W’Bank Raises GDP Growth Forecast for to 1.8% Obinna Chima in Lagos and country earlier this year. Nigeria in the earlier report to figures the National Bureau reforms and flexible exchange exchange rate management.” Ndubuisi Francis in The Washington-based released in January. of Statistics (NBS) released last rate management. The report stated that institution, in its June 2021 Nigeria recorded a GDP month. It said: “Growth in Nigeria output in Sub-Saharan Africa The World Bank has increased Global Economic Prospect growth rate of 0.51 per cent But the World Bank hinged is expected to resume at 1.8 shrank at an estimated 2.4 Nigeria’s Gross Domestic released yesterday, also forecast (year-on-year) in the first its positive prediction for per cent in 2021 and edge per cent in 2020 as a result Product (GDP) growth the GDP growth to hit 2.1 quarter of 2021, (Q1 2021) Nigeria on the expectation up to 2.1 per cent next year, of the COVID-19 pandemic, a projection for 2021 to 1.8 per per cent for the country in compared with the 0.11 per that crude oil prices would assuming higher oil prices, milder-than-expected recession. cent, higher than the 1.1 per 2022, compared with the 1.8 cent recorded in the fourth remain high as well as the structural oil sector reforms, cent it had estimated for the per cent it had predicted for quarter (Q4) 2020, according government effecting structural and market-based flexible Continued on page 48

Kyari Calls for Transparency in IOCs’ Operations... Page 8

Wednesday 9 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9557. Price: N250

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TODAY'S WEATHER ABUJA MAIDUGURI ENUGU KANO LAGOS 25°C-33°C 31°C-31°C 25°C-28°C 27°C-33°C 24C-27°C 20°C-30°C Suspension to Remain Indefinitely Until Twitter Shows Remorse, Says FG NBC to license OTT House probes legality of stoppage, summons information minister Despite ordering violators' prosecution, Malami accesses Twitter, deactivates account Trump lauds Nigeria over Twitter's suspension Ezeobi Chiemelie in Lagos, company shows remorse, a Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo top federal government official Akinwale and Udora Orizu in told THISDAY yesterday. Abuja According to him, since the suspension of Twitter's The suspension of the operations in Nigeria last operation of American Friday, the company has microblogging company, not reached out to the federal Twitter, in Nigeria by the government for dialogue. federal government is to remain indefinitely until the Continued on page 48 Govs’ Insistence Threatens Resolution of Judicial, Parliamentary Workers’ Strike FG directs workers to resume work or face sanctions Chuks Okocha and its terms may prolong the Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja ongoing strike by the workers, THISDAY has learnt. The insistence of state This is coming as the governors to rely on the 45- federal government has day window provided in their directed members of the GATHERING OF OIL CHIEFTAINS... agreement with the judicial striking Judiciary Staff L-R: Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor; Minister of State for Petroleum and parliamentary workers Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari, at the for the implementation of Continued on page 49 Nigeria International Petroleum Summit, in Abuja…yesterday

Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Sultan, Others Meet Tomorrow over State of the Nation... Page 5 2 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 5

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Sultan, Others Meet Tomorrow over State of the Nation Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Sa’ad Abubakar and his crisis plaguing the country. of how to handle the crisis That is why we are here. can handle. We have to cry eminence John Cardinal “We seem to have been in our land. But nothing is “We have some challenges. out to God to help us,” he Former President Olusegun Onaiyekan, national overwhelmed and unsure too difficult for God to do. These are beyond what we had said. Obasanjo, former Head of peace committee chaired State, Gen. Abdulsalami by General (rtd); Sultan Abubakar and Socio-cultural of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Consultative Committee Abubakar, and former convened by me and all these Catholic Archbishop of bodies called Committee Abuja, John Cardinal of Goodness of Nigeria Onaiyekan, and others will (CJN) to an exploratory meet tomorrow in Abuja on meeting on pressing the state of the nation. issues of national unity, The meeting, which will security, peace, integration, be held under the auspices economic revitalisation and of Interfaith Initiatives for development, women and Peace, was convened to youth welfare and general discuss “pressing issues” progress,” the letter said. in the country. Obasanjo had recently The group is jointly expressed worry over the led by Obasanjo, Sultan, state of the nation and Abdulsalami, and blamed bad leadership for Onaiyekan. the nation’s woes. According to a letter The former president, addressed to President while receiving a book titled, of the Nigeria Labour ‘The Man, The General and Congress (NLC), Ayuba The President,’ written by Wabba, sighted by TheCable, Femmy Carrena, had said issues such as national unity, in , the security, peace, integration, capital, that even though the economic revitalisation country was destined to be and development will be a land flowing with milk discussed at the meeting. and honey, bad leadership “I am pleased to invite had made it unachievable you on behalf of Interfaith The former president FOR SAFER NATION... Initiatives for Peace jointly had also on Sunday asked led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Nigerians to beseech God President (left) and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Mongonu, (rtd), at a his eminence Mohammad for a solution to the security meeting of the Security Council, in Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui FG: Global Terrorism, Armed Struggle in Sahel, Threats to Nigeria Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Police Affairs and Related agencies in Nigeria would postulated in the 1948 treaty of experts. Proffering solutions to Agencies" in Abuja that resolve the challenge of Westphalia, which emphasised "This review showed, among the security situation in the The federal government the situation threatened the insecurity in Nigeria. sovereignty, territorialism and others, that ineffective joint country, he said: yesterday attributed the internal security of the nation. The minister said the spread the ability of government to approaches to curb crime "Considering the present unending violence in Nigeria The summit was jointly of global terrorism and arms protect the state of its citizens", and terrorism as well as security challenges in Nigeria to rising global terrorism and organised by the Federal struggle in the Sahel region he stated. inter-agency rivalry have and the overstretching of armed struggle in the Sahel Republic of Germany, the had spilled into the country, In his presentation, Country been caused by overlapping security agencies in Nigeria, region, which constituted a Ministry of Police Affairs and thereby threatening the peace Representative of KAS, Dr. or conflicting mandates. it becomes clear that neither threat to Nigeria. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung of the nation. Vladimir Kreck, said the "To solve this problem, the armed forces nor the Minister of Police Affairs, (KAS). "This changing crime pattern German Foundation, in we have commenced police or any other security Alhaji Mohammed Dingiyadi, The minister spoke just as arising from upscale in global association with the German strategic engagement with agency alone will be able said at a summit with the the Resident Representative terrorism, increasing arms ruling party, the Christian the executive and National to bring security and peace theme: "Strengthening Inter- of German Foundation, struggle in the Sahel region Democratic Union, recently Assembly to discuss reforms to the country. Only joint, agency Collaboration and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, stimulate threats to national conducted a review of the that can create a more effective collaborative approaches Organisational Effectiveness Dr. Vladimir Kreck, said security and compromise legal provisions of the various security apparatus in Nigeria", will bring the prospects of for the Federal Ministry of only collaboration of security the ideal nation-state as security agencies with Nigerian he added. success." Senate Panel Indicts 59 MDAs Queried in Auditor General’s Report Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate, after the 59 MDAs had their queries Urhoghide. MDAs sent written responses the Economic and Financial conclusion of the first part sustained with recommendations In considering the report, to the committee but did not Crimes Commission (EFCC) The Senate Public Accounts of the 2015 Office of Auditor for consideration and approval the committee invited all the appear before the hearing while or the Independent Corrupt Committee (SPAC) has indicted General Report, slated the report of the Senate. MDAs queried, out of which seven MDAs made submissions Practices Commission (ICPC) 59 out of 114 Ministries, for consideration yesterday In the summary of the report 84 made submissions and but did not appear before the or both were in possession Department and Agencies in the Order Paper, but later cited by THISDAY, 46 agencies appeared before the committee committee. of the original copies of their (MDAs) queried by the Office deferred the consideration till were cleared by the Senate to defend the queries raised The report stated that documents; and therefore, they of Auditor General of the further notice. Public Accounts Committee, against them. two of the MDAs reported could not respond or appear Federation in its 2015 report. According to the report, chaired by Senator Mathew The report revealed that 21 to the committee that either before the committee. Buhari Urges House to Confirm Yahaya as COAS Wants teachers’ retirement age raised Udora Orizu in Abuja Buhari also sent an subsection 1 of the Armed Republic of Nigeria. His CV years of teachers was pursuant the 1999 Constitution of the executive bill to the House Forces Act 2004. is herewith attached. It is to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu seeking to increase the The letter read in part: my hope that the House of Constitution as amended. (as amended), I forward Buhari has written to the retirement age of teachers ''In compliance with the Representatives will consider He said the bill would herewith the harmonised House of Representatives, from 60 to 65 years. provisions of Section 18(1) and confirm the nominee provide for a harmonised retirement age for teachers urging it to confirm the The president's requests of the Armed Forces Act Cap in the usual expeditious retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 for appointment of Major General were contained in separate A20 Laws of the Federation manner.'' in Nigeria. consideration by the House. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief letters, read yesterday by of Nigeria 2004, I hereby The speaker referred the The letter reads: The harmonised retirement of Army Staff (COAS). the Speaker, Hon. Femi forward for confirmation by request for the confirmation ''Transmission of the age for teachers in Nigeria Yahaya replaced the former Gbajabiamila, at the plenary. the House of Representatives, to the Committees on Defence Harmonised Retirement Age bill 2021 seeks to increase the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. In the letter, he said the appointment of Major and Army. for Teachers in Nigeria Bill retirement age for teachers General Attahiru Ibrahim, Yahaya’s appointment was General Farouk Yahaya as For the bill, the president 2021 to the National Assembly from 60 to 65 years, and also who recently died in a plane in compliance with the the Chief of Army Staff of the said the decision to increase for consideration. Pursuant increase the possible years of crash in Kaduna. provisions of Section 18 Armed Forces of the Federal the retirement age and service to Section 58 subsection 2 of service from 35 to 40 years.'' 6 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Kyari Calls for Transparency in IOCs’ Operations Gas flare reduced by 53%, says NLNG Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja probably better margins for the NNPC’s partners in decarbonisation, which is He stated that Nigeria has let's go to 500,000 tonnes. the national oil company. the oil and gas business about sustainability, and been largely heavy on the “Essentially, bringing The Group Managing Director “So, these complications and strive to align the that the environment must export business that people cleaner energy into the of the Nigerian National affect relationships between interest of all parties, doing be preserved for generations have criticised the operations country is a big deal for us, Petroleum Corporation executives of national oil what is reasonable for all unborn. of the NLNG, stressing that because we have data that (NNPC), Mallam Mele companies and international stakeholders. According to him, the today, NLNG is a leader in more than 100,000 people Kyari, yesterday called on oil companies or even local Managing Director of the company has been a terms of LPG. actually die on an annual International Oil Companies companies that have to do Nigerian LNG, Mr. Tony receptacle for gas to be “Last year we delivered basis in Nigeria as a result of (IOCs) operating in Nigeria business with them.” Attah, said energy demand aggregated upstream and more than 370,000 tonnes, indoor inhalation of exhaust to be more accountable to According to him, as the would grow by more than 30 has done a lot beyond the which is an almost 40 per waste,” he said. Nigerians and not just oil transition approaches, per cent, while the world’s monetisation of the product, cent of the one billion tonnes Attah said the company to their shareholders and new opportunities must be population would rise by with massive reduction in that was consumed for the had contributed over companies. seized, including in Nigeria two billion by 2050. operational gas flaring by first time in terms of LPG. $8 billion in taxes and Kyari said at the Nigeria where it revolves around gas. He added that the world more than 65 per cent, We then went to the board expending over $130 billion International Petroleum He pledged to carry is now talking about way down to 12 per cent. to say we’ve met our targets, in just the purchase of gas. Summit (NIPS) in Abuja that although oil companies plying their trade in the country were responsible to their home companies, they must also strive to incorporate the interest of the government and its people. He added that shareholders expect companies to deliver value, which is reflected in the dividends that they are able to deliver and beyond that, they expect that chief executives should act responsibly. According to him, acting responsibly means recognising that there are citizens of that country that have different expectations. He stated that as CEOs, balancing between financial accounts, rendering dividends at the end of the year, and also meeting the other obligations, sometimes could be in conflict. He added that there is a delicate balance that national oil companies play which affects their relationship with their partners. He said: "For instance, my partners here, we will expect that they operate responsibly, that they are transparent to all of us, not just to the shareholders of the external nature, but also to us and even to Nigerians. “And as you do this, they will expect you to produce REPORTING BACK TO FAYEMI... at the least of costs that is possible, because what that L-R: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapounda; Chairman, Ekiti State Commission of Inquiry on Lands and Related Matters, means is that there'll be Justice Adekunle Adeleye; Committee Secretary, Mrs. Tosin Odudu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. more tax revenues and also Funminiyi Afuye, during the presentation of the commission’s report, in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday Nigeria to Drive Africa’s Telecoms’ Growth, Says Report Dike Onwuamaeze would “be highest in the of subscribers that made next five years, according as of 2019, according to the to come from markets SSA countries with large network operators' earnings to GSMA. Operators are GSMA, accounting for 43 per with large populations A report by Moody’s populations and relatively to be stagnating. prioritising investments cent of the population, which and low penetration rates. Investors Service has said low mobile penetration rates The report also expected over other uses of capital is still low compared with Data usage will grow even that Nigeria holds the key such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, that demand for telecom and are reducing dividends global penetration rates and faster as existing subscribers to the growth of telecom’s Democratic Republic of services would be broadened and rationalising portfolios. subscribers typically hold upgrade to smartphones and sector in in the Sub Saharan Congo, and Kenya. as the large under-banked “For international telecom more than one SIM card. become data customers and Africa (SSA). “We expect the population in Africa would be companies, investments The report added that as existing data customers Moody’s, in the report strong growth of the targeted by mobile network in Africa provide growth internet usage by only 25 consume more data on more that was released on telecommunications sector operators with mobile money opportunities in contrast per cent of the population of advanced devices. Monday, tipped Nigeria to in many SSA countries to solutions that add another to stagnating earnings in SSA would increase with the “This is credit positive for lead the sector’s growth in continue over the next three source of revenue growth their mature home markets. introduction of 4G enabled MTN, the largest operator by Africa because of its large to five years. This will be and customer loyalty. The Vodafone Group Plc, smartphones. mobile subscribers in Nigeria population and relatively low supported by the region's It said: “The convergence of the Orange and Emirates It said: “Internet adoption and Uganda; for Bharti internet and mobile phone young and fast-growing payment services integrates Telecommunications Group and usage will increase Airtel through its majority penetrations compared to its population, relatively low telecommunication services (Etisalat) have invested rapidly over the next three ownership of Airtel Africa, population. mobile and even lower deeper into people's lives, in Sub-Saharan Africa to to five years as operators roll the second-largest operator It also estimated that internet penetration rates which will in turn increase diversify away from their out networks and upgrade in Nigeria, Uganda, DRC mobile subscribers in SSA and growing adoption of mobile and data subscription mature domestic markets. technologies. In addition, and third-largest operator would increase by 150 million smartphones.” rates.” For these operators, revenue 4G-enabled smartphones in Tanzania; for Vodafone over the next five years, Moody’s hinged its The report also anticipated from SSA represents a modest will become increasingly through its majority with most of the growth strong growth outlook for increased investment 11 per cent to 14 per cent of affordable through the ownership of Vodacom, the coming from markets with the telecoms sector in SSA in upgrading telecom’s total revenue but generally rollout of devices costing less largest operator in DRC and large populations and low on the sector’s sustained infrastructure to 4G accounts for most of the than $100 and via financing Tanzania; and for Orange as penetration rates. growth in revenue since technology to accommodate growth.” partnerships between telecom the third-largest operator in The report, which was 2018 by its largest mobile increasing traffic and meet The Moody’s stated that operators, local banks and DRC. It will also be a credit titled: “Sector In-Depth: network operators (MNOs) demand for higher speeds. although mobile phone global technology companies, positive for Africell, which Telecommunications-Africa,” like the MTN Group Limited, It said: “Telecom companies penetration has grown including Google. acquired a licence to enter stated that African telecoms the Vodacom and the Airtel are investing in network rapidly in SSA since 2011, “We estimate that unique Angola in 2021. Ethiopia is would benefit from strong Africa Plc, which contrasted capacity and speed to absorb the region still remained mobile subscribers in SSA a closed market but in May growth but are faced with high-income countries where growing demand. Operators among the lowest globally. will increase by 150 million 2021 awarded an operating increasing sovereign risks. the mobile phone market are planning capital spending It said the SSA had 477 over the next five years, license to a consortium led It added that growth has been saturated in terms of $37 billion over the million mobile subscribers with most of the growth by Safaricom and Vodacom.” WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] SANWO-OLU: A CATALYST LEADING THE PACK Olusina Thorpe writes that the governor is doing remarkably well

Voices From the Trench: An Anthology of Poems by the Soldiers waterways. Some 15 terminals are being built concurrently in differ- of the Nigeria Army’, during the Nigerian Civil War, is a fascinat- ent parts of the state such as Liverpool, Ebute-Ero, Ibeshe, Okun Ajah ing collection of poems. Late General Mamman Vasta was one of and Badagry among others. Seven new ferries have also been added the editors of the collection. to the existing fleet of 12 by LAGFERRY, thus making the waterways A non-commissioned officer made a vital contribution in the a viable option for commuters collection. It partly goes thus: “If you cannot be a building, be a For effective synergy, the government is working on a single ‘room. But make sure you are the best room in that building”. payment system in the transportation master plan where a single This implies that wherever you find yourself, do the little you can card can take commuters on a bus, rail and road. to be a change agent. One of my major takeaways from the two years The effects of COVID-19 were both negative and positive. The in office of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is that pandemic gave the state a learning experience about improving positive change is possible where impactful leadership is available. infrastructure in the health sector. Not only has more doctors and What the governor and his team have accomplished within two years nurses being recruited, infrastructure is also being improved in the is a pointer to this. state’s secondary health facilities. In spite of fundamental challenges such as COVID-19, EndSARS Presently, about six secondary health facilities are being built, violence, and dwindling revenue among others, the Sanwo-Olu while four Mother and Child Centres (MCCs) have been delivered administration has continued to break barriers in order to deliver the in Badagry, Igando, Eti-Osa and Epe. Also, a brand new 500-bed dividends of democracy to Lagosians. In transportation, the govern- capacity Mental Wellness Rehabilitation Hospital is being built in ment has ingeniously created an opportunity for the development of Ketu Ejirin, while the construction of the biggest Children Hospital the three major modes of transportation–rail, road and the waterways. in Africa, the Massey Street’s Hospital, is also on course. Isolo, Considering the government’s level of investment in rail transporta- Ebute-Meta, Harvey Road and Epe General Hospitals are equally tion, it will certainly not be long before rail becomes effective in the undergoing extensive renovation concurrently. state. Rolling stock for the Blue Line, which comes from Mile 2 to On the environment, waste management and conversion are being Marina, has been ordered, while progress is equally being made on properly handled. Two landfill sites are being shut down to give the Red Line such that in two years’ time, Lagosians will be moving way for extensive renovation. Also, 100 compactor trucks are ready on the Red Line, which will traverse from Agbado to Marina, moving to be launched before the end of this month, while 40,000 waste more than one million commuters daily. bins would be given out to residents to use in front of their various In road transportation, the government has completed and commis- houses. This is in addition to massive dredging of canals across the sioned strategic roads such as the Tedi-Muwo Road and Link Bridge, state. Lagos-Ogun boundary roads in Alimosho and Agbado-Oke–Odo, the In the education sector, 1,097 projects are ongoing in various parts 1.4 km dual carriage Pen-Cinema Bridge Agege and access roads and of the state. Recently, Mr. Governor commissioned four schools on Oniru Network of roads, among others. the same day in different areas of the metropolis. Over 500 new It has also reconfigured six Junction/Roundabouts under our classrooms have been improved, while over 2000 hostel accommoda- Traffic Management Intervention Plan (TMIP). This is in addition to tions have been constructed in boarding schools. Over 100,000 new completing the 13.68 kilometers Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor. It benches and tables have been handed over to public schools. At the has equally completed and commissioned 31 networks of roads in moment, three brand new schools are being built in Elemoro. Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Over 350 inner To beef up teaching personnel, about 1,500 new teachers were roads have similarly been rehabilitated by the Public Work Corpora- recruited, while over 15,000 others were trained through the Eko tion, while 90 palliatives and 261 sectional rehabilitations were done Excel programme on 21st century modes of teaching and learning. on vital roads across the state. The government is working on using technology as a strong enabler Currently work is ongoing at the Lekki Regional Roads, Lekki-Epe for the public schools. Expressway, Agric-Isawo Road, Ikorodu, -Igbogbo-Imota Over 80 schools are to benefit from ongoing 3000km PPP metro- Road, Ijede Road, Ikorodu (Phase 1), Oba Sekumade Road, Ipakodo, politan fibre optics grid being planted across the state. Very soon, 100 Ikorodu and Itamaga to Ewu Elepe town, among others. fibers will be available to enhance internet capability. The optic fibers Also, over 600 buses have been commissioned in the course of two would go round all schools, hospitals and public buildings across the years. Another 100 high-capacity buses had just been added to the state. This will make the internet and data available. fleet, while the First and Last Mile (FLM) busses scheme was recently Infrastructure is also being developed at the grassroots, with the launched with 500 busses. ONE OF THE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 377 ward projects, while 14 housing schemes have been completed Likewise, the Lagos Ride, also known as the Lagos Taxi, was TWO YEARS IN OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE and commissioned. In order to enhance food security, a five-year road recently unveiled. The first set of 1000 will be arriving soon, while a GOVERNOR, MR. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU, IS map for agriculture development was recently unveiled, while 100 small assembly plant is being built to ensure the sustainability of the hectares of land has been set aside for farming. scheme. The long-term goal is to have 5000 taxis in the fleet. THAT POSITIVE CHANGE IS POSSIBLE WHERE Thorpe (mnipr) is Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Informa- The third component of transportation being developed is the IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP IS AVAILABLE tion and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. NIGERIA AS A FAILED STATE Nigeria manifests many symptoms of a failed state, argues Sonnie Ekwowusi

fter initially taunting Nigeria as bandits and all sorts of gunmen are infiltrating of Greenfield University were abducted. Five of the brewers, public property destroyers and trouble mak- a weak state or a falling State Nigeria through her porous borders. All failed states students and a staff were killed by the abductors. ers to justice. But what is detestable is the maligning confronted with doom and harbor violence, internal rebellion and insurrection But the most tragic of them all depicting Nigeria of the entire Igbo race. Why the name-calling? Why existential threats, the international and different forms of violent internal strife. At as a failed state is the on-going extra-judicial killings continuously harbor hatred against the Igbos? Why community has now affirmed that present, Nigeria harbours different forms of internal and gross human rights abuses being perpetuated contemptuously label Igbos as secessionists when Buhari’s Nigeria has cascaded into insurrection. in South Eastern Nigeria by the Nigeria police there are secessionists across the ethnic groups in theA abyss as a full-fledged failed state. At present, It is obvious that the Buhari government is inca- and Nigerian army. Under the guise of conducting Nigeria? Why kill or maim unarmed innocent Igbo Nigeria exhibits the major symptoms or features of pable of providing peace and stability to the people house-to-house raids to smoke out IPOB and ESN civilians? Must the truth offend? After 51 years, why a failed state; erosion of authority of the government of Nigeria. In the past the mass killing, banditry, members from their hideouts in the South-East, the can’t they forgive the Igbos? to make collective decisions; incapacity of President kidnapping, assassination and internal insurrection Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police, abandoning It is unfortunate that President Buhari has squan- Buhari to defend as well as secure the borders were restricted to only North Eastern Nigeria. Now the Rules of Engagement (ROE), have been killing dered the confidence and trust reposed in him by of Nigeria from internal and external violation in the whole country is engulfed with violent killings, and injuring unarmed civilians in the South-East. It his admirers. The last six years of his reign as civilian consonant with sections 1 (2) and 2(1) of the 1999 insurrections and mayhem. For example, hardly any is amazing that anti-Igbo sentiment and Igbo hatred President have been six years eaten by locusts. It is Constitution; suppression of freedom of expression day passes these days without some Nigerians in are yet to fizzle out 51 years after the civil war. You difficult to pinpoint one singular achievement of the such as banning the use of Twitter in Nigeria and different parts of the country being killed or mowed can see how Igbo are continuously being made the Buhari government. The government came to power threats to prosecute Nigerians using Twitter; inability down or abducted or willfully assassinated. We have scapegoat of the simmering Nigerian political crises. on the mantra of fighting corruption. Now, six years of President Buhari, pursuant to section 14 (2) (b) of lost count of the serial abduction of school children. For example, rebels, killers, abductors, arsonists, on, it is obvious to all and sundry that the Buhari the 1999 Constitution, to protect lives and property In fact parents whose children are in boarding secessionists and doomsayers abound in different government itself is corruption writ large. Perhaps of the citizenry and to suppress internal insurrection, houses in secondary schools are contemplating parts of the country. In the North they are freely kill- one achievement of this government in the last six banditry, secession threats, murder, anarchy, tension, withdrawing them from there to save them from ing Nigerian and destroying public facilities for years years is to drag Nigeria into the membership of fear, suspicion, disorderliness, hatred and chaos being abducted. under the watch of the Nigerian army. The Fulani failed states. Imagine the most populous and most everywhere in Nigeria. The impression one gets The latest at the time of writing was the abduction herdsmen have been freely going about killing and richly endowed African country joining insignificant wittingly or unwittingly on listening to Mr. President of over 200 school children of Islamiyya School at maiming their victims. The Nigerian army does not countries such as Yemen, Democratic Republic of is that he is confused or that he has lost control of Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger crush them. Miyetti Allah, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and Congo, Central African Republic, Somalia, South the state of affairs in Nigeria. State. This testifies that Nigeria is a failed state. How others have been inciting the citizens and making Sudan and Myanmar as a full-fledged failed state. It is sad that like Somalia, Democratic Republic can abductors abduct over 200 students from a utterances that verge on treasonable felony. They get Buhari’s Nigeria has failed on all fronts - politically, of the Congo, Yemen, Central African Republic and school without any security personnel or onlookers away with them. They are untouchable. Igbo are the economically, socially, culturally, intellectually and Myanmar, Nigeria has become a full-fledged failed noticing it and raising an alarm? Besides, how targets. You can see how they are taking advantage morally. Consequently in the media, beer parlours, state. Nigeria can no longer guarantee the safety can abductors abduct over 200 school pupils at a of the recent violent killings and destruction of public pulpits, lecture rooms, market places, stadia and of her citizens. Nigeria is unsafe. Nigeria has weak go? With trailers, trucks or what? Mind you, this facilities in Igbo land to re-enact or fan the embers other fora, Nigerians soberly ask the following rule of law. Foreign investors are scared stiff coming is not the first time we are witnessing such a mass of pre-civil war Igbo prejudice towards the Igbo questions: What does the future hold for us and to Nigeria. Foreign investors already in Nigeria are abduction of school children. On February 26 2021 people. President Buhari has just reminded the Igbos our children under Buhari? Where is hope? And contemplating quitting. Many young Nigerians are barely nine days after abduction occurred in Niger that they were massacred during the civil war. Sad. President Buhari is not helping matters. He is fleeing. The Central Bank policies are erratic as much State, 317 girls were abducted from a government Meanwhile fully-armed Nigerian soldiers are being unrepentant. He is violating the right to freedom as they constitute a barrier to investment in Nigeria. girls’ secondary school in the Jangebe area, Zamfara dispatched to Igbo land to crush the people there. I of expression of Nigerians. His managers should Nigeria borders are porous. Boko Haram insurgents, State. On April 20 2021, about 22 students and staff have nothing against bringing Igbo arsonists, violent properly advise him if he cares to listen to them. THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021 15 EDITORIAL INSECURITY AND THE SOUTHEAST

The political leadership should look at the issues that may be driving violence in the Southeast

ore details about the losses to has raised many perplexing questions. Who did it, the persistent security crisis and why? in the Southeast states in the Sadly, the handling of the case by the police is last few months were laid bare even more baffling. Within hours of his murder, the Tuesday. The Commander of police, typical of their lazy reports, came waving a 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, flag that they had traced and “neutralised” all the , , Brigadier culprits. How could the police treat this murder, Gen Raymond Utsala said which inflamed passions across the country in that the hoodlums masquerading as “unknown gun- such a cavalier manner? How did they establish Mmen” have killed at least 174 security operatives and the motives of the people they summarily executed civilians. In specific details, the military and police lost as the killers? And why the reference to ‘onions 159 personnel, while the civil defence lost 15 officers. from northern Nigeria’ in their statement? It will These are aside dozens of others that were summarily pay the nation more if the police do not muddle up executed, including on the street. Overall, the security the case. The nation has lost count of many high- picture in the Southeast is messy, confused, and trou- profile murder cases where the killers are never bling. apprehended. The Gulak case has just increased The rising violence on persons, public and private the number. facilities is raising tension with fears of reprisal killings in other parts of the country if the situation owever, all critical stakeholders in the South- was not quickly brought under control. In the last east must work together to contain the rising few weeks, facilities belonging to the Independent insecurity in the area. In the wake of the National Elec- upsurge in crisis, the five governors hurriedly WHILE THERE IS AN toral Commission Hmet and announced formation of ‘Ebube Agu’, a regional IMMEDIATE NEED TO ARREST (INEC), security security outfit. But reports are indicative that the existing THE SLIDE INTO ANARCHY agencies, in addition ones are not well provided for. The chairman of the IN THE REGION AND to private property, Southeast Joint Security Committee, Brigadier General OTHER PLACES, SECURITY have been attacked Obi Umahi (rtd) resigned few days ago reportedly for AGENCIES SHOULD NOT and destroyed by lack of attention to the organisation. The committee these “unknown THISDAY was not only starved of funds, it operated for two years ESCALATE TENSIONS EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI BY INDISCRIMINATELY gunmen.” No DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, without an office. state in the zone MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Beyond issuing threats that are in themselves ARRESTING YOUTHS IN THE DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE ZONE is immune - from CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI becoming a problem as could be glimpsed from the Abia to Anambra to EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN current brouhaha with Twitter, President Muham- Ebonyi, Enugu to Imo and sometimes extending to MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE madu Buhari is yet to come out with any winning the neighbouring states of Rivers and Delta in the strategy to deal with the situation in the Southeast. South-south. While there is an immediate need to arrest the slide THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED Last week, the chief provost of Nigeria Immigra- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA into anarchy in the region and other places, security tion Service (NIS), Okiemute Mrere was killed on GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, agencies should not escalate tensions by indiscrimi- the Owerri- Port Harcourt highway. But perhaps ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI nately arresting youths in the zone in the name of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, no killing has heightened the sense of danger more ANTHONY OGEDENGBE hunting down the “unknown gunmen.” than that of the late political adviser to President DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI While a combined technique of intelligence, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak. He was ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI law enforcement and special operations may help waylaid, fished out of the vehicle he was riding in CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI in containing the resurgence of criminality in the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO and brutally killed on his way to catch a flight in HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA country, the political leadership may also look at the Owerri, Imo State. The gruesome murder of Gulak issues that drive violence in the Southeast. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

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EL-ZAKZAKY: 2000 DAYS AFTER A SURE BET way from freedom, away from their family and away and KDCP). It could be recalled that in 2019, they were flown abroad from justice; the ailing leader of the Islamic Movement to seek medical attention, but had to abort the trip without being ur local casino has a in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife have treated. Pre-commitment card which now clocked 2000 days in illegal detention. In truth, there is no justification, whatsoever, for the continued is designed to help problem detention of the Sheikh and his wife. It is a clear violation of their gamblers manage their losses Under the pretense of mounting road block on the every right as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria; the right to life, by setting a daily limit to thenA Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) the Sheikh was right to personal liberty, right to dignity of human person, etc. their spending. The problem attacked in his residence - several kilometers away from the position of There have been numerous calls from clergymen and people of Ois that there is no set limit to the limit they the ‘alleged road blockage’ where hundreds of defenseless citizens were conscience, well-meaning Nigerians, international human right organi- can set, and the most common value is killed in cold blood. The Sheikh and his wife were shot at a very close zations, and peace-loving individuals across the globe; peaceful protests reported to be $1 million a day. The median range, thereby sustaining serious injuries of varying degrees, before within and outside the country urging the Nigerian government to value is $50,000 a day which is more than being dragged over the dead bodies of their three biological children release the Sheikh and his wife. some people’s yearly salary. who were extrajudicially killed before their eyes. It could also be recalled that In December 2016 a Federal High court I have no problem with occasional The couple, arrested since December 2015, have been in the custody sitting in Abuja ruled that the detention of the Sheikh and his wife gambling, a few bets on the horses or a of State Security Services and held incommunicado, before being is “illegal and unconstitutional” and therefore ordered their release lotto ticket but I avoid casinos. The idea of a moved to Kaduna correctional facility despite their deteriorating health immediately and unconditionally, failure which, according to the $1million a day limit is a sad joke rather than condition. learned judge Gabriel Kolawole, would be a blatant disregard for the a useful tool to help problem gamblers and The Sheikh is still suffering from various life-threatening health con- rule of law. doesn’t seem to reflect many casinos claims ditions. For instance, he reportedly suffered from a stroke the aftermath The Nigerian government, however, refused to comply with the court that they are good corporate citizens. of which he still feels till date. The story is not different for his wife order till now. It chooses the law to obey. Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his As long as we have Casinos, and Zeenah Ibraheem, who is now reportedly confined to wheelchair as she wife ought to have been released as per the order of a competent court other betting options, we will have problem can no longer walk. of land. gamblers and that’s a sure bet. All these were as a result of the refusal to offer adequate medical Najeeb Maigatari wrote from via Maigatari313@ Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia attention to the couple in the detention facilities (in both DSS custody gmail.com 16 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email [email protected] MIDWEEKPOLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY Will PDP in Anambra Implode? Infighting has cost the Anambra chapter of Peoples Democratic Party the governorship seat of for years. As zoning controversy rears its head in the party, David-Chyddy Eleke asks if the party will be able to unite to clinch the seat after its primary election

