargas (FGV). WISTA to Sensitise Women on AfCFTA Oluchi Chibuzor tion in the maritime sector with give loans to women. for developing the 2050 Africa’s Adi Appointed Newstide Publications the view of empowering them “Other activities include Integrated Maritime Strategy.” The Women’s International with adequate manpower, policy advocacy for women inclusion, She added: “We are happy Board Chairman Shipping and Trading Asso- framework and connections. gender parity, promotion of gender that Nigeria has keyed in and ciation (WISTA) Nigeria over Highlighting the significance related activities, encouraging embraced the African Continental Development economist, data One of Nigeria’s top economic the weekend announced that of the forthcoming conference at gender friendly policies, proffering Free Trade Agreement and is scientist, and project finance policy analysts, Dr. Adi holds a it has concluded arrangements a media briefing in Lagos, the solutions and opinions on Industry presently sensitising the various expert, Dr. Bongo Adi has been multidisciplinary PhD in Appro- to organise its 2021 business President, WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. issues as well as carrying out stakeholders in public and private appointed Board Chairman of priate Technology and Sciences luncheon aimed at encouraging Eunice Ezeoke, said the organisa- CSR responsibilities targeted at sectors.” Newstide Publications Limited. for Sustainable Development, women’s participation in the tion seeks to encourage women to women in coastal communities Ezeoke, who retired from Adi joins a rich list of other encompassing Regional Science African Continental Free Trade participate in trade opportunities and mentoring young female pro- Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) renowned experts appointed and Quantitative Development Agreement (AfCFTA) through within the sector. fessionals in the sector, ”she said. as a Port Manager in 2017, further by the multimedia company. Economics; an MA in Economic the maritime sector. She noted that the theme of the According to her, the luncheon revealed that the whole activities He brings with him vast Development and Policy Manage- The one-day conference, WISTA event centered on the AfCFTA, would hold on July 8th, 2021, with of the group was to encourage experience covering over two ment under the Joint Japan/World said, would be part of the group’s provides the opportunity for breakout sessions, “As we have a women participation in interna- decades in the fields of research, Bank; and postdoctoral training efforts geared at increasing and gender inclusion in the maritime duty through our Africa Agenda tional trade, while interfacing with consulting, policy design, capital in Data Management at the developing shipping policy that sector, saying there are many Committee Africa’s Participation several maritime organisations in raising, business development, and National Agricultural Research would deepen women’s participa- financial institutions willing to which is strategic to our quest the world. data analytics. Centre, Japan. Also, he has well over 15 years A recipient of several awards, of experience in teaching, policy including the Academic Award in FBNInsurance Boss Lists Importance of Digital for Retail Insurance research, and consulting. Philosophy and Transdisciplinarity Newstide offers reliable sources 2000, United Nations University Ebere Nwoji to work due to the pandemic. team will give more attention tions imposed by COVID-19.” of news and analyses on Africa’s Fellowship 2000, World Bank “Though year 2020 was chal- to what you will need to meet He said the ceremony was social, economic, business, and Scholarship for international The Managing Director/Chief lenging, it has taught us how to your targets,” he assured. to adequately reward the political trends and developments. students 2004, 2005, 2006, the Executive Officer of FBNInsur- do things better, away from the Also speaking at the forum, top financial advisors and Its publication, Prime Business, is Social Science Prize 2007, and ance, Mr. Val Ojumah, has said traditional way. All thanks to the Executive Director, Retail motivate others to strive an independent online business several others too numerous the future of insurance business innovation and digitalisation”, Business Distribution, FBNInsur- more. newspaper that serves the first and to mention, Dr. Adi’s research lies on digital retail insurance he said. ance Limited, Mr. Odinakachi At the ceremony, the Abuja future words of the boardroom have been presented in numer- marketing model. According to him, as a busi- Umekwe, commended the sales area won the Best Per- and public sector governance. ous international conferences, Ojumah , who stated this ness that thrives in difficult efforts of the retail team of the forming Area award for the Adi who was also appointed workshops, and published in at the 2020 MD/CEO and times, FBNInsurance, would company for the outstanding period under review while Editorial Board member of Prime top-ranking international journals. Retail Annual Competition continue to adapt to changes performances they put forward Enugu and Aba areas came Business, is an assistant professor Over the years he has consulted (TRAC) Award organised by that evolve with time. despite the pandemic which second and third respectively. and has lectured at the University for international organisations the company for its staff in He commended member of continued to ravage the world The winning areas were given of Tsukuba, Japan, where he was like the World Bank, JICA, UNC- Lagos recently, said any firm the retail team of the company during the year. cash reward for their efforts. a JSPS fellow, and at the American TAD, ICAN, UNDP, Blomberg, which builds its retail insurance for their efforts and charged He added: “This team of over Similarly, a brand-new University of Nigeria. He holds and a host of others. He is a base will smile when others them to do more. 2000 vibrant men and women all Hyundai Car was presented a full-time faculty position in the resident economic and policy are weeping. He promised to continue to over Nigeria has sold insurance to the overall winner of the Department of Economics, Data analyst with major TV stations “It is exciting to know that give them adequate support under the most challenging 2020 TRAC Award (Financial Analysis, and Strategic Business in Nigeria, such as Channels TV, we sold, made profits and still to ensure they meet their sales environment to ensure the Advisors category), by Ojumah. at the Lagos Business School, Pan Arise TV, CNBC Africa, AIT, and have our jobs at a time when target. company stays ahead in the The prize went to one Atlantic University, Nigeria. many more. people couldn’t even go out “Be assured that I and my retail space despite the limita- Okonkwo Nkechi Rita. THISDAY ˾

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 Sainte Croix Brings French Cognac Heritage to Nigeria Raheem Akingbolu The company made this asser- for connoisseurs and friends, to ensure that the white wines While he urged consumers this excitement. One thing is sure, tion at the exclusive event, held saying the superb quality the that are produced from them are to explore their own creativity this feeling is going to be much Punch Marketing, promoters in Lagos recently, to present the brand has been associated with perfect. These selected wines with Sainte Croix Cognac and more in the coming days as the of Sainte Croix, the premium brand to their Nigerian consumers. and celebrated across the world are distilled twice to create cocktails, he informed that there brand gains a stronger foothold quality cognac, have said that The company’s Country Man- over the centuries, is an attestation the flawless eau-de-vie variants are hundreds of cocktail recipes in the country,” he added. The the entry of the brand to Nigeria ager (Nigeria), Chris Parkes, said to the quantum of patience and and only the most bold and out there that Sainte Croix takes highlight of the event was the signals the arrival of the French Sainte Croix, which has been in meticulousness that go into the distinctive variants are selected to the next level. unveiling of Bolanle Ninalowo, a Cognac heritage and a quality existence since 1756 and celebrated making of Saint Croix, it is truly to be placed in aged wooden “Our entry into the Nigerian Nigerian actor and film producer associated only with the best. around the world, delivers the the spirit of courage. barrels for a minimum of not market has elicited a lot of excite- as the brand ambassador. It now offers consumers an best Cognac experience that the He painted the picture of the two years as is normal for VS ment among Nigerian consum- Speaking shortly after the exciting and challenging expe- Charente and Charente-Maritime rigorous process that goes into but for four years. VSOP is not ers, understandably. The same unveiling, Ninolowo, also known rience, one that challenges the regions of France have come to the making Sainte Croix thus: just the normal four years but premium quality that has come as Nino, expressed his excitement establishment and the senses of be known for. Parkes referred “We pick only the finest mature eight and the XO… not just 15 to be associated with Sainte Croix at being chosen as the brand Congac drinkers. to Sainte Croix as a masterpiece, white grapes at the annual harvest years but 30,” he said. across the globe is the reason for ambassador. NCAA Grants 7-Star Global Hangar Maintenance Certificate Chinedu Eze is annually spent in West Africa alone is going to help to create The Nigerian Civil Aviation jobs here in Nigeria.” Authority (NCAA) has granted On the maintenance specifica- 7Star Global Hangar Ltd, an tion, Balami said the organisation Aircraft Maintenance Organisa- can carry out operations as tion (AMO) certificate to oper- permitted by the NCAA, adding: ate an all-inclusive Maintenance “We are happy to say goodbye to Repair and Overhaul (MRO) four years inspection/maintenance facility. on Augusta 139 helicopters which The Chief Executive Officer most VIPs, even the Presidency of 7Star Global Hangar, Isaac operate. Balami said, “7StarGlobal is “Most oil and gas companies the first independent privately (Mobil, Shell, and Chevron) owned MRO in West and Central operate it. We also have EC Africa. I say independent because 155 up to 6000 hours/12 years’ it is a stand-alone and we were inspection; on the Learjet 45, registered in 2012 and since then about 9,600 hours’ inspection; for about nine years, we have on the small Cessna aircraft, been back-to-back pursuing our we have about 100 hours/ ACCI Seeks Private Sector Input on Digital Economy Blueprint license and variation with the annual inspection and on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Bombardier DHC-8 100/200/300 James Emejo in Abuja Memorandum of Understand- the Minister of Communication a serious error.” “We are happy today to an- (C Checks/8000FH), DHC-8 400 ing (MoU) on digital economy and Digital Economy, Dr. Ibrahim He said to develop the sector nounce that after over 15 months (C checks/8000FH), Challenger President of the Abuja Chamber policy between the chamber Pantanmi on the various initiatives effectively, engagement with the of the NCAA reviewing our 601/604/605 (2400 hours inspec- of Commerce and Industry and the Continental Project so far introduced. private sector remained crucial variation and our operational tions), Hawker Siddeley HS (ACCI), Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abuba- Affairs Associates Ltd. (CPAA) He added: “Government’s adding that policies emerging from specifications and also expanding 125-850/900 (A-G Inspections), kar, has urged the federal and in Abuja, he said government’s efforts cannot fully yield desired such consultation will integrate our capability list in Wheels and Bell 429 (5000 hours/5 years state governments to deepen presence within the ICT sector effect unless the private sector the aspirations of the operators Breaks, Non-destructive testing inspections), Embraer 135/145 private sector participation in was a recognition of the digital is effectively integrated into the and assist the regulators to emerge (NDT) etc, we have finally (Up 5000hours/48months inspec- the drafting of digital economy shift within the economy as ICT making and implementation of as facilitators. finished our phase five which tions), Embraer 600/650 (20000 policies so as to reap maximal contribution to the GDP had been the digital economy policy. “That is why the ACCI as is the last stage in the certification hours/96 Months Inspections) benefits. on the increase every quarter. “Worldwide, the private sector a leading chamber in Nigeria process and we have been granted and Boeing 737-300/400/500 He said amidst the uncertainty He added that the potential is put on the driver seat to speed decides to institute a Digital final approval. (Up to 8A inspections), we have in oil sector and global drive of the sector as a job creator is up innovation and cost efficient Economy Policy Series. The “The huge capital in aircraft the highest inspection in most of against fossil fuel, the digital well documented. operations of the ever widening series will regularly dwell on maintenance we often experience, the aircraft as stipulated in the economy holds the key espe- Abubakar said: “We note the sector. ICT Policy issues and produce amounting to over $1billion that manufacturer’s manual.” cially for a country with a youth giant strides the ICT sector has “Designing a digital economy policy contributions”, he said in dominated demography. taken under the present adminis- policy without the strong input a statement by the ACCI Media AMANO Backs Bill Seeking Speaking at the signing of tration. We particularly commend of the private sector is therefore Officer, Olayemi John-Mensah. Academy’s Upgrade Dubai Expo: FG Eyes $23bn, Establishes Trade Office Oluchi Chibuzor in the current 9th Assembly stating James Emejo in Abuja to showcase the abundant natural to Nigeria, Fahad Taffaq, has said tional Exhibitions (BIE) conferred our views,” he added. and human resources available bilateral trade between Nigeria the Hosting Right to the city of The Alumni of Maritime Gankino acknowledged that The federal government has in the 36 States of the Federation and the UAE currently stood at Dubai, UAE holding initially in Academy of Nigeria, Oron MAN remains the foremost said it expects to generate about and the Federal Capital Territory about $1.45 billion as at 2019. 2020, adding however, that due (AMANO) has stressed the need specialised institution in Nigeria $23 billion from the participation (FCT). The minister said the expo to the COVID-19 pandemic, the for maritime stakeholders in that provides the full range of pro- of Nigerian enterprises at the Katagum, at a briefing on the would assist government’s current expo had now been rescheduled. the country to support the bill fessional education and training in Dubai Expo 2020, which is slated forthcoming exhibition, said critical drive to diversify the economy. Katagum said: “The Expo aims seeking to upgrade the academy accordance with the International to hold from October 1, 2021 to sectors of the Nigerian economy She noted that Nigeria is one to connect and inspire millions of to a specialised university. Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) March 31, 2022, in the United particularly agriculture, manufac- of several countries which have people from around the world This, according to the group, requirements for the training and Arab Emirates (UAE). turing, creative industry, culture benefited from the generosity of to create a better future. is because the academy has certification of seafarers in Nigeria. The Minister of State for and youthful generation would the UAE government by providing “It is also a platform for the gone through changes geared He stated that the Alumni, as a Industry, Trade and Investment, be showcased to the world to the country with a $2 million world to showcase innovation, toward repositioning her for unified body, believes that it was Mrs. Maryam Katagum, said the tap into abundant opportunities assisted pavilion. achievements and aspirations this role through Decree No. 16 time for the Federal Government event with theme: “Connecting available and to benefit from the She explained that the journey while exploring the three sub- of 1988, which placed her on the to upgrade the Academy, as it Minds, Creating the World,” will expo. to Dubai EXPO 2020 started in themes: Opportunity, Mobility current status Maritime Academy did in 1988, to a degree-awarding afford the country an opportunity This is as the UAE Ambassador 2013 when the Bureau of Interna- and Sustainability. of Nigerian (MAN). institution. Explaining to journalists in “AMANO is of the opinion Lagos on the Alumni’s position that the Academy retains its status VDT Optimistic Nigeria Will Achieve 90% Broadband Coverage on the bill seeking to provide as Nigeria’s specialised training for the establishment of MAN institution with a core mandate Emma Okonji and landmass penetration rate him, “VDT provides services niversary, we look back with to a University, the President to train maritime professionals of 70 per cent by 2025 at a price such as enterprise connectivity pride and thank God almighty AMNAO, Emmanuel Gankino, for both sea-going and onshore VDT Communications, provider not more than N390 per 1GB and corporate internet to all parts for all that we have been able said it was long overdue in line careers who serve the nation’s of end-to-end IP-based data and of data. of Nigeria via national carrier to achieve even in the midst with the current developments maritime, shipbuilding, port voice communications services Group Managing Director backbone. Retail Service; 4G of tough challenges,” Omoniyi in the industry. operations, offshore oil & gas, across the 36 states of the country, of VDT, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, LTE Broadband internet service; said. He said their position on the bill and related industries. has assured the federal govern- gave the assurance in Lagos, at a SME and APN Services among “We might not have reached was necessitated because maritime “It is to be noted that there ment that industry players will media event held at the weekend others. VDT Communications the symbolic 1000 miles yet, education was a specialised is a global shift in the training work towards ensuring that the to announce the company’s 20th successfully scaled our service however, we have come very training endeavour that provides and education of maritime profes- country’s target of 90 per cent anniversary celebration. infrastructure to 99.9 per cent far from where we started. specific expertise and proficiency sionals to a multi-functional level. broadband coverage by 2025. According to Omoniyi, VDT uptime since 2015. We now “With all this in place for the professional licensing and Modern trends in technological Nigeria’s broadband plan seeks through its connectivity services generally guarantee 99.999 per coupled with continual innova- competency required to manage developments and digitalisation to deliver data download speeds for enterprise and retail custom- cent service availability through tion and development, the stage the industry effectively. have made it imperative to train across Nigeria at a minimum ers, would be able to connect the use of multiple carrier trunks is set for VDT to continue to “AMANO has graciously future mariners to meet the new of 25Mbps in urban areas, and more people and organisations, while maintaining low latency, play the leading role in the submitted a memorandum to both Blue Ocean economy’s demand to 10Mbps in rural areas, with ef- thereby contributing its quota that will help Nigeria achieve its Nigeria telecom industry and the House of Representatives in operate and manage the maritime fective coverage available to at towards achieving Nigeria’s broadband penetration target.” provide premium quality the 8th Assembly and The Senate assets to achieve it,”he said. least 90 per cent of the population broadband plan. According to “As we mark our 20th an- service to our customers. 30 THISDAY ˾

