Coup in Guinea as Soldiers Oust President Condé , UN chief condemn development Michael Olugbode in and coup d'etat, seized power from looking somewhat rattled and takeover were alleged to be from “until further notice” as well as other top officials at 11:00 am Sunday Okobi with agency report the country’s democratically disorganised. the country's Special Forces, an the replacement of governors by (1100 GMT) Monday in the elected President, Alpha Condé. The soldiers also quickly elite unit of the Guinean Armed the military. capital Conakry Democratic gains recorded on As at press time, the fate of the announced the dissolution of Forces. The junta also said in a state- But, in an earlier rebuttal, the continent, yesterday, suffered Guinean leader was still unclear the government on national TV. After capturing President ment read out over national the defence ministry said the another tragic setback, when after an unverified video showed The group of soldiers respon- Conde and detaining him, they television that it would convene soldiers in Guinea, in an apparent him surrounded by soldiers and sible for the unconstitutional announced a nationwide curfew Conde’s cabinet ministers and Continued on page 55 Atiku: Voting APC Was Nigeria’s Biggest Mistake ... Page 8

Monday 6 September, 2021 Vol 26. No 9646. Price: N250

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TODAY'S WEATHER ABUJA MAIDUGURI ENUGU KANO LAGOS PORT HARCOURT 25°C-33°C 31°C-31°C 25°C-28°C 27°C-33°C 24C-27°C 20°C-30°C Why PDP May Lose All Southern States if It Zones Presidency to North Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Oyo vulnerable to APC take over Party still weak in most Northern, Middlebelt states, unlikely to make appreciable gains Chuks Okocha in Abuja field that the decision could cost PDP the elections in practically all There is a high possibility that the southern states, the presidency the main opposition Peoples and governorship inclusive. Democratic Party (PDP) might Findings also revealed that pick its presidential candidate for the PDP might not make any the 2023 general election from the appreciable gains in the north and North, as stakeholders are set to Middlebelt states either, as the All zone the chairmanship position of Progressives Congress (APC), is the party to the South in a matter still likely to sweep the north even of weeks. with a Southern candidate. This, however, appears contrary One key reality of the current to the survey by the THISDAY state of play is that the PDP is Economic Intelligence Group (EIG), which gleaned from the Continued on page 55 Buhari's Administration Has Broken Many Jinxes, Says Presidency Lists achievements Deji Elumoye in Abuja the Petroleum Industry Bill, signed into law in 2021 after almost two The Presidency yesterday listed decades in the works, as one of policies, legislations, and projects the major feats of the president. completed by President Muham- According to the statement, madu Buhari since he came into the Nigerian National Petroleum power in 2015 to include signing Corporation (NNPC) also recently of 15 bills into law and completion announced its first profit in its of 17 major projects across the 44-year history under Buhari, who country. doubles as Minister of Petroleum WITH LOVE FROM NIGERIA... Buhari’s media adviser, Femi Resources. Adesina, in a statement, titled, Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu (left) and President Patrice Talon of Benin “Jinxes broken by Buhari,” listed Continued on page 55 Republic, when Elumelu paid a visit to the President in Cotonou... on Friday

Doctors' Strike: FG Gives Conditions to Withdraw Suit Before Industrial Court... Page 10 2 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 5 6 MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY

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

DEDICATION OF LOVE OF CHRIST GENERATION... L-R: Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal; Founder, Love of Christ Generation Church C&S Cathedral, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi; her husband, Pastor Ademuyiwa Ajayi; wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Mrs. Foluke Adeboye; General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and former President , at the Grand Opening and Dedication of Love of Christ Generation Church C & S in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: MUBO PETERS OGFZA Attracted $16.6bn FDIs in 20 Years Records N255bn local investments, generates 200,508 jobs James Emejo in Abuja N453.98 million, respectively. Umana said, currently, about N6.1 for delivery of our services. to issue a new license when all within zones, meaning that when Commenting on the develop- billion worth of investments were "For example, in the past, we the requirements have been met." they move items from the zone The Oil and Gas Free Trade Zones mental role of the agency, Umana being expected to materialise in did not have a specific timeline In terms of job creation however, to any other place, all the taxes Authority (OGFZA) said it had said within the last few years, there the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone. for renewal of licence or to reissue the OGFZA boss stated that the will be applied. attracted $16.6 billion in foreign had been great improvement in The managing director said, new licenses or even to process investments had been able to "Between 2005-2015, the author- direct investments (FDIs) into the operations of the free zones. "To grow investment also meant cargos. unlock many direct and indirect ity has created 40,508 direct jobs the economy between 2001 and He said this was achieved through looking at the structures within "We came up with specific jobs, thereby empowering many and indirect jobs, with conservative 2020. Managing Director/Chief dedicated as well as our zones because, as I said, you timelines – we say, for example, Nigerians. He pointed out that estimate it is about 160,000.” Executive Officer of OGFZA, Mr. the commitment and exceptional can only attract foreign direct that we will take only 48 hours between 2005 and 2015, the author- Umana said considering the Umana Okon Umana, disclosed quality of members of staff of the investment if you are globally to clear cargos, if the cargos were ity created 40,508 direct jobs and number of individuals that had this to journalists in Abuja at the authority. competitive. consigned in free zones. It will indirect jobs with a conservative been trained by expertise and weekend. This, he stated, had resulted in "We took a number of steps, we take seven days to renew licence estimate of about 160,000. various companies that came Umana also said a total of 200, the huge interests by both local reviewed our standard of operation, when all the requirements have According to him, "These in, the actual figure from 2010 508 jobs had been created by the and foreign investors in the zones. and we came out with timeline been met and it will take 21 days incentives are applied for activities to 2020 was 35,170. authority. He said during the same period, the authority also attracted N255.33 billion in local investments into the country. NIRSAL: We Released N128bn for Agribusiness in 10 Yrs The managing director pointed out that between January and May this year, the sum of N9.41 billion N232m for poultry production, cocoa export in Cross River was generated as revenue by Bassey Inyang in Calabar so far disbursed over N128 billion Akwa Edem Umo in Akpabuyo segment, and consumers of eggs Limited, Mr. Vincent Egbona, OGFZA through the free trade for agriculture and agribusiness Local Government Area of Cross and spent layers in the downstream revealed that it would have been zones. The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk activities in the country since it was River State. segment.” difficult to service the loan they Further breakdown indicated Sharing System for Agricultural established about 10 years ago. This Speaking at the event, Managing He said a few weeks ago, NIRSAL received from Union Bank but that N2.1 billion was generated in Lending (NIRSAL Plc.) has said was disclosed at the weekend during Director of NIRSAL Plc, Mr. Aliyu supported ADT Russet Limited for NIRSAL’s Interest Drawback January, while February, March, with the release of N232 million to the official release N232 million to Abdulhameed, said, “This huge in Lagos with 50 per cent credit (IDB) scheme. April and May had N1.45 billion, Gbagolo Integrated Farms Limited Gbagolo Integrated Farms Limited investment translates to the creation guarantee on a N1.15 billion facility The company’s poultry depart- N4.39 billion, N1 billion, and and TOAJ Nigeria Limited, it had and TOAJ Nigeria Limited at Ikot of jobs, driving the growth of rural to source and export cocoa beans. ment, which received the credit economies, and positively impacting Abdulhameed said both projects support, has 60,000 birds and runs Nigerian lives.” were testaments to the fact that an on-farm feed mill with four tons Abdulhameed said the N232 NIRSAL in its bid to realise its capacity mixer per hour. million for Gbagolo Integrated vision of “transforming the economy, Egbona decried the high cost of Conflicting Court Orders: Delta CJ, Six Farms Limited and TOAJ Nigeria delivering inclusive growth and raw materials and other agricultural Limited, for investment in poultry positively impacting the lives of inputs in the country. Others to Appear Before CJN Today production and cocoa export value Nigerians” supported all sizes of On his part, Managing Director, chains in Cross River State, were businesses, whether small, medium TOAJ Nigeria Limited, Mr. Taiwo Demands for records of proceedings in all the suits sourced from Union Bank and or large across the the country. Sunday, said NIRSAL’s support had Sterling Bank Plc. Abdulhameed said as a guarantor, helped the company to acquire a Alex Enumah in Abuja Bar Association within the week, explain the roles of their courts in the Leveraging on its CRG, an “NIRSAL Plc intervention positively 5,000 MT-capacity warehouse in over the issue. Anambra governorship poll, while instrument that NIRSAL Plc impacts both the lender and the bor- Osogbo as the company expanded There are indications that the Chief The unprecedented move by their counterparts in Rivers, Cross utilises to share agribusiness risks rower, as well as the overall economy, its frontiers to the South-west for Judge (CJ) of Delta State will be the leadership of the judiciary is River and Kebbi are to do same with financiers, Abdulhameed implying that the lender invests the purpose of export. Sunday said among six other CJs of State High aimed at resetting the anti-corruption in respect of the cases of the PDP said, “NIRSAL facilitated the safely and earns competitive returns; with NIRSAL’s support, it could Courts to appear before the Chief efforts of the CJN and entrenching Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus. approval and disbursement of the borrower’s capacity utilisation now engage more farmers, procure Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice a new culture of accountability in However, barely few days N81.8 million and N150 million and productivity is increased, and more cocoa, and employ more staff. Ibrahim Muhammad over the the judicial system. after the CJN voiced out his from Union Bank Plc and Sterling the economy reaps the benefits of Union Bank Plc’s Area Business menace of conflicting court orders The CJN had last week Monday disappointment that judges Bank Plc, respectively, while Gbagolo the backward integration occasioned Executive, Mr. Peter Akpaudoh, in recent times. summoned the CJs of Rivers, Kebbi, ought to be circumspect in their Integrated Farms Limited will use its by increased local production at the stressed the value in the suite of His said to have demanded the Cross Rivers, Anambra, Jigawa and granting of injunctions, particularly N81.8 million term loan to finance expense of importation of essential NIRSAL’s value offerings. records of proceedings in all the Imo States to explain the rationale in political matters, another High the purchase of 25,000 Point of Lay, goods." Beyond the credit risk guarantee suits on which conflicting exparte behind the indiscriminate issuance Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State 25,000 capacity battery cages and He said TOAJ Nigeria Limited’s provided to Gbagolo Farms, orders were given. of exparte orders by judges in their last Wednesday, still acting upon feeding compliments, TOAJ Nigeria facility would support thousands of NIRSAL was also offering technical Spokesperson of the National various States. an exparte application ordered Limited will channel its N150 million farmers who supplied its inventory assistance and round-the-clock Judicial Council, Soji Oye, confirmed The injunctive orders were Governor Mai Buni, to stop parading export/trade finance facility towards by providing them with a secure, project monitoring, a package that that the memo was indeed sent out mainly against the Independent himself as the Chairman of the APC the sourcing and purchase of cocoa sustainable, and guaranteed off take really made lending to agriculture for export. market. Furthermore, the export of and agribusiness easy. from the office of the CJN. National Electoral Commission Caretaker Committee. cocoa would increase Nigeria’s Sterling Bank Plc, financiers of (INEC) in the planned November 6 Owing to this, THISDAY learnt “The injection of these finances The Chief Judge, of Delta State, into the poultry and cocoa value stake in the global cocoa market TOAJ Nigeria Limited, who had has also been invited to join the governorship election in Anambra that the seven CJs would appear chains in Cross River State will create and boost the country’s foreign as representative at the launch its other six Chief Judges to meet with State and the leadership of both before Justice Muhammad as a positive knock-on effect for players exchange earnings, he stated. Business Executive, Commercial, the CJN tomorrow. the All Progressives Congress a prelude to the plenary of the along each segment of both value Abdulhameed urged all agri- South-east, Mr. Uchenna Agbowo, This is directly unconnected (APC) and People's Democratic National Judicial Council (NJC), chains and the agribusinesses’ host cultural value chain stakeholders said at 10 per cent interest, Sterling with the exparte order which Party (PDP). which is also chaired by Justice communities at large. in the South-south and the entire Bank had the highest loan book reportedly restrained the Governor The said restraining orders, upon Muhammad on Monday, September “Specifically, the purchase of country to leverage NIRSAL’s CRG for agriculture among commercial of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, from exparte application by litigants, had 6, 2021. 25,000 Point of Lay birds by Gbagolo as the collateral required for getting banks in Nigeria. Agbowo stated parading himself as a member of been observed as a threat to the It was also learnt that the CJN has Integrated Farms Limited will impact commercial bank financing for their that the bank had been enjoying the All Progressives Congress (APC) nation's democracy. already demanded for the records poultry feeds sellers and other inputs agribusinesses, no matter their size NIRSAL’s support and would national caretaker committee. Worried and disappointed by the of proceedings in all the suits from suppliers in the pre-upstream value or location. continue to count on NIRSAL The CJN is also expected to meet development, the CJN invited the which conflicting exparte orders chain segment; producers/sellers of In his speech, Managing Direc- for the safety of their agribusiness with the leadership of the Nigerian CJs of Anambra, Imo and Jigawa to emanated. Point of Lay birds in the upstream tor of Gbagolo Integrated Farms investments. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Atiku: Voting APC Was Nigeria’s Biggest Mistake Says PDP lost 2019 polls to ruling party’s fraud, eyes 2023 Former VP is nation’s messiah, says Adamawa governor Former Vice President Atiku for his 2023 presidential bid. big mistake before by floating a event will mark the beginning to work round-the-clock to sell condolence visit to the widow Abubakar says the victory of Adamawa State Governor party called the APC. But from of the internment of the APC.” his candidature outside the state, of late Alhaji Ariyibi Adedibu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Ahmadu Fintiri described Atiku today, I am calling on you, the During the event, prominent insisting that Atiku was the Alhaja Bose Adedibu, over her in the 2015 general election was as the messiah the country had Adamawa people, to leave your ex-members of APC, including a messiah that Nigeria earnestly mother's death. May Allah grant Nigeria’s biggest mistake. Atiku been waiting for. Reiterating that parties and join the PDP, because former Secretary to the Adamawa awaited. the deceased Aljannah Firdaus stated this on Saturday in Yola PDP lost the 2019 presidential it is the future and the masses’ State Government, Kobis Thimnu, Last week, Atiku spent a huge and also shine His Noor on Baba at an event, where prominent election because of the massive party. APC is Nigeria’s biggest Chief Daniel Bwala, Sali Bodes, part of the weekend visiting politi- Adedibu’s face. Ameen." APC stalwarts defected to the fraud perpetrated by APC, Fintiri mistake. Umar Bello, Nedo Geofrey, and cal associates in Oyo State. He Atiku had visited the PDP Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). called on APC members to leave “It was PDP that gave back Philip Gutuwa, were received by wrote on his verified Facebook governors of Oyo, Rivers, Delta, He urged Nigerians to reject APC the party because of what he life to Adamawa State after it Fintiri into the PDP. The governor account, "This morning, I led a Enugu, and Edo states, while in subsequent elections. called the ruling party’s woeful was slayed by the APC, ushering assured the defectors of fairness delegation on a courtesy visit to on Saturday, he met with the Atiku also alleged that PDP lost performance in power. He said the state into her present state and a level playing ground. the Aare Musulumi of Yorubal- governor of his home state, Fintiri. in 2019 because APC perpetrated the mass defections from the of infrastructural development. Canvassing support for and, Edo and Delta States, Aare He had also been writing letters massive fraud at the polls. ruling party signalled its coming Our schools are now better and Atiku’s presidential aspiration, Dauda Akinola, at his residence to his close associates, appreciating Nevertheless, the former vice interment. our health institutions are in the governor urged stakeholders in Ibadan, Oyo State. them for supporting him in the president intensified consultations Atiku said, “We have done a superb shape. I pray that this in the PDP in Adamawa State "Today, in Ibadan, I paid a 2019 general election. In a leaked letter to Dr. Kola Jones Ademujimi c/o Hon. Fatai Adams Peoples Democratic Party, of No. 3, Bishop Fagun Road, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State, Atiku gave signs that he might give the presidency another shot in 2023. In the letter, dated June 29, 2021, Atiku expressed gratitude to members of PDP for their role in the 2019 elections and urged the party to gear up for the 2023 elections. He noted that the party had become better equipped than it was during the last presidential election, and urged members to team up towards a new political and economic order that would radically reinvent the country. The letter to the Ondo PDP chieftain read, “It is with utmost respect that I convey to you, my deep appreciation and profound gratitude for the overwhelming support and massive electoral votes cast to support our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and my candidature for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the 2019 general election. “Now, we are better equipped, and all our compatriots must team up today towards a new political and economic order that should radically reinvent our beloved country. “We are fully prepared to work in synergy to restore hope, pull Nigeria back from the brinks and relive the patriotic spirit of our founding fathers! I believe that together, we would rebuild our broken fences, mend our cracked walls, restore hope, and return Nigeria to the path of greatness MAY YOUR REIGN BE LONG... again. Surely, we can, and we Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left) with the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, during the governor's visit to the monarch in Warri... on Saturday must.” NTDC Boss Advocates India, Netherlands, Spain Emerge Top Use of Digital Technology The Director-General, Nigerian of the coronavirus, noting, “the Export Destinations for Nigeria's Crude Oil Tourism Development Corpora- Bureau of Statistics reported that tion (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Nigeria recorded a trade deficit Coker has stressed the need of N7.38 trillion in year 2020. The 8.42bn barrels produced in 10 years for stakeholders in the tourism highest we have recorded since Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja governments had expressed their Included also on the list of In addition, 2016 saw the industry to collaborate in order 1981.” desire to diversify the country's buyers were Germany, Sweden, production of 666.7 million barrels, to drive the growth of the sector. According to him, the India, Netherlands and Spain have economy, the oil sector still ac- Norway, Poland, Australia, Peru, in 2017 it was 689.7 million barrels, Coker said this at the open- COVID-19 pandemic has cre- now filled the vacuum left by counted for about 90 per cent of Uruguay, Brunei, Vietnam, it was 701.4 million barrels in 2018, ing of the South-south Tourism ated a unique opportunity for the United States as top buyers total exports, over 86 per cent of Malaysia and Myanmar. 735.24 million barrels in 2019, while Stakeholders’ Forum in Calabar, advancement by accelerating of Nigeria's crude oil, according foreign exchange earnings and a Brazil, a top oil producer, in 2020 Nigeria produced the last week. the deployment of disruptive to a document obtained from the paltry 9.61 per cent of its Gross bought the least quantity of lowest quantity of oil estimated The meeting organised by technologies to make work and Nigerian National Petroleum Domestic Product (GDP). 266,264 barrels. Other Nigerian at 644.36 million barrels. Coker with stakeholders from living easier. Corporation (NNPC) yesterday. The data from NNPC further crude oil customers included In terms of exploration activities, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, He said, “the development of The countries were part of about showed that apart from the top Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, a total of 81 wells were drilled, Delta, Edo and Rivers States, held digital tools and smart apps are 56 countries, cutting across Western three consumers of Nigeria's oil, Ghana and Senegal. including 76 development wells in Calabar. already transforming the tourism Europe, Oceania/Pacific, South South Africa came a close fourth In the year under consideration, and five exploratory wells. But the It was meant to brainstorm on value chain. Popular tech apps like America, North America, Middle with 68.3 million barrels, Italy 648.5 million barrels of oil were activity was negatively affected the way forward in the sector Uber, AirBnB, Bolt, Aura, Hotels. East, Asia and Far East as well purchased 32.5 million barrels, lifted with the highest percentage by the COVID-19 pandemic that amid COVID-19 and security ng and Instagram’s digital tourism as Africa, which were favourite while China bought a total 29.6 of 42 per cent going to Western ravaged the world last year. challenges pages are changing old narratives destinations for the commodity. million barrels from the country Europe, 31.2 per cent going to Asia, Total crude oil and condensate The theme of the forum was: and creating new user-friendly The latest Annual Statistical during the period under review. 18.28 retained in Africa while 5.7 production for the year was 644.3 “Use of Digital Technology to experiences for intending travelers Bulletin (ASB) produced by the Other countries listed as per cent went to North America. barrels, giving a daily average of Revamp the Tourism and Hospi- and tourists.” national oil company showed that consumers of Nigeria's crude are Furthermore, an analysis 1.76 million bpd, lower than the tality Industry Amid Covid-19 and He observed that there was India led the pack of buyers of United Kingdom with 24.3 million of Nigeria's 10-year crude oil 2019 production by 12.36 per cent. Security Challenges in Nigeria.” a disconnect in the tourism Nigeria's crude for the 2020 trading barrels, Cote d'Ivoire with 20.4 production revealed that the Production by fiscal regime Coker said the time had policies between the federal, year with 107.89 million barrels, million barrels, France with 19.7 country produced about 8.425 showed that Joint Ventures come for actors in the tourism states and local governments in followed by Netherlands with 73 million barrels, Singapore which billion barrels during the period (JVs) contributed 208 million and hospitality industry to stop terms of participation in tourism million barrels, and Spain with bought 19.4 million barrels and 2010-2020. barrels, Alternative Financing competing with one another and development. 70.4 million barrels. United States Gulf Coast with A breakdown of the figures (AF) contributed 68.8 million embrace collaboration to move He attributed the gap to As some buyers turned their a cumulative purchase of 19.4 indicated that in 2010, 896 million barrels, Production Sharing the industry forward. tourism laws, and stressed the backs on Nigeria’s crude because it million barrels. barrels, the highest for the period, Contracts (PSCs) contributed “This is the season of collabora- need for a new legal framework was more expensive due to its top Togo bought 17.3 million barrels, was produced, 866.2 million 254.7 million barrels, Independents tion not the season of competition. for the sector. quality, India and other countries Portugal purchased 14.8 million barrels was produced in 2011, and the Nigerian Petroleum In this season of technological “Tourism begins at the local had upped their hydrocarbons barrels, Turkey's total transaction 852.7 million barrels in 2012, Development Company (NPDC) advancement, stakeholders should government, so, we need active trade with Nigeria, the data for the year was 18.1 million bar- 800 million barrels in 2013, 798 contributed 93.4 million barrels collaborate rather than compete,” participation of the local govern- obtained by THISDAY showed. rels, followed by Indonesia’s 17.1 million barrels in 2014, and 773 while marginal fields added 19.3 he said. He further said the sector ments for tourism to thrive, “ Although successive Nigerian million barrels. million barrels in 2015. million barrels. was the worst hit since the advent he said. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS

ANOTHER GLAMOUR MAGAZINE... L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Vivianlam Glamor Magazine, Ms. Vivian Lam; Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike; President, Guardians Of The Nation International (GOTNI), Mr. Linus Okorie; another actress, Regina Daniel-Nwoko and a businessman, Chief Obi Cubana, during the inauguration of Vivianlam Glamor Magazine in Abuja...recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE Report: Nigeria Still Poverty Capital of the World Peter Uzoho investments in the downstream from 16 in July; as well as the (ERGP) (2017- 2020). developments that should worry Commenting on inflation, he sector as investors’ transition signing of the PIB into law. Also included as part of the Nigerians, including the falling said, “While we expect infla- Nigeria has maintained the towards investments in renew- Added was that the Medium- positives was the increasing of of total capital importation to tion for August to fall again infamous position as the poverty able and clean energy.” Term National Development Plan dollar supply to commercial $875.62 million in Q2’21, from to 16.8 per cent, the impact of capital of the world, with 93.9 Although, deregulation of the (2021- 2025) would be unveiled banks by 200 per cent by the $1.91 billion in Q1’21, and the insecurity, exchange rate pass people in Africa's most populous downstream petroleum sector in October, 10 months after the CBN. crashing of the parallel market through and higher energy costs country currently living below is among the provisions in the expiration of the Economic However, on the negative rate to N526/$ on Foreign could exacerbate inflationary the poverty line. Managing PIA, the federal government has Recovery and Growth Plan side, the FDC boss listed some Exchange (FX) supply shortages. pressures.” Director, Financial Derivatives ruled out immediate removal of Company (FDC) Limited and petrol subsidy pending when a member of President Mu- an alternative to petrol is made hammadu Buhari’s Economic available. Advisory Council (EAC), Mr. In his fiscal policy outlook, Doctors' Strike: FG Gives Conditions to Bismarck Rewane, has stated. the economist stated that public Quoting a World Bank data, finance deficit would remain in Rewane, in a presentation at the its N5.6 trillion for 2021, add- Withdraw Suit Before Industrial Court monthly Lagos Business School’s ing that oil revenue would be economic breakfast meeting for insufficient to meet the country’s September 2021, stated that expenditure needs. Insists on implementing 'no work, no pay' policy seven million Nigerians fell Predicting that tax revenue Deji Elumoye in Abuja raised in their demands, we where you can lose live, they are jointly going to do a circular into extreme poverty in 2020. would be undermined by have done all, we have come to don't go on strike any anyhow. that will be issued for Salaries, The report was titled: “Re: widespread evasion and a large The federal government has agreements on all, including those They only do picketing and things Incomes and Wages to reiterate Growth Spikes (5.01 per cent), informal sector, he further said expressed its readiness to with- that even affect the Medical and like that, because people's lives that the House Officers and But People are Hungry?” the federal government’s debt draw the suit it instituted at the Dental Consultants Association of are involved." Youth Corps doctors are still Nigeria, with its 200 million burden would intensify as ways National Industrial Court against Nigeria and medical doctors who The Minister emphasised that on CONMES scale, one and plus population, was first de- and means advances climb. the striking Resident Doctors, if the are in academics and teaching government had before now ap- two respectively. So, I think we clared world's poverty capital in Ahead of the next Monetary doctors return to their duty post. universities. plied the 'no work, no pay' rule are doing the implementation. 2018 in a report by the Brookings Policy Committee (MPC) meeting It also insisted on implement- "So, we have handled all, on some unions that embarked "Also, from the monitoring Institution, knocking off India of the Central Bank of Nigeria ing the 'no work, no pay' policy the only point of disagreement on strike. meeting we did this morning, from the position. (CBN) slated for September 20 against the striking doctors, saying now is that they said that the According to him, "So, this is Ministry of Health has gotten the The report had then stated and 21, 2021, Rewane predicted it is a global practice which is agreements and the memorandum where we are with them and we list of doctors who supposedly that the number of Nigerians that the committee would likely also captured in Section 43 of of action, government should are saying that even if anybody are to benefit from the Medical in extreme poverty increases by bring down Monetary Policy Rate the Trade Dispute Act under the inserts, include that Section 43 cares to put it in any agreement, Residency Training Fund. Total six people every minute. (MPR) commonly known as the International Labour Organisation of the Trade Dispute Act will not that clause will be void ab initio submission of about 8000 names The Brookings Institution's benchmark interest rate by 0.5 (ILO). apply to them. That section says because it’s against the law of were gotten and the Ministry of report had stated in 2018, per cent to 11 per cent. This is just as President Muham- that when a worker withdraws the land and we will not, as a Health is scrutinising them, we “At the end of May 2018, our This, he said, would be madu Buhari and the Minister of his services from his employer, the government, succumb to undue have done the first round or trajectories suggest that Nigeria supported by sustained posi- Labour and Employment, Senator employer is at liberty to withhold arm twisting and then go and scrutinization and they will now had about 87 million people in tive growth rate (5.01 per cent) have taken a review payment of emoluments to him sign that. compare what they have with the extreme poverty, compared with and continued moderation in of the nation's health system. and the ILO principles at work “Other workers have lost their Post-Graduate Medical College India’s 73 million. What is more, inflation rate (16.8 per cent in Speaking with newsmen at and strike said you can use that pay during strikes; the Joint Health and the Chief Medical Directors extreme poverty in Nigeria is August), while other interest the State House, Abuja, at the money to pay other people you Systems Union JOHESU), they who submitted the names. growing by six people every rates would remain constant. weekend, after meeting with have engaged in that particular lost their pay in 2018, when they "The Association of Resident minute, while poverty in India He further forecasted intensi- President Buhari, Ngige said the period of strike. went on four months strike, they Doctors, in each of the tertiary continues to fall." fied efforts toward convergence 12-point demand of the Nigerian "So, you have a right to strike, lost about two or three months’ centres, worked with the CMDs Rewane pointed out in the of the exchange rates and the Association of Resident Doctors but your employer has also the pay when the no-work, no-pay to produce those names, but now latest report that the Petroleum reduction of the parallel market (NARD) have been met. He, right to withhold your emolument. was invoked. that the names are being verified, Industry Act (PIA), which is premium. however, noted that government More importantly, in other climes, "Academic Staff Union of Uni- we discovered that about 2000 in the process of being imple- However, Rewane pointed would not be arm twisted by the before unions go on strike, by versities (ASUU), no-work, no-pay names shouldn't be there because mented, would have minimal out some positive developments striking doctors not to follow the that principle, they discuss with applied to them. Nobody paid they don't have what is called impact on new investments in that could make Nigerians cheer, global standard. their workers and bring out what them anything for six months and Postgraduate Reference Numbers the downstream sector of the including the fact that the value The Minister who is the they call strike funds and it's from it was during COVID-19. So, we of National Postgraduate Medical Nigerian oil and gas industry. of transactions across e-payment Conciliator-in-Chief of the federal that strike funds that the union can handle things administratively, College and (or) that of the West He based his projection on the channels increased by 46.24 per government said he was in the will use to pay the workers have but nobody should arm-twist. African Postgraduate Medical fact that petrol subsidy was still cent in the second quarter (Q2) of State House to discuss the state of gone on strike.” "I briefed Mr. President and College. in existence, despite the deregula- 21 to N72.39 trillion from N49.5 the healthcare system industrial According to the minister, we’ve agreed that they should "So, this is it and that is the tion of the downstream sector by trillion recorded in Q2’20. disputes with the president. “they will also agree on the come back to work and if they only thing holding back the the PIA, coupled with investors’ They also include the climbing He said: "As you well know, number of days the strike will come back to work, we can take Residency Fund payment because on-going transition towards of the Federal Allocation (FAAC) the resident doctors are still on last. That's why overseas and in other things from there; we'll drop it is there already for… incurred investments in renewable and disbursements by 3.76 per cent strike, their strike has now entered other climes, you don't see strikes the case in court and then they will expenditure has been done by the clean energy. to N760.7 billion from N733.1 the 33rd day today. Meanwhile, getting more than three days or come back and get things done. Finance Minister and an it’s in the The EAC member said, billion in July. government is doing everything four days or five days, highest "The Salaries, Incomes and Accountant-General's office. So, “Implementation of the PIA Others are vessels awaiting possible to make sure they get and more importantly again, Wages Commission, in conjunction once the verify they authenticity to continue but subsidies will berth sharply down by 68.75 back to work. people on essential services, with the Office of the Head of of those they are submitting, the remain. Minimal impact on new per cent to five in Lagos ports “Out of their 12-point issues medical services, in particular, Service, had a meeting and they Accountant-General will pay.” MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] CONTAINING THE BLOODBATH IN BENUE Carl Umegboro writes that Samuel Ortom should pursue peaceful measures to secure the peace

he killings in Benue State must not continue unabated. The frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement incessant massacres and destruction of possessions, be it or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.” Likewise, ethnic, religious or politically-motivated must stop. Human Lawrence Butler, a US Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia lives cannot continue to be wasted. Many families have lost from 2002 to 2005 in a remark said, “If war is the violent resolution of loved ones including parents and innocent children to these conflict, then peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather, the ability heinous crimes against humanity. to resolve conflict without violence.” TOver time, Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has always criticised Putting these remarks together, they point to one direction - conflict President Muhammadu Buhari on account of the herdsmen who are is inevitable in human existence, and occurs in all levels of human mostly of Fulani stock, the president’s ethnic nationality. Observably, society – at home, across ethnic groups, business relations, amongst these have become the governor’s visible actions to the endless violent others. In other words, it’s difficult to eliminate differences considering disturbances. Meanwhile, the helpless people under his watch are on that each person has his thoughts in all cultures, races and societies. regular basis butchered or gunned down by their rivals. The negligence Suffice to say that oversights of Benue government in controlling leaves much to be desired. the conflicts amounts to weakness and a failure of the administration. Measuring from Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, It makes no sense that people that elected the leaders are frequently which provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be sent to their early graves and the governor who is the chief security the primary purpose of government”, the governor has failed in his officer of the state only stands by to attack the president as if the dead duties to protect lives and property in his domain. A leader must be bodies can be revived afterwards with the blusters. The constitution proactive. There’s no strong excuse that can justify the endless horrible proactively empowers governors with security votes. scenes in Benue. Propagandas can wait. A state governor must take Perceptively, it has become a pattern of politicians particularly public charge and ensure that the territory is calm and secure at every point office holders that are bereft of ideas to resort to verbal attacks to divert in time. President Buhari had charged governors to take charge in their attentions. This was abundantly witnessed during the tenure of Ayo domains. Fayose as Ekiti governor. All that the people got from the administra- Remarkably, Kogi State which is adjacent to Benue had earlier tion was name-calling – ‘clueless, damaged brain’, or whatever came to witnessed similar ugly scenes but the governor, Yahaya Bello sat down his mouth and mind. No significant impact or accomplishments for the and fashioned a lasting solution that successfully tamed the regular state throughout the period. violence in Kogi. The governor convened a stakeholders meeting Again, many have called for absolute ban of open-grazing on involving warring groups, set up a joint committee involving host- account it is antediluvian and promotes ethnic crisis in the society. communities, farmers and herdsmen with powers to monitor activities Admitted, that’s a good idea and supports civilization. However, it and control excesses to prevent retributive or retaliatory violence which can realistically succeed by gradual process and not immediate ban as usually escalates losses in the area. With the joint committees in place, cattle-rearing has existed for centuries and become a livelihood to some any person be it from the host-communities, farmers or herdsmen that persons. Some grew up as herders, thus, instant ban without adequate violate the rules will be sanctioned and made to pay for damages after planning and reorientation may not succeed considering that herders evaluation by the committees. Among the rules is that if a cow enters are nomadic; moving with cattle from one location to another through a farm and cause any damage, the farmer is expected to report to the the bush without even knowing when they cross boundaries. committee, and not to retaliate by attacking the cows or herdsmen. As In other words, Bello’s approaches in establishing ethnic-based soon as the committee establishes the allegations, the damage will be conflict resolution committees in Kogi for a lasting peace between evaluated for the owners of the cows to pay to the farmers without host-communities and herders are worthy of emulation. The attacks delay. By this mechanism, anyone taking laws into his hands from any against presidency cannot birth a solution but escalate the crisis. Ortom sides will also be sanctioned accordingly. And it has worked excellently. must therefore strategically change approaches for a lasting peace in Instructively, former US President, Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace Benue. Ditto for Plateau and other states constantly facing ethnic and is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful PEACE IS NOT ABSENCE OF CONFLICT, IT religious crisis that always results to bloodbath. People’s lives matter. means”. Similarly, an American political theorist, Saul Alinsky said, IS THE ABILITY TO HANDLE CONFLICT BY Umegboro, ACIArb is a certified arbitrator is a public affairs “Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the PEACEFUL MEANS analyst THE PIA AND GAS AS TRANSITION FUEL Ogbugo K. Ukoha canvasses a 30-year transition from crude oil to renewable energy

he global movement towards cleaner the Paris Agreement in December 2015 with the which Nigeria deliberately optimises its natural gas. investments in selected high risk projects as well as energy sources continues to put pressure aim of reducing global warming to well below To achieve this, three imperatives are suggested. reducing or eliminating gas flares. on fossil fuel reliance. Nigeria is Africa’s two degrees Celsius by 2050. The implementation First, Nigeria should lead the advocacy for special Finally, a number of micro recommendations is largest producer of crude oil and gas of the agreement demands infrastructural and global consideration for fossil fuel rich developing pertinent to the Nigerian gas sector. Even though with over 183 trillion cubic feet (TCF) cultural transformations which is why it provides a countries such as Nigeria. To better understand the granular, they combine into a forceful variable in of proven gas reserves. The Petroleum framework for financial, technical and capacity build- efforts towards meeting the long-term goals, it is the successful optimisation of gas and the following TIndustry Act 2021 (PIA) establishes, amongst ing support amongst countries. It invited countries suggested that the Paris Agreement’s 2024 Enhanced mapping of the industry discloses these. The other funds, the Midstream and Downstream Gas to formulate and submit by 2020 long term low Transparency Framework should be preceded by an midstream, which spans refining and transportation, Infrastructure Fund. What will be Nigeria’s future greenhouse gas emission development strategies as evaluation of the support from developed nations to has in particular remained the least developed in energy mix given the global outlook? Should Nigeria well as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) developing nations envisaged by the treaty. Without Nigeria’s Oil & Gas value chain with a huge market abandon its huge reserves? And how does the that will be upwardly reviewed every five years. such support, the NDCs of those countries will potential for both revenue and employment. The fund align with this future? This article answers As the world races towards a net zero carbon remain unrealistic with illusory net zero timelines. Nigerian gas market is segmented into three: the these questions by proposing the adoption of gas as emission, various countries have projected different Secondly, the recently passed Petroleum Industry power sector; the gas-based industries; and com- Nigeria’s transition fuel. timelines. The fastest identifiable group are countries Act 2021 that prioritises gas usage must draw the mercial customers. To give context, it is important to first explain whose energy mix are already less hydrocarbon right lessons from what is generally agreed to be the The under-performing power sector, even with the - “Transition”, “Natural Gas” and “Energy Mix”. dependent and these are considerably European. The main failure of the Electricity Power Sector Reform availability of natural gas, is regrettably characterised Transition generally means changing from one condi- second category comprises the most industrialised Act 2005 (EPSRA). The power sector has failed to by evacuation issues, that is, in addition to the tion to another. It implies both a process and timing. countries that are the highest emitters led by attract the necessary investments because recovery already discussed glaring matter of cost recovery. The The initial and end conditions as well as the process China, USA, India, Russia and Germany with of cost is not assured through the combination of transmission capacity of the national grid remains should be finite. Natural gas is a non-renewable their reluctance to abandon their coal deposits. The electricity prices that are not cost reflective and the grossly inadequate. As an alternative, embedded hydrocarbon that can sometimes be associated with third category are developing countries whose low poor guarantee on payment across the value chain generation for captive markets is beginning to gain crude oil. It is used for electricity generation, heating, development indices cannot realistically match the of generation, transmission and distribution. Private increased consideration. The overall good news is transportation and cooking. It is also a feedstock for timelines set by the first group. investment decisions are predicated upon the assur- that the electricity generating assets are substantially manufacturing fertilizer, urea and plastics. For instance, Sweden, targeting 2045, is looking ance of a return on investment. In implementing the plugged into available gas supply and that if these Energy mix on the other hand is simply how to become one of the first net zero countries in PIA, it must therefore become an over-aching priority other issues are mitigated then Nigeria can see various countries combine the primary sources of the world. It has a population of 10.4 million to de-risk the whole gas value chain from upstream, electricity generation, transmission and distribution at energy – fossil fuels, renewables and nuclear. The which in contrast to Nigeria is less than half of the midstream to downstream. installed capacities. big minus with fossil fuel is its emission of carbon population of Lagos Metropolitan Area. Sweden’s The good news is that the PIA has already set out, The Nigerian gas-based industries have the dioxide which adversely changes the climate. Coal’s GDP (nominal) per capita and human development in comparison to the EPSRA, a pathway that offers highest market growth potential. Currently, Nigeria emission is nearly double of natural gas whilst indices rank 12th and 17th globally, respectively. certainty in gas price. This must be complimented produces about eight billion cubic feet (BCF) of crude oil emits 30% more than gas. Gas is therefore Sweden enjoys nearly a 100% electricity coverage by instilling financial discipline that guarantees natural gas daily. The Nigerian LNG Bonny receives the cleanest of the fossil fuels. Renewables include with an energy mix that is dominated by hydro and payments within the industry. The transportation roughly 4BCF that is 50% of the daily natural gas solar, wind, hydro and biomass, all with a net zero nuclear sources. It is home to global brands such as of gas, especially, is capital intensive because of the production. The Bonny LNG currently has six carbon emission although some of the supporting Volvo, Ericsson and IKEA. temperature and pressure requirements which is operational trains and represents the nation’s most components like batteries are made from fossils. In comparison, Nigeria ranks very high both in why investors must from the beginning be assured strategic investment since the nineties. 2.5BCF of Nuclear is clean but then it is the most dangerous global population and poverty. She currently has of payments down the stream. Without such a produced gas is re-injected back. 1.4-1.6BCF is used and radioactive energy source when accidentally less than 50% electricity coverage and over 70% of comfort the sector will fail to attract investments in by other industries as well as for domestic use. exposed. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster is a her electricity generating assets are thermal, that is an industry that is already characterised by a stiff About 600MMCF of natural gas is flared. classical example. gas-fired, whilst the rest are hydro-powered. There competition for capital. One of the industrial off-takers of the 1.4-1.6BCF is To better protect the earth, the United Nations in is no doubt that the objective of the SDG13 and the In this context, Section 52 of the Act establishes Notore which is the earliest Nigerian manufacturer 2015 declared 17 Sustainable Development Goals Paris Agreement is both aspirational and commend- a Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure of fertilizer and requires 30MMCF of gas daily. (SDG). In particular, SDG 13 seeks urgent action able, but clearly, Sweden to Nigeria in relation to Fund from 0.5% of both petroleum and natural gas Indorama Petrochemicals with two operational trains in combating climate change and its impacts. timelines is incomparable. Therefore, in considering a sold wholesale. The fund will be deployed as equity and Dangote Fertilizer’s second train also in view This requires that economies shift towards carbon change in Nigeria’s energy mix from a high reliance investments in midstream and downstream opera- each require 200MMCF of gas daily as feedstock. neutrality in order to arrest the increasing greenhouse on crude oil to pre-dominantly renewables, this tions infrastructure that aims to increase domestic Ukoha is Energy Law & Management gas emissions. Accordingly, 196 countries adopted contribution suggests a 30-year transition during consumption of gas in Nigeria and encourage private Consultant THISDAY • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 15 EDITORIAL ADDRESSING NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

