THURSDAYPIB’sZenith JULY Early 1, 2021 Bank THISDAY Passage Retains Threatened Number as Stakeholders One Tier-1 Seek Bank Fresh Ranking Alterations1 EmmanuelNume Ekeghe Addeh in Abuja increased share of revenues, fuel investment dollars has shares in the Nigerian National demands to increase their of oil revenues. with agency report publishedcould push by its Thepassage Banker into disappointednumber one those tier-1 who hopedbank PetroleumThe bank, in aCorporation statement shareZenith of petroleum Bank’s produced financial corporateThe National sectors Assembly despite goes a Magazine,late this year, a publication four sources of thein politicalNigeria alignmentfor the ofthird the (NNPC)yesterday, andsaid theimplement ranking, inperformance their regions tofor 10 theper cent,year onchallenging recess in macroeconomicearly July, so if AZenith week Bank before Plc thehas beenlatest thehave Financial told Reuters. Times Group presidencyconsecutive and year. the National market-basedwhich was publishedprices for gasin upwas from underpinned 2.5 per cent. by an theenvironment package is notexacerbated approved deadlineranked as to the pass number Nigeria's one of Thethe Unitedlast-minute Kingdom. wrangling AssemblyIt, however, would emerged break theas jinxthe toJuly power. 2021 edition of the eightCommunities per cent with growth oil withinby the COVID-19the next two pandemic. weeks, long-awaitedbank in Nigeria Petroleumby tier-1 Theover thebank, bill, withwhich a aims tier-1 to that454th has bank stalked globally the overhaul and the magazine,Reuters reportedwas based that on theat explorationin non-interest in Northernincome, itTier-1 cannot capitalbecome lawdescribes until Industrycapital in Bill the (PIB), 2021 Topdemands 1000 capitalmodernise of Nigeria's $2.64 petroleumbillion, efforts for 20 years. acrimonious meetings in Nigeria's Lake Chad region September. for big changes, including from industry and attract a onlyAmong Nigerian the changesbank in theare the2020 Abuja year-end during tier-1 the capitalweek, andwith the an middle improved of the countrymarket World Banks’ Ranking retained its ranking as the Continued on page 10 community leaders seeking an shrinking pool of global fossil proposalstop 500. to publicly sell communityof banks globally. leaders revived areshare also seekingin both a greaterretail shareand Continued on page 10
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SmuggledFG Mobilises Petrol Prosecutors Rises Againstto 42m Kanu, Considers Mass Murder Charge LitresConcerns over Daily role of UK in issuingNNPC new passports Cries in breach of Outcourt bail Alex Enumah in Abuja Nigeria after Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High The Saysfederal government subsidy Court, Abuja,hits where N150bn he was monthly isEmmanuel raising a Addeh crack in teamAbuja of standinglitres. trial for a six-count lawyers to prosecute the charge,With grantedthe menace him nowbail leaderNigerian of NationalIndigenous Petroleum People ingaining April more 2017. momentum His bail wasand ofCorporation Biafra (IPOB), (NNPC) Mr. yesterdayNnamdi subsequentlyillegal dealers morerevoked daring, thein Kanu,lamented who wasthe interceptedescalating oil company stated that the incidence of petrol smuggling Septembersubsidy that 2019the government following inacross Addis Nigeria’s Ababa, borders, Ethiopia which hispays persistent on petrol absenceevery month, from onit putsFriday at aand whopping repatriated 42 court.in order to keep the pump tomillion Nigeria litres under per day.the cover Followingprice of petrol his stablebreach at of N162 the of Thedarkness corporation on saidSunday, the bailper litreconditions, now hovers the betweensecurity THISDAYunbridled learnt smuggling last night. has N140 billion and N150 billion. Kanuincreased had Nigeria’s vanished estimated from ContinuedThe development on page 8has made daily consumption of 60 Continued on page 10 millionPDP litres Shops to 102 million for Legal Team to RetrievePresidency Mandate from Replies Matawalle ProtestsCritics, nomination Washes of Onochie as INEC commissioner DejiHands Elumoye, off MediaWorking CommitteeBills Chuks Okocha and (NWC) of the main Alex Call Enumah Mohammed in Abuja to order,opposition stakeholders partyurge Buhari has Deji Elumoye in Abuja commencedto gag the press. a search for In a swift response, the Following Tuesday’s a competent legal team The presidency has washed its Nigerian Guild of Editors defectionhands off the ofcurrent Zamfara attempt to(NGE) retrieve and the Nigerianits mandate Union Stateby the NationalGovernor, Assembly Hon. to fromof Journalists the Zamfara (NUJ) Statehave Belloamend Matawalle,the Nigerian fromPress governor,urged President THISDAY Muhammadu has theCouncil Peoples (NPC) Democratic Act and learnt.Buhari to call the Minister Partythe National (PDP) Broadcastingto the All Theof Information leadership and of the Culture, PDP, COOPERATING AGAINST TERROR… ProgressivesCommission (NBC)Congress Act, a Alhaji Lai Mohammed to STATEChief of Defence OF Staff, THE Gen. MATTER...Lucky Irabor (left), and Inspector-General of the Senegalese Armed Forces, Gen. El hadji Daouda move, media stakeholders Continuedorder, accusing on page the 10 minister Niang, during the Senegalese defence chief’s visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja…yesterday (APC),and other theNigerians National have Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Federal condemned as an attempt Continued on page 10 Executive Council in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui Irabor Rallies Stakeholders to Curb Transnational Terrorism... page 6 We Have Tribal War on Our Hands, Says Gumi... Page 5 2 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 THISDAY 5
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OLDELOLWLHV RI WKH IHGHUDO DV ZHOO DV WKH EDFNORJ RI *RYHUQPHQW RI 1LJHULD EH QRWLÀHG E\ WKHLU WHUP XQFHUWDLQWLHV WKH ZHDN ´:H H[SHFW HFRQRPLF government under the GHDWK EHQHÀWV FODLPV GXH LV H[SHFWHG WR FRQWLQXH UHVSHFWLYH 3HQVLRQ )XQG PDFURHFRQRPLF EDFNGURS growth to maintain its &RQWULEXWRU\ 3HQVLRQ WREHQHÀFLDULHVRIGHFHDVHG ZLWKWKHSD\PHQWRIWKH $GPLQLVWUDWRUV 3)$V DQG WKLQ IRUHLJQ LQYHVWRUV· SRVLWLYH JURZWK WUDMHFWRU\ 6FKHPH &36 HPSOR\HHV RI WUHDVXU\ SHU FHQW UDWH RI HPSOR\HU ,WDGGHGWKDWWKHVHWWOHPHQW SDUWLFLSDWLRQµ :H EHOLHYH WKLV ERGHV ZHOO 3HQ&RP LQ D VWDWHPHQW IXQGHG0'$V SHQVLRQ FRQWULEXWLRQ RI WKH RXWVWDQGLQJ $FFRUGLQJ WR WKHP WKH IRU LPSURYHG FRUSRUDWH \HVWHUGD\ VDLG IXQGV Buhari also approved the IRU LWV HPSOR\HHV WKXV DFFUXHG SHQVLRQ ULJKWV Nigerian equities market HDUQLQJVSDUWLFXODUO\F\FOLFDO had already been made SD\PHQW RI WKH SHU HQVXULQJDUHPLWWDQFHRIDW RI YHULÀHG DQG HQUROOHG LQ ZLOO EH VKDSHG E\ VWRFNV RYHU WKH PHGLXP DYDLODEOHIRUWKHVHWWOHPHQW FHQW GLͿHUHQWLDO LQ WKH OHDVW SHU FHQW PRQWKO\ IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW V\VWHP OLTXLGLW\ FRUSRUDWH WHUP 2Q )3,V ZH WKLQN WKH RIWKHSHQVLRQOLDELOLWLHV UDWH RI HPSOR\HU SHQVLRQ HPSOR\HUSHUFHQWDQG UHWLUHHV DQG FRPSOLDQFH HDUQLQJVDWWUDFWLYHFRUSRUDWH WDFLW GHYDOXDWLRQ QDLUD KDV 7KH FRPPLVVLRQ OLVWHG FRQWULEXWLRQ IRU IHGHUDO HPSOR\HHHLJKWSHUFHQW DV ZLWK WKH UHYLHZHG UDWH RI GLYLGHQGV IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH been devalued by 7.0 per FULWLFDO DVSHFWV RI WKH government retirees SURYLGHGE\WKH35$ SHQVLRQ FRQWULEXWLRQV DUH DQG IRUHLJQ SRUWIROLR FHQWLQWKH, (ZLQGRZWKXV outstanding pension DQG HPSOR\HHV ZKLFK ´)XQGVKDYHDOUHDG\EHHQ VLJQLÀFDQW GHYHORSPHQWV investors. IDU LQ HQJLQHHUHG E\ OLDELOLWLHV RI WKH IHGHUDO UHVXOWHG IURP WKH LQFUHDVH PDGH DYDLODEOH IRU WKH ZKLFK ZRXOG UHVROYH WKH $QDO\VWVDW&RUGURV6HFXULWLHV WKH &HQWUDO %DQN RI 1LJHULD government the president in the minimum pension VHWWOHPHQW RI WKH DERYH FKDOOHQJHVLQWKHVHDVSHFWV KDG DW WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI &%1 DORQJVLGHULVLQJFUXGH DSSURYHG IRU VHWWOHPHQW FRQWULEXWLRQIRUHPSOR\HUV stated pension liabilities. WKDW KDYH OLQJHUHG VLQFH WKH \HDU VDLG WKH PDUNHW·V RLOSULFHVUDLVHWKHSRVVLELOLW\ WR LQFOXGH SD\PHQW RI IURPSHUFHQWWRSHU $FFRUGLQJO\ UHPLWWDQFH 6 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 THISDAY NEWS Irabor Rallies Stakeholders to Curb Transnational Terrorism Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja forces to restrain the and Senegal could strengthen engagement of the Armed encomium on the AFN nations. movement of criminals the diplomatic and defence Forces of Nigeria (AFN). for its past exploits in The visiting Senegalese 7KH &KLHI RI 'HIHQFH 6WDͿ operating within the Sahel collaboration between He expressed the global and regional peace defence chief, who was on (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, region and the Lake Chad them by leveraging on their commitment of the SAF support operations, said a working tour of military yesterday called for concerted Basin. armed forces operational to work closely with the the collaboration between establishments and HͿRUWV RI VWDNHKROGHUV LQ A statement by the and training experiences for Nigerian military in order both armed forces would institutions in Nigeria, had combating transnational Deputy Director, Defence JUHDWHU HͿHFWLYHQHVV DQG to confront the insecurity VWUHQJWKHQ WKHLU ÀJKW earlier paid a courtesy call terrorism in the West African Information, Air Commodore HFLHQF\ challenges bedevilling the against insurgency, on the Minister of Defence, sub-region. Wap Maigida, quoted the Niang said his visit was two countries. terrorism and other forms Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi Irabor, while granting CDS as saying that the to access the operational Niang while showering of insecurity facing the two (rtd) and the service chiefs. audience to the Inspector- collaboration would restore General of the Senegalese peace in the West African Armed Forces (SAF), Gen. sub-region. El hadji Daouda Niang, at He commended the SAF the Defence Headquarters, for playing a pivotal role in Abuja, said the transnational curtailing the trans-Sahelian nature of global insurgency movements of criminals in and terrorism required Mali. FROOHFWLYH HͿRUWV E\ DUPHG According to him, Nigeria APC Debunks Alleged Plot to Rig 2023 Elections
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja PDP and joining the APC. The APC secretary stressed The All Progressives that while many APC Congress (APC) has denied members were victims of the allegation that it plans to rigging when the PDP was rig the 2023 general election in power, the APC has no made by the National record of rigging elections. RECONCILIATION ON THE WAY… Chairman of the Peoples Akpanudoedehe added: L-R: Member, All Progressives Congress South-south Reconciliation Committee, Senator Clever Ikisikpo; Secretary, APC Democratic Party (PDP), “With more than 40 million Caretaker Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Sen. James Akpanudoedehe; Secretary of the committee, Prince Uche Secondus. registered members, the Mr. Lucky Imasuen; and member of the committee, Dr. Mariam Ali, during the submission of the report of the reconciliation The ruling party said that APC has a solid foundation committee to the caretaker secretary in Abuja…yesterday ENOCK REUBEN with more than 40 million to successfully contest and registered members, it win elections against other has a solid foundation to parties without tampering successfully contest and with the verdict of the win elections against other citizens as was the case when Buhari: Nigerians Responsible parties without tampering PDP misruled the country with the verdict of the for 16 years. citizens. “The PDP is doomed to fail in The National Secretary of the any future elections because for Injustice in the Country Caretaker/Extraordinary it is rudderless, leaderless Convention Planning and devoid of anything Deji Elumoye in Abuja ÀYH \HDUV RI DFKLHYHPHQWV When the president of break. They went for three Committee, Senator John coherent and organisational, of his administration to him. the court decided that we months. When they came Akpanudoedehe stated thus making it moribund, President Muhammadu He recalled his struggles should present our case, back, it didn’t take them this in a statement issued irrelevant and too feeble to Buhari yesterday blamed to get justice at the court, P\ÀUVWZLWQHVVZDVLQWKH 15 minutes, they dismissed yesterday in Abuja. EHDQHͿHFWLYHRSSRVLWLRQµ Nigerians for the inherent after disputed results of box. Ahamba insisted that XVµ The ruling party rejected He noted that Muhammadu injustices plaguing the presidential elections in a letter should be sent to He also talked about his the allegation of planned Buhari-led administration country, saying neither 2003, 2007, and 2011, noting the Independent National experience after the 2007 rigging in 2023 made by the has introduced electoral ethnicity nor religion is that the people who ruled Electoral Commission and 2011 presidential polls National Chairman of the reforms aimed at ensuring responsible for the myriad against him were of his own (INEC), to present the saying: “In 2007, who was PDP, Secondus. that all loopholes that open of problems facing the ethnic stock and religious register of constituencies in the CJN? Kutigi; Again a Akpanudoedehe noted the electoral process to country. persuasion, while those some of the states, to prove Muslim from the North. that APC’s track record possible abuse in future The president, in a statement who backed him were of that what they announced After eight months or so, he in implementing projects elections are sealed and by his media adviser, Mr. other faith and ethnicity. was falsehood. It was GLVPLVVHGWKHFDVHµ and programmes that meet eliminated. Femi Adesina, stated that He stated: “After my third documented. He added: “Again in 2011, the needs of Nigerians is The APC said the only thing he came to the conclusion of appearance in the Supreme “When they gave judgment, because I was so persistent, attracting more members, that held the PDP together Nigerians being responsible Court, I came out to speak another Ibo man, the late Musdafa, a Fulani man like supporters and sympathisers in the 16 years was access to for the challenges facing to those who were present Justice Nsofor, asked for me, from Jigawa, neighbour from all over the country national resources of which WKH FRXQWU\ DIWHU UHÁHFWLQJ then. I told them that from the reaction from INEC to to my state, was CJN. He into the party. it has been deprived of on the complexities of the 2003, I’d spent 30 months in the letter sent to them. They GLVPLVVHGP\FDVHµ He said strong internal feasting on by the electorates Nigerian condition. court. The President of the just dismissed it. He then “I refused to give up. I democracy, transparency whose trust it lost during “Our problem is not &RXUW RI $SSHDO WKH ÀUVW decided to write a minority had tried to wear Agbada and fairness in the conduct two general elections. ethnicity or religion, it is port of call for representation judgment. That was after 27 after what happened to RI LWV DͿDLUV ZKLFK DUH It added that the Nigerian RXUVHOYHVµ WKH SUHVLGHQW by presidential candidates months in court. me in khaki. Something demonstrably lacking in electorate know that the said. then, was my classmate in “We went to the Supreme was done to me because I the PDP, are additional APC is a party of people Buhari spoke while secondary school in Katsina. Court. Who was Chief did something to others. reasons that make the APC with integrity, who are receiving members of the We spent six years in the Justice of Nigeria (CJN)? A You know it. In the end, I a better option for Nigerians, trustworthy and fully Muhammadu Buhari/ same class, Justice Umaru Hausa-Fulani like me, from myself was arrested, sent including serving State prepared to implement Osinbajo (MBO) Dynamic Abdullahi. Zaria. The members of the to detention, and they were Governors, National and policies that will address Support Group, who visited “My legal head was Chief panel went in for about 30 given back what they had State Assembly members their interests and enhance the State House, Abuja, to Mike Ahamba, a Roman minutes, came back to say taken. I was there for three- who are abandoning the their general wellbeing. present a compendium of Catholic and an Ibo man. they were proceeding on and-a-quarter years. THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 THISDAY NEWS PDP SHOPS FOR LEGAL TEAM TO RETRIEVE MANDATE FROM MATAWALLE led by its National Chairman, by the party. said has become a derelict “Today, the APC has become when a person elected into him as governor of Zamfara Prince Uche Secondus, According to him, the team pirate ship, could survive a sanctuary of ‘who is who’ D SROLWLFDO RFH GHIHFWV WR State. also yesterday stormed would be given the Supreme beyond May 29, 2023. in the world of corruption as another he or she must resign According to him, “It’s the the National Assembly to Court judgment on Zamfara According to a statement well as an army of terrorist RUORVHWKHRFH same as has happened in protest the nomination of State to study and come up by the party’s National apologists, election riggers According to Raji, the Edo State, Ebonyi and Cross a presidential aide, Ms. with a legal opinion before Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola and patrons of bandits, constitution of the country River States. Lauretta Onochie, as one of the party will proceed with Ologbondiyan, the party kidnappers and vandals. gives freedom to governors “Perhaps more will still the national commissioners the legal action. said that the PDP’s position as well as the president to happen. That’s the path of Independent National He also disclosed that the was predicated on the Zamfara Gov’s Defection change his or her party at of political horse-trading Electoral Commission party has asked its legal recent ‘laughable statement’ Splits Senior Lawyers will. and immortality that has (INEC). department to demand a credited to President Buhari In a related development, He explained: “For governors characterised the Nigerian This is coming as the FHUWLÀHG WUXH FRS\ RI WKH and APC leaders that the defection of the Zamfara and presidents, they have the political landscape from defection of the Zamfara Supreme Court on the APC has “bounced back State governor to the APC liberty to change their parties time immemorial. Therefore, State governor to the APC Zamfara State gubernatorial to life” and that people are has split some senior lawyers. under our laws,” Raji stated, Governor Matawalle cannot has split some senior lawyers. judgment. defecting to APC because While some senior lawyers adding that the fact that the lose his governorship seat While some senior lawyers “It is after this that the NWC of the achievements of its insisted that no law prevents APC participation in the 2019 because of his defection insisted that no law prevents will summon an emergency administration. an elected governor from general election in Zamfara from PDP to APC.” an elected governor from National Executive The PDP advised the decamping from one party State was voided “will not The senior lawyer cum decamping from one party Committee (NEC) meeting president’s handlers as to another, some of their DͿHFWWKHULJKWGRQDWHGWRWKH clergyman noted that it to another, some of their for their approval. But well as APC leaders to stop colleagues argued that the governor as pronounced by does not matter whether colleagues argued that the for sure, PDP will test the pushing him into making governor should relinquish the courts. the Supreme Court declared governor should relinquish defection in court,” he said. such delusional statements his mandate. “The fact is that he is a Matawalle governor by his mandate. Meanwhile, PDP has told as Nigerians are aware Speaking to THISDAY on the governor, who is allowed to default. One of the PDP governors President Muhammadu that while millions of well- issue, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), change his party. The choice “He was so declared because told THISDAY that one of the Buhari that the lifespan of his meaning citizens across the Mr. John Baiyeshea (SAN) is not in any way curtailed he was PDP’s candidate. preconditions for the choice of party, APC, will not extend country, are rallying on the and Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, by the judgment that brought Independent candidacy is the legal team that will handle beyond the end of his tenure platform of the PDP to rescue (SAN), all maintained that a him. He can even return to not known in Nigeria. So, as the Zamfara governor’s case on May 29, 2023. the nation from misrule, governor cannot be removed PDP in few months.” it was initially, it is now and is that members of the team The party has also counselled only a few individuals with IURP RFH VLPSO\ EHFDXVH Baiyeshea, who described may continue in the future, must be lawyers who are not the president not to allow skeletons in their cupboards he changed the political party Matawalle’s defection unless the constitution is politically encumbered or himself to be deluded into are defecting to the APC to WKDWEURXJKWKLPLQWRRFH to the APC as a political amended to frontally deal attached. thinking that by using the JDLQRFLDOFRYHU chess game, gambling and with it. He disclosed that the legal instrumentality of coercion “After all, when such But a former President of political manoeuvring “Presently, I am not aware of department of the PDP to drag those it called feeble- individuals join the APC, all the Nigerian Bar Association common with Nigerian any law that prevents what has been asked to table a minded politicians as well as their misdemeanours, which (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba politicians and politics all the defecting governors consortium of constitutional rejected corrupt persons into border on corruption, are (SAN), and Chief Roland said the defection was not legal team for consideration its folds, the APC, which it immediately pardoned. Otaru (SAN) argued that something that can sack Continued on page 10 Osinbajo, Tinubu, Fashola, Others Extol Bello in New Book Segun James include Mr. Segun Babatope, churning out mountains of “His excellence and work “It is impossible to render progress of the state since Mr. Dele Momodu, Mr. refuge on an hourly basis.” ethic allowed me to pile this kind of tribute without the return to democratic A journalist-turned-public Dapo Olorunyomi, Mr. He added: “As we assignment after assignment UHIHUHQFHWRWKHHͿRUWVPDGH governance in 1999. servant, Mr. Tunji Bello, has 9LFWRU ,ÀMHK 0U (QLROD %HOOR experimented on methods on him, knowing that he to improve the green cover of He stated that Bello been portrayed as a man (Eni B), Mr. Femi Adesina, and struggled through these would do more that come Lagos and, by extension, the contributed immensely to of prodigious competence, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Mr. FKDOOHQJHV GXULQJ RXU ÀUVW WKURXJK +H ZRXOG ÁRXULVK air quality and quality of life the 24-year development stellar diligence, exemplary Azu Ishiekwene, Mr. Sam four years (I was Attorney- and his work would stand of the people of Lagos and plan designed by his character and a staunch Omatseye, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, General and Commissioner as an example to others. Tunji’s role in that process.” administration to accelerate defender of family values in a Mr. Kayode Komolafe, for Justice at the time), What motivates Tunji is that Meanwhile, Tinubu has growth, thereby changing new book of essays featuring Mr. Lanre Arogundade, it became clear that the he has the soul force of a congratulated Bello as he the destiny of the state and prominent Nigerians, Mr. Fred Ohwahwa, Mr. Environment Ministry was humanitarian. Despite all he clocks 60 today. its people. including Vice President Yemi Segun Ayobolu, Mr. Simon one that needed a miracle is and has done, he is among He described Bello as a Tinubu added that Bello’s Osinbajo, National Leader Kolawole, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, worker to man successfully. It the most good-natured technocrat, administrator contributions to urban of All Progressives Congress Mr. Richard Akinola, Mr. Louis was against this background and kind-spirited of us all. and visionary who has renewal as commissioner for (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, Odion, Mr. Ose Oyamendan, that the governor came up Without hesitation, Tunji is contributed to the growth of the environment are also of and Minister of Works and Mr. Jonas Agwu, Mr. Yomi with the idea of putting quick to extend a helping Lagos State and Nigeria. enduring importance. Housing, Mr. Babatunde Idowu, Mr. Warees Solanke, 7XQML %HOOR RQ WKLV GLFXOW hand, providing guidance In a statement by his Media pg Fashola (SAN). Hon. Sani Zorro and Mr. Goke job at commencement of his and instruction to the young 2FH VLJQHG E\ 0U 7XQGH The book is to honour Odeyinka. VHFRQGWHUPRIRFHµ workers around him on Rahman, the APC leader Bello, currently the Lagos In the foreword to the book, In his own contribution, the one hand, while going said: “Bello deserves nothing State Commissioner for Osinbajo described Bello as a Tinubu hailed Bello as a beyond the call of duty to but accolades on this day. Environment and Water “dogged, knowledgeable and SDUDJRQ RI VHOÁHVV VHUYLFH help the aged and weak As a brave and forthright Resources, who turns 60 HͿHFWLYHMRXUQDOLVWZLWKVWURQJ and unshakable loyalty. “In among us on the other,” he activist, he ceaselessly TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % today. convictions and the courage to GLFXOW WLPHV WKH FKDUDFWHU stated. fought for the democracy FIDSON 0.46 5.06 10 In 2003, Bello transited from back them up.” of a person is most revealed. Fashola, under whom Bello we now have today. Bello’s VITAFOAM 0.12 13.60 9.6 I have seen Tunji in action in served as commissioner extensive experience and journalism as Chairman of He said: “I must, however, REDSTAR 0.32 3.67 9.5 be partial to Tunji’s role in such moments. He remained between 2011 and 2015, vast knowledge proved THISDAY Editorial Board VERITASKAP 0.02 0.24 9.0 to become Commissioner of government, where, in my steadfast and intact. A man hailed him as “the particularly vital in the Environment in the Tinubu view, it all comes together. of principle, Tunji never environmentalist, the go- struggle to end military CHAMS PLC 0.01 0.21 5.0 administration. Looking back to 1999, EDFNHGDZD\IURPWKHÀJKW getter” who “deserves dictatorship. TOP LOSERS NGN % The 308-page book, entitled when Nigeria returned to ZRUWKÀJKWLQJ every credit he gets for his “Bello’s contributions to AIRTEL 75.30 678.00 10 “In Pursuit of the Public democracy and Bola Tinubu “A man of integrity to the contribution to the Greening democracy did not stop MBENEFITS 0.03 0.38 10 Purpose,” co-edited by was elected governor of Lagos core, he never took the Programme.” there. They merely entered CORNERSTONE 0.04 0.51 7.2 THISDAY Deputy Managing State, many would recall the easy way when that was +H VDLG ´$V &KLHI RI 6WDͿ another phase. Due to his LEARNAFRICA 0.07 1.01 6.4 Director, Mr. Kayode great governance challenges not the right way. A man of to Governor Bola Ahmed belief in public service, IKEJHOTEL 0.06 0.91 6.1 Bello has become the most Komolafe, and presidential he was confronted with. excellence, he never did a Tinubu, I got the opportunity HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 aide, Mr. Louis Odion, also For the administrator of this partial job or made excuses. to interact very closely with accomplished and durable Volume: 218.271 million shares parades contributions by booming megacity, perhaps He got the work done better Tunji Bello as an active civil servant in Lagos State of media celebrities as well as the toughest test of them all than I thought possible. “kitchen cabinet” member his generation”. Value: N2.726 billion childhood friends, former was in the environment. With As governor, I knew after whose infectious spirit He described Bello as an Deals: 3,524 classmates and associates of the highest population and the giving Tunji an assignment, contributed immensely to illustrious son of Lagos, who As at yesterday 22/6/2021 has been an indispensable the celebrant. smallest landmass of any state that I no longer had to be resolving several challenges See details on Page 31 Contributors from the media in Nigeria, Lagos was literally concerned about it. at the period. factor in the socio-economic THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 THISDAY PAGE TEN Pdp Shops For Legal Team To Retrieve Mandate From Matawalle KDYHGRQHDVFRQGHPQDEOH RFHGHIHFWVWRDQRWKHUKHRU to just defect from a party that 0HDQZKLOH WKH OHDGHUVKLS WKDW QR SURYLVLRQV RI WKH 0UV 2QRFKLH ZKR LV DVLWPD\DSSHDUWREHµKH VKH PXVW UHVLJQ RU ORVH WKH EURXJKWKLPLQWRRFH RI 3'3 OHG E\ LWV 1DWLRQDO &RQVWLWXWLRQ IDYRXU KHU YHU\ SDUWLVDQ LQ IDFW D VDLG RFH $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKH Chairman, Secondus