Pope Urges IMF, W’Bank to Cut Poor Nations’ Debts Global agreement saved oil market, says OPEC Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja economic impact of the pope said the pandemic had Exporting Countries (OPEC) to stabilise it. international market." COVID-19 pandemic and give forced the world to come has told the International The Pope called for a new In the letter, the pope Pope Francis yesterday urged their governments a greater to terms with interrelated Monetary and Financial "global plan" that "necessarily noted that a spirit of global the International Monetary say in global-decision-making. socio-economic, ecological, Committee (IMFC) via Video- means giving poorer and less solidarity demands at the least Fund (IMF) and the World In a letter to the participants and political crises. conference that the global oil developed nations an effective a significant reduction in the Bank to cut the debt burden of the IMF and World Bank's This is coming as the market was on the verge of share in decision-making of poor countries hit by the annual spring meeting, the Organisation of the Petroleum collapse before its intervention and facilitating access to the Continued on page 10
Dangote, Flour Mills, BUA at War over New Sugar Refinery... Page 8
Friday 9 April, 2021 Vol 26. No 9497. Price: N250
www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO Aisha is Presidency’s Voice of Conscience, Says Tinubu Osinbajo: She is an unusual first lady Raises N150m at biography presentation Deji Elumoye in Abuja described the First Lady, Mrs. in the presidency. Both spoke at the public presentation of the and Women Affairs, Dr. Hajo Aisha Buhari, as a woman of This is just as Vice President presentation of Aisha's book, "Aisha Buhari: Being Sani, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. National Leader of the All deep convictions and feelings Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) also biography during which over Different," authored by the Kayode Fayemi, described her Progressives Congress (APC), for what she believes in, saying described the president's N150 million was realised. Senior Special Assistant to the Senator Bola Tinubu, has she is the voice of conscience wife as an unusual first lady. Also speaking at the President on Administration Continued on page 12 FG Fingers Insecurity as Trigger for Rising Secessionist Agitations ACF expresses disappointment over unending strife Olawale Ajimotokan and in the country has triggered Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has war to the doorsteps of the (KASU), Kaduna, the Minister by incidences of farmers/ John Shiklam in Kaduna a rising call for secession as declared that a situation in criminals. of Information and Culture, herders clashes, Boko well as politicisation of ethnic which security agencies only Speaking yesterday during Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Haram insurgency, banditry, The federal government and religious differences. reacted to cases of banditry a Town Hall Meeting on expressed concern about ethno-religious clashes and yesterday stated that the This is coming as the and abductions is unacceptable National Security, held at the general state of insecurity general state of insecurity Kaduna State Governor, and urged them to take the the Kaduna State University in the country occasioned Continued on page 10
THE FLAGSHIP STORY... L-R: Head of Michael Ibru Dynasty, Chief Oskar Ibru; Publisher, The Guardian, Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman, THISADY Newspaper/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie; Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; and Executive Director, The Guardian, Mr. Toke Ibru, at the launch of the book, “The making of the Nigerian Flagship: The story of the Guardian,” and celebration of the life of the founding publisher of the newspaper, Dr. Alex Ibru, in Lagos…yesterday 2 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY, ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY 5
Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 I’m Having Brief Rest in London, Buhari Tells Jordan’s King Deji Elumoye in Abuja Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan in a statement issued yesterday heard reports of the problem Kingdom of Jordan. now been resolved and I pray which he disclosed that he was his media assistant, Malam but felt reassured when he “Your exemplary leadership that the Hashemite Kingdom President Muhammadu Buhari having a short rest in London, Garba Shehu, sent the letter learnt that everything had since ascending the throne has continues to not only remain has written a letter of good the United Kingdom. of solidarity to King Al-Hussein, been resolved amicably. attracted worldwide admiration. peaceful but also a major wishes to King Abdullahi II The President, according to King of the Hashemite The letter read in part: “While Relations between Nigeria and beacon of hope for the region Kingdom of Jordan, following here in London taking a short Jordan have been excellent and under Your Majesty's wise the resolution of a recent rift rest, I was profoundly disturbed I thank you for the part you guidance.” in the royal family. to read from international have played in this relationship. President Buhari extended Bandits Release Five More In the letter, Buhari said he news agencies of attempts ‘‘Your Majesty, I am much to the King the assurances of Abducted Students of felt much disturbed when he to destabilise the Hashemite heartened that matters have his highest personal regards. Kaduna Forestry School John Shiklam in Kaduna ourselves. "As soon as they come in, Another five of the abducted they are going to be taken to students of the Federal College the hospital for examination, of Forestry Mechanization, but we are waiting to receive Kaduna are said to have been them first." released. Mohammed Jalige, spokesman The first five were released of the Kaduna State Police on Monday, bringing the total Command could, however, number of those released by not confirm the release of the the bandits to 10 while 29 are students. still in captivity. But he said he missed a call On March 11, bandits invaded from the Divisional Police Officer the school located along airport (DPO) in charge of Kidenda, road Kaduna and abducted LGA, noting that the DPO 39 students who have been probably must have called to in captivity. brief him on the development. One of the parents confirmed Jalige promised to get back the release of the five students as soon as he gets details on yesterday in Kaduna, saying the development. the students were picked up by He was yet to get back at the police somewhere in Giwa the time of filing this report. Local Government Area of the The parents of the abducted state and were on their way students had at a press to the city. conference on Monday vowed to He said: "I can confirm that negotiate with the bandits for the five more of our children have release of their children, accusing been released. Presently, we are the Kaduna State government waiting for them to come into of allegedly abandoning them. Kaduna. I can confirm to you Governor Nasir el-Rufai BEING DIFFERENT... that they have already been has maintained that he will Wife of the vice president, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo (left), and the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, during the presentation of the rstfi picked by men of the Nigerian not negotiate with nor pay Police. We are yet to see them ransom to bandits. lady’s biography, "Aisha Buhari: Being Different," in Abuja…yesterday Sanusi: Nigeria’s Political, Economic Structures Set up to Fail Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja parameter for calculating the currently has a debt servicing relief is generally in the right should fashion policies around least 10 councillors, the state sustainability or otherwise of ratio of between 90 to 93 per direction, noting that although population, education, targeted has a governor, deputy and Former Emir of Kano, Alhaji the country’s over $33 billion cent. he supports the efforts at programmes to reduce out of legislature. You can imagine Lamido Sanusi, yesterday debt, which is Gross Domestic Sanusi argued that Nigeria getting Nigeria’s creditors school children, quality jobs the hundreds of legislators”. took a swipe at the country’s Product/debt ratio as useless, was not paying attention to the to do so, Nigeria needs to etc," he argued. In his intervention, a economic and political saying that debts were not ratio of its external debts to its show serious commitment Sanusi noted that setting up former Senior Economist at trajectory, concluding that paid or serviced from GDP but external reserves, stressing that and generally review the factories could also lead to the World Bank, Brian Pinto, Nigeria may never succeed from the country’s revenues. while in 2011, total federally structure of its government economic growth, for instance, said there was a need to help if it continues with its current The federal government has collected revenue was $8.9 and economy. the manufacture of solar panels vulnerable countries surmount unsustainable structure. always argued that the GDP/ billion, with debt being about He said that Nigeria needs in-country instead of the the huge impact of covid-19, The ex-governor of the debt ratio was still below its $5 billion, it has since then to invest in education and current massive importation. but doubted if Nigeria was Central Bank of Nigeria projected ceiling despite the skyrocketed. agriculture, which he said He stated that what ready to do the hard work. (CBN) spoke during an online criticisms that have trailed the The former monarch stated has grown because of the happened in the past when Pinto, who is credited with roundtable with the theme: country’s increased borrowing. that external debt increased to expansion of cultivation, debt relief was granted was heading the team at the “Debt Relief for a Green and “My first comment on debt $33.4 billion by 2020, while oil rather than the productivity that Nigeria went back on World Bank that wrote the Inclusive Recovery in Nigeria?” sustainability and obviously, if revenue stood at $8.3 billion, of the farmers, stressing that spending on overheads, report leading to debt relief organised by the Centre for you have been following my an increase of about 400 per ultimately these two sectors on unnecessary petroleum of over $19 billion under the Study of the Economies of comments since my days in cent, saying that it was a will play a key role in lifting subsidies and paying scam the Olusegun Obasanjo Africa (CSEA) and the Heinrich the central bank is that the red flag that had not been Nigerians out of poverty. subsidies on fertilisers, insisting administration argued that Böll Foundation. debt to GDP ratio is basically pointed out despite all the "Another element is the that it has not helped the history had continued to Sanusi insisted that with a useless parameter. You do conversations around Nigeria's rapid rate of growth in country. repeat itself in the country. a hugely unwieldy political not service your debts out debt sustainability. population and therefore I Instead, Sanusi urged "If Nigeria asks for debt system and an economy that of GDP; you service it out A second element he would suggest that if you Nigeria to invest in the forgiveness, I am guessing mostly benefited those at the of your revenues. noted, is the breakdown of really need sustainable Sustainable Development Goals that official creditors could top, Nigeria would continue “If you have a debt to GDP the bilateral loans of which development, debt relief can (SDGs) including education, drive the process but will to struggle. ratio of 8 per cent, you are China is a major player, with also be tied to very clear, very healthcare, renewable energy, ask at least four questions: The former Chief Executive likely to have debt service to $3.2 billion of Nigeria's $4.1 measurable and implementable skills development and transitioning from fossil fuel Officer at First Bank of revenue ratio of 100 per cent. bilateral debt, that's about 78 population growth control productive agriculture. to green economy which is Nigeria (FBN), who posited So, for a long time, I have been per cent, adding that any talk policies. The former CBN governor a complicated transition. that one of the conditions for concerned with this idea that about debt sustainability has "We need to have social opined that it wasn't the time What can Nigeria do? The debt forgiveness for Nigeria if you are on 25 per cent or to involve China as a very policies around demographic for massive fiscal consolidation, first is to improve oil wealth should be its commitment 30 per cent of debt to GDP dominant player. growth. There are parts of this which would include tax management and re-establish to enunciate clear policies ratio, it is fine because you Sanusi posited that very country where the fertility rate increases and retrenchment of credibility,” he said. on how it intends to control have got countries that have soon, as countries begin to lift is more than eight live births workers and bemoaned the Pinto queried whether the its population, noted that the 18-19 per cent and revenues COVID-19 restrictions, leading per woman. Some parts are current political structure in the poor and vulnerable Nigerians benefits of debt forgiveness is from taxes while in Nigeria to personal travels, there will also highly polygamous. country, which in some ways benefitted from the $19 billion were lost in the past because it is from oil,” he explained. be increased demand for forex, "There's no way you can encourages big government debt relief in the past, saying of the country’s penchant for He explained that high- further putting pressure on continue growing at 3.4 per and recurrent spending. that it remains a key question spending on overhead rather interest rates with high debts the country's exchange rate, cent when your economy is “We have 36 states, 774 that has to be answered, noting than development. could lead to difficult financial describing the situation as dire. growing at a slower rate and local governments, each LG that Nigeria has not learnt Sanusi also described the situations, saying that Nigeria He said that the call for debt expect to deal with poverty. We has a chairman, a speaker, at much from its recent history. 6 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 FRIDAY, ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY NEWS Dangote, Flour Mills, BUA at War over New Sugar Refinery Project will curb arbitrary price hike, create jobs, says Rabiu Dangote Sugar denies involvement in price fixing James Emejo in Abuja that provides fair competition in the local sugar market in Africa’s richest man and order for the country to realise Chairman of Dangote Industries the sugar master plan. Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, They specifically urged and the Chairman of Flour Adebayo, to prevail on the Mills of Nigeria Plc, Mr. John Nigeria Customs Service Coumantaros, have said the (NCS) and the Central Bank establishment of a new sugar of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that refinery plant in the country by the provisions of the NSMP are BUA Group posed a threat to enforced and that no additional the attainment of the National allocation of quota should be Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) given for raw, VHP, or refined as well as sustainability of sugar for the sugar refinery in Nigeria's local sugar industry. Port Harcourt for local market They argued that the country production. currently has enough refining Among other capacity to meet national recommendations, they said demand. no allocations should be issued In a joint petition to the or applications considered for Minister of Industry, Trade quota intended for re-export of and Investment, Chief Niyi sugar as this would be difficult Adebayo, dated January 28, to monitor and may be open 2021, the duo protested the to abuse. recent commissioning of a sugar The petition added that, refinery in Port Harcourt, Rivers "an investigation should be FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE... State, by BUA International, one conducted to determine the Former Ag. National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola of the operators in the sugar quantity of raw sugar imported Saraki; and representative of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dr. Jamiu Salis, at the formal launch of the Abubakar Kawu industry. by the refinery in Port Harcourt Baraje Foundation in Abuja…yesterday But in a swift response, and the appropriate penalty in Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji terms of duty (60 per cent) and industry, trade and investment current approvals/rules to and has a significant economic some Industry players, it said. Abdulsamad Rabiu, said the levy (10 per cent) be levied on plays an effective policing role intervene locally in order to impact. It explained that the company company took serious exception the company.” of the NSMP, the country's stabilise sugar price, "where it He said: "To try to shut it began its BIP with a 10-year to what he described as the It added that the customs dream of becoming self- is absolutely necessary- in the down or stifle its operations sugar development plan, to ludicrous claims by his two should be mandated to comply sufficient and indeed a net face of arbitrary price increases will cost jobs and lost economic produce 1.5 million MT per major competitors, pointing out strictly with the authorised exporter of sugar would be and collusion to force scarcity impact." annum of sugar from locally that his sugar export-focused quota allocations in clearing defeated. of the product locally." He added that BUA remained grown sugarcane. The Project project in Port Harcourt, cargoes and administering levy "The impunity with which He said: "The same NEPZA the only company of the three commenced with the acquisition would not affect in any way, and duty and that the CBN BUA has contravened the Act upon, which this project is dominant players, spending of a large expanse of land in the backward integration be requested to monitor the provisions of the NSMP based, gives the permission to serious money and seeking to strategic locations in Taraba programme, stressing that "the registration of "Form Ms" in has placed the other players process, add value, and export complete its BIP project by 2022, State, Adamawa State and only way it will affect Nigerians line with the quota allocation. who are abiding by the at the same time. Companies stressing that," we need to start Nasarawa State. is that Nigerians will pay lower In the petition, they recalled regulations, not only at a under this act are allowed to asking firm, hard questions of To this end, it added, three (3) prices for sugar." that under the revised significant disadvantageprocess and if they so wish, sell the two other players." BIP sugar companies; Dangote However, in the ensuing row guidelines released by the but has discouraged them 100 per cent of their production The letter, however, urged Taraba Sugar Limited, Dangote among the major players in National Sugar Development from undertaking the huge in Nigeria with payment of the minister to remain firm and Adamawa Sugar Limited, the industry, Chairman, BUA Council (NSDC), it was made investments that would deliver duties based on the current resolute in the discharge of his Nasarawa Sugar Company Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad absolutely clear that the the desired objective of 100 per raw materials tariff. duties as he had always done, Limited were incorporated. Rabiu, said its investment allocation of quotas henceforth cent local production of sugar, "As a matter of fact, Aliko adding that BUA remained The company, it explained in Port Harcourt does not in shall be on quantitative and unless, of course, the ministry Dangote of Dangote Industries, committed to its obligations further, had commenced any way pose a threat to the verifiable improvements in the wades in and addresses the who is one of the complainants regarding the BIP and the rehabilitation and expansion country's sugar policy, adding BIP of operators in the industry. situation," they added. alleging and attacking this NSMP, adding that "we believe of its sugar factory at Numan, that it will rather checkmate They maintained that Consequently, in a letter approval has also applied and that time has come to call all while sugarcane planting had arbitrary price increase by the key performance indicators issued by Adebayo, dated obtained the same approval players to true account." also commenced in the two major players among other for assessing and scoring February 10, 2021, which was for his refinery project in other BIP locations. benefits to the country. performance had been clearly addressed to the Chairman of Lekki, Lagos State where he Dangote Sugar “DSR has a responsibility Adebayo yesterday confirmed spelt out and communicated BUA Group, Rabiu, following is currently enjoying the same to the government, the the rancour among the operators to all players in the industry. the petition by Dangote, the benefits of being in an Export Denies Involvement good people of Nigeria and while reacting to THISDAY's The petition alleged that the minister had requested for Processing Zone (EPZ)." in Price Fixing the Sugar Industry and all enquiry. midterm assessment conducted detailed information on the He added: "What BUA sugar other stakeholders to protect But, he declined further by the NSDC had concluded BUA Sugar Refinery in Port is doing is legal and within the Meanwhile, Dangote Sugar the integrity of the Sugar comments on the matter. that BUA had "failed to invest Harcourt, particularly the confines of the law. We have Refinery PLC (DSR) has denied industry and wishes to assure The minister said: substantially in local production company's plan to service the not done nor are we doing engagement in price-fixing, its stakeholders as follows: It "Unfortunately, I'm unable or comply with its undertakings Nigerian and export markets anything wrong." saying it is strongly committed will do all that is necessary to to comment as the matter under its BIP. from its refineries. Rabiu further explained to BIP. vehemently protect the integrity is already subjudice. Thank "Even before its surreptitious BUA, in its reaction to the that the EPZ under which its It said in a statement by its of the Sugar Industry, it is not you very much for your investment in additional refining minister, dated February 11, Port Harcourt sugar project is Group Managing Director, Mr. engaged in price-fixing and it understanding." capacity, Nigeria already has 2021, which it forwarded to sited went through a rigorous Ravindra Singhvi, last night: encourages healthy competition However, in the letter to enough refining capacity to THISDAY, however, took two-year review process before “DSR wishes to vehemently amongst the players,” the the minister, Dangote and satisfy demand today well "serious exception to the being forwarded to the ministry refute the allegations and company said. his counterpart, argued that into the future," they said. ludicrous claims by its two for approval of President assertions in their entirety as It highlighted a matter they had in 2019, warned The petitioners maintained major competitors that it aims Muhammadu Buhari, adding the false allegations are geared (BUA’s operation of a Sugar about the risk of establishing that the business logic behind to circumvent the BIP of the that only the president alone at tarnishing the good name refinery in the Free Trade Zone a new refinery, adding that the investment in the new sugar industry." is constitutionally empowered and brand of Dangote Sugar in Port Harcourt, exporting they got assurances that in line refinery was clearly defective The company pointed out to approve an EPZ license." Refinery Plc and Dangote refined sugar into the Customs with the federal government's adding that, "BUA intend only in its five-page response, According to the BUA Group Industries Limited. territory), which it said might policy on Backward Integration on importing and refining raw that it was unreasonable for Chairman: "Anything that is "DSR does not engage in circumvent the National Programme (BIP), "no new sugar whilst claiming to be it to be working against the done to attack this project in artificial price manipulation Sugar Master Plan’s (NSMP) refinery will be allowed to investing in developing sugar backward integration policy of any way, form or any guise of its products, either during framework and jeopardize its operate in Nigeria." plantations in order to qualify the industry, having invested attacks Mr. President's approval the Holy month of Ramadan objectives by taking advantage They also pointed out that a for quotas to import raw sugar." billions of naira in the initiative, and we will do everything or at any other time. of the location of its Port- tremendous amount of work They further alleged that which is almost nearing to ensure our rights are not “We have never ever Harcourt Refinery in the Free was required by all stakeholders the Port Harcourt refinery completion. trampled upon." increased price of our food Trade Zone. to achieve the intended was clearly undertaken to Rabiu, specifically assured He said BUA's Lafiagi BIP items or commodities during It said it had notified the objective behind the sugar deliberately undermine the the minister that the company’s is on track to be completed by the Holy month of Ramadan in Minister of Industry, Trade & policy, which is to among other federal government's sugar sugar-export focused project the end of the year as well as the history of our operations." Investments through a letter things, encourage backward policy. in Port Harcourt, would not commence production by the It also added that the dated January 28, 2021, asking integration to ultimately attain "We are particularly surprised affect in any way, the backward end of 2022. company is socially responsible the minister to investigate the self-sufficiency in local sugar by the brazenness as we believe integration programme adding Rabiu also warned that any and considers price-fixing to matter. production. that the choice of location that "the only way it will affect action that tampers with the be unethical. “We believe our action is in The petition stated that with and the publicity campaign Nigerians is that Nigerians will current approval is capable of “Such allegation is highly line with our responsibility as the new refinery, the country's behind the investment has pay lower prices for sugar". eroding investors’ confidence mischievous and a calculated a major stakeholder to alert refining capacity had increased been deliberately engineered He explained that though under the EPZ. attempt to smear the reputation the supervising Ministry on to 3.4 million metric tonnes per to provoke public sentiment the Port Harcourt refinery is He disclosed that the of DSR. DSR can only sadly activities that would derail the annum from 2.75 million metric and pit the federal government mainly for exports, BUA is company had spent over $250 conclude that the online plan of the Federal Government tons per annum. against its people," the petition allowed under the Nigeria million on the Port Harcourt publication is mischievous in its drive to self -sufficiency The petitioners further added. Export Processing Zones project, which currently and geared at creating some in Sugar under the NSMP,” demanded a level-playing field It said unless the ministry of Authority (NEPZA) Act and employs over 1,000 Nigerians form of undue advantage to DSR said. FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 FRIDAY, ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY PAGE TEN
FG FINGERS INSECURITY AS TRIGGER FOR RISING SECESSIONIST AGITATIONS intolerance, cultism, drug on the issues and possibly at war with terrorists, insisting and consistently protected its it would appear.” Science and Technology and addiction and kidnapping reach a consensus on the way that the security forces must prerogatives and status as He suggested that the Humanitarian Affairs. for ransom. forward.” collaborate to take the war the leviathan, the ultimate country requires urgent action The Information Minister, The minister said the to the criminals and recover guarantor of security, the by identifying and dealing ACF Expresses in his opening remarks, said Town Hall meeting is the ungoverned forests being protector of rights and the decisively with all state and insecurity posed a dangerous expected to develop concrete, occupied by them in order for promoter of the rule of law. non-state actors engaged Disappointment over threat to the unity of the implementable resolutions, law-abiding citizens to engage “That is why its power in conduct that amounts to Unending Insecurity country and its continued “because a lot of talks and in their legitimate businesses. is being challenged, in a challenging the supremacy existence as one indivisible postulations had taken place He said the bandits were frighteningly sustained manner of the Nigerian state and our Meanwhile, the Arewa nation. with little or no requisite challenging the sovereignty and by a phalanx of armed non- constitution without ethnic Consultative Forum (ACF) He said the Ministry of outcome.” monopoly of the instruments state actors. profiling or discriminatory has expressed disappointment Information and Culture He expressed optimism of coercion of the Nigerian “Our national-level security treatment. over the unending insecurity launched the Town Hall that with the seriousness state and its territory, stressing response to these challenges He called for immediate in the country, especially in the Meeting series in Lagos on of the issues involved, “the that they must be wiped out has been uncoordinated and and enhanced funding to North, complaining that the April 25, 2016, to provide expected contributions of a completely. ineffective in wiping out the acquire advanced equipment Kaduna State government has a platform for the federal wide range of stakeholders and The governor maintained threats. for the armed forces, police, not done to secure the recovery government to regularly give the quality of our panelists, that under the constitution, “None of the military services and security and paramilitary of the abducted students of an account of its stewardship this meeting will go a long the criminals have lost their nor other security agencies agencies. the Federal College of Forestry to the people, get a feedback way in proffering solutions right to life and deserved to has been suitably expanded The governor reiterated Mechanisation, Afaka in and input from them to to what has now become an be eliminated completely. in numbers and equipment his agitations for state police, Kaduna. enhance citizens’ participation existential crisis.” He said: “Amidst the sorrows for over a decade since the saying that centralised policing The students were abducted in governance. In his paper, the lead and suffering insecurity has insurgency in the North-east in a federation is not only a on March 11, 2021. He said the 18th edition of presenter, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, caused to many of our citizens, pushed things to a new low. contradiction in terms. In a communique issued the Town Hall meeting, with Senior Fellow, Centre for some of our compatriots will be “This country does not have According to him, the state yesterday at the end of its the theme “Setting Benchmarks Democracy and Development, tempted to dismiss gatherings enough soldiers, uniformed governments today bear most National Executive Council for Enhanced Security and Abuja called for the reform like this as futile and impotent police and secret police to of the burden of the running (NEC) meeting in Kaduna, National Unity in Nigeria,” of the security sector that will gestures. project state power across its costs of the Nigeria police. the forum condemned the was another of efforts of the ensure the protection of all “No one who is in a position vast swathes, particularly the He said: “So why not the criminal activities of insurgents, government, in its expansive citizens not just the political of responsibility can deny the forests.” sub-nationals have the state kidnappers and bandits, saying consultation with stakeholders, class. necessity for firm action in the He argued that the justice police now?” it is a great set back to the to address the twin issues of He said democratic form of proactive and sustained system operates with the ethos “So I repeat my persistent North. insecurity and its concomitant imperative in Nigeria, requires offensives against the criminals and at a pace that does not call for state police as soon The communiqué, signed by effect on national unity and security sector reform that who menace us. reflect the fragility of the as possible. We should also, the spokesman of the forum, cohesion. would enhance the human “Such security operations situation and the urgency to devolve more responsibilities Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, also Mohammed said: security of all citizens rather will not only cripple the demonstrate that the rule of and duties to the states to decried the utterances of some “Ominously, the general than limiting itself to the outlaws, but will also reassure law is meaningful. enable greater accountability leaders, who sought to incite state of insecurity, as reflected interests of the political class. ordinary citizens, bolster the el-Rufai noted that and minimise the habit of ethnic, religious and ethnic in incidences of farmers/ According to him, human morale of the security agencies prosecutions take so long blaming the federal government passion. herders clashes, Boko security involves not just and provide an alternative that citizens often assume for every ill in Nigeria. The communique said the Haram insurgency, banditry, national security but also focus for the energies that are that the criminals have “We should, therefore, meeting was presided over by ethno-religious clashes and the promotion of economic being dissipated on fractious long been released, thereby expeditiously amend the the chairman of the forum and intolerance, cultism, drug development and the human endeavours.” encouraging criminal conduct constitution to vest all on-shore former Minister of Agriculture, addiction and kidnapping for rights of citizens. The governor maintained and promoting dangerous minerals, including petroleum Chief Audu Ogbeh. ransom, are now triggering a He explained: “There is no that: “The situation in which self-help. in the states now.” It said: “On insecurity, the rising call for secession as well choice between human rights the security agencies mostly He said delays in the One of the discussants at forum expressed displeasure as politicization of ethnic and and security operations. All only react to cases of banditry dispensation of justice in the meeting and Chairman of at the state of affairs in the religious differences. legitimate security operations and abduction is unacceptable. Nigeria has made criminals to First Bank Plc, Mrs. Ibukun North and in the country in “Bluntly put, the insecurity in a democracy should strive “We are in a war with these fall more in love with the courts Awosika, said the call for general. and its manifestations pose a to protect the human rights terrorists who are challenging than the innocent, adding that the breakup of the country “The forum condemned dangerous threat to the unity of of citizens. the sovereignty and the this is unsustainable and is coming several decades the activities of insurgents, the country and its continued “That they are neutral in monopoly of the instruments of unacceptable. too late since independence. kidnappers and bandits in existence as one indivisible their operations and do not coercion of the Nigerian state He lamented that at the In an impassioned virtual the North saying that their nation.” act on the basis of political and its territory. sub-national levels, states contribution, Awosika called activities are killing the peace He queried: “How did we considerations.” “Our security forces must and local governments have on Nigerians to tend to the and progress for which the get here and what can we do He said further that the collaborate to take the war limited power, though they challenges that will make north was noted for when the to change the narrative?” persistent demands for to them, recover and restore have various options for the the country a better nation, founders of the region were Mohammed said finding true federalism must be the un-governed forests these exercise of soft-power, using warning that the political class in power.” a solution to the problems addressed, if Nigerians are terrorists occupy and enable the traditional institutions, would not have any power if The communiqué noted that would require teamwork, to get the assurance that their our law-abiding citizens to community and political leaders the country eventually splits the forum decried the utterances reflecting all diversities, and full participation, safety and engage in their legitimate at the grassroots – but which along regional division. of some actors and leaders who leveraging on the entire nation’s welfare within the state are pursuits, including farming still need coercive power to "Now is the time to save our had sought to inflame regional, collective creativity to pursue to be guaranteed. and livestock production, be effective. country. We need to decide on ethnic and religious passions with diligence the project of He recalled that the without fear.” The governor stated that our national consensus. If the out of the current situation in rescuing Nigeria. Constitutional Conferences The governor argued that unless state governments, local elite cannot do that, we should the country. According to him, the organised by the Obasanjo and bandits had lost their right to governments, emirs, chiefs and challenge ourselves and ask The northern leaders called correct starting point towards Jonathan administrations both life under the constitution and community leaders know that what kind of leadership we on Nigerian leaders to exercise addressing these myriad of got their constitutional reform must be wiped out in their the state can protect them and need," Awosika said. restraint in their utterances in problems is the building of an agendas derailed. entirety. deal with criminal elements Other discussants were the current circumstances. elite consensus on the security, “The present legitimacy The governor said every decisively, the exercise of soft Prof. Chudi Uwazurike, Prof. The communique said the unity, indissolubility and crisis facing the Nigerian Nigerian who is concerned power is reduced to weak Saka Nuru and Prof. Kokunre ACF was also briefed by peaceful existence of Nigeria. state should be seen as an about the danger insecurity appeals to behave well. Eghafonaas. parents of the kidnapped According to the minister, opportunity to address the posed to national cohesion “Too many carrots without The meeting was attended students of Federal College of such elite consensus had issue of true federalism with should appreciate the sticks lead to the near-anarchy by the Minister of Defence, Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, worked in the past, adding: the seriousness it deserves,” importance of securing a we are witnessing, he said, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), Kaduna, who were abducted in “This is why we have decided Ibrahim said. collective understanding of contending: “Notions of and his counterparts from the school on March 11, 2021. to bring all critical stakeholders Also addressing the the problems and the solutions. common humanity, not to talk Agriculture, Environment, together, under a Town Hall gathering, the Kaduna State el-Rufai argued: “The of a common citizenship is not Police Affairs, Interior, Continued on page 12 meeting setting, to deliberate governor said the country is Nigerian state has not jealously as widely or deeply shared as State Foreign Affairs, State POPE URGES IMF, W’BANK TO CUT POOR NATIONS’ DEBTS debt burden of the poorest described as “justly financed Meanwhile, in a statement growth remains 5.4 per cent in crisis and the massive nations, which has been vaccine solidarity.” by OPEC to the International 2021, saying that measures to oil demand contraction, exacerbated by the pandemic. He added: "We cannot allow Monetary and Financial stem the spread of COVID-19 OPEC and 10 non-OPEC "The notion of recovery the law of the marketplace to Committee (IMFC) via Video- not only severely affected participating countries cannot be content to a take precedence over the law conference, the cartel said that global economic growth, they under the ‘Declaration of TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % return to an unequal and of love and the health of all." the global oil market was on also caused a historic demand Cooperation (DoC) acted CHIPLC 0.03 0.34 9.6 unsustainable model of With inoculation campaigns the verge of collapse before shock in the oil market, which swiftly and decisively to JAPAULGOLD 0.05 0.58 9.4 economic and social life, in poor African countries its intervention to stabilise it. led to extreme volatility in contribute to more stability in where a tiny minority of lagging far behind those of Describing the COVID-19 oil prices. the oil market, by voluntarily OANDO 0.16 3.26 5.1 the world's population owns the rich world, particularly pandemic as one of the It explained that the impact adjusting production. AIICO 0.06 1.26 5.0 half of its wealth," the pontiff the United States and Britain, most severe crises in recent of the lockdown measures “These are the largest ZENITHBANK 0.80 21.80 3.8 said in the letter to the world the pope further appealed to history, OPEC noted that in have disproportionally and longest in duration bodies. political and business leaders 2020, countries around the affected mobility and thereby in the history of the oil TOP LOSERS NGN % Financial chiefs of the to provide "vaccines for world virtually shut down, fuel demand, with world oil industry, lasting until well ROYALEXCH 0.03 0.36 7.6 group of 20 large economies all, especially for the most imposed travel restrictions and demand now estimated by the into 2022. These joint efforts JAIZBANK 0.04 0.62 6.0 on Wednesday extended a vulnerable and needy." mandated social-distancing secretariat to have contracted succeeded in driving down suspension of debt servicing "It is my hope that in these measures. by a very significant 9.5 mb/d the unprecedentedly high HONEYWELL 0.06 1.13 5.0 costs for developing countries days, your formal deliberations It stated these measures are in 2020 and is forecast to grow commercial oil inventories,” DAARCOMM 0.01 0.20 4.7 but fell short of cancelling and your personal encounters still necessary in some regions by around 6.0 mb/d in 2021. OPEC said. LINKASSURE 0.04 0.80 4.7 debt or expanding debt relief will bear much fruit for the to combat new waves of Similarly, it disclosed that OPEC reaffirmed its as requested by non-profit discernment of wise solutions infections and virus mutations, non-OPEC supply suffered commitment to supporting HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 organisations. for a more inclusive and stressing that recovery to from the unprecedented oil market stability for the Volume: 145.332 million shares “Financial markets need sustainable future. A future pre-pandemic levels is not events and is estimated to mutual benefit of consuming to be underpinned by laws where finance is at the service yet projected for 2021. have declined by around and producing nations and Value: N1.575 billion and regulations that ensure of the common good, where Following an estimated 2.5 mb/d in 2020, while it contributing significantly Deals: 3,525 they work for the common the vulnerable and the decline of 3.5 per cent in is forecast to grow by around to addressing the common good,” the pope said. marginalised are placed at 2020, OPEC reiterated that 1 mb/d in 2021. challenges to the global As at yesterday 8/4/2021 He also called for what he the centre," he said. its forecast for global economic “In response to the global economy. See details on Page 39 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 FRIDAY, ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY NEWS CBN Gets Court Order to