There is urgent need for mass enlightenment on tropical infections

ealth Minister, Osagie Ehanire, years. The remaining 52 per cent are adults from 15 recently raised the alarm that years and above. On specifics, 119.8 million Nigerians 122 million Nigerians were are at risk of filariasis, a disease that affects the lymph at risk of neglected tropical nodes and vessels, and 51.4 million by river blind- diseases (NTDs), a diverse ness. These diseases and more, Ehinare has argued, group of viral, parasitic and devastate not only the affected persons but also leave bacterial diseases that afflicts their families miserable. mainly the poor. Nobody seems to have paid much attention to him. Yet the implica- t is good that the minister of health has acknowl- Htion is that at least one in every two Nigerians risked edged the prominence of NTDs and the devasta- contracting NTDs. With little over 500 million people tion they are causing in Nigeria. We must, however, on the continent said to be at risk of the public health go beyond noting these otherwise overlooked concern, Nigeria’s 25 per cent of the indices is a huge Ipublic health issues. The nation must now focus on global burden, especially as the number of those at risk addressing them head on just as it is presently doing increases every year in the country. with HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Cholera as well as Neglected tropical diseases are overlooked infec- COVID-19. For a start, all levels of government should tious ailments grouped together due to their often include NTDs sensitisation in their programmes, as chronic, disfiguring, and stigmatising impact and ignorance has been fingered as the major factor fuelling their close association with poverty and geographic the rise of the scourge. overlap. At least 15 of the World Health Organisation Most Nigerians do not know how to prevent them- (WHO) designated 20 NTDs are present in Nigeria, selves from NTDs or how to manage them properly. including Trachoma, Stakeholders must make this a priority, especially in NATIONS ARE NO (granular conjuncti- rural and hard-to-reach areas where this is concen- LONGER RATED BY HOW vitis), Onchocerciasis, trated. Just like Malaria and Tuberculosis, govern- DEEP THEIR FINANCIAL (river blindness), THISDAY ments (both local, state, and federal) should provide Lymphatic Fila- EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU significant budgetary allocations for tackling NTDs. RESERVES ARE, OR HOW DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA GREAT BRIDGES AND TALL riasis, (elephantiasis), MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO The gains made in addressing other known health Schistosomiasis DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU issues could come to nothing if NTDs are wreaking BUILDINGS ARE. THEY ARE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI RATED BY THEIR HUMAN (parasitic worms), EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN havocs. It is time stakeholders knew that nations are Leprosy, Snakebites MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI no longer rated by how deep their financial reserves CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE WHICH INCLUDES THE yaws, Rabies and are, or how great bridges and tall buildings are. They Buruli ulcer. Accord- are rated by their human capital development which HEALTH OF THEIR PEOPLE ing to the United includes the health of their people. Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), these diseases THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED Although Ehinare said the country has been EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA have significantly caused illnesses and deaths chiefly GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, making efforts to contain the scourge of NTDs, he among the vulnerable or disadvantaged Nigerians. ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI has not highlighted those measures even when DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, It has also impacted negatively on families and the ANTHONY OGED ENGBE the picture he painted of the challenge was of crisis society. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI proportion. Therefore, what Nigerians expect is not Reports have shown that 20 per cent of those SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH only a lamentation about the current situation but ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI affected or at risk in Nigeria are of pre-school age CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI rather what the minister intends to do to change the while 28 per cent of them are between ages five to 14 DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO unfortunate narrative. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

TO OUR READERS Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details [email protected] . We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. KADUNA ELECTIONS: WHY EL-RUFAI LOST POLLING UNIT GOVERNMENTS ARE

ne of the best performing governors in Nigeria of questions that require answers, because the result from El-Rufai’s NOT ALWAYS SANE is Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. So far, he is the best polling unit and ward is a big political statement from the people to Governor of Kaduna State in recent times. the governor, his government and party. n this time of great upset there is still one However, Mallam lost his polling unit and ward in Some political pundits are of the view that Mallam El-Rufai’s major reliable source of humour, government bu- the Saturday, September 04, 2023, local government error is that his government is not doing well in balancing policies, reaucrats. Australia has a Permanent residency elections conducted by the Kaduna State Indepen- development and politics. The pundit further said this is a reminder visa process including a family stream that Odent Electoral Commission. that development in a poor society must and should always consider allocates 5000 places for parents. In years Governor El-Rufai voted at Unguwan Sarkin polling unit 001 in the people’s survival, first. An example was the former governor of when there are more than 5000 applicants Kaduna North LGA of the state. Mohammed Sani, the presiding Adamawa State, Muhammadu Umaru Bindow, who did very well in Ithey go on a waiting list for their application to be officer, announced the final results: Unguwan Sarki Ward 007 Kaduna constructing roads, bridges and hospitals, but the people denied him assessed. A 93-year-old father, Zack Krouse, who North Chairmanship, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 1,235 and his party the APC a second term because Bindow failed in the applied in 2014 has just been told that his applica- votes while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 948 area of workers’ salaries and human development. tion will be processed in 2064 as the waiting list is votes. For the councillorship position PDP garnered 1,405 votes while Nevertheless, El-Rufa’i is still the best governor Kaduna State has quite long. He would be 133 years old by then so the APC was behind with 804 votes. The election witnessed low voter had so far. APC may go on to win the majority of the local govern- it is unlikely that he will be able to contribute to turnout and challenges in some polling units as the wrong machines ment councils as the results come it, but some pockets of the results Australia’s economy and thus his application may were deployed. El-Rufai himself expressed disappointment about the have given the opposition more strength to fight more and take be knocked back. low turnout of voters in the council polls. He said: “What worries me advantage of areas the government is lagging behind. One simple There should be a more rational way of running is that I noticed that people didn’t turn out much.” This could be one example is how one of the governorship hopeful Hon. Ahmad Tijjani the world than letting people follow rules without of the reasons the APC did poorly at Governor El-Rufai’s unit, the Umar is smartly mobilization the youth and building bridges while thinking about them. We need a more rational party may say. taking advantage of the government’s weak areas. And it seems it is world so that we can beat COVID, then work on The big questions are: Why should a performing governor’s party working well for him and his party in terms of winning support from climate control and maybe try to stop all of the be rejected by the people at the governor’s polling unit? Why should a the common people. arguments between countries that lead to so many performing governor lose at his polling unit and ward? Are the people Governor El-Rufai should be commended for conducting a free deaths and refugees. Maybe if we made all of our angry with the governor, his party, including his government? Are the and fair election and using modern technology to advance democracy. bureaucrats work from home without access to people not happy with the way the beautiful Kaduna Urban Renewal Furthermore, the results at the governor’s polling unit and ward have zoom or the internet the world would be better or is being handled? Is the current insecurity the state is witnessing a given the governor some clues and the need for readjustments in at least saner. major factor? Is it the issue of the sack of workers? Is the Kaduna State future politics. These are not laughing matters. government out of touch with the common people? There are a lot Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia 16 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 17

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY MONDAY DISCOURSE How Hurricane Uba is Sweeping Through Anambra Senator Andy Uba, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 6 gubernatorial election in , may have a hand in the gale of defections that has depleted the opposition parties in favour of the ruling APC, writes David-Chyddy Eleke

Umeoji

Uba

he major political parties in in Anambra State. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun Anambra State; the All Pro- For the All Progressives Grand Al- State-led primary election committee gressives Congress (APC), liance (APGA), the confusion about was not acceptable. All Progressives Grand Alli- the candidate of the party has partly However, the unique thing about ance (APGA) and the Peoples been resolved by the court too, with the party is that its leadership was DemocraticT Party (PDP) are experienc- former Central Bank Governor, Prof. able to pacify all involved, to the ing an enduring season of crises as a Chukwuma Soludo finally enlisted by extent that the party has today ac- result of the selection process for their the Independent National Electoral cepted Uba as its candidate, and governorship candidates. All the par- Commission (INEC) as its candidate, working towards delivering him ties have not quite overcome , period of but not without distraction from at the election. Save for two of its anomy, through they are stoutly carrying aggrieved party members, most of former aspirants who moved to other on with the exercise, not knowing what who are still complaining about the smaller political parties to continue the courts may decide. Various persons process that threw up Soludo as the their quest for the governorship, the within and outside these political par- candidate. A factional candidate of APC, has relatively remained intact, ties have sought intervention from the the party, Hon. Chuma Umeoji has with little or no record of defection, judiciary to decide if their governorship already moved to the Supreme Court as it has been seen witnessed in other selection process strictly followed the to contest Soludo’s candidacy. While political parties trying to manage Ozigbo books. Also the Independent National this is happening, some prominent angry contestantswho lost their bid Electoral Commission (INEC) has set an members of the party are also leaving for Governorticket of their political early date next month, October to publish to APC. parties. the final list of candidates. The APC also has its fair share of As the date of the governorship The November 6 governorship elec- the crisis that trailed its governor- contest draws near, there is no doubt tion in the state is highly anticipated by ship. Of the 13 aspirants that went that Uba is poised for victory in the different stakeholders in the state and into the contest with Uba during election. Imediately after the gover- the country, at large, expectedly caus- the party’s primary election, at norship primary, Uba had begged ing many upheavals. The APC is not an least 11 of them converged one day his co-aspirants to join him to enable exception to many troubles in the wake after Uba emerged as candidate, to the party achieve the task of taking of the governorship primary of the disown the process. They said no power in the state. Speaking with political parties. In the PDP, the choice election was held anywhere in the journalists, he said, “I can’t go on of Mr Valentine Ozigbo was a source of state, and that the announcement of this journey alone. This campaign rancour that led to the exit of some of his Uba as winner of the primary by the cannot be achieved with a divided fellow contestants from the party. Some dissatisfied erstwhile members of the PDP like Dr. Godwin Maduka and Dr. Obiora Okonkwo have moved to Accord and the There is a staunch believe in the state that either Zenith Laboir Party (ZLP) respectively to actualise their governorship ambitions, by hook or crook, Uba is set to capture Anambra the APC continues to receive an increasing number of former members of the APGA State. While Uba’s supporters believe he will and PDP into its fold. To make matters worse, another faction win fairly because of his popularity, supporters of the PDP elected Senator Ugochukwu of other political parties believe that he can Uba as its candidate. Though the court has finally settled for Ozigbo as the au- never win in a fair election, and that if he ever thentic candidate, the Ugochukwu Uba faction remains a sore irritant to the PDP wins, then it is by crook Ugochukwu Uba 18 THISDAY ˾MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 MONDAY DISCOURSE

Maduka Okonkwo

camp. I plead with all today that we come Others will rather give the credit for in the state that either by hook or are ever ready to protect their state and together to achieve our collective victory. Oduah’s switch of political loyalty crook, Uba is set to capture Anam- its impressive progress of the last few It was a free and fair contest and by the from the PDP to the APC to the bra State. While Uba’s supporters years, rather than allow soldiers of fortune grace of God, I emerged victorious. unseen hands of Uba. believe he will win fairly because of and buccaneers to toy with its destiny “I extend a hand of fellowship and In APGA, the news of the defec- his popularity, supporters of other once again. The November 6 vote will be brotherhood to all the brave and qualified tion of six members of the House political parties believe that he can free, fair and transparent. This will be in men, who contested this election with me. of Assembly in far away Abuja into never win in a fair election, and that conformity with the tradition of free polls I ask you to join me to walk this road to APC was not a surprise to Anambra if he ever wins, then it is by crook. which have come to define Anambra State victory. I have been in your shoes several people. The members are; Hon. Nonso The APGA has already raised the political culture in recent times. The 2017 times, where I was not lucky and I joined Okafor representing Nnewi North; alarm, insisting that he was working governorship poll and the 2019 general the victor to try to achieve victory for Hon. Timothy Ifedioramma repre- hard to lure more people out of their election in the state were the freest in our party. I implore you to please join senting Njikoka 1; Hon. Cater D. N party. The National co-ordinator of the country.” me as I recognise that I cannot go on this Umeoduagu representing Aguata 1; APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chin- “We trust the integrity of President journey alone. Some may say that it is Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu representing edu Obigwe in a recent press release Muhammadu Buhari who has consis- not easy to be magnanimous in victory, Dunukofia; Hon. Arthur Chiekwu said four serving Anambra State tently assured the nation that free, fair but I declare today that the victory that representing Idemili North and Hon. Commissioners and 12 lawmakers and transparent election will be one of bears my name is our collective victory. I Edward Ibuzo, representing Onisha were offered N300 million to defect his major legacies in the country. We have reach out to all, to please join this crusade North 2. to the APC as well as destabilise the no reason to doubt him, despite the un- for eventual victory in November. There Receiving the defectors at a brief state. He said: “There is information conscionable behavior of some people in is strength in unity; we will walk away event on Tuesday evening in Abuja, on how the six saboteur lawmakers, his party. Anambra State government has from all divisions that have stunted our Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordi- four serving commissioners and oth- been working closely with such bodies as development and prevented us from our nary Convention Planning Committee ers were lured with N300 million by the INEC, the Police and DSS, to ensure collective dreams.” (CECPC) Governor Mai Mala Buni Andy Uba to be part of the evil plot a free and fair election on November 6. Having partially achieved the coopera- restated the party’s determination to set Anambra on fire.” We are convinced that the relevant bodies tion of his party members, Uba may have to win the Anambra governorship In another press release, Obigwe are working in the public interest. We, gone full blast, moving into other parties election, which informed the zeal lamented that the plot was to lure therefore, advise Anambra people to to poach their members. A known taciturn in engaging critical stakeholders in more members of the House of Assem- discountenance the propaganda that the and silent mobiliser, Uba is believed to Anambra State. Buni said: “Loking bly into APC to weaken APGA, and rigging of the forthcoming election with have a hand in the rancour bedeviling at what is happening, especially now also use the legislators to harass and the aid of the federal might is a foregone APGA, as regards its quarrelling gover- that prominent and serving state destabilize Governor Willie Obiano, conclusion. Our people are implored not to norship candidates. THISDAY gathered lawmakers have started joining, the through an attempt to impeach him. carry out the protests planned throughout from sources in APGA that Uba may be grassroots is moving and Anambra To douse the heightened tension, Anambra State, which may be hijacked by the unseen hand engineering the vari- people are moving to the APC.” the Anambra State Governor, Willie violent elements. The political party which ous moves of Umeoji, who has become The defectors described the APC as Obiano, has assured Anambra people presents the best candidate and who will a serious problem to the party. the preferred party and promised to that nobody can rig the November work assiduously for a greater Anambra mobilise support towards victory in 6 governorship election in the state. State will certainly win the November 6 Defection Gale the November 6 governorship polls. Speaking through the Commissioner gubernatorial election.” The hand of Uba has also been seen To add colour to the brief event held for Information and Public Enlight- in the recent defections by members of at Imo State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, enment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, the Uba Speaks on Rigging both APGA and PDP. Members of the Governors of Imo, Lagos, Osun and governor said some people were Senator Andy Uba, the APC candidate APC have attributed the defections to Kogi as well as top members of the planning a protest, over plot to rig for the election has said he has no plan to Uba’s charm, magic wand and popularity, party in Anambra State were in at- the November poll, but assured that rig the election. Uba who was welcome while others attribute it to his clandes- tendance. would not be the case. into the state at the weekend from Abuja tine activities. The chairman of APC in Arinze Igboeli, a staunch APC sup- The statement read in part, “We where he had also visited President Mu- Anambra State, Mr Basil Ejidike while porter and South-east Media Director advise our people to disregard hammadu Buhari and was presented the briefing journalists at the state party of the party while mocking APGA, the claims that the rigging of the flag of the party said; “We are here to secretariat in Awka disclosed that two attributed the large acceptance of forthcoming election in our dear appeal to the people of Anambra State serving senators in the state were set to APC in Anambra to Andy Uba’s state is a foregone conclusion. This for their support. We are here to assure join the party from PDP. It was believed magic wand. He said, “For years, is a propaganda stunt. They have you that we will not take it by force. We that the two senators mentioned were our party (APC) has never produced been using the propaganda stunt are calling for your support. Senators Uche Ekwunife and Stella Oduah, even one member of Anambra State to intimidate Anambra people in “There is a benefit inherent in being but the leadership of PDP quickly moved House of Assembly, but immediately the last couple of years, but it has connected to the centre. The minister is in to stop them. Ekwunife who was a we made Andy Uba our candidate, always failed them. The Anambra on his way now to Anambra to flag off the governorship contender was named the we now have six lawmakers in the State of 2021 is totally different from commencement of work on failed portions chairman of the PDP campaign council, state. Andy Uba is highly accepted.” the Anambra State of 2003 or 2007. of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway that in what looked like a desperate attempt “The rigging plans cannot work is causing the traffic on this road. Anam- to keep her. She also alluded to this much Fear of Uba Everywhere this time. The people of Anambra bra will be liberated. Infact, Anambra is during the inauguration of the campaign Already, there is a staunch believe State, supported by their government, already liberated. The day the President council, when she assured everyone that gave me the flag of our party was the her commitment was total and that she day Anambra was liberated,” Uba said. would do all to deliver Ozigbo. She urged Uba whose popularity is on the rise was members of the council to give their all, a former Presidential Aide on Domestic saying - “as for me standing here today, News of the defection of six members of the House Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo. ‘they’ know what it took them to get me.” of Assembly in far away Abuja into APC was not He was very influential in that admin- A member of the PDP’s Board of trustees, istration. Senator Joy Emordi was the first to decamp a surprise to Anambra people. The members are; , better known to the APC in an elaborate ceremony at- as, Andy Uba was elected and sworn tended by the APC national leadership. Hon. Nonso Okafor representing Nnewi North; Hon. in as the governor of Anambra State Despite the move to placate Oduah, she on 27 May 2007. He was removed by a has moved over to the APC, pledging to Timothy Ifedioramma representing Njikoka 1; Hon. supreme court decision on 14 June 2007. work for the party and remain a loyal He governed the State for 14 days. He member. Many believe that her change of Cater D. N Umeoduagu representing Aguata 1; Hon. was elected the Senator to represent party was engineered by unseen hands, Lawrence Ezeudu representing Dunukofia; Hon. Anambra South Senatorial District who reminded her of her ‘unfinished busi- in 2011. This is beginning to look like ness’ with the Economic and Financial Arthur Chiekwu representing Idemili North and his most promising campaign for the Crimes Commission (EFCC), where she Anambra governorship, having failed still has charges of corruption against her. Hon. Edward Ibuzo, representing Onisha North 2 in two previous attempts. THISDAY ˾MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 19

POLITICS Atiku’s Political Engagements Gain Wider Traction A recent monthly social media rating of political leaders in Nigeria released by Grand Plan, a new media baseline research and communication outfit, puts former Vice President Atiku Abubakar above other political juggernauts. Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports

s presidential hopefuls in the tion in the overall rating for August, President Muhammed Buhari, who While opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar’s Nigerian national elections of Olawepo-Hashim still remains most emerged most engaging political leader July engagement rose by more than 600% in 2023 begin to oil their campaign engaging political leader in the ruling All for the month of July, slipped to 4th posi- August, ’s rose by more than machinery by engaging the Progressive Congress (APC), while Alhaji tion, going three steps back, while Atiku 400%, that of Olawepo Hashim also rose by populace on various social media Atiku Abubakar remain most engaging Abubakar who was in third position in July, more 100%, being the best from the ruling All Aplatforms especially tech giant, Facebook, to political leader in the country as well as went two steps up to clinch top position Progressive Congress (APC). sell their candidature to the people, Grand in the opposition People’s Democratic for August. “Atiku Abubakar’s last eight posts recorded Plan Communication, a new media, baseline Party (PDP). According to data released by Grand the 317,500 engagements, Olawepo Hashim’s research and communication outfit, that has According to Grand Plan, following Plan, Atiku Abubakar overtook President last six posts recorded the 160,800 engagements, been monitoring their online engagements and the ban on popular micro blogging plat- Buhari and Olawepo Hashim, both of while Bukola Saraki’s last 19 posts recorded the issues they are discussing has published a form, Twitter few months ago, Nigerian whom were ahead of him in the July the 198,300 engagements” new report for the month of August. politicians have become more active on edition of the report. “On the other hand, the engagement of In the latest report by Grand Plan, former Vice Facebook and most of them have made “Other political figures, including Vice Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State went President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerged most the platform their preferred medium of President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Kogi State down by more than 100% in August” engaging political leader in Nigeria. The former communication with the people. Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Chairman Executive Director of Grand Plan, Abdulrazaq Vice President overtook President Muhammed Facebook is the most popular social of Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum and Ekiti Hamzat said that, increasing engagement imply Buhari and Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in media platform in the world with over State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, Governor growing interest in the candidate while decreas- online engagement, both of who were most 2.8billion users. It is also by far, the most of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Elrufai ing engagement signify disenchantment. engaging political leaders in Nigeria for the popular social media platform in Nigeria and others are still behind in social media Hamzat also explained that, contrary to month of July, 2021. with over 65% control. engagements” popular belief that claimed suspended micro This was contained in a report released on While their are over 104 million internet Grand Plan explained that, “President blogging platform,tweeter is the platform for Friday by Grand Plan in Abuja, Nigeria. users in Nigeria, only 33 million of them Muhammadu Buhari, who was on top in youths, available record shows that Facebook A statement by the Executive Director of are on social media, with Facebook having July with over 296,000 engagements saw his still remains the dominant social media platform Grand Plan, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, disclosed over 30% of the total internet users and engagements go down to 96,700 in August for youths. that the monthly social media engagement rating more than 95% of social media users, and on the other hand, Olawepo-Hashim According to him, 65% of Facebook users are is to keep tab on the online activities of political with its over 31 million Facebook users who came second in July saw his engage- under the age of 35, which means that they fall leaders in Nigeria, especially those identified in Nigeria, some of who also use other ments rose more than double, from 98,000 under the age demographic of millennials and as potential presidential hopeful for 2023 that social media platforms such as Instagram, in July to 160,800 engagements in August, generation z. It is also important to note that may seek to succeed the incumbent President, Snapchat and Tiktok. but still couldn’t stop Atiku Abubakar and between 25-34 years old accounted for 32.5% Muhammadu Buhari. Data by Grand Plan showed that, Bukola Saraki from overtaking them both. of Facebook users, whereas just 2.9% of users In the month of August, Atiku Abubakar were aged between 55 and 65 years. recorded 317,500 engagements on his Facebook Grand Plan observed that, while most of page, followed by former Senate President, Dr. the 2023 presidential hopeful were discuss- Bukola Saraki who recorded 198,300 engage- While opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar’s July ing general social issues that is not connected ments and Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who to governance, Olawepo Hashim maintained recorded 160,800 engagements. engagement rose by more than 600% in August, his policy based discuss, while Bukola Saraki Olawepo Hashim came second, after President Bukola Saraki’s rose by more than 400%, that of focused on party politics. Muhammed Buhari in the month of July and “Olawepo Hashim focused on issues of anti in August, he slipped to third position in the Olawepo Hashim also rose by more 100%, being the corruption beyond 2023, nation building and overall rating. making the ruling All Progressive Congress However, despite slipping to third posi- best from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) (APC) a party of ideology.” 20 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾ʹ, 2021 21

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 EFCC's Unorthodox Arrests as Recipe for Another #EndSARS Revolution The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives have gone beyond banging doors to breaking them down. They have, in some cases, caught innocent people almost pants down. Recently, the EFCC operatives broke down the door of ex-Big Brother Naija reality TV star Dorathy Bachor. Ayodeji Ake, Sunday Ehigiator and Chiamaka Ozulumba explore the anti-graft's new stock in trade

Image of EFCC as they broke into Dorathy's Compound

n February 4, 2021, a young man The EFCC invasion left her mother with a panic reportedly evading arrest by the attack, she said. “I have never felt so helpless in Economic and Financial Crimes my whole life. @officialEFCC, you now break Commission (EFCC) operatives at into people’s houses and jump estate fences, all 1004 Estate, Lagos, jumped from in the name of doing your job," stated Bachor. Othe sixth floor. He did not survive. The EFCC "Shame on you all, shame. You put a gun to operatives stormed the area to arrest suspected people's heads and threaten their life in the name fraudsters. They shot sporadically into the air of doing your job.” and moved from one apartment to the other. If Before the invasion of Bachor's home, the EFCC denied access, they were ready to break the door. operatives have come under public scrutiny on The deterioration of insecurity in Africa's most how they burst into people's homes, usually populous nation has made it almost impossible without a search warrant and the decency to for Nigerians to sleep with two eyes closed. The wait for residents to open their doors after a few rambunctious, gangster-style of the EFCC operatives knocks. Not a few people feel that EFCC's new have become double jeopardy for people living style smacks of high-handedness that borders in fear of bandits and unknown gunmen. on official lawlessness. On July 13, 2021, EFCC operatives broke into the Establishment of the EFCC Parktonian Hotel in the Lekki area of Lagos. The The EFCC investigates financial crimes such operatives gained entry into guests’ rooms using as advance fee fraud (419 frauds) and money master cards seized from the hotel management laundering. It was established in 2003 and backed EFFC Raids Modzak Hotel in Lagos, Arrest Suspected Fraudsters at gunpoint. Some guests were naked under the by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission duvet when the EFCC broke into their rooms (Establishment) Act of 2004, partially responding and interrogated them. to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force her Lekki home at around 5:00 a.m. Continuing, the reality TV star added, “They broke into the hotel and threatened to on Money Laundering (FATF). FATF had named “What is the need of being a citizen of this “In my confused state, I was trying to shoot the receptionists and management workers Nigeria one of 23 countries non-cooperative in country when I can’t feel safe in my own understand what in the hell was going if they didn’t immediately release the master the international community's efforts to fight house? It’s 5:00 a.m., and I am literally shaking on, why did they break down my door. access card to them. So, the hotel workers had money laundering. and so upset right now," said Bachor. “At Then one of them said they were looking to comply immediately,” said a witness. 4:35 a.m. I heard a loud sound, and voices for someone who ran into the estate and I Barely a week after, a Nollywood filmmaker Unorthodox Invasion followed after. I rushed out almost naked should lock my door and stay indoors and Biodun Stephen, alleged that armed EFCC officials Lately, several people have complained of the to see five fully armed EFCC men in my not say a word. I’m shaking at this point broke into her hotel room in Lagos but apologised EFCC operatives barging into homes and hotel living room and one of them saying, ‘Oh and so confused because how exactly is to her when they realised that she was not the rooms at odd hours to arrest suspected internet na that Big Brother babe be this.'" this even okay." one they were after. fraudsters, otherwise known as Yahoo Boys. After “They just burst into hotel rooms in the middle a few raps on people's doors, EFCC agents do of the night, not caring who you are or what not hesitate to break into targeted apartments. state you are in,” Stephen had lamented. On August 23, 2021, former Big Brother Naija Uwujaren explained that the women in some rooms pleaded Narrating her experience on her Instagram housemate, Dorathy Bachor, narrated how the page, Stephen said the EFCC officials broke agency's operatives broke into her apartment nudity to stop the EFCC from arresting their targets, into her hotel room at 3:00 a.m. “That is how I unannounced. The first runner-up in the 2020 asserting that it was cybercriminals' ploy to evade arrest or slept in a hotel whilst filming last week. Next edition of BBNaija TV reality disclosed on her Instagram page that the operatives broke into destroy incriminating items in their devices before arrest Continued on page 22 22 THISDAY ˾ʹ, 2021 FEATURES

EFFC Raids Modzak Hotel in Lagos, Arrest Suspected Fraudsters thing, I opened my eyes at a little past 3:00 a.m., states, “The privacy of citizens, their homes, what did I see? Two men dressed in black with correspondence, telephone conversations, and weapons. I thought I was dreaming." telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed She added, “Then I heard the door to my room and protected.” close. I sprang up, and without thinking, shouted. In the light of that provision, citizens' privacy, ‘Stay right there! Who are you?’ They replied, ‘we be it in their homes or hotels, must be respected are EFCC’. My head sparkled. Are you kidding at all times. The EFCC has continually justified me? You entered my room unannounced?” the violation of that constitutional provision with The movie director further stated that the the wave of supposed "search warrants." EFCC officials claimed they knocked but got no response, leaving them no choice but to Clarification for the Use of Force break into her room. “You decide to enter my Security operatives can use force only if they room?” she asked them. “You should have kept meet opposition while effecting an arrest. The on knocking. I was sleeping like any normal operatives are to obtain a search warrant from a person would,” Stephen said. magistrate or judge before conducting a search. “One just opened his mouth and asked, ‘Where According to the Administration of Criminal Justice is the man in the room?’ I was confused at first. Act (ACJA) 2015, a search warrant should be And I replied, ‘The who’? He replied again, ‘your executed by officers of law enforcement agencies, partner’. Anger rose up inside me. Is this one while Section 149 (1) of the ACJA provides that roving m*d?" she further recounted. “His partner a person residing in a building shall allow a law realised his folly because he quickly apologised enforcement agent to get free and unhindered by saying, ‘You are not who we are looking for.’ access to carry out a search. I watched as they interviewed guests rudely On the use of force, Section 149 (2) allows and arrested a few." the reasonable use of force when access cannot She added that she lost sleep afterwards and be obtained by the officers executing the search noted that she has learned that bursting into hotel warrant, stipulating that “where any building rooms was the new thing with the EFCC now. EFCC Raid of 1004 Estate where a young man Jumped to his Death or other thing or place liable to search is closed, “They just burst into hotel rooms in the middle a person residing in or being in charge of the of the night, not caring who you are or what building, thing or place shall, on demand of state you are in,” Stephen added. reportedly raided My Choice Hotel and and no violence of any kind during the the police officer or other person executing the Another victim of EFCC's clandestine's raid said, The Pavilion located around the Olabisi operation.” search warrant allow him free and unhindered “I was naked, and I had to beg them (for me) to Onabanjo University community of Ago- Also reacting to Bachor's post, the EFCC access to it and afford all reasonable facilities put something on. I am actually hypertensive, Iwoye, where an undisclosed number of explained that “operatives from the Lagos for its search." but I put myself together because I am not a people alleged to be Internet fraudsters command of the commission, acting on It added that "where access into the building, criminal in any way.” were arrested. A few days earlier, EFCC verified intelligence, executed a search thing or place cannot be obtained, the police officer Similarly, on June 4, 2021, EFCC operatives agents had laid siege on the town, waiting warrant at a block of flats located in the or other person executing the search warrant may allegedly invaded a female hostel at Alaro Street to pounce on suspected Yahoo Boys. They Lekki area of Lagos on Monday, August proceed" in the manner prescribed by sections 9, in the Sango area of Ibadan at 2:00 a.m. A video stormed hotels in the area in a pick-up 23, 2021, during which nine internet fraud 10, 12, and 13 of this Act. Many victims of EFCC's of the invasion, which went viral on social media, truck and Toyota Hiace bus at 2:00 a.m. in suspects were arrested.” clandestine invasions felt the state agents did not showed a female hostel with apprehensive students an operation that lasted about two hours. The anti-corruption agency further stated fulfil the constitutional provisions to apply force. speaking in Pidgin English shouting for help. that Bachor’s apartment "happened" to be “See what EFCC did to us. Please, we need EFCC's Stance one of the flats in the building. What EFCC can Learn from Dubai Police help. We cannot sleep after 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 In reaction to Stephen's post, EFCC "EFCC operatives had knocked on In a video released by the Dubai Police last a.m. We are all females here. They broke our spokesman Wilson Uwujaren claimed the her (Dorathy’s) entrance door; identified year, series of investigations were carried out doors; tore our nets and everything. We tried invasion was a sting operation. According to themselves as being from the commission before the arrest of Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, to even defend ourselves because we thought him, the agency arrested 30 persons, “with on a mission to execute a search warrant," aka Hushpuppi, and his gang. The investigation they were thieves," one of the ladies in the video 24 of them already confessing involvement said the agency. "But they were refused entry video tagged ‘Fox Hunt II', was carried out for stated. “Please, we need justice. We are students. in cybercrimes and related activities." for several minutes by Bachor’s sister. The about four months, during which Hushpuppi’s They were even told that we are students. None He added, “The agency recalled there operatives were left with no choice than social media account, fraudulent activities, and of us put on clothes. We are in Alaro, close to was no incident as the hotel management, to force their way in, lest suspects escape the gang’s whereabouts were closely monitored. Ibadan Polytechnic gate, Ibadan. We need justice served with the relevant warrant, offered or destroy vital evidence.” The Dubai e-police team tracked Hushpuppi’s in Nigeria. We need justice.” access to agents to carry out their lawful Though the EFCC claimed its operatives every move. The team took notes of all his online Similarly, on April 28, 2021, EFCC operatives duties.” captured nine suspected internet fraudsters activities, including the fake pages of existing allegedly broke into students' hostel in Owo, Ondo, Uwujaren explained that the women in in the building, they did not find any suspect websites he and his team created to redirect forcibly removing burglar-proofs, damaging the some rooms pleaded nudity to stop the in the BBN star’s apartment. Following the their victims’ payments to their accounts. They property. Commenting about the incident in a EFCC from arresting their targets, asserting reality TV star's social media post, EFCC likewise found out the corporate emails he and Twitter post, a resident, Olawunmi Moyin, said that it was cybercriminals' ploy to evade agents came back to her apartment to whisk his team had hacked to send fake messages to the EFCC agents raided the building from 12:30 arrest or destroy incriminating items in her away for interrogation. She was later clients to redirect financial details and people’s a.m. to 2:00 a.m., using an axe to open doors. their devices before arrest. released. bank details to their accounts. “They raided from 12:30 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. “The commission will not fall for such Before his arrest, the Dubai police could tell in the midnight. The funny thing is, rain was a gimmick which is intended to prevent Constitutional Standpoint exactly the number of people he had scammed falling. This act is so bad and gutter-like. Who it from carrying out its lawful duties," he The Fundamental Human Rights, Chapter and how much Hushpuppi had in his account. uses an axe to forcefully open burglary doors?" noted. There was no break-in, no molestation 4, Section 37, of the 1999 Constitution During the time of his arrest, they knew exactly said Moyin. where he and his team were and at what time. A youth leader in Ondo, Oluyemi Fasipe, They did not need to jump fences or break into who posted the video of the invaded hostel on innocent people’s homes to carry out the arrest. Twitter, said, “While the EFCC reserved the right Even at the point of arrest, as seen in the video, to arrest and duly prosecute internet fraudsters, Breaking into people’s homes to arrest a suspect, which it was nothing short of top-notch professionalism the act of raiding young people’s residences for with no single gunshot heard. extortion was grossly unbecoming. sometimes precedes any conclusive investigation, is a Breaking into people’s homes to arrest a “Especially at a time the nation is trying to ticking time bomb. It could blow into another #EndSARS suspect, which sometimes precedes any conclusive recover from the economic setback it suffered as investigation, is a ticking time bomb. It could a result of last year’s #EndSars protest meant to revolution if the EFCC fails to show more respect for human blow into another #EndSARS revolution if the quell similar moves by the now-defunct Special rights in their operations, whether in broad daylight or EFCC fails to show more respect for human rights Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).” in their operations, whether in broad daylight Also, on February 9, 2021, EFCC agents under cover of night or under cover of night. THISDAY ˾ʹ, 2021 23 FEATURES Boss at All Seasons: Celebrating Mustapha @ 65 n the occasion of his 64th birthday last year, President Muhammadu Buhari joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Federal Executive OCouncil to celebrate Boss Mustapha as “the legal luminary, party stalwart and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, whose visionary and inclusive leadership style continues to strengthen the governing party and the administration, with remarkable results." The President affirmed: "Mustapha has provided strong and commendable leadership as a rallying point for the Federal Executive Council and demonstrated high-level patriotism by accepting the demanding position of chairing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.” He also congratulated him and the team for steadily guiding Nigerians amid health and economic uncertainties. With sincerity and deep understanding of their invaluable roles, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has engaged every segment of the polity - traditional rulers, religious leaders, governors and foreign envoys with open arms and a listening ear to broaden and enrich the quality of governance. Appointed on November 1, 2017, Mustapha has without doubt, redefined service in public office with his successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic since the President mandated him in March 2020 to lead the Presidential Task Force on the global scourge. Coordination is the robust suite of the Presidential Team. It has managed success- fully the efforts to rally all stakeholders in tackling the national emergency. They include States and Local Governments, health sector stakeholders, players in the private sector as well as development partners. Effective coordination has earned the confidence and Mustapha trust of all. Mustapha, while evaluating the county's response to COVID-19 early this year, said the PTF, which was re-designated the Presidential Barely two years in office, Mustapha total commitment to the realisation of the did the National Youth Service Corps at the Steering Committee, did perform very well received a commendation from the Presi- yearnings of Nigerians for quick delivery Directorate of Legal Services at the Army with a very robust national response even as dent: “I am writing to personally recognise of the dividends of democracy. As the Headquarters and was in charge of the review he profusely praised Nigeria's health workers your competence and commend the way coordinator of the machinery of the Federal of Court Marshall Proceedings. for working hard to combat the pandemic. you organised and led the Ministers' Government, he has passionately tasked After his National Service, he joined Sotesa He proudly gave his committee a pass mark Retreat. The benefits derived from the ministers and other aides to deliver on Nigeria Limited, an Italian consultancy firm, in its assignment as he reviewed activities of Committee's discussions were enormous, Mr President's promises to Nigerians; as an Executive Director in charge of Admin- the team at the national briefing of the PTF and the added values to the Ministers' regarding such as a sacred duty to the istration, leaving in 1983 to join the law firm, on March 22, 2021. "We have succeeded in and Permanent Secretaries' experiences populace. Messrs Onagoruwa & Co in Lagos. discharging our mandate of managing the very much appreciated. At the first Ministerial Retreat he With his law practice in full bloom, Mus- pandemic with a well-defined process and ''Your comprehensive speech at the organised in Abuja, Mustapha identified tapha became a principal counsel in the firm a robust national response," he said. beginning of the second day of the Retreat nine priority areas critical to attaining the of Messrs Mustapha & Associates. His legal Mustapha said strategies evolved by the proved your capacity and experience. For objectives of good governance: building interests and expertise spanned privatisation PTF to manage the pandemic were copied by those of us who missed the first day of the a thriving and sustainable economy; and commercialisation of public companies some other countries, especially on compulsory Retreat, the speech adequately prepared enhancing social inclusion, reducing and government parastatals. He was also PCR test for travellers. Indeed, the pandemic us for the second and final day of the poverty; enlarging agricultural output involved in the preparation of various and has helped the country to scale up its health occasion. I am happy to write this short for food security and export, attaining miscellaneous banking documents such as infrastructure. For instance, this country now letter of appreciation to you because I am energy sufficiency in power and petroleum Debentures, Guarantees, Mortgages, Bonds has 158 infectious diseases testing laboratories. very impressed with your performance". products as well as expanding transport and Loan Syndications. There was only four pre-pandemic. That was rare but fitted the profile of and other infrastructural development. One of his career highlights was his appoint- In January, this year, Mustapha raised the a tried and tested bureaucrat who gets Others are expanding business growth, ment as a member of the Interim Management bar of accountability by issuing a detailed things done unobtrusively. entrepreneurship and industrialisation, Committee of the defunct Petroleum (Special) statement on the “allocation and management A skilful mediator, Mustapha, barely access to quality education, affordable Trust Fund, serving meritoriously from 2000 of funds for the national response to COVID-19 a week after his inauguration as the healthcare and productivity of Nigerians, to 2007. At the PTF, he was responsible for the by the Presidential Task Force.” SGF, visited the National Assembly building a system to fight corruption, production of an up-to-date comprehensive Sources at the PTF speak of its contributions and told leaders of the Senate: “As SGF, improving governance and creating social project and programme report, production of in saving significant resources for the govern- my responsibility is to coordinate the cohesion and enhancing security for all. the final information of Assets and Liabilities, ment by eliminating duplication of funds for implementation of government policies Barely four years in the saddle, Musta- examination of the administrative structure activities already funded and subsequently and to ensure that these policies are pha has functioned as the ‘stabiliser' and and cost-effectiveness of PTF projects and appropriated again under the 2020 Amended synergised in such a manner that we the non-controversial intellectual bulwark services, among other duties. COVID-19 budgets. An example is how it will be able to deliver to the good people in the Buhari Administration. Recall that Mustapha also played key leader- worked with the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria the good things of life which His appointment as Chairman of the ship roles at the Nigeria Bar Association serving and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget & they rightly deserve. Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 gave as Social Secretary and Chairman at the Yola National Planning in late 2020 to reverse over “I won’t be able to succeed in that the public some peep into his flair for branch. Not surprising, therefore, after his N5 billion that was appropriated for Health task if I do not get the cooperation of the hard work, diligence and commitment. stint at the PTF in 2007, he returned to full Operations, and thus avoided duplication. National Assembly. That is why I’m here It is no surprise that the committee's legal practice and was appointed principal Country Representative of the World Health today. To extend a hand of friendship. painstaking national mobilisation effort partner at Adroit Lex, a thriving law firm. Organization, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo To extend the hand of soliciting the did stem the feared havoc of the global With a burning desire to serve the larger has given Mustapha and his team thumbs cooperation of the National Assembly.” pandemic on the nation. It fetched him society, he was at various times, a member up. “Nigeria mounted one of the most effec- Subsequently, he espoused his phi- the gratitude of the country. of the Constituent Assembly (1988-1989), tive response to COVID-19 putting in place losophy on political aspirations and Born in Adamawa State, Mustapha Chairman People's Solidarity Party - Gon- courageous measures and helping to avert the accession to the highest office in the land, attended Hong Secondary School, gola State (1989-1990), State Chairman, Social spread that was predicted,” he said in Abuja the Presidency, based on dialogue and Adamawa state and North East College Democratic Party - Gongola State (1990-1991) recently. In fact, the Global Normalcy Index negotiations with all power blocs, at a of Arts and Science, Maiduguri, Borno and emerged the gubernatorial candidate for ranked Nigeria 4th position in the Economist’s meeting with a delegation of South-East state, crowning it with WASC and HSC SDP in Adamawa State in 1991. He was the Global Normalcy Index, out of 50 countries. leaders. in 1976. He earned his Bachelor of Law Deputy National Chairman of the defunct The rating aims to determine which countries Walking the talk, Mustapha has (LL.B) from Ahmadu Bello University, Action Congress of Nigeria from 2010 to 2013. are returning to their pre-pandemic levels, by discharged his duties with panache, Zaria, in 1979 and was called to bar He was Secretary, APC Presidential Campaign grading each country using eight indicators competence, patience, dedication and in 1980. From 1980 to 1981, Mustapha Organization Mobilization (2015) and member, of normal socio-economic activities. APC Transition Committee (2015). He is also In his first encounter with the State House a member, APC Board of Trustees. Press Corps as SGF, Mustapha had pledged to He served as Managing Director of Nigeria implement programmes and policies aimed at Barely four years in the saddle, Mustapha has functioned Inland Waterways Authority from June 2016 uplifting the quality of lives of all Nigerians. He till 30 October 2017, before he was appointed also promised to ensure effective coordination as the ‘stabiliser' and the non-controversial intellectual the SGF. of the activities of government so as to fulfil Sixty Five cheers to a leader of leaders; the the promises made to the electorate. bulwark in the Buhari Administration Boss, our Boss! 24 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 25