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 TeamApt Restates Commitment Qatar Begins Regular Service to Abidjan to Africa’s Financial Services Chinedu Eze said: “Launching flights to Abidjan, the pandemic. Beirut and many points in the Côte d’Ivoire - our fourth new “We thank the government of Indian subcontinent. With up to Emma Okonji on innovating, and we expect Qatar Airways has announced destination in Africa since the start Côte d’Ivoire for their support to 15 tonnes of cargo capacity on that in the future, through that it has started flight service to of the pandemic, after having launch these flights, and we look the aircraft per flight, Qatar TeamApt, one of Nigeria’s Moniepoint, we will reach Abidjan, the largest city in Côte recently launched Abuja in Nigeria; forward to working closely with Airways Cargo will play a key Fintech companies, has more people across Africa d’Ivoire as it landed at Felix Accra in Ghana; and Luanda in our partners here to grow this role in facilitating key exports reiterated its commitment to and build their trust in the Houphouet Boigny International Angola is a significant step in our route and support the recovery of from Côte d’Ivoire. transforming financial services financial system and processes. Airport on Wednesday. African growth. tourism and trade in this region. The airline said Qatar in Africa. “We look forward to em- With three weekly flights, the “This is testament to our com- “As global travel recovers in Airways travellers from Côte The company provides powering our agents with service between Doha and Abidjan mitment to the African continent 2021, we look forward to further d’Ivoire can now enjoy new financial services for the the facilities to offer other via Accra will be operated by the where we now operate over 100 expanding our network and of- baggage allowances ranging underserved mass market financial services directly to airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner weekly flights to 25 destinations fering more connections to and from 46 Kg for Economy Class through Moniepoint - its customers, beyond deposits featuring 22 seats in Business Class in 18 countries via our home and from Africa.” split over two pieces and 64 Kg financial access product, and and withdrawals.’’ and 232 seats in Economy Class, hub, Hamad International Airport.” The launch of Abidjan also split over two pieces in Business Monnify - its payment gateway Since launching in 2019, along with capacity of up to 15 “At Qatar Airways, being there supports increased demand Class. This initiative is designed infrastructure. Moniepoint by TeamApt tonnes of cargo. for our passengers, trade partners for trade between Côte d’Ivoire to offer passengers more flexibility The company made this has gained ground as one Qatar Airways Group Chief and corporate customers has been and destinations on the Qatar and comfort when travelling on known, while speaking on of Nigeria’s largest agency Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, our major focus since the start of Airways network such as Paris, board Qatar Airways. its expansion plan during a banking platforms with about media event held in Lagos 100,000 agents across the na- recently. tion. Report from SANEF, an Speaking on the company’s initiative of the Central Bank International Breweries Records N136.8bn Revenue plans to transform financial of Nigeria (CBN) governing services in Africa, the CEO and agent banking in Nigeria, International Breweries Plc (IB increased by 3.4 per cent, while competitive edge,” it added. review, International Breweries Founder of TeamApt, Mr. Tosin confirmed that TeamApt Plc) recently held its 44th Annual gross profit increased by 20.9 Speaking on IB Plc’s overall launched a new brand - Trophy Eniolorunda, said: “To achieve accounts for 74 per cent of General Meeting in Lagos. per cent with Gross Margin performance, The Managing Stout and the company now our mission of providing the agent banking industry The meeting had in attendance enhancement of more than 320 Director, Mr. Hugo Dias Rocha houses the top two products financial happiness for all, we based on the volume of trans- stakeholders of IB Plc, compris- basis points to 22.3 per cent. said, “Our dream of achieving (Trophy and Hero) in the started out by building working actions processed monthly, ing the company’s executive The company expressed market leadership of the beer country, the statement added. infrastructure and distributing Eniolorunda said. and non-executive directors, gratitude to stakeholders for industry in Nigeria remains Responding to sharehold- this in every of Nigeria’s 36 Founded in 2015, TeamApt shareholders, representatives their support despite the prevail- unshaken as we are confident ers’ questions, the Finance states. So far, Moniepoint has started out by building infra- of regulatory agencies, external ing socio-economic challenges in our abilities and commitment Director of the company, Mr. served over 25 per cent of the structure for Tier 1 financial auditors, and staff. impacting the Nigerian business as a team. “Aside from growing Bruno Zambrano, stated that, 48 million banked Nigerians, institutions, a testament to its Due to the COVID-19 pandemic environment, stating that with our volumes year-on-year, we “the rights issue which was previously underserved by the technology prowess. restrictions placed on mass gath- the roll out of vaccines and have also continued to gain concluded in January 2020 (the financial system. In March 2021, TeamApt hit a erings by the government, the gradual return to full activities, market share as we look to largest in Nigeria’s history) “This is a great feat but milestone of transactions worth annual event was streamed live there’s hope for the recovery of becoming even more adaptable was targeted successfully at we still have a lot of work over 1 trillion ($2.4 billion) to enable shareholders and other the global economy. to an ever-evolving operational deleveraging the company’s to do. Many Nigerians are still for the first time. In May, the stakeholders who could not attend “International Breweries Plc will climate.” balance sheet. underserved, and with this value increased to 1.4 trillion physically to follow proceedings. continue to strengthen its market He further stated that in the “All the proceeds of the pain not exclusive to Nigeria ($3.5 billion) with 68 million The company’s overall results in position through diversified year under review, despite two rights issue were used to reduce but shared among Africans, transactions in volume, and 2020 were significantly impacted development and optimisation major economic crisis- COVID-19 our overall debt. As a result, we intend to scale into more between April 2020 and April by the disruption caused by the of its corporate strategy as it stays and the social unrests, the com- total borrowings reduced from regions of the continent.” 2021, the total value of transac- COVID-19 pandemic. committed to achieving a sustain- pany hit an all-time record in N263.6 billion as at December According to him, “The tions processed has gone up to According to a statement, able development and improving volume and brand development. 31, 2019, to N110.7 billion as at company remains focused $16 billion, the company said. despite the challenges, net revenue product quality to maintain its Within the same year under December 31, 2020,” he added. THISDAY ˾

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  Manufacturing Poverty on Industrial Scale Those set of principles were unfortunately Charles Iyore not domesticated appropriately and we threw out the baby with the bath water, in shutting resident Muhammadu Buhari has down marketing boards instead of reforming demonstrated the care and bother of the our produce aggregation processes. head of state and father of the nation The greatest drawback of this failure was in admitting on the NTA interview, that the abdication of state responsibility for market he is not satisfied with the economy. oversight, and MDAs (Ministries Departments PThe solution however is not foreign investors and Agencies) began to carve out empires for coming to invest here, but husbanding our themselves and scramble for budget slice. resources so well, that we become a preferred The silos that emerged thereafter, is why investment destination and win in the competition some have admitted not knowing how the for global capital economy runs. The President’s dissatisfaction may be more With central co-ordination weakened and to do with the fact that the outputs are not increasing indulgence of the Treasury by the reflective of the inputs. Central Bank, it’s little wonder we are under Nigeria has been manufacturing poverty on such a mountain of debt. an industrial scale for a long time, and we must The insufficiency created by poor husbanding be grateful that in expressing his dissatisfaction, of resources over six decades of self-rule, cannot he is perhaps ready to resolve the issues. be corrected by foreign investors, who on their That will require debugging a fourth generation own, will be wary local habits. virus, which has been morphing in between with various hashtags. Rolling it all back Every time public officers protect private The President will not get satisfaction with interest at the expense of public good, they economic performance, if the virus remains at manufacture poverty. play in the MDAs and in the private sector. The Every time a public officer makes a critical virus, over time, has offered many the opportunity appointment without considered judgement of to make a killing, and those waiting in the merit and competence, he creates slack in the wings to have a go at the treasury want the system, which manufactures poverty. status quo to remain. Against that background, Every time an accounting officer, for a ministry only a careful wholesale debugging of the unit department or agency creates a silo, the linkages operations, will reset the system. The President in governance are broken and the objectives of can therefore expect to be kept insular if his the organisation are compromised. handlers are some of those waiting in the wings. These are events that create slacks in the This is why the interviews on Arise and NTA system, compromising public good and betraying could begin a new era of engagement which the public trust, and they are occurring at all the President ought to sustain. levels of government. They have become an unregulated utility – egunje. The Production Lines The productions lines are the MDAs not The manufacturing process just in their representation in Abuja, but to the Industrial manufacturing is the process of extent that they co-ordinate activities to the local turning infeed raw materials through sequenced Buhari governments, where poverty is manufactured unit operations, into value added products. Bread daily. from flour, petroleum motor spirit from crude, etc. capacity to dream tomorrow, free themselves seasonal price variations, of agricultural produce? If the plant manager is dissatisfied or does of the baggage of yesterday, and be diligent Will a structured logistics blueprint reduce The Products not get the desired output, then the unit opera- in their efforts today. produce wastage and significantly increase the The products are industrialisation, capacity tions managers, are either incompetent or do That task was started when the President sent IGR (Internally generated revenues) of states? building and human capital development, reduced not understand the instructions of the plant his cabinet members back to their constituencies Will farming communities do better on infant mortality, a healthy work force, markets manager. The managers are then said to be to explain the challenges of the nation during produce purchase rather than grand fertilizer that work well and productive adsorption of corrupted and the debugging begins. #Endsars. distribution? the growing youth bulge. The biggest challenge of debugging is not the That same responsibility should now go to Why is the quality of bandit intelligence If the President works with the list of distortions recovery or reduction of waste, but in ensuring councilors, local government chairmen, members superior to state intelligence, and farmers as above, and calls on the skill sets of Nigerians that the managers are appropriately driven. of State houses of assembly, members of the a consequence cannot go back to farming? at home and abroad, he would deliver on the What is critical therefore, is to fix the mind/ Federal House of Representatives and Senators, Can we introduce global brokerage to our promises of the first inauguration address, in driver of the unit operations manager. but this time not just tasked with explanations, import and export processes and reduce capital an 18-month policy cycle. but also with championing community resilience. flight? This would be an act of immense courage, The mind of the unit operations manager Their job description can be so defined as Can we introduce performance measurement and would be an opportunity for the President, Public sector managers have over time, become to make it possible to compare like with like. for traditional institutions? to press the reset button and begin the process slaves of a scared past, developed a nervous and The President should then invite them for Could we introduce a charity commission to we did not start on morning of independence in suspicious disposition for today, and become dinner, in various groupings, to brief him of monitor NGOs and charity institutions? 1960. Instead the elites (military and civilians) incapable of dreaming tomorrow. progress, every now and again. Why do the asset allocation ratios of individu- have been hard at work setting up complex For that to change, the plant manager must So was #Endsars a stumbling block or a als in their homes, differ from those of public processes they knew would deliver nothing. be clear and unambiguous in his instructions stepping stone? Good wake-up call perhaps. institutions? (Let’s bring-in kitchen economics Properly done, the economy will recover, and be strict with measurements and rewards. In debugging the manufacturing process to to public finance) our currency will join the IMF basket of (equity and justice) lift 100 million out of poverty. The President Why do the markets not work well for all? currencies, and Nigeria can become the ar- The size and population ratio of our needy, needs to review the utilities or common services, Rising pension assets, dwindling insurance rowhead of African economic renaissance. The is such that we can safely conclude that the required by the unit operations managers at collections and gaps in infrastructure financing? continent can then slowly start to address her production lines of poverty, are at all levels their points, in the manufacturing process: There are many other utilities’ attributes trade imbalances, and begin to set tracks for of the administration. Currency: why are we unable to use market which can be addressed in a sequenced order, industrial value addition. price discovery mechanisms, to determine non to achieve common and even growth targets, A hundred million or more will be lifted Getting the change process started pernicious exchange rates, after 32 years of trial? for all communities across the country. out of poverty, and the economic growth will The vision of the plant manager is critical at Skill sets: why are we unable to train build- How did the unit operations get so corrupted? become inclusive this stage, and this he must offer after reviewing ers to build houses, despite the availability of From the very onset, the preference for divisive This is the challenge the President set for the advice available to him. This visioning is why construction aggregates? sentiments rather than seeking points of co- himself in 2015, and that should be his tunnel you have concept branding as with Reaganomics, What should the common attributes be, for all operation, welled up the wrong references of vision. Thatcherism, Glasnost, Perestroika etc. communities? (Towns and villages in planned competition. The experimentation to correct The first challenge is to re-establish in the settlements) those distortions led to the adoption of free Iyore, a Partner at DNA Capital, wrote minds of the unit operations managers, the Why is there so much wastage and wide market economics for national production. in from England Coca-Cola Reiterates Commitment to Recycling Initiatives Raheem Akingbolu to several restrictions, includ- stakeholders, including fellow partners – SWEEP Founda- saw over 2000 young people, included community outreach ing the lockdown which kept industry players, governments, tion, RecyclePoints, AREAi students, and sports enthusiasts programmes in Kwara State and In commemoration of World residents confined indoors. This and civil society organisations, and W.A.S.T.E Africa – with participate in a marathon race clean-ups in Kano, Kaduna, Yobe Environment Day, Coca-Cola development saw the environ- to ensure continued leadership support from Coca-Cola Nigeria and a beach clean-up. According and Oyo States. Through the Nigeria, through recycling initia- ment benefit slightly, affording in reducing its carbon footprint. and its philanthropic arm, The to Obuesi Phillips, President of event, the initiative sought to tives across Nigeria, reiterated the ecosystem time to engineer By 2030, Coca-Cola aims to Coca-Cola Foundation, kicked SWEEP Foundation, the event recover 10 tons of plastic bottles its commitment to the support some restoration. This insight help collect and recycle a bottle off numerous activities to aid was ‘geared towards recognis- across all the locations. of environmental protection and informed the theme for this or can for every one sold by environmental sustainability ing the growing contributions Similarly, Chanja Datti, in sustainability in Nigeria. year’s celebration, aptly titled the company. In addition, the across key areas in the country. of sport to the realisation of collaboration with The CANS Since 1974, World Environ- ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. company is working to design The Statewide Waste and Envi- societal development’. and Coca-Cola Nigeria, launched ment Day has been celebrated At the forefront of this global better bottles with 18 per cent ronmental Education Foundation In addition, the Aid for Rural an event titled ‘Art of Upcycling every year on June 5, engaging movement was Coca-Cola, whose less plastic to make all its (SWEEP Foundation) launched Education Access Initiative Fair: Turning Waste to Beauty’. governments, businesses and environmental sustainability ini- consumer packaging 100 per the Eko Beach Race 2021 with (AREAi), another implementing The event seeks to showcase ten citizens to address pressing tiatives are driven by its, “World cent recyclable globally. the theme ‘A Race Against Plastic partner supported by Coca- upcycling artists turning waste environmental issues. Without Waste,” mandate, which As part of World Environment Pollution’, in celebration of World Cola Nigeria, hosted a “Recycle into remarkable works of art in The COVID-19 pandemic led fosters partnership with multiple Day activities, implementing Environment Day. The event and Win” Festival. The event line with ecosystem restoration. 32 THISDAY ˾