ObinnaFreeze Chima period of193 45 days, pending MoreIn addition, some of the daysBank from today. Any person regulator Accounts may have sought When contacted for the outcome of the ongoing individual bank accounts or persons that is aggrieved the court order to enable clarification, the Acting The Central Bank of Nigeria investigation. affected were listed as by this order shall approach it to investigate suspicious Director of the Corporate (CBN) has obtained three The affected accounts in the Nuhu Abubakar (three bank this court to seek to set aside, transactions on the accounts Communications Department, different court judgments three suits posted on the CBN accounts); Adenmosun Lateef discharge or have the order allegedly linked to illegal Osita Nwanisobi, declined from the Federal High Court, website yesterday, belong to Jimoh (five bank accounts); reviewed without waiting for foreign exchange operators comments on the Abuja to freeze an additional Bluebeam Capital Limited, Lateef Adenmosun (six bank the expiration of 45 days in excess of $160 million. investigation, but noted 193 bank accounts belonging whose 59 separate accounts accounts); Sani Abdullahi given in the law, but upon But the finding revealed that the CBN would do all to corporates and individuals, were listed; 33 separate bank (three bank accounts); Ezeh good reasons shown. that the bank accounts owned within its mandate and the pending the outcome of accounts in different banks Onyebuchi C (three bank “The order is renewable by a certain Albert Austin extant laws of the country the investigation into the belonging to Sethwealth accounts); Okpalaugo Ifeanyi on expiration upon good Ugochukwu and five other to check any act contrary to allegations of foreign exchange Ventures; 17 bank accounts Paul; Chinweuba Okoye reasons shown. This suit is business concerns were its goal of ensuring sanity in (FX) infractions against those belonging to Seasons Bureau Sunday; among others. adjourned to May 17, 2021, alleged to be involved in in the Nigerian foreign exchange affected. De Change; Lat-Ade Logistics In all the cases, the judge for mention.” operating as illegal foreign market. This comes less than 24 (four bank accounts); Sani ruled that the orders were Meanwhile, more facts exchange operators; an act According to him, it was hours after the central bank Polo Concept Enterprises granted, “in the interim and emerged yesterday about the that contravenes the Foreign the Bank’s statutory duty to revealed it had gotten a court (five bank accounts); Saneo shall last for only 45 days court order to freeze the bank Exchange (Monitoring & maintain external reserves to order to freeze 11 bank Global Resources (eight bank pending the conclusion of an customers’ accounts. Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, safeguard the international accounts. accounts); Romvic Ventures investigation by the CBN.” For instance, sources close 1995 and Section 58(1) of the value of the Naira, hence it The court ruled that there Limited (seven bank accounts); It added: “The applicant to the CBN disclosed that for Banks and Other Financial would carry out actions to should be a restriction on and Enychristo Enterprises (CBN) shall publish this order the 11 bank accounts that were Institutions Act (BOFIA) 1991 check the pressure on the the affected accounts for a (three bank accounts). in its website within three published on Wednesday, the (as amended). foreign exchange rate. FG FINGERS INSECURITY AS TRIGGER FOR RISING SECESSIONIST AGITATIONS It said: “The forum regretted forum also received reports on calling on reprisal attacks Forum believes in dialogue ungodly acts. hub since the forum itself that the kidnapped students “the unfortunate killings of on Igbos and their business and consultation as a way of “No religion that is practised cannot engage in business had remained in captivity and some northerners in the South- interests in the North. bringing peace and normalcy in Northern Nigeria permits activities. the Kaduna State government east that seemed suspicious” It stated: “We the Arewa back to our troubled region such sinful acts like holding The communique added has not done much to get them and called on security agencies Consultative Forum stand and nation.” other human beings as that already, contacts have released. to investigate the killings and against all lawless acts of The forum also condemned hostages for financial reward,” been made with the minister “The forum agreed to take fish out the culprits. self-help and call on all the payment of ransom to the communique said. of the FCT and some state up their plight with the state The communique warned northern youths to stop such bandits and called on the It announced the setting up governors of the North who government and the federal the “youths who have evil plans. They do not enjoy hoodlums and insurgents who of an outfit called “ARECON have promised them land to government too.” suddenly started distributing our support. are holding other citizens as Integrated,” to serve as its facilitate the take-off of the The communique said the messages on social media “The Arewa Consultative hostages to desist from such business arm and industrial company. AISHA IS PRESIDENCY’S VOICE OF CONSCIENCE, SAYS TINUBU as the voice of the voiceless. is happening in the country. constitutional context within every once in a while she airs that no girl should get even argue that when you Tinubu, who was the “Mrs. Buhari never shies which the president's wife her own personal struggles, married before the age of 17. are in this gilded cage chairman of the event, from what she believes in. has moulded the position her annoyance, in a manner, It is from her own experience otherwise known as the described her as a human This makes her a reliable and of the First Lady in Nigeria. probably unprecedented in of being married at 19 and presidency, you are not being of deep convictions true advisor to her beloved Also speaking, Osinbajo the role of the First Lady her single-mindedness and supposed to be seen to say and feelings that is more husband. No doubt that Mr. said Aisha had redefined anywhere.” determination in ensuring some things but I think it than passionate about her President’s administration the office of the First Lady. The vice president stated that our educational pursuits is in that candour that we husband and her family. has been enriched because He noted that she had further: "There is no question were not aborted by her have the authenticity of our According to him, "You of her active role and the taken steps outside the that Aisha Buhari is different. obligations as a wife and First Lady and that is what can plainly see she loves teamwork that exists between box of what used to be the Her difference has been mother. endears her to the majority of them deeply. This depth husband and wife." traditional roles in Nigeria's empowering for the Nigerian "We also get a glimpse Nigerians, that is also what of feeling extends to a Tinubu also stressed that presidential history, adding people and there is never any of the role she considers being different is about.” love of country. From the Aisha's voice of conscience that her unusual approaches question that her comments primary, to borrow the Over N150 million was very onset, she was totally in the presidency had had endeared her to the come from a good place, a expression, Mum-in-Chief to realised at the public committed to ensuring the considerably helped in the citizens. place of genuine love and Halima, to Yusuf, to Zarah, presentation of the biography success of the campaign of functioning of the Buhari-led According to him, Aisha respect for the Nigerian to Hanan and Chuchu, and with the business magnate, then-candidate Buhari and administration. has regaled the Nigerian people and our several now many grandchildren. Alhaji Aliko Dangote buying later to the success of the He noted the First Lady's public with many firsts, concerns." Her personal attention in the a copy of the book with administration of President sterling contribution during including opening up her To capture the First Lady, lives of her children, each N30,000 as the cover price Buhari.” the 2015 presidential office through social media Osinbajo also quoted her and every one of them, and for N30 million. The former Lagos State campaign that culminated in outlets and connecting with husband, Buhari, who her fierce protection of their Tinubu also bought a governor said she had a the then-candidate Buhari's the public in real-time. said: “Aisha, as the world privacy and individuality, copy for N20 million, Chief naturally strong connection eventual victory and the On the book, the vice has come to know her, is is a lesson in bringing up Kessington Adebutu, who with the average person current functioning of the president declared: "Dr. kind-hearted. This made her children under the scrutiny was represented bought a because she speaks with presidency. Hajo Sani has written a transition to philanthropy of a sometimes mischievous copy for N25 million and sincerity and belief. He stated that the most engaging book on and humanitarianism easily. press. businesswoman, Mrs. Bola “We noticed this very president's wife had an incredibly fascinating When she became First "Perhaps because of the Shagaya bought copies for early during the historic continued to play uplifting, person, Her Excellency, Aisha Lady, her protective mien undefined nature of their N10 million, among others. 2015 campaign. Thus, we unifying roles both in symbol Buhari, Nigeria's First Lady. was exerted when women, positions, it was Michelle Those who graced the convinced her to play a and substance, adding that It's unlikely that any First children and other vulnerable Obama who said famously occasion include Secretary vocal and visible role in that she has been "a voice of Lady in Nigeria's history has, people are abused. that there is no handbook to the Government of groundbreaking campaign. conscience calling us to be in such a few short years, "I've observed with kin on how to be the First Lady the Federation (SGF), Her efforts contributed to our better selves for the good captured the imagination of interest as she addresses and sometimes the uncertain Boss Mustapha, who was her husband’s success. She of the nation and for the Nigerians as profoundly as many of the social concerns impact of their rules on the represented by the Head helped him make history betterment of the weakest, Aisha Buhari. that have given her sleepless affairs of state. of the Civil Service of the during that campaign. most vulnerable among us. "She's, of course, the first nights. She has, therefore, Fayemi, who spoke on Federation (HCSF), who Since coming to the office "As such she has been a First Lady to be on Twitter, been a worthy partner and a behalf of the governors, delivered his welcome of the First Lady, she has strong pillar of support not on Instagram, and other beacon for some of the good said the frankness of remarks; Deputy President not stopped making history,” only to the president but social media platforms, things that Nigerians have Aisha endears her to many of the Senator, Senator Ovie Tinubu said. also to the Nigerian people getting her unfiltered views come to identify with our Nigerians. Omo-Agege; Director- The APC national leader whom they both serve with across to the Nigerian people government.' And I concur. He said though the First General of the World said she had also been an such patriotic commitment and she's probably the first I agree." Lady’s “candour may appear Trade Organisation (WTO), active and dedicated voice and high purpose,” he to receive, in real-time, the On the book's expose in a manner of indiscretion,” Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to those whom society said, adding: "First Lady opinions of Nigerians on her on the First Lady's girl the governors are proud to (recorded message); and sometimes forgets, adding Aisha Buhari has done a views. child advocacy and her be associated with her as the Deputy Secretary-General of that she gives comfort to the masterful job melding the "With her views, forthright, stand that no girl should defender of the defenceless. the United Nations (UN), Dr. broken and seeks relief for calls of tradition and the crisp, truthful and once in be given out in marriage He said: “If you are Amina Muhammed (recorded the destitute. imperatives of today into a while controversial, she before accomplishing looking for the voice of message). According to Tinubu, no a creative, benevolent role has established an ongoing primary and secondary the voiceless, the defender Others include wife of the one can doubt her concern, that has enriched society conversation with the schools education, Osinbajo of the defenceless, if you vice president, Mrs. Dolapo adding that her care for and the art of governance.” Nigerian people. The issues noted: "We understand the are looking for candour, Osinbajo; former First Lady, the wellbeing of women, The APC leader also that concern them most, the roots of her relentless pursuit courage, for commitment, Dr. Patience Jonathan; former children and the powerless commended the author issues that concern us the in these past years of the you have no other place to Minister of Niger Delta has established the standard of the book, not just for most; good governance, empowerment of women, go than in the direction of Affairs, Pastor Godsday for the office of the First documenting the background, security, putting food on the especially through education, her Excellency, the First Lady Orubebe; the Ooni of Ife, Lady for years to come. education, career, family table, the education of our the need for young girls to of the Federal Republic (of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Tinubu said Aisha had and public life of Aisha children, prompt payment of get primary and secondary Nigeria), Dr. Aisha Buhari. Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad shown that a First Lady in an enjoyable, easily pensions to army veterans, education before getting “Yes, that candour may Abubakar III; wife of former should not stand aloof readable manner, but also drug abuse, the violation and married. appear in a manner of vice president, Mrs. Amina and detached from what in narrating the political and victimisation of women and "We understand her stand indiscretion. Some might Sambo, among others. FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] FOR LOUIS, FOR EMMA Tunde Olusunle pays tribute to Okoroma and Ugorji, two outstanding journalists
onday March 15, 2021, we woke up to the sad news political scientist and analyst, and therefore survived the merit-based, of the shocking demise of a long time colleague and Ogunbiyi-inspired reorganisation of the Daily Times. friend, Louis Okoroma. He was reportedly at work in Okoroma was educated at two of Nigeria’s most notable universities. the Atiku Media Office (AMO) for short, in Abuja, on He attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with MWednesday March 10, 2021. For the better part of the a degree in Political Science in 1983 and earned a Master’s degree at last decade, he was on the staff of AMO. the University of Lagos. He welcomed you with this unmissable, big, Paul Ibe, head of the Atiku Media Team who announced Okoroma’s friendly smile, whenever you encountered one another on the corridors departure, noted that he was his lively self that day and wished his of the newsroom block. We took turns to stroll on that corridor to catch colleagues a nice weekend as he left the office. Within the next 24 hours, our breaths, particularly when you needed some inspiration to push however, Okoroma was no more. forward with your writing. Tuesday March 30, 2021, which coincidentally, was my birthday, At the outset of the Obasanjo Presidential Campaign in 1998, another one hit me from the page of a Whatsapp chatroom to which the Okoroma was one of the young journalists called up by the Director departed Okoroma also belonged. A post by a member of the platform of Publicity of the Campaign at the time, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, had expressed sadness at the demise of Emmanuel Ekwueme Ugorji. I to help drive the project. Following Obasanjo’s victory at the polls, subsumed my disbelief under the fact that I knew Emmanuel Ugorji, but Okoroma sought greener pastures in Abuja, the nation’s administrative didn’t know Emmanuel Ekwueme Ugorji. capital, in 1999. First, he served as media assistant to the Minister of I quickly made calls to colleagues in the media who should know. Works and Housing in the new government, Chief Tony Anenih. He The news was confirmed from all the sources I spoke with. Emmanuel was subsequently absorbed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Ekwueme Ugorji, was the same as Emmanuel Ugorji. He reportedly a parastatal of the Ministry of Works and Housing. He subsequently closed from work on Monday March 29, and was driving home to teamed up with the Atiku Media Office, where he functioned until his Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, when he had a fatal automobile accident. He demise. didn’t survive it. A very tragic prelude to Okoroma’s exit, was the death of his wife, By a curious twist of fate, Ugorji like Okoroma, was also on the staff two months before him. Okoroma was therefore widower himself, just of the AMO. Thunder had struck twice in the same vicinity within a before his children, very sadly, were consigned to becoming orphaned. fortnight of each other. This was doubly devastating. Ugorji also attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was I have known about the AMO since the twilight of the administra- correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria in the State House, tion of President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2007. With the rift between Abuja, when I served as a presidential aide on media liaison and Obasanjo and his Deputy, Atiku Abubakar culminating in the wholesale special duties at various times, under the administration of President decimation of the Office of the Vice President, at the time, Atiku’s media Olusegun Obasanjo. I got along very well with the press corps because handlers suggested the creation of such an outfit, to help ensure that the archetypal bonhomie of the newsroom never left me. Sola Atere, Obasanjo did not extinguish Atiku from national and international Martins Oloja, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Yomi Odunuga, Emeka Nwankpa, media consciousness. It was a concept to keep Atiku in the fore of public Madu Onuorah, Ola Awoniyi, Paul Odenyi, Ibrahim Modibbo, Cletus discourse in a milieu where he was being run aground by his Principal. Akwaya, among others, all of the State House Press Corps, were my Pioneer members of the AMO included Garba Shehu, incumbent good friends too. Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari who was Emma would hail me “La Tunde” and in turn, I will give him that Head of the Team; late Dr Adinoyi Onukaba Ojo, who was Managing kind of hug that made our tummies come together, since we were both Director, Daily Times of Nigeria, and subsequently Senior Special modestly gifted in that section of the human anatomy. He harboured Assistant on Media to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Prof Adeolu no grudges against anyone, he was just your regular easygoing friend. Akande, who was also an Advisor to former Vice President Atiku Emma was witty, a fantastic guy. Abubakar. Akande is now Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Presidential foreign trips meant trimmer, more compact media Commission (NCC). teams. Travelling on the advance party, usually a few days ahead of the Louis Okoroma and I were editorial staffers of the Daily Times of president, brought you closer to your media colleagues and friends. You Nigeria Plc in those years of the glorious ascent of the organisation, travelled together on the same flights and laid over while in transit at under the leadership of the inimitable and charismatic Dr Yemi various airports across the world together. You stayed in the same hotels Ogunbiyi between 1989 and 1991. I started out in Sunday Times, the at your destination, had your meals together in the dining facilities of weekly publication of the newspaper colossus, while Okoroma was in those hotels and interacted with the host Nigerian Embassy to ensure a Timesweek, the weekly magazine from the stable of Daily Times. It was successful presidential trip. All of these promoted bonding between you later re-christened Times International as part of the Ogunbiyi project of as a government official and the pressmen. revamping and revitalizing the various publications in the newspaper Following his retirement from the NAN a few years back, Ugorji octopus. THE DEMISE OF LOUIS OKOROMA AND teamed up with the Atiku Media Office where he worked diligently, Fresh hands were recruited from the media and the academia, to EMMANUEL UGORJI IS A SAVAGE BLOW NOT until his tragic death. The car he was driving home that evening of work with subsisting personnel, in repositioning the organisation. ONLY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE FAMILIES OR Monday March 29, 2021, somersaulted on the Kubwa Expressway and Okoroma, however, was one of the serving staff who were retained on THEIR EMPLOYER, BUT ALSO TO THE MEDIA gave him no window for escape. his own professional merit. To be sure, Okoroma acquitted himself as a FRATERNITY IN NIGERIA Dr Olusunle, poet and journalist, wrote from Abuja THE RISE IN WATER-RELATED DISEASES IN LEKKI Increasing cases of dysentery and diarrhea infections have raised concerns in the Lagos rich suburb, writes Michael Owhoko elp! Lekki residents are exposed to Water Corporation (LWC) to build water facilities. tanks to deliver and sell water to Lekki residents. cloning the rebranded models. They too want to water-related diseases engendered Regrettably, this has encouraged all manner of Nothwithstanding, there are concerns about hygiene. remain in business. by sub-standard and unregulated water merchants, using boreholes, tanker trucks and These tanker trucks are seldom washed, and Despite lack of full-proof purity, Lekki residents sources of water supply. Increasing bottled water with questionable hygienic conditions are prone to contamination. Some of these trucks believe they are better off with bottled water than Hcases of dysentery and diarrhea- lacking capacity to pass purity test, to flood the area have been in operation for over 10 years, yet, drinking directly from boreholes and tanker trucks. induced pathogenic bacteria with their products. operators do not deem it fit to wash them, thereby This desperation to consume any water in bottle has infections have sparked concerns on public health in With an estimated water consumption of 90 mil- exposing residents to infections. Besides, in the exposed residents to unprepared risk. the area. lion gallons per day (MGD) by Lekki residents out course of dispensing water, tanker trucks pollute the If the National Agency for Food and Drug Water is an essential element in human life, of the probable 800 MGD demand in the state, LWC environment through generation of noise and carbon Administration and Control (NAFDAC) did its job and inability to have access to clean water makes is indifferent to the plight of the people as nothing monoxide, causing health hazards. proficiently, and refusing any form of corruption healthy living a hazardous matter. It is particularly to show succour is on the way. Desperation to This leaves Lekki residents helpless, confining infection, activities of fake water dispensers would worrisome for a cosmopolitan community like Lekki bridge supply gap has forced residents to embrace them to bottled water, which they believe, are have been curtailed. to live without guaranteed potable water, especially, these questionable boreholes, water tankers and reliable. But they are wrong! The risk of contami- Recall that in February 2016, a former Lagos during this COVID-19 era when the importance of bottled or sachet water, worsened by the absence nation in bottled and sachet water is also high due Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris was regular washing with clean water is emphasized by of quality control and assurance by regulatory to adulteration and imitation fueled by greed. reported to have disclosed that 25 children died after World Health Organisation (WHO). authorities. Therein lies the danger. There are so many bottled water brands in circu- drinking pathogen-infected water at Otodo Gbame It is a fact that Lekki conjures image of affluence Take the boreholes for example. The peculiar lation, all contending to capture the Lekki market community, Ikate, Eti-Osa Local Government Area and comfort, going by splendid architectural edifice topography of Lekki makes borehole water not share. Those who believe their brands lack the of the state. There are still many of such communi- and exquisite relaxation spots sprawling all over the reliable. The water is characterized by mixture of capacity to compete, resort to producing counterfeit ties along the Lekki corridor with their peculiar place, but beneath these allures, is a menace – lack of iron, salt and colour due to contamination induced, by faking notable brands already enjoying market water tales. drinkable water. If water is life, yet, it is extremely perhaps, by non-availability of thick protective patronage. That is why at party venues in Lekki, Implicitly, it is not by fluke that the biggest difficult to source, it means there is no life in Lekki, layer. Even the recommended borehole depth of empty bottles of consumed water of big brands are private hospital and, diagnostic and laboratory and unfit to be part of “Centre of Excellence”. approximately 230m to 260m by the LWC is defied quickly taken away by quacks for recycle. medical centre in Lagos State are located in Lekki. By Lekki, I mean the geographical area straddling by the water table structure, and does not guarantee The impact is manifested in poor sales returns for Obviously, the presence of these medical facilities is between the Tollgate and Victoria Garden City purity. these notable brands when compared to their vis- the outcome of well researched feasibility studies. (VGC). Despite its aquatic location bordered by the Though a few of the estates in Lekki have ibility in the market. This simply means that some Even in elementary economics, proximity to market sea and the lagoon, clean water is hard to find due boreholes and treatment plants, and complying with of those known products are just synthetic of the is a strong consideration for location of industries. to its peculiar topography. the recommended depth of LWC, the water is not genuine brands. This has forced some of the honest With water-related diseases on the rise in Unfortunately, the Lagos State Government has clean and fresh enough to reassure residents of its big water firms to rebrand and redesign their labels, Lekki, there is guaranteed and fertile business for failed over the years to address this challenge, and wholesomeness. Residents are therefore compelled bottles, caps and lids. It is aimed at reestablishing promoters of medical facilities. Patients are not only nothing on ground to suggest it is a priority. There to limit usage to other forms of domestic activities, their unique identity and retention of market share. available, financial capacity of patients are also a is no water infrastructure in Lekki. Of all the save for drinking. But has this rebranding strategy worked? Who reassuring incentive. network of water mains and spur service lines that Ironically, Ajah, an area adjacent Lekki, has good can differentiate original from fake? Your guess Dr. Owhoko, journalist and author, is the run throughout the state, none is linked to the area. water table with thick protective layer. This has led is as good as mine. As the genuine ones rebrand, Publisher of Media Issues, an online newspaper And there appears to be no plans by the Lagos to emergence of water vendors who use trucks/ the interlopers are also quick to raise their bars by found at www.mediaissuesng.com. THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ 2021 15 EDITORIAL TACKLING POVERTY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Leaders should promote economic growth through good governance ontrary to the situation in other Saharan Africa can largely be attributed to the parts of the world where the region’s venality and impuissant economic and number of poor people has social policies. Others assert that the region’s declined, Nigeria and other economic woes lie in the lack of well-structured sub-Saharan African countries institutions. However, poverty in sub-Saharan currently account for half of the Africa could be traceable to a number of factors like global poor. That is the verdict lack of democracy, poor management of resource of the World Bank in a recent and revenues, high level of corruption, weak rule of report which states that for the last several decades, law, and lack of infrastructure. Other factors which CEast Asia and Pacific, South Asia and sub-Saharan can also be both causes and after-effects of poverty Africa have accounted for some 95 per cent of are overpopulation, crime, war, discrimination, global poverty. However, according to the bank in poor access to affordable health care, malnutrition, its policy research note entitled ‘Ending Extreme diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, which Poverty and overwhelmingly afflict poor sub-Saharan African IT IS IMPORTANT TO TACKLE Sharing Prosper- countries. HIGH LEVEL CORRUPTION ity: Progress and The inability of governments to control or ef- WHICH HAS IN MOST OF THE Policies’, the com- fectively manage things like erosion, desertification position of poverty and overgrazing, geographic factors such as access COUNTRIES, EXACERBATED across the three to fertile land, fresh water, minerals, energy, and THE POVERTY OF regions has shifted other natural resources have continued to contrib- MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE dramatically. ute to the expanding poverty in the sub-continent. “In 1990, East Yet those living in poverty, experts say, suffer lower Asia accounted for half of the global poor, whereas life expectancy as millions of people die every year some 15 per cent lived in sub-Saharan Africa; by due to lower access to quality healthcare induced 2015 forecasts, this is almost exactly reversed: sub- by poverty. Saharan Africa accounts for half of the global poor, It is therefore time for leaders in sub-Saharan with some 12 per cent living in East Asia. Poverty Africa to muster the political will to deal with is declining in all regions but it is becoming deeper poverty which can be eradicated if they promote and more entrenched in countries that are either THISDAY economic growth, women empowerment, good EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI conflict-ridden or overly dependent on commodity DEPUTY EDITOR ˜ ˜ governance and access to health care rather than exports. The growing concentration of global MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO depending on development aid from developed poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is of great concern”, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR countries. Put simply, sub-Saharan Africa policy- CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI said the World Bank in the report. EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL makers should enact policies and programmes That poverty has become an ever-present situ- MANAGING EDITOR that ensure a fair distribution of economic growth ation in sub-Saharan Africa should be of great amongst its citizens. concern to our leaders most of whom are used to It is also important to tackle high level corrup- mouthing the cliché that we have no business being THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED tion which has in most of the countries, exacerbated EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN poor. However, what most of them fail to under- GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ˜ ˜ the poverty of majority of the people. By diverting stand is that poverty goes beyond the shortage of ˜ JEOMA NWOGWUGWU, scarce resources to private hands at the expense of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, ˜ common things such as food, clothing, shelter and ANTHONY OGEDENGBE much needed projects such as schools, hospitals, safe drinking water, all of which determine the DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR roads and reliable institutions, poverty is being quality of life. It is inclusive of educational attain- SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR reinforced. This challenge must be addressed. And ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ˜ ment and gender inequality, for example. But in the CONTROLLERS ˜ ˜ to the extent that literacy rates and tertiary enroll- instant case, we are even talking about people for DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ments are significant drivers of economic growth whom food is a challenge. HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT ̓ and poverty alleviation, there is need to make According to most findings, poverty in sub- TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] education a priority in sub-Saharan Africa.