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08056356325 RATES AS AT AUGUST 25,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 15.50% CALL 4% INDEX LEVEL 558.25% 1/4 TO DATE 4.74% N411.00/ 1 US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 15.75 % 1-MONTH 6% 1-DAY 0.43% YEAR TO DATE -16.71% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 10% MONTH-TO-DATE 3.91% Driven by Short-term Capital Obligations, 10 Securities Register N385bn CPs on FMDQ Exchange in 8 Months TBills yield drops to three months low Average yield contracted to 5.4% last week

Darasimi Adebisi ties registered N385billion worth segment declined by 34basis large corporations with good System. result of the lull in the primary of commercial papers on FMDQ points to 4.6per cent. credit ratings, which can be Duration for CP by securities equities market of the Nigerian As the lull in the primary equities Exchange platform between Meanwhile, the FMDQ data readily traded. on FMDQ Exchange is between Exchange Limited (NGX) and market persists and corporates January and August of 2021. also revealed that 49 securities Due to their relatively short 15-270 days and it carries a lower high borrowing rates from the requiring urgent short-term capital This is just as yields on the between January and August 2021 maturity period, commercial interest repayment rate than other banks. to finance running cost and stay Treasury Bills has dropped to quoted CPs worth N329.06billion papers are referred to as low-risk money market instruments. Analysis of the activities at afloat, Commercial Papers or CP more than three months low on its platform. investments, offering competitive Companies from the manu- the CPs market showed that FMDQ Exchange are becoming with average yield contracting CPs are short-term debt returns to investors in compensa- facturing, telecommunication, oil Coronation Merchant Bank the new resort, THISDAY can by 13basis points to 5.4per cent financing securities (no longer tion for the issuer’s credit risk. & gas, financial services, health, Limited in the eight months of report. last week. than 270 days in tenor) consisting CPs are quoted on FMDQ and agriculture, among sectors have 2021 raised one of the highest CPs Data obtained by THISDAY Across the market segments, of unsecured and discounted traded on the FMDQ-Bloomberg raised cheap funds on the FMDQ revealed that a total of 10 securi- the average yield at the T.Bills promissory notes issued by E-Bond Trading and Surveillance Exchange CPs platform as a Continued on page 26 Digital Marketing: Indigenous Insurers Experience Mass Product Patronage by Nigerians in Diaspora

Ebere Nwoji patronised by Nigerians abroad are Nigerians outside the country. phones and buy insurance for have also done is to partner “he explained. than those resident in the country. “Those of them that have assets any of their properties anywhere with some well known online He however said businesses Nigerians in diaspora are taking The insurers also said they here and have been thinking in Nigeria.” markets, yes that is the right investing in technology should advantage of on going digitali- have devised the strategy of part- about how they could have He said with the kind of way to go let me give you an note the fact that investment in sation of insurance marketing nering some online supermarkets their assets here insured are interest developed on the example CONGA. CONGA technology is not a one off thing to secure insurance cover for to sell insurance products. the people we see patronising digitalised products by Nigerians is like an online supermarket but a type of investment that their properties in Nigeria from Managing Director, Afriglobal the product. Some have vehicles in diaspora, the acceptability of where you go to and you buy requires patience. indigenous insurers, THISDAY Insurance Brokers, Mr Azubuike here that they left they are not his company’s product was very any product. “The truth is that if you invest checks has revealed. Casmir, told THISDAY in an in- using them. Some have landed wide. It means when you go to in any technology and you think Insurance managers who terview that the experience he has properties that are not insured “Quite many people have CONGA you also buy insurance that in the next six months or one launched digital products in with the new digital marketing probably they felt it was going to successfully downloaded and and when they say CONGA year you recover your investment, recent times told THISDAY that application his company launched be difficult for them to be doing are using the application. Many insurance and click, what you you are making a mistake. It they were surprised to see that recently- the Africover 247 is that insurance all the way from there also have fully used it to buy get there is Africover 247, that trickles in, then builds momen- the products they are currently among the target markets, those but now for the first time, it is insurance but like I said we will give you the link to buy marketing digitally are mainly that have shown much interest easy for them to just pick their are still upgrading. What we any insurance product you want, Continued on page 26 MARKET DATA AS AT FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 FGN BONDS BILLS OTC FX FUTURES CPs DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) CONTRACT Current MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) (%) TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) 11.150 FGNSB (MONTH) UNCP CP III 27- 100.49 2.86 -0.02 NTB 9-Sep-21 2.80 2.80 0.00 3.65 3.65 -0.07 11-SEP-2021 1 NGUS AUG 25 2021 420.93 AUG-21 12.364 FGNSB NTB 16-Sep-21 2.96 2.96 0.00 VAAG CP I 27- 9.62 9.63 -0.07 12-SEP-2021 100.59 2.89 -0.02 2 NGUS SEP 29 2021 422.38 AUG-21 TTNG CP II 31- 12.175 FGNSB 0.06 NTB 30-Sep-21 3.27 3.28 0.00 4.08 4.09 -0.06 10-OCT-2021 101.18 3.55 3 NGUS OCT 27 2021 423.83 AUG-21 SIBP CP I 2-SEP- 11.244 FGNSB 0.08 NTB 14-Oct-21 3.59 3.61 0.00 3.65 3.65 -0.05 16-OCT-2021 101.16 3.69 4 NGUS NOV 24 2021 425.28 21 NBRP CP XIII 10.296 FGNSB 0.17 NTB 28-Oct-21 3.90 3.93 0.00 5 NGUS DEC 29 2021 426.73 4.33 4.33 -0.05 13-NOV-2021 101.36 4.33 2-SEP-21 26 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS AfCFTA: Dangote Group Projects $12 billion Annual Revenue

Dike Onwuamaeze (Dangote Group) are interested the highest in Africa, if not the “When we decided that we to compete anywhere in the So, how can we be competi- in the AfCFTA because we are number one. “ want to make Nigeria self- world by removing most of the tive? Government has to do quite The President of the Dangote going to be its major beneficiaries. Dangote also said that sufficient in cement, what we hurdles like poor infrastructure, a lot in terms of having the Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, has Number one, if you look at it manufacturing in Africa would did, knowing that people will unfriendly business regulations political will to remove all these disclosed that the African Conti- today, we have the largest become globally competitive challenge us in terms of quality, and difficulties experienced at bottlenecks at the borders. So, I nental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) fertilizer plant in Africa so we when industries in the con- was to start by investing heav- different border posts in the think that there are quite a lot of would offer his conglomerate will supply fertilizer all over the tinent begin to produce very ily in technology to make sure continent. areas we have to look at to make a business opportunity that is continent. We are building the high-quality products at the that whatever that we want to “Today it takes us two weeks this thing competitive. The border estimated to be worth $12 billion largest petrochemicals on the cheapest possible cost. produce in terms of quality is to go to Ghana from Nigeria, crossing is the most important per annum. continent. He said: “I think that what we possible so that when foreign which is something we are one for us. We must make sure Dangote made this disclosure “We are also building 650,000 need to do is to concentrate first markets open up we will be supposed to do in 10 to 12 that crossing our borders does during a “High-Level Roundtable barrels per day petrol refinery. on meeting our own domestic able to compete both in terms hours. You invest in trucks to not take time. It will not make Discussion on Industrialisation All these are not for the Nigerian demand, by producing high of quality and pricing. take cement to Ghana and it takes sense at all if it is going to take in Africa,” which was organised market alone. They are actually quality at the lowest price. If we “I think we need to do quite you two weeks and going to time. People would rather ship by the Manufacturers Association for Sub-Saharan Africa because do this we will be able to export a lot in terms of pricing because Lome in Togo, which is about from China straight into their of Nigeria (MAN) as part of the all the Sub-Saharan African to other countries and get their if your pricing is not right there 270 kilometers from Lagos, is markets. So, we will never be activities to mark its 50than- countries are importing their markets. That was what the Asian is nothing you can do because taking us 10 days today as we competitive if we do not do that. niversary celebration. petroleum products. So, when tigers did. They first concentrated no one is going to buy your speak. If that is the case we are We actually need to work with He said: “You know that long we start all our exports, we will on their domestic market and product.” not going to be competitive. You the government to remove these before the AfCFTA, we have be able to export more than $12 kept on improving on the quality He also said that manufactur- are talking about gas? Our gas bottlenecks, which will need a lot always designed and planned to billion worth of goods, and that and the cost of whatever that ers would need governments’ prices here are almost double of political will by governments,” be an export-based company. We has actually put us as one of they were producing. support to stabilise and be able than other normal areas. Dangote said. Spices Agro-export Startup, Agricorp Raises $17.5m Series A Funding

Sunday Okobi spices export startup with Wale African youths who aspire of operation, with inputs and organisations among others) forefront of enhancing global Omotimirin, said Agricorp is to be agribusiness owners. training on good agronomic to make informed agricultural food systems. It is building A Nigerian-based spices contributing to meeting the We want to show them it is practices, and has built a decisions. processes to enhance global producing, processing, and growing demand of spices as possible and very rewarding 0.5MT/hour spice process- “It also helps with trace- food systems; set to increase exporting company, Agricorp an export material, adding as well.” ing plant in Kaduna, which ability of all farmer activities its production capacity to International, has raised $17.5 that data from the Ministry He added: “Agricorp Inter- produces value-added products from the need for farm input 7,000MT,” the CEO said. million in Series A funding of Agriculture shows that national is enhancing spices for the export market. to disbursement to sales of In its remark, the lead to increase its processing despite being the third highest production uses proprietary “It has also used its propri- produce and eventually, pay- investors, Vami Nigeria, said: capacity to 7,000 metric tonnes, exporter of ginger globally, technology to aggregate spices etary technology, farmbase to ment. Financial institutions can “We led the round because to become the largest spices Nigeria’s ginger production is (ginger, turmeric, garlic, chilli register, aggregate, and pay also use this information to we saw a clear growth path, export startup on the Africa put at 31 million metric tons pepper, and sesame) from farmers for produce sold. We provide loans, credit facilities, strong social impact, excel- continent. (MT), while demand is put smallholder farmers in Nigeria, work with farmers to cultivate and insurance to interested lent financial trajectory, and The founder and Chief at 65 million MT, leaving a process them into various our products in our small parties,” he stated at a press global collaborations with key Executive Officer of the com- gap of 34 million MT. products, and export them to farms. From the processing conference. partners. Most importantly, the pany, Kenneth Obiajulu, told According to him, “While major buyers in the Middle end, and working in a very He stated that logistics depth of knowledge, passion, THISDAY at a press conference Nigeria accounts for more East, Africa and Asia. In less volatile area (Kaduna), security and the believability in and resilience of the team is that the fund was by Vami than 16 percent of the global than three years, the business is our major challenge. But we Nigerian products outside unrivalled. Nigeria, One Capital LLC, and production of ginger; it gets has grown its revenue by over have been able to coopt the the country are also some Also, the Managing AFEX. Nigerian-based Vami less than 4 percent of the 585 percent to service global community into our system, of the challenges faced by Director at AFEX, Samirah led the funding round with export market share. clients in the food processing and we have managed to avoid many exporting startup in Ade-Adebiyi, in his statement $11.5 million in equity, while “We believe that by and pharmaceutical industry.” any ugly incident because of the country, adding that it on the partnership, said: the other investors provided increasing our capacity to Lamenting the effect of such seamless integration. will take a bold approach “Our other businesses have working capital financing for 7,000MT, we will maximise insecurity in the agriculture “In a market where farmers to put Nigeria on the global transacted with Agricorp on the company. Ernst & Young the potentials to boost Nige- sector, Obiajulu, however, are largely undocumented and export radar by leveraging several occasions and have (Nigeria) served as transaction ria’s forex earnings through disclosed that since its launch unbanked, Agricorp collates investments to build simple seen the business grow over advisers while Elisio Law export, contribute our quota in Nigeria in November 2018, data that can help provide de- processing systems for spices time. Now, we are committed Office and Pavestone Legal to improving the Nigerian Agricorp has supported over tailed analysis for stakeholders and other agro products. to providing the working served as legal advisers. GDP from agriculture, and 5,000 smallholder farmers (i.e. government, agribusiness, “Agricorp aims to be that capital they require to scale Obiajulu, who founded the serve as a worthy model to mostly in Kaduna, their area private companies and donor bold company standing at the their operations at any level.” NIMASA Seeks Synergy with FDFA on Safety of Fishing Vessels Eromosele Abiodun Jamoh made the call in Lagos at General noted that there should agree to continuously collaborate Blue assets, the days of criminal areas but also foster greater col- a strategic meeting with officials be adequate information sharing on modalities for registration, elements in Nigeria’s maritime laboration in order to improve The Director General of the of FDFA to discuss issues relating between FDFA, which has the survey and licensing of fishing domain were numbered, as the safety of fishing vessels. Nigerian Maritime Administration to safety of fishing vessels, Illegal, mandate to license fishing vessels, vessels to ensure that all safety assets had been fully deployed. The one-day strategic meeting, and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Unreported and Unregulated and NIMASA that is responsible standards are met before they In his own remarks, Head which held under the auspices Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has called (IUU) Fishing, and broader crimes for registration and survey of the can be allowed to operate. This of Monitoring, Control and of NIMASA’s External Relations for greater synergy between that take place during fishing vessels to ensure that unseaworthy would drastically reduce incidents Surveillance at the FDFA La- and Technical Cooperation the agency and the Federal operations and related matters. vessels are not licensed to operate involving fishing vessels in our gos Office, Mr. Paul Opuama, programme, was aimed at Department of Fisheries and Represented by the Head, in Nigerian waters. waters.” thanked NIMASA for hosting seeking areas of collaboration Aquaculture (FDFA) to ensure Special Duties (External Relations According to him, “It is im- On maritime security, Jamoh the meeting, saying it provides between the two agencies for the safety of fishing vessels and their and Technical Cooperation), Mr. portant that NIMASA and the said with the acquisition and a very useful opportunity to not benefit of the fishing industry operators in Nigeria. Isichei Osamgbi, the Director Federal Department of Fisheries training of operators of the Deep only clear some grey operational in Nigeria.

DRIVEN BY SHORT-TERM CAPITAL OBLIGATIONS, 10 SECURITIES REGISTER N385BN CPs ON FMDQ EXCHANGE IN 8 MONTHS on FMDQ Exchange followed Limited N0.71 billion Series 13 scores the confidence of investors quotation, the Chief Financial the issuance will be deployed by MTN Nigeria and Mixta Real and N14.13 billion Series 14 CPs in our brand and entrenches Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. towards the company’s working Estate Plc. in March 2021, and the N1.41 our continuous leadership in Modupe Kadiri, stated: “MTN capital and general corporate Coronation Merchant Bank billion Series 15 and N20.19 bil- the use of market instruments Nigeria is very pleased with the purposes.” between January and August lion Series 16 CPs in May 2021, to create shared prosperity for success of our series 3 and Series The likes of Union Bank of Group Business Editor 2021, issued 11 CPs series worth both under its N100 billion CP all stakeholders”. 4 CP issuances, which further Nigeria Plc has issued about Eromosele Abiodun N75.25 billion while MTN Nigeria Programme, on its platform. Tn May this year, the FMDQ diversify our funding sources, N34.97billion, while United Capi- with two series of CPs and Mixta The company had explained Exchange announced the ap- help to optimise our finance cost tal Plc has raised N22.25billion Comms/e-Business Editor Real Estate raised N73.51 billion that: “the net proceeds from these proval affirming the quotation and strengthen the Nigerian in four CPs programme. Emma Okonji and N20.85billion respectively. CPs will support the Issuer’s short of the MTN Nigeria N19.77 financial markets. Commenting, analysts said Aviation Editor FMDQ Exchange in February, term funding requirements.” billion Series 3 and N53.74 “The issuance was well re- companies are taking advantage Chinedu Eze 2021, admitted six CPs valued at The MD/CEO, Coronation billion Series 4 CP under its ceived by the market, with strong of cheap access to fund through N22.29 billion from Coronation Merchant Bank, Banjo Adegbo- N200billion issuance programme participation from a diverse the CPs programme of FMDQ Asst. Editor, Money Market Merchant Bank with a breakdown hungbe, in a statement said: “we on its platform. group of investors, signifying the Exchange. Nume Ekeghe of N1.29 billion Series 11 and are delighted at the successful According to the company, the market’s continued confidence The Managing Director, Senior Correspondent N2.34 billion Series 12 CP under issuance and subsequent quota- move was in line with efforts to in our business. By quoting the Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. its N100.00 billion CP issuance. tion of the Bank’s N0.71 billion commit to providing a reliable CPs on FMDQ Exchange, we are David Adnori attributed trudge Raheem Akingbolu In May, the FMDQ Exchange Series 13 and N14.13 billion Series and credible platform to support able to provide investors with a in corporate raising CPs through (Advertising) announced the quotation of the 14 Commercial Papers. capital formation. strong platform for liquidity and FMDQ to urgent short-term Correspondents Coronation Merchant Bank “This transaction further under- Speaking on the recent CP price discovery. Proceeds from capital obligations. James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) DIGITAL MARKETING: INDIGENOUS INSURERS EXPERIENCE MASS PRODUCT PATRONAGE BY NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) tum and overtime you begin to He also debunked the fears not alive to the realities of the like engineering insurance that see what it requires. see the effects. So we are very that the advent of digital market- day will be gearing up to go requires a lot of expertise say He said this being the case, Reporters happy that the app is receiving ing will render insurance brokers out of the market. But let me insurance of vessels and others it is not all classes of insurance Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) the desired acceptability that is irrelevant saying not all insurance put it to you that it is not all like that, “he stated. that can be sold digitally Peter Uzoho (Energy) actually spurring us further to products can be sold digitally. insurance products that you According to him, for this adding that you can do digital Ugo Aliogo (Development) upgrade it further higher than “I don’t think that is true. can sell digitally. You and I category of insurance, you really insurance mainly in retail we launched it”, he said. Anyway, some brokers that are know about some insurance need to be there physically to market not in all insurances. THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 27 BUSINESSWORLD STATUS REPORT FMN Sustainable Growth Strategy Impacts Shareholder Value

Darasimi Adebisi was N478.33billion as against N358.35billion BALANCE SHEET Flour Mills invests in production capacity and reported in 2020. Agro allied’s revenue also The growth in profit & loss figures couldn’t looks for import institutions as well as driving or the first quarter (Q1) ended June 31, grew by 33per cent to N139.44billion in 2021 have been achieved without a robust balance local sourcing of raw materials. As a result of 2021, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc from N105.46billion in 2020. sheet to operate with. In 2021 financial year, these initiatives, the company’s market share has maintained its impressive performance The growth in Food business was driven by FMN’s total assets rose by 26 per cent to increased and new products have been received amid severe challenges. constant product innovation and transformation N544.73billion from N432.45billion in 2020. positively by the market. The performance underlined the in new markets, as well as operational efficiency FMN’s total non-current assets dropped by 1.6 During this period, the company consolidated managementF decision to maintain its fundamental through route-to-market investments and rapid per cent to N238.7billion from N242.72billion in and expanded its market leadership and diversified growth strategy that tends to impact on shareholders’ expansion across all sectors 2020 while Total current assets rose by 61.3 per products. value. Further breakdown of the Group’s revealed cent to N306billion from N189.7billion in 2020. The latest results by FMN showed impressive that revenue from Sugar rose by 27 per cent The group’s total equity gained 12.07 per cent FMN’S POSITION IN NIGERIA performance across financial parameters to signpost to N124/6billion in 2021 from N97.63billion to N174.6billion in 2021 from N155.81billion Since the incorporation, the company has improved dividend payout to shareholders in 2022 reported in 2020, while Support Services in 2020. remained Nigeria’s largest and oldest integrated financial and share price appreciation. rose significantly by nearly 137 per cent to Furthermore, the group’s total liabilities agro-allied business with a broad profile and The management had pledged to carry on N29.2billion in 2021 from N12.3billion in 2020. rose by 33.8 per cent to N370.12billion from robust Pan-Africa distribution network. with its long-term investment strategy in product The impressive performance in 2021 financial N276.65bilion in 2020 with total current liabilities The company’s subsidiary, Golden Sugar also development and route-to-market initiatives, with year was as a result of resilience in a challenging contributing 57 per cent. increased its investment in sugar self-sufficiency a strong emphasis on Backward Integration across year to capture first signs of economic recovery However, total current liabilities rose by and was recently Awarded ISO 50001 For Energy all value chains. with accelerated fourth quarter (Q4) growth 41 per cent to N209.7billion in 2021 from Management. Golden Sugar Company, the most The country’s leading integrated foods and as against last year (Q4’21 vs Q4’20: Revenue N148.8billion in 2020 while Total non-current productive in the Federal Government’s backward agro-allied firm’s Q1 2021 results showed that the +44 per cent). liabilities gained 25 per cent to N160.4billion integration on sugar, was awarded the ISO 50001 it reported 12 per cent increase in Profit Before Cost of sales rose by 31 per cent to in 2021 as against N127.89billion in 2020. Energy management systems certification by the Tax to N7.3 billion in Q1 2021, compared to N6.5 N664.85billion in 2021 from N507.99billion In the reporting period, FMN successfully International Organization for Standardization billion in Q1 2020, while Profit After Tax rose by reported in 2020 to position FMN’s Gross issued N30billion corporate bond with tenor (ISO). This will lead to further cost-cutting 10 per cent to N5.4 billion in Q1 2021, compared profit at N106.76billion, an increase of 62.3 of 5 and 7 years at 5.50% and 6.25per cent efficiency in sugar production. to N5 billion in Q1 2020. per cent from N65.8billion reported in 2020. respectively as part of its ongoing program to Companies that adopt ISO 50001 do not only Volume and revenue continued to appreciate Operating expenses closed 2021 at replace expensive short-term facilities. yield benefits from the energy savings but also despite increases in international food prices and N41.13billion, about 26 per cent increase when The Group ultimately remained focused on showcase environmental responsibility to corporate input costs during the review period. compared to N32.6billion reported in 2020, operational efficiency throughout the previous customers in line with the UN sustainability goals. The owners of the iconic food brand – ‘Golden specifically driven by Selling and distribution financial year, with accelerated plans for cost The Group also assisted its distributors in Penny,’ announced an average revenue increase of expenses that gained 30 per cent to N12.08billion optimization across the organization to ensure expanding their business through training and 51 per cent in its Q1 2021, driven by continuous in 2021 from N9.28billion in 2020. competitive product offers and profitability in seminars, negotiating favorable financing terms improvement in the food category. Administrative expenses also rose by the changing operating environment. with funding partners, and more. The Group’s revenue was N233.7 billion in Q1 24.4 per cent to N29.05billion in 2021 from Within the Agro-allied space, FMN Group 2021, compared to N154.6 billion in Q1 2020, while N23.35billion in 2020. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE maintained its focus on local content by increasing the company’s Q1 2021 closed at N149.9billion The modest performance in total operating In 2021 financial year, less than ideal backward integration investments and strategic from N98.7billion in 2020. expenses dragged the Group operating profit macroeconomic conditions caused consumer collaborations across all value chains. The impressive performance was recorded across to N52.2billion, an increase of 49 per cent when disposable income and confidence to weaken, To facilitate the aggregation of raw materials all business segments underpinned by sustained compared to N35.08billion in 2020. posing additional challenges to Fast-moving from a network of smallholder farmers and young demand in Agro-allied, particularly in Edible Oils and Interest income from short-term investments Consumer Goods (FMCGs). entrepreneurs, FMN continued to invest in their Fertilizer businesses, and continued improvements and bank deposits rose by 53 per cent to Severe infrastructure gaps, high interest rates capacities by providing enabling structures such in the Food segment. N3.65billion in 2021 as against N2.39billion and diminishing disposable income continued as training and related extension services. A check revealed that revenue generated from in 2020. to constitute a difficult operating environment While expansion of blending facilities and Food rose by 61.4 per cent to N146.93billion in Amid the management effective management for FMN and most FMCGs. distribution hubs, as well as geographic expansion Q1 2021 from N91.03billion reported in Q1 2020, of its finance, last year finance cost dropped These challenges were partially offset by into northern and eastern markets, provide support while revenue from Agro Allied closed Q1 2021 at by about seven per cent to N18.6billion as improved economies of scale, enhanced route to the Group’s Fertilizer business’s growth strategy. N33.53billion, 44.1 per cent increase from N33.09billion against N19.98billion in 2020. to market capabilities and the successful launch in Q1 2020. About 34.86per cent drop in Interest on bank of new products designed to cater to the needs BUSINESS EXPANSION In addition, revenue from Sugar rose by 24 loans and overdrafts to N9.89billion in 2021 of specific demographics and/or regions. FMN Group is continuously exploring per cent to N33.53billion from N27.04billion in from N15.18billion in 2020 contributed to the The FMN Group recorded organic growth opportunities for strategic partnerships to further Q1 20200 while revenue from “Support Services” decline in finance cost last year. as a result of continuing product innovation enhance its competitive positioning in main lines grew significantly by 63.3 per cent to N5.56billion With significant increase in revenue and and market transformation, as well as enhanced of business in Nigeria and to one day extend in Q1 2021 from N3.41billion in Q1 2020. effective management of expenses, FMN’s profit operational efficiencies. New product options, business activities beyond the borders of Nigeria The Q1 2021 is coming on the heels of improved before tax rose significantly by 116 per cent including Amazing Day, Auntie B Spaghetti its home market. year-over-year growth earnings in its food division’s to N37.28billion in 2021 from N17.25billion Slim, Spaghetti, as well as new SKUs were In spite of prevailing economic headwinds, Edible oils and Fertilizers business, as well as a in 2020. introduced to the market to further strengthen the Board is optimistic that FMN has a bright, solid operational drive in its B2C segment. Profit after tax also rose by N25.72billion Golden Penny’s brand presence in target markets. robust and prosperous future and it continues FMN audited financial for the year ended March in 2021, an increase of 126 per cent from The Group also made significant progress to demonstrate its commitment to Feeding the 31, 2021, showcased improvement in organic sales N11.4billion in 2020. The growth in profits, in the year under review with a robust Route Nation, everyday. growth and profitability. positioned basic earnings per share at N6.38 to Consumer strategy. As expected, this has Produce and supply products of superior quality For last year, the group revenue rose by 34 per in 2021 from N2.55 in 2020. stimulated both volume and distribution growth and value to the Nigerian market thereby enriching cent to N771.61billion as against N573.77billion The company has consistently maintained in the core categories of Pasta, Ball Food, and the lives of consumers, customers, communities, reported in prior year audited result and accounts. leadership focused on strong discipline in Noodles, as well as for the development of employees and shareholders. operational and capital efficiency by increasing new categories such as oils and fats and The management of the company has embedded REVENUE FROM CUSTOMERS local content in group-wide supply chains and consumer sugar. quality standards into business processes and Revenue from customers domiciled in Nigeria supporting backward integration programs consequently invite business partners to understand amounted to N753.8 billion (2020: N569.4 billion), across all value chains. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FMN FMN values, principles and policies which are while revenue from foreign customers (export Based on the performance, the board has FMN has continued to pursue strategic the bedrock of our business conduct. revenue) amounted to N17.2 billion (2020: N4.3 proposed a dividend of 165 kobo per share up business opportunities, such as capacity At FMN, the aim is to achieve business objectives billion). from 140 kobo per share last year, underlining expansion and realignment of its core food within the ambit of applicable laws. The Group delivered impressive financial year its consistency as one of the most reliable business whilst backwardly integrating in Further value has been created for stakeholders top-line growth across all business segments with companies when it comes to consistency in order to further mitigate reliance on imports by reinforcing the Group’s commitment to an average revenue growth of 34per cent, led by dividend payment. This attribute has also over and exposure to external volatility in the educational advancement, health, safety, security growth in Agro-allied, among others. the years made the company an investor’s food business by increasing local content in and the wellbeing of employees in the working Revenue generated from Food segment in 2021 delight. a substantive and sustainable way. environment. 28 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Abdullahi: Nigeria has Recorded Massive Growth in Digital Economy Despite a harsh operating environment, Nigeria’s digital space keeps expanding, with the ICT sector sustaining a widely-acclaimed growth trajectory and increasing contribution to the country’s GDP, a feat underpinned by robust regulation and penetration. In this interview with Raheem Akingbolu, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlights the peculiarities of the country’s digitization drive and its impact on the economy. Excerpts:

Can you please highlight how emerging technologies and the Nigerian IT ecosystem are accelerating growth of the digital economy? here are two promising emerging technologies that are going to change a lot of things in the world: Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. Based on two reports by PWC, they projected that by yearT 2030, Blockchain technology will add up to $1.76 trillion to the global GDP. They added that developing countries can add 4 per cent of the GDP if they use that technology. For example, Nigeria’s GDP today is more than $400 billion. The 4 per cent of $400 billion is more than $10 billion. That is the minimum GDP Blockchain technology can generate. They also projected that Artificial Intelligence can add more than $10 trillion to the global GDP by 2030. They said developing countries like Nigeria can add up to 5.6 per cent to the GDP. If Nigeria targets only $10 billion, which is far less than 5.6 per cent of our GDP today, we can have $20 billion comfortably. What is NITDA doing on Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence? We are doing a lot of things to ignite innovative activities in every sector, including the Blockchain. We have developed the National Adoption Strategy and because they are foundational technologies, they cut across so many sectors. So, we have developed that foundational strategy and we are working with the startup ecosystem to develop prototypes and identify the most promising ones. In the area of Artificial Intelligence, we have done a lot. We even built the National Centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, which is helping to harness these potentials.

