Air Force: Super Tucano Fighter Jets Depart US for Kingsley Nwezeh in their way to Nigeria. expected to fly through five in earlier statements, had said where the attack aircraft would questions over the delay in The fighter jets, bought countries, notably Canada, six of the fighter aircraft were be domiciled. the delivery of the fighter jets. The Nigerian Air Force said following the award of a $329 Spain, Greenland, Iceland to be delivered by July while A delegation of the House A statement by the Nigerian yesterday that the long-awaited million foreign military sales and Algeria before arriving the remaining six would be of Representatives had some Air Force Headquarters said first batch of six A29 Super contract to SNC by the United in Nigeria. in Nigeria by December. weeks ago visited the United the first batch of the fighter Tucano aircraft, ordered by States government to build The jet fighters were billed The air force had also States to ascertain the state of jets departed the United States the federal government from 12 A-29s for the Nigerian Air for delivery to Nigeria between completed construction of a the fighter jets. the United States, were on Force in November 2018, are 2021 and 2022. The air force, hangar in Jaji, State, The delegation had raised Continued on page 10

COVID-19 Impedes FG's Economic Diversification Drive, Says Ahmed ... Page 6

Friday 16 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9594. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T R U N T H & R E ASO Emir Bayero Tells Buhari to End Nigerians’ Suffering Kasim Sumaina and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, yesterday told President to step up efforts by his administration to end the sufferings of Nigerians. DIAMOND FOR NGIGE... The emir told the president L-R: The celebrant, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN); his wife, Ogochukwu; Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); and former Governor of , Mr. who paid him a courtesy call , at a thanksgiving to mark Ngige's 60th birthday in …recently Continued on page 10 Afraid of Defeat in 2023, APC Senators Weaken e-Transmission of Election Results How senators voted Commotion forces House to adjourn decision till today New law may be unconstitutional

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Commission (INEC) by Assembly before deploying arm of government. party, with two opposition electronically during the 2023 Okocha, Alex Enumah, the 1999 Constitution (as electronic transmission of The senators, with lawmakers who broke general election. Adedayo Akinwale, Udora amended), on the conduct election results in any area. marching orders from ranks with their party, at Twenty eight other senators Orizu in Abuja, Christopher of elections, the Senate By the decision, the their party, All Progressives the consideration of the were absent to cast their Isiguzo in Enugu, John yesterday passed the National Assembly, Congress (APC), buckled Electoral Act Amendment votes. But THISDAY gathered Shiklam in Kaduna and Electoral Act Amendment statutorily designed as and deployed their majority Bill, voted 52 to 28 to amend that many of them were in Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Bill, which requires the a law-making organ of in the Senate to weaken clause 52 of the bill that the chambers before voting commission to seek clearance government, seeks to the quest for electronic would have empowered begun. Despite the independence from the Nigerian National assume powers to approve a transmission of poll results the Independent National The senators' tactical conferred on the Independent Communication Commission decision exclusively within in the 2023 election cycle Electoral Commission (INEC) National Electoral (NCC) and the National the purview of the executive Senators from the ruling to transmit election results Continued on page 8

Alakija: My Transition from Fashion to Oil Industry Was God Ordained... Page 5 2 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 5

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 Alakija: My Transition from Fashion to Oil Industry Was God Ordained Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja about when we get back to three years to secure the oil the licence, she found out multinational (Texaco) a to God, give me this, give Nigeria." licence. that it was an oil block that company before the eventual me that. We should also ask Oil mogul and richest woman Alakija added: "When we Alakija, who was named nobody wanted. signing of the papers. God, what can I do for you in Africa, Mrs. Folorunsho got back to Nigeria, she Forbes Magazine's richest "Nobody in the industry On her philanthropy, she today?". Alakija, yesterday recounted brought some bid documents woman in Africa in 2020, wanted it. It was deep said it was anchored on the On that premise, she set how she transited from being and said that we are looking said after securing the oil offshore, it was 5,000 feet principle of giving. about rendering assistance a fashion entrepreneur to an to lift crude oil from Nigeria licence, oil exploration and technology had not "I know that the more you to widows and children. investor in the oil industry, and she wanted to know if companies declined reached that water depth. give, the more God gives Speaking on her N1 billion saying her path was designed I can speak to some of our involvement owing to the It was too expensive to back to you. That's for donation to CACOVID, she by God. clients, one of whom was the fact that it was "offshore explore and nobody knew sure but that shouldn't be stated that her foundation Alakija, who joined late Mrs. Mariam Babangida. and about 5,000 feet." what was deep under. Only the reason why you should sought assurances of the septuagenarian club "I said okay, I will go and Alakija added: "The rest God knew and He closed give", she said. judicious application of the yesterday, in an interview see what she can do about it was what God wanted to do. the eyes of every human On the activities of her donation before it was made. on ‘The Morning Show,’ a and I got there and she (Mrs. What He wanted to at first being on earth to it," she foundation, Rose of Sharon "We requested that when it programme on ARISE NEWS Babangida) said I can book by giving me that opening added. Foundation, she said: "I gets to CACOVID, it will get Channel, the broadcast arm an appointment for you to through my friend because According to her, it took asked God if there's any to the right quarters, where of THISDAY Newspapers, see the petroleum minister. I would have never looked another three years for her way, He will want me to we wanted our money to gave glory to God for her I went to see the petroleum at the oil industry." to find technical partners. help Him. As Christians, go. We donated N1billion," successes in the oil industry, minister and what they She said when she got She recalled meeting with we should not be going she said. fashion and her humanitarian wanted to do was to lift crude gestures. and the petroleum minister She recounted her long said the administration at battle to secure an oil licence, that time wanted to move adding that it took three away - they preferred to get years under the military Nigerians to be involved (in regime of General Ibrahim the oil industry) rather than Babangida (rtd). giving it out to foreigners She also recalled the and he said if they want to difficulties she encountered invest in Nigeria rather than after she was awarded an lift crude, then they will be offshore oil block, but oil willing to do that. exploration companies "I took it back to my declined to partner her friend, she took it back to company to drill for oil. her clients and her clients She spoke of her said ‘no we don't want to involvement in the campaign invest in Nigeria, we only against COVID-19, which wanted to lift;’ so, we parted led her foundation, Rose of ways and I said to myself Sharon, to donate N1billion now that I have an inroad in support of the fight against to that place, why don't I the pandemic. go find something I can do She said: "As I look back what I wanted was a contract now, I can say that there is to boost my pocket. nothing to regret. My only "I still wanted to keep regret in life is not coming on doing my fashion, I to Christ earlier, which is love it so I went back to almost 30 years. That is my Mrs. Babangida and asked only regret in life. her to help me get another "I transitioned from appointment and I went back fashion to oil to the glory and told the minister that of God,moving from fashion I can do something. I can to the oil industry. First of do something with NNPC all, I would say fashion is my and I was giving all sorts passion. A friend of mine, we of different options and met on the plane, a family possibilities." DUTY CALL... friend and she said you know She stated that after several what, there is something I appointments with the then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) presiding over the virtual National Economic Council meeting, at the State House, Abuja... would like to talk to you petroleum minister, it took yesterday FG Seeks WTO's Exemption from Regulations for Artisan Fishers

James Emejo in Abuja This development has a balanced outcome in line subsidisation threatened that had so far been made as officials from his ministry prompted the WTO to plan with the organisation's the ongoing efforts towards contained in the revised Draft and the Federal Ministry The federal government some measures of discipline mandate. sustainable development of Consolidated Text of 30th of Agriculture and Rural yesterday called for the for fishing entities in order Adebayo said Nigeria the sector. June 2021, provided a good Development. exemption of small-scale to restore sanity. would be happy to Adebayo said: "These basis that could "take us to The WTO mandate and artisanal fishers from The Minister of Industry, negotiate on appropriate unsustainable practices a successful conclusion; and prohibits certain forms the scope of the fisheries Trade and Investment, special and differential have resulted in rapid we are happy to work on that of fisheries subsidies that subsidies discipline which Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, treatment provisions for depletion of global marine basis while ensuring that the contribute to overcapacity is under negotiation at the in his submission at a developing countries and fish stocks. After 20 years mandate of the negotiation and overfishing, and World Trade Organisation virtual meeting of the least developed countries. of negotiations, I believe it is substantively achieved in eliminate subsidies that (WTO) by member nations. WTO Trade Negotiations He said the sustainable is time for us to draw the a balanced manner." contribute to illegal, The fishing subsidies Committee (TNC) at the development of the fisheries curtain on the fisheries The minister, at the unreported and unregulated regime will impose discipline ministerial level on fisheries sector would be a viable subsidies negotiations. meeting attended by the (IUU) fishing, and refrain in the global industry subsidies, affirmed Nigeria's route to member states' "Nigeria would continue to Director-General of the from introducing new such and help fishing activities commitment and support to socioeconomic development support you Madam DG and WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- subsidies. thrive in an environmentally the agreement to prohibit given the sector's contribution show requisite flexibilities so Iweala, said that in view The framework also sustainable manner. certain forms of fisheries to food and livelihood we can collectively achieve of the technicalities recognises that appropriate Some fishing operations subsidies that had resulted security improvement. balanced outcomes consistent involved in the fisheries and effective special and are deemed to be in rapid depletion of global He, however, said illegal with SDG 14.6 and our subsidies negotiations, differential treatment for detrimental to environmental marine fish stocks. fishing, overfishing and mandate." as well as the urgency to developing countries and sustainability, particularly The minister assured the overcapacity, as well as Adebayo, in a statement by expeditiously make progress, least developed countries in the areas of overfishing WTO of Nigeria’s support other unsustainable fishing his media aide, Mr. Ifedayo Nigeria’s participation should be an integral part of and over-capacity, among and commitment to engage and fishing-related activities Sayo, stated that Nigeria would henceforth involve the WTO fisheries subsidies others. members towards achieving incentivised by heavy believed that the progress engagement by senior negotiation. 6 FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS ECOWAS Administrators Seek to Curb Tax Evasion, Illicit Financial Flows James Emejo in Abuja Inland Revenue Service He added that the outcome Tax (VAT) in the region, Finances and Fiscal Affairs mobilise tax revenue and (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad of the exercise will enable improve the management at WAIMO, Habass Teaore, ensure the adoption of Tax administrators of the Nami, while declaring open ECOWAS member countries of tax expenditures as well said the event would expand international standard." Economic Community of West the regional seminar on the to move forward in a united as provide an opportunity to the region's domestic tax He said the forum had African States (ECOWAS) problems of tax transition manner to develop the have a regional methodology collection and reduce also given the stakeholders member states yesterday in West Africa, in Abuja, technical and professional guide for the evaluation of fraudulent tax evasion. an opportunity to share intensified efforts to make said at a time when the skills of the tax and customs tax expenditures among other He added that the seminar experience and come up it difficult for individuals and various governments were administrations. objectives. was aimed at building the with ways to drive the tax business entities, especially facing health and security He added that this will Nami said though a lot capacity of member countries system in the region. multinational institutions, to difficulties, results were of guarantee them a better had been achieved within towards the objectives. The PATF, which spans evade tax compliance as well great essence to boost revenue increase in domestic revenue, a year-and-a-half, there He said ECOWAS was the period of 2020 - 2022, as limit illicit financial flows mobilisation and improve following the decline in were still many projects to proud of the results so far provides a framework for and corruption at regional fiscal positions. revenue linked to efforts to be undertaken. achieved, adding that the ECOWAS member states level. He stated that since the improve the free movement He, therefore, urged the purpose was to brainstorm and Mauritania to increase At the first majorestablishment and holding of of people and goods under committees to "complete your on ways to address issues their resources by focusing stakeholders' meeting of the first steering committee the African Continental Free work as soon as possible, affecting tax collection in on efficient and effective the Support Programme for meeting, the execution of Trade Area Agreement but above all to propose the region. domestic revenue mobilisation Tax Transition in West Africa the missions in progress (AfCFTA). innovative, realistic and Also, ECOWAS Director to offset the potential decline (PATF), the regional heads of had accelerated, making it He said the programme feasible recommendations." of Trade, Custom Union, in tax revenue from the public tax institutions agreed possible to have results that would help to improve the Also speaking at the Tientore Salifor, said it reduction of customs barriers to fast track the formulation could be shared by the actors management of Value Added occasion, Director, Public was important that "we all in the region. and adoption of policy and of the programme and the framework to strengthen the beneficiaries. fight against tax fraud as He said though there were well as improve domestic still lots of grounds to be tax management and ensure covered, "we have come a better coordination of taxation long way, with results that in the programme's coverage are certainly mixed, but area. encouraging and which The Chairman, Federal should encourage us to continue our work." NAFDAC Approves Moderna, Sputnik, Korean Astrazeneca for COVID-19 Vaccination Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja (EUL). A COVID-19 vaccine that has gone through the The National Agency for Food prior approval from either of and Drug Administration these two sources had gone and Control (NAFDAC) has through quality, safety and approved three additional efficacy evaluation, which is COVID-19 vaccines for use a prerequisite for acceptance in Nigeria. by COVAX Facility." Ahead of the arrival of She added that most more vaccines doses in regulatory agencies across the Nigeria, the agency said world use this mechanism to that its vaccine committee expedite their own regulatory had recommended Moderna approval to import and (Rovi Pharma Madrid, Spain); administer COVID-19 vaccines. AstraZeneca AZD1222 (South "The agency did a thorough Korea Bioscience Co Limited); assessment of each vaccine Sputnik V (Gamaleya National and were found to have the Centre of Epidemiology and quality, safety and efficacy FORGING PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH... Microbiology, Russia) for attributes, with the benefits L-R: Founder and Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, and President, ECOWAS Trade Promotions Organisation Network, emergency use. far outweighing the risks," Mr Olusegun Awolowo, on the sidelines of fireside chat titled, "From ECOWAS To AfCTA," organised by the Nigerian Export The agency added that she stated. Promotion Council, in Abuja...yesterday following observations According to her, the of some avoidable effects agency spends at least 15 during vaccination, it has days to examine the dossier recommended that health or submission package of the FG, Partners Complete N10bn Historic officials carry out preliminary vaccine to ensure that the checks on individual's health benefits of the vaccine far status before administering the outweigh the risks and that vaccine on anyone. any side effects are well noted Corporate Sukuk Bond NAFDAC had earlier granted for monitoring after vaccination emergency use authorisation by the respective NAFDAC Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja finance Islamic institutions, From the onset, housing for the interest the issuance has approval for Astrazeneca from and primary health officers. trustees, corporate and high Nigerians, especially those generated is significant for India, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech and She added that the EUL The federal government and networth individuals, had a on low-income, has been a what the future of funding Johnson and Johnson (Jassen) will allow Nigeria to receive its partners in the private total received value of N21.3 major priority for President in the housing sector may vaccines to be deployed in the supplies of the vaccines from sector, under the auspices of billion of the intended N10 Muhammadu Buhari’s look like. country against COVID-19. the COVAX facility. Family Homes Funds Limited billion and was launched at government. “The kind of results we NAFDAC Director-General, Adeyeye explained the (FHFL), have completed the a rental rate of 13 per cent “Social housing is one of the are seeking can be hastened Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told processes involved in the issuance of a seven-year N10 per annum. strategic pillars of our economic through efforts like this, reporters yesterday in Abuja vaccine approval mechanism billion corporate Sukuk , the Speaking during the signing development programmes and where the private and public that the agency was the first to include: submission of first-ever in the country. of the bond, Minister of Finance, a direct way of improving the sectors can blend in through national regulatory body in dossiers by manufacturers and The Series I Sukuk, expected Budget and National Planning, lives of Nigerians. This is investments and other forms Africa to have guidance on market authorisation holders, to fall due in 2028, is the Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said what has informed the kind of partnership,” she added. regulatory preparedness for assessment of dossier through first Securities and Exchange achieving the feat had been of investment we are making In his remarks, Chairman of Emergency Use Authorisations different mechanisms and Commission (SEC)-registered a long and demanding journey, across the country through the fund, Mr. Suleiman Barau, (EUA), licensing or access to using the common technical corporate bond to be issued lauding all parties that worked institutions like the Family stated that the institution COVID-19 vaccines. document for the rolling in Nigeria and certified by the to ensure the success of the Homes Funds.” has been able to finance the She said: "NAFDAC is submission. Financial Regulation Advisory issuance. Ahmed, who was represented development of 11,700 homes announcing the approval of Other stages in the Council of Experts (FRACE) She described the issuance by the Permanent Secretary at at different levels of completion Moderna and AstraZeneca process are emergency use of the Central Bank of Nigeria as historical, adding that it will the ministry, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, across the country, with many vaccines and conditional authorisation, expedited (CBN). strengthen the fund’s dedication stated that with funding from more in the pipeline. approval of Sputnik V vaccine. approval, full review, post- The transaction, which was to its core principles and the federal government, FHFL “With this issuance on a N30 "The NAFDAC Vaccine marketing, pharmacovigilance more than twice oversubscribed, expand its ability to offer wider has so far been able to finance billion Sukuk bond, Family Committee has been carefully and Surveillance. also represents the company’s opportunities for Nigerians who the development of affordable Homes Funds’ commitment assessing several vaccines Adeyeye explained that debut in the Nigerian debt rely on them to realise their homes in some states, stressing to financing the development despite the fact the vaccines Moderna and AstraZeneca capital markets. home ownership dreams. that it is important that it of affordable housing in Nigeria have been approved by AZD1222 vaccines have The transaction, which Ahmed said: “As we strengthens its capabilities is further strengthened and stringent regulatory countries received WHO EUL listing attracted significant demand know, housing is one of the with the issuance. presents a great source of hope or have received WHO’s and were given expedited from pension funds, ethical key indices for measuring According to her, sustainable for average Nigerians seeking Emergency Use Listing approvals. funds, fund managers, non- development in any country. funding remains critical, while a home of their own. FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY PAGE EIGHT AFRAID OF DEFEAT IN 2023, APC SENATORS WEAKEN E-TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS rejection of electronic to rule in favour of Sabi's who voted for amendments to the Senate for improvement because Nigeria currently (APC/Plateau) and Hon. Mark transmission of election motion was rejected by the and those who voted against, in the electoral process in a boasts the best penetration Gbillah. results drew flaks yesterday Senate Minority Leader, Senator each one of us did so out of manner that will engender free, rate and internet reach. The clause-by-clause from a Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP conviction for what we believe fair and credible process. "NCC is a regulator and consideration was almost Governor, Hon. Aminu Abia South), who called for will be better for this country. The party said: "It is not an operator; therefore, one enjoying smooth sailing in the Tambuwal; the Peoples a division of the senators to "In this case, the Electoral outrageous that the APC cannot fathom why anyone will House until they got to Section Democratic Party (PDP); the vote on clause 52 (3) of the Amendment Bill has now and its senators, in their say that NCC should be the 52(2) of the proposed legislation Yoruba socio-cultural group, Electoral Act Amendment Bill. been passed by the Senate desperate bid to annex the one to decide how election which gives discretion to the Afenifere; the pan-Igbo Abaribe, egged on by other and we expect that the Independent National Electoral results are transmitted. INEC to adopt electronic socio-political organisation, like-minded colleagues, rebuffed House of Representatives, Commission (INEC), seek to "In the first place, with voting or any other method Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and some attempts by APC senators and our counterparts, will do the route a statutorily independent advancement in IT, deployment of voting in any election, as senior lawyers. Lawan to withdraw his motion same. If in any case we have commission to the approval of of telecommunication in it may deem fit. But the Arewa Consultative for division. even if it's a single difference an individual masquerading Nigeria, we have one of the To amend the section, Hon. Forum (ACF) endorsed the To douse tension, Lawan between our version and theirs, in the Nigeria Communication best penetration rate, in terms Sheu Koko moved a motion senators' action. called for an executive session. there will be a committee to Commission (NCC); an of internet reach. that under Section 52(2), If the House of But after the closed-door harmonise, the conference agency under executive "To think it will be fair that accreditation and voting should Representatives concurs session that lasted for about committee. If, however, there control in addition to an extra there should be no election be done electronically, while with the Senate in passing 40 minutes, Abaribe insisted is no difference between what endorsement of the legislature, transmission of election results collation should be done the clause, INEC would on Order 73, which called we have passed here and what before conducting elections. from polling units is a shame," manually, but lawmakers require the permission of for division of the upper they would have passed in the "This action of the APC he said. rejected the motion. the Nigerian Communication chamber to enable voting House, this bill will now be senators is a direct affront, Also reacting, the Governor The Deputy Minority Leader Commission (NCC) and the on any contentious issue by sent to Mr. President for his novel in its recklessness and of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu in the House, Hon. Tobi National Assembly before each senator. presidential assent. a defilement of the 1999 Tambuwal, faulted the manner Okechukwu, however, moved it could transmit election The ruling party put more "But I want to assure all Constitution (as amended), the Senate decided the issue of a different motion, suggesting results electronically. pressure on Abaribe to recant Nigerians that what the Senate which clearly conferred electronic voting, describing that voting, accreditation and The House couldn't his position with Senator Ali did was to show serious operational independence to it as unconstitutional transmission of results shall be conclude the legislative Ndume (APC Borno South) concern and care about the INEC to conduct elections, In a statement he signed, the done electronically. process of passing the bill warning that lawmakers must divergent views of Nigerians free from interferences and governor, who was House of The Deputy Speaker of the yesterday due to commotion be wary of anything that would on the election process in this regulations from any other Representatives speaker, said the House, Hon. Idris Wase, who over allegation that the affect cohesion in the Senate. country. All of us want to see agency of government.” decision of the Senate to subject presided over the consideration presiding officer, House Senate Chief Whip, Senator an election process that is all Also, National Publicity INEC's constitutional power to of the bill, put the motion Deputy Speaker, Hon. (APC, Abia), inclusive, that is fair, that is Secretary of Afenifere, Jare conduct elections to the NCC moved by Okechukwu to vote, Ahmed Wase, was trying to cautioned Abaribe over equitable and just to everyone, Ajayi, described the decision and National Assembly was but while the 'Ayes' had it, Wase rig votes in favour demands for electronic whether someone is in the of the Senate as disappointing. unconstitutional. ruled in favour of the 'Nays'. of opponents of electronic transmission of election results. city or in the villages or in "By voting against electronic He said: "For the avoidance It was at this point that the transmission of results. He claimed that the the hamlets. transmission of election results, of doubt, Section 78 of the chamber became rowdy and Yesterday's proceedings South-east had neither stable "I wish INEC the best and most senators of the Federal Constitution provides that ‘the the lawmakers who voted in at the Senate confirmed electricity nor sufficientNigerians to support INEC at Republic of Nigeria have clearly registration of voters and the favour of electronic transmission THISDAY’s exclusive telecommunication coverage to all times to ensure that our shown that they are democrats conduct of elections shall be of results left their seats and report on Monday of guarantee efficient transmission elections are done quite in time only when they are favoured subject to the direction and moved towards Wase's seat to plot by APC senators to of results. without postponment due to or when it suits them. supervision of Independent protest against the injustice. delegitimise future elections Others who voted against one reason or the other. We "Of the 109 members, National Electoral Commission. After normalcy returned and undermine the nation’s Bassey’s motion said Nigeria pray that this bill will guide whopping 28 were absent when "In Third Schedule, Part about 40 minutes later, Wase democracy with their was not ripe for electronic the 2023 general elections so such an important decision 1,F, S.15: INEC has power warned that he would not insistence on prohibiting voting and transmission of well. And we hope to have was going to be taken. It was to organise, undertake and take exception to lawmakers electronic transmission of result. a better and more improved disgraceful. supervise all elections. The approaching his seat to insult results. Though the Senate leader election process in 2023." That the voting pattern, for constitution further provides him. Sources told THISDAY and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele Addressing newsmen after and against, cut across party line that INEC operation is not to He stated that as last night that while some (APC Ekiti Central), separately the plenary, Senate spokesman, was a further proof that when be subject to the direction of parliamentarians, they should of them were ready to shift made spirited efforts to make Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the it comes to taking decisions on anybody or authority." conduct themselves, adding that ground on Wednesday Abaribe withdraw his motion lawmakers tried to persuade important national issues, the According to him, the mode language conduct is important. to vote for electronic on division, the minority leader Abaribe to have a change of driving force for most politicians of election and transmission are Wase said: "I make bold to transmission of election stood his ground. mind. would be 'self' rather than what critical parts of the conduct, ask, those who are insisting that results yesterday, they had Thereafter, Lawan told the According to him, the would best serve the people," supervision, undertaking and you must transmit electronically, to fall in line when the party senators that those in favour of lawmakers supported electronic he stated. organisation of elections in what about our brothers in ordered them to water down amendment made by Abdullahi transmission of election results, The Ohanaeze Ndigbo also Nigeria. Borno and Yobe?" clause 52. should say No, while those for but provided the network is lampooned the Senate for "Of course the National But the Speaker, Hon. Femi It was gathered that the the counter amendment made adequate as adjudged by NCC, rejecting electronic transmission Assembly has power to flesh Gbajabiamila, interjected, and APC leadership, a few hours by Bassey should say yes. subjected to approval of the of results. out the legal framework but suggested that the lawmakers to the commencement of At the end of the voting, National Assembly. In a statement by its National that has to be consistent with should vote individually to plenary, directed the Leader which lasted for about 40 He added that all over the Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie the constitution," he added. properly settle the matter. of the Senate, Senator Yahaya minutes, a total of 80 senators world, there is no where there Alex Ogbonnia, the organisation However, the Arewa In his submission, Hon. Abdullahi (APC Kebbi North), participated, out of which 52, is total network coverage. said the action cast a doubt on Consultative Forum (ACF) Onofiok Luke (PDP Akwa to inform the party's members voted for the amendment made Meanwhile, THISDAY learnt both the image and quality of said it supported the Ibom) said the lawmakers to amend clause 52 of the bill to by Abdullahi, and 28 voted that many of the Southern the lawmakers in the upper Senate’s rejection of electronic should vote, bearing in mandate INEC to seek NCC's for the original provision of senators who voted against chamber. transmission of elections results conscience the interest of nod before it could transmit the clause. electronic transmission of "The essence of electronic as it may it may “short change” Nigerians who gave them the election results electronically As announced by the Clerk, election results broke their transmission of results is to some voters. mandate to represent them. in a particular area. 28 senators were absent during pledge to Southern governors put to an end to such things Spokesman of the forum, However, the House Leader, During the consideration of the division and voting session. to support the system. as manipulation of results, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, also Hon. Ado Doguwa, cited the the Electoral Act Amendment However, sources told The Southern governors, thuggery, stuffing of ballot box expressed concern about the rules of the House that when Bill 2021, containing 154 clauses, THISDAY that some of the rising from a meeting in and other forms of electoral capability of INEC to cover the a matter had been ruled on, it it was looking like a smooth absentee senators were in Lagos on July 5, had, among malpractices. whole country. could not be revisited. passage for the draft legislation the chambers before the others, called for the inclusion "The Senate of any country Yawe, in an interview On his part, the Minority until the senators got to clause commencement of voting of electronic transmission of should always be futuristic, with THISDAY, said: “If the Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu 52(3) of the bill, that provided and excused themselves later. election results in the Electoral statesmanly and answerable electronic transmission will (PDP Delta) supported for electronic transmission of Among those who didn't Act Amendment Bill. to the public conscience and work throughout Nigeria, Gbajabiamila's suggestion, election results. vote were Senators Theodore Sources told THISDAY that posterity," it added. fine - that is our preference. saying it was in order. The stage for partisan Orji (PDP, Abia), Gabriel Chairman of the Southern On his part, a Senior “But if by using it, we are Wase, however, ignored bickering among senators was Suswam(PDP, Benue North Governors' Forum and Ondo Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), going to shortchange some Elumelu's suggestion and opted set when Senator Abdullahi East), (YPP, State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Mr. Ahmed Raji said: "Credible Nigerian voters, then we for a voice vote on Hon. James Sabi (APC, Niger North) sought Anambra South) and Stella Akeredolu, later met with election is very crucial to the support the decision by Senate. Faleke's suggestion. an amendment to clause 52 Oduah (PDP, Anambra North), senators from the region to sustenance of democracy. “We have no objection to For the second time, he (3,) which read inter alia “The who are under investigation extract a commitment from Electronic transmission of results electronic transmission. We again ruled in favour of the Commission may transmit and trial by the Economic and them to support the forum's will boost the credibility of the are, however, more concerned "Nays" despite "Ayes" having results by electronic means Financial Crimes Commission position. election and invariably good about the capability of INEC the majority vote. where and when practicable.” (EFCC) for alleged corruption. governance". to cover the whole country”. After Wase's ruling, the But he prayed the Senate Also, all the three senators Afenifere, Ohanaeze, He stated that INEC is plenary again became rowdy to amend the section to read, from were not Tambuwal, PDP, SANs supposed to be independent Commotion Forces as the proponents of electronic “that the Commission may around at the beginning of the Knock Lawmakers in line with constitutional House to Adjourn transmission again left their consider electronic transmission voting, the same way two out provisions. "Any law that Decision Till Today seats and moved towards of election results provided the of the three senators from Oyo Reacting to the decision attempts to compromise Wase to protest. network coverage in the area State left the chamber before of the senators, the PDP the independence will be It was during the heated concerned is adjudged to be the commencement of voting. At the House, the clause-by- arguments among lawmakers yesterday expressed shock unconstitutional. clause consideration of the conducive for transmission In his remarks after voting, over the decision of the Senate "Any law requiring INEC that it degenerated to physical of results, by the National Lawan explained that the 28 Electoral Act Amendment Bill fighting. to undermine the electoral to be liaising with a body degenerated into an uproar Communication Commission absentees were on official process by refusing to approve like NCC and the National Doguwa therefore moved that (NCC)." oversight functions in national among lawmakers. the House return to plenary but the demand of Nigerians for Assembly will appear to be The disagreement forced Senator Albert Bassey (PDP interest. the electronic transmission unconstitutional as such law his motion was voted against Akwa Ibom North East) He said: "We have gone plenary activities to be halted by the members. of election results without directly interferes with the for about four times. countered with a motion through probably the most conditionalities. independence of INEC,” he When it appeared that the that the amendment should rigorous process we ever had. It was during the stormy situation was getting out of PDP said in a statement by added. session that lawmakers threw reflect that INEC may allow We had at a point had to go its National Publicity Secretary, On his part, Professor hand, Gbajabiamila ruled for electronic transmission through a division, but that is caution to the wind and that the adjourned till today Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, that the Konyinsola AJayi (SAN) said engaged in physical combat, of results where and when democracy. No hard feelings action of the APC senators was the excuse given by lawmakers for the consideration of the practicable. and I'm sure that Nigerians especially between Hon. Ifeanyi controversial Section 52(2) of an assault on the sensibilities who voted against electronic Momah (APGA/Anambra) and Attempts by the President of will appreciate the debt of of Nigerians, who looked up transmission was not tenable the proposed legislation. the Senate, Dr. , concern by all of us here. Those Hon. Sheu Koko; Yusuf Gagdi FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS COVID-19 Impedes FG's Economic Diversification Drive, Says Ahmed Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja economic challenges of the federal government on commodities, which will be mineral potential of the changes in the sector. occasioned by the COVID-19 each export transaction. complimentary by ongoing country. He said with opportunities The Minister of Finance, pandemic, the ongoing efforts She added that this is efforts to diversify the national Ahmed stated that the provided for better access Budget and National of the federal government international best practice economy. nation stands to benefit to marketing of produce, Planning, Mrs. Zainab to achieve economic in line with the Marrakesh Ahmed stated that inefficient more in an organised mining price discovery and valuable Ahmed, yesterday attributed diversification has been Protocol of the General linkages of buyers and and solid mineral extractive market information, a the federal government's affected by a decline in Agreement on Tariffs and sellers in sufficient schemes industry with the capital striving commodity trading inability to achieve economic revenue, underlined by Trade (GATT) 1994. will possess the capacity to market ready to contribute ecosystem could foster diversification to a decline in volatility in global oil prices, Ahmed said the initiative of proffer solutions to some of its quota. inclusive mining prosperity revenue due to the challenges which is our main source of employing the commodities the fundamental challenges In a welcome address, by linking commodities to of the COVID-19 pandemic. foreign exchange earnings. exchange would encourage inherent in the mining sector. the Director-General of industries in sufficient scale She described the Nigerian “The mining sector responsibility accounting and She added that streamlining SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, thereby promoting the output, capital market as a key is strategically based as fairness to governance. the operations of the said with over 44 minerals creating jobs, improving living catalyst for the development alternative source for According to her, this and mining sector through the found nationwide, the standards and unlocking the of the critical sectors of the revenue generation in the other initiatives will also commodities trading solid minerals sector can economic potentials of mining economy, saying it offers economic diversificationfacilitate the collection of all ecosystem and through other be instrumental in the communities. a credible platform for plan of the Federal royalty and fees due to the initiatives will ensure proper ongoing quest to diversify In a keynote address, obtaining medium to long Government of Nigeria. It government from the export of regulation of solid minerals the economy from its heavy the Minister of State in the term finance. also has the potential to solid minerals sector, ensuring extracting industry in Nigeria. reliance on crude oil. Ministry of Solid Minerals Ahmed, who spoke during create employment and the integrity of the mining She expressed optimism that Yuguda said the sector and Steel Development, Dr. a webinar organised by the develop rural settings for data, minimising revenue the outcome of the webinar had also been identified as Uchechukwu Ogah, described Securities and Exchange other benefits." leakages and removing undue and the strategic partnership a backbone of the investor the webinar as timely because Commission (SEC) in She stated that the bottlenecks experienced with between the mining sector value chain, which is an it’s coming at a time that collaboration with the mineral export guidelines transactions by both exporters and the capital market essential source of input President Muhammadu Buhari Ministry of Solid Minerals by the federal government of minerals as well as the community will enhance the for key industries such as is striving to revamp the sector Development, said the was formulated to address regulatory agencies. competitiveness of new non-oil construction, automobiles, for economic stability. facilitation of funding and the need to keep accurate She added that identified commodities and compliment electronics, aircraft and ship He, however, expressed provision of structured mineral trade data, ensure as one of the frontiers of the economic diversification building. disappointment that over 90 market platforms such as effective monitoring of the opportunity in the new of the federal government. He expressed the belief per cent of the artisanal miners the commodities exchanges evacuation of export proceeds, economic reality, the Nigerian She assured investors of that the Nigerian commodity and small-scale operators’ portended a boost for the to optimise the collection commodity trading eco system her ministry's support to trading system and the contribution to employment is mining and solid minerals of royalties and facilitate serves as the core point which ensure the achievement of capital market can be the still low with Gross Domestic sector. the implementation of free supports and accelerates the objective of the federal transformational patronage Product (GDP) contribution She said: “Given the shipment inspection policies the development of non-oil government to develop the to bring about this positive of 0.5 per cent. Minister: States to Begin Repayment of Budget Support Facility July Ending Deji Elumoye in Abuja Ahmed, who briefed NEC underlisted accounts as after receiving a regular state is a new variant identified in the last 10 weeks. yesterday at its monthly follows: Excess Crude Balance performance report from the in 103 countries and is 60 The NCDC therefore The Minister of Finance, virtual meeting presided as at July 13, 2021 was Nigeria Centre for Disease per cent more transmissible urged the council to ensure Budget and National Planning, over by Vice President $60,852,533.19; stabilisation Control (NCDC). than the highly infectious the sustenance of effective Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has stated Yemi Osinbajo, said with account balance as at July 13, According to the report, the Alpha variant, which was COVID-19 response that the repayment of federal the agreement reached on the 2021 was N26,346,419,015.43; COVID-19 positivity rate has previously identified. nationwide, while improving government's support facility Support Facility issue with while development of natural gone up in the country just as He said despite the low public health awareness, by the states will begin by the Central Bank of Nigeria resources account balance three cases of the Delta variant number of cases in the country, adherence to public health the end of July. (CBN), which provided the as at July 13, 2021, was has now been detected. the positivity rate had gone and social measures. This is just as the National bridge financing facility to N23,573,977,607.78. The council received the up with having The agency also called for Executive Council (NEC) has the states, deductions from On the forthcoming state performance report on a larger burden of between the re-activation and sustained canvassed strict adherence state governments would Sallah festivities, the NEC COVID-19 from the Director- 70 per cent and 80 per cent functioning of isolation centres to COVID-19 guidelines as commence from this month. called for a strict adherence General of the NCDC, Dr. of cases in the country. as proactive preparatory Nigerians celebrate Sallah Ahmed also gave the to the COVID-19 response Chikwe Ihekweazu, who The state has also recorded measures towards tackling next week. council an update on the guidelines across the country, stated that the Delta variant an increase in number of cases a possible third wave. EMIR BAYERO TELLS BUHARI TO END NIGERIANS’ SUFFERING in his palace in Kano as part of government to find a lasting presidential aides would government is executing is 203.8 kilometres. It connects second segment, Lagos-Ibadan his itinerary during his official solution to ease the suffering continue to advise the president people-oriented projects, two important states in the railway line, was inaugurated visit to , that the of the common man, more on the condition and wellbeing particularly in Kano State. North: Kaduna and Kano. for commercial operation on present economic situation in specifically with the high cost of the poor masses, especially Earlier, Buhari, who When completed, it will June 10 2021. the country is inflicting untold of essential commodities that in those aspects where he spoke in Hausa, had said: be connected to the already "Succinctly speaking, having hardship on Nigerians. are clearly above their reach. would need to be informed "I am delighted over how functional Abuja-Kaduna delivered Abuja- Kaduna and As part of his engagement He called on Buhari to on certain developments Governor Abdullahi Umar railway line, and it will be Lagos- Ibadan railway project, during the state visit, the intensify more efforts in for necessary action. This Ganduje is developing Kano possible to travel directly the remaining stretch of Ibadan- president was in Zawaciki, tackling insecurity and the is a responsibility upon us, State. I am also happy about from Kano to Abuja by train. Kano, which traverses Oyo, Dawakin Kudu Local economy. which we need to discharge his continuity policy. I have The project adopts China Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Government Area of Kano Bayero said: "We are excited accordingly. seen a number of projects of Railway standard, with a Kaduna and Kano has been State, to perform the ground- with your visit to the palace. "We often pray for divine previous administrations which designed speed of 150 km/h. It segmented as follows: Kaduna- breaking for the 203.8km We appreciate your visit to intervention for our country. To he has completed. is a single-track standard gauge Kano segment, Ibadan- Minna segment of the Kano-Kaduna the palace from time to time the followers, we urged them "I urge other state governors railway, using diesel traction segment and Minna-Abuja rail project. even during the time of the to sustain constant prayers for to emulate the continuity policy and automatic blocking system. segment." He also told governors not late emir. the leaders and pray to God to of Governor Ganduje. I am Speaking at the ceremony, "This project will link the to abandon projects initiated "We want to commend the heal our land from COVID-19 very happy for the warm the Minister of Transportation, Federal Capital, Abuja with by their predecessors so as to president for the infrastructural pandemic.” reception I received in Kano." Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, said the commercial city of Kano speed up the development development across the The emir appealed to Buhari Performs Ground the proposed Kano-Kaduna and also link the ongoing of their states. country, particularly those sited Nigerians to support and Breaking for 203.8km Kano- railway project would Kano-Maradi project. The Bayero, while receiving in Kano just as the governor pray for the success of the Kaduna Rail Line boost trade and present an outstanding addendum, Buhari, said: “Nigerians are listed some of such projects Buhari administration. Meanwhile, Buhari opportunity for Nigerians to Ibadan- Abuja, will link the suffering, and something despite the shortfalls in the He also assured the yesterday in Zawaciki, traverse between Abuja and sea ports in Lagos to Maradi, urgently needs to be done. global economy. president of the emirate’s Dawakin Kudu Local Kano with ease. Niger Republic. “The present economic "We are calling on the continued prayers for his Government Area of Kano Amaechi stated that the "This, I believe, will greatly situation in the country is president to look into various administration, and applauded State, performed the ground- project is part of the third boost trade between the inflicting untold hardship sectors of life and find ways him for finding Kano worthy breaking for the 203.8km and outstanding segment two countries and foster on Nigerians, coupled with of ameliorating the sufferings of citing federal government’s segment of the Kano-Kaduna of the Lagos-Kano railway economic development. This the insecurity.” and hardships faced by the critical infrastructural projects, rail project. modernisation project. railway line will present an The emir called on the masses, especially in the areas which has turned the state The segment starts from He added that the first opportunity for Nigerians government to do everything of security, economy, especially to an economic hub. Rigasa station, Kaduna, and segment, Abuja-Kaduna line, to traverse between Abuja possible to control inflation. food and commodities. He also expressed delight runs to Kano. was launched for commercial and Kano via Kaduna with He also urged the federal "We are hoping the over the way the federal The length of the main line operation in July 2016 and the relative ease," he added. AIR FORCE: SUPER TUCANO FIGHTER JETS DEPART US FOR NIGERIA on Wednesday. departed the United States of Greenland, Iceland, Spain ceremony of the aircraft into Gabkwet told THISDAY It was gathered that the The statement by NAF America on Wednesday, 14 and Algeria, before arriving the inventory of the Nigerian that the United States path taken by the fighter spokesman, Air Commodore July 2021, enroute Nigeria. their final destination in Air Force is already being Ambassador to Nigeria, jets was designed to avoid Edward Gabkwet, said: "The six aircraft will be Nigeria towards the end planned at a later date in Mary Beth Leonard, was in the Atlantic Ocean route, a "The first batch of six A-29 leapfrogged through five of July 2021. August, to be announced in the US to meet with pilots distance not usually flown Super Tucano aircraft has countries, including Canada, "An official induction due course." before they took off. by fighter aircraft. FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] RAMAPHOSA-DE KLERK DIARCHY FOR SOUTH AFRICA Okello Oculi writes that the ‘sharing’ of power by the government gives room to instability igerian political engineers invented the term ‘’DIARCHY’’ to couple hope from a position A retinue of people who challenged the ‘’rule of law’’ of weakness by politicians longing to share under European immigrant repression were regularly either power with a military class that monopolised murdered in prison or while in exile. tools of violence. Both groups lacked popular European immigrants used guns and death to rob legitimacy earned from votes cast in free and communities of their land. There were blatant incidences Nfair elections. Politicians envied the military’s access to a vast of corruption and ‘’state capture’’. The state forced victims inflow of revenue from oil revenues. of land robbery to till farms for whites, to live in horrible This game of social engineering had been shown by dormitories; provide slave labour in mines and die of dust in Leopold Senghor in Senegal and Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana their lungs. who argued for one-party politics as a borrowing from village Mugabe, himself a brilliant lawyer, believed in ‘’Anti communities which did not accept the notion of permanent -Colonial rule of law’’; with the cardinal injunction of opposition and hatred between rulers and members of returning land to Bashona owners; by force if illegal owners community. Julius Nyerere invented electoral competition resisted. Mugabe built schools and universities for Black by members of the same family following a British colonial Zimbabweans to catch up. Zuma as a disciple of Mugabe is by which all (but one rebel member), were declared ‘’elected bound to strike panic in De Klerk’s political camp. unopposed’’ without voting taking place. Following ANC’s election victory in 1994, it was reported A French scholar of Africa accused President Bill Clinton’s that Cyril Ramaphosa was directed by President Nelson government of supporting the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as Mandela to go into business. In 2021 he shares with former a form of gift to Africa. Just as the genocide against Jews racist regime president, De Klerk, a similar vision of political had taught Europeans to value ‘’Democracy”, a moment of engineering of South Africa. With over 400 years of bitter- horror would turn Africans away from dictatorships. So the ness from violent and poverty-entrenching white rule over allegation goes. African peoples; with 63 per cent of youths under age 24 Regimes controlled by minority European immigrants years unemployed, this ‘Ramaphosa-De Klerk diarchy’ make had drawn Russian and Chinese support as friends of the country very unstable. armed struggles for freedom. Mugabe had won in Southern In response to riots and looting, Ramaphosa called out Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) while in far west Agustinho Neto the military instead of hurrying to meet angry and hungry had – with Cuba’s troops and Russian weapons decimated looters in Soweto Township. The Secretary General of the South Africa’s white troops and forced political leaders to Trade Union Congress claimed that the president’s distance negotiate for peace and safeguards under Black majority from the people is manifested by addresses in English on governance. The United States now chose to support African television. Ethnic Minority Rule in Meles Zenawe’ Ethiopia; Yoweri Human rivers of haggard youths carrying away consumer Museveni in Uganda and Paul Kagame in Rwanda. goods looted from shops, while an address by an ANC As the saying goes, a sleeping cobra does not lose the official merely tags them as ‘’criminals’’ affirm the gulf poison in its throat. In African countries which were between her faction of the party and those still loyal to exploited by a small team of businessmen and political promises made to followers in the struggle against white administrators, Kwame Nkrumah described the cobra’s South Africans owning 90 per cent of the country’s wealth venom as ‘’Neo-Colonialism’’. while they constitute only 10 per cent of the population. On 11 July, 2021, supporters of former President Jacob This split has pushed Ramaphosa towards dependence Zuma erupted with violent anger against their leader sitting THIS SPLIT HAS PUSHED RAMAPHOSA on De Klerk’s economic and political camp; and officials of inside a prison cell. Two weeks earlier, the Constitutional TOWARDS DEPENDENCE ON DE KLERK’S the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This Court sentenced former President Zuma to a prison term is a road to political idiocy and spiralling conflict. External because he had disobeyed orders by the supreme court of ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CAMP; AND merchants of conflict welcome it. Those who wish to deepen the country. No one, including a former president of South OFFICIALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL an erosion of the country’s level of industrialisation and Africa, is above the law. MONETARY FUND AND THE WORLD BANK. weaken its credential for being a member of BRICKS will The legacy of ‘’the rule of law’’ is sordid in South Africa. THIS IS A ROAD TO POLITICAL IDIOCY AND deepen decay in the education sector and availability to drug Its supremacy had imprisoned Nelson Mandela for 27 years. SPIRALLING CONFLICT addiction.