TO OUR READERS Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details [email protected] . We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. A PALL OF FECAL-MATTER STENCH ENVELOPES MINNA arly onset of rainfall, in “uncontaminated” by other peoples’ practice that they so much enjoy doing. church every Sunday pastors tell them March 2021 at Minna, surely droppings as one prepares oneself for After all, “religion” is meaningless it is haram to shit in the open by the had local meteorologists the series of evening prayers that the without accommodating poverty. I roadside and pastors also tell them scratching their heads but muezzin soon will yell for. (Strange think we are turning philosophy on that it is halal to build toilets in their I am confident that my logic, uh.) It is disconcerting to note its head here. How dare we? Minna is homes. Have you ever spied an ‘un- academic confidant, Salihu that even “hallowed spaces” of the aca- the retirement home of two ex-heads believer’ doing open-defecation in the ESaidu of the Department of Geography demic community (like the frontage of of state and the two local governments heart of Minna built-up area?” Silence. (one whom I am unashamed to call the the Bosso Campus of my school) and headquartered here cannot do any The “okadaman” or “kekeman” is “most intelligent lecturer at my univer- the tract of land facing the magnificent meaningful grassroots public-health doing serious thinking. As I drop off sity”), can effortless explain this slight Central Bank of Nigeria complex that enforcement and promulgation of to pay him his fare, I throw a quick “meteorological quirk” away. Actually, once ringed the side of a branch of public-hygiene codices. Minna is the jab, “do you still think we should be residents of Minna got buffeted by the defunct Oceanic Bank and lying capital of the state of Niger and, thus, called ‘unbelievers?’” As he drives a whiff of blustery windstorm and directly opposite the driveway to a it is the seat of the state government off, the shout of “kai, officer!” rents associated tiny shower-sprays on 19th government judiciary department that and the place of residence of the the air as a term of hail. In my very March 2021 and Saturday 20th March deals with tax matters or something governor yet this town stinks badly. low-cut hairstyle, my ubiquitous jeans 2021. I dread these windy “curtain in that regard have been defaced Interestingly, in my day-to-day interac- and tee-shirts, my big sneakers, and raisers” at Minna because, now, this by horrid eyesores in the form of tions with commercial public-transport my assured gait even at my age, these town becomes a veritable cesspool dried human fecal-matter. These past operators, a minor point of note but ones always assume I’m a policeman of the stinkiest kind. Yes, a cesspool! months, whilst it was still hot, com- with significant implication and rami- in perpetual mufti. Fact is “unbeliev- Minna town has lax public-hygiene muters only sensed the whiff of putrid fication, which does not always occur ers” do not do open-defecation and enforcement measures and thus, matter in the air but with hydration as- to the general population but one in who knows if maybe this “officer” is homesteaders and other yobs plus sociated with rain showers, man, does which I have developed a keen interest out to round up they who are faithful urchins, do open-defecation every- my town of residence stink! What kind is the remark I loosely throw at this practitioners of this “craft.” Walahi where with dedicated regularity. No of urban-space management thrives on segment of Minna society, “You know, talahi, this “officer” pointed out the acre of free space in the urban built-up revelling poverty and total wretched- from Chanchaga neighbourhood in the truth. environment is free from “shit-attack;” ness whence you’d be told that it is a south of Minna to Maikunkele in the in fact, the “freer” and “cleaner” the “religious” duty to accommodate the north and from Kpakungu in the west Sunday Adole Jonah, green-space, the most desirable it poor in all their wretchedness and it is to Maitumbi in the east, you won’t spy Department of Physics, Federal becomes to deposit fecal-matter there even more of a “piety” to tolerate their ‘unbelievers’ doing open-defecation University of Technology, Minna, because one must ensure that one is crude attitudes like the open-defecation because when these ‘unbelievers’ go to Niger State 16 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021
Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY As Amotekun Operations Begin in Ogun Bolu Adeosun welcomes the recent launch of the South-West Security Network codenamed Amotekun in Ogun State o say the very least, in the South-west geopolitical Nigeria is currently at a zone. As he noted, the operatives of crossroads security-wise. the security outfit had been care- Only this week, hoodlums fully selected and trained to secure invaded the fortress lives and properties, while the Thousing the Imo State police com- state government had provided the mand and the Owerri prisons, outfit with vehicles, motorcycles, setting buildings and vehicles communication gadgets, technical ablaze and freeing inmates. Ac- back-ups and the political will for cording to reports, policemen in an effective take-off and efficient the South-east geopolitical zone operation. are afraid to put on their uniforms, The governor indeed harped on and attacks on police and military a very crucial point, namely that formations are heightening in the the provision of equipment and South-south, North-west, North- recruitment of personnel would east and North-central zones. The be a continuous exercise, as the North is groaning under the weight government expected superlative of banditry and kidnapping while performance from the operatives. the South-west, the focus of this His words: “Your role is primarily piece, has become the site of cease- to prevent crime. You are to do this less rampage by nomadic herdsmen through systematic intelligence who abduct, rape, mutilate and gathering and collaboration with butcher people at will, particularly other law enforcement agencies, on farmlands. Food insecurity especially the security network worsens by the day as life becomes agencies of other states. Let me nastier, shorter and more brutish.. at this juncture reiterate and say It is therefore trite noting that the unequivocally that no part of Ogun reality of the moment has made it will be a safe haven for criminals imperative for states to look in- and criminality in whatever form wards in terms of security network, or guise.” Also speaking on the most especially in the South-west. occasion, the Nobel Laureate, These are indeed terrible times. The foregoing explains why the Western Nigeria Security Network Professor Wole Soyinka, com- At no time in history have the codenamed Amotekun, an initiative by the leadership of the South-west mended Prince Abiodun on the Yoruba witnessed the murderous states, has come to stay. Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State last week inauguration, saying that the outfit influx of blood-thirsty herdsmen was set up to complement the like the moment. Farmlands have while inaugurating the state branch of the outfit, Governor Dapo Abiodun work of existing security agencies. become what the Yoruba call eru- placed the Amotekun phenomenon in perspective. He recalled that at Soyinka urged the operatives to jeje (palpable fear); they are sites of the South-West Security Summit held on June 25, 2019, in Ibadan, the be professional in their duties, tragedy. The criminal herders have adding that they must not tamper done a lot of havoc to the psyche governments of the six South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, with the fundamental human of our people; they have made loss Ondo and Ekiti agreed to establish a security outfit to be named Amotekun rights of citizens. Also speaking, of life and property routine. From the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Oke Ogun to Yewa to Akoko, the Gbadebo, noted that the major story has been the same: every part assignment of any government is of the South-west has felt the pangs Why Buhari Should Inaugurate to provide adequate security. The of these marauders. Given the kind Alake lauded Governor Abiodun’s of constitution that the country op- NDDC Board Now efforts, urging the security outfit to erates, restoring normalcy is a big collaborate effectively with other challenge to the chief executive of Boma Ebiakpo, National Chairman of Niger Delta Peoples’ Forum amplifies security agencies. each state. The unitary constitution the strident calls by ethnic nationality groups and governors from the South- With Amotekun on board the se- that the country currently operates curity train in Ogun, the landscape gives states no latitude over the south states on President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the Senate is expected to change dramatically. security situation in their domains. approved board of the Niger Delta Development Commission With proper linkage with com- It is a fact that military and para- munities and community heads and military personnel all take instruc- resident Muhammadu Buhari Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, April regular provision of information by should listen to the voice of reason 1, in accordance with the Act setting up tions from their headquarters in from all well-meaning Niger the intervention agency. the people, criminals will be in for Abuja and not from the governors Deltans, and the elected governors Mr. President, these groups, The IYC, a raw deal in the days ahead. There who are dubiously tagged Chief ofP the region, the true representatives of PANDEF, MOSIEND, and UPU have said will of course be the regular attacks Security Officers of their respective the people, and inaugurate the Senate that anything short of inauguration would from the media mouthpieces of states. It is a regular complaint that confirmed Board of the Niger Delta De- amount to an aberration, and “would be nomadic bloodlust, but it will be most of the people posted by the velopment Commission (NDDC) which resisted by Niger Delta people.” in vain. The Amotekun operatives Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of We also wish to remind President police to man specific areas are not Niger Delta Affairs had promised will be Buhari that during their March 8 meeting should go about their duties with familiar with the terrain. Security inaugurated on April 1, 2021. in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, the patriotic fervor and godly demean- summersaults are thus routine. Beyond the well-stated and estab- South South Governors’ Forum (SSGF) our and end the banditry recently The foregoing explains why the lished case of the illegality of interim chaired by Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State witnessed in parts of Yewaland Western Nigeria Security Network managements, not known to the law also advised that apart from payment of and other places. They should stop codenamed Amotekun, an initiative establishing NDDC, but which have been workers’ salaries, NDDC funds should the menace of people, including superintending over the affairs of the be reserved in an escrow account, pending by the leadership of the South-west Commission since November 2019, there the inauguration of the board. Kabiyesis, being kidnapped and states, has come to stay. Speaking is also the urgent need to douse the rising We recall that the Minister, Senator God- rubbished. In any case, Governor in Abeokuta, Ogun State last week tension in the region which has reached swill Akpabio, had assured Niger Deltans Abiodun’s choice of a retired Com- while inaugurating the state branch fever pitch. in October 2019 that no contract will be missioner of Police as head of the of the outfit, Governor Dapo Abio- The patient but long-suffering people awarded and no contractors will be paid Ogun outfit shows the importance dun placed the Amotekun phenom- of the Niger Delta are beginning to lose pending the conclusion of the Forensic he attaches to the security of life enon in perspective. He recalled their cool over an unending forensic audit Audit which he stated will be completed and property, and the peace and that has been used as guise in the past 18 within six months, to terminate by April that at the South-West Security months to hold down development of 2020. prosperity of the Ogun populace. Summit held on June 25, 2019, in the region despite a whopping approved The expectation was that he would And also worthy of applause is the Ibadan, the governments of the six budget of N799.5 billion that has been quickly conclude the forensic audit quality of people recruited into the South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, squandered by Akpabio’s illegal interim within the stipulated timeframe without outfit, and the equipment provided Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti agreed managements with not a single project to expending the resources of the Commis- for them to excel in their admit- to establish a security outfit to be justify this humongous amount. sion and then inaugurate the substantive tedly daunting duties. But that can Notable groups kicking against the con- board with representatives from the nine named Amotekun. The objective of tinued stay of the Interim Administrator constituent states in line with the Act be no surprise given the governor’s the governors and leaders of the and demanding the immediate inaugura- establishing the Commission record of heavy investment in secu- South-West was the critical need tion of the Senate-approved substantive Rather than do that he has gone ahead rity agencies in the state in terms of to complement the efforts of the Board include the Ijaw Youths Council to expend N799b using various illegal telecommunications, vehicular and Nigeria Police and other security (IYC) Worldwide, Urhobo Progressives interim managements, monies belonging other logistic support. Happily, agencies in the states, especially Union (UPU), Pan Niger-Delta Forum to the entire Niger Delta region, without the Ogun Commissioner of Police, (PANDEF), and the Movement for the representation from them, while posing to with a truly indigenous security Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in be conducting an unending forensic audit Edward Ajogun, has promised that agency that understands the ter- the Niger Delta (MOSIEND). the police would work closely with rain. Abiodun therefore submitted Like the governors of the South-south, the Amotekun outfit in the area that the establishment of the the groups had insisted on the inau- NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the of sharing information and joint security outfit was part of a holistic guration of NDDC board by President online edition on www.thisdaylive.com operations to send criminals out of approach to addressing insecurity the state. THISDAY ˾FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 19
PERSPECTIVE Our Long-shot, Short-cut to Regional and National Transformation Iboro Otu, businessman and politician argues that it is possible to awaken the ‘sleeping’ population who Buhari and Nigeria’s Albatross do not vote for various reasons of Insecurity o evolve to where we are today, the first world has had its share of Chido Nwangwu woes. Heretics have been burnt at , Publisher, USAonline.com the stakes, women excluded from reiterates the singular importance of security as the votingT and humans bought and sold in slave trade. The victory of evolution means foundation for all other indices of development there was a time when these were sound decisions and great business until things Saint Buhari on their war against Boko changed. What changed? Ideas. They say Haram. nothing stops an idea whose time has come. Alas, this, one of my favorite quotes is An idea is like flowing water descending perfect: `”The rules are simple: they lie to the back of a mountain. No matter the us, we know they’re lying, they know we obstacle, it must find its way to the bottom know they’re lying, but they keep lying of the mountain because of gravity. Mind to us, and we keep pretending to believe you, the idea is not the water, it is the them” wrote Elena Getorokhova in ‘A gravity. The water is just a vehicle. Gravity Mountain of Crumbs.’ is constant, so are ideas, so is change. Things On Sunday night January 11, 2015, CNN always must change. International called me to provide some I’ve been unable to write for weeks not insights for a live interview on the Boko because I’m bereft of content but because Haram menace and killings, especially at significant events occur on a daily basis the 18 - 30 age group who make over 65 per Baga. The bloodied Borno city of Baga. I in Nigeria so much so that my material cent of the population. This voter apathy did. become stale even before I send them to arises from lack of credible candidates to To understand the level of impunity and print. However, today I must condense vote for and mistrust in the electoral system. violation of the national security of Nigeria my thoughts. The numerous incessant We have been fighting over the years to ad- by the violent, terrorist radical Islamic attacks on Nigerians by socio-economic and dress both concerns. Our hope is, before the group Boko Haram, you have to know political hoodlums, terrorists and bandits 2023 election, President Buhari would’ve about their horrendous massacre of more are daily as well as dynamic, and although signed the electoral amendment bill to law. than 2,000 persons of all ages and gender we have had many proposed solutions to Coupling that with our our campaign to n April 6, 2021, amidst escalating in Baga. Baga is near Lake Chad and had our national crisis, for me, I always prefer get the international community to activate violence in Nigeria, across every not been conquered by Boko until Friday simple ones, easy steps, low hanging fruits. institutional level punitive measures zone of the country and most January 9, 2015. Boko overwhelmed both It is possible that we can call a referen- against acts of political repressions across local districts in the geo-political the local vigilantes and Nigeria’s armed dum, seek to restructure or secede in order the African continent - of which we are see- Oarea largely known and identified as “the forces near and into Baga . blood flowed for certain regions to exercise regional ing result - would go a long way to mitigate Northern Nigeria” Nigeria’s President like a river. autonomy, but what baffles me is; isn’t it youth voter concerns by more than 50 per Muhammadu Buhari appointed Usman Today, April 9, 2021, Baga is a shadow the same people occupying regional, state cent. Winning on both fronts mean Nigeria Alkali Baba, a Deputy Inspector General, to of itself; assaulted, raped, mangled. Baga, and local governments the people that will stands a survival chance. replace Mohammed Adamu as the acting these days, is a city arrested by fear. Baga be in charge of the new whatever? I am For me, the breaking point for Nigeria Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria is/was emblematic of how Boko Haram’s not convinced that the Nigerian problem would be, if come 2023, the existing political Police Force. The new pick fits the profile vicious clout stretched from one presi- is majorly constitutional or structural, I hegemony succeeds again in putting in of what I will classify as the new genera- dency to another. Borno and nearby areas believe it is to a very large degree a system power, 100 per cent their kind across the tion of police leadership in a notoriously have remained Boko violent playgrounds, problem. It doesn’t matter what region of country. The mindlessness of our existing under-paid, disrespected and many allege the capital territory of their medieval Nigeria you live in, Peoples Democratic ineffective and largely nepotistic political very corrupt force. IGP Baba has major caliphate. Party (PDP) or All Progressives C,ingress office holders would push the already tasks ahead of him. Significantly, Nigeria‘s National Secu- (APC) your representatives at state and lo- divided nation to collapse. It will be organic There’s the issue of credibility of the rity Adviser, retired Major General Baba- cal governments pilfer the little they get and rather than orchestrated. Nigerians are pronouncements by some of the high-rank- gana Monguno, who briefed State House put cronies and family members in position tired. The dissatisfaction of ordinary Nige- ing Police officers whereby the common correspondents at the Council Chamber of power. How is this a constitutional or rians aren’t about constitutional inequality joke in Nigeria is that when Boko Haram, of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after the structural problem? Let’s solve systemic and amendments, regional autonomy via “bandits” or “herdsmen” violently attack August 4, 2020 meeting made a key point problems at local and community level first devolution of powers or whatever it is our and destroy a community, some of the law that “We must bear in mind that we owe a so we can be enlightened enough to rally politicians and non-state actors are bandy- enforcement officials will say “not really… duty to the people that elected this govern- challenge against national ones. ing, it is about systems not working and our it was not by you.” On the other hand, ment and at the end of the day, without Anyways, if the people calling for interests not carried along. With the little when any major incident occurs in the East securing the nation, all other things, such referendum can’t even rally 20 per cent they receive, state governments and local and the IPOB declares it is “not the IPOB”, as revamping the economy and fighting of their voter population to turn up and governments are in far worse management the law enforcement people such as Ad- corruption cannot be addressed.” vote for their candidate - regardless of the and decay than the federal government amu will first insist “it’s the IPOB.” He did The man is right. gimmicks of politicking and electioneer- is. Moving forward then means credible so shortly after the attack that took place I think that Nigeria and the other African ing - how then, can they realistically rally people need to come into politics in over- on the Police Command Headquarters and governments should position their actions people to support a weighty thing like a whelming numbers, stand for elections and the Correctional Facility in Owerri, Imo and policies around the paradigm that referendum or secession or at worst an vote. To my mind, this is the surest short cut. State, on Monday, this week. terrorism since the emergence of human outright war? Regardless of the trickiness at I have informed my constituents I will On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, Buhari, societies and into the 21st century remains balloting and our collation processes, huge again be running for governor of Akwa a retired Army General, to all intents, an issue of domestic consequence. It voter turnout in the first place indicates the Ibom state when the time comes, but it conceded that his government fell short affects the flow of economic investments, desire of the people in support of any form would be foolhardy of us to anticipate a win of what Nigerians deserved in the critical weighing in on the measure for or against of change. An Ibibio adage says, ‘if you by struggling for space within the existing arena of security. I commend Buhari’s international capital, and even the value can’t love the brother or sister you can see, voter demography with the two major honest admission, and willingness to and safety of domestic/internal business. how then can you love the Jesus you can’t political parties. Like it is for any young reposition in order to tackle the high My point? Offering excuses, dealing kid see? It’s just a baffling thought. It all seems fighter occupying a ‘mushroom’ political level of insecurity in Nigeria. gloves or looking the other way believing to me like political gimmickry publicized party space, we have to create a new voter Today April 9, 2021, the sad but true the terror machines will relent is wishful by proponents who have certain powers, base out of the over 70 per cent of eligible state of things is that the situation seems to thinking. They are like elephants; the more interests and reach. voters who don’t vote - white collar, blue get worse, weekly — if not daily. Espe- you feed them, the hungrier they become. Bad as it is, there is an established political collar jobbers and young people - and go cially the Boko Haramites, the “bandits” Logically, therefore, a recurring concern system in Nigeria on which popular ideas, beyond that, get them to fund and partici- and the increasing army of “herdsmen” for Nigerians at home and the diaspora, like Oduduwa Republic for example, can pate in elections. Yes, it is a long shot but it is (translation: AK-47 carrying Fulani foot for American and the international inves- rally regional support and score over- also the only short cut. soldiers) all across the country, the terror- tors remain: are we safe investing to do whelming win in spite of corrupt electoral Our regional and national turnaround ists and soldiers of fortune who are scat- business in most parts of Nigeria? Are process and umpires - because their right depends largely on political participation tered into Mali, Niger, Chad and Nigeria we safe from kidnappers and assorted idea will bring out overwhelming amount of 50 per cent of the voting population are physically imposing their black flags of violence? Curiously, the same government of voters in their candidate’s favor. Because between the 18 - 30yrs age group. As such, medieval theologies and prescriptions as of Buhari is proudly showcasing its launch the truth is, no matter how this war will be come June/July 2021, we will again be the only way. of a “rehabilitation” and “reintegration” fought - ballots or bullets - it will always be putting Akwa Ibom state on stage, pushing Buhari had a meeting with security scheme for “ex” Boko members as a high a numbers game. If one can’t bring out their ‘The Lazarus Project’, embarking on na- chiefs in the country, where he promised mark of its security “achievements.” crowd to vote, they won’t have any to fight tional town hall meetings across the country a complete re-engineering of the “security The evidences are broadcast daily of with either; unless they want to be terror- starting from Lagos, utilizing traditional architecture.” how Nigeria’s armed forces remain, ists or engage in sectarian warfare which media and social media space to address At the heart of the farrago of falsehoods embarrassingly, incapable of protecting all always ends up hurting the people they issues of concern, sell and make attractive is/was the claim that Boko Haram and Nigerians within its borders. intend to protect. political participation and elections just like similar terrorist gangs had been com- The fear of Nigerian elections, especially SMAW (Stingy Men and Women Associa- pletely defeated or subjugated. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the for young participants, is (1) the sheer cost tion) was sold to 50 million of us within a But Nigerians knew they were being online edition on www.thisdaylive.com of it and (2) voter apathy - the inability to get month. It will be sizzling, entertaining and misled by the nepotism government of the major voter block interested in voting; dead serious. 20 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21
Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 RATES AS AT APRIL 1,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 30 % CALL 25 % INDEX LEVEL 558.78 % 1/4 TO DATE -16.64 % N379/1US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 32.50 % 1-MONTH 28 % 1-DAY 0.00 % YEAR TO DATE -16.64 % ̩ 3-MONTH 30 % MONTH-TO-DATE -0.67 %
Quick Takes Azman Apologises to NCAA, Sirika Azman Air has apologized to the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu and Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika over the publication of a letter defaming the person of the Director General after the airline’s operation was suspended. The airline is a statement titled: Our Unreserved Apologies to the Person of the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu,” and signed by its Accountable Manager, Muhammad Hadi Abdulmunaf, stated that an in-house investigation on the matter revealed that, “an oversealous staff” wrote the letter without consultation with and approval of the management. “We wish to unreservedly tender our apologies to both the person of Capt. Musa Nuhu and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. “We state categorically that there wasn’t and, there is still, no iota of truth in the allegations which are capable of damaging the reputations of the DG and the NCAA. We equally extend our apologies to the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, for any embarrassments our actions may have caused him and the government. “We regret every inconvenience caused the DG, NCAA, the Minister of Aviation and the aviation industry in Nigeria as a result of our publication of that falsehood”, the airline said. MEDIA BRIEFING Explaining further, Abdulmunaf said, “On March 21, 2021, we issued a press L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry( LCCI), Dr. Segun Alabi; Vice President, Mrs. statement expressing our surprise and shock at a publication credited to us in which the integrity and reputation of the Director General of the NCAA, Bamidele Daramola; Founding Partner, The Future Project, Debola Williams; and Chief Operating officer, The Future Project, Bukola Capt. Musa Nuhu, came under attack as a result of the decision taken by Adebakin, at a media briefing on the launch of The Future Africa Internship Program in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT the regulator to suspend our operations based on safety considerations. “In the said press release, we denied management’s knowledge and approval for such careless and unfortunate allegations made against the person of the DG but promised to conduct internal investigations as to the source/s Knocks, Kudos Trail New Airport Projects of the allegations.” Chinedu Eze AVIATION excoriated state governments over the FAAN. There should be Ethiopian Records Strong On-time Performance that would build airports and a bandwagon effect from what Ethiopian Airlines said it reached 91 per cent on-time performance of all later hand them over to the global flight departures in the last three months while the industry average Criticisms have continued to has happened here. stands around 85 per cent. The airline operated a total of 18,385 flights in follow the move to establish airport, which is near completion. Federal Airports Authority of “If that happens, FAAN will January, February, and March in which it scored 91 per cent on-time departures. more airports in Nigeria. They also criticised the plan Nigeria (FAAN), which is already be relieved of present burden of “We have recognised from our customers’ feedback that the COVID-19 travel However, some experts hailed of Ebonyi state government to managing many unviable airports managing what today is called requirements, and especially the expiry of negative PCR Test certificates the move, saying it would spur establish an airport, a project from the revenues it is getting unviable airports. All airports can by many countries after 72 hours, have made on-time flight departures and socio—economic development which has already commenced. from about three airports. be viable if you determine how smooth connectivity more important than ever in the past. As a result, our in the states. Additionally, they faulted the However, Aligbe conceded to go ahead and the only way winning team has made it its top priority and achieved record levels of flight Some experts see airport Ogun state government in its recently that some state owned to do it is to bring those who punctuality,” the airline said. projects as unviable and a waste plan to build both cargo and airports could be viable, depend- know how to manage airports. Ethiopian Airline Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said, “As a customer- of resources, saying the resources passenger airports, just as Asaba ing on the location and if they And that is a true concession,” centric airline, we make a substantial investment to enhance our customer service. When customers choose Ethiopian, we make sure that they get the ought to be channeled towards airport which was given out are given out in concession so he said. best possible experience with us including arriving to their destinations on time. providing social amenities such recently to concessionaires was that private sector funds could Travel expert and organiser of “The last three months have been extraordinarily productive in terms as potable water, roads, health not spared by critics. be injected in their development. Akwaba African Travel Market, of efficiency in our flight operation. I am proud of my colleagues who are facilities and others in the states But those in support of the He said concession creates an Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that committed to eliminate any inconvenience for our esteemed passengers.” where such projects are ongoing ongoing airport projects in some opportunity for a world-class building airports is good for the “On-Time Performance refers to an airline departure or arrival that occurs within presently. states, stressed that it would help airport, world-class infrastructure country of about 200 million 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Punctuality is of paramount importance Some aviation industry observ- attract investments and in the to be developed with new ap- because in the new world, for passengers as delay or cancellation affects their itinerary and makes ers frowned upon moves by some long-run support the quest for proach to airport development. people need to move faster passengers incur extra costs.” state governors to establish new diversification of the revenue base “This will be a lesson to other and even existing roads may airports and many of them spoke of the states. governors, who today, spend so not be alternatives because many ICRC Okays Development of Jabi Lake The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has issued recently when the Anambra state Industry consultant and CEO much money building airports, of them are dilapidated and there the Outline Business Case Certificate of compliance on the implementation government unveiled its new of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, and then turn around to hand it is the challenge of insecurity. of the Jabi Lake tourism and recreational project to the FCT Administration, as the project is expected to cost $21 million. Receiving the certificate on behalf of the administration, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, recalled that the administration had amongst its presidential mandates, the tasks to work with the private sector to create FG to Enforce IMO Sulphur Regulation on jobs, and help lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. In a statement with reference number: No.196 HMOS/FCT/PR/2021/ and signed by S.A Media to FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, the Minister Nigerian Waterways revealed that the FCT Administration’s short term strategic development plan was the development of the tourism and recreation potentials of the Eromosele Abiodun MARITIME and cascade knowledge gained to building a sustainable ship- territory in partnership with competent investors, stressing that this was from the trainings to relevant ping future cannot be devoid included in its performance delivery presentation to the Federal Executive The Managing Director of the stakeholders.” of the huge opportunities to Council (FEC) on February 5, 2020. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as IMO Sulphur Regulations She said the NPA had reduce airborne pollution, “In actualising this mandate, the FCTA received and considered an unsolicited Hadiza Bala-Usman, has stated 2020, mandates a maximum been deliberate about the carbon emissions that renewal proposal by Messrs Jabi Lake Leisure Cruise Limited for the transformation that the federal government will Sulphur content of 0.5 per cent improvement of equipment energy technologies such as of Jabi Lake into a tourist destination; providing boat cruises, water sports, adhere to the strict timelines in marine fuels globally. and building the capacity shipyards and energy parks hospitality and many more tourist activities.” for full compliance with and The driver of this change, she of personnel relating NPA’s offers. We are therefore, at the enforcement of the International added, was the need to reduce core navigational and towage forefront of studies to unlock Maritime Organisation (IMO) the air pollution created in the responsibilities. these possibilities.” Sulphur Regulation on Nigerian shipping industry by reducing “The last few months has Also, she said current trends Waterways. the Sulphur content of the fuels shown the capacity of our ports across the world; eloquently Bala-Usman, who stated that ships use. to berth the largest possible speak to the pressing need to “One of this while speaking at a recent She explained: “To demon- vessels anywhere. The need convert Nigeria’s rich natural the biggest forum in Abuja, said by ensur- strate our seriousness, we have to articulate and aggregate gas endowments from potentials ing that all vessels sailing on taken concrete steps towards all energy-transition and to actual dividends. challenges its area of purview satisfy the the procurement of necessary environmental-related port According to her, “Inter- the airlines in requirements of the Safety of tools to enhance our capacity initiatives under one umbrella, nationally and domestically, Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the for Sulphur analysis as well as to facilitate global maritime the recognition and demand Nigeria are Prevention of Pollution from put in place a sanction regime policymaking is also germane, for gas as the safest, most having is that Ships (MARPOL) Conven- for vessels that contravene the and the NPA is keeping tabs effective and environmentally they find it tions, which already include Sulphur regulations. in this regard. friendly source of energy has compliance with chemical “This is in addition to grant- “As vice-chair of the FAL continued to increase and as an difficult to come and gas carrier codes, it has ing approval for continuous committee of IMO, we would organisation that believes in the together” set the groundwork for safe capacity building training for ensure tracking of global policy catalytic role that natural gas deployment of OSVs to facilitate MARPOL compliance inspectors shift and provide the enabling can play in the attainment of Managing Director, Aero movement of gas especially in in all our port locations. We atmosphere for domestication, the Sustainable Development Contractors, bulk as the NLNG does. have also charged our port “she said. Goals of the United Nations, Capt Abdullahi Mahmoud The new regulations, known environment officers to sensitise She added: “Our commitment in particular Goal 7.” 22 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Improving Air Safety through Self-regulation The recent issue concerning the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and Azman Air showed that effective regulation by the agency alone cannot guarantee safety without the commitment of airlines to self-regulate, writes Chinedu Eze