QRPLQDWLRQ FDUGFDUU\LQJ PHPEHU Akinlaja submitted that since ´7KH FOHDU OHJDO UXOH LV WKDW constitution must be yesterday stormed the 7KHOHWWHUVLJQHGE\WKH3'3 of a political party to be 0DWDZDOOH LV DOUHDG\ WKH the party is the foundation DPHQGHG WR SUHYHQW SHRSOH National Assembly to protest 1DWLRQDO 6HFUHWDU\ 6HQ appointed into INEC as an JRYHUQRU RI =DPIDUD 6WDWH WKURXJK ZKLFK \RX JDLQ IURP GHIHFWLQJ IURP RQH the nomination of Onochie as 8PDUX 7VDXUL QRWHG WKDW HOHFWRUDO XPSLUH 6HFWLRQ the question of the Supreme HOHFWRUDO YLFWRU\ DQG LI \RX SDUW\ WR DQRWKHU ZLWKRXW one of the commissioners of ´7KHQRPLQDWLRQZKLFKZDV L D DQGWKLUGVFKHGXOH &RXUW·V MXGJPHQW LV RI QR OHDYH WKDW SDUW\ OHJDOO\ FRQVHTXHQFHV ,1(& UHDGRQWKHÁRRURIWKH6HQDWH 3DUW ,WHP ) 3DUDJUDSK PRPHQWDQ\PRUH consequentially you lose ´7KHUH VKRXOG EH DQ 7KH DJJULHYHG SDUW\ OHDGHUV DQG IRUZDUGHG WR \RXU RIWKHFRQVWLWXWLRQKDYH ´7KHUHLVQRSURYLVLRQLQWKH \RXUVHDWµ$JEDNREDVDLG amendment to the ZHUH UHFHLYHG E\ 3'3 FRPPLWWHHIRUVFUHHQLQJKDV RXWULJKWO\GLVTXDOLÀHGKHU FRQVWLWXWLRQ IRUELGGLQJ D 7KH VHQLRU ODZ\HU ZKLOH constitution, you cannot just senators and House of FUHDWHGDORWRIPLVJLYLQJVLQ ´:HDUHWKHUHIRUHZULWLQJWR JRYHUQRU IURP JRLQJ IURP QRWLQJ WKDW VRPH FRQGLWLRQV JRLQDQGFRPHRXWOLNHWKDW 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV PHPEHUV the court of public opinion DVNWKHFKDLUPDQWRVDYHWKH one party to another as PD\ZDUUDQWGHIHFWLRQVWDWHG You cannot just defect from a led by Senate Minority DQGMXGJPHQW Senate president, the Senate WKH FDVH LV ZLWK OHJLVODWRUV that in the instant case of party like that there must be Leader, Senator Enyinnaya ´2XU SDUW\ FRQVLGHUV LW DV LWVHOI DQG 0U 3UHVLGHQW $JDLQWKHFRQVWLWXWLRQJLYHV =DPIDUD 6WDWH WKHUH ZDV QR PRGDOLWLHVµKHVDLG $EDULEH LPSRUWDQW WR EULQJ WR WKH IURP EHLQJ ULGLFXOHGµ KH WR HYHU\RQH WKH OLEHUW\ WR GLYLVLRQWRMXVWLI\KLVOHDYLQJ $FFRUGLQJ WR 2WDUX HOHFWHG In a letter addressed to the attention of your committee H[SODLQHG join any political party the WKH3'3 SXEOLF RFH KROGHUV DUH 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LQWHUFHSWHGDQGDUUHVWHG WKDWGURYHKLPLQWKHWLFNRI IDFLOLWLHVLQWKH6RXWKHDVWDQG 7+,6'$< ODVW QLJKW WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ FDWHJRULFDOO\ ´:H GHPDQG VRPH A reliable source said the NIA WKHQLJKWWRLWV\HOORZKRXVH SDUWVRIWKH6RXWKVRXWK 0LQLVWU\RI)RUHLJQ$ͿDLUVLV GHQLHV LW :H ZRXOG EH FDWHJRULFDO DQVZHUV WR WKHVH RSHUDWLRQVZHUHFRPPDQGHG headquarters in Asokoro ´:H KDYH FUHGLEOH HYLGHQFH WDNLQJWKH+LJK&RPPLVVLRQ JUDWHIXO LI WKH QHZVSDSHU questions so as to place DW WKH KLJKHVW OHYHO ZLWK 'LVWULFWRI$EXMD THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] TUNJI BELLO AT 60 Goke Odeyinka pays tribute to Bello, journalist, lawyer, and Lagos State Commissioner for Environment I have always wondered why some people think I am the closest person to Tunji Bello. But I know I am not. I came to became Commissioner for the Environment, Lagos State, in know Tunji when I joined National Concord Newspapers as a 2003. In a particular year when the list of Editors was being reporter in the 80s, and he was on the Features desk. Since he compiled for “Xmas Welfare”, he added my name. This met normally passed by the newsroom before getting to his office, stiff resistance from some quarters, but he stood his ground he would breeze in on few occasions. There was nothing and I benefited from it. special about that except for the exchange of pleasantries In 2006, my apartment was burgled, and I didn’t know whenever we met along the corridor or elsewhere. who informed Tunji. He sent for me and gave me some Our “friendship” however started when he was appointed money. Apart from me, I know of some other persons he Politics Editor. His office was directly opposite the newsroom, had touched with his milk of human kindness, especially and I visited there regularly for information on happenings in ex- Concordians. He bought working tools for some and the political arena. Apart from “politricks” (as our Publisher, got employments/admissions for many. He paid school MKO, would call it), we talked sports (football mostly) and fees, settled hospital bills, and in some cases, assisted some music, especially Abami Eda’s (Fela’s) afrobeat. financially when they had important occasions/events. He is After close of work, we would ride in his jalopy (Volkswa- a cheerful and silent giver/donor. gen beetle) to a joint along Morocco Road, Mushin, Lagos for Sometime ago, a journalist with the NTA approached me, drinks. From there we would head for Lawanson, Surulere and narrated what she was going through and the need to where he normally dropped me off to find my way home at seek Tunji’s assistance came up. The contact was established Ijesha, and it could be as late as 11pm, while he headed for and she had cause to smile at the end of the day. his Ilasa abode. Beyond that, I can also attest that Tunji has used his When the IBB regime proscribed National Concord at the position to assist people whom he never met except through peak of the June 12 debacle in 1993, I was privileged to be text/WhatsApp messages. There was a time a community among the few reporters chosen to work on a “new” publica- leader in Soluyi (Gbagbada, Lagos) complained to me over tion (Lagos News, a publication originally owned by the late some environmental challenges in the area and I suggested Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State). he should reach out to him. At first, he hesitated for, accord- Tunji was the Editor and I cannot say why he chose me as ing to him, “how can a whole Commissioner respond to a reporter, but I did not disappoint him with my exclusive a text message from an unknown man”? I convinced him stories every Monday. and he “tried” his luck. The following day, he not only got Later, after being appointed the Editor of Sunday Concord a reply, but officials of the ministry went there for a tour/ in 1995, he wanted me to join him but my Editor, Nsikak survey. My friend wrote a letter of appreciation and caused Essien, would not let go. it to be published in Vanguard Newspaper. That’s just one of An incident happened while I served as Chairman of the the many I am aware of. Concord Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). In 2015, the first edition of Concord Family Reunion was I was to be transferred to Uyo, Cross River State, to take held, and Tunji assisted the organizing committee to the me away from “the scene” of action in order to destabilise best of his ability. The second edition would not have held the union. It was believed then by some management staff if not for his support and others. It’s not a matter of being that I was becoming uncontrollable and running a “parallel patronizing to him, other members of the committee are management”, and the only way to “clip my wings” instead alive and can as well debunk my statements if untrue. I of sacking me was to transfer me to an outstation along with remember also how he assisted his first PA to study for his the Secretary. It was Tunji whom I learnt years later, that Master’s degree in law in England. I know because the man counselled that it would amount to a witch-hunt to transfer involved happens to be my in-law. The way he goes about the Chairman and Secretary at the same time and also, it was assisting people generously reminds me of the legendary against the labor law. MKO Abiola, who gave freely to all and sundry and did But, in an effort to cripple the union, the Secretary was not know how to say no to anyone in need. I am sure Tunji eventually taken to Minna, and that was how Jide Oritunsin is just hearing about this particular story from a third party got transferred and found a new home in the Niger State from the pages of this book like any other person. As a good capital. Methodist, I have my methods just as my friend has his When the opportunity came, I left Concord for greener silent way of making people around him happy. I am sure pastures and, in the process, lost touch with Tunji and didn’t he would not relent in doing good to those in need, even reconnect until we met at THISDAY Newspapers premises after he must have left office. sometime in 2001. I went there to see another good friend, THE WAY HE GOES ABOUT ASSISTING Here is wishing him many more years ahead in undimin- the great grand commander, Kayode Komolafe (KK). I PEOPLE GENEROUSLY REMINDS ME OF THE ished glory, good health and prosperity. was chatting with KK when Tunji strolled in and he was LEGENDARY MKO ABIOLA, WHO GAVE FREELY Ogbeni Odeyinka, an expert in ICT journalism, was a surprised to see me after some years of separation. chairman of Concord chapter of the Nigeria Union of Nothing special transpired between us thereafter until he TO ALL AND SUNDRY AND DID NOT KNOW Journalists HOW TO SAY NO TO ANYONE IN NEED BADARU’S PASSION FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Jaafaru M. Kaugama writes that the Jigawa State governor is committed to empowering his people s it is often said, there are different These interventions, which are designed to have engaged in the cluster farming. willingness to work with them. To say that shades of state governors in long and short-term effect on the lives of the As part of its deep commitment to the Governor Badaru Abubakar, right from the very Nigeria. But clearly in the majority people, are now being implemented with the zeal physical, social and emotional well-being of the first day in office, has had his eyes trained on are the ones who acquired the of a leadership that is serious about changing the youthful population, government initiated a set youth development is to belabour the obvious. machinery of state power merely lives of the people for the better. of programmes and interventions that would The evidence of solid footprints of a governor for aggrandizement. They are In the short run, government has rolled out help the youth of Jigawa grow the way they that loves to work with the youth litters the simplyA after the perks of that office and the empowerment programmes designed to lift a should grow. This is in addition to its efforts at entire landscape of Jigawa State. What more can empowerment of their families and close friends critical mass of the populace, especially women, disseminating valuable and timely information anyone who is passionate about finding meaning and business associates. Nothing beyond these. youth and other vulnerable groups out of on government policies and programmes to the for the lives our youth and allowing them some Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Governor of poverty. As a way of avoiding the derailment people while also ensuring the participation of considerable visibility in leadership positions ask Jigawa State, does not fall into that group. Here is of the empowerment programme, a standing the populace in governance. for? Most key positions that were once populated one governor with a sense of mission which has committee that is being supervised by Governor Some of these beneficial programmes include by old people are now filled with young, vibrant been demonstrated by his genuine commitment Badaru himself has a clear mandate of engaging training young people across the state on HIV people. From his cabinet to the National to offering inclusive governance as a way of communities to find out what they need and prevention in collaboration with Federal Ministry Assembly, down to the State House of Assembly, meeting the expectations of the people. As soon their priorities and then come up with economic of Youth and Sports Development, thereby creat- local government chairmen and political aides, as his administration took off in May 2015, empowerment programmes that the people really ing mass awareness on the pandemic; conducting young people are in the majority, running the Governor Badaru left no one in doubt about his want to have. sensitization workshops against youth participa- show courtesy of a governor that is imbued with mission, and his determination to leave behind It is worthy of note that so successful has tion in political thuggery and other forms of a rare leadership vision, and who understands footprints and lasting legacies that would be hard the empowerment programme been that in violence targeting with a view to having peaceful that the future indeed belongs to the youth. to match in the history of Jigawa State. the last six years, 152,593 have benefited across elections; the establishment of youth parliament If everything is in doubt in the state, one thing First, the administration began by focusing on agriculture, artisanship, commerce, transportation to inculcate legislative norms, construction of that would certainly not be doubted is the fact slaying the dragon of extreme poverty that has and in many other areas with tangible evidence youth corps members’ lodge in collaboration with that this is a governor that is grooming young constituted a deep source of concern for many of success. the 27 local governments; collaboration with the leaders across all facets of life without making people within the state and for observers of the For example, among many other government National Youth Service Corps for the construction noise about it. situation from afar. In tackling this monster, the interventions in agriculture, unemployed youth of a Model School in Kazaure, and training and Governor Abubakar may be in the old age administration rightly decided that economic were trained in mini harvester and thresher empowerment of youth in collaboration with the bracket but has a 21st century mindset. Rather empowerment was the best possible option operations and pesticide applications. After the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Develop- than being anti-intellectual, or antagonistic of the available. training, handheld harvesters, planters, tractors, ment. youth, he enthusiastically sources young experts Consequently, it launched a mixture of combined harvesters, mini threshers, sprayers and It must be emphasised that one remarkable in all fields and is extremely delighted to have well-thought-out innovative, job-creating schemes pesticides were presented to them. This has led component of Badaru-led administration’s them as advisers, assistants and strategic associ- ranging from industrial growth stimulation, to improved efficiency in harvesting and reduced inclusive governance, which places it head and ates to whom we hope one day the leadership private sector investment generation, improved post-harvest loss from manual threshing by over shoulder above its contemporaries, is its unprec- baton of our state will be handed over to. farmers competitiveness and the development of 35%. Thousands of jobs were also created along edented commitment to the development of Mr Kaugama wrote from Dutse, Jigawa human capital for sustained economic growth. the value chain for youth that are not directly young people by its demonstration of outstanding State THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 15 EDITORIAL CHINA: THE COMMUNIST PARTY AT 100 The party has made a huge difference in the lives of the people xactly 100 years today, the Commu- However, the biggest achievement of the Com- nist Party of China was established. munist Party is that it has maintained its strict unique Faced with the challenge of the control of both the state and society in China. It has triumph of the liberal order and regulated and controlled the pattern of political repre- global capitalism, the party has had sentation as well as the discipline and code of conduct the resilience to oversee the trans- of public officials in line with the spartan codes of formation of China from a centrally the communist ideology. As the engine of state policy planned communist economy to a and governance principles, the Communist Party has free market economy. The Soviet Communist Party remained in firm control of all aspects of state and Edid not survive the chaotic experience of multi-party society, dictating policy and regulating the conduct of democracy that came in the wake of Gorbachev’s the citizenry in areas as diverse as economic policy, reforms. The result was the demise of the Soviet science and technology, foreign policy, defence and Union and the independence of its multiple compo- security as well as family size and social conduct. nent republics. Founded in 1921 in Shanghai, the Communist nder this regime of controls and regulations, Party of China has 90 million members in a nation China has recorded tremendous strides. It of 1.389 billion people. In spite of this relatively slim has migrated over 700 million of its citizens membership, the party has been in total control of from poverty in a period of 10 years. It has every aspect of the country’s life. It has thus traced Ubecome the second largest economy in the world the entire trajectory of Chinese history, weathering with an external reserve of over 3.3 trillion dollars the crises and turbulence from the revolution to the and maintained the highest economic growth rate of era of unbridled over eight per cent for 20 unbroken years in the 1990s. CHINA HAS BECOME communist rule and Today, China has the largest standing army in the THE SECOND LARGEST the various post Mao world with a growing defence spending that has put ECONOMY IN THE WORLD reforms to the pres- the United States at a permanent alert. China’s huge ent. Through all of manufacturing and export power has also placed it in WITH AN EXTERNAL THISDAY RESERVE OF OVER 3.3 these, the Commu- EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI the forefront of world trade which it uses to advance nist Party has served DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, its diplomatic interests around the world. TRILLION DOLLARS AND MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO MAINTAINED THE HIGHEST as a stabilising force DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE In its prosperity and economic eminence, China along China’s chosen CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI has found a new voice and unique stature in the ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN path. It has guided MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE world. In Africa, China is the source of new credits OF OVER EIGHT PER CENT the process of nation- and aid for infrastructure. This development is com- FOR 20 UNBROKEN YEARS building, the mould- ing at a time when aid and support from the West IN THE 1990S ing of a distinctive THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED has been in decline for years. It is also coming with national identity EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA relatively more generous conditions. GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, and the formulation of policies to adapt China to ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI As the Communist Party therefore marks its changing circumstances in the world. To have kept DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, centennial, it must brace up to challenges bred by its over a billion people faithful to its ideology in spite of ANTHONY OGED ENGBE present achievements in the years ahead. It has built DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI massive economic prosperity and diversification of SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH up an impressive record of economic success, political perspectives and influences is in itself a measure of ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI cohesion and international prominence in its first CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI the strength and resilience of the Communist Party DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 100 years. The next 100 years may be defined by the and the succession of governments it has continued HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA struggle to manage the precarious consequences of to inspire and guide. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] prosperity and global pre-eminence. 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. ON MASSIVE JAMB FAILURE… PLEASE COMPLETE MAGAMA CATTLE MARKET ecently, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board presence of social media handles like Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook want to appeal to Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi (JAMB) released the 2021/2022 students results which and games are bringing huge distractions to students’ reading State to please complete the abandoned Magama Cattle turned out to be abysmal. According to the board, behavior. Nowadays many young ones spend more time making market project. This is because the market can create more 6,944,368 applicants sat for the examination but only short videos on Tiktok than reading books. They will not read until than 10,000 menial jobs when completed, apart from those 973,384 passed with scores to get into Nigerian uni- the examination period is very close, thinking they will perform that will be engaging in buying and selling of cattle. versities. This shows that only 14% passed while 86%, miracles to pass. Parents are the ones to blame in this respect because It’s nearly eight years since the former governor of Rrepresenting 5,970,984 students failed woefully. they are the ones that buy mobile phones and load internet data for IBauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda, constructed Magama Gumau This is not the first time Nigeria recorded this massive failure but them in the name of love and care. Its high time will regularised the cattle market but failed to complete it. The project has been this year’s result was devastating and worrying. Out of every 100 social media usage among the minors, if not we will continue to have neglected to the extent that some of the erected structures students, hardly do you find one getting the usual university cut-off mass failures. have started collapsing. The present administration promised marks. University cut-off points usually start from 180 points and Desperation of some parents to get their children into universities to continue with the project, but it has been swept under the above, except some of the newly established universities that accept is also playing significant role. Many can spend huge amount of carpet. The community, too, wanted to continue it, but could 160 points. money to see their children pass the exam either by bribing the not due to lack of government support and inadequate finance The board which was established in 1978 to conduct entrance teachers or hiring some people to give them answers. The strict from the community members. examination and admit students to universities and other tertiary measures put in place by JAMB became their major challenge in Your excellency, Magama is the largest and most populous institutions has faced multiple challenges and malpractices. I could realising their dream. town in Toro Local Government area with about 400,000 remember in 2008 when I wrote my JAMB, someone was telling The greediness of some teachers in some schools is also a contrib- inhabitants that are mainly farmers and businessmen. Also, me about miracle centers in Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna where uting factor. Teachers are now collecting bribes from the students their business activities attract people from the neighboring students pay a sum of N50,000 to get the required points without to pass them. My conversation with one private school teacher states of Plateau, Kaduna and Kano. Yet Magama has less any challenge. Then JAMB was manual - using paper and pencil confirmed that teachers no longer fail students because they pay government infrastructure such as schools, primary healthcare with minimal supervision in the centres. Many cases of examination expensively to graduate with flying colors. No wonder my cousin centres, electricity, and water supply. malpractices and impersonations were recorded. Computer-based Test had 7As and 2Bs in WAEC but ended up with 86 scores from JAMB! With Magama as a melting point of labourers, businessmen (CBT) was introduced to curtail the challenges where students need Parents should desist from buying smartphones to their children. and women as well as entrepreneurs, the cattle market, when only to be biometrically verified and log in to computer and write Emphasis should also be paid to extra moral lessons and computer completed, will create job opportunities for not only its people his/her examination. The process is highly transparent and block the training which most of our students lack. By putting these measures, but also Toro, Bauchi and Nigerians at large. It will also boost chances of ghost and miracle centres. the massive failure experienced in last Jamb will be averted. the state’s internal revenue. The availability of mobile phones coupled with the growing Idris Mohammed, Katsina Ukasha Rabiu Magama, Toro LGA, Bauchi State 16 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) ‘The Methods of Agitation Adopted by IPOB is Going to be Costly, Lead to Serious Casualties’ Nseobong Okon-Ekong holds a conversation with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on how he is tackling security challenges in his state and the big move to bring new and more vigorous life, especially in economic terms to Aba, the popular commercial city bia has been enmeshed in in the Nigeria Police, the way it is. It has multi-pronged security chal- become a very risky job. What we need to do lenges, how have you been is to step up our game. Can we raise the bar managing these crises? to the point that we equip them sufficiently to I was trying to say that if I do the needful? There is something going for Ahave the privilege of being in charge of the these bandits. Some of them are very fetish. policing of my state, part of what you will They believe in native doctors. Whether the see that is different is that from the first day, native doctor’s charm will work or not, it I will establish a county police force. Every places them where they are psychologically local government will have a Sheriff that will attuned to the risk they want to take and then be under the control of the local government confronting people who are demoralized and chairman with sufficient power to bring running for their dear lives. This is the time for criminals down and police their locality. They us to begin a new thinking. At the root of all will also be advised to put intelligence on of these, we must do two more things-one, is ground at the community level involving the to seize the initiative and to be a little bit more traditional rulers and everybody that needs creative in terms of providing opportunities to be part of it. We are looking at how to for our youths, by engaging them through gather sufficient intelligence and ensure that job creation. The other one is that we must these criminals don’t crystalize and imbed. now embark on massive social mobilization At the state level, it will be the duty of the strategies. You can’t do security successfully state command to undertake research and anywhere if the people are not sufficiently intelligence; to digitalize and bring science mobilized. Social mobilization is everything. and technology to bear in the operations of It supports governance. It supports security those various areas. We are going to have because the people can rise and tell you this is special considerations for border communities where the criminals are hiding-they are in my to make sure that we don’t allow unfettered farm. They are behind my house. The person filtration of wanted criminals. There is a Ikpeazu is doing so, knowing that they intelligence programme already. We are having a little will be actionable and that it will free him bit of problem in implementing it. We call who is clutching an AK47 and he is waiting So, why are we still tying our hands behind and his children eventually and not to put it the CPAMS-Crime Prevention and Man- for an order. The man that is out there with our backs and asking ourselves to run? It him at grave risk. You can’t ask people to take agement Systems-to ensure that somebody the AK47 has his order to gun you down. speaks to everything. risks unless they are very sure their chances who is a criminal and arrested at Osisioma Once that AK47 is fired, it will be too late. I People largely decided to sit at home, not for survival is more than 50-50. cannot be on bail and become a pastor or a have seen instances when we saw hoodlums necessarily because all of them believe in the bishop in Obinwa. Every local government approaching and soldiers are in place, but ideology of IPOB, when the proscribed asked These criminals that you are talking DPO, will have a tablet. On that tablet, you because they had no orders, the soldiers moved them to stay at home. For me, I could not rise about have other persuasions, for instance, do your case file. It will completely abolish