COVID-19: NOT YET UHURU The pandemic is still on the prowl. Nigerians should adhere to the preventive measures, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi he signs are not too pleasant. Big after the end of the second wave. The reality of the COVID-19 situation, no Besides the need for sanctioning, it is parties are back in full force. So In his recent briefing on the Lagos’ CO- doubt, calls for great caution among compatri- important to enjoin Nigerians to take personal are large gatherings. There is utter VID-19 situation, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 18 ots, especially Lagosians. Being the epicentre responsibility for their health. The ultimate disregard for social distancing. percent of 50,322 air passengers of interest, who of the pandemic, Lagos, especially, and other responsibility for our safety lies in our hands. The use of facemasks has been arrived in Lagos via the Murtala Muhammed cosmopolitan cities in the country must not be The pandemic is not yet over, irrespective of discarded. We embrace and shake International Airport (MMIA), could not be exposed to tendencies that could spark the third what we think. Therefore, we need to step Thands at will. All of a sudden, we seem to be reached for COVID-19 status monitoring by wave of COVID-19. up personal safety measures and precautions. acting as if the deadly virus no longer exists. EKOTELEMED because they supplied wrong We must, thus, be all resolute in our stand Families must deliberately speak about it at Sadly, as we imprudently tread the path contact details. against the virus. Caution must remain our homes, while schools and working places must of complacency, the pandemic is not really Also, quite disturbing is the confirmation of watchword. No soldiers celebrate in the midst religiously champion it. in a hurry to leave. It is even giving birth to a highly contagious Delta variant of the virus of an inconclusive battle. It is in our own This is not the time to be careless. This is not deadlier variants. For the virus, there is still in the country. According to experts, the deadly interest to willingly comply with all regulations the time to let down our guard. If we choose more land to conquer. Stakeholders have Delta variant, which has been detected in at designed by the appropriate bodies to contain to be undaunted in the midst of a raging battle, raised the alarm of a possible third wave of least 105 countries globally, is now becoming the spread of the virus. we will not only hurt our nation, but our COVID-19 across the globe. This followed a prevalent and it is rapidly spreading. Now, This is the time for those saddled with the families too because the virus has no respect for sharp increase in the number of positive cases the fear is that it could become predominant safeguarding of our borders to be patriotic anyone. recorded in the last few weeks. in African countries if unimpeded. The World and vigilant. The Immigration and Customs, Taking personal responsibility is our duty; In Lagos State, for instance, Governor Health Organisation (WHO), has equally especially, must keep their eyes on visitors we have to change our orientation. The time Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently disclosed that the expressed fears about the Delta variant as well coming into the country. They must ensure a to take responsibility is now! The onus lies on state’s daily cases of COVID-19 confirmation as the possibility of the rise of other new or seamless working relationship with the frontline us to take personal responsibility. Wear your had shot up to 6.6 per cent over a period of unknown COVID-19 variants. WHO said the responders stationed at all ports of entry across facemask appropriately. It is not a chin mask! one week. Alpha and Beta variants are already in 173 and the country to ensure in-bound travellers adhere Adhere to social distancing rules, wash hands The governor stated that from the beginning 122 countries respectively, while the Gamma to laid down COVID-19 protocols. regularly and keep to all safety guidelines. of July, there was a steep increase in the variant is in 74 nations. Relevant authorities are also enjoined to According to history, the Spanish flu of 1918 number of daily confirmed cases, with the test WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom sanction in-bound air passengers that fail to claimed many lives in the first wave, but as positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of Ghebreyesus, has warned that emerging provide verifiable contact details, including soon as the lockdown was relaxed people began June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as of 8th COVID-19 variants like the Delta variant are accessible phone numbers they can be reached to gather again, hug, shake hands and before July 2021. winning the race against available vaccines. for monitoring. Such passengers should face they realised the second wave claimed 10 times This rapid increase should give every well- Tedros lamented that several countries are prosecution, including fines and imprisonment more people. meaning individual serious cause for concern. experiencing a remarkable increase in cases. in line with the relevant law. To prevent a third wave of COVID-19 cases Perhaps, more alarming is the revelation that According to him, it is rather ironic that many The situation at hand requires reactivation and forestall our healthcare system being within the past few weeks, the occupancy rate nations are already doing away with public of full compliance with all protective protocols overwhelmed, we all need to take responsibil- at Lagos’ 2 isolation centres increased from an health measures “as though the pandemic is already outlined by the government. There ity and follow strict hygiene practices. We average of 1% to 6%. This is a troubling reality already over.” should be compulsory use of face masks in all should not frustrate the government’s effort in that must not be treated casually. In Nigeria, considering our fragile public public places, while also the social distancing containing the virus. Experts have linked the sad trend to the health system, we should logically be concerned protocol must also be strictly adhered to. Also, Let us all take responsibility for keeping uncaring approach of travellers from countries about the risk of a third wave of the pandemic. we should not compromise on compulsory everyone safe. in the “high risk” zones as well as the careless It is, therefore, rather disturbing that a larger temperature checks, provisions for hand- Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, attitude of the residents to adhere to the percentage of our people are acting as if things washing and sanitizers, and a maximum of 50 Ministry of Information and Strategy, protective protocols issued by the government are absolutely normal. per cent occupancy in enclosed spaces. Alausa, Ikeja THISDAY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 15 EDITORIAL NGF AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA

The leadership of the forum is clearly discernible. But there is more to do

n the past few months, Nigerians have one time it had two chairmen, which reflected the searched for a consensus that addresses our disputes at the level of the political elite. However, it diversity and potential. This is in reaction is commendable that at a time when the country is to the real and imagined forces that seek to at its ebb in terms of divisive messaging from politi- break the country. The spread and depth of cal and separatist actors, the NGF has managed to insecurity which has manifested in ban- maintain its unity and togetherness. That provides ditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the hope that political leaders can stay together and find country have threatened livelihoods, social common ground on what ails our country. Today’s cohesion and created ripples on the political scene. NGF leadership provides a ready template for the IIn the process, we have seen the southern gover- effective management of our diversity be they nors meet to discuss and agree on certain positions. regional, religious, tribal, or partisan. Same for the northern governors. In this landscape of disparate voices, there is a threat to national unity hat there are different groups of states and progress. coalescing around varied subjects, some in Indeed, it is without a debate that this country conflict to the other, and yet still unite on a is pulling at the seams because of a failure to lead common goal is a testimony to leadership. at the centre. That has engendered a situation in TThis is the first time the NGF has operated for which some people are pushing to pull the nation over a year without controversy along partisan or apart, especially at the ethno-regional level of regional lines. Much of the credit for that is due to geopolitical zones. But the country cannot afford to the carriage, stature, and leadership of Dr Kayode continue treading this path. We need a conversation Fayemi, Governor of , who over the past on a template of year has steered the forum in such a manner as IT IS GOOD TO NOTE THAT civility and mutual to make it stay on message, while maintaining a THE FORUM HAS BEEN VERY respect. Sadly, the semblance of oneness and inclusiveness. Under Fay- ACTIVE, BUT NIGERIANS institutions that emi, we have seen the NGF intervene in the fiscal WANT TO SEE MORE should make THISDAY crisis that held several states down, in positively ENGAGEMENT ON THE this happen have EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, and providing themselves become DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, succour for the vulnerable as part of the Covid-19 ISSUES THAT THREATEN TO MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO PULL US APART AS A NATION mired in the divisive DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE action plan in concert with the private sector. The politics of the time. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI decisions of the NGF to collectively support post EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Yet, we can look to MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE Covid -19 recovery efforts as a collective action is a certain bright spots in our current challenges that case in point. But the forum can do more. offer opportunities for engagement such as the The NGF should be at the centre of the current Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED engagement on devolution of powers, true federal- It is noteworthy that many of the governors in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA ism, cross-border insecurity, herdsmen-farmer GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, the 36 states have become moderating voices in ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI clashes, and several other contending issues. The the current conversations about the future of our DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, governors should take the conversation away from country. This makes the NGF a potential actor in ANTHONY OGED ENGBE ethnic entrepreneurs who only muddle the waters. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI the drive to amplify the voice of reason and make SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH It is good to note that the Forum has been very the engagement more productive. The NGF has ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI active, but Nigerians want to see more engagement CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI had a chequered history, having been divided and DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO on the issues that threaten to pull us apart as a coloured by partisanship at different times. At TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] nation.

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HOW THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW CAN FIX THE ECONOMY

t is no longer news that the outbreak of the Covid-19 creative accounting in hiding revenues due to the federal template for the calculation of the operating surplus pandemic has disrupted many economies of which government. It is on record that the Commission has designed by the Commission has made it difficult for the Nigeria has had its shares. There is a threat of been able to cause to be remitted over N2 trillion into the corporations to hide revenue with their creative account- another economic meltdown if urgent steps are not Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) after a long battle with ing which was their stock-in-trade before. taken. The Fiscal Responsibility Law has become the agencies involved. With the amendment, there is hope By and large, if the Commission must sustain the critical the most vital tool in salvaging the economy if for an increase in revenue if the scheduled corporations function of providing for prudent management of the Iappropriately implemented. This has necessitated the need know that there are appropriate sanctions in the act if nation’s resources, ensuring long-term macro-economic for repeal and re-enactment that is ongoing in the National they fail to do the needful. It becomes very imperative stability of the national economy, securing greater ac- Assembly. to ensure that this amendment process scales through countability and transparency in fiscal operations within a Just recently, the Senate Committee on Finance held forthwith. medium-term expenditure fiscal policy framework, there is a public hearing leading to the passage of the proposed It is trite also to note that the Commission has been a need to quickly pass the proposed amendment bill into amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. The bill critical in reorganizing the economy since its inception law. This will help in restoring the vast economic hope is seeking to amend some sections of the act thereby repo- despite operating in an unfriendly environment and with amidst the present global economic volatility caused by sitioning the Fiscal Responsibility Commission in executing a faulty law. It has recorded notable achievements ranging the Covid-19 pandemic. As the oil revenue continues to its mandate as the enforcer of the act and give succour to from the operating surplus remittance that was not pos- fluctuate and remain unpredictable, increasing the inde- the already volatile economy by increasing the generation sible before the coming of the Commission, the restoration pendent revenue collection base will help in revitalizing of the independent revenue into the Consolidated Revenue of the budget circle from January to December of the fiscal the economy. Fund (CRF). It will improve the commission’s funding and year, and verification of capital projects captured in the As we look forward to the successful passage of the capacity to increase the generation of independent revenue budget. The fiscal responsibility index designed to track amendment bill and subsequent signing by the president, collections and curb financial frauds within the Ministries, the compliance level of the MDAs is another milestone we enjoin all the stakeholders and the general public to Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). recorded by the Commission. The Commission is play- lend their support to the Commission as they embark It is noteworthy to know that despite all the work done ing a critical role in the National Assembly’s oversight on a rescue mission to salvage the nation’s economy and by the Commission, it seems the expected impact is not functions to the scheduled corporation which the Senate guarantee a prudent, transparent, and accountable financial yet fully seen because some agencies are taking advantage acknowledged in different fora that the Commission management for Nigeria. of some gaps in the act to subvert the law. They engage in has made their work easier with facts and figures. The Benson Igwebuike wrote from Abuja 16 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY Senator Marafa and the Personification of Honour Mika’ilu Barau, an English Language teacher at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto commends the rare moral high standards of Senator Kabiru Marafa

“For let the gods so speed as I love the process that goes into confronting political name honour more than I fear death” hurricanes like the one at hand on Governor Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Matawalle’s defection. I must say, Senator (I.ii). Marafa’s training in Chemical Engineering coupled with his extensive life experience he leading political event in the and commitment to truth must have helped last week of June and first week of his positive political engagements and July, 2021 is arguably the decamp- interventions. Those are also the motivations ing story of Gover- to the daring passion with which he speaks nor from PDP to APC which came and act. Twith a lot of controversies known to many On the eve of the defection engagements in Nigeria. Three people top the headlines in Kaduna in the last week of June, I was in this political instance: Governor Bello assigned to accompany former Governor Matawalle; Former Governor Abdul’Azeez Mamuda Shinkafi and the acting APC Chair Yari Abubakar and Distinguished Senator for Zamfara to persuade Senator Marafa Kabiru Marafa (CON). Of all the three, Sena- to agree to come and talk to Governors tor Marafa is the most heard about. Thanks Bagudu and Badaru with other high-level to his generous and courageous outspoken stakeholders. This was after taking the nature, the nation and the world got the full principled stand of requesting the APC to background of the story in the tireless ses- agree to extend the defection ceremony for sion he had with the media -print, broadcast, members of APC in the state to be carried local, international, Hausa and English alike. along first. After about two hours of effort Senator Marafa’s comprehensive narrative that made Senator Marafa agreeing to join demystified the hide and seek game that us somewhat forcefully (around 10pm) inherently characterised the defection because the people on the mission refused to story with timely, coherent and transparent allow him enter his house nor drive his car, updates. Senator Marafa asked us subconsciously to Following these engagements, it is gratify- branch at one of the hotels to meet Senator ing to see how Senator Marafa comes out Tijjani Kaura. I later realised the reason was strongly symbolizing the stature of honour because he and Senator Tijjani mutually that is befitting of a Senator. The position a widely circulated debate in the last Senate, of Omo-Agege because he (Marafa) would agreed to boycott the discussion for their of a Senator as we know it has a history he appealed to his colleagues to accept the always want to think through his words and lack of agreement with its principles. Senator dating prominently back to the Roman apology of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege having actions before engaging thereby making Marafa did not allow the pressure mounted Empire. The pride of every Senator in that swallowed his pride and apologized to regret highly unlikely after such action. on him to forget this agreement. We all ancient time was his nobility, honour and the house. Senator Marafa argued that he This I know and appreciate so well about waited for like another hour for Senator valour which are best earned through strong could not imagine himself in the situation Senator Marafa as a witness to the thinking Marafa to brief his friend and agree to join moral foundation, courage and reasonable a meeting with the governors which many material possession. The quote opening this politicians unconditionally crave for. piece speaks to this because Brutus there One thing that Senator Marafa speaks in was telling Cassius, a fellow Senator in the Why PDP Used Super Delegates public with modesty in the current tussle Roman Empire, that he would rather take was the offer from his colleagues to leave death than accept the disgrace of having Yari alone and facilitate the defection of Caesar who was perceived as a dictator to in Anambra Guber Primary Governor Matawalle to APC –‘colleagues’ continue ruling the empire. Again, I cannot Valentine Ayika, a lawyer and former member of the House of is the term Senator Marafa deploys euphe- help quoting Shakespeare from the same Assembly and House of Representatives was an automatic delegate mistically to describe the representatives play to make a point on the premium place of the Federal Government. Trust me, this of honour in such historic context: in the recent Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship was a big offer that carried power and “Why, man he [Caesar] doth bestride the Primary election which expectedly generated a lot of controversies money running into billions. I hardly can narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty imagine an average elite around turning men walk under his huge legs and peep The Laws Regulating Primary Elec- challenging the outcome of the congresses down such offer in exchange for honouring about to find ourselves dishonorable graves. tions which has given rise to factions within the the agreement of a fresh reconciliation. In Men at some times are masters of their fates. lections, both primary and state chapter of the party. fact, most of the Senator’s associates privy The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. But general, in Nigeria are regulated, to the offer encouraged him to take it. In in ourselves that we are underlings” Julius majorly, by the 1999 Constitution Conflicting Judgments his most distinguished nature, Senator Caesar (I,ii). and the Electoral Act 2010. The The battle for legitimacy by the different Marafa did tell some of us in turning down In summary, a Senator should be that IndependentE National Electoral Commis- factions necessitated the institution of vari- the offer with ease that ‘it is not my way’. person who soars to the peak of Maslow’s sion (NEC) is the body constitutionally ous suits at different courts which unfor- In a related context sometimes in February hierarchy of needs -the level of self actualisa- empowered to organise and supervise tunately have given numerous conflicting 2021, it was Senator Marafa that helped his tion. One unfortunate thing I see in Nigeria general elections. The body is also vested judgments on the matter. It is on record group decide that former Governor Yari is that people tend to refuse to grow on the with powers to monitor political party that there are four judgments on the same should be the leader of all reconciling groups five-step ladder of Maslow’s hierarchy of congresses/primaries. subject matter by four different courts which calmed many nerves and brought the needs -physiological, safety, belongingness, of coordinate jurisdictions. The recently formidable consolidation that made APC in esteem and self-actualisation. Many will Indirect Primary elected adhoc delegates for the governor- the state wax with confidence. acquire the right knowledge, network, By section 87 (2) of the Electoral Act ship primary election got entangled in the Well, there is a limit to how far I can resources and related achievements but will 2010, the procedure for the nomination of controversy as the actors in the processes go with providing instances of Senator continue to operate at the most basic level candidates by political parties for vari- that led to their emergence may have been Marafa’s honourable stance in the interest where substances of subsistence are used to ous elective positions shall be either by affected by any of the judgments. of readers and their time. But let me say that play around with their moral merits. This is direct or indirect primaries. The People’s since Senator Marafa granted that grand where Distinguished Senator Marafa stands Democratic Party (PDP) by its Constitu- INEC Deadlines interview to Channels Television on July 9, out to the pride of all of us affiliated to him tion adopted the indirect primaries which Worthy of mention at this stage is that I received overwhelming feedback through as political protégé or even the privilege of implies that only a selected few, in form of by certain provisions of our Constitution, calls and messages on how lucky Zamfara coming from the same state with him. Permit an electoral college, votes to nominate the electoral laws and guidelines for general was and Nigeria by extension for having me here to challenge even before giving my party’s candidates. elections some activities in the chain of such courageous, eloquent and honourable reasons in the following paragraphs that if This electoral college is comprised of the events that leads up to the general election people that can challenge the ominous you take out Senators who were governors state and local government officers, five are time bound in that specified periods arrogance of a typical ruling party like the of their states or rose to the position of Senate principal officers in each of the 326 wards, for certain activities or deadlines for one that the APC seems to tilt to by remind- Presidents, Senator Marafa can count among three adhoc delegates elected at a congress particular stages of the election processes ing that it is a product of people not the other the top three most distinguished Senators from each of the wards in the state and must be complied with. For example the way round. Such arrogance was part of the since the return of democracy in the fourth the automatic delegates. The automatic or INEC guidelines for the 2021 Anambra undoing of the PDP in 2015 and we are very republic from 1999 to date. He is one Senator super delegates are members of the party Governorship election the prescribed for lucky to have people like Senator Marafa to that any politically conscious Nigerian can that are occupying or that have occupied July 1, 2021 as the last day for primary protect APC against itself with his novel idea identify by telling the state he came from certain elective positions in the party or at election while the last day for submission of ‘WIN Win Win’ as the best way forward and where he once stood in an important the state or national levels. of names and particulars of candidates for the party in Zamfara and beyond. By this debate on national life. A quick mental by political parties was July 9, 2021. Any it means, proposing a framework that meets imagination of other Senators on this scale The Factions omission or noncompliance with any of the yearning of existing party members, the can show how Senator Marafa dwarfs them For Anambra State; the state, local these dates disqualifies the political party decamping governor and the representa- in this respect. government and the five principal officers from fielding a candidate in the election. tives of the party at national level. The privilege of working with Senator were part of the ward executives elected Marafa and closely observing his engage- during the party’s congresses in 2017. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the ment tell me how much his fame was earned Since then, there has been lots of litigations online edition on www.thisdaylive.com online edition on www.thisdaylive.com through dogged commitment to honour. In THISDAY ˾FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 19