ew days after the Associated Aviation Flight 361 crash on takeoff from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on October 3, 2013, the then Director General of Fthe Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, had addressed industry stakeholders and journalists who accompanied him to visit the victims of the crash in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. He had said while it is the duty of NCAA to regulate the industry, it remains the responsibil- ity of the airlines to ensure that their aircraft are safe and airworthy, noting that the airlines should have the intrinsic desire to fly safely and should do everything possible to ensure that they abide by the given safety standard. In other words, NCAA does not have omniscient powers to know everything. An airline could still hide a lot from the regulatory authority. That was why after one of the tragic ac- cidents some years ago, NCAA concentrated on ensuring that every airline has accountable manager that meet certain critical conditions in terms of qualification, work ethic and subjected to continuous grilling by the authority. Today, many airlines in Nigeria have realised that any accident that happens, no matter which airline that is involved, is a huge setback Azman aircraft for the industry and their own operations. But not all are awake to this reality. From its a component of the aircraft was observed NCAA said. that the police force should stop every single conducts as exposed by recent NCAA report, to have fallen off the aircraft and Air Traffic In addition to so many other infractions, vehicle on the street to ensure that they have Azman Air might not be awake to this reality. Control (ATC) notified the Captain, who NCAA further said the airline’s Accountable complete and valid papers. Just imagine the elected to continue the flight to Lagos. Upon Manager exhibited a lack of understanding number of policemen that will be required in Maintaining Safety Standard arrival in Lagos, the Captain failed to make of his duties and responsibilities as contained a city like Lagos (for example) to carry this There was a story some years ago in the entry in the aircraft technical logbook,” the in the Operations Manuals, which indicated out. Not to mention the disruption it would aviation industry where an airline operator got authority said. lack of evidence of the Accountable Manager’s cause to the daily flow of traffic and other a charter deal with a former Governor from It also explained that Azman Air maintenance involvement in Management Reviews of Quality activities. the South-east but the airline’s chief pilot had team on ground in Lagos were notified of the Audit Findings. “It is an unachievable and unnecessary goal, told the operator that he would not fly the detached part and carried out an inspection, especially when the rules, which govern the aircraft because it was not airworthy. which identified the missing part as the number Arbitrariness and Connection operation of every airline within the Nigerian The operator became incensed and angry three Main Landing Gear’s heatshield. Many Nigerians after reading these reports airspace, are clearly stipulated. It is not right and physically assaulted the chief pilot. But However, NCAA said the maintenance have become apprehensive about travelling to castigate the NCAA in this instance, as the later stood his ground and the flight team neither made an entry in the technical by air. They also gave kudos to NCAA for there appears to be a worrying trend with did not take place. Also, initial report about logbook nor rectified the defect but released being able to intervene at the time it did. But this operator,” he said. the Associated Aviation flight accident had the aircraft for a scheduled passenger flight critics asked, why wait for all these corner He also noted that the NCAA initiates indicated that the aircraft voice alerted the from Lagos to Abuja. cutting and obvious incompetence to take processes when it is necessary to do so and, pilot to abort the flight but he continued with place before intervening? Why didn’t NCAA “in my opinion, on this occasion their action is it and crashed moments after. Suspension and Audit Report stop the airline after noticing the initial lack in order. What is important is that we should Nigerians knew about the second incident All these incidents and infractions prompted of commitment to abide to safety standards? have a robust and simplified system in place” because a crash took place. The first incident was NCAA to suspend the airline and in the audit Some industry stakeholders have criticized The Chief Executive Officer of West Link a story told. But besides weather, malfunctioned report, NCAA listed many violations of the NCAA, saying that the top officials of the Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, said the aircraft and pilot error were behind some of airline and said Azman Air does not have the agency have started “looking at faces” before NCAA has responsibility to ensure all companies the air crashes recorded in Nigeria and all had right personnel required for Commercial Air acting. This means that the law is applied applying to operate aircraft in Nigeria for hire to do with the decisions taken by airlines. So Transport Operations and the airline was found according to the influence the airline owner and reward to obtain an air operator certificate without airlines choosing to fly safely, NCAA not to be in compliance with the provisions of can wield. In other words, a very influential (AOC). may not stop air crashes in Nigeria. the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. operator can do many things, infringing on “The same regulations or law requires all This is why many industry stakeholders CARs) 9.2.2.2 (a) and (e) (2) with regards to the laws and getting away with it. This is such operators to acquire and demonstrate were shocked by NCAA revelations about provision of resources and discharge of the exactly what NCAA autonomy was supposed ability to operate and maintain all equipment Azman Air, which obviously indicated that duties of the Accountable Manager. to eliminate, but indications show that NCAA and machines they will use for such operation the airline management was allegedly cutting The audit revealed that there is complete still take arbitrary decisions, depending on and must demonstrate all stated abilities in corners. non staffing of the Safety Management Depart- who is involved. Some examples can suffice. the manuals they presented they intend to It also showed that the airline does not have ment and staffing of the Quality Management Some years ago an airline, which has gone use as guide. the right personnel that would ensure that Department with only one officer, thereby under now, operated one aircraft for almost one “NCAA having reviewed the qualifications, its operations are subjected to given safety making it impossible to effectively implement year. This was against the regulation that an capabilities and demonstrated abilities will standards. Safety and Quality Management Systems airline must operate minimum of two aircraft. certify them, issue the AOC which entitles the NCAA in a statement issues on March 19, functions as required by Nig.CARs 9.2.2.3 THISDAY also learnt that NCAA could extend operator to function as certified while NCAA 2021, had said it suspended the operations of and 9.2.2.10, respectively. date for mandatory major checks for some henceforth will oversight them. Azman Air, to avert a national tragedy and The report also stated that Azman Air Ltd airlines and not others on the basis of who “The company would have made so many loss of life, “which may become inevitable if was found to be in violation of Nig.CARs interfered for the airline. pledges in their manuals that they demonstrated the airline continues to operate with disregard 18.10.3 regarding the submission of monthly Some industry observers noted that the also during phase four. After certification, for safety procedures.” financial health reports to the NCAA. regulatory authority suspended an airline over NCAA’s role now reduces from certification NCAA said over a period of about six weeks, “This is evidenced in Azman Air’s failure safety concerns and the airline engaged in to oversights and to ensure compliance and Azman Air’s Boeing 737 aircraft operating to meet up with the monthly obligation in the defamation allegation against the Director or apply sanctions as necessary. scheduled passenger flights were involved in submitting the required financial health report General of NCAA said so much about the “Azman failed to demonstrate continuous three separate incidents, resulting in damage for months despite several reminders. Last power the operator believes he wields and also abilities to operate safely in certain areas to the aircraft in each case but with no loss submission was in July, 2020. During this audit, indicated the extend the regulatory authority and NCAA in its wisdom grounded it after of life, “for which we are grateful to God.” Azman submitted reports for December, 2020 had brooked such excesses in the past. positive proof. I personally think what played “During a routine ramp inspection on and January 2021,” the report said. out was a good example of regulating and 10th February 2021, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Azman Air was also found to be in violation Airlines’ Obligation over-sighting,” he said. International Airport, Abuja, NCAA inspectors of Section 12 (1) of Civil Aviation Act, 2006 Reacting to the NCAA audit report on Mshelia also said the pilot of that aircraft found an Azman Air maintenance engineer as regards to non-remittance of five percent Azman, many experienced industry stakeholders and the maintenance engineers who ignored carrying out replacement of the right-hand Ticket Sales Charge. expressed their views and noted that it is the all the visible warnings should be responsible. main landing gear wheel assembly (nos. 3 “This is evidenced by the airline being responsibility of airlines to ensure that they “The engineers are guilty for releasing and 4) of their Boeing 737-500 aircraft with indebted to the authority to the tune of One operate safely while guided and regulated the aircraft with worn out tyres, but also if registration 5N-SYS, without referring to the billion Five Hundred and Forty Five million, by NCAA. they had brand new tyres released to them manufacturer’s maintenance manual. This is a Two hundred and Sixty Two thousand One The Commissioner and CEO of Accident in the stores. Perhaps the tyres would have violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations, for hundred and Twenty naira, Thirty One kobo Investigation Bureau-Nigeria (AIB-N), Akin been changed. which both Azman Air and the engineer have (N1, 545,262,120.31) as at December, 2020. The Olateru, while reacting to those who felt NCAA “But even guiltier is the pilot who took the been sanctioned but are yet to pay the fine. airline was found to be in violation of Nig.CARs did not do enough to check the excesses of badly worn out tires into the air, a part fell “On 11th February 2021, Azman Air flight 18.12.6 as regards to signing an agreement Azman Air noted that NCAA cannot realistically off during takeoff and was told by the tower, AZM 2318 operated with the same Boeing with the Authority for direct debit. This is be expected to check all operating airlines every yet, he continued even when there was a loud 737-500 aircraft with registration 5N-SYS evidenced by delay in signing of the Direct minute. The Airline has a responsibility, too. bang during the takeoff phase according to departing Kaduna for Lagos. During take-off, Debit Tripartite Agreement with NCAA,” “Suggesting otherwise is akin to insisting the report,” he said. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 23
Need for Major Aircraft Maintenance in Nigeria Chinedu Eze Hadi Sirika, said as part of the aviation road map this administration would establish air- Events since July 2020, when domestic carriers craft maintenance facility located in Abuja, resumed flight operations after the coronavirus- the Federal Capital Territory, but till today, induced lockdown have reinforced the call for there is no indication that there is any physical urgent establishment of major Maintenance, process to actualising that goal. Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The only succour Nigerian airlines have THISDAY investigations disclosed that a is the Aero Contractors MRO, which was major problem the domestic airlines faced revived when Captain Ado Sanusi took over was the non-availability of their operational the airline and today it has become very critical equipment. The aircraft they put on storage for Nigerian carriers. were ready to start operation, which they did, Although the facility is eligible to maintain but shortly after many of them were due for Boeing 737 Classics, turbo props, like Bombar- C-check. So some of them had to be ferried dier Q400 and Q300 and other small planes, it overseas. is waiting for certification from the Nigerian THISDAY also learnt that some of the Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to start Nigerian carriers had some of their planes maintenance on Boeing B700 and B800 the abroad for checks but because of the lockdown New Generation B737 airplanes. they could not be worked on. This is because Existing aircraft in Nigeria are less than 40 most of the MRO facilities abroad were also on per cent of the airline’s capacity; the rest are lockdown. Even now, some of the maintenance overseas. At least, 17 per cent of Air Peace aircraft companies still shut down the facilities. are in maintenance facilities overseas. As the Informed source also told THISDAY that biggest carrier, having such number of aircraft another challenge that came up for the airlines outside the country, means that the capacity AERO maintenance hangar was that even if they have aircraft that have of Nigerian carriers is significantly eroded. completed their checks, the domestic carriers Industry observers said that this has given ferrying their equipment overseas, they have to “That is already a saving. If an airline has may not have the foreign exchange to pay for the rise to outrageous airfares, as more people ensure that they have modern equipment and to leave Nigeria and fly six hours to Europe; services rendered to bring the airplanes back. are wont to travel by air when there are fewer personnel. He stated that huge foreign exchange that is a huge cost you would have saved if Industry stakeholders said these two chal- aircraft seats on offer. was being expended by Nigerian carriers on you towed your aircraft to Aero Contractors’ lenges would have been solved if Nigeria has Besides Aero Contractors, Akwa Ibom state overseas maintenance of their aircraft. hangar. major maintenance facility. Those aircraft would government may have gone back to complete “MROs in Nigeria first need to spend money “The growing MRO sub-sector in Africa not have been ferried overseas and the services its MRO facility started some years ago and it to improve their equipment, training and tools is a $3 billion business. Most of that busi- of the maintenance company would have been is hoped that in the next two years the project to be able to compete with MROs outside the ness is going outside. We need to retain that paid for in local currency. would be completed. Nigeria also has 7 Star country. One thing airlines think about is, if business within Africa. For Nigerian airlines “This is the reason why it is very critical that Global Hangar Limited, which may have I go to Aero will they have everything to do they need to retain their hard-earned foreign we have maintenance facility in Nigeria; not completed its facility in Lagos. what they need to do? But thank God that our currency by patronising Nigerian MROs,” just one but two or three because whatever we But Nigeria does not only need MRO facility, Chief Executive Officer has been buying new Ominyi said. have will serve the West and Central Africa it also needs required skilled personnel. equipment every month. But currently Aero and 7-Star do not have and by the projected growth of air transport Head of Approved Maintenance Organisa- “Last month, our set of jacks came in. So the capacity to take in the number of aircraft in Africa, many more aircraft would come tion (AMO) Aero Contractors, James Ominyi, the truth of the matter is that in Aero MRO in Nigeria in need of maintenance, so a big- in in few years,” an industry source insider once also told THISDAY that for Nigerian and other MROs locally, once you patronise ger facility has to be built. However, Aero told THISDAY. MROs to develop the capacity to take over the us, your man-hour rate is lower than you can is already expanding its facility to meet the In 2016 the Minister of Aviation, Senator maintenance of aircraft and stop airlines from get in Europe. surging demand of its service. 24 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD MARITIME A Controversial Modular Floating Dockyard EromoseleAbiodun writes that the N50 billion modular floating dockyard acquired by Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to put an end to the huge cost of dry-docking outside the country has generated more controversy than the purpose for which it was acquired
o ensure seaworthiness of the ships, enable NIMASA to conclude the movement most ships are required to be dry of the modular floating dock from the Naval docked twice every five years. Dockyard to the Continental dockyard. Some ships may have dry-docking “This is a very welcome development for postponed or the intermediate dry- the sector and we look forward to patronising dockingT waived by performing an underwater and using the dockyard facility for our vessels inspection in Lieu of dry-docking. and other vessels of government agencies.” Dry-docking a ship is a complex task. The Responding, Jamoh said: “You have heard ship weighs a lot and the weight must be from the MD of NPA, within the next few spread evenly to the dock. While a ship is weeks the Continental Shipyard will be ready floating the pressure holding the ship afloat to house the floating dock. The second aspect is spread throughout the entire underwater is the issue of operation; we have obtained hull. While in dry dock the load is spread the approval of the ICRC and we have been among wood blocks. There are also interferences directed to move to the Federal Executive such as transducers and irregularities such Council. as flare at the bow. In order to dry dock the “As far as we are concerned, the confirmation ship the dock master must be aware of the of certain aspects of the operations will be characteristics of the ship’s bottom and its run concurrently. While we are seeking the weight distribution. Federal Executive Council approval, the issue Therefore ships carry a docking plan, of a managing partner will be considered and which specifies where the blocks are to be Expression of Interest will be published. So, placed, the angle of the side blocks, and the we are good to go. height of the side blocks. It also lists where “When fully operational, the NIMASA transducers, sea chests, tail shafts, and other floating dock is expected to provide a lot of items are located. benefits to the maritime industry, ranging from With an average of 5,000 ships calling conserving foreign exchange, to providing at the Nigerian ports annually, 400 active employment and boosting indigenous capacity, coastal vessels and several fishing trawlers, developing shipping, and providing training the demand for ship repair and maintenance exposure for students of the Maritime Academy facilities can only be on the rise. of Nigeria, Oron, and the Maritime University, Before now, the dry-docking of vessels Okerenkoko.” operating in Nigeria was done outside the Jamo country with huge implications in terms of A revenue earner foreign exchange costs running into several is mostly done outside the country. has a graving dock, the initial report shows Following reports in the media that the millions of dollars yearly. However, the floating dockyard designed to that if that floating dock is operating as it floating dockyard has been made redundant As a matter of fact, Nigeria was losing berth in Okerenkoko Delta State, the permanent is, it would imperil the graving dock. So the and was gulping $30,000 daily in demurrages, about N16.5 billion ($100 million) annually site of the Nigerian Maritime University, has Naval Holdings Limited suggested another Jamoh had last year stated that the floating to neighboring countries through the move- been lying idle at the Naval Dockyard in spot where we could use it, a consultant dock was expected to generate N1 billion ment of its vessels dry-docking to meet the Victoria Island Lagos. was asked to assess the spot, the report of monthly or N12 billion annually when work International Maritime Organisations (IMO) Providing more details at a press briefing in the consultant is out, we would need to do on was concluded. requirement. Lagos, a former Executive Director Operations some dredging at that spot where we can NIMASA, Jamoh revealed, was partnering Experts believe there is a huge investment of NIMASA, Rotimi Fashakin, explained that now operate the floating dock, ”Fashakin said. with the NPA to get a permanent place for opportunity for ship repair and ship building the insecurity in the Niger Delta region made the platform, adding that when it is fully in the country presently that is not being it difficult for NIMASA to berth the dock NIMASA assures Nigerians operational it would amount to a very huge exploited. at Okerenkoko as originally conceptualised. But the current Director-General of NIMASA, revenue earner for Nigeria, “because a lot THISDAY findings revealed that it cost Fashakin, confirmed that the multi-billion- Dr. Bashir Jamoh, believes the purpose for of vessels would be able to dry-dock in the between N45 million and N75 million ($300,000 naira facility was currently lying fallow at the which the modular floating dock was acquired country.” and $500,000) to dry dock a vessel and that Naval dockyard pending when the agency will be achieved. That aside, he said NIMASA was working approximately 200 to 300 vessels go to Ghana, would get a permanent location to operate it. He assured maritime stakeholders that the with the Navy and Police, the Army, DSS Duala and Robins Bay for dry dock annually. He said: “Initially when the floating dock modular floating dock is in the process of other relevant agencies to stem the cycle of “Each dry dock cost the ship owner between was acquired, the design was for it to berth being deployed. criminalities in the nation’s maritime domain. $300 to half a million dollars each trip. If you in Delta State. But even at that time, there Jamoh disclosed this during a visit to NIMASA, Jamoh said he had acquired some can dry docks a vessel at $300,000 for dry were a lot of reports advising to the contrary, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority vessels and other sophisticated equipment docking for 25 days and if you have two there were lots of surveys advising to the (NPA) HadizaBala-Usman, in Lagos. that would be a game changer in the fight docks a month that is $600,000 every month. contrary, these reports are still there till date. Jamoh stated: “I am here to affirm that the against piracy and other maritime crimes on “You can imagine having over 3,000 vessels “When we got here, we were forced to modular floating dock has come to stay. We the Nigerian waters, as criminals could be (in Nigeria); they have to go for dry dock. It review all these reports and take a decision have concluded arrangements for its deployment easily reached and stopped. is a requirement by the IMO standard that that we think would serve all interest in and operation. The date for its commissioning He said there would be rigorous training for a vessel goes for dry dock once every three the shipping community. The floating dock would be announced soon.” NIMASA staff, who would man the platform, years, and if you dock 200 to 300 vessels was not conceptualised by the Peterside In an interaction after the meeting with before going into full operation once every year at $300,000 per dock, you administration, we only inherited it just like the NPA Managing Director, the NIMASA Meanwhile, sources at the agency told can then imagine how much it will come the Buhari administration inherits projects Director-General recounted the process of THISDAY that the floating dockyard was lying to, ”said maritime expert Lucky Amiwero. and goes ahead to actualise them. securing the NPA Continental Shipyard for idle at the Naval dockyard in Lagos pending “Indeed, the floating dock was supposed the floating dock, and getting approval from when the agency would get a permanent Controversy galore to go to Okerenkoko in Delta State, but the the Federal Ministry of Transportation as well location through the NPA to operate it. In a bid to put an end to the huge cost of conditions that exist now, for the dock to get to as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory According to the source, “Initially when dry-docking outside the country, NIMASA Okerenkoko now is almost impossible. A dock Commission (ICRC). the floating dock was acquired, the design acquired a modular floating dockyard in 2018. is supposed to serve the shipping community He emphasised that obtaining these approv- was for it to berth in Delta State. However, at With this facility in place, the agency promised as a commercial facility, but which company als were important preliminary conditions that time, there were reports advising to the to save the federal government over $100 or vessel would be bold enough to travel to “because of the need to engage managing contrary. There were lots of surveys advising million annually and about $1 billion in 10 Delta State because of the insecurity?” partners and ICRC is in charge of the mode to the contrary, these reports are still there years. The multi-billion naira floating dock He added: “When the dock landed in Nigeria, of operations and Public-Private Partnership till date. When the agency got there, it was was acquired as part of efforts to reposition there were various state governments that (PPP) arrangement.” forced to review all the reports submitted to the nation’s maritime industry to international requested for it, all these are on record. When In her remarks, Bala-Usman stressed the it and take a decision that would serve all standard and boost revenue. it came in, we thought of many ideas, first need to promote the NIMASA local dry dock interest in the shipping community. The plan to embark on the project predates is to get an operator to operate it, but this is to the maximum capacity by placing the NPA’s “The floating dock was not conceptualised the immediate past Director General of a government asset and not something you Continental Shipyard at the Agency’s disposal by the last administration. The truth is that NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside. Before his can just give to an operator, NIMASA is a as a preferred location. She said NPA would the floating dock was supposed to go to appointment as NIMASA boss, his predecessor regulator and not an operator, so giving the go into an agreement with NIMASA on the Okerenkoko in Delta State, but the conditions had already established a business case for dock to an operator also needs to go through handover of the authority’s dockyard, jetty that exist then and now, for the dock to get a floating dry dock where owners of ship the bureaucracy of government. locations, and warehouses within the area to Okerenkoko is almost impossible, a dock can dry dock their vessels from time to “The other thing was getting a place to berth to facilitate the installation of the modular is supposed to serve the shipping community time. However, since its arrival in Nigeria, it, if you know the complexity of a floating floating dock. as a commercial facility, but which company the modular floating dockyard has been dock, the draft that you need to keep it and “We believe the floating dock is an integral or vessel would be bold enough to travel to enmeshed in controversy. operate it is 12 meters. The contractor was part of the maritime sector and we like to Delta State because of the insecurity. Aside allegation of mismanagement, the spending over $30,000 keeping the dock afloat commend NIMASA for starting this and “Another problem we had was getting a floating dockyard acquired by the NIMASA, for many months and we had to pay many NPA will continue to provide the necessary place to berth it, if you know the complexity it is currently gulping $30, 000 per day, which months demurrage on that. Eventually, we support as it relates to the aspect of our of a floating dock, the draft that you need translates to $10.440 million (N5.1 billion) a reached a situation where we had an agreement shareholding within the SPV being guided to keep it and operate it is 12 meters and year in demurrage charges. with the Naval Holdings Limited, a sub-sect by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory that is why we are collaborating with the The modular floating dockyard was expected of the Nigerian Navy to keep the dock Commission (ICRC),”Bala-Usman stated. NPA because the previous contractor was to save the federal government $100 million “We are still looking forward to having a She added: “As it is, NPA has confirmed and spending over $30,000 keeping the dock afloat annually via a direct saving from the dry- formal MoU which we would have an operator reiterated that it will support and hand over for many months and we had to pay many docking of vessels operating in Nigeria, which operating the floating dock. The Navy also those facilities within the next few weeks to months demurrage on that, “the official said. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 25
BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Court Grants Permission for Fraud Claim against Transocean, Ernst & Young, Others Davidson Iriekpen that five contracts existing at the time of the placement which were entered into in A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted 2011, were expected to generate a cash flow the Chairman of Indigo Drilling, Prof. Fidelis in excess of $43million over the first four Oditah permission to bring fraud claim against years, thus significantly outperforming the Transocean Limited, Ernst & Young, others. base case financial model. In a judgment delivered in an application The professor of Law contended that the filed by Oditah, seeking the winding up of prospectus claimed that investing in Indigo Transocean Limited, a multinational offshore Drilling was an opportunity for Nigerians drilling company, Justice M.S. Hassan held to be involved in the oil and gas business that the proceedings and supporting affidavit in Nigeria and to profit from its potential to Oditah’s originating summons and exhibits rewards. attached showed that there was a prima facie He said: “In marketing Indigo Drilling to case that required the granting of leave for the plaintiff, Transocean stated: Transocean is the commencement derivative action against a leading international provider of offshore the defendants. contract drilling for oil and gas wells. As The judge also agreed that permission evidence of its long term commitment to applications are not intended to become Nigeria, Transocean has set up Indigo Drilling mini-trials, nor are they supposed to involve Limited to be a Nigerian NCD compliant any detailed or protracted consideration company established to ultimately oper- of the merits of the intended derivation ate all drilling contracts for Transocean in proceedings. Nigeria…” He agreed with the submission of the Oditah said on the basis of these rep- counsel to the plaintiff that the requirements resentations, he acquired a 12.5 per cent of Section 303 of the Companies and Allied shareholding for $4,375,000 in August 2014. Matters Act (CAMA) 1990 are satisfied in The senior advocate disclosed that another the present case. Nigerian shareholder, Chime Ibeneche, also Oditah had recently filed an application in October 2013 acquired a 12.5 per cent before the court for the winding up of shareholding in Indigo Drilling for $5million. Transocean Limited, a multinational offshore He said as a result of the acquisition of 25 drilling company. per cent shareholding by Nigerian minority In his statement of claim, Oditah, also a shareholders, Indigo Drilling was able to Queen’s Counsel (QC) and Senior Advocate comply with the Local Content Law and bid of Nigeria (SAN) told the court that in 2014, competitively for work with the Nigerian Transocean presented a prospectus for an regulatory authorities and got extensions equity private placement of US19.6million of its existing contracts. to investors. The Queen’s Counsel said the remaining In the petition which has Transocean 75 per cent shareholding was held indirectly Limited, Indigo Drilling Limited, Sedco by Transocean initially through its subsidiar- Forex International Inc, Field Offshore Design ies –Sedco Forex and Transocean Support Engineering Nigeria Limited and Ernest Services Nigeria Limited. & Young Nigeria as 1st to 5th defendants He alleged that from 2015, Transocean respectively, the QC said the amount, which parked 26 per cent of its shares in Indigo contained an initial financial model, antici- Drilling in a Nigerian nominee in order pated that Indigo Drilling would generate a to deceive the Nigerian regulators into cumulated cash flow of at least $95million believing that Indigo Drilling was a Nigerian over a 10-year period. company under the Local Content law because He added that the prospectus also indicated Nigerians held 51 per cent shareholding. Operators Seek FG’s Support to Build Viable Shipping Industry Eromosele Abiodun fund is our money; we have contributed it for over 18 years, and this money needs Ship owners in the country have solicited to be deployed. the support of relevant stakeholders and “We have heard many stories about the government agencies, particularly the CVFF, but I assure you this executive will Nigerian Maritime Administration and bring you good news about the CVFF in Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian the sense that we are going to engage the National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) government about the CVFF; and we are amongst others, to build a viable shipping going to use the CVFF to buy ships and industry and create wealth for Nigerians. deploy it in the maritime sector,”Onyung The President of Ship Owners Association stated. of Nigeria (SOAN), Dr. MkGeorge Onyung, He added that the support of NNPC stated this after he was elected president could not be overemphasized stressing that of SOAN for a second term of two years. SOAN is ready to work with the agency Specifically, Onyung pledged to steer to grow the Nigerian economy. SOAN to create wealth, both for members “We need to have the opportunities also and the whole country. because if the NNPC does not create the While accepting the results of the peace- opportunity that awards a contract for us ful poll, Onyung highlighted how some to utilize the CVFF fund, then there is no countries were prospering from global use giving the money to people who have shipping. no business to do with it, “the SOAN He singled out Norway, a country with President stated. about 45,000 vessels ownership, despite He said ship owners have been buying having only four months of free or unfrozen ships before the CVFF, and would continue waters annually. to do so, in so far as conditions, which Norway, he stressed, has prospered include availability of contracts exists; immensely from global shipping; and because contracts propel acquisition of vowed that the SOAN under his watch vessels. would engage every relevant stakeholder, He also assured that the body would government agencies and international subsequently, reinforce its collaboration operators, to ensure Nigeria optimises with the National Content Development its natural environment and endowments. and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Also, the SOAN boss stressed the need Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), in a bid for government to disburse the Cabotage to ensure Nigeria positively changes the Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF). business narrative or philosophy. “It you like call it an ‘Esusu’ collected by He assured the nation that the current government, from ship operators, solely for SOAN executive would raise the bar and the development of indigenous Shipping, tenaciously work to see that beyond the despite a consistent Esusu collection made disbursement of the CVFF, indigenous ship in 18 years, the authorities had actually owners actually get the opportunity to sat still on it. I want to say that the CVFF carry crude. 26 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ
Achieving Broadband Deployment Strategies Emma Okonji writes about government’s strategies in achieving its robust broadband plan as contained in the country’s National Broadband Plan
Pantami Danbatta
fter achieving the set target for positively,” he added. selected theme was a testament to the fact the 2013-2018 broadband plan Regulatory thrust that Anambra State is cruising on the path , which was set at 30 per cent, NCC’s approach The commission’s regulatory thrust towards of digital economy. the federal government, in 2019, In strengthening collaboration for a robust enabling national roaming, approval of e-SIM Danbatta said the commission, in the drive constituted another broadband broadband deployment, the NCC is also and 5G trials have also aggregated the efforts for broadband, has licensed Infrastructure team.A The Chief Executive Officer of MainOne working towards achieving the set targets of of the industry players towards achieving Companies (Infracos) for the South-east and Broadband Company, Ms. Funke Opeke and the country’s broadband penetration. the set broadband target. five other zones of the federation including the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Com- At a recent stakeholders’ meeting on According to Danbatta, although there had Lagos as a special zone. munications Commission (NCC), Professor broadband penetration, organised by the been a three per cent decline in the broadband “Under this initiative, the South-east Infraco Umar Dambatta, as co-Chairpersons to drive Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria penetration from a peak of 45.93 per cent in licensee (Messrs. Zinox Technologies Ltd.) will the 2020-2025 National Broadband Plan. Though (ATCON), Danbatta, who was represented October 2020 to 42.93 per cent in January be required to provide at least one Point-of- robust in nature, the 2020-2025 broadband by the Director of Digital Economy at NCC, 2021, which was largely as a result of the Access (PoA) in each of the 95 LGA’s that plan has its targets, which government as- Dr. Austine Nwaulune, said: “The Nigerian suspension of registration of new SIM cards constitute the region and interconnect them sured Nigerians, would be achieved through National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025 in December to facilitate smooth linkage and with 1,314Km of optic fiber cable. Right-of-Way identified strategies. is without a doubt an ambitious document synchronization of the SIM-NIN databases (RoW) charges, is a major limiting factor to The new broadband plan seeks to deliver with targets set that was developed jointly that will not only address some of the security provision of broadband services in Nigeria, data download speeds across Nigeria at a by critical stakeholders of the Telecoms and challenges we are facing today, it will help as it slows down network deployment with minimum of 25Mbps in urban areas, and IT sectors of Nigeria. These stakeholders us determine the truly unique numbers in the cost of the limited capacities ultimately 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective cover- comprising government and private sector the country, thus further guiding Nigeria passed to the subscribers,” Danbatta said. age available to at least 90 per cent of the executives, experts, managers, associations towards achieving the 70 penetration target. He applaud Anambra state for being one population and penetration rate of 70 per and MDA’s, represent the who is who of the “The NNBP 2020-2025 has raised the per- of the two states that have not just reduced cent by 2025 at a price not more than N390 telecom and IT sectors and they are people formance bar for the whole telecom industry, the RoW charges offered to operators, but per 1GB of data. with firm believe and optimism as well as however being a document crafted by experts waived it completely. The broadband plan also targets the assurance that the set targets are practically and executives, there is no reason why it “This action, is sure, to put Anambra deployment of nationwide fibre coverage achievable.” cannot be achieved to put Nigeria in a firm State on the global map of digital economy,” to reach all state capitals, and provision of He explained that the commission had pedestal of nations with broadband access. Danbatta said. a point of presence in at least 90 per cent already commenced some of this consolidation I wish to assure you that the Commission of local government headquarters. It also with the directive issued to Infraco licensees shall continue to proactively provide the Digital infrastructure targets tertiary educational institutions, major to commence immediate roll-out of optic fibre necessary regulatory interventions which will Giving insights on how digital infrastructure hospitals in each state and fibre connectivity cables (OFC) as contained in their license facilitate the achievement of not only the 70 and literacy will further help Nigeria in achiev- at statutory rates of N145/ linear metre for agreements to all the LGA headquarters by per cent broadband penetration target but ing the transformational benefits of broadband, Right of Way (RoW). giving them freehand to start from viable other associated targets as well, which will Danbatta said robust digital infrastructure areas and gradually move to unviable areas truly transform our economy into a digital and digital literacy were key to achieving FG’s strategies while the expected counter-part funding from economy,” Danbatta said. transformational benefits of Information and Some of the strategies to achieve the government is being finalised. Communication Technology (ICT) across public broadband targets, according to the Minister “An equally important consolidation in the Economy policy strategy and private institutions in the country. of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. area of spectrum availability is the commis- Speaking at the recent Anambra State Danbatta stated this when he received a Isa Pantami, are around four focus areas, sion’s finalisation of the Spectrum Trading Broadband Infrastructure Development delegation of the Top Management Committee namely: infrastructure; policy; demand drivers Guidelines as well as our collaboration with Stakeholders Forum, Danbatta said the (TMC) of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and funding/incentives. NigComSat that will make available 400MHz of launch of the National Digital Economy (AKTH), who paid him a courtesy visit recently According to Pantami, the four focus areas prime spectrum for Next Generation Network Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 by at the Kano Zonal Office of the commission. were further broken down into 55 initiatives deployment in the near future. the federal government through the Ministry Danbatta, who thanked the hospital manage- towards the actualisation of the targets, which “Collaboration with state governments has of Communications and Digital Economy, ment for the visit and the award, said the include infrastructure- 14, policy - 23, demand also seen the adoption of the N145/m or would facilitate broadband access across the Commission would continue to support federal drivers- 12, funding/initiatives-6. outright waiver Right-of-Way (RoW) by six country, including Anambra State. institutions with necessary ICT equipment “Infrastructure is focused on building state governments, although, here we must While thanking the Executive Governor of across the country and would assist AKTH integrated infrastructure that is sustainable mention that more needs to be done by the Anambra State, Dr. Willie Obiano, his Deputy, in this regard, adding that robust digital and resilient to close the gaps in addressing states and local governments to ensure full Dr. Nkem Okeke, and all the other eminent infrastructure and literacy are prerequisites the broadband needs of the country and is adoption and cascading of the decision for members of cabinet for inviting him to speak to achieving transformational benefits of ICT. geared towards extending broadband services implementation. This notwithstanding, the on the subject “Facilitating Broadband Ac- “As a commission, we are working to bridge to undeserved and under served areas in Commission will not relent in its effort towards cess in Anambra State through a Favourable the infrastructure divide, which is an element Nigeria. The policy pillar addresses issues addressing the issue RoW,” Danbatta said. Right of Way Regime”, Danbatta said the of the entire digital divide ecosystem. We do relating to the efficient use of spectrum, right these via a lot ongoing regulatory initiatives. of way, site acquisition policies, availability Also, through our training arm, Digital Bridge of infrastructure and market efficiency,” The NNBP 2020-2025 has raised the performance Institute (DBI), we provide digital literacy to Patami said. critical sectors of the economy, including the “Demand drivers address barriers to the bar for the whole telecom industry, and there is no health sector, through our Advanced Digital low usage rate and adoption of broadband Appreciation Programme (ADAP),” he said. services in the country. Funding/incentives reason why it cannot be achieved to put Nigeria in Danbatta stated that the digital divide can identify the relevant financial incentives, fiscal be bridged by making computers available policy, economic models and funding op- a firm pedestal of nations with broadband access. I and accessible to people and key services of tions to help the achievement of broadband wish to assure Nigerians that the Commission shall the economy of the country, penetration targets. “Infrastructure that can be able to host this The diligent implementation of the recom- continue to proactively provide the necessary regulatory massive flow of information and knowledge is mendations in these focus areas through a broadband infrastructure and this is top-most in multi-stakeholder approach will give the interventions which will facilitate the achievement the agenda of the Commission. Indeed, ICT is country a push into economic prosperity of not only the 70 per cent broadband penetration transforming every sector of the economy and and create opportunities for job creation the earlier we embrace the vast opportunity and innovation that will influence the GDP target but other associated targets as well brought by ICT the better,” Danbatta said. NEWS METRO WEEKLY MAGAZINE THISLIFE THIS ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT
Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi [email protected] WEEKEND 07010510430 Sherisse Alexander:
Women
Empowerment
is Crucial to
Solving
Gender
Inequality 28 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 COVER
Sherisse Alexander: Women Empowerment is Crucial to Solving Gender Inequality
Sherisse Alexander is an experienced fund manager and WATT’s chief investment officer with over 18 years work experience in the financial services industry. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she gives insights into why gender equity is crucial for social and economic development and what role the private sector has to play