away. Policing our space has to come from a to say you must go out. I was elected here to those who are agitating for independence, writing crime diary on a chalk board in the home-grown strategy. You can’t possibly copy protect lives and property. Whenever I see for them, criminality is by the way, there police stations. That is not the way to go. and paste. Everything you want to talk about, myself unable or incapable of protecting lives real intention is freedom, as it were. Are If you say Chijioke Lawal was arrested for survival and otherwise has a relation with and property of my people; I don’t want to you exploiting the option of trying to kidnapping-everything about him; his height, geography-where you are in time and space. put them in harm’s way. Most of the people engage them, to hear their grievances complexion, the colour of his eyes, any mark Abia, for instance, is almost a confluence could not even be persuaded to go out because or take their grievances to the central that are outstanding and his picture will be state-Abia has a border with seven states. they looked at how they will make and the government? taken, his fingerprints; the IPO investigating Apart from Kaduna, no other state has as value of their lives and they preferred to stay I am pro-conversion, pro-negotiation, pro- the crime takes Chijioke to his village, takes many borders. I have looked at it. It keeps at home. When I drove around town, I didn’t discussion. I know that the fiercest wars, the picture of his house and then gets the identity us where whatever happens in Rivers-if see police officers patrolling or moving around. most difficult of wars end in the conference of his parents and their telephone numbers they police well, we are in trouble because In some states where police officers ventured room. Why don’t we start there? The problem is and everything about Chijioke. If Chijioke is the criminals will come here. If they don’t out, they were attacked. We are in place where to say that I won’t listen at all. I have a message granted bail or escapes or something happens police well, we are also in trouble because we need to prepare the Nigeria Police Force for those of them who think that this is the and Chijioke suddenly appears somewhere the criminals will create enclaves around and the military to do the needful. They are channel. I want to say to them that this can’t else and begins to commit crime again. Once the border. Criminals love the border towns not sufficiently prepared. I do not know how work. It has not worked anywhere. It is going they apprehend Chijoke, what the DPO there because they can crisscross. They know also many of us will want our children, I don’t to be costly. It is going to bring about serious will do; if he decides to bear another name, that there is a limitation, in terms of what a even know many Superintendent of Police casualties. If you say a group of people do is to put his height, complexion, colour of CP can do beyond the borders of his state. who will want their children to go and enlist not like you and that man who does not like, his eyes and fingerprint into the system. The you chose to play with is dog, if his dog bites name will pop up-the question will come, you, who will take responsibility? I am saying you were Chijioke Lawal two weeks ago at They may be enjoying some sympathy from a few people that this route is not the way to go. That is Obinwa, how come you bear a different name why I think that they may be enjoying some altogether? who don’t have the privilege of sufficient knowledge in sympathy from a few people who don’t have This is basic. We have bought the computers. the privilege of sufficient knowledge in things We went ahead to do solar panels for powering things like these, who are acting ignorantly. If they were like these, who are acting ignorantly. If they these things in the various police stations, but serious, this is the time for them to also have an arm were serious, this is the time for them to also because we don’t have the capacity to sanction have an arm that is capable of engaging. If my the Abia State Police Command, assuming that is capable of engaging. If my phone rings today and phone rings today and I pick it up and it is they refuse to use and implement it, they can I pick it up and it is somebody and the person introduces somebody and the person introduces himself just be looking at it. I tried to get the IGP at as commander of ESN, I am not going to end that time to adopt this thing and replicate himself as commander of ESN, I am not going to end the the call. I will ask him Mr. Commander, where it all over. I don’t know what is difficult in are you? What is the matter? If he offers to making that to happen. call. I will ask him Mr. Commander, where are you? What talk to me, I will give him only one or two It is possible to study the pattern of crime. is the matter? If he offers to talk to me, I will give him conditions. The first condition I will give is, For every law enforcement officer that is killed, let me know what your grievances are. If that should be good enough for a B.Sc thesis only one or two conditions. The first condition I will give he tells me the grievances even if he gives in the Police College. As a layman, I can see is, let me know what your grievances are. If he tells me some conditions like bringing back my late certain patterns that will be useful in terms of mother, which is impossible, I will also listen diagnosing and predicting how these criminals the grievances even if he gives some conditions like and then it will be my remedy to say I have operate and what they are doing. Such depth heard everything I don’t think this one is of research can carried out, case-by-case, so bringing back my late mother, which is impossible, I doable. This is doable and this is how long it that somebody will do an analysis and be will also listen and then it will be my remedy to say I will take and all of that. Before I take it from able to look at patterns. As a scientist, I don’t that room, I will ask him to give assurances believe in coincidence, I believe that action have heard everything I don’t think this one is doable. that if I go into this conversation, there will leads to reaction. We need to enrich our data This is doable and this is how long it will take and all be ceasefire; that if I achieve results holding and our capacity to predict. Once you can’t this conversation that there will be ceasefire. predict a criminal, the criminal will continue of that. Before I take it from that room, I will ask him If you are not prepared to change. If you are to surprise you. These are time tested devices not prepared to give peace a chance. If you and strategies all over the world. It shouldn’t to give assurances that if I go into this conversation, are not prepared to allow the system to move be a problem for us. there will be ceasefire; that if I achieve results holding forward, then you also not prepared to engage. Then the reaction time is another issue. A police officer is confronted by somebody this conversation that there will be ceasefire Continued on page 19 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 19 POLITICS ‘The Methods of Agitation Adopted by IPOB is Going to be Costly, Lead to Serious Casualties’ I can’t embark on an enterprise that does not We have the best of relationships. He is like hold prospects of yielding fruits. I have heard a father to me. He knows he can’t run Abia some of the things and I heard people say some for me. If there is something he wants done, of the things that are agitating the mind of he usually concludes with a caveat, ‘Íf you our people. I still believe strongly that some can’t do it, leave it.’ It gives me joy that he of them can be handled, some of them can be knows that I can decide not to do it. I think of done. It will be perhaps unfair to imagine that this was helped by the fact that he has been President Buhari can do everything within in that position before and he saw how not two years. That will be unfair. I dare say that to be somebody’s predecessor. he can begin the conversation. What projects have you done from start There was a 2017 engagement between to finish in the last six years? some South-east governors and Nnamdi I will like to take you to our pillars of devel- Kanu at a peace meeting brokered by opment because I will like to be judged based Mr. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, President of on my manisfesto and the things I promised Igbo Youth Movement, what happened? to do. It is important that I say this frankly Why did it fail? because in 2015, I never promised that I will do I do not think I was at that meeting, but everything and it will be foolhardy for anyone I know and I heard from some people who to expect me to do everything. I gave myself a have contacts with Kanu, he reneged on some set of questions and a marking scheme so that of the terms of the conversation. I have not I can check whether I am in line. My first Pillar, had the privilege of going back to Nnamdi because I have Five Pillars of Development, or any of his lieutenants to say, why did you I said I was going to create a better life for renege? I am also sure that he will have some Abia people, running on these five pillars stories to tell. It goes back to trust deficits and these five pillars, I crafted them based and lack of it. It borders on who we are. We on what I think Abia people can do better are structurally defective. Even as the Chief than other people, but there was no time to Security Officer of the state, how much do begin to reinvent the wheel, therefore the best I know in terms of the operations of the thing to do was to reshape the tools available armed forces in my territory? I do not have and then use them to create a better life for the details of their operational mandate. I do Ikpeazu Abia people. The first pillar was Trade and not know their strategy. If I go and stick out Commerce; we have the best traders all over my neck and claim to be able to do this and a laughing stock. This administration both talk, not in the manner he talks. If I am coming the world from this part of Nigeria. What are that, what happens if something goes wrong? at the centre and sub-national level have into a conversation, I come prepared to make the things that drive trade and commerce? You remember what happened to Governor laboured to put a lot of things in place. We concessions and yield ground. I also want to Chief among them was road. How do you Samuel Ortom of Benue State? He asked one can build the best rail and nobody will use talk to somebody who will be prepared to know if you have enabled trade and com- notorious bandit to come to government house it. You can build the best airport and nobody yield ground too. If you are coming to hold a merce? You know if you have enabled trade to surrender. He persuaded the guy to leave flies there. The greatest thing we needed to conversation with somebody that you know and commerce by what has become of your his location in the forest and the guy was do is to mobilize Nigerians and in mobilizing ab initio will not yield ground what is the output. In 2015, nobody could go to Akwa willing, but on his way, in a convoy of state Nigerians every leader must be sufficiently point going into the conversation? Ibom State from here. There was no road from house vehicles, he was attacked and killed. dynamic to listen and to respond frankly. Aba to Akwa Ibom State. If you try, you will We have to be responsible. We have to be Who will give me information about where What is the secret of your being in a be spending like five hours running through trust worthy. We just have to be intentional these people are, are they not the people? relatively good relationship with your bush tracks and at the risk of being victim of about solving this problem because the much All the drug barons in the world like Pablo predecessor? criminals. I know that that the oxygen that that has gone under the bridge already is Escobar succeeded for a while because right I bring everything-every resource, every drives trade and commerce in Aba is this capable of putting everything we have done in there in his village, he was spending money knowledge available to bear in every as- geography. We are at the centre of South-east jeopardy. You are dealing with people. Every among his people and they refused to expose signment I am given. I bring my Christina and South-south states. If people from Akwa state, every nation develops with other peoples him. Once, they see anything strange they background. I bring my home training. I bring Ibom, Rivers and Cross River can’t come here money-OPM. For you to attract Other Peoples tell him and he begins to prepare himself. everything. By the special grace of God, I am and we can’t go to these states, then we can’t Money, there are certain things you must put We must take away the heart of our youths somebody who is a little modest about my survive as traders. I decided to do a short-cut in place. There must be peace, then you must from wandering. We must occupy them with expectations from people. I take my destiny in between Nto Edino in Akwa Ibom and Abia have a strong judiciary that can be predictable something that they can do, they see and my hands. I do things myself. I am also very and connect it to Aba. Akwa Ibom people and trusted. An investor who is coming from touch and apply their energies. Otherwise sensitive to other peoples feelings. I would could come up to the fringes of Aba, but they Switzerland, his godfather is the law and somebody comes to preach to them that you say also that Senator T. A. Orji is a gentleman. couldn’t enter Aba; so quickly I did three trust enforcers of the law are his strength. If do not have a future and if the person wants He has said this to people that try to instigate roads in Aba within the first 100 Days and he comes to a place where a judge can say to buttress his argument he points graduates some misunderstanding between us that he they eased you into the major roads that take anything. Court can sit at 9pm. Things can in that community who are Okada riders, knows the red line. He would not cross that you into Aba. Then the man coming from happen and you are surprised and there is then nobody will go to school again. red line. If there is an advise, T. A. wants to Akwa Ibom will first of all say, ‘can I get into no due process, every other thing that you give to me. He would not choose to advise Ariaria?’ It is not just coming to see Aba that have done collapses. Every investor earned Nnamdi Kanu is your subject, have you me on the pages of newspapers. He will try to he is coming to do. I had to now come and his money and he goes to a place that will give ever met or spoken to him? Has he tried place a call to me. At some point in the early embark on Faulks Road. People have had him return on investment and not because to reach you? days, he tried severally to call me on phone problems accessing this road from end-to-end of any other sentiment. There are criminal I have never met him. Incidentally dur- and I am not very good with taking calls. I for almost 30 years. If you are coming from investors. There are people who are in the ing Python Dance and all of that he was still had to go to him and say, ‘Sir don’t judge Port Harcourt, you need to enter Faulks Road business of selling arms and drugs to mine around. He has never reached me. Whether me by my telephone habits I am not good at to enter Ariaria, same with Ikot Ekpene, or diamonds in Congo or they want to plant he has been trying I don’t know. He should taking calls.’ And he said, ‘ I have seen that you are coming from Owerri or Umuahia. You confusion in Niger Delta and steal Nigerian know that I am not averse to conversations you are not very good at taking calls.’ He may also need to enter Brass Road to get into oil. Those are criminal investors, but any right I don’t know how to reach him sincerely finds a way to talk about it. That is one, the Faulks Road into Ariaria, but for almost 30 thinking investor wants to see due process speaking. I became very worried and a little other one is that I am guided by what is true, years that road was impassable. The people and watch his investment mature and grow laid back because of the things he says. I was what is fair and what is best for Abia people; at Ariaria were not doing anything. Having and it takes them time. just trying to see if I can read his psyche from knowing fully well that it is my name that opened the road all the way from Akwa Ibom I once went to China to canvass for investor where I stand that would reinforce my con- will be written in the space for governors into the city, I needed to open Faulks Road to invest in Enyimba Economic City and the fidence in making overtures or trying but he between 2015 and 2023. I don’t make the and we dealt with Faulks Road; so today for guy that we met has the richest cotton farm positions himself as a factor against me. How mistakes when I have to take decisions. If I the first time, you can go into Faulks Road, in the world. He commissioned a study-two do I even try to reach him? I am not somebody need to consult him, I consult him first, as a it is a dual carriage. It is no longer a single professors to study Africa and Aba and Nigeria who will say can we meet and then we don’t. Senator and I consult him as an elder statesman lane. It is done and dusted. We needed to and they were sitting in the room. For over May be the opportunity hasn’t come. If he and he has earned some respect. He speaks enter Ariaria so we had to do Samec, which six months they did not do any other thing had people around him that can sit down and carefully and he picks his words carefully. is the widest road, I have done in Aba. It apart from sourcing for pieces of information leads you into the express. We decided to do on Aba. They perhaps knew my place better a ring road. How do we bypass Aba? People than me and the man had a facility that once An investor who is coming from Switzerland, his godfather have started coming, we did another road. I mentioned a place he put it on Google map. You can come all the way from Ikot Ekpene It was not a question of trying to deceive any- is the law and trust enforcers of the law are his strength. If to Obike Abia Junction, head right and you body. We were asking him to bring his money. he comes to a place where a judge can say anything. Court are in Umuahia, you are in Owerri, you are in For him to make a decision about bringing Onitsha, you don’t need to come into the city his money, he had to employ two professors can sit at 9pm. Things can happen and you are surprised again. All these roads are done and dusted. for six months and beamed the searchlight and there is no due process, every other thing that you have This is my narrative about roads. We were here. The things we deny are also known. strategic in tackling roads, we had a vision The more we deny those things, the worse done collapses. Every investor earned his money and he goes at the back of our mind that we want these it becomes for us. If you have a subordinate to a place that will give him return on investment and not roads to ease up traffic in this market to make who steals your money or takes away your sure that people can come into the market phone, and you say, ‘Old boy where is my because of any other sentiment. There are criminal investors. and then enable trade and commerce to hap- phone?’ and he says, ‘I don’t know’, but the There are people who are in the business of selling arms pen. Along the line of trade and commerce phone is in his pocket. He knows he wants to also we supported the establishment of an steal it and steal again. If he says, ‘Sir, I put it and drugs to mine diamonds in Congo or they want to plant i-hub, an ICT centre that started grooming in my pocket mistakenly’, you can give him confusion in Niger Delta and steal Nigerian oil. Those are traders in the tenets of e-commerce. They a second chance. The CCTV caught him put could stay at the comfort of their shop and it in his pocket and he is still denying then criminal investors, but any right thinking investor wants to sell their wares. With that came the business you know that he wants to steal and steal see due process and watch his investment mature and grow of logistics. That ICT hub is doing so well. again. When we are in denial of some of the They have moved from their previous office issues and challenges, we make ourselves and it takes them time to somewhere around the GRA. 20 THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], Tel: 07010510430 Sustaining the Fight against Crime With the increasing wave of crime, breakdown of law and order and lawlessness across the country, Chiemelie Ezeobi examines the effort by the police to sustain peace across board pon assumption of office on April 7, 2021, one thing was glaring to the 26th Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, the numerous challenges facing the Nigerian Police Force needed to be tackled and quickly too. From issues of welfare to the worrying attacks on police formations and divisions, as well as the increasing cases of kidnapping and banditry. Even before he was confirmed IG on June 4, he set the ball rolling by initiating kinetic and non-kinetic approaches targeted at re-ordering security in the country. This he hoped would reassure citizens of the renewed commitment of the police force to the fight against crimes and criminality. While calling for sustained support for the police and the security community given that efforts are being intensified to enhance public safety, peace and security, the IG had first gone back to the drawing board with members of his management team to assess the trend and pattern of crimes and other security issues across the country. At the end, they conceptualised a new policing mission, vision and operational agenda aimed at guiding policing services, reclaiming the public space from criminal elements, protect- ing the citizens with courage and serving the country with compassion. The strategy was also to improve public relations and regain the trust of the citizens through improved community engagements, enhancement of ethical policies and the fight against corruption. Two months down the line, the burning question remains if that strategic policing has paid off given the security situation and whether they have truly realigned the Nigeria Police to citizens expectations. Operation Restore Peace One of the many operations launched by the police as a vehicle in the fight against crime and criminality was Operation Restore Peace. Targeted at the South-east and South-south, IG Baba the operation kicked off on May 18 and 19 respectively and was built on the premise that and violence". the police were able to between April and June, Others include enhancing intelligence sharing it would ensure public safety, restore public Reasonably worried about the dangers of 2021, arrest a total of 770 high-profile suspects through strengthening inter-agency collabora- order and constitutional authority in the regions. such weapons in the hands of non-state actors, comprising bandits, kidnappers and armed tion with the Military, DSS and other security To ensure the goal and directives are achieved, the police under Baba embarked on deliberate robbers during various operations conducted agencies; deepening community engagement the police are determined the operation would not and well-coordinated nationwide mop-up of across board. to weaken recruitment drive by secessionists go the way others did. To achieve this, THISDAY illicit weapons to contain the proliferation of They also arrested 173 bandits in a major groups; reinforcing of police commands in gathered that they are already carrying out Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in anti-banditry operation in collaboration with the South-east and South-south regions with operational needs assessment with plans to the country. the Nigeria Armed Forces and the local com- special deployment of police personnel including flag-off this special operation in other states Already, they are identifying and have raided munity, just as they safely rescued a total of intelligence operatives, PMF, CTU, NPF Special and regions as a national approach to roll-back factories where assault rifles and ammunition 152 kidnapped victims including the students Forces, IRT and STS); mass mobilisation and the increasing wave of crimes, breakdown of are manufactured locally. Recently, a syndicate kidnapped at the Federal College of Forestry deployment of operational assets including law and order, lawlessness, etc. in the country. whose local fabrication enclave is in Jos, Plateau Mechanisation Kaduna. The police also recovered the Police Airwing, Marine, and the Explosive State was arrested. Also, in identifying and 276 assorted firearms, 16,515 rounds of am- Ordinance Department among others. Control of Proliferation of Arms, Am- blocking weapon supply chains in and around munition of different calibre. For the police, the gains of the operation far munition the country, they have recorded several arrests outweighs the perceived loss. Accordingly, they That crime is on the upward can be blamed and recovery of several sophisticated/locally Attempts to Contain Actions of Separation- posited that they have re-dominated the public on the proliferation of Small Arms and Light fabricated firearms and ammunition. ist Agenda space and reduction of hitherto indiscriminate Weapons (SALW). This grim revelation does not One challenge that has bugged the police attacks by secessionists groups; disrupted and bode well especially at this critical time when Tactical Operations since the beginning of the year was the constant destabilised armed campaigns and networks; the nation is experiencing grave serious security It is pertinent to also note that through attacks and clashes with separationists especially neutralised the Commander of the armed wing challenges across all the regions. It stands to sustenance of intelligence-driven and tactical those clamouring for the sovereignty of Biafra. of IPOB, the ESN popularly known as “Ikonson reason that with access to illegal weapons, operations by the police in collaboration with This crisess manifested into attacks on police Commander” and his deputy during separate criminals have become more fortified and hence the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stations with wanton destruction of lives and joint operations with the Army and DSS. less amenable to entreaties to make peace. the Abuja-Kaduna highway which had hitherto properties. They also neutralised one Joseph Uka Nnachi Given the porousity of our borders, it has been been vulnerable is now better secured. Given To ameliorate this, the police were said to a.k.a “Dragon” the Commander of the armed easy for such perpetrators of crime to access the successes recorded, THISDAY gathered have evolved new operational strategies which wing of IPOB that took over after the death of arms and ammunition, which has inadvertently that they are extending the joint efforts to the includes the launch of new special operation “Ikonson Commander” and second-in-command resulted in total breakdown of law and order. security of communities, travelers and other code named “Operation Restore Peace”. The in Imo State on June 6, 2021, just as they recovered The danger it portends is that the proliferation road users on major highways nationwide, flag-off of the operation was undertaken in weapons during direct confrontation with the of these weapons fall into the hands of non-state which has recorded significant reduction in Enugu (for the South-east Operational Theatre) secessionist groups including two General- actors such as Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, highway armed robbery and kidnappings as on May 18, 2021 and in Port Harcourt (for Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 22 AK-47 herdsmen, militants and even kidnappers, who the major highways are quite safer than they the South-south Operational Theatre on May rifles, 14 Pump Action rifles, six pistols, nine become objects of terror with zero regard for were before. 