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L-R: General Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Barr. Daramola Joseph; Head, Women Affairs and Gender Cluster Committee African Union, (ECOSOCC), Adaora Onyechere; Nigeria Representative, Wife of Vice Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs Arinola Ajose; General African Union-ECOSOCC, Dr. Tunji Asaolu; Embassy of Ireland, Charge D’Affairs, Conor Finn and Director Secretary, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs Yewande Olorunrinu; Representative Woman Development Representative, Mrs Oladipo Funke during a press briefing and discussion on the role of Wife of Lagos State, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat; and COWLSO Ex-Officio, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, during a special of Nigeria women in conflict resolution and mediation in Abuja…recently prayer by Lagos women for peace and security in Nigeria, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja…recently

L-R: Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Deputy Gov. of Rivers State, Mrs Ipalibo Harry-Banigo and Rivers State Senator Representing, Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (middle) with the PDP Chairman Amb. Desmond Akawo, during the swearing-in of newly elected Rivers State Local Government members of Young Progressive Party displaying the received screening certificate to contest for the Primary Chairmen in Port Harcourt…recently Election of Anambra State governorship race in Abuja…recently

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube at the Opening of the Two Day Zonal Technical Session on the Preparation of Medium President Muhammadu Buhari, addressing military and security personnel of Operation Hadin Kai during his Term National Development Plan (2021 - 2025) in Lagos…recently visit to Mai Malari Cantonment Maiduguri, Borno State …recently

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN (left), National Coordinator of the MBO Dynamic Support Group, Hon Usman Ibrahim (2nd right) Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Gambari during an audience with the Leadership and Members of the Group Abuja…recently Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva (left) and his counterpart from Ghana, Dr Matthew PHOTO: STATE HOUSE Opoku Prempeh, during Prempeh’s visit to NNPC tower in Abuja …recently THISDAY ˾



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L-R: Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Board member of MYFI, Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (right) and his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, discussing Pastor Kunle Ajayi during a meeting with the Governor at the Lagos House, Marina...recently closely at the inauguration of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Delta State..recently

President Muhammadu Buhari receives in the audience the New Special Representative of the UN Secretary L-R; Chairman. Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. L/S Council, Mr. Leye Ajayi, Former Governor of Ogun State, General of the United Nations Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif. during Chief Olusegun Osoba and Vice Chairman, NUJ, L/S Council, Mrs. Abiola Beckley during the NUJ courtesy visit an audience at the State House Abuja...recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE to Chief Olusegun Osoba in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA ALLI

Lead Economist, World Bank, Marco Hernandez; Country Director World Bank Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri; Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Board Chairman, NESG Asue Ighodalo and AIT Correspondent, Nancy Isime; during the launch of the World Bank’s “Nigeria Development Update, Resilience Through Reforms” in Abuja…recently

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Recovered Loot, Movable and Immovable by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government, Rep. Adejoro Adeogun; Clerk of the committee, L-R: SGF, Boss Mustapha; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, and FCT Minister, Alh. Mohammed Musa Bello Mr Lawal Mohammed; and member of the committee, Rep. Sada Soli, during an investigative hearing at the during the launch of the FRSC Traffic Radio and tour of the FRSC Command in Abuja..recently National Assembly Complex in Abuja …recently 34 THISDAY ˾



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͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘ Peace Dialogue in the Creeks To forestall a reoccurence of the unrest that once characterised the Niger Delta region, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, recently braved the odds to sojourn to the creeks and enclaves to dialogue for peace, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Akpabio with His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, the Pere of Gbaramatu King- dom in Warri South West Local Government Area Akpabio and the Deputy Governor of Delta State who represented the governor

he Niger Delta region, found in complete the headquarters of the com- the southern part of Nigeria, is mission and give it a befitting status a populous area inhabited by in the region. He reminded them how a diversity of minority ethnic this would be a timely stoppage of groups. Best known for its a yearly rent of N300m paid for the Trich oil resources, the region is also temporary headquarters so far in 21 known for its continuous agitation for years, something that has been stopped control of its resources. However, the by the President Muhammadu Buhari quest for control has caused years of through Akpabio. unrest and insecurity, which snowballed He wondered why the people, rather into militancy and kidnapping until than clamour for a substantive board the Amnesty Programme was borne to for the Amnesty Office which pays assuage parts of their demands. over 30, 000 trained ex-agitators, and But the region was not always known being run by an Interim Administration for conflict. It all started in the 1990s, system, though an Ijaw, they looked when ethnic groups, most notably the the other way. Ijaw and the Ogoni established groups Lamenting at the snail speed in to confront the Nigerian government developing the region, he challenged the and multinational oil companies. warlords to ponder over the decision Citing undue exploitation and envi- of some ministers and members of the ronmental pollution by the foreign oil National Assembly from the region, companies, the groups had taken up who ordered the International Oil arms against them. It exacerbated in Companies (IOCs) to stop the payment 2004 as piracy and kidnappings became of the statutory three and five per cent the order of the day. of their yearly capital budgets (capex) to the commission's account domiciled Amnesty Programme The minister with military personnel during the journey to the creeks at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In 2009, a presidential amnesty This, it was gathered, paved the way program was established. This came Treating the ultimatum with the thus he felt compelled to disprove those for the Economic and Financial Crimes in form of support and training for urgency it required, the minister non-factual information. Commission (EFCC) to act on a petition the ex-militants, who in exchange laid braved the odds and ventured into At the creeks, the minister met with to divert these sources of allocation of down arms. The programme proved to the creeks to dialogue with them. His Tompolo face to face, as well as with funds to a dedicated account tagged be a success as about 15,000 militants move paid off as after the meeting other big lords of the creeks and the EFCC /NDDC account, adding that signed for presidential amnesty program. with the elders, youths, ex-militants, elders and leaders of the region. This billions of naira meant for the region's the ultimatum was withdrawn and the afforded both parties a rare opportunity development were trapped in the said Creation of NDDC possible crisis quelled. to hear each other out without interme- account. As part of measures to address the For those in the know, aside the diaries and conflict entrepreneurs that It was noted that with such funds issues, the then administration of security implication of another crisis may have been distorting the intentions made available, other projects would be President Olusegun Obasanjo created the in a nation already riddled with regional of government to address issues. completed like the recent intervention Niger Delta Development Commission pockets of insurgency and insecurity, if At the all-exhaustive parley with by Akpabio to return the contractors (NDDC) in 2000. Its sole mandate is to the ex-militants had lived up to their the Deputy Governor of Delta State, handling the East-west Road project develop the petroleum-rich Niger-Delta threats, governance might grind to a Kingsley Otuaro, elders, traditional to site since 2015, when the project region. halt as the nation is yet to recover rulers and the youths, Akpabio seized was stalled. The development is focused on social from the huge economic loss caused the moment of the visit to explain the Harping on how Rwanda was set and physical infrastructures, ecological/ by the COVID-19 pandemic and falling real challenges facing the Niger Delta ablaze by false information, he reiter- environmental remediation and human oil prices. region and why the inauguration of a ated the need for peace and his desire development. new board will only be possible after the to champion the development of the Peace Dialogue forensic auditors turn in their reports. region to acceptable standards. Recent Ultimatum To address the ultimatum, the minister According to him, the audit was not Essentially, since a reoccurence of Apart from the crisis that almost tore had first engaged in top level meetings intended to fight the Ijaw or criminalise unrest might include the likely im- the NDDC apart when calls for audit before he set off to the peace dialogue. anybody, rather, the whole essence was mediate cancellation of the Amnesty were made, the region was passably He embarked on the eight hours to to chart a new course for the speedy Programme that puts cash in the hands calm. However, a recent ultimatum by and fro trip to Gbaramatu Kingdom, development of the region through the of over 30,000 youths of the Niger Delta, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Tompolo's enclave. His mission was frugal management of the resources the danger of further driving away popularly known as Tompolo, who is to save Nigeria the challenge of blown allocated for the purpose and to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) from the self-styled Grand Commander or up oil installations and Infrastructure. that the over 12,000 abandoned projects the region, increased unemployment, leader of the dreaded Movement for Backed with a heavy deployment were completed. The new course would poor rentage for landlords, low patron- the Emancipation of the Niger Delta of military forces, he went to the answer critical questions like - should age for business owners, the move (MEND), to the Minister of Niger Delta creeks and succeeded in averting a the NDDC focus on completion of old by the minister to dialogue and the Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, to cause the full-blown fire that could cripple the projects or to start new ones? How consequent decision by Tompolo and board of NDDC to be constituted or already delicate economy. do you do it without falling back to others to rescind their earlier decision face a total shut-down of oil operations According to those in the know, Ak- the rot? and withdraw the ultimatum remains in the oil region, was not one to be pabio had gathered that the underlying He forced them to think beyond an added advantage to the current fight waved off owing by the crisis generated message from the militant world showed clamour for a board but to ask why against insecurity and a boost for the during the infamous militancy days. they were fed with false information, for over 26 years, it was difficult to development of the region. THISDAY ˾


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ͰͮͰͯ 35 CRIME&SECURITY Navy Hands over 10 Suspected Vandals to NSCDC

The seized boat conveying the stolen products to Benin Republic The suspected vandals

Chiemelie Ezeobi they were accosted by NNS BEECROFT Navy (NN) to rid Nigeria’s Maritime tion of critical national infrastructure and operatives. space of all forms of criminality and the eradication of all illegal activities he Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) According to the Commander, the emplacement of a safe maritime in its Area of Responsibility, noted that BEECROFT has handed over NNS BEECROFT Commodore Bashir environment for legitimate businesses it was in line with the Chief of the 10 suspected pipeline vandals Mohammed, preliminary investigation to thrive". Naval Staff`s mission statement and to the Nigeria Security and conducted by the base revealed that Noting that the patrol on May 8 Strategic Directive of 2021-5. Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the suspects are of Nigerian origin and yielded a positive result, she said the He further posited that as partners for alongsideT a large wooden boat. were attempting to smuggle the AGO vandals and seized products were on a safe maritime environment, members The suspects were said to have been to Benin Republic before their arrest. Tuesday, June 15, 2021 handed over to of the public "especially our host com- conveying approximately 210,000 litres In a statement by the Base Information the Lagos Command of the NSCDC for munities are enjoined to kindly furnish of AGO concealed in Geepee water Officer, NNS BEECROFT, Sub Lieutenant further investigation and prosecution. the base with credible information to tanks inside a large wooden boat VI Effiong, the arrest was based on The commander, who reiterated NNS assist in curbing the activities of criminal around the Lagos Anchorage before the "determination of the Nigerian BEECROFT`s committment to the protec- element and economic saboteurs". Day Concerned Benue Mothers Gathered to Plead With President Buhari over Killings in Benue George Okoh In Makurdi expect us to applaud him? The longer the IDPs stay in the camps, country. "As mothers of this state and the the worse their plight will get. Anzam said: “We, Benue Concerned t was a sorrowful day as rep- nation, we owe our children the duty to "We also want to urge our sons and Mothers, are crying for the whole coun- resentatives of women groups voice our feelings when we see things daughters who are still sitting on the try. This issue did not start today but it trooped into the Doo Palace Hotel, going wrong and those who should fence to wake up and speak against has aggravated because our president venue for a press conference by speak have chosen the path of silence. the evil being perpetrated in our land. has been taking sides. We are calling on an all female group known as the "We owe this country the duty to This matter is not only about Governor the president to come out and tell us ConcernedI Benue Mothers, to protest call its leaders to order and counsel Samuel Ortom. why the herdsmen..(sic..) have waged the constant attacks by herdsmen and them when it has become apparent "Benue sons- home and abroad-, war on the Middle Belt and the South, bandits that have led to the death of that the leaders we elected are not who think that they are not affected and who is defending us. hundreds of people, including women doing what is right. We have no other by the crisis must know that we are “The efforts the president has made in and children. country than Nigeria. all casualties whether we are at home the past are not good enough. We want The venue was tensed and charged She called on President Buhari to or not. They should raise their voices him to do more to defend us because as the women dressed in traditional urgently address the nation and caution to condemn the injustice being visited we can no longer defend ourselves. mourning clothes and tearful faces the herdsmen to stop the killings. "We on us. This is no time for politicking. War has been declared on us and he expressed anger over the heinous kill- know that if he makes the address "They should send relief materials should rise up and fight for us. We ings while the leaders of the country directly to them and mean every word to those in IDP camps and also solicit commend our governor.” kept mute. of what he says, they will listen to him. the support of international donor Also, Evangelist Owakoyi Egharuwa, Leading the women at the conference "The Federal Government should organisations to come to the aid of a former chairman of Agatu Local which they tagged 'President Buhari is also throw its weight behind Southern our people. Government Area, who spoke on for somebody and not for everyone', Governors’ Asaba declaration against "Finally, we wish to call on Nigerians behalf of Zone C women, also urged Mrs. Rebecca Apezan, a former House open grazing. who love justice, peace and equity, to the president to intervene and stop the of Representatives member frowned "President Buhari should motivate rise and condemn what is happening killings by herdsmen: “Our major cry at comments made by the President's security agencies and direct them to to the innocent people of Benue State. is that the president should intervene. Senior Special Assistant on Media be professional and neutral in the "The killer herdsmen are still here When it comes to crisis, women are vowing that grazing routes as well discharge of their duties. with us. They have resorted to guerrilla always on the side of peace but when as grazing reserves will be established "We also expect Mr President to warfare. They now attack our people women begin to cry out, then people in the 36 states of the country next call his appointees to order to stop in their sleep and leave their familiar must act. The killings are still going on. month whether anyone likes it or not. assaulting the sensibilities of Nigerians. trademark of death. Enough is enough", We want to be heard and our President She recounted the spate of killings What the Minister of Justice Abubakar she said. must come out and defend us.” in Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, Malami said comparing the ban on open Also lending her voice to the cry, Jennifer Gbishe-Igoh, who spoke on Katsina-Ala, Ado, Agatu, Logo and grazing with spare parts business was former Vice Chancellor of Benue State behalf of civil society organisations, Guma which left over a million people insensitive, condemnable and akin to University, Prof. Charity Angya, who lamented that, for eight years, she has homeless in the state due to the inglori- fanning embers of crisis. spoke on behalf of Zone A women, not been able to go to her village to see ous activities of herdsmen and bandits "The other aide of the president, called on the president to defend the the graves of her parents, all because and wondered why the president's Garba Shehu denigrates anyone who people of Benue and the entire country. her community has been occupied by aide who is not elected should make holds an opinion contrary to that of the “We voted the government in power herdsmen. She, therefore, called on such a declaration, questioning if the Presidency. This is gross negation of because we expected good governance. President Buhari to intervene. country is still operating a democratic the tenets of democracy. In democracies We didn’t expect that our lands would “I stand to speak for all those who government. where government is of the people be taken away and they would kill us. cannot speak for themselves. I cannot "We are wondering if this is the same and for the people, leaders of such We can no longer defend ourselves see my father’s grave, for the past eight democracy that we all fought and got countries listen to constructive criticism because all weapons of defence have years, because they have taken over in 1999 leading to the emergence of in order to improve. been taken away from us. our community and if you dare go Muhammadu Buhari as elected President "We call on the international com- “We are calling on the president to there, you can be killed. in 2015. Has Mr President forgotten munity and lovers of peace across protect and defend us. Let the govern- “We are crying because this is hap- that this country is now being run the world to show interest in what is ment stand up and do what they are pening everywhere, including in the by the Constitution and not decrees? happening in Nigeria, particularly in supposed to do. We stand firmly behind North. Come to our rescue. We do not "What about the Land Use Act the Middle Belt region where killings the governor to say there is nothing have AK-47 but we have AK-God. We which vets all lands in the care of of innocent people by herders have like grazing reserve but ranching,” don’t want to go to war because we State Governors? Has the Act been become a common sight. Angya said. are a people of peace but don’t drag repealed? From where is President "We expect the federal government to Mrs. Lydia Anzam, who spoke for the us to war. We will keep crying. We are Buhari deriving his authority that fulfill its promise to assist the Benue Zone B women, decried the dangerous not going to stop. We stand behind he feels he can impose draconian and State Government in resettling the dimension the herdsmen’s attacks had the governor to say we don’t want dictatorial policies on Nigerians and displaced people back to their homes. taken not only in Benue but the entire open grazing but ranching,” she said. 36 THISDAY ˾˜
JUNE 21, 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Market Turns Bearish as Investors Take Profit Goddy Egene Africe Plc, Okomu Oil Plc and transacted 981.147 million shares Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. worth N10.384 billion in 15,001, The Nigerian equities market But sectoral performance was down from 1.058 billion shares closed last week on a negative broadly positive as the NGX valued at N12.831 billion that note after two weeks of positive Banking Index appreciated by exchanged hands in 17,854 performance. The Nigerian 1.1 per cent, trailed by the NGX deals the previous week. Exchange (NGX) Limited All- Oil and Gas Index that rose by The Financial Services Industry Share Index (ASI) declined by one per cent. The NGX Insurance led the activity chart with 695.803 1.30 per cent to close 38,648.91 Index and NGX Consumer Goods million shares valued at N5.178 compared with a gain of 1.11 per Index chalked up 0.8 per cent billion traded in 8,616 deals, thus cent the previous week. 0.2 per cent respectively, while contributing 70.9 per cent and Investors had, two weeks ago, the NGX Industrial Goods Index 49.8 per cent to the total equity swooped on stocks with attractive closed flat. Analysts said they turnover volume and value re- dividend yields ahead of first half expect market performance spectively. The Consumer Goods (H1) 2021 interim declarations, to remain mixed this week as Industry followed with 75.879 leading to a growth. investors rotate their portfolio million shares worth N1.227 However, the bears dominated towards dividend-paying stocks, billion in 2,263 deals, just as the trading last week as some inves- which intermittent profit-taking Conglomerates Industry closed tors took full advantage of the activities would match. as the third most traded with a gains recorded over in two “Notwithstanding, we advise turnover of 67,430 million shares weeks and booked profit on investors to take positions in only worth N367.306 million in 612 bellwether stocks. Although the fundamentally justified stocks as deals. Trading in the top three market was positive on three of the weak macro story remains a equities namely Zenith Bank Plc, the week’s four trading sessions, significant headwind for corporate Sterling Bank Plc and Wema Bank the gains proved insufficient in earnings,” they said. Plc accounted for 265.649 million pushing the market to a green Meanwhile, a value and shares worth N2.450 billion in Trading floor close following losses by Airtel volume of trading fell as investors 2,742 deals. Julius Berger Pledges Innovation, Superior Services MARKET INDICATORS