PERSPECTIVE EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA As Things Fall Apart in Suswam’s Unwise Take on South Africa State Police Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline.com Anthony Kila, Director, Centre for International applauds the stand of South African King of the and Advanced Professional Studies berates former Zulu ethnic group for condemning the wanton Governor of , Senator looting and destruction of lives and property for his opinion against state policing perpetrated by his subjects ear Senator Gabriel Suswam, You recently made headlines and foolish competition over who will for your contributions to the outdo the others in the violent “defense” debate and reflections on state and “brotherly protection” of corrupt, Dpolicing in Nigeria. Going by what the unlawful and self-serving politicians and newspapers reported, it would appear soldiers from their own sections/regions of that you are against state policing in their misgoverned countries? Nigeria because you do not trust gover- Remarkably, hundreds and thousands nors to manage such force and because of those “comrades” who are in great need such process and practice will lead into of what is popularly known “stomach the disintegration of Nigeria. To buttress infrastructure” mobilize most of those your point, you even went down to your angry crowds. They are hungry and angry! personal memory lane to remind us that So many are homeless and millions of even in your glorious and momentous them go to bed hungry, every day; yet years as governor, you were against state they are the ones who picked up weapons policing. and destroyed the entrepreneurship and In your own your words: “The proposal hardwork of many indigenous and dedi- in the constitution for amendment is that cated comrades who labour and provide governors will appoint Commissioners of address. Any simpleton can be allowed to economic employment opportunities in the Police, and I can’t be party to that because say that he or she is against state policing community and bring about transforma- I know the implication for that. That will because it might lead to abuse of power by tive empowerment to the post-apartheid be recipe for complete disintegration of state governors but not someone elected South Africa! the country, except we want that. Because and paid to lead and represent his people. ing Misuzulu Zulu, on Wednes- In terms of recent economic migrants as a governor there is no way you will A citizen can, out fear of nepotism or day, July 14, 2021, spoke with and business developers, Nigerian and come to my state and misbehave and I unfair advantage, privately opine that the voice of responsibility and other African businesses have suffered won’t charge you for nuisance and put state governors might nominate their challenge for better conduct from the unfortunate xenophobia and you in jail. And when it comes to election, friends and families as police commission- Kand handling of the explosive situation in recent attacks. you know that I can appoint a Commis- ers, but an elected officer holder cannot South Africa. Instead of making excuses Sadly, most of the Zulus and African sioner of Police. My mother can be Com- and must not be allowed to do publicly do and pointing fingers at other multi-ethnic National Congress (ANC) members from missioner of Police, my cousins will be the such. A governor or senator must be seen nations in Southern Africa, the King other parts of South Africa who never DPOs here and there, and my lackeys can to and must in truth and in practice be decided that his most important task will benefited from the corruption stained be in positions; so anywhere somebody working to curb ways that will allow any be to challenge his own community. presidency; the defunct, controversial is my opponent politically, that person is form of abuse, nepotism or corruption. It is the way forward for any serious presidency of Jacob Zuma looted and set gone. So, we can’t practice state police. Political leaders are elected, nominated, group of people or country. ablaze hundreds of businesses. Given what is going in various parts of charged and expected to find solutions by The King is young but seasoned. With Zuma is a Zulu. the country and across the world, your having innovative ideas, building institu- a voice and presence filled with agony I agree with the King of the Zulus, Misu- words and position stirred more than tions and ensuring processes that will and disappointment as the entire world zulu, who has warned that “my father’s a few thoughts and reflections in me protect country and uplift people. watches, day after day since one week, people are committing suicide” by their and one of the immediate thoughts that When we fear that governors might the looting, violence and destruction of involvement in the violence which has came to mind is that whilst we generally abuse state policing, what guarantees lives and properties in his beloved Zulu taken almost 125 individuals, following clamour for and defend the freedom and do we have that the Inspector General of Kingdom and across the major cities of ex-President Zuma’s 15-month jail term courage to express our thoughts and those Police or the President cannot, will not South Africa, said: “What is even more for contempt of court regarding corruption of others, two things we fail to insist on and does not abuse national policing? If saddening is that so many of those who are charges. are one side, the need for such thoughts to you have such guarantees, please have drawn to this lawlessness and criminality Somehow, our beloved South Africa, be deep, constructive and accountable and a change of heart: Support state policing are members of the Zulu nation.... It has like Nigeria, has refused and failed — on the other, the wisdom to keep quiet in and insist that the same mechanism that brought great shame upon us all... as through a combination of historical and some circumstances: The famous moment gives us such guarantees with the IG and fingers are pointed at my father’s people.” contemporaneous factors — to move up to when silence is gold. President be extended to governors. He reminded everyone: “This chaos is the organic level of competent, inclusive, One of the many newspapers that You were born in 1964, it is therefore destroying the economy, and it is the poor accountable and harmonious countries of reported your position headlined it as correct to observe that as a young man who will suffer the most.” The 46 year-old the world. What is next for South Africa, as “Suswam Kicks Against State Police” in who in such a relatively short time on newly enthroned king was very blunt things fall apart? my personal current condition of just re- this earth has gotten so much in life and when he said that the destruction “has covering from a painful loss via penalties from Nigeria and thanks to Benue, it is brought great shame” and on the Zulus - as well as the consequent behavior and legitimate that you defend the integrity the largest ethnic group in South Africa. In terms of recent economic utterances of a handful of loudmouthed, of Nigeria, it matters not whether you do His Majesty Misuzulu Zulu has my shallow, uncouth, self-serving, bigoted so out of interest or conviction, I defend respect for calling on his Zulu nation of migrants and business and vexatious football fans loosely de- your right to defend the integrity of almost 12 million and all of South Africa developers, Nigerian and fined as racists. My thought, when I saw Nigeria. As an elected leader however, to rise to the heights of decency, protect that headline was “Suswam Kicks Penalty you are not allowed to be paranoid. Your and respect human lives and economic other African businesses into Throw-in.” duty is to convincingly, coherently and infrastructure which ultimately support have suffered from the Dear Senator Suswam, I have some cogently represent the yearnings of your the communities. This is unlike what we information for you and there is no milder people. You also have the important duty see in many parts of the African continent unfortunate xenophobia way to put it: Your words and opinion, of proffering solutions that will dissuade including Nigeria where the eyes of and recent attacks. Sadly, on this issue of state policing, are neither those tired of Nigeria to start loving and nepotism, favoritism and ethnocentric worthy of your profile nor of your public wanting Nigeria again. The way to do biases are turned on whenever there is an most of the Zulus and position, rather it is an indictment on such is to talk about and focus on working issue which concerns someone of your African National Congress both. on security, justice and prosperity through own community. It is such hypocrisy and Your views came across as rather provision of opportunity, not by dissemi- immoral relativism that have combined (ANC) members from other archaic, out of touch, pedestrian, fatalistic nating fear and doubt against progress — with several colonial, neo-colonial and parts of South Africa who and submissive. That is bad enough, but and modernity. contemporary factors — to keep most of things get worse when one factors in that You say “Nigeria should not compare Africa backward. never benefited from you were as a former Governor and sitting itself with developed countries on the This existential matter, logically lets me Senator from Benue State. issue of state police as those countries had to explore a tough and critical question. the corruption stained The quest for state policing is neither gone past where we are today. We’ve to Regardless of its controversial implications presidency; the defunct, a whim nor a desire of some to amass wait until we are mature enough for state for continental Africans, I shall ask it: power. It is a necessity generated out of police…” Why, In some perverse and awkward controversial presidency the need to address the issue of secu- Dear Senator, please speak for yourself. sense, do we still have most of the under- of Jacob Zuma looted and rity crises rocking practically the whole You and some Nigerian politicians that developed or developing countries in dif- country and inefficient policing that the reason like you might not be mature ferent parts of the African continent locked set ablaze hundreds of centralized system Nigeria has practiced enough for state policing but we the into a self-hating cycle of purposeless grind businesses. Zuma is a Zulu thus far has not been able to successfully people are more than mature for it. 20 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08024557078 RATES AS AT JULY 9,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 19.75 % CALL 19 % INDEX LEVEL ͳͱͷ˛Ͱʹϱ 1/4 TO DATE 1.18 % N411.75/1US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 20.50 % 1-MONTH 20.50 % 1-DAY 0.03 % YEAR TO DATE -19.55 % *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 22 % MONTH-TO-DATE 1.18 %

Quick Takes Delta Resumes Lagos Flights Delta Airlines has resumed operations at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport to pre-pandemic levels with the resumption of its non-stop service to the United States four times a week. The flight from New York-JFK joins Delta’s existing daily service to Atlanta, which restarted last September, following a short suspension due to the airport’s closure at the height of the pandemic. The choice of non-stop services to Delta’s largest hubs enable customers to connect onto flights to 130 destinations across the US within four hours of arrival in either Atlanta or New York. Delta flies Airbus A330-200 aircraft to Nigeria, which include Delta One business class, complete with fully flat-bed seats and aisle access for all, as well as Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. “Delta is the longest-serving U.S. airline in Nigeria and the country remains an important market for us,” said Bobby Bryan, Delta’s Commercial Director, Africa. “Facilitating trade, as well as providing valuable air links for families and friends to re-connect is key to our mission here in Nigeria and around the globe. Never has this been more important as the world recovers from the pandemic,” he added. The additional service from New York also provides cargo customers with increased capacity for the safe transportation from Nigeria. With short connection times in New York, cargo can be swiftly forwarded to SPECIAL RECOGNITION destinations throughout the U.S. and beyond. L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers(CIS), Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe; his wife, Olajumoke; Minister of Industry, Delta’s flights to Lagos, which have been in operation since 2007, supports Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Olukayode Pitan and his wife, Femi during economic and trade ties between Nigeria and the US. the Investiture of Pitan as Honorary Fellow of CIS in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Data from the Office of the US Trade Representative showed that the value of US goods and services trade with Nigeria was estimated at $10.4 billion in 2019 with exports valued at $5.3 billion and imports into the US worth $5.1 billion. ‘Truckers’ Ignorance Fuelling Gridlock on Meshelia Chairs LAAC Confab The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WestLink Airlines, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia will chair the 24th League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents Port Access Roads’ (LAAC) scheduled to hold on July 28th, 2021, in Lagos. Also, the CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema; Managing Director of Medview Airline, Eromosele Abiodun MARITIME consumer goods), manufacturers extortion industry whose earn- Alhaji Muneer Bankole, and other dignitaries have indicated interest and freelancers. ings on the port access road was to grace the occasion. The designer and manager of the deliver to transporters if wholly “Holistically, we couldn’t allegedly put at N100 million Chairman, Governing Council, Nigeria Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), electronic call-up system aimed embraced. take these segments at once, daily before the introduction Captain Dung Pam; Chairman, Association of Aviation Ground Handlers at containing Apapa gridlock, Adeboye, who revealed that so we believed that if we are of ETO was being contained (ACHAN) , Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, and General Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP) it took his company more than able to solve the problem for as more trucks are captured Mr. Rabiu Abdulmutalib would also deliver papers at the conference. Limited has lamented poor six years of painstaking research the largest single demographic in the call-up system. Already, major stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are keying into compliance by truck owners/ to understand Apapa Gridlock among these three categories, it He said expectations were the Conference with the theme: ‘Nigeria Aviation Industry: Management, Policy and Regulation.’ drivers as well as a deviant and build the electronic solution means that half of the problem that the problem of corruption While the Ministry of Aviation has indicated interest to be part of the resistance from an extortion deployed in February 2021, said will be resolved.” would be tackled once there event, all the aviation agencies, including: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority industry worth N100 million 50 per cent of Apapa traffic were “It is been tough. We had was free-flow of traffic to and (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace daily before the deployment bound to the ports. According to to build everything from the from the port. Management Agency (NAMA), Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria of the electronic system for him, the focus was to effectively scratch. We couldn’t go out to “The extortion industry in this (AIB-N), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and Nigerian continued traffic gridlock in regulate the maritime traffic and buy a solution off the shelf since Apapa is about N100 million Meteorological Agency (NIMET) have equally expressed their desire Apapa. solve half the problem. there is no country in the world a day. That is what it used to to be fully involved in the whole arrangements. The Chief Operating Officer He said: “We have been with this particular type of port be. If we can fix 50 per cent of the company, Mr. Temidayo researching Apapa for over six problem. We had to go round, of the problem, nobody can IATA Appoints Sullivan Global Cargo Head Adeboye, who disclosed this in years and now understand the visit places, take best practices extort money from port-bound The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Brendan Sullivan as its Global Head of Cargo with a chat with newsmen in Lagos, demographics of different truck and come here to develop our truckers”, he said. immediate effect. said efforts of the truckers to traffic which can be categorized indigenous solution in Nigeria He disclosed that while Sullivan has worked in air cargo for 20 years including spending 14 years circumvent ETO was fuelled into three major parts, namely; and by Nigerians,” he stated. other types of trucks have at IATA. Since January, he has been acting Global Head of Cargo alongside by ignorance of the gains the the maritime traffic, oil and gas Noting the improvement in his role as Head of Cargo Operations and E-Commerce. new operational method would traffic; the FMCG’s (fast-moving the flow of traffic, he said the Continued on page 22 Recent achievements include leading two key IATA initiatives: The ‘One Source Platform’ that provides comprehensive information on infrastructure capabilities critical to taking advantage of special cargo and e-commerce activities. Another is, ‘The IATA Face Campaign,’ that builds the next generation of air cargo leadership by attracting, developing, Stakeholders Tackle FAAN over Security Tax and retaining young talent within the air cargo industry. Sullivan began his career in air cargo at Air Canada in 2000, where he Chinedu Eze AVIATION with modern facilities. FAAN need to train more gained frontline operational experience and developed expertise in “Besides, when the tax was aviation security personnel. dangerous goods handling that facilitated his transition to IATA in 2007. Officials of international airlines introduced it was meant to “If you go to FAAN head- “Brendan will be a great Global Head of Air Cargo. He knows the industry that operate in Nigeria have country pays $20 security tax be for a period of time but it quarters or even at international from frontline operations to the development of global standards. He alleged that the Federal Airports and FAAN has been collecting has become permanent which terminal you will see so many recognises the critical need for modernisation to meet the needs of air Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) the money since 2010, but so every passenger travelling out workers who are not doing cargo’s biggest business opportunities—e-commerce and special cargo. had diverted the multibillion- far security infrastructure and of the country must pay,” the anything, just idling away but And he has the passion to drive a post-crisis agenda that will strengthen naira security tax it collected other facilities at the Murtala source said. there are not enough Aviation air cargo’s contribution to the global economy and to the airline business,” from passengers for the provi- Muhammed International Air- “FAAN has been recruiting Security officials. I was told that said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety sion of facilities at the airports. port (MMIA), which is the major new personnel lately but there it is not easy to train AVSEC and Security. A Canadian national, Sullivan is fluent in English and French. But FAAN has denied the gateway have not improved. are still paucity of aviation officials because they have to be allegation, saying it was false. The official lamented that security personnel so police profiled and their names must Every passenger traveling to even Aviation Security (AVSEC) have to complement them and be sent to DSS, which would international destination pays personnel are inadequate most police have brought their ways vet the names and investigate $20 security tax to FAAN. It was times the x-ray machines at the in the streets into the airport. and profile them,” he further introduced in 2010 to provide airport are not manned. Also, “Every day you notice that alleged. “We will infrastructure that would further the source alleged that AVSEC passengers are being extorted. To the President of Associa- implement the fortify the airports against terror workers at the terminal gates Sometimes AVSEC officials tion of Foreign Airlines and new consumer attacks. are not enough and were be- would stop a passenger, ac- Representatives in Nigeria and FAAN recorded 323,751 ing complemented by Nigeria cuse him of not having one the Managing Director/CEO protection law to international passengers at police. document or another and after of Merchant Express, a cargo the letter, but we the Lagos and Abuja airports The official told THISDAY he would tell the passenger to company, Kingsley Nwokoma, need to educate in the first quarter of 2021, that that if the huge revenues ac- go and meet the police officer, revenues from the security tax the passengers paid $6, 475, 020 (N2, 661, 233, cruing from security tax were who will ask him to pay some was meant to provide facilities 2020) security fee of $20 each. used for the airport maintenance money. to alleviate the rigour of pas- about their rights” One of the officials who spoke and provision of security “The police should not be senger processing at the airports. Director General, the Nigerian to THISDAY, on condition of equipment, the international permanently stationed at the “Passengers suffer a lot of Civil Aviation Authority, anonymity, explained that every airports in Lagos and Abuja airport, but should be called Captain Musa Nuhu passenger travelling out of the would become more functional up when the need arises. So Continued on page 22 22 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

‘TRUCKERS’ IGNORANCE FUELLING GRIDLOCK FG Distributes Engagement Letters, Devices to ON PORT ACCESS ROADS’ Independent Monitors been streamlined and allocated time belts in a bid to ensure Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Conditional Cash Transfer “The training was carried must meet up to 80 per cent sincerity. all trucks on ETO platform Programme (CCT) and the out across the Country from of their deliverables monthly She added that: “The Ministry get into the ports within 24 The federal government Government Enterprise and February 2021 to April 2021. to be eligible for their stipend,’’ reserves the right to disengage hours of booking, export trucks through the Ministry of Empowerment Programme Each Independent monitor is she added. an Independent Monitor for have posed a major problem, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster (GEEP). expected to monitor a desig- The minister warned the misconduct or noncompliance challenging the entire project. Management and Social “We flagged off the training nated number of beneficiaries of independent monitors not to with set guidelines and direc- Adeboye, who insisted that Development has distributed of 5000 Independent Monitors the National Social Investment assign their responsibilities to tives. I hereby urge you to carry the ease of traffic in Apapa engagement letters and tab- for the National Social Invest- Programme,” she said. third parties and urged them to out this assignment with utmost largely depends on effectively lets to trained Independent ment Programme in Abuja on “They will be paid a monthly carry out the assignment with sense of patriotism, diligence, regulating the movement of Monitors to track the various Thursday, February 4, 2021. stipend of N30,000, and they utmost patriotism, diligence and and sincerity”. export cargo, disclosed that packages of the National Social NPA in tackling the challenge Investment Programme (NSIP) is creating export zones. in Benue States. He said, “until we find a The representative of the solution to the export problem, Minister of Humanitarian we can’t get to that 24-hour Affairs, Disaster Management entry target. The export and Social Development, problem is really abhorring.” Mr. Iorwa Apera, who is He said the cooperation of the National Coordinator of stakeholders and adherence NASSCO, said the ministry to the policy and the time was repositioning the NSIP in guideline would help a great line with the federal govern- deal. ment’s commitment to lifting “If everybody can just do 100 million Nigerians out of the right thing, everybody will poverty. transit within 24hours. But right She charged them to now, what we are seeing is a consider themselves as the maximum of 48 hours if it is eyes and ears for the effective not an export container,” he implementation of the pro- added. gramme, while admonishing He also blamed the slow start them not to assume the role of of ETO on transporters who the Implementation Team in failed to heed the initial call the discharge of their duties. to register as only 120 truckers She said the programmes STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP with 2,000 trucks registered and include the job creation pro- L-R: Representative of the Benin Royal family and Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Ezelekhae Ewuare; Nigerian Ambassador to attended their training but a gramme N-POWER, National Germany, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar; German Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; week after the deployment of Home Grown School Feed- and Governor, Mr. ; after a meeting with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs in Berlin, Germany... the scheme, the number rose ing Programme (NHGSFP), recently to 2000 transporters and 50,000 trucks. Jamoh: Deep Blue Project Driven by Competent Manpower STAKEHOLDERS TACKLE FAAN OVER Eromosele Abiodun project also called the Integrated commitment to bequeathing familiarization courses after their security scheme, including SECURITY TAX National Security and Waterways a crime free maritime domain initial technical based training the Special Mission Aircraft, delays because the needed The Director General of the Ni- Protection Infrastructure. to Nigerians and the global abroad,” he said. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, equipment or personnel are gerian Maritime Administration Represented by the agency’s maritime community. Early Also speaking, Coordinator and armoured personnel carriers inadequate. Travel is supposed and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Executive Director, Operations, in the year and in line with of the Deep Blue Project, and were simultaneously on-going to be great experience for Dr Bashir Jamoh, has reiterated Mr. Shehu Ahmed, Jamoh said a Presidential directive, we Director, Planning, Research and at Ikeja and Ojo in Lagos, and passengers but the airports in that assets deployed under the the graduation of 30 officers deployed the Special Mission Data Management Services De- Elele in . Nigeria give you bad experi- Deep Blue Project, recently trained in various part of the Vessels and the Fast Interceptor partment (PRDMSD), NIMASA, Speaking on behalf of the ence, where you can wait for launched by President Muham- globe marked a significant ad- Boats to the Lagos Port Secure Mr. Anthony Ogadi, said the crew, Captain of DB Lagos, a long time before you board madu Buhari, are manned by dition to the team of competent Anchorage Area. But the event crew had nine foreign and Captain Uche Aneke, and that you flights because there are proficient officers from the personnel manning assets under of today takes us further to the 10 local trainings on various of DB Abuja, Captain Moham- inadequate and outmoded Nigerian security services. the maritime security scheme. full deployment of the two platforms of the Deep Blue med, thanked NIMASA for equipment. Jamoh stated this in Lagos “This event is remarkable. Special Mission Vessels with Project under the supervision facilitating the training. They “It is unfortunate that we during the graduation ceremony It guarantees us competent fully trained and certified of the project contractor, HLSI. assured the Agency that they are where we are, but FAAN of officers trained to man the manpower required to man crew. The Crew of the Special Ogadi stated that some local would carry out their duties has to improve its system, it is Special Mission Vessels, the main the Special Mission Vessels. It Mission Vessels have concluded trainings for the operation of with a high sense of proficiency not about collecting revenue. maritime component of the is a further indication of our localized training and terrain other assets under the maritime and professionalism. It should provide efficient service,” Nwokoma said. When contacted, the Regional Manager in charge Amaechi Expresses Satisfaction with Pace of Construction at Lekki of MMIA, Mrs. Victoria Shin- Abbah, said she would not Eromosele Abiodun (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers’ The minister further urged the Giving a further breakdown declared that at the end of third comment on the issue. Council (NSC) and the Nigerian management of Lekki Port LFTZ of the status of the components quarter 2022 would complete But the General Manager, The Minister of Transportation, Maritime Administrative and Enterprise Limited and other of the port, Dabiri noted that the construction work while Public Affairs, FAAN, told , has expressed Safety Agency (NIMASA). stakeholders to work tirelessly dredging and reclamation has commercial operations will THISDAY that the allegations satisfaction with the level “I am very delighted and to ensure that the Port becomes reached 61,11 per cent, Quay commence by fourth quarter were not true. of progress recorded on the impressed with the pace and the operational by mid-2022. Wall 50.39 per cent, Breakwater 2022 as planned. construction of the Lekki Deep progress of construction work on While briefing the minister 67.49 per cent while the landside “We understand the signifi- Sea Port project. this project from the last time I and his entourage on the status infrastructure development cance of this project is to the Amaechi revealed this recently was here in November 2020. The of construction of the Port, the has reached 33.70 per cent Nigerian economy and we during an inspection visit to the promoter of the project-Lekki Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ completion. would not fail to play our part Port by the Federal Ministry Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited Enterprise Limited, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri assured the minister to ensure that it is delivered as of Transportation and other has demonstrated strong com- Dabiri, disclosed that the entire and the stakeholders that the and when due,” he said. government agencies including mitment and capacity to deliver port construction was now at project was on course and go- He expressed profound ap- the Nigerian Ports Authority the project as agreed,” he said. 55.48 per cent completion. ing according to schedule. He preciation of the company to

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima ‘Renewable Energy to Contribute 22% of Africa’s Energy Consumption by 2030’ Capital Market Editor Goddy Ogene Comms/e-Business Editor Ugo Aliogo meeting, also stated that Africa individuals, businesses, and household and business. power strategy. Emma Okonji faces a massive energy chal- communities. According to him, “The cost “Renewable energy is much Asst. Editor, Money Market The International Energy lenge, while noting that the He said that there is still a of PV power generation has cheaper than fossil-fuel-based Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Agency (IEA) has projected continent is richly endowed massive gap to be bridged, fallen sharply over the past options, with a kilowatt-hour ËÒÏÏ×ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß(Advertising) that renewable energy will with renewable energy sources. adding that the traditional decade. In most countries, of solar power costing less than Correspondents contribute 22 per cent of Af- Also speaking, the Director energy infrastructure opera- traditional energy grids cost a Rand in South Africa. It is Chinedu Eze (Aviation) rica’s total energy consumption of Huawei Southern Africa tion mode cannot meet the a lot more than PV electricity. clear then, that solar power ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏÌÓÙÎßØ(Maritime) by 2030. Digital Power Business, new challenges brought by “This offers Africa an oppor- should and likely will play a Ë×ÏÝ×ÏÔÙ(Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) It noted that about 580 Huang Su, stated that there the latest development in the tunity to harness its abundant large role in the world’s future Chineme Okafor (Energy) million people in sub-Saharan was urgent need to acceler- digital world. potential of increasingly cost- power mix. In order to achieve ××ËØßÏÖÎÎÏÒ(Energy) Africa lacked access to electric- ate the growth of renewable He added that digital tech- competitive renewable energy this, Huawei is committed to Reporters ity in 2019. energy across the region to nology could be of great help to meet the growing demand introducing digital power ÙÝËÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ(ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) The agency which disclosed ensure sufficient, affordable, to ensure we provide sufficient for electricity and pursue a solutions driven by digital this during a recent virtual reliable energy supply for electricity to every African climate-friendly, needs-oriented technologies.” THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 23