19, 2021). locally, fabricated rifles, eight locally fabricated human life. They also channelled efforts towards con- Despite the dissenting voices that greeted pistols, 26 AK-47 magazines, 753 GPMG live According to United Nations International taining acts of banditry in the North-west, that initiative, the police hierarchy maintained ammunition, 2549 rounds of live ammunition, Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) which North-east and North-central Zones. Although that the operation was targeted at restoring 16 IEDs, camouflage, bullet proof vests, walkie has done extensive studies on the dangers posed acts of kidnapping by bandits have been rife, peace and constitutional order in South-east talkies with IPOB insignia, charms and other by SAWL, "the uncontrolled trade in small arms especially those targeted at school children, the and South-south zones; subduing enemies and incriminating items. and light weapons is a matter of life and death police believe that criminal non-state actors; protecting security Despite the vilifying by Nigerians, stakeholders to people around the world." kidnapping and armed robbery incidents that assets and other critical national infrastructure are of the opinion that within the past two Expressing greater concern that it is easy for were prevalent in other parts of the country including personnel and facilities of INEC; and months, the police have sustained the fight children to be easily taught how to handle these have also significantly mitigated. expanding well-coordinated intelligence-led against crimes and achieved tremendous success weapons, which are lethal but light and easy to operations to confront armed secessionist groups in public safety and security, though there is use yet once exposed to them, UNICEF lamented Statistics of Successes by enhancing intelligence gathering efforts and room for more improvement, especially in that what follows is "a vicious cycle of crime Though much successes have been recorded, utilisation capacity. protecting their stations and divisions. THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21 #THISISNIGERIA- Gbenga Sesan #TwitterBanInNigeria: The Third Party and the Third Sector Gbenga Sesan oversight and not just through a memo ask- became a tool in the hands of citizens who disinformation and dangerous speech, but ing companies to default on their contract had a lot to say about governance or the about clamping down on dissenting voices. by cutting off access to services. Third, we lack of it. Nigerians are the third party in this ongoing t is important to situate the debate must challenge the government’s attempt Citizens used the Blackberry Messenger debate and when citizens defend their right around the Nigerian government’s to retroactively use secondary legislation to platform to speak up and organize protests to tweet, we should not get hung up on the suspension of Twitter within the context clamp down on the institutions that support in 2009 and 2010. Citizens developed a metaphor but recognise that this is simply of ongoing conversations between many citizen voices. mobile application to monitor elections in to defend the right to freedom of expres- countries and social media platforms. The conversations between social media 2011. Citizens used Twitter and Facebook, sion, regardless of platform. As this debate The hot topic of social media regula- platforms and countries are not unique to among other social media platforms, to join the continues, the third sector has been supporting tionI is understandable because of the twin Nigeria, and in addition to the role played #OccupyNigeria protests in 2012. This wasn’t the third party, as many non-governmental issues of disinformation (“fake news”) and by the judiciary, legislature, and media in only happening in Nigeria, by the way; in organisations are registered by Nigerian law dangerous speech (“hate speech”) but to various countries that are discussing social many African countries, online conversations to do. The third sector is working with the avoid creating more problems in the name media regulation, input from citizens and led to offline action. From #YenAMarre in third party to restore citizens’ rights to free of solving same, every sensible country where third sector organisations form a major part of Guinea and Senegal in 2012, to #ÇaSuffit speech, using any platform of their choice, these regulation conversations are happening the debate. It is important to set this context (“that’s enough”) and #LeBalaiCitoyen and to make sure that the government does has benefited from parliamentary oversight, because there is more to what is going on (“the citizen’s broom”) in Burkina Faso in not use illegal processes to solve problems. judicial interpretation and citizen participation. in Nigeria; it is not just about social media 2014, Nigeria’s #BringBackOurGirls in 2014, The twin problems of fake news and hate Nigeria took a radically different approach regulation but the continuation of a clampdown #FeesMustFall in South Africa in 2015, and speech need to be solved, and even though with the Buhari-led government’s reckless agenda. In 2013, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) #GambiaHasDecided in 2016, citizens have government officials are some of the biggest action on June 4, 2021, when it ordered sued the Nigerian government when it refused used social media to hold governments perpetrators of disinformation and dangerous telecommunications companies and Internet to respond to a Freedom of Information (FoI) accountable. speech in Nigeria, citizens and civil society Service Providers to cut off access to Twitter request regarding an unlawful Internet surveil- This continues, as seen through recent organisations have expressed willingness to in the country. lance contract. Since then, there have been citizen-led actions like #ZimbabweanLiv- work with government and other stakeholders While much of the focus of the ongoing many attempts to restrict the online civic esMatter, #CongoIsBleeding, #ShutItAl- to solve the problems while respecting the debate has been on Twitter and the Nigerian space through problematic bills that focused lDownNamibia, #EndAnglophoneCrisis in democratic rights of citizens. The third party, government, there is a third party we need on clamping down on citizens rights, such Cameroon and #EndSARS in Nigeria. The in the ongoing #TwitterBanInNigeria debate, to pay more attention to -- citizens. As courts as the 2015 Frivolous Petitions Prohibitions clampdown agenda we are seeing in Nigeria and the third sector will continue to work are now beginning to consider cases brought Bill, 2019 Hate Speech Prohibition Bill, 2019 and other African countries is focused on together using the opportunity of this misstep before them on the suspension of Twitter by National Commission for the Prohibition of the Internet, and social media in particular, by the government to right the wrongs and the Nigerian government, we must be clear Hate Speeches Bill, and 2019 Protection from because that is the last standing civic space make sure that Nigeria remains a democratic about this: citizens are not going to court to Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill. where citizens have found the opportunity country that respects citizen rights. This is defend a company, they are asking courts Many of these bills were met with citizen to exercise their rights and fill gaps left by why all arms of government -- Executive, to defend their human rights. Citizens are pushback, as were the government’s attempts opportunistic opposition political parties. Judiciary and Legislature -- must work with not in court to defend a company against at backdoor legislation without judicial or Nigeria does not have a strong opposi- the third sector and the third party, in this their nation but to defend their fundamental parliamentary oversight. At the instance of tion culture because politicians simply use ongoing debate, to resolve the issues, provide right to speak, using any platform of their overbearing ministers, the formerly independent parties as election special purpose vehicles long-lasting solutions to the problems that we choice. Citizens are also in court to challenge Nigerian Communications Commission and the instead of building ideological structures, so have all identified, and ensure that we don't an illegal “you are directed to” process that National Broadcasting Commission repeatedly the real opposition that can hold the feet of create a problem while trying to solve another. is used by governments to clamp down on exceed their regulatory oversight to clamp government to the fire is the citizenry, not dissenting voices. down on dissenting voices online. This act politicians who are mostly concerned about t(CFOHB4FTBOJTUIF&YFDVUJWF%JSFDUPS Nigerian citizens, assisted by third sector of targeting the online civic space does not the political platform that can help them win PG1BSBEJHN*OJUJBUJWF BQBO"GSJDBOTPDJBM organisations, are in court for three main come as a surprise given the role that the their next election. This is a reason the online FOUFSQSJTF XPSLJOH PO EJHJUBM JODMVTJPO reasons. First, it is wrong for the government Internet, and social media in particular, has civic space has been under attack by various BOE EJHJUBM SJHIUT UISPVHI JUT PGmDFT JO to cut off the right of citizens to speak up played in Nigeria since 2009. Thanks to growth governments and why attempts at restricting $BNFSPPO ,FOZB /JHFSJB 4FOFHBM ;BNCJB using any platform of their choice. Second, in mobile Internet access, Nigeria added 33 the use of social media are not really about BOE;JNCBCXF)FJTBMTPB/PO3FTJEFOU if there is a valid concern, the process of million Internet users in 2009 alone, to achieve social media regulation, in the sense of creating 'FMMPXBUUIF%JHJUBM$JWJM4PDJFUZ-BCBU addressing such must be subjected to judicial 16% Internet penetration, and it instantly standards that will solve the problems of 4UBOGPSE6OJWFSTJUZ 22 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 23 Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OBB 22 % CALL 20 % INDEX LEVEL ͳͰͶ˛ͱͳϱ 1/4 TO DATE ̋ͳ˛ͲͰϱ Ͳͯͯ˛ʹ͵˹ͯ ̩ OVERNIGHT Ͱͱϱ 1-MONTH Ͱͯϱ 1-DAY ̋ͮ˛ͮͮʹϱ YEAR TO DATE ̋Ͱͯ˛ͯ͵ϱ ̩ Quick Takes Phase3 Telecom Begins Network Expansion ÒËÝÏͱÏÖÏÍÙטËÐÓÌÜÏÙÚÞÓÍÞÏÖÏÍÙ××ßØÓÍËÞÓÙØÝÓØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜÏËØÎÝÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÚÜÙàÓÎÏÜÝËãݘÓÞÓÝËÎÙÚÞÓØÑËØÓØØÙàËÞÓàϘÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑã̋ÎÜÓàÏؘ×ßÖÞÓÖËãÏÜËÚ- ÚÜÙËÍÒÓØÓÞÝØÏÞáÙÜÕÏâÚËØÝÓÙØ˛ ÞÝËÓÎÞÒÏ×ÙàÏáÙßÖÎÏØËÌÖÏÓÞÞÙÚÜÙàÓÎÏÝÏÍßÜÏÓØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜÏÞÒËÞÐÙÜÞÓÐÓÏÝÓÞÝ ØÏÞáÙÜÕËÝáÏÖÖËÝÙÞÒÏÜÝËÑËÓØÝÞËÎàËØÍÏÎËØÎ×ËÖÓÍÓÙßÝÍãÌÏÜØÏÞÓÍÌÜÏËÍÒÏݲ âÏÍßÞÓàÏÒËÓÜ×ËØÙÐÒËÝÏͱÏÖÏÍÙ×˜Ü˛ÞËØÖÏã ÏÑÏÎÏÝËÓν˫ÝÏàÏÜã ÍÙ×ÚËØã˜ÒËÝÏͱßØÎÏÜÝÞËØÎÝÞÒÏÏâÓÝÞÏØÞÓËÖÞÒÜÏËÞÝÚÙÝÏÎÌãÍãÌÏÜÝÚËÍÏ ËÞÞËÍÕÝÓØËØÏáÎÓÑÓÞËÖÏÜËËÝáÏÖÖËÝÓØËáÙÜÖÎáÒÏÜÏÌßÝÓØÏÝÝØÏÞáÙÜÕÝËÜÏ ×ÙÜÏÓØÞÏÜÍÙØØÏÍÞÏÎÞÒËØÏàÏÜÌÏÐÙÜÏ˛ ˫ØΘáÏËÜÏÎÏÞÏÜ×ÓØÏÎÞÙÌÏÞÒËÞÞÏË×ÞÒËÞÓÝËÞÞÒÏÐÙÜÏÐÜÙØÞÙÐØÙÞÙØÖã ÚÜÙÞÏÍÞÓØÑÞÒÏÓÜÙáØØÏÞáÙÜÕÌßÞÚÜÙÐÐÏÜÓØÑÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝÞÒËÞÒÏÖÚÙÞÒÏÜÌßÝÓ- ØÏÝÝÏݘÙÜÑËØÓÝËÞÓÙØÝËØÎÓØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØÝÝÏÍßÜÏËØÎÍÙØÞÜÙÖËÍÍÏÝÝÞÙÞÒÏÓÜ ÍÜÓÞÓÍËÖØÏÞáÙÜÕݲ ˫ ÏØÍϘË×ÙØÑÝÞÙÞÒÏÜÞËÜÑÏÞÏÎÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑãÎÜÓàÏØÞÏÖÏÍÙ×ËØÎÎÓÑÓÞËÖÝÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÞÒËÞáÏËÜÏÑÙÓØÑÞÙÌÏÝÒËÜÓØÑßÚÎËÞÏÝÙØÝÙÙØ˞ÙßÜÍßÜÜÏØÞÍÙÜÚÙÜËÞÏÐÙÍßݘ ÓÝËÖÝÙÙØÚÜÓÙÜÓÞÓÝÓØÑÜÓÝÕ×ËØËÑÏ×ÏØÞËØÎÓØàÏÝÞ×ÏØÞ˜ÓØ×ßÖÞÓÚÖÏØÏÞáÙÜÕ ÚÜÙÞÏÍÞÓÙØËÑËÓØÝÞÍÜÓÞÓÍËÖÓØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜÏÞÒÜÏËÞݲˬ ÏÝËÓÎÞÒÏÝÏÍÙØÎÒËÖÐÙÐÞÒÓÝãÏËÜËØÎË×ËÔÙÜÚËÜÞÙÐͰͮͰͰ˜áÙßÖÎÝÏÏÞÒÏ ÞÏÖÏÍÙ×ÝËØÎÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑãÝÏÍÞÙÜݘáÓÞØÏÝÝ×ÙÜÏÜÏÝÓÖÓÏØÍÏËØÎÏâÞÏØÝÓÙØÙÐ ÒËÝÏͱÖÏÑËÍãÝÏÜàÓÍÏÝÞÙáËÜÎÝÎÓÑÓÞËÖÓÝËÞÓÙØËÝáÏÖÖËÝÓØÞÏÖÖÓÑÏØÍÏÌËÝÏÎ ÙÚÏÜËÞÓÙØËÖÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑã˛ BUSINESS EXPANSION Huawei, ATU Sign Deal L-R: Country Manager, MainOne Ghana, Emmanuel Kwarteng; CEO, GIIF, Solomon Asamoah; CEO, MainOne, Funke Opeke; ÒÏÐÜÓÍËØÏÖÏÍÙ××ßØÓÍËÞÓÙØÝØÓÙØ̙̚ÒËÝÝÓÑØÏÎËÏ×ÙÜËØÎß× Director, PPBME, Ministry of Communications, Ghana, Mrs. Veronica Rita Sackey; Board Chairman, MainOne Ghana, Aficanus ÙÐØÎÏÜÝÞËØÎÓØÑ̙Ù̚áÓÞÒ ßËáÏÓÞÒËÞáÓÖÖÝÏÏÐÜÓÍËØÍÙßØÞÜÓÏÝËØÎ ÙÜÑËØÓÝËÞÓÙØÝÌßÓÖÎÍËÚËÍÓÞãÐÙÜ ÞÜËØÝÐÙÜ×ËÞÓÙØ˛ Mensah; Board Member, Mrs. Olusola Ogundimu and COO, MDXi Nigeria, Gbenga Adegbiji, during the launch of MDXi in ØÎÏÜÞÒÏËÑÜÏÏ×ÏØÞ˜ ßËáÏÓáÓÖÖÚÜÙàÓÎÏÞÜËÓØÓØÑÙØÝÕÓÖÖÝÎÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞ˜ Appolonia City, Accra, Ghana...recently ÓØÍÖßÎÓØÑÜÏÝÕÓÖÖÓØÑËØÎßÚÝÕÓÖÖÓØÑÐÙÜ×Ï×ÌÏÜݲ ÒÏÙáÓÖÖËÖÝÙÝÏÏÞÒÏÞáÙÙÜÑËØÓÝËÞÓÙØÝÍÙÖÖËÌÙÜËÞÏÞÙÝßÚÚÙÜÞÖÙÍËÖ ÓØØÙàËÞÓÙؘÝÒËÜÏÓØÐÙÜ×ËÞÓÙØÙØÖËÞÏÝÞÞÜÏØÎݘÍÒËÖÖÏØÑÏÝËØÎÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝÓØ ÐÜÓÍËËØÎÑÖÙÌËÖÖã˜ËØÎÏâÚËØÎÞÒÏÎÓÑÓÞËÖÏÍÙØÙ×ãËÝáÏÖÖËÝÜßÜËÖÍÙØØÏÍÞÓàÓÞ㘠ÓØÞÒÏÍÙØÞÓØÏØÞ˜ÞÒÜÙßÑÒÐßÜÞÒÏÜÓØÑÜÏÝÏËÜÍÒ˛ ‘Modern Advertising Requires New ÚÏËÕÓØÑÎßÜÓØÑÞÒÏÝÓÑØÓØÑÍÏÜÏ×ÙØãÓØËÓÜÙÌÓ̋ ÏØãËËÞÞÒÏÒÏËÎÛßËÜÞÏÜݘ ÏÍÜÏÞËÜã̋ÏØÏÜËÖÙÐÞÒÏ˜Ü˛ ÙÒؘÍÙ××ÏØÎÏÎ ßËáÏÓÐÙÜÓÞÝ ÍÙØÞÜÓÌßÞÓÙØÞÙÐÜÓÍ˲ Thinking for Effective Marketing Solution’ ÍÍÙÜÎÓØÑÞÙÒÓט˫ ßËáÏÓÒËÝÞÜËØÝÐÙÜ×ÏÎÍÙØØÏÍÞÓàÓÞãËØÎ×ËÎÏË×ËÔÙÜ ÍÙØÞÜÓÌßÞÓÙØÞÙÞÒÏÍÙØÞÓØÏØÞÞÒÜÙßÑÒÓÞÝÓØàÏÝÞ×ÏØÞÝÓØÎÓÑÓÞËÖÓØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜϘ Raheem Akingbolu ADVERTISING siderable implications for the that, new territories are created ÝÕÓÖÖݘÏØàÓÜÙØ×ÏØÞËÖÖã̋ÐÜÓÏØÎÖãÍÙØØÏÍÞÓàÓÞãÝÙÖßÞÓÙØݘËØÎÍßÞÞÓØÑ̋ÏÎÑÏ business success of organisations on the altered course that pres- ÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑÓÏÝÐÙÜÜßÜËÖËÜÏËݲ The Vice Chairman of the in any practice because when ent infinite opportunities. It is ˫ÒÏÙÜÑËØÓÝËÞÓÙØÓÝËÞÜßÝÞÏÎÎÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞÚËÜÞØÏÜÙÐÐÜÓÍ˲ÒÏÎÙÍß×ÏØÞ Troyka Holdings Limited, ogy disrupted world, Awosika space is constrained, expansion as a result of this that one of the áÏËÜÏÝÓÑØÓØÑÞÙÎËãËÓ×ÝËÞÝÞÜÏØÑÞÒÏØÓØÑÞÒÓÝÚËÜÞØÏÜÝÒÓÚ˛ÐÜÓÍËÒËÝË Mr. Jimi Awosika, has advised posited: “Periodic admission of revenues and profits become grandmasters of this profession, ÞÜÏ×ÏØÎÙßÝÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞãÞÙÐßÖÖãÑÜËÝÚÞÒÏÚÙÞÏØÞÓËÖÐÜÙ×ØÏáÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑÓÏݲˬ advertising practitioners in the of professional practitioners difficult. Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, said ÒÏÞáÙÙÜÑËØÓÝËÞÓÙØÝÒËàÏËÖÙØÑÒÓÝÞÙÜãÙÐáÙÜÕÓØÑÞÙÑÏÞÒÏÜËØÎÞÒÓÝØÏá country to always put their is the mechanism on which “The first demand at such that leadership is all about ËÑÜÏÏ×ÏØÞáÓÖÖÝßÚÚÙÜÞÐÜÓÍËØÍÙßØÞÜÓÏݘÜÏÑßÖËÞÙÜݘËØÎÍÓÞÓäÏØÝáÓÖÖÌÏØÏÐÓÞ intellect to task in order to the sustainability or decline of times is that man puts his innovation.” ÐÜÙ×ÞÒÏÞÜËØÝÓÞÓÙØÞÙËÎÓÑÓÞËÖÏÍÙØÙ×ã˜ËÎÙÚÞØÏáÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑÓÏݘÚÜÙ×ÙÞÏ bring about effective marketing institutions hinge, much like intellect to task, provoking it to Driving home his point, ÝÏÍßÜÏËØÎÜÏÝÓÖÓÏØÞØÏÞáÙÜÕݘËØÎÑËÓØÞÒÏÎÓÑÓÞËÖÝÕÓÖÖÝØÏÍÏÝÝËÜãÞÙÎÜÓàÏ ÞÒÏÓÜÏÍÙØÙ×ÓÏÝÐÙÜáËÜβ solution. birth to families keep the human facilitate solutions by generating Awosika further stated that ÓÍÏÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞËÞ ßËáÏÓÙßÞÒÏÜØÐÜÓÍËÜÏÑÓÙؘË×ßÏÖÒÏؘÞÒËØÕÏÎÞÒÏ Awosika gave this advice race going.” ideas that open up new thinking innovation births leadership and ÐÙÜÖÏËÎÏÜÝÒÓÚËØÎÚÜÙ×ÙÞÓÙØÙÐ ÝÓØÐÜÓÍ˲ÍÍÙÜÎÓØÑÞÙÒÓ×˝˫ÒÏ while speaking as a guest He added: “If we accept and introduce new frontiers in that there cannot be leadership ÓÝÚÖËãÓØÑËÍÜÓÞÓÍËÖÜÙÖÏÓØÞÒÏÜÏÑÓÙØÝßÚÚÙÜÞÓØÑ×Ï×ÌÏÜÍÙßØÞÜÓÏÝáÓÞÒÞÒÏÓÜ speaker at the Advertising that there are always forces place of where stagnation or without innovation. ÚÙÖÓÍÓÏÝËØÎÝÞÜËÞÏÑÓÏݘÝÒËÜÓØÑÌÏÝÞÚÜËÍÞÓÍÏݘÌßÓÖÎÓØÑÍËÚËÍÓÞãËØÎÎÜÓàÓØÑ Practitioners Council of Nigeria that constantly reshape every decline has taken root. In his special remarks at the ÓØØÙàËÞÓÙØËØÎáÏËÜÏÎÏÖÓÑÒÞÏÎÞÙÌÏËÌÖÏÞÙÝßÚÚÙÜÞÞÒÏײˬ (APCON) graduation ceremony aspect of life, as civilization “New frontiers are essentially event held recently, APCON for the Professional Diploma inexorably journeys through thoughts and perspectives that Registrar, Dr. Olalekan Fad- RevolutionPlus Celebrates 7th Anniversary in Advertising and Induction time, one key observation is birth radical new meanings olapo, while addressing the ÏàÙÖßÞÓÙØÖßÝÜÙÚÏÜÞã˜ËÜÏËÖÏÝÞËÞÏÎÏàÏÖÙÚ×ÏØÞÍÙ×ÚËØãÒËÝÍÏÖÏÌÜËÞÏÎ Ceremony for the newly reg- that the first consequence of resulting in new value both graduands encouraged them to ÓÞÝÝÏàÏØÞÒãÏËÜËØØÓàÏÜÝËÜã˛ ÞËÖÝÙÜÏáËÜÎÏÎÝÙ×ÏÙÐÓÞÝÖÙãËÖÝÞËÐÐáÓÞÒÖÙØÑ istered practitioners in Lagos. epochal change is that meanings real and perceived.” work assiduously to improve ÝÏÜàÓÍÏËáËÜβ ÏàÙÖßÞÓÙØÖßÝÜÙÚÏÜÞãáÒÙÝÏàÓÝÓÙØÓÝÞÙÌÏÞÒÏØß×ÌÏÜÙØÏÜÏËÖÏÝÞËÞÏ Speaking on how to be and understanding get altered He said further: “This is what themselves and support the ÍÙ×ÚËØãÓØÝßÌ̋ËÒËÜËØÐÜÓÍËËÝáÏÖÖËÝÞÒÏáÙÜÖÎÝÞËÜÞÏÎÙÚÏÜËÞÓÙØÝÓØ outstandingly successful in and erstwhile relevance begins innovation is about; presenting efforts of the approved govern- ͰͮͯͲËØÎÒËÝÝÓâÌÜËØÍÒÏÝÓØÓÑÏÜÓ˘ÍÙàÏÜÓØÑ ÏÕÕÓ˜ ÕÏÔËÌÏÙÕßÞ˘ ÌËÎËؘ marketing communications, as to wane. new opportunities. First old ÌßÔËËØÎÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞáÓÞÒËØÓØÞÏÜØËÞÓÙØËÖÙÐÐÓÍÏÓØËÖÖËݘÏâËݘ˛ a profession in today’s technol- “This condition bears con- ways are corrected and after Continued on page 24 ÒÏÝÏàÏØÞÒËØØÓàÏÜÝËÜãÍÏÖÏÌÜËÞÓÙØÝËáÞÒÏÙÐÐÓÍÓËÖÖËßØÍÒÙÐÓÞÝÍÙØÑÖÙ×ÏÜËÞÏ ÝÓØÍÏÏàÙÖßÞÓÙØÖßÝÜÙÚÏÜÞãÒËÎÏàÙÖàÏÎÞÙÌÏÍÙ×ÏËÒÙÖÎÓØÑÍÙ×ÚËØã˛ ÒÏÍÙ×ÚËØãËÖÝÙÜÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏÎÞÒÏÍÙØÞÜÓÌßÞÓÙØÝÙÐÓÞÝÜÏËÖÞÙÜÝËØÎÝÞËÐÐáÓÞÒ ËáËÜÎÝÝßÍÒËÝÞÒÏ˩ÙÚÏÖÖÓØÑÏËÖÞÙÜݘÙÚÝÏÖÖÓØÑÝÞËÐÐËØÎ ÙØÑÏÜàÓÍÏ A’Ibom Disburses N1.2bn to Cassava Farmers áËÜÎݲ˪ÓØØÏÜÝáÏØÞÒÙ×ÏáÓÞÒËáËÜÎÝËØÎÑÓÐÞÝÓÞÏ×ݲ ÚÏËÕÓØÑËÞÞÒÏÏàÏØÞ˜ÞÒÏÜÙßÚËØËÑÓØÑÓÜÏÍÞÙÜËÞÏàÙÖßÞÓÙØÖßÝ˜Ü˛ Ë×ÓÎÏÖÏØËÖËÔËÝËÓν˫ Ë×ÞÒÏÒËÚÚÓÏÝÞ×ËØÓØÞÒÏáÙÜÖÎÞÙÌÏÝßÜÜÙßØÎÏÎ to Boost Food Sufficiency ÌãÐÜÓÏØÎݘÐË×ÓÖã˜ÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝËØÎÚËÜÞØÏÜݲÙØÏÙÐÞÒÏÝÏáÙßÖÎÒËàÏÌÏÏØ ÚÙÝÝÓÌÖÏáÓÞÒÙßÞÞÒÏÓÜÝßÚÚÙÜÞ˛ Okon Bassey in Uyo AGRIC ent utilisation of the cassava farmers with interest-free mills was dependent on the loans. Last year, we gave over In pursuit of food sufficiency, who spoke with reporters in quantity of cassava from its 2,000 farmers N250, 000 for Akwa Ibom State government Uyo, on the sustainability of the demonstration farms across each of the over 5,000 hectares has disbursed over N1.2 billion state government’s subsidised the state. they cultivated. We also gave “Phase3 understands the as interest- free loans to 2,000 sale of garri, said the loan Government, she said in them free improved varieties existential threats posed cassava farmers in the last two scheme was a deliberate move addition acted as off-takers of cassava stem and this has by cyberspace attacks years. to reduce the astronomical rise by buying from smallholder boosted production in the state. in a new digital era as The state government has in the price of garri, a staple cassava farmers to increase “To break the monopoly of well as in a world where equally stepped up efforts food in the state. processing capacity and em- market unions we have har- to curb the monopoly of Edet pointed out that the power the farmers to sustain vested the cassava we planted business networks are market unions in the pricing initiative was not limited to production. in our demonstration farms. more interconnected of foodstuffs in the state. increased cassava production The ministry, the Commis- “We have also processed than ever before. We Checks by journalists disclosing that 1,000 each of sioner said has sustained the them and selling them at three are determined to be revealed that government’s maize and vegetable farmers sell of more than 150 bags of cups for N100 when it was that team that is at the drive towards food sufficiency also benefitted from interest 120kg bags of garri per day a cup for N100 in the open forefront of protecting is hampered by the low capacity free loans. at a reduced price in different market and we ensured we their own network and utilisation of its multi-faceted She said her ministry parts of the state to ameliorate take them to major markets proffering solutions that cassava processing mills and distributed 700,000 cocoa the hardship on residents and around the state in addition to help other businesses” lack of commitment from seedlings to cocoa farmers and force the stabilisation of the selling at the State Secretariat beneficiaries of government boosted livestock farmers with price of the commodity in the three times a week,” she said. Executive Chairman, Phase3 agricultural loans. improved breeds of goats and open market. On the broader initiative, the Telecom, The State Commissioner for other animals. “In the area of cultivation, Mr. Stanley Jegede Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, She explained that the pres- we have been encouraging Continued on page 24 24 THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS ‘MODERN ADVERTISING REQUIRES NEW Group Writes Buhari to Reverse Suspension THINKING FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING Order on Twitter SOLUTION’ Stories by Emma Okonji issue information related to priorities of the current admin- The letter noted that with re- Sesan stressed that in addi- ing council consciously, and the COVID 19 pandemic. istration which is to help put spect to the human rights impacts tion to the rights provided for in full knowledge that as a Human rights and advocacy “Currently the NCDC Twitter an end to poverty and mitigate of the indefinite suspension, the under the 1999 Constitution stakeholder, their contributions group, Paradigm Initiative account has a following of 1.1 Nigeria’s unemployment chal- rights provided for under Chapter (as amended), Nigeria has the and support are valuable to (PIN), has written President million. This is an acknowledge- lenges. Four of the 1999 Constitution of obligation to promote, protect the growth of the profession.” Muhammadu Buhari over ment of the importance of social “However, this recent suspen- the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fulfil its obligations under “I heartily congratulate the the continued suspension of media in reaching a significant sion by the current administra- (as amended) including the rights international human rights law. graduates and candidates Twitter operations in Nigeria. proportion of the Nigerian tion shows otherwise as many to freedom of expression and For example, with respect to for induction, as well as the While appealing to the population. Nigerians who use Twitter for opinion, press freedom, access the right to freedom of opinion associate registered practitio- federal government to rescind “Since the suspension of legitimate business purposes to information, and freedom of and expression, Nigeria is a party ners who will be upgraded its suspension order on the Twitter services, Nigerians have been unable to do so. association and peaceful assembly to the International Covenant to full membership having microblogging platform, to have experienced violations “Research by Netblocks has have been adversely impacted as on Civil and Political Rights satisfactorily fulfilled the enable Nigerians disseminate of the freedom to exercise their shown that the Nigerian econo- an estimated 40 million Nigerian (ICCPR) which provides under requirements in accordance information freely, using their human rights online.” my loses at least 2,177,089,051.00 users are on Twitter exercising its Article 19(1-3) that the rights with the provisions of the twitter handle. The letter further stated: ($ 6,014,390.00) each day, since their rights to engage, organise are protected ‘regardless of Advertising Practitioners The group, which also copied “Growing Nigeria’s digital the indefinite suspension was and mobilise at national and frontiers’ with limited permissible (Registration Etc.) Act, CAP the Minister of Information and economy is one of the stated announced.” global levels. restrictions. A7, Laws of Federation of Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigerian 2004.” the Minister of Communications He said: “It is also im- and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa portant to note that APCON Ibrahim Pantami and the At- recognises the importance torney General and Minister of of continuous training and Justice, Abubakar Malami, in the constant engagement with letter, appealed to the president young professionals in our to rescind the suspension on the industry. We encourage you social media network, Twitter to consider our training which was announced by the programmes a priority for federal government on June your personal development 4, 2021. and to participate in them According to the letter signed regularly.” by the CEO of PIN, Mr. Gbenga While conducting the induc- Sesan, “Twitter, just like many tion, Fadolapo extended his other digital and social media apologies to the old graduands platforms, has become a space whose graduation ceremonies for Nigerians to communicate, could not hold in the last 8 seek and disseminate informa- years. tion, engage in public debates and legitimate businesses. Like many other governments across A’IBOM DISBURSES the globe, the Nigerian govern- N1.2BN TO CASSAVA ment has leveraged social media FARMERS TO BOOST platforms to issue critical public FOOD SUFFICIENCY information. commissioner said has been on “A recent demonstration REWARDING LOYALTY increasing the scope of the state of this is the use of Twitter L-R: Senior Category Manager, Peak Yoghurt, Orah Egwu; Winners of the Street credibility task powered by Peak Yoghurt, government’s Green House by the Nigeria Centre for Atigogo Patrick Oghenekevwe; Owoeye Damilare; Chinenye Okam; and Marketing Manager, Peak, Friesland Campina WAMCO, with increased emphasis on Disease Control (NCDC) to Grace Onwubuemeli, at the Grand Finale of Street Foodz Naija Season Two held in Lagos... recently the training and empowerment of individual holder farmers, especially youths and women with funds, equipments, agro FG, Tech4Dev Collaborate on Youth Empowerment chemicals, fertilizer and improved varieties of seeds Given the growing rate of The current unemployment government Ministries, Depart- Minister of Youth and Sports access to decent work oppor- and stems. unemployment in Nigeria rate is the highest ever, with ments, and Agencies (MDAs) Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, tunities and platforms to help The ministry, she said has in the past couple of years, unemployment scourge being to offer sustainable, scalable expressed delight over the provide economic prosperity also expanded its swampy rice Technology for Social Change magnified by COVID-19 crisis. reskilling and employment partnership, while stating the pathways for financial freedom production capacity to include and Development Initiative According to Statista.com, the services aligned to the local importance of the partnership and economic empowerment individual holder farms in (Tech4Dev), a non-profit unemployment rate in Nigeria labor markets. towards the administration’s for youths across Nigeria and Okobo, Uruan, Ibiono Ibom organisation has partnered is estimated to reach 32.5 per The initiative focuses on youth empowerment objectives. Africa as a whole.” and Nsit Ubium LGAs in ad- the Federal Ministry of Youth cent by the end of 2021. providing access to digital skills “This is a welcome idea as it Oladepo added, “We are dition to existing plantations and Sports Development to up This figure is projected to training to young persons living aligns with this administration’s a proud proponent of the at Ini Local Council. skill 36,000 youths in one year. increase further in 2022. in underserved communities in youth empowerment objectives immense power of digital She maintained that the According to the National To address the growing Nigeria. The initiative will also and in particular, it aligns with skills training as a tool to efforts were a holistic strat- Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate, Tech4Dev work with government agencies the ministry’s Digital Skill achieve this and improve egy to ensure that the state Nigerian economy suffered said it would upskill 36,000 to provide access to livelihood Acquisition, Employability, livelihood. We are honored government’s target of local another coronavirus-induced young Nigerians in digital opportunities through job Entrepreneurship, and Leader- to collaborate with the Federal production of at least 80 per setback, as unemployment rate and technology skills over placement, entrepreneurship, ship initiative (DEEL), which is Ministry of Youth and Sports cent of food consumed in the jumped from 27.1 per cent in the next one year through and freelancing. aimed at giving the Nigerian Development on the EMMI state by 2023 is achieved. Q2 of 2020 to 33.3 per cent in the Emerging Markets Model It has a strong inclusive Youth an added advantage and project to provide digital skills Q4 of 2020. Initiative (EMMI) powered by strategy to ensure women and a competitive edge in the global and digital job opportunities Correspondingly, the number Microsoft Philanthropies. ethnic groups are included in workforce,” Dare said. to the Nigerian youths. of unemployed persons rose by EMMI is a multi-year the digital economy. The Executive Director of This partnership brings us 6.4 per cent to 23.2 million as private-public-nonprofit Speaking at the MoU signing Tech4Dev, Diwura Oladepo, one step closer to reducing at Q4 of 2020 from 21.8 million partnership necessary to ceremony held in the Minister’s said: “As an