Azubogu Ezeemo Okonkwo Maduka

hough the Peoples Democratic to all and relying on the delegates of the saying: “There is already a survey that has against it. A former governor of Anambra Party (PDP) has been out of party to choose for it a candidate they just been conducted by an Abuja based State, Chief in a power for close to 16 years in think can win the main election. consulting firm, Eagle Badger, which was statement he signed disagreed with 12 Anambra State, members of the But, in what looks forcing the PDP to commissioned by a Washington DC based governorship aspirants. Ezeife who has party believe it is still strong recant its position on zoning, 12 aspirants On Governmental Organisation (NGO), never hidden his support for Senator Uche Tand standing in good stead. Three times, of the party, who hail from southern Council on African World Affairs, USA, Ekwunife queried the reason for exclud- the party has lost the opportunity of re- senatorial zone have formed an alliance, which scored our chances high. The zoning ing Ekwunife from the list of aspirants turning to the Anambra State government insisting that one of them must be given issue is not for me because surveys that who hail from the southern zone. Though house since it was removed through the the party’s ticket if the party must win have been held favour me, whether there Ekwunife is from the southern zone, she court in 2006, and all three attempts were the governorship election in November. is zoning or not. But let me tell you, we is married to a man from the central zone truncated by infighting among members, The aspirants, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Dr need to get things right in PDP, for the and also represents the Central senatorial resulting from the choice of governorship Godwin Maduka, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, sake of equity, fairness and justice.” zone in the senate, just as she has previ- candidate for the party. Chuma Nzeribe, Hon Chris Azubogu, Another aspirant, Dr Godwin Maduka, ously represented Anaocha, Njikoka and In 2010, a very stiff contest between Hon Mrs Chidi Onyemelukwe, Walter Okeke, a Harvard University-trained medical Dunukofia federal constituency, which Tony Nwoye and Prof Chukwuma Soludo Ifedi Okwenna, Winston Udeh, Johnny doctor and pain specialist during a press is in the central zone. led the national leadership of the party to Maduafokwa, Ugochukwu Uba and Emeka conference re-choed it too. He insists that Ezeife described the communiqué by settle for Soludo, who was freshly out of Etiaba in a meeting they held recently PDP should be considered not to be in 12 PDP aspirants, as one made in bad the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as its advised PDP to consider one of them for the the race if it chooses its candidate from faith. He said, “I am in possession of a candidate. Other top guns in the party ticket of the party. They cited the party’s another senatorial zone, other than the communique signed by 12 PDP aspirants who were deeply opposed to Soludo’s constitution; article 7(2)C as providing south. Though Maduka stated that he who are of southern origin. They based aspiration ensured he lost at the main for zoning of positions for the sake of was not contesting for the governor- their communiqué on the provisions of election, as Mr , then governor fairness and equity. ship position on the strength of where PDP Constitution, Article 7, They made won a reelection. To further strengthen the argument, one he comes from, but the ideas he has for special appeal to PDP about zoning. This In 2014, Nwoye made it by becoming the of the aspirants, Mr Valentine Ozigbo in a the state, he said that choosing someone is very good. I am an apostle of zoning candidate of the party, but he was again press conference he addressed via zoom from the zone will help the party win. too even though PDP in their wisdom opposed by some members of his party, reiterated the position. He said: “Let me He also spoke particularly about himself, decided not to zone the governorship seat leading to his loss in the main election. tell you, if PDP fields someone outside the describing himself as the best aspirant of in Anambra State. Also in 2017, Mr Oseloka Obaze who won southern zone, then they will not be in the the party, and one who has the capacity “However, I did not see the name of the party’s ticket was not supported by election. I know that the next governor of to win victory for the party. my daughter, distinguished Senator Uche some members of the party who were this state will be from the south. Anyone “I’m not in the race because of zon- Ekwunife, on the list of those who signed unhappy, over his choice as candidate. that is not from the zone that is in the ing, but PDP has to field someone from the communiqué, or have the signatories Many felt Obaze was single-handedly race may be doing so for another reason. the south if they have to win. I know began a discriminatory process against her? picked by former governor, Mr Peter “Of course you know that some people what I am losing by being here for the Uche Ekwunife is from Igbo-Ukwu in the Obi, who many protested was still new are contesting election to make money or governorship race. If Anambra wants Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra in the party as at that time. They fought for other reasons that are best known to development, then they should vote for South Senatorial District. I believe that Obaze’s candidature, causing incumbent them. If someone outside the 12 of us from me. I’m a triple professor, a holder of four Uche Ekwunife has the constitutional governor, Chief to win the zone wins the PDP primary election, doctorate degrees, so you do not think rights as any Anambrarian to vie for the reelection. what it simply means is that PDP is not I’m here to joke,” Maduka said. position of governor, either from Central Another opportunity for the party to win in the race.” Already, the alliance by the 12 aspirants or South Senatorial District. It’s her right, over the state will again come in November, Ozigbo stated that already, the odds has started unsettling the peace in the I strongly believe.” but already, the choice of candidate and favour him to pick the ticket of the party, party as some of the aspirants have kicked A source within the party said the reso- which zone he or she should come from is lution by the 12 aspirants was capable causing a row. Anambra has an unwritten of causing infighting among members, rule about the zoning of the governorship thereby truncating the chances of the party seat, among the three senatorial zones of The alliance by the 12 aspirants has started unsettling in the November election. The source said the state, but it has severally been violated the 12 aspirants were working towards by politicians. While the southern zone the peace in the party as some of the aspirants have arm-twisting the party into accepting to took one term of four years through Dr zone the ticket to the southern senatorial in 1999 to 2003, kicked against it. A former governor of Anambra zone, just as other parties have done. “They the central senatorial zone took the next may reject the primary election result if turn through Dr and Mr Peter State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife in a statement he someone outside the 12 of them wins, Obi, spending a total of eleven years. On and that would be the beginning of PDP’s leaving office, Obi insisted on ensuring signed disagreed with 12 governorship aspirants. trouble in the forthcoming election,” the that someone from the northern zone Ezeife who has never hidden his support for Senator source said. succeeded him. Chief Willie Obiano who True to this source, the 12 aspirants have succeeded Obi will on March 17, 2022 Uche Ekwunife queried the reason for excluding a large followership base, and may decide conclude his eight-year term. to work against the party if anyone from Even with the unwritten rule, most Ekwunife from the list of aspirants who hail from the the four other aspirants from the other politicians in the state from zones not zones wins the primary election. A lot favoured by the zoning formula have al- southern zone. Though Ekwunife is from the southern would therefore depend on the leaders ways contested the governorship election, of the party to see a way to pacify the 12 each time there is an election, thereby zone, she is married to a man from the central zone southern aspirants if no one among them questioning the efficacy of the rule. To wins, especially as the four aspirants of the continue with the unwritten rule, the ruling and also represents the Central senatorial zone in party from other zones are also known to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the senate, just as she has previously represented be powerful politicians who may win the has zoned its governorship ticket to the love of delegates at the primary election. southern zone for the coming election, Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia federal constituency, The PDP in Anambra has scheduled its but the PDP insists that doing so will be primary on June 26 for the 16 aspirants undemocratic, thereby opening its doors which is in the central zone who picked its forms. THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 19 POLITICS

Mixed Reactions Greet Okowa’s GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS New Political Appointees Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Omon-Julius Onabu write that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of has made a deft move that caught many of political and opponents by surprise

“But beyond that, the new SSG possesses an unpretentious mien, humble outlook, and bubbly personality that I believe will serve him well in this new assignment. “I have always said that the office of the SSG requires a person who is able to marry policy – where the administration wants to go - and politics – how it mobilizes resources, personnel and the necessary support for the L-R: Mrs Amaka Tamuno, the Woman Leader of the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Organisation in agenda of government. South 1, Rt. Hon. Eucharia Azodo, first woman Speaker of the Anambra State of House Assembly, Valentine “The SSG must not only have the capacity Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party frontrunner in the Anambra gubernatorial race, and Chief Okey Okpala, and competence to drive the administration’s a member of the Anambra PDP Executive Committee, at a townhall meeting with PDP delegates from the 326 policies and programmes, he must also be a consensus-builder and adept at managing various persuasions and handling conflicts, internal and external. “Hence, it is required of any SSG to be broad-minded, accessible and flexible, with a good sense of fairness and justice.” The governor added that he was proud of the job Ukah did in the two years he spent at Okowa the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Educa- tion and the various committees that he had midst apparent distraction from headed in the six years of his administration. some leading politicians who While expressing optimism that the SSG previously served as members of would continue in the same spirit of sacrifice, the Delta State executive Coun- hard work and dedication, the governor cil, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has admitted that there was no doubting the Acautioned those holding political appoint- fact that the new office will present its own ments in his government against all forms of kind of challenge. complacency or dereliction of duty because Nevertheless, Okowa said “I have always of their vested interest in activities towards been impressed by Ukah’s willingness to learn the 2023 general election in the country. and ability to adjust quickly to situations. Unabashed political activities in the state It is, therefore, my expectation that he will L- R: Hon. Uyime ldem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam in the House of Representatives; Pastor have become heightened in recent times, lead- justify the confidence reposed on him with Godwin Inyieng, Chairman Ukanafun Local Govt.; Mr. Moses Ekpo, Deputy Governor , ; Elder ing to growing suspicion between politicians this appointment.” Demas Udom, Chairman, Ukanafun Economic Development Summit Planning Committee, and Mrs Charity Ido, loyal to Okowa and others who have queued He charged the Special Advisers to discharge member representing Ukanafun in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, during the recently held Ukanafun behind Chief , a former governor their duties in accordance with section 196 Economic Development Summit in Ikot Akpa Nkuk, headquarters of Ukanafun local government areat of the state. (Sub-section 1) of the 1999 Constitution (as In a veiled reference to why he dissolved amended). the state executive council and numerous “All of you are well acquainted with the senior political appointees, Okowa stressed key policy thrusts of this administration, that they should ratther redouble their efforts hence, I expect you to work with a greater to contribute to the administration to enable it sense of urgency, unflagging enthusiasm, deliver on the governor’s electoral promises more creativity and innovative strategies to and to climax that by finishing strongly. enable us successfully execute our policies The governor gave the charge at the Gov- and programmes for the greater good of all,” ernment House Asaba, while swearing in he added. the new Secretary to the State Government Responding on behalf of the new appoin- (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah as well as eight tees, the SSG, thanked Okowa for the honour special advisers whose appointment was done them, and assuring that they would announced last week. not betray the confidence reposed in them He cautioned appointees against abandon- in discharging the statutory responsibilities. ing their duties for politics of 2023, saying Those inaugurated at the ceremony along- getting obsessed with 2023 politics could side the SSG included Dr Kingsley Emu as easily make them to lose track that could Chief Economic Adviser; Mr Omimi Esquire lead to negligence and dereliction of duty. as Political Adviser; Chief Isaac Anwuzia as Rumours of the dissolution of the Delta State Political Adviser; Emmanuel Okoro as Special executive Council had been in the air since Adviser; Kelly Penawou as Special Adviser; the beginning of the year. After a long waiting Chief Andy Asawota as Special Adviser; Chief Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry representing Governor Nyesom Wike (left) with period and when many were convinced that Edwin Uzor as Special Adviser and Chief Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of at the opening of the National Conference of the Nigeria Union of Okowa had decided to work with the same Godwin Ogadi as Special Adviser. Journalists on Media, Insecurity and National Unity at the Obi Wali International Conference, Port Harcourt, team till the end of his tenure, he sacked the But some critics have argued that even Rivers State cabinet I a surprise move that caught them the new appointees are also neck deep in completely unawares. the politics of the state. Top politicians and Okowa said, “It is inevitable that politics will their followers in Delta State are sharply be played but, as much as possible, political divided between those who want a return appointees should endeavour to stick to their to the zoning formula to decide the governor responsibilities and get a firm grip of the job of the state and those who believe the contest at hand, he pointed out. should be open to all Deltans who are qualified “At the end of this tenure, we shall all have and feel sufficiently persuaded to run for the reason to celebrate the legacy of a Stronger office. An informed source said, “What the Delta, standing on the tripod of prosperity, governor has done is an attempt to checkmate peace and progress,” Okowa said. those he suspects may hinder his plan to However, the governor noted that he handpick a successor. This governor fought remained irrevocably committed to his his predecessor to a standstill over the issue administration’s avowed determination to of a successor. We do not think he should try finish strong in the interest of Deltans. to serve others thesame dessert he rejected.” While congratulating the new SSG and the The thinking in some quarters is that Gover- Special Advisers on their appointment, he nor Okowa may be weighing a lot of options noted that Ukah had been an integral part of over reconstituting the Delta State executive his administration’s S.M.A.R.T, now Stronger council. The choice of the SSG, a seasoned Delta Agenda, having served as Commissioner administrator and tactical politician could in two state ministries since the beginning mean that the governor wants to maintain a of his administration in 2015. lean team, till the end of his administration, Okowa said, “He (Ukah), therefore, brings that will report to him directly and help his L-R: Representative, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mrs. Olajumoke Adeniyi; Director, Baba Pupa to the office of the SSG, a working knowledge quest to finish strong. Another conjecture Clinic, Epe, Mr. Abass Yaya; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Monsurat of our policies and programmes and is well is that he will appoint new members of an Adeleke and Director, Araba Ni Baba Maternity Home, Lagos Island, Chief Jokotifa Ajanaku at the Sensitization grounded to see to their effective implementa- executive council to serve between eight of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on the Prevention of Mother - To- Child - Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV tion in his current position. and 12 weeks to his exit as governor. and Universal Precautions organized by LSACA at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja 20 THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 Restrategising to Entrench Longevity in Entrepreneurship Charles Ajunwa writes that participants at the just concluded Aba Business and Leadership Summit identified and proffered solutions to problems militating against the growth of businesses in Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State

L-R Obi, Ikpeazu, Maduka and Nnaji, at the Buiness and Leadership Summit held in Aba Made-in-Aba products on display at the summit

ith a population of over two President of Aba Sports Club, Chief Jerry Kalu, need to build entrepreneurs for sustainability, Ikpeazu’s Icing on the Cake million, Aba, the commercial in their opening remarks re-echoed the urgent maintaining that creative ways of doing busi- Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor centre of Abia State is renowned need to train and mentor the young start ups ness like use of technology should be applied Ikpeazu, who announced plans to establish globally for its comparative and established businesses in order to ensure in family businesses to keep them afloat from an Aba Business School, said his decision was advantage in textiles, palm oil, sustainability of trans-generational wealth transfer. one generation to another. informed by the urgent need to preserve the pharmaceuticals,W plastics, cement, cosmetics and To this end, Mr. Obeta pledged the readiness Utomi, Founder of Centre for Value in pre-existing entrepreneurial skills and advance famous for its handicrafts, making it the second of ACCIMA to train more women and young Leadership and a professor at Lagos Business the educational capacity of traders, adding that largest market in Nigeria after the Main start-ups on the rudiments of doing business, School while acknowledging his passion for Aba businesses in Aba would only begin to flourish Market in Anambra State. which he said would make them successful in entrepreneurship, said he was encouraged by when ordinary traders become trained and certified Regrettably, 10 to 30 years down the line, many their different ventures. the works of former Premier of Eastern Region, holders of Diploma certificates. For the seamless of these businesses Aba used to be known for Chief Kalu who started business with only late Dr. Michael Okpara. transition of the planned Aba Business School, have become shadow of themselves especially N50 advocated apprenticeship practice for the According to him, ACCIMA had a duty to Governor Ikpeazu disclosed that Utomi, Maduka with the demise of their founders. young start ups which he revealed, helped him drive development in Aba, which he insisted and others would play pivotal roles in the take Worried by this development, the Abia State to learn a lot of business tricks under his master. would ensure trans-generational transfer of skills. off of the school. He said Igbo language would government in conjunction with Aba Chamber Apart from being a successful entrepreneur, Kalu “We must be innovative on how you handle be used in teaching the students since many of of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture said he has founded, nurtured and sustained businesses. Business owners need to understand them have only primary education before they (ACCIMA), recently organised a one-day Aba many businesses in Aba over decades. the nuances of business and their priority. If Barth ventured into business. Business and Leadership Summit with the theme: Nnaji completes the Geometric power project in The governor, who dressed in Akwete outfit, ‘Transferring Tested and Proven Business Models Discussants Identify Problems, Proffer Aba, the city in the next five years will explode.” indigenous only to Abia State, said with only 20 to the Next Generation’ with a view of identifying Solutions Prof. Barth Nnaji, a celebrated engineer, innovator pounds given to Igbos after the Nigerian Civil the problems hindering the growth of businesses Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter and Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power, War, they went ahead to dominate most sectors and proffering solutions to their growth. Obi, who was the keynote speaker, averred that the largest independent power project in Nigeria, of the Nigerian economy, a feat he attributed Not even the early morning rain could stop businesses in Aba started to die when children said as part of his vision to light up the whole to their entrepreneurial spirit, doggedness and the young start ups and other participants from from individual family owned businesses failed of Aba and environs, he has so far invested over resilience. Even with the heavy losses incurred making their way to the main auditorium of to sustain their family businesses especially with half a billion dollars to his Geometric Power by Igbos during the bloody civil war, Ikpeazu Aba Sports Club, venue of the summit which demise of their founders. Plant located in Aba, adding that business owners disclosed that eighty per cent of houses in Abuja was filled to capacity. He identified lack of proper mentorship, lack should be properly mentored and trained. and Lagos and other cities across the country are of proper corporate governance as bane to Aba Nnaji, who was of the view that business owners owned by Igbos. “When oil, which is the uniting Setting the Agenda businesses over the years, adding that government should be properly mentored and trained, insisted factor, fizzles out, what will hold us together? Setting the tune for the summit, Director programmes and policies killed many businesses. on following due process in running any business. Ikpeazu asked. He implored Igbos to be their General of the Abia State Marketing and Quality Obi, who is known for prudent management of “We need to think about structure, corporate brothers’ keeper. Management Agency (ASMQMA), Mr. Sam Hart, resources having left behind sustainable projects governance, and think about bringing high quality To make trans-generational transfer of wealth in his welcome address espoused that Aba was a and a robust economy for Anambra, said 80-90 people to manage any business. When you are sustainable, Ikpeazu implored parents to concentrate test case and model for progressive development. per cent of all the corporations globally were bringing investors into your business, they will more on the education of their children instead Mr. Hart attributed the collapse of businesses family owned businesses which he said contributed look at your purse with appropriate accounting of placing priority on their children getting quick in Enyimba City to the refusal of businesses to 70 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). and audit. People should be properly mentored wealth. He advocated apprenticeship as a condition accept entities, nepotism and lack of structure. Aba footwear which he compared to be of high and trained, everything I do goes through proper for going into business, noting that it was a long “Aba is a renowned business and entrepreneur- quality to the ones produced in Vietnam can turn process.” tested and proven business model. ship centre of West Africa, the city is renowned around the economy of Abia State in particular President/Founder of the Cosharis Group, Dr. He told the story of Cosmos Maduka who globally. Aba is a test case and model for progressive and Nigeria in general. He said Vietnam makes Cosmos Maduka, who gave a moving presentation started as an apprentice and later became a development. But I know that if you ask anybody 140 billion annually from exporting footwear. about his growing up, said though his education billionaire. Apprenticeship system, to Ikpeazu, in this hall today about the businesses that they “Aba is known for footwear, clothing and for stopped at Form three he took to apprenticeship among other things, teaches procurement, used to know 10 years ago, 20 years ago, five everything. We didn’t do the right thing that at a very young age to improve on his God-given alternatives, packaging and repackaging, times years ago, regrettably, that business is a shadow is why we are where we are today. No proper talents. He called on young people to change and seasons, storage, warehousing, other peoples’ of itself. That phenomenon has to stop and that is mentorship within the family in sustaining family their mental attitude to life, noting that every money, ethics of business, group support, how why we are here today. With all the technological businesses, no proper corporate governance, problem is a business. to save money, corporate social responsibility prowess of Aba, with all the popularity of Aba, no company in Aba is listed on Nigeria Stock Maduka, who is a Forbes-listed businessman, and personal projects. why is there no company listed on the Nigeria Exchange. Businesses do well when subjected disclosed that he started business with only N200, Ikpeazu who inherited a peaceful and stable state Stock Exchange? He asked. to the rigours of proper corporate governance,” adding that nothing on the face of the earth would in 2015 from his predecessor, Senator Theodore “, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu, Obi said. change a man with the right mental attitude. Orji representing Abia Central at the National has done so much in ensuring that Aba regains its “Government has a share of the blame too. “Young people should have vision for their Assembly, acknowledged that the youths were pride of place as the preferred business destination They don’t have fiscal and monetary policies to lives and for where they want to go. My mother desirous of learning good trade. According to East of the Niger through massive infrastructural support businesses, they are not keen to support discovered my entrepreneurial capabilities. The him, less than 24 hours after he enrolled for a mitigation of this city. No administration in the businesses, they killed more businesses and even young generation has been spoiled and none of leather academy in Aba, over 2,000 young people history of Abia State has done the infrastructures killed what we produced. Ninety per cent of them want to take responsibility. Please, don’t indicated interest in the same academy. He said that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu executed in Abia State. the problem of Nigeria is caused by politicians, cancel the partnership. Apprenticeship is another learning how to make shoes would add to his To put Aba back on the map, he has opened government failing to support businesses. No bank thing that helped me. Every problem is a business. various educational qualifications which he up the city and marketing of the made-in-Aba today is doing lending, they are doing brokerage. Successful people are between the ages of 12 and acquired over the years. products which are sold globally. Since he became Politicians should swallow their pride and do 28. Many people are occupied with things that The panel session anchored by development governor, everything he puts on is made-in-Aba. the right thing because if we fail, society will are not profitable with their mind. If we build a expert, Nana Nwachukwu, featured Ide John He is a complete representation of the enterprise come back to swallow us.” strong economic force, we will not be depending Udeagbala, Darl Uzu, Mrs. Stella Igbokwe, Arnold of the Abia people.” Prof. Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy on the government so much. Jackson, Ikenna Ogbudimkpa, Daniel Chinagozi President, ACCIMA, Sir Lawrence Obetta and and management expert, said that there was a and others. THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 21 FEATURES How Young Professionals can Define, Communicate Purpose Funmilayo Falola t’s official. A whopping 85 per cent of employees world- wide are actively disengaged from the work they do. The financial implication of this Idisengagement on organisations is $7 trillion lost in productivity. Workplace disengagement is often caused by a host of factors such as poor pay, bad managers and toxic work cultures. But interestingly, researchers also find that young professionals are mostly productive when the work they do aligns with their purpose. This implies career fulfilment goes beyond a monthly paycheck. It requires making a tangible difference in a world seemingly pregnant with problems waiting to be solved. What’s Your Purpose? Nigeria is currently grappling with a ‘take what you get’ situation in the job market. This is fuelled by the staggering unemployment rate, which Statista projects will hit 32.5 per cent before the close of this year. This dire statistic obviously breeds bankers, architects, communication specialists, financial planners and other professionals practising their craft just to pay the bills. But sooner or later, they are unable to sustain this mismatch, flounder to keep their jobs or resort to an unending cycle of job-hopping. This doesn’t have to be. Civil rights activist, writer and poet Maya Angelou did say, “You can only become truly ac- complished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes Falola off of you.” I can attest to this on a personal Drexel University in Philadelphia. connections and entire digital and unparalleled success.” level. My bachelor’s degree pre- She has Purple Hibiscus, Half of footprint remain consistent with Count me in. One of my goals pared me for a career as a Political a Yellow Sun, Americanah and a our purpose. is to tour the world one country Scientist. But I made the switch MacArthur Fellowship to show for Google’s ‘people card’ helps at a time during vacations. to Marketing, having found my it. put your best foot forward in But to achieve that, I need to calling working as a rookie PR Popular businesswoman Folorun- cyberspace. All you need do is keep my spending in check and executive right out of university. so Alakija is number 20 on the list sign-in to your Google account, stay on point with savings and Eighteen years later, I’m still glad of Africa’s billionaires for 2020. search for ‘edit my people card’ investments. Thankfully, I found I made that switch. I’m a Brand She struck oil wealth as a Joint and input relevant information my organisation’s digital value and Marketing Communication Venture Partner with Star Deep such as your name, profile picture, proposition a handy tool. Strategist and I love my job. I help Water Petroleum Limited. Before career summary, website and ALAT by Wema is designed to tell the story of my organization that, she left a 12-year career in more. Voila! This information pops help young professionals achieve in impactful ways that resonate banking to start her fashion label, up when your name is typed into their personal and financial goals with our target audience, convert- Rose of Sharon, which shot her Google search, helping you begin without ridiculous fees, low- ing them to loyal customers. Have into the limelight as a trustee of the process of communicating your interest rates and other hassles you found yours? fashion and style. This set the purpose. associated with more conventional stage for her renown as an oil I can’t emphasise enough why banking. Defining Your Purpose industry magnate. every young professional should One of the app’s features I find Purpose is not necessarily the These professionals are drawn be visible on LinkedIn. The B2B most captivating is the Savings skill set that keeps you employed. from different fields, but their platform boasts 60.1 per cent of Goals which gives anybody, ir- After all, it’s possible for anyone commonality lies in discovering users between 25 and 34 years old respective of income, the ability to pick up a skill through active or their purpose and using it to for a reason. It’s where one’s pur- to take control of their earnings passive learning. You’ll know your make a tangible difference in their pose can be discovered, nurtured, if they choose. With this feature, purpose when you find it. It feels respective spheres. communicated and celebrated. But, it becomes less hassling to set a natural, leaves you unfulfilled of course, this depends on the goal for your savings, and then until you exploit it, and ultimately Communicating Your Purpose quality of connections fostered and depending on your threshold enriches other people’s lives. There’s no justifiable excuse the frequency of engagement. for delayed gratification, see an Take the world’s richest man Jeff for obscurity in this digital age. Soft reminder: prospective improvement in your financial Bezos, for example. He discovered An estimated 4.66 billion people employers or clients often check stability. his purpose twice! While studying use the internet. This presents a your digital footprint to confirm for his degree at Princeton in level playing field for everyone to your legitimacy for work or Next Steps the 80’s, he substituted Physics communicate tons of purpose in a business-related engagements. Be Every young Nigerian profes- with Electrical Engineering and flash and be recognised for it. sure your digital story aligns with sional has an estimated 60 per cent Computer Science. Years later, he Nowadays, forward-looking your purpose. of the population to contend with again left his Hedge Fund career young professionals have little in the struggle for differentiation. on Wall Street to found Amazon in time for idle chit chats on social Tying it All Together It’s a tough call to make in a sea the far-flung e-Commerce industry. media when there’s so much value As a relatively young profes- of unemployment, business and We all know how that turned out. to be communicated. In integrated sional, I need tangible benefits to regulatory hurdles. But the fact Chimamanda Adichie did not marketing communications, look drive my purpose. How relevant is is, those who define and commu- start out with a pen. She only and feel, tonality and messaging the purpose, really, if it can’t help nicate their purpose will always discovered her passion for writing must be consistent for a brand to you actualize your measurable life stand out. one and half years after studying stand out from the competition. goals? Brian Tracy says it all. Goal Medicine and Pharmacy. Thereaf- By the same token, we best com- setting “remains one of the first ... Falola is the Head, Marketing, ter, she switched to Communica- municate our differentiation from steps you’ll take in your journey Corporate Communications and tions and Political Science at the crowd if our likes, shares, toward finding your true calling Investor Relations at Wema Bank. 22 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 23

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08024557078 RATES AS AT JUNE 4, 2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT 15.25 CALL 14.50 INDEX LEVEL 515.94% 1/4 TO DATE -7.674% N410.75/1US DOLLAR* OBB 15 1-MONTH 16 1-DAY 0.99% YEAR TO DATE - 23.03% ̩   3-MONTH 17 MONTH-TO-DATE 1.52% Quick Takes Zagus Power Introduces ‘Zektron’ Zagus Power Systems Limited, a Lagos-based power solutions provider has introduced Zektron, a Turkish manufactured brand of Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR), Smart Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and renewable energy systems to provide power. The solution is geared toward eliminating epileptic power supply in the Nigerian. The Zektron, according to Zagus Power Systems, is aimed at providing the very best of power solutions to organisations in the telecommunications, manufacturing, hospitality, private and government sectors among others in the country. It described Zektron as a globally recognised brand of UPS and cutting-edge distortion-free AVR that gives perfectly stable power output even under severe conditions of unbalanced voltage which prevents businesses from experiencing breakdown in product and service delivery processes. Since the introduction of Zektron in Nigeria, Zektron has been deploying high-end power solution product, tried and tested, to improve power efficiency in homes and businesses in Nigeria which includes UPS, power inverter and batteries as well as renewable energy systems and accessories. The firm ensures that homes and businesses access efficient and regular power supply that is safe, regulated and uninterrupted for UNVEILING NEW ICAN PRESIDENT effective service and product delivery. L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Ahmed Kumshe; President, Comfort Olajumoke Eyitayo; and immediate past President, Onome The Sales Director at Zagus Power Systems Limited, Ken Ezeagu, said Joy Adewuyi, during the investiture of Eyitayo as 57th president of the institute in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN in a statement that the company with over five years’ experience in the industry, has well trained engineers who carry out project assessment to ascertain the power needs of clients while providing the most valuable recommendations that will meet and surpass such needs. NAICOM Eyes N1.5tn Leadway Health Partners Lagos, REPPLAW Health insurance provider, Leadway Health is partnering the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and REPPLAW Blood Donors Club on a blood donation drive initiative in commemoration of this year’s Insurance Sector Premium World Blood Donor Day. The two-day blood donation exercise is scheduled to commence from June 15 to June 16, 2021, at Leadway’s Ebere Nwoji INSURANCE launched the market development and Key deliverables,” Salami, head office in Lagos. medium term plan in 2009, the presented a paper titled: “Market Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Health, Dr Tokunbo Alli, said the The National Insurance Commis- target was to grow the approxi- Development Drives of the Com- initiative is in alignment with the 2021 theme of the World Blood Donor sion (NAICOM) has said it will premium income to a N1 trillion mately 800,000 number of insured mission, Actions and Prospects.” Day: “Give blood and keep the world beating,” to raise awareness of embark on a market development market by 2009. Nigerians as at that time to 24 He said the commission had the critical need to provide safe blood through unpaid and voluntary drive that will enable it achieve The initiative was also targeted million by 2016, and to further planned to launch the second blood donors to the nation’s healthcare system. N1.5 trillion annual premium at creating 50,000 jobs through the grow the number to 42 million phase of the market drive and Alli, stated that research by the World Health Organisation on the income for the insurance sector. insurance agency system, fight by 2020, while achieving N1 development initiative with the Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on blood supply and demand in the In addition, the industry against fake insurance institu- trillion Gross Written Premium. aim of raising the industry’s WHO African Region posits that the number of blood donations has regulator said it is targeting a tions and enforce compulsory He said currently, NAICOM premium from the current level dropped in 32 countries. 10 per cent insurance penetration insurance. has grown the number of indi- of N520 billion Gross Written According to him, Nigeria recorded a 37.8 per cent decrease in blood as well as 10 per cent insurance Though the Commission has viduals with insurance policies to premium to N1.5 trillion Gross donation between June 2019 and June 2020. density by 2023. not been able to achieve the N1 1,034,383; corporate organisation Written Premium as well as to He said this sad reality calls, “for an immediate response from the Presently, the industry’s annual trillion annual premium income insured by the industry at present increase insurance density to 10 government, the national health authorities, corporate organisations, premium is N520 billion, with margin, the initiative has brought stands at 891,128. per cent. under which Leadway Health and other socially responsible penetration less than one per cent about a lot of positive changes to This brings the total number of He said to achieve the above organisations are primed and proud to respond and, most importantly, while insurance density is less the industry, prompting NAICOM both corporate and individuals target, the commission had set well-meaning individuals towards the wellbeing of every member than three per cent. to propose to launch second phase with insurance cover to 1,925,511 four strategic themes which of the society.” Irked by the poor performance of the initiative. He said insurance penetration centered on increased insurance “The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who of the sector, the Commission had Speaking at the 2021 media as at December 2020, stood at 0.72 awareness and education, stake- need it is not. With this collaboration, we are optimistic that unpaid before now launched a medium retreat organised by the Com- per cent while Gross Premium holders’ grooming/partnership, and voluntary donors will come out in their numbers to donate blood, term market development plan mission for journalists in Lagos, Written stood at N520 billion. high impact media productions show care, and contribute to better health which is a key driver for tagged: ‘Market Development and NAICOM’s Head, Corporate At the media retreat with the and social/ digital transformation us at Leadway Health”, he said. Restructuring Initiative,’ (MDRI) Communications and Market theme: “National Insurance Com- of the Commission. whose objective was to transform Development, Salami Rasaaq, mission Corporate Strategic Plan Google to Change Advertising Practices the industry from N200 billion recalled that when the regulator 2020 to 2023: Goals, Objectives Continued on page 25 Google has said it would make changes to its global advertising business to ensure it did not abuse its dominance, bowing to antitrust pressure for the first time in a landmark settlement with French authorities. The deal with the French competition watchdog could help rebalance ‘Stock Market Resilient to Survive the power over advertising in favour of publishers, which held sway over the business in the pre-internet era but lost control with the rapid rise of Google and Facebook. Economic Upheavals According to Reuters, the settlement, announced on Monday and included a fine on of 220 million euros ($268 million), was the first Goddy Egene the ASHON boss said FPIs are was a great delight to securities time the US tech giant had agreed to make changes to its ads business, CAPITAL MARKET highly sensitive investors. dealers. It was long expected which brings in the bulk of its revenue. The nation’s stock market will “They react to little negatives and our members have eagerly remain resilient to survive the it would come out strong. not to talk of when mainstream expected this transition and have current upheavals in the economy “The stock market could be media give subtle hints of in- expectations. We expect to reap as well as the security challenges, said to have become resilient to security in the land by various the benefits of shareholding in the Chairman, Securities Dealing upheavals in the economy but scary headlines. a fledging exchange, one of the “This is about creating a Houses Association of Nigeria with the heightened insecurity, we “The penchant for policy best in Africa,” he said. single market for made in (ASHON), Chief Onyenwe- want to believe that the market somersaults and arbitrariness of He explained that the demu- Africa goods and services chukwu Ezeagu, has said. will survive given that opinion actions by the authorities do not tualisation meant that securities and it will also provide the The economy has been leaders have continually advised give impetus to the attraction of dealing firms had transformed structure for making that trade experiencing a fragile growth, the actors to jaw-jaw rather than FPIs,” he said. from being dealing members happen, provide mechanism which is being threatened by the war-war. We all need to tone On the demutualisation of the firms to shareholders and/or for resolving disputes and heightened insecurity across the down our words and actions for Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), trading license holders. managing injurious trade country. However, speaking on our country to avert catastrophe he said it was a great delight to “We have local investors who the impact of this development and ensure that our economy is securities dealers in the market are well informed about the practices.” on the stock market, Ezeagu said sustained,” he said. because it was long expected. changes. But we still need to despite the challenges, the market Speaking on the reduction in “The successful completion SSA to the President on AfCFTA, should remain attractive because foreign portfolio investors (FPI), of the demutualisation process Continued on page 25 Francis Anatogu 24 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