Goddy Egene overall. lockdowns and subsequent MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) “Our robust sustainability economic crisis, JBN achieved Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (JBN) philosophy and practice extends a very good performance in JANUARY 2021 has restated its commitment beyond philanthropy to social 2020.According to him, to Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 to sustain its leadership of the inclusion, gender equality, maintain business viability, construction sector in the country prioritisation of environmental JBN Plc conducted a number -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 through innovation and technical responsibility and reporting for of stress tests and implemented Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 advancement and maintaining continued progress”, said Richter. a business continuity plan, as its position as the benchmark “We remain positive with part of the company`s resilience -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 for construction excellence in regards to the potential ahead strategy, protecting staff health -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 Nigeria. of us in consideration of our and safeguarding their means of The Managing Director of JBN, proven ability to face challenges livelihood; ensuring no jobs were ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 Dr. Lars Richter, stated while and find success in opportunities lost due to COVID-19. addressing shareholders at the over time. JBN continues to be With regard to significant ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 annual general meeting (AGM) in a strong position to succeed achievements made by the Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 held in Lagos, recently. as a partner in progress, to the company in 2020, Richter said According to him, JBN nation, to our clients, communities that JBN successfully inaugurated Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 maintains a robust governance and staff,” he said. several projects, including the -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 system with appropriate policies Reviewing the performance of New Technology Building in and systems in place to maintain the company for 2020 financial Abuja; Okpai Power Plant, Phase ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 the company`s culture of integrity year, the MD said despite the 2, in Delta State; 11 Rehabilitated ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 and also support its positively numerous challenges faced Roads in Rivers State as well productive performance and last year, stemming from the as the Rebisi Flyover in Port ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 a sustainable business model COVID-19 pandemic, related Harcourt. ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 Ogun Commences Loan Disbursement to MSMEs --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 As part of efforts to boost of the people. that his administration would micro, small and medium The Governor who was continue to provide adequate --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 scale enterprises (MSMEs ) in represented by his Deputy, funding for OSAMCA to ensure --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾

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 the agricultural value chain, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele more MSMEs continue to benefit --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 the newly revived Ogun State said his administration as from the Agency’s revolving loan. Agricultural and Multipurpose part of its commitment to the Also speaking, Commissioner Credit Agency (OSAMCA) has prosperity of the people revived for Industry, Trade and Invest- Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) commenced the disbursement the OSAMCA after nine years ment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, said Month March 2018 of its 2021 loans to successful of being comatose to promote the loan disbursement was apt Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 applicants, eleven years after financial inclusiveness and help as it would help address the its last disbursement. MSMEs sub-sector thrive. challenge of access to credit faced Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Ogun State Governor, Dapo He noted that the loan by farmers and agropreneurs Abiodun, who flagged- off disbursement which was the noting the credit scheme would Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 the loan disbursement and first batch of the OSAMCA tackle the challenge of food Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 performed the symbolic presen- loan scheme was available in security and soaring food prices. tation of cheques to successful cash and in the form of various The Chairman, Ogun State Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 applicants at Abeokuta, was equipment such as tractors, Agricultural and Multipurpose quoted in a statement to have tricycles, motorcycles, deep Credit Agency (OSAMCA), 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 said the disbursement was in freezers, generators, mattresses Abayomi Hunye said the agency line with the ISEYA mantra of his among others was meant for has disbursed N850 million to 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 administration which is aimed 500 beneficiaries adding that over 22,000 beneficiaries as at 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 at promoting the social welfare more applicants can apply its last loan disbursement in the and improving the well-being for the loan. Abiodun assured year 2010. 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21

Prime Lending rate 17.35

DLM Capital Wins Securitisation Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 The DLM Capital Group, has and organisations that contribute securitisation deal and the DLM emerged winner at the Capital significantly to the advancement Primero BRT Securitisation. ˾
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ͯͱϱ Finance International(CFI) 2021 of economies and truly add value ’We are positioned to provide awards as the best structured for all stakeholders. services to an expansive client finance and securitisation team Commenting, Head of Cor- base of retail, high net-worth The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $72.29 a barrel on Thursday, in West Africa. porate Communications and and institutional customers. compared with $73.16 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. This is the third consecutive Marketing, DLM Capital Group, DLM Capital Group remains The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan year the company is winning Chinwendu Ohakpougwu, said: committed to constantly providing Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light the award, thereby affirming the “In the past three years, our financial solutions that will enable group’s strong performance as portfolio management team’s per- our clients make a difference, and (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), a leading investment institution formance has remained consistent, we are honored to be recognized Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and and asset manager. and our clients have benefited once again as a reflection of the Merey (Venezuela). CFI awards seek to identify immensely from exposure to our quality of support offered to our SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna the contributions of individuals solutions, including the NMRC clients.’’ THISDAY ˾˜

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ͰͮͰͯ 37

 


NGX Suspends Trading in GTBank’s Shares Ahead of HoldCo Listing Goddy Egene Guaranty Trust Holding Com- while the holdco would serve as response to the seismic shifts that will deepen and extend from and enhance the value we pany Plc on NGX. the parent company and corporate in customer expectations and digital financial services across create as a platform for enriching The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Shareholders of the GTBank centre for GTBank Nigeria, all changes in business models,” Africa. We also believe that we lives,” he said. According to him, Limited last Friday placed full had ratified the plan to adopt a GTBank African subsidiaries and Agbaje had said. are in a better position to drive following a decade of birthing trading suspension on the shares holdco structure and the Group all other new businesses that will He noted that as a holdco, they an asset management business innovative ideas and nurturing of Guaranty Trust Bank(GTBank) Managing Director of the bank, be created following the transition. will compete more effectively and a pension fund business, them into businesses, the holdco Plc. Mr. Segun Agbaje, had told them “Our transition into a holdco is a with non-banks in the new given our strong retail base and structure would he bank to According to the NGX, the the development would see a necessary step to future-proofing competitive landscape; pairing digital-first approach to financial unleash the power within, in suspension was necessary to new corporate entity, Guaranty our leadership position, sustain- their strength in financial services services, which we have honed ways that allow us thrive in prevent trading in the shares Trust Holding Plc, take the place ably growing our earnings and with an aggressive focus on over the past decade. Taken spaces banks were excluded, of the bank in preparation for of GTBank on the London and achieving our long-term goal of creating value in every aspect of together, our entry into these build out the full value of the the eventual delisting of GTBank Nigerian stock Exchanges. be-coming one of the top five their customers’ lives. “We will new growth areas will allow innovations they have nurtured to pave way for the listing of He explained that change financial institutions in Africa. create a new payments business us maximize our potential in a over the years and deepen they the holding company(Holdco), would entail a 1:1 share transfer It is also a critical part of our to deliver the innovative solutions way that banks were restricted value we can create stakeholders. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 18/06/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 38 MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 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 17- 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 154.28 155.81 -4.12% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.28% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 306.53 306.53 -22.78% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.36 111.36 -0.66% 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 6.61% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Vantage Balanced Fund 2.84 2.90 23.63% 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 4.62% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.88 150.33 -3.56% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.21 3.37 -5.55% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.25 1.29 31.88% 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 3.29% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.38 1.40 1.39% Anchoria Equity Fund 130.97 132.41 -1.53% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.62 1,146.62 3.79% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.07 1.07 -19.47% 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 19.06 19.63 5.09% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.92 10.95 4.20% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 416.93 429.50 4.14% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.66% ARM Ethical Fund 37.61 38.74 11.56% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -1.48% 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 4.90% 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 104.68 104.68 2.92% 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 N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.15% 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 -20.07% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.39% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.03 2.07 -20.20% 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 3,167.81 3,193.31 -1.49% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.46 230.46 2.49% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.19 1.21 1.69% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 302.38 302.38 2.62% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 219.64 222.26 0.49% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.62% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.03% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,341.91 10,471.53 -1.53% Paramount Equity Fund 16.06 16.35 0.40% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.55% Women's Investment Fund 133.37 134.82 0.18% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.09 114.09 2.71% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.57 101.57 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 6.05% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.53 117.29 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.38 -0.31% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 3.03% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.84 106.84 United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.94 6.36% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.35% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 121.10 121.10 3.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.13 2.35% 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 -1.71% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -14.14% 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 12.67 12.78 6.74% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.03 14.15 14.85% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.98% Zenith Income Fund 24.11 24.11 0.58% 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 6.21% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,163.99 1,173.18 -2.74% 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 1,377.48 1,377.48 10.14% Union Homes REIT 51.43 -1.85% FBN Balanced Fund 187.53 188.74 -0.08% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 109.99 109.99 7.49% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.56% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.91 13.01 -2.34%

SIAML Pension ETF 40 125.15 125.15 2.80% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.54 125.54 3.48% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 98.32 100.09 -1.09% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 154.46 156.57 2.17% MERGROWTH ETF 17.18 17.28 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 17.59 17.69 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 1.00 1.00 3.68% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.95 3.95 2.17% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.73 3.77 -1.29% Legacy Equity Fund 1.56 1.60 2.71% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.64 5.72 -0.88% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.17 1.17 3.24% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.17 17.27 4.96% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.79% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.41 19.61 -5.36% Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 147.07 149.07 -32.17% Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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. MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 39 40 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 41 42 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 43 44 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 45 46 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 47 48 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 49 NEWSXTRA In Kebbi, 10 Rescued, Scores Still Missing, Hunters Join Battle 15 Niger kidnap victims escape from abductors Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Spokesman, Brigadier-General adults abducted along with the separated from the children and managed to open the door of THISDAY gathered that Laleye Dipo in Minna Onyema Nwachukwu, said one 156 pupils of the Salihu Tanko taken into Zamfara forests, while the house in which they were the escapees moved in teacher and three more students Islamic school more than two the children were kept in another locked in the forest after the different directions so The Nigerian Army yesterday said were rescued on Saturday. weeks ago. location yet unknown. bandits stationed to guard that they will not arouse that troops operating under the “Troops of the Nigerian Army THISDAY learnt that after It was reliably learnt that them were deeply asleep suspicion from other bandits auspices of Operation Hadarin operating under the auspices of their abduction, the adults were on Friday night the 15 victims as a result of drunkenness. in the forest. Daji, supported by Nigerian Air Operation Hadarin Daji supported Force, on Saturday rescued one by Nigerian Air Force have teacher and three students of the rescued more abductees of the Federal Government College, FGC Birnin Yawuri. Birnin Yawuri in Kebbi State, “One teacher and three bringing to 10 the number of students were rescued yesterday captives rescued by the military. at Makuku, in the ongoing search This is coming as no fewer than and rescue operations”, it said. 15 people recently kidnapped by The army statement said bandits in Tegina town of Niger “troops also killed one bandit and State at the weekend escaped from recovered nine motorcycles and their abductors four handsets from the fleeing The military had on Friday bandits.” rescued five Kebbi students It said “additional troops have and two teachers but one of also been deployed to dominate the students died of exhaustion. the forest and deny the bandits A statement issued yesterday freedom of action”. by the Army said more troops The statement recalled that were deployed to dominate two teachers and five students the forest and deny the bandits were earlier on Friday, June 18, freedom of operation. 2021, rescued by troops in a THISDAY gathered that hunters coordinated fire-fight with the SIXTY HEARTY CHEERS... have also joined in the search- kidnappers. L-R: Former member of National Assembly representing Edo South senatorial district, Senator Ehigie Uzamere; his wife and celebrant, Mrs. and-rescue operation. Meanwhile, no fewer than 15 Iriagbonse Uzamere; wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Obaseki; and Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the the 60th birthday celebration Over 80 students, mostly girls people recently kidnapped by of Iriagbonse, in Benin City...at weekend. and teachers of the school, were bandits in Tegina town of Niger abducted by armed bandits last State at the weekend escaped from week. their Abductors. The statement issued by Army The 15 people were among the Be Ready to Confront Any Invaders, Delta Monarchs Tell Communities