organisation, we the unemployment rate in as at Q2 of 2020. build the capacity of the key Office in Abuja recently, the are committed to creating Nigeria.” Facebook Partners Cybersafe Foundation on Safety Tips Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Nosa Alekhuogie access some of the basic safety Turkey, Sylvia Musalagani, said: have better online experiences shared their opinions freely.” tools and features available on “Facebook is committed to the in the future.” In recent years, Facebook has Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene Facebook, in collaboration the Facebook platform to help safety of users on our platforms While speaking on the trained thousands of people on Comms/e-Business Editor with Cybersafe Foundation, a keep children safe online. and especially that of young partnership with Facebook, the digital literacy skills. In 2021, Emma Okonji non-governmental organisation According to Facebook, users. We have developed CEO, Cybersafe Foundation, Facebook is preparing to train Asst. Editor, Money Market in the information security providing parents with the basic partnerships, policies, tools, Confidence Staveley, said: “This over 20,000 participants across Nume Ekeghe ecosystem in Nigeria, recently digital literacy skills while on programmes and resources roundtable presented a perfect Africa on safe, responsible and Senior Correspondent hosted parents’ roundtable their parenting journey would that are aimed at keeping our opportunity for parents to beneficial usage of the digital ËÒÏÏ×ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß(Advertising) event designed to gather be an important step in helping users safe online. provide feedback directly to platforms. Correspondents Chinedu Eze (Aviation) insights on the kind of safety the next generation of leaders ”By teaching parents how Facebook on its current child Facebook says it is committed ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏÌÓÙÎßØ(Maritime) tips parents need, determine to better understand and utilise to use and access some of the online safety resources and to the well-being of individuals James Emejo (Finance) how they would like to receive the power of digital tools to basic safety tools and features desired additions or improve- and communities visiting its Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) the tips and equip them with take full advantage of what on our platform, we are taking ments that they will like to see. platforms and has invested in ××ËØßÏÖÎÎÏÒ(Energy) digital skills needed to navigate the internet has to offer. necessary steps in ensuring We are pleased that the main initiatives designed to build Reporters the digital world. Speaking at the event, that the next generation are sessions and breakout rooms awareness on responsible online ÙÝËÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ(ICT) The virtual event focused on Facebook’s Safety Policy Man- equipped with the online made for very conversations behaviour, critical thinking and (Energy) Peter Uzoho teaching parents how to use and ager, Africa, Middle East and safety training they need to and parents in attendance understanding of social issues. THISDAY ˾ JULY 1, 2021 25 BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Enhancing Pay-Tv Industry Financial Inclusion: Govt, through Innovation Stakeholders’ Responsibility Since the determination of the federal government to switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting, GOtv Nigeria has been driving the Pay-Tv industry with technology innovations to sustain digital broadcasting, writes Emma Okonji Ben Okoye institutions have expanded their financial inclusion initiatives. he Nigerian government These financial institutions have launched a National begun to offer customers the op- Financial Inclusion Strat- portunity to win millions of naira egy in 2012 with the for either opening a new account goal of reducing the and maintaining a certain account percentageT of financially excluded balance or maintaining a required Digital antenna citizens by 20 percent by 2020. account balance in an existing Following the launch of the account. he journey towards the transition from required to drive the digital switchover process. Strategy, the rate of financial Initiatives like these help to analogue to digital terrestrial television “A market-led approach alone is unlikely to inclusion inched forward, albeit reduce the alarming rate of dor- broadcasting in Nigeria commenced meet universal coverage and timeframe objectives slowly, before plummeting in mant accounts, which undermines in 2006 with the International Telecom- for switch-off, as sufficient, safeguarded funding 2015, only to pick up again in the goal of meeting set targets. munication Union (ITU) Regional Radio from government, would provide the foundation subsequent years. Existing accounts were dormant in TConference, which resulted in the Digital Plan for long term planning and would facilitates a According to Central Bank of 48.9 million (32 per cent) of cases for Region 1 of the ITU and the subsequent smooth transition,” the report added. Nigeria (CBN), exclusion has as of April 2020. Geneva 2006 (GE-06) Agreement. decreased by 10.2 percent as This negates the purpose of The practical realisation of the transition Self service of 2019. Furthermore, Head of financial inclusion initiatives. commenced in Nigeria only with the launch The GOtv self-service platform enables customers Financial Inclusion Strategy, CBN, To address this anomaly, some of the Pilot Programme in Jos on 30th April to independently manage their GOtv account Mr. Joseph Attah, assured the financial institutions have 2016 and the subsequent roll out in Abuja on online, easily clear error codes, pay or renew nation that the ambitious goal of implemented reward systems December 22, 2016 and Lagos in May 2021. In subscriptions and upgrade packages thereby achieving a 20 per cent decrease that reward customers for every spite of these interventions, Pay-Tv players in reducing the need to physically visit GOtv was still achievable. However, interaction they have with their Nigeria have been at the forefront of driving digital outlets or dealers. The self-service platforms due to the Covid-19 pandemic, platform. All of these initiatives broadcasting, through technology innovations. are designed to enhance customer experience pre-planned financial inclusion are things that the government, as Migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, and allow customers quick and easy avenues of initiatives had to be halted, as represented by the CBN, cannot comes with a lot of technology innovations in the resolving complaints and enjoy uninterrupted did the possibility of achieving undertake because it does not areas of service delivery, content provision and quality entertainment with their families. the desired reduction. have direct financial interactions the facilities needed to provide digital services The MyGOtv app allows subscribers to clear Also the pandemic and resulting with customers. and contents. In the Pay-Tv industry where error codes, check account balances, renew global lockdown greatly affected Adding to the urgency for technology is fast driving digital broadcasting, subscriptions, change packages, and update their CBN’s other inclusion targets increased financial inclusion is GOtv Nigeria is playing a leading role with details, thereby reducing the need to physically of 80 per cent by 2020 and 95 the effect it has on the economic innovations in technology through its various visit GOtv outlets or dealers. MultiChoice encour- per cent by 2024. As a result empowerment of citizens. People self-service options and the enhanced decoder ages customers to take advantage of the toll-free of the pandemic’s disruption, who are financially vulnerable can functionalities. customer care lines, which puts them in direct Chief Executive Officer (CEO), improve their lives through finan- contact with GOtv customer care representatives Enhancing Financial Innovation cial inclusion. Financial inclusion Benefits via phone calls or through any of the GOtv social and Access (EFInA), Ashley enables these people to save and There have been considerable discussions media accounts like Facebook and Instagram Immanuel, stated that the goal invest, thereby improving their about the benefits of digital broadcasting. A and via its website. set for 2020 (80 per cent inclu- living conditions. As a result, it is recent report from GSM Association (GSMA), sion) would most likely be met a critical tool in the fight against gave details of the benefits of digital broadcast, Decoder functionality by 2030.In addition to this, the poverty. over analogue broadcast. GOtv Nigeria introduced an Enhanced Decoder CBN’s official figures on inclusion Given that financial inclusion The report listed the benefits to include: an Notification (EDN) functionality to keep its cus- in 2019 revealed that, without also helps in combating income increase in the capacity of broadcast transmission tomers informed and in control of their viewing intervention, meeting the 2024 inequality, Fidelity Bank, a lead- networks by improving spectrum efficiency, such experience. The EDN functionality refers to a target is not entirely feasible. ing Nigerian institution at the as more data transmitted per unit bandwidth; set of icons that appear on the screen containing Given the economic benefits forefront of the financial inclusion provision of better signal quality which increases valuable information like how many viewing that financial inclusion brings to drive, has organisedits Get Alert robustness to interference and picture degradation; days are left before a customer’s next payment the nation and its citizenry, it is in Millions (GAIM) Savings The support of High Definition (HD) services and is due, the latest special offers and discounts, critical that the journey to making Campaign for three consecutive interactivity; a potential reduction in transmission and information on new content, campaigns, Nigeria an inclusive country does seasons, with the fourth currently network energy usage; the implementation of and campaigns and upcoming celebrations. not rely solely on government-led ongoing. single frequency networks (SFNs) instead of Customers can access this information by initiatives. If Nigeria is to meet The campaign has set out to the independent parallel networks, which are pressing the “okay” button on their remote, the CBN’s target of 95 per cent enrich the lives of several Nige- common in analogue broadcasting. The report followed by “messages” on the menu bar, and financial inclusion by 2024, the rians through a savings promo added that the take-off of digital TV would then use the arrow keys to scroll through the government will require assis- that requires new and existing likely boost sales of television sets and digital different messages. With the new EDN service, tance. customers to save and maintain a video recorders, and that Digital TV could customers will have fewer interruptions whilst Some institutions have recog- specified balance. Beyond enrich- lead to positive upstream benefits in terms of viewing. nised this and have begun to ing the lives of these Nigerians increased time spent watching television and work aggressively to improve through the benefits that come greater demand for digital content. Digital packages Nigeria’s financial inclusion. from saving, the scheme has also The consumer benefits arising from digital In order to make digital broadcasting affordable Banks and other financial institu- empowered them with much- switchover are widely recognised, happen relatively to all Nigerians, irrespective of their earnings tions, predictably, are at the needed cash prizes and gadgets. quickly and are primarily driven by increases in and allowances, GOtv Nigeria came up with forefront of these nation-building Fidelity Bank and other vision- programming and quality, the report said, adding packages that gives every Nigerian, access to initiatives. ary institutions have taken on the that there are also broader benefits to society digital broadcasting. The packages include: GOtv Nigerian banking institutions responsibility of improving Nige- of introducing digital television, including the Max, GOtv Jolli, GOtv Jinja and GOtv Smallie. The have leveraged technology and rians’ and the nation’s economic potential to use digital broadcasting to narrow GOtv is the highest GOtv package available. The service design to bank the un- conditions. More institutions must the digital divide, reach unserved areas, and to package contains all the GOtv channels covering banked in recent years. However, join the already existing ecosys- provide e-government and other digital services. documentaries, sports, shows for kids, music, with only 29 per cent of adults tem actors who are accelerating In addition to covering the activities required movie channels, and lots more, and it offers a having accounts, three per cent the rate of financial inclusion for the transition to digital broadcasting and whopping 75 channels to choose from. having mobile money accounts, and reducing economic strains if its benefits and costs, the GSMA report, also and three per cent having non- Nigeria is to meet and exceed all looked at the role of government in achieving NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the bank financial accounts, the gap set financial inclusion targets. digital broadcasting. The report said govern- online edition on www.thisdaylive.com still remains enormous. ment’s intervention and management would be Perhaps this is why some -Okoye, wrote from Lagos. 26 THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ JET to Reduce Carbon Kaduna, Airtel Partner on Broadband Emission with Electric Deployment Vehicles Stories by Emma Okonji identified about 41 locations in lives and livelihoods, but also It bridges the gap between Kaduna State that are black- providing timely interventions prosperity and poverty. It lifts In a bid to preserve the emission on Nigerian roads. The Kaduna State government spots that have no telecom through its corporate social so many people out of poverty. Nigerian environment of With the global projection that has announced a strategic services at all. We have been responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “So many studies on how carbon emission from fossil 54 per cent of global new car partnership with Airtel Nigeria, pursuing the Nigerian Com- Commenting on the partner- broadband can transform life fuel cars, and to align with sales will be electric by 2040, to modernise and digitalise its munications Commission (NCC) ship, the Chief Executive Officer has been done and some of the world in making a gradual while 33 per cent of world’s car entire telecoms and network to deploy the Universal Service and Managing Director of Airtel these studies say that for every shift from combustion engines fleet will be electric by 2040, infrastructure as well as deploy Provision Fund (USPF) to fill Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said: one or two percentage increase to electric vehicles, Jet Motor Nigeria has reasons to embrace broadband services across the those gaps without much “Today marks an important in broadband penetration, it can Company (JET), a tech-focused the adoption of electric cars state. success. milestone for all of at Airtel actually increase GDP by up automobile assembly and de- on the Nigerian roads.” Speaking recently during an “Our aspiration is for every Nigeria. We are not only excited to 10 per cent. For me, access sign company, had introduced He listed some of the features Memeorandun of Understanding part of Kaduna State to have by this partnership with Kaduna to broadband is as good as electric vehicles that are fit for of electric vehicles to include: (MoU) signing ceremony with minimum of 3G coverage. We State to deploy broadband connecting to electricity and Nigerian roads. high capacity lithium-ion the leadership of Airtel Nigeria, are very grateful to Airtel for services across the State but we water. With this project, many The eco-friendly mobility is phosphate battery of 107.6kwh Kaduna State Governor, Nasir agreeing to be our partners in are inspired as this project aligns will be lifted out of poverty a fusion of European design with a driving range of over El Rufai, said the partnership achieving this aspiration. with our corporate purpose of in Kaduna and I really look and Asian technology, designed 250km; Ingress protection car would be a significant step in “3G coverage is the minimum connecting people, empowering forward to this project.” specifically to address poor battery rating of IP68 and a improving the quality of life we need in this century for Nigerians and touching lives. Following the MoU sign- road infrastructure in Africa, decomposition temperature of and boosting productivity in people to pursue quality lives “With this partnership, Airtel ing ceremony, Airtel Nigeria Nigeria inclusive. 600 degree centigrade; A traction the state as the entire world and livelihoods. We believe in will deploy broadband services will work with Kaduna State Introducing the electric motor with a larger torque of has gone digital while noting that very strongly and we are in Kaduna and provision 4G government to immediately vehicle at a webinar press 950Nm, making it possible for that the government under prepared work with you to services across key cities in commence the project with conference recently, the the vehicle to accelerate from his leadership is in a hurry to achieve that.” the state specifically Kaduna, a timeline of upgrading 3G Founder of JET Motor Com- 0-100 in less than 20 seconds and deliver on its electoral promises The Kaduna State governor Kafanchan and Zaria while services across the entire pany, Mr. Chidi Ajaere, said the Supercharger, that can charge as well as empowering and also noted that the agreement also upgrading 3G services and state by end of 2022 and also electric vehicles are targeted a 107.6kwh battery from 0-100 transforming lives. would build even higher providing Internet access and deploying 4G services across key at corporate organisations per cent state of charge in less According to El Rufai, the levels of penetration of digital network connectivity across the cities in the state specifically in that manage fleet of vehicles, than two hours. partnership with Airtel, “is a technologies to every nook entire state. Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria. to help them reduce cost of Ajaere said the JET Motor major landmark for us as an and cranny of the state, while “I believe that broadband is The project scope also includes vehicle maintenance, since the electric vehicles have over 80 administration because since commending Airtel for not only a universal human right that deployment of fibre network electric vehicles come with pre- per cent operating and mainte- we came into office we have providing services that enhance should not be denied anyone. across the entire state. mium qualities like Reinforced nance cost reduction, Improved suspension, Reinforced shocks, health and safety standards Corrosion resistance, Increased due to zero emissions feature, ground clearance and Parts Fewer moving parts resulting availability. in simpler transmission and According to him, “Road a quieter driving experience, transport contribution to global Fast charging with 2-in-1 power emission has reached 23 per charger, and the cars have the cent and JET Motor seeks to ability to travel across over 250 join forces to reduce carbon km on a single full charge. Academy Recognises NCC, Others for Supporting Economic Growth The Nigerian Academy of 2019, which is an instrument Engineering (NAE), one of the in increasing innovation and highest professional bodies in economic empowerment,” the engineering field in the Ogbonnaya said. country, has recognised the Danbatta, who is a Fellow of Nigerian Communications the Academy, had since 2015, Commission (NCC) and others remarkably stepped up NCC’s in appreciation for their support engagements with the academia of the activities of the academy and other professional institu- towards enhancing economic tions in science and technol- growth and development. ogy towards advancing the The NAE is a not-for-profit socio-economic development and non-governmental or- of Nigeria. Mast ganisation established for He said NCC was delighted the purpose of promoting to have been recognised for excellence in technological the modest contribution to and engineering training and the activities of the academy CWG Records N2.6 Billion Profit practice to ensure the techno- and to the advancement of the logical growth and economic nation’s economic development. CWG Plc, which is listed statements of the financial Analysing the financial of COVID-19 on businesses. development in Nigeria. “On behalf of the board, on the Nigerian Exchange position of the company were performance of the company, He said the Pan Africa initia- The Executive Vice Chair- management and the entire Limited (NGX) has declared discussed, together with the Adeyipo explained CWG’s tive of all the four hubs of man of NCC, Prof. Umar staff of the NCC, I wish to a gross profit of N2.6 billion statement of comprehensive increase in top line by over CWG Plc in Nigeria, Ghana, Garba Danbatta, received express our appreciation to the in its 2020 financial year. income for the year ended 27 per cent. Cameroon and Uganda, re- the recognition award at the Nigerian Academy of Engineer- This represented a 13 per 31st December, 2020. He explained that the mained on course to deliver 2021 Academy Technology ing. We see this gesture as cent growth over the N2.3 Although the company operational cost used in deliver- services to 26 African countries, Dinner/Lecture organised an acknowledgement of the billion it declared in 2019. declared zero dividend from ing the results, also reduced, leveraging the Pan African by NAE in Lagos recently, little efforts we are making The company also declared its transactions for the year compared to previous years. strength. which had the Minister of towards the progress of the a net revenue of N11.7 billion ended 31st December, 2020, “There is a new restructuring Chairman, CWG Plc, Mr. Science and Technology, Dr. NAE,” Danbatta said. in 2020, which was 22 per cent it however assured the in our line of business and Phillip Obioha, said the Ogbonnaya Onu, as special The EVC also spoke about higher than the prior year’s shareholders of dividend in we are getting the necessary improved revenue and gross guest of honour. the various interventions the income. the coming years. tractions and collaboration, profit were due to the gains Speaking on the theme: commission has been making Given its financial perfor- “In the last five years per- which are factors that are from the decision the company ‘Water, The Peculiar Features through its concerted initiatives mance for the year ended formance of the company’s driving the business growth took in 2019 to re-invest in Earth’s Most Abundant such as the Digital Awareness 31st December, 2020, the business, there has been that we see today. Overall, I some of its platforms and Compound’, Ogbonnaya Programme (DAP) for second- company assured its sharehold- improved year-on-year in can say the business is doing subscription business. “We assured the academy of his ary schools and Advanced Digi- ers of good returns on their its financial results, with great very well and I can assure increased our capacity and support in order to promote tal Appreciation Programme for investments, in line with its efficiency. But even at that, the shareholders of dividend staff enablement to provide its activities. According to him, Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) mandate to deliver value to a lot more needs to be done payout in the coming years,” customised development and federal government would con- for tertiary education across its shareholders who believed in order to pay impressive Adeyipo further explained. consulting services on specific tinue to provide the enabling Nigeria. and invested their money in dividend to shareholders in Fielding questions about platforms and market segments. environment for a paradigm President of NAE, Alex the company. the coming years. the performances of the three The company also invested a shift from commodity-based Ogedengbe, further appreci- The Group Managing “Our performance for last subsidiaries of CWG Nigeria lot of time and resources to our to knowledge-based economy ated the commission for its Director/CEO at CWG Plc, year, showed we are close Plc in Ghana, Cameroon, and Innovation Hub. We engaged for a sustainable national consistency in supporting Mr. Adewale Adeyipo, gave to dividend payout. I can Uganda, Adeyipo said all the skilled developers and came development. “Government the academy, especially since the assurance at the 16th An- assure our shareholders that subsidiaries were doing well up with a compelling value has raised the number of the coming on board of Prof. nual General Meeting of the we will tell a better story in with revenues and business proposition and product road- registered intellectual property Danbatta as the country’s chief company, which held recently our next AGM, as we seek engagement of over 52 per map for most of our software (IP) from six in 2015 to 184 in telecoms regulator. in Lagos, where the audited their support,” Adeyipo said. cent, despite the global effect applications,” Obioha said. THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 27 As FCCPC, Discos Resume Talk on Consumers’ Plight Arbitrary billing, mass disconnection of electricity, and others took center stage at a recent stakeholders’ engagement, involving the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Distribution Companies and consumers in Lagos, Raheem Akingbolu reports: hen Clement Akpene moved The members of the community noted that into his house in Lekki Gardens though the transformer is there, they are yet Phase 3, some few years ago, he to be given power supply. felt fulfilled and was expecting According to the three members representing to live life to the fullest. the community, Isiaka Hassan, Engineer Alilu WThough he is resident in Lagos, he works as Usman, and Sowole Mudasiu, the Ikeja Disco a civil servant in Abuja, hence he spends only in connivance with their CDA is demanding a few days with his family in Lagos. However, they pay N3,900,000.00 for the installation of the fulfillment and happiness he had anticipated the transformer. with living in the porch area of Lagos seems Speaking at the Ikeja platform, Irukera described to have vanished. a scandalous penchant by electricity distribution Not that Clement or any member of his family companies to disconnect consumers, saying this is having any health challenge or whatsoever, is tantamount to hostage taking and kidnapping. but the problem he has had to battle with over Condemning the idea of disconnecting consum- the years seems unbearable. ers from the source of electricity while there At the Lekki Gardens Phase 3, where he is a pending dispute, he likened it to hostage resides, over the years, he had been made to taking and kidnapping. feel the pains of what he called “broad day “Disconnecting when people are exercising light extortion” by the Excos of the estate over their legitimate right to dispute the bill is not power consumption. different from kidnapping; it is hostage taking The Excos, according to him, had taken over because there is a process but the moment you the responsibility of EKDC by selling power decide to make their lives miserable unless they to them at exorbitant rates. do as you dictate amounts to hostage.” While his several attempts to see that justice Regretting bitterly that complaints about is done over the years have not been yielding electricity still tops the complaint list in the fruits, when another opportunity presented itself Commission, Irukera said that services in the last week, Clement joined several other electricity electricity sector continue to define the reputation consumers at the five-day Electricity Consumer of the Commission poorly. Complaint Resolution Platform event held in He noted that electricity is not just any other Lagos, organised by the Federal Competition product but so vital, and “until everyone in and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that value chain understands and appreciates to seek redress. the importance, that is when we will make The platform lived up to its expectation as significant progress if not we will continue to it was a gathering of electricity consumers, have electricity as the greatest source of consumer representatives of Eko Electricity Distribution complaints.” Company, IKDC, and the industry Regulators as “If the Discos can be more sensitive, more consumers rolled out