The need for the growth of the SMEs is currently at the front burner of major stakeholders’ debates on national development. In this regard, how is NITDA supporting tech startups in Nigeria? Based on the Startups Genome report of 2020, the Lagos startups ecosystem is valued at more than $2 billion, and also recently, two of our startups have reached unicorn level; that means evaluation of more than $1billion each. That is Flutterwave and Interswitch. So, now we have $4 billion. The Lagos ecosystem has $2 billion, Flutterwave $1 billion, Interswitch Abdullahi $1 billion, and then Jumia is already valued at of Technology- Regional Entrepreneurship $1.9 billion. Roughly, you have $6 billion in Lagos We recently launched our digital state We are trying to integrate academia with Acceleration Programme, is a model we are working alone talk less of the other parts of the country. initiative, which majorly targets three areas. the industry to create an ecosystem. We all on to drive economic growth and innovation-driven Firstly, training people on how to use digital know there are gaps. Students will graduate entrepreneurship in Nigeria. It was inaugurated Beyond the micro ICT industry, is digital productivity tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and cannot plug into the industry. They need by the Minister of Communications and Digital innovation aiding growth of the media and PowerPoint and so on. The second one is to go through enhanced training or need some Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami last year. entertainment industry? digital content creation. That is how to create special training to get specialisation. It’s not The MIT-REAP model came as a result of If you look at the media and entertainment content in digital platforms and the third one that you must go to university before you can research they did. They found out that in those industry, it is powered by digital technology, mostly is on digital marketing. How to market your have a digital skill. You can develop the skills places there are very strong ecosystems revolving startups. Based on PWC report also, the Nigeria products and services on digital platforms? outside the conventional learning method. around key stakeholders: Universities are the ones media entertainment sector will be valued at $10 That is why we created short courses on producing human capital that will provide services billion by 2023. So, you can see that we are almost NITDA appears to be focusing more digital literacy, and training people on how to corporate organizations, government institutions at that targeted $30 billion. So, we hope we will on digital platforms.Are there specific to use technology. and others; Corporate organizations are the ones exceed that target and we are on track based on reasons for this? that absorb this human capital; the entrepreneurs our initiatives, based on government policies like There is no special reason beyond the fact Again, as a follow up to this, how can that could be students, school dropouts or anybody; the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy that these digital platforms, including all social the agency and other relevant bodies in a platform to develop brilliant ideas and then the (NDEPS), and other government interventions in media platforms, are where people go and the IT industry, help universities with venture capitals that provide funding for startups. the form of policies and infrastructural interventions. do things in today’s market. deep research for development? It’s not just about funding, they need smart fund. All these can help us to reach that target of $30 We want Nigerians to start harnessing the If you want to do deep research, you need billion by 2030. value of the social media and create jobs for the higher institutions for long-term research. Taking this further, can you point out what themselves, instead of going there to waste Our focus is how we can integrate the two. So is unique about MIT and Stanford University To deepen digital inclusion, what are you time. You can create content, you can build far, we are working with them (universities). students? doing to expand digital literacy to communities? followers, do marketing and advertising and We have signed MoU with some of them If you look at MIT or Stanford University, Digital skills and literacy is a pillar in our so on. doing groundbreaking research to come up most of the students start businesses before they Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan under the We intend to provide digital literacy in with ideas on emerging technologies, develop graduate. That is why today, if you consider alumni National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. The major Nigeria languages. Apart from physical products not papers, because the challenge of MIT as a nation, they would be among the government is serious about it because you need trainings, we have so many initiatives we do with academia is that the research ends up ten richest countries in the world because they to understand technology to embrace and use it. virtually. During the COVID-19 lockdown, we on the shelves catching dust. We said no, we have a GDP of more than $2 trillion. The alumni And we are working on two fronts. Firstly, it contextualized and created the digital academy don’t want this kind of research. Keep the are well trained, and they have the ecosystem. is getting all Nigerians to understand how to use where people can register and learn basic papers aside, bring the idea and develop a As a student, you will develop your idea, test digital devices. Because you need to understand things in technology. product or service, we would fund it. We it, get investors to invest in it and sell it. As you how to use the devices before you can be part of Also, the ministry has the Digital Nigeria want to see it. We will work with industry graduate, you start your own business. They work the digital economy. So, we embarked on so many Platform where people go and learn different to do the proof of concept to test and make with the industries. initiatives, on training people with special needs, digital skills. If you combine the two, NITDA sure it works. people living with disabilities, children, women, has trained more than 200,000 Nigerians. What measuresareyour agency, and by and artisans on how to use digital technology. Can you please shed some light on the extension the Ministry Of Communication Do you have strategy in place to integrate MIT-REAP model and how it would impact and Digital Economy, putting in place to Is there any training and capacity building ICT skills into university curriculum, may the economy? spread the potentials of the MIT-REAP model initiative to strengthen this drive? be through collaboration or endowment? MIT-REAP, which is Massachusetts Institute in Nigeria? THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 29 BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW

“We promote innovation and we encourage business owners to key in. They develop a product, and then we have a mechanism whereby we make sure that government MDAs patronize them. Like through our project clearance, the government MDAs brings their IT projects to us for us to look at it before they implement.” Abdullahi

Because of the strategic location and the status who he is. Public Key Infrastructure basically So, if I claim to be you, that third party will and our foreign partners can trust anything of Abuja as the FCT, we have MIT-REAP Abuja, provides two things: digital signature and not allow me to send the message because from Nigeria, and we will then achieve e-trust. which Dr. Pantami is championing. Of course, digital certificates. he cannot identify me as being you. It’s a What is the level of compliance to the Nigeria we have other stakeholders: government agencies whole process that you can use in so many Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)? universities, corporate organizations, entrepreneurs, So, how does the digital signature work? things like bank transactions, email, any In terms of compliance, it’s very encouraging and venture capitals as part of it. The government Digital signature serves three purposes. online transaction, and digital identity like because this year we have more than 50 per is providing interventions in terms of policies, The first one is authentication. If you send NIMC. You use it to verify the identity of cent increase from what happened last year. regulations and so on. a message, the PKI or the digital signature will the sender. For example, even vaccination, Last year we had about 630 organizations that That’s why we call our regulations developmental give the receiver the confidence to believe that you can use it to verify the certificate of filed audit compliance and this year so far we regulation because it is an intervention to help the the message comes from the person who claims someone if he actually took that vaccine. have more than 980 organizations, which we ecosystem unlock opportunities. On this initiative, to have created it and sent it. Then the second You can use it to authenticate the result are hoping is going to double what we had we have reached an advanced stage. We’ve been one is non-repudiation. The person that sends and so many other things. So, it will help last year. In term of revenue generation, it’s on it for almost one and half years. By the end of it cannot deny sending that message because us to build trust and confidence in our two ways: We created an industry with the this year, we will develop a strategy on how to we can track it back to him because this is digital economy. regulation. strengthen the Abuja ecosystem and replicate it digital signature. The third one is integrity. Can you please run through the major in other parts of the country. With that I’m sure The receiver will have the confidence that challenges of Internet Protocol in Nigeria? How is NITDA engaging with licensed the universities will be on board. the message cannot be changed on transit To some extent, as it is today, a lot of Data Protection Compliance Organizations Kindly talk to us on the National Public Key because it is encrypted from the sender and foreign organizations don’t pay or receive (DPCOs)? Infrastructure (NPKI) and its benefit to the digital it is the receiver that decrypts it. So, nobody payment from IP (Internet Protocol) from We have licensed 103 DPCOs that are helping economy can change the message in transit. That is Nigeria because they cannot authenticate and Nigerians to comply with the regulation. We review One of the pillars of our strategic roadmap digital signature because if I take over the identify the sender. Somebody can take your their performance within two years. We set up and action plan is cybersecurity. Cybersecurity control of your mobile phone or system, I can system or hack the message on transit and KPI (key performance indicators) to assess their is critical when you talk about the digital economy impersonate you and the person receiving change the content because we don’t have performance. In Africa we are the first country to because you and I need to trust the system before the message has no reason to disbelieve that that national digital signature. The PKI will start and complete investigation of data breach, we use it. This is because the trading business is I am you because I’m using your signature. help us address all these issues, like even and even fine an organization. Our target is to about trust. You will agree with me that a lot of our international passport, (e-passport) as facilitate and protect an industry worth N3.4 billion people don’t like putting their bank account details For the understanding of a layman, you travel. When you swipe it (e-passport), today and that has generated almost 3,000 jobs. online because of lack of trust. People from outside, what exactly is the importance of digital it uses the digital signature to verify. As mostly; don’t trust Nigerian websites because we certificate? at today, we are getting the services from NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the don’t have a digital certificate. A digital certificate The digital certificate is to use a third party another country, but with the PKI we should online edition on www.thisdaylive.com is about identifying the person that claims to be to identify me before I send that message. be able to provide all these services locally A’Ibom: How Ease of Doing Business is Attracting Investments abound all over the state. Now, the state is ready, in the region. By George Bassey against the background of an array of areas to Tourism and hospitality are areas for which choose to invest in. Akwa Ibom is well known in Nigeria. Investors are he transformation in the security situation Among the areas potential investors may find already taking advantage of the friendly climate to that has taken place in Akwa Ibom State in attractive is the futuristic Ibom Industrial City, invest massively in hospitality, if one considers the the last few years has been quite significant, which occupies 14, 517 hecters of land across number of hotels that have sprung up in the last four local government areas. Designed to be a few years. A pointer to the attraction hospitality compared with what obtained about six national and regional economic hub, the City holds for investors in Akwa Ibom is the decision Tyears ago when the Niger Delta, of which the state will accommodate several high profile industries of the Kenya-based Icon Group Hotel Africa, a is a part, was a hotbed of militancy, kidnapping including a refinery, petrochemical and fertilizer household name in hospitality on the continent, and banditry. plants, power plant and facilities for manufacture to partner the state government in the running Governor Udom Emmanuel took the first of several products. of the Ibom Icon Hotel and Resorts, the leading major step, upon coming into office, of creating There is also the Ibom Deep Sea Port which Vice hospitality facility in the state. the peaceful atmosphere that is required for President Yemi Osinbajo was recently reported Akwa Ibom is blessed with arable land that businesses to thrive in order to make the state as saying would soon become operational. The enhances high yields in various crops all year an investment destination. port occupies 2,565 hecters of land across about round. The successful pilot cultivation of vegetables He enacted a law that criminalized cultism, three local government areas, and will provide such cucumber, onions and tomatoes, for which which was a major security challenge in the state, capacity for Nigeria’s transshipment facility for the state’s soil was hitherto said not to be suitable, gave amnesty to repentant cultists and bandits the West and Central African regions. It would shows that agro-based businesses can flourish in who agreed to lay down their arms and got them provide coastal access for a railway line to the the state. This is in addition to traditional crops like re-integrated into the society. Today, Akwa Ibom Victor Attah International Airport, and would also yam, cassava, plantain, bananas, among others, is unarguably one of the most relatively peaceful be beneficial to investors within and outside the in which the state is rich. Investors in agriculture and secure places to live in the whole country, if state who may be interested in marine business, and agro-allied industries would certainly find not number one on the list. petrochemicals, auto plant, as well as power plant. this area attractive. One cannot talk about the conducive atmosphere The Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, for which Akwa Ibom has an abundance of natural gas for doing business in Akwa Ibom without the state has obtained a federal government reserves, which offers opportunities for investment mentioning the incentives the government has approval, is going to offer investment opportunities in gas-to-liquid projects, gas gathering (dry) and put in place to enhance ease of doing business. in areas such as petrochemicals, fertilizer, poly distribution; renewable energy, as well as low Among numerous incentives is an initiative that polypropylene and others. emission fuels. The Ibom Power Plant, with current has accelerated the process of issuance of Certificate Despite the domineering presence of ExxonMobil capacity for 191 megawatts, has opportunity for of Occupancy (C of O) for investors wishing to set Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom, the state still boasts of oil deposits upgrade, to a capacity of 500 megawatts. up businesses in the state – the first of its kind. that are said to be waiting to be tapped. This Potential investors can tap into the opportunities The first beneficiary of this new process, Victor was reported as saying that the ease of doing should be of interest to prospective investors in available in the forgoing areas, quite certain of the UkoAbasi, managing director of Masterplan business in the state is unequalled in Nigeria. the oil and gas industry. full backing of a supportive government that has Innovative Industries Limited, is full of praises He said while it took him a longer period, The government’s efforts at easing transportation put everything in placed to drive industrialization for the government for re-inventing the wheel in in some cases up to two years to obtain C of between the rural and urban areas are not limited to in the state. the issuance of C of O for businesses. His company O in some states where he has investments construction of roads and bridges. The waterways The long term benefits of the investments that is into recycling of plastic and nylon waste, to (he has invested in nearly all the states in the are being opened up to create opportunities for are going to come into Akwa Ibom as a result of achieve a balance in the state’s ecosystem and country), it took him only one month to obtain water transport, especially since a large proportion the conducive environment enhanced by the ease that of neighbouring states. the all-important document in Akwa Ibom. of the state is riverine. of doing business are the impacts they would have Perhaps there couldn’t be a better testimony of What is happening in Akwa Ibom, from There is investment potential in the aviation on economic and social inclusion, like job creation the ease of obtaining C of O in Akwa Ibom than the perspective of laying the foundation for sector. The existence of the Victor Attah International and raising of standard of living for the people the comments of Engineer Oludemi Akinsanya, the growth of the private sector, shows a Airport in Uyo, with the longest runway in the of the state. This is being driven by Governor managing director and chief executive officer of methodological, step-by-step approach by the country, provides opportunity for airlines to operate Emmanuel’s wake up call to the people to strive Ibom Tropicana Shopping Mall, the world-class government to first of all create the needed cargo flights at the facility. Investors can also to go forward. facility that has made shopping a pleasurable environment before investors begin to come take advantage of its position as the gateway to experience in Uyo, the state capital. Akinsanya in to exploit the investment potential that Central Africa to engage in international trade t(FPSHF#BTTFZMJWFTJO6ZP 30 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Of Banks, Telcos and Nigeria and Burden of Jaundiced Customer Loyalty Paris Climate Accord Sonny Iroche r VOQSFDFEFOUFE TPDJBM VOSFTU  JODSFBTFE crime rate and violence across all regions ue to the ever present threat of of the country, as never witnessed before. global warming and the need r UISFBU UP /JHFSJBT TPWFSFJHOUZ BOE for clean energy in keeping existential threat to the much touted with the provisions of the “indivisibility of Nigeria”, due to frustrated Paris Climate Accord, signed army of unemployed youths and separatist inD April 2016 by 190 countries, including agitators. Nigeria to attain Net-Zero Carbon emission by 2040. In preparation and as a precursor ANY WAY FORWARD? to achieving the aims and objectives of the What should any serious governments Accord, most developed economies have which fall within the looming quagmire commenced actions, ostensibly to reduce of countries like Nigeria, faced with such to the barest minimum, their economic pending challenges ought to be doing and reliance on fossil oil as a source of energy. quickly too, as a mitigation to the impending While the reliance on fossil oil might not destabilization of their entire Macroeconomics, come to an end abruptly, as it still remains social and political systems ? one of the cheapest sources of energy in First, and most importantly, is for the foreseeable future. However, weighed government to come off its high horse, and against its adverse impact on the environment to sincerely engage the citizens and to listen and global warming, more environmentally to the cries of all nationalities that make up Okey Nwachukwu telcos as indicative of success cannot be friendly sources, such as renewables, electric the supposedly, federating units of Nigeria. traced to quality of service or operational and sundry energy sources have become And to do and be seen to be taking the he general proposition, often efficiency, which propels customer satisfaction preferred priorities over fossil oil. The big necessary steps at addressing the concerns buttressed with classic examples and loyalty. It is the result of limited choices rhetoric is Nigeria ready for the burden of and assuage the fears of Nigerians. and expert advocacy, is that the and/or frustration traceable to Nigeria’s history? Secondly, bring an end to the fractured and debilitating operating environment. repeated patronage of a brand, The first salvo of the gradual withdrawal polarized Nigerian State, by a) restructuring product or service, is a function Apart from MTN, despite its bohemian from Nigeria’s crude oil business was the country to its original Federation structure ofT customer loyalty. This is unarguably true arrogance, the other networks seem to have thrown by Shell Petroleum Development b) cause a review and/or enactment of a in a normal setting, but a thorough look at completely forgotten the essence of customer truly People’s Constitution. The military the causal factors in the Nigerian context satisfaction. The ‘NEPA’ or ‘government’ Company- the pioneer oil exploration and will offer a new perspective. mindset has become entrenched in their exploitation company in Nigeria, which imposed 1999 Constitution(as Amended), Loyalty, as defined by an economist, is marketing templates so much so that they commenced its operations through its first no matter how many times it is amended, “a deeply held commitment to rebuy or operate as if they are doing the customer oil findings in Oloibiri in 1956. Over the is unable to reflective the yearnings and repurchase a preferred product or service a favour rather than offering a service that years, Shell has been embroiled in several aspirations of Nigerians. And if not set in the future despite situational influences is paid for. They seem so satisfied with the litigations with local communities, to the aside, for a people’s oriented constitution, or marketing efforts having the potential to existing jaundiced loyalty to the extent that extent that the Board of Shell, due to several the 1999 Constitution shall remain a major cause switching behavior.” creativity and innovation have become defunct reasons, ranging from the downgrade of the source of tension, friction and an albatross Therefore, loyalty is expected, all things being marketing imperatives. What they do now is world crude oil business, restiveness in the to the peaceful coexistence of the various equal, to elicit recurring patronage until a factor essentially exploit gaps in regulation and a exploration communities to huge legal fees/ Nationalities that make up Nigeria. in the mix alters. In that case, the customer stifling environment, while offering ‘buy one compensation as a result of the environmental Thirdly, it is foolhardy to have the backtracks to the point of consideration, from and get one free’ as marketing and branding degradation from its operations, decided to misconception that any one ethnic group can where he juggles applicable options until he stunts. pull out of the country. dominate Nigeria. It is a lie we don’t believe reaches the purchase stage again, which may The banking and telecoms sectors in History seems to be playing nostalgia any more. It has never worked and it would ultimately be the product or service earlier Nigeria are famous or perhaps infamous all over again, as Shell being the pioneer not work. Let us avoid the unsavory route rejected. for brandishing figures as part of credential exploration company in Nigeria, is again, the to Kigali and now is the most auspicious In the context of human nature where parade to hoodwink new customers or reassure pioneer to disengage from the country, after time to jaw-jaw. And to put our resolutions preferences are constantly changing, being other stakeholders. Of course, it is a global almost 65 years in Nigeria’s energy sector. into action, whilst there’s still little time left. able to maintain those loyalty-inducing factors practice for quoted companies to publish There is no gainsaying that other International The President of such a pluralistic country in the long-term demands considerable social their financial statements, but the intention Oil Companies (IOCs) are likely to follow like Nigeria, should banish the idea and engineering. Even some of the most famous is not necessarily to delude customers as is suit. Should all the major IOCs withdraw thought of being and remaining a president global brands have not attained that perfection. the case in Nigeria. It is a way of informing their operations from Nigeria, as envisaged of only a particular religious and/or regional shareholders of the health of their company. They have kept tweaking. in a couple of years time; what would be parochial interests. This is the 21st Century. On average, every Nigerian owns at least For the telcos, flaunting the subscriber the likely consequences on the economy of Such mentality is not in line with today’s two mobile lines from different networks. Some base is a way of reinforcing market ranking very weak countries like Nigeria, whose thinking. have even more. There are several reasons although there are only four of them. There is Forthly, earnestly drive and incentivize other for owning more than one line, the most no authoritative survey yet that indicates that economy is about 85% reliant on proceeds non-oil income generating export products common being the need to have a backup the growing subscriber base can be tracked to from the sale of crude oil? when one line fails to deliver a requirement. efficient service delivery. Vulnerability of the With a burgeoning youth population as against heavy reliance on crude oil. This need may be to make a call, send SMS, customer will be a major factor. For the banks, and in tandem with Malthusian theory, Fifthly, rejig both the Federal Executive access the internet and the whole gamut of a huge profit declaration is indicative of sound poorly educated youth population, high Council and the Presidential Economic telecommunication services. health and a reason to bank with them. Can unemployment and a continuous emigration Advisory Committee, to position these two A similar scenario exists in the banking anyone attribute these profit margins to clean of some of her most educated and talented critical bodies, to proffer solutions that are sector where people own several accounts business? No. It made the headlines recently youthful population to Foreign countries capable of placing Nigeria, where it ought to with different banks. Expediency, fraud and that the son of a former governor and current that offer better opportunities and quality of be. Man these critical committees, with men dissatisfaction, among others, often underline senator, who himself is the speaker of their life. Nigeria would definitely be in a most and women, who are courageous enough to the ownership of many accounts. We shall state’s house of assembly, had hundreds of unprecedented and unenviable situation look the president straight in the eyes and return to this in a bit. bank accounts, many of them with a single as a country of an estimated population tell him, Mr President- “This is not good A closer examination of why millions of bank. Does it need a soothsayer to know of 200 million, with very weak governance for Nigera”. Nigerians stick with a telco or bank will show that these accounts are for dubious purposes, structure across board, dearth of infrastructure, Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris that it is not due to customer satisfaction, which especially for someone not associated with health care, massive corruption, kidnappings, Accord, does not appear to have put any naturally engenders loyalty. They are simply any business apart from holding a political terrorism, insecurity and religious intolerance systems in place, in order to actualize the stuck. In the case of mobile lines, millions of office? Can the banks feign innocence of the and uprising. Accord, considering that 2040, is a little people, having become associated with specific malfeasance? Nigeria’s future, to say the least, is bleak. less than 20 years away . Like other serious numbers, have no choice but to stick with Some of the profits being announced by And the unfortunate and pathetic aspect countries, Nigeria, should have by now, the number, often the individual’s first line. players in these sectors are nothing more than of these sad developments, is the lack of initiated a Commission charged with research Instead of abandoning it, they acquire other proceeds of fraud as they are largely contrived purposeful and credible leadership, both at and insight to start to put in place in the lines. This is common among men, while charges unconnected to actual service delivery. the Federal and State governments. next 10 years, the path to decarbonization; to women frequently change or abandon numbers Unethical indulgence is now a norm in these Further, the likely unsavory and adverse simulate the challenges, the cost, build and as many times as they become disenchanted sectors and more. Regulators often turn a consequences of the effect of reduced train human capacity with the set of skills or misplace the phone. blind eye or give them a slap on the wrist. importance of fossil oil in the world economy, needed, and the opportunities to help the I have personally been using a line since Client acquisition and retention has gone country through the transition period from September 2001, bought shortly after Econet beyond positioning at the ‘buy’ point to offer coupled with the lack of clear economic current fossil oil to Net-Zero clean energy. and MTN launched in Nigeria. The purchase needless incentives. Instead, it entails scanning direction of government, are, but not limited was facilitated by the company I was working the entire decision-making process and offering to the following: Nigeria, like most signatories to the Paris for then, and most of the pioneer employees appropriate motivation or drivers that would r ESBTUJD SFEVDUJPO JO GPSFJHO DVSSFODJFT Accord has been given ample notice and of that organization still use their numbers nudge the customer towards patronage. accruable into the Federation accounts lead time; to transit; let us not in our usual even today. I hardly avail anyone of my other Ultimately, it will be nice to see customers in r TIBSQ JODSFBTF JO UIF .JTFSZ *OEFY  BT negligence and lackadaisical attitude, wait numbers, despite my dissatisfaction with the Nigeria who stick with a brand on the strength reflected in unemployment, which is until it becomes too late. first line. This is not the outcome of loyalty, of satisfaction derived from its products and currently put at 33% and inflation at We should start now to dream for the it is just being trapped. services. That will only happen when the about 18% next generation. The huge subscriber base and profit margins customer is placed at the top of the pyramid, r  TUBHáBUJPO BDPNCJOBUJPOPGIZQFSJOáBUJPO t 4POOZ *SPDIF DBO CF SFBDIFE WJB  proudly flaunted every year by banks and not elsewhere. and lack of economic development 5XJUUFS!*SPDIF4POOZ THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 31 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Stanbic IBTC Recommends Sustainability Models for Nigerian Businesses Nume Ekeghe several industry experts including consideration for the needs resources like paper, adopt ability, Oloyede stated that the health and safety procedures ap- Partner and West African Sec- of future generations. It is a energy-efficient applianceshealth and safety of workers plicable to business operations, Determined to see businesses tor Lead, Climate Change and holistic approach that reflects and energy-efficient practices to are important to the current and implementing labour policies flourish, Stanbic IBTC Hold- Sustainability Services, Ernst and ecological, social and economic reduce energy consumption, and and future success of any aligned to national laws so that ings PLC, has recommended Young, Mr. Samuel Agbevem, dimensions, all of which must implement occupational health organisation. people are not overworked.” sustainability models that will and Manager, Group Physical be well thought out to find and safety procedures in the He said: “Effective manage- Speaking on the rationale aid businesses and enterprises in Security at Stanbic IBTC, Mr. lasting prosperity.” workplace,” Agbevem stated. ment of environmental and behind the event, Omolola Fash- realising their operational goals. Oludare Oloyede. According to him, the He also provided a framework social risks is another pillar in esin, Head of Sustainability at The recommendations were Speaking on the principles of implementation of sustainability that the vendors can use to building a sustainable business Stanbic IBTC said: “The webinar given during a recent sustainable sustainability, Agbevem said, programmes by businesses will incorporate sustainability into model. Successfully managing was organised for Stanbic IBTC procurement programme for its “Sustainability is the creation of have lasting positive effects on their businesses. these risks can be achieved by vendors to promote sustainability vendors themed, “Understanding financial and economic value as the economy. Addressing the issues of developing policies focused on awareness and adoption of Sustainability and What It Means well as long-term environmental “Companies or businesses occupational health and safety waste generation and disposal, sustainability frameworks across For Your Business.” and social value for a wide can reuse, recycle and reduce as they relate to business sustain- developing and implementing the organisation’s supply chain. The virtual event featured range of stakeholders, with Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Gets New Managing Partner, Deputy Sunday Ehigiator brings to the leadership of the firm, a stellar record of A full-service law firm, Olaniwun being a perfect executioner of Ajayi LP, has announced the strategy, a warm and welcom- appointment of Dr. Tominiyi ing person, and one to do Owolabi and Mr. Wolemi Esan business with. as its new Managing Partner “His appointment as managing and Deputy Managing Partner partner is not only well deserved respectively. but also fitting as our firm looks In a recent statement by the forward to the new ways of work firm, the appointment of the in a platform economy.” duo took effect on September Wolemi on the other hand was 1, 2021, as they took over from described by Chambers Global the combined leadership of Prof. 2021 as a “standout lawyer with Konyin Ajayi (SAN), and Oluseye a tremendous reputation in the Opasanya (SAN), who formerly market”. served as the Managing Partner The statement further noted and Deputy Managing Partner that Wolemi has an uncommon PRODUCT LAUNCH… of the firm respectively. drive, exceptionality and dedica- L-R: Trophy Brand Ambassador, Mr. Femi Adebayo; Marketing Manager, Trophy, Bamise Oyegbami; Marketing Director, In the statement, Tominiyi who tion laced his brilliant career with International Breweries Plc (IBPLC),Tolulope Adedeji; Trophy Brand Ambassador, Folarin Falana (aka Falz); and Co- was described as a distinguished accolades from clients who he founder, Empire Mates Entertainment, Tunde Demuren, at the unveiling Press conference of the Trophy “Stand By Me” Eisenhower Fellow, teetered on makes flourish. leadership, ingenuity, resilience, “Successfully chairing the Initiative held in Lagos… recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT and industry foresight, brings to firm’s power and infrastructure bear his doctorate in business practice, he built a track record of administration, but more so leading and advising on some of his youthful nature and fresh the transactions that have defined Cassava Production: Bayer Launches thinking. the Nigerian economy. “Tominiyi has demonstrated “Wolemi belongs to the elite exceptional drive and passion for class of lawyers whose practices New Herbicide to Combat Weeds sustainable and scalable innova- are not defined by either conten- Gilbert Ekugbe remained a major challenger to Ogun and Oyo states in Nigeria, Dixon added. tion and has an enviable record tious or non-contentious matters increased cassava productivity and in Tanzania. Farmers who use Lagon of winning for his clients, his but can advise on high-value Bayer Nigeria Limited has in Nigeria and Africa in general, Across the four states, which commended the preemergence team, and ultimately our esteem. transactions, as well as complex launched a new crop protection with women spending about 500 represent the key agroecological herbicides for its efficacy. “Tominiyi has been intrinsic litigation and arbitration, with product known as Lagon to help hours annually to keep a hectare zones that predominantly grow According to a Cassava to the emergence of Olaniwun equal proficiency. farmers tackle the problem of of cassava weed-free using hoes. cassava in Nigeria, yield of cas- Commercial Seed Producer, Ajayi as a truly international “He has remained highly weeds in cassava and raise yield. He said manual method of sava from Lagon treated fields Mrs. Ngufan Chichi, the use firm operating out of Africa. regarded by the firm’s clients, According to a statement issued weed control compromises the were more than double the of Lagon on farmers’ fields was Widely regarded internation- peers, and regulators alike, and by the International Institute of health of resource-constrained national average and were above doing ‘wonders’ and helping ally as a foremost commercial has consistently acted as a bridge Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the farmers and in some cases, 20 tons per hectare. Furthermore, farmers to increase their yields practitioner, Tominiyi, (who between the partnership and herbicide has been tested on more children are pulled out of school cassava plants treated with Lagon and profits. served as longstanding chair of the firm’s younger generation than 200 trials and demos across to support weeding. were more vigorous compared to She said the use of Lagon has the firm’s oil and gas practice), of talent.” Nigeria and Tanzania, noting that “When left uncontrolled, weeds those on fields where the product helped her group to increase Lagon was rated among the top compete for water, nutrients and was not used. the size of their cassava farm best preemergence herbicides space with cassava and depress The Director for Development in Benue. NAAJ Tasks New Agric Minister for control of both grasses and yield by 40-90 per cent,” he said. & Delivery at the International “This is possible because we broad-leaf weeds in cassava. To tackle the menace of weeds, Institute of Tropical Agriculture now manage weeds in cassava The Country Sales Manager, the International Institute of Tropi- (IITA), Dr. Alfred Dixon, said the better,” she said, adding that with Bayer Nigeria Limited, Temitope cal Agriculture (IITA) managed Cassava Weed Management Lagon farmers were saving more on Effective Collaboration Banjo, said the launch of Lagon the Cassava Weed Management Project team also conducted on the cost of weeding,” she said. Gilbert Ekugbe avoid the lacklustre performance aims to provide a big relief to Project, and in the last eight residue analysis on the leaves, Chichi called on the govern- of the former minister of agri- farmers, saying that these are years, screened more than 40 stems and roots of cassava. ment to support the dissemination The Nigerian Association culture and rural development, exciting times for cassava farmers. preemergence herbicides both “The residue analysis provided of Lagon so that more farmers of Agricultural Journalists Alhaji Sabo Nanono, which “Farmers need not to worry on-station and on-farm. The trials negative results, meaning that could have access to the product (NAAJ), has commended earned him a sack. about weeds anymore,” he added. and subsequently demonstrations Lagon is safe to be applied on and make more returns from President Mohammed Buhari According to Ogbonnaya: He added that weeds have were conducted in Abia, Benue, field crops, particularly cassava,” growing cassava. on the recent cabinet reshuffle “The Nigerian Agricultural sector and the appointment of a new holds enormous potentials and minister of Agriculture and Rural opportunities if adequate innova- Development to drive the nation’s tion and investment is put into it PPAPPPAPSSAN Urges FG to Reconsider food security objectives. and the necessary infrastructure Speaking on the appointment that could enhance productivity of former Minister of Environ- in agric business put in place.” Policy on Privatisation of Three Paper Mills ment, Mohammed Mahmoud “Unfortunately, the former Ugo Aliogo improving the economy of the supply, access road and subsidies. companies reside to grant them Abubakar as the new minister minister did not show enough country. He advised the federal some level of tax reliefs. of Agriculture and Rural De- commitment to the revitalization The President, Pulp Paper and Joseph, who disclosed this government to liaise with the He added that tax relief is velopment, NAAJ President, of the sector as the shortfall in Paper products Printing and in Lagos at the 9th Triennial stakeholders in the industry inevitable at this critical time given Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonnaya food supply and the attendant Publishing Senior Staff Association National Delegates Conference especially the Paper and Paper the fact that the paper companies expressed optimism that the high costs has aggravated the of Nigeria (PPAPPPAPSSAN), of the Association with the theme: Board Manufacturers and Convert- are the primary source of reducing agricultural sector will now plight of many Nigerians,” he Comrade Dada Joseph, has “Challenges and Prospects of ers Association (PPMCA) to seek unemployment problems in the receive the needed direction it added. called on the federal govern- Paper, Printing and Publishing for ways the sector can be assisted country especially in where they was lacking in reaching its true Ogbonnaya urged the new ment to reconsider its policy Industry in Nigeria, Which Way either by way of the financial reside. potential. minister to take full advantage on privatisation of the three Forward,” said government urgent bailout through grants or loans Joseph advised the Federal, He further urged the new agric of the print and electronic media major primary paper mills by intervention in the paper industry on a single-digit interest rate. State and Local Governments minister, to foster collaborations as partners in progress, in constituting a committee of the at this time is vital and appealed The PPAPPPAPSSAN boss to adopt and implement the among the stakeholders across transmitting timely and relevant major stakeholders including the for the provision of an enabling further explained that there is Presidential Executive Order no all value chains and the 36 states information to agric practitioners unions in the industry to work environment for the sector to need for the federal government 5 directing that anything that can including the FCT, to help secure and also to showcase laudable out the strategies to revive the thrive by providing the necessary to prevail on the States and Local be produced locally should not Nigeria’s food aspirations and milestones under his leadership. moribund mills with a view of infrastructures such as power Governments where the paper be contracted abroad. 32 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Anti-Corruption: CAC to Grant CCB Access to Companies’ Database

James Emejo in Abuja Significant Control, Abubakar expeditious and effective identities of those perpetrating and added that Conflict of He described Asset Declara- revealed that the disclosure treatment of all requests from various economic crimes in Interest, Bribery, Abuse of tion as the Life wire of corrup- The Corporate Affairs Commis- would soon be extended to the CCB. the country. Office, Double Remunera- tion fight to all anti-corruption sion (CAC) has said it would open data format to enable He said in view of emerging He added that the CCB was tion, Operation of Foreign agencies and therefore charged grant the Code of Conduct investigators extract infor- trends in company law, there amongst others empowered Accounts and Membership public officers to declare their Bureau (CCB) access to its mation on any company as was need for more robust to enforce asset declaration of Secret Society amongst assets accordingly as the database to enable the latter well as query the database to collaboration between the as one of the 14 Code of others were all under their measure was also meant to carry out seamless investiga- amongst others detect whether two agencies to unravel the Conduct for Public Officers purview. protect their interest. tion of companies suspected to a particular name had featured be engaged in illicit activities. in different companies. The Registrar General/Chief He also revealed that the Executive of the commission, commission was working Alhaji Garba Abubakar, also assiduously for integration said that any member of the with the National Identity public could conduct what he Management Commission’s called a first level check on the database to enable it validate status of any company on the the identity of anyone apply- CAC website via the public ing to register a company in search window at no cost. order to eliminate incidences Abubakar gave the commit- of submitting cloned copies ment when he received the of means of identification to CCB Chairman, Professor the CAC. Muhammad Isah on a courtesy The CAC registrar general visit to the commission. further reiterated his commit- He described the partnership ment to ensure continued syn- with the CCB as a boost in the ergy and collaboration with the current administration’s fight CCB and other anti-corruption against corruption adding that bodies in a bid to strengthen the time was ripe for the anti-money laundering and the commission to explore anti-corruption initiatives of more areas of collaboration the present administration. particularly real-time. However, Isa had expressed He said in view of CAC’s satisfaction with the support strategic collaboration with and cooperation the CCB had other anti-corruption agencies received from the registrar including the EFCC, ICPC and feneral since his assumption INTERPOL amongst others, of office. the commission established a He stressed that the CAC dedicated unit to expeditiously and CCB had a lot to do in handle requests for information order to enhance the economic and other services gratis. well being of the country. Commenting on the intro- The CCB chairman also ex- L-R: Chief Operations Officer, Pandagric Novum Limited, Arnold Smith; Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Spain; Member, duction of Beneficial Owner- pressed delight that Abubakar Executive Board, Theo van der Veen; and General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Tunji Osoko, during the 2021 Pandagric ship Disclosure or Person with had ensured what he called Novum Limited Distributor’ Conference and Unveiling of Rebranded Supreme Feeds in Abuja… recently IFAD Commits 30% PwC, Rack Centre to Chart New Climate Finance Course for Africa’s Digital Revolution Emma Okonji digital innovation is creating ogy and business leaders as on the success recorded in the Fund to Biodiversity unprecedented opportunities speakers, including the Group previous one. “The population in Oluchi Chibuzor challenges of climate change, PwC, a professional services firm for Africa to grow its economy, CEO of CSquared, Mr. Lanre African is predominantly youth, food and water security, and and Rack Centre, West Africa’s create jobs and transform people’s Kolade, who manages an African and technologically savvy, so The International Fund for human health. Carrier Neutral Tier III Data Centre, lives, offering a chance to unlock centred technology company that planning has to consider this Agricultural Development IFAD’s investments in nature- have collaborated to explore how new pathways for rapid economic provides broadband-enabling strategic demography dividend. (IFAD) has announced that it based solutions aim to promote Africa could leverage the digital growth, innovation, and access to infrastructure throughout Africa; Besides, the rate of Internet is committing 30 per cent of a healthy biosphere, increasing revolution in a second webinar services that would have been CEO of AFR-IX telecom, a global penetration is expanding its climate finance to support productivity and improving food series on Africa, titled: ‘The Next unimaginable only a decade ago. Internet Service Provider, Mr. among the general populace, nature-based solutions in rural security, nutrition and resilience to Digital Frontier’, with focus on The webinar is expected to tap into Norman Albi; Chief Regulatory digital startups are springing small-scale agriculture by 2030. climate change. Improving agri- digital infrastructure as a key the African opportunities through Officer of Bandwidth and Cloud up, so there is a growing need This is coming as the United cultural biodiversity on small-scale enabler for growth. its critically digital innovation Services Group (BCS), Susan to develop and position digital Nations body is calling for farms results in healthy, produc- With Africa accelerating towards conversations. Mulikita; CEO of Rack Centre, Infrastructure, sharpen skills, and more investment in protecting tive soils, which sequester more an inevitable digital future, the Chairman and Founder of Dr. Ayotunde Coker, and Partner nurture entrepreneurship in the biodiversity, which is crucial to carbon. This therefore can also webinar, which is slated to hold Convergence Partners, a globally and West Africa Technology digital space. fighting hunger and sustaining make an important cumulative September 16, 2021, will discuss respected investment management Leader for PwC Nigeria, Femi “Rack Centre and PwC con- development in the SDGs. contribution to carbon storage. new ways on how to realise the firm focused on Technology, Media, Osinubi. It will be moderated sidering our leading roles in our Speaking ahead of the Interna- Emphasizing the impact of the opportunities for growth and and the Telecoms sector in Africa, by PwC South Africa Partner areas of specialisation, believe tional Union for Conservation of fund, Houngbo said, ”Rural com- developments across macroeco- Mr. Andile Ngcaba, is the keynote & Africa Technology, Media & we can broaden the conversation Nature (IUCN), President, IFAD, munities and small-scale farmers nomic levers through deliberate speaker and will give a pan Africa Telecommunications Leader, Elmo and chart a course forward as Gilbert Houngbo said, “If we have a vital role to play. They investments in digital infrastructure overview. Hildebrand. Africa takes its rightful place do not invest more in protecting are dependent on biodiversity, that is connected in the future. As in the previous series, the According to Coker, the in the development of digital biodiversity, development cannot but are also important custodians World Bank Insights note that webinar is attracting technol- forthcoming webinar would build Infrastructure.” be sustainable and we will not of it, growing a wider range of eradicate hunger or achieve the species and varieties than large- Sustainable Development Goals. scale farms.” Biodiversity is a cornerstone of The IUCN World Conservation healthy and sustainable food Congress brings together govern- Sterling Bank Unveils Free systems. ments, civil society, Indigenous “From protecting pollinators, Peoples, scientists and business to improving soil fertility and to promote initiatives on the Banking Services for NGOs building resilience to the effects most urgent environmental and of climate change, biodiversity sustainability challenges, such as Nume Ekeghe Olapeju Ibekwe at the unveiling in the country to take advantage facing the NGOs.” is fundamental to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises noted that the only applicable of the novel Sterling CARES She noted that alternative global hunger. But the clock is in the context of the recovery In a bid to empower non-profit charge on the account is for account to keep costs low. sources of income, charitable ticking. We need to increase our from the COVID-19 pandemic. organisations across the country, SMS notifications and that the According to her, the product contributions, and funding for investments to protect biodiversity Houngbo will announce IFAD’s Sterling Bank Plc has unveiled International Day of Charity is exclusive to nonprofit organ- their various programs and ser- before it is too late. Our future investment commitment at the Africa’s first free banking services provides an excellent opportunity isations who are the primary vices “are drying up, no thanks to depends on it.” high-level roundtable on ‘Financ- for non-governmental organisa- to publicly support the social foot soldiers working to attain the COVID-19 pandemic. Sterling However, as part of its own ing for Biodiversity’ where he tions (NGOs) christened Sterling impact and philanthropic activities the United Nations Sustainable CARES is a child of necessity increase in biodiversity invest- is a keynote speaker along with CARES. of charitable instituitions in our Development Goals (SDG) for introduced to support financing ments, the UN’s arm, announced Christine Lagarde, President of The bank unveiled this clime via this fee-free solution. all. It is not open to religiously of the Sustainable Development a commitment to focus 30 percent the European Central Bank. patnership over the weekend Ibekwe said: “Sterling CARES shaped institutions, cooperative Goals via fee-free banking for of its climate finance to support Eight out of 10 of the world’s with Sterling One Foundation is open only to NGOs, legal societies, schools, and associa- nonprofits.” nature-based solutions in rural poorest people live in rural areas, and the Nigeria Network of entities operated for a social tions. Olapeju added that account small-scale agriculture by 2030. and most depend on agriculture NGOs (NNNGO), where it benefit. It is introduced to help She said: “We recognise that holders also get to benefit from According to IFAD, nature- for their livelihoods. Ironically, disclosed that the new product them keep costs down at this nonprofits like us help lots of the partnership with giving.ng, based solutions promote the they are the ones most likely to would allow NGOs to operate challenging time when their work people who are struggling to Africa’s foremost crowd-funding proactive conservation, manage- go hungry. There was a dramatic their corporate accounts without and support is needed now more make ends meet through dona- platform that offers free services ment and restoration of natural increase in global hunger in 2020, transaction charges. than ever by people with a low tions and various interventions. and gives grants to fundraisers ecosystems and biodiversity to with up to 811 million hungry The Chief Executive Officer, socio-economic background.” However, funding is one of the focused on driving social impact contribute to addressing the people. Sterling One Foundation, Ms. Ibekwe, thus, urged the NGOs leading challenges currently in the society. THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 33 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS PwC Africa Unveils Six Focus Areas to New Strategy Goddy Egene is to build trust in society and tions need to refocus and that’s solve important problems. The where we can help with The PwC Africa has announced six New Equation will shape how New Equation,” he said. key focus areas that will support we help to build trust, as well He added that The New Equa- the execution of its new global as how we deliver sustained tion focuses on two interconnected strategy that was announced on outcomes as a community of needs that organisations face in 15 June 2021, known as The New problem solvers. Quality is at the coming years: building trust Equation. the heart of everything that across a wide range of areas that PwC Africa’s six key focus we do, and therefore quality are important to stakeholders and areas are: trust, growth, and is the foundation supporting delivering sustained outcomes in value creation, environmental, our execution of The New an environment where the risk of governance and social (ESG), Equation strategy.” disruption is more intense than digitisation, international develop- He explained that “PwC ever before. ment, and workforce. has been in the African region “PwC Africa’s six focus areas According to the company, for over 70 years, noting that will help to address these needs its commitment to quality and they continue to be optimistic among clients, communities, and exceptional service delivery unites about the opportunities on the other stakeholders in Sub-Saharan these key focus areas and remains continent. Africa,” Shango stressed. the foundation of the strategy “In response to technological In the area of trust, the CEO going forward. disruption, climate change, said it is about helping organisa- Commenting, the Chief fractured geopolitics, and tions to build and sustain trust in Executive Officer (CEO) for the continuing effects of the their people, products, services, PwC Africa, Dion Shango, COVID-19 pandemic, amongst operations, and the communities said: “Our purpose as PwC other challenges, many organisa- in which they operate. NPA Partners UK Border Force on Port Security The Nigerian Ports Authority NPA’s acting Managing Direc- enforcement agency charged (NPA) is set to partner with the tor, Mohammed Bello-Koko, by the UK government to man- United Kingdom Border Force, described the partnership with age immigration and customs on port security and facilitation of the UK Border Force as a strategic checks at all British seaports legitimate movement of persons relations with long term economic and airports. and goods at all seaports in the benefits to Nigeria and Britain. The collaboration with the country. The acting MD who was NPA entails the establishment The partnership covers security represented by the Executive of an Electronic Cargo Target- measures, coordination, informa- Director, Marine and Operations, ing System (ECTS), a Joint tion sharing and joint operations, Hon. Onari Brown, eulogized the Port Control Unit (JPU) and a to check persons or activities that UK Agency for the good work it Mobile Task Force (MTF) with may cause harm to operations is doing to safeguard the economic the capacity to enhance the work and investments in the nation’s and national interests of Britain. of Nigerian law enforcement port industry. He expressed confidence in the agencies operating within the It seeks to safeguard shipping partnership to engender efficiency nation’s maritime domain by and cargo traffic, improve intel- and value for money in all aspects providing real-time data and ligence gathering and deepen of port business in Nigeria. business arterial intelligence revenue from maritime trade. The Border Force is a law tools. 34 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 35 HOMES&DESIGN THE LUXURIA BY THE ADDRESS AS ANOTHER SHADE OF PARADISE 36 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY HOMES&DESIGN