Traditional rulers in Delta State Asaba on Saturday. all communities in Delta State to crannies of the state with a have appealed to residents to In the communiqué read by immediately activate their local view to nipping unwholesome Policeman Goes Berserk, be more vigilant and security the Chairman of Delta Traditional security apparatus and be activities of criminal elements conscious following the purported Rulers’ Council and Obi of Owa, ready and prepared to ward in the bud.” Kills Five Persons, threat by Fulani jihadists to attack Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, the off any form of threat to peace While decrying the Asaba and Agbor over the monarchs condemned the threat and security in their area. heightened insecurity across the Injures Four in Enugu southern governors’ insistence in its entirety and restated their “Royal fathers tasked country, the monarchs called on on banning open grazing. earlier support for the position security agencies in the state the federal authorities to take Ugwuanyi promises to pay hospital The monarchs gave the advice of the southern governors on the not to treat the purported the issue of security seriously bills of victims in a four-point communiqué issued now famous “Asaba Declaration”. threat with levity but extend in order to stop the nation from at the end of their meeting in It read, “The monarchs urged their dragnets to all nooks and drifting to anarchy. Ejiofor Alike officer “has been arrested and taken into custody pending the conclusion There was pandemonium yesterday of investigation.” NDLEA Arrests Law Enforcement Officer, Six Others at therddrdrf Golf Estate area in “The Commissioner, who made Enugu as an unidentified police the order after visiting the hospital for Dealing in Cocaine, Others officer went berserk and killed where four of the persons said to five persons have sustained gunshot injuries are Uncovers heroin in Pakistan-returnee’s anus at Lagos airport The officer; a Police Inspector receiving treatment and five others attached to Special Protection Unit whose injuries were critical, have been A serving officer of a law different illicit drugs, including codeine containing cocaine and heroin that of the Oyo state Command acting (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia State, confirmed dead by doctors on duty enforcement agency, Popoola -17 bottles; cannabis -22.26grams; weighed 10.5grammes and on intelligence also raided the who opened fire on the people on and deposited in the mortuary for Abayomi has been arrested for tramadol 230 -98grammes; 61 tablets 4.8grammes , respectively on residence of one Alhaji Faruq sight, also injured four others. autopsy; also ordered the swift selling assorted illicit drugs to of flunitrazepam -23.72grammes; 113 June 13. at Elebu area, Akala expressway, The remains of the dead ones have conclusion of the investigation to aid students of a federal university tablets of molly -48.16grammes and The following day, two ladies; Oluyole LGA, Ibadan, where been deposited to Parklane General further necessary actions by the Police.” and cultists in Ogun State. sex drops -43.92grammes. Mary Peter, 40, and Mercy Oladele, they recovered 43 ampoules of hospital, while the medical officers While sympathising with the family The drug dealer who serves in After the arrest of the two 39, were arrested at Total Garden, methylphenidate. were battling to save others that and friends of the victims and urging the Lagos State Command of the suspects, some student union Ibadan when NDLEA operatives In Kaduna state, a drug were badly injured. them to remain calm, cooperate with the security agency was arrested on officials of the institution blocked acting on a tip-off, intercepted their trafficker, Segun Abraham was The Governor of Enugu State, command in the ongoing investigation, Wednesday, June 15, 2021 after the NDLEA team with their official commercial micra car. The two arrested at Panteka area of the Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has also also, “called on eye witnesses at the days of surveillance on his wife’s vehicle. The narcotic agents however women were arrested with seven state on 17th June with 211.500kg visited the victims at the hospital scene of the incident to volunteer shop used as his sales point in restrained themselves and after bags of cannabis weighing 77.23kg of skunk heading to Kano state. and promised to pay all the hospital useful information that will aid the Camp area of Abeokuta. hours of standoff, succeeded in brought in from Ogbese, Ondo Meanwhile, a Nigerian returning bills. thorough and swift conclusion of the One of his salesmen, a moving the suspects to custody. State, to supply a man they simply from Pakistan, Ezenyeche Kingsley Confirming the ugly incident, investigation, in view of ensuring that motorcycle rider known as Ogah In the same vein, one Adelodun identified as Alhaji. According to Ebuka has been arrested by Enugu Police command Public justice prevails. was trailed to the location at about Kamaldeen has been arrested them, they had earlier supplied NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Meanwhile, Ugwuanyi has also 8p.m and arrested with six pinches by operatives of the Oyo State the same Alhaji two bags before Muhammed International Airpirt, Ndukwe said in a statement that visited the survivors in the hospital of Colorado weighing 1.17grammes Command of the agency at coming with the seven bags they MMIA, Ikeja Lagos with five pellets the Commissioner of Police, CP where he promised to offset the before Popoola who has been on the General Area, Ilorin, Kwara State were caught with. of heroin weighing 250grammes Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, had hospital bills of the ones receiving agency’s watchlist, was nabbed with following the interception of a parcel On Friday 18th June, operatives discovered in his anus. ordered the Deputy Commissioner treatment. of Police in-charge of the State Ugwuanyi was received at the Criminal Investigation and hospital by the Commissioner of Intelligence Department (State CIID), Police, Enugu State Command, NAF Kills Scores of Insurgents in Borno to carry out thorough investigation Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu and Army chief visits wounded soldiers to unravel the circumstances the Chief Medical Director, Prof. surrounding the shooting incident. Hyacinth Onah. Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja headquarters in meeting their the mastermind of destructions decimating many of the terrorists. The incident, according to the According to a statement by the health and welfare needs. of power transmission towers “I can confirm to you that we statement, occurred yesterday at State Commissioner for Information, Air strikes conducted by jet fighters Spokesman of the Nigerian Air at Malanari along Maiduguri- conducted successful air strikes in about 0930hrs in the Golf Estate Mr. Chidi Aroh, the governor and helicopter gunships of the Force, Air Commodore Edward Damaturu Highway and attacks Borno Sunday afternoon”, he said. area of Enugu. expressed shock over the dastardly act. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) killed Gabkwet, confirmed that the air on travellers in Auno and Jakana Meanwhile, the Chief of The statement noted that a Police The governor empathised with scores of insurgents in Lamboa strikes were delivered by Alpha axis of the state. Army Staff, Major General Inspector attached to the Special the victims and wished them quick in Kaga Local Government Area jets and helicopter gunships, killing The terrorists, reportedly came Faruk Yahaya visited the Theatre Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, recovery while condoling with families of Borno State. scores of insurgents. in a convoy of eight gun trucks, Headquarters of the Joint Task Umuahia, Abia State, who was of the deceased. The air interdiction came as A notorious ISWAP Logistic preparatory to launch attacks in Force of Operation Hadin Kai on duty at RC Lotto Company He equally charged the hospital the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.Gen. Commander, Modu Sullum, was Lamboa. in his maiden operational visit located in the Estate carried out management to ensure that Faruk Yahaya, visited wounded also feared killed in the combat Following the development, the from June 16-19, 2021 to assess the shootings victims receive adequate medical soldiers in Maiduguri and assured mission. air force deployed fighter aircraft in the operational and welfare state Ndukwe also said that the attention. them of support of the army Sulum was believed to be collaboration with ground troops, of the troops. 50 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021˾
THISDAY NEWSXTRA 24 Killed in Benue Police Station Attack, Ebonyi Communal Clash George Okoh in Makurdi they opened fire on the police Area of Benue State. These 50 other gang members of the with gunshot injuries.” incident, the Chairman of station, but the policemen, who activities are geared towards a detainees mobilised and invaded Anene added that security Ado Local Government Area, The Benue State Police Command were already on alert, fired back, total clampdown on bandits’ the police station to rescue their operatives in the area are Mr. James Oche, confirmed to has confirmed the killing of 14 leading to the high number of activities in the area. counterparts. currently on the trail of suspected reporters by telephone the killing, bandits who attacked a police casualties on the bandits’ side ‘On 19th June 2021, five ‘Officers at the division who bandits who are now at large. saying that 10 people were killed station yesterday in Katsina-Ala “Surprisingly, the police gunned bandits were arrested and were already at alert engaged eople of Katsina-Ala town in the renewed communal clash. Local Government Area of the down over 10 of these bandits, detained at Katsina-Ala Police them in a gun duel and were are advised to remain calm and While condemning the state. while many of them escaped with Division for investigation and able to subdue the bandits. avail every useful information clash, he said the crisis had Also, 10 people were feared gunshot wounds. We also heard prosecution. Fourteen of them were brought about the bandits to the police,” truncated the peace process his killed in a renewed communal that two of them were captured ‘On June 20, 2021 (yesterday) down during the exchange of she stated. administration was working to clash between the people of Ezza alive,” the source added. at about 0130 hours, more than fire, while several others escaped On the communal clash achieve. and Effium in Ado, Benue State, When contacted, the Benue State and Ohaukwu in Ebonyi State. Police Command spokeswoman, A source said the bandits, Ms. Catherine Anene, a deputy numbering over 50, drove in superintendent of police, confirmed Toyota Corolla vehicles to the that 14 of the bandits were killed police station where some of during the attack. their gang members were being “It is no longer news that series detained. of operations are going on in According to the source, Katsina-Ala Local Government NIMASA Launches Campaign to End War Risk Insurance on Nigerian-bound Cargoes Amidst the falling piracy incidence of war, including invasion, in the Nigerian waters and the insurrection, rebellion and Gulf of Guinea since February hijacking. Some policies also CONGRATULATIONS… when the Nigeria Maritime cover damage due to weapons Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Administration and Safety of mass destruction. It is most Okunbor (left), and Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, at the conferment Agency (NIMASA) deployed commonly used in the shipping of the university’s fellowship on Okunbor and presentation to him the 2021 Award for Excellence and Integrity in Corporate Leadership, the Integrated National Security and aviation industries. and Waterways Protection It generally has two held at the university…recently Infrastructure popularly known components: War Risk Liability, as the Deep Blue Project, the which covers people and items Director General of Nigerian inside the craft and is calculated Land Grabbing: Lawyer Petitions Police over Forceful Maritime Administration and based on the indemnity amount; Safety agency (NIMASA), Dr and War Risk Hull, which covers Invasion of Property Bashir Jamoh has expressed the craft itself and is calculated Segun James claimed that their farmland and allegedly sold to Lavika Farm Family while the other one was worry over the persisting War based on the value of the craft. on which they have title and would be returned. sold to them by the Sosan Adalemo Risk Insurance on Nigerian-bound The premium varies based on the A Lagos lawyer, Mr. Tesleem ownership was encroached upon Olumide-Fusika wrote that after family, who said that they are the cargoes, calling for its removal. expected stability of the countries Adewuyi and two landowning by agents of Otesile Family and this demand was rejected, and landowners and that they are This came as it has been to which the vessel will travel, families in Majo Village, Orilemo Lavika Farms, with armed thugs “while the discussion for amicable surprised by the land-grabbing disclosed that Nigeria’s maritime the war risk phenomenon, which Community in Obafemi Owode as their bulldozer and excavators settlement was ongoing that persons attitude of the Oyesile family who trade is to say the least threatened was only known to countries Local Government Area of destroyed their produce. claiming to be operating under the is their neighbours in the area. due to the increasing war risk with high rate of piracy such Ogun State have petitioned the According to Mr. Adeyinka name of Lavika Farms and the Olumide-Fusika said that all insurance premium now as Somalia, also found its way Ogun State Police Command Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Otesile Family again rolled in their efforts by the Bale of Orilemo being paid by Nigeria-bound into Nigeria following massive over the forceful acquisition of Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and bulldozer and started destroying community, where Majo village vessels. involvement of youths in the their farmland by a company, lawyers to the petitioners, the the petitioners’ crops on the land is located and elders of the Although according Jamoh, Niger Delta in militant activities. Lavika Farms and members of Otesile Family, upon destroying and now forcefully took over community to call the invaders piracy in the Nigerian waters Speaking during the recent a neighbouring Otesile family. and laying claim to over six acres the petitioners’ land measuring to order was rebuffed, even is waning, stakeholders in official flag-off of the deep blue Adewuyi along with the of the petitioners’ land asked approximately 16 acres.” though the boundaries the industry are worried project in Lagos by President families - Sosan Adalemo and them to pay a ratification fee of The petitioners claimed that the between each family have that offshore underwriting Muhammadu Buhari, the NIMASA Deyoruwa - in conjunction with N2,400,000 as a condition upon parcel of land initially encroached been spelt out by survey firms still insist on very high boss noted that since the deployment Mr. Femi Alabi in their petition which the land already grabbed upon was sold by the Deyoruwa plans. premium to be paid by those of the deep blue project assets in conveying cargoes to Nigeria. February, there had been a steady War risk insurance is a decline in piracy attacks in the Police Confirm Killing of Popular Ibadan Radio Presenter type of insurance, which Nigerian waters on a monthly covers damage due to acts basis. The Police Command in Oyo at about 11.30pm. premises by unknown assailants. “When he was leaving with State, yesterday, confirmed the The PPRO said that investigations “However, comprehensive his friends in his car around murder of a popular Ibadan were ongoing to unravel the investigations are in top gear 11.30pm, two masked men on NAFDAC Moves to Radio Presenter, Mr. Titus Badejo, circumstances surrounding the to unravel circumstances a motorcycle suddenly stopped by unknown gunmen. incident and apprehend the surrounding the incident and his car, wielding a gun and asked Register Local Chemical The Police Public Relations Officer assailants. to apprehend the assailants. all of them to lie down. in the state, DSP Adewale Osifeso, “At about 0730hrs, Sunday 20th Verifiable updates would be “He was the only one shot by Manufacturing Firms confirmed the incident in a text June 2021, One Damilola Afolabi provided soonest,” Osifeso the gunmen who left immediately Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja awareness on the current message sent to the News Agency ‘m’, Manager, at Club 407, Oluyole said in the text. without taking anything or trends in the regulation of the of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan. Ibadan, reported at the Oluyole A source, who pleaded touching the other occupants The National Agency for Food manufacture of chemicals with NAN gathered that Badejo, a Divisional Police Headquarters anonymity, told NAN that the of the car”, the source said. and Drug Administration and emphasis on the need to be listed former presenter with Naija FM that on Saturday, 19th June 2021, deceased, popularly called ‘Ejanla”, NAN gathered that his corpse Control (NAFDAC) has said it as a chemical manufacturer in Ibadan, was murdered by unknown one Titus Badejo, journalist and meaning ”Big fish” in English, had since been deposited at the will commencethe registration Nigeria. gunmen on Saturday, outside Club freelance disc jockey with the had been at the club with friends morgue of Adeoyo Hospital, Ring of chemical manufacturing She added that the objective 407 in the Oluyole Area of Ibadan club, was shot outside the club’s since 9.00pm road, Ibadan. (NAN) companies in Nigeria. of the deliberations augured well In a statement signed by the with the current focus of the Resident Media Consultant NAFDAC management to bring of the agency, Mr. Sanyo the agency’s regulatory activities Student Shot Dead as Security Men, Rice Smugglers Akintola, the Director-General in line with international best of the agency, Prof. Mojisola practices. Clash in Badagry Adeyeye, said it has agreed The NAFDAC boss noted An SS3 student was shot dead which was established in the operatives, vowing that on protest by the youths who with the manufacturers of that Chemical Evaluation and during a clash between security aftermath of the border closure no account should any security mobilised and burn tyres, chemical products in Nigeria Research Directorate has the operatives of the Joint Border of August 2019, is yet to be agent be allowed to enter demanding the release of Oba’s to explore how to penetrate the mandate to safeguard public Patrol Team and suspected rice disbanded. their domain to carry out the corpse,” a source at the scene international market to enhance health by ensuring that only smugglers at Irosu Village near It was gathered that the operation. told NAN. the country’s foreign exchange the right quality chemicals Badagry on Saturday. JBPT were on routine patrol at “However, in the ensuing NAN reported that the unrest earnings. are manufactured, imported, The News Agency of Nigeria Irosu community near Sawa fracas, the operatives started prompted the Commanding Adeyeye stated this yesterday exported, distributed, sold and (NAN) gathered that Alade Oba, checkpoint around Owode- shooting into the air. Officer of 243 Recce Battalion, during a virtual chemical used in NAdeyeye disclosed 18, was hit by a stray bullet and Apa border post in search of “In the process, one Alade Ibereko, Badagry, Col. Nicholas manufacturers stakeholders’ that the directorate has put in died on the spot during the clash smuggled foreign rice, following Oba, an SS3 student of Kankon Rume, to lead his men to the meeting organised by the agency place effective regulations and with JBPT comprising Customs, a tip-off. Secondary School, was hit by a area to contain what could with the aim of sensitising, guidelines for sound chemical Army and Immigration. Some aggrieved youths, stray bullet and died on the spot have degenerated into further enlightening, and creating management in Nigeria. NAN reported that the JBPT, however, confronted the “This resulted in a serious loss of lives. MONDAY JUNE 14, 2021, ˾