    IATA Urges States to Follow WHO Cross-border Travel Guidelines Stories by Chinedu Eze through testing so that they are governments to incorporate able to travel internationally. data into risk-based decision- The International Air Transport The WHO recommended making process for re-opening Association (IATA) called rRT-PCR tests or antigen borders,” said IATA’s Director on states to follow the new detection rapid diagnostic tests General, Willie Walsh. guidelines on travel from the (Ag-RDTs) for this purpose and WHO also called on states to World Health Organisation that only implement test and/ communicate, “in a timely and Strengthening Consumer (WHO). or quarantine measures for adequate manner” any changes The guidance recommends international travelers “on a to international health-related a, “risk-based approach” to risk-based manner” with poli- measures and requirements.” Protection in Aviation Sector implementing measures related cies on testing and quarantine “Consumers face a maze to COVID-19 and international regularly reviewed to ensure of confusing, uncoordinated Chinedu Eze travel. they are lifted when no longer and fast-changing border entry It was expected to be pre- necessary. rules that discourage them from Last week, the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi sented to the WHO COVID-19 “These commonsense, risk- traveling, causing economic Sirika said local air passengers in Nigeria International Health Regula- based recommendations from hardship across those employed who suffer flight delays at the airport for two tions Emergency Committee WHO, if followed by states, in the travel and tourism sector. hours (the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority yesterday. will allow for international “According to our latest (NCAA) later corrected it to three hours) Specifically, WHO recom- air travel to resume while passenger survey, 70 per cent or more are entitled to a refund of their full mended that governments do minimizing the chance of of recent travelers thought ticket value from the airline. not require proof of COVID-19 importing COVID-19. the rules were a challenge Sirika, who featured in the weekly ministe- vaccination as a mandatory “As WHO notes—and as to understand,” said Walsh. rial press briefing organised by the Presiden- condition for entry or exit; the latest UK testing data Additionally, WHO encour- tial Communication Team at the State House, remove measures such as proves—international travel- aged states to look at bilateral, Abuja, stated that infringements to the rights testing and/or quarantine ers are not a high-risk group multilateral, and regional of travellers, both local and international, requirements for travelers in terms of COVID-19. Out agreements, particularly among have laid down rules and guidelines that who are fully vaccinated of 1.65 million tests carried neighboring counties, “with spell rights and punishments, just as there or have had a confirmed out on arriving international the aim of facilitating the are punishments for travellers’ violation of previous COVID-19 infection passengers in the UK since recovery of key socioeconomic good behaviour. Nuhu within the past six months; February, only 1.4 per cent activities” including tourism, According to him, there are channels of lay- ensure alternative pathways were positive for COVID-19. for which international travel ing complaints at the airports, which would “By saying this I am not condoning air- for unvaccinated individuals “It’s long past time for plays a vital role. see to it that customer rights and privileges are lines’ bad service but what happened to the protected but noted that most travellers fail three airlines was bad because what caused to take advantage of the provisions because the delay was beyond their control. It was they fail to pay attention to instructions and mayhem that day and I would rather say Air Peace Restores Banjul, Dakar Flights information hanging around airports. that refunding passengers their full fare after However, what the Minister said was not three hours is unrealistic; maybe four hours. Air Peace has announced the flights from Lagos and Abuja and affordable connections, new because it is contained in the Nigerian “Rainfall, bad weather or even VIP move- resumption of flight opera- will be launched on August while observing the highest Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR) 2015 as ment and other factors can delay flights. I tions into Banjul in Gambia 9, 2021. standards of safety. amended, Part 19, which deals with Pas- pitied the staff of airlines that day,” he said. and Dakar in Senegal from “Dakar and Banjul routes Air Peace had suspended sengers’ Rights and Responsibilities and A top official with one of the domestic July 23, 2021, to provide will be operated with our its regional routes consequent Airlines’ Obligations to Passengers. carriers told THISDAY that what the Minister more options for regional ultramodern Embraer 195-E2 upon the outbreak of CO- That section addresses consumer protection said was not practical because the main cause connectivity. aircraft, and we shall resume VID-19 and the lockdown issues, including, compensations for denied of delay is lack of infrastructure and airlines The spokesperson of the more routes and increase fre- that ensued last year, but it boarding, delays and cancellations of flights. cannot be held responsible for that. airline, Stanley Olisa, who quencies to other destinations is now resuming these routes, But with his pronouncement the matter He noted that little weather change can made the announcement said as we take delivery of more the first being Accra, which was brought to the fore and elicited a lot of make airlines stop flights because there are that Banjul and Dakar flight brand new E195-E2s as well was restored in March, 2021. reaction from passengers, even as industry no modern and efficient navigational aids, services would operate on as other aircraft undergoing Air Peace currently services observers said while passenger protection but in many other countries, flights operate Mondays, Wednesdays and maintenance abroad,” Olisa 17 domestic routes, five is necessary, the Minister’s reinforcement of under heavy rain and inclement weather Fridays. stated. regional routes and two what is already existing gave the regulation because of modern navigational equipment. “We are glad to let the fly- The airline said customers international destinations, a new twist and seems to have empowered In Nigeria poor visibility leads to shutting ing public know that we are can now book for the resumed including Johannesburg, while passengers. down of the airspace. reinstating our Lagos-Banjul, routes on the airline’s website it boasts of a mixed fleet of On many occasions passengers have beaten The official also noted that the major area -Dakar flight operations to or its mobile app. It restated 28 aircraft, the latest being up airlines ground staff and few years ago, where airlines could be held responsible offer more regional connectiv- Air Peace’s resolve to continue three brand new 124-seat there was even attempt to stop a Turkish for delays is in the reliability of operating ity while our daily Gombe providing peaceful, strategic, capacity E195-E2 jets. Airlines flight that was about to take off by aircraft, noting that many aircraft deployed passengers whose luggage did not arrive the for operation in Nigeria are old and therefore country with them at the yield to frequent breakdown. International Airport, Abuja. “The reliability of operating aircraft is the Aviation, Cargo Conference Holds Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba major challenge airlines are facing. This is African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told because most of the equipment is old so in August THISDAY that in response to the Minister’s they break down very often. There are a lot statement, passengers last Saturday at the of snags but we have very high reliability in Stakeholders are signing up to change this dysfunctional for aviation in Nigeria. Abuja airport became combative and violent our own operation because we stay above for the first aviation, cargo and scenario. Nigeria needs to The second section on cargo when their flights were delayed. 90 per cent in our schedule. But due to poor export conference in Nigeria. export more and aviation would be on presentations and Uko, who said he witnessed the passen- navigational equipment flight operations are The event is coming up on should be the key to increasing panel discussions on the cargo gers’ violent reaction, noted that refunding adversely affected by the rains and during the August 25th and 26th, 2021 exports,” it added. and logistics value chain, the passengers their full fare if their flight was harmattan. However, they are yet to enforce in Lagos. “To this end ATQNews challenges of scale and the delayed for three hours is not practical the policy. The day they will enforce it, it The organisers of the seeks to convene an annual opportunities available. because most often the cause of the delay will open a can of worms,” the official said. conference said it has earned conference that brings all The third part would be is beyond the airlines. The President of Aircraft Owners and the support of the Federal potential exporters, cargo on export. How do we scale “If there is rain and you shut down the Pilots Association of Nigeria and Managing Airport Authority (FAAN) and managers, Logistics firms, our Export Capacity? How do airport, all the flights will be delayed. What Director Smile Air, Alex Nwuba said flight Ethiopian Airlines Cargo along airlines, airports, customs we remove the impediments I saw last Saturday where passengers were delays have been with the industry since with many airlines, logistics and everyone in the avia- and improve our access and fighting the staff of airlines, including Aero the beginning of time, remarking that there and global financial service tion and cargo ecosystem to market penetration globally? Contractors, Air Peace and Ibom Air indicated seemed to be an expanded interest in delays companies. chart a pathway that enables There will be a support session that they were energised by the Minister’s as if it is something deliberate and could be The organisers noted that Nigerians export more. As the on Insurance and Financing pronouncement. fully mitigated. since 1935, aviation has been importance of oil wanes, the of Aviation, Cargo and Export “All the talk about 48 hours refunds growing in Nigeria and with so value and volume of non-oil in Nigeria. seems not to understand that aviation is a many airlines and airports, it is export should be growing and At the end of the 2-day Uko, who said he business in which the operators have cash expected that aviation should Aviation should be driving it,” event, “we will be leaving flow management as part of their process. and would contribute more to the convener said. the event with enough witnessed the “The money from the ticket you purchased the nation’s economy. The conference, which would Knowledge about the current was not kept in the bank waiting for you to The conveners of the event have an exhibition part, would aviation situation in Nigeria passengers’ violent travel, it was used to fund the numerous ATQNews, a global Pan African be broken into three parts over and its role in growing the and often unrecoverable costs of your trip, Travel News Organization two days: Aviation, Cargo and economy by driving bigger reaction, noted that trips before and after. said the conference was long Exports. The aviation aspect cargo export from Nigeria. “Those that have never run a business are overdue. will have a presentation and With this understanding of refunding passengers attempting to create an environment that “Nigeria, a country with over panel discussion on ‘Airlines, the Cargo and Export Systems their full fare if their will lead to more business failures or at a 200 million resourceful people Airports and Aviation.’ Experts we can integrate our systems minimum, difficulty in running airlines. I depends a lot on imports; this including airline CEOs, past by networking and learning flight was delayed have often said that talk is nice but the 48-hour has been eroding the national airport CEOs and aviators from each other as problems rule is unrealistic and perhaps unenforceable wealth. A lot of airlines bring would discuss the reasons shared eventually become for three hours is not because there will be many ways to justify freighters daily to Nigeria and why our airlines and airport problems solved” according a delay and refunds, even in court may not most of them fly out empty. systems have not delivered to the publisher of ATQNews, practical be enforceable as ruled,” he said. “There is therefore a need the best possible outcomes the organiser of the event. 24 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 25 26 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Examining Aviation Ground Handling Companies’ Operations Chinedu Eze identifies reasons why aviation ground handling companies record poor returns in Nigeria despite huge investment and how regulatory authority and synergy can reposition the sub-sector in order to ensure that safety is not compromised.

espite the critical role they play “Anybody doing business must first recover in the aviation industry, aviation his cost and this is simple to do. You must ground handling companies recover the cost of depreciation, tax, profit over the years may have been and others. Otherwise, inflation will catch consigned to the short end of the up with you. Dstick by factors ranging from poor regulation “Clearly, the rates they are charging are of the sub-sector, cutthroat competition and not sustainable, but I may not be able to unwillingness of local and foreign airlines to be specific on the right rates. What I think pay the right price for their services. they are doing right now is subsidizing from The handling companies’ mode of operation other aspects to do the business. That is not has subjected them to the dictates of the airlines a sustainable model for business in the long that seem to under appreciate the critical role run. Whatever that is not sustainable, you they play in rewarding the services rendered will eventually crash,” he said. to them. Yet, the ground handling companies Oluwasegun-Ojo therefore, called for the are responsible for loading and unloading intervention of NCAA, noting that the regulatory freight and baggage, monitoring the safety body has a great role to play and urged it to of passengers, sorting freight and baggage, call the stakeholders together – the airlines service the interiors of the aircraft, wash exterior and the ground handling companies. of the aircraft and repair mechanical faults “My experience in the banking industry is in the aircraft. that you collaborate before you start competing. However, industry observers while blaming If Ghana is charging about $1,500 to handle environmental factors, poor regulation of the narrow body aircraft and Nigeria is charging sector, under payment by airlines, also blame this little, then, something is wrong with our the aviation handling companies for creating system. We must do something about helping defeatist competition among themselves. our country and industry to grow. We have a huge market here and we must do something Non-Compliance to boost the sector, starting from the ground Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream handlers, he said. Cargo Limited, Seyi Adewale identified factors NAHCO providing handling service to a flight responsible for the unfavourable operating Safety and Security environment whereby ground handling airlines, a balance report between handling $3,000 and $3,200 (wide body), depending on Speaking in the same vein, the former companies are arguably shortchanged by companies and airlines, as the two are operating the negotiation of the foreign carrier. These Managing Director of SAHCO Plc, Alhaji the system. in the same environment, reflecting costs to rates have been on since late 1980s and 1999.” Oluropo Owolabi said that the low charges He identified non-compliance by the Service dovetail with what is obtained in other West by ground handling companies has been on Level Agreement (SLA) signed by airlines as African countries, which operate in similar Impact of Inappropriate Rates for more than a decade and remarked that one of the factors and noted, “The observed environment and need for government Former Managing Director of the Nigerian it is unfortunate that government has not infractions or violations make handling intervention. Aviation Handling Company Plc, Kayode intervened yet. companies compromise for lower tariffs/ The handling companies also called for Oluwasegun-Ojo explained that If you charge He said that the low charges affect the charges during contract renewals. government’s tacit support to make the for a service that is less than cost-reflective, it government, foreign exchange, the Federal “There is lack of expertise in contract operation environment conducive for both means you are getting your cost back and on the Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and negotiations as compared with their airline the airlines and ground handling companies long run, it will not be sustainable, remarking even the NCAA, being the regulatory authority. counterparts. For example, airlines rarely and also give the operators access to foreign that lack of sustainability for aviation has “When you fly straight, within the next 25 change their contract team/ negotiators. “Many exchange, as the ground handling equipment serious implications because aviation actually minutes, you are in Accra. Then, you ask how work in either the contract or procurement are foreign sourced, noting that there is need starts from the ground and you land back much they handle a wide and narrow body departments for years and gain valuation to continually build capacity in line with the on the ground, noting that it is the ground aircraft over there. It is completely different experience and quality trainings unlike their International Civil Aviation Organisation handling companies that facilitate that. from what they are paying in Nigeria. In fact, handling partners. Many negotiators have (ICAO) requirement and standards. “If you are charging less than cost, it means it is peanut here. When you move further to on-the-job negotiation experience for upwards President of Association of Ground Handlers you are subsidising from somewhere and this other West African countries, you will see the of 10 years and have excellent succession plan. (AGHAN), Adigun Olaniyi, told THISDAY will have impact on the service you provide, disparities and they are unbelievable. “The handling counterpart have 3-5 years that ground handling companies are barely equipment on the ground and others. “Move to South Africa, Europe and America, job experience, frequently changed or replaced surviving due to the low operating profit; “You know that most accidents/incidents in the disparities are unbelievable. We are a and lower quality of trainings. Airlines eas- that they cannot afford to invest in innovative the aviation industry actually occur on take-off country that is suffering just because there ily share qualitative information regarding technology, modern equipment, recruit/retain and landing. So, it is extremely important that was no authority to be able to stamp their handling companies operating within an quality manpower and training aimed at we take care of what happens on the ground regulation on these airlines and call the ground airport especially within their alliance. preventing incidents and accidents. and in this case, via the ground handlers in handling companies to order. “On the other side, handling companies do He added that that they are rather reduced charging the cost-reflective tariff. “This act has painfully affected the revenues not have same or similar synergy. Competition to making do with only those mandatory “That means you can recover cost with some of the handlers, the take home of FAAN at and fear of losing an airline makes for easy safety measures. By so doing, safety procedures margins for hospitability, including being able the end of the year. The total sales that we compromises and tariff lowering. These are have become a reactive exercise instead of to pay taxes to the government. Companies pay as remuneration to FAAN at the end of just some of the related issues.” a proactive measure; that there is also the that make losses will not be able to pay taxes. every year surely will diminish. It is what He also advised that the Nigerian Civil link between safety and operating revenue. As you are aware, all the ground handling we take that we pay for. As we are losing, Aviation Authority (NCAA) should inde- “Whilst AGHAN members are fully com- companies are locally-owned now and there FAAN is losing and NCAA is not taking up pendently perform tariff audits and analyse mitted to providing safe and secure ground is employment implication for staff. If these its responsibility to ensure everything is being what it actually cost to perform ramp services, handling operations, diminishing revenues companies are not making money, thousands done rightly. passenger facilitation, warehousing and others, due to low tariffs combined with increasing of people will be out of work,” he said. “The point is, how much are you paying urging that the regulatory authority should cost of doing business will continue to put for air tickets 10 years, five years and even enforce a base (minimum) rate cost per aircraft material pressure on safety and security as Price fixing three years ago? Is it the same as you are type and service rendered that all handling well as long term sustainability of the ground It has been noted that one of the factors paying now? Handling prices must move at companies must abide by, adding that any handling companies. that drove down the tariff and charges is par as what we are paying on tickets. Don’t lowering of this tariff would be meted with “In comparative analysis, the association competition, but ironically the sub-sector forget that the equipment we are using is serious penalties including suspension of ground tabled the charges and tariffs of other countries is dominated by NAHCO and Skyway imported and is cleared by ICAO and IATA handling license for a determined period for in Wes and Central Africa and insisted that Aviation Handling Company Plc and other (International Air Transport Association) before the sake of Safety of our aviation sector. Nigerian ground handling companies charge smaller players, which makes it a duopoly we can use them,” he said. “Surely, low tariff will surely compromise the least for their services. but competition is still rife, Owolabi therefore called for NCAA inter- on aviation safety in many significant ways, “It is observed that ground handling rates Oluwasegun-Ojo stated, “You must allow vention, saying that the Authority needs to which include the fact that handling companies in Nigeria is the lowest in the entire African prices to be cost-reflective, but still show some wade in because the government is losing will start cutting down on staff training, other countries, if not the world and this has been levels of competitiveness. The telecom industry foreign exchange, as foreign airlines pay in staff related welfare will be affected and thus a thorny issue for over a decade. And this is a good example; operators compete around dollars, while Nigerian airlines operating a demotivated workforce that are susceptible includes domestic and international airlines.” service and the call tariff’s difference is not domestic flights pay in the local currency. He to engage in vices including negligence. Furthermore, he said: “Below are rates that much. They have a minimum service noted that these foreign carriers are taking “Also staff turnover and that of experience collected from the other African countries: level that they must provide. undue advantage of the ground handling workforce and their replacement with lower Guinea - $1,673 (narrow body) and $4,715 (wide “There should be price fixing for narrow companies. educated or qualified staff and equipment body) aircraft; Senegal - $2,250 (narrow body) body and wide body aircraft. You should “NCAA should stamp its authority. There maintenance and replacement would be and $5,259 (wide body); Cameroon - $1,400 have a minimum level you can go, but don’t should be a minimum rate with sanction to difficult and will affect airline operations, (narrow body) and $4,500 (wide body); Sierra charge yourself out of business. If you are anyone that violates it and should be treated efficiency, and accidents,” he stated. Leone - $2,250 (narrow body) and $5,250 (wide already operating below the bottom, honestly, as a saboteur to government. Though, the body); Ghana - $1,500 (narrow body) and it is not sustainable. sub-sector is deregulated, but the take home Low Tariff and Safety $4,150 (wide body). “There is implication on safety, security, of government annually is being shortchanged THISDAY gathered that the handling “In Nigeria, the rates oscillate between $400 job employment and the government. If when appropriate charges are not collected. companies yearn for adjustment review of and $1,139 (narrow body), depending on the companies are not making sufficient profit, So, the government can’t keep quiet on that,” tariffs in the services rendered to domestic negotiating power of a foreign carrier and it will affect the level of tax they will pay. he added. THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 27 BUSINESSWORLD MARITIME As NIMASA Moves to Restructure Nation’s Ship Registry Eromosele Abiodun writes that the move by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety to restructure the nation’s ship registry and issue new certificates of ship registration will ensure a thriving registry

ast week the federal government Reviving Ship Registry drastically reduce, stressing that the insurance announced that it had commenced It was in a bid to ensure a thriving ship premium payable by Nigerian flagged vessels moves to restructure the nation’s registry for Nigeria that NIMASA set up team would reduce. ship registry in a bid to ensure of professionals who worked assiduously to “If your vessel today is registered under the the utilisation of secured statutory produce a comprehensive report and recom- Nigerian flag, the insurance companies P&I Lcertificates and prevent the entry of unseaworthy mendations to achieve the objective. (Protection and Indemnity) Clubs in London can and sub-standard ships into the Nigerian flag. On submission of their findings, the NI- deal with you knowing that you are technically Also, the government said it had com- MASA set up a seven-man committee, which solid, your safety records are good, and then menced the issuance of new certificates of transverse several notable maritime countries of course you are bringing some value. The ship registration while simultaneously phasing to seek assistance. After a painstaking work, insurance premium will come down. out the old permits. the committee three years ago submitted their “Another thing the NSR will do will be Ship registration is the process by which a report to Peterside. acceptability in other countries. Now, you ship is documented and given the nationality The terms of reference of the nine-man know that when you go to other countries, of the country to which the ship has been committee, which was set up in February their port state control officers would delay documented. The nationality allows a ship to 2018, included to examine the status of the you. Now, if they are sure of the quality of travel internationally as it is proof of ownership ship registry in line with international best your flag, they know that you meet all the of the vessel. practices and advise and recommend requisite technical standards set by the IMO or the Ship registration is used to document ships improvements of necessity in the registry. regional MoU. for ownership. Documentation provides definite Peterside had said Nigeria would have a “But if your flag is substandard, you become evidence of nationality for international purposes vibrant, effective and efficient Nigeria Ship target for port state inspection. Your vessels and provides financing opportunities with Registry (NSR) in a few months stressing that are delayed and sometimes detained. So, in the availability of preferred mortgages on the achievement will transform the nation’s every dimension of quality, the Nigerian flag documented vessels. Jamoh shipping industry and transform the Nigerian determines the capacity of Nigerian flag ships All vessels, according to the rules of the economy. to transact business in the international spaces International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are used to make sure ships were being built in He said: “A ship registration is a custodian and those who will engage them,” he said. expected to register under a country of their the local country, with crews predominantly of the licensing of every vessel that is flagged Peterside stated that there are many companies choice, the maritime administration, which of the local country. Nigeria. It is more than a licensing agency. It out there that will not engage a ship flagged in turn permits such ship to fly their flag. Since then, ship registration has been used to is a regulation of the technical acceptability Nigeria, “but again, if our flag is raised solid Director General of the Nigerian Maritime document ships for ownership. Documentation of the country in the global maritime space. and commands technical respectability, then Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), provides definite evidence of nationality for “If we have a ship from a flag of convenience many people will trade with vessels. Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who disclosed, said the international purposes and provides financing or what they call open registry and I have “It means more trade, more business op- government was restructuring the Nigerian opportunities with the availability of preferred another ship that is carrying the British red portunities. It means strength for our businesses Ship Registration Office for efficient and mortgages on documented vessels. and white ensign, the UK flag, automatically, and so in every dimension, the quality of the effective service delivery. All vessels, according to the rules of the that vessel carrying the UK flag is respected. It flag determines your place in the market. The “We are determined to grow our national International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are is believed it meets every global standard by flag shapes profitability in the marketplace.” fleet and tonnage to an enviable height. We are expected to register under a country of their the right people and it would not be involved He said Nigeria lost its respect in the past committed to ensuring that our Ship Registry choice, the maritime administration, which with illegal activity because there are minimal because it neglected the quality of training remains of International Standard and this is in turn permits such ship to fly their flag. standards accepted by the UK ship registry. of its surveyors. why we have enhanced our certificates with Ship registration is the process by which a “This cannot be said for flag of convenience. “I think that it is something that happened more security features that would stand the ship is documented and given the nationality Most crime in international high sea are com- gradually overtime. We neglected the qual- test of time. of the country to which the ship has been mitted by vessels with flag of convenience, they ity of training of our surveyors. We didn’t “The all-encompassing process of issuance documented. The nationality allows a ship to become vessels of interest if you juxtapose this run with technology. We also neglected the will ensure robust screening of vessels that travel internationally as it is proof of ownership with the meaning, the symbol of the Nigerian enforcement aspect. One thing is that negligence would visit our waters,” he said. of the vessel. flag and the Nigerian Shipping Registry(NSR), itself breeds more negligence. If you could do He added that the new regulation, which International laws, experts said, require currently, there are not too many ocean vessel something and get away with it with nobody took effect from July 1, involves the Certificate that every merchant ship be registered in a carrying the Nigerian flag. ensuring compliance, of course, it means that of Nigerian Registry, Provisional Certificate country, called its flag state. “Even vessels owned by the LNLG are not you can do the other things. From the point of Registry, Certificate of Nigerian Registry “A ship is subject to the law of its flag state. flying the Nigerian flag. So, when you talk of administration, there has been negligence for Bareboat Chartered Vessel, Fishing Boat It is usual to say that the ship sails under the about what the flag can do for the Nigerian on our part and so this would eventually get and Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for flag of the country of registration. A ship’s economy, it would bring respect and reputation to the Nigerian flag. Wholly Owned Nigerian Vessel, among others. flag state exercises regulatory control over the for Nigerian shipping. “Now, shipping is a global business in He disclosed that the Certificate of Cabotage vessel and is required to inspect it regularly, “So, if the NSR is solid, reputable, business nature. If your vessel cannot trade in some Ship Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel; certify the ship’s equipment and crew, and issue ready, of course, it would command global regions of the world, of what use is it? Very and Foreign Owned Vessels are also affected. safety and pollution prevention documents. respect. It would attract vessels to the NSR few vessels will trade outside the Nigerian Others, he added, are Certificate of Cabotage The organisation, which actually registers the and a Nigerian flag ship leaving Nigeria to coasts all their lives. Vessels are expected to Ship Registry for Joint Venture Owned Vessel, ship is known as its registry. another country would earn her place and trade in different jurisdictions. So we got it Deletion Certificate, Bill of Sale and Transcript “Registries may be governmental or private be respected.” wrong in the deployment of personnel and of Registry. agencies. In some cases, such as the United The NSR, he added, would mean techni- technical response capacity and the time “The Certificate of Mortgage to Secure States’ Alternative Compliance Program, the cal competence, more dispositions by the involved,” he added. Account Current and Certificate of Freedom registry can assign a third party to administer international community. of Encumbrance has also been changed. All inspections. A register that is open only to ships “So, the first thing it does is the NSR will be Health of Maritime Administration existing certificates issued by the Registrar of its own nation is known as a traditional having people with technical competence. The Speaking just before submitting the report, of Ships before the commencement of the or national register. Registers that are open second thing is that it will give ship owners the committee chairman, Emmanuel Ilori, stated new regulation remain valid and should be to foreign-owned ships are known as open access to funding in the international financing that ship registration and the effectiveness carried on board vessels until their expiration. registries and are sometimes called flags of space so they can play big. If your vessel is of the established processes in a country’s But vessel owners or Masters may apply for convenience, said Managing Director and former registered with the NSR and the NSR com- maritime sector operations were critical in the reissuance of their existing certificates. Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investment mands respect, then the financial institution determining the health of a national maritime The Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 makes it Limited, Mr Greg Ogbeifun. can transact with you. administration. mandatory for the Originals of Certificates A few years ago, the Nigeria Liquefied “They know about the integrity of the Nigerian “All the committee’s efforts were geared of Registry to be carried on board vessels at Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited made effort to flag. You can access capital at a competitive towards making the Nigerian flag globally all times, “he said. revive the Nigerian ship registry. NLNG had and relatively cheap rate. There are funding acceptable. The committee carried out an He noted that issuance of these certificates engaged a consultant on ways of improving out there. If your vessel is not with a flag that extensive review of the Nigerian Ship Registry, is a fulfilment of Section 30 of the Merchant the nation’s registry. commands respect, people will deal with you took cognizance of stakeholders’ opinions and Shipping Act 2007, which provides, inter alia, The NLNG actually approached Nigeria’s with caution and circumspection. expectations, and carried out comparative that, “the Registrar of Ships shall on completion flag administration to express their desire and “The third thing it does is that it attracts analysis of the ship registration processes of the registration of a ship, issue a certificate of preference to register all her ships in Nigeria if the best hands to work for you. It enhances of some Global Registries in arriving at the registration in such form as may be approved the flags administration can be enhanced and the status of the Nigerian seafarer. If a ship report. NIMASA management should consider by the agency.” reorganised to meet international standard. is flagged, for example, United Kingdom, it and implement submissions contained in the They went further and paid for a consultant means that all the seafarers there would be report because we need to see the Nigeria Once a Thriving Registry to carry out a study of our flag administration deemed to be competent. that is moving in the positive direction Nigeria once had a thriving ship registry and and made recommendations to achieve this “Once you leave there, you can work going forward. vessels proudly carried the Nigerian flag. Like objective. The report and recommendations anywhere. People would employ you because “Thank you for your efforts and time to most things in Nigeria, that become history have been awaiting implementation by the you have the British flag. If the Nigerian ship change the negative perceptions of the Nigerian as the country’s flag administration went maritime administration since then, over three earns this reputation, we would not be fighting maritime industry. The reform that we are out of reckoning until three years ago when years ago. everywhere looking for sea time bets for our recommending, we believe, is in the right NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Dakuku On assumption of office, the Minister of cadets. Our cadets can practice on vessels flagged direction, will attract investment, grow the Peterside revived the nation’s ship registry. Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had constituted Nigeria and become employable anywhere in confidence of the financial community in the Put simply, ship registration has been done a committee to look at possible ways to make the world,” he said. Nigerian flag, and make sure that we achieve since business on the seas has been important. the nation’s flag administration attractive for the necessary global acceptability because the Originally meant to control ships carrying international patronage. Impact on cost of insurance exposure at the moment has to be reversed,” cargo in European seaborne countries, it was He explained that the cost of insurance would Ilori said. 28 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR POSITION OF UNIVERSITY BURSAR OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN

1. THE UNIVERSITY Technology (ICT) capacity and 1. THE UNIVERSITY 1. THE UNIVERSITY University in his/her tenure skills. 5. VISION STATEMENT: with particular reference to The King David University of The King David University of The King David University of the administration of the Medical Sciences (KDUMS) f. Must possess NYSC Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Candidate must provide a Vision Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Library of the University. Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Discharge Certificate orUburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi Statement of not more than 500 Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, is designed as evidence of Exemption. State is designed as an ultra- words relating to the University Ebonyi State is designed as 5. SALARY/CONDITIONS an ultra-modern 21st century modern 21st century state-of-the- in his/her tenure with particular an ultra-modern 21st century OF SERVICE: state-of-the-art International g. Must be physically and art International Medical Sciences reference to the administration state-of-the-art International Medical Sciences University. emotionally stable University. The University’s and control of the financial Medical Sciences University. The appointment is for ONE The University’s central goal central goal is for specialized affairs of the University. The University’s central goal YEAR contract, while salary is for specialized manpower 6. VISION STATEMENT: manpower development in the is for specialized manpower and other conditions of development in the most most conducive environment 6. SALARY/CONDITIONS OF development in the most service shall be as approved conducive environment in all Candidate must provide a in all aspects of medical SERVICE: conducive environment in all for Librarians of Nigerian aspects of medical specialties Vision Statement of not more specialties with the highest form aspects of medical specialties Universities by the Federal with the highest form of than 500 words relating to the of professionalism, ethics and The appointment is for ONE with the highest form of Government of Nigeria and professionalism, ethics and University in his/her tenure excellence. YEAR contract, while salary professionalism, ethics and the Governing Council of excellence. with particular reference to and other conditions of service excellence. King David University of the administration of the 2. THE POSITION: shall be as approved for Bursars Medical Sciences, Uburu. 2. THE POSITION AND University. of Nigerian Universities by the 2. THE POSITION AND DUTIES: The Bursar is the Chief Financial Federal Government of Nigeria DUTIES: 6. METHOD OF 7. METHOD OF Officer of the Universityand the Governing Council APPLICATION: The University Registrar is a APPLICATION: responsible to the Vice- of King David University of The University Librarian Principal Officer and the Chief Chancellor for the day-to-day Medical Sciences, Uburu. is a Principal Officer of the Candidates are required Administrative Officer of the Candidates are required to administration and control University responsible to to submit fifteen (15) University, who is responsible submit fifteen (15) copies of their of the financial affairs of the 7. METHOD OF APPLICATION: the Vice-Chancellor for copies of their applications to the Vice-Chancellor for the applications and Curriculum University. He/she must have the administration and and Curriculum Vitae day-to-day administration Vitae and photocopies of their the competence to provide the Candidates are required to management of the University and photocopies of their of the University except for credentials. The curriculum University Management with submit fifteen (15) copies of their Library and the coordination credentials. The curriculum financial matters which fall vitae should highlight the appropriate advice and support applications and Curriculum of the Library services in all vitae should highlight the within the purview of the following: for all financial transactions of Vitae and photocopies of their the Departments, Faculties, following: Bursar. The Registrar is also the University. credentials. The curriculum vitae Colleges, Institutes and the Secretary to the Governing 1. Full name(Surname First in should highlight the following: other academic units of the 1. Full name(Surname First Council, Senate, Convocation, Capital Letters) 3. THE PERSON: University. The successful in Capital Letters) Congregation and other 2. Place and date of Birth 1. Full name(Surname First in candidate will be expected 2. Place and date of Birth statutory bodies as defined by 3. Age The University Bursar is a Capital Letters) to provide leadership and 3. Age the University Laws. He/ She 4. Gender Principal Officer and the Chief 2. Place and date of Birth guidance to the University 4. Gender shall also perform all other 5. Marital Status Accounting Officer of the 3. Age Management in all aspects 5. Marital Status duties assigned to him/ her by 6. Number and Ages of University, who is responsible 4. Gender of Library matters including 6. Number and Ages of the Council and/or the Vice- Children to the Vice-Chancellor for the 5. Marital Status e-library. Children Chancellor from time to time. 7. E-mail Address and Phone day-to-day financial matters of 6. Number and Ages of Children 7. E-mail Address and Phone Number(s) the University. Candidates for 7. E-mail Address and Phone 3. QUALIFICATIONS AND Number(s) 3. QUALIFICATIONS 8. Postal Address the post of the University Bursar Number(s) EXPERIENCE: 8. Postal Address 9. Permanent Home Address must possess considerable 8. Postal Address 9. Permanent Home Address The ideal candidate must 10. Nationality degree of competence, 9. Permanent Home Address Candidate for this 10. Nationality possess a good University 11. State of Origin and LGA integrity and transparency in 10. Nationality post: 11. State of Origin and LGA honours degree and a Masters 12. Schools attended and all financial matters relevant 11. State of Origin and LGA (i). Must not be less than 12. Schools attended and degree. He/She must also have qualifications obtainedto the management and 12. Schools attended and a Deputy University qualifications obtained at least fifteen (15) years post with dates (photocopies of administration of a University. qualifications obtained with Librarian/Reader/Associate with dates (photocopies of qualification experience, out of certificates to be attached) The Candidate must have the dates (photocopies of certificates Professor by rank and should certificates to be attached) which a minimum of five (5) 13. Previous employment(s), ability to effectively engage with to be attached) possess a good honours 13. Previous employment(s), years must have been spent in position(s), Date(s) stakeholders of the financial 13. Previous employment(s), degree, Masters and Ph.D in position(s), Date(s) a position not less than Deputy 14. Details of Administrative sector. position(s), Date(s) Library/Information Science 14. Details of Administrative Registrar in a University. Experience (with dates) 14. Details of Administrative from a recognized University. Experience (with dates) 15. Present Employment, 4. QUALIFICATIONS AND Experience (with dates) 15. Present Employment, 4. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE Status, Salary and Dates EXPERIENCE: 15. Present Employment, Status, (ii). He/she must have at least Status, Salary and Dates 16. Extra-Curricular Activities Salary and Dates fifteen (15) years relevant 16. Extra-Curricular The appointment is for ONE 17. Membership of Professional Candidate for this post shall: 16. Extra-Curricular Activities experience in the University Activities YEAR contract, while salary Bodies 17. Membership of Professional system, not less than five 17. Membership of and other conditions of 18. Names and Addresses of 3 1. Possess a good Honours Bodies (5) of which must be at the Professional Bodies service shall be as approved referees Degree and Masters Degree 18. Names and Addresses of 3 level of Deputy University 18. Names and Addresses of for Registrars of Nigerian in Accounting, Economics, referees Librarian/Reader/Associate 3 referees Universities by the Federal Applications should be Financial Management or any Professor. Government of Nigeria and submitted under confidential other related field or related Applications should be Applications should be the Governing Council of King cover in sealed envelopes subjects from a recognized submitted under confidential (iii). The candidate must submitted under confidential David University of Medical marked, “Position of University; cover in sealed envelopes show evidence of substantial cover in sealed envelopes Sciences, Uburu. University Registrar” to: marked, “Position of University contribution to knowledge marked, “Position of 2. Must be a qualified member Bursar” to: through research and University Librarian” to: 5. THE CANDIDATE The Acting Vice-Chancellor of a professional body such as scholarly publications King David University of ICAN, ACCA, ANAN, CIMA, The Acting Vice-Chancellor in reputable journals. In The Acting Vice-Chancellor The Candidate for the position Medical Sciences (KDUMS) CPA; King David University of addition, the candidate King David University of of the Registrar, must have a Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Medical Sciences (KDUMS) should be able to show a clear Medical Sciences (KDUMS) very good understanding of the Ebonyi State 3. Must have a minimum Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi understanding of modern Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, dynamic and complex nature of fifteen (15) years cognate State day University Library, Ebonyi State of University administration, Applicants are expected experience, ten (10) years of demonstrate considerable must have ability to pursue and to request their referees to which must be unbroken service Applicants are expected to experience in its management Applicants are expected achieve set goals and objectives forward their reports under in the University system; request their referees to forward and administration. to request their referees to and must possess the drive and confidential cover; directly to their reports under confidential forward their reports under resilience that the University the Vice-Chancellor. 4. Must have attained the rank of cover; directly to the Vice- (iv). The candidate must have confidential cover; directly to environment requires. In a Deputy Bursar, or its equivalent Chancellor. the ability to initiate research the Vice-Chancellor. addition, the candidate: CLOSING DATE: in a University. and must be knowledgeable CLOSING DATE: in the application of relevant CLOSING DATE: a. Must not be above 55 years of Applications should reach the 5. Must not be above 55 years of computer softwares and Applications should reach age at the time of appointment.; Office of the Vice-Chancellor, age at the time of appointment. Applications should reach the library operations/services, the Office of the Vice- b. Be a person of not later than four (4) Office of the Vice-Chancellor, not especially the e-library. Chancellor, not later than integrity and strong moral weeks from the date of this 6. Must be computer literate with later than four (4) weeks from four (4) weeks from the date character with ability; publication. a working knowledge of relevant the date of this publication. (v). The candidate must be of this publication. accounting/auditing packages at least a registered member c. Must be able to relate Prof. Jesse Uneke and software. Prof. Jesse Uneke of the Library Registration Prof. Jesse Uneke excellently well with staff, Acting Vice-Chancellor Acting Vice-Chancellor Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Acting Vice-Chancellor students and the general public; King David University of 7. Must possess NYSC Discharge King David University of and must not be older 55 years King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Certificate or evidence of Medical Sciences (NDUUMS) at the time of assumption of Medical Sciences (KDUMS), d. Be a person with an articulate Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Exemption. Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi duty. Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, vision and strong commitment Ebonyi State State Ebonyi State for the development of the 8. Must be physically and 4. VISION STATEMENT: University, emotionally stable and be free from financial embarrassment Candidate must provide a e. Be up-to-date in Information Vision Statement of not more and Communication than 500 words relating to the NEWS METRO WEEKLY MAGAZINE THISLIFE THIS ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