LIVING IT UP AT THE LUXURIA BY THE ADDRESS

The Luxuria, developed by The Address Homes, undoubtedly adds top-notch sophistication to Ikoyi, Lagos, particularly its usually pristine axis, known as Old Ikoyi, where most of Nigeria’s money resides. Dr Bisi Onasanya’s dynamic ingenuity accentuates the development of the sturdy facility. He has brought to bear vast expertise and experience, including being a former managing director of First Bank. Bennett Oghifowrites

he Luxuria by The Address Homes 4890sqm, consisting of two towers. bedroom maisonettes, N380 million, and space, double volume lounge, and smart has elegant twin towers that will Tower A comprises 28 units (two five-bedroom penthouses, $3 million. home system. grow to full height precisely along penthouses, 20 maisonettes, and six Onasanya said 55 per cent of the units Every part of The Luxuria is elegantly Alexander Road Old Ikoyi, a sought- apartments). Tower B comprises 30 units had been sold, and prospective buyers finished for esthetics and functionality, said after location. (two penthouses, 20 maisonettes, and are expected to follow a payment plan officials of The Address Homes. The towers TBesides, Ikoyi is home to some of the country’s eight apartments). that requires them to provide a 30 per are beautifully crafted. Coming home to richest and most influential families. Luxuria The towers have different floor plan cent initial deposit. They will spread The Luxuria “gives joy and excitement with sits on Alexander Road, often referred to as a sizes; penthouses floor plan -lower floor the balance over 18 months. so much to look forward to” in comfort billionaires’ paradise populated by residents (498.5sqm); upper floor (408.1sqm). The The Luxuria has premium amenities and lifestyle. who savour its serene, peaceful atmosphere Maisonettes floor plan shows that the and facilities, including adult and children The Address Homes has taken the expected far from the clamour and crowds of Lagos, lower floor is 253.3sqm, and Upper Floor swimming pools, wet and dry kitchens, exquisite taste of its clientele into consideration the country’s largest city and financial centre. is 238.3sqm; the Apartments floor plan spas, gyms, 24-hour power supply, general by making it a reality with the beautiful Alexander Road is a highly secured for Type 1 is 316.8sqm, and the Type elevators per tower, concierge desk, and contemporary interior design of The environment splattered with exquisite homes 2 is 318.4sqm. lounge overlooking the lobby, spacious Luxuria, said its chairman. owned by Nigerians and foreign nationals. Prices start from N380 million. elevator lobby, and lawn tennis court. According to Onasanya, Luxuria’s design The current market status of Alexander Specifically, the price of the four-bedroom Others are maids rooms, innovative considers the role of nature in the aesthetic Road properties is that realtors believed it apartments is N350 million; the four- lighting systems, floor lights, parking view, thereby using large volume spaces for is a seller’s market with land prices ranging the living areas and the bedrooms. from N500,000 to N600,000 per square meter, “The advantages of interacting with and and it has a great road network. ”The Luxuria has premium amenities and seeing nature are numerous. Beyond technical The Address Homes’ chairman Dr Bisi benefits, feeling the presence of the living Onasanya noted that the “futuristic edifice” facilities, including adult and children world around us elevates the spirit,” he development started in December 2019 and noted. “Natural light flows throughout The would be fully available in December 2022. swimming pools, wet and dry kitchens, Luxuria open, airy layout. Masterful design Onasanya said upon completion, the and modern luxury are uniquely embodied project would comprise 58 units of different spas, gyms, 24-hour power supply, general in this well-styled edifice. Coming home apartments, including five-bedroom has never felt better at The Luxuria.” penthouses, four-bedroom maisonettes and elevators per tower, concierge desk, lounge The project consultants include APD four-bedroom apartments. overlooking the lobby, spacious elevator project managers, Play in Architecture The LUXURIA by the Address Homes sits Limited, OJ & T, EMMS UF-A, and Black on a land area measuring approximately lobby, and lawn tennis court.” Diamond Engineering. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY 37 BUSINESSSPECIAL JOURNEY TOWARDS NIGERIA’S DIGITAL CURRENCY As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prepares for the launch of its digital currency next quarter, Obinna Chima writes about the expected benefits of the e-Naira as well as the recently selected technical partner for the initiative entral banks in more than 70 countries are presently studying or at advanced stages of developing their Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which are digital representations of fiat currencies developed andC issued by the apex banks. In line with this, in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took a major step towards the launch of its own digital currency, commonly known as the e-Naira last week with its formal announcement of its engagement of global fintech company, Bitt Inc. as its technical partner for the project. To choose the technical partner, the CBN went through a rigorous vendor selection process in line with the Public Procurement Act, conducted by seven departmental directors and a Deputy Governor whereby 15 companies were evaluated. The evaluation was based on the following criteria: technology ownership and control; implementation timeline; efficiency, ease of adoption; support for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT); platform security; interoperability; implementation experience. According to a document seen by THISDAY, from the evaluated 15 companies, Bitt came tops with an average score of 82.3 per cent. The scores for some other bidders were: Bitt- 82.3 per cent; InterStellar – 76.9 per cent; Zimbali- 76.4 per cent; G+D – 76.3 per cent; and EmTech -66.4 Indeed, technological advances in recent years which was further propelled by the COVID-19, have led to a growing number of fast, electronic means of payment available to consumers for everyday transactions. Essentially, given their source, CBDCs are not decentralised but simply a digital token issued as the territory’s currency, regulated and backed by local monetary reserves, the report by Zerocap stated. In addition, CBDCs may or may not utilise blockchain technology, depending on the frameworks used to implement the assets into circulation. for Eastern Caribbean Central Bank was vetted CBN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT She said: “Let me state categorically that The Bank for International Settlement (BIS) noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and E-NAIRA cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and the rest of them in a report that there are various design choices for World Bank. The CBN pointed out that the selection of Bitt are not under the control of the central bank; they CBDCs, including: access (widely versus restricted); Also, the deployment in the Caribbean countries from among highly competitive bidders was based are purely private decisions that individuals make degree of anonymity (ranging from complete to was driven by social impact, including financial on the company’s technical competence, efficiency, and are not part of this arrangement. none); operational availability (ranging from current inclusion, through special features for the unbanked, platform security, interoperability, and implementation “We have spent over two years studying opening hours to 24 hours a day and seven days a on/off-ramp through an accessible agency network, experience. this concept of central bank’s digital currency week); and interest bearing characteristics (yes or no). and the implementation of zero-cost mobile “In choosing Bitt Inc. the CBN will rely on the and we have identified the risks. And it is one Furthermore, it points out that many forms of CBDCs transactions. The systems has patent-pending offline company’s tested and proven digital currency of the reasons why I said we are setting up a are possible, with different implications for payment transaction capabilities, and the ability to integrate with experience, which is already in circulation in several central governance structure that would involve systems, monetary policy transmission as well as the other CBDC networks for cross-currency exchange. Eastern Caribbean countries. all industry stakeholders to access all the risks structure and stability of the financial system. Overstock, which has majority stake in the “Bitt Inc. was key to the development and as we continue on this journey. Although CBDCs will probably not function precisely company, is a more than 20 year old publicly traded successful launch of the Central Bank Digital “Very soon we would make an announcement like paper notes or bitcoin, they will hold some digital company (Nasdaq: OSTK) with over $200M invested Currency (CBDC) pilot of the Eastern Caribbean on the date for the launch and by the end of features similar to physical cash. Assets will be easily in blockchain technology related businesses. Pelion Central Bank (ECCB) in April 2021,” it explained. the year, we should have the digital currency.” transferable between entities and carry the same value Ventures, a 35+ year old VC firm, manages OSTK Speaking on the selection process that saw Bitt According to her, about 80 per cent of central in third-party wallets or platforms. investments. In addition, Bitt was the first company emerge as the CBN’s preferred technical partner banks across the world are presently exploring These properties also apply to their storage; CBDC to digitise a national currency on a blockchain, thus for the implementation of the CBDC from a group the possibility of issuing the central bank’s digital users will store the tokens in their digital wallets and creating the first synthetic CBDC, with the support of 15 prospective technical partners, Nwanisobi currency, saying that Nigeria cannot be left behind. use the assets wherever they go. Citizens will most of the Central Bank of Barbados Governor and the emphasised that the Bank based its selection Mohammed added: “You are aware that we likely need to open an account with their central bank Minister of Finance. assessment on technology ownership and control; have two forms of fiat money: The notes and affiliations, but storage options will vary from mobile “That system is still in operation today, and is implementation timeline; efficiency, ease of adoption; the coins. So, the central bank’s digital currency to desktop, online and offline anywhere on the planet. integrated with the largest bill payment processor support for anti-money laundering and combating is the third form of fiat money. So, this digital With CBDCs, local or international transfers can occur in the country and both major telcos. the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT); platform money is going to complement the cash and almost instantly and require much lower fees than the “The Government of Barbados uses it to collect security; interoperability; and implementation note that we have. traditional system. It will drastically minimise the task payments online. mMoney has grown to service experience, among others. “The central bank digital currency will just be of verifying funds or risk-monitoring in each banking thousands of merchants andmany more individuals “Bitt was the first company to digitise a national as good as you having cash in your pocket. So, if platform, since CBDCs are the actual fiat currencies within Barbados. It is clearly not a closed payment currency on a blockchain, thus creating the first you are having the currency in your pocket, you in digital form. system. synthetic CBDC, with the support of the Central are as good as having cash on your phone. Reducing fees at faster transfer rates will also promote “The main product, the Digital Currency Bank of Barbados Governor and the Minister of “Now, why did we need to go into this? There economic growth and benefit lower classes through Management System, licenced to CBN is not a Finance. That system is still in operation today,” are different cases that the central bank is looking low payment fees and higher accessibility to funds. closed payment system. The DCMS provides the he explained. at. For instance, we have remittances, which is a Since CBDCs are issued through central banks and Suite of applications for the monetary authority, While urging members of the public to embrace huge market in Africa. We also know that in the last available to use through digital wallets, the unbanked commercial banks, merchants, and consumers (both, the e-Naira upon unveiling, in the forthcoming EFInA report, our target for this year was to achieve may access and transfer their funds without the need banked and unbanked),” a report stated. weeks, he also enjoined stakeholders to support the 80 per cent financial inclusion. We are about 60 per for private bank accounts, which are often not at their Furthermore, Bitt’s market-proven Digital Currency Bank’s policies, stressing that the CBN remained cent and at the rate we are going, it is unlikely we disposal. Management System (DCMS) encompasses a core focused on its resolve of being a people-centered would meet this target. But the central bank digital It will also benefit the underbanked through higher transaction network, Numa architecture (network Central Bank. currency would accelerate this target.” access to financial services with more straightforward abstraction layer), a secure minting system, and a Also, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele She said it would support the cashless policy as frameworks and faster KYC. M-Pesa, a P2P payment Digital Currency Manager for the monetary authority expressed optimism that the e-Naira, would bring well as innovation, adding that the central bank has platform released in Kenya, is a good example of or administrator of the system. about increased cross-border trade, accelerate financial a “very clear roadmap on this and we are about such inclusion. Released in 2007, M-Pesa promoted In addition, Bitt provides user interfaces for inclusion, and lead to cheaper and faster remittance to move to the next stage of a proof of consent easy payments and transactions without the need for enterprises, merchants, and retail consumers inflow. after which we would start a pilot.” private bank accounts. As a result, Kenya`s access to that enable a variety of actions to achieve each He said the digital money would lead to easier Commenting on the upcoming initiative, the formal finance grew from 14 per cent in 2006, to 83 users’ objectives in managing digital currency targeted social interventions, as well as improvement Divisional Chief Executive at Interswitch Group, per cent in 2019. transactions and services. Bitt has built its DCMS in monetary policy effectiveness, payment systems Mr. Akeem Lawal, recently described the move Also, digital fiat creates more significant obstacles to integrate with leading blockchain networks. efficiency, and tax collection. as a forward-looking policy initiative from the to illegal activities as physical cash allows funds to be Also, in 2015, Bitt started a project to digitise CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications regulator’s perspective, adding that it will enhance hidden and transferred outside of surveilled financial the Barbadian dollar. Department, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, explained that the convertibility of the naira. He said digital currency systems. Also, in March this year, ‘DCash’, was designed the e-Naira project had been a long and thorough would also help the country to benefit from the and developed by Bitt, in partnership with the process for the apex bank following its resolve in technology, which is the future of payments in CBN’S E-NAIRA TECHNICAL Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and it 2017, to digitise the local currency after extensive every sphere of endeavour. PARTNER became the world’s first retail central bank digital research and exploration. In his contribution, Managing Director/Chief Bitt is a leader in the CBDC industry, with subject currency (CBDC) to be publicly issued within a Nwanisobi said CBN’s decision was in line with Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, matter experts at the intersection of technology and formal currency union. an unmistakable global trend in which over 85 per Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, stated that the impact of policy. The company deployed its flagship product in The historic transaction was the climax of over cent of central banks were considering adopting digital currency on the economy would yield regulated, collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments, two years of extensive research, consultations, digital currencies in their countries. positive results. including a live CBDC in four Caribbean countries, planning, software development, operational On her part, the Director, Information Technology, Therefore, it is expected that the introduction and digital currency deployments in Barbados and training, merchant acquisition, customer service, CBN, Ms. Rakiya Mohammed, said every Nigerian of the e-Naira will make payments and transfers Latin America. and marketing achieved through collaboration with would have access to the CBDCs when it is easier, drastically help in reducing fraud and money THISDAY findings also revealed that the Bitt DCMS the ECCB, Bitt and multiple external stakeholders. introduced. laundering risks, among other positive benefits. 38 THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 INTERVIEW

IBRAHIMA BA: COVID-19 REINFORCED IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL INFORMATION

Over the last three years, Facebook has invested heavily in infrastructure and connectivity initiatives that aim to affordably connect people in Africa and create tangible social-economic benefits. These efforts are part of a complex solution that require all stakeholders – including mobile operators, infrastructure providers and governments – to work together for the common good. One of such investments is the 2Africa subsea cables. In this interview, Facebook’s Director, Network Investments for Emerging Markets, Ibrahima Ba, speaks about the initiative. Oluchi Chibuzor brings the excerpts:

What is the 2Africa project all about? industry in routes, capacity and flexibility of all kinds (including Facebook). system is not owned by Facebook. Facebook is Africa is one of the largest subsea cable an investor - one of seven parties and two key projects in the world now running close How will the technology from the Since the 2Africa project was launched suppliers involved, all with focused roles. What to 40,000km long, connecting Europe, the 2Africa project improve access to the last year, what has been achieved so far? brings us together is the desire to build greater Middle East, Asia, and many countries in internet across the continent? The majority of the subsea route survey connectivity and deliver increased internet speeds Africa. It will provide internet capacity 2Africa will not only be an important element activity, involving ocean floor mapping to for much of Africa. and2 reliability across much of the Middle East for advancing connectivity infrastructure determine the length of the planned route to and Africa supporting the growth of 4G, 5G, and across the African continent, it is also a major optimise the installation of the cable, is now How will Facebook handle government fixed broadband access for hundreds of millions investment that comes at a critical time for complete. Marine surveys for the new sections requests for data traveling through this cable? of people and businesses. economic recovery. With more and more people of the cable are also scheduled for completion When we receive requests from any governments relying on the internet, subsea cables are a by the end of 2021. One of 2Africa’s key around the world, we review each one carefully. What makes the project unique, and how vital ingredient to ensure they always are segments, the Egypt terrestrial crossing that Our process for responding to these requests is can it help African countries compete better connected to what matters. While Facebook interconnects landing sites on the Red and the same in Africa as it is around the world, and with the rest of the world in terms of internet invests in submarine cables to provide better the Mediterranean Seas via two new and we are transparent about the action we take in access? experiences for people using our products, completely diverse terrestrial routes, has also response to government requests. 2Africa is the first cable system designed to our investments drive a more cost-effective been completed ahead of schedule. serve the whole of Africa, interconnecting the east internet for all. Currently working for a cable completion With the penetration of the 2Africa subsea and west seaboards of Africa. It will also enable date in 2023/early 2024, we are continuing cables across Africa, will the price of data be interconnectivity between 19 African countries, Why is Facebook partnering with the to add a number of milestones to the subsea reduced, making data more affordable for supporting Pan-African digital integration. The 2Africa project? cable build, this includes: New branches for Africans? cable further supports the continent by expanding Access to the Internet is increasingly the 2Africa subsea cable system, the branches In the countries where the 2Africa cable lands, connectivity to the Middle East. important throughout the world as a means will extend 2Africa’s connectivity to southeast service providers will be able to access capacity at The 2Africa cable will provide significant capacity for people to communicate, learn, work, Nigeria, the Seychelles, the Comoros Islands carrier-neutral data centers and open-access cable by implementing a new technology, SDM1 from trade and participate fully in everyday life. and Angola, and. The new branches join the landing stations on a fair and equitable basis. This ASN, allowing deployment of up to 16 fibre pairs People use the internet to access content and recently announced extension to the Canary will support healthy internet ecosystem development instead of the 8 fibre pairs supported by older services that can be provided from anywhere Islands. enabling needed accessibility whilst supporting technologies, bringing much greater and more in the world, allowing connections between Also, Cable manufacturing, ASN has begun the growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access cost-effective capacity. It benefits includes connecting friends, strangers, businesses and customers the manufacturing process for the cable and for hundreds of millions of people. Ultimately, people to improve lives and economies: Investing that were unimaginable a generation ago. repeater units in its factories in Calais and local pricing will be set by operators. in submarine cables brings more people online These connections are achieved through an Greenwich, in preparation for the deployment to a faster internet. interconnected web of networks that enable of the cable’s first segments in early 2022. Egypt What impact will the 2Africa subsea cables The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted and information to be exchanged between a terrestrial crossing already completed, one of have in the countries where there are landing reinforced the importance of everyone being shopkeeper in Kinshasa, a supplier in Seoul 2Africa’s key segments, the Egypt terrestrial stations? connected to benefit from having access to critical and a customer in Maputo. crossing that interconnects landing sites on In countries where the 2Africa cable will information such as health care, education and The infrastructure required to provide the Red and the Mediterranean Seas via two land, service providers will obtain capacity at the ability to work remotely, communicate with this connectivity is relatively scarce in Sub- new and completely diverse terrestrial routes, carrier-neutral data centres or open access landing family, friends, business and government. We have Saharan Africa compared to other regions has been completed ahead of schedule. Alcatel stations, on a fair and equitable basis. This will seen firsthand the positive impact that increased of the world. This reflects the difficulty of Submarine Networks (ASN) has been selected support healthy internet ecosystem development connectivity has on communities. We know that making a return on investment in places where to implement the new branches, which will by facilitating greatly improved accessibility for economies flourish when there is widely accessible incomes are low, and where people may be increase the number of 2Africa landings to businesses and consumers alike. internet for businesses. unaware of the benefits the Internet could 31 in 25 countries. Currently, Africa is the least connected continent bring them and may not have the skills to When does Facebook expect the subsea cable with under 30 per cent of its 1.3 billion people use online services. This lack of availability Who will own/manage the 2Africa system to be completed? connected to the Internet. In terms of innovation, of infrastructure creates its own barrier to landing stations? We are currently working for a cable completion we continue to work with our partners on driving people getting online, and is compounded 2Africa cable landing stations will be owned date in 2023 / early 2024. innovation on all aspects of performance and by issues related to affordability, relevance and managed by 2Africa parties or, where efficiency. Together, we build cables that are designed and readiness of people to get online. necessary, by experienced local partners How will COVID-19 affect the deployment with an open, flexible architecture, making it easier In response, as Facebook we’ve launched managed by one of the 2Africa parties. of the 2Africa project? to upgrade the cable equipment to meet future a range of connectivity initiatives aimed at We will continue to monitor and review any capacity needs. 2Africa is a perfect example of tackling these barriers, by providing investments How will Facebook ensure the security potential impact this could cause, and will take our innovative partnership model where everyone that can make infrastructure easier and cheaper of data in subsea cables especially when appropriate action to comply with guidance and benefits through developing scale infrastructure to deploy. We believe that connecting more it leaves the landing port? good practice in dealing with the consequences and shared technology expertise that lead the people is good for industries and companies It is important to note that the 2Africa of COVID-19. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY 39 INTERVIEW

UZOMA DOZIE: NO REGRETS ABOUT DIAMOND BANK

Uzoma Dozie is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sparkle, a digital microfinance bank that is licenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Dozie, a former Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, which was acquired by Access Bank in 2019, says Sparkle, using technology provides financial, lifestyle and business support services to Nigerians across the globe. It is a smartphone enabled platform that offers many traditional banking products – providing loans, enabling savings, shopping transactions, paying bills, buying airtime, and sending money to third parties. In this interview with Obinna Chima, the entrepreneur who believes that technology along with good governance has the power to push Africa forward, talks about Nigeria’s financial technology ecosystem as well as the his experience so far with his start-up. Excerpts:

Few months back, THISDAY ran a series how you use it to improve security and safety. business today that can thrive without the the government should design a policy to of stories indicating that tech is now the So, these are the things that matter. There use of mobile phones or electronic payments, make sure there is smart phone in the hand new oil. What is your view about that, is is financial technology (fintechs), we have which are technology. How will such a business of every citizen. Once you can do that, then tech really the new oil for Nigeria? agritech, and different industries leveraging on survive? How did people survive during they have access to resources and services echnology has always been around. technology to drive growth and productivity. the lockdown last year? Technology. Look in a cost-effective manner. The third one is Let’s go back to all the industrial revolu- When I was in Diamond Bank, we leveraged at this interview we are having presently, legislation and regulation. We must look at tions, they were all technology-driven. on technology to become completely paperless it is virtual, but if it were before, it would those laws and legislations that we have and It started from horse-power, then we to the extent that I believe we were the only have been physical. But now, we can speak change them to facilitate adoption of digital went to steam engine which brought organisation in Nigeria that internally we for hours with less cost, because you would technology. For example, the Central Bank aboutT the first industrial revolution; then we weren’t signing any paper document. have driven to wherever I am. Then, people of Nigeria (CBN) is doing a laudable job had electricity and then computing. Everything in the bank then was online. So, didn’t accept it, but now is generally accepted. with the introduction of e-Naira. But, without All those were advancement in technology that if I couldn’t sign anything online, then it is So, that is the fallout of the lockdown. So, people having smart phones in the village, resulted to increased productivity and enabled not something we can do. So, we leveraged using technology is actually a necessity. Today, how would they be able to access or use countries and businesses to thrive, especially on technology then to actually achieve that. people who are resistance to change are going it? So, infrastructure is key and technology in places like the United States and Europe. In So, if we don’t leverage on technology we to be like outsiders and they are going to devices should be classified as part of that fact, it was steam power that enabled the then are going to be left behind as a nation. So, be excluded from the numerous benefits of infrastructure, legislation and regulation are Great Britain to conquer half of the world. So, if you are in the food business, how are you technology. So, technology is a necessity. also required, but more importantly, digital technology has always been there and it simply going to leverage on technology to lower leadership. It is not about talking about it, brings about a change or revolution in the way cost? If you are in education, what value So, as nation, how can government but it is about using it. One of the reasons people do things. Now, what we are talking can you add to the system by adopting levels leverage technology to diversify why Diamond Bank and other places I had about is the fourth industrial revolution and technology? If you are a government, how its foreign exchange earnings? worked in the last 10 years went paperless leveraging on those things like cloud-computing, are you going to educate your people? Are It requires collaboration between the was because I am paperless. If you give me artificial intelligence, big data and a lot more. you going to be buying books or are you public and private sector. The first thing is any paper document to sign, I am not going 5G is coming in which would allow people going to be thinking of ipads and mobile realising that infrastructure is key. And the to sign. So, that digital leadership is very key to do many things such as 3D printing and learning and changing the curriculum in a infrastructure required involves making sure to leverage on technology and without these wide range of other things. Now, it is not just very cost-effective way, so that we can reduce there is internet availability across Nigeria. factors I listed, we would still be in the dark having technology, everything revolves around the cost of education? So, technology is not In India, they have succeeded in doing that, ages. There are many countries you can look how you use technology to achieve the things the new oil, it is a necessity. which is why in that country you don’t have at where there is a direct relationship between you want to achieve such as to raise productivity. Our focus as a country and as businesses things like Unstructured Supplementary Service digital infrastructure and productivity. For example, how you use technology to increase should be how to leverage technology to Data (USSD), it is all internet. Secondly, we productivity in agriculture; how you use it to reduce my cost of doing business and increase must now consider smart phones and mobile We have seen a lot of fintechs owned by educate your population in a cost-effective manner; productivity, and survive. So, there is no devices as part of the infrastructure. Even Nigerians attract huge amounts of Venture 40 THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 BUSINESS SPECIAL INTERVIEW UZOMA DOZIE: DIGITAL LEADERSHIP KEY TO LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Capital financing. What is the driving force behind that? Nigeria is the land of opportunities. Where there are lots of problem, there are lots of opportunities. We have 200 million people here; we have intelligent and highly educated people here, compared with other parts of Africa; and we have a conducive climate here and we don’t have earthquake and other natural disasters. Above all, we have a very young population – one of the youngest population in the world where 75 per cent of the people are under the age of 22. So, investors look at all these before investing in Nigerian fintechs, which is what is attracting all these monies. But what is unfortunate is that it is the outsiders that are actually seeing these opportunities in Nigeria and not the local leaders. That is why we keep talking about leadership. Nigerian fintechs as well, when they talk to Nigerian investors, they are not as structured as they would be if they are talking to a venture capital. As a Nigeria, if I don’t see that structure and organisation, why will I invest in you?

You ran a traditional bank for years and today you are running a start-up, what has been the experience moving from leading a commercial bank to leading a fintech? It has been an interesting journey. An interesting journey because my last four years in Diamond Bank which I was the Managing Director, we did a lot of work going into the retail space. For us to go into the retail space, we had to partner with fintechs. For Diamond Y’ello, which was a collaboration with the fintechs, we worked with the fintechs; what we did with BETA Banking, was also a collaboration with fintechs. So, I was very conversant about what financial technology can do in terms of driving retail and driving scale in a cost-effective manner. I am also very aware of the limitations of traditional and physical banking. For example, financial inclusion has to be digital for you to get the last mile. Traditional banks can only take you far, but fintechs can take you to the last mile. But fintechs do not have the balance sheet, they don’t have the customer base, so it has to be a collaboration. Now, in coming to Sparkle, we started on the ground floor. The difference is that as the Managing Director of Diamond Bank, it was like driving Dozie high-end Mercedes that has great shock absorbers. So, if you are driving on bad roads, you won’t years, but we are already getting attention. market it has far-reaching implications. Let’s application. When you open a business bank feel the bumps, but you will just be cruising. So, I have no regret at all. cryptocurrency as an example, it is only a account, you will see your staff icon that allows But when you are operating a startup, it is like few Nigerians that are actually benefiting you to do your staff payroll, you can upload driving a car without shock absorbers. Even Can you speak about the regulatory from that because the infrastructure requires your inventory and you can also generate if it is on a smooth road, you will feel every framework for fintechs in Nigeria what that you have a smartphone, data and that invoices for your customers. What that means single bump on the road. So, we are learning do you think the regulators are not doing you can actually download an app. How is that you are carrying your business banking every day. I am learning new stuffs that I would right? many Nigerians can do that today? It is on your mobile. But it is much-more than that. never have learnt if others were running it. So, What I would like to see is the regulation only a handful. So, when people say by All the information actually required to run a we are starting from the ground floor and we of activities in the sub-sector. So, Sparkle banning crytocurrency transactions the business are on your phone. Today, with the are now beginning to understand what people is a microfinance bank that leverages on central bank is taking people back to the lockdown, most businesses are online and they want. Today, I am talking to people who are half technology to do things. Of course, there dark ages, of course not. So, there is need are being started in the living room. Secondly, my age, so I have to come down to their level; are limitations in the things we can do for more collaboration and it will be nice we are also collaborating with different digital you have to have that entrepreneurial mindset. and so we can’t do things such as foreign if the central bank can be giving us more organisations to help customers do whatever Although in my family, we have always been exchange. Then we have merchant banks information because when you give little they want to do. entrepreneurs, and I am bringing that to bear and the commercial banks. So, because the information about a situation, people would Today, you can sit down in your house and with Sparkle. For me, in terms of technology, world is evolving, the limitations should be naturally fill the gap with whatever they register your business through the Sparkle I have always been good at using it, but now removed. With digital, anybody can open an feel like. ecosystem. Another thing is transparency, if you must have a good understanding of how it account anywhere in Nigeria. That is, for those you go to the Sparkle website, you will find a comes together, risk management and even data. that want to do foreign exchange transaction, Now how has the journey been for dashboard there that gives you our operational I can tell you some stories about data that would you stipulate the capital requirement, if you Sparkle and what do you consider to efficiency every day. For instance, if the NIBSS shock you and I would never have known that want to open branches, you stipulate the be your firm’s biggest story since it was Instant Payment (NIP) is down, you will see before. So, it’s been an exciting journey and it is capital requirement. Our capital requirement launched? it on the dashboard. We are the first financial one that helped me to better understand what is N200 million, but we spend so much more Sparkle is a microfinance bank that institution to always inform our customers when we need to do in the financial sector to help on that, even the technology we deploy are leverages on technology to reach our network is down. There are so many things that the economy grow. I don’t know how many far above that N200 million. customers. We have two set of customers: we are going to do differently. In a couple of chief executive officers that had worked in a Also, if you want to use technology, then Individuals and small businesses. For us, months we are going to start lending and I assure commercial bank and has started a start-up that you must invest in cyber-security and all we have quite a few success stories. The you that our lending is going to be completely is really thriving. that. For me, it is the regulator coming out first one was that we were able to forge different from what other financial institutions to state the risks of a microfinance bank strategic partnership with global companies are doing. The journey is just beginning and In the course of this interview, you have doing foreign exchange. That is because such as Visa, Microsoft, to build solutions. we are really excited. What we say at Sparkle made reference to Diamond Bank on more than microfinance banks are doing much more That came from my working with these is that after this pandemic, the world needs two occasions, do you have any regret about than people know. For the Central Bank of companies in my traditional banking years. to Sparkle. what happened to that financial institution? Nigeria, we criticise them a lot, but when you The second one is that we built our banking I don’t have any regret at all. It been over two compare them with other regulators around applications from the scratch, we didn’t buy So what is your expansion plan and how years now and so I can reflect and look back at the world, they are doing a good job. We any banking application. We only look at do you intend to make Sparkle acceptable what happened, you look at all the stakeholders have seen the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) the expectations of Nigerians and built to more Nigerians? , you look at what has happened to the new initiative, we are now seeing the e-Naira app around that. So, if you open Sparkle We are creating awareness and in the next entity. Access Bank just published its first half initiative as well. So, they are doing well app today, the look and feel is completely couple of months we are going to go on a 2021 results and you can see the numbers. What in terms of regulation, but what they can different and it is like bringing out your marketing drive. We haven’t made enough you will normally find is that bad mergers bring do better is to communicate much better wallet to either give someone money or noise because we wanted to be sure that the companies down, but that merger actually and I guess there is also need for a lot of to receive money. system was capable of scaling and we are very elevated Access Bank. It also elevated the staff education because we on the private sector It is about really leveraging on data. And comfortable that we can scale, that we have and when you look at it from the shareholders’ side need to be more informed about the there are so many firsts that we have for enough products and services that can excite perspective, they are very happy because the processes and the concerns of the central consumers and where we are really excited people when they use the platform. Believe financial institution has moved from a tier-2 to bank. is on the small business segment and that is me, for us we do not have any expansion plan a tier-1 bank. And the regulator must also be On the other hand, the central bank needs because of my background from traditional outside Nigeria. If you look at the Nigerians very happy as well because I am sure that it to understand what we are trying to do, banking. So, on the business side we are abroad and even the remittances, there is no was one of the successful mergers. Access Bank where the risks are so that they can better also excited because firstly, you can open country in Africa that can match that. If you before wasn’t considered a retail powerhouse regulate. But at the end, it boils down to a business account without actually going are a Nigeria and you are in any part of the before, but it is certainly one today. making sure that the right people are in the to the bank, only by using your Taxpayer work, you can start your business and open a For me, I have moved on to play my role in market. Part of the central bank’s concern Identification Number. No bank does that Sparkle account for ease of transactions as long the financial sector in a much different way, is that people are using their licences to do presently. as you have a Bank Verification Number. So, but in an exciting way. So, I have no regret crazy things which if left unchecked might Secondly, what we have also done to our platforms are available globally and meet and like I said, it has helped to develop my lead to financial instability and distrust in the business bank account is that we have global requirement so that Nigerians can join entrepreneurial skills. Sparkle is not up to two the system. Once there is distrust in the added business support services onto that the Sparkle ecosystem. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 41 42 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY INTERVIEW

ORJI: EXPECT MORE INVESTMENTS ON INFRASTRUCTURE FROM NSIA

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, in this interview on Arise News Channels spoke about the newly inaugurated board of the agency. He also said with the charge by President Muhammadu Buhari for the NSIA to support economic diversification, there would be increased investments in infrastructure. Excerpts:

Can you give us some insights into the operations boards? withdraw $150 million from that fund to give to not privatised, but that it is something that benefits of the NSIA under the immediate past board of I think the mandate is the mandate of the NSIA. the government. The government made a call the country. And we make sure that we can get directors? The NSIA was set up with the objective of providing as stipulated by the law and you have to make commercial and social returns balanced, make will probably like to remind you that the last stabilisation support in times of economic stress; it that fund available within seven days. That is the sure that we can attract other investors with us board was the second board of the NSIA. And was set up with the objective of saving funds for process we run within the NSIA. So, that fund and then make sure that there are conducive legal to contextualise my answer I will go back to future generations of Nigerians and then the third is invested in short-term liquid instruments. The and regulatory environment. These are the four speak to the role of the first board, the second mandate is to enhance domestic infrastructure. This investment policy statement was defined through tests that we must pass. Because of the size of the board and how I think the third board picks is the mandate as established in the law that set management, working with investment advisers fund, we decided to start with a handful of sectors. Iup the baton and run with it. The first board spent up the NSIA. And I think every alteration of the and presented to the board and the board approved We added some sector later on, but we started some time putting together the core foundation of the governance and leadership works towards that it. And that was to invest in short-term liquid with toll roads, agriculture, healthcare, power, gas NSIA and made sure we lived through the principles mandate. I mean and of course the organisation instruments, investments grade instruments and industrialisation, financial markets infrastructure of accountability, transparency and kick started the started with really nothing, there was nothing, it treasury bills but mostly kept in US dollars. So that and more recently we added technology. So, these investment programme of the NSIA. was built from scratch. And so as time evolves is the essence of that Stabilisation Fund – it has very are the areas we are focused on at the moment, we They also laid the foundation of investing 20 per and different boards come on, we are all striving little risk. Then for the Future Generation Fund, are developing projects here and we are investing cent of the Stabilisation Fund; 40 per cent in Future to fulfill that mandate that was set by the law. the board decided that we needed not to take as in projects. In healthcare, we developed our first Generations fund and 40 per cent in the Nigeria And that is what really the law says. So, it as much risk as our peers are taking. So we split it three projects with LUTH which is a cancer centre Infrastructure Fund. The second board drove more about driving returns, it is about balancing impact into four equal parts across the four asset classes and the radiology and diagnostic centres in Kano into infrastructure, they left 20 per cent in Stabilisation and making sure you are making impact in the that we invest in. We invest in private equity - 25 and Umuahia. Those have become very successful and 30 per cent in Future Generation, but shifted to economy, balancing social impact and commercial per cent of the fund; we invest in public equity, and actually better than I expected. We now have 50 per cent in Infrastructure Fund. The reason was returns and ensuring that investments are of national again 25 per cent of the fund, and we invest in a mandate to now roll out 20 across the country, we wanted to spend more time looking at domestic importance, ensuring that you are performing and what we call other alternatives and hedge funds. including a centre for advance medicine which we infrastructure of the country. And this led us into earnings are not just on track with market, but also We tweak these things around within a certain are going to build here in Abuja in partnership with quite a number things. above the market where we can make them better. strategic asset and location range depending on somebody else. In agriculture, the president designed You saw us getting involved in healthcare, roads, So, these are the things that I think board after how we see the market. So, for example, last year, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative which we have agriculture and other aspects of investments. Secondly, board at the NSIA is working towards. So there is when market opportunity came up and things were drawn. We have evolved, we have restructured that, on the second board, we split our investment committee really no difference between the second board and not as strong in the market, we took advantage to it has continued to be successful. When we started into two - one investment committee looking after the third board. We have an overall mandate by invest. So, we increased our location into public there were less than seven blending plants, today the Future Generations Fund and the Stabilisation the law of NSIA, but it is just about the evolution equities and that paid off handsomely last year. there are 51 blending plants. When we started there Fund and another committee looking after the direct of NSIA as it grows, as it invests and as it makes And so the decision process is very intricate, I mean were shortages of fertilizer, subsidies were very high, investment and Infrastructure Fund. As we looked at more impact. management meets three times a week and them today there is an excess quantity of fertilizer and that, we saw that the reflection of that was more in of course it goes to the board if you want to make hardly any subsidy. So there is a lot of domestic seeing us get very deep into domestic infrastructure. So the agency has to make investments in any changes. One more thing you need to know production - that is success. We have also gone And I think that is really the effect of part of the role various areas home and broad and in various is that we tend to run this also by an investment on to make direct investment in agriculture. We of the second board. asset classes. How does the board arrive at international adviser who we work with. So these have a farm in Nasarawa State for example. And And I think as we go into the third one, the making those decisions that are in the best are some of the processes we undertake. then of course you know about the three big road president has given us a mandate to drive more interest of Nigeria? projects, Lagos-Ibadan, second Niger Bridge and economic diversification and make sure that there When you think about the NSIA, it is important Within the tenure of the last board, you have Abuja-Kano road. These are all things that we are is more impact. So you will expect to see more in to understand that that there are three different and done investments in agriculture, healthcare, working on. investments in infrastructure. That has also been the distinct funds in the NSIA, each of them with a diagnostic centres in LUTH and elsewhere. These strategy of the organisation anyway, I think we have different investment policy statement and each of are some of the areas that seem interesting What should be expected in this regard talked to that many times on this show. You are going them with a different objective. So, I will give you that should interest Nigerians. Can you speak specifically when Mr. President said your new to see us drive more and more into different aspects an example, let’s start with the Stabilisation Fund. more about that? board should make investments that relate to of infrastructure and direct investments in the country What is the essence of the Stabilisation Fund? It So, let me speak to the infrastructure fund. The economic diversification? that will benefit Nigerians. is to provide funds for the government when it Infrastructure Fund, we have process wise, you make Basically I think the question and the demand is needed during times of economic stress. Last sure the investments are of national importance. It is very straight forward and that is to drive more What is the key mandate of each of the two year, during the COVID crisis, the NSIA had to is very important to us that investment benefits is investment in the domestic sector. And I think we THISDAY ˾MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 43 BUSINESS SPECIAL INTERVIEW Orji: Expect More Investments on Infrastructure from NSIA are going to see more of the direct investments of the Central and of course there is Isiekwana Ikemefuna NSIA and I think will benefits a number of people. Louis, a lawyer. The law requires that we must At our inaugural meeting, we talked to a number of have an imminent legal personality and Isiekwana things and it is quite for me, very heart-warming to Ikemefuna is that lawyer and he also represents see the devolution of the various NSIA boards. This the South-South region of the country. And then is the third board and the quality of conversations there is Babatunde Sobamowo, who represents the going on in the board, you can see the strength and South West again, who has very experience in the diversity of different board members. Especially with capital market, who has also joined the board. So regards to having deep local knowledge within the this is a group with deep experience across many country. I mean we are having conversations about sectors, many of them know Nigeria better than I logistics Yobe, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and agriculture and do. But interaction of the board, first day for me healthcare and all sort of things. So, there is enough was really remarkable. Every day you learn and strength and depth and knowledge to continue to I think this is one of the things I find fascinating drive that. So look for us to do more of the domestic just from our early interactions. I have very high infrastructure investments. Like I said before, we have hopes for what this board is going to accomplish. plan to do 20 of these healthcare projects, which I think is going to create a lot of jobs. The LUTH Cancer How would your new board and the existing Centre employs in an excess of a 100 people. And executive management team position for the I think in the diagnostic centres we have more than global economic market development such as 50 people each. And we are going to have 20 more the US Trade inflation, the tapering of bond and a big hospital coming up in healthcare. Not only buying and so on? is that going to save us foreign exchange going for If you remember when who spoke during our medical treatment abroad which saw with the LUTH earnings announcement and even in January and Cancer Centre during COVID, people could not travel. maybe first quarter when I spoke on the show, So, most people who unfortunately cancer had ended I made it clear that one of the things that really up paying and coming to our centre and we have very worried me was inflation. We had very successful good therapist. The second thing is that of course you 2020 and I was very clear that 2021 may not be have seen us in agriculture, and you are going to see as strong as 2020 because we were going to start more in agriculture. The farm in Nasarawa is doing taking some risk off. We may have taken some very well which is very interesting. But there is a lot risk off too early, because one of the other thing more in logistic that you are going to see us play a also emerging in the market unfortunately is that role in agriculture. This I think is going to be very against all the data of inflation and growth that is not important for economic diversification. But what is quite matching up to the stock market exuberance, even more fascinating is what you are going to see Orji people continue to invest in the market, because us do in technology. We have not been in technology many times people have come to realise that they for a while, we started investing in venture capital So just watch out that is all I can tell you, a somebody who knows the NSIA very well, we have no options. So, you have seen more and more two years ago, and now we are going to start making lot of work has gone into them and I believe met in 2012, that was actually when I arrived to money go into the market. But we have taken some direct investment in technology. And it is everything between now and the end of the year you will start the NSIA. The then Minister of Finance, Ngozi risk off, a number of things for us is essentially from networking, from sub-marine cable systems, cable see us announce a number of real important Okonjo-Iweala introduced Farouk and I, and he is what you mentioned which is inflation. Some of landing stations, all the way through to metro network interventions for investments in these areas. This been very close to the NSIA, and he ran our first us are old school when it comes to investing, I fibre and Fintech. is something I feel very confident that Nigeria is strategic session. So this is not somebody who is a understand what inflation can do to the market. It going to build a competitive advantage. When we stranger to the NSIA, he knows the story very well. is an extraordinary task on the market and makes I want to ask if you are putting some money were investing in healthcare, one thing was clear, in He has been very instrumental in the history of it very difficult for people to invest. in some of our fintech start-ups? New York, Nigerians have a competitive advantage many things that we have done including fertilizer, What happens with inflation - interest rates There are ways to invest in them. The NSIA has in healthcare, same in London, we have doctors, roads and all that. So he is the chairman and we have to rise, to slow down inflation and once they invested in almost every private equity company that we have good people. So, healthcare investment are very glad and he is an inspired choice from rise equity markets goes down and bond market exist in Nigeria today. And we have made a decision for us was straight forward. Same in technology, the president and we are very happy to have him goes down. So we decided to take some risk off to also invest in venture capital firms that exist in the there is a huge competitive advantage in technology as our chairman. We have Ali Goni Kadugum, and you saw us also swivel more to Europe. We country. So, we have started making those investments, that are going to work out to help grow as NSIA. a top scholar at the College of Education in Yobe started buying more European equities because and some of our venture capital and private equity State, who is also now a member of the board Europe has a lot of value and highly rich devalued investments that we have made end up investing in Can you unveil your new board? representing North East. There is Mr. Ike Chioke, stocks in the United States. So there is a lot of what those companies. So, yes we do have some exposure, you Our chairman is Mr. Faouk Mohammed Gumel. a first class engineer, who runs Afrinvest, a Rhodes you call value investment going in Europe. So we know one step you move yes, but at the moment that is Gumel was a partner at Pwc and then he has gone Scholar and Oxford Scholar. This is someone I have made a switch into European equities a little bit a level of exposure because it is also risk management on to work for a conglomerate that is involved in known for a very long time and he is somebody at the beginning of the year and we are going to for us. As we continue to development and evolve, commodities and agriculture called TGI Group. that we are very pleased to have on our board. maintain that. Look, I would rather just leave the we are now feeling more confident to start taking He is am executive director there and chairman We have Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman who was at last five per cent on the table than chase it all the direct steps into this area. of a number of subsidiaries. Farouk Gumel is the NDIC as a top examiner, representing North way and fall off a cliff.

HOMES&DESIGN IN SEARCH OF SKYSCRAPERS IN NIGERIA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET Nigeria’s real estate industry is young and vibrant, developing fast and increasingly attracting investors, especially in economically advantaged states like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and the country’s capital, Abuja, writes Samuel Nwite

here was a rush of adrenaline. It was just a in Nigeria to factors such as “a 100 per cent The slow progress of the projects is attributed to LEARNING FROM CHINA AND year short of Nigeria’s 20th independence absence of regulation for high rise construction and poor funding, which developers said is the main SINGAPORE anniversary. The skylines were bereft of tall maintenance, about 90 per cent lack of domestic reason few high-rises dot the skyline of Africa’s When it comes to housing, China and Singapore buildings. Nothing to compare to the Tower expertise for high rise buildings and poor public most populous country. But apart from funding, share common challenges with Nigeria. In China, of Babel of ancient fame left uncompleted supply of electricity and water.” the three most feared hazards of tall buildings, the challenge is a large population of people. While Tat its prime. As Nigeria almost turned a full circle of fire, terrorist attacks, and building collapse, have in Singapore, it is a limited landmass, a situation the second decade, a giant rose in the sky. It was a BUT THERE IS MORE. also been fingered as factors hampering the similar to Lagos. China has more populated regions delight to behold, a sensation in the sky. Embraced “The barriers include cultural bias to high rise, development of high-rise buildings in Nigeria. than Nigeria but has managed to contain its housing by the clouds and caressed by the sun, it glistened lack of technology, epileptic power supply, poor Some real estate developers believe that the deficit using the high-rise building template. With in splendour. Towering and shimmering above any maintenance culture, poor fire service delivery, lack of government participation and support is more than 1400 skyscrapers above 492 ft constructed, known tall building in Africa’s most populous nation, inadequate policies, and investment funding,” also stymieing the potential growth of high-rise the South Asian giant has the largest number of tall the NET Building (NITEL, NECOM) has stood the said Prof Adeolu Afolabi said in his research buildings in Nigeria, as poor economic policies buildings in the world. This number of tall buildings test of time as the incontrovertible tallest building work ‘Vertical Architecture Construction: Prospects and developments have spooked foreign direct has enabled China to shelter its over 1.4 billion people, in Nigeria. It is number four in Africa and 234 in and Barriers in Solving Lagos Housing Deficit’. investment. the largest population in the world. the world. Many real estate developers believe the major He pointed out that Dubai has a record of Singapore, with a landmass of 728.6km, is one constraint is funding, and it is multidimensional. developing high-end mixed-use structures by of the smallest countries in the world. Home to a 42 YEARS AFTER... They said it is not just about the cash, but the giving tax holidays to the developer and those growing population of multicultural groups and With exploding population and rising housing things that will unlock cash are not exactly easy. that will occupy the building and other forms of a tourist centre, the Asian country has constructed deficit driving the demand, experts have predicted They said, in Nigeria, it is difficult to use the incentives like pioneer status, but these incentives more than 8,600 high-rise buildings, a development a bright outlook of 10 to 20 per cent value increase for land as asset-backed security to unlock financing. are lacking in Nigeria. believed to have helped eliminate its housing crisis. Nigeria’s real estate market in 2021, despite COVID-19 So, it becomes a situation where people have to For a landlocked place like Lagos, the lack of A real estate developer, Dim Chukwu, said for downturns. However, as the industry bubbles to a put in raw cash instead of that asset to unlock skyscrapers in Nigeria’s real estate development Nigeria to meet its affordable housing needs, high- brighter future, its failure to bridge the widening the cash. only exacerbates its housing crisis buoyed mainly rise buildings must come into play. “Developers are housing deficit gap pinpoints a giant vacuum in its With a booming population of more than 206 by its meagre land size of about 1,171.28 square concerned about so many factors. There is a lack of housing development mechanism. million people, Nigeria can only boast of about 40 kilometres, a landmass so cramped for its over funds, and there is a lack of expertise to construct tall There are many real estate companies in Nigeria, high-rise buildings. The 526ft 32-storey NECOM 20 million population. Although other places buildings. Individuals are only building what they concentrating on the states where housing demand House in Lagos built in 1979, leads the pack, like Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, can afford to build. The government is not showing is higher. Each of the developers marketing multiple while the rest, located in different parts of the with distressing housing situations, have larger enough commitment, and major real estate companies lands, houses, and office space properties. One peculiar country, fall under 500ft, with the least being landmass, they face major housing crises in the are concerned about return on investment,” he noted. thing notably missing in their catalogue is skyscrapers under 200ft. Most buildings were constructed near future. Ede explained that to harness the many advantages (high-rise buildings), a housing infrastructural system before 2000, highlighting skyscrapers’ missing The United Nations projects Nigeria’s population of high-rise buildings fully, the government and all that has seen highly populated and landlocked countries features in emerging Nigeria’s real estate market. will double in 2050, reaching about 401.31 million stakeholders must take bolder steps to confront the like China and Singapore stem the tide of housing Although there have been attempts to bridge due to its 3.2 per cent yearly growth rate. With an challenges. “This will go a long way in providing deficit. the gap with ongoing projects like the $1 billion anticipated future full of people, the remedy for an answer to the problem of inadequate housing In 2014, Dr Anthony Ede, in a study on ‘Challenges Abuja World Trade Centre and the multibillion- Nigeria’s housing crisis lies greatly in incorporating in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja and Lagos, where Affecting the Development and Optimal Use of Tall dollar Eko Atlantic City, the high-rise feature in high-rise buildings in its emerging real estate there is limited availability of buildings and usable Buildings in Nigeria,’ attributed lack of tall buildings Nigeria significantly falls short. market. land,” he said. 44 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021˾THISDAY TRIBUTE CAPTAIN HOSA: HIS WHOLE ESSENCE WAS MAKING SACRIFICE FOR OTHERS Greg Uanseru have been saddled with Herculean roles throughout my six decades of existence. One of the hardest tasks I have had to take up, however, is penning this tribute in honour of my bosomI friend and brother, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, with whom I shared ancestry, career history, and an unbreakable filial bond. These saw us through thick and thin and consolidated our strong ties. It is hard to write this heartfelt eulogy for a good friend without it bringing a tear to one’s eyes, knowing that we have lost one of the most courageous and profoundly noble human beings that any of us will share time with on earth. The demise of Capi as I used to call him, has left a huge gap nobody can fill because he was unique and wired differently. His fierce dignity, compassion, and unbending will to sacrifice for the greater good, in the interest of the larger society, speaks volumes of his uncommon personality. Many have said a lot about Capi – extolling his magnanimous spirit and the generosity of his large heart – but as someone who was close to him, I was privileged with a deeper knowledge of his extraordinary humaneness. In a world, filled with people of different shades and backgrounds with uncertain motives, Captain Hosa’s natural ability to deal successfully with everyone, without compromising his honesty and transparency spoke volumes of his excellent human relations and diplomatic prowess. I recall vividly, that, many years ago, he told me that: “If you want to play the game, it is important to know all the players. This knowledge prepares you ahead and helps you to navigate through and manage every conflict that may arise.” Such was his profound depth - which clearly distinguished him as a corporate titan and socioeconomic player of note. Captain Hosa hardly prevaricated on any matter. He was a man of conviction, whose intents were always known from the word ‘Go!’ He never gave room for anyone to question his integrity because his words were his bond. Even so, he never claimed to be sanctimonious. If anyone had issues Greg (right) and Captain Hosa with him, chances were that they would be at fault, for he would never take advantage Capi. He had been rushed to the hospital were used for many of the memorable without the example set by this illustrious, of anyone. In fact, he would rather deprive after his health relapsed. I travelled back moments we shared as friends and brothers. true son of Edo. We shared so many and sacrifice his material benefits should they to see him, but I had to quarantine, first in We had special names by which we called beautiful moments when we were growing stand in the way of the robust relationships London, due to the COVID-19 guidelines ourselves during the good moments. And up. He had been kind from when he barely he had with people. in the United Kingdom. A day after the we had the special names by which we had much to give. For him, giving was a For Captain Hosa, peace trumped everything end of the quarantine, I got a Whatsapp hailed ourselves during the not-so-good religion which he practiced unabashedly. and formed the basis of his existence; and message from the daughter saying, “Uncle times. But they were special names because He would always be with people in their core to his pursuit of peace was his capacity start coming to the hospital”! I rushed they carried meaningful endearment with difficult times. His philanthropy was to show love. This is why most tributes about down to the hospital and beheld my best them. They were shared, strictly just by without any sociological limitations or him dwell on his benevolence and generosity. friend, lying almost lifeless on the bed. the two of us. Such was the depth of any primordial sentiments. Capi and I shared a bond that could best I barely managed to control my tears. I our bond. As friends and partners, we had our be described as filial. It wouldn’t be out of called him, by some of the special names Capi, was a beacon of hope for many moments of disagreement on issues, but we place for anyone to describe our relationship I used to call him from our childhood people, with whom he came in contact. both allowed the sacred saying of Apostle as that of two brothers from different mothers. days. He opened his eyes, looked at me, His was a story in conquests - conquest Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians in We were that close. Our brotherhood dated and shut his eyes because he could not over poverty and rising from a lowly chapter 4 verse 26 to be our watchword: back to our formative years. We had a great, talk to me. It dawned on me that life was beginning to the pinnacle of his professional “…let not the sun go down upon your long-standing relationship rooted in shared ebbing out of my best friend. That was it. calling in the aviation sector. He was an wrath.” In fact, each argument we had, respect and understanding of our common I succumbed to grief and burst into tears. outstanding pilot with feats and feathers deepened our knowledge about each other values. I will try to illustrate the depth of Capi and I shared many sobriquets by to his cap. I was a first-hand witness to and strengthened our bond. our bond with three poignant stories. which we hailed ourselves. The sobriquets his exploits in aviation because I operated Captain Hosa was also big on passion. A month before his death, Capi had called side-by-side with him. He constantly sought out new passions me to ask when I would visit him in London. “We had special names His bravery was conspicuous in the face and gave every last ounce of himself to He wished to spend time with me. But he of the few challenges and setbacks he had his pursuits. More importantly, he was was particularly interested in me coming by which we called while here. The manner he handled his a great dad, an amazing husband, who to see him so we could have our favourite struggles with grace and good humour, dedicated himself to his family. He loved delicacy - bean porridge. This was a routine ourselves during the and his ability to acknowledge his own his children with all his heart. He never we both enjoyed from childhood through good moments. And we imperfections made him remarkable. left anything in the tank; he left it all on our struggling years as young men. And I am one of the thousands of people the floor. I strongly believe that is what the habit had stuck with us, even after God had the special names who drew inspiration from Captain Hosa’s he would want us to do. blessed us with prosperity. by which we hailed life. I paid attention to his words and I solemnly make a promise from this So, off I went to London, to see my friend actions, which sometimes served as life day forward that I will live with the and brother. He was so happy to see me and ourselves during the not- lessons in spite of the fact that we were memories of knowing that I had a friend we feasted on our bean porridge delicacy in contemporaries. The fact that he achieved and a brother, whose whole essence was the company of a few mutual friends. Capi so-good times. They were greatness in all ramifications speaks of making sacrifices for others to live well. was in high spirit but little did I know that shared, strictly just by how much one can achieve when they To the Okunbos, I extend my deepest that would be our last meal together. are guided by their hopes and not by sympathy and gratitude for sharing this A few weeks after our meeting, I returned the two of us. Such was their fears. extraordinary man with us. to Nigeria but I was suddenly called to see the depth of our bond.” I cannot fully imagine my own life Rest in peace, my dear great friend. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 45 46 THISDAY ˾˜SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE CBN Highlights Benefits of Development Finance Interventions

Gideon Arinze in Enugu such as insecurity, exchange CBN was doing to workers and rate, issues of price adjustment leaders in the state to enable The Central Bank of Nigeria in terms of power or fuel and take the message back to their (CBN) has said it introduced others have led to the inflation people in the language they a total of 37 intervention that is being experienced today. will understand. programmes as part of its He regretted that the dollar Also speaking, the Director efforts to boost the Nigerian exchange rate for instance, General of Michael Imodu economy. increased as a result of the National Institute of Labour The Director, Corporate massive importation of goods, Studies, Issah Aremu, disclosed Communications Department, reiterating the need to diversify that CBN has been financing CBN, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, the economy. indigenous companies to made this known during a He said already the central improve production of locally one-day interactive session bank’s interventions were made goods. with organised labour and meant to support economic He commended the CBN civil society on the 5-year policy diversification. Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele thrust of CBN in “That is also why the CBN for setting the agenda for at the weekend. is doing massive intervention Nigerians to start producing According to him, the especially in agriculture and that locally what they consume. interventions of the Bank are is why we are here to discuss Earlier, the Chairman of purpose-driven, functionally our policies and interventions the Nigeria Labour Congress, based and also well thought programmes with some sig- Enugu State chapter, Virginus out as well as borne out of nificant stakeholders in this Nwobodo, said the interactive the critical issues within the country,” he explained. session would go a long way economic space. He said the goal was to in encouraging Nigerians to He noted that challenges relate the message of what the patronise locally made goods. First Bank Launches Mobile MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Banking Application JANUARY 2021

In furtherance of its commitment modernise its interaction with ensuring the continued safety Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 to spearhead value-driven mobile customers, irrespective of where of their funds and providing and digital banking in Nigeria, they may be across the world. them with access to renewed -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 First Bank of Nigeria Limited These functions of the LIT app transformative and adaptable Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 has announced the launch of include: multiple transfers which solutions especially in today’s the LIT Application, created to allow customers to select several digital world. Developing the -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 revolutionise the culture and beneficiaries at once for a single application is essential to make -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 experience of mobile banking transfer; account opening oppor- certain that our customers have in Nigeria. tunities for non-customers as more ways to seamlessly interact ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 The bank in a statement signed well as account management, with us. The LIT App is the latest by its Group Head, Marketing enabling customers to identify addition to the Bank’s robust ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 & Corporate Communications, their relationship managers for electronic banking family, with Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 Folake Ani-Mumuney said the immediate assistance, should others being the multiple global banking app is the first of its the need arise. award-winning FirstMobile, *894# Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 kind in the industry, “expos- “In addition, customers USSD Banking, FirstOnline -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 ing customers to a wealth of can generate bank statements internet banking, WhatsApp opportunities to promote their with options to download as chat banking, amongst many ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 safety, convenience whilst ensur- pdf or send an email whilst others.” ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 ing they are at an edge in today’s having receipts generated as He added, “First Bank of digital banking world. It is a far back as one wants. With Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 mobile banking app developed the LIT app, customers are is the premier Bank in West and owned by the Bank and also able to log and manage Africa and the leading financial ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 configured with a wide range their complaint(s) without inclusion services provider in --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 of exciting features to meet the having to visit the branch. Nigeria for over 127 years. With needs of its dynamic customers.” The LIT app is not all about over 750 business locations and Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 The statement added, “LIT usage but rewards as users over 120,000 Banking Agents application is not just about (customers) are rewarded for spread across 99% of the 774 --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 bills payment, funds transfer or using the application.” CEO, Local Government Areas in --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ airtime recharge, but also the app First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria, FirstBank provides a --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 is equipped with several other Dr. Adesola Adeduntan in the comprehensive range of retail exciting features that reiterate statement said, “The LIT App and corporate financial services the Bank’s resolve to continually is designed to strengthen our to serve its over 30 million Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) expand its digital architecture to commitment to our customers, customers. Month March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16

LOTUS Bank Commences Operations in Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Three New Locations Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 With the simultaneous open- experience.Poised to have its requirement for building any ing of three new locations in customers experience bank- strong economy. Everyone can Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Lagos, LOTUS Bank Limited ing with ease, LOTUS Bank thrive where fairness prevails. now has physical presence in launches with digital offerings, Non-Interest Banking stands for 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 four locations in Lagos. which enable customers to equity and ethics in business, as The newest and third Non- open accounts online on the its well as growth for the real sector” 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Interest Bank (NIB) in the country, website and transact via USSD she added. 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 LOTUS Bank obtained its regional banking. This is in addition “Financial Inclusion is also licence from the Central Bank of to the issuance of free debit a strong motive for setting up 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 Nigeria (CBN) in May this year cards to account holders and LOTUS Bank. The concept of as a commercial bank. zero account maintenance charge. financial inclusion targeting the Prime Lending rate 17.35 The Bank commenced opera- Speaking about the bank’s offer- unbanked and underbanked Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 tions from its flagship branch in ings, the Managing Director, Mrs. population cannot remain just a Victoria Island on July 7, 2021, Kafilat Araoye stated that, “With concept but must be seen as an with a strong digital orientation. evolving digital solutions and actual necessity, for the nation’s ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ The new physical locations are a millennial generation coming economic growth” Araoye further to complement the bank’s digital into centre-stage, LOTUS Bank noted. OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 capabilities in serving its growing is bringing on board innovative With a growth strategy focused customer base. and comprehensive non-interest on continuously evolving by The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $71.27 a barrel on Wednesday, LOTUS Bank’s new locations compliant financial solutions in providing endearing financial compared with $71.43 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. are at Idumagbo on Lagos Island investment banking, consumer products, innovative solutions, The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan as well as Allen Avenue, Ikeja and banking, asset management, and expanding coverage across Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light Oshodi Transport Interchange on private banking, and wealth regions, LOTUS Bank aims to be (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Lagos Mainland. The Oshodi management.” of service to its current and future customers, who are looking for Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and outlet is a purpose-built Digital “At LOTUS Bank, we believe Merey (Venezuela). Service Centre designed to offer in fairness to all parties in every an alternative banking model in customers an exciting banking business transaction. This is a Non-Interest Banking. THISDAY ˾˜ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 47

   Yuguda: SEC Remits N1.5bn to FG, Assures of Profitability In Two Years Darasimi Adebisi noted that the commission has coronavirus pandemic, he “We therefore need the sup- Commission stays on track.This ated over N2billion of savings been paying 25 per cent of gross assured that steps are being port of all to engineer the kind is something we are mindful of as at now. If you take the MTEF Following comments attributed revenues into the coffers of taken to reverse the fortunes of transition we are thinking of and we have the intent and numbers, as you go forward, to the Nigerian Senate that the government. of the SEC. at the SEC and that 30 per cent capacity to deliver on this.” you find that by 2024 staff cost Securities and Exchange Com- He, however, unveiled plans He said: “If we go through which is taking most of the staff On the high overhead costs, reduces to only N5.88billion. So mission (SEC) was gradually to reduce its operating costs in the Medium-Term Expenditure cost is part of the set we are the SEC DG explained that that is the trajectory that we are becoming insolvent and could order to boost profitability within Framework which we started targeting for the early retirement this is being reduced aggres- working on.” go bankrupt very soon, Director- the next two years. last year, if we look at 2022 and programme. sively. To shore up the resources of General, of the SEC, Mr. Lamido While admitting that the com- 2023, you will see that we have “There is a lot of interest Yuguda said, “It has reduced SEC, he said the Commission Yuguda has disclosed that the mission has been operating under worked on our expenditure so within the Commission to do because we have since we has approached a number of Commission as at the end of June very difficult circumstances since that by 2023, the deficit will it but we are really short of the came, aggressively looked at institutions like the African 2021 remitted about N1.5billion it is currently superintending actually turn into a surplus of funds to do it now. We have the overhead and staff cost and Development Bank, Financial to federal government treasury. over a market that was affected N1.23billion and by 2024 we done a lot of revenue rising reduced certain components of Sector Development Africa and In a statement, the SEC boss by the negative impact of the should have N2.5billion surplus. drives just to ensure that the our staff pay that has gener- a number of other donors. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 03/09/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 48 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 49 50 THISDAY ˾ʹ, 2021

ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏäÏÙÌÓ CITYSTRINGS ×ËÓÖÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘ Promoting Sustainable Environment through Recycling in Local Communities Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that Sahara Foundation, the CSR arm of Sahara Group, through its 'Green Life' initiative is promoting sustainable environment through recycling in local communities. Recently at Ijora, a suburb in Lagos, the foundation partnered WeCyclers to unveil a recycle hub in the community

lobally, plastic waste management is a critical issue that is needs proper management. According to reports, over 300 million metric tons of plastics are produced in the worldG annually. For Nigeria some 32 million tonnes of waste are generated per year, of which 2.5 million tonnes are plastic waste. In Lagos alone, 9,000 tonnes of waste are generated daily with about 86 per cent of it plastic, consisting bottles and bags. Despite that plastics are very suitable for reuse or recycling including production of blocks, new plastics or pallets for lock production, sadly, most of these end up in landfills, sewers, beaches and water bodies, thereby harming the Ecosystem. These plastic wastes make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the state, thus becoming a highly visible part of the waste stream (PET, Styrofoam and nylon commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags and others).

Consequences L-R: Finance Manager, Asharami Synergy, Ademola Johnson; Head, Business Development, Sahara Power Group, Victoria Loko Gom; Climate Change is one of the most pivotal Bashorun Ojora & Iganmu kingdom, High Chief Hakeem Oyewole Ojora; Eletu of Ojora & Iganmu kingdom, Chief Surajudeen Dosumu; issues of our time and we are at a critical point. Director Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Pearl Uzokwe; and Manager Sahara Foundation, Oluseyi Ojurongbe Across the world, there are changes to our weather patterns that threaten humanity, food production, alarming rises in sea levels that pose the risk of life threatening and disastrous floods as well as soil erosion due to climate-induced flooding. The menace of poor management of plastic waste that enters the environment is caused by open dumping, open burning, and disposal in waterways and even on the road. Inevitably, these waste pose great dangers to the environment. The environmental challenges they pose include ocean and lagoon debris, Ecosystems degradation, drainage clogging and flooding.

Effort by Sahara Reporters In 2020, Sahara Foundation- the corporate citizenship vehicle for Sahara Group revised its focus areas to two key pillars for all interventions going forward: Access to Energy and Promoting Sustainable Environments. In an effort to bring this to fruition, the Sahara Foundation through the Green Life Project recently launched its recycle exchange hub in Ijora community. The Ijora Recycle Exchange Hub in partnership with WeCyclers, (a social enterprise which gives low-income communi- ties in Nigeria a chance to capture value from waste and clean up their neighborhoods through incentive-based recycling). The recycling hub The Green Life Initiative is one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives, which Sahara Group has undertaken sustainable plastic waste management suitable environments’ and has received have one of our offices, circular economy with for the 25 years it has been in business, impacting to create value from the waste. This will immense support from the community. "We an avenue to dispose recyclable waste. Com- millions of beneficiaries directly and indirectly. formalise the waste-pickers’ sector to im- look forward to seeing this blossom. We munity members can exchange their recyclables prove livelihoods and reduce the pressure are optimistic that this project will become for benefits such as cash and health insurance Creating Value from Waste on landfill. It will also help the drainage a template for replicating other interven- amongst others. To achieve this, the foundation advocated channels and reduce plastic pollution in tions across Africa. This is also a means "The hub would serve as a collection point for the waste to wealth initiative to rescue the the marine environment. to improve the livelihoods of the people. where community members can get money or environment from negative impacts of climate He said the recycle hub will serve the Ijora This initiative aligns with the foundation’s earn points to build towards health insurance in change as residents will be rewarded with cash community to properly collect recyclable pillar of promoting suitable environments". exchange for plastics and other relevant waste or heath insurance in exchange for recyclable waste and ensure a sustainable environment in their communities. waste/ single use plastics. for all as community members will be able Ijora Recycle Hub "Plastic, aluminum and paper waste collected According to Pearl Uzokwe, Director of to exchange their recyclables for benefits Putting action to words, the foundation from the center will be processed and recycled Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, such as cash and health insurance. recently launched Ijora Recycle Exchange for other uses through We Cyclers. While we are the project stems from the Sahara Group’s For Oluseyi Ojurongbe, Sahara Founda- Hub in partnership with WeCyclers and tackling the environmental challenges caused by #GreenLife initiative launched in 2018 aimed tion Manager, this initiative aligns with Unilever. Ojurongbe said the Recycle Hub waste, we are also improving livelihoods through at recycling to promote a circular economy, the foundation’s key pillar of ‘promoting will provide the Ijora community, "where we job creation and environmental sustainability". upcycling, sustainable training, recycling for At the launch, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu health care and access to clean energy initiatives. Kingdom, Oba Dr. Abdulfatai Aremu Oyeyinka Uzokwe also mentioned that “At Sahara Aromire Oyegbemi The Second, represented Group, we have commenced an extensive The recycle hub would serve as a collection point by the Bashorun of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, recycling programme at our various offices of High Chief Hakeem Bashorun Oyewole Ojora, operation to drive environmental protection. where community members can get money or expressed appreciation on behalf of His Royal We will kick-off with the recycling of paper, Highness and people of Ijora on the gesture Sahara plastic and aluminum. Our aim is to promote earn points to build towards health insurance Foundation has extended to the community. He a circular economy aimed at minimising waste said this is coming at time when more emphasis and making the most of our resources. in exchange for plastics and other relevant needs to be paid to environmental pollution According to Project Manager, Wecyclers, and also assured the management of Sahara Charles Eyonomue, the goal is essentially for waste in their communities that the facility would be put into good use. THISDAY ˾ʹ, 2021 51 CRIME&SECURITY Army Champions Multi-agency CRIME SITUATION REPORTS Cooperation to Enhance Security COMPLIMENTARY SECURITIES: HOW EFFECTIVE IN FACE OF Operations EMERGING SECURITY CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD (PART 2)

Gbolahan Samuel Moronfolu and other responsibilities of security guards. MERITS OF CONTRACT 1. Maintain Order and SECURITY SERVICES Create a Safe Environ- 1. Legal Liabilities: Un- ment: Security guards are like in owning personal employed to patrol both security guard, contract the interior and exterior security is insured to of the premises in which undertake liabilities for they are deployed. They incidents involving there ensure windows, doors personnel, on course of and gates properly locked. duty. They closely look at ev- ery aspect and persons 2. Convenience: Hir- to ensure overall safety ing your own security is maintained and the personnel requires a lot environment is safe for of work, but a contract se- everyone. They are also curity company advertises responsible for preventing the position, undertakes unauthorized activities recruitment, training of within the premises. staff and acquisition of pre-requisite equipment 2. Identify Suspicious and deployment of Per- Behavior or Safety Risks: sonnel, at client instance. Security guards should be highly observant by 3. Security Officer Re- developing the ability to assignment: A client not watch and observe areas Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle), flanked by GOC 81 Division, Major General Lawrence satisfied with the perfor- without distractions. With Fejokwu (right) and FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa (left), at the event mance of a contract secu- the help of their profes- rity personnel can easily sional training, they call for a replacement and should be able to identify Precious Ugwuzor in Lagos and elsewhere have putting their hearts and minds it will be effected. the suspicious behavior of also added new dimensions to together to surmount any and all staff or visitors. Not only o enhance security opera- some of the security challenges of the challenges we are facing 4. Commitment: Con- this, they are also trained tions, the 81 Division of arising from urbanisation. today. tract entered into, is a to identify the signs of a the Nigerian Army has "I must say that we will have "I am glad to note that commitment and a trust potential criminal activ- called for continuous to remain focused in our efforts this year's operations plan- which forms between the ity, fire breakout, mishap, multi-agency cooperation. towards combating security ning cadre has an expanded two parties over time. It etc. TThe army made this call at the challenges in the modern day audience covering all security serves as the legal docu- Nigerian Army 81 Division Opera- complex environment." agencies. Such cooperation ment of commitment that 3. Respond to Emer- tions Planning Cadre 2021, held at Speaking, Lagos Governor, by all, will certainly go a long states how each party will gency Situations and the division Officers’ Mess, Outer Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also called way towards addressing the do their part. Contract se- Crisis: Security guards Marina, Lagos, recently. for an all systems approach to identified and emerging gaps curity services are under are the first respondents The event themed "enhancing solving security challenges in in the security and protection the oath of that contract, to emergency situations multi-agency cooperation in contem- the country, this is just as he of life and property not only in and must provide safety like natural calamities, porary security environment," was advocated constant update, Lagos State but in the country and security services fire breakouts, robberies, attended by heads of all security and upgrade of security architecture as a whole. that meet and/or exceed break-ins, etc. They are law enforcement agencies in Lagos, to enhance, and in keeping with "Therefore, this strong under- the expectations of that trained to remain calm including the Lagos State Governor, evolving demands and threats standing and appreciation of the contract. Less time spent and tackle such situa- Babajide Sanwo-Olu. faced tod Nigerian Army's place within managing security issues tions and also manage the In his welcome address, the General According to Sanwo-Olu, the the larger security architecture is etc. crowd. Special security Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 division's operation planning very much welcome and will no guards like first aid and Division, Major General Lawrence cadre could not have come at doubt play a critical positive role DEMERITS OF CON- CPR guards, fire watch Fejokwu, said the training was in a better time considering the in the outcomes we are seeing TRACT SECURITY guards, crisis manage- line with the vision of the Chief security challenges that have and expecting at various theatres Lack of loyalty to the ment guards, etc. are of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant bedevilled the country. of operation across the nooks contracting company, even more trained and General Farouk Yahaya, which is He noted that the challenges and crannies of our country. Low wages, specialized in dealing to have a “professional Nigerian had brought to fore, existing "It is therefore my hope and Poor performance with particular situations. Army ready to accomplish assigned gaps in approaches and various belief that every other security No immediate control.” missions within a joint environment responses which must be seen as and law enforcement agency in 4. Communicate with in the defence of Nigeria". opportunity to re-assess security the country will demonstrate a 2. PRIVATE SECURITY People: Proper com- He further emphasised the army's strategies strategies solutions. similar appreciation of this kind GUARD: A private guard munication is essential recognition of the need to groom He said: "We must however of cooperation and collaboration is a person contracted or to maintaining safety its officers with necessary skills in see this gap as opportunity to required to decisively defeat the hired for the provision and security within the planning and execution of opera- re-assess our security strategies forces of violence and criminality of armed and unarmed area. Security guards tions in the light of current security and solution. I belief this can be that are around all of us today." security services and are also responsible for challenges in the division’s Area of done at all levels of governance. At the event were the Flag expertize to public and communicating with Responsibilities (AOR) and Nigeria "It is therefore incumbent Officer Commanding (FOC) private clients. people efficiently. Com- at large. upon us as a society to con- Western Naval Command, munication may include He noted that "the Operations stantly update and upgrade our Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa; Air DUTIES AND RE- helping the visitors and Planning Cadre is also aimed at security architecture to enhance Officer Commanding (AOC) Lo- SPONSIBILITIS OF A directing them towards improving the professional efficiency and in keeping with the evolving gistics Command, Air Vice Mar- PRIVATE SECURITY the property, communicat- and harmonious relationship between demands and threats that we shal (AVM) Sunday Makinde; GUARD ing suspicious behavior the Nigerian Army and other all face today. Assistant Inspector General of Secure premises and or activity to the higher stakeholders in promoting synergy "You will all agree with me Police (AIG) in charge of Zone personnel by patrolling authorities, communi- in addressing all forms of internal that no single security agency II, Babatunde Kokumo; Lagos property; monitoring cating the situation of security challenges that may arise possess all the required skills State Commissioner, Hakeem surveillance equipment; emergency to the people in Lagos State and environs. and ability to sustainably secure Odumosu; and representatives of inspecting buildings, "In contemporary Nigeria, the this great country. The whole of the Department of State Services equipment and access -Moronfolu is a sea- effect of rural-urban migration systems approach is required for (DSS), Nigerian Security and points; permitting entry. soned security consultant resulting in the growth of cities has solving our security challenges. Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Obtain help by sounding with many years of secu- some attendant security challenges "All security agencies are among others. alarms. Prevent losses and rity and policing experi- such as armed robbery, social crises damage by reporting ir- ence. FELLOW, Fourth and - kidnapping. regularities, informing Estate Professional "The large populations of urban violators of policy and Society (FFPS), he has centres are also potent with the The Operations Planning Cadre is also procedures; restraining also partaken in peace difficulty to identifying terrorists, trespassers. keeping operations within insurgents and other troublemakers aimed at improving the professional A security guard plays and outside the country from law-abiding citizens. efficiency and harmonious relationship many different roles, but and has flair for general "The propensity for confronta- his primary task is to pre- security education. tion and clashes between various between the Nigerian Army and other vent crime. Let’s take a security agencies and stakeholders look at various qualities ...Cont'd next week as is occasionally being experienced stakeholders 52 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021• THISDAY 53 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 02- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Sept-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 160.90 162.25 -0.62% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 5.19% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 324.13 324.13 -15.98% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.40 110.40 -0.51% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.75% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.79 2.85 -2.39% 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 6.59% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.79 153.07 -1.74% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.31 3.47 -2.69% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.32 1.54% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.10 1.10 0.64% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.78% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 138.75 140.42 4.32% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.42 1.44 4.17% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 -13.69% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,147.76 1,147.76 5.69% 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 19.57 20.16 7.92% Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.47 11.50 8.88% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 431.91 444.93 7.88% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 9.10% ARM Ethical Fund 38.15 39.30 13.17% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.10 -0.56% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.14% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.49% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.67 1.69 7.15% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.57 11.56 -4.91% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.01% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.64 1.66 3.86% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 106.03 106.03 4.25% PACAM EuroBond Fund 113.02 114.91 2.91% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,031.03 1,031.03 3.10% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.60 134.17 8.84% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 10.02% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 -8.11% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.12 2.16 -7.45% Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,299.58 3,334.47 2.73% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.69 232.69 3.49% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.88% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.24 4.24% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 306.68 306.68 4.08% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 226.32 229.67 3.70% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.58% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.15% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,467.45 10,614.58 -0.26% Paramount Equity Fund 16.49 16.80 3.13% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.66% Women's Investment Fund 136.48 138.05 2.55% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.48 115.48 3.96% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 103.44 103.44 - Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.18% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.54 119.28 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.31 1.33 2.42% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.47% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.74% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.08 108.08 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.97% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.06 120.06 4.89% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.08 4.11% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.96% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.12% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.72% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.41 1.41 -10.80% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.86 12.97 8.35% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.31 14.46 17.21% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 7.82% Zenith Income Fund 24.33 24.33 1.44% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.58% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.11% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,157.37 1,174.17 0.48% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 124.98 10.62% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,410.64 1,410.64 11.64% Union Homes REIT 53.10 5.15% FBN Balanced Fund 191.53 192.78 2.05% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.11% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.31 13.41 0.67% SIAML Pension ETF 40 121.32 124.34 0.90% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.98 126.98 3.48% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.51 98.61 -2.73% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 158.55 160.77 4.87% MERGROWTH ETF 17.42 17.51 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 18.25 18.35 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.97 3.97 2.54% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.89 3.93 3.00% Legacy Equity Fund 1.59 1.62 4.46% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.44 5.52 -4.29% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.19 1.19 4.40% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.38 17.48 7.13% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.47 19.67 -5.09% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 158.16 160.16 -28.10% Coral Balanced 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 Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.40 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 54 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 55 FIFTY-FIVE