THISDAY 51 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... Insecurity Threatening Girl-child Education in Northern Nigeria, Says Lawan The President of the Senate, Dr. as the special guest of honour at the art even those in tertiary institutions. restore normalcy in our country and current administration in Nigeria better security environment for the Ahmad Lawan, has raised the exhibition organised by Stephen Binos, “I believe we should continue to for our country to make progress.” was to ensure that the country youths to continue to excel and to alarm that the disturbing insecurity the son of the Senator representing fight insurgency, banditry for us to Lawan said the desire of the stabilises to be able to provide a attract foreign direct investment. in the northern part of Nigeria was Adamawa South Senatorial District, already affecting the disposition of Yaroe Binos. young people, especially girls, towards He said, “It is a very bad education. development that education is He said the attacks on school suffering especially with so much hostels by bandits and insurgents kidnapping of school children who usually kidnap the students especially the girl child. was affecting the attitude of girls “In northern Nigeria, education in the North to education. has always been a problem and it Lawan stated this in Abuja on is getting worse with this kind of Saturday evening when he spoke abduction of school children and No Increase in Our Cement Price, Says BUA Obinna Chima “Whilst we believe it is the prerogative of any company in a BUA Cement Plc has denied any free-market economy to determine FOR WASTE DISPOSAL… plan to increase the price of its the prices of their products as they L-R: Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Mr. Alfred Olajide; Assistant General Manager, Special Duties, Lagos State Waste Management cement in the foreseeable future deem fit, based on their urgent Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Suleiman Kemi; Director, Sanitisation Services Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Hassan despite the alleged 10 per cent business needs, our position not to Sanuth; Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Mr. Matthieu Seguin, and Business Development Analyst, Recycle Point, Mr. price hike by its main competitor. increase our own prices is anchored Daniel Oderinde, at the launch of the Nigerian Bottling Company Recycling Bank in Ikeja, Lagos …recently ETOP UKUTT A statement quoted the on the following: company to have disclosed “We are aware of the feedback this in a letter to its distributors and outcry from the public, and the PDP Celebrates Victory in Kaduna By-election, Mocks El-Rufai and customers, just as it called on government on the high retail price members of the public to ignore of cement in a period of economic Chuks Okocha in Abuja and that the people of the state have since 9,113 votes to emerged winner. the Assembly, was declared vacant any rumour of a price increase. recovery. BUA is also of the firm John Shiklam in Kaduna rejected the governor and his party The returning officer added that on April 27, 2021, following his It noted that the timing was belief that the current retail prices (APC). Musa Musa of the APC came second, failure to participate in legislative not right, saying there were no of Cement are higher than normal, The Peoples Democratic Party The main opposition party won the having polled 7,404 votes. activities for more than 360 days justifiable business reason for any hence our earlier communication (PDP) at the weekend said its by-election for Sabo Gari constituency The INEC official said Musa Halilu In its reaction, the PDP said its increase whatsoever. not to increase ex- factory prices in victory in last Saturday’s Kaduna in the state House of Assembly. of PRP secured 305 votes, while Anas victory in the state, particularly in “We are compelled to release the foreseeable future,” it added. State bye-election, “despite the Declaring the result of the election Abdullahi of the ADC, and Chindo the political melting point like Sabon this statement following requests It pointed out that since its last bragging, intimidation and in Zaria, the Independent National Ibrahim of the ADP scored 62 and Gari constituency, is a foretaste of from our distributors and communication to its customers, rigging machinations of the Electoral Commission (INEC) 61 votes respectively. the crushing defeat that awaits the customers seeking clarification it has noticed a slight decline in state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai-led Returning Officer, Mohammed- The Sabon Gari constituency seat, APC in Kaduna and other states of as to whether BUA also intends the price of cement due to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nuruddin Musa, said the candidate which was occupied by Aminu the federation in the 2023 general to increase the price of its cement. commencement of the rainy administration,” is a further signal of the PDP, Usman Baba, secured Shagali (APC), a former speaker of election. “This is in view of a purported season – during which demand increase of N260 by another major is reduced. As a result of this, we, Cement producer.” BUA in the statement maintained UTME 2021: JAMB Delists 24 Centres for Poor Performance BUA insisted that it was not that any further increase in prices a part of the price increase and would hamper a continuous Kuni Tyessi in Abuja commencement of the 2021 directives by checking their State; Oseni Elamah ICT would not seek to increase the downward trend as well as hamper Unified Tertiary Matriculation profile, email addresses Institute, Auchi, Edo State; price of its cement (ex-factory) a normalisation/stabilisation of Less than 24 hours after Examination (UTME). and text messages on their GIVITEC CBT Centre,192, in the foreseeable future. prices of the commodity.” the annual matriculation A statement issued yesterday registered phone for a new Murtala Mohamned Way, The cement manufacturer “As a responsible corporate examination into tertiary by the spokesperson of the date.” Benin, Edo State; Kings restated its earlier position it entity, we refuse and reject institutions kicked off across Board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, The list of the affected Polytechnic, Ubiaja, Edo State; had communicated on April associations with any actions Nigeria, the Joint Admissions said the centres failed CBT centres included: GEF Systems Limited, Public 24, 2021, that it would not join that are deemed capable of and Matriculations Board during the conduct of the Harry Pass Polytechnic CBT Service Institute of Nigeria, in any increase in the prices of projecting any industry we (JAMB) has said it has 2021 UTME held on June Centre, Off Gboko Amelodu Abuja; Orlu East CBT Centre, Cement for the foreseeable future. operate in as a cartel. delisted 24 Computer Based 19, 2021. Road, Gboko, Benue State; Orlu East LGA headquarters, Examination (CBE) centres He said: “Candidates posted Izisco Obos Institute of Imo State, and Bethel Baptist across the country over their to any of these centres are Maritime Studies and High School, Joshua Road, Enugu APC Passes Vote of poor performance at the required to await further Technology, Warriors, Delta Kaduna State. Confidence on Eze Auditor-General Queries NIPC over Unlawful Spending The Enugu State chapter of the her members during festivities All Progressives Congress (APC) and at times of adversity. Adedayo Akinwale in December 31, 2019. was released in November company to the tune of has passed a vote of confidence The party further Abuja But in the response sighted 2017, were paid for by Federal N10.7 million, the commission on its 2019 governorship commended Eze for being by THISDAY, the commission Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) explained that 12 bids were candidate, Senator Ayogu Eze level- headed and loyal to the The Office of the Auditor- justified the spending raised in to AVIA Global, adding that received in relation to an for being a blessing to the party party in all his dealings, noting General of the Federation the Auditor-General’s report. the printing paid for by NIPC open advert for computer since he joined the party. that he worked assiduously has queried the Nigerian On the allegation that NIPC in 2018 were additional copies consumables advertised on May In a statement jointly signed with other party members Investment Promotion awarded contracts above the of the document and were 20, 2019, with a bid submission by the APC State Caretaker to assist the committee Commission (NIPC) for Executive Secretary’s approval subjected to the provisions of date of July 4, 2019,but Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; sent to Enugu State for unlawfully spending. threshold of N59,314,528.85, Section 42(1)(d) of the Public added that of the 12 bids, APC Local Government Area the recently concluded The Auditor-General made the commission said all the Procurement Act. Micheal Jacobs Consulting Caretaker Chairman, Mr. registration exercise, led by this known in a 41-page expenses relating to the initial Responding to the allegation Limited presented the Desmond Ayogu and the APC Senator Jonathan Zwingina, report covering the period printing of 5,000 copies of that the commission awarded lowest bid amount of Ward Seven, Igbo Eze North LGA to conduct an outstanding between January 1, 2016 and the Compendium, which contract to non-registered N10,712,100.00. Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Nduka exercise. Obeta, the party described Eze as The party told Eze that as the a grassroots politician who has leader of the party in Enugu Lagos Police Arrest Proprietor for Alleged Sexual Assault of Female Student brought his wealth of experience State all eyes were on him to and knowledge to help develop continue to mobilise the party Chiemelie Ezeobi and Sexual Violence Response and the DSVRT visited the 26, 2021 which happened to the party and widen its appeal and for the coming congresses and Team (DSVRT), Titilola school, based on the state be the school’s children’s day popularity within Enugu State and national convention and the The Lagos State Police Vivour-Adeniyi, this act government’s Executive celebration, made an advancement the South-east geopolitical zone. 2023 general election, noting Command has arrested contravenes the Child’s Order on Safeguarding towards her, kissed her on her Lauding Eze for his that he should be prepared to the proprietor of Megland Rights law 2015 as well as and Child Protection lips but she was able to push him contributions to the APC, the work with other leaders of the Comprehensive School, Lekki, the Criminal Law of Lagos Programme, 2016. away and ran out of his office. party observed that he has always party to ensure the party takes for allegedly sexually assaulting State, particularly, sections She said: “It was gathered “She added that since the identified with the party in all its over the government of Enugu and harassing a female student. 135, (Indecent treatment of a that the alleged perpetrator had incident she has made every programmes and activities, noting State at the next polls. The proprietor, 62-year- old child) as well as 263, Sexual developed a cordial relationship effort to distance herself from that the senator has always put The vote of confidence was Emmanuel Madueke, was Assault. with the student before the proprietor. the party very high in his scale of addressed to the National alleged to have sexually To this end, she said a perpetrating this heinous act. “Reacting to the allegations, the activities and has been one of Chairman of the APC Caretaker harassed a senior secondary team comprising officers of “In an interview with the alleged perpetrator claimed the party’s faithful that has and National Convention student of his school. Office of Education Quality student by the team, the that his action was an never missed any opportunity Committee, Governor Mai According to the Coordinator Assurance, Ministry of Youth affected child disclosed that innocent gesture on the to identify with the party and Mala Buni of Yobe State. of the Lagos State Domestic and Social Development the school proprietor on May student’s cheek. 52 MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 ˾
THISDAY 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... Edo Deputy Gov Explains Delay in Formation of Cabinet Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city governor’s position that those who process of picking commissioners said he would not the appoint the Kaduna State. “For chief executives of will serve in his cabinet should had started, and that in a couple of people; that he prefers the people He said: “The significance companies, they should also The Edo State Deputy Governor, be nominated by the people at days, a cabinet would be formed. should play up the names of those of father’s day celebration is to act as fathers in their various Philip Shaibu, has said the delay in the grassroots level and not by Shaibu revealed this yesterday that they feel should run the affairs remind us as fathers that we establishments; the head of the formation of the state cabinet him picking commissioners and while speaking to journalists of the state and when they bring should play our role in the society vulcanisers association should act by the state Governor, Godwin imposing them on the state. shortly after the Mass to the names, in a couple of days, not only at home but also at our as a father, the head of tomato Obaseki, was because of the He, however, disclosed that the commemorate the Fathers’ Day the cabinet will be formed.” work places. sellers should act as a father to celebration at St Paul Catholic On the significance of the “As a country, the president is them as the head. When we do Church, Benin-city, where he father’s day celebration, the state the father of the country. The 36 that and stop playing negatively Ondo Governorship Election: also served as altar boy. deputy governor, said serving state governors are fathers of the at home and in our workplaces, According to him, “Very soon, as an altar boy, which according 36 states and they should act as definitely Nigeria will be a better place. PDP Seeks Release of CTC we will get a cabinet. The process to him, is the fourth time he is fathers to the country and to their We should amplify those things that of getting the names has started doing so, reminded him of his states, and when that is done, unite us, and make positive statements of A’ Court Judgment from the grassroots. The governor days as an altar boy in Barnawa, prosperity will abound. at all times. James Sowole in Akure The Supreme Court has only 60 days within which to conclude The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples hearing of the appeal. Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday In a statement to register the complained about the non-release of complaint, the state PDP Publicity the Certified True Copies (CTC) of Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, last week judgment of the Court of said: “The Ondo State chapter Appeal to its governorship candidate, of the PDP is surprised that our Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). application to the Office of the The Court of Appeal in Akure had Registrars of Court of Appeal last week allowed in part Jegede’s to get Certified TrueCopies grounds of appeal, against the verdict of the judgement has been met of the Elections Petitions Tribunal, which with some kind of bulk passing upheld the victory of the state Governor, between officials of the court in Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Ado-Ekiti and Akure. Sequel to the verdict of the appellate “In view of the fact that the court, the PDP governorship standard Supreme Court has only 60 days bearer immediately announced his from the date of the judgment of decision to challenge the verdict at the the Court of Appeal to dispose Supreme Court. of this matter, any attempt to COURTESY VISIT… But the state chapter of the PDP raised play games or to apply delay L-R: Financial Secretary, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Mr. Justus Adejumoh; Head, Legislative and the alarm over an alleged ploy to deny tactics will amount to nothing Government Relations, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Bashir Bello; Treasurer (NITRA) Chioma Ezike; Chairman (NITRA), its candidate justice in the apex court, as but sabotage and a calculated Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi ; Director, Public Affairs (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; and Head, Online Media and Special Publications (NCC), six days after the judgment, the CTCs of attempt to subvert the course the suit have not been released to Jegede. of justice.” Grace Ojougboh; during the courtesy visit and award presentation by NITRA to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC in Abuja... weekend Bandits Kill Village Head in Kaduna PAN Laments Negative John Shiklam in Kaduna The bandits were said to have into the incident was ongoing to soul. raided the residence of the village unravel the perpetrators of the The governor also sent his Impact of Levy Reduction on The village head of Dogon Daji head and shot him at close range. heinous act. condolences to the family of community in Sanga Local Confirming the incident, the Meanwhile, Governor Nasir the deceased, and the entire Imported Vehicles Government Area of Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal El-Rufai has expressed sadness community of Dogon Daji Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia assembly plants. State, Mallam Anja, has been Security and Home Affairs, Mr. over the death of the village head over the shocking and brutal “Before that, the policy that was shot dead by bandits. Samuel Aruwan, said investigation and prayed for the repose of his killing The revision of the import levy on in place was that 40 per cent duty cars from 30 per cent to five per and 30% levy. When you put the cent by the federal government two together you will have 70 Anambra PDP Governorship Aspirant Explains Abuse of LG System has taken a toll on the business per cent, which is very high. The plan of the Peugeot Automobile essence of making it that high is David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Dr. Alex Ekwueme, expressed correct the anomaly. “Such loopholes and neglect of Nigeria (PAN). to discourage importation so as worries over the neglect of the local According to her, “There are local governments have rendered This was disclosed by the to encourage the local assembly A governorship aspirant of the government system, saying the neglect certain ambiguities that exist in our federal system dysfunctional.” Chairman of the PAN, Hon. plants to thrive.” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of the system, which is the third tier Nigerian Constitution that allow She said any meaningful Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, in an The chairman of the PAN stated in Anambra State, Mrs. Chidi of government amounts to abuse. state governments to annex and approach to the issue must come interview with THISDAY last that reduction only helped to open Ekwueme Onyemelukwe, has The aspirant, who spoke to treat local government areas as their through a rigorous constitutional weekend in Lafia. the corridors for the importation stated that ambiguity in the Nigerian journalists yesterday at Nando, operational extensions. amendment process, adding that if Wadada explained that the fully built automobiles at the Constitution is aiding the abuse of Anambra East LGA, during the “The local government areas were given the mandate of the state, PAN had a fantastic business expense of locally assembled cars. local government system in the second session of the fourth Synod created as autonomous governance her government will guarantee plan that was negatively hit “Ironically, government is country. of the Anglican Diocese of Niger structures, but this ambiguity has local government autonomy by by the government’s policy on so desirous and committed to Onyemelukwe, the daughter of West, said the recent constitution given state governors the leverage holding local government elections importation of cars. providing employment to the late former Vice President of Nigeria, amendment could be deployed to to abuse the system. within its first year in office. He said: “The policy is the citizens of this country. But how reduction of levy on imported do you provide employment vehicles by government from 35 by diminishing the fortunes Twitter: SERAP Sues FG over Directive to Broadcasters per cent to five per cent, which of your real sector that is is a disincentive to the local manufacturing? Socio-Economic Rights and This is in reaction to the order and controlling the social media Peoples’ Rights and the International Accountability Project (SERAP) by the National Broadcasting operations and contents by broadcast Covenant on Civil and Political has filed a lawsuit asking the Commission (NBC) asking TV stations, and activities of social media Rights.” Federal High Court in Abuja and radio stations to “suspend the service providers in Nigeria.” SERAP is arguing that “the CAC Boss Denies N6.54bn “to stop the federal government patronage of Twitter immediately” after In the suit, SERAP is also government of President Buhari, and the Minister of Information the social media giant was banned in the seeking “an order setting aside the NBC and Mr Lai Muhammed Fraud Allegation and Culture, Mr Lai Muhammed country for deleting tweets of President the directive by NBC and Mr have consistently made policies and James Emejo in Abuja under the aegis of the Amalgamated from using their patently unlawful Muhammadu Buhari. Lai Muhammed asking broadcast given directives to crack down on Union of Public Corporation , Civil directive to all TV and radio In the suit number FHC/ABJ/ stations to stop using Twitter, as media freedom, and the rights of The Registrar General/Chief Service Technical and Recreational stations not to use Twitter, and to CS/496/2021 filed last Friday, SERAP it is unconstitutional, unlawful, Nigerians to freedom of expression Executive, Corporate Affairs Services Employees (AUPCTRE). delete their accounts as a pretext to is seeking “an order of perpetual inconsistent and incompatible and access to information, and Commission (CAC), Alhaji He vowed that the commission harass, intimidate, suspend or impose injunction restraining the government with the Nigerian Constitution to impose crippling fines and Garba Abubakar, has expressed would not be distracted by mischief criminal punishment on journalists of President Buhari, the NBC, and Mr of 1999 [as amended], and the other sanctions on broadcast the commission’s commitment to the makers bent on running down the and broadcast stations simply for using Lai Muhammed and any other persons country’s obligations under the stations without any legal basis anti-corruption war of the President organisation. social media platforms.” from censoring, regulating, licensing African Charter on Human and whatsoever.” Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, The commission in a statement said adding that it will not in any way contrary to the claims by the union, be party to corrupt practices. the registrar-general had declared his IPOB: CNG Faults South-east Leaders, Insists on Referendum He said the CAC would continue assets before the Code of Conduct Adedayo Akinwale in by Governor Dave Umahi violent agitations for breakup (ESN), which they renamed to work hard to achieve the objectives Bureau (CCB) in accordance with Abuja of Ebonyi State. at any time. Ebubeagu, which we all know for which it was established to the provisions of the laws of the land, CNG said the refutal by The organisation alleged is a militant wing of IPOB.” satisfaction of its customers and pointing out that it was laughable The Coalition of Northern the South-east leaders was that while on one hand, The Spokesperson of CNG, stakeholders. that the claimants were raising Groups (CNG) has described unacceptable and insisted the South-east leaders Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, raised Abubakar spoke against the doubt over the content of asset as insufficient, deceptive that a referendum must be were pretending in their these objections in a statement backdrop of alleged abuse of declaration they are not privy to. and unacceptable the conducted to prepare the stage denouncing IPOB, “on another issued yesterday evening titled, power and financial impropriety “It behooves on them to establish disowning of the Indigenous for the final exit of the Igbo hand, they are working “Biafra: South-east leaders refutal among others leveled against the any case of wrong declaration,” People of Biafra (IPOB) by from the rest of Nigeria that to give legitimacy to the insufficient, unacceptable substitute management by the CAC staff union it stated. South-East leaders chaired had never engaged in such Eastern Security Network for referendum.” ˜