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Becoming Folorunsho Alakija at 70 30 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ COVER Becoming Folorunsho Alakija at 70

Africa’s Richest Woman, and Founder, FAMFA Oil, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, who clocked 70 on Thursday, July 15, in this exclusive interview with SUNDAY EHIGIATOR, shared snippets of her journey from trials to fame and affluence

ell us about your upbring- And I thought, okay, I get it. He is trying to wanted. Nobody in the industry wanted it. It ing and shareable infant say no in a nice way. And he was like this is it, was deep offshore. It was 5,000 feet deep, and memories? which means I can’t come back to this office technology had not reached that water depth. The meaning of my name is to ask for anything else. Me! Exploration and It was too expensive to explore. ‘God Protecter’ (Folorunso). And production! We know the kind of people that And nobody knew what was deep under. he has been doing that right from are involved in that; little did I know that it Only God knew the blessings therein, and he whenT I was in my mother’s womb. If it wasn’t was a move of God. closed the eyes of every human being on earth for God, my mother wouldn’t have given birth So, I came back home and I cried my eyes to it. And as I always say, that the stone the to me. I thank God. I come from a polygamous out. My husband comforted me. And I call Mrs. builders rejected, became the chief cornerstone. home, from a family consisting of eight wives Babangida and told her what I came back with. So it took another three years, after getting and 52 children. I am child number eight child And she said, well, all she knew was that that the license, before I was able to get technical to the glory of God. kind of thing takes years.” And we left it at that. partners, because nobody wanted it. Growing up, we learnt so much. At an early And I carried on licking my wounds. The first door I knocked on was a multinational age of seven, my parents decided to send me And then I woke up one day and said, no! company that was right next to us on the plan. I and one of my siblings, who was six-year-old Alakija I am not accepting that no. I am not going to said, would you like to partner with us please, at the time, to boarding school in England. And allow that to just filter away. I said to myself, and they said, “No! We were allocated that block, that was a big change in my life. The weather the oil and industry. “Folorunso, what’s the matter with you. I thought and we returned it, because it was just not going wasn’t kind of course, for a little girl who has you like challenges. Come on, do something to happen. There was no point, where do you been in the sun for all her life and now had to What made you give up fashion and how about this. What’s there to lose?” start from? We returned it.” And they said no, wear winter coats and socks up to her knees. I did you get into the oil and gas industry? We were comfortable; we had a block of we don’t want to partner with you. did notot like the cold and still don’t like the cold. First and foremost let me say, fashion is my eight flats at the back of the house and our Three years down the line, Texaco came knock- Then, you have to have your bath only once a passion. Sometime in 1991, I met a family friend own individual house in front. Our children ing. There was maybe a bit more technology week, which was the rule in boarding school. of mine on the plane, and she said, “there is all abroad, we were comfortable. We were okay, I improvement, and they were willing to look Then coming back four years later as an something I’ll like to talk to you about when was running my fashion business and I loved it. into that block and invited us for a meeting. 11-year-old, I remember one day, my mum we get back to Nigeria. If the person I asked to So I decided that I was going to go back. So We had meetings for three months before we sent me a letter to my dad who was having help me out with it hasn’t done it, I’ll ask you I called Mrs. Babangida and I said, “Please, I eventually signed. his siesta at home. She was in her shop, and I to help me out.” would like to ask you to please book me one Before we signed however, those neighbours was in her shop. I had come back to Nigeria like So, we got back to Nigeria and she came more appointment with the minister.” And she who had said no came back running saying, six-months after, and she gave me this letter to knocking on my door, and gave me some big did. She was very kind. “we are interested!” And we told them no! go and give to my father. I got there, and he was documents. She is a Lawyer, and then said she But that was all that Mrs. Babangida did Sorry, it’s too late. sleeping. The mosquito net was down, and I had some clients, and “we are looking to lift concerning this oil license matter. She kept on Because we had signed a Memorandum of woke him up. I said I had this letter for you and crude oil from Nigeria.” getting me those appointments. And the rest Understanding (MoU) with Texaco who had my mum wanted me to give it to you. She wanted to know whether I might be able was what God wanted to do. said, “If anything happens while we are still And he said; okay, why don’t you stick it in to speak to some of my clients, one of whom What he wanted to do at first by giving me that negotiating, we want to hear.” my mouth. And I lifted up the mosquito net was the late Mrs. Babangida. And I agreed to opening through my friend because I wouldn’t So we were obliged to tell them that Statoil and I stuck the letter in his mouth. Suddenly go and see her, and see if she can help. have looked towards the oil industry. And that’s had come knocking on our door, and they said he got up. He was in a rage. He took his clothes I got there and she said, “Okay, I can book an how God works. He doesn’t come down, he “no, no, no! Don’t talk to them.” So Statoil said brush, and he started to spank me with it. And I appointment for you to see the Petroleum Min- uses people. So I went back and I said to the to us, we will do this and that for you; you know felt so bad. I felt that life had dealt a bad one on ister.” And I went to see the Petroleum Minister, minister that I wanted to see if I could do this, what we did with that? We were armed with me, because I didn’t know what I did wrong. and what they wanted was to lift crude, but the and I really want to apply for it. all the promises they made, and we used that He told me to put it in his mouth, and I put it Minister said, the current administration at that And she said okay, “You go and do your against Texaco to negotiate for more. It was God. in his mouth. I didn’t realise that he was only time really wanted to move away from that, homework, because its Nigerians that the being sarcastic. And I cried all the way to my and preferred to get more Nigerians involved government of the day wants to encourage now. So you got the license, but it was for an mum’s store and I told my mum what happened. in that, rather than giving that out to foreigners. We have had a lot of multinationals over the oil block that nobody wanted, how did you She burst into laughter when I told her what So he said if they want to invest in Nigeria, years, we want to encourage Nigerians, and we feel at that moment? happened. She called all the other retailers around rather than come and lift Nigeria’s crude, then want our resources and wealth to be retained in I cried my eyes out again. But I knew that we and told them what happened, and they all burst they will be willing to do that. I took it back to our own land rather than have it carted away had nothing to lose. Because what we could out laughing, and I cried the most, because I my friend and she took it back to her clients, by foreigners all the time.” pay for at the time was the smaller amount that didn’t know why they were all laughing. And and they said, “No we don’t want to invest in So, I applied for the license three times. And we were obliged to pay to the government. We I started saying, I want to go back to England, I Nigeria, we only wanted to lift.” that took three years. The Ministers changed could afford to pay those as a family. am not staying here anymore. It took me a long So we parted ways. And I said to myself, now hands twice within the process. And it was But the bigger amount that we needed to time to realise what I did wrong. that I have an enroot to that place, why don’t I during the time of the last minister that I eventu- pay the government, we were waiting until we go find something I can do. All I wanted was ally got it. got technical partners. When we got technical What was your parent’s occupation? a contract to boost my pocket. Though I still I remembered I was abroad and I was watch- partners, they did pay. Shortly after that, we My parents were textile retailers, and my wanted to carry on with my fashion, I love it. ing General Babangida on CNN, when he was found oil in commercial quantities, and the rest father used to order textiles from Austria. He So, I asked Mrs. Babangida to please help me saying that he was stepping down. I remember is history today. was a textile retailer. He would design them. book another appointment. So I went back to that, each time the ministers changed hands, I He was a wholesaler, and my mum was one see the minister, and I told him I was interested burst into tears again. Because, it was like snakes Forbes 2020 recognised you as the richest of his customers. in finding something to do with NNPC. and ladders. It was like starting all over again. woman in Africa, what does this mean to He said okay; “why don’t you go and do your It was a case of discretionary allocation at the you? Tell me about your life as a fashion homework, and let’s see what we can do.” I time. The President, through the NNPC, was I don’t say that I am, it’s people that say designer? went back, and went to see some friends who the one that would decide who gets it. I think that. I don’t know what’s in other people’s I studied fashion design in school. I went work with NNPC at that time, and I asked I was one of the first women to get the license. pockets. There may be others who have more, through school in England at the age of 11, came them “what can I possibly do or think I can It’s very painful when you listen to people say you never know, because they aren’t saying back to school here in Nigeria, started my A do within NNPC.” that “oh! It’s because she makes blouses for or doing anything. But I thank God who has Levels in Nigeria, and went back to England. I was given all sorts of different options that Mrs. Babangida or Oh! It’s because she was brought me this far. How does it make you feel? By that time that I went back I had been married are possibilities; catering for offshore workers, one of them.” It gives you some more comfort, but it doesn’t and I went back to study fashion design. then maybe transporting crude from one location How about all the others who got the license, do everything that you want in life. I have had all my children. My youngest to another etc. So, I would sit down, write my and weren’t in the oil industry at the time that Money comes and goes; you have to look was two-year-old at the time. I took him with letter, take it there, and ask Mrs. Babangida to they got the license? So because they are men, after it. That’s how my parents brought us up. me. The third one was in boarding school. His help me meet the minister. Sometimes I have they have two heads? Is it fair on womanhood? One of the values that they instilled in us is older brothers, number one and two were also in to wait for six months to get an appointment Why relegate us to the background. Why say we that you have to look after money. If you look boarding school in England, so I went to England with the Minister. Sometimes, I have to wait can’t when we can? When all the prerequisites, after it, then it will look after you, and it will to study fashion designing. for like four months. the boxes could be ticked? stay with you, otherwise it will flee from you. I came back after some crash courses in fashion And I would go back, but the minister would Everything that I needed to do, to supply It’s good to have, and it’s good to be able to design and millenary to set up my fashion label point holes in what I had come to offer. And I before I could qualify to apply for a license or use it to help others who don’t have it, because here. Within three weeks of setting up, I had would return home dejected. And I would go get one, I made them all available; our techni- our fingers are not equal. God did say that we entered into a fashion competition. I had won back to do some more work, and I would get cal partners etc. I went here and there, I got will always have the poor with us, and it’s the cup and it was a national competition. Mrs. Babangida to get another appointment for everything, and I supplied everything. because of the poor that he also created rooms I won the competition and that immediately me. So that went on. They were all no’s, which I did my homework. I learnt on the job, went for those who have more, so we can always be threw me into the limelight. This history as is one of the reasons I have made it one of my for courses as well to help me to be able to sit in our brother’s keeper. we look back today was what launched me mantras to “never accept a no for an answer.” board rooms, and face others, and be where I am into the public limelight. I stopped designing Eventually, at the end of it all, the last thing today, to His glory. Now we got that license and NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the when I was 50-year-old, that’s 20-year ago. And the minister said to me was, “why don’t you when it came, I went to find out about it, and online edition on www.thisdaylive.com I transitioned from the fashion industry into think of exploration and production?” I realised that it was an oil block that nobody THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ ͱͯ NEWS Adspace.Ng Set to Rebrand Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards Face of Advertising in Nigeria Taking into consideration the rate at which advertis- ing is blooming and gaining more importance in the 2021 would be Highbred – Organisers Nigerian economy, it is expected that positive change and rebranding, which are technologically compliant Stories by Mary Nnah Year Awards. uled for March 2020 and just as Adesida who described we were heading to the event, should occur in order to give room for growth and greater his company’s experience the federal government gave results, hence, the reason behind the establishment of Although this year’s edi- with Vanguard Media over an ultimatum that all events Adspace.ng. tion of the annual awards of the last 8 years as being very should be canceled. Covid-19 This newly launched initiative portrays the improve- Vanguard Media, “Vanguard liberating, noted that one of the was still very fresh in Nigeria ment that a technologically inclined society should seek. Personality of the Year Awards”, things that makes a successful at that time so, because of that According to the co-founder and Chief Executive Of- would be merged with last event is when the client gives we had to cancel everything. ficer (CEO) of Adspace.ng, Kunle Yakubu, the initiative year’s which couldn’t hold its consulting agency the role “So, what we are holding this behind the establishment of the company is to rebrand due to COVID-19 pandemic, to create. He opined that “hav- year is actually a combination the face of advertising in Nigeria by making it a smooth with a huge number of over ing a client who is willing to of last year’s and this year’s and easy process. 30 recipients on the list for the explore with you is one of the events. We are having for the While speaking about the need for advertising technol- awards, Verdant Zeal Market- key determinants orchestrating first time Vanguard Personality ogy in the marketplace, the CEO explained that change ing Communications Group, the a memorable event.” of the Year Awards a combina- is constant and with the implementation of technology firm organising the awards for “Especially because it is usu- tion of winners from the year in several industries, it was only a matter of time before the media house, has said that ally a very high profile event before and this year. That means some sort of change occurred in the advertising industry. despite all odds, this year’s that attracts crème de la crème this year’s edition is going to He shed light on the challenges faced by advertisers episode would be highbred. of the society we have to take be huge, however it is going to in relation to the idea behind the creation of Adspace.ng Scheduled to hold on Saturday, certain things into consideration be highbred”, Adesida noted. “Most SMEs and advertisers have been finding it difficult July 17 at Eko Hotels & Suites, such as security, ensuring that He stressed that, even though to run campaigns because they don’t have access to the Victoria Island, Lagos, the Van- data they require to make informed decisions on how Adesida the hall that we use is the best Verdant Zeal is planning a big guard Personality of the Year in class and that all the perfor- celebration; it has to be in com- to reach their target market or the estimated cost of Awards, has over the years event, Chief Operating Of- mances are such that reflect the pliance with all of the principles running a campaign. evolved from just focusing on the ficer, Verdant Zeal Marketing brand, Vanguard - all of these and protocols of NCDC. “There is also the problem of finding the contact of banking sector and governors, to Communications Group, Mr. have happened in the last eight “We are not going to contra- the media owners and how to negotiate price directly becoming a balanced assessment Dipo Adesida recalled that the years because Vanguard has vene government regulation with them. All these brought about the need to develop of people who have performed journey started sometime in given us the leeway every of how many should be in the an online marketplace where advertisers can find, outstandingly in their various 2007 / 2008, then as Vanguard single time to design the idea hall and so on. So again, we are negotiate and book advert spaces thereby reducing fields, singling out who are the Bankers’ Awards, which ran and they ensure that the funds still looking at Saturday with the time and cost of deploying an advert, anywhere,” real heroes of the society and for just one season. It took a are provided.” fingers crossed. So, with a lot he explained. having them celebrated. That break for about four years and Speaking on the idea of merg- of trepidation and hope, we Stressing that the goal of the company is to bring is what the event is doing again then continued in 2012 when ing last year’s edition with this are really looking forward to advertisers and media owners closer, Yakubu affirmed this year. the event was rebranded as year’s, he said, “The event did hosting the event and putting that the platform is aimed at increasing the advertis- Speaking on the forthcoming Vanguard Personality of the not hold last year. It was sched- it behind us”, he asserted. ing market cap of Nigeria by giving access to foreign companies interested in expanding into the Nigerian market giving SMEs and Startups a relevant tool that will help them grow and make advertising a smooth Townsway Travels Opens High-tech office in Lagos and easy process. To provide bespoke services “We represent all international Speaking about the newly launched application, in Nigeria’s travel and tourism and local airlines operating in Yakubu disclosed that the media owner and partners industry, Townsway Travels Nigeria in ticketing sales, and can download the application which is available on has opened a state-of-the-art we are ranked within the top google play store and apple/ios app store, register and office in Lagos with plans to ten agents for all international list their available advert spaces with prices, which in have presence in key cities in carriers in Nigeria.” turn gives customers access to over 5000 advert spaces. Nigeria and Accra, Ghana in For student visas, “We He explained that the platform covers all types of the next few months. provide Education consul- media including billboard, television, radio, newspaper, The sophisticated techno- tancy, by promoting African cinemas, magazines and influencers. logically- fitted office located talents by exposing them to on the popular Agindingbi the world, giving them insight road, Ikeja, Lagos, is stra- on the importance of seek- tegically placed to provide L-R: Vice President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agency, Lagos Zone, ing for more knowledge and Why Nigeria May Not Maximise unparalleled services to its Yinka Folami; Chairman, Townsway Travels, Victor Oluwadare; Chief Executive skills abroad that can help in Gains From ACFTA, PIB - Expert customers. Officer, Townsway Travels, Mariam Oluwadare; Managing Director, Adakul Col- redefining and redressing the Townsway Travels, which lection, Princess Ada ; and Head of Finance, Travelex Retail Nigeria Limited, Pe- problem of our nation. Kasim Sumaina in Abuja is affiliated with over 100 ter Appeal at the event “Our clients gain access to schools abroad, is also at the hundreds of universities and A logistics expert, Mubarak Ibrahim Mahmoud, has forefront of ensuring Nigerian higher education institutions met, if not exceeded,” she cautioned that Nigerians will not benefit maximally from youth get quality education the highest level of dedication, in the UK, Canada, Germany, Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) and abroad in the areas of sci- insight and professionalism, added. Ireland, Dubai and Turkey She revealed that Town- the newly signed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) because of ences and key developmental as well as preserving the con- through our direct partnership the lack of human capacity to occupy strategic positions in courses that would help in the fidentiality of clients’ affairs sway Travels has deployed with several universities and state-of-the-art technology in these sectors. advancement of the country. at all times. institutions”. Mahmoud, a marine officer/ Offshore oil and gas expert, The Managing Director/ “Our ambition is to take providing ultimate solutions Another key service to tailored to clients’ needs en- lamented that Nigeria does not have skilled persons in the Chief Executive Officer of part in the vision of our clients, be offered by the firm is the logistics field to fill the positions that would be created by Townsway Travels, Mrs. and to excel in the quality of suring that the highest global corporate travel service, standard of quality service is trade agreement. Marian Oluwadare said the services provided, ensuring as Townsway Travels will The expert, who authored a book on the lack of human mission of the company is to that the expectations placed delivered to clients. help businesses control cost On ticketing, the CEO said, capacity in the logistics sector, said unless the gap is filled, pursue its endeavours with on us are at least completely on travel expenses. other African citizens would fill up the space and further compound the lack of employment, insecurity and other challenges in Nigeria. StyleofTyLuxe Opens for Business 60 African Youths to Benefit from ‘Trace Citing the recently ratified African continental free trade area agreement as an example, he stressed that the African Troop’ Empowerment Initiative continental free trade area agreement was ratified by President to Indigenous Fashion Brands Cable television music and generation, while also exposing Muhammadu Buhari on the 1st of January, 2021, noting that In recent years the Nigerian asts, the SyleofTyLuxe is led lifestyle channel, TRACE, has them to fun activities. reluctant of Nigeria to ratify the agreement initially continue Fashion industry has experi- by CEO Akee Temitayo Ramo. recently launched TRACE He said: “The initiative was to create a very big problem in the African continent because enced a lot of growth and “We have created a collective of Troops, a multi-directional tribe conceived to educate and of the relevance and importance of Nigeria as a block but expansion, there are still many dedicated specialists focused of young West Africans willing empower 60 Nigerian and eventually persuasively, some other trade blocks around areas yet to be tapped with lim- on the various areas of the to be trendsetters and young Ghanaian youths within a world lobby it and get Nigeria key into the pact. ited, clearly defined support any Fashion business lifecycle leaders in their respective fields. year; inspire and engage the According to him, “We know that African continental agree- services for the ever-growing with the aim of boosting and Opened to individuals be- younger generation of bright ment is the largest free-trade pact in the world today, so now industry. This is the gap that propelling them to the global tween the ages of 18-27 years, minds by starting them on if Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa rectifies this, StyleofTyLuxe intends to fill. In community”, Ramo noted. it would feature young leaders a journey to becoming in- do we actually have the players that will play in that Arena? line with this, StyleofTyLuxe, a The StyleofTyLuxe is focused from different backgrounds, dustry leaders of tomorrow. The answer is no. “In the absence of having Nigerians who are young dynamic agency set with on working with indigenous perspectives and life experi- “The programme is to qualified enough and sufficient in number enough because the hardened passion to see the local and international Fash- ences willing to take on exciting share and cheer, and to the space in the arena is big, so we need plenty Nigerians to fill growth of strong fashion labels ion brands with an objective challenges and improve their give them a chance to share in that arena but in the absence of that other African citizens grow while breaking borders to provide the much needed lifestyle. their perspectives on issues would come and fill in that space further compounding our and frontiers, recently worked marketing direction from the The Chief Executive Officer affecting their generation lack of employment, our insecurity problems and challenges.” with indigenous fashion labels, start of the creative process to of TRACE, Olivier Laouchez, and equally have fun in the He opined that the book will allow Nigerian universities Indainque and Yanga Trybe in the consumer experience cycle. noted that it was part of the process.” to quickly swing into action and begin to train the army of the launch of their SS21 col- Style of TyLux is currently company’s corporate social Speaking further, Onyeme- logistics, specialist, practitioners players that will fit in that lections – the Gaia Collection facilitating a major collabora- responsibility initiative tar- lukwe noted that to further ex- opportunity presented by the African continental free trade and Vibranium Collection tion for its client Indainque with geted at assisting youths across pand the frontiers of TRACE’s area in Nigeria and even other African countries because respectively. They worked with iFitness which is set to change Africa. He also stated that the CSR initiatives, another the trade pact allows anybody to come in and capitalise on the designers in creating their the men’s activewear and gym first batch of 15 beneficiaries programme tagged TRACE the trade pact in order to harness and take any opportunity lookbook video, their photo- wear look in the coming month. would be hired for a period Academia, which is similar they can find in Nigeria and Nigerians can go outside and shoot and even promoting the The StyleofTyLuxe with the of three months. to TRACE Troops in purpose do the same. collection. Instagram handle @ty_luxe The Managing Director of and. target audience, had been He added that if Nigerians do not train With a network of skilled aims to be the driving force TRACE, Sam Onyemelukwe, launched. According to him, this army of logistics soldiers that they need to fill in these professionals and a team of behind the Fashion industry described the project as an it would curb the Menace of trade opportunities and gaps, other African countries will passionate fashion enthusi- growth by pushing the creative avenue to equip the younger youth unemployment in Africa. fill it up. 32 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ

MUSIC SHOWBIZ E-TRENDS …Your weekly entertainment delight NOLLYWOOD The Unforgettable Naija Ninja VANESSA OBIOHA pays tribute to the late musician Sound Sultan whose imprints in the music industry, she writes, will remain indelibles