WHY PDP MAY LOSE ALL SOUTHERN STATES IF IT ZONES PRESIDENCY TO NORTH still vulnerable in many northern otherwise is almost an anathema State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; presidency. a northern presidential candidate. stated that his tenure as the national states, including the ones it currently among the political class and even and his Bauchi State counterpart, The southern governors believe The state is already 50-50 for both chairman would end on December controls and the ones it doesn't. among the average southerner. Bala Muhammed, supported tacitly that for the survival of the PDP leading parties and the APC has 9 2021, because he was elected on The party might, however, lose “It is that mood of the southern by Senator , a post-2023, power has to move federal might to its advantage. December 9, 2017, and sworn in states like Taraba, Benue and unable people that was reflected, when former Kano State governor, want down South. Bayelsa State is even more same day. to win back Plateau, if it decided 17 southern governors met and the South to produce the next PDP According to the survey, the fac- vulnerable, because despite Regardless, the embattled to zone presidency to the north. asked that the president should go chairman, even after Secondus, so tors in each of the critical southern the misgivings about the APC national chairman had recently At centre of the war of attrition to the South. Right now, Southern that the presidency could be in states, with seeming PDP influence, governorship candidate, David debunked rumours that he had over the chairmanship of the party leaders are so united that they don’t the North.” painted scenarios peculiar to them. Lyon, who won by a majority of resigned from his position. lies the desperate permutations of want to be divided on the issue To achieve this, the northern In Cross River, for instance, the public votes in the last election, A statement by his Special where the party zones its presiden- and don't mind where in the south group has engaged individuals, even though the governor has the party still won. But the PDP Adviser on Media, Mr. Ike Abonyi, tial ticket to. The Southerners, who the president comes from - whether like the Chairman of Daar Com- defected to the ruling APC, the only came in through the court. dismissed the report as untrue, but want Secondus out, want him out from the South-east, South-south munications, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, state is predominantly PDP. However, with the current Minister he contended that he was merely to pave the way for a replacement or South-west. and others, who are also seeking to But the governor, Professor Ben of State for Petroleum Resources, obeying an interim court order from the north, while the northern “They are of the view that it be vice president, from the South, Ayade, the survey showed, would Timipre Sylva, and huge federal at the time. group led by Atiku and co, wants is in the collective interest of the to start speaking in support of the get momentum and defeat Liyel forces and privileges, APC would He added that as a law-abiding him to either stay or be replaced entire south to produce the next northern PDP members’ agenda. Imoke and Donald Duke – two just replay the card it played the citizen, who had been an adherent by another southerner to solidify president. They believe all southern From the analysis of the survey, former governors combined – if last time, if the APC put forward of the rule of law as a basis for their push for the presidential ticket people should be entitled to run if the trajectory of the country was PDP chose a northern president a southern candidate and PDP democracy, he had to stay away to be zoned to the north. and whoever gets the ticket from reviewed from 1960, the North has and APC settled for a southern went North. as a form of respect for the courts. In the south, the particularly the region would be accepted. produced more presidents, and in presidential candidate. This, the From Delta’s axis, there’s no The offices of the national vulnerable key states that the PDP “This is actually the undercurrent the 1999 Constitution, there is an survey added, could make the debating the fact that Governor chairman of the PDP and other is likely to lose are Delta, Akwa in the crisis over Uche Secondus’ agreement that for the survival governor take the state deeper is popular, especially, members of the National Working Ibom, Rivers and Oyo, if the ruling chairmanship in PDP, which has pit- of the country, power must rotate into APC. based on his performance record. Committee (NWC) are guaranteed APC played smart by zoning its ted Governor Nyesom Wike against between North and South. The Akwa Ibom situation is not But in the face of a southern four-year term. presidential ticket to the South. Secondus, with many southern It was based on these undercur- quite different, according to the candidate for APC and a northern Officially, PDP is expected to Such a move, findings showed, governors silently supporting rents, that the THISDAY EIG carried survey. While the governor, Udom candidate for PDP, his popularity submit the approved zoning of could give the APC a sweeping Wike’s position, believing that if out a survey, as it has always done Emmanuel, is by every measure would not save his party. offices of the members of the NWC momentum in the countdown to Secondus retains the chairmanship since 1999, where it noticed that considered to be doing well, a The party would most likely to the coming NEC meeting on the 2023 elections that would see of the party after the convention, in each of the PDP states in the northern presidential candidate as be swept out by the combined September 9 2021, other stakehold- it maintaining its hold on power. the Presidency would automatically South, PDP was likely to lose the the PDP standard bearer, would be forces of the Deputy Senate ers have been plotting to see that According to the THISDAY EIG go to the North, which they don’t governorship with a northern a hard sell for him and could lose President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and the NWC members elected were survey, “If the PDP zones the Presi- want. Wike's attempt to force presidency, given the overwhelming the state to other forces, such as the the Minister of State for Labour, pliable to their aspiration. dency to the North, they are likely Secondus out is supported by most move in the South for a president current APC National Secretary, Festus Keyamo, as well as others In this regard, some stakeholders to lose all their current Southern of the southern PDP governors, from the region. Senator James Akpanudoedehe, in the APC. With federal support, were believed to be working to states, essentially, because of the albeit quietly.” That momentum, from all and the Minister of Niger Delta, they would dislodge the PDP in ensure that the national chairman- mood in the South that Nigeria’s The survey further gathered that, indications, might therefore lead Senator , who Delta and sweep Okowa away, ship of the party was micro-zoned Presidency should rotate between “Many of them (governors) are to the loss of states likes Cross River would use federal incumbency to should the PDP present a northern to the South-west, but a few others the North and the South. looking to people like Makarfi as (the governor has already defected), sweep PDP away. president. insisted that zoning it to the South- “Most Southerners believe a possible chairman of the party Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Abia, Rivers, a crucial PDP state, This scenario also applies to west might prove difficult, as it that, for equity, balance, cohesion, after Secondus. Enugu and Oyo. might easily slip the way of former Oyo, being PDP’s only state in could amount to abridging the security and stability of the union, However, to counter them, the Currently, there would not Governor Chibuike Amaechi, the South-west, where Governor constitutional rights of Secondus the next president should come northern group with presidential be an election in Edo next year. who is currently the Minister of Seyi Makinde, is surrounded by to seek a constitutional re-election. from the Southern part of Nigeria, bid led by a former Vice President, However, Obaseki, although a PDP Transportation, and effectively counterparts from the ruling party. On his part, Dokpsei too has after Buhari would have completed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; for President governor, the survey showed, is dislodging Governor Nyesom In fact, survey showed he is hugely since debunked reports that he eight years in 2023. To propose of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Sokoto a firm believer in the southern Wike, should the party embrace disadvantaged. was in the chairmanship race. A The survey, nonetheless, from the statement from him claimed he permutations that came out during wanted to keep his integrity and PDP’s 92nd National Executive not soil or dent it. Call for Emergency Rule in Benue Needless, Says Moro Committee (NEC) meeting some Unfortunately, nobody from weeks ago, there were indications the South-east has indicated Chuks Okocha in Abuja we call on Mr. President as Benue can effectively be tackled, “The federal government has the primary responsibility to secure that the party might actually zone interest in the presidential run, Commander-in-Chief of the in the interest of our people, its presidential ticket to the North not even a former governor of Senator representing Benue South Armed Forces to declare a state would rather be requesting the Nigerians with all the security architectures under its control. and the office of the national Anambra State, , who senatorial district, Abba Moro, has of emergency in Benue State to President to declare a state of was Atiku’s running mate in the condemned in its entirety, call bring the security situation in the emergency in Benue state. So, as against the declaration chairman to the South. by a former governor of Benue state under control.” “I don’t understand why any of emergency rule, the federal As a result of this, the governors 2019 presidential election. State, Senator , But Moro, in responding, said it well-meaning Benue citizen would government should rise to the of the party from the North, However, from the North, the for the declaration of a state of was unfortunate that a respected think that the best way to address occasion by intensifying its effort believed to have presidential list has continued to increase. There emergency in the state. leader and erstwhile governor the issue of insecurity in the state to tackle the menace of insecurity interest, have begun to jostle to are several posters at the party Akume, who is the current of the state would be asking for will be to declare an emergency that is ravaging not only Benue ensure the emergence of a national secretariat in Abuja announcing minister of special duties and the dismantling of the democratic rule. I condemn in its totality, the State but different parts of the chairman that would be disposed the aspirations of Tambuwal, Atiku, intergovernmental affairs, had at structure in Benue State as his reported call by Senator Akume country,” Moro stated. to their aspiration. Mohammed, Kwankwaso, and a a press conference in Abuja, asked suggested solution to the problem on President Muhammadu Buhari The Benue South senator, who A former military governor former governor of Jigawa State, President Muhammadu Buhari of insecurity in the state. for the declaration of the state of had recently visited Akume in of Lagos State and later civilian Sule Lamido. to declare a state of emergency “I couldn’t imagine that Senator emergency in Benue State. his Abuja office, despite their governor of Osun State, Col. Ahead of the zoning for both in Benue, as a way of tackling George Akume, an esteemed “I implore the President never political differences, to discuss Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for instance, the presidential ticket and office the heightened wave of insecurity leader, who once administered to heed to such a request as it critical Benue matters of mutual is said to be the favourite of of the national chairman, the in the state. the affairs of our dear state, and was made in bad faith and not interest, said it was important for many of the bigwigs, should the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) According to Akume, “Since should therefore be working in the best interest of the good all citizens of the state to support incumbent, Secondus, decide not of the PDP, Senator Waliid Jubrin, Governor Ortom has consistently hand-in-hand with the incumbent people of Benue State, who have Ortom with the extent of resilience, to re-contest in the October 30th and Dokpesi have said the main alleged that the security situation Governor Samuel Ortom, regard- suffered so much the consequence courage and doggedness he has and 31th national convention in opposition party stood a better in Benue State, has deteriorated less of his political affiliation, and of the high level insecurity in the been showing to confront the Abuja. chance in 2023 with a northern in such a manner that lives of come up with better suggestions state with the destruction of many problem. Secondus, in a statement, had candidate. Benue people are not secured, as to how the security situation in lives and property. BUHARI ADMINISTRATION HAS BROKEN MANY JINXES, SAYS PRESIDENCY COUP IN GUINEAN AS SOLDIERS OUST PRESIDENT CONDÉ Adesina stated that the Buhari Imo; Ibiono-Ibom Earth Dam, Prisons Act, almost 50 years after attempted takeover had been lives and property.” forces loyal to the president have administration launched the first Akwa Ibom; Gadau/Lafia Zigau it was first enacted. thwarted by the presidential The West African country "contained the threat and repelled National Social Investment Pro- Dam, Bauchi; Alajue Small Earth “The Suppression of Piracy guards. of Guinea is rich in natural the group of assailants." gramme in the country’s history, Dam, Osun; Kampe Omi Dam, and Other Maritime Offences This followed hours of heavy resources, but years of unrest Earlier, the only bridge con- stressing that it is today the largest Kogi (Rehabilitation); and Kargo Act (SPOMO), 2019 – the first gunfire near the presidential and mismanagement have made necting the mainland to the Social Investment Programme in Dam, Kaduna (Rehabilitation). of its kind in the entire Gulf of palace in the capital, Conakry. the country to become one of Kaloum peninsular, housing most Africa and one of the largest in Other achievements listed by Guinea, dedicated to prosecuting Guinea joined the growing list the world’s poorest. ministries and the presidential the world. He also mentioned the Adesina include, “Deep Offshore maritime offences. of countries on the continent that Nine unnamed soldiers, palace, was sealed off while many restoration of the Federal Budget and Inland Basin (Production Shar- “CAMA, 2020 – the first over- have recently fallen into military severally draped in the red, soldiers, some heavily armed, to a January-to-December cycle, ing Contracts) Act, 2019, amended haul of the Companies and Allied rule. Equatorial Guinea in De- gold and green national flag, were posted around the palace, after more than a decade. for the first time since 1993. More Matters Act (CAMA) in 30 years. cember 2017, Gabon in January said they had taken over power, a military source told Reuters Adesina recounted other than $6 billion of inherited cash call Discrimination Against Persons 2019, Sudan in April 2019, Mali because of rampant corruption, news agency. successes of the Buhari govern- arrears now being cleared by the With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, in August 2020. And in March mismanagement and poverty. There were unconfirmed ment to include, "Finance Acts Buhari administration, since 2016. 2018: another unprecedented piece this year, Niger Republic foiled Calling themselves the reports that three soldiers had 2019 and 2020 – the first time “Also, more than $3 billion of legislation in Nigeria. an attempt by the military to National Committee for Reconcili- been killed. ever that federal budgets are of the arrears (payments due “Itakpe-Warri Rail Line, started seize power. ation and Development, they As a result of the unrest, being accompanied by dedicated to International Oil Companies) in 1987, abandoned for decades, Meanwhile, the Nigerian said the constitution had been Guinea's football World Cup and specific reform legislation, have since been paid. The Buhari and finally completed in 2020; Government and the United Na- dissolved and that there would qualifying match against Morocco to support implementation. administration has overseen the Discrimination Against Persons the completion of four standard tions Secretary-General, Antonio be consultations to create a new, at home on 6 September has first successful Marginal Fields gauge railway projects between Guterres, have condemned the more inclusive one. equally been postponed. With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, Bid Round in almost 20 years. In 2018: another unprecedented piece 2016 and 2021: Abuja-Kaduna Rail coup and demanded immediate Numerous reports have stated Football body FIFA said the addition, the Buhari administration Line, Abuja Metro Line, Itakpe- release of President Condé. that the coup was led by an elite decision was made to "ensure the of legislation in Nigeria. Treasury Single Account (TSA) started in has launched the first National Warri Rail Line, and Lagos-Ibadan A statement issued by the unit headed by a former French safety and security of all players Social Investment Programme in Rail Line. spokesperson of the Nigerian legionnaire, Lt.Col Mamady and to protect all match officials." 2012, expanded across the entire government by President Buhari." the country’s history. “President Buhari is the first Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Doumbouya. President Condé was re-elected “Today it is the largest Social president to start and complete Esther Sunsuwa, yesterday said: Also, in a viral video, which for a controversial third term in On projects, the media adviser said Buhari was the first Investment Programme in Africa a rail project in Nigeria’s history “The Nigerian Government is the media, including the BBC, office amid violent protests last president to start and complete and one of the largest in the world. (Lagos-Ibadan Rail). The last saddened by the apparent coup has not been able to verify, the year, after the people suspected a rail project in Nigeria’s history The Nigeria Centre for Disease NLNG Train project (Train 6) d'état that has taken place in soldiers asked President Condé, he amended the constitution (Lagos-Ibadan Rail). He said Control (NCDC) was established was completed in 2008. President the Republic of Guinea today 83, to confirm he was unharmed, to emerge the country’s life the president had completed in 2011, and for its first seven years Buhari has successfully flagged (yesterday), in clear violation of but he refused to respond. president. 12 inherited dam projects did not have an enabling Act of the off Train 7 construction. the ECOWAS Protocol on De- Sitting barefoot on a sofa wear- The veteran opposition leader across the country. These he National Assembly — until 2018, “Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki mocracy and Good Governance. ing jeans and a printed shirt, he was first elected in 2010 in the listed to include Kashimbila when President Buhari assented Expressway, undergoing full “The government strongly did not have any visible injuries. country's first democratic transfer Multipurpose Dam, Taraba; to the NCDC Act.” reconstruction for the first time condemns and rejects any His current whereabouts were of power. Despite overseeing Ogwashi-Uku Multipurpose Adesina listed others to include:, since it was constructed in the unconstitutional change of also unknown at press time. some economic progress, he has Dam, Delta; Adada Dam, “The Nigeria Police Act 2020, the late 1970s. Bodo-Bonny Bridges government and therefore calls Those behind the coup said all since been accused of presiding Enugu; Sulma Earth Dam, first overhaul of the Police Act and Road: construction finally on those behind this coup to land and air borders had been over numerous human rights Katsina; Gimi Earth Dam, since it was originally enacted in kicked off in 2017, after several restore constitutional order closed for a week. abuses and harassment of his Kaduna; Amla-Otukpo Dam, 1943; Nigeria Correctional Service decades of planning, and three without delay and protect all But from the defence ministry, critics. Benue; Amauzari Earth Dam, Act, 2019 – overhauled the existing false starts.” 56 MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS

ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES... L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Gershon Bassey; Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola;Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Clifford Ordia, during a condolence visit to the Abiodun family over the death of their patriarch, Dr Emmanuel Abiodun at Iperu Remo, Ogun State... yesterday Late Sowore, Victim of Circumstance, Says Edo Police Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City into the firing line, unknowingly. the general public that police kidnappers.” but unknown to them, the the Commissioner of police is The PPRO added that the is on top of the situation since It added: "The Sowore Felix kidnappers have laid ambush, doing everything possible to The Edo State Police Command Tactical Team of the Command the incident happened. was not one of the occupants of and immediately they opened ensure that they are arrested yesterday said Felix Olajide and some local vigilantes, “Bush combing has started, the bus that some of them were the bus, the kidnappers came and those kidnapped are rescued. Sowore, the younger brother including the DPO of Okada the Commissioner of Police kidnapped. He was just someone out from the bush and started "Until now, there is no contact of the convener of "Revolution Police Station, had already gone has directed the tactical team that ran into the incident. He was shooting at the bus in an attempt from the kidnappers. We don't Now," Mr. Omoyele Sowore who into the bush, looking for the to put hands together with the coming and met the situation to create fears in them, but some know if they have contacted the was killed by persons suspected kidnappers, with the aim of Divisional Police Headquarters on ground. of them try to escape. families of those kidnapped, but to be kidnappers, was a victim arresting them and rescuing at Okada for the bush combing "The bus actually was coming "Sowore was coming from to the police and those escaped of circumstance. the victims. since yesterday. from the South going towards Okada to Benin. He was just they have made no contact. The Command's Public He added that three occupants "As I speak to you the local Lagos. The bus belonged to a a victim. They kidnappers tried "The police is also trying to Relations Officer, Bello Kontongs, of the bus, who escaped had vigilantes in that area, the police private transport company, and to stop him, but he refused to use tactical means in order to who gave the clarification at a been brought to the Command's tactical team from the state broken down at around 2:00am stop. The bullet hit his car and tract the kidnapped victims.” media briefing in Benin, said Headquarters and profiled, while command and the Divisional in the early hours of Saturday, one of the bullets got him, and According to the statement, the younger Sowore was not an the kidnappers had not made Police Headquarters at Okada and the occupants look for he died on the spot. He was “some of the occupants of the bus occupant of the bus from which any contact with the police over are all together in the bush right somewhere to sleep. confirmed by the doctors, and who escaped and some we met five persons were kidnapped. the victims, though he would now combing the forests in an "That early hours in the his corpse has been deposited at hiding in the bush we brought According to him, the late not know if the families of the efforts to arresting the assailants morning the occupants came Igbinedion University Teaching to the police headquarters, and Sowore was driving from Okada kidnapped victims had been and possible rescuing five other with the intention to pack Hospital. we have profiled them. They to Benin City, when he ran into contacted. persons that are still with the their belongings from the bus, "That is the situation, and are three in number." the suspected kidnappers, who Kontong's statement read: "It were shooting at the commercial has become very necessary to bus, which broke down on Friday inform the general public because night and the occupants had to of the panic that the incident We'll Resist Rigging of Anambra Election, Says PDP find somewhere else to sleep. is creating among the general of the party, South-east zone, results, it is not possible. Kontongs explained that the public, especially, the residents Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki in Anambra State. stranded commuters had returned of Edo State, as regard the killing The PDP, however, assured Chief Ali Odefa, who stated “Even in Ebonyi here, they early on Saturday to pick their of one Felix Olajide Sowore on all stakeholders of Anambra to this in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State keep saying ‘I am connected to The leadership of the Peoples capital, while addressing the centre, I will write the result’. personal effects from the bus, September 4, 2021 at about 6:45 Democratic Party (PDP), has mobilise their people to register to when the kidnappers, who had hours yesterday (Saturday). vote, adding that all votes must Anambra indigenes resident in Where will you stay and write vowed that it would resist any the state,when the governorship the results? Where will you laid ambush, opened fire on the "It has become necessary for attempt to rig or manipulate the count in the election. commuters and Sowore drove us to brief the press to inform National Vice Chairman candidate of PDP, Chief Valentine stay and write Ebonyi results or November 6 governorship election Ozigbo, visited to meet with the Anambra results? It is not possible. Anambra people in the area, Before you will write the results threatened that anyone, who in Anambra or Ebonyi, write your manipulated the results might will and share your property first. AMCON: Expert Seeks National Policy on Debt Recovery not be alive to tell the story. As God will liberate Anambra in Dike Onwuamaeze non-performing loans (NPLs) institutions). We must have a is unable to recover the huge debt Odefa, who also reiterated that November 6, by February 2023, or Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) national policy. There must be of over N5trillion, it becomes the the election must be free, fair and God will liberate Ebonyi State”. The federal government has been worth N3.8 trillion from 22 Eligible a national law on debt recovery. debt of the Federal Government credible, added that no agents Odefa described Ozigbo as a challenged to expand the laws Financial Institutions (EFIs) for a “This law should not just be for of Nigeria for which taxpayers’ of government or political party man that would bring Anambra that grants the Asset Management purchase price of N1.8 trillion. only AMCON as a government monies will be used to settle. would manipulate election results out of the trouble they are now Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Since then, AMCON has agency but for the nation as a “The implication is that the again in Nigeria. and take them to the promise land. special debt recovery powers in worked tirelessly to recover the whole. That is one of the ways public will be made to pay for He noted that Anambra Ozigbo, on his part, has the corporation’s Act as amended huge debt, which were covered we can curb the bad behaviour. the recklessness of only a few governorship election would be described Friday Appeal Court into a national law. by various collaterals. But as the In some other economies you individuals who continue to take used by the party to continue to verdict, which described him as This would insulate the banking years roll by, AMCON obligors cannot borrow money and refuse advantage of the loopholes in our protect the nation’s democracy the validly elected candidate of sector against reckless borrowers have become more daring, and to pay back and go scot-free. laws to escape their moral and and urged the electorate to protect the PDP as victory for democracy, and recalcitrant debtors that hiding under all manners of legal Therefore, Nigeria should not legal obligations to repay their their votes, insisting that votes the people of Anambra State and AMCON is currently chasing for technicalities to delay the agency allow recalcitrant debtors to go debts. must count at the poll. those, who took him to court. the recovery of trillions of naira. from recovery. unpunished.” “As a matter of fact, we have The PDP Boss said, “Anambra Ozigbo, while speaking with Speaking at the weekend at the Having watched such financial Balogun was reacting to the reached a point in our country election, you will write the reporters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State training of Solicitors, Receivers rascality for some decade, a state- different presentations at the where all stakeholders (the federal result but you will not live to capital, called on his opponent and Receiver/Managers in Lagos, ment quoted the SAN to have programme including the keynote government, the judiciary, the see the result. If you attempt to to join hand for the victory of Mr. Oluwakemi Balogun, SAN, said something drastic must be address of the AMCON Managing legislature and the public) must write Anambra governorship the party at the poll. of the firm of Oluwakemi LP done by the government to save Director/CEO, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, work together to fight the common election result, you will die. This “What we achieved on Friday said debt recovery in Nigeria the country. who was represented at the event enemy of this huge debt burden.” is democracy, elections must be was victory for the Anambra would continue to be a burden According to him, some by Group Head of Asset Manage- But challenging as the agency’s free and fair; whether you are the people including those who took to AMCON as well as the financial Nigerians in the last 25 years ment, Mr. Benedict Daminabo. debt recovery activities have ruling party at the federal, at the me to court. And so, I will make sector as long as the system allows have perfected the act of going to The AMCON CEO had earlier shown especially given its peculiar state, at the local government, you effort to actually call them which some Nigerians to brazenly walk different banks to borrow money said the agency will continue situation, AMCON is steadily cannot write result of elections I am doing. Our opponent is not into banks to borrow money with and have serially defaulted in the to highlight the dangers of not making remarkable recoveries but in Nigeria again. within, he is on the outside. no intention to repay the loan repayment agreement because they recovering the debt because of still has about 7,902 outstanding “Mobilize our people let them “And so, I am using this obligation. country has no policy that guides its grave implication. obligors with total outstanding go and register to vote. Anambra medium to urge everybody, let’s The federal government’s such recklessness. According to him, “We have loan of N3.142 trillion. is where we will use as a test come together. This is the time debt recovery agency, which has As a mitigant to such ugly repeatedly made the point at every Of this number, 350 of the case to continue to protect the for PDP to takeover Anambra since inception in 2010 recovered development, the legal luminary opportunity that all stakeholders agency’s obligors account for democracy of Nigeria. Your votes State and nothing will be spared. over N1.4 trillion had at differ- added, “We need to have a must view the AMCON man- N2.053 trillion, which is above must count, it must count. We will This judgment will boost our ent phases from the year of its national law that will assistant date as one of serious national 65 per cent of total outstanding vote and we will stay and watch momentum and I am going to establishment purchased 12,743 lenders (banks and financial importance. If at sunset AMCON amount. our votes, they cannot write the win the election,” he said. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY 57 NEWS Bandits Kidnap Katsina Lawmaker’s Wife, Two Children Francis Sardauna in Katsina after participating in the attacked the residence of his two children. They also in Bakori General Hospital.” invaded his country home, Saturday APC Congress in our lawmaker, Dr. Ibrahim shot one of our members of According to him, the alleging that the target of the Gunmen suspected to be the area, were futile. Kurami yesterday (Saturday) First Aid group of Islam. He is lawmaker was not in the hooligans was to kidnap the bandits on Saturday night But Sabo said: “Bandits and kidnapped his wife and cureently receiving treatment house, when the hoodlums legislator. abducted the wife and two children of Dr. Ibrahim Kurami, Katsina State Lawmaker representing Bakori Local Government Area at the State House of Assembly. The suspected bandits, it was gathered, stormed the residence of the lawmaker in Kurami village in Bakori Local Government Area of the state at about 9:15 and shot at a member of the First Aid group of Islam they met at the main gate. A resident of the area, Kamilu Sabo, who confirmed the abduction of the victims in a telephone interview with THISDAY on Sunday, said the bandits left the member of the First Aid group of Islam with varying degree of injuries. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Gambo Isah, could not be reached for comments as his telephone lines were not connecting as at press time. INDUSTRIALISATION ON THE MINDS… Also, efforts by THISDAY L–R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Saidu Alikali; Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Minister of Industry, Trade and to reach the lawmaker, who Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Temi Popoola, during the high-level roundtable on industrialisation in Africa organised by immediately left for Katsina the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in Lagos…recently South African Former Pro-Tinubu Group Sues Buni, APC President Zuma Placed over Ekiti Ward Congress on Medical Parole Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti AD/CS/21/2021 filed at the 3,650 members of the group in and the Independent National The South African Department in the system of community Federal High Court, Ekiti State Ekiti was filed by their Lawyers, Electoral Commission (5th of Correctional Service has corrections, whereby he must Dissatisfied with the conduct Division, the group sought Barrister Ayodeji Odu and five defendant). confirmed that the jailed comply with a specific es t of the July 31 ward congress in an interlocutory injunction others for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs sought an order former President, Jacob Zuma, of conditions and will be Ekiti State, a Pro-Tinubu group stopping the conduct of the Joined in the suit are APC (1st declaring the congress of the has been placed on medical subjected to supervision until under the auspices of Southwest local government congress or defendant), Chairman, Caretaker 1st defendarnt purportedly parole because of his ill health. his sentence expires.” Agenda for 2023 Presidency an order declaring the outcome Committee, Governor Mai Mala held on July 31, organised The medical parole The department spokesman, (SWAGA), has dragged the All illegal. Buni (2nd defendant), Ekiti APC and conducted by or under eligibility for the 79-year-old Singabakho Nxumalo, Progressives Congress to Court, The suit deposed to by Chairman, Paul Omotoso (3rd the instruction/supervision Zuma follows a medical report said that Zuma, who was calling for outright annulment 36 SWAGA members and defendant), Chairman, Ekiti of 2nd and 3rd defendants in received by the Department imprisoned in early July, was of the election. contestants in the ward Congress Screening Committee, Ekiti State as unconstitutional, of Correctional Services, still in hospital but could go In a suit Number FHC/ congress on behalf of over Samuel Abejide (4th defendant) illegal, null and void. Last month prison home to continue receiving authorities said Zuma, medical care. He gave no serving a 15-month sentence details on Zuma’s illness, his Ogun Moves to Curtail Outbreak of Gastroenteritis in Estcourt prison for parole conditions or whether Abolade Sokunbi in Abeokuta is spread by having contact commissioner, the index case be collected as there were no contempt of court underwent his health had deteriorated with an infected person or who was reported to have active case yet to commence unspecified surgery at an since surgery. Ogun State has recorded the contaminated water or food. returned from a trip outside antibiotics. outside hospital where he had “We want to reiterate that outbreak of gastroenteritis In a statement signed by the state has been linked to The commissioner pointed been sent for observation. He placement on medical parole in Magboro, Ofada Ward The Commissioner for Health the source of the outbreak, out that a number of people are remained in the hospital with is an option available to all of Obafemi Owode Local of the state, Dr. Tomi Coker, while the common public toilet currently receiving treatment to more operations planned. sentenced offenders, provided Government Area of the said in a statement that the used has been the channel of control the number of casualties. According to the statement they meet all requirements. state. The disease, which is reported case of the outbreak is transmission. Coker also noted that an issued by the department, We appeal to all South African also known as stomach flu, predominant among motorcycle Coker added that the unregistered clinic run by a “Medical parole placement to afford Mr. Zuma dignity is an intestinal infections riders and scavengers in the causative agent cannot quack has also contributed to for President Zuma means as he continues to receive marked by diarrhea, nausea, area. be confirmed yet because the outbreak, as the cases were that he will complete the medical treatment,” the vomiting and fever. The disease According to the appropriate sample could not being managed unreported. remainder of the sentence statement noted Attacks: Plateau, Kaduna to Set up Teacher Defiles 14 Pupils, Infects Some with HIV/AIDS Laleye Dipo in Minna also said to have infected some Department (CID) of the force. said, pointing out that on the female pupils of the school with “The suspect is with the completion of the investigation Joint Security Committee A primary school teacher in the the dreaded HIV/ AIDs virus. command over allegations of he will be charged to court. Seriki Adinoyi in Jos recent violence, and also to discuss Borgu Local Government Area of The Police Public Relations sexual assault in his school,” In the meantime, the State common strategies on how to Niger State has been arrested by Officer of Niger State Police Abiodun said, adding that the Commissioner for Education, The Kaduna State Governor, Mr. manage our borders and to set the police for allegedly defiling Command, DSP. Wasiu Abiodun, teacher had initially escaped Ms. Hannatu Jibrin Salihu, is Nasir el-Rufai, has recommended up a joint committee for the two 14 pupils in his school. confirmed the incident and told arrest before being caught and already heading a committee collaboration between Kaduna and states to be working on daily basis to The teacher, Usman Galadima, journalists that the suspect had brought to Minna. set up by the state government Plateau States in setting up a joint end the incessant attacks on border of Central Primary School been apprehended and brought “Investigation into the case has to investigate the authenticity security committee that would work communities.” Karabonde in New Bussa, was to the Criminal Investigation begun,” the police spokesman of the claim. towards ending bandits’ attacks and He said that putting the other security challenges against the committee together would help two states, especially at the border in finding lasting solutions to Address Causes of Growing IDP Camps, Group Tells FG communities. the reoccurrence of tragic and Alex Enumah in Abuja The organisation, known as government to get to the root the camp. el-rufai made the recommendation unfortunate incidents. the Buni Yadi Foundation (BYF), cause in order to resolved the ‘’My advice to government in Jos while speaking with journalists The governor also added that Worried by the increasing made the appeal during the problem, which he noted have is to vigorously address the after he called on his Plateau State he has been working with Lalong number of Internally Displaced launch of its new project, “Buni lingered for a very long time. root causes of rapidly growing counterpart, Mr. Simon Lalong. since they were elected in 2015 Person (IDPs) camps across Yadi Kitchen (BYF Kitchen)” Meanwhile the foundation IDP camps in the country. Any He was received by the Plateau when they realised that the two the country, a non-profit at the Kuchingoro IDP Camp, also distributed some items problem that does not go to State Deputy Governor, Professor states played host to many people organisation (NGO) over the Abuja. such as: cooked food, drinks, the root causes can never be Sonni Tyoden, on behalf of Lalong. across Nigeria, and that with the weekend urged the federal Speaking at the occasion, the sanitary towels cartons of solved. He said: “The reason I am common boundary whatever government to take necessary founder of the organisation, noodles, cartons of biscuits, ‘’What are these root causes here in Plateau State today is to happens to one have some indirect measures to address its root Mr. Adeniyi Ayoola-Daniels, bath soap, loaves of bread and of rapidly growing IDP camps commiserate with the state over effect on the other. cause. harped on the need for the drugs to displaced persons at in the country? 58 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY NEWS XTRA NDLEA Arrests 22-year-old Corps Member for Importing Drugged Candies from UK Michael Olugbode in Abuja cans going to Pakistan and 625 illicit drugs, with atotal of and Thursday, September 2, 2021. a patrol point. of Exol-5 tablets weighing 75.4 grammes of methamphetamine 384.7 kilogrammes of assorted He said a truck with registration He said when searched, the kilogrammes; 250 packets of A 22-year-old youth corps member, hidden in clothing heading to narcotics being transported to the number, Plateau AA 462 QAP, following psychoactive substances Diazepam tablets weighing 15.4 Arnold Maniru, has been arrested Australia were also seized. nation’s capital, Abuja, for sale driven by a 50-year-old Danlami were discovered packed in sacks kilogrammes; Cannabis Sativa in Abuja by operatives of the Babafemi said across the were intercepted and seized at Dodo, coming from Onitsha, and cartons: 1,975 bottles of Cough weighing 5.9 kilogrammes; and National Drug Law Enforcement states, operatives had intensified patrol points in Lokoja, Kogi Anambra, with Abuja, FCT as Syrup with Codeine weighing 1 packet of Ketamine injection, Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly arrests of traffickers and seized State on Monday 30th August destination, was intercepted at 282 kilogrammes; 199 packets all weighing 378.7 kilogrammes. importing four kilogrammes of drugged candies from the United Kingdom. Also, the NDLEA operatives had intercepted in Lagos, some cookies laced with drugs and being shipped to the United Arab Emirate. A statement by the NDLEA Spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, said the youth corps member serving with a government agency in Abuja, was arrested on Saturday 28th August, 2021 following the interception of a consignment at the warehouse of a transport company. He said a controlled delivery of the parcel, which contained the candies laced with Arizona, a strong variant of cannabis and some liquid, was subsequently carried out. In another clampdown, the operatives attached to courier companies in Lagos intercepted 1.2 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed inwside locally made cookies going to Dubai, UAE and 920 grammes of cocaine hidden inside synthetic hair heading to Saudi Arabia. ALL HAIL THE ROTARY PRESIDENT… Another 1.08 kilogrammes Mrs. Rashi Mehta, wife of the 116th Rotary International President, Mr. Shekhar Mehta; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the District Governor, District 9142, of cannabis concealed in spray Mr. Okey Okonkwo, when Ugwuanyi hosted the Rotary International president in Enugu….yesterday ‘Kogi Lost Property Worth Adamawa Orders School Closure over Insecurity Daji Sani in Yola Jackson, yesterday, the closure resulting in the kidnap of “The Hon. Commissioner is to take effect from today hundreds of schoolchildren Ministry of Education and N63bn to Flood in 2012’ The Adamawa State (September 6, 2021) till further across many states in Nigeria,” Human Capital Development, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Anuforom, who gave this Government has announced notice. Jackson said. wishes to announce that 30 warning while speaking at the closure of 30 boarding The statement added that She also said that the four boarding junior secondary A former Director General the 10th year anniversary Junior Secondary Schools in the move was a proactive schools exempted from the schools out of the 34 schools in of Nigeria Meteorological of Confluence International the state over insecurity. measure to ensure the safety closure are Government the state, have been de-boarded Agency, Mr. Anthony Academy in Lokoja, stated According to a statement of the students in view of the Girls Junior Secondary School with effect from September 6, Anuforom, has warned that the story of climate that was signed by the insecurity bedeviling Nigeria. (GGJSS), Yola; General Murtala 2021. From now henceforth, Nigerians and vulnerable change would not be palatable Commissioner for Education “The state government’s Mohammed College, Yola; all the 30 government junior states to be wary of the for the future generations and Human Capital action came amidst escalating Special School Jada and Special secondary schools are now devastating effect of flood while stakeholders must Development, Mrs. Wilbina banditry in the country School, Mubi. day schools. occasioned by climate change, adopt a strategy and recalling that Kogi State alone functional development plan lost property worth N63.4 for response to mitigate the FG to Establish Farm Estates in All 109 Senatorial Districts billion to flood in 2012. emerging effects of global He said Nigeria was rated warming. Deji Elumoye in Abuja President’s desire to make President Muhammadu Buhari that the country achieved food as 10th most vulnerable to He lamented that the land available for farm estates at the State House, Abuja, added security. climate change or global 2012 flood wreaked havoc The federal government has to be established, which is that the Kogi State Government His words: “What you see warming, because of the in no fewer than 22 states directed the National Agricultural expected to take away youth had donated 700 hectares of land is that agriculture is one of Mr. nature the country hosting including Kogi State, saying Land Development Authority from unemployment market to NALDA for the integrated President’s heartbeat projects, two biggest rivers and apart from pockets of deaths (NALDA) to set up integrated and engage them with a view land estate, while the 100 hectares and he wants to see that we Atlantic ocean, noting that recorded, property, farmland farm estates in all the 109 to achieving food security in a of land donated by the Ogun achieve food security in the there has been high intensity and produce estimated at senatorial districts in the country. very short period of time. State government has already country and NALDA is purely of rainfall in the country and N63.4 billion were destroyed Already, the agency’s The NALDA boss, who made been cleared. under the supervision of Mr. the attendants flooding would in the affected nine local Executive Secretary, Mr. Paul this known at the weekend while According to him, the President and that is why you continue to pose serious government areas of the Ikonne, has called on state speaking with newsmen after President was committed to can see the progress that we threats in the years to come. state. governors to key into the a close-door meeting with and working towards ensuring are making. Minister Advises Youths to Kaduna Council Polls: APC Wins Eight LGs, Loses One John Shiklam in Kaduna headquarters by returning Kaura. The APC won in Jama’a officers of the Kaduna In Sabon, the candidate of LGA, one of its strongholds Embrace Agriculture Nine of Saturday’s council State Independent Electoral the APC, Mohammed Usman, of the PDP. Minister of State, Power, Dr. diversification drive is investing polls in Kaduna state were Commission (KADSIECOM). emerged as chairman having Announcing the results in Goddy Jedy-Agba, has charged hugely in agriculture through announced on yesterday with According to the results polled 32,405 to defeat his Kafanchan, the Returning young people in the country not different schemes where farmers the ruling All Progressives released in nine of the 19 closest contender, Abdu Bello of Officer, Dr. Sunday Ibrahim, to see farming as unattractive can access loans and grants. Congress (APC), winning eight LGAs where elections were the PDP who got 13,777 votes. said Yunana Barde of the APC venture. He said: “I am happy to while the Peoples Democratic held, the APC won in Sabon The results were declared scored 24, 255 votes to defeat Jedy-Agba, who stated be with you here today. It is Party (PDP) won one. Gari, Jama’a, Kagarko, Zaria, in Sabon Gari, Zaria, by the the candidate of the PDP, Peter this while speaking to young always a privilege and honour The results were announced Igabi, Kubau, Kudan and Lere Returning Officer, Abubakar- Averik, who scored 23, 215 people in his country home to enjoy this very unique at the various local government LGAs while the PDP won in Mohammed Sadiq. votes. in Utugwang, Obudu Local celebration of new yam festival Government Area of Cross with you, my people. We are River State during the Obudu blessed with very fertile land Tackling Systemic Corruption Requires Govt, Citizen’s New Yam festival, charged and very hardworking people. them to key into President I am happy with all of you Muhammadu Buhari’s who harvested the yams you Approach, Says ICPC Chairman agricultural revolution. used for today’s occasion from Ugo Aliogo as opposed to a corrupt system. law and order and behavioural need for continuous strengthening The minister reminded his your farms. For those who did Owasonye, who disclosed changes to tackle the menace. of legal and institutional framework audience that before oil boom not, I enjoin you to invest in The Chairman, the Independent this yesterday during a virtual He also stated that as part of to prevent and combat corruption, in the 70s, agriculture was agriculture. Farming is not Corrupt Practices Commission meeting with the theme: ‘Curbing the commission commitment to adding that it is vital to mainstream the mainstay of the nation’s demeaning as some of you (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasonye, Corruption: A New Framework’ win the anti-corruption, they have anti-corruption activities into economy. think. As a minister, I am a has stated that tackling systemic said due to the organic nature developed the 4S models known governance and service delivery He intimated them that farmer, it is in my CV. Please, corruption requires government of corruption, there is no single as Sanction, Systems, Society and at national levels especially within the government of President my people, let us support the and citizen approach, rather approach to tackling corruption sustainability. the Ministries, Departments and Buhari, through its economic President’s Agric revolution. than focus on corrupt people and called for the combination of He further stated that there is Agencies of government. THISDAY • MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 59 NEWS XTRA Unfazed by Mischief Makers, Works Ministry Gives Progress Report on Burnt Bridge Repairs The Ministry of Works and claims with several pictures of temporary support at the burnt reinforcement works of the management agencies, as public, he, on behalf of the Housing, has denied reports progress report, said, “So far we bridge Pier, to support the burnt pier will commence, traffic control officers will supervising minister, Mr. by a section of the media, have been able to accomplish bridge during the execution after which the pier will be be on-ground to direct and Babatunde Raji Fashola, alleging neglect of a burnt bridge an effective traffic management of the repair works. casted and fully rehabilitated. help with the flow of traffic.” SAN, thanked the public in Toyota bus stop, Apapa system, the cleaning of the “Presently, the investigation “Motorists are advised While regretting whatever for their perseverance since Oshodi-Express way, saying smoke stained areas of the of the burnt pier foundation to ply alternative routes inconveniences the repairs the commencement of the despite deliberate mischief, bridge and the setup of has been completed and and cooperate with traffic might have caused the project. the ministry has maintained meticulous repairs of the said bridge. According to a press release by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos/Engineer’s Representative, Engr. J.O Popoola, “The Project was awarded to the contractor on the 21st of April, 2021 and the contractor mobilised to site on the 26th of May, 2021. “At the resumption of the contractor to site, work commenced immediately on site with the commencement of site preparatory works and development of a practical traffic management plan to be adopted during the execution of works. “Like every other project within and outside the state, challenges have come up but with the pro-activeness of the Ministry’s supervisory team, Federal and Lagos State Government Traffic Management Agencies, the Nigerian Police and the contractor have been able to mitigate these challenges to the SPECIAL RECOGNITION… barest minimum.” Chief Operating Officer, Soulcommunications PR Limited, Mrs. Mojisola Saka (left), and Chief Executive Officer, TVC Communications,Mr. Andrew Hanlon, during the Popoola, who supported his presentation of MarketingEdge’s ‘Outstanding PR Personality of the Decade’ award to Saka in Lagos...recently Kidnappers Abduct Mother, INEC Redeploys Five RECs, Four Directors in Two Daughters in FCT New Administrative Changes Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Ironically, the husband, Chuks Okocha in Abuja Electoral Commissioners In a statement signed by At the same time, the Pastor Gabriel Oladapo, (RECs). the National Commissioner in statement said his counterpart A mother and her two was out of Abuja when the As part of administrative It has also deployed of charge of Publicity and Voter in Ogun State, Prof. AbdulGaniy daughters were kidnapped in incident occurred. He said restructuring to strengthen the five of its directors to new Education, Festus Okoye, the Olayinka Raji, will take charge the early hours of yesterday in that the kidnappers had not Independent National Electoral offices, while announcing the commission said in the new as REC, Osun State, while the Pegi, Kuje Local Government contacted him. Commission (INEC) ahead of commencement of terminal postings, the Resident Electoral REC for Bayelsa State, Dr. Cyril Area of the Federal Capital Aderibigbe decried the 2023 general election, the leave of Nick Dazang, the Commissioner (REC) for Osun Omorogbe, would take up his Territory. the rampant incidents of commission has announced the hitherto Director of Voter State, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, has new role as the REC for Cross The incident was confirmed kidnapping in Pegi while redeployment five Resident Education. been redeployed to Ogun State. River State. by the Chairman of Pegi urging security agencies to Community Development come to the rescue of the Association, (PECDA), Mr residents, who are living Ogun Police Arrest Three for Stealing N4.7m Goods Taiwo Aderibigbe. in perpetual fear of being Aderibigbe said the incident abducted. Abolade Sokunbi in Abeokuta and made available to THIS DAY the said driver had absconded empty truck. occurred in Pegi Resettlement “At about 11:15 pm, I got n Abeokuta, yesterday. with the goods and the truck. “On interrogation, the driver Zone A of the area. a call from one the zonal The Ogun State Police Command The release stated that the “Upon the report, the DPO confessed that he diverted the He said the kidnappers leaders of the community, has arrested a driver, Oluwaseyi suspects were arrested following a Agbara Division, SP Saleh Dahiru goods to another buyers who succeeded broke the burglary that assailants had invaded Oyetunde, and two business report made at Agbara Divisional detailed his crack detectives to bought the goods from him at door to the apartment where the premises of Pastor Gabriel men, Segun Oluwaseun and Headquarters by one Oluwatosin unravel the mystery behind a give-away price. the victims were living before Oladapo and abducted his Chijoke Ogbu over the diversion Ayodeji who reported that one the sudden disappearance of “His confession led the they were abducted. wife and two children. of goods valued at N4.7million Oluwaseyi Oyetunde, a driver the driver and the goods. policemen to the shops of the two The victims are 45-year-old “It is quite worrisome that belonging to a company in Lagos. to the company loaded goods “The team embarked on receivers Segun Oluwaseun and Mrs. Oladapo Bukola, and Pegi, Kuje, is being targeted The arrest was contained in worth N4.7 million which was intelligence-based investigation Chijeoke Ogbu, where parts of her daughters, Miss Oladapo by kidnappers and security a press statement issued by the supposed to be delivered to a and traced the driver and the the stolen goods were recovered Glory, 17 and Miss Oladapo agencies are not doing much,” Police Public Relations Officer customer in Lagos, but since that truck to Lagos State where he and the two receivers arrested”, Moyo 14. Aderibigbe said. (PPRO), DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi day, the 24th of August 2021, was promptly arrested with the the statement reads Professor of Law, We Will Continue to Balance Appointments, Says Makinde Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi that Muslims and the people people are saying, those who (2019-2023) document and Makinde, yesterday said of Oyo State knew that his know how we did campaign told the people to hold Uvieghara, Passes On that his administration administration was doing in 2019 will admit that we us accountable by the Prof Egerton Uvieghara, a retired would continue to balance the right things. did not abuse anyone. document. I am saying Professor of Law at the University He was consultant on the political appointments He said: “I want to use “As a matter of fact, the today again, go and look of Lagos and former Chairman revision of the laws establishing between Christians and the opportunity of today’s people of Oyo State know at the document. All the of the Governing Board of the the National Industrial Court Muslims in the state. event to address the issues we are doing the right things we are doing now Nigerian Copyright Commission and its functions, new draft The governor, who stated some people brought up. thing. We released the have been documented and as well as former Commissioner Bill passed by Senate in 2005. this at the 1443/2021 Hijrah Every time I go through Roadmap for Accelerated we are just following the at the Nigerian Law Reform Uvieghara was a participant at luncheon in Ibadan, added social media and read what Development of Oyo State roadmap.” Commission, is dead. the Congress of the International He died in London after a brief Council for Commercial illness at age 85. Uvieghara was Arbitration, Lausanne, Glo Adds One Million Subscribers, Leads in Voice, Data in July member, six-member committee, Switzerland, 1984, which finalised two each representing government, Emma Okonji From the statistics Conversely, MTN lost figures for the two months employers and labour on reform the Model Law on Commercial Globacom is the only network 447,460 subscribers as its remained unchanged at of Nigerian Labour Laws, which Arbitration prepared by the Globacom added over a that gained new subscribers figure fell from 73,571,192 12,908,092. worked with the International United Nations Commission million new customers to its in July, as other telecoms in June to 73,123,732 in The NCC report indicates Labour Organisation (ILO) and on International Trade Law, subscriber base in the month operators suffered losses. July. Similarly, Airtel’s that Globacom was the only produced four draft Bills already UNCITRAL, upon which of July, 2021, according to The data shows that subscriber base which stood operator that added new data presented to government on Nigerian statute was based. latest statistics published Globacom added 1,007,259 at 50,665,723 in June fell to customers during the period. Collective Labour Relations; For over four decades, he on the website of telecom new subscribers to see 50,301,237 in July, showing Its internet subscribers rose Labour Standards; Occupational delivered lectures on labour laws industry regulator, the its subscriber base grow a loss of 364,486 customers. from 37,875,966 in June to Safety and Health and; Labour in both the public and especially Nigerian Communications from 50,130,540 in June to The fourth operator, 9mobile, 38,214,155 in July, a growth of Institutions. the private sector. Commission (NCC). 51,137,799 at the end of July. neither gained nor lost as the 338,189 new data customers. 60 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 61 Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: [email protected] MONDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Cape Verde senior national team players have vowed to pick all three points when Nigeria visit tomorrow Amuneke Raises the Alarm over ‘Slippery’ Cape Verde Says: 'Super Eagles mental alertness must be very high to check the compact style of play of Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks' Femi Solaja 1-1 two days earlier have just “Nigeria no doubt has be behind closed doors because one point each so far. WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS experienced players but the team of COVID-19 rules. With Nigeria firmly in the But on Tuesday night at the must be focused all through the Since Saturday evening, driver’s seat of Group C of 5,000 capacity Estadio Municipal of their ability both home Amuneke’s team played against night until valuable points are Coach Gernot Rohr has the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Aderito Sena on the Island of and away going by their Cape Verde in the qualifying in the kitty,” warns the former moved his team to National former Super Eagles forward, Mindelo, the Blue Sharks will performance in the last four series. Nigerian ex international. Stadium in Lagos where the Emmanuel Amuneke, has be aiming to win to stand a years. His team lost 0-3 in the first Tomorrow’s game against players had their work out at warned Coach Gernot Rohr and chance of upstaging three-time “Nigeria no doubt have the leg on October 12th 2018 but Cape Verde is to be played the Legacy pitch located within his wards to be extra vigilant African champions Nigeria. potential to keep them in check won the return leg 2-0 in on a synthetic pitch and would the complex. when they play Cape Verde on But Amuneke who is a former especially away from home Dar-es-Salaam four days later. Tuesday night in Praia. Golden Eaglets of Nigeria and but the mental alertness of “The mental speed of the Super Eagles who left Lagos Taifa Stars of Tanzanian national the players must be very high team was very high and that at 2.00am this morning by team coach, is looking beyond to check the compact style of has been their way going by the chartered flight for Cape Verde, the array of stars on Eagles’ list play of the Blue Sharks,”stressed status the country has attained FIFA, CAF Postpone sit at the top of the log on three but the compact nature of play the former African Footballer today. They are swift in their points following the 2-0 defeat by the Southern African nation. of the year. approach and look tireless as of Liberia on Friday in Lagos. “Cape Verde are the emerging Interestingly, as coach of they play with almost the same Guinea v Morocco Due Cape Verde and Central force in continental football Tanzania to the last AFCON strength and speed from the African Republic who played today. Nigeria must be wary 2019 tournament in Egypt, start to finish. to Coup in Conakry The political situation in Guinea President Alpha Conde from which has seen the army ar- power have been allowed to resting the country’s president fly out of the capital city. Chiwetel, Kienka, Others Shine at Ikoyi Club leading to political upheaval, Guinean journalist Cellou Chiwetel Njokanma emerged had eight players competing ZECA and Aspire Team settling both FIFA and CAF have an- Diallo has told BBC Sport Africa men’s Category A winner of the ZENITH BANK TENNIS for eight teams, Zenith Bank for joint third position. nounced the postponement of that Morocco have received 2021 Ikoyi Club Zenith Bank Timeless led by Da Silva and Scan to Pay, Diaspora Banking, the World Cup qualifying match clearance from their embassy Tennis Championship following Jibunor to bag the top prize in Tunde Majekodunmi defeated Eazy Banking and ZIVA are the between Guinea and Morocco to travel to the airport, where the a 6-3 7-6 (2) win over Destiny the Super Veteran class. Wale Opejin and Sesan Dada-led other teams of which are the which was initially slated for Moroccan federation's plane was Da Silva. In the teams event which Prestige Banking Team with the service platform of Zenith Bank. Monday (today) September 6. ready to evacuate the players. At a colourful final day of the GM, Head Risk Management According to the statement Both the Morocco delegation, week-long championship which Zenith Bank, Adamu Lawani, issued by FIFA, “the current as well as the Cameroonian featured over 90 participants, commended the high standard political and security situation match officials, have been al- Njokanma, who edged out displayed restating the sponsors in Guinea is quite volatile and located an escort to the airport, top ranked Rume Dubre in commitment for the event. is being closely monitored by he added. the semifinal, was on top of “The standard of tennis here FIFA and CAF. "Guinea's borders are cur- his game against Da Silva, a is very high and as sponsors “To ensure the safety and rently closed, but the Moroccans former national team player. we are delighted to put our security of all players and and match officials have been Bola Oyerinde failed to money on this programme. We to protect all match officials, given special authorisation to hold on to his advantage as are already looking forward to FIFA and CAF have decided leave," Diallo, who often reports he won the first set 7-6 before the next edition,” Lawani said. to postpone the FIFA World for Canal+, added. scratching in the second set Section Chairman, Maryann Cup 2022 qualifying match Morocco's national team allowing Sesan Dada to clinch Chuks, who finished first Guinea vs. Morocco, which was trapped in Guinea, where the men’s Category B title while runners up in the Ladies Single, had scheduled to be hosted in they were set to play a World the women’s top prize was pointed out that the Zenith Conakry, Guinea, on Monday 6 Cup qualifier today, after an clinched by Juliana Kpamor at Bank’s Tennis Championship is September. Rescheduling infor- attempted coup took place in the expense of Maryann Chuks. one of the foremost programmes mation will be made available the capital Conakry on Sunday. Grassroots tennis on the calendar of the section. at a later date,” concludes the The Moroccan team is administrator, Godwin Kienka General Manager/Head, Risk Management, Zenith Bank, Adamu She added: “Zenith Bank is statement. captained by Wolves defender also shone as he took out Edet undoubtedly the premiere bank Meanwhile, Moroccan play- Roman Saiss and also includes Akpaso 6-0 6-1 to clinch the Lawani (left) presenting award to the winner of the Ladies Singles in Nigeria and we owe them lots ers and Cameroonian match QPR striker Ilias Chair and veteran’s title while Innocent Final of this year’s Ikoyi Club Zenith Bank Tennis Championship, of thanks for keeping faith in officials trapped in Conakry as Watford duo Adam Masina Ihebuzor got the better of Walter Juliana Kpamor, at the Ikoyi Club, Lagos… at the weekend. sponsoring this championship.” a result of the coup that ousted and Imran Louza. 62 MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY SPORTS Bale’s Hat-trick Spare Wales Embarrassment against Belarus Gareth Bale completed a the first of two Bale penalties came to his country's rescue Republic and Wales, who are match-winning hat-trick deep in gave them an early lead, with a low shot that squirmed third with a game in hand. injury time to spare Wales from but they unravelled in two WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS under Belarus goalkeeper Sergei Robert Page's side have embarrassment against Belarus calamitous first-half minutes Chernik and into the net. another five games catch their in Russia and keep alive their as goals from Vitali Lisakovich penalised for a raised foot, before Bale scored his second penalty After losing their opening rivals - starting against Estonia hopes of qualifying for the 2022 and Pavel Sedko put Belarus an unmarked Sedko punished to bring Wales level midway match of the campaign to group in Cardiff on Wednesday - but, World Cup. The game ended in front. shambolic defending from Wales, through the second half and, leaders Belgium, Wales could even at this early stage, the play- 3-2 in favour of Wales. Lisakovich scored from the who were fortunate not to be in the third of four minutes ill afford to draw this game, offs look like their likeliest route Wales made the ideal start as spot after Chris Gunter was further behind at half-time. of injury time, the captain never mind lose it. to a first World Cup appearance And having stared at an since 1958. ignominious defeat in Kazan Finishing second in their which would have effectively group would secure a play-off ended their aspirations of spot, but Wales at least have qualifying automatically for the peace of mind that winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, their most recent Nations League this fortuitous victory keeps the group has all but ensured their dream intact, no matter how passage to the play-offs. improbable it may be. That might have been what Only the group winners most would have expected of qualify automatically and Wales when they were drawn Group E leaders Belgium, in such a challenging group but, ranked number one in the after this escape act against a world and unbeaten in their Belarusian side 89th in the four matches to date, remain world rankings, they still have overwhelming favourites ahead an outside chance of overhauling of the second-placed Czech Belgium. Ghana Without Six Key Players for Bafana Bafana Clash Ghana arrived in Johannesburg which means there will be with a 25-man squad but without considerable changes for the six regulars to take on South Group G encounter. Africa in their World Cup Two other players missing trip qualifier at Soccer City on are Stade Rennes’ new signing Monday. Kamaldeen Suleymana and Coach Charles Akonnor must Daniel Kyereh of German side do without the Leicester City St Pauli, who were also barred pair of Daniel Amartey and from the game by their clubs. Jeffrey Schlupp, defenders Coach Charles Akonnor also Andrew Yiadom and Baba had to do without absentees on Abdul Rahman from Reading the Black Stars’ last visit to Soccer and key forward Jordan Ayew, City but earned a 1-1 draw that who plays for Crystal Palace. booked them a ticket to the The six would have to face Africa Cup of Nations finals quarantine on their return to in Cameroon early next year. Britain if they had travelled to But Mohammed Kudus of South Africa. Ajax Amsterdam, who scored All six players featured in that match and also against in Ghana’s nervy 1-0 home South Africa at Cape Coast last win over Ethiopia on Friday, November, is out injured.

Gareth Bale...scores hat-trick in Wales 3-2 defeat of Belarus...yesterday Saka Celebrates Birthday with Goal as Three Lions Crush Andorra England secured a predictably Italy, celebrated his 20th birthday usual one-sided contest against Garcia fouled Mason Mount. comfortable 4-0 win over Andorra by scoring with a neat header Andorra, although their damage Andorra, inevitably, tired at Wembley as the smooth path five minutes from time. limitation exercise was relatively and Lingard got his second to next year's World Cup in Qatar Manager Gareth Southgate successful until the last 20 minutes. and England's third with a low continued with a fifth successive made 11 changes from the Jesse Lingard gave England the shot that the evaded the grasp victory in their qualifying group. side that won 4-0 in Hungary lead with a left-foot finish after 18 of Andorra keeper Josep Gomes. Charles Akonnor...Ghana Head Coach And in a moment greeted in readiness for arguably the minutes but it then took then until with real joy around Wembley, toughest test in European Group the 72nd minute to double their Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, whose I, in Poland on Wednesday. advantage when Harry Kane, on last Wembley experience was Leeds United striker Patrick as substitute for Bamford, scored HiFL 2021: AAUA Luminaries, missing the decisive penalty in Bamford was given a debut but his 40th goal for his country from England's Euro 2020 Final loss to was unable to find the net in the the penalty spot after Christian UNN Lions Qualify for S’finals University of Nigeria football In the other game played at In the game played at team (UNN Lions) at the the University of Maiduguri Akungba, AAUA Luminaries weekend knocked out high-flying Sports Complex, UNIMAID qualified for the next round UNIBEN Royals from playing Desert Warriors, led by Coach through a penalty kick scored in the semi-finals of the ongoing Dauda Daniel, defeated 2018 by Abiodun Ogundeji in the Higher Institution Football champions UAM Tillers by 3-0 10th minute of the added time. League (HiFL) despite losing to qualify for the semi-finals on This would be the first time 1-0 to the Benin-City team. The a 3-1 goals aggregate. that UNIMAID Desert Warriors, Lions edge the Coach Onome The Borno Boys pegged the UNN Lions and the AAUA Komi led Royals on a 2-1 goals Tillers to their half from the Luminaries would qualify for aggregate having won their home beginning of the match, pilling the semi-finals of the HiFL. game 2-0 at Nsukka. numerous attacks on the Priscilla In his reaction, Chief Strategy Odor Daniel scored the only Vande led team. Officer at Pace Sports and goal for the Royals in the 42nd Stanbic Man-of-the-Match, Entertainment Marketing, minute through a penalty kick. Usman Sani eventually found Goodness Onyejiaku expressed Further attempts by the Royals the back of the net in the 16th delight regarding the standard of to score the second goal that minute before Sulieman Ali Salah the matches stating that“with the would have pushed the game added the second in the 41st display of these young people, the into an extra time were frustrated minute. In the second half, the future of football and indeed the by a determined Lions defence Tillers went in search of the one Nigerian sports scene is bright. led by Emeka Alex. goal needed to oust their host on “We appreciate our partners UNIBEN Royals dumped out the away goals rule but their hope including NUGA, StanbicIBTC, defending champion UNICAL was ruined in the 88th minute Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie for Malabites when both teams when Oche Francis scored the making it possible for us to keep Bukayo Saka...birthday boy on scorer’s sheet clashed at the quarterfinal stage. third goal for the Desert Warriors. exposing these talents weekly.” MONDAY, ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 63 SPORTS Brunson Targets Adesanya after Win over Till at UFC Vegas 36 Derek Brunson dominated middleweight champion Israel and Brunson is eager to show After sealing victory in Las time for nothing boy. You next, not mentioning my name. England's Darren Till at Adesanya. how far he has come - but he Vegas, Brunson roared into the boy. You next!” “You know (Adesanya), look UFC Vegas 36 before calling Adesanya beat him at UFC received a swift and dismissive camera: “Israel Adesanya, boy, Brunson then added post- at the camera, mention my immediately for a re-match with 230 back in November 2018 reply from the Last Stylebender. I ain't been working all this fight: “I'm tired of these guys name. I heard you mentioning Till and (Jared) Cannonier. “Because I've been busting my butt, four years after my loss to get back to this point. I'm ready to contend.” Adesanya, often quick to respond when called out, was dismissive. He posted on Twitter: “Calm down... boy. You still a bum... son” in an apparent play on words on Brunson's surname. Adesanya also included a video of Brunson calling him out on Saturday night overlaid with the caption: “...Remember the last time he called me 'boy.'' Till, 28, from Liverpool, opened the middleweight bout with some strong boxing but struggled to defend against Brunson's superior wrestling. Brunson took Till to the ground multiple times in the first two rounds, inflicting a hefty amount of damage. The third round began in similar fashion to the first with Till wobbling Brunson with a deft one-two combo. However he was unable to capitalise, eventually succumbing to another takedown and allowing Brunson to take his back and lock in a rear-naked choke. Till was upbeat despite a fourth loss in his last five fights and posted pictures of two fighters - Michael Bisping and Charles Oliveira - who struggled before rising to become UFC champions. Oliveira replied by saying: “Keep your head up, never give up! God knows everything. Return home, get back in the gym - train and dedicated (sic) Israel Adesanya (left) has been challenged by Derek Brunson yourself.” Neymar Hits Back at Critics on Weight Posture Lagos Emerges Champions at Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar extra time away from Paris to the game, and was substituted on the deadliest forward lines in has hit back at criticisms over his recover. 66 minutes, replaced by football European football. The Brazilian Maiden School Racket Games supposed weight gain, posting He missed PSG's opening three icon Lionel Messi. could line up alongside Messi With four gold, two silver billed for Lagos next year. a topless photo on Instagram Ligue 1 fixtures for the 2021/22 PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino and Kylian Mbappe this year, and three bronze medals, “We in NSSF are grateful to prove he is in peak physical campaign, but started in the 2-0 will be hoping that Neymar after the Frenchman failed in host, Lagos State emerged to God that the event has condition. win over Reims. However, he gets up to speed quickly, so his bid to land a move to Real the overall champion of the successfully ended in this The 30-year-old was pictured struggled to make his mark on that he can form part of one of Madrid this summer. on a yacht after the Copa America maiden National Schools maiden edition of the National looking rather out of shape, Racket Games which ended Schools’ Racket Games without and then received even more Qatar 2022: Rwanda Fight Back to Hold Kenya to Draw at the Indoor Sports Hall of any major eventuality. backlash after being substituted the National Stadium, Surulere, “As you can see, a lot of in PSG's victory over Reims, and Rwanda came from behind to Lagos over the weekend talented stars in the badminton following his display for Brazil hold Kenya to a 1-1 draw in 13 states across the country and table tennis events were against Chile. a CAF second-round 2022 Fifa took part in the five-day discovered here and it is good Neymar took to social media World Cup qualifying match championships organised we are going to see that these to defend himself against these at Stade Régional Nyamirambo by the Nigeria School ones are given encouragement allegations, claiming that the in Kigali on Sunday. Sports Federation (NSSF) in to actualize their dreams in jersey he wore for Brazil was The result leaves both teams winless after two rounds of partnership with the Nigeria their chosen fields. a size too big, making him Badminton Federation (NBF) “Kudos must go to all the appear overweight. He joked fixtures and with a mountain to climb if they are to challenge and Nigeria Table Tennis kids and their teachers for a that next time he would make Federation (NTTF). successful event. Special thanks sure to 'order a medium' size, for a place in the third round of qualifying for the 2022 World The event involved table also goes to the Lagos State and not a large. tennis and badminton events Sports Commission, alongside And to prove that he is Cup hosted in Qatar. The Harambee Stars opened with Ondo finishing second the Nigeria Table Tennis back to his ideal weight, the with four gold medals while Federation and the Badminton forward posted a photo of the scoring nine minutes into himself in training for Brazil on the encounter through Michael Kwara came third with three Federation of Nigeria for their Instagram. Neymar was keen Olunga. The Qatari-based gold and six bronze medals. technical support. to display his set of abs in the forward had the beating of The Akanbi sisters of Lagos Nkana Mbora who picture, demonstrating that he Emery Mvuyekure who failed to were the cynosure of all eyes represented the Minister of is in much better shape than his hold onto the Kenyan forward's as the pair dominated most Youth and Sports Development, doubters believe. shot. of the events in singles and Mr. Sunday Dare, hailed The former Barcelona star will Amavubi took little time to doubles. the quality of competition, hope that this post puts to bed respond and levelled matters President of NSSF, Olabisi officiating and skills exhibited through Abdul Rwatubyaye in Michael Olunga scored the opening goal for Kenya before Rwanda any questions about his weight rallied back to share points with the Harambee Stars Joseph expressed satisfaction by the budding stars from or professionalism, after an the 20th minute of the match. with the successful completion schools. She also charged the indifferent start to the new season. Despite a positive end to A point moves Kenya within and away fixtures in the next an exciting first half which of the competition and students who took part in the Neymar suffered the heartbreak one of Group E leaders Mali international window while promised that NSSF will be competition to put all their of a Copa America final defeat promised more goals in the who are away to Uganda on Rwanda continue their qualifying second, none followed as the looking forward to more states experiences into use to help at the hands of Argentina this Monday. quest with back-to-back matches participating in the event the country achieve success summer, and was awarded some game ultimately ended in a Kenya will face Mali in home against Uganda in October. draw. during the second edition in sports. T RU N Monday September 6, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Governor Diri to Politicians “In this country, most politicians no longer have values but only pursue their selfish interests. As far as their interest is protected or fortified, they can damn any consequences and even the interest of the people they are leading. That is why some of them can change like chameleon and jump ship easily” ––Bayelsa State Governor, , bemoaning the insecurity in the country, saying Nigeria in dire need of competent managers. OSITACHIDOKA GUEST COLUMNIST DCP Abba Kyari and FBI: A Reform Opportunity few weeks ago, the news media was awash with stories about the issue of the FBI report on DCP Abba Kyari. Subsequently, the Police high command Asuspended the Deputy Commissioner of Police and instituted an investigation panel headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. The Special Investigation Panel submitted their report on August 26, 2021. We await the outcome of the Inspector General’s review. The FBI, as widely reported, named DCP Abba Kyari as an accomplice in an international fraud case. A US court issued a warrant for DCP Abba Kyari’s arrest over his alleged involvement in a $1.1m Internet fraud allegedly perpetrated by an Instagram influencer, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi and four others; AbdulRahman Juma; Vincent Kelly Chibuzo (Kelly); Rukayat Motunrayo Fashola; and Bolatito Agbabiaka. The FBI claimed that Kyari detained Chibuzor at the behest of Hushpuppi for one month to enable the latter and his co-conspirators Kyari Ramon Chibuzo to fleece their Qatari victim of over $1m. In typical Nigerian style, the issue of a citizen is a danger to any citizen without beyond the constitutionally provided time keeping of documents about arrest and the FBI report has adorned a national toga government connection or protection. This of 48 hours without a court order. detention of citizens. It should invite of pseudo nationalism or ethnic rallying captured state is the Nigeria that we need The important story is that many public the public to report cases of unlawful point. On either side, it represents our to fix. That Nigeria that provides cover functionaries like DCP Abba Kyari in the detention and try the officers involved national descent to moral ambivalence. for egregious acts of impunity will not government may use the instrument of appropriately. DCP Abba Kyari is a renowned officer change if we don’t restructure citizens public office for their end. The growing 6. The Police Service Commission and the with many feathers to his cap for his control of institutions. rise of impunity amongst government National Human Rights Commission courage, dedication to duty and unceasing The opportunity before us as a nation officials and failure of the government should collaboratively conduct quarterly battle against criminals. I am one of his today is to take the Abba Kyari issue as to oversight its institutions is one of the oversight of Police activities that impact numerous distant admirers and will continue a basis for the reform of the Nigerian outcomes of a captured state. Nigeria is a fundamental rights and publish reports. to praise his work as a crime fighter. In Police. Who oversights the Police? Does state captured by special interests, and its It is the responsibility of Nigerians to my opinion, as a police officer, he should the Police have an internal compliance institutions are used to further the welfare hold the Police accountable. I call on all willingly appear before any authority unit that ensures officers and, in the of its ruling elite. illegally detained Nigerians to speak up to clear his name and show respect to case of Kyari, highly decorated officers To use this Abba Kyari scandal as now. The Police Service Commission constituted authority. He does not need to acting with broad discretion, comply a learning and reform moment, the (PSC) is mandated to appoint, promote, be extradited to the United States unless with the rules of the Police? Does the government should do the following: and discipline officers of the Nigerian he has embraced the growing national Police have an Ombudsman to who 1. Review the current Police reporting Police except the Inspector General of culture of shamelessness. the public can complain about abuses mechanism and institute an online Police. It will be of public interest if the The real issues that concern Nigerians by officers? In the event of the failure platform that provides daily information Commission can make public its procedures are: Did DCP Abba Kyari arrest and detain of the Police Ombudsman, the next stop on detainees and the number of days and mechanism to proactively control the Mr Kelly Chibuzo for ONE month? What should be the Police Service Commission in detention without the names of the behaviour of Police officers. The office offence was recorded in the police entry with the mandate to discipline officers. detainees. of the Police Ombudsman should ideally against Mr Chibuzo? Did DCP Abba Kyari If fundamental rights are breached the 2. If it does not exist, the Police should be in the PSC. obtain a court order to detain him initially National Human Rights Commission has appoint a senior officer at the rank In the event of fundamental rights or subsequently? Who was the complainant the responsibility to investigate and provide of Assistant Inspector General of violations, the National Human Rights in the detention of Mr Chibuzo? These citizen redress against such violations. Police to head a compliance unit for Commission (NHRC), as a statutory organ questions deserve simple answers. Suppose Are these organs working? If so why did internal monitoring, investigation, and with investigative powers should lead the the answers affirm that he arrested a Chibuzo spend over one month in detention enforcement of officer’s compliance to inquiry and seek redress for breach of Nigerian citizen and detained him for without triggering an internal inquiry? rules equivalent to the Military Police rights through unlawful detention. Nigerians more than 48 hours without charging Why do we need a Special Investigation in the Army. should use the NHRC to hold the Police him to court for a whole month. In that Panel if normal organs are functional to 3. The Police should clearly define an accountable. case, we have serious issues here—issues investigate DCP Abba Kyari? Ombudsman to deal with public reports The path to Unlocking the self-created of impunity, violation of our constitution, By way of example, the FBI has a Chief of abuses or infractions by officers. gridlock obstructing our path to progress and lack of internal compliance mechanism. Inspector who oversees internal inquiries 4. The National Human Rights Commission is through citizen activism. Citizens must Democracy, or rather the appearance of and performance audits. The Office of should Conduct an independent audit lead the fight to make sure that good democracy measured by the presence of Integrity and Compliance ensures that of Police cells across the country to officers like DCP Abba Kyari do not get institutions like legislature and judiciary, officers are monitored and comply with the determine the number of detainees and carried away and succumb to a growing periodic elections, and citizens’ rights, spirit and letter of rules. I recommend the those in custody against constitutional culture of impunity. Let’s #unlocknaija can present a vast opportunity for state same to the Nigeria Police if they do not provisions. together. capture. A Police organisation in which an have such an office. Such an office would 5. The Police Service Commission should Osita Chidoka is the founder of UnlockNaija individual, no matter how rich or powerful, have a mechanism to trigger internal inquiry Review records of police detention Movement, a volunteer-driven organisation can induce an officer to arrest and detain when, for example, a person is detained activities and ensure proper record committed to the renewal of the idea of Nigeria 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]. 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