hat actions have of a doubt the importance of her value. been taken by Not because of her looks, or her body, but Watts Renew- because of who she was as a person. And ables as a com- with my son’s, not only did I ingrain in pany to drive them to value their sister, but all women gender equality alike that they meet. Win Nigeria? That isn’t to say that I encouraged my WATT Renewable Corporation recog- sons’ to coddle my daughter, in fact, I nises that we operate in an industry that is would often say to my daughter, if you largely represented by men, and as such, want to be equal then you need to act we strongly advocate for women within on it. You can’t be coddled one minute our organisation as well as potential new and treated like an equal the next - pick members of our team to feel free to have your lane. So to all my sisters out there an impact within our company as well I would say the same thing, we need to as the industry we operate in. be consistent. We cannot have it one way We are mindful that women within sometimes and another way other times. Nigeria face unique challenges not only as it pertains to employment, but also What role does the private sector within the communities where they are play in promoting gender equality and supporting their families at home and why is it important to take gender in business. concerns into account in corporate We are also aware that women are not strategy development, programme only raising and supporting their families design and programme implemen- but also in the labour force either as em- tation? ployees or business owners themselves. However, it’s also significant that The private sector has a valuable and women are conscious there are policies unique opportunity to truly effect change and programmes in place to empower in promoting gender equality. While it is them and set them up for success within important to take gender concerns into ac- the companies they work with. count in corporate strategy development, programme design and implementation, How can we promote more gender however, ensuring that women have a inclusiveness in the energy sector, seat at the table is the first step in working most especially in a sector that once towards gender equality. Equality for looks like an exclusive preserve of the sake of equality is not equality at all. men? This cannot be treated like affirmative Gender inclusion as a whole, not just in action, which in my opinion only breeds the energy sector means acknowledging resentment within a corporate environ- the differences between men and women ment if not handled well. and the way in which we operate. The key is to provide women the op- Additionally, it means allowing women portunity to show that they are capable, the place and space to boldly wear all the while still ensuring that the best indi- things they love to wear, without making viduals are placed in the best positions them feel like they’re at a disadvantage. and environment for the success of the For decades, and even now, women feel individual and the company as a whole. like they have to make a choice between their focus on their career or become a Commemoration of International traditional woman, i.e. a wife and mother Women’s Day today ranges from being that stays home and takes care of the a public holiday in some countries to home, while men go out and work to being largely ignored elsewhere; in take care of the family. Sherisse Alexander some places, it is a day that celebrates With all the advances of technology, womanhood. Do you think there is a women don’t have to make all these do. But part of gender inclusion is really they are only willing to work the day need to make this day a focal point choices. Although a handful of us have being okay with who you are and what shift because of the preconceived notions in the movement of women’s rights? been able to have both a valuable career you bring to the table. around a woman working at night. The The journey to equality is a very young and raise a family, however, the number most impactful way that we can begin to one that has really only made strides in of women who still don’t feel empowered In your personal view, what are create change is by enhancing community the last few decades. So yes, International enough to have both is still far too large. the societal challenges Nigerian education and empowering women to Women’s Day should continue to be a women are facing and how do you feel confident by exploring traditionally focal point in the movement of women’s Can you share some unique chal- think private organisations can help male-dominated environments. rights. Otherwise, how do we continue to lenges you have encountered in the to solve some of these challenges? bring about change? There are still many energy sector, simply because you’re The societal challenges that I see that In Sub Saharan Africa, especially regions of the world where women do not a woman? Nigerian women are facing are essentially Nigeria, poor cultural practices and have a voice, let alone equality. There’s As a woman, generally speaking, I based on existing conservative ideologies gender bias have eaten deep into every something to be said about acknowledging approach matters of business very dif- about the work that women should be fabric of our society, what do you a group of people and celebrating their ferently than most men. My approach doing. think should be done to put an end contributions and the milestones in the is much more about connecting with Traditionally in many parts of the to this? movement to equality. people and building valuable relation- world, a woman’s value in a work en- That’s a heavy and loaded question. ships that are mutually beneficial for vironment is to sit behind a desk and When something is deeply rooted in Word of advice for aspiring young all parties involved, and the idea I’m have a pleasant face and figure for the the fabric of society the only thing that women in the energy sector often faced with is that the way that I guests entering the premises. That is not can begin to make way for change is Yes. #choosetochallenge. Choose to present myself must be more aggressive to say that a woman cannot be valued persistence and commitment. It begins challenge the ideas of women and their and dominating in order to have any for more than her face or body, it’s just right from birth, with the woman who role in the energy sector. As women, value in the room. to say, that it’s still an expectation that is giving birth to her daughter. we do not need to be confined to the Many women also believe that for is present in Nigeria. For example, we And empowering not only her daughter ideas that have been set forth by soci- their voice to be heard, that they have operate a Network Operations Centre to know her worth and her value, but her etal norms. The only way to change the to scream louder and be bigger than (NOC) that monitors all the sites under sons as well, to recognise the worth and idea is to be brave enough to challenge anyone else in the room. In my experi- our management 24 hours a day which value of their female counterpart, their them. Although, there will inevitably ence, women have to be okay with their means there is always someone working sister. I am a mother of four children be challenges along the way, however way and not feel the need to behave a day and night. myself; three boys and a daughter. From with each and every challenge there is certain way because it’s what’s worked We have women that are interested in the day my daughter was born, I made inversely an opportunity. Look for the for men. I get the challenge, I honestly working in this department; however, sure that she recognises without a shadow opportunity to do better and be better. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 Ͱͷ NEWS AREAi Partners Coca Cola 9mobile Partners Cherie Blair Foundation Foundation to Commemorate to Empower Female Entrepreneurs Global Recycling Day for Women to support their efforts to advance women’s Stories by Mary Nnah entrepreneurship potentials in Nigeria by making available The world as we all know the HerVenture offerings to is fast evolving with more more women in the country,” women participating actively he noted. in the development of national Commending 9mobile for economies. This implies that the support, Chief Executive women’s entrepreneurship Officer, Cherie Blair Foundation A cross section of Community Recycling Champions under Mission Zero is a key driver of women’s for Women, Helen McEachern, Plastic Initiative, shortly after a three-hour recycling exercise in Ibadan, economic participation. remarked that mobile network Oyo State However, as the Cherie Blair companies play an important Foundation for Women’s new part in providing the platform A Non-Governmental Organisation, Aid for Rural Education research on women entrepre- to reach the vast majority of Access Initiative (AREAi) recently observed the 2021 Global neurs in low and middle- women with the skills and Recycling Day with a call for all stakeholders to not only reduce income countries reveals, support they need to grow waste and increase recycling, but also to view recyclables as a COVID-19 threatens to roll their businesses and contribute resource, and not waste. back the clock on women’s their bit to national economic This year’s observance of the “Global Recycling Day” was entrepreneurship. recovery and development. commemorated under the Mission Zero Plastic Initiative, an The foundation’s com- She said, “We are thrilled ambitious plastic recovery drive, funded by the Coca-Cola prehensive report draws on to be working with 9mobile Foundation, which seeks to curb plastic pollution in six states responses from 125 women to help bring HerVenture to across Nigeria through recovery and repurposing of 600 tons, across 32 countries, with the even more women in Nigeria. over 18,000,000 PET Bottles in 12 months. highest percentage of responses By working with the Founda- Over 650 young Community Recycling champions were coming from Nigerian women. A beneficiary of HerVenture app tion, 9mobile is helping to level mobilised across multiple locations in six States - Kano, Kwara, Most (83.8 per cent) women the playing field for women Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe and FCT, to promote recycling culture in surveyed report that the their communities through coordinated clean-up activities in app that supports female en- boosts productivity, increases entrepreneurs with the essential pandemic has had a negative skills they need to make their locations with high rates of plastic waste as well as awareness impact on their businesses, and trepreneurs to access the skills, economic diversification, and raising on the harmful effect of plastic pollution on the environ- confidence, and networks they stimulates other positive socio- businesses resilient and grow.” nearly four in ten (38.5%) report Commenting on how Her- ment and distribution of public recycling bins. their business will or may have need to grow their businesses. cultural developments. About 30,000 PET bottles equivalent to 1200kg or 1.3 tons of It has supported over 20,000 “Therefore we are harnessing Venture has helped transform to close as a result. her business, Idara Bassey, who plastic waste were recovered. It is also obvious that de- women entrepreneurs in Ni- our technology to support this In his remarks, the Chief Executive Director, AREAi, Prince geria alone, and in response to very critical segment of society, operates a logistics service com- spite their contribution to the pany in Lagos, remarked that Gideon Olanrewaju said: “The goal for Global Recycling Day is economy, Nigerian women the pandemic, the foundation to help build and grow their to show the world that recycling is a global issue, the environ- recently added new learning businesses, especially at this the app has been instrumental continue to suffer a myriad in providing the insights to ment is a global issue and this day celebrates that and pushes of challenges in the labour modules to HerVenture to time when the world is going us all – wherever we live – to do more. aid women with business through a deadly pandemic steer her business in the right market as entrepreneurs and direction. “Thankfully with the funding support of the Coca- Cola as employees, in addition to digitisation and resilience, with that has continued to weaken Foundation, we have been able to contribute to various local fantastic take-up and results. economies around the world” On her part, Susan Shagbo, the challenges of the COVID-19 an entrepreneur who has suc- efforts to reduce plastic pollution in our various communities,” pandemic. Speaking on the partnership, Ado remarked. he noted. the Executive Director, Regu- “Given the effects of the cessfully used the app to sup- Therefore, in recognition port her business, remarked, In the coming months, other strategies geared towards the of the outstanding roles of latory and Corporate Affairs, pandemic and the imperative to implementation of the Mission Zero Plastic project, he revealed, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, fast-track the world into a digi- “Fantastic and fully loaded app! women entrepreneurs, as I recommend this beautiful app will be carried out with the 600 Community Recycling Champions part of efforts to both support noted that the decision to col- tal economy and create more who are foot soldiers voluntarily providing concise coordination, laborate with the foundation on women entrepreneurs, there for every woman considering greater economic participation becoming an entrepreneur or support and oversight functions for all of the processes within by women and prevent women the HerVenture app stems from is an urgent need to support allotted states. its commitment to leverage its women to develop the business already an entrepreneur; your from being forced out of the business will experience tre- labour market by the pandemic, technology and networks in skills needed to succeed now promoting sustainable initia- and post-pandemic. mendous growth after going telecommunications operator through the different modules.” The Luxury Network Nigeria 9mobile recently teamed up tives that support economic “The foundation has growth. responded to this need by With HerVenture, users say with the Cherie Blair Founda- that on an average, their profits tion for Women to bring the According to him, when enhancing the HerVenture Launches Training Programme women are empowered with app to offer new opportunities increased by 38 per cent and 88 foundation’s award-winning per cent of users increased their The Luxury Network Nigeria, in collaboration with The business skills app, HerVenture, the skills to make informed in the digital space, including business decisions, the ripple e-commerce and digital mar- customer numbers. Also 89 per Luxury Network International HQ, has launched a high-level to Nigerian women entrepre- cent of Nigerian women using learning and development programme - a series of immersive neurs. effect is felt practically in all keting. sectors of the economy. “That is why we are de- the app also reported that the training sessions and workshops curated for Nigerian busi- The HerVenture app is a network they had developed nesses who provide or aspire to an international standard women’s mobile learning “It is a known fact that em- lighted to be working with powering women economically the Cherie Blair Foundation using the app has been helpful. of luxury. The programme has been created to facilitate high-level training led by industry professionals and executives, and guest speakers from some of the world’s most prestigious luxury companies, to provide unique insight into brands, places, Foundation Empowers Women with Vocational Skills and people that embody heritage, legacy, and innovation, In order to enable women status quos, gender bias and around the world. pursue their ambition in busi- disparities through excellence Programme sessions will explore best practices, traditions, ness and revive entrepreneurial in service and responsibilities; and know-how that have always been key success factors of spirit, Living Encouraged dedicated hard work on the the world’s leading companies. (LE), last weekend, trained skill continuous self-develop- Topics will also examine the language, gestures, and 50 women in vocational skills. ment through the acquisition etiquette that are emblematic of the luxury industry, un- They also donated cash of relevant skills, creating derpinned by in-depth knowledge and expertise adopted to seven widows while it opportunities for younger from a global marketplace. equally set up a young lady female women to learn and The programme officially commences on May 2021, but with beauty salon equipment grow; collaborating more on Thursday April 22, Managing Director, The Luxury in Egbe-Ikotun community. strategically with one another Network Nigeria, Cas Ojo, and Head of Events, Bvlgari The convener of the initia- and with male acquaintance Hotel London, Eleanor Turner will host the guest speaker, tive, a Nigerian in diaspora, and also to proactively take up Global CEO, The Luxury Network, H.E Fares Ghattes in a Rosemary Akaette, explained responsibilities that support live webinar, for ‘A Brief Conversation on the Fundamentals her mission to economically their growth and visibility. of Luxury’. empower women was for them One of the participants, Some of the women during the Living Encouraged empowerment The upcoming event will provide a launchpad for the to be financially independent. Esther Sylvester, who spoke 12-part Learning & Development programme. Akaette stated that empow- programme on behalf of the widows, This groundbreaking programme is split into three subject erment will be a continuous said she was grateful for the areas - The Fundamentals of Luxury, Business protocol & activity that would positively their vulnerability to differ- Okwuone further stated that vocational training and the Etiquette, and Language & Communication. impact women and their fami- ent kinds of abuse since they the skill acquisition training craft she had learnt during the The core objective of The Luxury Network is to facilitate lies, adding that her concern practically depend on their and the empowerment of course of the programme and collaboration and exciting new business development is to make them self-reliant, husbands to provide for them women is the key to transform- also thanked the organisers activities, and direct access to high net-worth private productive and effectively play even when he is also financially ing society. for the opportunity. clients between top-end companies, under the umbrella their role as wives, mothers, handicapped. There is a femini- “Today, N25, 000 cash was Also Pastor Jedidiah Onu- of affinity marketing. sisters, and daughters in their sation of poverty in Nigeria and given to seven widows who oha encouraged the women Members of the network benefit from global expertise and various homes and the com- the face of women is usually had been receiving monthly up- to make good use of the skills experience with the world’s most prestigious brands such as munity at large. the face of poverty.” keep for six months, they have they have learnt and change Porsche, Ralph Lauren, Sunseeker Yachts, Bombardier Jets, She added that the COVID-19 The Nigeria representative been equipped with vocational their stories. Lamborghini, Cartier and many more. pandemic brought about cer- of (LE), and pastor of Love skills and the cash is to enable Onuoha said the pro- The network initiates brand partnerships, product place- tain hardship; hence empower- Christian Center, John Ok- them start a business”, he said, gramme achieved its aim, ments, endorsements, media sharing, B2B and B2C network- ing women with skills would wuone emphasised the need adding that their perceptions because not only were the ing, sales and luxury showcase events and numerous other give them a sense of belonging to scale up wealth for women, about life have changed. women trained, they were affinity marketing activities designed to leverage the equity as well as make them produc- which the organisation started Guest speaker at the event able to replicate what they of participating brands. tive. six months ago where it caters Onipede Olubunmi gave the had learnt. Thus the empower- The Luxury Network is interested to hear from companies “I grew up wanting to help to seven widows who are given charge to women to coura- ment programme was tagged who wish to explore bold and innovative partnership strategies indigent women because of cash monthly for their up-keep. geously challenge societal “Sought Out”. in the Nigerian and UK market. Please get in touch. 30 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021
MUSIC SHOWBIZ E-TRENDS …Your weekly entertainment delight NOLLYWOOD Are Nigerians Only Interested in Nollywood Comedy Films? Stories by Vanessa Obioha humour is relative to one’s culture, it does not evoke the same emotions for everyone.” A common comment passed by cinema exhibitors One of the reasons why such assumption thrives in Nigeria at conferences and webinars is that the according to the filmmaker is because “we are Nigerian audience favours more comedy flicks running a multibillion structure without data. The than any other genre. The box office figures do filmmaker shouldn’t be telling me what the film not suggest otherwise. The first highest grossing made, it should be an independent body giving Nigerian film in the past decade was the 2016 that information.” comedy film ‘The Wedding Party. It was recently While not writing off the genre, Odugbemi displaced by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz film, emphasized that it is superiorly rare for a Nollywood ‘Omo Ghetto (The Saga)’. In the list of the top 10 film to win the best picture in the Academy Awards highest-grossing films in Nigeria, only ‘King of which is one of the top goals of Nollywood. ‘The Boys’ is outside the comedy box, thereby giving Milkmaid’ became the first Nigerian film to make A scene in The Wedding Party weight to the assertion. The flip side is that many the Oscars longlist but failed to clinch a spot in the filmmakers now stick to the comedy genre, against and Communications, Pan Atlantic University, Odugbemi argued that the Nigerian audience nomination list. The way forward, according to their better judgment. prolific filmmaker Femi Odugbemi tackled the film viewing options are increasing every day with the Academy Awards voting member, is to bring There are few filmmakers though who would assertion. The producer of the new documentary more streaming platforms showing Nigerian and artistry to our films and that can only be achieved rather explore other genres and privately screen their ‘Unmasked: Leadership Trust and the COVID-19 international films. through education. films than having a wide theatrical release. Those Pandemic in Nigeria’ that debuted at the recently “When people make such assertions, they insinuate “We have to tell the story of our time and if a who still pursue a big-screen debut, however, pray concluded iREP International Documentary Film and obliterate the audience.” story is well told, it makes money.” fervently that their films will challenge the norm Festival, found the perception awkward. The effect of that assumption is also felt on the Education, he said, has been neglected in the For instance, before the release of ‘La Femme “It’s like we are underestimating how much actors whom he said are often insulted by such film industry, thereby damaging the future of the Anjola’, the director Mildred Okwo urged Nigerians the audience is educated. It’s like we think the scripts that lack artistry and focus on commercial film industry we want. A paradigm shift, he noted, to watch the film and prove that notion wrong. audience is in a bubble.” viability, pointing out that most comedy films are is needed to empower filmmakers not only to At a recent webinar organised by the Nol- He queried why there is no blockade on other a clutch of incongruous scenes. make money out of their films but also to make lywood Studies Centre of the School of Media genres from Hollywood if comedy was the standard. “Comedy is the hardest thing to do and because them meaningful. The Voice Nigeria: The Third Season is a Charm for Vanilla
After her breathtaking and of her husband, siblings and her made a compelling pitch to the only one for the episode. Waje singer and songwriter from Abia electrifying performance on the adorable children who look up contestant, playing with the also stole the spotlight on the State sang American band Maroon second episode of The Voice to her for inspiration, she found flavorful meaning of her name. episode after breaking the rule 5’s popular hit ‘Memories’. Nigeria season three, Vanilla the courage to take another shot At the end of the day, Vanilla of no turning for a contestant Darey is still stuck with one Chinagoro dominated social at the mic. picked Yemi who exuded similar who didn’t meet their criteria. contestant. Perhaps, he may find media discussions. On Twitter and This time around, performing energy with the contestant. Yemi She turned to give a master class the right contestants for his team YouTube, her voice was praised ‘Freedom’ by American award- now has four contestants on her to Adedotun Adeloye, fetching on tomorrow’s episode. The Voice with many congratulating her for winning singer Beyoncé, Vanilla team after turning for Tim Ayo. her praise on social media. The Nigeria season three airs every picking Yemi Alade as her coach. nearly brought the house down Waje finally had her first contestant interestingly would Saturday night on African Magic Vanilla performing at The Voice The 32-year-old mother of three Nigeria S3 with her powerful vocals. All the contestant as Tim’s brother, receive a golden ticket at Nigerian Showcase (DStv 151), Urban (DStv auditioned for the first season coaches turned except Darey Nuel performing British rock Idol season six which aired the 153), and Family (DStv 154, GOtv of The Voice Nigeria six years depression and she nearly gave (though regretfully). Falz, who band Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ chose following night. Falz added a 2) at 8pm, and Sundays on AIT, ago but didn’t sail through. That up her dreams of becoming a was the first to get goosebumps her as a coach. His performance contestant to his team, Okemdiya Views TV, Wazobia TV and Max period of her life is marked with musician. But with the support from Vanilla’s performance, got four chair turns and was the Chimomez, too. The 28-year-old at 6pm.
Harsh Realities of the Pandemic in A Lasgidi Story AFRIMA is Ready to Beat the Drum Again Old Mutual Amazing Voices Returns For For many who converged at As vaccines administration Season Two EbonyLife Cinemas on Easter on the continent offers hope, All Sunday for the premiere of Efizzi Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Old Mutual Amazing Voices Group’s expository documentary is gearing up for the 2021 edition singing competition is on its ‘A Lasgidi Story’, the nearly one- of the awards. It recently hosted way to TV screens across Africa hour film was a wake-up call for media practitioners, music pro- from April 11. Despite the global African leaders to improve the fessionals and policymakers at pandemic, the singing competition healthcare sector. a stakeholder parley at the Azaline had over 500 entries, out of which Conceived by Collins Akpapu- and Pullman Hotels, in Abidjan, the top 10 Acapella groups from nam, the helmsman of the group Côte d’Ivoire from March 24 to 26. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe shortly after Nigeria recorded its Headed by the President and and South Africa will be selected index case of COVID-19 last year, Executive Producer, AFRIMA, to compete for the whopping $100, the documentary captured the Mike Dada, the conference tagged 000 grand prize. harrowing poverty of citizens who “The Drums Will Beat Again” Expressing her delight over unlike their rich counterparts were Audience at ‘A Lasgidi Story’ premiere was set to commence AFRIMA’s the show, Executive Head, Konan and Dada subjected to hardship during the continent-wide campaign for the Marketing and Customer lockdown period of the pandemic. disease. However, some concerned that there will always be another unveiling of the 2021 AFRIMA System Foundation, Jean-Louis Experience at Old Mutual Akpapunam focused his lens on Nigerians expressed worry over pandemic and Africa must be Calendar of Activities scheduled Boua; and President, Association of Nigeria, Alero Ladipo stated: the paradox of a bubbling city the economic implications of the ready,” stated Akpapunam on to hold in May this year. International Press, Côte D’Ivoire, “We are excited to be a part like Lagos where poverty and pandemic. They argued that the the aim his documentary. Revealed at the parley were M’ma Camara. of season two, especially at wealth are unfriendly neighbours. enforced lockdown could lead He added that the prediction AFRIMA’s consistent journey in “We do hope that our part- a time like this when there He encountered ordinary folks to death due to hunger and by the World Health Organisation promoting and engaging music nership with AFRIMA Awards is a growing appreciation who expressed their frustration deprivation. (WHO) that the pandemic will talents and content creators who will strengthen the Ivorian and for African music. It is an at the government for imposing But the documentary’s sole have a devastating effect on third are key stakeholders and benefi- Francophone music industry while amazing opportunity to lockdown, thereby subjecting them focus was not only on the ordinary world countries never materialised ciaries of the awarding process we look forward to organising the provide a learning platform to more privation as they were citizens. Almost every stratum of but it shouldn’t make African within the francophone region annual All Africa Music Awards for exceptional African talents unable to go about their daily the society was mirrored. A major countries complacent. “Rather, they of the continent. ceremony in Ivory Coast soonest,” and to show the world the hustles. highlight of the documentary was must seek their solutions than Strategic courtesy visits and remarked Konan. quality of entertainment we Among these were the hardcore the story by Dr Amara Allison accept hook, line and sinker the stakeholder meetings were also The stakeholder conference at are capable of showcasing.” believers of the COVID-19 hoax. who shared her experience on use of lockdowns and restrictions held with the Acting Minister, Abidjan is to continue the annual For this season, the judges This group of people were diagnosing the Italian index case as employed in the West.” Ministry of Tourism and franco- dialogue through which musicians, include Evelle, a previous Nigerian convinced that the coronavirus in Nigeria. ‘A Lasgidi Story’ also The documentary which was phone Relations, Mr Yves Konan; businesses, development partners, Idol winner; Zimbabwe’s afro-pop which has claimed more than touched on the mental health supported by brands such as the country’s media powerhouses- fans and the government broaden and RnB singer/songwriter, Am- two million lives globally only of survivors and stigmatisation. Wema Bank, International SOS, Director-General, Radiodiffusion- their perspective of music as a mara Brown; Kenya’s renowned exist in rich neighbourhoods, “African leaders must be Avis, Alaro City, CIS Moist Beach Télévision ivoirienne (RTI), Mr development tool while reviewing performer and producer, Filah therefore, only the rich die of prepared to dig deep and seek Club among others will also be Fausseni Dembele; and Marketing restrictions and adopting best Tuju; Ghana’s award-winning COVID-19. The poor, in their an African solution to the next available on streaming platforms Communications Giant, Voodoo practices in the music business rapper Trigmatic; and South views, were immune to the pandemic as history has taught us that will be announced soon. Group; Executive Director, Magic amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa’s artist, Vusi Nova. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 31 Nwokolo Tracy: I am Developing CNS Commissions Squash Court at NNS Delta Talents in Body Enhancements Sylvester Idowu in Warri Beauty expert, Nwokolo Isioma Tracy, has stated that The Chief of Naval Staff, her sole aim of expanding Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo her business, is to give back has commissioned a squash to the society by develop- hall to enhance the physical ing talents of those that are fitness of officers and ratings interested. of the Nigerian Navy Ship She stated this, on Insta- Delta (NNS Delta) in Warri, gram, @persian_couturee1, Delta State. The navy chief where she encouraged fe- performed the ceremony males to be productive and last week during his maiden take opportunities that come visit to NNS Delta, Warri and their ways. other naval formations in “I was one of those girls Nwokolo Oghara, Sapele and Warri. that could be written off The squash hall was con- in the past, because of my I believe in the growth of ceived several years ago but humble disposition. Some young persons like me. came into realisation under persons could not under- “Nobody should be shy the outgoing Commander, stand the enterprising spirit of what he or she does, as L-R: Commander NNS Delta; Commodore Seidu Adepegba; CNS, Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo; FOC Central Naval NNS Delta, Commodore Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam and Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Sa’idu Garba during the CNS’s in me, but since I knew I long as it puts food on your Seidu Adepegba. It was one-day official visit to NNS Delta was racing against myself, table, and could help raise gathered that the new I put my foot down, and got others. squash hall will be put into command. top naval chiefs including chulam; Navy Secretary, to work. “I have groomed talents. use, along with a standard The commissioning cer- the Flag Officer Command- Rear Admiral Sa’idu Garba; “Today, people come to I look back, and I’m always football field, to enhance emony by the Chief of Naval ing (FOC), Central Naval and host Commander, NNS me to help groom them. I thankful to God for, but this the physical fitness of the Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Command (CNC), Rear Delta, Commodore Seidu am not relenting in teaching is what I love doing, so I do it officers and ratings of the Gambo, was witnessed by Admiral Kennedy Egbu- Adepegba them what I know, because with passion”, Isioma wrote. Folashade Joseph & Food Security
ne of the ways Folashade Joseph sits atop a business through which empire that has made the corporation give the government coverage to agricultural projects worth endears itself over N6.8 billion investments across the to its citizens, country since inception. On losses and is by providing compensation, under her leadership NAIC adequate food has also paid out over 4 billion naira as security. There is claims to farmers of various classes from a popular saying in the lands of my father, inception to date, the recent being a N848 Othat a hungry man is an angry man. This million insurance claim in the 2020 pan- establishes the fact that no meaningful demic year alone. development can take place in a com- With the corporation’s various insur- munity where the people are poorly fed. ance products like the subsidized crops Undoubtedly, malnourishment also results insurance, commercial crops insurance, in poor health which affects productive subsidized livestock insurance, commercial capability of people. livestock insurance, combined agricultural If there is anything that the govt of produce and investment policy and area President Muhammadu Buhari deserves yield index insurance, she has been able an accolade for, I think it is in the area of to bring in and work with professionals agriculture which is basically to ensure in the corporation to see that the best of food security in the country. The deliber- services is rendered to the insuring public. ate and concerted efforts pumped into The only challenge facing her tenure this critical sector should be highly com- which she is working to change the nar- mended. rative is the low awareness of insurance Against this background, it is important products and penetration, this she is con- that while farmers are being encouraged tinuously doing to change with the constant to increase their yields, the risks associ- sensitization programs and workshops the ated in ensuring the increase in yields is corporation has been doing in educating being secured by the government owned farmers in various states to understand agricultural insurance corporation, the these agricultural insurance products. The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corpora- sensitization programs have been going Folashade tion (NAIC). NAIC was established as a on across the six geographical zones of social scheme to ensure food security, job claimed settlement with NAIC, have ex- height that has made the corporation a the country and tremendous success have creation, wealth establishment for farmers pressed confidence and satisfaction in the force to be reckoned with. been recorded so far. She is such a good and agribusiness practitioners across the way matters are handled, there is however There are a lot of things that she has human resource Manager with a resounding full value chain of the agribusiness. a huge increase in the confidence level been thinking and working on because human relation that anyone who has come It is in recognition of this important of farmers patronizing NAIC because of agriculture is re-evolving. The corpora- across her can attest to. Folashade Joseph is task that the President deemed it well by them believing that it can now effectively tion is working on the revenue insurance, a matured woman, watching and listening appointing Folashade Joseph (Mrs.) as the handle their risks. has started weather index insurance and to her contributions at meetings will tell MD/CEO of NAIC on the 10th of April, It is in recognition of her numerous livestock index insurance to match with you she is not your regular MD/CEO. 2017. Recognizing the onerous task ahead achievements in four years that Mr. Presi- the re-evolving agriculture trends. In her Her matured contributions to issues are upon assumption of office, she swung into dent re-appointed her for another four words “As agriculture becomes our main admirable. Her presentations are enviable action by bringing together all critical years effectively on the 11th of April, 2021 attraction in the country, so many busi- while her approach to topical sensitive stakeholders in the agribusiness sector to consolidate her developmental strides nesses will come along the line. So many national issues are captivating. of the economy. Farmers, co-operatives, in NAIC in particular and the agricultural lines of production, and of course, risks And so, as this Special Gift to humanity commodity associations, corporate organi- sector of the nation’s economy in general. that we did not know as at yesterday will begins another term of four years, on the zations, financial institutions, the Central Coming from the private sector, Fola- come up today”. 11th of April, 2021, I join several other Bank of Nigeria and all other stakeholders shade Joseph (Mrs.) is a thoroughbred Product development is a continuous people to wish Folashade Joseph (Mrs.) came together with her amazing leadership professional who knows her onions in the thing in NAIC, there were challenges in the another happy years of smiles and joys! style which has resulted in the significant corporate world. As a board room guru, past, there are challenges now which she Happy New Term! Happy New Tenure. progress recorded in the agricultural sector she is an exception in a male dominated is assiduously working on to surmount. Congratulations for another years of of the Nigerian economy. business environment. She has proved her Herdsmen-farmers clashes is an issue that experience and memories. Her amazing leadership style since her mettle hence the bold confidence reposed is prevalent across the country and she is appointment has resulted in the prompt in her by Mr. President to continue her actually working on ways to address these t5PMB0HVOOVCJ %FQVUZ)FBE $PS- settlements of claims. To this end, the good works for another four years. She challenges. It can be from the herdsmen QPSBUF"GGBJST/JHFSJBO"HSJDVMUVSBM majority of farmers and those who had has been able to take NAIC to an enviable angle or from the farmers’ angle. *OTVSBODF$PSQPSBUJPO /"*$ 32 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021
ART WEEKEND…For pure art enthusiasts Dotun Popoola’s Monumental Thought Pyramid Unleashes Duo Show Documentation in ‘Metal and Metaphor’ ‘Transcendence’ Alongside the warmth of the surrounding wood at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island came an eye-opening session with Dotun Popoola, Africa’s Metal King whose voyage into hybrid metal sculpture forms the crux of the coffee-table book, ‘Metal and Metaphor.’ Yinka Olatunbosun reports