NAICOM EYES N1.5TN INSURANCE SECTOR PREMIUM FMDQ Commends CBN for Restoring Under its awareness and education theme, Salami, said the Commission was targeting Transparency in FX Market partnerships with government at all levels, including the small, Goddy Egene towards delivering a thriving FX the Nigerian FX market. of 6,733 trades in January to According to him, as Africa’s medium businesses’ regulatory market that is well-positioned to To this end, the FMDQ CEO April, to 6,949 trades in May. first vertically integrated financial agency. The Chief Executive Of- support the Nigerian economy.” said the implementation of market “The renewed confidence and market infrastructure (FMI) He said through the partner- ficer, FMDQ Group, Mr. According to him, addressing initiatives have seen a significant depth in the FX market will group and a one-stop platform ship, the Commission and the Bola Onadele. Koko, has the market, the CBN Governor, increase in the turnover recorded improve the attractiveness of to commence and end all financial industry players would be able hailed the Central Bank of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had in the FX market, from an average the Nigerian market to foreign market transactions in a seamless, to promote micro insurance and Nigeria (CBN) for activat- emphasised the importance of a monthly turnover recorded in portfolio investors and also pave timely and cost-efficient manner, Takaful insurance while enforcing ing the on-system trading transparent and credible FX mar- January to April 2021 at $1.30 the way for the introduction of FMDQ Group remains positioned compulsory insurances across and reporting of foreign ket, and had reiterated the CBN’s billion, compared to May 2021 new derivatives products on to collaboratively work with mar- the country. exchange (FX) transactions commitment to implementing with $2.52 billion turnover FMDQ’s platform to support ket stakeholders in developing He said partnership with on the FMDQ-advised System. market-enhancing initiatives recorded, whilst the number hedging of risk exposures by the Nigerian markets through joint stakeholders would see The CBN in line with its desire required to inspire confidence of executed trades rose from both local and foreign market innovative and value-adding the commission launch joint for a more liquid market, last towards sustaining and deepening an average monthly number stakeholders,” he said. solutions. implementation programme month, took a remarkable step with Police, FRSC, Ministry of in increasing transparency by Justice, including mobile courts, activating the on-system trading MDAs at all levels. and reporting of FX transactions He said it would also see the on the FMDQ-advised System. Commission launch insurance The move was supported by stakeholders’ forum and town the adoption of NAFEX as the hall meetings, insurance industry benchmark rate for the public sec- thought leadership series and tor foreign currency-denominated build massive media campaign transactions. around such activities. Commenting on this develop- He said under its high ment, Onadele said: “FMDQ impact media productions, the is excited at the introduction of Commission intends to launch market-building initiatives by a multi-media production/ the CBN to ensure the further campaign using both new media development of the FX market, and traditional media, massive in recognition that a liquid, production and translations in transparent and credible FX local languages and deploy the market is a major precursor for media usage across the country. increased inflows into the Nigerian financial market. ‘STOCK MARKET “FMDQ remains committed to RESILIENT TO SURVIVE institutionalising structures - ef- KNOWLEDGE-SHARING FORUM ECONOMIC UPHEAVALS ficient processes, systems, etc., in L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Fifth Gear Plus, Niyi Adesanya; Co-Host, Your View, Tope Mark-Odigie; Chief Executive Officer, HostNowNow, Em- guide them to follow the conse- collaboration with market stake- manuel Osubu; and Permanent Board member, Basic Education Quality Assurance, Universal Basic Education Board, Lagos State, Dayo Israel, quential changes that may follow holders, to support initiatives during the Leverage 3.0 Symposium with theme, ‘Take The Lead’ in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT the exchange’s new orientation towards profit making,” he said. Following the demutualisation, the NSE transitioned to Nigerian Linkage Assurance Optimistic about Recapitalisation Exchange (NGX) Group with three subsidiaries. At the formal Ebere Nwoji up again.” insurance market.” continue to develop innovative growing by 102 per cent, from launch of the new entity last Fumudoh, who gave the Also speaking, the Managing products, alternative channels of N0.4 billion in 2019, to N0.8 bil- month, the Group Managing The Chairman Linkage Assur- assurance at the 27 the Annual Director of the company, Mr. distribution, and strategic initiatives lion at the end of 2020. Similarly, Director/Chief Executive Officer, ance, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, General Meeting of the company Daniel Braie, while responding to that would enable the management its profit before tax during the NGX Group Plc, Mr. Oscar has assured the company’s held recently in Lagos, also spoke shareholders’ questions, explained achieve the corporate goal and period under review was N2.5 Onyema, had said they had a shareholders that the board and on the future of the company, that the company will continue objectives. billion, compared to N1.3 billion vision to be the premier exchange management has put in place saying, “As we gradually com- to redefine its strategies to ensure Linkage Assurance in its full year in 2019. This represented an 89 hub for Nigerian businesses and strategies to ensure that it beat mence recovery from the effects better performance and increased 2020 financial results recorded gross per cent year-on-year growth, for the wider African economy the industry recapitalisation. of the global Covid-19 pandemic, value for the shareholders. written premium of N8.3 billion, an while profit after tax was N2.4 building on the strong reputation According to him, given the we will tread cautiously into the “We will continue to refine increase of 28 per cent year-on-year billion, increasing by 65 per cent and corporate governance the performance in 2020, and the year 2021 in our risk acceptance our strategy in line with the from N6.5 billion in 2019, while from N1.5 billion in 2019. NSE had established over the capitalisation of N2 billion at and operations, in line with our political, economic, sociological, total assets also rose by 18 per Reacting to the performance, years. the Annual General Meeting strategic roadmap. and technology changes in the cent year-on-year in 2020, to N33.9 shareholders of the company, “As we march bravely into of the company held recently “We shall continue the industry, particularly with impact billion, compared to N28.7 billion in commended the board and the NGX era, we look forward in Lagos, “we are sure we will repositioning strategy aimed at of the Covid-19 pandemic on the 2019. The company also witnessed management for the 2020 positive to impact creating partnerships deliver the company when the transforming your company to that business landscape,” he added. significant improvement in other performance despite challenges that will unlock value for our recapitalisation exercise is called desired position in the Nigerian He said the company would indices, with underwriting profit posed by Covid-19 pandemic. stakeholders, whilst improv- ing the state of the Nigerian economy. FG Pledges Support for Eko Refinery Peter Uzoho for energy self-sufficiency. The companies for them to tender Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho think-tank. refinery sited at the Tomaro Island for the contract. A delegation (rtd) for leading the company to “And with all these, will The federal government has Port, in Amuwo-Odofin Local from the Ministry of Petroleum embark on such high value appreciate what you are doing restated its commitment to Government Area of Lagos State, Resources that were at the re- investment. here; and like I’ve always said, assist the management of Eko is estimated to cost over $200 finery complex on an inspection Busari said: “I want to anybody doing business in a legal

Petrochemical and Refining million and has already gulped visit recently, led by the Director, commend him for this way should be appreciated by Company, a subsidiary of $20 million so far, according to Upstream, Ministry of Petroleum, meticulous planning. That’s government. May be because Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, the company. Mr. Kamoru Busari, said the one. The organisation you I’m an engineer, but when I see to ensure successful execution The project is currently at the government was determined have on ground shows that somebody trying to do this kind of the company’s 20,000 barrels financing stage and the company to lending its support for the you will succeed because of thing in this country as at per day modular refinery. is currently in talk with potential project to come to life. you have the best profes- this time, I think the best way to Group Business Editor Obinna Chima It described the project as world-class Engineering, Procure- Busari commended the sionals from which you get encourage him is to appreciate critical in the nation’s push ment and Construction (EPC) Chairman of Integrated Oil and advice and you have a good his effort.” Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Wabote Urges New OGTAN Leadership to Explore Niche Areas Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A statement by the board, stated According to him, one of the focus We want information on those 20 percent to soft skills and other that the NCDMB helmsman areas should be the categorisation types of trainings where there is general areas. Senior Correspondent The Executive Secretary, spoke when he received the of members according to their 60 percent assurance of jobs in Earlier in his comments, the ËÒÏÏ×ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß(Advertis- ing) Nigerian Content Develop- new executive of OGTAN led by capacities and certifications. the oil and gas industry,” he said. new OGTAN president explained Correspondents ment and Monitoring Board the President, Chief Sam Onyechi He said the exercise was a He explained that NCDMB’s that the purpose of the visit was Chinedu Eze (Aviation) (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, at the board’s headquarters in precondition for the board to strategy for capacity building to introduce the new executive ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏÌÓÙÎßØ(Maritime) has urged the new leadership Yenagoa, . consider making it mandatory was hinged on the 60-20-20 of the association to the NCDMB Ë×ÏÝ×ÏÔÙ(Finance) of the Oil and Gas Trainers As- He acknowledged that the for companies that seek to offer principle, whereby 60 per cent management. Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) sociation of Nigeria (OGTAN) oil industry trainers’ body training services in the oil and gas of training programmes and He stated that OGTAN has Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) to embark on categorisation recorded significant achievements industry to belong to OGTAN. budget is dedicated to skills sets embarked on strategic transforma- of members’ capabilities and under the outgone President, Dr. “OGTAN should conduct that guarantee employment in tion anchored on categorisation, Reporters ÙÝËÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ(ICT) identify niche areas in the oil Mayowa Afe and challenged the gap analysis in the industry and the oil industry; 20 percent for certification, compliance, collabora- Peter Uzoho (Energy) and gas industry with high new leadership on continuous come up with the niche areas. It the improvement of the skills of tion, competence, curriculum, and employment opportunities. improvements and new goals. is your competitive advantage. persons already employed, and cost competitiveness. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 25

    

Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success

Alim Abubakre rest of the weeks. It will set the pace for the rest of the executive development weeks and sessions with You may already be a great leader, guiding a him and other facilitators. The topics that will be great team, working towards achieving all your discussed include: ‘From functional to Operational organisational goals and beating the ever-growing Leadership: Thriving not Striving’; and ‘My Impact: competition. However, note that leading through how to be a leader whom people will follow.’ a crisis that has turned to be a global pandemic is Week Two will run from Monday, June 21st to possibly something you do not have prior experience June 26th, including a two hour live session delivered on how to sail through it. by Prof. John Peters. An average of one hour per Remember also that dealing with pandemics day of exciting videos, case studies, activities will that disrupt organisational activities was never a run from June 14th to June 18th, designed and topic or part of the syllabus back in school. So, delivered by Delves. You’ll have an opportunity what does this mean? Well, you have to learn how to hear from and engage with world-renowned to minimise the effects and turn these challenges Peters, Royal Air Force Fighter, Former Prisoner of into opportunities and win. War and Previous Chair of Association of MBAs. As a leader, you must be well conversant with Together with him, you’ll learn critical insights the challenges that the COVID 19 pandemic has on the very vital areas of: ‘Ethical Leadership had on organisations. It doesn’t matter whether you for sustainable success’; ‘How to be emotionally are running a small, medium or large organisation. intelligent and why it makes a difference’, and The effects of the crisis have hit every sector, and ‘Why being an authentic leader is both effective everyone has been affected directly or indirectly and successful.’ The third week will run from July in many ways. Sadly, many organisations that 28th to July 3rd. It will be Prof. John Buck’s second previously were doing well and scaling the heights live session with you on July 3rd. Throughout of success have come down crumbling. Others are the week, through self-study and during the live struggling to recover, and some might never exist session, you will have an opportunity to participate again. If you are lucky to be still running your in discussions about the following essential areas organisation, then you need to work harder to as an organisational leader: Handling other people; bring it back to its past performance level. How to resolve conflict and aid optimal performance; Under these extraordinary and unprecedented Influencing and negotiating for sustainable success; times, you need to learn how to come up with Organisational Politics: what they are and how to viable strategies, how to keep your team working manage them Also, Week Four will run from July even if it’s from home, how to keep things going 5th to July 10th. You will enjoy series of sessions under the new normal and most importantly, how to about the hot topic of goals via an average of an guide the change process as a leader. You, however, hour of self-study and a live session on July 17th. need encouragement and support to be able to do Every organisation has goals, but how many do all these activities as a leader. achieve them both in the short and long term? Alone, you might be overwhelmed, but with Well, prepare to hear about and ask questions the guidance and support of experts, things can about: Goal setting and scoring; Leadership for be pretty easier than you ever thought. effective and efficient achievement of goals; and To help you improve your leadership qualities Leading high-performance teams. and be an effective person as you steer your The fifth week of the programme will run from organisation through the current crisis, TEXEM July 12th to July 17th. It will be another session to has organised a program for you. The executive self-study for an average of an hour every week development programme is dubbed: “Effective and engage with, learn with and ask General Leadership for Sustainable Success,” and will go Nick Parker any questions you may have about on for a couple of weeks starting June 12th, all motivation during the two-hour live session on the way to August 3rd 2021. July 24th. As a leader, you must be aware of what As a leading consulting firm that provides learning motivation does when it is done correctly and platforms for executives and organisational leaders succeeds in inspiring your workforce to improve in Africa, TEXEM, UK, has lined up prominent their productivity. The topics of the session will and world-renowned scholars, business leaders be: Motivation and Engagement; the importance and iconic professionals to help steer you through of motivation and values for teams; and Team the programme. Several activities have been put engagement: the secret of successful teams. on the list, and facilitators have confirmed their Also, week six will run from July 19th to July 24th. presence and readiness to guide and coach you It will be one of those sessions that seeks to explore to become a more effective leader. all you ever wanted to learn about transformation. You’ll be one when you finally learn and master the You will once again have an opportunity to learn art of managing your organisation, your employees, for an hour every day from materials designed and your general working environment with a by Delves and an illustrious professional on July focus on the long-term (sustainable) goals in mind. 24th, during the two-hour live sessions. And it Even when the future seems unpredictable for would be a wrap on the July 24th. now, there is a lot that you can do to make sure that your organisation survives the pandemic, Benefits recovers and thrives in the future. So what is As a well-organised programme facilitated by planned for you during the programme? There some of the best leadership and sustainable success is a lot as detailed here: experts, the programme has many benefits for you. First, you will have an induction on Saturday, You will get useful tips on how to manage office June 12th. You will then immediately open up the politics for success, how to resolve conflict, how series of learnings with the hot topic of why it is to build trust for progress, how to transition from vital to invest in your leadership quotient facilitated functional to successful organisational leadership. by world-leading faculties. Most importantly, upon completion of this The first week of an average of one hour per programme, you would learn how to implement day of exciting videos, case studies, activities will efficient and effective leadership insights to achieve run from June 14th to June 18th, designed and both your short-term and long-term organisational delivered by Prof. Roger Delves, culminating in a goals. Without a doubt, you have all the right live session on Saturday, June 19th with Dr Tony reasons to attend the programme. You have the Raven. option to attend alone or organise your team so He is a Professor of Practice in Leadership and that all leaders at various levels in your organisation Associate Dean Ashridge Executive Education at can attend the programme. Hult International Business School. He comes with It is, in fact, good when your whole leadership a wealth of experience in leadership. So, expect team undergoes training as one. It will be easy for a lively and well-planned session blended with you to implement what you learnt as a team, and various learning activities to start you well and the impact will be evident quicker than when one prepare you for the forthcoming sessions for the person takes charge. 26 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021

BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE Nyong: Audacity of Enterprise Charles Odibo required prospective home owners to pay in full. But Richard Nyong is not all about building So in 2012, he moved from land sales and formed a multi-billion Naira business empire, but also BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), is a concept Lekki Gardens with a clear mission of, “Luxury realises that true wealth lies not in the pocket developed in the ninety’s business bestseller Built you can afford,” and created very flexible payment but in the heart. This he has done consistently to Last, by legendary Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. plans spanning up to 36 months. but it was made more eloquent in the dark days A BHAG (pronounced “Bee Hag”) is a powerful Little wonder, between 2012 to date his company of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when many way to stimulate progress. A BHAG is clear and has developed and sold over 15,000 housing units families became hard-hit. compelling, needing little explanation; people get across Lagos, Abuja, Ogun and Port Harcourt, and He quickly recognised the need for the business it right away. The authors cited the NASA moon still counting. community and persons of means to better support mission of the 1960s and Boeing’s venture into Today, staggered payment plan for home vulnerable populations in an emergency period commercial aircraft manufacture in the 50s as some acquisition is the minimum offering in the industry. like the lockdown. He therefore led his company to iconic examples of BHAG. With clarity of purpose and sheer consistency, touch the lives of communities where the company’s The best BHAGs, they insist, require both building he defined his property development company estates were located across Lagos and the Federal for the long term and, “exuding a relentless sense as one with strong leaning for selling to clients Capital Territory. of urgency.” both to close the housing deficit but also with an In his words, “consistent with our DNA we What do we need to do today, with monomaniacal investment focus. activated our robust contribution and response to focus, and tomorrow, and the next day, to defy the From the set go he desired to become a premier provide the much needed support to over 1000 probabilities and ultimately achieve our BHAG?, Pan African Property Investment Company focused families in communities where some of our estates they ask. on finding, owning, developing and selling best real are located in parts of Lagos State, by supplying Enter Richard Nyong, CEO of Lekki Gardens estate investment deals and offerings with emphasis them essential food materials. Estate; founder of Foreshore Waters Limited; Horizon in residential real estate opportunities that can be “At an average of four persons per household Estates, Port Harcourt Gardens, Ikoyi Gardens, sold to middle class and the upwardly mobile. we are actually supporting and touching the lives and Life Camp Paradise, Abuja, amongst many Presently, Nyong is also re-defining the luxury of over 4000 persons across the communities in other real estate franchises, who turned 40 on home ownership market in upscale locations in this our modest intervention. So whatever it will Friday, May 28. Nyong Lagos, especially in Banana Island, Ikoyi with his take for us, within our means, to touch lives at This young and audacious real estate czar was signature 35-storey IME Towers and 28-storey this period, we shall do.” totally unknown in corporate Nigeria 10 years industry. It built the jet and called it the 707. And IME Heights, aptly described as the “the pride Richard has had his fair share of bumps and ago, but in nine short years he has re-written the thus Boeing brought the commercial world into of Banana Island.” upheavals but like all visionary and audacious template and narrative of the nation’s multi-billion the jet age. That was bold and visionary. His real estate business is driven by three core leaders he did not take his eyes off the ball and naira property industry, to the adulation of many This is the audacious path young Richard essentials – an audacious goal; clear mission; and has pulled himself up, made amends and has but scorn of a few, especially competitors, who followed. enduring values continued on his upward trajectory. wonder why it has to be him. Fresh from the University of Port Harcourt where The 10-year goal is to be a Pan African Property If you encounter Richard, three things about Step back and compare Richard’s audacious he studied Economics, he ventured into land sales, Investment brand offering first rate, differentiated, him will strike you: he is kind, firm, and a truly entry, at 31, with no name recognition into the identifying good land deals and matching them multifaceted and sophisticated solutions and of- amazing person. property market then controlled by government and with buyers as a third-party sales consultant. ferings; and a mission to make home ownership Richard also fits Albert Einstein’s saying that “the established corporate giants, with Boeing’s entry in But he found a higher calling and then moved affordable to all. All of these are anchored on the value of a man should be seen in what he gives the 50s into the manufacture of commercial aircraft. up the notch to acquiring plots of his own from core values to build a principle based and exemplary and not in what he is able to receive.” Richard is In 1952, Boeing engineers had the idea to build his commissions. corporate leadership. a man who gives. He gives much to his work, to a large jet aircraft for the commercial market but Yet he saw a bigger opportunity in the na- Richard, a true apostle of Martin Luther King’s his maker and his family, religiously setting aside it virtually had no presence in the commercial tion’s housing deficit, and the impediments to Jnr. “fierce urgency of now” sums up his BHAG one week day, weekly, away from work, for him market and its earlier commercial attempts had home ownership and in 2012 he chose to make thus: “With captivating marketing campaigns, bold and his family to be in God’s presence. been failures. Boeing was building aircraft primarily an audacious move to fill the gap. The nation’s statements and crystal clear results, and a perfect In celebration of a remarkable birthday, this great for the military and so four-fifths of its business home ownership market has never been the same blend of luxury and affordability I made a bold salesman, confidently clothed with the courage of came from one customer—the Air Force. ever since. statement in the sector. his convictions exemplifies brilliance, and inspires Worse still, its sales force reported that commercial Richard put his Economics training to good use “l carved a popular brand mantra “affordable emulation. airlines in both the United States and Europe had and mined data which showed him a screaming luxury” and built over 5,000 housing units of As he turns 40 may his birthday bless him with expressed little interest in the idea of a commercial housing deficit of over 17 million as at 2012, when varying house-types (apartments, maisonettes everything that puts a gigantic smile on his face and jet from Boeing and no other aircraft company it was estimated that Nigeria will require 700,000 and terraces) within the first few years thereby a heart that never stops bursting at its seams with had proved that there was a commercial market houses annually as compared to the less than making homeownership easy and delightful. endless happiness. Thank you for decorating the for jet aircraft. 100,000 that was being constructed at the time These immediate successes not only made my lives of all who have genuinely crossed your path. But Boeing’s management defied the odds and to effectively cater for its people’s housing needs. organisation famous but also opened the floodgate Happy Birthday. committed to the audacious goal of establishing With monomaniacal focus he still saw another of real estate investment in Lagos Island as well itself as a major player in the commercial aircraft gap. The payment plans for home ownership which as in other areas of the country.” t0EJCPXSPUFJOGSPN-BHPT FBNInsurance Posts N9.9bn Profit Ebere Nwoji N116 billion to close at N170 billion as at 31 December 2020.” FBNInsurance Limited, a According to him, this growth subsidiary of Sanlam Emerging was driven by the company’s Markets (Pty), said it grew its investment strategy supported by profit after tax (PAT) by 25 per the increase in premium written cent in the year ended December particularly from retail life and 31,2020, from the N7.9 billion it annuity. recorded in 2019 to N9.9 billion. He added that insurance and The company, announced this investment contract liabilities grew to its shareholders at its 2020 by 58 per cent from N88.4 billion Annual General Meeting held to N139.3 billion in 2020. in Lagos recently. FBNInsurance “We remain adaptable and Managing Director, Val Ojumah responsive to the unfolding trends, said, “the net effect in equity was modifying our plans and operations a growth of 22 percent from N19.5 in a manner that would ensure that billion to N23.8 billion in 2020. The we achieved our strategic objec- company declared and approved tives. “2020 was a challenging year dividend payment of 70 kobo due to the outbreak of the novel per share for the year ended 31 coronavirus, but we witnessed December 2020. an impressive growth along “It is on record that FBNInsur- key metrics and across major ance Limited has consistently paid lines during the financial year,” dividend to its shareholders yearly Ojumah said. Speaking further in the last seven years.” he said the above performance According to Ojumah, the was in line with the company’s company, achieved this despite the corporate strategy. challenging operating environment On the recent divestment made in the country, thus closing the by the company during the year year with positive results and ended 31 December 2020, Ojumah, made prompt claims payment explained that FBN Holdings, to customers. He said further divested its 65 percent equity analysis of the company’s report holding which was acquired showed that the group recorded by Sanlam Emerging Markets an improvement in net premium (Pty) Limited on 1st June 2020. income at eight per cent year-on- According to him, by this year growth from N39.2 billion divestment, Sanlam Emerging to N42.5 billion in 2020. Markets (Pty) Limited now “Total assets of the group has 100 percent equity in FBN increased by 47 per cent from Insurance Limited. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 27

     Alao: SMEs Need Cheap Funding to Grow The Regional Head, North, Transkredit Finance Company Limited, a subsidiary of Norrenberger Financial Group, Mr. Akeem Alao, in this interview speaks on consumer lending and other sundry economic issues. Goddy Egene presents the excerpts: ow will you assess the busi- bedrock of the value propositions, we wish to consumer lending generally and what ness operating environment sell. Our niche is the availability of product strategies should be in place to minimise in the first month of 2021 mix, transparency of processes, social media the negative impact? as it affects the consumer interaction, visibility on various awareness The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak is lending industry? platforms and a full-service offering to causing a widespread concern and economic HThe general consumer is usually low on clients looking for financial support and/ hardship for consumers, businesses, and com- cash based on the yuletide celebrations/ or investment growth. munities around the globe since job losses end of the year festivities from the closing are on the increase and most cannot meet month of 2020. The first quarter of the Since when have you been in the busi- up to their financial obligations. year is always a period of replenishment ness and what value have you added to Every business concern must place emphasis of one’s financial resources based on the your clients? on maximising productivity while limiting aforementioned activities. There has been an We have been in the business for close cost and health risk e.g delivery services, uptake in loan requests based on planned to a year. The key value proposition to our web-based meetings, work flex schedules projects, cash deficiency and need to meet clientele is cross selling of services vis-à-vis for workers etc. Basically, strategies to be urgent cash commitments- school fees, rent, loan creation, loan administration, advisory put in place by consumer lending firms replenishment of provisions et al. However, services (equity and direct investment in a include: flexibility of products; accessibility customers’ access to such financial support client’s business) and a variety of investment to services – web and mobile ; automation will be restricted by capacity and ability to options centred on maximising customer of processes; hybrid of products- investing repay, as post Covid-19 implications - rise returns, which is aid by continuous tech- to obtain a loan; seeking cheaper sources of in inflation and lull in the economy; has nological improvements. funds to facilitate cheaper pricing (bonds, reduced customer’s earning power. equity, foreign direct investment); boutique How do you hope to boost your opera- banking- More IT interface, less physical staff Generally, how will you rate consumer tions going forward? and business partnership with SMEs – profit lending in Nigeria? We are focusing on technology automa- sharing against interest/loan payments. Also We believe it is evolving with fintech a tion. That is to have applications that transparency and professional service delivery prominent feature of the value propositions allow customers to make transactions or must be top notch. posited by various lending houses. The obtain information on a self-service basis 18–45-year demographic especially are in Alao without requiring employee efforts, to use In general terms, what should be done tune with access to various financial options technology to reduce the time employees to deepening consumer lending as a way through mobile apps and USSD supported is the engine room of any economy that spend on finding information; and to use of contributing to the nation’s economy? platforms, which is based on the premise really wants to grow but one of the major automated business rules and decision models New products that are consumer friendly of prompt turnaround time, reduction in challenges is funding. How can consumer to move work more quickly and efficiently should be developed, transparency in our documentation and ease of accessibility. lenders contribute to the growth of SMEs? through processes. We are also focusing process/service delivery must be improved; There is also a growing support for SMES Access to finance is a key constraint to on process improvement which involves Technology must be deepened as soon as with business loans to support short term SME growth, it is one of the most cited continual performance monitoring by having possible which offers virtual service options. goals of these sector, as well as hybrid of obstacles facing SMEs to grow their busi- the right manpower that are professional at There should be improvement in turn-around investment and loan products which will nesses in emerging markets and developing the various positions. There will be increased time(TAT), it should be a matter of minutes and aid a savings culture and give an avenue countries. Accessible and cheap funding is interaction with existing and potential clients not days. There should be support funding/ for a client to tap into a lending phase as required to increase business which will (social media, webinars, sponsored sympo- intervention fund access by finance houses the case arises. improve employment, enhance economic siums) and corporate social responsibility. from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank growth, and reduce poverty rates. Consumer of Industry (BoI) and other government Given the rising inflation that crossed lenders should ensure an availability of How has COVID-19 pandemic impacted development finance institutions. 18 per cent in March 2021, how is this finance options that will be (a) accessible affecting demand for consumer lending? (b) negotiable (c) capacity building (d) offer The effect is twofold. While there is an a myriad of alternative options – purchase increase in requests from both the MSME/ of a stake in a firm, finance of acquisition, retail entities based on need to supplement loan administration etc. working commitments, there is a strain on their capacity to repay based on the uncertainty How has the advent of Fintech affected of how their futuristic cash flows will turn the operations of consumer lenders and out during these uncertain economic times how do you think traditional lenders who (COVID 19 a major factor) and reduction used to render this service, responding in regularity of demand from the lower to this development? income cadre. Salary earners’ purchasing Fintech has pushed consumer lenders to power is also restricted leading to increased evolve, as the retail/MSME/SME market are level of borrowing against the same level inundated with innovations daily tendered of remuneration which is being stretched. to improve access to services with minimum However, consumer lending houses are pushing restrictions. Firms in the consumer lending strategic ways of managing their pricing to space must employ FinTech, or they enter accommodate the market in order not to over business regression, with the millennials and burden clientele’s repayment expectations. the tech savvy generation forming the bulk of potential clientele. What are the major challenges opera- tors in the sector are facing and what What has been the experience of your has been your personal experience? firm and what are you doing differently The challenges include customer’s credit that sets you apart? history, pricing regime to accommodate As a new entrant into the lending space, reduced earning power, stability of client’s the experience of the firm has been illumi- employment status and cannibalisation of nating as we have learned that interaction products. Due to the Covid 19 influenced and receipt of customer feedback forms the economic lull, there was a spo- radic increase in job loss and reduction in income, leading to loan defaults and restructure. Operators have started coming up with stronger mitigants and processes which might be too stringent for the market. Based on our own experiences, we have come up with internal measures which will protect both the firm and the clientele such as insurance cover, flexibility of payment mode and availability of longer loan tenors to accom- modate the client’s stretched cash flows Cybercrime is also on the rise and operators are investing a lot of capital in IT infrastructure to prevent fraud and loss and income.

It is believed that SME 28 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021

     Gashinbaki: Why Nigeria Needs to Build Certified Fraud Examiners’ Capacity The President/Chairman of Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, in this interview speaks on issues surrounding the recent public hearing on the bill for the establishment of the institute which took place last month. Obinna Chima brings the excerpts: hat is the Chartered In- 10 years. stitute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners How will the Institute build capacity about? for EFCC, ICPC, Police, among others The Association of National Regulators and even the people in the forefront WAccountants of Nigeria (ANAN) has been around of the fight against corruption have not been for several years and has succeeded in training able to understand that we need to build capac- over 40,000 professionals but yet it felt that is ity. For instance, if you notice, by legislation, not enough. ANAN being the founder and sole we have the Economic and Financial Crimes promoter of this institute sees the need to have Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt a specialised arm for forensic accounting. The Practices Commission (ICPC), and even the challenge with fraud is that career criminals are police with the prosecuting powers associated always ahead of the regulator and even ahead with anything that has to do with corruption of professionals. That is why we always run but we don’t have a single professional body behind because they understand the system in Nigeria that is chartered and, dedicated for and know the weaknesses in the system. The the purposes of fraud examination and forensic Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified accounting. What we have on the other hand Fraud Examiners will uniquely put on the table is so much money going into prosecution, but something different. It is different from any what about the training and capacity building other law ever passed in this country because of professionals outside that will service both there is no law passed to build capacity in the public and private sector in ensuring that the area of forensics and fraud examination. we root out fraud and criminality? That is Secondly, ANAN has the Nigerian College of where we come in. Accountancy and that college has been upgraded into a university. What we intend to do now is If passed into law, what are the other to create the Nigerian Forensic Academy and benefits of this proposed institute? once the bill becomes law, we will have the This bill, when passed into law, will deal with Academy affiliated to the university to build the banking, insurance, capital market, judiciary capacity of the tertiary institutions. The idea is and even legislative fraud. Let it be clear: EFCC to upgrade it to a regional university in Africa and ICPC are prosecuting agencies. They have because what we are doing has never been prosecuting powers. The Chartered Institute done in Africa. We are combining two great is not a government agency. First, it is not areas - which is the area of fraud examination going to be funded with government’s money. and forensics being fused under one canopy. It is going to be funded by subscriptions and Also, because this body is multi-disciplinary, Gashinbaki activities it will generate from its members. Also, we will have under it diverse professionals: don’t forget that Nigeria has joined the African In forensic architecture, criminology, law, quantum of fraud both in the public and voice because they are in the vanguard of Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the sociology, medicine and so on, to deal with private sector. sharpening development; the Nigerian Medical implication of that is that money laundering, various ramification of fraud and that also Association and Nigerian Society of Engineers tax evasion, trade malpractices and all sorts gives us the scope and competency to deal So, what is the cause of the rivalry (NSE). You will agree with me that the line of inter jurisdictional fraud, organised crime with the broad diversity of our economy and between your institute and ICAN? that they are towing about development and is will double because we now have a huge growing complexities of fraud. It is well known that there is rivalry between not about who does what at that point in time market, and so many things will be liberalised. ICAN and ANAN. But from the ANAN point becaue they must have passed that level. So, So, if there is anytime, Nigeria should take What is the institute seeking to do of view i would not say that it is rivalry. It is for me, we are open to developmental ideas. leadership so that we will become the core differently? rather that ICAN has consistently towed the Surprisingly, even with seeming opposition epicenter that will incubate professionals not The general public usually thinks that ac- line of a monopoly since 1965. They never that ICAN has taken against this institute, you only for the country, but we will export them countants are either fraud examiners or forensic wanted anybody to be in the space of accounting will discover again that we have a lot of ICAN as intellectual capital. This is the time and we experts. That is not true. As accountants, we are and we can see for ourselves that healthy members in the institute and beyond being can do that in the area of fraud prevention mandated to keep and maintain records in a competition is very import. With ANAN coming our members, we also have ICAN members through this institute. We can do that because true and fair manner that is reliable. While the into being about 43 years ago, we have seen on our board. So, sometimes, it bothers me Nigeria is one of the biggest victims of fraud. fraud examiner or forensic accountant looks for that more accountants have been trained. The when you see ICAN talking from both sides So, this institute is uniquely different from the minute details of fraud not just accounts, college (Nigerian College of Accountancy) has of their mouth. I think this is time we should any other body you have currently or any but the diverse ramification of fraud with the been established, now we have the ANAN work together and move the profession up. legislation that is being contemplated in the aim to ultimately find the evidence that will University and also this institute. It is much National Assembly. stand the test of time and nail the suspect. more of the approach while ICAN is of the Don’t you think this rivalry is impeding monopolistic point of view of things; ANAN economic growth? How will the institute assist government How are you going to combat fraud in in our own view is looking at professionalism Like i said earlier, the view point of ICAN recover looted funds? the country? from development point of view. When you has been monopolistic and it is not about This body is going to assist the government Both ANAN and the Institute of Chartered get to a certain level as an organisation, there national development. For example, everybody rather than the government assisting it and the Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) train accountants. is what we called the maturity level. When knows today that if the argument that ICAN reason is very simple. First, the government is Being an accountant gives one an advantage, but you get to that level, it is no longer about should be the only body of accountant had overstretched and the three arms of government other disciplines like law, economics, sociology, training of professionals but about the economy, stood for example, you wouldn’t have the need their capacity to be built and we are psychology and so on are also incorporated development of the country and what is it Nigerian College of accountancy, you wouldn’t going to do that. Our professionals are going into the fraud examination exercise. Forensic that you can contribute to humanity at that have the ANAN University, you wouldn’t even to train judges to understand the depth and is also diverse. While we are using forensic point in time. This is because you would have have this institute which are all creations of technicalities associated with fraud. This is accounting to dig out evidence that will stand surpassed looking at those few people that ANAN. You wouldn’t have a situation today because if they are well trained, it will give the test of trial, forensic science is also used are your members, That is why organisations where the majority of senior staff positions in them a deeper understanding of emerging to get evidence that they use in convicting like the Nigerian Bar Association have strong public sector, especially, are ANAN-trained trends and therefore they will deliver sound criminals. So, I will say while being an ac- accountants. So, regardless of the fact that judgment. Also, the legislators will make sound countant is an added advantage, forensic is they have tried to impede development, laws and we will help law enforcement agencies multi-disciplinary and the reason this bill is I can tell you that Nigerians can see it for build capacity. The importance of this body necessary. themselves that, that path they have towed among the three arms and tiers of government The guarantee of this Chartered Institute wouldn’t have taken us anywhere if they had is so germane that we think the charter will to cage fraud and criminality is that this is only ICAN. Besides that, we have seen that perhaps be the greatest gift the ninth assembly the global best practice. In the US, the most the development path has yielded result in will give to this country. Another aspect is the recognised accounting body is the Certified The general public terms of creating institutions. Over the years, area of recovered loot. We will ensure that Public Accountant (CPA) and of course the ANAN has trained over 40,000 accountants recovered loot is properly accounted for. And globally recognised Associates Chartered Certified usually thinks that and much more would come. It is the same not just accounted for, they are not re-looted Accountants (ACCA). These are two major accountants are either thing with the institute, it came into being as a and reapplied. Another thing Nigeria can do bodies and the extent of their scope of work consequence that Nigeria is spending so much and with the voice of a body like ours is to is to maintain records of accounts that ensure fraud examiners or money in capital flight paying forensic and ensure the speedy recovery of loots because reliability and accuracy for all the stakeholders. forensic experts. That is fraud examiners from Canada, USA and all some of them are still trapped abroad and Therefore, accountants, by doing their job, do not true. As accountants, over Europe. They are paying them in dollars these developed countries are still putting in not necessarily isolate that entity from fraud and pound sterling in millions annually to so many technicalities to delay the return of because criminals are always ahead of regulators we are mandated to keep conduct various assignments just because we those loot to Africa. One of the things we or any system put in place. That is why you and maintain records in don’t have competent-trained professionals must do is to ensure the speedy global action need the special skill of a forensic expert to in the country that will do that. That is why for the return of the loot, maybe with the unravel the fraud. What I can guarantee is a true and fair manner we floated the institute. The institute did not commitment that these loot will be directed that this body will significantly reduce the that is reliable start today. We have been in existence since towards the SDGs. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 29

BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE

South-east: When Silence is No Longer Golden Ike Chioke roundtable discussions across have not come across any these people to save the day different zones. report of a meeting between and give our elders a chance igeria and Ni- Those of us who are in busi- our governors and the leaders for peaceful retirement and geria’s friends ness must also create spaces for of the various separatist groups our young ones a chance to must speak out dialogue across all spheres. If in the region. It is almost chase their dreams. on the height- we do not talk to one another, safe to assume that there has Fellow Nigerians, we all have ened spate of soon enough, we shall be the not been a serious attempt a responsibility to work to- insecurityN in the South-east ones encouraging those who to sit down with them at a wards averting the threatening now before it is too late. What feel cheated by Nigeria to put roundtable. storm. A war does not always started as a flickering candle- a gun to her head. Democracy thrives on end in victory and defeat. It light is quickly snowballing into I am of the candid view dialogue. Our elected leaders ends with fractured lives and a huge forest fire. And if we do however that the South-east must find a way to engage broken dreams. It ends with not act quickly, history will not governors have more work to with different interest groups disruptions and dislocations. be kind to all of us who knew do in the emerging scenario. who have a viewpoint that Nobody wins in the end. We the awesome power of speech Since truth is a critical element might affect the wellbeing will lose families, we will lose but chose silence. Umahi in pursuit of peace and justice, of society no matter how friends, we will lose businesses, The situation in the South- among themselves. Our political tions between the custodians I think that the South-east reactionary they seem. We and the survivors will lose east is worrisome; not just leaders must recognise that of traditional institutions across governors should withdraw into lay avoidable landmines when peace of mind. We all end because of our bitter history as the greatest beneficiaries the regions must be opened the Ime Obi with our aggrieved we ignore the threat such people up as losers! but because no great society of present-day Nigeria, they and sustained. The Emirs must youths for a family meeting. represent and allow their griev- ever stumbles twice over the need Nigeria much more than talk to the Igwes, and the Obas I have followed developments ances to fester into open sores. t$IJPLFJTBOJOWFTUNFOU same stone in their collective the average Nigerian. and our religious leaders must since the current recrudescence It is morning yet on creation CBOLFSBOE$&0PG"GSJOWFTU march to progress. While Ni- All channels of communica- seek intelligent pathways to of self-determination, and I day though. We can still engage 8FTU"GSJDB-JNJUFE geria has weathered the storm in the North-east for years, the threat in the South-east is grounded in a long history of injustice. That is the difference. And we must not gloss over this fact if we want a good understanding of the current problem. Happily, the reality of modern development is that in many interconnected societies, no sub-group ever suffers adversity alone. Misery often seeks new neighbourhoods to occupy. That is why no part of Nigeria can be said to have been completely insulated from the effects of the sustained insurgency and brazen acts of terror in the Northeast in the past decade. Aside from the untold hardships caused by the destruction of lives, livelihoods and physical infrastructure, the very negative sentiments of insurgency has also cost Nigeria and the region even greater losses in local and foreign investment. And no matter how indifferent some Nigerians might feel, we have all been touched in varying degrees by that situation. But a prolonged conflict in the Southeast will cost Nigeria much more. There is no doubt about that. And that is why silence is dangerous now. Indeed, we are in a rare moment in time when only sincere, in-depth, and far-ranging conversations can save the impending storm. This is the time to start the conversations. Our leaders in all spheres of life must begin to talk to one another in a language that will heal the land. Our elected leaders must engage at all levels. The governors from the various regions must wake up to their responsibilities and create robust spaces for meaningful dialogue among themselves. The South must meet the North in a dialogue of logic and reason. The time to show all the wisdom, level-headedness and charisma of statesmen has come. Our governors must rise above pride, prejudice, and personal motivations to meet at the table of unity and peace. They must agree that if Nigeria is to work, every part of the federating unit must be treated with as much weight as the other. The legislators from different regions must commence their own rounds of conversations 30 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021

BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Africa’s Journey towards Energy Transition, Cleaner Environment Hamid Ayodeji writes on efforts to achieve cleaner energy in Africa

ver the last decade, the journey to driving indigenous participation, we have replace fossil fuels with cleaner always been proponents of public-private sustainable energy has been partnerships in accelerating the nation’s goals. moving at glacial speed, but “We have aspired to play an integral role the COVID-19 pandemic has in the building out of the National Gas Onot only accelerated the trend, it’s made it Infrastructure and Pipeline Grid, as evidenced obvious that we weren’t moving fast enough. by our efforts in 2009, post the Nigerian Gas The year 2020 was the proverbial straw Masterplan when we participated in the that broke the camel’s back. Countries and unrealised Calabar- Ajaokuta- Abuja-Kano companies were rushing to cut carbon emissions, (CAAK) line. boost clean energy and transform the way we “We have developed strategic partnerships live; even in the most unlikely quarters, the with both private sector players and the NNPC world is getting behind the energy transition. to bring sustainable solutions to spur the In simple terms, the world energy order, country’s development via our numerous which has been predicated on oil, is fast gas development and distribution projects. changing direction. “We commend the NNPC for spearheading As efforts to combat climate change gather projects that will soften the headwinds oc- momentum, many of the world’s largest casioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic. economies have adopted targets for net-zero We are proud to be active participants in emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. A driving the country’s industrialisation and fundamental question for Africa is, ‘as the actualisation of the Gas Master Plan, which will pressure mounts for regions, countries, and undoubtedly create employment opportunities companies to meet the Paris Agreement targets and ultimately generate as well as enhance on eliminating carbon emissions, where does value for the nation.” the continent stand?’ In Africa, rising incomes, growing popula- Despite net-zero ambitions, the current reality tions and rapid urbanisation will combine to of consumption in Africa is quite different, push electricity demand to at least double begging the question: ‘Is Africa getting left (or possibly triple or more) by 2040. behind in an ever-widening ‘energy divide’? As the continent with the most developing At a time like this, commemorating World countries and a huge energy gap, the transi- Environment day matters more than ever, with tion to cleaner and sustainable energy could this year’s theme: ‘Ecosystem Restoration.’ be nothing short of pivotal in changing the Different sectors and organisations can continent’s narrative and future. play a fundamental role in preserving and Clean energy will give rise to a constellation restoring our ecosystems. Doing so can unlock of bilateral trade relationships, protect the multiple eco-benefits for the world. environment and people, as well as prepare It’s important to note that biodiversity the continent for the future. preservation goes hand in hand with effective Speaking on the importance of gas in Africa’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. energy transition, at the Columbia Global According to the International Energy Agency Energy Summit recently, Vice President, Prof. (IEA), while Africa is home to 17 per cent of Yemi Osinbajo said: “I think gas is really the world’s population, it accounts for only four Tinubu fundamental to anything that would resemble per cent of global power supply investment. a just transition, especially in developing Only half of the continent’s population have supply for the impending Train 7 for a term Rather than blindly following in the footsteps countries, and gas-rich countries in particular. access to electricity and about 80 per cent of of 20 years. of Europe or North Americas, Africa will have I think we need to accept that gas really is companies operating in sub-Saharan Africa Under the terms of the current agreement, to use gas as a necessary bridge from our possibly the most sensible transition fuel that suffer from frequent electricity disruptions. the NAOC Joint Venture (JV) made up of current oil-powered state to a renewable future. we can find.” Many countries still rely on fossil fuels NNPC/NAOC/Oando has a total supply Reiterating the importance of gas in Africa’s The Africa Energy Outlook 2019 has given for their base-load energy supply. Though obligation of 850MMScf for Trains 1–6. energy future, Chief Operating Officer, Oando context to this in its report. It projected that renewable energy is a potential game-changer The JV is specifically responsible for sup- Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Irune, in a the number of people living in Africa’s cities for Africa, given its current needs, it still has plying a Daily Contract Quantity (DCQ) of recent interview with CNN Connecting Africa is expected to increase by 600 million over a long way to go in terms of realisation. 344.6MMscf/d for Trains 1-3 and 505MMscf/d said: “We see gas playing a huge role in the the next two decades. For this reason, while the rest of the world for Trains 4-6, making the NAOC JV the energy mix moving forward, we see gas as the Africa’s overall population is set to exceed is moving forward with renewables, oil will second-largest gas supplier to NLNG. catapult that will certainly move Africa into two billion before 2040, accounting for half still be a crucial part of the continent’s energy In addition to the JV’s current supply to an industrialised phase. “Renewables from a of the global increase over that period. These mix; at least for the next decade. trains 1-6 and under the terms of the second cost perspective present a bit of a challenge profound changes will drive consumer demand In Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most agreement, the JV will be responsible for for the continent; all the same, it’s not taken and increase pressure for the continent’s populous nation, indigenous oil champions supplying a DCQ of 294.7MMScf/d for Train out of the equation it’s certainly something economic growth, infrastructure development like Oando Plc took on the challenge of the 7. Train 7 is expected to come on stream in we’ll continue to look at and invest in but we and, in turn, energy demand, which is projected energy transition decades ago. 2024 and will bring the JV’s total supply see gas being the immediate transition. When to rise 60 per cent to around 1,320 million The company understood that there would obligation to 1.1Bcf. you have a developing country like Nigeria, tonnes of oil equivalent by 2040, based on come a time when fossil fuel would need to The execution of these agreements also gas plays a critical role in moving it from current policies and plans. be replaced by cleaner energy, just as coal effectively monetises ca. 3.3Tcf of gas for where it is today to a first world country.” Africa, therefore, has a unique opportunity was ousted by oil, hence its early foray into the NAOC JV of which 666Bcf will be net For decades, oil price booms and busts to pursue sustainable energy development gas and power. to Oando. have provided shocks to dependent countries to bridge the gap and act as a lever for a At the time, renewables were still rela- Today oil and gas companies, from the like Nigeria, underscoring economic frailties renewable future. tively new and expensive. However, with IOCs to indigenous players like Oando are and the urgent need to develop new sectors According to African Development Bank the realisation that Africa must be a part of increasingly diversifying their portfolios to both in and outside the energy mix to reduce President, Akinwumi Adesina, “The recovery the global energy transition, and recognising include renewable energy assets. fossil fuel dependence. Outside of the nation’s from the COVID-19 pandemic offered major the leadership role of gas in that transition, Many of them are at the forefront of dependence on crude oil, Nigeria is among the opportunities to transform energy production. Oando became the first private sector player developing new technologies to help develop least electrified in the world on a per capita Recovery must be green and build climate to invest in gas distribution infrastructure in renewable resources. They are also transitioning basis, with many businesses and individuals resilience. Recovery must boost green invest- Nigeria, starting with the ‘Greater Lagos’ area. into ‘energy companies’ and some are even largely forced to generate their own power ments.” He spoke in a keynote address at an With over 280km in gas pipeline infrastructure rebranding, with TotalEnergies (formerly Total) using costly, polluting diesel generators. investment forum, while also noting Africa built, the erstwhile midstream business of being the most evident example. A key ingredient to realising Nigeria’s had the world’s greatest solar generation Oando (now Axella) was able to provide energy transition is a collaboration between the potential. unique energy solutions through its erstwhile government and the private sector to pursue A renewable future, though decades away, is subsidiaries; Gaslink Nigeria Limited, whose a shift that is favorable and available to all not out of the picture. Speaking on the green gas pipeline network spans Ijora through regardless of their social strata. energy outlook for Oando, Dr. Ainojie Irune Lagos Island’s Marina axis; the East Horizon Collaboration is a crucial strategy in the explained that it’s only sustainable from a Group Company, which operates a natural forward movement of the industry and business standpoint to look to a renewable gas transmission and distribution pipeline economy at large. future. He said, “The first is the fact that traversing Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States; Different sectors and In recognition of the role that public-private the pandemic has taken away the notion of The Central Horizon Group Company, focused partnership has to play in the energy transition, this heavy oil dependency. We see that many on the rehabilitation, operation and expan- organisations can the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando renewable assets were easier to manage through sion of the existing natural gas distribution play a fundamental Plc, Adewale Tinubu, this period; when I say easier, I’m talking from network in the Greater Port Harcourt City said at the presidential flag-off ceremony an attention to equipment perspective. It’s and Trans-Amadi area amongst others. role in preserving for the construction of 614km Ajaokuta- only sustainable from a business standpoint In 2019, the company successfully signed and restoring our Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project that, “We to look to a renewable future. It certainly two Gas Supply Agreements (GSA) with the at Oando, have always been firm believers in is what we’re focusing on, we’ve pivoted Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG), ecosystems. Doing so the African proverb, If you want to go fast, to understand what that space requires but for the renewal of gas supply for the existing can unlock multiple eco- go alone. If you want to go far, go together. most importantly starting to drive the steps Trains 1-3 for a term of 10 years and for gas benefits for the world As a proudly Nigerian company focused on to create the investment in that space.” WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 31 32 THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021

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L-R: Ned Nwoko Malaria Eradication Project coordinator, Mr. Chukwuebuka Anyaduba; World Health L-R: Daughter of the celebrant, Lamissa Abiodun; Kasara Claud- Ennin Leyimu; former Governor of Ogun State, Organization (WHO) Representatives, Dr. Walter Kazodi Mulonbo and Initiator, Eradication of malaria in Aremo ; celebrant, Governor of Ogun State, Dr. ; his wife, Bamidele; Deputy Africa, Prince Ned Nwoko, during a courtesy visit by WHO to Mount Ned Resort, Idumuje-Ugboko in Delta Governor of the state, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Oluwatobi Abiodun, during counting of the governor’s 61th State...recently birthday cake in Ogun State...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Africa Polling Institute (API), Prof. Bell Ihua; Statistician General of the Federation, L-R: Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Dr Yemi Kale; and Director of Research, API, Mr Olugbenga Ogunmefun, during the visit of the API delegation and Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Solomone udounwa, during the College 2021 to the Statistician-General to discuss the Nigeria Disability Research Project, at the NBS headquarters in Interagency Seminar in Abuja...recently Abuja... recently

L-R: Ambassador, Embassy of Republic of Poland in Abuja, Joanna Tarnawska; Women L-R: Representative of Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Emmanuel Ado and Director General, Plateau Representative, Ms Comfort Lamptey; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, during State Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengmang, during the maiden edition of Peace the high-level convening on women, dialogue and mediation in Nigeria organized by UN Women and UK Architecture Forum with the stakeholders in Jos...recently Government in Abuja... recently

L-R: Assistant Rotary Governor District 9141,Nosa Edo-Osagie; District Conference Chair, Rotarian Eru L-R: Marketing Manager, Nivea Men, Faizal Kayode; Chief Strategy Officer, PACE Sports and Entertainment Juliet Eghene; Past Assistant Governor, Tony Woghiren; Past Assistant Governor, Agharese Idubor; Rotarian Marketing, Goodness Onyejiaku; Director, PSEM, Sola Fijabi; Brand Manager, Minimie, Monica Jaiswal and Chinyere Erondu and District Chair, Public Image, Kelechi Ekezie during the Joint District Conference 9141 Chairman, Higher Institution Football League, Dr. Kachi Onubogu at the HIFL Round of 16 Draws held in hosted by the District Governor Virginia Major in Port Harcourt...recently Lagos...recently THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 33 

L-R: President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and L-R: Speaker, House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Social Development , Sadiya Farouq, and Chairman, Blueprint Newspaper, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, during Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and others during the visit of Lamido Sanusi to the presentation of 2021 Humanitarian and Emergency Intervention Award to Farouq the 10th Blueprint Governor in Ibadan...recently anniversary and award celebration held in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Partner, Mbanugo Udenze and Co. Mbanugo Udenze; Director, C and I Leasing Plc. Babatunde Olakunle; L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs Toki Mabogunje; Group Managing Managing Director/CEO, C and I Leasing Plc, Andrew Otike-Odibi; Director, Cordros Capital Limited, Femi Director, Alpha Mead Group, Engr. Femi Akintunde and Former Chairman, National Institute of Estate Ademola; and Vice chairman, C and I Leasing Plc, Chukwuemeka Ndu after the signing ceremony for the Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Lagos State, ESV Adedotun Bamigbola FNIVS, FRICS, during the biennial 10billion Naira corporate bond in C and I Leasing Plc, in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN NIESV Honors Nite where Engr. Akintunde was named Real Estate Personality of the Year in Lagos...recently

L-R: Managing Director, NIPCO Plc, Mr Suresh Kumar; Group Executive Director, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu; L-R:Senator Representing Edo Central, Senator Clifford Ordia; Speaker House of Assembly, Hon. Chairman, Chief Bestman Anekwe; and Company Secretary, Barrister Paul Obi at the Company’s Annual Marcus Onobun; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki , during a meeting with PDP leaders in Edo General Meeting in Abuja...recently Central, Benin...recently

L-R: Assistant Director, Ministry of health,, Lagos State, Dr Adebanke Oladosu; President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Palm Groove Estate, Rot. Chandra Nalode; Secretary, Lagos Rotary District D9110, Rot Mufutau Adelotan; Chairman, Committee for Blindness Prevention Programs, District 9110, Dr Basirat Giwa; Trustee, L-R: Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Musa Indo Eye-Care Foundation, Mr Nipul Doshi; and Project Manager Indo Eye-Care Foundation, Mr Mikesh Batt, Istifanus; Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Real Admiral, Levi Kohath; Nursing Officer, Naval during the handover of multi million naira medical equipment to Indo Eye-Care Foundation donated by Rotary Reference Hospital, Commander, C. Onah and others, during the visit of Chief of the Naval Staff to Naval Club of Lagos, Palm Groove Estate with support from Rotary Club of Singapore and Rotary Districts 9110; Dockyard, Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI 3310; 1110 and 1175 held in Lagos... recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI 34 THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 EDUCATION An Enduring Social Insurance Scheme for Teachers, Merit will Boost Education, Says Provost In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, the Provost of College of Primary Education, Epe, Dr. Nosiru Onibon explained why an enduring social insurance scheme must be institutionalised to further motivate teachers in the country and why emphasis must be placed on merit in the decision of admission of students, employment of teachers and appointment of heads of institutions, so that Nigeria can move forward educationally. Excerpts: ne of the objectives of your when you look at the statistics, you find out institution is to conduct res- that the number of candidates who want to read search with respect to education, education as first choice, was usually very low, to what extent has this been but now, it is professionalised. It was okay for the acheived and what impact has Lagos State government to motivate teachers, but itO made on the country? to motivate teachers and other workforce, there Our institution was established about 26 years is a need for us to institutionalise an enduring ago with the sole aim of producing teachers at social insurance scheme. If you get a job today, the basic level of our education system. It is the in the next few months, you should be able to first of its kind in Nigeria, we are built to produce walk to the bank and take car and housing loan quality teachers and conduct research into our which will be spread over the number of years basic education system in all ramifications in you will spend in the service, so that in the long order to improve on that level. The college so run, you would not need to struggle to build far has performed above average to raising such your own house. In a situation where a teacher quality educators for Lagos State in particular will have to look for land to buy, look for the and Nigeria in general. We have found our labourers, buy cement, get carpenters, etc, where students not only in the classrooms, but some does a teacher get such money? We want him of them have gone farther after their NCE to motivated and be able to concentrate. In such a obtain additional postgraduate certificate. Some situation, we will continue to have people that of them are back in the classroom as lecturers, are not so much committed to that profession. some are in other institutions as lecturers, some You will find people who say they are teachers, are in education establishments as policy makers but still engaged in another trade because they and policy implementors, among others. The want to make ends meet. My argument here, college has performed above average as expected is that to motivate teachers for that matter and by the founding fathers. TETFund has approved other workforce, let us have an enduring social for our college lecturers that do research into insurance scheme to save the system. For now, various areas of our basic education system in teachers resort to cooperatives to be able to buy Nigeria. Just last week, I signed for nine of them land and houses for themselves which is not that are going to take their last tranch of the supposed to be. In developed countries, their funding from TETFund. In the last three years teachers live very well. If you are a worker, that I came on board, I have over 20 various Dr. Onibon what the banks just need to see is a regular researches sponsored by TETFund to the tune of monthly payment which shows that you have at least N1.2 million for each of the reseachers. of our education will be determined by the deliver what they have to impart the students, a regular income. It is on the income that you About 15 of them have concluded their research quality of the educators themselves. So that is you will want to come to the classroom. For can take all the loans you want which will be and taken their last tranch. The outcome of their why I am against the complete politicisation of instance if I travel abroad, what I deliver for proportionate. researches have been published in reputable our education system. As far as am concerned, 40 minutes, takes me two hours to deliever journals. So we are living up to expectations. our policy makers should give merit a place in here in Nigeria. When you imagine a classroom What are the challenges facing teacher On their impact on their country, the Universal the decision of admission of students, employ- that is light-proof, soundproofed and you can education in the country? Basic Education Commission (UBEC) last year, ment of teachers and appointment of heads of even take the students out of the classroom The first challenge is basically inadequate approved for our college to participate in training institutions. via internet because the classroom is internet budgetary allocation, lack of motivation for of teachers in primary schools and currently, connected, you can imagine how I am going teachers, poor societal perception, lack of we are in the third stage of such training for Education has continued to receive poor to perform in such a classroom. Unlike here, commitment among teachers themselves and all the teachers in primary schools and early allocation from the national budget, where you get multitude of students with no seats to attrition in the teaching programme in the education in Lagos State. UBEC works through do you think we got it wrong as a nation? sit, some of them hanging around the corridor universities and colleges of education. All colleges the Lagos Education Board, so they have our We got it wrong as a nation due to the of the classroom. You can imagine the quality of education especially in the southwest area college and LASU alone. Our impact not only politicisation of our education and all aspects of what such a teacher will deliver. of Nigeria, are already drowning in the area of tells in Lagos, but in Nigeria as a whole. So that of our lives. We give credence to our lives that we not getting students to study at the NCE level. gives us the recognition by UBEC to do this will gain from. The policy makers are pursuing Would you say low self-esteem sometimes So we had to send our admission committee training for teachers to improve on their quality. what will satisfy their selfish interest and that is ruins the motivation and interest of an to different places to canvass for admission. It why you find so much of budgetary allocation individual to venture into the teaching is as bad as that. Part of the challenges also Education in Nigeria seems to have been in areas that the public may not be able to put profession? include: inadequate training in modern teaching politicised, do you share in this view, and their searchlight on. If education budget continues Sure. The perception of the society will bring methodology and use of technology for the what do you think should be the way to get dwindled, the quality of what we get will about low self-esteem because it is the group teachers as well as inconsistent policies. like forward? be watered down. Not only that the budget is that the society celebrates that you will want to I said, policy making on the paper is not a Education needs to go through policy process dwindling, the application and implementation belong to. The society doesn’t celebrate teachers, problem, but the implementation. What is on making and implementation. In the analysis of the paltry sum for education is cornered by so you see that people are reluctant to pursue the paper is fantastic, but do we find that on of the education policy, we see that there is a corrupt officials. If you like, budget 100 per cent the teaching profession. My first admission was ground? Above all is the issue of corruption degree of politics in it. That is natural, but what for education, if implementators are corrupt, we on education, I rejected that admission because I that in itself is a problem. Even the inadequate is bad is to allow politics to becloud the whole will still continue to get it wrong. Sometime didn’t want to become a teacher, I was running budgetary allocation is also being hunted by system and that will affect the quality and the in this country, we had as low as 10 per cent, after law or political science. But today, fate has corrupt tendencies and implementators. general outcome of the education system, for assuming it is ultimally applied to education, directed me to be a teacher and I have taken instance on the issue of quota system, catch- we will not be where we are today. So if we it up and since then, I told myself that I want You are a teacher of Arabic Language, ment area, ethnicity, religion, godfatherism and have low budget, we will need to battle with to be a better teacher. Willingly, it was not like what is your view about what is currently consideration in students’ admission. I am not inadequate infrastructure, inadequate training that at the beginning which accounts for over happening in the country regarding ethnic in support of closing our eyes to the use of for existing teachers, inadequate recruitment of 80 per cent of teachers you find in classrooms and religious intolerance? merit instead of quota system. We can allow quality teachers, inconsistent policy and poor today at all levels even as lecturers. Some are It is a complex matter and uncalled for. quota system to a certain degree, for instance perception as we have today. still looking elsewhere to run to. Intolerance in all ramifications naturally is researches have shown that certain areas are We have poor perception of teacher education uncalled for. People resort to sentiments when educationally disadvantaged. If we have such, including the teachers themselves. The society As a way of motivating teachers, the they cannot get what they feel they desire on then the application of quota system may come perception of teachers is poor and that is why Lagos State government in April, rewarded the table. For instance, if we do not politicise in. If we have 5,000 candidates to be admitted we will not want to advise our children to study teachers with cars, do you think this factor our system so much, if I apply on merit, I can into a university, we can allocate maybe five education in the higher institution because we is enough to motivate individuals into be given an appointment, then I don’t need or 10 per cent to catchment area because of don’t see them as people who are very important the profession? to resort to anything. But in our part of the their disadvantage so that we can balance the in the society. One of the things that we are doing now and world, if you don’t belong to a particular group, education output, quality of education and the the government has done, even at the federal religion or ethnicity, you cannot find your way, number of the people we have educated in the Would you attribute that to why teachers level, is to improve on the professionalisation so this gives currency into people looking for country. In a situation where we just closed our are poorly paid in the country? of the teaching profession. We are no more in sentiments to achieve their selfish aim. So if the eyes against merit and we are talking about Yes. Add to that is what I call ecology of the era where anybody who does not find an issue of intolerance comes in, you will find out ethnic, religion or godfatherism in admissions education which is also very poor. How does the alternative, gets into the classroom. If you don’t that the underlining current is that of the quest and employment of teachers, things will not classroom look like? The seats for teachers and have teaching qualification, you are not going to want to achieve selfish end. So where you augur well. I advocate that we should look students are inadequate, classroom environment to be employed. In our college, you must be belong to determines what you get now. So the at merit especially in the area of who heads is not conducive. If the classrooms are conducive a professional teacher before you get into our leadership of the country at different levels must these institutions either colleges, polytechnics or and the teaching apparatus are there, teaching classroom which is being done now. In the last take the bull by the horn and act according to the universities. We should also use merit to employ methodology is being improved on, and the few months, I am beginning to see influx of constitution. The issue of intolerance shouldn’t who teaches in these schools because the level teachers have the technological know-how to students with teaching qualification unlike before, come in because we are all human beings. THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 35 EDUCATION Experts Task Parents FG Seeks Integration of WASH into on Digital Learning, Tertiary Education Curriculum more Involvement in Kuni Tyessi in Abuja He disclosed that through expertise of WaterAid and that development. such updates in tertiary educa- of the institute to contribute “The partnership will Children’s Education The federal government has tion curriculum, WASH homes to bridging knowledge and promote learning and capacity stressed that teaching students in rural areas will also have the capacity gaps for the delivery building for rural sanitation Uchechukwu Nnaike needed from telecommunication of tertiary institutions only opportunity for basic training of equitable sustainable total in Nigeria working through companies, as this will enable the basics of Water, Sanita- on how to manage sanitation, sanitation at scale in Nigeria. a systems-based approach Educational professionals have them scale the impact, as well tion and Hygiene (WASH) adding that Nigeria is doing Mere stated that the stark to embed the principles advised Nigerian parents to as learning outcomes. is not enough, adding that badly in the subsector. realities in the society is more and approaches to enhance embrace digital learning as Also speaking, Adedeji there is need to develop a “The challenge is far from than enough indication and sustainability, equity and scale a means of getting actively stated that the pandemic has curriculum and engage in just teaching students the a status quo that cannot towards universal access by involved in their children’s succeeded in shifting a lot of capacity building. basics. It is not enough to teach continue, adding that there 2030. education. mindsets, including parents’ The minister of Water just the basics. There’s need to is need to take urgent action “The stark realities around This was the major takeout to explore alternative tools not Resources, Suleiman Adams, go to the nitty gritty. There’s to accelerate Nigeria’s progress us is more than enough indica- from the May edition of Edtech only to reinforce learning but who said this in Abuja during need to develop the idea of or face a worsening crisis with tion that we simply cannot Monday - an initiative of also to assess the quality of the signing of a Memorandum developing a curriculum and real effects on human lives. afford to continue with the MasterCard Foundation, in teaching being provided by of Understanding between engage in capacity building,” She said apart from devel- status quo. We must take partnership with ccHub, featur- teachers. WaterAid and the National he said. oping modules and running urgent action to accelerate ing panelists such as the Chief While acknowledging that Water Resources Institute, The Country Director of certified short courses, the Nigeria’s progress or face Executive Officer, Gradely, Boye both parents and children said the challenge is in not WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn partnership will support and a worsening crisis with real Oshinaga, Founder, Nobelova are now beneficiaries of this teaching the nitty gritty of Mere, said the partnership with improve sector capacity build- effects on human lives,” she Gradani PsychoEducational paradigm shift, Adedeji tasked rural sanitation in schools. NWRI will combine the WASH ing for sanitation programme added. Services, Helen Oshikoya and parents to be cautious with social entrepreneur, Jadesola their children by ensuring that Adedeji, moderated by social there are proper safeguarding engineering practitioner, Joyce tools that prevent them from Daniel. accessing contents detrimental Speaking at the virtual to their learning. roundtable, tech entrepre- On her part, Oshikoya neur, Oshinaga noted that admitted that it has been a the COVID-19 pandemic has difficult task for most parents further proven how effective to strike a balance between and valuable technology can finding economic value and be in aiding learning, not only attending to their children’s among pupils, but also parents. education, and advised parents He said though it was difficult to continue to be watchful and for parents to adapt to the educate their children on what realities of remote schooling online content to be exposed at the initial stage, acceleration to, adding that children with in the use of technology in the special needs are an example classroom necessitated the need of people who have become for them to do so. victims of abuse. He however stated that She added that though harsh despite the growing shift to economic reality in Nigeria has digital learning, data availability resulted in parents having remains a major issue and can reduced time to spend with only be tackled if education their children, it is important technology companies forge a for them to ensure that they L-R: The Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf; Director, School of Part-time common front by seeking the are monitoring for a beeter Studies-Day, Lagos State Polytechnic, Mustapha Okunnu; President, LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; and Vice-President/ reduction of the amount of data outcome. Chairman, Science and Tech Committee, LCCI, Mr. Leye Kupoluyi, at the official presentation of 3D printers to tertiary institutions in Lagos State, at LCCI Victoria Island Office, Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT Platform Capital Fetes FCET Provost Harps on Special Curriculum for Indigent School Children, Vocational Training Invests in Education Oluchi Chibuzor the government to consider The provost stressed the im- acquired equipment like Infrastructure upgrading the institution to a portance of technical education multi-media projectors for The Provost, Federal College of federal university of technical in Nigeria, saying that China departments, and also, the Peter Uzoho five local government areas of Education (Technical), Akoka, education to provide a path for is giving preference to it, being first-ever 500 capacity lecture Lagos State and that each school Lagos, Dr. Wahab Azeez, has school leavers with technical the reason for its progress. theatre, which the college has In commemoration of this year’s brought 10 children to participate stressed the need for the country background. “In all of these things, never had,” he added. Children’s Day, Platform Capital, at the party. to develop a special curriculum “The act that established this TETFund has been of great Meanwhile, the Chairman, an investment and advisory firm, Bethune said Diatom Impact for vocational training. college is being amended at assistance; our programmes College of Education Academic with interest in several business which is a part of Platform This he said is imperative the National Assembly; my are increasing so we need to Staff Union Staff (COEASU), areas including technology and Capital Group works across five considering the significance of aspiration is to see that this expand and create an enabling Ebenezer Oje, who urged manufacturing, has celebrated areas critical to development in vocational skills in the fourth college is upgraded to the environment for youths to learn the management to intensify children in Nigeria especially Nigeria and across Africa, includ- industrial age. Federal University of Techni- more skills.” efforts at providing internet those from the less-privileged ing education, entrepreneurship, Azeez, who stated this in cal Education. We are ready to Highlighting some of the connectivity for lectures, said the homes. gender equality, health and Lagos recently at a programme develop a special curriculum successes recorded, the provost provost has been able to make The company through its Cor- quality of life. to commemorate his two years for vocational training that will said: “We have the construc- the union redundant through porate Social Responsibility (CSR) She noted that the Fun Day in office, said as one of the meet the needs of the nation. tion of a two-storey block of his interpersonal relationship arm, Diatom Impact, which focuses party “falls under quality of life foremost technical education “This is to enable us to classrooms for teaching and with the body. on critical areas of development, for us because this children here institutions in the country, it service the students who are offices for use by members of “We have an enabling organised a party tagged ‘Children are less-privileged, we wanted is imperative for the nation to yearning for and want to run staff, both for academic and environment to work to the Fun Day 2021’, at the Froggles to make sure that they came consider developing a special degree programmes in technical non-academic, while our senior optimum level, because you Play Zone in Lekki, Lagos, where and they enjoy all the different curriculum for students who education, and we are already staff block will be changed to are given the chance to grow over 50 school children had fun things that children with more are gifted in craft. talking with members of NASS have inbuilt toilets. considering the fact that you and big treats. privileged background will also He therefore called on on it.” “In addition, we have are capable,” he said. “Today, we are celebrating experience.” children. We have about 50 She disclosed that Diatom kids here and they are playing, Impact would be spending about they are dancing, we have treats $3 million on education alone, VC Condemns Rape, Murder of UNILORIN Student for them later. We just want to adding that the company has have them enjoy the day because earmarked some key projects. Hammed Shittuin in a statement issued in the VC promised that the they visit and ensure that it’s Children’s Day and Diatom One of such projects, according Ilorin said, “the university institution would work with they report strange faces or Impact and Platform Capital to her, is the ‘Adopt a School’, The Vice-Chancellor, management received the security agencies to get to irregular movements in their have made a huge investment which “is one of our big projects University of Ilorin, Prof. report of the incident with the root of the matter and areas to the school authorities in children,” the Director of and it means that we are adopt- Sulyman Age Abdulkaree, has a heavy heart. expose the perpetrators of or security agencies in order Impact and Research, Diatom ing schools all across Nigeria condemned the reported rape He said the incident was the heinous crime. to preserve their dignity, Impact, Dr. Anna Bethune said. that need help in infrastructure. and murder of a 300-level not only ugly, but also The VC urged students integrity and safety. “We know that children are “So, we are talking about student of the institution, unacceptable and must be of the university to always He restated the com- the future, we know that Africa schools that don’t have boreholes, Miss Blessing Omowumi condemned by people of be vigilant and conscious of mitment of the university is the future. So this is where electricity. We’ve identified some Olajide, at a location outside good conscience. their environment. management to ensure the we need to start,” she added. schools already across the six the institution campus. While sympathising He also admonished them general safety of the students She explained that the children geopolitical zones and we will The Director of Corporate with relations, friends and to be wary of the kind of and staff both within and were brought from schools across be adopting them.” Affairs, Alhaji Kunle Akogun, colleagues of the deceased, friends they keep, places outside the institution.