e met almost happenings in the country. in his neighbourhood FESTAC, instead of three years Since his passing, ‘unassuming’, ‘humble’ moving to Lekki where most A-list celebrities ago at FES- are the words that many have described usually reside. To be sure, he could afford TAC Town him with. Words poured out from the old to live there but like he told me in 2018: in Lagos, and young, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, “I don’t judge by how high. I judge by a few days who featured in ‘Jungle Story’. how long.” after he cel- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu While he entertained fans with his music, ebrated his in a statement described him as a bundle he also empowered up and coming musicians 18th anniversary with a musical ‘Jungle of talents who used “his God-given gift to with the launch of Naija Ninja, a record label WStory’. Before we began the interview, a advance the course of mankind.” he founded with his brother Baba Dee. He fan walked up to us and asked for a selfie. The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) dabbled into movies too with films such Without airs, he indulged the fan, allowing in a statement described him as “a prime as ‘Head Gone’. him to have a memento of him to cherish example of a shining star and a powerful Beyond his music, he was known on the always. Unlike that fan, I never bothered to voice of African music. His dedication to basketball field. He even had his own team, take a selfie with him, maybe because of my the craft was impossible to miss.” Lagos City Stars. Sultan’s head was filled belief that stars live forever in our hearts. THISDAY Group Politics Editor, Nseobong with witty and decent rib crackers that often Yet, when the news broke that Olarenwaju Okon-Ekong who had many encounters with sent those who kept his company into fits Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan him during his time as an entertainment and of uncontrollable laughter. passed on Sunday morning, a part of me lifestyle journalist regarded him as “calm, Now united with mother earth, Sultan shattered and I kept replaying my last friendly and unassuming. He had no airs will remain indelible in our memories. He interview with him. It was the first time of a celebrity about him. He had a certain is indeed the fine wine he thought himself I had a close encounter with him, seeing warmth and charm which came directly to be, even though his life was cut short through the artiste whose songs were part from his heart. His talent cuts across many by Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma The late Sound Sultan of my adolescent memories. entertainment genres. That is why he was — a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Back then in school, my classmates and of that song on the Nigerian economy was very well respected by those who were ahead which is a group of related malignancies I would sing ‘Mathematics’ during breaks, vague to my classmates and me at the time of him in the industry and equally admired (cancers) that affect the lymphatic system admiring the creative way he applied the but over the years, I would come to appreci- by the younger generation of entertainers.” (lymphomas) — at age 44. This disease popular Mathematics acronym ‘BODMAS’ ate Sultan as an unconventional storyteller. Sultan lived a life that was not mired with a tongue-twisting, jawbreaking name in his lyrics. It was those early days of From ‘Motherland’, ‘Hello Baale’ to ‘Ole in controversies. One can arguably say he is one Sultan would wrap a comedy skit Plantashun Bois and Remedies, but Sultan, (Bushmeat)’, Sultan told stories of patriotism, lived simply. He didn’t belong to the class around if he had survived it. Who knows, encouraged by his brother Baba Dee, came love and hope. His musical ‘Jungle Story’ of celebrities who show off their wealth on he might just be laughing as he journeys into the spotlight with that song. The import captured the political, social and economic social media. His modesty made him stay to the Great Beyond. Samsung Launches Special Edition Galaxy A22 with Joeboy The Legacy Lives on in Made Kuti Vanessa Obioha base,” said Omolade Agbadaola, Iyke Bede IM Marketing Manager, Samsung Following the Samsung Galaxy Nigeria. The atmosphere at Terra Kulture, A22’s June 24 global release, Tagged Special Edition with Jo- Lagos, was not only charged with Samsung Nigeria has released a eboy, customers will get customised the energetic performance delivered special edition of the midrange gifts branded with Joeboy in shops by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s grandson smartphone in honour of its nationwide. The A22’s design is Made but overflowed with a certain A-series ambassador Joeboy. fashioned to satisfy the need of a kind of familial love only the Kutis Made Kuti The release is to personalise the wide range of smartphone users can evince. They had communed for experience of lovers of the series with its new innovative features ‘An Evening with Made Kuti and the his limited catalogue that includes in the Nigerian smartphone space. that deliver the best streaming, Movement’ concert. ‘Different Streets’, ‘Young Lady’ and “Due to the market the Sam- gaming (90 Hz refresh rate), The tall, slender figure, who ‘Higher You’ll Find’. Throughout his sung Galaxy A22 caters to, we visual (Super AMOLED screen), emerged on stage, is a third-generation rendition of these tracks, he held his chose to create a special Joeboy and photography (quad-camera performing Kuti. And just like his own, demonstrating his interpretation edition, which means that there system with 48mp primary camera) father and grandfather, he made the of what afrobeat is to him. However, will be branding communications Joeboy experiences. stage his home. the signature mannerisms –primarily leveraging him to give customers The Special Edition with Joeboy Backing the crowd in an almost when he disrobed his upper body– of the experience not obtainable in the country. It is our way of runs from Monday, July 5 to ritualistic manner, he moved rhyth- Fela remained evident. It is easy to with other smartphone brands appreciating our loyal customer Saturday, July 31, 2021. mically to the instrumentals before call Made the chip off the old block, welcoming the audience with a calm yet he nuanced his performance to voice that distinguished him from the reflect his personality. From Okokomaiko to the World other Kutis but yet possessed similar This sense of self further seeped energy as he performed ‘Free Your into his performance of Fela’s Vanessa Obioha ambassador for his community in the For his current project, he Mind’, the first track on ‘Legacy+’ songs, too. From ‘Zombie’ that Okokomaiko area of Lagos State. This embarked on a personal journey to B-side. The album is a collaborative had the crew replicating moves of The road to celebrity has been a long sense of self has continually fueled ascertain the impact of his sounds on effort with his father, Femi Kuti. the undead, to ‘Sorrow, Tears, and winding one for Akinbiyi Abiola, who his ambitions. the music scene. On the EP, he explores In that moment of soaring saxo- Blood’, and ‘Shuffering and Shmil- broke onto the music scene with the “I don’t want to go back there themes on self-worth, mental health phones, trumpets and boisterous ing’ that had extra dancers chime in, Olamide-assisted ‘Vision 2020’. (Okokomaiko) empty-handed. I and fame. dance moves from two female danc- Fela only appeared as a backdrop. Before then, he freestyled on beats want to go back as an ambassador, Currently signed to OneWorld Records, ers, the crowd came alive as though Although he paid homage to Fela, and uploaded to the internet while helping others in the community,” Bella hopes to take the music industry witnessing Fela on the Afrika Shrine. he also extended the same gratitude studying to attain a degree in History he said in a recent chat, adding by storm, especially considering that he Made really proved his worth on that to his father with his performance of and International Relations at the Lagos that he has a lot to prove. This, has completed his university studies. stage after years of studying and prac- Femi’s 1995 smash single ‘Wonder State University (LASU). in a way, explained the pace with Aside from his music career, the singer tising music. This series of events, as it Wonder’ earlier on in his two-hour Noting his rise from humble begin- which he released two EPs within also revealed plans to expand his brand happened, was already foretold to this performance, of which a sizable por- nings, Bella, 24, prides himself as an a year. by exploring the entrepreneurial path. reporter by Laila St Mathew-Daniel, tion saw Femi bopping vigorously Made’s maternal grandmother. “He in his seat. But this feeling wasn’t is taking music all over the world,” unique to Femi. Soon, Yeni, Fela’s first The Race is on for The Voice Nigeria Top 8 she said, recalling how a six-year-old daughter, joined him on the walkway Made would sway while playing his as they danced joyfully and proudly For the first time since the third Mac who were previously saved Ayo and Dapo returned. ‘little trumpet’ under the supervision to their heart’s content. season of the First Bank sponsored by the coaches will now feel the The fate of the talents now of his father. “He has prepared for The night was also one filled with The Voice Nigeria kicked off, heat of being up for elimination. depends solely on voters who can this moment.” surprise performances. As Made all finalists are up for possible Of the eight talents who weren’t keep them in the show by using As the evening progressed, it continued to thrill the crowd with elimination. saved by their coaches in the first the First Bank USSD code. Voting revealed the many sides to Made. sonic works of Fela, Seun Kuti made Esther, Eazzie, Kitay and Naomi live show, only Anu, KPee, Nuel closes every Thursday night. He journeyed the crowd through his way to the stage. THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 33  Group Launches Inter-ethnic Advocacy to Address Secessionist Agitations Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja the Asians that have used this is because they have coordinated media narra- “neighbourliness campaign ethnic group is much more their multiethnic diversity to used the countries diversity tives and media actions for can be effective in building superior than that of others, An all-female group known their advantage by developing to its advantage rather than fostering peaceful coexistence cooperation between people of said, ethnocentrism has always as the Fairer Campaign has themselves. to continue using the victim and national unity which different ethnic groups through been one of the huge problems embarked on an advocacy Ibrahim said they cannot card,” she said. will be targeted at the youth, relational communication.” in Nigeria, and has contin- for inter-ethnic relationships pretend that inter-ethnic dif- Ibrahim said has become women, religious leaders and “A strategic communica- ued to fuel oligarchy, greed, brought about by the raging ferences in Nigeria is hindering necessary to address some the government,” she further tion approach is essential in indiscipline and violence in secessionist agitations by some the country’s development and of these challenges by creat- explained. She said the cam- establishing and sustaining its citizens. groups across the country. undermining the potential of ing systems for inter-ethnic paign was not only aimed at mutual relationship for nation “This has led to poor gov- The group also also singled its people. relationship, harmony and national unity and security but building,” she said, adding that ernment policies, injustice, out interethnic conflicts, unem- “It is easy to put the blame on peaceful coexistence in the to sustain it through attracting “the approach should focus economic inequality due to ployment, inadequacy of basic the colonial masters for joining country. attention to the positive aspects on cooperative relationships us making societal decisions amenities, poor healthcare sys- these entities together. Even in “In view of the above there- of the various ethnicities in Ni- and offers a communication- on the basis of intra-ethnic tem, bribery and corruption as African themed conferences fore, we are glad to introduce geria through opinion articles. centered, participatory ap- relationships which is built reasons for the current security our leaders have adopted our campaign initiative known She said:” The sustenance proach for improving ethnic on similarities in language, challenges in the country. this blame-game tactic but as The FAIRER campaign, will be aided through long- relations in multicultural state physical attributes and cultural The group’s team leader, there are Asian countries which is a female-led advocacy term partnerships with like Nigeria.” value rather than through Zubaida Baba Ibrahim, who with multi-ethnic diversity for inter-ethnic relationships relevant organizations and Ibrahim, who identified eth- inter-ethnic relationships addressed the media yester- that have developed far from aimed at harnessing the values stakeholders with monthly nocentrism as a psychological which should be built on day, noted that contrary to what they were when the same that unites Nigerians more evaluations.” She said her belief which revolves around similarities in skill, experience the atmosphere in Nigeria, Europeans colonized them, than what divides, through group would embark on a the sentiment that one’s own and knowledge.” Nigerian Idol: Bigi Refreshes Kingdom Kroseide to Victory New Road Leads Students Rebecca Ejifoma Manager, Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi drinks affirmed to Scholarships After months of auditions, again the company’s commit- Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Band boys from some of the evictions and drama, the Bay- ment to talent development Umuahia schools competed for attention elsa-born Kingdom Kroseide and entertainment in Nigeria. as they played out their hearts has been crowned the winner According to her, Rite Foods Immaculate Heart Road while waiting for the arrival of of the Nigerian Idol 2021 for Limited has found a way to Umungasi Aba in Osisioma the governor. Students lined up displaying an exceptional talent give back to consumers with local government of waving mini Nigeria flags. It that swayed millions of votes to not only refreshing beverages is home to many private schools was a joyous occasion. beat Francis Atela at the grand but also operate on very high and a big parish, the SS Anthony Fr Onuoha was so over- finale of the singing competi- standards in Nigeria by tying and Jude Catholic Church. But whelmed with joy at the new tion, sponsored by BIGI. the company’s values to youth for over a decade the area was look road that he prophesied L-R: Staff of Rite Foods Limited, Biola Aransiola; Nigerian Idol Season 6 The Bigi soft drinks have, for winner, Kingdom Kroseide; and the Brand Manager, Rite Foods Limited, and people centered initiatives. not accessible due to the deplor- that his parishioners that “ran over 10 weeks, refreshed and Boluwatife Adedugbe at the grand finale and prize presentation of N30 Ms. Adedugbe further able state of the road. Students away” when the road was so revitalised all contestants who million to the winner stated that this is why the and their teachers waded bad would come back. He contested for the season 6 of company’s sponsorship of through muddy water to and profusely thanked Governor the Nigerian Idol. erupted ecstatic moments produced by a leading Nigerian the music competition “is from school, business owners Ikpeazu for reconstructing the On 24 April, 68 contestants from the judges who gave a producer plus a top-notch to ensure that talents are lamented low patronage due to road, noting that the ongoing headed to theatre week of the standing ovation during the music video, courtesy of the nurtured in order to inspire bad road which put off prospec- urban renewal in Aba has music contest with only 17 con- performance. The 24-year- organisers. and empower stars that tive customers and landlords shown that Ikpeazu ‘is a real testants progressing to the next old singer had refreshingly Weeks ago, seven contestants would take the music and agonised over the low value of Nwa Aba” (Aba son). round. The 17 contestants were delighted all with his music visited the sponsor, Rite Foods entertainment industry to their properties as rents plunged Chairman of Immaculate assessed based on the strength talent for 10 weeks to clinch Limited, makers of Bigi drinks enviable heights. We also look because people relocated from Good Neighbours (Landlords) of their voices and their overall the coveted grand prize. at its Lagos headquarters, the forward to the winner tonight, the area. Association, Prince Nweze was stage performance which saw The new star won a cash prize new star, Kingdom, revealed Kingdom, doing more on the The parish priest of SS equally riding in the pink cloud 11 contestants elevated to the of N30m, a brand-new SUV, that his favorite Bigi variants international scene to place Anthony and Jude Catholic as he lauded Governor Ikpeazu live performances. six-track EP recording deal, were Bigi Water and Bigi Nigeria on the global map,” Church, Rev Fr. Francis Onu- for remembering their area in Eventually, the voyage of three music videos included, sausage roll. It is now safe to she added. oha said the deplorable state of his distribution of road projects. creativity and excitement a Bigi branded refrigerator assume that Bigi premium The popular hit song Jerusa- the road became so unbearable “The reconstruction of Im- lasted for 10 weeks with 11 plus 1-year free supply of Bigi drinking water over the weeks lema by Master KG heralded that many of his parishioners maculate Heart road is a testi- contestants. drinks, an all-expense-paid has kept the star replenished the performances at the grand decided to relocate to other mony of your desire to make the Kingdom’s rendition of Gen- trip to Seychelles, a weekend and hydrated while he was finale witnessed by Patorank- parts of Aba. However, on July entire Abia conducive for living tleman by Fela Kuti coupled getaway to Dubai for two-and dishing out energising music ing, Ice-Prince Zamani, Ayra 9, 2021 the lamentations of the and for doing businesses,” he with his duet with Cobhams one-year cable subscription. performances all through the Star and Cobhams Asuquo who residents of Immaculate Heart told the governor. “Things are Asuquo on the track one hit The runner up, Atela, earned competition. also graced the stage to add to road gave way to songs of joy moving smoothly now and ignited a euphoric feeling that a prize of a music single to be Boluwatife Adedugbe, Brand the thrill of the event. and happiness as a newly recon- businesses are growing”. structed road was inaugurated Governor Ikpeazu was very by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. much impressed with the level NNS Beecroft Arrests, Hands over 162 Bags of Smuggled Rice to Customs Students, teachers, Reverend of appreciation shown by Im- Chiemelie Ezeobi Bashir Mohammed, warned Sisters, members of the Catholic maculate Heart residents that he smugglers to steer off Lagos Women Organisation in their announced scholarship awards The Nigerian Navy Ship maritime environment. trade mark uniform and indeed to seven students that sang (NNS) BEECROFT patrol Mohammed, who was repre- residents of Umungasi poured welcome song and other perfor- team recently intercepted and sented by the Base Operations onto the newly built road to mances. He used the occasion arrested a wooden boat ferry- Officer, Commander Andrew welcome Ikpeazu and his to defend the perceived slow ing 162 bags of contraband rice Zidon, vowed that the base entourage and thank him for pace in execution of projects by around Lagos Offshore area. would be relentless in its the new road. It was a big sigh his administration, saying that According to the base, the determination to bring an of relief for them as a smooth, his “slow and steady” approach arrest was in line with the end to rice smuggling within solid road with drainage system was aimed at delivering quality federal government’s ban on its Area of Operations in emerged to replace the hitherto infrastructure to the people of the importation of rice line with the Chief of the inaccessible road. Abia. To achieve this, the Nigerian Naval Staff Vice Admiral AZ Navy has continued to collabo- Gambo Strategic Directive rate with the Nigerian Customs 2021-5. L-R: Base Intelligence Officer; Lieutenant Commander Zakari Tomu; Deputy Service (NCS) to stop the activi- Comptroller Nigeria Customs Service; A Njobdi; Base Operations Officer, Commander “As partners for a safe ties of smugglers who attempt Andrew Zidon; Assistant Comptroller Nigeria Customs Service, ND Labar maritime environment, mem- to import this commodity in bers of the public, especially a bid to sabotage the nation’s rice smuggled into the country Cotonou boat and 162 bags of our host communities are economy. from Republic of Benin. rice to the Nigeria Customs enjoined to kindly furnish the THISDAY gathered that pre- Therefore, in line with the Service. base with credible information liminary investigations by the Nigerian Navy Standard On the arrest, the Com- to assist in curbing the activi- base revealed that the bags of Operating Procedures, NNS mander, Nigerian Navy Ship ties of criminal element and Governor Ikpeazu shaking hands with jubilant students during the rice were all foreign parboiled BEECROFT handed over the BEECROFT, Commodore economic saboteurs,” he added. Immaculate road inauguration 34 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ

ART WEEKEND…For pure art enthusiasts Remembering Sound Sultan’s Resounding Music Heritage Oleh Book Club Flags off The shocking demise of Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiyu Fasasi stage-named Sound Sultan signals a dimming Books Donation light on an era in Nigerian music, writes Yinka Olatunbosun The loss of the gap-toothed musician, rapper and comedian, Sound Sultan on July 11 was a hard hit on fans, colleagues and families albeit not in that order. Campaign Everyone loved Sound Sultan- he was approachable, down-to-earth, family-oriented and super-talented. He Yinka Olatunbosun took Nigerian music to a state of reawakening with the song ‘Mathematics.’ Oleh Book Club has flagged he year was 2000- a period when popu- off its books donation campaign lar music was undergoing some major to stock up the Library, Oleh, in Isoko South experiment in Nigeria. Music fans’ inter- LGA, Delta State as well as est in juju and fuji genres had waned. other neighbouring school Also, the proliferation of new private libraries. radioT stations aided the airing of new sounds made This initiative is a part of the from the elements of hip-hop, pop and indigenous book club’s corporate social music. Remedies, Paul I.K Dairo, Plantashun Boiz, responsibility to satisfy the ap- petite for books in readers and JJC, Maintain, Wale Thompson, Styl-Plus, Rugged- adults, sustain the momentum man and later D’banj are among this generation of of the club’s reading event in music stars who effectively achieved a sweeping Oleh and neighbouring com- cross-over appeal with their music. The playlists on munities of Irri, Oyede, Avi- radio, clubs and parties began to favour this kind of ara, Uzere, Olomoro, Igbide, music above western songs. Emede, Ozoro, Owhe and Mathematics also known as ‘Jagbajantis’ was a beyond. game-changer because at that time, most Nigerian hit The campaign is in response songs were feel-good music. Like Fela, Ras Kimono, to the pervasive book famine Idris Abdulkareem and others, Sound Sultan perfected in the land, especially in local the art of making conscious music become street communities that lack both anthems. In the song ‘Mathematics,’ he gave his own resources and facilities to interpretation to BODMAS-a popular Mathematic provide same. problem-solving formula stating that ‘B stands for It would be recalled that Oleh Brotherhood, O for Objectivity, D for Democracy, Book Club marked Children’s Day 2021 on May 28 at Emore M for Modification, A for Accountability, and S for Sound Sultan solidarity to articulate social values. Motherland Grammar School, Oleh, along- (2016), an acoustic soul track preaches patriotism. side its inaugural book reading and Fuji. His protégées include Karma Da Rapper, Another collaborator, the CEO, Black House session. The event had a large It was quite ironical and regrettable that the singer Young GreyC, Shawn and Blacka. Media, Adekunle Ayeni also mourned the loss had to leave his motherland for the United States gathering of school children Sound Sultan would also be remembered for his of one of Nigeria’s most cerebral music artists. and adults from within and of America to seek proper diagnosis and treatment collaboration with Haitian rapper and producer, “We’re sending prayers and condolences for his condition- Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lym- outside the community. Wyclef Jean in the song, ‘Proud to be African’ to the family of Sound Sultan, a long-time t had its Coordinator, journal- phoma, a rare form of cancer. Sadly, he lost the battle featuring 2face Idibia and Faze from Wyclef’s BHM friend and collaborator who has sadly to cancer at 44 and was buried according to Islamic ist and writer, Mr. Anote Ajelu- Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101 album. They also shockingly passed on. Sound Sultan’s con- orou, On-Air-Personalities, rites. The social media was awash with some of his collaborated on two other projects: “King of My tributions to the development of music, last posts including a video of him with his wife and Lady Ejiro Umukoro (Mega Country” (2009) and “People Bad” (2012). Other film and sports in Nigeria will forever be FM, Warri), and Mr. Oghenero three children singing together. Sound Sultan was collaborations include ‘Bushmeat’ featuring TuBaba remembered and celebrated.” scandal-free and his love for humanity also made Ezaza (Kpoko FM, Warri), the and ‘2010’ (Light Up) featuring M.I. The songs In a message by the Governor, librarian, Mr. Michael Iboh, his sudden death even more painful. draw government’s attention to corruption, abuse Seyi Makinde, Sound Sultan is noted for Sound Sultan’s commitment to nurturing music poet, Princess Oghale Oweh, of power and other harsh socio-political realities his “strong messages for the Nigerian so- the schools’ Vice Principal and talents was phenomenal. Perhaps, that was his way in Nigeria. ciety through various songs with thematic of passing the baton on the race to greatness. As an Principal, Mrs. Gladys Ighokpo His colleagues in the entertainment industry preoccupations that centre on politics, and Mr. Anthony Edheka aspiring musician, he saved money from hosting have expressed their grief at the news of his death. commitment and service to fatherland, shows to book studio sessions. That was the genesis of headlining the reading and Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti wrote, “I am among others.” mentorship programme. his hit-making career. After independently releasing shocked and very sad reading this news of the The Special Adviser to the President on Me- other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists, In the same vein, Ajelu- passing of Sound Sultan (He is family). I pray our dia and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also declared: orou, author of children’s he was signed by Kennis Music where he released Creator to give his family strength at this time.” “The President notes that Sound Sultan’s demise four albums. When his contract expired in 2007, he book, ‘Igho Goes to Farm’ has The CEO, Virtual Media Network and former OAP is not only a loss to the Nigerian music industry, but called on the Governor Ifeanyi partnered with Baba Dee to start Naija Ninjas, a parent at OGBC 2 and Star FM, Femi Aderibigbe popularly to the country as a whole.” organization for a record label, production outfit and Okowa-led administration to known as Kwame posted: Like the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo- equip knowledge-enhancing clothing line. After starting as a rapper, he explored “To say this one weak me is an understatement! Kuti, Sound Sultan’s music shoves at the conscience other musical genres from R&B to Afrobeat, soul facilities like libraries across You lived an exceptional and exemplary life.” of a nation. the state to meet the growing demand for quality education and make the state the hub for Billionaire, Alakija Shares Life Nuggets at Book Presentation to Mark 70th Birthday quality education. Ajeluorou particularly la- Yinka Olatunbosun Passion” and recounted how Alakija’s mented the deplorable state fashion statements had impacted on her of Delta State Library, Ozoro, persona even at international functions. that was abandoned and left Nigerian billionaire and woman of faith, In a question and answer session, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija has extolled to crumble to the ground and is Alakija encouraged everyone to cultivate currently in a parlous state. He the virtues of prayers, kindness and love the spirit of giving adding: “If you have at the public presentation of her first au- also commended The Martha items in your home that you have not Charity Foundation for rebuild- tobiography titled “Blossoming with the used for two years, there is someone out Hand that Gives the Rose.” ing the state library at Oleh, there who is in dire need of it. Money is which Governor Okowa com- The event, which is one in a series to not always the answer to our problems. mark her 70th birthday, was held at the missioned in September 2017. Money cannot buy happiness.” Drop off points for the books are Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi on July 12. It was The book also contains the details of a roll-call of women of substance including marked with banners appealing her close shave with death along Third to the public to donate books the First Lady of Ekiti State, Mrs. Bisi Fay- Mainland Bridge, Lagos. Other four emi, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, fmr. Senator to the library at Oleh. They in- books presented at the event include clude Best Western Hotel, DBS Florence Ita-Giwa, Singer Onyeka Onwenu, ‘The Master Key: The Power of Prayers,’ fmr. Bank Chief and motivational speaker, Road, Asaba; the Oleh library ‘Mysteries of Marriage Unveiled,’ ‘An- on IDC Road, Oleh; Christian Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Aisha Babangida. swers to Marital Hiccup’ and ‘Lamp In his review of the book, Sonny Iroche, Tigbogbo Tailoring, 24 Okan- Unto My Feet.’ deji Street, by Fada-Helie, an investment banker and convener, Abia Named by Forbes as the richest woman League of Professional Initiatives observed Display of Alakija’s five books Off Ometan Road, Warri; in Nigeria with an estimated net worth Narrative Landscape Press that the author understands the importance of $1 billion in 2020, Alakija’s first com- of passing down values to younger genera- office, 9 Odunlami Street, by marriage. While the author used “in-love” instead of “in- pany was a fashion label whose custom- Bola Street, Anthony Village, tions. He added that the book is loaded law” to suggest “family members” without hopes of being ers included late Maryam Babangida, with issue-specific prayers. Lagos, and 1 Sanyaolu Street, dragged to court someday. the wife of former Nigerian President Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Others “Apostle Alakija is an epitome of simplic- The book reading session was a mixture of tributes, com- Ibrahim Babangida. Alakija is also the ity and this reflects in the book,” he said. are FRCN, Abuja, Flomat Books ments and actual reading of some sections from the book. On Vice Chair, Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil Ltd, A16 Cabanna, Sheraton Whilst drawing attention to the author’s her part, Mrs Awosika spoke glowingly about the author’s exploration company with a stake in use of language in the book, he noted the Hotel, Ladi Kwali Street, Abuja, leadership streak and her Junior Chamber International (JCI) Agbami Oilfield, a prolific offshore as- and Federal Radio Corporation she appropriates some self-made coinages connections where she had the rare opportunity of being set. She is married with four children. to articulate her views. Iroche pointed out of Nigeria (FRCN), Abuja. Cash a speaker twice. Folorunsho is the Director, The Rose donations in lieu of books are expressions such as ‘Out-laws’ to describe On her part, Onwenu read from the section titled “Fashion My of Sharon Group. in-laws that are destructive elements in a also valid. THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 35  Raquel Kasham Daniel: Impact through Social Entrepreneurship Raquel Kasham Daniel is a social entrepreneur and educator working in poor and remote communities in Nigeria focusing on education for children and sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls through Beyond the Classroom Foundation. She is the creator of Nzuriaiki, an online platform designed to showcase volunteer opportunities in Nigeria, as well as the author of Flow: a girl’s guide to menstruation, There Is a New Virus in Town: a coronavirus awareness book for children; The Alphabet Book on COVID-19; Squeaky Clean; a personal hygiene book for girls and most recently launched a set of colouring and tracing books for children. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she talks on how she has been using her platform, Nzuriaiki to prepare youths for job opportunities; how she through her book addresses the major concerns every young girl goes through during puberty and more

ow would you de- The two books on menstrual and personal scribe your journey hygiene were inspired by my past experi- so far as a social ences. My late father inspired the menstrual entrepreneur? hygiene book and my late mom inspired the Would you say you personal hygiene book. In the course of my work, are fulfilled? we visited so many schools to educate girls on I started out as more menstrual hygiene and personal hygiene and of a “charity worker”. also distribute free sanitary pads. I realised that, After about five years of struggling to sustain I always end up talking about my parents. That’s ourH projects, I knew it was time to move from because there’s no way I can tell my menstruation the charity model to the social entrepreneurship and puberty story without mentioning them, model. My team and I had to carefully look at they taught me all that I know. our projects to find ways we can make them all When I decided to write my first book, “Flow; sustainable. So instead of simply raising funds a girl’s guide to menstruation”, I knew it was also to purchase and distribute free sanitary pads to time for the world to hear a positive story about girls who cannot afford them, we start looking fathers. It is a book that every girl can relate to. It at the ideas of designing our own affordable serves as a guide to help them navigate through reusable pads and teaching the girls how to the world of puberty. In the book, I spoke about design their own pads. Instead of buying the how my late father taught me about menstrua- colouring and tracing books for the pre-schoolers tion, I also shared my personal experiences, gave in our programme, I designed colouring, tracing practical advice and information on managing and comprehension worksheets that parents menstruation. My goal is for these books to and schools can buy, this then allows us use the address the major concerns every young girl profit to print more books for our beneficiaries. goes through during puberty. We also introduced a business mentoring and small seed grant programme for the mothers How is your book fighting period poverty? of our beneficiaries at the IDP camp. This will Period poverty is when women and girls allow them to earn a living and within a year Daniel cannot afford proper sanitary products or do or two, they are able to start paying the fees not have the information and facilities to man- of their children, giving us the opportunity to I discovered that there is a gap in how people skills I learned during my time volunteering age their period properly. This can put their enrol more children. find volunteer opportunities and how non-profits gave me the opportunity to find flexible part- health, education, and well-being at risk. My Moving from the charity model has been find volunteers, so I designed a platform that time jobs allowing me to earn and continue book FLOW, is fighting period poverty in the very tough and I am not where near fulfilled advances community action by volunteering. As to take care of my siblings while paying my area of menstrual education. with my work but I am fulfilled with my life. I a social entrepreneur, I have through Nzuriaiki, way through school. I decided to launch this Periods are something women and girls believe there is still so much that can be done. made it easy for anyone to find volunteers for platform, to fill the gap of unemployment and have been having for thousands of years. It’s their organisation’s needs and for individuals to access to opportunities for the youths. Knowing the reason you and I are even here. And yet What influenced your passion for working find volunteering opportunities. It often takes a lot of organisations want certain skills and around the world, there’s still an element of with children and girls? a lot of time, energy and perseverance to find work experience, which a lot of graduates don’t shame associated with a woman’s monthly cycle. My passion for education and sexual & repro- volunteer opportunities online for an organisa- have, this platform will give them the work If you’ll be honest, you’ll agree that menstrua- ductive health for adolescent girls is influenced tion you are passionate about. experiences they need. Volunteering worked tion is associated with impurity and disgust, largely by my background and experiences Nzuriaiki simply offers a better way for for me; I believe it is a solution that can tackle which is probably why many women say they growing up. After my late father told me no one volunteers to discover the right opportunities the problem of unemployment in Nigeria. By feel uncomfortable talking about their periods. in my family had gone past secondary school, it quickly and efficiently. serving and giving your time, it can turn up to This has over the years led to women suffering completely shocked me. I instantly understood As an educator, I work with children and learning or earning opportunities. in silence when it comes to their periods and why he is so passionate about having us go to girls through Project Red Robots of Beyond thus they provide little or no information to school. He was practically obsessed with it. the Classroom Foundation. We educate girls Share with us challenges you have faced growing girls in their homes. So when he passed while I was a teenager, I on menstruation; bust the myths and taboos carrying out your work? In my work with Beyond the Classroom, made it my own dream to ensure I go beyond around it while providing free/affordable My journey in this sector is not different for I have seen that few girls especially in rural secondary school and I did. And now that I reusable pads to girls in secondary schools in many. The major challenge we face is the issue communities have access to the necessary have a degree, I’ve seen how important it is poor communities in Nigeria. of funding. When I first started over 10 years information they need to prepare themselves which is why I am so passionate about getting We recently created the “Flow with Pride Kit’, ago, it was really tough. It was like starting for menstruation and manage their periods children whose parents cannot afford to put for girls. It contains 12 reusable sanitary pads, any business; I had to face the challenges of when it arrives. For this to change, parents them in school, back to school. 5 underwear, one FLOW menstruation book, getting the right team, innovation and plans and our schools must provide resources and For menstrual hygiene, my dad taught me all and 5 bars of Soap. This kit comes at a cost and for sustainability. Looking back now I see information that girls can access. This book I knew at age 9. He was an amazing father. Like can be purchased for the girls we work with the wisdom in getting a mentor early and will help girls understand rather than feel I mentioned earlier, he passed. After his passing, or any teenage girl. When you purchase a kit, connecting with a community of people in scared about what is happening to their bodies I ended up living on the street, because I ran you enable us to sustain our project through the same sector. That was also a big chal- during puberty. away from home from fear of being married the proceeds. lenge. I believe collaborating with others and never actualising my dream of going to would have eased my load, as it was a new What key message do you have for young school. While on the street, I had to use tissue What gap is the Nzuriaiki platform terrain I was navigating. I also made a lot people who are trying to make a meaning paper from a restroom toilet to manage my filling? of mistakes, running too many projects at of their lives? period. I’d walk into the eatery, head straight Nzuriaiki.com is an online platform that once and trying to solve every problem that It is good to always remember that everyone to their restroom, change and run off. Using showcases volunteer opportunities in Africa we encountered. you meet is fighting a battle you might not know tissue gave me lots of blisters on my thigh and connects organisations with volunteers. In 2013, I got some training at the Enter- about. So whatever it is you are going through, and made it so uncomfortable for me to walk. I decided to launch it because volunteering prise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic keep your spine straight, be honest in all you do Somewhere along the line, I started using cloth helped me gain skills when I had no skills to University and two sponsored Social Sector and don’t be lured into becoming somebody pads to save cost and that, just like the tissue get a good job. I was orphaned as a teenager and training, one in South Africa another in Ni- you are not. It’s also important to have guts, hurt me and completely hurt my self-esteem. was left to cater to my three younger brothers. geria by the US Embassy in Lagos. It was show up always, have courage and be yourself I was always afraid my pad would fall off and Needing a job but having no work experience, after I gained clarity and became focused in the face of all these uncertainties. As you try it scared me. When I finally had the means, I I decided to volunteer for free to build up my on our mission that the work became easier. to make a meaning of your life, learn to build started to provide free sanitary pads for other capacity, which is something my mom always Right now, even though we’re still a small strong networks and collaborate with others girls because I know exactly what it means not emphasised anyway. Through volunteering, I team, the work isn’t as tough anymore and in your field. It helps you to not only grow but to have one. developed professional, technical and soft skills we’re making more impact than when we also to keep hope in times of difficulty. You such as leadership and critical thinking, but started years ago. also need to learn to deal with disappointments You are a social entrepreneur and most importantly, it boosted my self-confidence. sometimes. Then stand up again, straighten educator with focus on poor and remote Prior to getting into University, I used those You wrote books on menstruation and up your shoulders and then move. Eventually, communities, what does this entail? skills to apply for jobs, which I got easily. The personal hygiene, what informed them? things will get better but some things take time. ͱʹ THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ

 How Emeka Ngige Celebrated 60th in Style Eminent lawyers and personalities last Sunday gathered at the in Lagos to celebrate the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, who turned 60. The ceremony also included the unveiling of the Law School rebuilding initiative, Davidson Iriekpen writes

t was a festival of accolades as foremost attributes that aptly epitomise the 60-year voyage Bar Leader and Chairman of the Council of this legal icon and quintessential philanthropist of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige at whose instance we are all gathered here today.” (SAN), turned 60 years last Sunday. Born Said Justice Muhammad: “My friend and on July 11, 1961 Ngige’s initial reluctance learned colleague, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, Ito mark the milestone anniversary due to the who is currently the Chairman of the Council of mood of the nation was torpedoed by friends Legal Education, is a man of honour and dignity. and associates among others. His lifestyle has been a formidable fountain In fact, Ngige would later confess during his of inspiration to people from all walks of life. “Thank You Speech” at the birthday ceremony He is a man who briskly deploys wisdom and that it was a poser by his amiable wife, Ogoo, unassailable intellectual strength whenever on his tenure as CLE Chairman that turned the he is confronted with herculean challenges. tide. What followed next became the highlight Interestingly, to the best of my knowledge, he of the birthday ceremony - the unveiling of the has never faltered in any task assigned to him, “Nigerian Law School Support Initiative.” A especially in the enviable position he currently project after Ngige’s heart, it is designed to holds in the Council of Legal Education. revamp the decaying infrastructure at the “The legal luminary whose 60th birthday Nigerian Law School. we are celebrating today has accomplished His words: “My wife, children and I wish to so much in life within the short time he has start by thanking God Almighty who made the so far spent. He has become a strong tower event of today possible. Within the family, we and a paragon of intellectual prowess that the had been discussing on the propriety of anyone younger generation of lawyers from Nigeria and celebrating anything nowadays, in light of the beyond could conveniently draw inspiration challenges our dear country and indeed the and strength.” whole world is facing today. On his part, Governor Akeredolu, a former “However, a thought must have flashed President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through my wife’s mind when she asked, said: “My great brother and learned friend in ‘How many years is the tenure of a Chairman the life of Mortals, commemoration of the day of Council of Legal Education?’ I said, “four of first contact with the Earthly plane comes years”. After some silence, she quipped: ‘Nna, Ngige once in a yearly calendar. from 28th of May, 2021, you just have two years “As you celebrate your 60th Birthday today, to go. You must try and leave a lasting positive and Enlightenment , Mr. C-Don Adinuba, for- Gadzama SAN then gave an endearing toast I heartily wish you a very happy birthday and legacy at the Law School before your tenure mer Director-General of Nigerian Tourism for his longtime friend while several groups prayers for scores of healthy, prosperous and ends’. I was struck by this flash of inspiration Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally tried to outshine each other in presenting gifts peaceful returns of the day. May you have all and we started thinking of what can be done Uwechue-Mbanefo. to the celebrant. the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day to make this chairmanship memorable. Among the guests who joined virtually were Earlier in the day, Ngige was besieged with can bring, all the Blessings a life can unfold. “Following extensive consultations that I had former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Owelle sundry birthday messages, with President “CONGRATULATIONS. All honour, glory with the DG of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. George Uwechue SAN who was the “Father Muhammadu Buhari “rejoicing with family and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you Isa Hayatu Chiroma SAN and the Chairman of the Day;” Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji and friends on the milestone” recorded by Ngige. to this age. As we say in Yoruba, Asodunmodun, of my Committee of Friends, Mr. Chijioke Owasanoye SAN among many other Senior According to a press statement by his Senior àsosùmòsù, igba odun odun kan. More grace.” Okoli SAN, the idea of a ‘Nigeria Law School Advocates of Nigeria, Benchers and Bar Leaders. Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba In his congratulatory letter dated July 2, 2021, Support Initiative’ was mooted. The initiative While legendary Nollywood star-turned- Shehu: “The President notes, with commenda- the Mr. Boss Mustapha said: “This occasion was designed to be unveiled at the occasion lawyer, Bar. Kanayo O. Kanayo compered the tion, contributions of the legal luminary to the indeed requires giving thanks and adoration of my 60th birthday. Initially, we thought of event alongside senior lawyer, Ms. Tolani Edu- study and practice of law in Nigeria, donating to the Most High for bestowing His favours holding the event in Abuja but along the line, Adeola, Nigerian Law School Director-General books and materials to Law Schools, and serving and mercies upon you. we decided that Lagos - my State of Residence played the role of a perfect Chief Host, even on National Executive of NBA for more than “Your achievements and contributions over since 1986 - should be the appropriate venue. My as cerebral lawyer, Prof. Gbolahan Elias SAN 25 years, during which he represented the as- the years towards the growth and development Committee of Friends had less than a month to delivered a scintillating Anniversary Lecture sociation as a member of the Body of Benchers. of the legal profession is far reaching. You have prepare and package what has been presented on “The Nigerian Law School, infrastructure “President Buhari affirms that Chief Ngige used your role as the Chairman, Council of Legal to you today. We cannot thank God Almighty and the future of law: Stakeholders as catalysts played a significant role in ensuring fairness and Education to effectively ensure that legal educa- enough.” for development.” justice for the state and citizens by accepting to tion receives the desired attention needed in The day actually kicked off with a Thanksgiv- The Naira rain for the rebuilding of the join the team of private legal professionals that order to take the legal profession to its desired ing Mass at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, decaying Nigerian Law School infrastructure prosecuted cases at the Failed Banks Tribunal destination. I strongly believe given your wealth Lagos. Among the dignitaries that attended the was then set in motion with the unveiling of and other significant cases for the Federal of experience, you will do more towards the church service were Ondo State Governor, Mr. the “Nigerian Law School Support Initiative.” Government, largely related to recovery of growth, development and progress of the legal Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, former Anambra State Many guests expressed shock at the dilapidated public funds and property. profession and Nigeria at large. Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and former President facilities at the Nigerian Law School, beamed “As the lawyer, who holds the chieftaincy On his part, Malami said: “Your birthday calls of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami. into the hall and the spill-over outdoor tent title of “Ikemba N’Alor” turns 60, the President for the celebration of your life and the remarkable The hybrid anniversary celebration then on the school’s green lawns from strategically congratulates him for many achievements that achievements you have recorded over the years. moved to the Nigerian Law School for the positioned LED screens. have attracted recognitions and awards for As a thorough-bred legal practitioner with a birthday ceremony and the unveiling of the While many corporate bodies and individuals diligence over many years of service. track record of professional excellence, your Law School rebuilding initiative. Held at the donated generously towards the initiative, Air “President Buhari joins family members of invaluable contributions towards the progress exquisitely decorated Adetokunbo Ademola Peace Airline, one of Africa’s largest airlines Chief Ngige, his friends and all well-wishers in of our noble profession over the years have not Hall, the event also had many leading lights where Ngige is a Director, turned out to be the praying for longer life, good health and strength gone unnoticed hence the various appointments especially of the legal profession in attendance. stand-out donor during the unveiling ceremony. to continue in good works.” both in the legal profession and other bodies. They include Justice Samuel Oseji, a classmate of Its Chairman/CEO, Chief Allen Onyema, also Others who have also felicitated with the “Indeed, you have distinguished yourself as a the celebrant, who represented the Chief Justice a ranking lawyer, reeled out several projects leading litigator include Justice Ibrahim Tanko renowned, selfless, industrious and committed of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; to be undertaken for the five campuses of the Muhammad; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi lawyer whose foray into the legal profession Chairman of Body of Benchers, Justice Bode Law School as well as its headquarters in Abuja Akeredolu SAN; Secretary to the Government has benefitted our dear nation tremendously. Rhodes-Vivour; the longest serving Deputy totaling over N40 million. of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Attorney- “While wishing you continuous success in Senate President, Prof. ; Presi- Other notable donors were Mr. Nyesom Wike- General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar all your future endeavours, it is my prayer dent of Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica led Rivers State Government (N20 million); Mr. Malami; Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria that Almighty God will preserve you for Dongbam-Mensen represented by the Presiding Ifedayo Adedipe SAN (N20 million); Nigerian (BOSAN), Council of Legal Education and many many more years and in good health so that Justice, Lagos Division, Justice Joseph Ikyegh; Law School Class of 1985 (N18 million); Prince Nigerian Law School Alumni classes. the legal profession and the nation in general President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN (N10 million); Mr. Ahmed In his goodwill message, Justice Muhammad will continue to benefit from your wealth of Olumide Akpata; former NBA President and Raji SAN (N10 million); Abia State Government described Ngige as a “legal icon and quintes- experience.” Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole (N5 million); Prof. Fabian Ajogwu SAN (N5 sential philanthropist,” adding that he is a “man Aside from family members, associates and Olanipekun SAN, and Chairman of YABATECH million), and Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman/ of honour and dignity” whose lifestyle “has leading lawyers, birthday messages were also Governing Council, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN CEO, Oilserve Nigeria Limited (N5 million). been a formidable fountain of inspiration to received from Nigerian Law School Class of 1985; who also doubled as Chairman of the Occasion. With a documentary on “Ikemba: A Legal people from all walks of life.” Independent National Electoral Commission Others were Prof. Zach Adangor SAN who Leviathan @ 60” and melodious tunes wafting His words: “A life of scholarship. A life of com- (); Mr. Allen Onyema; University represented Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom from iconic saxophonist, BeeJay Sax, the stage mitment to the development of his fatherland. of Nigeria Law Class of 1984; Otu Oka Iwu Wike; Mr Uche Ihediwa who represented the was set for the celebrant to step forward with his A life of service to humanity. A life of absolute (Law Society); National Association of Catholic Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, lovely wife and son to cut his birthday cake. Bar submission to the dictates of the almighty God Lawyers (NACL), and Alor People’s Assembly Anambra State Commissioner for Information leader and leading arbitrator, Chief Joe-Kyari and his conscience. Those are the exceptional among others. THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 37

áÓÞÒÎÎãÎÓàáÜÓ POLSCOPE ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͸ͽͻ͸;΁ͻͽ; The Making of Mile Two Mess ur former Lagos State cor- respondent, Kola Ologbodi- yan, the present National Publicity Secretary, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in those days, would come back to the newsroom and regale us with stories of what they (the Alausa correspondents), did Othe previous night with the then Military Administrator, Col Buba Marwa (as he then was), who is now the Chairman of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He (Kola) would tell us how the MILAD would go with the Correspondents into the Lagos city, at a very ungodly hour of the night, driving through various parts of the city, notoriously labelled as “black spots”. That Marwa, would always be armed with a Jotter, where he notes bad spots that require maintenance, areas where there should be more security presence etc., adding that on a number of occasions they would run into a gang of bad boys who get promptly disarmed and arrested. Over time, that routine drive around, enabled the MILAD not only to have a firm grip and comprehensive knowledge of the state, it helped to significantly drive down the crime index in the state. I do not know if succeeding governors, over time discarded or adopted that surveil- lance strategy. I had thought the present governor, Ba- bajide Sanwo-Olu is not quite mindful of the rising state of insecurity in Lagos, until I recently listened to 96.1 FM, the Lagos traffic radio, wherein all the hazards and dangers associated with going around in Lagos metropolis was highlighted in an educative jingle. I surmised that the Radio station cannot know this much without the governor himself being aware. As I drive round town most days, I see the strident efforts of Gov Sanwo-Olu to better Sanwo-Olu the state. The socio-metrics of the state are looking bright, what with many of the major second experience, a woman who was alone motor-cycle riders take over the two lanes often coolly seated on the front seat of such roads being re-surfaced, street lights being in her car, got her windows shattered with with their bikes, leaving motorists to struggle offending buses, driving against traffic. So, lit up, dirt mounds disappearing etc. just the blast of a hammer on the window. to squeeze through a narrow corridor, most who will arrest them, if the Police appear But there is a but. Lagos seems to be loosing Her laptop, bags, telephones and whatever times scratching their cars, amidst swearing overwhelmed and given up? its safety niche. In the last four months, the they could lay their hands on were all gone and cursing. If these can happen in Mile Yet, even the LASTMA officials who will crime rate in the city is rising steadily and in a jiffy. Many people simply ran out of 2, you can then imagine the deep mess always cast a blind eye to the mess on the faithfully. It is worse with cases of roadside their cars, locked or unlocked, into the dark neighbourhoods like Ajegunle, Shomolu , highway will be so active in intercepting robberies. The frequency and audaciousness night. It was a fierce night. Thirty minutes Mushin and all such adjunct communities offending motorists on adjoining, less busy of attack on passengers and car owners on later, they came again, breaking many glass must be going through. Apple Junction axis. Lagos streets and roads is becoming intoler- windows and grabbing whatever they could. Even then, there is a worse aspect: people I was all too giddy when in February 2020, ably alarming. It will require another day to So bad it was that the mere shout of “dem dey operate roadside Buka or restaurant right on Gov Sanwo-Olu had reiterated the ban of tell the story of kidnappings and abductions come” triggered a wild rush. A full coaster top of the median of the bridge. There are Okada on Lagos major roads. But it has in the Lekki/Ajah axis of the state. bus, in less than 2 minutes was completely Tea sellers, who have camp gas cylinders proven to be something like “For the Records” Perhaps, the black spots are all fully emptied as passengers: men and women, with which they fry eggs, potatoes, boil rice order, as not quite a week after some task back and activated with fiercer versions old and young scampered out of the bus, and really undertake cooking expedition. force men clamped down on Okada riders, of whatever they were in times past. One some through the window, with some falling While the feasting continues, the packs of seizing their motor-cycles, the business is of such bad spots is Mile 2. It is a major Bus and rising the same second. We were all food, nylon of pure water sachets and all back in full swing. There is no highway stop connecting the outskirt communities jittering and praying, reciting Psalm 23 as such warts are thrown around and about the that is sacred to Okada riders, not even the to the city centre. Like Ojuelegba, Mile 2 many times as possible…. roads. In an hour, the mess generated will Third Mainland Bridge! The streets are full does not sleep. But it has gone to seed! It is Yet, the traffic was fixedly stuck on one fill a truck. Yet, nobody talks. Nobody drives of the menace of these people. Government alive 24/7. It is a major gateway to Apapa, spot, all lights and engines switched off. them off the highway. Nobody arrests them. appears helpless as it silently wrings its where the two sea ports in the state are No police or soldier or even Civil Defence Nobody chases the unlicensed motorcycle hands in utter helplessness. located. It links Orile/Costain end of the was anywhere in sight. riders off the roads. Many of the motor- Of what use is a law that cannot or will city, It also connects Oshodi and Gbagada But if you think the ensuing darkness was cycles, especially those ridden by people not be enforced? axis. It therefore hosts plenty of traffic, and invitation enough for attack on motorists, you from a certain part of the country, are without The concept of a failed state begins with ipso facto, a burgeoning commercial hub. will be shocked to hear that few days after plate numbers. They are not registered. So, inability to punish offenders of state laws. Sadly, Mile 2 has long overtaken Oshodi my experience, my wife was also attacked when they use those bikes to commit crime, Quite often the unofficial explanation as a den of robbers and violent criminals. at 3pm at the same Mile 2, coming from and escape, they can hardly be traced or for the seeming incapacity of the govern- Oshodi used to be such a terrible place that the Orile end! She was wiser, as she kept tracked. The riders have no licence. They ment to rein in the Okada riders and even everybody who had regard for his/her life pressing her loud horn, as the fierce boys do not understand road signs. Neither they reckless Danfodrivers is that they are and his/her little money and possessions, surrounded her, attempting to break her nor their passengers wear helmet. They ride often the people politicians turn to during tried to avoid, even at 12 noon. That was wound-up window glasses. The attention against traffic, most recklessly. They have elections. They are the ones who strive the situation until the advent of former Gov- drawn by the loud blare of the horn caused sent many to their graves and the luckier to queue up in the rain and sun to vote ernor, , now Minister of the boys to flee. ones to Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital. the candidates dictated by politicians. Works. Fashola not only re-jigged Oshodi, Just last Tuesday, my cousin, an UBER How does a 21stcentury city, desperate to But it is raw Bunkum with a capital B! it transformed it and all the criminals who driver was attacked by three wild boys, two be called the Centre of Excellence have all Former Gov Fashola was undaunting in had hibernated and operated there for years of whom were bearing short guns, at the these as its signature malaise? And there is enforcing the law banning Okada riders suddenly realized that Oshodi was too bright same Mile 2, before 6 pm and all his rake-ins a government run by law? No government or traffic offenders, insisting, for instance, for comfort. The array of flood light was of the day were collected, with his phone worth its salt and name will tolerate what that those who drive against traffic must more than that of the National Stadium. narrowly escaping. Just everyday, Mile 2 is goes on in Mile 2 for just a day. This is a undergo a psychiatric test. Was/Is he They fled. a menace. It has become the headquarters crying challenge to Gov Babajide Olusola less a politician? Today, Mile 2 has become even twice dead- of traffic robbery in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu. Gov Sanwo_Olu went a step further lier than Oshodi. Matters are not helped by Yet, not only is there a Police station in About a kilometer from Mile 2, is another by seizing such eighty-eight “one-way” the fact that too often, there are terrible and Mile 2, there is indeed a stationary Van of Bus stop Called 2ndRainbow. It is defined vehicles and auctioning them, last Febru- aged bad spots that certainly force motor- Policemen, LASTMA etc., at the Oshodi- by the huge number of Okada riders who ary. It happened only once. Ever since ist to not only slow down, but also devise Oke, at the point where the road leads down are menacingly positioned on both sides of then, there has been no other auctioning ways to crawl through such very bad spots, towards Orile. Those security men never the express way. Motorists have to literally session. And so the practice is back, with especially during the rains. I have never been do anything to protect motorists. They are run away from them, doing everything to all its concomitant danger! able to understand why year-in-year-out, more interested in collecting tolls from the avoid hitting them. Gov Sanwo-Olu must be reminded that government is fanatically negligent of such tanker and trailer drivers heading to Apapa. Matters are further worsened by the now no matter how smooth the roads are, how bad spots, and so motorists experience the This fear of attack also causes many motor- accustomed tradition of Danfo(Yellow Buses) well he ups the ante in many other areas, same nasty danger and discomfort every ists to hit the roads almost all at the same who usually drive against traffic, all the the failure to ensure and enforce security year. I think it is the height of governmental time, to beat the black spots. But they hardly way from Cele Bus stop to the same Mile in the city, will eclipse his good works, as irresponsibility. I do not quite care whether ever do. At all ends of the Mile 2, there are 2. They are not only on top speed, they are it is bound to be a turn off for prospective it is a federal or state road. hoodlums and criminals waiting for whom reckless, daring and abusive. Needless to investors—local or foreign. He cannot afford The consequence is that, too soon, there to attack. say many fatal accidents have been recorded to allow that issue to slur his records. is a long stretch of traffic build up. And But even if you ignore the menace of traffic on account of such highway recklessness. Life is already hard enough with an un- that traffic glitch is all the bad boys need to robberies, what can we say about the colony One is tempted to ask if the people of Mile friendly economy, adding the pain and fear descend on motorists. This has nothing to of Okada riders who have practically taken 2 axis enjoy immunity from the many laws of insecurity will merely make life more do with the time. Twice in the month of May, over the entire Mile 2 Exchange—whether enacted by the Lagos state government. There brutish, short and even nasty. That will I was attacked between the hours of 6 and above or beneath the bridge? It is worse is hardly a pretence to the enforcement of be by no means an attribute of a Centre of 8 pm. That was after I had spent over two above the bridge. Hordes of dirty-looking the laws. Surprisingly, even Policemen are Excellence. and half hours in almost one spot. On the 38 THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Kwara Empowers 170 Young Entrepreneurs with Interest-free Loan Hammed ShittuÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ the state governor, Alhaji Abdul- preneurs, a state government’s Rahman AbdulRazaq stated that, entrepreneurial platform designed government has “Amounts awarded depended to support initiatives of people awarded interest-free loans on the scale and viability of their not more than 35 years of age to about 170 young business business proposals. with seed funds. owners as part of effort to make He listed among beneficiaries “Kwapreneurs is a revolution them self-reliant as well as to to include Mr. Umar Faruk (Rice and the essence is to ensure boost the economic activities processing); Oluwatosin Adedoyin that public funds are allocated in the state. (Fish smoking); Courage Balogun to serve the best interest of The government stated that, the (Waste evacuation); Jubril Bello the people, especially the beneficiaries got between N250, (Plastic waste); and Mutolib ISSA young people below 35 years 000 and N3 million respectively, (Locust beans) presented the best who have been underserved to start or strengthen their busi- five pitches which won N3 million for many years. This is in nesses after some rigorous, private interest-free loan apiece. line with our commitment to sector-led screening processes Others whose business pitches promote innovation, industry that began with at least 7,202 came next were Femi Olanrewaju and enterprise.” applicants. (N2.5 million for his fish Pond); AbdulRazaq commended The programme was coordi- Alabi Michael (N1m, Cashew); the youngsters for their brilliant nated by the office of the State Akpem Micheal (N1 million, ideas and their courage to have Social Investment Programme UBER); Nasir Ajala (N1 million, their pitches assessed by an inde- alongside Fidelity Bank. Agro farm); and Yusuf Moham- pendent panel of judges, assuring Speaking at the presentation med (N1 million, Rice processing). them of continuous government’s of the cheques to the affected AbdulRazaq added that, “The support and mentorship as their L-R: Managing Director, AT3 Resources Limited, Mrs. Tosin Adefeko; Executive Secretary, Ibidunni Ighodalo beneficiaries in Ilorin yesterday, loans were awarded under Kwa- businesses grow. Foundation, Mrs. Adedayo Richard; Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Member, Board of Trustees, Mrs, Bola Okolie, and Late Ibidunni’s brother, Mr. Dare Ajayi, at a media briefing by the Foundation House, DPR Disagree over to announce the roll out of the second cycle of Project 40at40 IVF grants in Lagos...yesterday Oilfield Revocation, Awards MARKET INDICATORS The House of Representatives’ Dawes island marginal field Limited and its partners, arguing Committee on Public Petitions located in OPL2006, Okrika, that the action did not comply MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) and the Department of Petroleum Rivers State. with the principles of equity Resources (DPR) have expressed It stated that DPR justified the and fair principles even when JANUARY 2021 divergent views over Dawes revocation of the field licence on available information suggests Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 Island marginal field lost by the ground that, “Dawes Island that Eurafric had not financial Eurafric for holding the national marginal field was operated by or material investment in the -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 asset without production and Euroafric energy Limited for assets development, leading to Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 making it unviable for seventeen over 16yeats without significant non-performance. years. progress to attain full produc- According to the committee, the -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 The Department of Petroleum tion and failure to submit field three companies should benefit -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 Resources (DPR) awarded the development plan for the asset.” from any re-award of the asset, field to Petralon 54 Limited and According to the DPR Director, which it said should be restored ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 its partners during the last bid Mr. Sarki Auwalu, the decision to pre-revocation status in the round, a decision that was was taken in the best interest of interest of equity and national ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 countered by Eurafric through the nation. interest. Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 a petition to the House Committee The House of Representatives’ It alleged that there was an on Petition. Committee on Public Petitions ulterior motive in re-awarding Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 A statement explained that was, however, quoted in the the licence to Petralon 54 alone, -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 DPR had revoked the licences statement to have reversed the when abinitio, Eurafric and Tako, of 11 marginal field operators DPR’s award of Dawes Island Petralon 54 were supposed to be ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 for non-performance, including marginal field to Petralon 54 punished for the same offence. ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00

Shareholders Approve Nova’s Merchant ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 Bank’s N800m Dividend --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 Nova Merchant Bank recently the Chairman, Nova Merchant mance, Oduoza, stated in the Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 held its fourth Annual Gen- Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, was face of the challenges in the eral Meeting in Lagos where quoted in a statement to have macro-economic landscape, the --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 shareholders commended the noted that the bank reported bank was able to turn in very --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ board and management for its significant improvement in all impressive results in the period --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 impressive performance over its key financial parameters in under consideration. the years. the year under consideration. He said, “On behalf of the At the meeting, the sharehold- Specifically, the bank declared board and the shareholders, I Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) ers approved the payment of a profit after tax of N3.49 billion will like to express my gratitude Month March 2018 N800 million as dividend for the in 2020, an increase of 112 per to the management and staff for Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 2020 financial year and urged cent compared to N1.65 billion sustaining the Bank’s growth the bank to continue the growth recorded in December 2019; gross trajectory and delivering sterling Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) trajectory notwithstanding the cur- earnings also rose significantly by results in such difficult times.” rent challenging macro-economic 130 per cent while profit before The Managing Director/Chief Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 environment. tax increased by 135 per cent from Executive Officer, Mr Nath Ude, Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 While presenting the bank’s N1.5 billion in 2019, to N3.52 said the bank took advantage of financial performance for the billion in the year under review. the opportunities presented by Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 year ended December 31, 2020, Commenting on the perfor- the challenging environment. 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 Konga Partners Medical Practitioners to 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Boost Healthcare Delivery 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 Nosa Alekhuogie Health, boost standards across a credible and robust platform verticals in the Nigerian health for local and international Prime Lending rate 17.35 Konga Health, a technology- sector. donor agencies, government, Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 driven healthcare solutions Specifically, the company non-governmental institutions company, has signed a intends to achieve this by improv- as well as philanthropic and strategic Memorandum of ing access to quality healthcare public-spirited individuals who ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ Understanding (MoU) with for the reached, under-reached wish to support access to quality the Association of Nigerian and unreached members of the Medicare with clear data to the OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ͯͲ  ͰͮͰͯ Private Medical Practitioners populace through the importation remotest part of Nigeria. (ANPMP) to boost access to and timely delivery of certified Co-CEO, Konga Group, Mr. The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $75.29 a barrel on Wednesday, quality healthcare services in pharmaceutical products and Nick Imudia, said: ‘‘We are compared with $75.13 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Nigeria, including the delivery medical supplies across the nooks delighted and see it as a privilege The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan of genuine drugs and medical and crannies of Nigeria through a to have finally signed this very Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light supplies. wide chain of distribution centres. strategic partnership between (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), The signing of the Memoran- Furthermore, the development Konga Health and ANPMP Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and dum of Understanding (MoU) will guarantee the gradual which will positively change Merey (Venezuela) took place recently in Lagos. eradication of the incidence of the face of healthcare delivery The partnership will see Konga fake drugs, while also providing in Nigeria.” THISDAY ˾   ͯʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39

   United Capital Defies Market Volatility, Grows Half-year Profit by 65% Goddy Egene that revenue rose to N6.853 bil- Officer, United Capital Plc, Mr. our unwavering commitment clients, while driving phased providing easy access to collec- lion, from N4.447 billion in the Peter Ashade, said:“I am excited to increasing value creation for automation of our business tive investment schemes and The United Capital, Nigeria’s corresponding period of 2020. to inform our stakeholders that all our clients amid the harsh processes. micro loans while promoting investment bank and pan-African Total expenses printed at N3.113 United Capital Plc recorded a socio-economic environment “ Our bespoke affluent segment socio-economic development. Our financial and investment services billion, compared with N2.179 very impressive H1 2021 results and lingering effects of the propositions including private stakeholders can be assured of group, yesterday announced its billion in 2020. following a record year perfor- devastating pandemic.” trusts, and wealth management our commitment to deliver- unaudited results for the half year However, profit before tax mance in 2020. We ended theH1 Ashade said that in the solutions are curated to increase, ing superior returns. More ended June 30, 2021. jumped by 65 per cent to N3.740 year on a very high note remaining half of the year, preserve, and transfer wealth importantly, we will continue to The results showed resilience billion, up from N2.268 billion, as reflected in our earnings they would be focused on for our fast-growing affluent work with our regulators and as the company soared through while profit after tax (PAT) rose growth and strong financial their transformation agenda by customer base. Furthermore, other capital market operators on the volatile markets to record from N1.913 billion to N3.142 performance. United Capital deepening their value proposi- our best-in-class digital platforms structural reforms to deepen the significant growths in all per- billion in 2021. Plc is in a growth phase, and I tions to different market segments remain central to our purpose of capital market as the domestic formance indices. Commenting on the perfor- must say that our strong financial especially mass affluent and transforming lives and promoting economy continues the path to Details of the results indicated mance the Group Chief Executive performance is a testament of the underserved mass market financial inclusion across Africa by recovery,” he said. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 15/07/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 40 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY MARKET NEWS

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jul-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 155.52 157.06 -3.87% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.78% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 316.78 316.78 -21.48% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.47 111.47 -0.56% 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 7.22% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Vantage Balanced Fund 2.95 3.01 3.13% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.95% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.34 151.62 -2.67% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -4.66% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.31 0.77% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.37% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.32% Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund 133.84 135.37 0.62% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.09 -17.86% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.52 20.11 7.64% Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.37 11.42 8.53% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 424.44 437.24 6.01% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.29% ARM Ethical Fund 38.05 39.19 12.86% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.05% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.97 -8.05% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.63 1.66 7.29% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.52 11.58 -5.00% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.73% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.62 1.63 2.45% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.15 105.15 3.38% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.17 113.85 2.04% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 133.11 133.77 5.39% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.66% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 132.74 135.02 8.56% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 -15.39% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.09% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.07 2.10 -14.47% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,246.72 3,278.42 1.05% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 231.28 231.28 2.86% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.20 1.22 2.54% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 304.13 304.13 3.21% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 220.51 223.81 1.04% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.64% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.81% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,266.05 10,411.23 -2.18% Paramount Equity Fund 16.36 16.67 2.32% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.94% Women's Investment Fund 135.65 137.21 1.93% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.76 114.76 3.31% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 102.25 102.25 - 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 7.35% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.12 117.86 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 0.82% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 3.53% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.20 107.20 United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.88 8.03% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.20% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.90 118.90 3.90% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.56% Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.63% Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 12.88 12.99 8.51% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.10 14.23 15.47% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.41% Zenith Income Fund 24.18 24.18 0.83% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 3.15% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.60% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,147.55 1,160.80 -0.49% 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 124.34 10.09% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,387.75 1,387.75 11.30% Union Homes REIT 51.61 2.31% FBN Balanced Fund 189.89 191.20 1.18% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 111.14 111.14 8.22% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.23% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.24 13.34 0.16%

SIAML Pension ETF 40 125.19 128.20 4.07% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.09 126.09 3.52% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 99.00 101.10 -0.25% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 156.18 158.34 3.30% MERGROWTH ETF 17.98 18.08 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 17.90 18.00 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 4.68% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.95 3.95 2.17% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.89 3.93 3.04% Legacy Equity Fund 1.57 1.60 2.87% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.95 6.03 4.50% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.18 1.18 3.77% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.34 17.44 6.86% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.37% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.13 19.33 -6.75% Coral Balanced Fund 3,670.48 3,721.60 -1.99% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 150.65 152.65 -31.19% Coral Income Fund 3,358.16 3,358.16 2.50% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.57% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 41 42 FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • THISDAY 43 44 FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS How Senators Voted THOSE WHO VOTED FOR INEC TO SEEK CLEARANCE BEFORE TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS ELECTRONICALLY

Ovie Omo-Agege Ali Ndume Opeyemi Bamidele Abdullahi Gobir Danjuma Goje Yusuf Yusuf Ibrahim Mohammed

Sahabi Lau Kabiru Gaya Ishaku Elisha Abbo Babba Kaita Yahaya Abdullahi Yakubu Oseni

Isa Jibrin Yahaya Oloriegbe Solomon Adeola Tanko Al-Makura Godiya Akwashiki

Sani Musa Sabi Abdullahi Mohammed Enagi Dadu’ut Ladi Francis Alimikhena Ajibola Basiru

Orji Uzor Kalu Aderele Oriolowo Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Degi Eremienyo Ashiru Yisa Bello Mandiya Dimka Ayuba

Kashim Shettima Stephen Odeh Shaibu Lau Alkali Saidu Amos Bulus Hassan Ibrahim Ajayi Boroffice

Abdullahi Barkiya Jika Dauda Haliru Lawali Anka Lawan Gamau Danladi Sankara Suleiman Abdul Kwari Frank Ibezim FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 45 NEWS THOSE WHO VOTED FOR TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS WHEN AND WHERE PRACTICABLE

Enyinnaya Abaribe Francis Adenigba Clifford Ordia Gyang Istifanus George Sekibo Biodun Olujimi Bassey

Mpigi Barinada Betty Apiafi Philip Aduda Chukwuka Utazi Ibrahim Danbaba Danjuma La'ah Francis Onyewuchi Nnachi Ama Micheal

Patrick Ayo Kola Balogun Eyakenyi Akon Christopher Ekpenyong Seriake Dickson Cleopas Zuwoghe Emmanuel Orker-jev SENATORS ABSENT ˾ÒÏÙÎÙÜÏÜÔÓ ˾ÓÍÒÙÖËÝÙÐÙáÙ×Ù ˾ÙÒË××ÏÎ ËÝÝËØ ˾ËÜÙÏÓØÙÝËßÎË ˾ÏÝÖÓ×ÙÖËÜÓØ ˾ÖßÌßØ×ÓÎÏÞßØ×ÌÓ ˾ÞÏÖÖËÎßËÒ ˾ßÒËÜÓÌÎßÖÐËÞËÓ ˾ÒÓ×ËÜÙÕÏØË×ËØÓ ˾ ÕÏÕáÏÜË×ËÎß ˾ÖÓãßË×ËÕÕÙ ˾ÙÍÒËÝÕÙÜÙÍÒË ˾ËÞÜÓÍÕ ʨÏËØãÓÌË ˾ ÌÜËÒÓ×ÒÏÕËÜËß ˾ÙÒË××ÏÎËÌÙ ˾ÙÕßØÌÙÌÓÜß ˾ ÓÖÓËØÍÒÏÕáßØÓÐÏ ˾ËÜËß ÓÌÜÓØ ˾ËÖË ÌØË˪ÖÖËÒ ˾ËÌÜÓÏÖßÝáË× ˾ ÌÜËÒÓ×ÏÓÎË× ˾ÙÖßÎÏÌÓãÓ ˾ÌÌËÙÜÙ ˾×ËÜËÎÓÛ ˾ ÌÓÕßØÖÏ×ÙÝßØ ˾ÙÒË××ÏÎßÖÕËÍÒßáË Sandy Onor Gershom Bassey James Manager Obinna Ogba ˾ÖËÖÏÕËØßÝÞËÚÒË ˾××ËØßÏÖáËÍÒË After Stormy Session, House Steps Down PIB Senate adopts committee's report, retains 3% for host communities