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THISDAY 53

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] MONDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY OLYMPIC GAMES TRIALS Okagbare Leads Nigeria’s 4x100m Quartet to Improved Ranking Duro Ikhazuagbe at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Ameen, Dotun Ogundeji, Oyesade eight national title, after achieving made the cut. for men and women respectively. appears another window for the Olatoye and Chukwuebuka same feat between 2009 and 2014. Former BBNaija house mate, Oyesade Olatoye got her first The Blessing Okagbare led quartet to increase their ranking Enekwechi, Mike Edwards, She skipped the trials in 2015 Mike Edwards, nearly turned the ever gold medal on Nigeria soil, Nigeria’s 4x100m Women’s and make the top 16 . Annette Echikunwoke and before returning for her seventh arena upside down during his emerging winner in the women’s quartet increased their rankings Both the men and women’s Chioma Onyekwere. title in 2016, the last time she event, the men’s high jump, as shot put. from top 16 to top 15 as curtain teams could not achieve the dream Despite running 10.63 with a competed at the national trials. his fans since the days of the What would have been the was drawn on the 2020 Olympic of improved performances in the tailwind of 2.7, nothing removes In the men’s version of the Big Brother house continued to icing on the cake was the 100m Games Trials in Lagos yesterday. 1600m relay events. quality from Okagbare’s readiness sprint, Adegoke, a bubbling star shout his name at every moment hurdles final but was marred On a day that heavy downpour The men’s team, which stands to shock the world in Tokyo next won the men’s 100m race in a of his jump. by a little glitch with the timer almost pushed the final day of the at 17th, face a herculean task as month. staggering 10.00secs, thereby Esther Issa was not left out malfunctioning as Tobi Amusan Meet forward to today, Okagbare they have to run at least 3.02.40 She was the cynosure of all achieving the Olympic standard of the accolade as she jumped raced to the finishing line in who had on Thursday won the seconds to leapfrog other teams eyes as she took to the track on as he joined the likes of Divine a new Personal Best of 1.88m 12.3secs, though hand-timed. Women’s 100m with a 10.63secs, in the race to Tokyo. the opening day, running to the Oduduru, Raymond Ekevwo and while Chidi Okezie and Patience Oyeniyi Abejoye also wins the anchored the quartet of Grace They ran 3.05.57secs yesterday. staggering 10.63secs to win her Usheoritse Itsekiri, who already Okon-George shine in the 400m men’s 110m hurdles. Nwokocha, Rosemary Chukwuma In all, the four-day Olympics and Blessing Ogundiran to an Trial was a much improvement improved 42.97sec. on previous ones in the last three However, the men’s sprint years both in terms of organization quartet were not that lucky. and quality of races, jumps and The 39.04secs clocked by Enoch throws. Adejoke, Jerry Jakpa, Usheoritse Over 20 foreign-based athletes Itsekiri and Godson Brume means made the trials. From Queen of the they still need to fight harder to track, Blessing Okagbare to the likes make the cut to the Games in of Ruth Usoro, Rilwan Alowonle, Japan next month. Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Favour The Lagos Open Athletics Meet Ofili, Chidi Okezie, Seye Ogunlewe, scheduled to begin on Thursday Rosemary Chukwuka, Alex Al- ‘Bronze Bomber’ Deontay Wilder Traces His Roots to Edo State Says: I want to see my culture, my an- cestors and learn a lot of things Tyson Fury in February 2020. Duro Ikhazuagbe They both have signed a dealfor a third world heavyweight title Former World Boxing Council fight in Las Vegas on July 24. (WBC) heavyweight champion, The Britain’s WBC champion Deontay Wilder, has revealed that was ordered by an arbitration Deontay Wilder...traces his roots to Edo State in Nigeria he has his ancestry in Edo State, court to face Wilder next, thereby Nigeria. disrupting plans for an undisputed Speaking in a YouTube video world heavyweight unification MEXICO FRIENDLY that went viral at the weekend, clash against Nigerian-born British Wilder admitted tracing his roots WBA, IBF and WBO champion to Edo and promised he would Anthony Joshua. Iwuala, Olawoyin, 23 Others to Resume Camping in Abuja love to come back home to learn It is not immediately clear if Super Eagles’ goalkeepers Also invited are Rivers’ only win in the series has gone Degaulle (Nasarawa United); about the culture of the place. Wilder’s realisation of his roots John Noble and Ikechukwu United ace defender Ifeanyi to Mexico, when they trumped Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara “I want to go back and learn more informed his moniker, “Bronze Ezenwa, as well as forward Anaemena, Enyimba FC a US Gold Cup encounter in United) about my culture and information Bomber.” Anayo Iwuala top the list of 25 midfielder Ekundayo Ojo and Dallas (State of Texas) 2-1 on Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga with things about me. Once I’m done Another Edo-born Mixed Martial players invited to camp for next forwards Ibrahim Olawoyin 24th June 1995. (Rangers International); Seth Mayi with what I’m doing, I’m going back Art UFC Welterweight champion, month’s international friendly (Rangers International) and INVITED PLAYERS (Akwa United); Uche Nwasonaya to see my tribe, Edo. Kamaru Usman is presently on between Nigeria and Mexico Stephen Jude (Kwara United). Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu (Plateau United); Samuel Nnoshiri “I want to see my culture and visit to Nigeria after over 20 years at the famous Los Angeles The players are expected to Ezenwa (Heartland FC); John (Katsina United); Ekundayo Ojo my ancestors and learn a lot of absence. Memorial Coliseum in the State report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Noble (Enyimba FC) (Enyimba FC) things. We all have lots of things Fondly called the “Nigerian of California, United States of Wuye, Abuja on Tuesday, 22nd Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa Forwards: Anayo Iwuala that we are connected to that we Nightmare”, Kamaru has promised America. Junewith their travel documents. United); Adekunle Adeleke (Enyimba FC); Stephen Jude know nothing about. I’ll love to go to assist youths in the country reach Three –time African champions Only 22 of them will travel to (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin there and do research about my their potentials through the funding Nigeria will clash with the the United States of America for (Rangers International); Ifeanyi (Rangers International); Charles roots and my tribe,” observed Wilder of a mixed martial art academy. CONCACAF Gold Cup holders the glamour friendly. Anaemena (Rivers United); Ashimene (Akwa United); in the video. Several top boxers with successful on Saturday, 3rd Julyin what is The match, which kicks off at Christopher Nwaeze (Kwara Chinonso Ezekwe (Rangers Wilder, who adopted the moniker careers in the heavyweight category part of the Mexican’s MexTour 7.30pmLA time will be the sixth United); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers International); Auwalu Ali Malam “Bronze Bomber”, enjoyed a five- have their roots in Nigeria. Apart Series that will see them play confrontation between the senior United); Mohammed Zirkiflu (Kano Pillars); Neurot Emmanuel year reign as the WBC heavyweight from Joshua, Samuel Peters, three matches before clashing teams of both countries, four of (Plateau United); Imoh Ubot (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif champion between 2015 and 2020, Herbie Hyde and Ike Ibeabuchi, with Nigeria. which have ended in draws. The (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Sanusi (Katsina United) losing his strap in a bout with Efe Ajagba’s career is gradually British heavyweight champion gathering steam. 24 States Enter for Lagos Open Athletics Championship The Lagos State Athletics Association simultaneously serving as another Long jump, High jump, Triple jump, Athletics Championship. NPFL: Jigawa Ruin Kano has confirmed the entry of 24 states qualifying window for the Tokyo Shot put as well as 4x100 secondary Already, the top three finishers and some clubs for its lucrative Olympics as well as a preparatory schools relay and 4x100 secondary across all the events have been Athletics Meet fixed for Thursday, event for athletes that have already schools relay have all been pencilled assured mouth-watering prizes by Pillars’ Chance to Consolidate June 24, 2021, at the Teslim Balogun qualified for the sporting showpiece. down for the maiden Lagos Open the organisers. Kano Pillars’ defeat in the ‘Old as Sunshine Stars swap their Stadium. In the past days, Lagos has Kano’ Derby with Jigawa Golden 19th spot with Warri Wolves, The Meet Director for the Lagos been a beehive of activities with Stars has caused theSai Masu formerly at No.18. Open Athletics Championship, the National trials at the Yaba College Gidato drop a step further to No There were no away wins Yussuf Alli, made the disclosure at of Technology Sporting complex 3 on the Nigerian Professional at the weekend. the weekend even as he hinted a and now the train is moving to the Football League (NPFL) standing. few other states may still join the heart of the city in Surulere as the Nasarawa United who drew MATCH DAY 28 already confirmed 24 states and build-up to the Tokyo Olympics goalless with Enyimba in Aba Plateau Utd 2-0 W’Wolves clubs. continues to gather momentum. have stepped up to the second Jigawa GS 1-0 Kano Pillars He said: “Yes, we are very much The list of events to be competed spot while Rivers United Enyimba 0-0 Nasarawa on track for the Lagos Open Athletics for at the Lagos Open Athletics maintain their fourth place. Lobi Stars 2-0 Kwara Utd Championship which will be coming Championship includes the 5,000 Both Kwara United and Dakkada FC 1-1 Rangers up this Thursday. meters, 400 meters hurdles, 100 Enyimba have their positions IfeanyiUbah 2-1 Heartland “Right now, we already have 24 meters, 800 meters, 400 meters, unchanged - fifth and sixth Sunshine 2-1 Abia Warriors states and some top racing clubs that and 100 meters. respectively. Rivers Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd have confirmed their participation, There would also be top-quality At the danger zone, FC *MFM v Wikki Tourists a few more may join before we action across the relay events IfeanyiUbah climbed to the (To be completed this close the window” including; the 4x100 meters open, Nigeria’s male sprinters on the starting blocks at the final of the 100m The Lagos Open Athletics 4x100 meters open and 4x400 meters on Thursday afternoon top of the bottom four, just morning due to rain) Championship is a one-day meet mixed relay. 54 ˜