The Diatom Impact director 36 THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 EDUCATION Bridge Pupil Gets Full Scholarship for Outstanding Performance Funmi Ogundare Avoseh, who currently committed to ensuring nancial support. I also thank is in primary six, sat for that students get the best Bridge for giving Emmanuel A pupil of Bridge Interna- the supreme scholarship quality education, but are the opportunity to pursue KEHINDE OMORU tional Academy, Badagry, examination with other also supported to excel in both his educational and www.kayomoru.com Master Emmanuel Sefirinmi brilliant pupils across Lagos their academics, leadership extracurricular dreams.” Avoseh, 10, has received the State before earning the and entrepreneur journey. She added that the quality Supreme-Bridge full scholar- coveted slot. The principal commended education and support from APPLICATION OF STYLES ship award, which covers Speaking during the of- Bridge for its impact on the his teachers has contributed his secondary education, ficial award presentation lives of children and fami- to Emmanuel’s success story. TO YOUR TEACHING following his outstanding ceremony held recently lies living in underserved The Managing Director, performance in both the su- at the Bridge Nigeria’s communities and opined Bridge Nigeria, Ms. Foyin- Do you dare to be a brand name or are you just a generic? First preme scholarship entrance Support Office, Lagos, the that the Supreme-Bridge sola Akinjayeju stated that things first, let’s check out how it works with medications: examination and subsequent Principal, Supreme Educa- partnership will hopefully Bridge believes that a child’s If you check their packaging, medications sometimes have interview process. tion Foundation Schools, Mr. lead to more collaborations potential should not be lim- more than one name. One of these names would be the generic The Supreme Education Iheanyichukwu Akwitti said and opportunities for more ited by his socio-economic name of the medication while the other name would be its brand Foundation (SEF) scholarship the scholarship will cover pupils. status, hence, the support name. For example, ibuprofen is the generic name whilst Hedex scheme is designed to bridge his full boarding, tuition, Emmanuel’s Mother, Mrs. for low income families or Nurofen are two brand names for ibuprofen; sildenafil is a educational inequalities books, uniforms and other Oluwakemi Avoseh said be- with access to life changing generic name for Viagra (its brand name). resulting from geographic resources during his second- ing a single parent, receiving education and scholarship Paracetamol, which is extremely popular is the generic name and socio-economic differ- ary education at the school. this scholarship will greatly opportunities. for Panadol, Calpol, Tylenol, Emzor Paracetamol or Dawa Ya ences and give deserving He urged Avoseh to come reduce the financial burden “The scholarship would Magi etc. Paracetamol has been around for over one hundred students the opportunity to into the school with his of training four children no doubt go a long way in years. It is sold in its generic name as well as by brand names. attend SEF schools which mind open and ready to single-handedly. the life of Emmanuel and his Paracetamol is sold in many countries by a range of manufactur- provide quality education break all boundaries. “I greatly appreciate Su- parents, and inspire other ers that each use different brand names. in an exciting learning According to him, “the preme Education Foundation pupils who aim to achieve The generic or scientific name of a medication refers to the environment. SEF school is not just School for the generous fi- such a feat.” active ingredient in the medication. This is the official medi- cal name for this medication given by an expert committee. Generic medications are usually cheaper even though they contain the same active ingredients and have the same clinical effects as their brand versions. Generic names do not start with capital letters. A manufacturer, the pharmaceutical company or the distributor of the drug selects and names a drug its brand name. The brand name therefore acts as the trade name of the medication. An easy to pronounce, quick to remember and aesthetic - for recognition name is usually coined as a brand name. The brand version of a medication is just as clinically effective because it contains the active ingredient of the medication. In some people’s experiences, some generic drugs work dif- ferently from their brands and vice versa. This may be so if you bear in mind that even though generic and brand drugs have the same active ingredients, they may differ in add ons like: colouring agents, emulsifiers, fillers, preservatives and binders. Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate Dominican Order Unveils College Funmi Ogundare completion of an unfinished part of the project, which The Dominican Order of the includes a one-year run- Catholic Church, a body re- ning cost and the indigent nowned for promoting evan- scholarship fund. gelization and social causes He appealed to corporate particularly in the education bodies and individuals to sector, has unveiled its ultra- support the college by Some students of Randle Junior Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos during a one-day symposium tagged #Plastic Waste modern educational facility, sponsoring as many indigent Management, organised by the school and TIGO-NGO, to commensurate this year’s Earth Day... recently Dominican College, Abuja, students as possible. as part of efforts to bridge According to him, “there the gap in the access to is a breakdown of N40 quality education especially million for the completion FCET Umunze Council Appoints New Registrar, for out-of-school children in of the physical structures, the country. N120 million operational/ Bursar, Librarian The Director, Dominican running cost for one year; Vocation Support and and N90 million proposed as Uchechukwu Nnaike college meritoriously till Administration (2006) and sity of Nigeria, and B.Sc Project Coordinator, Rev. seed capital for the indigent the end of their tenure in Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Accounting from the Abia Father Stephen Ogbe, who scholarship fund for the The seventh Governing May 2021. in Public Administration from State University Uturu. He briefed journalists recently in six-year period of studies. Council, Federal College The provost said the the Imo State University. is a member of the Institute Lagos, said the facility upon “With more donors and of Education (Technical) governing council maintained She is currently running of Chartered Accountants of completion, will provide sponsors, more children Umunze, Anambra State, due process in the conduct her PhD programme at the Nigeria (ICAN). He was also succour for children from from economically disad- has appointed the former of the exercise, adding that University, Chairman, ICAN Awka and economically disadvantaged vantaged backgrounds will Deputy Registrar, Council the three principal officers Awka. She is also a member District Society. backgrounds across the be adequately catered for.” Affairs, Mrs. Nkah Bessie emerged from transparent of the Nigeria Institute of Until his appointment as country, adding that they Ogbe expressed concern as the new Registrar of the screening and interview Management (Chartered); the Librarian, Dr. Agada was will be able to enjoy the same that more children are college. The council also ap- sessions. She congratulated member, Institute of Public the Deputy College Librar- quality education as those out of school due to the pointed Comrade Ethelbert the winners on their victory Administration of Nigeria; ian, College of from stable backgrounds. growing insecurity in the Echedo as Bursar and Dr. and advised them to justify and fellow, Institute of Education, Ankpa. He holds a “The project, upon comple- country and the devastat- Agada Arome Samson as the confidence reposed in Corporate Administration of Doctor of Philosophy, Univer- tion, will provide quality ing effect of COVID-19 the new College Librarian. them by placing the interest Nigeria. She is also a member sity of Nigeria, Nsukka and education for a number of pandemic, adding that the The Provost, Dr. Tessy of the college above pecuni- of the prestigious Women Masters in Library Science out-of-school children and order decided to situate the Okoli recently presented ary interests. in Colleges of Education in from the same university. He also help parents understand college in a remote part of the appointment letters to Mrs. Nkah joined the Nigeria (WICE). graduated from Library and the value of education. Abuja, which is education- the three principal officers college in 1996 as a Higher Comrade Echedo joined Information Science, Univer- The children from the ally disadvantaged so as to on behalf of the Chairman, Executive Officer and by dint the college in 1990 and sity of Nigeria, Nsukka in economically disadvantaged give them the opportunity Seventh Governing Council, of hard work, rose to the po- rose to the post of Assistant 2005. He is a member of backgrounds will be able to to impact lives and build Hon. Sekav Iyortyom. She sition of Deputy Registrar in Deputy Bursar. He was Nigerian Library Association, mix with those of the rich the next generation. commended the outgoing the Council Affairs Unit. She also the Chairman, Senior and member, Librarians Reg- background and we will The director said the col- principal officers, Dr. Au- served in various capacities Staff Union of Colleges of istration Council of Nigeria. ensure that we build their lege will be inaugurated in gustine Udensi (Registrar), at the Registry Department, Education, FCE(T) Umunze He has many publications, self-confidence.” July, while the 2021/2022 Dr. Patrick Omile (Bursar) including various standing Chapter. He holds M.Sc in including theses, textbooks, He said the order is academic activities will and Dr. Adolphus Ugwuanyi and ad-hoc committees. Business Administration from journals, articles and seminar saddled with the task of commence by September (Librarian) for serving the She holds a M.Sc in Public the National Open Univer- papers. raising N250 million for the 2021. THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 37   Safety, Security Tips for Schools, Measures Govt, Private Education Providers Can Take to Make Schools Safer Kenechukwu Nwosu a variety of ways. The tracking devices installed rulers, as well as Parent, issue of school safety is to help in recovering Teachers Association In these times and sea- a major concern at all buses and students in (PTA) and other stake- son, keeping schools safe levels of government, extreme cases. holders to come together and secured cannot be from local to federal. It Schools should have and brainstorm with overemphasised. Safety has become very impera- different levels of a common focus for and security in schools tive that government in clearance for visitors opinions, suggestions create an educationally collaboration with the before they are allowed and inputs aimed at the enabling environment security agencies should into school premises, all protection of lives and and allows children to direct their surveillance students, teachers and property in our schools. look forward to being in on the schools and school non academic Schools should take an encouraging environ- environment because workers should always roll calls twice daily that ment that promotes when a pro actively be in possession of their is every morning and social and creative established safety and ID cards at all times. then at the closing hours learning. When there are security system is put Security related courses to ensure that no child is obvious security chal- in place, it brings con- should be introduced missing. Loitering during lenges that these little fidence in both parents, in schools, schools can school hours should be ones identify at the age, teachers, students and promote security clubs in banned completely. children are at risk of communities in general. schools to build con- There should be not feeling comfortable To achieve this, it is sciousness in students. strong collaboration of at school and may stop important we should Students should be government, school showing up, or they may know that education of encouraged to report any management with remain scared through- children in schools is a suspicious movements, vigilante groups, the out the day. Promoting localised practice and packages, strange bags youths association and school safety and secu- schools are located in or person within the local hunters who know rity makes teaching and local governments and school premises to the the terrains in case of learning effective and communities, while school management as any alarming situation, creates peaceful space government owns most Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu soon as possible, phone it is also important for for kids to explore, learn public schools and pri- calls inside the school government to make and grow. vate education providers and how prepared we Picking up of children must be prohibited for phone numbers available A day such as own the private schools. are in case there is any after school hours should all visitors or persons to people within the Children’s Day May 27 Having said this, govern- alarming situation, be seriously monitored. not authorised to use vicinity of the schools beyond the partying ment and private provid- what do schools do, Only parents or duly phones during school which they can call as and celebrations should ers should collaborate this goes ahead to bring assigned students should hours. Teachers should soon as they notice se- also remind us as a with security agencies to in the issue of security be allowed to pick be taught on basic curity challenge around people that the safety and start looking at having sensitisation and train- students from schools. evacuation skills in case the schools because time security of children in and closer surveillance at ing in the schools, in School buses should be of explosions, security is of the essence in any around schools is also the school environment, which it is important registered with ministries alarms or fire outbreak critical situation. Secu- everyone’s responsibility involve more manpower, for communities and the of education and security in schools and also rity situations in schools and a day like this should information and com- youths where the schools agencies and they should teachers should be should be assessed at remind stakeholders in munication technology are located to be carried be closely monitored by taught how to conduct regular intervals, while the education sector of (including GPS mapping) along in the planning security agencies while the students to keep local governments and their respective roles in and preventive strate- and implementation of picking and dropping calm and quiet in times school management promoting school safety gies. It is also important security activities. children. This will of critical security should form security and and security to have infrastructural It is necessary that help in transmitting alarms. Schools’ maps sub-security committees As every child has the evaluation of schools, to schools with boarding information to these and diagrams should in all schools. Schools equal rights to access to know how many schools facilities are properly buses carrying children be made available to should be equipped uninterrupted quality we have, which schools fenced round with gate, in case of security risks all teachers for quick with first aid, toiletries, education, doing so in are more exposed to CCTVs installed where suspected or occurring evacuation purposes. flash lights, radios and a safe and secured security challenges, and possible and properly lit. along their routes to All schools should have batteries. environment is most knowing what provisions Building of new schools halt them before they muster points where Disaster management important. School these schools have for and renovation of school run into such risk areas students can be easily agencies, fire service safety and security safety and security. buildings should have while carrying children. gathered and roll calls providers and emergency affect children, teachers, There is also need to provision for strong win- School management taken immediately. management agencies administrators, parents, know how many chil- dows and doors to create should also inspect all For public schools, and hospitals should also communities, stakehold- dren we have per class, kind of safe rooms which school buses before take government should make have their contacts given ers and government in per school, per locality will help school authori- off and drivers’ numbers use of the School Based to school authorities for ties to fortify protection and ID should be ready Management Committee calls during emergency. of children in case of for supply to relevant (SBMC), which is made any alarming situation agencies when quickly up of communities, the -Nwosu, an educa- DOAM Foundation Fetes, before external help needed. Where possible, youths, the religious tion expert wrote from Donates Educational will come from outside. school buses should have leaders, the traditional Materials to Pupils, Teachers Regency Alliance Boss Tasks Students on Oluchi Chibuzor surveys to capture those in need and their rights protected. The Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Me- “We still need to lay more Industry Opportunities morial (DOAM) Foundation has emphasis on children from low Funmi Ogundare Insurance Penetration in start right from the classroom. the academic community is to distributed educational materials income. DOAM from inception Nigeria’, he said the average Class works, too are skills. You provide sustainable solutions to pupils and teachers of Saints has this soft spot for the indigent; The Group Managing Director, premium per capita for Africa just need to grow your potential. to the problems of the local Saviour’s Anglican Nursery and so we are very interested in people Regency Alliance Insurance was $63.7 in 2018, relative to You have everything it takes to industry and the globe. Primary School, Ijoko, Ogun that are from less privileged PLC, Mr. Olubiyi Oladipupo the world average of $645 and be the best. There is no limit “We are also collaborating state, in its effort to ensure homes. We do surveys and Otegbeye, has admonished advanced markets at $3579. to the knowledge you can get with institutions and industries that every child wins despite ensure that our programmes students to take advantage According to him, “the above here,” he said. around the world; our focus their parents’ socio-economic are tailor-made interventions that of opportunities the insurance numbers indicate the low level The Brand Manager, Mr. is to create synergies between status and also enable them to will ensure that pupils need what industry has to offer, saying that of development in the African Kayode Tejumola, urged the us and the real world. This pursue their dreams. they are given. there are immense potential to insurance market, but also the students willing to pursue a will benefit not just Anchor The donation, which was “We did a study on this grow the market as financial immense potential to grow the career in the insurance industry University, but our students part of activities to mark this school and found out that most literacy increases. market for those willing to take or any other sector to consider as well from the experience, year’s Children’s Day, saw over of them are from low income Otegbeye, who gave the the leap.” changing the dynamics a bit if while we provide need-specific 500 pupils with their teachers families, meaning that most of advice recently at the maiden He said regulatory develop- they hope to gain traction in solutions in return,” he said. receiving the materials sponsored their parents are either petty edition of the town and gown ments such as tax reforms and the insurance industry. The VC described branding as by Rite Foods Limited, Niger traders or security guards and interaction series of the Mass the emergence of new risks He called on students to one important topic that every Biscuit Co Limited, Seven-Up have never been celebrated like Communication Department, may present disruptions to identify role models in the business and business manager Bottling Company, among others. this. This school has never seen Anchor University, Ayobo, La- businesses, but also present industry they wish to play should understand. Speaking at the programme this kind of programme brought gos, said the insurance industry opportunities for those insurers in their careers as this will “The battle to captivate the recently, the foundation’s Team to their school, so we saw the in Nigeria is still growing and who can turn these changes help them gain the needed public has become deeply Lead, Ms. Adaeze Anyanna said need to make them feel loved developing, however, it only to their competitive advantage experience. tensed as the world goes deeper the move was to promote educa- and appreciated.” contributes 0.7 per cent towards and reposition their businesses The Vice-Chancellor of the into the breathtaking advent tion across the country, especially The Educational Programme Gross Domestic Product (GDP). for the future. university, Prof. Joseph Afolayan, of the new media. Creativity among the less privileged in Coordinator, Ms. Fatima “This is very low compared He advised the students commended the organisers for and innovation are expected the society. Akinsode said: “we are very to other markets such as South to always plan for the future putting the event together, of everyone in exhibiting their She stressed that more empha- conscious about our impacts Africa with penetration levels from the classrooms, saying that adding that the gown should products and services. However, sis has to be placed on children and have touched over 85,000 of around 15 per cent.” what they learn must be applied never compete with the town, this will only succeed with a from low income households in lives in the east, west and south In his presentation titled when they are on the job. nor should it be at war with it. good grab of brand communica- the country through strategic region of the country.” ‘Branding as a Catalyst for “For your career, you must He said the main duty of tions and management.” 38 THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021

ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏäÏÙÌÓ CITYSTRINGS ×ËÓÖÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘ Justice as Recipe for Rebuilding the Army Today marks exactly five years since the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Baratai, compulsorily retired 38 senior officers without trial for any wrongdoing. Since then, nothing has been done to look into the case despite court judgments ordering the reinstatement of some of the officers. With a new Chief of Army Staff on the saddle, they are looking forward to seeing him revisit the matter, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes n line with his commitment to sustain supposed to be exemplary, in discipline, the legacy of his immediate prede- the world over. To violate the law and cessor, the late Lt-General Ibrahim retire a member of that body in conse- Attahiru, the new Chief of Army quence is not an exhibition of discipline Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, or exemplary conduct. To refuse to act in hasI promised to run the army with fairness accordance with Section 178 of the Armed to ensure that soldiers discharge their Forces Act 2004, and to continue to keep responsibilities with professionalism. the appellant in suspense, is an abuse of Yahaya spoke at a meeting with Principal office, calculated at denying the appel- Staff Officers (PSOs), Corps Command- lant the right to seek redress in a court of ers and General Officers Commanding law, and that is why the Public Officers (GOCs), during which he also unveiled Protection was invoked. The law does his four-point agenda to reinvigorate the not give reprieve in such a situation. No army, pledged to provide exemplary lead- one will be allowed on the one hand, to ership and thoroughly follow the existing act in breach of the law in a high-handed operating procedures by ensuring that manner, and on the other hand, seek the the army “becomes a formidable force protection of the law. The courts will not for national defence and security". open their doors to such unlawful acts “As your chief of army staff, I hereby and dereliction of duty, a duty imposed restate my commitment to lead you with by law… As earlier opined, the Public sincerity, with transparency and account- Officers Protection Act is meant to shield ability at all times. I want to assure you all public officers and bodies, lawfully and that I will run the army fairly and justly, conscientiously carrying out their duties, giving equal opportunity to all based on within the scope of their authority, from individual competencies and character,” attack. It is not meant to be used as a Yahaya said. sword by public officers acting without But stakeholders in the security sector good faith and in flagrant disobedience of who have been following and listening the law, to attack and maim others, more to the comments of the new Army chief so when those others, are members of the since he assumed office, want him to give same family, engaged in the service and priority attention to the fairness, justice defence of our country.” and equity which he has promised to run Despite this "locus classicus" judgment the force. of the Court of Appeal, and the series of The stakeholders who spoke to THISDAY legal losses sustained by the army, the on account of anonymity, said one way illegal and unjust retirements of the 38 Yahaya can fulfill his promise of fairness, senior military officers was not reviewed justice and equity during his time in office, under the Buratai-led army. This is why is to carefully look into the cases of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya the stakeholders are urging both the Chief 38 senior officers who were compulsorily of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor and retired on June 9, 2016 under the leadership to President Muhammadu Buhari for his be an admission that they lied against the new COAS, General Yahaya to ensure of Lt-General Tukur Buratai (rtd) without intervention and reinstatement, but no the 38 officers. that justice is served on the retired officers. justification. response from the presidency or the army. Many observers have since questioned They appealed to them not emulate the They posited that a review of the retire- Six of the officers have since won their Buratai for his action. Firstly, what man- former service chiefs, in order for them ment of the officers in the interest of justice cases in courts which ordered their rein- ner of due process was followed by the to make a difference in their time and could be one of the good ways to start his statements into the Force. The officers who supposedly highly professional Nigerian comply with the court judgments in the rebuilding plan, adding that when the got judgments against the Army are: Maj Army that made the 38 senior officers to interest of fairness, justice and equity. officers and soldiers know that they won’t Gen Ijioma, Cols Hassan and Suleiman be retired without being found guilty of “Some of these officers are still in the be unnecessarily and unjustifiably marked as well as Lt Cols Arigbe, Dazang and an offence? When and where were all the their 40s and still have a lot to offer this for premature retirement or victimisation, Mohammed. In the first half of last year officers charged, tried, and found guilty? country. These are men who were forced it would boost their morale and confidence alone, the army lost four of these cases. Is there any evidence of the dates and out of military service in their prime. and motivate them to put in their very Added to these six, are another two of- times the Court Martials sat? Were the They are finding it difficult to cope with best to defend their fatherland. ficers who obtained National Assembly officers granted fair hearing? What were premature retirement because they were Nigerians woke up on June 9, 2016 to the resolutions ordering their reinstatements the status of the appeals of the officers to not prepared to retire at the time they did. shocking news of the compulsorily retired representing some 20 per cent of the 38 Mr. President? When will the Nigerian Generals Irabor and Yahaya have to do 38 senior officers from the army without officers. Army comply with the rule of law and something to save their careers. justification. At the time the action was Some of the officers, who are still in their obey the court orders and judgments? “The first step to rebuilding the Army taken, they were informed by the then army 40s, are hoping that the army authorities The above questions are significant under General Yahaya is to ensure that it spokesman, Brig. Gen S.K. Usman, that would carefully examine their case in the because in January 2016 the army leader- is not an Army of anything goes. He has the officers were compulsorily retired on interest of justice because they still have a ship under then COAS Buratai, reinstated to undo many things. He has to correct “disciplinary grounds, serious offences”. lot to offer the country in military service. Maj-Gen Ahmadu Mohammed after his so many injustices". Even the then Minister of Defence, Brig. Curiously, Buratai refused to comply appeal was reviewed by Mr. President. “Don’t forget that in 1993, the outgo- Gen Mansur Dan-Alli (rtd) and Buratai with both the court judgments and the Mohammed, it would be recalled was ing Chief of Army Staff, General Salihu himself, corroborated Usman’s statement, resolutions. This has led to serious ques- the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Ibrahim, after reviewing the injustices alleging further that due process and fair tions about the Army’s desire to adhere of 7 Division in 2014 when his troops in army during his time, said it was an hearing were granted to all the 38 officers, to the rule of law and provide justice for mutinied and fired at his vehicle. The ‘Army of anything goes.’ That was the implying that they were found guilty by these officers. soldiers accused him of dereliction of duty Army Buratai bequeathed. That is what a competent legal procedure. For instance, in delivering his judgment and sending them to the battlefield with we want General Yahaya to correct.” Specifically, Buratai the then COAS said: on February 5, 2020 in Col M. A. Sulaiman minimal logistic supports thereby leading “Injustice is injustice, if the officers were “It took us painstaking procedure to ensure v Nigerian Army and others, Justice Sanusi to many deaths. not granted fair hearing and found guilty we did not pick innocent ones. We started Kado corroborated the officers’ arguments The former GOC who is from Kano by a competent military court as they are with one inquiry from One Division GOC by stating that: “The compulsory retire- State, did not appeal his retirement within legally entitled as Nigerian Army officers. to the other. After that, we subjected it to ment of the claimant (Col MA Sulaiman), 30 days as stipulated by the conditions And these same retired officers took the legal review. After the legal review, we is hereby declared null and void and of of service but in September 2015 after pains to prove their innocence after spend- forwarded our recommendations to higher no effect whatsoever, as it was not done nine months, which according to De- ing several years in the lengthy judicial authorities for consideration. So, it took in line with the extant rules and regula- fence sources, was already a breach of process to obtain valid court judgments, us time; we have our own process also; tions.” This has been the pattern in the the appeal process, but this was ignored ordering their reinstatements. Then what our administrative process dovetailing cases that have been concluded. because the army headed by Buratai had is preventing the army from obeying into legal review and so on.” In fact, in a society where the rule of an interest to ensure fairness and justice the courts and the law,” asked a former However, it did not take long for Nige- law is supreme and strictly adhered to, was served. military lawyer who wished to remain rians to know that none of the 38 officers the plethora of losses the Nigerian Army Mohmmmed instead, waited for the anonymous. “It all reeks of Injustice,” was found guilty of any offence, and were has suffered would have caused a judicial outcome of the 2015 general election as he further added. never charged, tried or found guilty, let review of the retirements. But this has not well as the removal of the previous service Analysts believe that for a long time to alone even appear before any court martial. been the case as sources close to army chiefs. As soon as President Buhari and come, the unjust compulsory retirements Several of the officers who felt the Army authorities revealed that the former COAS Buratai came onboard, he was pronto, of the 38 officers in the army will remain breached its extant rules and regulations and the others may have bluntly sworn reinstated. one of the several unresolved issues on his in carrying out the retirements took “with their last blood” never to revisit the In Wing Commander Mshelia v. NAF table requiring his urgent intervention in their grievances to courts to clear their retirements while they remained at the & ANOR (2014) the Court of Appeal the interest of fairness, justice and equity, names. This was after they had appealed helm of affairs of the Army as that would held: “The Armed Forces as a body, is for the army to move forward. THISDAY ˾ ͷ, 2021 39 CRIME&SECURITY Ekhomu Charges INEC to Ramp up Security at its Facilities Stories by Chiemelie Ezeobi structural security systems such as perimeter fencing with anti-personnel ecurity expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu barrier atop; reinforced concrete walls; has charged the Independent Class 350 Safes; Special vaults whose National Electoral Commission doors will be tool resistant and torch (INEC) to provide effective resistant (TRTL) and explosives resistant security countermeasures at (TRTX) to safeguard important devices Sits facilities. such as card readers. According to him, and the effective Ekhomu advised INEC to appoint a security measures are those that will national security director charged with protect the facilities and safeguard the the design and implementation of a people as well as the mission of the pro-active and cost-effective security election umpire. program for the agency. He also urged INEC to conduct He advised against the usual practice robust vulnerability assessments of of appointing a retired military or its facilities so that observable and police officer to such a position as exploitable loopholes can be identified he/she might not have the requisite and addressed with appropriate physical high-level skills. security systems including electronic, He said that Nigeria now has a crop personnel and structural measures. of retired military/police officers who In a release issued in Lagos on, are credentialed and can render the Dr. Ekhomu, who is President of the required services. Association of Industrial Security and He said: “I know of at least ten retired Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), two-star generals from the Nigerian also condemned the vandalism and military who have received professional torching of INEC facilities and assets security certification such as CPP, CPO, throughout the country. PSP. We have reached a point in our He said that it was not in the interest national history where what you know of INEC to play “victim” or engage should matter.” in “blame game”, adding that as a Ekhomu further advised INEC to crucial institution in Nigeria’s nascent utilise local vigilance personnel, private democratic practice, INEC should ag- security operatives and others to protect gressively protect its mission, people, their facilities. physical assets and information. This is just as he appealed to ag- He said the fact that about 42 offices grieved youths to stop burning INEC of INEC have been attacked in 14 states facilities as any fire loss is a loss to shows that the election agency has a the nation, urging them to see INEC huge reputation problem, adding that Dr. Ekhomu as the vehicle of societal change and INEC facilities have been attacked in development as the vote is the only the East, West and North. INEC facilities. security professional in West Africa true power of the people. “Boko Haram bombings of INEC He said: “Clearly these insurgents said robust physical security measures In the same vein, he urged INEC facilities in Suleja, and are contesting the legitimacy of our were needed in each INEC facility with to competently protect its on-line in Maiduguri in 2011 were pre-cursor governments -- national and sub- intrusion detection systems, video sur- data since it has opted for on-line events to intentional targeting of INEC” national. So, in their minds, attacking veillance systems, fire alarm systems, voter registration, adding that without he added. INEC – a major symbol of Nigerian fire suppression systems complete with adequate security countermeasures, He argued that protesters, insurgents democracy and sovereignty will help on-site water storage, etc. the online platform would be more and terrorists were borrowing from them achieve their aims." Ekhomu said each INEC state vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data the “Boko Haram play book” to attack Dr. Ekhomu who is the first chartered headquarters office should have good manipulation. Coy Petitions National Assembly over Alleged Forceful Takeover by AMCON uru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Nigeria Limited ("The Company" ) loan August 1, 2019, it stated among other The situation no doubt, speaks about Limited has petitioned the National accounts with Oceanic Bank International requests that , “AMCON is acting upon this purported sale transaction. Assembly over what it described Plc (“The Bank”), which we understand an illegally and fraudulently obtained He said; "We have since drawn the as forceful takeover of its multi- has been sold to Asset Management order of the Federal High Court in Suit attention of AMCON to the subsisting Sbillion naira Lagos- based property by Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON ) as No: ‘FHC/ LCS/1059/ 2016 on 30/5/ judgment in Appeals No: CA/L/86/18 the Asset Management Corporation of a non- performing loan. 17 (without joining the owner of the SURU WORLDWIDE VENTURE NIGERIA Nigeria (AMCON). "The bank / customer relationship property nor serving them), invaded their LIMITED & ANOR v AMCON & ORS. The tussle between the company and between the bank and the company, premises, at Allen Avenue, a five- Star Wherein the court of Appeals Lagos AMCON was over a business deal that commenced in August 2017, with the Hotel, chasing away lodgers, including Division allowed our client Appeals and went awry in over a decade as the bank issuing a total of N10.204 billion foreign tourists and diplomats." set aside the judgment of the Federal defunct Oceanic Bank Plc facilitated loan facilities of the company from a However despite efforts made by High Court of Nigeria rendered in its loan procurement amounting to total of approved loan facilities of N13bn Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria AMCON’s favour in suit No: FHC/L/ billions of naira. from the said period till date." Limited for the peaceful resolution of CS/450/11 BETWEEN SURU WORLD- With hands in the hospitality sector According to the Managing Director the matter in the overall interest of WIDE VENTURE NIGERIA LIMITED V and landed properties, the company of Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Nigeria, the company said it was miffed ECO Bank Plc & AMCON wherein the owns, Best Western Lagos Hotel, Ikeja; Limited, Edward Akinlade and Com- by a letter from a solicitor acting on Honorable court dismissed AMCON’s Opebi Hotel projects, Ikeja; Government pany Secretary, Ayodeji Adewunmi, behalf of Infrastructural Development counter Claims for alleged indebtedness Reservation Area( GRA) Land, Lagos in a joint statement to AMCON, “the and Energy company Limited (IDECO), of our client to AMCON, AMCON has State and Ikeja GRA Town Houses. classification of the loan accounts with saying, “We write to inform you that appealed the judgment to the court In an effort to regain the control of its bank has non-performing, is considered having purchased the property at No: of Appeals No: CA/L/630/ 18 which business and operations, the company objectionable by the company, as the 12 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, GRA, Ikeja appeal is still pending. petitioned the National Assembly for said classification is due to no omission (Property) from Asset Management "Furthermore, in suit No: ‘’FHC / its intervention. on negligence on our part, but owed Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), our L/CS/218/2014 BETWEEN; AMCON Issuing a stern warning to any persons, to the bank’s breach of its agreement client is your new landlord. Pursuant V SURU WORLDWIDE VENTURE group or their agents seeking to takeover by the disbursement of funds on the to this, our client has instructed us to NIGERIA LIMITED", the Honourable its properties over the failed business facility as agreed and stalling the various inform you that it wishes to set up a court also dismissed AMCON’s claims deal to steer clear, they vowed that any projects which were mostly 95 per cent meeting with you so as to ascertain for the same alleged indebtedness of erring person will face litigation. completed as at August 14, 2019. the status of your tenancy.” our clients. The company claimed that it started “Considering this position and the Meanwhile, Suru Worldwide Ventures "It is therefore baffling, that despite with an initial staff strength of over desire of AMCON to see genuine busi- Nigeria Limited, through its lawyer, Layi this state of affairs, AMCON could bring 2,000 Nigerians before it witnessed a ness flourish, we hereby appeal for Babatunde (SAN), is praying that by a itself to act in such flagrant breach of downturn resulting to staff rationalisa- the bellow stated measures aimed at letter, dated September 2,2020 , that "our the law, disregard for subsisting judg- tion, leaving 250 employees, following protecting the interests of all parties. “ client's property, situated, lying at No:12 ment and utter contempt of pending its loan repayment challenges with the In a frantic but desired effort to remain Reverend Ogunbiyi street, GRA,Ikeja proceeding. defunct Oceanic Bank Plc. in business, the firm had petitioned Lagos State ( hereinafter called “the " AMCON ‘s conduct, no doubt, con- Appealing to its creditor bank to the National Assembly’s ‘Committee Property) subject matter of suit No: stitutes a frontal affront to due process look into its loan repayments effort, on Public Petitions’ over the illegal FHC/L/CS/1059/2016 ,now on appeal which cannot be ignored. the company wrote a letter to AMCON, seizure of Suru Worldwide Ventures to the Supreme Court under Appeals "It is most regrettable, that AMCON titled: "Re: The Matter of Loan account Nigeria Limited by AMCON asking No: SC/1098/2019 (at the instance of being a product of legislation and of Suru Worldwide Nigeria Ventures it among others things, to wade into AMCON, however did not disclose in therefore law, will act in a ways totally Limited with Oceanic Bank International the matter. the said letter, to whom the property was at variance with the rule of law and plc” since the bank was sold to AMCON. According to the company in its petition purportedly sold and for what amounts good corporate citizenship, suggesting The letter reads in part, “We write in to the Speaker, House of Representa- it was sold, thereby leaving those vital that they do not believe in their own respect of Suru Worldwide Ventures tives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, dated issues and information to conjecture. pending appeal not due process." 40 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Sangster: Nigeria Must Remain Competitive Despite Global Energy Shift Emmanuel Addeh ÓØÌßÔË that as the world progressively companies and all the suppliers to starts to mitigate the impact of the industry to work together to The Managing Director of Total the pandemic, all stakeholders must ensure that Nigeria is competitive E&P Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike work to ensure that the country in the international landscape, Sangster, has stressed that Ni- remains attractive for investment. and as an attractive destination geria must remain competitive Sangster pointed out that for investment. in the global energy market, the world was starting to see “It’s our hope, and indeed it’s despite the shifting focus on signs of a resurgence of global our expectation that this will help renewable sources of fuels. economic growth, explaining that to identify and proffer solutions Speaking at the opening of the this will present Nigeria with towards ensuring the sustained Nigeria International Petroleum new opportunities to develop development of Nigeria’s Summit (NIPS) at the State its abundant natural resources. resources, particularly gas. House, Abuja, on Monday, the He added that 2020 accelerated “This is the decade of gas. And Total Nigeria boss declared that momentum towards the energy I think, this would consequently the current transition to carbon transition and how there was boost investor confidence and free sources of energy would substantial global reduction in attract investment to grow the continue and urged the country demand for fossil fuels, saying industry for the benefit of all to see the opportunities in the that, “it’s clear to me that this stakeholders and all Nigerians. So, ongoing global development. The trend will continue”. the OPTS remains committed as Chairman of the Oil Producers’ “So, I think this really is a a trusted partner of the govern- Trade Section (OPTS), the umbrella perfect opportunity for all the key ment and all stakeholders in the body of major international and actors, government regulators, industry to move the industry Sangster indigenous oil companies, stated national companies, private forward,” he said. MARKET INDICATORS NCDMB Approves Four MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Firms for Barites Supply JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 Peter Uzoho Executive Secretary, Mr. Simbi other stakeholders of the avail- Wabote. ability of in-country processed -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 The Nigerian Content Develop- According to the Board, all barites that meet the specifications Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 ment and Monitoring Board project promoters in the Nigerian of the oil and gas industry. (NCDMB) has approved four oil and gas industry are to ensure It added that NCDMB is, -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 firms for the supply of Barites that Barites required for any “mandated to develop capacity -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 required for any drilling project project shall be procured only of the local supply chain through or contract in the Nigerian oil from the approved Nigerian Direct Capacity Development In- ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 and gas industry. Barites processing companies terventions or support to investors The four Barites processors with Category A Nigerian Content to set up facilities and has a key ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 are Nishan industries Limited Equipment Certificate (NCEC). responsibility to ensure that these Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 located in Port Harcourt, Rivers It listed 10 other companies investors are protected in line State; Delta Prospectors Limited that, “have also been identi- with the intents of the Nigerian Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 in Lafia, ; Ana fied and shall be upgraded to Oil and Gas Industry Content -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 Industries Limited in Port Category A NCEC, as soon as Development (NOGICD) Act.” Harcourt, Rivers State and Baker they meet the requirements of The policy intervention by ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 Hughes Company Limited at the Guideline for the Utilization the Board to encourage such ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 Onne, Port, Rivers State. of Locally Produced Barite and investments is to mandate The NCDMB released the Drilling Fluids in Nigerian Oil stakeholders to prioritise the ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 list in its, “Public Notice on and Gas Industry.” utilisation of manufacturing Procurement of Barites for Oil It further informed operators, facilities in the procurement of ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 and Gas Projects,” signed by the contractors, service companies and Barites, the public notice added. --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 ACCI Seeks Greater Partnership --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ among Power Sector Stakeholders --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) James EmejoÓØÌßÔË ing out to electricity consumers, challenges but the public is like pointing out the urgent need to Oliver twist. Month March 2018 The President of Abuja deepen trust between the public “We must not relent in our Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 Chamber of Commerce and and the commission. outreach to the public while Industry, Dr. Al-Mujtaba While presenting the report of also holding the power firms Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Abubakar has called for closer ACCI Webinar on mass metering accountable”. working relationship among programme, Abubakar lauded Responding, however, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 power sector stakeholders to the great job the commission Chairman of NERC, Mr. Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 address the many challenges is doing in the regulatory Sanusi Garuba, noted the of the sector. sector but called for more recommendations contained Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Abubakar, had during an communication with public in the webinar report and advocacy visit to the Nige- and other stakeholders. pledged that the commission 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 rian Electricity Regulatory In a statement issued by would study it for action. Commission(NERC), noted that Media/Strategy Officer, ACCI, He said ACCI had acted 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 lack of cooperation among stake- Mrs. Olayemi John-Mensah, well by taking keen interest 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 holders was affecting programme the ACCI president said: “As in public policy issues and also implementation especially with a business association, we note commended the chamber for 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 respect to the national mass the difficult task of creating the hosting of the webinars metering programme. a balance between rights of as an invaluable contribution Prime Lending rate 17.35 He called on the commission consumers and the rights of and support for national Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 to redouble efforts towards reach- power firms. We know your governance.

˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ DPR Denies Hiring PR Firm for 50th Anniversary OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜͵ ͰͮͰͯ Emmanuel AddehÓØÌßÔË Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Osu made commemorative special publica- The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $70.14 a barrel on Monday, compared available to journalists. tion celebrating 50 years of the with $70.21 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The Department of Petroleum “The DPR’s attention has DPR. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Resources (DPR) has said it is been drawn to the activities of “We wish to inform the general Blend (), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial ), Rabi Light not celebrating any 50 years a company named, Brooklands public that DPR is not celebrating (), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), anniversary and has not com- New Media. any 50 years anniversary and Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and missioned any media company “The company has been we have not commissioned Merey (Venezuela). to do a publication in that regard. soliciting for materials, profiles Brooklands New Media to do The DPR made this known in and advert placements from a publication in that regard,” the SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna a statement issued by its Head, companies for a purported statement noted. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 41

   NGX Index Rises 0.5% as Dangote Cement, Okomu Lift Market Goddy Egene N101.8 billion to be at N20.3 9.0 per cent, while Champion million shares and N1.6 billion followed by the NSE Consumer in the uptick of yields in the trillion. Breweries Plc and Unilever respectively. The most traded Goods Index and NSE Oil & Gas fixed income (FI) market. We Gains recorded by Dangote The market had opened for the Nigeria Plc and Cornerstone stocks by volume were Courtville Index rose by 0.6 per cent and 0.1 expect market performance to Cement Plc, Okumo Oil Palm week on Monday on a negative Insurance Plc with 3.5 per cent. Business Solutions Plc (35.8 million per cent respectively. Conversely, be dominated by the bulls, as Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery note after recovering last week. Conversely, CWG Plc led shares), Fidelity Bank Plc (26.6 the NSE Insurance Index led positioning by early birds in Plc helped the local bourse to However, the bulls regained price losers with 9.4 per cent, million shares), and Zenith Bank the laggards, down 1.0 per cent, dividend-paying stocks ahead of appreciate yesterday, thereby controlled yesterday. Highest followed by Regency Insurance Plc (15.3 milloion shares) while while the NSE Banking Index H1-2021 dividend declarations reversing losses of the previous capitalised stock, Dangote Cement Plc with 8.1 per cent. FTN Cocoa Zenith Bank Plc (N349.3 million), shed 0.05 per cent. should outweigh profit-taking day. Plc was among the 15 price gains, Processors Plc and Veristas Kapital Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (N291.3 Analysts at Cordros Securities activities. We reiterate the need for Consequently, the Nigerian chalking up 2.2 per cent, hence Assurance Plc shed 7.6 per cent million), and Dangote Cement had said the market would positioning in only fundamentally Exchange (NGX) Limited All- the positive close. But the price among others. Meanwhile, trading Plc (N107.8 million) led by value. remain bullish this week. “We sound stocks as the weak macro Share Index (ASI) rose 0.5 per gainers’ chart was led by Okomu activity strengthened as volume In terms of sectoral performance, expect alpha-seeking investors to environment remains a significant cent to close at 38,881.70, while Oil Palm Plc with 10 per cent, and value traded rose by 3.7 per the NSE Industrial Goods Index continue rotating their portfolio headwind for corporate earnings,” market capitalisation added trailed by Learn Africa Plc with cent and 6.0 per cent to 218.5 led the gainers, up 1.1 per cent, towards equities amid moderation they had said. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 08/06/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 42  ˾WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

09 June 2021

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Rose 24bps

The dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϮϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϵϴ͘ϰϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX GUARANTY (+0.4%), DANGCEM (+2.3%), and FLOUR- MILL ;нϮ͘ϱйͿ͘dŚĞƐĞƐƚŽĐŬƐĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJĂĐĐŽƵŶƚĨŽƌϭϱ͘ϲй Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index Price Price Previous Current Current Change Change Divindend Earnings of the index. Ticker Price ROE ROA P/E P/BV Price Weighting YTD Index to Yield Yield Change Date THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1,698.40 0.24% 15.7% 69.8% 15.4% 3.6% 5.2x 0.6x 5.7% 13.7% Local Bourse Reverses Losses... ASI up 0.5% 1 Airtel Africa PLC 837.00 0.0% 32.2% -1.7% -1.7% 10.0% 3.5% 2.1% 2 BUA Cement Plc 74.00 0.0% 11.2% -4.3% -4.3% 19.1% 11.2% 35.5x 6.7x 2.5% 2.8% dŽĚĂLJ͕ƚŚĞůŽĐĂůďŽƵƌƐĞƌĞǀĞƌƐĞĚ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJΖƐůŽƐƐĞƐŽŶƚŚĞ 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 28.40 0.4% 8.6% -12.2% -12.2% 26.6% 4.3% 4.1x 1.0x 10.6% 24.4% 4 Zenith Bank PLC 22.90 -0.2% 6.5% -7.7% -7.7% 23.1% 2.9% 3.1x 0.7x 13.1% 32.4% back of buying interests in DANGCEM (+2.3%), 5 Dangote Cement PLC 225.00 2.3% 5.8% -8.1% -8.1% 32.0% 15.5% 12.6x 4.0x 7.1% 7.9% 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 165.00 0.0% 4.9% -2.9% -2.9% 97.1% 11.4% 14.7x 13.3x 5.7% 6.8% OKOMUOIL (+10.0%) and DANGSUGAR ;нϮ͘ϵйͿĂƐƚŚĞůů- 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 1,400.00 0.0% 3.8% -7.0% -7.0% 104.8% 17.8% 28.3x 37.9x 4.3% 3.5% 8 20.15 -0.5% Share index increased by 0.5% to 38,881.70 points. Conse- Lafarge Africa PLC 3.3% -4.3% -4.3% 8.8% 6.2% 10.1x 0.9x 5.0% 9.9% 9 Access Bank PLC 8.10 -0.6% 2.8% -4.1% -4.1% 16.4% 1.4% 2.5x 0.4x 9.9% 40.6% ƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕zdůŽƐƐŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚƚŽ-3.4% ǁŚŝůĞŵĂƌŬĞƚĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝͲ 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 7.10 0.0% 2.3% -17.9% -17.9% 0.3x 7.3% 11 FBN Holdings Plc 7.30 0.0% 2.6% 2.1% 2.1% 11.1% 1.1% 3.9x 0.3x 6.2% 25.7% ƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ േϭϬϭ͘ϴďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϯƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 59.05 0.0% 2.3% 5.4% 5.4% 4.5% 1.8% 64.0x 2.9x 1.6% 1.6% 13 46.00 0.0% strengthened ĂƐǀŽůƵŵĞĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞƚƌĂĚĞĚƌŽƐĞ by 3.7% and Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 2.2% 4.4% 4.4% 20.7% 2.9% 7.0x 1.4x 8.7% 14.3% 14 International Brew eries PLC 5.35 0.0% 1.5% -10.1% -10.1% -15.5% -3.4% 0.9x -8.8% 6.0% to 218.5m ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ േϭ͘ϲďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 29.20 2.5% 1.2% 12.3% 12.3% 0.8x 4.8% 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C 680.00 0.0% 1.8% 69.0% 69.0% 1.6% 0.9% 39.9x 0.6x 6.0% 2.5% ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ COURTVILLE (35.8m units), 17 11 PLC 0.0% -100.0% 7.4% 3.2% 18 106.15 10.0% FIDELITY (26.6m units), and ZENITH ;ϭϱ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ Okomu Oil Palm PLC 1.0% 16.6% 16.6% 24.6% 16.0% 12.9x 2.9x 6.6% 7.8% 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 2.25 -0.4% 0.7% -10.7% -10.7% 11.4% 1.1% 2.2x 0.2x 9.8% 44.6% ZENITH ;േϯϰϵ͘ϯŵͿ͕ GUARANTY ;േϮϵϭ͘ϯŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 5.00 -1.0% 0.6% -16.7% -16.7% 0.6% 0.0% 66.6x 0.2x 1.5% 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 17.50 2.9% 0.6% -0.6% -0.6% 25.5% 12.6% 7.2x 1.7x 8.6% 13.9% DANGCEM ;േϭϬϳ͘ϴŵͿůĞĚďLJǀĂůƵĞ͘ 22 FCMB Group Plc 3.15 0.0% 0.5% -5.4% -5.4% 3.4x 4.8% 29.3% 23 Sterling Bank PLC 1.62 0.0% 0.3% -20.6% -20.6% 9.2% 0.9% 4.0x 0.3x 3.1% 25.0% 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 13.50 0.0% 0.4% -6.9% -6.9% 18.4% 5.8% 7.8x 2.9x 2.9% 12.8% 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 0.87 0.0% 0.4% -3.3% -3.3% -1.3% -0.3% 0.5x 1.1% -2.4% Mixed Sector Performance 26 Presco PLC 75.90 0.0% 0.3% 7.0% 7.0% 17.9% 7.3% 14.4x 2.4x 2.7% 6.9% 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 12.10 3.9% 0.2% -12.9% -12.9% -6.2% -4.1% 1.1x -5.7% Across sectors under our coverage, performance was mixed 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 5.60 1.8% 0.2% 5.7% 5.7% 1.8% 29 United Capital PLC 6.00 -1.6% 0.3% 27.4% 27.4% 35.5% 4.2% 4.6x 1.5x 11.7% 21.8% as 3 ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϯ indices gained. The Insurance in- 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 29.00 0.0% 0.3% 52.6% 52.6% -17.8% -9.0% 0.9x -22.4% 31 5.95 0.0% dex ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘Ϭй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ Custodian and Allied Insurance 0.2% 1.7% 1.7% 25.0% 7.8% 3.0x 0.7x 9.2% 33.0% 32 A IICO Ins uranc e PLC 1.12 0.0% 0.2% -0.9% -0.9% 20.5% 3.3% 3.1x 0.2x 32.5% on MANSARD (-2.3%) and REGALINS (-ϴ͘ϮйͿ͘^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ƚŚĞ 33 Total Nigeria PLC 145.00 0.0% 0.2% 11.5% 11.5% 21.9x 4.3% 4.6% 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 19.10 0.0% 0.2% 8.4% 8.4% 8.3% 1.1% 8.4x 0.6x 2.1% 11.9% Banking and AFR-ICT indices ůŽƐƚ ϱďƉƐĂŶĚϭďƉƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ 35 Wema Bank PLC 0.57 0.0% 0.1% -17.4% -17.4% 8.0% 0.5% 2.9x 0.4x 7.0% 33.9% 36 0.0% ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ACCESS (-0.6%), FBNH (- Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 0.0% -100.0% 7.4% 0.9% 6.0x 0.6x 4.6% 16.6% 37 Oando PLC 2.99 0.3% 0.1% -19.2% -19.2% 14.5% 2.6% 1.3x 0.2x 77.7% 0.7%), and CWG (-ϵ͘ϰйͿ͘ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ƚŚĞ/ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů'ŽŽĚƐ 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 62.50 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% -28.7% -7.6% 1.9x -16.8% 39 Beta Glass PLC 54.00 0.0% 0.1% -2.5% -2.5% 9.3% 6.4% 7.8x 0.7x 2.1% 12.9% ŝŶĚĞdžůĞĚƚŚĞŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ƵƉϭ͘ϭйĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐƉƌŝĐĞĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc 3.57 0.0% 0.0% -0.8% -0.8% -10.6% -5.5% 0.6x -22.5% in DANGCEM ;нϮ͘ϯйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ Top 10 Gainers Top 10 Trades by Volume KŝůΘ'ĂƐŝŶĚŝĐĞƐƌŽƐĞďLJϬ͘ϲйĂŶĚϬ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJŽŶƚŚĞ Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Volume Price Chg %

back of buying interests in FLOUR- O K O M U O I L 10 6 . 15 10 . 0 % COURTVILLE 35.8 -4.8% MILL (+2.5%), UNILEVER (+3.9%), ETERNA (+2.6%), LEARNAFRCA 1.09 9.0% FIDELITYBK 26.6 -0.4% CHA M P ION 2.00 4.7% ZENITHBANK 15.3 -0.2%

and OANDO (+0.3%). UNILEVER 12.10 3.9% M ANSARD 13.9 -3.4%

CORNERST 0.58 3.6% VERITASKAP 12.8 -7.7%

DANGSUGAR 17.50 2.9% GUARANTY 10.3 0.4%

ETERNA 8.00 2.6% WAPIC 7.7 -1.7% /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ FLOURM ILL 29.20 2.5% REGALINS 6.2 -8.2%

ROYALEX 6.0 -3.9% /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ as measured by market breadth DANGCEM 225.00 2.3% VITAFOAM 11.50 2.2% HONYFLOUR 5.4 0.0% ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌĂƟŽͿ͕ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚƚŽϬ͘ϵdž from 0.5x in Top 10 Losers Top 10 Trades by Value ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Value Price Chg %

17 stocks ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ OKOMUOIL (+10.0%), LEARNAFRI- CWG 1.25 -9.4% ZENITHBANK 349.3 -0.2% CA (+9.0%) and CHAMPION ;нϰ͘ϳйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ REGALINS 0.45 -8.2% GUARANTY 291.3 0.4% VERITASKAP 0.24 -7.7% DANGCEM 107.8 2.3%

CWG (-9.4%), REGALINS (-8.2%), and VERITASKAP (-7.7%) FTNCOCOA 0.36 -7.7% NESTLE 89.1 0.0% ůĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝͲ CAVERTON 1.80 -5.3% OKOM UOIL 65.8 10.0% COURTVILLE 0.20 -4.8% SEPLAT 64.0 0.0%

pate ƚŚĞĚŽŵĞƐƟĐďŽƵƌƐĞǁŽƵůĚ ĞdžƚĞŶĚŝƚƐƉŽƐŝƟǀĞƉĞƌĨŽƌͲ ROYALEX 0.74 -3.9% FIDELITYBK 60.2 -0.4% ŵĂŶĐĞĚƌŝǀĞŶďLJďĂƌŐĂŝŶŚƵŶƟŶŐ͘ M ANSARD 0.84 -3.4% WAPCO 57.8 -0.5% NAHCO 2.20 -2.7% STANBIC 45.1 0.0%