Deji Elumoye, Adedayo passed the conference committee southern lawmakers shouting Speaker directed that the House at the Executive session, the year. Akinwale and Udora Orizu in report of the Senate and House that they should be given five should go into an emergency stepping down of the clause- He said after multiple failed Abuja of Representatives on the PIB per cent after news filtered in Executive session which started by-clause consideration of PIB attempts over two decades, the and retained the three per cent that the conference committee at 12:25 pm and ended 1:20 p.m. was an indication that they were PIB has passed both Chambers The House of Representatives for host communities. recommended three per cent as After the Executive session not able to reach a compromise of the National Assembly was yesterday forced to step However, the report from the against the five per cent passed ended, Gbajabiamila called on on the percentage for the host and would be transmitted down the long-awaited conference Committee, which by the House. the Chairman of the Conference communities. shortly to the President after Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) harmonised the two versions It was during this row Committee from the House and However, Gbajabiamila has proper harmonisation with over the reduction in the five earlier passed was laid and that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Chief Whip, Hon. Mohammed assured that the PIB will shortly the Senators per cent recommended for considered at the plenary Gbajabiamila made his way into Mongunu to lay the report, but be transmitted to the President Gbajabiamila stated: host communities earlier yesterday by the House. the Chamber, but his presence the lawmaker later sought the after proper harmonisation with "Through it all, the 9th House passed by the House following Even before the did nothing to stop the rowdy permission of the House to step the Senate. of Representatives has carried on protests from some southern commencement of the plenary, session. down the laying of the report. The Speaker disclosed this its constitutional duty to make lawmakers. the lawmakers were engaged When it appears it would be While journalists were not while delivering his speech to laws for the good government But the Senate yesterday in a shouting match with some difficult to achieve decorum, the informed of what transpired mark the end of the legislative of the country. Army Confirms Killing of APC Suspends 11 Loyalists General By Gunmen in Abuja of Mohammed in Kwara Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja “They opened fire on his would be buried today (Friday) Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja State Caretaker Committee AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq vehicle; he died. The driver at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery Chairman contrary to against the minister in a The last night pretended to be dead from by 10 am. The national leadership of the directive of National supremacy battle for the confirmed the assassination the wound he sustained,” the "With a heavy heart, the the All Progressives Congress Executive Committee (NEC) control of the soul of the of its former Provost Marshal, source said. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. (APC) has suspended 11 of June 25, 2020, which party in the state. Major General Hassan Ahmed Though the source claimed Farouk Yahaya, officers and members of the party, who directed that no member of However, the suspension by gunmen in Abuja. that the wife was also abducted, soldiers of the Nigerian Army are loyal to the Minister of the party should institute letter sighted by THISDAY Ahmed was reportedly a military statement said an regret to announce the passing Information and Culture, any action in court. yesterday was dated killed by gunmen in Abaji Army delegation visited the on of Maj. Gen. Hassan Ahmed, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Mohammed's group had February 5, 2021, and Area Council. widow last night. a former Provost Marshall of for instituting a court case opposed the removal of signed by the National The slain officer was in a recent A statement issued late the Nigerian Army. against the party and Kwara Mr. Bashir Bolarinwa as Secretary, Caretaker/ shake-up, appointed a director last night by the Director "The sad incident occurred State chairman of the party the caretaker chairman of Extra-ordinary National at the Army Headquarters. of Army Public Relations, when the senior officer's vehicle Hon. Abdullahi Samari. the party in the state. Convention Planning A source said the general and Brigadier-General Onyema was attacked by gunmen while The 11 Kwara APC This has led to the Committee, Senator James his wife were on their way to Nwachukwu, confirmed the transiting along Lokoja - Abuja members had approached protracted crisis, which Akpanudoedehe and Abuja from Okene in , incident. road yesterday July 15, 2021," the court to demand the has created two factions addressed to Kwara State when they ran into the gunmen. He said the late general it said. removal of the approved and pitted Governor chairman of the party. 46 THISDAY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 NEWSXTRA Lagos APC Group Writes Buni, Alleges Subversion of Constitution Ejiofor Alike State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun alleging said it considered it “expedient” validly held in the recognised 20 within itself based on 57 Local ahead to conduct and local govern- anti-party activities, subversion of and “imperative” to bring these Local Government Councils in Government Councils. ment election as stated on July A group known as Concerned the provision of the Constitution infraction to the knowledge of the Lagos State, insisting that it would “If this is allowed without 24, 2021, it would not only violate All Progressives Congress (APC) and indulging in actions capable Party which, according to them “if amount to total disregard of the the party at the National level the core values of the party but Progressives based in of eroding the core values of the left unattended, will thwart the 1999 if taking urgent steps to correct the also the section of the provisions Lagos has written a strongly party in Nigeria. overall efforts of the National the national body of the APC is anomaly it might grievously affect of the Constitution of Nigeria worded petition to the Govenor Mai In the petition signed by the Body in deepening democracy dealing with Lagos on the grounds and undermine the existence of which recognises only 20 Local Mala Buni-led APC National Care- chairman of the group, Mr. Kabir in Nigeria. of 20 Local Government Councils, the political party in the state,” Government Councils for Lagos taker Committee in Abuja against Onalapo, and the Secretary, Mr. The petitioners argued that local while the Lagos Chapter of the they alleged. State as against the much-flaunted the Chairman of the party in Lagos Olajide Olukogbe, the APC group government elections can only be party on its own volition is dealing They stated that if LAISEC goes 57 Local Government Councils. US Universities Offer $4.35m Scholarships to 30 Nigerian Students

Ejiofor Alike of your leadership, academic performance, and the great Thirty Opportunity Funds potential young Nigerians hold Programme scholars of the US for the future of this country,” Consulate General in Lagos have Consul General, Pierangelo told received fully funded scholarships the departing students. totaling $4.35 million to attend American universities and col- CHANGE OF NAME leges for the 2021/2022 academic I formally known and address session. as MRS. ABIOYE ADETUTU Following a competitive OMOADUN OMOSENI, now wish selection process, the 30 high- to be known and address as MS. achieving, low-income students ABIOYE ADETUTU OMOADUN received financial aid from the SHOKOYA-ELESHIN. All former US Consulate General that documents remain valid. The covered expenses involved in general public take note. the college application process I, formerly known and addressed such as payment for standardised as ADINDU NSOBUIKE DAVID UZODINMA JR, now wish to tests, application fees, and visa be known and addressed as fees in addition to air travel to NSOBUIKE DAVID NWOKO. All STRENGTHENING TIES… the United States. former documents remain valid. Area Sales Manager, West Africa, Airbus Helicopters, Mr. Eric Gilles (left), and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Speaking yesterday in Lagos The general public should take Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, when a delegation of the company led by Gilles visited the minister in his office, in during a reception in honor of note. Abuja…yesterday the US-bound students, Consul I, formerly known, and addressed General Claire Pierangelo urged as MISS AJAYI OLUWASEUN the scholars to make the most of AGNES, now wish to be known their opportunity to get a top- and addressed as MRS BELLO notch education while gaining OLUWASEUN AGNES. All Policeman, Two Others Killed in first-hand experience of American documents remain valid. The life and culture. general public should please take “I congratulate each one of note. Ondo Bank Robbery you on your tremendous suc- I, formerly known and cess. Your success is evidence addressed as CHIOMA James Sowole in Akure deceased were a policeman, a ran into the robbers while the all of us lied down; they started REJOICE ONYEJI, now wish commercial motorcyclist and a operation was ongoing. They were shouting where is the manager! No fewer than three persons, staff of the Elizade University said to have been killed by stray Where is the manager! to be known and address as (names withheld). bullets. But the policeman was “So, they later got the key of the Group Backs CHIOMA FAVOUR EMEADI. including a policeman were confirmed killed yesterday during The slain university staff was said to have been killed by the vault and packed the money there Southern All former documents remain formerly a journalist working with dynamite. but they were not satisfied with valid. Please public take note. a bank robbery at Ilaramokin in Ifedore Local Government Area the Ondo State-owned Orange A resident of the community, what they saw; they also opened Govs’ Call for I formerly known and addressed as of Ondo State. 94.5 FM who was inside the bank when the Automated Teller Machine, TOLU FASAN, TOLULOPE FASAN, Three other persons were said to The robbers were said to have the robbers arrived, narrated that but there was no enough money. Power Shift TOLULOPE OLUWASEYI ODUSI, broken the bullet-proof door of the the robbers, numbering about six “That infuriated them and they TOLULOPE ODUSI AND TOLULOPE have been injured as they were hit by the stray bullets of the robbers bank with dynamite before they attacked the bank at about 3pm shouted where is the money? It Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja FASAN-ODUSI now wish to be known and addressed as TOLULOPE FASAN- while an undisclosed amount of gained entry into the banking hall. and started shooting sporadically seems they didn’t get their target? ODUSI.. All former documents remains money was also carted away by According to an eyewitness, the into the air to scare he people. After they took the money they The recent resolution by the valid, The general public should please the robbers . ‘okada’ rider and the university “I was inside the bank when went out angrily shooting to take note. governors from the Southern It was gathered that the staff, were passing by when they they (robbers) came; immediately escape from the scene.” Nigeria that the south should I, formerly known and produce the president in 2023 addressed as EGIE EDERARO has received a strong support PATRICK, now wish to be from the Nigeria Equity Group known and addressed as Broadcaster Faults House over Demand (NEG), a non-partisan political EDERARO PATRICK EGIE. pressure group. All former documents remain The group, nonetheless, made valid. The general public for Pay-As-You-Go a strong case for a southern should take note. Christian to occupy the number I, formerly known and A content creator and broadcaster, laws that empowers the Federal utility or inalienable human right, Operators also decide the billing addressed as MISS BOLANLE one political office in the country. OLUFUNMILAYO ODESOLA, Abayomi Adeoye-Balogun, has Government to determine billing but a service for which subscribers model, not the government,” he At a press conference held now wish to be known and branded the House of Representa- models for and prices charged have to pay what is charged. said. yesterday in Abuja, the National addressed as MRS BOLANLE tives as confused over its call to by private operatives. “The legislators are confused. He stated that House’s confu- Convener, NEG, Dr. Emeka OLUFUNMILAYO OYEKAN. All the Federal Government to compel The content provider argued That is what the resolution passed sion can also be seen where it former documents remain valid. pay television operators to adopt that pay television companies are indicates. They’re just trying to adduced reasons for pay television Nwosu, urged all the major The general public should take political parties to put peace note. Pay-As-You-Go billing model and private businesses and are free look good in the eyes of Nigerians. tariff increases to increase in Value and stability of the country reduce tariff on their services. to determine their subscription “Pay TV services are no es- Added Tax (VAT) rate from 5% first this time, by reserving CONFIRMATION OF NAME Shaba, who spoke in Lagos models as well as charge tariffs sential commodity, social service to 7.5%, dwindling value of the their presidential tickets for This is to notify the general yesterday, said the House appears that are reflective of the economic or basic freedom. They attract naira, which naturally must have competent and experienced public that MOSES AMOS and confused and is indulging in legis- situation in which they operate. charges decided by operators, who affected the cost of broadcast southern Christians. OKEREKE AMOS is the same lative overreach, noting that there He noted that pay television is must have done the math, putting content and infrastructure, inflation “We strongly believe that the person, and now wish to be is no provision in the country’s no essential commodity, public many things into consideration. and operations in general. only way to truly promote fair- known as OKEREKE AMOS. All ness and inclusion in our diverse former documents remain valid. and complex society, especially General public take note. at this time of unprecedented No Succession Battle in SCOAN, Church Clarifies national crisis, is for power shift This is to inform the general public that to a southern Christian in 2023. MRS WATEMI PATIENCE and MRS Dike Onwuamaeze WATEMI PATIENCE IRIAGBONSE is successor to its founder, Prophet TB public that there is no succession down by Prophet TB Joshua,” “Anything other than this will one and the same person and now wish Joshua. SCOAN said in a statement battle at The Synagogue Church the statement explained. further exacerbate the rifts and to be known and addressed as MRS The Synagogue Church Of All that the claims of succession battle Of All Nations (SCOAN). We are “Thank you for your prayers and wounds that have become more WATEMI PATIENCE IRIAGBONSE. Nations (SCOAN) has debunked in the church were completely false sons and daughters of love and support as we continue to honour evident lately and not bode well All former documents remain valid. The insinuations that there is ongoing and should therefore be disregarded. shall continue to let love lead as the life and legacy of Prophet TB for our country,” Nwosu stated. general public should please take note. battle in the Church to choose a “We want to inform the general we follow the instructions laid Joshua,” it added. FRIDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 47 Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] FRISPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY At Last, D'Tigers’ Kits for Tokyo Olympics Released from Apapa Port Nigeria’s senior men and sportswear and equipment Development, Mr. Sunday Dare’s asking for waiver to clear the the release of the items late It was not the first time that women’s basketball teams due donated to the Nigerian intervention secured the release items meant for athletes on yesterday. kits and equipment donated to depart from Tokyo Japan on Basketball Federation (NBBF) of the basketball kits to the national duties. He thanked the Minister of to cash strapped national Monday from their training base by its China-based sponsors NBBF from Apapa wharf. It was understood that delay Sports, Sunday Dare, Minister sports federations get stuck in USA have been saved the arrived Apapa port in Lagos, Dare had taken the matter to in documentation to get the of Finance, Budget and National at the ports. embarrassment of competing the items have finally been the Ministry of Finance, Budget waiver by NBBF officials kept Planning, Zainab Ahmed and Back in 2016, Team Nigeria at the Olympic Games with cleared and now in custody and National Planning and as the items at the port. the Comptroller General of athletes to the Rio Olympiad old kits. of officials of the federation. well as the Comptroller General The Caretaker Chairman of Nigerian Customs Service, only received their kits for the After several months that Minister of Youth and Sports of Nigerian Customs Service, the NBBF, Musa Kida, confirmed Hameed Ali for making the Games on Day 13 after most of release of the kits possible. them had finished their events. AFA Sports Boss Dreams of Kitting Eagles, Man Utd, Chelsea Duro Ikhazuagbe been carrying out detailed research and reports on Nigerian The country’s biggest name products. I give kudos to the in sportswear, AFA Sports, is sports minister and the sports determined to leverage on its ministry as it was their initiative current breakthrough as Official to go with a Nigerian brand but Kits partners of Team Nigeria to more, they were determined to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. get top quality or go elsewhere. Now, AFA Sports is dreaming “They visited and inspected of becoming the kit partners of our products from the assembly the Super Eagles and the likes of line to the finished product. They English Premier League clubs as tested and were highly impressed Manchester United and Chelsea. with the designs, quality and AFA Sports’ CEO, Ugo the vision behind AFA Sports. Udezue, who spoke in Lagos That was how we got the job. on Wednesday said the firm “What we are doing here has only been able to tap just today is to lay a solid foundation five percent of the opportunities for future Nigerians. Nothing available to them in the vast is achieved fully with just one Super Falcons are back in camp in Austria training ahead of the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament scheduled global sports market. generation. We are doing our part for September in Lagos He said, “Talking about now and others will continue. the Super Eagles, yes we are The media was not like this, looking in that direction too. That years back in Nigeria but a lot will be a dream come true to of innovations have come in and kit not just the Eagles but the it is better for everyone, stressed Falcons Storm Austria to Prepare likes of Chelsea, Man United the former NBA agent. and Barcelona someday. It could Ugo who hit the Nigerian be possible in the next couple and African scenes with the for Aisha Buhari Tourney of years as we have started entertaining African Basketball League and later the Continental A contingent of nine-time African Pyramide Vienna for the purpose and home-based professionals following an interesting three- developing our football brands.” champions Nigeria has arrived of total concentration as Coach and presaged an interesting wins-out-three account at the He added that the Nigerian Basketball League added, “We in the Austrian capital, Vienna Randy Waldrum seeks to harness future for the Falcons. Turkish Women’s Cup in Antalya football league is not out of their have started well at AFA Sports for an eight-day training camp the different qualities and abilities Nigeria is in the club of in February and the Summer view despite the low patronage and we know that it can only as part of intense preparations of individual players to conflate only seven countries that have Series in the USA last month. the topflight league is currently get better. This brand is less than for some upcoming challenges, a better and stronger team. qualified for and participated First –choice goalkeeper getting from the business world. four years old. If we can get most notably the Aisha Buhari New faces have continued to at every edition of the FIFA Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Ugo, who is a former power this far in this short time we Invitational Women’s Football emerge in the camp of the Super Women’s World Cup finals since , midfieldforward with the national are positive that it will be a lot Tournament. Falcons as Coach Waldrum’s the competition was launched impresario Ngozi Okobi- basketball team, D’Tigers, made with younger ones coming up The City of Lagos will host the roving lenses have been picking in 1991, and has also featured Okeoghene and forward Uchenna an emotional review of the deal ideas. It is a Nigerian dream.” six-nation invitational that will up Nigeria-eligible dames from in three Olympic Games. Kanu, who all missed the tour with the Nigerian government AFA Sports made their first see the Super Falcons, Ghana’s across the globe to strengthen Waldrum has unearthed even of USA for one reason or the to the Olympics and said AFA major hit with the Nigerian Black Queens, Cameroon’s the squad. more prospects as the Ijeh sisters other, are in Austria. There is Sports tenacity for quality helped basketball teams D’Tigers and Indomitable Lionesses, Banyana Before the Summer Series tour (Josephine and Evelyn), Megan also a return for former captain them to make history with Team D’Tigress. Banyana of South Africa, of the United States of America Ashleigh and Ninuola Dada are as well as They have continued to Morocco and Mali tango in in June, where the Falcons drew part of the training camp in fellow forward Ebere Orji. Nigeria. a celebratory atmosphere in with Portugal and lost narrowly Austria, even as England –based The Falcons have won all but “We didn’t chase a contract expand in different directions the month of September for to Jamaica and hosts USWNT, forward Ini-Abasi Umotong two of the 11 editions of the to Abuja,” he explained, “They as partners with the Nigerian a glittering trophy named in few Nigerian ball fans had heard makes a return to the fold of Women AFCON held since the came to us. volleyball teams, Ghana’s national honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, of Yewande Balogun, Onyinyechi the perennial African champions. first edition in 1998. “Unknown to us they had basketball teams amongst others. Mrs Aisha Buhari. Zogg, Nicole Payne and Michelle The camp in Austria is the A total of 26 players, alongside Alozie. But they formed third gathering that the Nigeria technical and administrative staff, part of a group that bonded Football Federation has arranged are ensconced at the Event Hotel fabulously with foreign-based for the Super Falcons this year, Gun Men Kill Owner of New NNL Team, Udala FC, Others Tragedy struck the Nigerian Anambra State Football football scene again on Tuesday Association (ANSFA) Caretaker as the owner of new Nigeria Committee that was set up by RCCG to Partner Maccabi Haifa on Football Devt National League (NNL) team, NFF to reposition football in Udala FC, Chief Philip Chinonso the state in 2020. Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja The Assistant General He said the partnership with Overseer (Education and the Israeli club would help the Udala, was killed by unknown “In February 2021, he gun men. sponsored the Udala Pre-season The Redeemed Christian Church Training), Pastor Ezekiel youths and sport as well as assist The amiable club owner was Tournament involving 8 teams of God (RCCG) has said that Odeyemi, stated this recently to establish the football academy shot dead along with his Team from the South East and followed it is entering into partnership during the opening ceremony the church is proposing. Manager, Godsent Eriobu and with Udala scouting programme with Israeli top club, Maccabi of the 2021 Regional Sports He said the visit will likely others in his convoy. involving another eight teams. Haifa on the grooming of football Competition of the church at take place before the end of General Manager of the “Udala was a kind and talent and development of its the Old Parade Ground, Area the year. team, Henry Chinye and Media generous man whose love for proposed football academy. 10, Abuja. “In fact by now we should Consultant, Ralph Chidozie football was overflowing. have gone far, if not for what George confirmed the killings “Our Team Manager, Godsent happened last year (Covid-19 of Udala and the others. Eriobu was truly God sent to UAM Tillers Defeat ABU Nobles, lockdown). They were to visit “It is with the deepest regret the team as he was there from us last year,” Odeyemi said. and a collective broken heart inception as a pioneer player UNILAG Marines Hold FUTA Tigers He said the RCCG is that we announce the untimely and captain. He was also the considering various camps to death of our President, High Secretary of the Anambra The second round of matches in Chief Philip Chinonso Udala Chief Chinonso Phillip Udala...shot Independent Football League the Round of 16 of the ongoing HIFL 2021 ROUND OF 16 site its national football academy but the camp might not be too (Nwanweniteaku Idemili),” a dead by unknown gun men (AIFL). 2021 Higher Institutions Football The Nobles played with press statement from the club “At this difficult time we League (HiFL) organized by far from the FCT, with a hint “As a family, the management, utmost gusto but they were it might be in read. appreciate the support and PACE Sports and Entertainment pegged back by the visitors. “Chief Udala tragically lost players and technical crew, we solidarity of the football family. Marketing Limited got more where it has a camp ground. his life on Tuesday, July 13, mourn his passing and hope to “The funeral will be A brace from Asen Shater in The Pastor in charge of RCCG keep his vision for the team alive interesting as thrilling results the 8th and 19th minutes gave 2021 when unknown gun men announced by his family,” came in from the matches played Region 10 said the regional sport attacked his convoy killing him and make it his legacy. concludes the statement. the visitors the lead which the competition was organised in alongside our team’s manager, “The football community Udala FC of Uke in Anambra across the four centres. hosts fought to reduce. They order to engage the youths by In the match of the week, Godsent Eriobu and others. in Anambra in particular and State is coached by David were however rewarded with leveraging on sports which has “The primary thoughts of Nigeria in general have lost one Gideon. UAM Tillers shocked ABU a glimmer of hope when Enoch been proved to be a unifying of the most passionate men of Nobles at home defeating the everyone at the Club are with The club gained promotion Ishaku reduced the deficit in the force in every culture and every the Udala family at this period the game. to NNL from the the Imo centre Zaria boys by 2-1. 68th minute. nation. of unspeakable loss. “He was member of the of the NLO in 2021. T R U N Friday July 16, 2021 T H & R E ASO Price: N250 MISSILE PDP to Keyamo “Keyamo, in his failed effort to fault our reliance on the Supreme Court’s direct interpretation of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution in its judgment on Faleke v. INEC, ended up exposing a poor knowledge of the application of the law” – PDP slamming the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, on his legal opinion on Governor Matawalle’s defection. OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS [email protected] Anambra’s Church of Antioch he state is a complete riot of political about. But court injunctions have always been be so blatantly outplayed, Okonkwo granted a house. It is a known fact that the frustration of a gymnastics at the moment. But that is whizzing about in Anambra politics, for as long calm and mature television interview, wherein single family member, even if he is misguided, not new. Anambra State, as the Nigerian as anyone can remember. So, watch out! Your cap, he assured his followers that the fi ght was only may make him align with forces that can bring State generally, has acquired a political or even your head, may be knocked off while just beginning. The story is not much different in down the entire Umunna (extended family). I reputation that is peculiarly its own since they are at it. Since everyone’s point of view the APC, where Andy Ubah emerged as winner make the last statement bearing in mind Obiora Tthe return of democracy in 1999. Political party is correct, at least as far as he/she is concerned in a primaries election that many members of Okonkwo’s (as also any aspirants from other lines exist in name only. Loyalty is most often in all matters concerning the primaries, there the party are claiming did not take place at all. parties) post-primaries TV interview, as well as contrived. Merchants of the reprehensible variety is little room for a middle ground among the Soludo emerged in the APGA primaries, and not the experience of Peter Obi in the 2019 general of political godfatherism are still afoot, even as aggrieved. Tomfoolery, some might say. “The without some shenanigans from some quarters election in mind. bad weather threatens them from all sides. Many politicking of the state reminds one of the crisis within the party. But the problems of APGA Much bitterness followed the emergence of Obi victims of the latest round of political primaries among the early Christians of the Church of pale in weight and signifi cance to the volcanic as VP to Atiku. Some of our aggrieved brothers in Anambra State, for instance, were somehow Antioch, mentioned in the Bible” the religiously underbelly of the other parties. I invite you to and sisters then said: “Let us see how he will be complicit in one or two previous party primaries inclined may declare. replace “PDP” with any other political party in VP”. One group diligently worked behind the that were nothing but organized swindles. While To contextualise all of this, I shall begin by the following paragraphs I shall quote form the scenes to guarantee Buhari the required minimum the more pragmatic and hardnosed among them reproducing a fairly long quotation from a pro-PDP earlier-mentioned WhatsApp entry. 25% spread, provided they could retain their have brushed off their bruises, had a handshake WhatsApp platform. The quotation came up not “The aftermath of the PDP (party) primaries has seats as governors. Others put all their energies and taken whatever deals they were able to long after the state branch of the party announced created two major perceptions and attitudes. The into working out a parallel agreement with the work out, others are not prepared to let it all the emergence of Valentine Ozigbo as the winner one is the perception of a successful event and an Atiku camp, to ensure that Obi will not be the go so lightly. of the primaries. Even at that, Ugochukwu attitude of “let’s move on, because the rancour is channel for anything that would come to the The latter are too miffed to accept that they Ubah who held his primaries, powered by a now behind us.” The other is the perception of a South East. As one of them gleefully told me, could be so pointedly outplayed, or defeated, as court document, was also announced winner controversial event with questionable outcomes “We cannot be put under Peter Obi in a political the case may be. Some, not all, in the latter group, by his own people. Not to be outdone, Obiora and an attitude of “no way, we won’t let it stand.” environment we dominated before he turned if the truth must be told, are actually diehard Okonkwo, the runner up in the primaries deemed The second, of the two perceptions, is not as up from nowhere.” political witch doctors who have been part of the to have been the one authorised by the party visible and as popular as the fi rst. But it is there. confusion in Anambra politics for almost twenty alleged irregularities in the process. Implacable, It is a matter that must be well managed, in order Read full article online at www.thisdaylive.com years now. Yes, court injunctions are whizzing and convinced that a Big Boy like him cannot to have everyone fully on board as one united BUA: Running with Hares and Hunting with Hounds

David Bako cheaper than that of its competitors, to drive released on April 24 and June 18 of 2021, home the message, if Alhaji AbdulSamad respectively, BUA Group denied not having I have been an ardent advocate of free market Rabiu truly believes and practises what he any intention to increase price of its cement; not where healthy competition can drive supply, is dishing out to the public? Why wait for even in the nearest future. As usual, it pointed demand, prices and general quality of services. potential manufacturers in the industry to accusing fi ngers at competitor(s) as instigators In February 2021, when Chairman of BUA reduce price of his own product under his of the arbitrary increment in cement prices. Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, called for sole control? In the statement of June 18, 2021, it read: liberalisation of cement industry to accommodate BUA ranks second in terms of market share, “As a responsible corporate entity, we refuse more investors, increase production capacity and with this position he can force the price and reject associations with any actions that are and drive down prices of cement, I was happy down if he is sincere to Nigerians. For God’s deemed capable of projecting any industry we to hear such reassuring message from one of sake, he should stop deceiving the populace operate as a cartel. Hence, whilst we respect that the big players in cement industry. If truly he is hanging hope on non-existent the said company has decided to increase their Rabiu was quoted as saying: “Even though new manufacturers to “force down” price of prices, we are not questioning the reason(s) why, this cement policy is a good one, it must be cement—including his own (BUA), it is either but would like to make clear BUA’s position done in such a way that a lot of players must he is revelling in the reveries of hypocrisy or on a price increase. come in and participate. There is no point in mistake Nigerians as being too gullible and “The timing is not right for any increase making a policy that only one, two, or three undiscerning to notice his deception. Meanwhile, on BUA’s part, and we do not have any people are able to benefi t from that policy,” in a free-market economy, every producer or justifi able business reason to increase our prices he said, adding: “That does not make sense. seller has power to infl uence prices of his goods (ex-factory) anytime soon. We therefore urge I am benefi ting from this policy, but I know it and services, unless it is regulated. It is left our distributors not to panic as well as not is a bad policy. So, whilst the policy is good, for customers to make the ultimate choice of engage in any arbitrary hike in the retail price the way it is being administered is not good. purchase. of BUA Cement,” You can’t have a policy that restricts so many Alhaji Rabiu’s BUA Cement has been As a discerning Nigerian, the question I people from participating, at the end of the surreptitiously engaging in public incitement will want to pose to BUA Group is: what day, you are just creating a monopoly.” against other players in the industry by trying changed—between 18th June, 2021 and 5th While I was forming and painting an image to portray other his competitors as “anti-people July 2021? Why increase the price then after all of Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu in my mind as cartel”, while projecting BUA Group as the the denials cum shenanigans? Did the so-called a “messiah” and a “saint” who had come Rabiu saviour of cement industry. Why the incitement? cartel you alluded to force you to increase the to salvage cement industry and make the is one of the most expensive in the market. Who Why can’t you paddle your own canoe and price of your cement? What’s the role of said commodity cheaply affordable for the masses is deceiving who here? In the said interview, allow others paddle theirs? Why play mind cartel in the choice of a producer to increase via BUA Cement, my curiosity arose; punctured you alluded to a fl awed impression that a cartel games with Nigerians? the price of its product? Why being hypocritical the ballooned bubbles and the facade fell off did not want the cement industry liberalised, BUA Cement increased its ex-factory price and conny about it? my eyes. I took out take time, went on market in order to maintain hold on price of cement. by N200 on the 5th of July, (just barely 16 days As at today, in Abuja precisely, the retail survey, only to discover that BUA Cement was And I ask again, was it the same cartel that after declaring no further increase in the price price of BUA Cement is N3,700 while others are not cheaper than others in the market. Then I “forced” BUA Cement to sell cement at the of BUA cement) making the Group’s cement N3,500 a bag. Between BUA Group and other began to question the motive of such highfalutin similar price with that of the purported cartel the most expensive in the country as at this producers of cement, who is the “real” cartel propaganda, cloaked in an obviously insufferable members. You claimed to be fi ghting a “cartel” moment of writing. This is contrary to all the and anti-people here? This is the same man who hypocrisy, disguised as an interview. yet continue to benefi t economically from the grandstanding, gerrymandering and hullabaloo has been pussyfooting about crashing cement I began to ask thought-provoking questions. activities of the so-called oligopolistic group. You of the company that it would not increase its price for years. There’s limit to hypocrisy and its You said you are not comfortable with a policy, don’t want “monopoly” but keep profi ting from cement price. Yet, the same company will always attendant deception. Nigerians are wiser. They though you’re benefi ting from it. Thinking? Why prices allegedly fi xed by the same monopolistic strive to hoodwink Nigerians that there is a can look beyond the noise of sanctimoniousness refuse to excuse yourself from benefi ting from cartel. A clear case of running with the hares “cartel” somewhere that does not want cement and recognise a double-dealer when they see one. such a “bad policy”? You said you want to see and hunting with the hounds. price to be cheaper than it is today. cement prices crash, yet your own cement; BUA Why can’t BUA Cement sell, at least, N500 In separately written two press statements r#BLPXSJUFTGSPN"CVKB

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