n April 10, a select collective from the art community and be- yond will experience the formal launch of the coffee-table book in Lagos. Edited by an art scholar, Moyo Okediji- a lifelong associate of a leading con- Otemporary ‘synergetic’ metal sculptor, Dotun Popoola, the book titled ‘Metal and Metaphor’ Little Light 1’ by Christain Allison is a potpourri of aesthetics, ideologies, history, culture, images and other elements of a career life spanning two decades. Its pages glow with Yinka Olatunbosun beautiful pictures of his multi-coloured metal sculptures, emitting almost the visual appeal On the heels of steady progression on Book Cover of a food blog. With an introduction by the the Lagos and international art scenes, two editor, the book also features four essays by States of America in 2016. There, he learnt to ‘American Rottweiler.’ He once had a show artists, Ikechukwu Ezeigwe and Christian use the mig welder and a plasma cutter. On in Texas where he was expected to bring six Allison are heading towards canvas mas- art historians namely Olusegun Fajuyigbe, works. Realising that he needed to bridge the tery. They are having a joint art exhibition Kunle Filani, Kehinde Adepegba and Tolulope his return to Nigeria, he started repurposing metal junks from junkyard, assembling them cultural gap, he picked the dog motif loaded titled, Transcendence from April 11 to 26 at Sobowale. Incidentally, all of these contributing into stunning pieces, mostly in animal figures. with African symbols that an average American Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos. scholars graduated from the University of Ife, Bad spark plugs, discarded power generators, could relate to. The gallery had previously showcased their now known as Obafemi Awolowo University cutlery, bicycle parts all became assets to his On one of his posts on Instagram, he received a works in a juried group exhibition targeted (OAU), Ile-Ife. artistry. His first experiment with scrap resulted positive feedback, amongst many, from someone at young talented artists tagged ‘Next of A native of Abeokuta, Popoola’s affinity for into a huge sculpture of a cockerel made of who had been struggling with suicidal thoughts. Kin.’ Ikechukwu and Allison had won at scrap art evolved through formal and non- discarded spark plugs and cutlery, showcased at “He actually saw my post on that Monday the 2019 and 2020 editions respectively and formal training. His forefathers had laid the a popular gallery in Lagos to a warm reception. morning. Most of my works I do analysis and thus, this new show is a way of consolidating roots in the trade. His great and grand-fathers “The title of the book, ‘Metal and Metaphor’ is interpretation by myself and I would post it. their artistic supremacy. were blacksmiths, while his father is an auto just a play on words, using the works to convey People would read and give feedback. I had On the one hand, the 32-year old Ezeigwe electrician- with the moniker “Baba Rewire”. messages and not just for aesthetic purposes written that morning that ‘Out of the broken had one of his works, ‘Enemy of the State’ For Popoola, there is a deep spiritual connection alone,’’ he continued. “The Yorubas would call pieces of your past, there can be an edifice of sold by the renowned Bonhams Private in his lineage with the art. Still, critics often that ‘Aroko,’ that is a metaphor. ‘Aroko’ is a hope.’ I have assembled discarded materials Auction house in the UK. His works are point to the Ife Art school’s influence that is coded message. Each of my works has a coded to form a magnificent piece- a bigger picture. characterized by human figures with animal palpable in the cultural contexts of his works. message, like sculpture-within-a-sculpture. I think that is a bigger message in my works,’’ heads to highlight themes of politics, love, To break into international art markets, Popoola It is like having miniatures within the whole. he said. affection, amongst others. He effectively understands the danger of telling only one side Sometimes, I could hide the Benin Bronze or the His decision to have a coffee-table book on uses his unique painting style to advocate of a story. Hence, his artistic statements are Nok head or other bronze items to transpose his artistry was founded on the need to a reach for good and credible governance in his created as hybrid in nature, both in form and the work into hybrid and also create a luxury a wide range of audience, without the book country. content. effect. The coded message- most of the time- is turning into some abandoned piece on the On the other hand, Allison, 30, a native “I put different things together to produce personal to whoever commissions the work bookshelf. Dr Odun Orimolade is the reviewer of Bonny Island and a graduate of Obafemi one work,’’ he began, as his hand brushed over or whatever message that you would want to of the book which took some 500days to be Awolowo University Ile-Ife is an engineer the menu on the table. “I can create a piece of pass across. I love the book to appeal to even completed. The artist had always taken pictures turned full-time studio artist. A hyper- work with a variety of meanings, using ferrous a casual reader. The book is a compendium, and short videos of his works periodically for realistic charcoal and pastel artist, his works and non-ferrous items.’’ catalogue, brochure, research material; it is many years- making them the raw material for are also expressed on textured canvas and After studying Fine Art from Auchi Polytech- everything rolled into one.’’ this book. Popoola, who turned 40 this week, paper using graphite. Some of his outstand- nic and later, Obafemi Awolowo University The artist who enjoys telling stories around believes that the book will encourage young ing pieces had been sold in Mexico and the (OAU), Ile Ife where he graduated in 2008, his works and their impact around the world artists to take their artistry seriously and generate UK. For the ‘Transcendence’ show, each of Popoola trained as a hybrid welder in the United recounted the story behind the metal sculpture more scholarly reviews on scrap art. the artists will be exhibiting 10 works. The Exhibition Director, Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Mr. Ovie Omatsola, described the art of the two artists as “crazy” styles, capable of keeping the beholder glued to Mydrim Gallery Returns with Future Masters the works. From a curatorial perspective, Omatsola acknowledges their “out-of-the- box” skills, which result in incredible pieces. Yinka Olatunbosun incredible artistic statements with her pallete Undoubtedly, the gallery is commitment knife technique, landscape and portrait paint- to not just discovering future masters, but Christened ‘FOURTUNE,’ a group exhibition ings. The graduate of Ekiti State University also helping them to excel. of paintings executed by four young artists- Raji honed her skills through the industrial attach- “The underlying goal of ‘Transcendence’ is Mohammed, Oluwafunke Oladimeji, Olufemi ment programme at the Universal Studio of breaking the Nigerian curse of not strengthen- Oyewole and Olajide Salako will hit the Lagos Arts. Her works at this show include “Ilu Oke,’’ ing talents discovered by a project, platform, or organization,” Omatsola who curated the scene tomorrow April 10. This show is a part of “Oro Aje,’’ “The Communion’’ amongst others. past Next of Kin editions explained. “Next Mydrim Gallery’s Generations-Future Masters Moods and emotions are the consistent of Kin is focused on discovering, promoting, Exhibition series which was initiated by the themes in the works of Olufemi Oyewole, a and supporting emerging talents who are master painter, Abiodun Olaku on the premise graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile capable of becoming the future masters”. that there has been a decline in the standards of Ife. The full-time studio artist is a contempo- Omatsola maintained that ‘Transcendence’ draughtsmanship among young artists. Thus, rary representational artist with a knack for is a step further in sustaining and fulfilling the vision of ‘Next of Kin’ which is provid- the idea of creative a platform to promote young draughtsmanship. His contribution to the show ing continuous promotion and support for creatives was formed. In a statement by the include “Evening Veil,’’ “Mutual Rendezvous,’’ discovered talents. He also predicted that “the founder of the gallery, Sinmidele Adesanya, “Familiar Route,’’ and “Heading Home.” exhibition will be a spectacle, presenting grip- the ‘Fourtune Four’ artists were among the Looking Within With Olajide Salako, learning from art masters ping artworks of two “highly-in-demand” selected artists who had previously participated such as Abiodun Olaku, Ejoh Wallace, Joshua and fast excelling artists who have grown in three editions of the exhibition. such as oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, pen and Nmesironye and Olojo Kosoko at the Universal bigger than what they were prior to winning the Thought Pyramid Next of Kin awards. “We recognized that they could no longer graphite. Motivated by world great masters, Studio of Art were some of his early steps to Indeed, Ikechukwu Ezeigwe and Christian participate in other ‘Future Masters’ exhibitions he is inspired by every day realities of the finding his own unique voice. The 40-year old Allison have become two priceless Nigerian as other artists had to be given the opportunity people around him. In 2019, his painting titled artist paints in oil, acrylic and pastel. He has an exports who continue to evolve in their par- to showcase their works. Their works were ‘Reflection’ was selected among the 260 best eye for vibrant hues as well as the nose for the ticular art specializations.” This is not the really outstanding and so we proposed the idea works in the British Portrait Competition. His business side of art practice. His works include first time the two artists would be exhibiting of a joint exhibition,’’ she revealed. works at this show include the identity series “Betrothed I and II,’’ “Preparation for Stardom together. In 2018, the two artists exhibited in Raji Mohammed, a graduate of University titled, “Flower Girl,’’ and “Warm Feeling,’’ V,’’ “Rising Star,’’ “The New Bride,’’ and “Shield.’’ ‘Tales From Within’ at the National Museum Gallery, Onikan, Lagos. of Nigeria, Nsukka paints in different media Oluwafunke Oladimeji, born in 1988, makes The show runs till April 24. THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021 33
Ito Ogbo Obosi: Celebrating the Aged Alive Ito Ogbo is a colourful festival of Obosi people of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which particularly targets the celebration of octogenarians while they are still alive, David-Chyddy Eleke reports
n Saturday, March first time we are having federal presence in 6, the entire Obosi the festival.” kingdom came alive, “ We are appealing to the federal govern- as the community ment to make Ito Ogbo a national cultural celebrated its aged festival, and to be emulated by others. It will people in a colourful go a long way to show respect for the aged and celebration, which also celebrate them. Some go hungry, some has lasted over 600 don’t get their retirement benefits, others are years, known as Ito Ogbo. The festival is a thought to have been spent forces, so they are triennialO event, in which people in the com- abandoned. It will go a long way to establish munity who turn 80 years are celebrated; first the importance of old age, especially among at the village square, then each retire to their our youths,” Iweka appealed. individual compounds to make merry with Dr. Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, the permanent friends and family. secretary, ministry of Information, culture and It is usually a great event for the people tourism who represented Alhaji Lai Mohammed of the kingdom, and indigenes of the com- said she was already thrilled with the colourful munity from far and wide usually attend, to performances of the various cultural groups, celebrate with the next set of octogenarians, in the reception put together to welcome her. and also to feel an air of conviviality which She assured that she would be around the next Ijele masquerade performing at the Ito Ogbo Festival is usually very visible in the community. For day to witness the real event. True to her words, the celebrants, their celebration of Ito Ogbo Anyanwutaku was at the village square on is no mean business, as even though they are Saturday to watch colourful performances by old and retired, their children, grand children various masquerade groups and also witness friends and well wishers spare nothing at all the admission of the Igwebuike age grade to to ensure that the celebration is made a grand the Ito Ogbo. one for the celebrant. In her remark, she said, “It’s a good celebra- Participating in the Ito Ogbo festival as a tion and we are here to witness it. We believe celebrant is not an individual thing. Age groups, that our coming is a step towards making which are usually inaugurated by the monarch this festival not just a national event but an of the community during their youthful age, international one which even the whites will which is an age bracket of within three years be happy to attend and watch. We will take all grow together, while some may die before the event, interviews and videos and package the age of 80, those who are lucky to be alive it to Abuja and we hope that it would yield to participate as celebrants of the festival are positive result.” deemed to have fulfilled all their life’s goals and The traditional Ruler of the kingdom, Iweka are thus celebrated by the entire community. in an interview with THISDAY expressed his As this reporter drove into Obosi Kingdom happiness over the idea by the ancestors of from Onitsha, it was very obvious that there Obosi for creating the Ito Ogbo Obosi festival. A sea of hers of fun seekers at the Ito Ogbo Obosi Festival was celebration in the air. First was that the He said, “I thank our ancestors for urging us roads were busy with vehicular traffic, while to remember and venerate our old people. masquerades were seen on all sides of the Old age is sacred. So, we do not want this roads, dancing either to Ogene music or other custom to go into extinction. I debunk the instruments, all being played by various age misconception that people’s enrollment into grades that were moving to the town square age grade is pagan practice. Ito Ogbo is based for the 2021 Ito Ogbo festival. Natives were on the age grade system, and you grow with also seen milling around, including youths your peers to the age of Ito Ogbo. and children, all gaily dressed, and radiating “There is nothing fetish or diabolical about smiles and happiness. It is indeed very clear Ito Ogbo Festival. If it is fetish, Anglican priests that the day was not the same as every other and other priests will not be here to felicitate day in Obosi kingdom. with celebrators. Only those who belong to an From one point to another, one would notice age grade and participated in the Ito Ogbo are canopies, public address systems blasting music, eligible to wear red caps and bear the title of while chairs and tables were all empty. These Ogbueshi or Nwanyi Nokwudo eshi.” places are compounds of people whose patriarchs President-General of Obosi Development and matriarchs newly attained the age of 80 and Union (ODU), Mr Ikechukwu Okolo, and the were participating in the Ito Ogbo festival. One chairman of the planning committee of the Ito may wonder why the seats are empty, but truth is ogbo 2021, Mr Chinedu Nwogem described A masquerade performing at the square that the celebrant, all his children, grandchildren, the event as epochal. Okolo said the festival relatives, friends and well wishers have all moved was an ancient famous carnival that originated to the town square where the monarch blesses in Obosi. He said that it was a grand ancient them in the presence of everyone, before they festival that celebrated longevity and inspired retire to their individual compounds to cap the the youths to live healthily so as to reach the celebration. age of 80 and qualify to be celebrated. Nwogem On the day before the Ito Ogbo festival, the on his part said he was elated that this year’s monarch of the community, Igwe Chidubem festival was special because the visiting federal Iweka had received theinister of Information, government delegation promised to make the Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in festival a UNESCO recognised event. his palace. Iweka while addressing the minister High point of the event was the celebration of on the significance of the festival said, “Ito Ogbo different colourful masquerades on the square, is a unique celebration of longevity, which is with the Ijele and Izaga winning the attention original to Obosi people. It was instituted by our of many. Madam Agnes Eze, a septuagenarian forbearers and has been here for over 600 years. who spoke to THISDAY said, “I am looking “It marks the celebration of the respect that forward to my own Ito Ogbo some years from should be given to the elderly. Retirement age now. This is a festival that I relished many in the public service is 60, but most people feel decades ago, and from the time I was a child that at that age, a man still has a lot to offer. Here, to this day, I always looked forward to it. our Ito Ogbo is almost like retirement, and one “If it was when I was young, we already Monarch of Obosi Kingdom, Igwe Chidubem Iweka and wife during the Ito Ogbo festival in Obosi must be up to 80 years to participate in it. In knew the homes of the people who celebrated this festival, we get the opportunity to celebrate He decried the scenario where old people are was brought to the consciousness of the federal Ito Ogbo today, and we would move from one aged people. We do this because we know that abandoned, only to be celebrated upon their government, with an appeal for them to make persons home to the other eating, but now, they feel neglected at such age, and most times, death. He said the culture gives the people to it a national festival we are old, so, I will manage to go to just one at such age, people are already abandoned. celebrate their parents while alive and give them He said, “Ito Ogbo is unique and it is a time place today, before going back home. This is But with this celebration, we are able to make the opportunity to be loved and seen as very honoured celebration. It shows the kind of the day we used to say that food is wasting them feel like part of us again, and we also important again. He said the essence of bringing wisdom our forbearers had. We have been in every home in Obosi, but as age has set in, get the opportunity to celebrate them while federal presence to this year’s celebration was trying get the federal government to come we may not be able to go everywhere that we they are alive. to ensure that the festival and its uniqueness and see what we are doing here. This is the wish to go.” 34 THISDAY ˾ ͷ˜2021
POLSCOPE áÓÞÒÎÎãÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙטͽͻ;ͻͽ; Afaka Abductees, Gov El Canticles…. Rufai and Anxious Parents Insecurity: Now that a Baba Has Come on Board
Usman Baba
think, for the first time, Mr President as a successor at the time. So, the so-called three has taken a critical decision to tackle months period was to enable Mr President find a a critical national challenge. replacement, and thankfully, he found one before I the three months window shut. So that was what Really? What exactly did he do? happened and by no means a reward. Did you not hear that he has appointed Do you realise that under the former IGP Gov El Rufai a Baba as the chief security officer of the several cases of attempted kidnap were foiled? country? Do you realise how many kidnapped victims wenty nine days ago, some 39 students cause their children to be released. Many of them were rescued by the Police? You think it is of the Federal College of Forestry and have even offered to go look for whatever money What do you mean by a Baba? Are you implying watching Ben Ten? Do you realise how many Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna were the bandits are demanding so they can have their that the former IGP was a Mama? And that is why policemen paid the supreme prize trying to abducted. Last Monday, five of the children back and alive. They do not want a repeat he could not tame the monster called insecurity? rescue others? abducted students were released by of the Chibok Girls scenario nor a repeat of the their abductors. It is not clear how Dapchi case. They want their children released You said so. Do you realise that even the police became so and why just a few were released. collectively and without any condition. vulnerable that many policemen were themselves The remaining 34 students are still But again, Gov El-Rufai would not hear any of That is very uncharitable. Do you know the kidnapped and their families had to pay ransom being held captive. that. The governor has gone ahead to threaten to challenge the police as an institution faces? You before they were released? What kind of humiliation TBefore the abduction, the state governor, Mal- arrest and prosecute anyone who goes into any think it is easy to police over 200 million people of a nation’s Police Force can be worse? lam Nasir El-Rufai had been vocal on not having negotiation with the bandits towards the release with less than 40,000 policemen across the country? anything to do with bandits or terrorists which of the students. Look, it just happened to be that the new man’s It is not peculiar to the Police. Even Army have severely harassed the people of the state. So, is Gov El-Rufai being callous and insensitive name is Usman Baba, and that does not confer Generals were kidnapped, some were even There is hardly a day past without an ugly news to the anxiety and plight of the parents on one any superior capacity on him. After all, the days killed, others had to pay ransom to get released. about how bandits have either killed dozens of hand and the state of health and well being of the and weeks ahead shall tell, bet me (stretching So, don’t make it look like it is peculiar to the persons, razed their homes or how persons have abducted students on the other hand? Or is it a out his fore finger). Police Force. Everybody is a victim, so to say. been kidnapped or subjected to other forms of case of being rigid in adopted principles? Let me tell you, if it is on account of kidnap- dehumanization. Some have asked, if Gov El Rufai’s son was Are you saying that this new IGP will also ping and killings, then Mr President should Gov El-Rufai had vowed not to go along with among the 34 students still held, would he stick to not be able to perform be he a Baba or not? be ready to appoint six or more IGPs before the Northern Governors’ Forum which had tacitly his guns? Pro- El-Rufai commentators have argued he leaves office in 2023, because the battle approved the need to negotiate with bandits. An that if the governor could send his six year old son I have not said so. I wish him well. But remember to secure and redeem Nigeria is not, and will Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, had gone to a public school, he can do anything to make his that people always see the grass on the other side not be magical. ahead to canvass amnesty programme for the point in governance. But the two scenarios (send- as being greener. so-called repentant bandits. But Gov El-Rufai ing your son to public school and being violently What Nigerians want is performance. Not would have none of it. He had sworn that he abducted by bandits from a school) are not the I don’t care what your proverb is suggesting. excuses! Usman Baba has been appointed now. would never be part of it and would not sup- same thing. The variables are markedly different. But what I know is that Mr Mohammed He has been in the police force for over 33 years. port it. He had argued, rather logically, that no It is bad enough that he has ruled out negotia- Adamu, the immediate past Inspector He had risen through the ranks and understands amount of amnesty will wean the bandits of their tion with the bandits with the aim of releasing the General of Police, was practically sleeping how the system runs. He should come with his own evil ventures because they get lots of huge fund students, but it is yet worse to threaten to arrest on duty. Under his watch, situations were ideas of how to better secure Nigeria and Nigerians. from the ransom they are paid, and that they will and prosecute anyone who does. Would that not going from bad to worse. With him, nothing The glory and glamour of office will make more thus not agree to give up that mega income for amount to double jeopardy? was sure in terms of security. People were sense to him, if he performs. We have had more the paltry allowance the amnesty programme will So should the abducted students be traded in in being kidnapped and killed at will with no than enough excuses over the years. Whether he is offer them. This is even as he was the first person exchange for a government’s position? God forbid, indication or capacity of the Police Force to Baba or Mama, let him go after the criminals: smoke to engage bandits and terrorists, in his first term what if the abducted students get killed or given the contain the menace of criminals. And I think them out and work towards making Nigerians in office, when he confessed that he was paying treatment of the Chibok Girls’ remnants? Would the last straw that broke the camel’s back sleep with their two eyes closed. Anything short terrorists not to unleash havoc in the state. But I it be a tribute to principle or unwise obduracy? was the attack on the Police Headquarters in of that would be unacceptable. guess he stopped because the terrorists soon saw Is it not rather better and wiser to secure the Imo State capital, Owerri, plus the burning him as their faithful ATM, as they kept coming release of the abducted students while government down of the Owerri Prison. It was an audacity Let us wish him well. But if fire could consume and coming demanding and blackmailing him. fine tunes its strategies to forestall re-occurrence? taken too far. No C-in-C would sit down and the tortoise with the iron coat, you can imagine He drew a line, called their bluff and dared them. Surely, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other watch the nation drop so helplessly. And what it will do to a hen with a feathery gown. The abduction of the 39 students at the Federal forms of violence are not going to vanish from our did you also not hear that even after the Usman Alkali Baba is not quite an operations man. College of Forestry, many people believe, is thus a nation overnight. former IGP gave an order of tighter policing He’s been more of an Admin personnel. He was way of the bandits testing the validity of El-Rufai’s A deliberate recovery plan must be instituted by in the state, 24 hours after, another set of promoted DIG six months ago. And today, he is resolve not to ever deal with them. government to rescue society from wild brigands gunmen attacked another Police station and the Acting Inspector General of Police. May his Gov El-Rufai, has argued that the huge ransom harassing the daylight out of innocent citizens. El burnt it down after setting all the detained bright luck cause him to excel where others had the bandits collect from the families of their ab- Rufai must Ronu! persons free? This is not to talk of the daily stumbled. But if the truth be told, succeeding as ductees are in turn used to support and finance the Many of the parents explained that they are harvest of violence and blood shedding in an effective IGP would require more than luck. operations of the Boko Haram terrorists. That way, resorting to self help as they cannot see or hear what Kaduna State. There is work to be done and for Heaven’s sake, there is an endless circle of violence and unrest. the government is doing to secure the release of their let it get done! So, for 39 days, the bandits have held on to their children. Days go into weeks and weeks almost I think you are not seeing the whole and bigger captives, expecting that the length of time plus the going into a month now, yet there is dark silence picture. Don’t forget that this same Mohammed If Usman Baba must succeed, let him show pressure from parents and other stakeholders would from government. “We don’t get any feedback, Adamu had his tenure extended for three months activism and determination to rein in all the killer bend Gov El-Rufai and compel him to negotiate nor any positive response from government and last February when he ought to have retired. So herdsmen ravaging the country without deferring with them. But 39 days after, the governor has security agents”, a distressed parent said. if he was that dismal, he wouldn’t have been to ethno-religious considerations. He is from Yobe neither blinked nor budged. The radar is rather blank, even though the rewarded with extra three months of service and State. Nigerians would watch out to see how he But not the same with the parents of the ab- government claims moves are being made and privileges. handles matters that concern other parts of the ductees. Understandably. that because it is an issue of safety and security, country. He should not be agile and cock-ready They have been anxious, they have organized noise should not be made. Did you say reward? He was not rewarded for only when he hears of IPOB or Oduduwa Nation mass protests, they have held meetings with the To avoid a repeat of the Chibok girls’ scenario anything. Why should ineptitude be rewarded? Ok, or Egbesu Boys. The killer herdsmen are a greater governor, they have organized prayers and vigils, where, till today, some abducted students remain point at one significant achievement of Mohammed danger than self-determination groups. they have addressed press conferences…. But their unseen and unheard, seven full years after, the Adamu as an IGP. Tell me… don’t mope at me. Somebody must tell Usman Baba that he has children and wards are yet held. In fact, one of the government and the parents cannot afford not to Look, it was the clear case of ineptitude and just two years to leave the force. Let him make parents of the abducted children has died out of be on the same page on this matter. The strategy negligence on the part of Mr President that meaningful and significant impact. It is more crucial sheer anxiety . that was deployed to secure the release of the five Mohammed Adamu had his tenure extended. to be credited with great good than just being listed Expectedly, many of the parents are willing to students last Monday should be explored and It came as if his time of retirement suddenly hit the in the row of former IGPs. He must hit the ground open negotiation with the bandits if that would deepened to effect the release of the other 34. President who had not thought of who to appoint running. His time starts now! FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 35 36 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 •THISDAY FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 • THISDAY 37 38 THISDAY ˾ ˜APRIL 9, 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE AGF Commits to Prompt Production of Govt Financial Reports James Emejo ÓØÌßÔË (FRCN), led by the acting Execu- for partnership and synergy with tive Secretary, Iheanyi Anyahara, the Office of the Accountant The Accountant General of the which paid him a courtesy visit, General of the Federation, Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris, maintained that the treasury Idris, noted that the initiative Idris, has reiterated his resolve will continue to implement strate- was apt and will, among to continue to ensure timely gies that will guarantee timely other things, promote healthy, production of the federal govern- production of general purpose mutually beneficial working ment’s general purpose financial financial statements. relationship between both statements. The AGF, also commended agencies. He, however, stressed that the the courage of the council, in In a statement issued by treasury had bridged the hitherto its determination to ensure Director, Information, Press and deficit in the production of the compliance with internationally Public Relations, OAGF, Mr. government’s financial statements, acceptable financial management Henshaw Ogubike, the AGF, in compliance with the extant and reporting standards, and also, approved the constitution rules and regulations guiding advised that enforcement of of a joint committee comprising its operations. the policy should be holistic to officials of the FRCN and his Speaking while receiving ensure optimal compliance by office, to work out modalities the leadership of the Financial public and private entities. for the proposed partnership Reporting Council of Nigeria On the request by the council between the two agencies. DLM Capital Acquires Links MFB Goddy Egene with the bank’s many fintech said. efforts already underway, will Ohakpougwu added: “We The DLM Capital Group has position them to deliver even are particularly excited about our acquired Links Microfinance more value for corporates and acquisition of Links MFB and how Bank as part of plans to expand consumers. it enhances the growth trajectory into Nigeria’s million-dollar “DLM Capital Group’s acquisi- of our business. “This highly MARKET INDICATORS fintech sector. tion of Links MFB represents both strategic acquisition represents The Corporate Commu- an entry into new businesses and another significant milestone for MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) nications Manager at DLM complementary enhancements to us on our journey as a resilient Capital Group, Chinwendu the institution’s existing subsidiar- and well-capitalised financial JANUARY 2021 Ohakpougwu, who disclosed ies. “First, this prospect opens new institution with advanced scale Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 this in a statement, explained market opportunities for the bank and capacity to deliver sustainable that the acquisition would on the African continent. Second, and best-in-class financial services -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 give the group the mandate the acquisition will enable the within the Nigerian market. Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 to operate small scale banking institution to exit its ‘legacy bank’ “We are confident that this services in Nigeria. According to visibility and work more closely decade will be bullish for -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 Ohakpougwu, this will also allow with the fintech community Nigeria’s tech space and are -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 the successive launch of its star to build a ‘challenger bank’ ready to work with the fintech digital lending brand, Sofri, in brand that proffers innovative community in strengthening ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 the second quarter of this year. technological solutions for the the solutions necessary to meet “The acquisition, combined Nigerian market,” the statement consumer needs.” ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 How RMB Assisted Ghana in $3bn Eurobond Issue Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) past made a case for the creation Team’s expertise, innovation and has disclosed that it acted as of an, “inclusive global forum to ability to execute amidst a volatile ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 Joint Lead Manager and Joint rebuild the international financial market backdrop. ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 Bookrunner (JLM), alongside and economic architecture “This issuance enables the other transaction parties, in and a new ability to respond Ministry of Finance to raise ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 Ghana’s four-tranche Eurobond. equitably and rapidly to such funds to refinance more According to a statement, RMB a catastrophe.” expensive shorter-dated debt ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 also acted as Dealer Manager on The effective execution of the with affordable term debt,” the --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 Ghana’s Tender Offer on its 2023 zero-coupon Eurobond tranche statement added. maturity Eurobonds. was another step towards achiev- This transaction was preceded Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 “RMB is proud to have assisted ing the vision and helps to create by a 3-day virtual deal roadshow, Ghana to issue a new money additional fiscal space to assist where Ghana presented its --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 Zero Coupon Senior Unsecured Ghana Build Back Better post the impressive credit story to global --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ Eurobond, the first of its kind Covid-19 impact on the economy. fixed income investor base, whilst --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 by an Emerging Market (EM) “RMB is pleased to have been emphasising the government’s sovereign,” it added. able to assist the government to focus on fiscal consolidation, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, achieve its goal on this transaction. completion and continuity as Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Ken Ofori-Atta, who was sworn The issuance further demonstrates the economy recovers from the Month March 2018 in on March, 30, 2021, had in the the RMB Debt Capital Markets impact of the pandemic. Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 AirSmat to Participate in Global AI Conference Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 AirSmat, an Artificial Intelligence The five days virtual confer- Security’ to the over 1.2 billion Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 (AI) startup has announced its ence will kick off with a keynote population in the continent. “A participation at NVIDIA GTC address by the Chief Executive “The GTC conference will en- Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 found 2021—a conference for AI innova- Officer and Founder of NVIDIA, able participants to discover new ligenc tors, technologists and creative Jensen Huang. AirSmat’s Vice insights in AI and opportunity 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 startin holding on a virtual platform President, Business Development to network with a global com- precis from April 12 to 16th, 2021. and Operations, Uche Olukoju, munity of developers, researchers, 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Artifi A statement described the will be joining other speakers engineers, and innovators. 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 “A NVIDIA’s GTC as a transforma- and facilitators to present the “The conference will feature Intellig tive global event that brings business offerings of AirSmat. inspiring presentations from 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 gathe together brilliant, creative minds The presentation will be industry pioneers, connect with and s looking to ignite ideas, build new centered on how AirSmat is experts session, startup insight, Prime Lending rate 17.35 soil d skills, and forge new connections ‘Helping African Farmers Increase DLI Training and Demos,” the Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 “Th to take on biggest challenges. Crop Yield Guaranteeing Food statement added. platfo rich ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ our c farme Access Bank Lagos Marathon to Feature Virtual Participation OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 2021 and m In a bid to ensure the health The marathon, scheduled Etuokwu said, “Our primary The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $60.68 a barrel on Wednesday, and safety of all runners and for April 10, 2021, can only ac- consideration is the health and compared with $61.33 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. essential service workers amid commodate 300 runners in line safety of participants, attendees The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the guidelines provided by and staff that will be a part of the title sponsors of the Access the World Health Organisation the Lagos City Marathon. Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light Bank Lagos City Marathon, (WHO), World Athletics and the “This is why we decided to (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Access Bank Plc has announced Lagos State Ministry of Health. have an exclusive virtual event Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and that the competition will be held Speaking on the develop- - that allows participants from Merey (Venezuela). virtually for interested 10km ment, Access Bank’s Executive all over the world to run the SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna runners this year. Director of Retail Banking, Victor race wherever they are. THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39
Securities Dealers Call for Integrated Market to Harness Opportunities Goddy Egene Africans out of poverty. It accelerate the transformation of profitable ventures. With its Meanwhile, trading at the Appraising the current state should be pointed out that the market as the investment demutualisation, The NSE has stock market closed on positive The Chairman, Association of the Nigerian capital market, there has been an existing destination of Nigeria. joined the ranks of all demu- note as the NSE All-Share Index of Securities Dealing Houses Ezeagu noted that all efforts model of the West African “ The exchange can achieve tualised markets globally. The appreciated by 0.07 per cent to of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief must be geared towards enhanc- Market Integration (WAMI) a market capitalisation of about process has taken our market close at 38,799.83, while market Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, ing global competitiveness and which has a great potential for $200 billion in 2022 with its several years to actualize and I capitlisation added N3.9 billion has called for a more inte- the government must also play expansion. There is a compelling approved demutualisation. For commend all the stakeholders to be at N20.3 trillion. As a grated capital market in the pivotal role in this regard. need to exploit this opportunity the umpteenth time, we are in the capital market ecosystem. result, the year-to-date decline West African region to take “ Africa needs a connected for global competitiveness,” he calling on the federal govern- Opportunities are there for has stood at 3.7 per cent. The advantage of emerging trad- capital market that can compete said. ment to deepen the capital demutualised exchanges in growth recorded yesterday was ing opportunities such as the globally with the dispensation Ezeagu explained that the market through liberalisation Africa to collaborate and operate spurred by gains in Zenith Bank African Continental Free Trade of AfCTFA. At the core of demutualisation of the Nigerian of moribund state assets as a single hub to attract capital Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Agreement (AfCTFA). AfCTFA) is the need to lift Stock Exchange (NSE) would and corporations to become and investment,” he said. and Access Bank Plc. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 08/04/2021
MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 40 ˾FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021
Friday, April 9, 2021
Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Rose 0.3% dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϯϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX ϭ͕ϳϰϬ͘ϴϴƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘dŚŝƐǁĂƐĂƐĂƌĞƐƵůƚŽĨŐĂŝŶƐŝŶGUARANTY (+2.7%), ZENITH (+3.8%) and ACCESS (+1.9%). These Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index ƐƚŽĐŬƐĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJĂĐĐŽƵŶƚĨŽƌϭϳ͘ϭйŽĨƚŚĞŝŶĚĞdž͘ Price Price Previous Current Current Change Change Divindend Earnings Ticker Price ROE ROA P/E P/BV Price Weighting YTD Index to Yield Yield Change Date Local Bourse Extends Gain... ASI up 0.1% THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1,740.88 0.34% 18.6% 74.1% 14.1% 3.7% 5.1x 0.5x 5.6% 13.1% 1 Airtel Africa PLC 930.00 0.0% 34.7% 9.2% 9.2% 7.9% 2.8% 1.4% dŚĞĚŽŵĞƐƟĐƐƚŽĐŬŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚƚŚĞďƵůůŝƐŚƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ 2 BUA Cement Plc 72.70 0.0% 10.7% -6.0% -6.0% 19.1% 11.2% 34.9x 6.6x 2.5% 2.9% as ƚŚĞ ůů-^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϳďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 28.75 2.7% 8.4% -11.1% -11.1% 27.1% 4.6% 4.0x 1.1x 10.4% 24.7% 4 Zenith Bank PLC 21.80 3.8% 6.0% -12.1% -12.1% 22.4% 3.1% 3.0x 0.6x 14.0% 33.7% 38,799.83 ƉŽŝŶƚƐĚƵĞƚŽďƵLJŝŶŐŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ in ZENITH (+3.8%), 5 Dangote Cement PLC 215.00 0.0% 5.4% -12.2% -12.2% 31.2% 14.6% 13.3x 4.2x 7.4% 7.5% 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 162.00 0.0% 4.7% -4.6% -4.6% 16.1x 18.5x 5.8% 6.2% GUARANTY (+2.7%) and ACCESS (+1.9%). ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 1,420.00 0.0% 3.8% -5.6% -5.6% 104.8% 17.8% 28.7x 38.4x 4.9% 3.5% zdůŽƐƐ at -ϯ͘ϳйǁĂƐƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚĂŶĚŵĂƌŬĞƚĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 21.00 0.0% 3.4% -0.2% -0.2% 8.8% 6.1% 11.0x 0.9x 4.8% 9.1% 9 Access Bank PLC 8.05 1.9% 2.7% -4.7% -4.7% 15.6% 1.3% 2.7x 0.4x 9.9% 37.4% appreciated by ʬϯ͘ϵďŶƚŽƐĞƩůĞĂƚʬ20.3tn. dƌĂĚŝŶŐĂĐƟǀŝͲ 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 7.00 0.7% 2.2% -19.1% -19.1% 7.4% 11 FBN Holdings Plc 7.25 0.0% 2.5% 1.4% 1.4% 12.6% 1.3% 3.5x 0.3x 6.3% 28.4% ty worsened as ǀŽůƵŵĞĂŶĚǀĂůƵĞƚƌĂĚĞĚĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚϱϵ͘Ϯй 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 51.00 0.0% 1.9% -8.9% -8.9% 4.5% 1.8% 55.3x 2.5x 1.8% 1.8% 13 48.95 0.0% ĂŶĚϲϮ͘ϰйƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽϭϰϱ͘ϯŵƵŶŝƚƐ and ʬ1.6bn. The Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 2.2% 11.1% 11.1% 24.3% 3.7% 6.5x 1.5x 8.2% 15.3% 14 International Brew eries PLC 5.55 -2.6% 1.5% -6.7% -6.7% -15.5% -3.4% 1.0x -8.5% ŵŽƐƚƚƌĂĚĞĚƐƚŽĐŬƐďLJǀŽůƵŵĞǁĞƌĞ FBNH (21.9m units), 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 31.00 0.0% 1.3% 19.2% 19.2% 0.8x 4.6% 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C 550.00 0.0% 1.4% 36.7% 36.7% 7.2% -15.5% GUARANTY ;ϮϬ͘ϱŵƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ĂŶĚZENITH ;ϭϳ͘ϲŵƵŶŝƚƐͿǁŚŝůĞ 17 11 PLC 228.00 0.0% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 7.4% 3.2% 27.9x 2.1x 4.0% 3.6% 18 93.00 3.3% GUARANTY (ʬϱϴϵ͘ϮŵͿ͕ ZENITH (ʬ379.9m),and Okomu Oil Palm PLC 0.8% 2.2% 2.2% 24.6% 16.0% 11.3x 2.6x 8.9% 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 2.46 -1.6% 0.7% -2.4% -2.4% 10.5% 1.1% 2.7x 0.3x 8.1% 37.3% FBNH (ʬϭϱϳ͘ϮͿůĞĚďLJǀĂůƵĞ͘ 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 4.90 0.0% 0.6% -18.3% -18.3% 0.3% 0.0% 129.2x 0.2x 0.8% 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 17.00 0.0% 0.6% -3.4% -3.4% 25.5% 12.6% 7.0x 1.7x 8.8% 14.3% 22 FCMB Group Plc 2.89 0.0% 0.5% -13.2% -13.2% 10.3% 1.2% 2.9x 0.1x 5.2% 33.9% 23 Sterling Bank PLC 1.55 1.3% 0.3% -24.0% -24.0% 9.2% 0.9% 3.8x 0.3x 1.9% 26.1% Mixed Sector Performance 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 15.20 0.0% 0.4% 4.8% 4.8% 18.4% 5.8% 8.8x 3.3x 2.7% 11.4% 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 0.80 1.3% 0.3% -11.1% -11.1% -1.3% -0.3% 0.5x 1.2% -2.7% Across sectors that we cover, performance was mixed. The 26 Presco PLC 72.00 0.0% 0.3% 1.5% 1.5% 17.9% 7.3% 13.7x 2.3x 2.9% 7.3% 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 13.30 0.0% 0.2% -4.3% -4.3% -2.4% -1.6% 1.2x -2.1% ĂŶŬŝŶŐŝŶĚĞdžůĞĚƚŚĞŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ƵƉϮ͘ϮйĚƵĞƚŽƉƌŝĐĞĂƉƉƌĞͲ 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 4.85 0.0% 0.2% -8.5% -8.5% 2.1% ĐŝĂƟŽŶ in ZENITH (+3.8%), GUARANTY (+2.7%) and ACCESS 29 United Capital PLC 5.40 -1.8% 0.2% 14.6% 14.6% 35.5% 4.2% 4.1x 1.3x 13.0% 24.2% 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 33.00 0.0% 0.4% 73.7% 73.7% -17.8% -9.0% 1.0x -19.6% ;нϭ͘ϵйͿ͘^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ƚŚĞ/ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞĂŶĚKŝůΘ'ĂƐŝŶĚŝĐĞƐĂĚͲ 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 7.00 0.0% 0.2% 19.7% 19.7% 25.0% 7.8% 3.6x 0.9x 7.9% 28.0% 32 A IICO Ins uranc e PLC 1.26 5.0% 0.2% 11.5% 11.5% 21.4% 3.3% 2.8x 0.6x 35.3% ǀĂŶĐĞĚďLJϬ͘ϲйĂŶĚϬ͘ϰйƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ as we saw ďƵLJŝŶŐ 33 Total Nigeria PLC 142.00 0.0% 0.2% 9.2% 9.2% 21.5x 4.3% 4.7% 34 20.00 0.0% interest in AIICO ;нϱ͘ϬйͿ and OAN- Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 0.2% 12.4% 12.4% 3.2% 0.4% 23.3x 0.7x 2.1% 4.3% 35 Wema Bank PLC 0.58 0.0% 0.1% -15.9% -15.9% 6.8% 0.5% 2.8x 0.4x 6.9% 35.5% DO ;нϱ͘ϮйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶͲ 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 0.0% 0.0% -100.0% 2.9x 5.1% 34.4% 37 Oando PLC 3.26 5.2% 0.1% -11.9% -11.9% 14.5% 2.6% 1.4x 0.2x 71.2% dex ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚďLJϬ͘ϮйĚƵĞƚŽƉƌŽĮƚƚĂŬŝŶŐŝŶ INTBREW (- 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 62.50 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% -29.7% -8.5% 1.8x -18.4% 39 54.00 0.0% 2.6%) and HONYFLOUR (-ϱ͘ϬйͿ͘ &Z-ICT and /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů Beta Glass PLC 0.1% -2.5% -2.5% 9.4% 6.4% 8.0x 0.7x 2.0% 12.5% 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc 3.25 0.0% 0.0% -9.7% -9.7% -24.7% 'ŽŽĚƐŝŶĚŝĐĞƐĐůŽƐĞĚŇĂƚ͘ Top 10 Gainers Top 10 Trades by Volume
Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Volume Price Chg % /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ CHIP LC 0.34 9.7% FBNH 21.9 0.0% /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ JAPAULGOLD 0.58 9.4% GUARANTY 20.5 2.7% OANDO 3.26 5.2% ZENITHBANK 17.6 3.8%
;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϭdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϰdž A IICO 1.26 5.0% ACCESS 8.6 1.9%
JAPAULGOLD 7.6 9.4% recorded in the previous session as 13 ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚͲ ZENITHBANK 21.80 3.8% OKOM UOIL 93.00 3.3% TRANSCORP 7.1 1.3%
vanced ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϭϮ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ CHIPLC (+9.7%), JA- GUARANTY 28.75 2.7% FIDELITYBK 6.9 -1.6%
UBA 6.1 0.7% PAULGO (+9.4%) and OANDO ;нϱ͘ϮйͿǁĞƌĞƚŚĞƚŽƉŐĂŝŶͲ CUTIX 2.25 2.3% LIVESTOCK 1.80 2.3% WEMABANK 3.7 0.0%
ĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ROYALEX (-7.7%), STANBIC (-6.9%), and JAIZ- ACCESS 8.05 1.9% COURTVILLE 3.1 -4.3%
BANK (-ϲ͘ϭйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ Top 10 Losers Top 10 Trades by Value
ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶŽĨǁĞĞŬ͕ǁĞĞdžƉĞĐƚƚŽƐĞĞĂŵŝůĚƌĞĚƵĐƟŽŶŝŶƚŚĞ Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Value Price Chg % ŵĂƌŬĞƚŐĂŝŶƐĂƐŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐƟůƚĂůŝƩůĞƚŽǁĂƌĚƐƚŚĞĮdžĞĚŝŶͲ ROYALEX 0.36 -7.7% GUARANTY 589.2 2.7% JAIZBANK 0.62 -6.1% ZENITHBANK 379.9 3.8%
come market. HONYFLOUR 1.13 -5.0% FBNH 157.2 0.0%
LINKASSURE 0.80 -4.8% OKOM UOIL 69.9 3.3%
DAARCOMM 0.20 -4.8% ACCESS 68.9 1.9%
COURTVILLE 0.22 -4.3% UBA 42.6 0.7%
INTB REW 5.55 -2.6% DANGCEM 35.4 0.0%
UCAP 5.40 -1.8% NESTLE 22.5 0.0%
FIDELITYBK 2.46 -1.6% FLOURM ILL 20.4 0.0%
NPFMCRFBK 1.92 -1.5% FIDELITYBK 17.3 -1.6%
Brokerage Asset Management Investment Research Afrinvest West Africa Limited Adedoyin Allen | [email protected] Robert Omotunde | [email protected] Abiodun Keripe | [email protected]
Taiwo Ogundipe | [email protected] Christopher Omoh | [email protected] FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 41 MARKET NEWS ETI Appoints Fashina as Group Executive, Operations & Technology Goddy Egene (ETI), parent company of the Executive for Operations & of Managing Director of eProcess experience, predominantly in the Ecobank Group, he was the Ecobank Group, has appointed Technology, a position he will now International. technology management and Chairman of the Board of Directors Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Tomisin Fashina as Group hold in addition to his existing role Fashina has over 30 years of financial services. Before joining of Steward Bank Harare Zimbabwe. A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 07- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Apr-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 100.00 100.00 1.45% Afrinvest Equity Fund 150.28 151.75 -7.11% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.45 127.98 18.08% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.66% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 323.33 323.33 -16.62% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 108.87 108.87 -2.84% 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 2.48% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.67 2.73 16.43% 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 3.91% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 146.01 146.39 -6.07% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.35 3.52 -5.46% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.94% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 -0.69% Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.26 1,146.26 2.02% Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.35 18.90 1.18% Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 404.02 416.20 0.91% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Ethical Fund 35.72 36.80 5.96% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.19 1.20 -2.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.86% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.58 1.61 7.52% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.21% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.32 12.45 0.72% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Equity Fund 1.55 1.57 -1.80% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.96 112.75 0.55% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.47 103.47 1.73% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 124.08 124.95 -1.66% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 129.47 131.64 6.33% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.36% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.31% CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,084.72 3,108.07 -4.10% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 227.91 227.91 1.36% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.13 1.14 -3.81% Paramount Equity Fund 15.26 15.55 -4.55% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 298.55 298.55 1.32% Women's Investment Fund 128.86 130.22 -3.22% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 208.74 211.42 -4.45% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.87% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,718.85 9,842.46 -7.46% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 1.51% Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.98% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.00 113.00 1.73% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 126.10 126.97 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.69 110.69 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 -4.75% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Bond Fund 1.92 1.92 1.60% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.90 1.05% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.02% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.20% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.13 1.15 -5.67% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.23 119.23 1.83% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.40 1.40 -11.88% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.04 1.06 -4.03% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] United capital Sukuk Fund 1.03 1.03 2.71% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.39% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.32% Zenith Equity Fund 11.93 12.03 0.52% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.18 1,158.92 -3.74% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Zenith Ethical Fund 13.24 13.37 8.46% Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Zenith Income Fund 24.26 24.26 1.17% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.00% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,354.49 1,354.49 5.91% REITS FBN Balanced Fund 183.81 185.06 -2.06% Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Halal Fund 110.54 110.54 5.00% SFS Skye Shelter Fund 121.90 0.96% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.43% Union Homes REIT 52.85 0.86% -- - FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.03 124.03 3.01% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 147.58 149.54 -2.38% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.35 12.45 -6.51% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] SIAML Pension ETF 40 117.78 117.78 -3.25% Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 92.67 94.41 -6.74% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.51 3.55 -6.74% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.54 5.62 -2.62% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.60 16.70 1.62% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.11% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.65 18.85 -9.05% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 171.94 173.94 -21.92% Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.30 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. 42 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Army Confirms Killing of Officer, 10 Soldiers By Bandits in Benue Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General unfortunately found all the leadership of the Attahiru “The COAS, has therefore, the successes achieved by the Ibrahim Attahiru, had ordered missing troops dead in Konshisha remained resolute in ensuring directed commanders on the various security agencies who The Nigerian Army said last commanders on ground to fish LGA of Benue State. “While the stability in Benue State as well ground to ensure sustained have been working tirelessly to night that one officer and 10 out and deal decisively with bodies of the slain troops were as other parts of the country that efforts in order to fish out and safeguard law abiding citizens soldiers were killed in Benue the criminal gangs in the area evacuated immediately, efforts were affected by the activities deal decisively with these bad and ensure they go about their State while on a routine responsible for the killings. are ongoing to track down the of criminal gangs. elements who are threatening legitimate business without fear operational task. “Nigerian Army (NA) troops perpetrators of this heinous crime It said the army was the peace in the area”, it said. of harassment by criminals. There were also unconfirmed operating in Benue State came with a view to bringing them determined to ensure that the The statement recalled that It appealed to the public to reports yesterday that over 50 under attack while on routine to Justice”, it said. unprovoked attack did not Benue State, which was a hot volunteer useful information that civilians and 200 houses were operational task. The troops The statement said the disrupt the general peace being bed of violent clashes had would lead to the arrest of the burnt following an invasion of comprising one officer and 10 Nigerian Army under the enjoyed by the local inhabitants. enjoyed relative peace following perpetrators of the dastardly act. Konshisha Local Government soldiers were initially declared Area of the state by troops. missing, which prompted the However, a statement deployment of a joint search issued by the Spokesman of and rescue team comprising the Nigerian Army, Brigadier NA troops and personnel of General Mohammed Yerima, Operation Whirl Stroke. said following the killings, the “The search and rescue team After NEC Meeting, Doctors Say Strike Continues Resume negotiation with FG today Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja had observed that in spite of efforts by the National Officers After a meeting of its National Committee, to ensure that the Executive Committee (NEC) Federal Government did the held yesterday, the Nigerian needful to prevent the strike, Association of Resident Doctors it failed to do so. (NARD) has vowed to continue It noted that NARD had HONOURING THE FLAGSHIP… its ongoing strike until the federal given two months ultimatum L-R: Senior Technical Adviser on Media to the President, Mr. Louis Odion; Chief Executive Officer, Richy Consult, Mr. Richard Akinnola; CEO, and state governments concede before going on the strike Diamond Publications, Mr. Lanre Idowu; and Managing Director, THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello, during the launch of the book, ‘The to its demands. when it became apparent that Making of Nigerian Flagship, the Story of The Guardian,’ in Lagos…yesterday The leaders of the association the Ministry of Health was will however meet with the not interested in any form of Minister for Labour and settlement to avert the industrial Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige action. PDP Shifts South-west Zonal Congress to Osun in Abuja, today. It expressed disappointment Chuks Okocha in Abuja zonal congress from Ibadan, deputy governor, Fayose is including Makinde and Fayose, But in a communiqué over the way and manner Oyo State to Osogbo, the Osun said to be backing Mr. Eddy it was resolved that the South- issued at the end of a virtual the government was passing The National Working State capital. Olafeso, a former governorship west Zonal Congress of the extraordinary NEC meeting, “spurious” information to the Committee (NWC) of the Governor Seyi Makinde and aspirant in Ondo State and the party be scheduled for Monday, signed by NARD’s President, public. The resident doctors also Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Fayose had disagreed on the immediate past chairman of April 12, 2021 in Osogbo. Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, faulted the government for not after further comprehensive choice of the venue. the party in the zone. The PDP national leadership association said that the NEC holding a reconciliatory meeting deliberations on issues of Both leaders are supporting The feud between Makinde promised to work with all had unanimously voted that the at the expiration of the ultimatum concern in the South-west different candidates for the and Fayose has prevented the stakeholders to achieve a ongoing strike that started on on March 31. zonal chapter of the PDP has zonal elections. party from holding the zonal seamless and unifying congress April 1, would continue. They said, “`Without prejudice resolved to conduct the zonal Fayose and Makinde have congress till now. of party in the South-west zone. “The strike will last until the to labour laws and other extant congress on Monday, April 12. been at loggerheads over the But in a statement issued The PDP urged all leaders of federal and state governments laws of the land, the industrial Following the rejection of the leadership of the party in the yesterday, the National the party, critical stakeholders meet our demands. action had already begun before initial venue of the congress South-west. Publicity Secretary of the and teeming members of the “We want to use this medium the MOA was signed, and as by a former Governor of While Makinde is said to PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, party in the South-west and the to reiterate our commitment to such, not tenable.” Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, be sponsoring Mr. Taofeek stated that after a meeting with nation at large to be accordingly the smooth running of all tertiary Meanwhile, the Minister the party agreed to move the Arapaja, a former Oyo State all stakeholders in the zone, guided. institutions in the country, and for Labour and Employment, the provision of specialised Ngige will be meeting with the healthcare to all Nigerians. association today. SEC Warns against Proliferation of Unregistered “However, we need to first of A statement issued by the all care for our own health and Deputy Director and Head of welfare in order to give standard Press and Public Relations at the Investment Platforms care to our patients, which is in ministry, Mr. Charles Akpan said Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja to seek clarification as may be jurisdictions. offered for sale or subscription line with the physician’s oath,” the meeting was scheduled to required via its established “These platforms also claim to the Nigerian public. the communiqué reads. hold at the Minister’s Conference The Securities and Exchange channels of communication to be operating in partnership Accordingly, the SEC notified NARD claimed the NEC Room by 3pm. Commission (SEC) has warned on investment products. with capital market operators CMOs who work in concert the investing public to be The circular read: “The (CMOs) registered with the with the referenced online wary of the proliferation of attention of the SEC has been Commission”. platforms of the Commission’s USSD: MTN, Banks to unregistered online investment drawn to the existence of several The Commission categorically position and advised them to and trading platforms facilitating providers of online investment stated that by the provisions of desist henceforth. Work Out Long-term access to trading in securities and trading platforms which Sections 67-70 of the Investments SEC therefore admonished listed in foreign markets. purportedly facilitate direct and Securities Act (ISA), 2007 the investing public to seek SEC’s warning was conveyed access of the investing public and Rules 414 & 415 of the clarification as may be required Pricing Structure via a circular issued yesterday in the Federal Republic of SEC Rules and Regulations, via its established channels of Emma Okonji to Unstructured Supplementary in Abuja, to capital market Nigeria to securities of foreign only foreign securities listed communication on investment Service Data (USSD) code. operators. companies listed on securities on any exchange registered in products advertised through Officials of MTN Nigeria and It was also agreed that while It advised the investing public exchanges registered in other Nigeria may be issued, sold or conventional or online mediums. Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), the banks and MTN work out including their regulators, the the new pricing structure, MTN Nigerian Communications should maintain status quo Wase, Elumelu Demand Full Autonomy for LGs Commission (NCC) and the and revert to the old billing Udora Orizu in Abuja and councillors of local autonomous local government On his part, the Minority Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where it offered 4.5 per cent government areas in Delta system, anchored on the Leader, Elumelu said there was respectively, yesterday, continued commission to the banks for The Deputy Speaker of the State. generosity of what the President need to lobby governors to with their series of meetings, all USSD charges. House of Representatives, Hon. Speaking at the event, has done. If you remember allow local governments to where a fresh decision was MTN and the banks had Ahmed Wase and the Minority Wase recalled that President sometime in the past, he function independently. reached on how to resolve the been at loggerheads over Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Muhammadu Buhari, had signed an Executive Order According to him, “what current USSD recharge impasse USSD charges and their have called for full autonomy signed an Executive Order to to have financial autonomy we need is lobbying. There between the banks and MTN commission, which is purely for local government areas so declare financial autonomy for for local government. “It is the need for those fears of According to the agreement a commercial dispute, leading as to guarantee the dividends local governments. is not just about financial the governors (to be allayed). reached yesterday, both feuding to the disconnection of all MTN of democracy to the people at He said: “As for me, first autonomy; we should also One of the states that voted parties were asked to come customers by the banks, from the the grassroots. as a member of parliament have a complete independence for local government up with long-term pricing use of the USSD channels in all The lawmakers made the representing my constituency of their administration, apart autonomy (in the Constitution structure that is of international banking transactions, before the call yesterday at a leadership and my people, I think I from their finances. That is the review exercise by the 8th best practice that would be intervention of their regulators, training sponsored by the am on the same page with only way it can work, to make National Assembly) was Delta applied to all charges relating the NCC and the CBN. Minority Leader for chairmen my constituents to have an Nigeria and Nigerians great.” State. 43 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWSEXTRA DSS Denies Torturing Buhari’s Driver to Death The Department of State The report had alleged that the State House Clinic where DSS,’ said the secret police driver was never arrested or system and democracy.” Services (DSS) has denied Afaka misled Buhari into he died. did not engage in torturing detained by the Service, it is The Senior Special Assistant torturing Sai’du Afaka, President approving a multi-million But the DSS spokesman, Dr. of suspects and asked the a known fact that it does not to the President on Media and Muhammadu Buhari’s official naira contract which was later Peter Afunanya, in a statement public to “disregard the fake torture suspects. Its suspect Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, driver, to death discovered by the DSS. on Wednesday night, titled, news spewed by the online handling method is usually in had on Tuesday, announced that It described a report that It further said the service ‘President’s official driver platform.” compliance with the tenets of Afaka died “after a prolonged it tortured the deceased as arrested Afaka, tortured and not detained or tortured by It stated, “While the said criminal justice administration illness.” misleading. subsequently dumped him at Customs Intercepts 866 Bags of Foreign Rice, Others in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina of 50kg each. Four vehicles used to convey the goods The Katsina Area Command were also intercepted with of the Nigeria Customs Service two other used vehicles. All (NCS) has intercepted 866 the intercepted items valued bags of parboiled foreign rice at N58,566, 300.00”. and other contraband worth According to the acting N58.6 million from smugglers comptroller, the successes between March 24 and April 8. recorded were as a result of The Acting Customs Area designed and implemented Comptroller, Mr. Dalha Wada strategies and anti-smuggling Chedi, who disclosed this drive against the activities of yesterday in Katsina, while deviant smugglers in the state. briefing journalists, lamented Chedi explained that the that in spite of government’s renewed synergy among efforts toward tackling different components of anti- PROMOTING MADE-IN-NIGERIA GOODS… smuggling, some unpatriotic smuggling unit in the state South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kim Young-Chae (left), receiving made-in-Nigeria product from the Chief Executive Officer Nigerians had continued in also assisted the command of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, when the envoy paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja...yesterday the evil act. in countering the activities He said: “Items seized of smugglers within the include 866 bags of 50kg command. parboiled foreign rice, 181 While calling on the public Trans-border Trafficker Nabbed with 280kg Assorted Drugs in Kebbi cartons of spaghetti, 50 to cooperate with the service to A suspected fake security Kingakwai checkpoint, Kamba, as Queen. said the illicit substances jerrycans of 25 litres of succeed in its anti-smuggling agent, Mr. Basiru Ibrahim, Dandi Local Government Area Meanwhile, attempts by meant for drug joints in vegetable oil, 394 bags of crusad, he urged the people to who specialised in trafficking of Kebbi State. another trafficker to smuggle Abuja were procured from tigger nut, 15 bags of foreign take advantage of the various illicit drugs from Benin According to the state 2,800 bottles of diverse cough Onitsha, Anambra State and sugar, 10 cartons of macaroni, federal government intervention Republic through Lagos State Commander of the NDLEA, syrups into Abuja have been diverted to Morada market 18 cartons of couscous, 17 programmes and key into it for to Sokoto State, has been Peter Odaudu, the claim by thwarted by operatives of the motor park in Suleja to avoid cartons of tomato paste. a legitimate means of livelihood arrested with 280 kilogrammes the suspect who is 38-year-old NDLEA in Suleja, Niger state, security scrutiny in Abuja. “Others are 40 gas cylinders instead of smuggling. of skunk and Diazepam in to being a senior official of where they recovered 1,020 A 27-year-old Ezema the North-west state. the Sokoto State Command bottles of CS cough syrup Sunday who was to take The suspect was caught of a law enforcement agency with codeine, 390 bottles of delivery of the consignment at about 8.30pm on April 3 is still being investigated. CSP cough syrup with codeine was arrested on Tuesday, April Strike Continues, Say conveying 140kg of skunk and During interrogation, the and 1,390 bottles of barcadin 7, 2021 along with another another 140kg of Diazepam suspect confessed to have cough syrup with codeine. suspect, Nehemiah Isa who Judiciary Workers in his personal Peugeot 406 trafficked drugs three times in The Commander, Niger was caught with 1.3kg of saloon car with registration the past from Benin Republic State Command of the cannabis and 7gramme of The Judicial Staff Union of is constitutionally theirs,” number Lagos KSF 60 BE at for a notorious dealer known Agency, Haruna Kwetishe Nitrazepam Nigeria (JUSUN) yesterday Usuf-Gusau sais. said its strike was still ongoing In the same vein, an Abuja- because no concrete resolution based lawyer, Mr. Sunday had been reached. Adetola, urged government to Atiku, Saraki, Secondus Seek Investments in The legal adviser to JUSUN, meet the demands of JUSUN Mariam Usuf-Gusau, made this for financial autonomy. known in Abuja in an interview Adetola told NAN, ”Does Education to Tackle Insecurity with News Agency of Nigeria government understand the Chuks Okocha in Abuja of youths would be the only national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Development” which he noted is (NAN). symbiotic relationship between formula for reversing the Abubakar Kawu Baraje. evident in “our abysmal ranking ”The strike is still on while justice and social cohesion? Former Vice President Atiku negative trend. Commending the former in the global Human Capital we await the outcome of the Justice is the sacred womb Abubakar; National Chairman They argued that investment Acting Chairman of PDP, Development index.” negotiation, we are not backing where peace and tranquility of the Peoples Democratic Party in education and moral uplifting Abubakar Kawu Baraje for The former Vice President off until our demands are met,” are conceived and birthed. (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus of youths as well as mentoring setting up the educational linked Nigeria’s poor she said. ”When the judiciary is and former President of the would help provide leadership foundation, Atiku declared investment in education to JUSUN began an indefinite strangulated through financial Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola for Nigeria especially at this that the foundation was not the country’s “large army strike on Tuesday over subjugation by the executive Saraki yesterday reviewed the stage that the country was only timely but also symbolised of out -of- school children, continued delay to implement arm of government, the increasing scourge of insecurity, passing through challenges. the urgency to salvage “our legion of the unemployed, financial autonomy for the capacity to dispense wholesale and poverty in the country They spoke in Abuja at the frail nation from the resultant rampaging insecurity, rising judiciary. justice without fear or favour and submitted that massive launching of an educational negative impact of poor public poverty rate and persistent ”How can state high courts is tragically impaired and investment in the education foundation, owned by a former investment in Human Capital underdevelopment” beg from governors for what dangerously undermined. Four Katsina Bandits’ Leaders Surrender, Hands over 26 Rifles to Police Francis Sardauna in Katsina repentant bandits, said the duo “They decided to surrender, that nobody has Matawalle Warns against Attacks surrendered the dangerous unconditionally to come out monopoly of violence and Four bandits’ leaders rifles unconditionally. from their hideouts in the that government is mightier on Northerners terrorising communities in He said: “The Katsina state forest, denounced banditry than any person or group of The Governor of Zamfara State, leaders to always calm the Katsina State have denounced Police Command in its resolute and surrendered two general persons”. Mr. Bello Matwalle has warned situation and to protect the banditry and surrendered 26 and unrelenting determination purpose machine guns, one While calling on those he against what he described as interest, businesses and dignity Ak-49 and Ak-47 riffles, 109 aimed at ending banditry Ak-49 assault rifle, 23 Ak-47 termed recalcitrant bandits attacks on northerners and their of all southerners in the North.” general purpose machine guns, and other heinous crimes, assault rifles, 109 GPMG to desist from their nefarious economic interests. “Despite what northerners 94 7.62mm live ammunition wishes to inform the general ammunition, 94 7.62mm live activities, the police chief said He has also condemned what are experiencing today in all and 45 rustled cows to Police public and indeed the good ammunition and 45 rustled the command in collaboration he called a sponsored attempt to parts of the South-west and authorities in the state. people of the state, that four cows”. with other security agencies rubbish President Muhammadu South-east in particular, all we The State Commissioner leaders of bandits, namely: According to him, “It in the state will leave no stone Buhari in London by protesters hear is the conspiracy of silence of Police (CP) Sanusi Buba, Sale Turwa, Mani Turwa, Ado became absolutely imperative unturned in dealing decisively whom he said could not hide from northern leaders and elites who displayed the weapons Sarki and Sani Mai-Daji, have at this juncture, to warn other with bandits who refused to their disdain and hatred for the who sponsored to stand firm, yesterday while parading the surrenderd. recalcitrant bandits, who refuse accept peace in the state. North. in the manner in which other In a statement issued yesterday, leaders of the South are doing the governor said this is not a even when they know that their Eight RCCG Members Abducted in Kaduna Regain time to play politics or play to people are at fault. This must not The eight members of the who is the General Overseer of that our brethren who were in ransom was paid, sources close the gallery but a time to speak continue,” he explained. Redeemed Christian Church RCCG said in a tweet yesterday. captivity of kidnappers have to the freed victims told Channels the truth for the benefit of peace Matawalle argued that in crisis of God (RCCG) kidnapped by The clergyman announced the all been released and taken to Television that they were released and progress of the country. situation, the South has more bandits on March 26 in Kaduna release of the church members the Hospital for checkup and in batches. According to him, the lives, to lose in terms of its business State have regained freedom. two weeks after they were tests. Glory be to Jesus. We pray Three of them were said to dignity and possessions of interests in the North and the Shortly after their release, abducted by bandits while on for lasting peace in all troubled have been released by their northerners “are being threatened strategic nature they established all the abducted persons were transit along the Kachia Road regions of the country in Jesus abductors on Tuesday, while by the increasingly unfriendly themselves in the North than taken to a hospital for medical in the southern part of Kaduna. name,” he tweeted. the remaining five persons South even as we try, as northern northerners living in the South. check-up, Pastor Enoch Adeboye “Today I got the exciting news Although it is unclear if any regained freedom yesterday. 44 FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... One Officer Missing, Two Injured in Fresh Attack on Imo Police Monarch, cabinet members abducted
Amby Uneze in Owerri vehicles. after attending a public function while the detainees had been Division said the gunmen were officer and injured two others. Also, the traditional ruler of in Mbano area of the state freed. repelled by the policemen on The attack was the third in Two police officers were injured Umueze Nguru in the Aboh when unknown men blocked It was learnt that the fleeing duty. The police source said, one week in the state. and one declared missing when Mbaise Local Government Area his convoy and made away gunmen struck around 1 am “we resisted them but they On Monday, the Imo state gunmen attacked the Mbieri of the state, Eze Charles Iroegbu with him. yesterday and immediately overpowered us. They had police headquarters and Owerri Divisional Police headquarters was on Wednesday evening Some cabinet chiefs of the released the suspects in custody more sophisticated weapons. correctional centre were attacked in Mbaitoli Local Government abducted by unknown gunmen. kingdom, who accompanied in the police facility. They took all the phones they by gunmen and over 1,844 Area (LGA) of Imo State, The monarch was said to be him to the function were also The gunmen also took saw, released the suspects inmates were freed. freeing detainees and burning on his way back to his palace abducted away the phones belonging when they gained access and No fewer than 50 vehicles When THISDAY visited the to suspects and the police vandalised the police building”. were also burnt during Mbieri Divisional police station operatives at the division. The source disclosed that the the attack with the help of Abia Shuts School over two burnt vehicles were seen But a police source at attackers kidnapped one police explosives. Explosive Devices’ Scare PDP, ANC to Collaborate to Save Democracy in Africa Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Information, Chief John Okiyi Chuks Okocha in Abuja Commissioner to Nigeria, the Nigeria democracy. particularly President Cyril Umuahia Kalu explained in a statement Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku, The PDP national chairman Ramaphosa, for the uncommon that the state government The National Chairman of at the party’s Wadata Plaza told his guest that the biggest interest they showed in Nigeria’s The Abia State government decided to shut down the school the Peoples Democratic Party headquarter in Abuja last problem facing Nigeria presently Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, which yesterday closed down a as a precautionary measure to (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, Wednesday, Secondus said his is insecurity. led to her victory at the contest primary school in Umuahia, enable the relevant security has expressed the urgent need party has a lot to learn from According to him, “Nigeria for the World Trade Organisation the state capital following the agencies do their investigation. for African National Congress ANC, which he described as is in distress as a result of the (WTO) director-general. discovery of objects suspected He assured that “necessary (ANC), a South African ruling a mass movement. security challenges; we need In his remark, the South to be explosive devices (EDs) measures have been taken to political party, and the PDP He said Nigeria has a lot help from anybody who can African High Commissioner at the school. protect the pupils and staff of to work together to save and to learn from South Africa in help in ideas and other logistics expressed the desire of his Pupils of the Union Primary the school with security sweeps deepen democracy in Africa. the conduct of free, fair and to bring peace in the land.” home government to continue School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia ongoing while the school is Speaking when he received credible election which is one Secondus also commended to strengthen the relationship North Local Government Area, temporarily closed”. the South African High of the biggest challenges facing the South African Government, between the two countries. were said to have discovered the The commissioner stated suspected EDs at their school that the state government was farm. “working with relevant security It was gathered that the pupils agencies in the state to unravel Military Operation Displaces 12 Communities in Akwa Ibom had fled in panic after one of the source and nature of the Okon Bassey in Uyo displaced persons after the raid. Ikpe Annang junction, on Ikot such as extortion, intimidation, them out of curiosity struck one suspected explosive devices. He said the nefarious Ekpene-Uyo Road robbery, and general abuse of of the suspicious objects with a “While initial examination of At least 12 communities in activities of hoodlums led to He said another havoc was the fundamental human rights hoe causing smoke to filter out. the devices show evidence of Essien Udim Local Government the displacement of the people repeated on Nigerian Customs of the people, the situation It was when the panic-stricken corrosion leading to suspicion Area of Akwa Ibom State have from their homes as lives and Service (NCS) personnel at degenerated to a point that the pupils reported their findings of the materials being relics reportedly been displaced during property in the area were unsafe. Nsasak junction on Aba-Ikot people were living in fear,” the to their teachers that the police of the civil war era, we are last Tuesday invasion by soldiers Luke explained that heinous Ekpene Road before the LGA chairman said. were alerted and an anti-bomb awaiting definite the official over criminal activities in the activities of criminals began in hoodlums later set the Essien He listed the communities squad was promptly sent to the report from the EOD squad area. Essien Udim LGA on February Udim Divisional Police Station affected by the military raid school to investigate and remove of the Nigeria Police who are The Chairman of the LGA, 22, 2021, when the hoodlums at Nto Nsek ablaze and carted to include Ntak Ikot Akpan, the suspected EDs. currently investigating the Mr. Anthony Luke, disclosed attacked a police officers on away a lot of ammunition. Ukana Uwa, Ikot Udo Ekpat The state Commissioner for incident,” he said. this in a message sent to the patrol and their vehicle at “By their criminal activities, and Ikot Otu. FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 45 24 HOURS... Nigerian Press, Fulcrum of WORLD OF ISLAM Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email [email protected] Nationalist Struggle, Says Ramadan: A Comprehensive Approach Aslam Abdullah/IslamiCity that divine guidance is beneficial to all. Osinbajo This pattern of observing the month of “So that you may attain Consciousness of fasting is visible in the Sunnah of the prophet. divine guidance,” (2:183). This is how the He divided his time in worshiping, reflecting Products of ‘Guardian school’ honour the flagship creator defined the purpose of the month of on divine guidance, helping the poor of the fasting. Every religious community follows community, and inspiring non-believers to Segun James important guests such as added charm to the four-hour the tradition of fasting in different ways. understand their conditions for a better life. Osinbajo; a former Governor occasion. Some fast for 40 days and abstain from food, In the United States, the Muslim Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun It was really an afternoon some for a week, a few days, or a day. The community is diverse and from different hailed the courage of the founding Osoba, who was chairman of of reminisces, as everyone that purpose of fasting in Islam is to rejuvenate ethnic backgrounds. The Prophetic approach fathers of the Nigerian media, the occasion; former Governor spoke took time to remember and energize their commitment to divine can enable it to become a cohesive and describing them as the fulcrum of of Cross River State, Mr. Donald the pioneering days of The values that secure peace with justice and stable community for its growth and make the nation’s nationalist struggle. Duke; Chairman of THISDAY Guardian. dignity for every human being. constructive contributions to society. The Osinbajo, who stated this and ARISE Media Group, Prince While pouring encomiums The month-long fasting has three primary community is active in making efforts for yesterday in Lagos at the Nduka Obaigbena; Dr. Patrick on The Guardian, Osinbajo said dimensions: individual self-improvement. However, it launch of ‘The Making of The Dele Cole; the Publisher of The the story of the newspaper was Self-improvement still lacks a cohesive and organized effort in Nigerian Flagship: A Story of Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex- significant, for the redefinition it Community relation building community building and identifying with The Guardian,’ written by Aaron Ibru; Chairman, Ibru Organisation, meant for print media in Nigeria, Identifying with social issues social issues. Ukodie and O’Seun Ogunseitan, Chief Oskar Ibru; the Executive and for its uniqueness in bringing For personal improvement, abstaining Perhaps, our religious scholars should said the founding fathers of the Director, Toke Ibru, and the public intellectuals and academics from food and water for a specific period, come forward with programs that would Nigerian press were “instrumental Managing Director of THISDAY into journalism and breeding a controlling intimate desires for married couples enable us to focus on them. In each city or to the birthing of Nigeria.” Newspaper, Mr. Eniola Bello. generation of talented journalists. from sunrise to sunset, and disciplining oneself area covered by an Islamic center, a list It was a moment of reunion Others are: Mr. Lade Bonuola He said the paper represented in situations that lead to anger, backbiting, of needy families would help streamline for many who passed out of The and a host of old associates like “the proud and illustrious lustful ideas, jealousy, and lying are essentials. not only zakat ul mal or zakat ul Fitr Guardian ‘journalism school,’ the Mr. Ted Iwere; Senator Ayogu tradition of the Nigerian press Community relations building requires but channelize the resources to disburse Flagship, as they converged at Eze; and the Lagos State that practised journalism with a that those with means and resources address them appropriately. On social issues, the the event. Commissioner for Information, social mission and a commitment the needy and the disadvantaged Muslim’s community can organize interfaith and local The occasion attracted Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, who all to speaking truth to power. needs. neighborhood breaking of fasting ceremonies Identifying with society requires involvement to introduce itself to others. in causes of social justice and dignity-related The prophetic model is easy to follow and issues facing the society at large. beneficial to all. Let us hope that this month PDP Govs Meet in Makurdi over Insecurity It is a refresher program for the community of fasting helps us focus on developing a The governors of the Peoples It noted that the meeting It stated that the chairman of to follow a comprehensive regimen to genuine consciousness of divine guidance that Democratic Party (PDP) will would also afford the governors, the forum, who is the Governor convince oneself and the people around revolves around social justice and dignity. meet today in Makurdi, the an opportunity to review the of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Benue State capital to deliberate state of the party. Tambuwal, was being expected over the state of insecurity across Maduabum said the governors alongside Governors Nyesom the country. would fine-tune strategies on Wike, Ifeanyi Okowa, Okezie 8 Health Benefits of Fasting A statement issued yesterday how to strengthen the party Ikpeazu and Ben Ayade from by the Director General of the to “rescue the nation from the Rivers, Delta, Abia and Cross AMohammed Tadeeb Ansari/IslamiCity by the body to utilize this stored sugar is PDP Governors’ Forum, Mr. rudderless All Progressives River states, respectively. up to 8 hours. As a result, sugar levels are Cyril Maduabum, noted that Congress administration that Others are Bello Matawalle A common misconception about fasting is reduced, and the risk of developing heart the meeting would be hosted has plunged the country into (Zamfara), Godwin Obaseki that it weakens the body. On the contrary, disease too. by the Benue