JAPAULGOLD 0.53 -1.9% AIRTELAFRI 37.8 0.0%

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

Taiwo Ogundipe | [email protected] Christopher Omoh | [email protected] WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 43 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 07- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jun-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 153.35 154.87 -5.21% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.09% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund 305.82 305.82 -23.78% [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.62 111.62 -0.43% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.24% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.73 2.79 18.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.01% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.41 149.85 -3.86% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.26 3.32 -9.37% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.22 1.26 29.59% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.27% Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.03% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 129.03 130.46 -2.99% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 0.00% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.05% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,140.52 1,140.52 3.26% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.93 19.50 4.36% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.84 10.88 3.48% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.50% ARM Ethical Fund 37.18 38.30 10.30% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -11.21% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.68 7.18% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.38 12.44 2.07% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.73% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.52 104.52 2.76% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.59 0.02% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.95 112.56 0.91% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 129.65 130.30 2.65% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.79% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 128.83 131.80 8.81% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -21.89% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.05% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.01 2.05 -23.43% 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 3,131.42 3,156.19 -2.63% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.07 230.07 2.32% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.18 1.19 0.42% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 301.73 301.73 2.40% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 216.37 219.03 -0.99% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.84% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Paramount Equity Fund 15.87 16.15 -0.81% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,171.46 10,297.82 -3.16% Women's Investment Fund 132.09 133.47 -0.80% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.41% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.95 113.95 2.58% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.35 101.35 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.67% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 115.71 116.47 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A - United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.41% United Capital Bond Fund 1.94 1.94 2.82% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.71 106.71 - United Capital Equity Fund 0.91 0.93 4.75% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.83% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.89 120.89 3.25% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.71% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.11 1.02% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.18 -3.14% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.20% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.37 1.37 -13.81% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.17 12.28 2.55% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.08% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.59 13.71 11.28% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 3.08% Zenith Income Fund 24.10 24.10 0.52% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,161.24 1,169.18 -3.02% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.55% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,373.80 1,373.80 10.42% SFS REIT 123.46 2.25% FBN Balanced Fund 185.56 186.74 -1.13% Union Homes REIT 51.40 -1.91% FBN Halal Fund 109.77 109.77 6.76% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.59% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn -- -Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.60 12.70 -4.65% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.17 125.17 3.44% SIAML Pension ETF 40 123.87 123.87 1.75% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.87 154.94 1.12% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 97.20 98.95 -2.22% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERGROWTH ETF 16.93 17.03 - Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 MERVALUE ETF 17.46 17.56 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.64 3.68 -3.45% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.56 5.64 -2.18% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.91 17.01 3.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.85% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.96 19.16 -7.56% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 161.52 163.52 -26.22% Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills 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. 44 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 45 46 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 • THISDAY 47 48 WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY PAGE FORTY-EIGHT SUSPENSION TO REMAIN INDEFINITELY UNTIL TWITTER SHOWS REMORSE, SAYS FG However, the House government approached in Nigeria, particularly among operations in the country. House Leader, Hon. Alhassan He, however, did not state of Representatives has Twitter to remove a tweet by the younger generation who Gbajabiamila, in his address, Doguwa, and Chief Whip, Hon. how he was able to access waded into the dispute as Nnamdi Kanu but the company have used these networks for had apparently preempted the Mohammed Tahir Mongunu, his Twitter account since all it mandated its Committees responded that the material did enterprise and innovation. opposition lawmakers when asked him to be guided. telecommunication companies on Communication, Justice, not offend its rules," he said. He, however, said the House he mandated the various It was at this point that a had blocked access to Twitter Information and Culture, He stated that even after also recognised that as social committees to probe the visibly angry Chinda and some through their networks, forcing and National Security and that, Kanu used Twitter to ask media has been a tool for good, circumstances of the decision other members of the caucus Nigerians to download VPN. Intelligence to investigate the his followers to kill Nigerian it could also be a tool for bad by the federal government walked out of the plenary. His Facebook post attracted circumstances leading to the soldiers and police personnel actors, hence the government to suspend the operations of The opposition lawmakers varied reactions from his suspension of operations of and they obeyed. has a legitimate interest in Twitter in Nigeria. later addressed the press on followers, with,l some Nigerians, Twitter in Nigeria and the He added: "If that is not ensuring that these platforms But the leader of the PDP their grievances, saying that mostly supporters of the legality of the action. offensive, what is?" are not used to commit vile caucus, Hon. Kingsely Chinda, the members would continue government, praising him for It also summoned the According to him, over the actions against individuals and raised a point of order, citing to tweet in disregard of the compliance with the directive. Minister of Information and top (OTT) companies operate the state. section 39 of the constitution, suspension and are ready to But another follower, Masta Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Nigeria without registering According to him, it's the section 19 of the Universal be jailed. Pee, who wrote: "How did he to shed light on the matter. with the Corporate Affairs proper role of the legislature Declaration on Human and However, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, deactivated his account without But despite the suspension Commission (CAC) and paying in circumstances like this to Peoples Rights and Article later raised a point of order, logging in to Twitter?" and the order by the Attorney- tax on the billions they make unravel the issues until they 9 of the African Charter of alleging that there was an He was followed by Roy General of the Federation (AGF) in the country. develop an understanding Human and Peoples Rights earlier plan by some members Ekwueme who wrote: "This is and Minister of Justice, Mr. This, he said, would no longer of the why and the how of and commended the steps to disrupt the business of the an evidence that you logged Abubakar Malami (SAN), happen as henceforth, the OTTs executive decisions. taken so far by the speaker. House if their demands were in Twitter today via VPN to prosecute violators of the would now have to register as Gbajabiamila added that the He added that while he not granted. to deactivate your account, suspension directive, many Nigerian companies and would legislature must ensure that agreed with the submission of which is punishable under prominent Nigerians and some be expected to comply with regulatory and enforcement the leadership of the House, Suspension your unlawful law. organisations have remained the terms of their registration actions by the government the House should urge the Unprofessional, "Let's see how you will active on the microblogging site. with the National Broadcasting are in accordance with the executive arm to reverse Ill-advised, Says prosecute others without Notwithstanding his order, Commission (NBC). laws, due process followed the suspension, while the Catholic Church throwing yourself in jail.” Malami yesterday logged on "Anyone of them that is and the outcomes of regulatory committees continue their Akintunde Babatunde said: to Twitter, using Virtual Private not registered would not be decisions do not result in assignment within the stipulated The Catholic Secretariat of "How are you able to deactivate Network (VPN) to bypass the allowed to operate. Anyone adverse consequences for the 10 days. Nigeria (CSN) has described the Twitter without VPN? You blockade by telecoms companies that abuses the terms of its country and its people. He said: “While I agree with suspension of Twitter operations should be arrested." that have blocked access to the registration would have its He gave the committees the submission of the leadership in Nigeria as ill-advised. site, to deactivate his account. licence withdrawn," he added. 10 days to conclude the of this House completely, I will In a statement yesterday by Trump Lauds THISDAY also learnt that assignment and report back to only want to add that for the the Secretary of CSN, Rev. Fr. Nigeria over contrary to the impression House Investigates the House for further legislative breach of our fundamental Mike Umoh, the church said Twitter's Suspension given to the United States Legality of Suspension, action. human rights, particularly the action was condemnable. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Summons Information He said: ''We listen to the right to fair hearing, right "While the Catholic Church is Former President Donald Trump Beth-Leonard, that Twitter was the agitation of the people, to freedom of speech and not against regulations of media has praised Nigeria for banning already holding talks with the Minister but we also hear from the expression, we should urge the use, she abhors when such “evil” Twitter and encouraged federal government, the source The House of Representatives government so that from the executive arm in the interim to action is selective or used as other countries to do the same said no discussion was going has mandated its various abundance of information, we reverse the ban pending our tool for suppressing the people. in the name of “free and open on. committees to probe the reach the level of awareness interaction with the executive.” "This is one decision that will speech.” Beth-Leonard had led heads circumstances of the decision that allows us to discharge But the speaker ruled him further paint this government in A report on the website of the United Kingdom, Canada, by the federal government our role dispassionately. It is out of order, saying that since darker pigments as anti-people of DAILY BEAST, a news the European Union and Ireland to suspend the operations in service of our obligations the matter has been referred and anti-democratic," he said. publication based in the United missions to a meeting with of Twitter in Nigeria and the under the constitution of the to committees already, it was Umoh stated that as a States, yesterday quoted the Minister Foreign Affairs, legality of the suspension. Federal Republic of Nigeria and wrong for it to be revived again. mark of the futility of such Trump, who himself was Mr. , on The House also summoned our moral duty to the Nigerian He said: “Let me quickly refer actions, even some people in banned by the platform for Monday in Abuja, where she the Minister of Information and people.'' you to Order 9, Rule 1 Sub the government are reported incendiary rhetoric, as saying said she was glad to learn that Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, The speaker also decried Rule 6 of our rules, which states to have still used the facility in a statement that “more Twitter was negotiating with to appear before it and explain the spate of killings across that it shall be out of order to after the suspension, while countries should ban Twitter the Nigerian government. the reasons for the action. the country. reconsider any specific question many Nigerians resorted to and Facebook for not allowing But the source said: "As The directives were contained He said the attacks called upon which the House has the use of VPN and remote free and open speech—all voices we speak, there has been no in an address delivered by for coordinated and targeted come to a conclusion during proxy options. should be heard. Who are they communication between Twitter the Speaker, Hon. Femi action by government at all the current session except to dictate good when they and the federal government, Gbajabiamila, at the resumption levels to address the menace upon a substantive motion Despite Ordering themselves are evil?” and until the company does of plenary yesterday. and save the nation. for rescission. Violators’ “Perhaps I should have done the needful, its operations will Gbajabiamila said the “This matter has already it while I was president,” he remain suspended indefinitely." lawmakers were aware that PDP House been sent to the committees Prosecution, Malami added. The source said the federal the suspension of Twitter Members Stage to look at the issues you are Accesses Twitter, Trump also appeared to government suspended Twitter had generated a fierce debate, Walkout at Plenary talking about and will report to Deactivates Account confuse Facebook CEO Mark because it had persistently made adding that the House has us within 10 days. Even if you Zuckerberg with Twitter CEO its platform available for the since the announcement been However, a mild drama had brought a motion here, it Meanwhile, the Attorney- Jack Dorsey. “Zuckerberg kept propagation of activities of inundated with comments ensued yesterday when the would have been referred to General of the Federation (AGF) calling me and coming to the persons who want to destabilise about the decision, requests Peoples Democratic Party a committee. We are not even and Minister of Justice , Mr. White House for dinner telling the country. for intervention and criticism. (PDP) caucus in the House sure if your motion would not Abubakar Malami, yesterday me how great I was. 2024?” he He said when the federal He stated that the House staged a walkout at the plenary have been killed. This day, we deactivated his account. wrote. The praise comes after government complained, Twitter recognised that Twitter, like after Gbajabiamila ruled out have saved the day. So you are Malami posted the screenshot it was announced earlier this said the propagandists had not other social media networks, of order, their prayer calling ruled out of order.” of his deactivated account, month that Trump’s Facebook violated its rules. is an important tool for on the federal government to Chinda, however, insisted which showed a VPN symbol, and Instagram would remain "For instance, the federal communication and commerce reverse the suspension of Twitter on being heard, but the on his Facebook page. banned until early 2023. W’BANK RAISES GDP GROWTH FORECAST FOR NIGERIA TO 1.8% It added that growth in the some countries such as Angola and extractives and to weigh weaken recoveries. A sudden pandemic disrupted trade, particularly for low-income region has gradually resumed and Nigeria, accommodative on the recovery (Central African rise in sovereign borrowing forced businesses to close and countries. As the health crisis this year, which it stated was a monetary and fiscal policies, Republic, Equatorial Guinea, costs could instigate financial people to stay at home, will eases, policymakers will need to reflection of positive spillovers currency depreciations, and Niger, Kenya). pressures in some countries and grow 5.6 per cent this year, up address the pandemic’s lasting from strengthening global rising food and energy prices “Per capita income levels in high debt burdens and fiscal from the 4.1 per cent it forecast effects and take steps to spur economic activity, including “have stoked inflation.” 2022 are expected to be four per pressures could become more in January. green, resilient, and inclusive higher oil and metal prices, and “Elsewhere (Kenya, South cent lower on average than in acute. But the World Bank noted growth while safeguarding some progress in containing Africa), subdued demand 2019. Conditions in the region’s “At the same time, the pace that despite the recovery, global macroeconomic stability." COVID-19, especially in Western has kept inflation in check,” fragile and conflict-affected of vaccinations could surpass output will be about 2 per cent and Central Africa. it added. countries are expected to be expectations, restoring consumer below pre-pandemic projections “The pandemic has According to the report, particularly challenging; their and business confidence and by the end of this year. contributed to wider budget foreign direct investments in average output level in 2022 strengthening the recovery. A Per capita income losses deficits and a spike in the region have been resilient, is forecast to be 5.3 per cent stronger-than-expected rally in will also not be unwound government debt, heightening recouping about nine-tenths of below its size in 2019,” it said. metal and oil prices could boost by 2022 for about two-thirds the risk of debt distress in some their pre-pandemic levels, and It stated that while some revenues,” it stated. of emerging market and TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % countries. Activity in the three workers’ remittances to the countries (, Nigeria, South The global economy was developing economies. MORISON 0.11 1.13 9.7 largest economies—Angola, region have held up better Africa) are presently upgrading expected to expand by 5.6 Among low-income CONOIL 1.80 20.50 9.6 Nigeria, and South Africa— has than expected. national vaccine distribution per cent in 2021, the fastest economies, where vaccination VERITASKAP 0.02 0.26 8.3 partially recovered. “Growth is forecast to resume systems, procurement and post-recession pace in 80 years, has lagged, the effects of the “Many industrial and to 2.8 per cent this year and logistical hurdles in many largely on strong rebounds from pandemic have reversed AFRIPRUD 0.45 6.35 7.6 agricultural commodity firm to 3.3 per cent in 2022, other countries could slow a few major economies. poverty reduction gains and ROYALEXCH 0.05 0.77 6.9 exporting countries experienced underpinned by stronger vaccinations. The projected expansion aggravated insecurity and other TOP LOSERS NGN % deep contractions last year. external demand, mainly from It, however, warned that would make 2021 the fastest long-standing challenges. JULI 0.15 1.36 9.9 In tourism reliant countries, China and the United States, an oil price drop could dent year of growth since 1973’s 6.6 Commenting on the report, CWG 0.15 1.38 9.8 international arrivals have been higher commodity prices, and revenues for some oil exporters. per cent. World Bank Group President, JAPAULGOLD 0.05 0.54 8.4 at a near-halt, and tourism is containment of COVID-19. “Food insecurity remains a However, many emerging Mr. David Malpass, said: “While HONEYWELL 0.07 1.16 5.6 likely to remain slow until “Procurement and logistical key risk as food prices have market and developing there are welcome signs of wider vaccination permits safe challenges are expected to risen by more than 20 percent economies continue to struggle global recovery, the pandemic FCMB 0.15 3.15 4.5 reopening to international travel. continue hobble the pace of early this year in Angola, with the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inflict poverty HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 “Despite improvement, vaccination despite the provision Ethiopia and Nigeria. Flood and its aftermath, the World and inequality on people in Volume: 210.752 million shares COVID-19 has continued of vaccines by COVAX. Policy and drought could also destroy Bank said. developing countries around Value: N1.499 billion to have adverse impacts on uncertainty and the lingering crops, exacerbate food price According to the 189-country the world. health, schooling, investment, effects of the pandemic are inflation, and further weigh anti-poverty agency, the world “Globally coordinated efforts Deals: 3,958 and economic growth,” it stated. expected to delay major on household consumption. economy, which shrank 3.5 per are essential to accelerate vaccine As at yesterday 8/6/2021 According to the report, in investments in infrastructure “Rising conflicts could cent last year as the COVID-19 distribution and debt relief, See details on Page 41 WEDNESDAY, ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 49 NEWS Kidnappers of Tegina Pupils Reduce Ransom to N150m Laleye Dipo in Minna He said only the Chairman will do something." in the state. residents in their domains." Bello said the government of Rafi LGA, Mr. Ismaila Meanwhile, as part of He said: "Traditional and In his message during would continue to strive The bandits who abducted Modibo, had visited the measures to improve security religious institutions should the commencement of the towards mitigating security 156 pupils of Salihu Tanko parents and the school during in the state, the state Governor, work in cooperation with sale of fertiliser and 2021 challenges in the state and its Islamiyya School in Tegina which he (Modibo) assured Abubakar Bello, has directed the local government council planting season in Minna, repercussions on agriculture town of Rafi Local Government them that "the government the profiling of new residents chairmen to profile all new the state capital, yesterday, and food security. Area of Niger State 10 days ago have reduced the ransom they earlier demanded to N150 million. The criminals had initially asked for a N110 million ransom, which was later hiked to N200 million before reducing it to N150 million. THISDAY gathered that the parents of the pupils and some good Samaritans were also able to raise N11.6 million, which they reportedly took to the bandits, but the money was allegedly rejected. The Headmaster of the school, Alhaji Abubakar Alhassan, confirmed the new development, saying both the parents and the school authorities are confused on the next step to take. "We are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to the assistance of these parents. "Only the government can afford the amount they are demanding," he stated. Alhassan, however, said the bandits allowed him to speak to one of the victims, who told him that "they are all fine." The headmaster said the girl, a fairly elderly one among FORGING ALLIANCE... the victims, who was also a teacher, said they were being L-R: Group Managing Directo, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani; Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Works and fed with one groundnut cake Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Prince Adebode Adefioye, during a visit by Lafarge Africa Plc to the Ministry of Works and (Kulikuli) daily. Housing, in Abuja... recently GOVS’ INSISTENCE THREATENS RESOLUTION OF JUDICIAL, PARLIAMENTARY WORKERS’ STRIKE Union of Nigeria(JUSUN) gathered that after signing the He said: "The governors are Face Sanctions under lock and key contrary to The minister added that with and the Parliamentary Staff agreements, the governors have desirous of releasing the funds the promise made by the two the courts closed , the police Association of Nigeria(PASAN) not released the allocations to the states' judiciaries and Meanwhile, the federal unions at a further dialogue, and other security agencies to urgently reopen all the due to the judiciary and the the legislatures, but these government has directed which was attended by the cannot prosecute criminals. courts and the state Houses legislative arms of government. organs have to be set up first to members of the striking JUSUN President of the Nigerian The statement said that the of Assembly so that the May A source told THISDAY become the avenue to moderate and the PASAN to reopen Labour Congress (NLC). ministry would not be happy 20, 2021 Memorandum of that the delay in releasing the the disbursements of the funds all the courts and the state “Unfortunately, all federal to be pushed into invoking Action (MoA), signed by allocations to the two arms like it is done with the Federal Houses of Assembly so that the courts have remained closed sections of the Trade Disputes all parties on June 4, can of government in line with Accounts Allocation Committee May 20, 2021 Memorandum notwithstanding the fact that Acts capable of eroding all take effect. their financial autonomy status (FAAC). of Action, signed by all parties the federal level of government the gains made so far in the However, the National provided by the constitution "The governors were given on June 4, can take effect. operates a financial autonomy negotiations since May 6, 2021. Executive Committees (NECs) was due to the inability of the a 45-day deadline to set The government said it for the judiciary through the of the two unions will hold states to immediately set up up these organs to enable might invoke sections of the National Judicial Council (NJC) Workers Hold emergency meetings today a State Allocation Accounts implementation. Therefore, it Trade Disputes Acts if the and the National Assembly to decide on the next line of Committee (SAAC) and the is after the expiration of this through the statutory transfer Emergency Meeting strike continued. Today action. State Houses of Assembly 45 days that one can say that In a statement yesterday in lines.” The federal government Services Commission in their the governors don't want to Abuja, the Minister of Labour Ngige, however, said that he had three weeks ago brokered respective states. honour the agreement with had advised all governors that THISDAY gathered that the and Employment, Senator NECs of both unions will meet an agreement between the The setting up of SAAC the judicial and the legislative Chris Ngige, decried the have consulted with their heads governors and the workers and State Houses of Assembly workers. of judiciaries and legislatures separately today in Abuja to situation where the courts and reconsider issues that led to end their 10-week-old strike. Services Commission was also "For now, all processes are the state Houses of Assembly to go ahead and credit the Under the agreement, the part of the agreement reached in motion and the necessary accounts of judiciaries and to the over two-month- old are still shut for no cogent industrial action. governors were given 45-day between the striking workers organs would be set up to reasons. legislatures before fine-tuning window, with effect from the and the governors. ensure proper implementation the laws. It was learnt that the NEC He said going by the meetings would be held to date of the agreement, to The source said the inability as per the agreement." provisions of the May 20 The statement added that implement its terms. to set up these bodies He added: "Every state will many governors are desirous get the views of members of Memorandum of Action, states the two unions on whether However, while the immediately was the major have to set up the SAAC and had 45 days implementation that the state Houses of representatives of the workers reason stalling the release the State Assembly Services Assembly be opened so that or not to suspend the strike. window. Deputy President of JUSUN, promptly signed the agreement of funds to both arms of Commission. It is here the The statement, signed by they can enact the laws meant under the supervision of the government. details of what every state has to give effect to the autonomy Mr. Emmanuel Abisoye, told the Deputy Director, Press and THISDAY yesterday that the Minister of Employment, While the workers have to pay to the legislature and the Public Relations, Mr. Charles as enshrined in the MOA. Labour and Productivity, Dr. demanded the immediate judiciary is to be worked out “We are worried and NEC meeting would review Akpan, said: “The federal the progress made so far in Chris Ngige, the representatives release of the allocations for based on the agreed percentage. government has sadly noted therefore wish to appeal for the of the governors only endorsed them to call off the strike, the "The mode of payment is last time to all parties involved the agitation for financial that the MOA between all autonomy for state judiciaries the document last Friday. source stated that the governors based on a percentage of the the stakeholders involved in in the signed agreement to But one of the conditions are utilising the 45-day window revenue generated by each abide by its spirit and letters, and legislatures. the JUSUN/ PASAN strike, Reacting to the threat by given by the workers to provided in the agreement to state and not based on the mainly JUSUN/PASAN, by firstly re-opening all the call off the strike was that implement the terms, including total budget of the state. courts and the state Houses Ngige, Abisoye said the union Governors’ Forum and the had not done any wrong to while the agreement is being the release of the funds. “Who will receive necessary Presidential Implementation of Assembly so that all other implemented, the governors He added that some states funds without the SAAC? So, ingredients in the MOA can warrant any threat from the Committee is yet to take effect government. should first release their May have not set up SAAC and let the proper thing be done. because of non-compliance by be given full compliance by statutory allocations directly the State Assembly Services The governors are within all parties concerned. According to him, it is the parties. state governors who have failed to them immediately after the Commission for the various the terms of the agreement “We note that the strike has “This much was agreed to Federation Accounts Allocation commissioners of finance reached." between JUSUN/ PASSAN and to implement the provisions of not been called off as of noon, the Memorandum of Action Committee (FAAC), held last and the representatives of today, June 8, 2021, leading to the governors' forum at the month. the Conference of Speakers FG Directs Workers last meeting on Friday, June that such threat should be courts and various state Houses directed at. THISDAY, however, of State Assembly. to Resume Work or of Assembly still remaining 4, 2021," he said. 50 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWSXTRA House Condemns Alleged Killing of 180 People in Benue, Oyo by Herdsmen Adedayo Akinwale and Udora to be Fulani mercenaries who in Oyo State in the wee hours of assailants, in their large numbers, Moving the motion of urgent in Ekile Ward in February, this Orizu in Abuja invaded Izzi Communities in 6th June 2021, by armed bandits invaded the town around 11pm on importance at the plenary yesterday, year, adding that IPOB publicly Ekile and Ijigban Wards in Ado which resulted in the deaths of motorcycles and allegedly opened Hon. Francis Agbo, said the claimed responsibility for the act. The House of Representatives has LGA, . over 50 defenceless indigenes of fire, without any provocation on communities invaded are Ndobasi, He stressed that the Benue State condemned the killings of 130 The House also condemned the town. innocent, defenceless and harmless Ataloga, Odoke, Ndigwe, Ekpufu, all government promptly arrested the people when gunmen believed the invasion of lgangan town The House condemned the indigenes. in Ekile Ward, while many Izzi people culprits and handed them over callous killings at the resumed Muraina noted that as a result were also murdered in Obakotor village, to the police and they have since plenary yesterday presided of this attack on lgangan town, it in Ijigban Ward. been prosecuted and convicted. SANs Call for Calm over over by the Speaker, Hon. Femi was alleged that over 50 harmless The lawmaker said the gunmen Agbo added: “A total number Gbajabiamila. indigenes of the town were killed were believed to have carried out this of 130 people were murdered by Security Challenges in Moving the motion, Hon. Ajibola in cold blood, while about 90 others heinous crime to avenge the killing of the Fulani Gunmen and have Muraina, expressed serious concern sustained life threatening injuries. one of their own, a prominent Fulani since been buried while several South-east over the invasion by suspected Also, the House has condemned herder known as Alhaji Isa Musa people are still receiving treatment Seek Abdulsalami, Jonathan, Bakare, armed bandits, of lgangan Town, the killing of 130 people when in Ataloga. in the neighboring hospitals. The Ibarapa North Local Government gunmen believed to be Fulani Agbo noted that Musa was multi-billion Ndobasi market was others’ intervention Area, Oyo State, at the wee hours mercenaries invaded Izzi reportedly killed by four IPOB/ razed down and I wept profusely of Saturday, June 5, 2021. communities in Ekile and Ijigban ESN members, while returning at sighting the carnage unleashed Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja been security challenges. He noted with dismay that the Wards in Ado LGA, Benue State. from the popular Ndobasi Market on my beloved people.” “It is indeed worrisome A group, the Concerned Senior that the persons or group of Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) of people responsible for the South-east extraction yesterday mayhem; where they are from called for a truce over the security and what their objectives are challenges that have recently beset remain unknown. It is equally that part of the country. worrisome that the management In a statement signed on behalf of the crisis unfortunately exhibits of the group by Chief Nnoruka double standards with regard to Udechukwu (SAN), it noted the response of federal security with regret the recent killings agencies in South-east vis-à-vis and destruction of private and other similarly afflicted zones. public properties, including those “In order to find an immediate of the police and other institutions resolution and stop further of state by unknown persons. degeneration of the security The senior lawyers condemned situation, the concerned south- unequivocally the acts of arson east SANs hereby call for a truce and the taking of human lives in and immediate cessation of the process, stressing that these hostilities on all sides to allow for ALL EYES ON HIGHER RETURNS… acts of violence are not supported a consideration of the underlying L-R: Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadri; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Karl Toriola; Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; and cannot be supported by the issues and grievances which have Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah; and Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Muhammad K. Ahmad, during MTN Nigeria’s 2021 Annual people of the region. led to the recent rise in ethnic or General Meeting in Lagos …yesterday While commiserating with tribal nationalism not only in the SUNDAY ADIGUN the families of law enforcement southeast but in other parts of officers, other public servants the country,” the group advised. Buhari Meets with Service Chiefs, Others and private individuals who The senior lawyers called on have lost their loved ones as a those who are destroying public Uzodimma rallies support against insecurity result of the recent carnage, the and private properties, especially senior advocates insisted that facilities of law enforcement Deji Elumoye in Abuja Affairs, Geoffery Onyema; and the of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, me cannot restore security; only people from that region are agencies in the South-east zone National Security Adviser, Major among others. me cannot guarantee security. peace-loving, law abiding and to immediately discontinue their Apparently worried over the General Babagana Monguno However, journalists were not “I have to work with development-oriented. actions in order to forestall the worsening insecurity in the (retd.). briefed at the end of the meeting. traditional rulers; I have to The concerned South-east SANs slide into a total breakdown of country, President Muhammadu Others, who attended were the In a related development, Imo work with opinion leaders. I also requested former leaders, law and order in the zone. Buhari yesterday held emergency Chief of Defence Staff, General State Governor, Senator Hope have to work with the youth including Gen. Abdulsalam They urged all persons in security meeting to review the Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Uzodimma, yesterday rallied the leaders to be able to deploy Abubakar (rtd), Dr. Goodluck the South-east to remain law- security reports across the country. Staff, Major General Farouk support of all stakeholders to a community kind of security Jonathan, Chief abiding while calling on the law The meeting held at the Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, tackle insecurity, saying that programme, to be able to resist , Pastor Tunde Bakare, Col. enforcement agencies to respect Presidential Villa, Abuja, was Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu; him alone cannot resolve the what is going on today,” he Dangiwa Umar (rtd) to jointly, the sanctity of life and avoid attended by Vice-President Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal challenges of insecurity in his explained. with other well-meaning Nigerians indiscriminate arrests. Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Isiaka Amoo; Inspector-General of state. Uzodimma accused past from the six geopolitical zones The lawyers called on all Government of the Federation, Police, Usman Baba; the Director- Uzodimma, who briefed political office holders of intervene quickly in the matter. parties to embrace dialogue Boss Mustapha; Ministers of General, National Intelligence Buhari at the Presidential Villa, not speaking up against The group noted that the recent and diplomacy as a means Defence, Major-General Bashir Agency, Ahmed Rufa’I; and the Abuja yesterday, said: “In Imo the escalating violence in carnage is not representative of of resolving the myriad of Magashi (retd.); Minister of Foreign Director-General of the Department State as I speak to you, only the state. the aspirations of the people of growing disaffections across the South-east, just as is the case the entire country in the interest with the other geo-political zones of peace and unity in the FG: Malami to Decide on Prosecution of Adeboye, of the country where there have country. Kumuyi, Others over Twitter Use Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja of Deeper Christian Life unconstitutional. When the information minister Ministry Worldwide, Pastor Adeboye had in a tweet on was confronted with the actions NSCDC: 62,000 Schools The Minister of Information and William Kumuyi; as well as Monday, said his church is of Adeboye and Kumuyi, Nationwide Open to Attacks Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, other violators of the Twitter present in over 170 countries, which violated the suspension yesterday disclosed that suspension. adding that tweeting is in order, Mohammed said: “The Michael Olugbode in Abuja He spoke at the maiden the Attorney-General of the The information minister accordance with Article 19 of Attorney-General has made commandant general’s Federation (AGF) and Minister revealed this known on Monday the United Nations Universal it clear that if anybody The Commandant General of the conference during which he of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami evening during an interview with Declaration of Human Rights. violates the regulation Nigeria Security and Civil Defence rolled out operational vehicles (SAN), will decide whether or BBC News Africa. Kumuyi had also tweeted that such a person will Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, and inaugurated 200 housing not to prosecute the General This is coming as over 25 civil that his church has branches be prosecuted and this yesterday raised the alarm that units for junior and intermediate Overseer of the Redeemed society organisations in Nigeria, across over 100 countries and is not about any particular out of the over 81,000 schools officers in Abuja. Christian Church of God, Pastor yesterday condemned the gederal five continents, stressing that person. It is in the realm of the in the country, over 62,000 are Audi said the corps’ female Enoch Adeboye; the Founder government’s suspension of it can tweet from anywhere in Attorney-General to decide who susceptible to attacks. squad had been established to and General Superintendent Twitter, saying the measure is the world. or who not to prosecute.” He has also disclosed that secure school environments to the agency had concluded a protect children who had become vulnerability survey on schools targets of attacks by bandits and across the nation. kidnappers MTN, Others Lose Three Million Subscribers According to him, the survey “As part of the achievements Emma Okonji in March to 188,705,734 in April. in April. Globacom dropped from April. No porting services were was to enable the corps to devise of the corps from March 1 till According to NCC, Globacom was 52,918,718 in March to 50,598,855 recorded for the month as has been strategies in order to secure date, we have carried out MTN, Airtel, Globacom and other the biggest loser for the month of in April. 9mobile dropped from the case since January. schools nationwide. vulnerability survey of all telecommunication companies lost April, with about 2 million subscribers 12,850,383 in March to 12,779,155 in In December 2020, the sale and From the survey, Audi schools in the country to enable more than three million subscribers lost. April. Airtel dropped from 50,384,950 registration of new SIM cards was revealed that there are over us to work out strategies to in the month of April 2021, according NCC also revealed that MTN in March to 50,177,408 in April. banned by the Federal Government 81,000 schools in the country effectively secure our school to a report released yesterday by lost about one million. Both Airtel Broadband penetration dropped and a December 30 deadline for out of which over 62,000 are environment as part of efforts the Nigerian Communications and 9mobile lost less than 500,000 from 41.18 per cent in March to 40.66 people to link their National Identity susceptible to attacks, adding towards achieving the Safe Commission (NCC). subscribers together. per cent in April. This was because Number with their SIM cards was that most of the schools are School Initiative of the Federal The industry report showed that MTN’s subscribers dropped from telcos lost more than one million set. This has since been moved to government-owned. Government. subscriber base fell from 192,413,613 75,927,231 in March to 74,819,864 data subscribers in the month of June 30, 2021. WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 51 NEWSXTRA NiMet: Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Others to Experience Severe Dry Spell in June Kasim Sumaina in Abuja State that will experience below- will experience above-normal appropriate seedlings, according normal rainfall. farmers follow all the advice normal rainfall. rainfall. to the predictions. “Farmers must apply proper and precautionary measures that The Nigeria Meteorological Speaking at the headquarters Speaking on the implications of According to him, dry spell is planning where drought resistant NiMet offer from time to time in Agency (NiMet), yesterday of the agency in Abuja, the NiMet the predictions, Matazu informed not absence of rain but a period seeds are planted within the order to mitigate the impact of predicated severe dry spell in Director- General, Professor that farmers would have to when rain ceases to fall for 10 days period. this temporary dry spell”, Matazu Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Kebbi, Mansur Bako Matazu said states follow NiMet advice and plant or two weeks within a period of “It is also important that the advises Kastina, Niger and some parts like Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau of Borno states. and the FCT will experience mild This is even as it hinted that dry spell. the South-east and South-south He stated that for July and states will experience normal August, the dry spell would have rainfall apart from Cross River improved and the affected states NNPC Hails NGE President on Re-election Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja indeed the journalism profession have proven you worthy for The Nigerian National Petroleum another tenure and we pray it Corporation (NNPC) has continues to take you to greater congratulated the President of heights,” the GMD stated. the Nigerian Guild of Editors Isa was re-elected as president (NGE), Mr. Mustapha Isa, on of the guild at the 2021 Biennial his re-election as the head of Convention of the NGE which WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNER... the guild. held in Kano last week. L-R: Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Technical Adviser to the Governor, Ms. Bola Adigun; Chairman, Choice Group Managing Director of Elected along with him International, China/President,China-Africa Business Council of Nigeria, Ms. Diana Chen; Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; the corporation, Mallam Mele were THISDAY Editor, Mr Commissioner for Finance/Coordinating Commissioner for Economy, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and Vice Chairman, Choice Kyari, in a congratulatory letter Bolaji Adebiyi, who is to serve International/President, Del-York Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa when Chen and her team visited Uzodimma at the Government House, Owerri... he personally signed, stated that as vice president (West) of the recently Isa’s re-election did not come to organisation, while the media him as a surprise. company’s Abuja Bureau Chief “Your integrity, dedication, and Nation’s Capital Editor, Mr Akeredolu Inaugurates another Batch of 503 work ethics and outstanding Iyobosa Uwugiaren, was picked contributions to the guild and as the General Secretary. Amotekun Operatives James Sowole in Akure Inaugurating the newly promising to always provide the “Let me reassure the good Makinde: Devolution of Power Only recruited 503 personnel of right leadership for the agency to people of that our Determined to strengthen the Amotekun at the passing-out thrive. administration will leave no Solution to Nigeria’s Challenges operation of the State Security parade ceremony in Akure, the According to him, “The stone unturned as far as the Network Agency initiative, state capital, the governor called for Amotekun Corps initiative is a implementation of our ‘Redeemed Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Governor of Edo State, Prof. Amotekun, in a bid to tackle insecurity the support of all the stakeholders baby of necessity conceived as a Agenda’ is concerned. Osariemen Osunbor and the in Ondo State, the state Governor, Mr. in the fight against insecurity in home-grown approach to solving “The sixth goal of the agenda, The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Director-General of the Nigerian Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, yesterday the state. the plethora of security challenges which is ‘maintenance of law and Makinde, yesterday said fiscal Institute of International Affairs inaugurated another batch of Akeredolu, who also inaugurated that have put the people on the order for adequate security’ is the federalism and devolution of (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, personnel into the Amotekun Corps. new 20 patrol vehicles and the edge. reason we are here today. I enjoin powers remained the only ways among others, spoke on the The governor also said the official headquarters of the corps “It has further reinforced our all the good people of the state to to save Nigeria from the edge of imperative of federalism. initiative is also suitable since crime at Alagbaka, Akure, commended long-time view that state and lend their cooperation in terms imminent crises. Makinde said: “As we continue was a local issue that should be the leadership of the state security community-based policing is the of providing credible intelligence The governor, who maintained to deliberate on the future of addressed with a home-grown outfit for its efforts in ameliorating panacea to the country’s security and financial support towards the that true federalism is the future of democracy in Nigeria, let us approach. the security challenges in the state, challenges. success of this initiative. democracy in the country, insisted remember that true federalism that Nigeria must devolve powers is the way forward. Restructuring to the federating units, especially the Nigerian state, and giving the Sanwo-Olu Unveils Lagos Action Plan to Battle the powers to control natural federating units more powers is resources and the state security the route to economic prosperity. architecture, in order for it to avoid “We are the Federal Republic Climate Change Challenges the path of destruction. of Nigeria, but our federalism Makinde stated these at the exists only in name. Students of Segun James the state has a rich assemblage He explained that composting, saying multiple seemingly- International Conference Centre of political history will tell you that of projects being undertaken to recycling, waste-to-energy initiatives modest interventions successfully the yesterday what we have been practising The Lagos State Governor, Mr. address the climate change and are just a few of the strategies implemented across a wide variety during his keynote address at the is in fact a unitary system of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled fast-track the attainment of zero the government is focusing on of sectors will add up to substantial maiden ‘Governor Seyi Makinde government - where more powers the state Climate Change Action carbon goal. improving the quality of waste positive impact in terms of climate National Democracy Summit’ are concentrated at the central Plan to develop a strategy to Sanwo-Olu stressed that public management. change adaptation and mitigation. At the summit, with the theme: government. combat the challenges of climate transport reform is planned to The governor added that there According to him, “It has, ‘The Future of Democracy in “There is so much power at the change in the state. reduce the number of private are significant opportunities to therefore, become imperative that Nigeria’, the Governor of centre, and another thing that our Speaking at the commencement vehicles on the roads, by providing roll out off-grid solar systems for we address the pertinent issue of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, political theorists will tell you is of the two-day Lagos State eighth efficient alternatives in the form public schools, hospitals and other climate change because of its pivotal was represented by the Ondo that by nature, a unitary system Climate Change Summit held in of low-emission buses and rail government facilities in the energy impact on key economic areas State Attorney-General and of government is better suited for Victoria Island, the governor said transport, adding that owners of sector. like agriculture, health, sustainable Commissioner for Justice, small countries, maybe countries the document reflects the targets private vehicles are encouraged Sanwo-Olu also urged individual socio-economic development, Sir Charles Titiloye; former with flat ethnic nationalities. and goals of the Paris Climate to shift to low-emission versions homes to move from fossil fuel as well as enduring peace and Change Agreement, adding that as well. generators to solar systems, security in our society.” Barkindo Gets Oil Political Leaders Urge Buhari to Address Industry Award Challenges of Insecurity Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja He expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Chuks Okocha in Abuja meeting of former presidents, head President Buhari to convoke a Buba Galadima, Hakeem Baba Secretary General of the Resources; the supervising Minister of state, and their vice-presidents Council of State meeting to further Ahmed, Chief Ralph Nwosu of the Organisation of Petroleum of State, Mr. Timipre Sylva; the Leaders of the National to rally round President Buhari widen the scope “because this is African Democratic Congress Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Nigerian National Petroleum Conservative Forum (NcFront) “at this dark hour of Nigeria.” not a time to apportion blames,” (ADC); Kingsley Moghalu, Sanusi Barkindo, has received the Corporation (NNPC) and its Group yesterday urged the President Also, the political leaders, who stating that it is time for conflict Oby Ezekwesili among other International Petroleum Diplomacy Managing Director, Mallam Mele Muhammadu Buhari-led federal met yesterday in Abuja, said resolutions and engagements to leaders of NcFront, called on Person of the Year 2020 Award at Kyari, as well as the organisers and government to take urgent steps former presidents should use avert possible disaster. the federal government to also the ongoing Nigeria International sponsors of NIPS, titans of industry to stem the dangerous tide of their experience and wisdom to Reading the communique stem the tide of widespread Petroleum Summit (NIPS) and everyone involved in the event. insecurity and tension in the assist Buhari to stabilise Nigeria of their meeting, the National insecurity in the country. Speaking during the award, “I interpret this award as a country before they degenerate as the country needs them now Chairman of the Social Democratic According to Agunloye, Barkindo said it was a testimony recognition of the teamwork, into full blown civil war and the to show leadership once again. Party (SDP) and former Corp “Nigerians have the to the fact that that he was not dedication and selflessness of a irreversible corporate collapse of They also called on great men Marshal of the Federal Road Safety responsibility to protect mistaken when he decided to join remarkable group of countries: Nigeria. and women who have manned Commission (FRSC), who was Nigeria from collapse, and the industry, noting that he was namely, the Declaration of Specifically, they called on the three arms of government to also a former Minister of Defence, create a platform to bring all deeply humbled and honoured Cooperation (DOC) strategic former Head of State, General once more come out to rescue the Dr. Olu Agunloye, supported warring parties to a peace to be bestowed with the award. partners. (rtd), to call a country, as they humbly requested by Pat Utomi, Ghali Naabba, table.” 52 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... South-east Journalists Allege Indiscriminate Killing of Innocent Citizens by Security Operatives Seek Buhari’s intervention Ejiofor Alike zone to restore peace. South-south geo-political zones. taking advantage of the order zones than the present path contained. It called on President The association condemned to engage in indiscriminate which the security forces are The senior journalists also IZUNWANNE, an association of Muhammadu Buhari to review in strong terms, the wanton shootings and mowing down taking”. described as unacceptable, “The senior journalists from the South- his shoot-on-sight order, which, violence that has engulfed the of the lives of many vulnerable, IZUNWANNE also situation in Owerri where security east geopolitical zone, has raised according to the group, gave two geo-political zones of the helpless and innocent people.” condemned in very strong agents indiscriminately go the alarm over the indiscriminate security agents the licence to kill country, and called for the return The association argued that terms the attack on government after mass arrests of youths shooting of innocent citizens by vulnerable and helpless innocent of peace in the area. “such approach can never agencies and assets, as well as in churches and their families” security agents deployed to the civilians in the South-east and In a press statement jointly bring peace but would rather the killing of security personnel and demanded an immediate signed by the chairman and compound issues, lead to by gunmen in the zones. stop to it. secretary of the association, intimidation, suppression “Our association also roundly “We support a UNITED Insecurity: House Urges FG Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu and and coercion”, believing condemns the attendant Nigeria, where equity, justice Mr. Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, that “There are better other indiscriminate killing of and fair play are the principles to Provide Security, Safety the senior journalists urged possible and legal ways innocent persons in the guise that should govern the co- Buhari to review his “shoot- available to government of going after the arsonists and existence of all peoples of Measures in Schools on-sight” order and stop to responsibly bring about destroyers of public facilities in the country”, the statement Udora Orizu in Abuja irrespective of one’s class, religion “security operatives from peace and tranquility in the the area”, the statement further emphasised. or ethnicity. The House of Representatives It noted that since December has urged the Federal Ministry of 2020, hundreds of teachers, Education to work out appropriate students and pupils have been modalities for the provision of abducted from schools across basic security and safety measures the Country. to protect schools in Nigeria. The House recalled the The House urged the need to abduction of nearly 300 students deploy modern technology in the from Government Girls Science provision of basic security measures Secondary School, Jangegbe in in schools. on 26 February Its Committees on Basic Education 2021 and 27 boys and their teachers and Services, Tertiary Education and from a school in Kagara, Niger Services and Legislative Compliance State which happened in the space were mandated to ensure compliance. of 10 days. These resolutions followed a It expressed worries over the motion on the need to Increase weak or non-existent security Security around Schools across infrastructure in most schools across the Country by Hon. Benjamin the country leaves the children B. Mzondu and Hon. Julius O. vulnerable to attacks and other TECHNOLOGY ON THEIR MINDS... Ihonvbere. negative influences, hence the L-R: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; Executive Commissioner, Technical The House noted the increasing need to provide primary resistance Services (NCC), Mr. Ubale Maska; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder insecurity in Nigeria which has against intruders, and protect the Management (NCC), Mr. Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Spectrum Administration (NCC), Mr. Oluwatoyin Asaju during the inauguration of become a worrisome development school facilities. 3.5GHz Auction Committee for the Licensing of 5G Spectrum in Nigeria at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja ...yesterday 2023: APC Elders Endorse Senate Passes Bill to Unbundle NIPOST Deji Elumoye in Abuja accounts of the federation for the Giving a highlight of the NIPOST According to the senator, clause Akande for Governor year ended of December 31, 2015, bill, Tinubu said sub-clause (1)(a) 5(2) was also inserted to specify The elders and leaders of the The meeting, which also had The Senate yesterday passed the presented by the Senate Committee under clause 3 which deals with the the minimum qualifications for the All Progressives Congress (APC) former Commissioners, former Nigerian Postal Service (NPS) on Public Accounts establishment and membership of appointment of the Postmaster- in 10 local government councils House of Assembly members, (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill The passage of both bills was the Governing Board of the Public General. in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State former local government chairmen 2021, which seeks to unbundle sequel to the clause-by-clause Postal Operator was amended Tinubu further said clause 8, has endorsed Professor Adeolu and former party officials, the agency to ensure efficiency in consideration of the two separate to give the governing board which deals with the Application Akande as their choice candidate commended the members of the service delivery. reports by the Senate Committees power to formulate policies and of Pensions Act, was amended to for the governorship ticket of party for trooping out in large Also passed during the plenary on Communications; and Health adopt strategies for the overall align with the Pension Act while Oyo State in 2023. numbers to register in the last was a bill to enact the Medical and (Secondary and Tertiary). development of the postal sector. clause 10, which provides for the The elders made the resolution party membership exercise. Dental Practitioners Act to establish The reports were considered after She added that sub-clause (1) (b) Exclusive Powers of the Public in Ilero, Kajola Local Government The elders advised members the Medical and Dental Professions being laid by the Communications was deleted as the board cannot Postal Operator, was amended Area after a stakeholders meeting of the party to brace up for the in Nigeria. Committee Chairperson, Senator borrow or raise funds for the to enable the Public Postal presided over by Alhaji Abu forthcoming congress of the party It also received the 2015 annual Oluremi Tinubu, and her entity while sub-clause (1)(c) was Operator to accredit Gbadamosi. at a date yet to be announced report of the Auditor-General for counterpart in Health Committee, amended to align with existing digital or e-certificate as The meeting also resolved by the national headquarters of the Federation (AuGF) on the Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe. legislation. appropriate. not to vie for the chairmanship the party. position of the APC in the They also advised party forthcoming congress of the party. members in the zone to welcome The meeting argued that gubernatorial aspirants from other Group Urges FG to Curb Insecurity, Seek Dialogue Oyo North Senatorial zone has zone, adding however that they produced the Chairman of the should politely inform them of the Sunday Okobi It urged the federal government the present situation in Nigeria transition. party for the past 10 years in the resolution of the zone to produce to adequately train and equip the and its implication for national It therefore used this medium person of Chief Akin Oke. the next governor of Oyo State. A non-for-profit social justice Nigerian Police to enable them unity, development, and stability. to call on the Federal Government The meeting resolved that it is The elders also resolved to organisation in Nigeria, NALT handle law enforcement in Nigeria The group expressed its of Nigeria to immediately take the turn of other Senatorial zones reach out to other zones of the Club, International, has expressed so that the armed forces can focus condolences to the families of steps to ensure that the civil law to produce the Chairman of the state to solicit their support for deep concerned about the general on external threat to the country’s those that have lost loved ones enforcement agencies perform their party. their candidate. insecurity and uprising in the sovereignty. and their valuable property to statutory duties of protecting lives various parts of the country NALT, in a statement made the violent clashes in the country. and property of Nigerians within and the ensuing attack and available to THISDAY yesterday The statement noted that NALT the national and international laws Fintiri Consoles Family of Gyella counter attacks on civilians, by its National and International is deeply concerned about the of engagement, “have due respect security operatives, as well as Communication Directors, ripple effects the violent situation for human rights and sanctity of The Governor of , his death as shocking and painful, the destruction of government Nwaeze, Okeoma and Okenna has generated across Nigeria, and human lives while pursuing dialogue Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri particularly at this period when and citizens properties. Nnamchi respectively, lamented its implication for the 2023 political with aggrieved parties.” took time of his tight schedule Adamawa State and, indeed, to condole with the family of the Nigeria needed his experience late Dr. Yaro Gyella, a former and expertise. Sylva Debunks Alleged Rift with Akpabio over NDDC Board Secretary to the Government He noted that the tenure of of Adamawa State, who died Gyella Yaro as SSG witnessed The Minister of State Petroleum rift were enemies of progress and consider themselves brothers and sake of the development of the on Friday at the age of 74. tremendous achievements and Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva has therefore urged the general public comrades in the quest of building region, competent, committed, Fintiri, who was at Gwarinpa developments in the State. said that there is no rift between to discountenance the rumour. a more prosperous Niger Delta compassionate and patriotic family home of the late former Describing him as an astute him and the Minister of Nigeria The media aide also and a stronger Nigeria”. people get appointed”. SSG in Abuja, was received academic and technocrat, Fintiri Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill discountenanced the story that Bokoru said “Sylva is currently He said “Sylva will continue by family members, Senator prayed that Allah grant the Akpabio over the constitution Sylva was also attempting to hosting the Nigeria International building harmony amongst Mohammed Mana and Professor deceased Aljanna Firdaus and give of the board of the Niger Delta truncate the chances of certain Petroleum Summit (NIPS) and Niger Delta leaders, the Barkindo, a retired federal the family, friends and associates Development Commission individuals from being Managing while he has the development Honourable Minister will attract Permanent Secretary and bosom fortitude to bear the loss. (NDDC). Director of the region’s apex of the Niger Delta at heart, he even more develoment to the friend of the deceased. Fintiri was accompanied by The media aide to the interventionist body. is not fixated on who becomes region as he is doing and The governor in a statement the PDP Governorship petroleum minister, Mr. Julius “Sylva has maintained excellent who in the formation of the will keep working towards issued by his Chief Press Secretary, candidate in the last election, Alhaji Bokoru said in a statement issued relations with Senator Akpabio NDDC board. He rather a more peaceful South-South Hunwashi Wonosikou, described Bello Iliya Damagun and his aides. yesterday that those concocting the through the years. The duo hopes and prays that for the region”. WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 53 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... W’Bank Opposes Vaccine Intellectual Property Waiver WTO resumes talks Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with on World Bank economic risk of reducing the innovation have opposed the waiver from as possible. “It seems to be they are still agency report forecasts, came as the World and the Research & Development the WTO’s agreement on Trade- The World Bank said its global far apart. Their positions have Trade Organisation (WTO), in that sector,” Reuters reported Related Aspects of Intellectual growth forecasts, raised to 5.6 not fundamentally changed,” a World Bank President, Mr. David negotiations over the proposed him as saying. Property Rights (TRIPS), arguing per cent for 2021 and 4.3 per Geneva-based trade official told Malpass, said yesterday that the waiver resumed in Geneva. The comment puts Malpass, a that it would stifle innovation and cent for 2022, could be higher if the news medium. bank does not support waiving Asked whether he backs a WTO Donald Trump administration’s do little to effectively increase vaccinations can be accelerated WTO Director-General, intellectual property rights for vaccine IP waiver, which India, nominee, at odds with the Joe vaccine supplies constrained in developing countries. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a COVID-19 vaccines, noting South Africa and other emerging Biden’s government, which is by trade barriers, shortages In Geneva, negotiations proponent of the waiver, that he was concerned that it market countrie needed to expand supporting text-based WTO of components and a lack of were proceeding yesterday and had recently said that even would hamper innovation in vaccine access, Malpass said the negotiations for vaccine intellectual manufacturing capabilities. Wednesday (today) over revised intellectual property waiver the pharmaceuticals sector. bank would not support the call. property rights, led by US Trade Malpass reiterated his calls waiver proposals from India and alone will not be enough to His comments on the subject, “We don’t support that, for Representative, Katherine Tai. for wealthy countries to quickly South Africa that remained far narrow the huge COVID-19 made during a call with reporters the reason that it would run the Major vaccine makers and donate their excess vaccine doses broader than the narrow vaccine- vaccine supply gap between the pharmaceutical industries to the developing world as quickly only waiver favoured by Tai. rich and poor countries. Senate, CAN Mourn TB Joshua

Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Service on Saturday 5th June 2021. Ezigbo in Abuja We commiserate with you, the children and the entire members The Christian Association of of SCOAN on this irreparable loss. Nigeria (CAN) and the Senate “Prophet T.B Joshua was yesterday expressed condolences one of the foremost Nigerian to the family of the late founder charismatic pastor, televangelist, of the Synagogue Church of All and philanthropist who devoted Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB his entire lifetime to the Joshua. propagation of the gospel and The Senate observed one- ministering to the needs of the minute silence to honour Joshua. downtrodden. He was renowned It also sent a condolence for his philosophical simplicity message to the family of the and humility. His death is not deceased who died in Lagos only a loss to the family and the POLITICAL RACE HOTS UP… last Saturday. church, but to Nigeria and the L-R: Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, Mr. Ojinnaka Christopher; APC governorship aspirant, Anambra This was sequel to the adoption world at large State, Mr. John Bosco; APC member, Chief Iwuejina Igbokwe; and Director General, John Bosco Campaign Organisation, Mr. Frank Ndibe, of Order 43 of the Senate Rules, “There are indeed no exact during the submission of interest and nomination forms at APC national secretariat in Abuja…yesterday under which the Deputy Senate words of comfort at a moment ENOCK REUBEN Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, like this, but we humbly enjoin drew the attention of his you to take solace in the Will of Fayemi Vows to Recover over N1bn Housing Debt for Ekiti colleagues to the demise of the the Almighty God, who works in Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti characterised land administration of ministerial committee to advise that the government had been Prophet. us both to do and work according in the state. the government on how to reform informed of the existence of On his part, the President to his good purpose (Philippians Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi disclosed these its apparatus in charge of land vast undeveloped parcels of of CAN, Dr. Samson Olasupo 2:13). Fayemi, has promised to recover yesterday in Ado- Ekiti when he administration. land and lack of record of Ayokunle, in a message described “We know that Our Lord into the government treasury over received the report of the Judicial He said the commitment of ownership or evidence of him as “one of the foremost Jesus Christ in whom there is N1billon debt owed the state Panel of Inquiry on Land and his administration to eradicate payment for some property in Nigerian charismatic pastor, all-sufficiency, and whom you government by some of the related matters in the state. unlawful land transaction was the state housing estates, televangelist, and philanthropist have been serving wholeheartedly beneficiaries of the state housing Apparently miffed by the to achieve an effective land ordered the committee on who devoted his entire lifetime to will make all grace abound unto estates before the expiration of level of corruption, poor record administration to enhance recovery of money owed the propagation of the gospel.” you at this trying moment (2 his tenure. keeping and lack of transparency government’s efforts in achieving the state government to “The news of the demise of Corinthians 9:8). The governor also restated the that characterised the allocation poverty reduction and promoting present a formal report on your darling husband, Prophet “On behalf of all members commitment of his government of lands in the state, the governor economic growth. it to enable the government Temitope Balogun Joshua, who of the Christian Association of to reverse the impunity that has directed the immediate constitution The governor, who disclosed take necessary action. was until his transition at the age Nigeria (CAN), we commiserate of Fifty-Seven (57) was the leader with you, and the entire family and founder of the Synagogue on this loss. It is our prayer that FCT Requires N2.6bn to Fix 25,000 Vandalised Assets Church of All Nations came to us the Almighty God grant Prophet amidst great shock and sorrow TB Joshua an eternal rest in his Amaechi wants death sentence for railway track vandals “We are particularly sad creator, and may God’s perpetual Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja protection of public infrastructure The FCT minister said findings duct covers. because the deceased showed light continue to shine on his path organised in Abuja by the Ministry few weeks ago revealed that 400 The minister lamented that no trace of illness prior to his (Amen). Once again, please accept The Federal Capital Territory of Information and Culture. foul water manholes covers, 582 the public assets destruction demise after an Evening Church our heartfelt condolence.” (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Bello made the revelation just storm water covers and 23,210 constituted a serious health and Musa Bello, has stated that the as the Minister of Transportion, gully pot covers were vandalised security challenges to the FCT Administration would require Rotimi Amaechi, said the National in the territory. FCT, noting in particular, SERAP Drags Buhari to N2.6 billion to replace 25,462 Assembly should consider the Other vandalised assets, the vandalisation of water assets that were vandalised in call by the public to enact a according to him, included 467 board inspection chamber the territory. law making the vandalisation water board inspection chamber covers had adverse effect ECOWAS Court over Twitter Ban He disclosed this yesterday at of railway track punishable by covers, 47 fire hydrant covers, on water supply in the Udora Orizu in Abuja including media houses, broadcast the Town Hall meeting on the death. and 756 telecommunications territory. stations using Twitter in Nigeria, Socio-Economic Rights and to harassment, intimidation, arrest Accountability Project (SERAP) and and criminal prosecution, pending Establish Truth, Reconciliation Commission, Moghalu Tells Buhari 176 concerned Nigerians have filed a the hearing and determination of lawsuit against President Muhammadu the substantive suit. Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The former Central Bank of start with a declaration of May 30 not to conduct election in 2023, as Buhari over the suspension of Twitter in In the suit filed by solicitor to Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor as a national holiday to honour already been widely speculated Nigeria, and criminalisation of Nigerians SERAP, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the A presidential candidate in made the call at a press conference the millions of lives lost in the in some quarters. still using Twitter. plaintiffs said that the suspension the 2019 general election, Prof. yesterday in Abuja, where Nigerian civil war, as currently The economist, who expressed Following the deletion of Buhari’s has seriously undermined the ability Kingsley Moghalu, has called on he hinted that insecurity and mark “unofficially by many regret that the current leadership ‘civil war’ tweet by the micro blogging of Nigerians and other people in the President Muhammedu Buhari to, nationhood of Nigeria were Nigerians as Remembrance of the country has failed to platform, the Minister of Information country to freely express themselves as a matter of national emergency, evident in President Buhari’s Day. approach the present crises in and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed last in a democracy, and undermined the establish a Truth and Reconciliation recent controversial remarks Moghalu warned that the country in its peculiar nature, week announced the suspension of ability of journalists, media houses and Commission, as first step to about the security crisis in the regardless of the current phase said he cannot rule out the fact Twitter in Nigeria. The government has broadcast stations to freely carry out stabilise Nigeria and begin the South-east region in the context of turbulence in the country today, that there are political motives also threatened to arrest and prosecute their professional duties. process of national healing and of the 1967-1970 civil war. the Independent National Electoral behind the current security crisis anyone using Twitter in the country, The plaintiffs are therefore asking the reconciliation. He said the president could Commission (INEC) has no reason in the country. while the National Broadcasting ECOWAS Court for the following Commission (NBC) has asked all reliefs, ‘’A declaration that the action broadcast stations to suspend the of the Defendant and its agents in FG Enrolls 500,000 N-Power Applicants patronage of Twitter. suspending the operation of Twitter In the suit No ECW/CCJ/ or any other social media and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja this disclosure yesterday while According to the minister, short-listed applicants were APP/23/21 filed before the ECOWAS microblogging application without giving update on the National the second batch of another being individually contacted Community Court of Justice in Abuja, an order of a competent court of The federal government has Social Investment Management 500,000 will subsequently be via their e-mail addresses SERAP and the concerned Nigerians jurisdiction is unlawful, inconsistent selected 500,000 persons for the System (NASIMS). made in line with the directive provided and were advised to are seeking an order of interim and incompatible with Article 9 N-Power Batch C1 programme. She said by third week of by President Muhammadu check and then immediately injunction restraining the federal of the African Charter on Human The Minister of Humanitarian last month, over 1.8 million Buhari to engage 1,000,000 log on to the NASIMS self- government from implementing and Peoples’ Rights and Article Affairs Disaster Management Nigerians successfully updated beneficiaries under the Batch service portal and enrol their its suspension of Twitter in 19 of International Covenant on and Social Development, their records and took the C. biometric data to qualify for Nigeria, and subjecting anyone, Civil and Political Rights. Sadiya Umar-Farouq gave compulsory online test. She added that the 550,000 final selection. 54 WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] WEDNESDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Super Falcons Land in America for Summer Series Nine-time African champions also involving hosts USA, home-based professionals Nigeria’s first match of the of the Olympic football gold, Q2. Super Falcons have arrived in Jamaica and Portugal’s ‘A’ flew aboard a Delta Airlines’ series against Jamaica at the at the Q2 Stadium on 16th The USA is the only one of the United States of America Women Teams. flight on the long haul from BBVA Stadium on Thursday. June. the four teams in the Summer for this year’s Summer Series– A contingent of Nigeria- Lagos to Atlanta and arrived Three days later, the Matches will be played Seriesthat will compete in the a Four- Nation Tournament based technical crew and nine in the capital of the State Falcons, one of only seven at the BBVA Stadium in 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The of Georgia on Tuesday teams to have featured in Houston and at the brand- match against Nigeria will morning. They were aboard every edition of the FIFA new, $240million Q2 Stadium mark the first time the another flight from Atlanta Women’s World Cup finals in Austin built by the newest USA has ever faced the Super Eagles, Indomitable to Houston, in the State of since the competition was club in the Major League Super Falconsoutside of a Texas, hours after. launched 30 years ago, will Soccer, Austin FC. world championship and The team’s Head Coach, tackle Portugal at the same Both cities are in the it will be just the third- Lions Play Tame Draw in Randy Waldrum, an BBVA. State of Texas and the clash ever friendly against an American, and a number of Their last match is against between the Super Falcons African country for the Vienna Rematch overseas-based players are the USA squad, four-time and the US Women A team Americans, with the expected to join up with the winners of the FIFA World will be the first-ever football previous two coming more than a dozen of their top squad in Houston ahead of Cup and four-time winners match at the state-of-the-art against South Africa. Duro Ikhazuagbe stars and last-minute injuries to goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Nigeria’s Super Eagles battled winger Peter Olayinka meant the Indomitable Lions of they had to again make changes Cameroon to a tame goalless to the starting XI for Tuesday. draw in Austria yesterday. Cameroon thought they The game was the second had gone ahead in first half of the two-match arrangement stoppage time, when they put made to keep both teams the ball into the net, but the busy ahead of the World Cup referee chalked off the effort qualifiers starting in September. for offside. After Eagles conceded a 1-0 The Indomitable Lions were defeat in the first game last better organised in defence and Friday, most football aficionados chose to play the possession had hoped for a revival from football at almost a walking Coach Gernot Rohr and his pace. wards. The Nigerian senior team But that was not to be as on the other hand, were more Tuesday evening spectacle, purposeful as they tried to get to streamed live, failed to produce goal the quickest route possible, the expected spark. but the final ball always seemed Although the backline to let them down. appeared better than even Alex Iwobi ought to have when team Vice Captain William put Nigeria ahead in the 52nd Troost-Ekong marshaled the area, minute, but his shot after a Rohr must be troubled that his flowing attacking move missed strikers, who had scored goals the mark. after goals across Europe this Cameroon also had two big past season, could not deliver chances, first in the 66th minute for him in two games. but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye And so the jinx of Nigeria somehow blocked it, before they not scoring in four matches in had a free header inside the Austria continued. box in the 77th minute which Super Eagles were without was not utilized. Super Falcons in a group photograph with officials on arriving in Austin, Texas...yesterday morning 18 Schools for Lulu, Ojo-Oba, Uchegbulam Canvass Flawless PwCChess4ChangeGrand Slam Eighteen schools in Lagos will vie undergone three-month intensive Autonomy for NFF for laurels as this year’s edition chess tutelage and mini challenge Former chieftains of Nigeria should be documented for and acquitted with no case “With all modesty, our tenure of the PwCChess4ChangeGrand competitions that qualified them. Football Federation (NFF) Sani posterity. submission after wrongly at the NFF was the best in recent Slam which started at the Teslim He added; “PwCChess4Change Lulu Abdullahi, Bolaji Ojo-Oba “June 9 is like June 12to us; I dragged before the court for and I make bold to say that,” Balogun Stadium on Tuesday. is a game introduced to Lagos and Amanze Uchegbulam mean me as well as Lulu, Ojo- almost ten years by petulant Lulu noted. “We inherited a Curtains will be drawn on the State Schools by MediaVission have called for unrestrained Oba and late Taiwo Ogunjobi,” officials from the Ministry of debt of N300m from the Alhaji three-day tourney on Thursday in 2014 with just six schools in autonomy in the day-to-day Uchegbulam who was 1st Vice Youth and Sports Development Ibrahim Galadima-led board but where such gifts items like laptops the pilot edition and currently administration of domestic President under the Lulu-led led by the former Director- apart from clearing the debts; and other mouth-watering prizes extended to eighteen schools. football in the country to NFF board, explained. General of National Sports we left an impressive N2.8b in would be dished out to the “It is note worthy to mention students. that the objectives of the deepen its development. “Every June 9is a day of Commission (NSC), Dr. Patrick the coffers of NFF at the time The schools, according to programme are gradually being Speaking against the victory for us and it’s about Ekeji.” we were forcefully removed MediaVision Limited, who are achieved. backdrop of their trial following time we allow Nigerians and Lulu noted that his tenure from office on July 2010.” the organisers of the tournament, These include among others, the disputed Super Eagles indeed the world to know that as the custodian of the game Ojo-Oba who was the were drawn across four improvement of strategic and funding for the FIFA World we were tried for no just cause between 2006 and 2010 should then NFF Secretary General educational districts in the state. critical thinking skill amongst Cup South Africa 2010 as because throughout the trial, no go down as the best for its fiscal noted that the ordeal they Speaking at the opening students in Lagos State. Our well as subsequent clearance question regarding supposedly propriety even so after the nine- went through after the ceremony, Segun Omodunni students have been benefiting for non-corruption and acquittal lost money and erroneously fed point corruption charges against 2010 World Cup can be who represented the Permanent by participating in the game after eight years of litigation, the the public was asked. the quartet were quashed by described as nothing but Secretary Ministry of Education and it has really enhanced trio affirmed their exoneration “We were discharged the court. sheer wickedness. congratulated all the qualified their circle thinking ability students in this edition of and promote their academic PwCChess4Change Grands excellence as they prepare Slam tournament who had strategically.” Access Bank Donates N10m to UNICEF as Fifth Chukker Wins Charity Shield The prestigious Access Bank/ officials of the bank to the “We have been working in the donation, UNICEF would UNICEF Charity Shield grand finale, expressed delight Kaduna, in collaboration with be able to provide care and international polo tournament that the Access Bank/UNICEF Fifth Chukker Polo & Country support services to orphans came to a climax at the Charity Shield is archiving its Resort and UNICEF to elevate and vulnerable children in the weekend with the presentation main objective of reaching out quality of lives. areas under in Nigeria. of N10 million donation to to the less privileged children “We need to do a lot more in The cheque presentation UNICEF by its sole sponsors, in the society. support of these orphans and was witnessed by the Emir Access Bank Plc. Wigwe disclosed that the vulnerable children to enable of Zazzau, HRH Ambassador The donation was presented bank is maintaining its yearly them to look forward to a better Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, former at the Fifth Chukker Polo & donation ofN10m in supporting tomorrow,” the Access bank Governor, Senator Country Club in Kaduna by UNICEF towards its projects boss added. , former Speaker the Chief Executive Officer for orphans and vulnerable UNICEF Education Officer House of Representatives, Rt. of Access Bank Plc., Herbert children. who received the donation Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and Onyewumbu Wigwe in support In addition to that, the bank alongside UNICEF’s Planning Director General of Nigeria CEO and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.,Herbert Wigwe (centre) of UNICEF campaign against is continually seeking avenues and Managing Specialist Shola Immigration Services, Ahmed presenting the N10m Cheque to UNICEF officials during the closing ceremony of HIV/AIDS pandemic among through which more resources Olanipekun, , thanked Access Babaki Didi, and teachers and the 2021 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament at Fifth Chukker Nigerian children. can be pooled towards Bank Plc for the gesture, pupils of Maraban Jos Primary Polo & Country Club in Kaduna ....at the weekend Wigwe who led other top supporting the children pointing out that through School, among others. WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 55 WednesdaySports Joshua to Fight Ukrainian Usyk in September at Spurs Stadium

Anthony Joshua has been Joyce for an interim title while opponent down multiple times safe performance against Andy at Madison Square Garden in their trilogy on July 24 - and confirmed to fight Oleksandr Fury and Joshua completed their before a brutal knockout to the Ruiz Jr their rematch the year his US debut. Joshua deals with Usyk - there Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur two-fight deal - but Usyk will delight of his home fans. prior having been stopped by It is now expected that will be a unification bout in Stadium in September. instead face Joshua at the home of He had looked lacklustre in his the American earlier in the year should Fury beat Wilder in December. Joshua was preparing for a title Spurs, reports Sky Sports News. unification bout against Tyson Joshua last fought in December Furyin Saudi Arabia on August when he stoped Kubrat Pulev in 14 but Fury was then ordered the ninth round after a dominant to face Deontay Wilderfor a performance, having taken a year third time. out after retaining his titles against That left Joshua’s promoter Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn scrambling for He had planned to an opponent for Joshua with fight last summer, but mandatory challenger Usyk coronavirusrestrictions delayed the obvious option. the fight by six months. The Ukranian is 18-0, and was Usyk and Joshua both won considered one of the pound-for- gold at the London Olympics in pound best fighters in the world 2012, with the Ukranian winning when he fought at cruiserweight, at heavyweight while Joshua took beating the likes of Tony Bellew the super-heavyweight honours. and Mairis Briedis. In 2018, Usyk unified the He moved up to heavyweight cruiserweight division by at the end of 2019 defeating Chazz defeating Tony Bellew after Witherspoon before cementing winning three of the four titles his position as WBO mandatory during the World Boxing Super challenger with a win over Derek Series. Chisora last Halloween. Meanwhile, Joshua looked A deal was close to being back at his aggressive best against reached for Usyk to fight Joe Pulev in December - dropping his EURO 2020... EURO 2020....EURO 2020.... Poland Snatch Draw with Iceland in Warm-up Anthony Joshua has been confirmed to fight Oleksandr Usyk in September Poland twice came from behind Zielinski equalised with a to salvage an unconvincing 2-2 clinical finish before the break, home draw with Iceland on sweeping the ball home from Chelsea Goalkeeper, Kepa, Added to Spain’s Squad Tuesday and left their manager the edge of the six-yard box Paulo Sousa with plenty to after a flowing move started Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa la Fuente faced Lithuania others will train in what Spain ponder after their final dress by their record scorer Robert Arrizabalaga has been added yesterday in what was are calling a “parallel bubble” rehearsal for the European Lewandowski. to Spain’s training squad as supposed to be the nation’s away from the main Euros Championship. But more slack defending cost they prepare for any potential final warm-up game before squad with a view to them Poland substitute Karol the Poles again as they failed to fall-out from captain Sergio the Euros. being added should the need Swiderski spared his side’s clear a Thorarinsson cross from Busquets’s positive Covid-19 On Monday, Spain boss Luis occur. blushes with an 88th minute the left and centre back Bjarnason test ahead of the European Enrique called up Rodrigo The Spanish FA also equaliser after Piotr Zielinski blasted an unstoppable volley Championship. Moreno (Leeds), Carlos Soler confirmed on Monday that had first pulled them level in into the roof of the net from 12 After Busquets tested (Valencia), Brais Mendez (Celta all the players and staff who the 34th. metres. positive, the remaining 23 Vigo), Pablo Fornals (West are currently isolating tested Albert Gudmundsson fired With time running out for players went into isolation Ham) and Raul Albiol as negative, but will continue Iceland into a 26th-minute lead Poland, Swiderski levelled shortly along with the coaching staff, potential cover should there to train alone ahead of next and Brynjar Bjarnason restored after coming on for Lewandowski meaning an under-21 side led be an outbreak. Monday’s Group E opener Kepa Arrizabalaga... gets Spain invite the visitors’ advantage in the as he chested down a cross from by age-group coach Luis de Arrizabalaga and the five against Sweden in Seville. for Euro 2020 47th. the right and scrambled home a Iceland were pegged back low shot from close range. early on and took the lead out Poland open their Euro 2020 Onuachu Thrilled Winning the Ebony Shoe Award in Belgium of the blue when Gudmundsson Group E campaign against tucked the ball away at the near Slovakia in St Petersburg on Nigeria international striker who is of DR Congo descent. winning the maiden edition on his full debut, which helped post with a clever back-heel Monday and meet Sweden Paul Onuachu said yesterday He also paid tribute to the in 1992 and again in 1994, the Super Eagles to their first after Gudmundur Thorarinsson at the same venue on 23 June that he is proud to win the players who he beat to the RFC Liège (1993) victory over the Pharaohs in swung in a corner past a static after facing Spain in Seville on Ebony Shoe, which is awarded award, including the Anderlecht and Eendracht Aalst’s Godwin 29 years. Polish defence. 19 June. to Belgium’s best African player duo of Lukas Nmecha and Okpara (1995) followed suit He then had to wait two or player of African descent. Albert Sambi Lokonga - who before Babayaro’s success. years for his second goal, It completes a hat-trick of finished fourth and fifth. Expectedly Onuachu has and this time he scrambled awards for the 26-Year-old,who “They are fantastic players been linked with several clubs in Nigeria’s winner deep into Confident Foden Hopes had already won the Belgian too and they all made an in Europe, but the striker who injury time as they beat Benin Professional Footballer of the important impacts for their joined Genk from Danish club 1-0 in Porto Novo to celebrate to Recreate ‘Gazza’ Magic Year and top scorer’s awards clubs. It shows Africans are Midtjyllandin summer 2019 qualification to the 2021 Africa We’ve got a lot of players who for 2020-21 season. making a great mark here in had confirmed wining the top Cup of Nations. Phil Foden is aiming to channel The Genk striker becomes Belgium,” he added. awards in Belgium will keep Three days later, he scored the magic of Paul Gascoigne can play at the highest level as we’ve seen this year,” Foden said the first Nigerian to win the Onuachu becomes the first him motivated for the future. his third goal international goal at Euro 96 in the Euro 2020 award in 25 years and comes Nigerian to win the Ebony Shoe As well as scoring goals at in 10 appearances and helped campaign -- and has started on Tuesday. “We’ve also got experience after he scored 33 goals to since ’s club level he has also ended Nigeria coast to a 3-0 win by dyeing his hair to match emerge as the top African goal success in 1996 while he was a two-year struggle in front over Lesothoas the three-time the former England midfielder. with the likes of Harry Kane and (Jordan) Henderson. We have a scorer in Europe this season. playing for Anderlecht. of goal at international level. African Champions wrapped Foden, 21, won the “It doesn’t happen to every Nigerians dominated the In March 2019, Onuachu up their Nations Cup qualifying Professional Footballers’ great balance, we look really strong in this tournament and why not? footballer and I feel proud, award’s infancy with Daniel scored Nigeria’s fastest ever campaign unbeaten and top Association young player of the honoured and delighted to Amokachi of Club Brugge international goalagainst of Group L. year award after his breakout We could win it.” season at Manchester City, in Foden’s new eye-catching blond win this special award as a which he became a regular as hair mirrors Gascoigne’s trademark Nigerian and significantly as Pep Guardiola’s men sealed style 25 years ago. a professional from Africa,” a third title Onuachu told BBC Sport Africa. in four years. “To pick up three awards in Despite a stellar season he a season is unbelievable and I faces a similar battle to force his thank God, my teammates and way into Gareth Southgate’s all the fans of Genk and Nigeria line-up for Sunday’s Group for the incredible support. D opener against Croatia at “I thank the organisers of Wembley. the Ebony shoe award for Southgate has an their consistent and relentless embarrassment of riches to support to African players in choose from, with Foden, Belgium because this prize will , Raheem continue to motivate us to do Sterling, Marcus Rashford, more.” Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho Onuachu won the prize vying for places alongside ahead of Angola’s Clinton captain Harry Kane in attack. Phil Folden...aiming to recreate ‘Gazza Mata (Club Brugge) and “The quality is very high. Magic’ at Euro 2020 Belgian Théo Bongonda (Genk), Paul Onuachu...proud to have won the Ebony Shoe

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COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “From the North-east, North-central, North-west, South-south, South-east and South- TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 west, everyone is faced with security challenges. Without security, there can be no 26years meaningful development except in PDP-controlled states. I want to challenge the APC in this country because they have failed. Economically, security wise, socially and politically, the APC government is in defi cit” – Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, This service is provided in association with accredited service providers criticising the ruling government on issues affecting the country. KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON [email protected] 0805 500 1974 Constitution as Panacea? former governor said on television the system of government was quite different from geo-political questions. Policing is a good example. other day that a new constitution for today. The dominant idea at the time was to The police are of Nigeria and not only of the federal Nigeria would be the panacea to all have an executive president who would not only government. In the discussions, state governors the socio-economic and political ills be a national symbol, but also a chief executive are presented as a helpless lot in matters of the affl icting the country. offi cer with suffi cient power to give leadership. The Nigeria Police Force. Yet, the constitution provides AReally? context was that it was just barely a decade that for the Nigeria Police Council of which the 36 state One point that seems to be missing in the the civil war ended. Although an intangible thing, governors are members. In fact, governors constitute current upsurge of activities to review the 1999 unity was a national priority by the consensus of the overwhelming majority in the council. The council Constitution (or make a fresh constitution as it is the political elite in the 1970s. The hope 42 years has the duty of “organisation and administration” being posited in some quarters) is that whatever ago was for a unity president and not a sectional of the police. The council met last Friday to ratify shape the constitution fi nally takes cannot be the only one. The mood today is markedly different as the the appointment of the new Inspector-General of solution to Nigeria’s multi-dimensional problems. constitution is being discussed. Police, Usman Alkali Baba. Among the problems Yes, the constitution should be reviewed for the Besides, some of the issues that have come up of the police are underfunding, neglect of the Nigerian federalism to function better. But no in the discussions are issues of governance and welfare of the policemen and policewomen and constitution is ever a panacea. Neither is there Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba the character of those in charge at different tiers lack of equipment. Now, there is no guarantee a perfect constitution that would never require This, however, is not the reality. of government. The issues are not necessarily that the proposed state police would not suffer reviews and amendments depending on the realities Consequently, the proposed changes to the constitutional matters. Without prejudice to the the same fate unless the states become more of different periods. constitution are replete with contradictions. Making merits of both sides of the arguments on the local prosperous. A state that cannot pay primary Not enough attention is being paid to why periodic a synthesis at the end of the day would not be an government autonomy, the virtual disappearance school teachers, doctors and nurses may not be attempts have failed to review the constitution easy task. Take a sample. There is the position that of governance at the local government level able to pay and kit policemen and policewomen. or write a new one in the last 22 years. local governments should be as autonomous as cannot be solely explained by the ambiguity in The viability of most of the states is being called There is the lack of clarity of purpose in respect state governments are autonomous of the federal the constitutional provisions on local government. into question. Yet the same states are expected of the exercise. government. The counter-view is that in a federation After all, the 1999 Constitution clearly defi nes the to run an effi cient state police. If state police are Hence while some drafts of a new constitution the shape and content of local governments should duties of the local governments. For example, it constitutionally created today , some states may are being put together outside the legislature, be the business of the respective states. is remarkable that in Chapter I Section 7 (3) the not be in position to put the provisions into the 1963 Republican Constitution is the preferable In another breadth, while some have advocated constitution provides for establishment of Economic effect. Perhaps, only a few states with the means option in some quarters. a return to the pre-1967 regionalism, some others Planning Board to be responsible for the economic would be able to properly run state police. Hence, To be sure, some crucial items have been distilled are still hankering for the creation of more states. planning and development of the local government merely changing the constitution to create state from the discussions. These include devolution Advocates of a return to regionalism say that area. The state House of Assembly is expected to police may not solve the fundamental problems of power, state police and the fate of the local big regions as federating units would be strong put in place the board. Instead of this constructive of policing especially at the community level. government. The proponents of restructuring have drivers of development. According to the lobby approach, some state governors simply hijack In the socio-economic realm, there should be no sustained solid arguments in respect of these items for regionalism, multiple states are not strong the funds of the local governments. illusion that the poverty and social injustice that for years now. In fact, if a reviewed constitution enough as federating units in relating to the federal In terms of responsibility for security, the local defi ne the socio-economic structure of Nigeria will be could incorporate the enduring propositions of governments. The history of how four regions had government is hardly mentioned. So when pupils are automatically tackled by a reviewed constitution or the formidable camp of the reststructurenista (as to be broken into 12 states in 1967 amid a crisis kidnapped in a primary school, the local government a brand new document. It requires a people-centred Professor Biodun Jeyifo once described the public does not seem to matter anymore. chairman is never asked questions about what economic management to improve the conditions intellectuals who have vigorously argued the case At the other polar end, the enthusiasts of the happened in his area. Even the colonial District of the poor majority. for restructuring), then a lot of progress must have creation of more states and local government Offi cer (D.O.) had a security duty to perform. The All told, the constitution will only solve some been made in the nation’s constitutional development. areas insist that is the veritable way of bringing decay in the governance structures and processes of Nigeria’s problems only when the people are However, past efforts at reviewing the constitution development to the people. is more pronounced at the local government level made the subject and the object of governance. might have failed because the scopes of the exercises Yet reverting to the parliamentary system of because it is generally the weakest tier in terms Already the 1999 Constitution puts it in Chapter were too wide and the focus was lost in the process. government is the preference in some well-informed of organisation. II Section 14 (2b) like this : “the security and Practically every problem has been traced to the quarters. The national mood in 1979 when the Similarly, questions regarding bolstering the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose constitution. nation opted from the American-style presidential capacity of governance are wrongly posed as of government…”

ForOctober 1987Thomas by imperialism and its local lackeys Him name Sankara na President SANKARA Yes O But to the utter dismay of Fela and his band Femi Falana led by Captain Blaize Campaore. Him be only leader wey e dey Yes O members the plane took off from Ouagadougou I was in Benin last Saturday to participate in the Thus, I was denied the opportunity to meet Him say Africa unity Yes O but dropped them them at the Cotonou airport public lecture organised by the Nigerian Youth Sankara in person. In paying tribute to the One African Government for All Yes O in Benin Republic and returned to Burkina on Democratic Party. I returned to Lagos later in the Comrade I decided to team up with the human All the other leaders wey dem dey Yes O the directive of Captain Campaore. Thus, Fela evening to a programme to honour the memory rights community in Burkina to bring Campaore Na only dem pocket wey dem know was compelled to hire buses which brought him of Comrade Thomas Sankara rather belatedly. to justice for culpable homicide. Underground system in their lifes Yes O and his band members to Lagos by road as there It is commendable that some comrades who It is interesting to note that in his desperate search One Afrikan leader dey today Yes O was no fl ight. partook of the memorable event. for cheap popularity upon assumption of offi ce as All African people dem like the man Yes Upon his return to Lagos, Fela rushed to the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and I were invited by a military Head of State, Mr. Campaore invited Hin name na President SANKARA Yes O studio to record the “Underground System” song President Thomas Sankara to visit Fela for a concert in Ouagadougou sometime in Where is SANKARA story O jare Yes O and released it. For several years thereafter, the record for a week in July 1987. As my passport was December 1987. I was opposed to the concert but All African people dem like the man Yes was very popular in the Francophone countries then in the illegal custody of the State Security Fela assured me that Campaore would live to regret Him name na President SANKARA Yes ... apart from Burkina where it was banned by the Service I could not make the trip. But Fela did the dubious invitation. In line with the terms of As I dey write this song for am O Yeye O Campaore regime. and brought back fond memories of the unfolding the contract, Fela and his Egypt Band travelled to Dem go kill Sankara Yeye O It is unfortunate that Sankara was eliminated revolutionary developments in Burkina Fasso. In Burkina for the concert. To watch Fela perform the If dem kill SANKARA nko by forces that were opposed to the revolution particular, he attested to Sankara’s complete break Ouagadougou stadium was packed full of people Dem shoot him today in Burkina and its spill over effect in several with the colonial past and total repudiation of including government offi cials. Campaore had e no go possible tomorrow African countries that were then littered with the pro-imperialist route to development. Upon wanted to attend the concert but was advised to If dem kill SANKARA nko putative dictators. But to the eternal regret of his return to Nigeria Fela decided to compose a stay away for “security reasons” at the eleventh the blood go dey for dem head o the enemies of Africa they did not succeed in song in honour of the most progressive soldier hour. After entertaining the crowd with some Dem shoot him today destroying Sankara’s legacies. to have presided over the affairs of any country of his old records Fela sang his “Underground e no go possible tomorrow...” Hence, Sankara’s precious life and times are in Africa. System”, which he had dedicated to President There was pandemonium in the stadium. celebrated from time to time. It is interesting Shortly thereafter, the SSS released my passport Sankara. The stadium almost collapsed when Government offi cials quickly disappeared while a to note that while the memory of Sankara was as a result of the suit which I had fi led at the he sang inter alia: band of armed gendarmes mounted the state to being honoured across the globe Campaore and Federal High Court for the enforcement of my “Where is SANKARA story O jare Yes O stop Fela from concluding the song, ordered him other culprits have been charged before a military freedom of movement. I contacted Comrade One Afrikan leader dey today Yes O and the band out of the stadium. They were taken tribunal in Ouagadougou for the brutal murder Sankara who directed the Burkinabe embassy in Him name na President SANKARA Yes O to the hotel to check out and leave the country. of the great African leader. Lagos to reschedule my visit to December 12-19, This is the only leader wey e dey Yes O The plane which had brought them from Lagos 1987. But unfortunately, he was assassinated in Wey no dey fear to talk the truth Yes O was on ground at the airport for the return journey. t.S'BMBOBJTB4FOJPS"EWPDBUFPG/JHFSJB Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. 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