a barrage of complaints. Irukera transparent in their dealings with consumers The Electricity Consumer Complaint Resolution I suspect that the complaints we receive may Platform afforded the Discos, Nigerian Electric- they have refused. to get services. then go down to half.” ity Regulatory Commission, NERC and the “I have made complaints to EKDC, they Irukera pointed out that not getting enough Regretting the way most of the Disco staff consumers come face to face to resolve some never replied, and when they even replied, electricity supply was not the major problem treat electricity consumers, he said it should of the issues. they would tell me and other residents to go rather the manner in which the consumers’ not be so. Looking seriously distraught, Clement, while and comply with the excos . This is against challenges are being addressed and not only “The officials of the electricity Discos should recounting his bitter experience in the estate, human rights. called for a change but urged electricity consumers not be arrogant, they should not carry on as if he noted that he had been in darkness for “During one of the meetings we had on to insist on their rights. they are divinity because they are not. Their over 10 months as his power supply had been 21 January in Marina, with EKDC, the NERC In a remark, the Head Consumer Affairs uniform and other apparatus does not confer disconnected by the Excos over indebtedness. which flew in from Abuja told the excos that at Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission divinity on them, they should be happy to listen “While the Eko Disco approved N21.00 they do not have any licence to sell or distribute (NERC), Mr. Shittu Shuaibu, charged the and attend to electricity consumers because that per kilowatt of electricity for members of the power to the residents. consumers on estimated billings to pay the is what they are paid to do.” estate, the Excos bills each household N60.00 However, while responding to Clement’s amount proportionate to what they consumed According to him, “Discos have gotten to a per kilowatt of electricity and makes remittance barrage of complaints, the EKDC’s lawyer, who pointing out that electricity consumers who are point where no one takes their bills seriously to Eko Disco”. said the case is already in court, said the Disco on estimated billings have the right to contest anymore, because they are considered outrageous. “As of now, they have even increased the was working on the matter. excessive billings and while that is being done, I think the pressure on metering will not be so tariff from N60 to N80 which is going to be He however, explained that the difference the Discos should not disconnect them. bad if the estimated billing was more transparent effective from July 1. of what the members of the estate were paying In a reaction, the Head Consumer Service and reasonable.” “What they do is that they have special is for the maintenance of the Estate generator Department at Eko Electricity Distribution Irukera, while charging the distribution tools which they used in removing EKDC from and purchase of diesel. Company, Mrs. Iyiola Ezichi, who explained companies to stop the arbitrary billing system, the estate and they forced us to be paying for Usman, on her part, said by living in an estate the process of complaints resolution said the asserted that “connecting balance sheets to an power to them as a third party to EKDC. should not mean she does not have the right prepaid meter remained the solution to some opaque arbitrary metering system is the worst “They have a special software they use in to have access to the government’s approved of the challenges. form of abuse, especially for an essential public generating tokens just like EKDC does. They electricity tariff. While the train of the Electricity Consumer utility.” calibrate our meters not to work with EKDC Reacting to the development, the FCCPC Complaint Resolution Platform moved to the He also contended that group disconnection installation but to work on their own installations Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Babatunde mainland where IKDC controls, the mood usually adopted by distribution companies so that they can be able to control, generate Irukera said the scheme by the estate was wrong wasn’t different. because of the debts owed by some members tokens that use the same meters. If you buy as he insisted that there should not be middle Several electricity consumers stormed the of the affected groups unfortunately disregards an EKDC unit, if you load it on those meters, men between consumers and DISCOS. venue at Alausa and took turns to narrate and undermines the rights of other consumers they would not work. He promised that the issue of the Lekki their displeasure of the Discos officials’ delays in the groups who did not owe. While Clement said the excos have been Garden Estate would soon be resolved. in resolving their issues, disconnecting them “For me, there’s something fundamentally, selling power supplied by EKDC for about five In his address, Irukera, who said the com- arbitrarily, giving them crazy billings and col- absolutely irreparable and inexcusably wrong years till date, he said they have disconnected mission got the highest number of complaints laborating with their Community Development with penalising people because of the conduct several people in the last two years for missing from electricity consumers, charged the electricity Associations [CDA] to extort them. of others. It is just not excusable. payment. distribution companies to show more sensitivity They also decried poor service, as well as “Government should never do that to its “For instance, the minimum payment for in handling consumer issues given the importance being forced to fund the purchase of electrical people. But if the government does it as a state electricity bill is N41,000 which gives 200 units. of such utility. installations like transformers by the Discos. actor, as inexcusable as it is, it might even be “If you travel for about six months, for instance He urged the Discos to be more responsive, Complainants from Community Development permissible. But one person who has absolutely and you miss the payment, when you return, sensitive and transparent in dealing with Association, CDA Igbelaara Ikorodu, said they no right and should never have the prerogative you are expected to pay about N246,000 or get consumer complaints as this will go a long mounted pressure on the government of Mr. to do it is a private citizen to another private disconnected, ‘’ he lamented. way in addressing some of the challenges being Ambode (former Lagos state governor) to provide citizen. And that is what Discos do. Strangely enough, the complainant noted; “the encountered by the consumers in their quest them with a transformer. “They group-disconnect consumers. If there’s meters, as programmed by them, (the Excos) one responsible consumer who is being discon- run faster than the normal installation by the nected unjustly, what you are doing is that you DISCOS. N41,000 light will give you 200 units are discouraging responsibility,” he added. and it will not last you up to a week. Disconnecting when people are exercising their The FCCPC boss disclosed that the demonstra- Accompanied by another aggrieved resident, tion of huge investments and capital outlay Aisha Usman, Mr. Akpene said the extortion legitimate right to dispute the bill is not different in infrastructure development by the DisCos has gone on for over four years in the estate remained a step in the right direction but the and while they brought it to the attention of from kidnapping; it is hostage taking because inability to translate those investments into quality EKDC, the disco referred them back to the service delivery remained a cause for concern. executives of their CDA telling them to go there is a process but the moment you decide He said consumer complaints are part of and settle with them. what should be expected in any business model According to them, though in one of their to make their lives miserable unless they do as but the inability of the DisCos to resolve those meetings with EKDC, the Excos were told to complaints in a transparent manner has been revert to government tariff, but till this date, you dictate amounts to hostage a recurring decimal. 28 THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Shall-Holma: Sealink Will Usher Competitive Shipping Regime in Africa The Chairperson of the Sealink Implementation Committee, Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma, has said the country must build a legacy in the maritime industry through the Nigerian Export- Import Bank funded- Sealink project which seeks to end the undue exploitation of Africans by the international shipping companies. In an exclusive interview with James Emejo, the former director of commercial shipping services at the Nigerian Shippers Council stated among other things that the project which will be launched by year-end, will boost the country’s drive to diversify the economy and create jobs as well as modernise shipping and make it more competitiveness and affordable in the region and the continent in general hat exactly is the Sealink is presently demonstrating adaptability. It project? is saying okay we have lost one year but The Sealink project is it doesn’t matter, we can start running, we actually a regional Sealink can fast-track this project and get it to finish. project that was conceived, Wstudied, prepared to ensure the integration What are the challenges confronting of the west and central African sub region by the Sealink project? trade which is trade integration but also to One major challenge in the maritime stretch it across the continent of Africa and industry is funding. No investor comes ensure the improvement in the intra-African into the maritime industry expecting to see trade statistics. results instantaneously. You don’t expect to see return on your investment and so it is a What necessitated this concept? long gestation investment. It’s an investment We carried out two studies - the first study that you must tirelessly follow through. But was motivated by complaints and worries of you must believe that it has capacity to bring shipping companies, exporters and importers in yields. You must believe that revenue will into the country - whose trade was suffering come at the end. So you will follow it gently on account of trans-shipment to Europe. A and carefully, you don’t rush into it. So when cargo will leave Nigeria and is going to we were talking in the days and years gone by, Liberia or Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire and we were doing advocacy. We wanted people Senegal - and it would go all the way to to understand and we were trying to create Europe and be trans-shipped for weeks and awareness both in the sub region because we sometimes months before the same cargo is went across the West and Central sub-region: brought back to we went to Cameroon and did a road show, Africa. Secondly, we also discovered that we went to Ghana and did a road show. It the cost was three times more because we was to actually demonstrate that this is doable are allowing then to take it to Europe and between us as African countries. We need to bring it back again. do something about changing the dynamics So for cost effectiveness, we wanted to do of our trade as Africans. Others are trading that. Then for competitiveness and survival 40 per cent, 50 per cent with one another but of whatever exists as a national fleet or the our trade is dismal. It’s still below 11 per indigenous players, we needed to protect them. cent. And we are not even generating must So we said, if we create Sealink, all of them from that trade as Africans. So we need to do will fall into place because they will now be something differently. So we were generating parties to that Sealink. So why do we want to Shall-Holma that awareness across the length and breadth deprive our nation from getting an alternative of central Africa. And we even had an occasion to what the multinational shipping companies hidden costs in current trans-shipment you’ll have a reflection and say these people when we engaged South Africa and it was in are providing? And that was how we came from Europe to Africa, what are these just have been clever doing this. They had South Africa they told us that we needed to about the Sealink and NEXIM Bank has been costs? nothing else, that the inland waterways and start talking to North Africa, which North Africa promoting Sealink initiative from when it was You see, most of the hidden costs are to use and was what they were excavating is also willing to join. The East Africans are a concept of course, it wasn’t a project but imbedded in the fact that we didn’t have our wealth, carrying and carting them away. always open to this kind of opportunities. East when it became a project, it became a PPP connectivity and we had no access to each And do you blame them? They were our Africans are coming together. I know they are and NEXIM set up a special purpose vehicle other and that’s why there are too many colonial master and they knew what to do. mainly people who are a little bit revolutionary (SPV) made up of three component parts. non-tariff barriers. They are non-tariffed And they expected that when you come in because of their Arusha Declaration and all because when you are looking for a way stream, you will go and use the same routine that. So they think African and will want to What is the composition of the SPV? out, you now go and meet somebody who and develop it further so that you can expand do everything African. So in their own case, Well, the SPV has the Sealink consortium says give me N500, 000 I will do this for the inland waterways and it will became their it’s an easy support. So, before we were able partners who are actually owners of either you. It’s a non-tariffed barrier because it’s own Rhine and Danube. But you didn’t do to do all these, it took time, it took meetings, terminals or ships or logistics or also have not tariffed. If it is tariffed you are paying that and they never told you. The chart they consultation, it took seminars and advocacy competences that will help to galvanise and taxation to government and you will be happy. prepared they took them back to England and road shows. fast track the project. So they are consortium But you are paying to somebody else and and so that’s why we are presently charting. That was done but to come to the nitty-gritty members and there are about 12 of them or the cost of non-tariff barriers were so much So, you don’t send a vessel that is very of the project, we are now looking at establish- more now because we keep signing them on more than the normal cost. So we needed to expensive into uncharted waters. If we were ment of a base because you can’t do shipping as we need competences in certain areas. Like also look at that. That was why the feasibility going to use normal vessels we would not without a base. So we have gotten Ajaokuta the person who is responsible for ship vetting study was carried out and it truly revealed mind, we will just go and put them there so Second Jetty as the base. It has been ceded and digitalisaion, we just signed him on now. that we needed to do something about our if anything happens to them or they crack to us the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Then you go to the public sector which is maritime industry. We also must do something open or they run aground, it doesn’t matter. and Mines but the main the agreement was made up of essentially government agencies. about creating access. And how do we create But you can’t bring a $16 million vessel with signed with the Ajaokuta Steel Complex because There are some government agencies that are the access? We need to create access on the echoes sounders and you put it in uncharted they are technically the owners. They are a in the Sealink implementation committee but inland waterways so that as we are coming waters. If fact, nobody will forgive you. Even parastatal under mines. But they needed the they relate directly to the maritime industry. to the inland waterways we can divert traffic the classification society will tell you I am support and the blessing of their minister They are the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), from Lagos to Onitsha. We can divert traffic not classifying this vessel for this use. So, and the minister had been very supportive Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety from Lagos to Ajaokuta and then everybody you’ll come across a lot of obstacles in try- to the project because he understands it. It’s Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Inland Water Ways picks his cargo as it’s being diverted. So we ing to navigate approvals and get necessary common and basic economics. You know that Authority (NIWA), and the Nigerian Shippers thought it actually makes economic sense to documentation if you don’t chart your waters. if you do something there, if you are able Council (NSC) from where I came, because I do something like that. And we also saw So you must chart your waters and that is to lift three to 10 million metric tons, you was a director, commercial shipping services that the British government did this same why Sealink has taken this long to take-off. know the kinds of jobs you’ll be creating? in the NSC. And all these were happening thing. You know sometimes, when somebody The year 2020 was collapsed, as far as I Upwards of 25,000 jobs. If we do that and we under me. The complaint unit was in my does something in wisdom and you ignore am concerned it wasn’t in the calendar of are able to remove restiveness from Nigeria, department. So I knew who brought complaints it and push it aside, a time will come when my life because nothing happened. Sealink even if it is just the restive ness we are able and I know what they needed. And when to remove, all of us will be satisfied that we the first feasibility study was carried out I have accomplished something. Because if you participated in it so that I could see for myself get people engaged, people don’t have time and confirm the veracity of the information I We need to create access on the inland waterways to do anything else. Everything a Nigerian was receiving. It gave me clarity on what we wants is to be able to earn a living and once needed to do. But when it came to promotion so that as we are coming to the inland waterways he earns a living legitimately and whatever and financial support and grant, it also came is happening he is included in it, he would to political advocacy and NEXIM had been we can divert traffic from Lagos to Onitsha. We not have any problems. the one supporting this project and doing very well in supporting the project. can divert traffic from Lagos to Ajaokuta and then NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com You mentioned that there were some everybody picks his cargo as it’s being diverted THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 29 NIGERIA’S PERSISTENT INSECURITY: A RALLYING CRY FOR DECISIVE ACTION BACKGROUND defense stations’ should be set up in our forests to work hand in war and violence. Creating gainful employment in both our Nigeria is currently gripped in the throes of an unsettling and hand with local vigilantes to rid our ungoverned rural spaces of rural and urban communities is an emergency. enveloping crisis of insecurity and violence. This ugly trend criminal infestations. KDV LQH[RUDEO\ GHÀHG YDULRXV DSSURDFKHV DQG VROXWLRQV 7KH 15. We strongly endorse and advocate for community situation is menacingly growing daily, with victims cutting 8. Our thoughts about the current security impasse squarely rest participation and mobilization to support the current war on across all strata of our society, including the security apparatuses. on a fully equipped, motivated, professional, disciplined and terrorism, banditry and insurgencies to rid our society of this Undoubtedly, this portends a grievous future for the country proactive military as well as law enforcement agencies. There threatening danger. Our grassroots community policing and WKDWWKUHDWHQVRXUVRFLRHFRQRPLFVSDFHDQGSROLWLFDOÀUPDPHQW is a compelling need to reform and modernize our security intelligence gathering should be strengthened to protect our architecture by investing in the latest technologies and society. We should individually and collectively contribute The growing audacity by the bandits to expand their criminal weapons to tackle the new and sophisticated trends in crimes and logistics, vehicles and equipment to our armed personnel to incursions into our educational institutions poses grave danger to violence. Our assessment of the security forces’ capability and boost their morale and capacities. education, besides a looming food crisis occasioned by farmers’ level of preparedness in terms of human resources, equipment, abduction and displacements. The sordid revelations about a technology, and discipline leave so much to be desired. Our 16. We urge the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) possible organ trade for those unable to pay ransoms are both law enforcement agencies should embrace and deploy modern to upgrade its radar and surveillance resources to effectively scary and revolting. Presently, our agrarian rural spaces and our security, warfare technologies and strategies to upend these monitor all aircrafts in our airspace, in view of reported cases urban centres are engulfed in the twin problems of kidnappings frightening and disastrous security challenges. of security compromise and breaches. Helicopters and small and unprecedented violence, leading to the collapse and loss of aircrafts were allegedly involved in dropping supplies for the FRQÀGHQFHLQRXUVHFXULW\DJHQFLHV :KLOHQRWEHLQJREOLYLRXVRIWKHIXQGLQJFKDOOHQJHVZHÀUPO\ terrorists and bandits, without interception or information to the believe an HIÀFLHQWGHSOR\PHQWXWLOL]DWLRQDQGPDQDJHPHQW public. This troubling development has also sharpened our of resources will create the missing synergies that would ensure misconceptions, intolerance, and polarization along ethnic and the needed motivation and dedication of the security agencies. 17. There is now the ever-present necessity to set up Special religious lines. Thus, there is the compelling need to construct Courts for the quick dispensation of justice to tackle the growing and adopt multifaceted strategies matching, both in synergy and 10. The government should consider recalling its security and menace of kidnapping, banditry, cybercrimes, insurgency, and practicalities, to prevent the impending cataclysm. military reserves back to services at this perilous time of our other new forms of crimes in our society. national emergency. The numerical strength of the armed forces While we appreciate governments’ efforts at various levels, should be urgently increased to correspond to the country’s 18. Finally, the government should declare a State of Emergency we nonetheless hasten to declare that they have not been very size, population and the involvement of the military in internal on insecurity DQG PDNH VXIÀFLHQW DSSURSULDWLRQV WR IXQG DQG effective in tackling the pervading menace. If the current levels security matters. PRGHUQL]H WKH VHFXULW\ VHFWRU IRU HIÀFLHQW SHUIRUPDQFH DQG of insecurity and violent crimes remain unabated, they can delivery. worsen the existing poverty, internal displacements, movement 11. We must FULPLQDOL]HHWKQLFSURÀOLQJRIFULPHVborrowing restrictions, and ethnic tensions. from the Rwandan example. We can’t afford to be qualifying CONCLUSION criminals along ethnic identities which crystallizes into hate and In conclusion, we must be more vigilant and heed the ominous These represent the underlying concerns why our Forum of revulsion against the groups. Criminals are criminals without signs of potential instability which the lingering crises of Former Federal Legislators, is adding its voice to the raging GLVWLQFWLRQDQGZHPXVWÀJKWWKHPLQXQLVRQ insecurity and insurgency portend for our deeply fractured national discourse on insecurity, insurgency, and violence in our and fragile nation. We call on all Nigerians to eschew the over- polity. We have deliberated on these issues extensively, and posit 12. The government’s actions must be ÀUP GHFLVLYH DQG politicization and exploitation of our fragility and challenges the recommendations below as possible solutions. appropriate to deter all criminals. Hostage takings and for subterranean political interests. Rather, this moment calls for kidnappings for ransom payments must be made unattractive sobriety, which also demands that everyone needs to be more RECOMMENDATIONS and the death penalty prescribed on all offenders. patriotic and apolitical in the efforts to rescue our country from 1. Governments must listen to the genuine demands of the imminent, but avoidable cataclysm. people and correct perceived areas of injustice, exclusion, and 13. The victims of violence, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and economic alienation. All tiers of government must invest in mass LQVXUJHQF\VKRXOGEHYHULÀHGDQGDGHTXDWHO\compensated to The National Assembly should remain a relentless partner in advocacy, education and awareness campaigns to mitigate the PLWLJDWH UHSULVDOV DQG WKH HVFDODWLRQ RI WKH FRQÁLFWV through this campaign, and revisit all resolutions as well as reports youths’ anger and oppositional mentality against the state and new recruitment. on security meetings and retreats with a view to ensure their society. diligent implementation. The legislators should vigorously 14. Governments at both states and federal levels must brace up engage NEMA and other government agencies whose mandate 2. All levels of Governments should continue to intensify to avert a humanitarian catastrophe due to increased migrations is to ameliorate the disequilibrium caused by the prevailing dialogue with non-state actors to assuage frayed nerves and of people from rural to urban centres to escape the theatres of security situation. FRQWDLQ DJLWDWLRQV FRQÁLFWV DQG LQVXUJHQFLHV EHGHYLOLQJ RXU society. The authorities must never jettison the age-old policy of stick and carrot approaches. We must resuscitate our broken- SIGNED down traditional communications and dialogue mechanisms in resolving disputes and differences; and re-establish the USMAN BALKORE MOHAMMED DR. RABE NASIR CHUMA NZERIBE, themes of patriotism, nationalism and statesmanship. DR. SHUAIBU HASHIMU ABDULLAHI CHRIS ETTA PETER IGBODOR, RALPH OKEKE SAMSON OSAGIE WALE OKEDIRAN 3. We must vigorously pursue the ranching policy to encourage DAKUKU PETERSIDE IBRAHIM ZAILANI FARUK ABDULLAHI sedentary pastoralism as a solution to the persistent farmers/ ABAYOMI COLLINS TEMI HARRIMAN FRANK INEKE KHUGHUV· FRQÁLFWV $OO VWDNHKROGHUV PXVW HPEUDFH DQG DGRSW MERCY ALMONA-ISIE ABUBAKAR BWARI ADAMU FANDA necessary engagement, education, and cooperation to design CHIDI NWOGU FARUK MUSTAPHA LAWAL GARBA peaceful transition and exit strategies for nomadic pastoralism NZE CHIDI DURU GARBA SHEHU MATAZU GBENGA ELEGBELEYE to achieve a permanent solution. MOSHOOD SALVADOR IKE CHINWO DURO MESEKO, SHEHU KAGARA ABDULLAHI MUSA JANET ADEYEMI 4. The Federal Government needs to scale up our land borders SAUDATU SANI IBRAHIM EBBO CLEVER IKISIKPO control measures to police the illegal entry points effectively. The ALIYU MUSA BINDAWA ABDUL OROH AHMED ALIYU WADADA Federal Government should tackle the duplicitous concealment DAVID IDOKO WAKILI ALIYU SANI SALE MINJIBIR of arms in imported containers and vehicles plying our highways SANI R/DORUWA ALMAJIRI GEIDAM NASIRU DANTIYE by criminals and warmongers. ABDUL NINGI BINTA GARBA MASI AUSTIN OPARA ALIYU SAIKI IQUO INYANG ISA BIO IBRAHIM 5. A timeline to vanquish the menace of the Boko Haram MUSA AUSA ABUBAKAR KABIRU UMAR ALTINE KAJIJI insurgency, using all viable options on the table, including the deployment of private military contractors, must not be waived FIDEL AYOGU JEFF OJINIKA CAIRO OJUGOH aside. Our affected communities must not be allowed to wallow TAIYE OPALEKE BAYERO NAFADA HALIMS AGODA in this traumatic and senseless war longer than necessary. BAKURA LAWAN ABUBAKAR CHIKA ADAMU HASSAN JONGA BELLO SHUGABA CHIBUDOM NWUCHE MOHAMMED KUMALIA 6. The government must end the bloody campaign of EHIOGIE WEST-IDAHOSA PASCAL ODIGWE SULEIMAN ISIYAKU secessionists who, through blackmail, assassination, violence, AUSTINE NWACHUKWU VICTOR LAR JERRY UGOKWE LQFLWHPHQWSURÀOLQJDVZHOODVUD]LQJGRZQSXEOLFDQGSULYDWH GARBA DATTI MUHAMMAD UMARU BATURE YAHUZA IDRIS assets, have created panic in the populace. The government ABUBAKAR MOMOH ADEYEMI OLUWOLE BABAGANA TIJJANI must be worried about the burgeoning proliferation of arms EMMA ARIGBE-OSULA MAHMOUD BABA BICHI SAIDQ ABDULLAHI including locally made weapons, and interrogate their sources STANLEY OHAJURUKA KAWU