State Governor, the current avoidable crises of (Edo), Bala Mohammed there are many health benefits of fasting Weight Loss: Mr. Samuel Ortom. governance.” (Bauchi), Udom Emmanuel on the human body. Scientists have proved It added that the parley would The statement added that (Akwa Ibom), Duoye Diri that fasting during the specific hours of Obesity is one of the major causes of leading come up with implementable the Enugu State Governor, (Bayelsa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), the day in the whole month of Ramadan, to heart disease. Being obese can lead to blueprint for tackling insecurity Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had Darius Ishaku (Taraba) and brings healthy outcomes. the development of fat material in your and sundry criminality facing already arrived at Makurdi for Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa However, for Muslims, it is obligatory to arteries, so the blood supply to the heart the nation. the meeting. State. observe fast during Ramadan. Allah says is blocked that leads to heart failure. in Holy Quran: During the hours of prolonged fasting, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for when glycogen stores are depleted, your you as it was prescribed for those (who were) body starts utilizing fat for energy instead Doctors Strike: House Threatens to before you so that you become righteous. of glycogen. This will result in reducing A few countable days. So whoever of you excessive fat from your body, reduce body Arrest MDCN Registrar is ill or on a journey, let him complete the weight, and ultimately the risk of developing count in other days. And on those who do heart disease is reduced. Udora Orizu in Abuja out invitations to all major all the necessary powers of the not have strength, is the ransom of feeding stakeholders to attend this National Assembly, including the a poor person. So he who excels in goodness Digestive and Immune Benefits of Fasting: The House of Representatives meeting. Unfortunately, he warrant of arrest for the registrar. is better for him. And the best thing for Committee on Health Care (Sanusi) refused to appear. So “We cannot watch while the you is to fast if you know.” (Q2v183-184) Fasting reduces the stomach acid, which in Services has threatened to invoke because he is a major stakeholder, people suffer. We also call on the As it is evident from the above-mentioned turn digests the food and reduces bacteria. a warrant of arrest if the Registrar we have decided to call off the striking doctors to please temper verse, those who do not have the strength Fasting also assists in maintaining gut of Medical and Dental Council meeting today and summon him justice with mercy. Everybody to observe fast such as in the condition of health. Fasting for a whole month during of Nigeria (MDCN), Tajudeen to appear unfailingly before us believes that your demands are severe illness, are permitted to break/ leave the month of Ramadan, stimulate the Sanusi, fails for the second time by 9a.m. on Friday, and if he genuine, but there are processes fast and they will in return feed a poor production of new white blood cells. It to appear before the committee failed, we are going to invoke to achieve them.” needy man. is the regeneration of the entire immune next Friday. system. This will further strengthen the Sanusi was invited to appear Health Benefits of Fasting body in warding off the various bacterial before the lawmakers yesterday to Anti-Buhari Graffiti, a Sign of and virus infections. answer questions on the ongoing Following are the physical health benefits strike by resident doctors and of fasting during Ramadan: Psychological Well-being: payment of house officers. Public Resentment, Says PDP There are four major risks of heart disease The lawmakers had to call off Chuks Okocha in Abuja corruption as well as the i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol When people avoid unhealthy habits during the meeting after a letter was insensitivity of the APC and levels, diabetes, and obesity, which can be the month of Ramadan, practice self-control, delivered to them informing The Peoples Democratic its administration to the sorry reversed by fasting. avoid unnecessary thoughts, they become the committee that Sanusi was Party (PDP) yesterday said situation they have plunged psychologically more powerful and stronger. attending a tribunal of the council. the anti-Buhari graffiti in our dear country.” Healthier Blood Pressure: The Chairman of the some major cities across the The Nigerian youths, the Cognitive Improvement: committee, Hon. Tanko Sununu, country is a demonstration PDP said, are by the graffiti Fasting helps to maintain healthier blood said Sanusi failed to honour an of public resentment to the demonstrating against the pressure. Studies show that fasting can assist Fasting improves cognition and thinking invitation on a national emergency misrule of the Muhammadu failure of President Buhari in lowering blood pressure. As a result, it ability. It slows down neuro-degeneration, while attending a personal Buhari presidency. and the APC, “who are reduces the risk of developing heart disease. reduces brain damage, and improves engagement. The party further said the expected to take decisive Maintenance of Cholesterol Level: functional recovery after stroke. According to him, “We sent graffiti, which demands that steps to address the incessant High cholesterol levels may lead to “Buhari Must Go,” shows that mass killings, high level the development of heart disease. When The Pleasure of Allah: CHANGE OF NAME Nigerians have completely unemployment, poverty and there are excessive levels of cholesterol in lost hope in President Buhari economic hardship that their the blood, it may build up in the walls The most beautiful benefit of Fasting is the I, formerly known and ad- of arteries, causing a condition known as pleasure of Allah. It has been narrated in dressed as ORATOKHAI JOY and the All Progressives administration has foisted on the country.” atherosclerosis in which the arteries become Hadith Qudsi that Allah says: OKHUOMON now wish to Congress (APC) “given the “Every action of Ibn-e-Adam is for him, According to the PDP, narrowed and blood flow to the muscles of be known and addressed as unprecedented devastation, the heart is compromised. This results in the except fasting, So it is for (the sake of) me OGUNLEYE JOY OKHUO- violence, poverty and “The graffiti is also an open development of heart disease. Fasting helps and will reward for it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) MON. All documents remain economic hardship that have aversion to the looting of over reduce the cholesterol level and maintains valid. General public should enveloped our country under N15 trillion by APC leaders please take note. it to an ideal level. This in turn reduces the Conclusion: their watch.” at the time our country is risk to develop heart diseases. I, OCHIE VICTOR KALU, my The PDP in a statement battling with 33 percent As Muslims, we must observe fasting during name was wrongly slept and writ- issued by the National unemployment rate; at a time Diabetes: the whole month of Ramadan. Its benefits are ten as OCHEI VICTOR KALU, Publicity Secretary, Kola over 40 million Nigerian have not religious limited only. Fasting benefits henceforth my correct name is Ologbondiyan, said: “These lost their means of livelihood Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels, us with many physical and psychological OCHEI VICTOR KALU. All for- graffiti by Nigerian youths are due to APC misrule and which in turn leads to the development benefits. It helps to reduce the risks of many mer documents remain valid, the a loud remonstration against where most families cannot of heart disease. During fasting hours, the dangerous diseases. We must seek the pleasure general public should please talk the impunity, divineness, high afford the basic necessities stored sugar (in the form of glycogen) in of Allah in each deed, then we will be able note. level incompetence, massive of life. the liver, is utilized by the body. Time taken to get the real positive outcomes. 46 FRIDAY, ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY BACK PAGE CONTINUATION TINUBU: NIGERIA IS NOT LAGOS (1) of heady self-declaration is known to cry Nigerians from a certain ethnic group and out: “I am Lagos.” their businesses were threatened by APC’s Tinubu’s continuous manhandling of Lagos thugs in Lagos, leading to voter apathy has reached an unprecedented scale, such in the election proper and a shoo-in for that nothing happens in the state without Tinubu’s chosen candidate (we are waiting his knowledge. His spies are everywhere to see how he will deny him a second term and report to him daily the activities and ticket). If Tinubu and his acolytes could get crucial decisions of government. In other away with such electoral malfeasance at words, Tinubu has been running the affairs the state level, one can only imagine what of Lagos State since 1999 in varying degrees, he would replicate on the national stage, depending on the personality of the governor if given the chance. The truth is, in a free in office. He has been able to achieve total and fair election in Lagos, Tinubu would control over succeeding administrations in lose scandalously. Everything about the man the state with his firm grip on the State Tinubu is doubtful and questionable. From House of Assembly, a lackey house that the secondary school he claimed to have is more loyal to him than the people they attended to other educational attainments, represent. He single-handedly handpicked his state of origin, identity of his parents, to and railroaded every member of his party even his actual age, doubts and questions into the state legislature. Election results persist. Added to all these are his past were merely written by the godfather and his misdeeds in the United States of America. agents and rubberstamped by the Independent What kind of person is that? National Electoral Commission (INEC) and In Lagos where he must be obeyed years the courts. With the loyalty of the assembly after he left office as a governor, Tinubu members well assured, Tinubu is able to has ensured he continues to draw from threaten with impeachment and arm-twist the treasury, courtesy of a nebulous and any sitting governor who tries to assert fraudulent pension law for ex-governors his authority. Nearly all critical executive and their deputies. An ex-governor is now appointments are nominated by him. entitled to a house in Lagos, another in Abuja, Having conquered Lagos and expanded cars, security, aides, paid medical expenses, some influence to one or two Southwestern full salary and allowances, all at the state’s states, Tinubu is getting more bold and expense. That law was rushed through the confident of riding roughshod over the legislature in the closing months of his eight captive states and the people. And now, years in office. Unfortunately, eligibility to he wants to capture Nigeria to do with benefit from the law started with Tinubu. it as he pleases. Imagine that reality for Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first Executive a moment! How can any sane educated Governor of Lagos State, the epitome of human being be promoting him to the service, a visionary par excellence, the true highest office in the land? father of modern Lagos was ineligible to His ambition to be president is a slap in draw from that pension law. Lagos under the face of all Nigerians of good old precious Tinubu was the first state to pass such a values. Ascending the presidency will be law in the country. With his bad example, the ultimate reward for his impunity and others states followed suit. Is this the man will engender a brisk-street confidence that you want to be your president? God forbid! he can get away with anything - that the In his eulogy to the late Jakande, he claimed law is made for others and not for him. Tinubu he tried to walk in his spirit. How deceptive I concede that Tinubu has not been best moment ever. As herdsmen are killing behaving like dimwits by supporting a man can this man not be? The late Alhaji Jakande convicted of any crime, so all his rights and your neighbours and burning down their who at the very least should be crawling didn’t live in a grandiose mansion in Ikoyi, privileges are preserved and protected by homes, he (Tinubu) is safe in his house. on his knees to every household in this or on Victoria Island even though he served the constitution. But he has never been tried He is even building another palatial palace famished land of our fathers, begging for as governor. He was not a moneybag or for all his abuse of power and corruption in Ikoyi, that straddles between Bourdillon forgiveness from Nigerians for the tragedy bullion-van politician like Tinubu, no one in and out of office. I can bet my life that if and Queen’s Drive, a mansion like no other. he has brought upon them and their country. ever saw bullion vans ferrying cash into his he is investigated and sincerely tried based Never forget that it was Tinubu who For God’s sake, how can Tinubu replace house on the eve of a presidential election. on facts already in the public domain, he brought Buhari and led the repackaging Buhari? What manner of people are we? He neither owned millions of pounds to will have a huge debt to pay to society. and rebranding of the man to make him Are we so cursed as a people that we keep sponsor candidates for elections, nor private Now, let’s even leave his abuse of office president. So he bears direct responsibility for groping in the dark for solutions to our jets after occupying public office. Jakande and corruption (of “international dimension”) the complete failure of leadership our country problems? I know that the godfather of didn’t award contracts to companies he for a moment and honestly interrogate his is experiencing today on Buhari’s watch. propaganda himself is about to unleash had interests in as a sitting governor. He political exploits. Tinubu is the main architect Everyone kidnapped or killed, every woman another round of propaganda, half-truths didn’t have bulletproof high-end SUVs; he of the general malaise in our country today. or girl raped by the bandits or herdsmen, and lies on our country. But we must be didn’t drive around in a convoy of glittering His desire to be president at all cost led wherever, however, Tinubu shares part vigilant and resist propaganda this time. The cars, no shrieking sirens to scare people off him to fetch Major General Muhammadu of the blame, let no one deceive you. He thinking, I presume, is that if propaganda the road, no security escorts. His security Buhari from retirement - a man he once told us Buhari was capable of leading this did it for Buhari, why not for Tinubu? and safety were in the hands of the people described as “an agent of destabilisation, country in a progressive way. He assured I fervently pray that his presidential he once served, his neighbours were his ethnic bigot and religious fanatic who if given Nigerians that Buhari was the man to fix ambition ends in smoke but I am not so companions. Until his death, he lived in a the chance would ensure the disintegration this land and clean up the ‘mess’ that then unmindful of the fact that Nigerians are nondescript single-storey building in Ilupeju, of the country”, according to a Wikileaks President Goodluck Jonathan and his team smart people, but with a history of foolish among the ordinary people. He was a true transcript of a conversation between him had created. choices. Rewarding someone who foisted hero, unsung by the vocal minority who and the US Consul-General in 2003. He He and his All Progressives Congress this tragedy on our country and who has not make heroes and statesmen of villains like had warned then that Buhari should not (APC) apparatchiks rewrote the man’s history been able to keep his hand out of the Lagos Tinubu. be trusted with power due to his ethno- and achievements in superlative terms and cookie jar since 1999 with the presidency Unfortunately, our country doesn’t have religious bigotry. He pointed to Buhari’s presented him as a saviour who was coming would amount to handing over to him a men of conscience anymore. A cadre of old tribalistic nature as potentially dangerous to right all wrongs, rebuild and restore bigger cookie jar to do as he pleases. That hacks and grifters is being lionized as to the unity of Nigeria. In his own concise the glory of our fatherland. With that, he will be a total surrender to the whims and Nigeria’s hope of redemption. A motley summation, “Buhari and his ilk are agents successfully hoodwinked a gullible young caprices of someone whose deception doubles assortment of shady characters and activists of destabilisation who would be far worse generation who neither studied history nor his appetite for primitive wealth acquisition. is assaulting our sensibilities with warped than Obasanjo.” learned any lessons from the past to fall Imagine for a moment what will happen to new values. They take no prisoners and Tinubu later denied that he made those over each other to support a man they NNPC, Customs, Federal Inland Revenue deodorise the manifest flaws of characters statements about Buhari to the US Consul- barely knew, whom he had once described Service, etc. they crown heroes. General following his alliance with him and rightly so, as a tribalist and an agent If I may ask, what on earth does Tinubu There is a saying in the land of my fathers: in 2014/15. Tinubu and his apparatchiks of destabilisation. Today, the catastrophic now stand for? On what endearing value “If you gaze long enough into an abyss, made a complete about turn on Buhari and consequences of his false narrative that would he stand for election that you are the abyss will gaze back into you.” started to spew a new narrative on Buhari’s propelled Buhari to office are self-evident willing to risk the future of your children Anyone who viewed the video of Tinubu unblemished record of performance and for all to see. Indeed, his depiction of Buhari in his hands? He has since jettisoned those at the Kano airport recently would definitely competence, adding that he would be a as a tribalist, a religious fanatic and an ethnic things that he used to champion; namely, have noticed the sluggishness in his gait. unifier. Well, Buhari went on to win the bigot was on the money. restructuring or fiscal federalism to make the Are those rooting for Tinubu saying they 2015 presidential election and Tinubu’s The president’s six years in office have country work better for all its components hate this country so much that they would influence/stature catapulted through the proved Tinubu right in every material parts, state police, free, fair and transparent prefer we move from one sick, broken man roof. His lackeys went to town, celebrating sense. It is no longer a matter of debate elections, etc, all for a seat at the table of to another with a history of running abroad him as the hero of democracy and “the or conjecture or some distant allusion based those with their foot on our neck. for medical treatment? We must be vigilant greatest political strategist to come out of on hate that on the president’s watch, the Talking about elections, they are only and respond decisively to his deodorised Africa”. country is broken and more divided than at free and fair when his party wins. He profiles so as not to repeat history. This is Of course you know in this part of the any time in its chequered history. The level celebrated and praised the daylight robbery a clarion call to Nigerians to reject Tinubu world, it is very easy to be celebrated as a of lawlessness and the general insecurity that happened in the Osun gubernatorial and his presidential ambition because he hero no matter the crimes one has committed across the country today are indescribable. election and the one that returned his new has failed the personal attributes test of the or continues to commit. Just spread some All manner of terror franchises have turned ally, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of president Nigeria needs. He is not even money around, memories will fade quickly our natural pristine forests into safe havens Kano to office. remotely charismatic, neither does he possess and juries can be bought. However, Tinubu’s for their most heinous activities, while the Still on free and fair elections, many won’t the gift of oratory to mesmerize the people. summation about the danger Buhari represents government looks on in complete surrender. forget in a hurry how in the 2019 presidential We want a leader who can express himself has proved so prophetic that I am just in Many lives and properties have needlessly election, thugs of the APC targeted areas in in a lucid manner, not one who mumbles disbelief how precise and forthright he was been lost due to Buhari’s poor leadership. Lagos they suspected would vote for the and muddles up well-written speeches. (forget all those denials). I am curious to know what Tinubu’s candidate of the opposition party and actively We yearn for a leader who feels our pain What manner of man recognises danger in campaign would be like? Whose mess is prevented them from voting. In the process, and who understands that public office is all its ramifications and for selfish political he coming to clean, Buhari’s or Jonathan’s? ballot boxes were openly destroyed by them, a call to serve, not one who views it as an ambition leads his people into it with false Can anyone help me out? all in an effort to minimise the performance opportunity to appropriate state resources, promises of security? Now we can’t sleep Now, how can the man who foisted of the opposition candidate. The so-called and award contracts to companies he has anymore with our eyes closed. We can’t travel this calamity on the nation be the one to great political strategist didn’t realise that interests in, or to have his hand in the cookie by road anymore. What about Tinubu? He succeed him? How can any sane human the thugs were hurting Lagos’ overall voting jar. We must reject Tinubu today, tomorrow flies his private jets. While things are tough being be promoting Tinubu for president? It relevance? Nor can one forget that in the and always, and state unequivocally that for you and me, Tinubu is enjoying his is annoying that many educated persons are run-up to the governorship election in 2019, Nigeria is not Lagos. FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY 47
Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] FRIDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY EDO 2020: Presidency Intervenes, Saves NSF from Cancellation Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Deputy Governor (MOC) and placed the secretariat Project Manager, Media Committee, LOC, Edo2020 Presidential intervention is a very addressed a press conference under lockdown. and Communications of Edo has just risen from another strong and direct commitment After the furore generated by where he insisted that all the However, with most of the 2020, Musa Ebomhiana later emergency meeting to review which we must all respect, the Edo State Government’s state was hearing from the Sports athletes gripped with fears of yesterday issued a statement to the Presidential intervention over honour and take seriously. threat to shut down the ongoing Minister, Sunday Dare, were going back to their respective reassure all participants that the financial crisis threatening the “We strongly believe and 20th National Sports Festival in promises. He revealed threats states without competing in their Presidency had intervened with National Sports Festival. respect commitments from the Benin City if the counterpart by its vendors who are yet to events, the Presidency in Abuja a commitment without giving “At the end of the meeting Presidency. We take them by funding expected from the get paid for their services to was reported to have given a the figure. presided over by the Chairman/ their words. It’s a strong message Federal Government was not shut down the festival. commitment of N500million to THISDAY however learnt Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. to us that they are strongly released by noon yesterday, He stressed further: “It took Edo State to cushion the effects that the promised counterpart Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, committed to redeeming their President Muhammadu Buhari the grace of God for the traders of the hosting jacked up by the funding was to the tune of the LOC decided that the games pledge to support us for the loses is believed to have intervened not to shut down. Other vendors many postponements due to the N500million. have to continue. suffered arising from the three in the matter. are threatening to shut down Covid-19 pandemic. “The Local Organising “The LOC agreed that the postponements of the games. On Wednesday night, the and hence the LOC will have Local Organising Committee no choice but to shut down the (LOC) of the festival headed 20th National Sports Festival if by Deputy Governor of the we don’t get full commitment state, Philip Shaibu, issued a from the federal government statement that it could no longer by noon tomorrow.” go ahead with picking all the “ We keep hearing that bills in connection with the there is approval from Abuja hosting and that if by Thursday but we don’t know how much afternoon the state government is the money and when it will did not receive the promised be released so that we can funds from Abuja, it was going approach a bank to get a facility to end the festival abruptly. to complete the festival,” Rt. Hon. That threat was restated Shaibu informed reporters at the yesterday with an additional press briefing. 24 hours extension to Friday Edo carried out the threat first afternoon before calling off by shutting down all activities at the hosting. the Main Organising Committee Chess: Blessing Davies Rescues Edo from Defeat against Delta Femi Solaja as she edged Delta in the lead again with her The much anticipated win over veteran player, traditional rivalry between Vivian Dzaayem on board Edo State female cyclists at the flag off of the Team Time Trials of the cycling event of the ongoing National Sports Festival hosts Edo and defending four. Princewill opted for a in Benin City... yesterday champions Delta yesterday in ‘discovered check’ against chess ended in a stalemate as the Edo player and lost her ‘The Heart Beat of the Nation’ queen in the process before Cycling: Edo, Bayelsa Win Team Time Trials Gold Medals was denied a team event a ruthless finish on move 35. Edo and Bayelsa states have of 12mins, 02.14secs to win the 42.36secs to pick the bronze participating states to pick the win by Edo player, Blessing However, Davies rescued shared the gold medals at stake gold medal. ahead of Plateau State. bronze. They clocked 10mins, Davies in the female event the host from defeat with her in the Team Time Trials event of Their closest rival and The men’s gold was won by 29.49secs. at the Banquet Hall of the win on board two against the cycling events of the ongoing sister state, Delta with Ese Bayelsa State propelled by Caleb So far in the nine events National Sports Festival decided Ukpereseraye as the pivot settled Kalizibe. They clocked 10mins, decided after five days of University of Benin. Hafsat Bello-Osagie in the early Thursday on Irhirhi Road for the silver when they returned 25.99secs ahead of Delta State competition, hosts Edo, defending Top Nigeria star, Ofowino third round of the Nine- in the outskirts of Benin City. in a time of 12mins, 16.48secs. which settled for silver after champions Delta and Bayelsa Toritsemuisa set the tone round Swiss event format The Edo women’s quartet Oyo State quartet which had returning in a time of 10mins, have three gold medals each but with a win against Hope win, a classical victory to the team led Tombrapa Grikpa Joke Durogbade as lead rider 29.42secs. Edo leads the pack having won Amadasun on board one delightment of many chess finished the 10km race in a time finished in a time of 12mins, Edo finished third among 16 more silver medals. for Delta but young Bridget enthusiasts from Edo. Michael even the score for The score leaves Delta on Edo as she outwitted her top place in the team event opponent Chemede Diachebe while host Edo will continue Ex-Eagles Take on Comedy Stars in Celebration in the black side of Gugipiano with the catch-up game when opening. the round four pairing comes of Oba Elegushi’s Birthday Michael took advantage of out this morning. her opponent’s desire for a Plays were still on-going One of the prominent monarchs Mini Stadium on Lagos Island Team Music while Nollywood golf tournament is personal to pawn sacrifice for positional in the male section with in Lagos, Oba Saheed Elegushi and also the inaugural Oba Team will have the likes of the celebrant, Oba Elegushi, play but met a witty chess Edo, Delta, Oyo, Bayelsa of Ikate kingdom is to celebrate Elegushi Golf Tournament Fred Amata. IK Ogboona, who is also a golfer and an queen who had a better and Ogun all in battle for his birthday and 11th year is to tee off at the Ikoyi Golf Bolanle Ninalowo, Ijebu, Osita active member of the Ikoyi middle play advantage and the top position. anniversary of his coronation course. The two-in-one event Iheme. Top Nigerian Comedy Golf Club. He also plays at took the match to end play The blitz event will with two sporting events this is scheduled take place today, stars like Ayo Makun, Seyi different courses within and and won after 65 moves. commence from tomorrow weekend. Friday 9th of April 2021. Law, Bovi, Akpororo and outside Nigeria. Queen Princewill was with 18 medals in contention In a statement signed from Some of the ex internationals others have been listed for Oba Saheed Elegushi, tactical in positional play for all the participating states. the palace by the monarch’s already on the team list the novelty game. who is the 21st monarch of special assistant on public include; Nwankwo Kanu, In similar fashion, over 100 Ikate-Elegushi kingdom was affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba golfers from different golf born on the 10th of April 1976 stated that a novelty football and Garba Lawal. The likes clubs across the county have and ascended the throne of North East Elite Basketball match, tagged ‘Elegushi Peace of Zlatan, Sexy Steel, Flavour, registered to participate at the his ancestors on the 27th of Camp to Dunk off Today Cup’ will hold at the Campos Patoranking are to represent maiden golf tournament. The April 2010. The maiden edition of the for the next three days. ACCESS LAGOS MARATHON North East Elite Basketball FIBA Instructors Alex Camp 2021 will dunk off Nwora and Nick Sepe with from today, 9th April Natosha Cummings-Price Elite Athletes to Speak on Expectations for the through 11th April, 2021 at (Head, Women’s Basketball & the Indoor Sports Hall of Assistant Men’s Coach, Eriee 2021 Edition Today Gombe Stadium in Gombe Community College) will State. team up with Cameroonian The organisers of the Access Bank from across the world will hold at World Press Conference on Friday, across the media platforms will The camp which is Head Coach, Lazare Adingone Lagos City Marathon will hold the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall all our elite runners from across be in for the press conference” sponsored by two non- to engage campers and help a world press conference today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. the world are here already and Now in its sixth edition, governmental organizations, them improve their skills set. to herald the sixth edition of the Thomas explained that only are looking forward to the race the Access Bank Lagos City Adamu Yola Foundation and The programme is aimed at World Athletics Silver Label Race. 25 journalists will be attending “Sincerely, we would have loved Marathon, the biggest one-day Jordan Nwora Foundation grassroots development while In a statement issued by Head today’s event due to the strict to have all our media friends in event in Africa usually attracts will see 60 boys and 40 girls affording exceptional talents of Communication and Media, protocols for Covid-19 spelt out attendance but due to the strict over 100,000 runners but the from the North East region the opportunity of overseas Olukayode Thomas, the world by the NDDC as well as the Lagos protocols given us by the Lagos number has been reduced to sweating it out on the courts scholarships. press conference which will have State Safety Commission. State Sports Commission and even just 300 runners for the 2021 in attendance the top elite runners “Yes, the stage is set for the the NDDC, only 25 journalists edition. T RU N Friday April 9, 2021 TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your El-Rufai to Federal Government COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “This country does not have enough soldiers, uniformed police and secret TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 police to project state power across its vast swathes, particularly the forests.” – Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s speech at a Town Hall meeting This service is provided in association with accredited service providers organised by the federal government in Kaduna. SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC [email protected] 0811 266 1654 Tinubu: Nigeria is Not Lagos (I) “In Japan, a corrupt person kills much taxes he pays to the state and federal maintain such a totalitarian control over himself. In China, they will kill him. governments. Various businesses have been Lagos State and illegally appropriate public In Europe they will jail him. In Africa, associated with him and his allies but a resources the way he is doing? Are they he will present himself for election.” - cloud of secrecy hangs over his links to the saying corruption by others is condemnable Anonymous businesses - businesses clearly established while Tinubu’s own is tolerable? with a corrupt intent, or a product of abuse Are these people saying it is okay for him ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo of public offi ce and trust. and his children to be running a parallel once said that Nigeria is the only For those who hide behind a fi nger to government in Lagos State? country where if you catch a thief ask for evidence of Tinubu’s corruption, Indeed, he has been running a parallel red-handed, the thief will be the the erstwhile Managing Director of Alpha government since he left offi ce - he fi rst to drag you to court. The Beta, the Lagos State controversial consultant determines who becomes governor, lawmaker, Fabove quote whose real author I couldn’t on IGR, Mr. Dapo Apara’s petition to the senator, council chairman and even who establish and Obasanjo’s characterisation Economic and Financial Crimes Commission gets government’s contracts. As a matter of the Nigerian thief are spot on and speak (EFCC) through the law fi rm, Adetunji of fact, he determines what goes and what to the Nigerian conundrum. The fact is Shoyoye and Associates, is your answer. does not go. He has a fi nger in every pie that no one has captured the reality of It’s about the illegal activities taking place in the state. After the death of his mother, Africa’s leadership challenge better than in Alpha Beta Consulting, one of the fi rms Chief Abibatu Mogaji who was the President- the two. Nothing depicts the tragedy of associated with Tinubu. Alpha Beta has General of the Association of Commodity Africa, particularly Nigeria, more than held the exclusive franchise for revenue Market Women and Men of Nigeria, Tinubu the above quote. It tells the story of how collection for Lagos State Government for arbitrarily and single-handedly appointed and Africans have underdeveloped Africa. nearly 19 years. Recall that Tinubu was in imposed on the traders his own daughter, Nigeria which was long thought of as the offi ce when he awarded the contract to Folashade Tinubu-Ojo as her successor. He hope of Africa, has unfortunately stuttered Tinubu Alpha Beta, a company he had and still truncated the process of the traders to elect miserably. Hope increasingly looks like a government chairmen. How can our country has interest in (held for him by proxies), someone among themselves. His daughter distant illusion for the so-called Giant of make progress with these sorts of people to be the sole revenue collector for the never had a shop in any market prior to Africa. A once promising nation has been as leaders? Lagos State government. There was no her appointment by her father as reported subdued and scorched by a succession of Now, let’s go to the main focus of this competitive bidding for that contract. The then. Who does that? Can anyone tell me bad leaders and their aspiring successors. write-up which is about former Governor current Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, a where Tinubu derived such authority as a It has witnessed the rise of tribal lords, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s overbearing infl uence Professor of Law, was his Attorney General former governor to unilaterally make that religious fundamentalists, corrupt and and corruption – the big elephant in the then. He must have seen that contract and controversial appointment? amoral persons elevated to positions of room that nobody wants to talk about. It’s must have known that it was a pure act Anyone with well-tuned political antennae power and authority to chat the destiny of an open secret that the former governor of of corruption. would have known that the motivation their people, and unfortunately celebrated Lagos State and strongman of Lagos politics, Mr. Apara stated in his petition to the was to grab and maintain political sway, by the people. The tragic consequence is Bola Tinubu is interested in contesting the EFCC that Alpha Beta has been an IGR and had nothing to do with making the a nation heading to the brink of disaster. 2023 presidential election. For sometime consultant to Lagos State since 2002, earning association better. It is all about the huge There is an old saying in the land of my now, the debate about his suitability for the about 10% of whatever it collects for the revenue generated from levies arbitrarily fathers: “If you fi ll your mouth with broken position has dominated the public space. state. He accused the fi rm of corruption, imposed and forcefully collected from market bottles, you will spit blood.” Nigeria has Even though he is yet to formally declare tax evasion and money laundering, among traders for which there is no accounting. been spitting blood since it allowed men his intention to run, his body language other things. He said the company had failed The money doesn’t go into maintaining the with a violent heritage to fi ll its leadership has given suffi cient indication that he is to pay taxes in the sum of N100 billion. markets or to the state government, but to positions. actively planning and preparing to seek What did EFCC do? It simply allowed wet the ravenous appetite of an overbearing Frankly, our politicians’ understanding the ultimate offi ce in the land. Planning the petition from no other person than a godfather. It is also about ensuring that of democracy is threatening the security committees and contact groups have been former managing director of the fi rm to traders in Lagos continue to vote for him of lives and properties as well as the set up across all zones in the country to gather dust on its shelf. And seeing that and his chosen candidates, knowing full corporate existence of the country. Our advance that purpose. nothing was done, the fi rm has continued well that traders in the informal sector so-called democracy has witnessed the And he has been unusually careful not its nefarious activities till this day. Long and members of their families constitute rise of godfathers, whose sense of public to intervene in burning national issues before Apara’s bombshell, precisely in 2006, a major political demographic in a state offi ce and purpose of governance is sharing for fear of giving the all-powerful cabal then Chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu like Lagos. public money and appropriating public the ammunition to block his candidacy Ribadu at a plenary session of the Senate His son, Seyi Tinubu now bestrides property for personal use, creating gangs or where he decides to speak, you come specifi cally highlighted Tinubu’s corruption the Lagos landscape like the lord of the of armed thugs and militia armies to rig away with the impression of someone as one that had “international dimension”. manor. His presence anywhere in the city elections in order to perpetuate themselves who has lost his testicles to his frenemies. With such questionable fi nancial dealings sends shivers down the spine of many a or proxies in power. National interests are What started as whispers, seen then as an which have earned him prodigious wealth government offi cial. Like his father, he being undermined by tribal and religious unlikely possibility and perhaps, a mere and the political power he wields over gets what he wants. His Loatsad Promedia affi nity. intent to grandstand and dramatise without governance in Lagos in over two decades, and E-motion outdoor companies have To rub salt into the wound, many of substance has swelled into staggering he has held steady the loyalty of a horde of total control of outdoor signage on most the aspiring candidates for the different noisy stridency of voices of many recruits fanatical supporters, effectively using this lucrative routes, viz. Lekki-Ajah and Epe elective positions to replace the current crop whose only interest is the cash windfall to infuse his political base and spread his axis, Falomo and Bourdillon areas of Ikoyi of extremely selfi sh and bad leaders, or to harvest from what promises to be a infl uence to other Southwest states. Not on the Lagos Island, Third Mainland bridge, names being bandied about in the media massively funded presidential campaign, done with his material possession that has Murtala Mohammed International Airport as President Muhammadu Buhari’s possible that is sure to come their way. nearly crippled Lagos, he now wants to road, etc. The implication is anyone wanting replacement are not only unsuitable for Tinubu knows the power of money, and be president of Nigeria. What temerity! to advertise on billboards on the routes public offi ce, they embody the worst vices equally understands human frailty. In the As much as I have tried to understand he now controls has to go through this that any decent society with the desire to last 22 years, he has amassed prodigious the rationale behind peoples’ support for rookie practitioner with doubtful certifi cation make progress should ordinarily strive to wealth by virtue of holding public offi ce this fellow, to the extent of enlisting the from regulatory agencies. His only pedigree exorcise from its governance system to and continues to control the levers of services of behavioural experts and social in the fi eld is his father’s chokehold on secure the future of the next generation. power in Lagos State despite being out anthropologists, there is still a part of me Lagos. For a guy that made his debut in But here, many people celebrate and revere of offi ce since 2007. He decides who that is at a loss to understand why otherwise advertising four or fi ve years ago to have them for their incompetence and criminal gets what. He is rich, very rich, he even educated and enlightened people are risen so fast to pull off such a feat speaks pillaging of the state’s resources. People who boasts of his massive wealth, owns two queuing behind his ambition to govern to Tinubu’s overbearing political infl uence. should ordinarily be serving long prison brand new private jets, pours millions of Nigeria despite knowing about his atrocities Today, Seyi enjoys unfair advantage over terms or would have paid the ultimate pounds into the governorship aspirations in Lagos and his vast unexplained wealth. other operators in the industry but who price for corruption in saner societies are of candidates, yet no one can point to any Are these people saying to the rest of us is Seyi without his father who in a state the ones jumping around, aspiring to be legitimate means of income that generates that are not falling head over heels with president, governors, lawmakers and local that kind of wealth. No one knows how his ambition that it is okay for one man to Continued on page 46 Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]