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THISDAY MONDAYSPORTS EURO 2020...EURO 2020...EURO 2020... Italy Top Group A on Maximum Nine Points, Wales Through Italy topped Group A of group stage on same four points secure their place in the second Bernardeschi, intensifying the should have yielded a bigger saving numerous times to the ongoing Euro 2020 with as Switzerland that defeated round of Euro 2020. Italian onslaught. and more rewarding win. frustrate a Swiss side who knew maximum nine points after Turkey 3-1 in the other game Their automatic qualification And although Italy’s win Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris that a Wales loss in Italy and defeating Wales 1-0 yesterday. of the evening. was under threat with was never in doubt - this was Seferovic were the goalscoring a five-goal swing would give It was the Azzuri’s 30 straight Wales demonstrated great Switzerland beating Turkey their 30th consecutive match heroes, silencing those who had them second in the group. undefeated game. Wales resolve in defeat against Italy as 3-1 in Group A’s other fixture, without defeat, equalling their questioned their places in the Turkey were able to score however pulled through to the they clung on with 10 men for a but Wales withstood relentless national record - Wales dug side with a collection of fine their first goal of the tournament Last 16 despite finishing the 1-0 result which was enough to Italian pressure to scrape deep to ensure the margin of goals, all of them assisted by and a fine one it was too, Irfan through in second place on victory was not too damaging. Steven Zuber. Can Kahveci smashing in a goal difference. In Baku, Switzerland gave The first of Shaqiri’s brace - to long-range drive to briefly Italy had already qualified themselves a superb chance make it 2-0 in the first half - was narrow the score to 2-1. Kane to Start for England for the last 16 and, despite of qualifying for the last 16 of especially good, the Liverpool But having been many making eight changes to their Euro 2020 as one of the best man curling in from the edge people’s ill-judged dark horses against Czech, Says Southgate team, they were still utterly third-placed sides with victory of the box. for the tournament, they depart dominant, Matteo Pessina’s over Turkey in an entertaining Equally as important was without a point to their name England striker Harry Kane “I believe in Harry,” said will start his side’s final Euro the Atletico Madrid defender. goal giving them a 1-0 half-time and action-packed final group Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal, and a goal difference of minus 2020 group game against the “He works so hard for the lead which scarcely reflected game. who produced a string of good seven. Czech Republic, manager team and people might not their superiority. Needing a win in Baku to saves to keep a much-improved Switzerland must now wait Gareth Southgate confirmed recognise what he does off Wales were forced to play stand any chance of progression, Turkey at bay, especially in the for the group games to be yesterday. the ball. the final half an hour a man the Swiss produced by far their first half. completed to see if their efforts The Tottenham striker, 27, “Harry’s chances will come down after Ethan Ampadu was best display of the tournament At the other end, Ugurcan will be enough to send them failed to have a shot on target and, for sure, he will score sent off for a lunge on Federico - one that could and probably Cakir was just as impressive, through. in England’s win over Croatia goals.” and draw with Scotland. Kane has 34 goals in 56 But Southgate said his games for England, but his captain will start again at difficult start to Euro 2020 Wembley on Tuesday. continued against Scotland as “You can assume that, yes, he managed just 19 touches absolutely,” he said. “He is before being substituted on fundamental not only to the 74 minutes. goals he scores but the build-up “Harry has had an play and everything else he unbelievable season with brings.” Spurs,” added Trippier. “He Kane is England’s talisman, is working hard in training winning the World Cup Golden and it is about getting the Boot in 2018, and headed chances to him. into this tournament having finished with the most goals and assists of any player in the Premier League last season (23 and 14, respectively). “I know there will be a lot of questions being asked about him at the moment but he has been through that 100 times before and I have answered that in this role several times in the past,” Southgate added. “He has come up with the goals that have won us the next games and I expect that to be the same moving forward. He is our most important player.” England full-back Kieran Tripper is confident his former Tottenham team-mate will England’s Manager, Gareth Southgate rediscover his goalscoring (left) has promised Harry Kane to start Gareth Bale (second right) consoling Ethan Ampadu after the Wales international was sent off for dangerous tackle touch at the tournament. against Czech Republic on Tuesday TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS CAF to Go Ahead with Planned Super League African football is going ahead its member associations and “also Two years ago, CAF scrapped “The issues relating to with plans to launch a Super contribute to African football a $1 billion television and CAF and its media and Ugandan First to Test Positive League, the continent’s governing becoming globally competitive marketing rights deal with broadcasting rights are also body said yesterday, despite a and self-sustaining”. Lagardere Sports and are now receiving serious attention similar project in Europe crashing Motsepe, who took on the job in a legal wrangle, which has as this is an important for Covid-19 in Japan after public outcry. in March, also said that CAF’s seen several broadcasters stop source of funding,” A member of Uganda’s in western Japan, where Confederation of African image needed improving. showing its content. Motsepe added. Olympic squad has become they are to train ahead of Football (CAF) President, Patrice He said “there is a poor the first to test positive for the Games. Motsepe said an African Super perception of CAF concerning Covid-19 on arrival in Japan The Ugandans were the League, an idea first suggested by its adherence to governance, for the competition due to second group of foreign FIFA President Gianni Infantino, auditing, ethical, financial and start on 23 July. athletes to arrive for training was needed to improve the game management good practices”. The event was postponed ahead of the competition. The on the continent and make it “These negative perceptions last year, but is now going Australian women’s softball financially viable. may, to some extent, be ahead despite a fresh wave squad arrived on 1 June. “We are assessing and in confirmed by the incriminating of Covid-19 cases in Japan. Foreign spectators have been preliminary discussions to and damning audit which Uganda is also banned from the Olympics. start an inclusive and broadly identified irregular, unethical experiencing a surge in cases, A decision is expected to be supported and beneficial CAF and improper transactions and which forced the government taken today on whether to African Super League,” he said conduct,” he added, without to tighten lockdown measures allow domestic spectators. in a statement. offering any details. on Friday. Having no spectators at “We have been following the Motsepe, who replaced Ahmad The unnamed Ugandan the Games is the “least risky” attempts by some top European Ahmad after his predecessor was was part of a nine-member option, Japanese medical clubs to form a Euro Super banned for fraud, said he was squad who had all been fully experts have said. League and will learn from committed to ensuring that this vaccinated, reports said. But other Japanese officials their experience and pitfalls.” would not happen again. The group - who included have indicated they want Infantino raised the idea first “CAF should be seen as a boxers, coaches, and officials domestic fans to attend if in 2019 saying it would comprise body that adheres to good - had also tested negative possible. 20 permanent member clubs plus governance, ethics and financial before leaving Uganda. Tokyo reported 376 cases other that would qualify via and management best practices”, However, one of them of Covidand one death on 20 regional competitions, predicting he said. tested positive on arrival June, 72 more than a week the Super League would have the “It is also important that the at Tokyo’s Narita airport ago, the privately owned The potential to generate a revenue quality of (our) competitions on Saturday, and was Asahi Shimbunnewspaper of US$3-billion over a five-year are globally competitive and quarantined at a government- reported. cycle. appealing to spectators, viewers designated facility, Japanese Polls in local media suggest Motsepe said CAF, which is and interested parties in Africa officials were quoted by local public scepticism about the African football’s controlling and globally,” he said. media as saying. Games taking place remains body, must consider new Motsepe said steps would The rest of the squad left high amid a slow vaccine competitions to generate be taken to improve stadiums, by chartered bus for Osaka, roll-out. additional income for itself and refereeing and introduce VAR. Patrice Motsepe...CAF President MONDAY JUNE 21, 2021 • THISDAY 55

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COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “We condemn in totality the activities of violent secessionist groups TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 in the South-east and elsewhere. We fi rmly proclaim that we do not 26years support them and they do not speak for the South-east” – South-east Leaders disowning the agenda of This service is provided in association with accredited service providers the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX [email protected] Nigeria, as Dr. Uma Eleazu Sees It “It looks as if we are in a vehicle that is Truly approached the courts, won at the Court of question of whether each region should develop going down hill, and the driver and the Appeal, a victory which was eventually reversed as an independent state or Nigeria developing conductors are fi ghting so that they cannot by the Supreme Court. With the questions Dr. as one nation-state remained very topical” If even apply the brakes and they don’t even Eleazu raised in the book, there is no doubt that this question was topical in the 1940s, it is even know that they are not just drifting down hill, he is of the opinion that both the electoral and more so today. Azikiwe assumed leadership but there is a precipice, which they are going judicial systems needed overwhelming reforms. of the NCNC when Herbert Macauley died in to fall into. The state of the nation is very While I appreciate the courage of Dr. Eleazu 1946. The NCNC was more of a Pan Nigerian precarious” for documenting his account of the Abia 2015 party. From the Pan Yoruba group, Egbe Omo –Dr. Uma Eleazu, July 2019. governorship election for posterity, I also want to Oduduwa arose the Action Group between put it on record that Dr. Eleazu never contacted 1950 and 1951 led by Awolowo. The Northern n the Igbo society, one of the greatest honours me before publishing this work. I was surprised People’s Congress was formed in 1948. The race to bestow on a person is ‘Ikwa Ya Na Ndu’. that at his age, he had all the information which I for independence was then intensifi ed even though Literally, it means giving a befi tting burial can confi rm, is a true refl ection of what happened. the Sadauna of Sokoto wasn’t convinced that the honours while the person is still alive. It is Dr. Eleazu succinctly agrees with Chinua Achebe North was ready. Dr. Eleazu dedicates a chunk of usually reserved for people who have achieved that the problem with Nigeria is leadership. “Why his work to Constitutionalism and explains that soI much and have been of such service to society do we elect people who will fail? Why do we allow a constitution is to a country what an owner’s that people would want to let them know exactly mediocre candidates to run for offi ce? Election manual is to a computer. Where the owner of how they are regarded. It is the ultimate show after election, results are manipulated to produce the computer refuses to operate it according to of respect and gratitude by the society. In that mediocre leaders. Any wonder then that things the instructions in the manual, he may not get context, the personality that is our focus today do not work, the author queries. His submission the best performance from it. eminently qualifi es and in my own little way, I therefore is that until we fi x our faulty leadership He rigorously explains how federalism was would like to use this column to honour Dr. Uma selection process, the society will make little or arrived at and why our founding fathers believed Oke Eleazu, on the occasion of the celebration of no progress. it was the best system for the country. He, his birthday. I resolved to use this column today He gives account of his early years where however, believes that the country decided to to ‘Kwaa Ete Uma Na Ndu’ in a literary form. Dr. Eleazu he grew up without clarity as to why he was a operate federalism in word only, while running a He is an elder statesman from Ohafi a, in Abia Nigerian as against what he was taught, which unitary system in deed. On the electoral system, rare breed on his 91st birthday, we have taken was that he was from Bende Division in Owerri he contends that a good system is measured by its State. He may not look it, but last Wednesday, liberty to showcase and review his fl agship book June 16, 2021, he turned 91. It is no exaggeration Province of Igbo land. While some analysts had ability to produce good leadership while one that presented last year to mark his 90th birthday. expressed sympathy to the author’s generation produces people with questionable character or to say that he is among the last of a vanishing Even though the presentation was delayed by the breed. Rarely, theoreticians are hardly doers and for not truly understanding their Nigerian origin, those lacking leadership qualities, is not desirable. Pandemic, towards the end of the year, he was it is instructive to note that today’s discourse Independence came in 1960 and indigenous vice versa. It is in very rare cases as in Dr. Eleazu, able to fi nally present the book, “Nigeria, As I See that you see the seamless combination of both has tended more towards the new generation leadership was installed. No sooner had the It: Refl ections on the Challenge Of Leadership”. of Nigerians seeing themselves more from the leadership taken over than crises upon crises attributes. His career longevity is remarkable and Here we go: Nigeria has only a handful of his kind who practice prism of ethnic nationalities than the Nigerian reared their ugly heads up. The political parties The well-packaged book is a very serious nation-state. This can also be gleaned from the were at war with each other and with themselves, what they preach. work of 418 pages, written in very simple prose Dr. Eleazu graduated with a fi rst degree in Politics, agitation for separation and self-determination, most of the elections held in different regions format that makes for easy reading. Frankly, it is coming from several ethnic nationalities in the ended in a fi asco and the census conducted at Philosophy and Economics from Kings College, a book that one picks up and won’t be able to University Of Durham in 1962. Two years later he country. Dr. Eleazu stated unequivocally that he that time became controversial. In Dr. Eleazu’s put down until the last page. It is divided into was a follower of Azikiwe, the Zik of Africa. words “political leadership in the First Republic earned a Master’s degree in Applied Economics twelve chapters. The book starts on the fi rst page from the same University. In 1965, he proceeded Somehow, from his account, Zik lived ahead of lacked the moral courage to do the right thing at with a preface where the author gives account of his time because out of all the nationalists, he was the right time. Members of the elite spent their to and bagged another Master’s degree, this time what happened with the Abia State governorship in Public Administration from the University of the only one that pushed not only the Nigerian time creating power bases for themselves while election in 2015. He recounts how some young Agenda, but a pan-African Agenda. neglecting the essence of their being in politics - the California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He subsequently men from his village, came to meet him to express earned a PhD in Public Administration from the Election violence is not a recent thing as recorded welfare of the people who were now being used their frustration on why prominent people from by the author. He recalled when thugs attacked as canon-fodder”. The rudderless nature of the same UCLA in 1968. He came back to Nigeria the town, including himself, were not showing immediately after the civil war and since then, him at Oshogbo, while on a campaign trail with ship of state created the conditions for the military interest in the governance of the state, which Dr. M.I. Okpara and also during another campaign to intervene in January 1966. He also gave an had served in various capacities in both the public according to them, was responsible for why they and private sectors before his offi cial retirement. trip to Gboko where he was mercilessly beaten account of the civil war but insists that the handling were not getting their fair share of democracy and dispossessed of his belongings. He likened of the post war lessons was not properly done, Upon retirement, he found time to expand his dividends. He recounted what he and others had pursuits into several other fi elds. He has been a what happened towards the 1964 elections as leaving the country haunted by the ghosts of done in the past to engender good governance war. Dr. Eleazu spent some time dealing with the war. He did not miss out the role of Britain teacher, consultant, writer, commentator, and so which yielded no fruits. He challenged them to on. As an intellectual, he has been prodigious in the theoretical aspects of leadership. He then in the war and its commercial interest around come up with a credible discusses the First Republic in great details. oil. The author then navigates readers through his writings and commentaries on the direction candidate and if they did, he would convince of the Nigerian economy and society. First, he establishes the rationale for colonialism the leadership trajectory from Gowon in 1970 to other elders to lend support. Not too long after, the which was to prospect raw materials for the Buhari at present. He is clear that blurry vision, When Dr. Eleazu came back to Nigeria, it was youths came back with Yours Truly, and the elders not diffi cult for him to make his mark in the industrialisation of Europe in the 19th Century poor commitment and personality issues made genuinely gave their blessing and support. In his and establish markets for their fi nished goods. it impossible for successive leaders to deliver on diffi cult world of industry, where the country was words, “Alex did all the right things according to struggling to fi nd its path to import substitution Understanding the interests of the colonialists was the social contract of well being of the nation law; he campaigned vigorously and had widespread important to also understand that the wellbeing of and its citizens, safety of lives and property and and self-suffi ciency. He was the alter ego of the support but, towards the end of the campaign, we Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, a platform the colonies was not in the contemplation of the engendering equal opportunity for citizens. started hearing from a shadowy group in PDP colonialists. The amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Dr Eleazu concludes that leadership has failed that brought together the fl edgling group of that there was some document called the “Abia manufacturers in an environment of poor electricity Lugard which happened in 1914 was merely for Nigeria and Nigerians. He however does not fail Charter of Equity” that zoned the governorship the administrative convenience. Lugard’s successor, to recognise pockets of successes in some states supply, inconsistent government policies and this time to Abia South and that the candidate unstable exchange rate. He was masterful in the Sir Hugh Clifford, according to the author, did and gives credit to the leadership of those states. should come from the Aba-Ngwa axis.” On the not believe that a Nigerian Nation existed even He insists that performance has all to do with way he argued the case of the group and before basis of this, the anointed candidate of the then long, it became one of the most visible positions though it was his responsibility to manage it the person, the passion and preparation rather outgoing governor was imposed on the party as the Governor General. Clifford referred to than the usual excuses about resources and funds. in the Nigerian economy. while Yours Truly went to secure the ticket of One thing that stands Dr. Eleazu out from his Nigeria as a “collection of self-contained and I must declare that this book is a must read APGA in order to contest the election. In his own mutually independent Native states”. Over 100 for anyone who is interested in understanding peers is his ability to mentor younger ones . He is a words, “On the polling day, people trooped out community leader, a religious leader, and an Elder years after, it is instructive that not much seems the history of our country and why it is the way and voted massively for Otti….. Mr. Alex Otti to have changed and it does appear that Sir it is. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just in the church, His association with the younger won the election. Even INEC fi gures showed generation is remarkable, and, in my opinion, Clifford was right. get a copy and see for yourself. that he won in 14 out of the 17 LGAs.” The author goes further to give an overview of This column salutes Dr. Uma Eleazu, the is responsible for the wealth of information and He then goes further to narrate how the then knowledge at his disposal. In 1993, Dr. Eleazu the the 3 leading Nigerian Nationalists, namely intellectual colossus and true captain of industry, outgoing governor, now Sen. Theodore Orji and Azikiwe whom we had mentioned earlier, Obafemi at 91, and wishes him continued good health and offered to run for the presidency of this country PDP stalwarts, against all decency and decorum, under the platform of the Social Democratic Party. Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello. Each of them had peace of mind. We also thank God for the strength criminally stormed the Collation Centre in Umuahia different views about Nigeria, independence, He gave him to produce this masterpiece even at Dr. Eleazu has so many books and academic and intimidated the Resident Electoral Offi cer works to his credit. These notwithstanding, the and political organisation. He goes further to this age. It is a challenge to everybody else who and Returning Offi cer into announcing Ikpeazu document that the North-South rivalry has been has been procrastinating on putting down their most impressive thing he has done, in my own as the winner. He gives an account of how Yours opinion is his latest work. While honouring this here for a very long time. In his own words, “the thoughts in the form of a publication. 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]