SUMAILA LASBRY AMADI to block the illegal routes and apprehend the culprits. LUMUMBA DAH-ADEH SANI TAKORI ISAH MATORI UCHE EKWE SANUSI DAGGASH HAMISU SHIRA 7. Special forests rangers and well equipped ‘attack and 30 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͯ,ͰͮͰͯ 31 Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala IMAGES Email [email protected] L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Adeola Aina; General Manager; Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mr. Ogundairo Oluwadamilare; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos L-R: Group Head Emerging Businesses, Access Bank Plc. Ayodele Olojede; Regional Sales Director, Abuja State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Coordinator, Lagos State Association for the and North Central, Access Bank Plc. Adebanji Jimoh; and CEO, Bold Artistry/Winner MSME of the year 2021, Deaf, Mr. Dikko Ahmed at the Sensitization Program for the Hearing and Visually Impaired People on HIV Abaver Vitalis at the MSME Awards held in Abuja...recently Prevention and Stigma Reduction in Lagos...recently Governor Dapo Abiodun (right) and his Zamfara State counterpart, Bello Matawalle during the rally to L-R: Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Okezie Okereke; Author of the book Flying Five Flags, Mrs. Lois Otse; welcome the elected officials members of Peoples Democratic Party in Zamfara state into the All Progressives President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (PNAWJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala and Book presenter, Dr. Raphael Congress at Gusau…recently James, during the Book presentation of Flying Five Flags in Abuja...recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE L-R: Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Finance, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Amina Mohammed; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Governor of Nassarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule and Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono during the Consolidatory Dialogue for the United Nations Food Systems Summit in Abuja…recently The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), receiving a letter from the Chairman, Egbema Clan, Ijaw Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Youth Council, Toruwei Peter, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City... Talabi; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road recently Safety Corps, Mr Ahmed Umar during an on-the-spot assessment of tanker explosion at Ogere…recently 32 THISDAY ˾ , JULY 1, 2021 ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏäÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ[email protected], HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Tel: 07010510430 Cleft Lips and the Pain of Nigerian Children Although over 6,186 children are born with Cleft Lip and Palate in Nigeria every year, amounting to 16 children per day in the coun- try, there appears to be little attention beamed on the public health challenge despite being correctable. Sunday Ehigiator writes nnually, May 31 marks the live a normal life. celebration of ‘World No To- bacco Day’. The celebration Causes of CLP is aimed at informing the Prof. Ogunlewe noted that the causes of CLP public on the risks associated are not yet fully understood, and research is still with tobacco use, and what ongoing. However, she said “it is believed that it individuals can do to claim is caused by interplay between what we acquired their constitutional right to from outside and then the genetics, what is internal. a healthy environment. “And because we don’t understand the causes AThe theme for this year poses a challenge to we talk about risk factors that are those things smokers by encouraging them to ‘commit to quit’ that predispose an individual to having cleft. Most smoking. And it was in line with the theme that often it has to do with what the pregnant mother Corporate Accounta eats or was exposed to during pregnancy. Every human is fearfully and wonderfully made, “If she is exposed to some radiation, takes some more so are children. The joy of having a child drugs that have not been fully studied or takes is comparable to nothing ever made or acquired. some concussion that she doesn’t know what it But then, how quickly this joy runs out when contains, or if she is sick during pregnancy etc. a child is born with Cleft Lip/Palate (CLP) is a These are predisposing factors. source of concern for stakeholders. Their concern A CPL child Shadrach Aruoture immediately after sugery “That is why we advise that a pregnant is understandable given that the condition can mother should actually be cautious of what she be corrected so the children can live a hearty life from Delta State University, Abraka. Myths about CLP takes in and the environment she goes to during devoid of bullying and discrimination, which is He said his father played a larger role in helping A research titled ‘Social Analysis of Cleft Lip pregnancy,” she said. often the lot of those with Cleft Lip, with most him regain his confidence and self esteem. “In 1997, and Palate Abnormality in Nigeria’, carried of them wallowing in low self esteem. my father handed me over to one Mr. Godwin out by Alice Umweni, from the University of Treatment and Management of CLP Kpiliboh who taught me how to play drums. In Benin, Kokunre Agbontaen Eghafona, from the According to Prof. Ogunlewe, the lip surgery Discrimination the process of learning to play the drum, Pastor University of Benin and Hartwig Sauter Noma, doesn’t take more than 40 minutes or even less, Discrimination was the case of a 35-year-old Toba Osuloye, who was our music director, called of Children’s Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, posited while the palate takes probably an hour. Shadrach Aruoture, who at a point in his life saw my attention to the fact that I have a very nice that culture contributes to differences in medical “Because the child who has a CLP has some the condition as a curse. He grew up in isolation voice. He then asked me to sing while he recorded care and the ways in which health is defined. other associated problems or associated issues. It and had been treated like an outcast by family it on a tape then. “It also can influence the relative incidence of is not just the lip or the palate. The child cannot and friends, save for his elder brother, Meshach “I cried when it was played back to me. I cried a disease or disorder (Schaefer, 2005). Researchers feed properly, the child may not be able to hear who helped him grow. because, at first I didn’t believe I sounded better have found that diseases are rooted in the shared properly, that is, he or she may have some problems According to him, Meshach never let him feel in the recording, and also, it was the first time meanings of particular cultures. with hearing, the child may not be able to speak less human, as he was always rising to his defense I was receiving such credit on my voice from “Culture also plays an important role in the properly, particularly if he has that of the palate, whenever bullies and abusers came calling. “His an outsider, as he told me I sounded amazing, widely shared concept of disease in Nigerian society. and the child may also be malnourished. death was like though my whole life was taken despite my speech condition, it was relieving. Nigerians believe that diseases are caused by natural, “So all these things have to be taken care of, away,” Shadrach recalls with a heavy sigh of “He also gave us an assignment to write and preternatural, and mystical/mysterious factors. it’s not just about closing the gap. This is why deep pain. compose a song which I did. Then not too long “Preternatural explanations are related to the the treatment takes some time. We repair the He continued, “I remember there was a time a after, he asked me to lead the choir on one of the belief in witchcraft (Erinohso, 2005). The belief lip at about age three-month, and even at that boy called me “Aranmu” (someone who speaks Sunday services in church. That was how the in witchcraft is widespread and entrenched in three-month, the baby must be well fed, and must through the nose), because I was still not in control whole transformation started for me. Nigeria. Witches are believed to exist and are attain a certain weight level, and a certain blood of my emotions, I fought with a guy and injured “Facing the congregation to sing back then reputed to have powers to cause unrest of the concentration level etc. him on his lips too. My brother joined me to beat helped me a lot. After my first appearance to mind and illness.” “We do the palette when the child is six months up a lot of people who abused me then. lead the choir then, I discovered I was actually Despite the recognition of the natural explanation old. We do the gum, that is the alveolus between “It was not funny growing up being discriminated a talkative. So, I used that as an opportunity to of diseases, it is sad that Nigerians often invoke seven and eight months. And even within or before against and treated as a comic object at all. When talk to people not minding my impairment. This sorcery, witchcraft, or cosmic forces as a plausible these periods, if s/he has any problem with the my brother died, I had to rise up to my own restored my confidence and improved my esteem.” explanation for illness. arrangement of the teeth, it is taken care of. defense and really saw life for myself. I became Today Shadrach isn’t just a songwriter, singer, Such is the case of cleft lip and palate in Nigeria. “And then, by the time the patient has had very hostile to the world due to several abuses and instrumentalist, he is also leading a gospel In different parts of the country, there are different full eruption, that is, all the teeth has come out and victimisation I suffered. musical group of 12, called, ‘Stewards Crew’, with wrong perceptions of children born with CLP. of his mouth, they may be badly arranged, there “I also remember when one of my teachers asked over 10 songs to their credit. In some parts of the southern region of Nigeria, may be a discrepancy between the upper jaw the whole class to sing a body-shaming Yoruba On how the group came to being, he said, “I anecdotal evidence suggests that children born with and the lower jaw, so those ones are taken care song for me. The Yoruba song was ‘Asin bumi knew I love singing but I was still very timid and CLP are believed to be a curse from the gods, of when the child is about 20 years old. That is ni mu je’ (meaning, rat has bitten off my nose), not confident to do it on my own. So, I decided and parents of the child must immediately why it takes a while to have a holistic treatment.” because of the way I talk. I cried my eyes out. I to work with a team of talented singers who can seek and pay a native-doctor to help them couldn’t beat my teacher, but if I had my way, I do it on my behalf. My intention was to give kill the child before night fall, hence, he/ Call for Awareness, Solution would have beaten him up. But he was sacked these guys moral support. All I tell them is, if a she will bring bad luck to the community. Prof. Ogunlewe said a child born with CLP though, because my mum took up the matter. guy like me with bad speech can do it, you can In some other communities in the western anomaly cannot live a normal life if it is not “I also remember vividly when one of my do better. So, those who believe in my instinct region of the country, if a woman gives birth repaired. “Imagine a child that cannot speak lecturers shut me up, and asked me to return joined me.” to a child with CLP, it is assumed that she or hear very well, he cannot relate very well to my seat, because he was not hearing what I was promiscuous when pregnant with the with his peers. was saying while answering a question in class. Encounter with Smile Train child. She is abandoned by her husband “The quality of life is going to be affected. The There was also this scenario I will never forget in Shadrach had his palate fixed in 2017 free of and relatives and most times faced with child is going to be withdrawn, and may even my entire life. I was asked to recite the English charge by Smile Train, world largest cleft-focused the option of milking life out of the child become hostile to the society due to frequent alphabet A to Z. I had difficulties pronouncing organisation with presence all around Africa. to save her face and be accepted back into stigmatisation and bullying. This is why they consonant letters. Speaking on how he came in contact with the the society. must be treated. “Without being sponsored, the “Then, the teacher, a woman, and probably organisation, Shadrach said: “I went for ministra- Some other parts of the western region of cost of treatment is difficult to estimate because mother, got angry because I was not getting it tion with my crew at one musical concert around the country hold the myth that a woman that it is from birth till about 18 to 20 years. Some right, and out of frustration, she hit my mouth Ojuelegba. While I was singing, a lady heard me gives birth to a child with CLP must have treatments are so expensive. on the desk and lied to my parents that I fell and came requesting to see me after the event. We mocked another child with similar condition, “In fact, orthodontist treatment alone is over while playing roughly, and they believed her.” met and she told me she could be of help with my or offended a powerful individual who then a million. Yet the child is going to feed, do His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abel Aruoture had speech getting better. That she will recommend places a curse on the unborn child, who investigation, undergo speech therapy, transport had his lip corrected within the first four weeks me to a doctor and that the surgery is free. could then be born with a CLP to and fro the hospital, pay for surgery, admission after birth, but couldn’t go further with the palate “The lady connected me with one Nurse Adesewa Generally in Nigeria, children born with CLP etc. if we are to quantify it, it costs millions due to baseless myths sold to them by family who in turn introduced me to the maxillofacial are treated as though they have a plague that of Naira. members and friends. They claimed Shadrach’s department and I was briefed about Smile Train, must be avoided, hence the maltreatment, bullying, “We need more advocacies among society condition was a spiritual attack that needed a to be the sponsor of the surgery. To God be the abuse and all forms of discrimination. members to stop discrimination against theses spiritual approach. Some even claimed he was glory, the surgery which would normally have children, but instead be the solution by linking an evil child born to waste his parents’ money. cost me millions of naira was done for me free Experts View on CLP such child to organisation like Smile Train, that Shadrach said he grew up being that young of charge. I was also enrolled in speech classes to Speaking with THISDAY, a Medical Expert and is treating them free of charge. They won’t pay kid in an area every parent warned their wards help me improve on my speech, free of charge the First Oral, Maxillofacial Surgeon in Nigeria, a dime. not to go close to “because of my condition, as by the organisation. Prof. Olugbemiga Ogunlewe, explained that CLP “Parents should learn to bring the child out, if I was some kind of plague to be avoided. This “Today, there is a lot of difference between where was a birth defect characterised by a split either and let them have access to care. They can come really affected my self-esteem as a child”. I was before, and where I am now in terms of in the lip or a hole in the palate. to the Lagos State University Teaching hospital, my speech. It has drastically improved. Also, I She said: “When a baby is born, the baby just Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regaining Self-esteem am no longer hostile to people; I have learnt to comes out with the discontinuity of the upper lip and they will get help.” The well lettered and multitalented Shadrach, love myself and this has improved my self-esteem or a big hole in the roof of the mouth. She said the treatment which is fully sponsored who is now his parent’s only son with two sisters, a lot, and being around kids also helped me in “Cleft anomaly is not a life threatening anomaly. by Cleft Train, from day one till the treatment did not allow his condition deter him. Today, he a lot of ways to be in control of my emotions It is not something that will kill the baby. It is is completed, is free of charge, even up to their boasts of a degree in Accounting and Finance regardless of what is said against me.” not evil. It is treatable, and the child can also transportation expenses. THISDAY ˾ , JULY 1, 2021 33 NEWS Navy Takes Drug Abuse, Dental Campaign to School Students in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi consequences in society. and catering for the welfare long standing cordial relation- while thanking the FOC and On the dangers of drug “The navy is a place where of the host communities in ship between the navy and NN for the philanthropic abuse, Iberosi said it was The Western Naval Com- we recruit youths each year which any naval formation the Apapa community. gesture, said the medical items doing a lot of havoc to the mand (WNC) of the Nigerian and if we do not get it right is domiciled.” The Vicar of Immanuel and other materials will go a society, adding that parents Navy recently took the cam- at this point, people will come Gbassa said he was optimis- Anglican Church, Dr.Fred long way to meet the medical have a role to perform in paign against Drug Abuse to into the force with a problem tic that the medical outreach Ekeke who was represented by needs of the staff, students this regard by monitoring the students and pupils of of negative drug abuse. would further strengthen the Reverend Cannon Basil Iberosi, and pupils of the school. the activities of their children. Immanuel Anglican School, “Invariably, this will impact Apapa, Lagos. on our operations so, we are As much as this was part in a way, trying to nip the of measures to enhance civil- problem in the bud. The military relations, the medical importance of eliminating rhapsody also witnessed a drug abuse is so urgent that dental campaign that educated even a commission had been the school children on how to set up at the national level to take care of their teeth. address the issue. The navy also carried out “A part of the security other health activities like problems we are facing is deworming, while they do- due to youths abusing drugs nated hand sanitisers, branded across the country. It is from face masks, insecticide treated this premise that the navy has mosquito nets, educational decided to focus on negat- materials and a digital infrared ing drug abuse among our thermometer. youths”. According to the Flag Of- On the medical rhapsody, he ficer Commanding (FOC), said the navy has a tradition Western Naval Command of regularly reaching out to (WNC), Rear Admiral Jason host communities as part of Gbassa, the choice of drug measures to enhance civil- abuse was necessary because military relations, adding of the increase in incidents that it was also part of its of drug abuse in the society. Corporate Social Responsibility Therefore, he said bringing (CSR), which is a key priority it to the students was a way of in the vision of the Chief Of nipping it in the bud, adding Naval Staff, Vice Admiral that “the effect of drugs in our Awwal Gambo. society particularly the youths He said: “The vision aims FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa presenting a school bag to one of the pupils of Immanuel Anglican School, Apapa, is far reaching with negative at sustaining partnership Lagos Mobilising Domestic Resources for Improved Access to Family Planning Services in Nigeria Arinze Chijioke for achieving a revised tar- sources formed the major crux proportion we need to inject contraceptives, are real and revenue and ensure that funds get modern Contraceptive of the discussion. into FP and sectors such as young people who form a for FP services are not only Nigeria is currently the Prevalence Rate (mCPR) of The dialogue brought banking, oil and gas and com- greater percentage of Nigeria’s captured in the budget but seventh most populous 27 per cent by 2024, funding together speakers and par- munications, will be helpful in population. also allocated and prioritised, nation in the world with a remains inadequate to cover ticipants from federal and state providing the required funds Lending his voice, Coun- “she said. fertility rate of 5.4 and an the unmet need for family governments, development “he said. try Director, Marie Stopes She further noted that one annual growth rate of 2.6 per planning services. partners, civil society orga- Earlier in her address, International, Mr. Effiom of the major impediments to cent. By 2050, the country is In addition to the reduction nizations, youth groups and Managing Director of the Nyong Effiom said that the accessing family planning projected to become the third of allocation to family planning the public who discussed the Nigeria Health Watch, Vivi- reduction in funding for FP services was the proven most populous nation. in the 2021 budget, there was current landscape for family anne, Ihekweazu, said it was services is partly as a result dimension between men and With a much lower annual the recent announcement of planning services in Nigeria. worrying that the Nigerian of the impact of COVID-19 on women because only 46% of GDP growth rate than the an 85 per cent cut in funding While delivering the key- population is increasing more both foreign donors and the Nigerian women aged 15 to USA, the country’s resources to United Nations Population note address, Co-founder, than the economy, resulting Nigerian government. 49 years make their own deci- cannot meet the needs of this Fund, UNFPA by the UK Rotary Action Group for in low investment in critical He however regretted that sions regarding health care, rapidly growing population. government, further putting Reproductive, Maternal and sectors, such as health which state governments have failed contraception, and sex with But 15.7 million of the 45 mil- pressure on family planning Child health, Prof. Emmanuel is just 0.6 per cent of GDP. to reflect funding for FP their husbands or partners. lion women of reproductive programmes. Adedolapo, said there was The impact of lack of ad- services in their budgets, not- Similarly, Chairman, Techni- age in Nigeria want to avoid To press home the need an impelling need to shift equate funding for FP services ing that FP was the cheapest cal Management Committee, a pregnancy. for improved funding to emphasis on reliance on is far-reaching. Among these means of reducing maternal Association for Advancement Sadly, 9.5 million (60.5 per ensure access to FP services, foreign donors and leverage impacts as head of Programs, death. of Family Planning (AAFP), Dr cent) have an unmet need for the Nigeria Health Watch on on local sources for funds to Education as a Vaccine, Ni- Part of the reason why Ejike Oji, said it was necessary modern contraceptives, also Thursday, June 24 hosted tackle family planning needs geria, Toyin Chukwudozie, several sectors continue to to begin with policy driven known as birth control, which a family planning Policy in the country. noted, was the reduction in lag behind in Nigeria is the investment such as making helps women who want to Dialogue with the theme, He noted that the best the availability of commodities lack of favourable and well sure that it is made a legisla- plan their families and prevent ‘’Domestic Resources way to achieve this would for FP services. thought out policies by the tive agenda at the National pregnancy. Mobilisation for sustained be for critical stakeholders to Chukwudozie said this has government. Assembly so it can get the This results in the increasing Family Planning Services in come together and prepare resulted in an increasing rate If FP services must improve kind of attention it deserves. rate of unintended pregnan- Nigeria’’. documents that will convince of unintended pregnancies in Nigeria, Country Repre- “We must educate our lead- cies which can lead to unsafe The need for a strategic sources, both private and which can disrupt education sentative, United Nations ers so they can understand the abortions which account for objective to improve domestic public, that every penny for young girls and lack of ac- Population Fund (UNFPA), importance of FP and where five-13 per cent of all maternal funding to adequately cover injected into the services will cess to economic opportunities. Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller said to invest funds. It is not just deaths and unplanned births. family planning costs coun- be well spent. She maintained that there the right kind of policies and about asking them to provide Although the Nigeria Family trywide through mobilisation “We shall embark on a was the need to understand an enabling environment must funds. They need to know Planning Blueprint, 2020-2024, of resources from new public massive advocacy campaign that behind the statistics of be in place. how important it is for the outlines the country’s plans and private sector funding to ensure that we get the women with unmet needs for “We must think about our country, “he said. Mastercard Partners Africa CDC to Acquire COVID-19 Vaccine for 50Million People Ayodeji Ake Lives and Livelihoods initiative continent. In the process, this one vaccine dose” she said. good for the continent, it’s the could reverse hard-won gains will acquire vaccines for at least initiative will catalyze work The Director of the Africa only sustainable path out of the in poverty reduction over the The MasterCard Foundation 50 million people, support the opportunities in the health sector CDC, Dr. John Nkengasong, said pandemic and into a health-secure past two decades and drive 39 has announced it will deploy $1.3 delivery of vaccinations to mil- and beyond as part of our Young the new partnership will build future, this partnership with the million people into extreme billion over the next three years lions more across the continent, Africa Works strategy. on the efforts of the COVID-19 MasterCard Foundation is a poverty in 2021. in partnership with the Africa lay the groundwork for vaccine “The African Union’s goal as Vaccines Global Access facil- bold step towards establishing “Widespread vaccination is Centres for Disease Control manufacturing in Africa through a set out in the African COVID-19 ity (COVAX), the COVID-19 a new public health order for recognised as being critical to and Prevention (Africa CDC), focus on human capital develop- vaccine development and access African Vaccine Acquisition Africa, and we welcome other the economic recovery of African to save the lives and livelihoods ment, and strengthen the Africa strategy is to vaccinate at least Task Team (AVATT), and the actors to join this historic countries. The initiative builds on of millions of people in Africa CDC. 60 percent of its population ap- global community to expand journey. an earlier collaboration between and hasten the economic recovery “Ensuring equitable access and proximately 750 million people access to vaccines across Africa. “In 2020, Africa faced its the MasterCard Foundation and of the continent. delivery of vaccines across Africa or the entire adult population of “Ensuring inclusivity in first economic recession in 25 the Africa CDC to expand ac- According to the President is urgent. This initiative is about the continent by the end of 2022. vaccine access, and building years due to the pandemic. cess to testing kits and enhance and CEO of the MasterCard valuing all lives and accelerating To date, less than two percent of Africa’s capacity to manufacture The African Development Bank surveillance capacity in Africa” Foundation, Reeta Roy, Saving the economic recovery of the Africans have received at least its own vaccines, is not just has warned that COVID-19 he said. 34 THISDAY ˾ , JULY 1, 2021 NEWS Organisations Partner to Cerebral Palsy is not a Death Tackle Endemic Neglected Diseases in Ekiti Sentence- Rukome Otuoniyo Says Chiamaka Ozulumba and learning senses were what inspired me to write home-lesson teacher and Rebecca Ejifoma are committed to both building not affected. this book. upon assessment, he said to and expanding a sustainable and The condition known At the age of 21, he “Life is about service, me, ‘This story is excellent’. The END Fund, a private locally driven movement to end as Cerebral Palsy (CP) is successfully completed his giving to others, impacting I was greatly motivated by philanthropic initiative has NTDs on the continent. a group of disorders that primary and secondary your society, putting a smile those words and realized that partnered IHS Nigeria, a leading At the multi-stakeholder affects a person’s ability to education, passed his WAEC on the face of the person I have been surpressing the telecom infrastructure service webinar, the Chief Corporate move and maintain balance in flying colors inspite of all next to you. gift in me. provider company, to tackle Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, and posture. the health challenges. “The book will help you “And that motivated me prevalent neglected tropical Dapo Otunla said: “Today we CP is the most common Rukome gained admis- live your potential and to write and publish my first diseases (NTDs) in Ekiti state. are pleased to take this significant motor disability in childhood sion to the Pan-Atlantic carry on the purpose which book, “Are You Satisfied?, 5 The END Fund, which is solely step in collaborating with the and affects approximately 17 University, Lagos, where he you were created for”. Hidden Secrets To Living A dedicated to ending the five most END Fund to tackle these million people worldwide did two years in the Mass Rukome added, “It took Life Of Fulfillment”. common NTDs, announced this debilitating diseases. ranging from one to nearly Communication Department me years to discover writ- The book launch had in at its recent multi-stakeholder “Our robust programme in four per 1,000 live birth. but could not proceed further ing as my ability because attendance, President, Lagos webinar hosted under the aegis Ekiti state involves funding Rukome Otuoniyo was di- due to challenges but plans to I had always wished to State Chamber of Commerce of its African NTD Leadership preventive treatment for endemic agnosed of Cerebral Palsy at further his education outside be a popular singer like and Industry, Mrs Toki Mabo- Initiative. NTDs, supporting the effective infancy, 26 years ago and the the country. Michael Jackson at a very gunje and the Special Adviser The planned donation from deployment of Water, Sanitation condition greatly impaired According to him, “ I young age. to LASG on People Living IHS Nigeria aims to enable END and Hygiene (WASH) measures, his motor movement and have always desired to live “It happened that I was With Disability (PLWD), Mrs Fund to deliver thousands of and working to end open reflexes but his cognitive a satisfied life and that is given an assignment by my Adenike Oyetunde. treatments to those most affected defecation and its detrimental by Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic impact on the people of the Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and state - including the contribution Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis. of this unhealthy practice to the Understanding Mental Health This will help reduce the state’s NTD burden.” suffering, disability and poor As a business, IHS Nigeria Ugonna Orji about 264 suicide cases. It health caused by these diseases, said it has invested in improving is safe to say that number and significantly improve the WASH practices across Nigeria in In 2019, the World Health is only a fraction of the quality of life of the recipients. which thousands of households Organisation (WHO) con- hundreds of Nigerians who The Director of Public Affairs, have been impacted. firmed in a study that one have taken their own lives END Fund, Oyetola Oduyemi He recalled: “Last year, the in four people worldwide within the last four years, said: “The END Fund is delighted Vice President of Nigeria, will be affected by mental mostly due to depression to collaborate with IHS Nigeria in through the Minister of or neurological disorders at which could be a trigger from tackling these diseases that cause Water Resources, awarded some point in their lifetime; hardships, disappointments, cognitive impairment, physical our Nigeria CEO, Mohamad representing at least 1.7 poverty, heartbreaks, among ailments, social isolation, and Darwish, a WASH Ambassador billion persons worldwide. others. economic regression.” status under the Clean Nigeria This estimate was before the It is time for experts, Through the financial com- Campaign. We know that ad- COVID-19 pandemic started stakeholders and the society mitment of this partner, she dressing NTDs is only a logical and devastated millions at large to beam light on this emphasised, “we will make good step in the right direction and of homes, economy and public health issue. strides in reducing the burden this will enable our impact to governments. for these diseases in Ekiti”. go further.” Today, not fewer than Depression is prevent- According to Oduyemi Citing the World Health 450 million people are able and treatable this is in support of the state Organisation, Otunla hinted currently suffering from According to a new book government’s drive to enable that over 134 million Nigerians such conditions; making recently launched in Nigeria a healthier populace, and also require treatment for one or more mental disorders one of the - The Morning After - written feeds into the national framework NTDs, with 48 million children leading causes of ill-health by a health journalist, Martins for supporting the sustainable and adults affected by intestinal worldwide. Experts believe Ifijeh and a consultant psy- progress of Nigeria, especially in worms, and 25 million people by the end of COVID-19, this chiatrist, depression can be the areas of health and economic affected by schistosomiasis, add- number will shut up by over prevented and it is treatable. advancement. ing, “In terms of impact this 100 per cent. If understood and spotted on “Combating the NTDs is disease is the world’s second most To be clear, mental health time; every Nigerian develop- directly correlated to attainment devastating parasitic ailment after disorder has been ranked the ing the condition can timely of SDG 3 on good health and malaria”. As noted at the webinar, fourth leading cause of global seek help before it reaches wellbeing while contributing to Nigeria bears approximately 40 disease burden. Before the the extreme consequence, meeting other SDGs including per cent of Africa’s NTD burden. next decade, WHO believed Ehanire suicide. SDGs 1 and 2 to alleviate poverty Hence, the END Fund has been the public health challenge WHO says depression is and hunger respectively, and SDG a key partner for the Nigerian will be ranked second highest to himself is the ideal person disorder or the other with not just a feeling of sadness 4 - enabling people to pursue national framework for tackling disease burden globally - just with mental disorder. only about 20 per cent of but a real illness which affects an education,” says the director. NTDs, and continues to support behind heart problems. What we are yet to under- persons in such category seen the brain, adding that feeling The event was supported by the country’s plans to eliminate Despite being an alarming stand is that there are several to have the obvious forms of of sadness could easily go many critical stakeholders who endemic NTDs. public health issue due to the types of mental disorders in it, which includes what the away, but depression is a large populations affected, the country. One of the com- ordinary Nigerian refers to serious health condition that studies have shown that monest is depression which as madness, schizophrenia, requires proper treatment and UNICEF, NOA Call for mental disorder has not been has unfortunately affected and perhaps extreme case of counselling. taken as a priority the world 7,079,815 Nigerians, according drug or alcohol addiction; Enactment of VAPP Act in Imo over, especially in low and to the WHO in 2017. a reason that has largely Nigeria Has No Defined middle-income countries like Studies have shown that made mental disorder in the Mental Health Policy Amby UnezeÓØáÏÜÜÓ “FGM may not end without Nigeria, where it is still very young adults moving into remaining 80 per cent or 48 Nigeria must slow down proper legislation and this is why misunderstood. depression by the day have million Nigerians ignored or this growing condition by put- The United Nations Children’s we commend the Imo House of With the effect of snowballed. poorly understood. ting mental health policies in Fund (UNICEF) and National Assembly for enacting the Imo COVID-19, coupled with Specifically, about 25 per This, according to the place to prevent, identify and Orientation Agency (NOA) have state FGM prohibition Law (No. increased economic constric- cent of young adults are world health body, represents treat people suffering from it. appealed to the Imo State House 6 of 2017) and hope that soon, tions, financial hardships, depressed in the country, 3.9 per cent of the entire Nigeria has no clearly defined of Assembly to enact the Violence the VAPP Act will be adopted stretched lockdowns and 26.2 per cent of adults are population of the country, mental health policy. Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo”, he said. the accompanying poverty depressed, while 17 per thereby making Nigeria There is a Mental Health (VAPP) to save the girl child from UNICEF Facilitator for FGM it brings, it is not out of place cent of persons in Internally the most depressed coun- Bill lying in the National As- all forms of violence and abuse. in Imo, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha to say much more persons, Displaced Persons (IDPs) try in Africa. Globally, sembly for over 10 years. This The agencies made the call at a said the workshop was part in nations like Nigeria, are are depressed. Research Seychelles has the lowest document should be dusted, workshop with community and of the agency’s community- moving from mental health also showed that in various number of depressed per- amended to meet the times, religious leaders from Njaba and to-community dialogue with into mental disorder. parts of the country, about sons with just 3,722, according and then passed into law. This Isu Local Government Areas of community leaders for the Although this scenario 20 per cent to 59 per cent to WHO. way, we can say we are serious Imo State on the need to eliminate elimination of FGM in the 21 is a no-brainer, not many of people living with HIV/ While all forms of mental about tackling mental health Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) communities of the LGA. Nigerians, along with some AIDS are depressed, with the disorders are being advocated issues in the country. in Imo. Ekeocha who described FGM political stakeholders, un- highest prevalence reported against by the health body Nigerians who are depressed Speaking at the event, NOA as a form of violence against derstand the importance of in the North-central part of as priority by all member should visit the hospital. State Director, Mr. Nazzy Njoku persons stated the negative mental health. Oftentimes the country. These statistics nations, including Nigeria, Psychiatric illness is not commended the Imo Assembly effects of FGM such as low self when it is mentioned, what have suggested that depres- it is believed that the poorly spiritual. Instead of approach- for enacting the Female Genital esteem and sexual dysfunction in comes to mind is the picture sion - as a type of mental misunderstood types, especially ing healing homes, include a Mutilation (prohibition) Law (No. marriage can further be avoided of insane men and women disorder - is very common in depression, should be tackled visit to the hospital or mental 6 of 2017) and charged the State with the enactment of the VAPP with a particular spectrum of the country. Several persons head on before they silently health counsellor, while also Assembly to expedite action on Act in Imo. behaviour not in conformity are also battling with anxiety, destroy mankind. Depression praying for healing. Don’t the VAPP Act. UNICEF Programme Officer with the general form of schizophrenia, drug addic- has been tagged the leading make neuropsychiatric care He however said an enactment for FGM in Imo, Mr. Chigozie living. They believed the tion, bipolar disorder, eating cause of suicide globally. 800,000 a last resort when feeling of the VAPP Act will go a long Orjiako urged community leaders typical naked and dirty disorder, among others. people take their lives every depressed. way in reducing the practice of to appeal to residents of their person on the street who Several indications show year across the globe. FGM in the state to its barest communities to consider ending picks un-useful things in that over 60 million Nigerians Within the last four years, t0SKJ BOJOUFSOBUJPOBM minimum. the practice. sight and talks periodically have one form of mental the Nigerian media reported BOBMZTU XSPUFGSPN"CVKB THISDAY ˾ , JULY 1, 2021 35 PERSPECTIVE Eniola Akintunde : Championing Advocacy against Colorectal Cancer After she lost her husband to colorectal cancer, Eniola Akintunde has over the years shouldered the advocacy of cancer with Niola Cancer Care Foundation, majorly streamlined for colorectal cancer. In this interview with Ayodeji Ake, she testified of how she overcame a growing lump on her breast, the misconception between religion and health and her ongoing advocacy for Private Public Partnership to reduce the high cost of cancer treatment ow did your brush with It’s mainly about food. Unfortunately right now replicated to change the cancer story globally in a growing lump on your Colorectal cancer is tilting towards the third cancer Nigeria especially. cleavage happen? from fourth killing Nigerians. Breast cancer, cervical, Last year, I had a lump. prostrate then Colorectal respectively. Colorectal As a cancer advocate, what effort have I was checking the lump. I symptoms mimicks ulcer and pile so sometimes you made to incorporate NHIS into cancer was actually monitoring it they mix it. The symptoms are simple, weight system? but it’s a small lump like loss compared to normal symptoms do cancer On that we are still talking with the Nigerian pimple size. It was on my disease, blood in the stool, diarrhoea, sweating Cancer Society which is a body that we belong to cleavage. As a cancer advocate, I wasn’t comfort- and losing weight. and they are representing us well. Niola Cancer Hable so I was monitoring it from time to time. I When with general physician is treating you Care Foundation is a body that we belong to. spoke to two or three doctors and I explained to of ulcer maybe for six months and you are not Last two months, there was presentation that the them. I was asked to report back to the hospital getting any results, you should be referred to a society did at the National Assembly in regards to by February. When I went to the hospital I was specialist doctor and ask questions. Another thing that and we were told that they are working on told to come in March since it wasn’t paining me, is Nigerians don’t ask questions. We don’t ask it. At that point we got some information that we it was just pimple size. Then lo and behold, this the right questions and we don’t ask the right even have about 10billion naira that has not been thing changed form and I was wandering was people the right questions. Nigerians will leave spent for cancer control. This information we just it. Then March ending, it became swollen and at their doctors and start asking friends and family. heard about the NHIS and we are working but I that point I was afraid and I went to the hospital These are the things Nigerians should do and know. won’t be able to talk too much on it because it’s a and they did test. I went to Lagos State University Akintunde We should start doing it. So get a specialist doctor work in progress. Before now, we as an advocate Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for a diagnosis but it and let them check exactly what is happening. has actually mentioned it several times, it might kept getting bigger. Then I called some doctors. told them not to go to the hospital. Then our diagnosis too, there are lot of problem, look like an attack but because we want it done We were waiting for the Biopsy report and that What we trying to say is that is why we are the problem with cancer advocacy is high rate we have to hold them accountable and I think waiting period was tough. I felt for someone who calling out to religious leaders to please balance of Colorectal cancer is it multi-facilitates. But we work has started on it now so I won’t want to is cancer advocate and with all what I have seen it up. The role of the church and prayers when are not going to be tired; we will continue talking say too much on that. and losing my husband to cancer, not again. someone is sick is different. Hospital is where about it. Then with the pandemic, it hasn’t made And then, the result came out after one week treatment is taken and the two must go hand things easier. How differently do you want to fight stigma and to God be the Glory I was told that it is just a in hand. None must be abandoned. When the Globally, attention has been shifted to COVID-19 if everything has been put in place? lump that it’s not cancerous. But it was very painful, churches are praying for the sick, yes prayer is to the detriment of other diseases. According to What we can do as regards stigma is that we I couldn’t turn, I couldn’t stand up. I was using good. When I had the lump, I reached out to global term in 2019, the data for persons that won’t stop the advocacy by taking that message pillow to guide myself for about three weeks. For my pastors and they set up a prayer group and died from cancer global is 10million. Is that not out there and tell them that they don’t have to like a month, I couldn’t do a lot of things, I was I never joked with it and I believed in it and at more that COVID-19? So what are we talking stigmatise a cancer patient. I still want to do a write indoor. Then I had to go to the LUTH, at a point the same time, I never missed my appointment about? You can imagine what will happen in 2021 up that I want to publish. If you have cancer, it the doctor opened it and surprisingly, this thing in LUTH, then all the drugs I was given, I used when the focus doesn’t shift back to cancer and doesn’t mean that God does not love you and that they cut open close up again and the doctor it. So these are the balance we are talking about. everybody is now facing COVID-19. So everyone cancer is not contagious. Nobody is immune to advised we should keep monitoring it. Whatever So pastors and Imams should please allow and has to keep the conversation going, we have to cancer so if you stigmatise someone because he it is, we will see the end of it and why I needed talk to their members, encourage them to take keep talking about it, creating the awareness. or she has cancer it might be your portion too. to share this story is because most Nigerians have Orthodox seriously and take their medication as COVID-19 hasn’t taken more life that cancer. It might happen to you. Sadly, when you want found theirselves in the same situation and some at when due and when necessary. Honestly for me, because of the insecurity in to talk to Nigerians about cancer, they tell you of them will not do what they need to do. They Nigeria, it has affected cancer care. Patients in “no it’s not my portion” and I ask them whose won’t reachout, they won’t get it checked out. Some do not even have the money to remote state don’t have access to cancer care. They portion is cancer? So the stigmatisation, we keep They will think it’s just a normal thing. Yoruba carryout tests so how do we try to address are afraid of kidnapping, there is no road to go speaking about it. I use myself as an example will say it is ‘ewo’ (boil). You don’t have to take this issue? for their treatment. They are in the village, they when people talk I tell them my late husband that decision; you need to get it checked out. Let’s First and foremost, late presentation is when are afraid, even the doctors too are at risk, and had cancer. We had sex till he died, here I am, be sure what exactly it is that’s why I need to they have cancer already. But what we are talking they can be kidnapped too. and I don’t have cancer. take this out there. about is prevention which the non-governmental At that point people knew my husband had As an advocate, that is what we have been talking organisations, like ours, are so committed to. Pick True, but how can the PHCs help in cancer cancer, people abandoned him, even some of his about in the advocacy community of Nigeria. The it early and get screened before it even gets to the interventions instead of traveling far? very close friends, I didn’t see them again. Maybe church and other religious centres have a role to level of talking about late presentations because we True, the machines are quite expensive but because of the stigmatisation or maybe because play. Yes I saw it, it was fearful, it was scary but all know the challenges of the health care system are not all the screening that needs machines. of the cost of treatment. When you mention to this is a lump and what did I do? I went to the in Nigeria, we can’t over emphasise on it. It’s what Machines are most times for treatment. Like someone that a chemo of N360,000 naira is for hospital to get it checked out and next called my everyone knows that it is in jeopardy. But we are for colon cancer, the machine is quite expensive every ten days, people will run. People ran away. pastors, set up a prayer group for me, log into hopeful that things will turn around for good. but in primary health care centre, there are some After he passed on, I’m okay and this is me. I don’t some online prayer outlets for my healing. I did What we advise as an NGO is that everyone primary activities for Colorectal cancer test that have cancer so we just have to be communicating it, I won’t lie about it. Then people raised prayer has the responsibility to start taking care of their can be done . These tests can be carried out in to them out there. You don’t have to stigmatise points on my behalf but I never neglected my selves and be conscious of what you allow into our primary healthcare centre. a cancer patient. It’s not contagious. It’s not your doctor’s advice. And I never missed any of my your body. We encourage as an NGO and tell For breast cancer, the self-examination can be fault that you have cancer. appointments. I went to all of my appointments Nigerians to start eating organic foods. Let your taught in any primary healthcare centre. For cervical And you can’t control most of these things that till the lump disappeared. It actually disappeared. food be your medicine. What are you feeding screening, right now Lagos state is doing free cause it but what you can control is what you Though, the doctor advised that the ruminants your body with? Nigerians like party, they like to cervical screening in primary health care centres. eat so that is what you can control. You don’t of the lump need to be removed so I’m going to wear good clothes but going for medical screening So anyone can walk into any PHCs. It is a good have to stigmatise anybody, what you need to get it removed since it has shrunk to some extent they don’t do that. We have to start imbibing one if the government can please continue with stigmatize is eating processed food. Stigmatise because it was as big as baseball at the middle such culture. We have to start looking after our this trend because the primary healthcare centre is the intake of what you put into your mouth, of my breast. I got talking to one or two people body and self, that should be your number one the first place where someone sick in a community control the toxins in your environment. Some and they said I need to share this to encourage priority. When we start doing this, we can curb should go to. So it’s the grassroot and it’s the people will spray pesticides inside their house people out there. You don’t need to hide it or hide the incident of cancer because when you get best way to go. and stay inside it, go out when you spray it. yourself. You don’t need to conclude on what it screened, they can pick it early and when they These are some of the things that cause cancer, is when you are not sure. picked early, it’s not as bad as we think of, we During the onset of q COVID-19, we had we all know. If you live in a high populated should speak out, let’s know where we can help support from the private sector, how can industrial estate, you need to know what to do, How can the gap between religion and as an organisation. When it is picked early, it we charge the private sector to help cancer either you move out of that area or you know health be bridged? doesn’t need us raising millions of naira, it doesn’t patents too? how to control yourself or what you eat. So The simple truth is to take that advocacy cost us emotional, psychological trauma that we I have said this repeatedly and I will say it that is what they should stigmatise not people message to our religious centres. In all honesty, have to go through. But unfortunately Nigerians again all over the world globally, no country or family of people that have cancer. some of these things are true about some Christian don’t even go for screening. leaves the healthcare sector in the hands of the Infact people that are cured of cancer should organisations. It is a known fact and a much tabled government alone. The private sector needs to be celebrated. This month is for cancer survivors fact that if you ask some of our doctors in private Tell us about your foundation? key into it. Journalists need to come into it too so we celebrate them. In a developed country, hospitals in Lagos state will tell you that some Niola Cancer Care foundation is a Colorectal because they are also stakeholders. But we are they don’t joke with cancer survivors, they allow church members, even in the cancer advocacy Cancer (Colon Cancer) NGO. We are the first in not having that in Nigeria when it comes to them to share their story and speak and we are community, we know some of these things are West Africa with a lot of work to do. There is still cancer. We will keep talking about it. We expect also encouraging them to start coming out too. true. The members, they report at the hospital minimal awareness on Colon cancer and we are more from the private sector because they too Nigerians should embrace cancer survivors. This when it is far gone. Some people come to this seeing cancer and Colorectal cancer in younger are also loosing, because in an organisation if is not the time to stigmatise or run away from foundation and we ask them why are you just Nigerians. Infact, it is a global challenge that we are two of your staff has cancer and you need to them. Because if they come out, there is a lot we coming? This thing is already late. Didn’t you seeing our young adults having Colorectal cancer. take care of them, its millions. A patient can take can learn from them. They will give hope and notice? At what point did you notice there was Research has been linked to what we are eating. 100 million naira. Would you rather spend that if you know how they were able to get cured, a lump in your breast? And some of them tells And that is what is happening in the country right 100milliom on one patient or would you rather they can teach us and we can learn from them. us that we were in this particular Christian home now, you see us imbibing the eating culture of the start thinking of how we can prevent this thing Show them love. that they were there using the handkerchief but western world. So what is Colorectal cancer? It and spend the 100 million on prevention which I never asked them if the Christian organisation is the cancer of the Large intestine. The tumour we as an organisation is committed in doing? The NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the asked them not to go to the hospital. I never asked starts from the large intestine to the rectum. So we support the private sector gave and the individual online edition on www.thisdaylive.com them and they have never said their organisation have to go back to what we talked about earlier. donating to support and curb COVID-19 can be 36 THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE UBA Targets 25% Consumer Lending Portfolio Nume Ekeghe Rao said: “Our guiding principle, we want to be prudent.” I just want to stress is that we He added: “Today it contrib- The United Bank of Africa (UBA) have a customer first philosophy utes less than 10 per cent, but our has revealed plan to aggressively which drives what we do in UBA. ambition is to go beyond 25 per increase its consumer lending “And in everything we do, we cent. We have the right under portfolio from 10 per cent to are embedding this philosophy riding infrastructure, right about 25 per cent. weather it is process, technology, technology platforms and the According to the bank, increas- compliance risk management right recovery infrastructure.” ing consumer loans would be a and everything has to have “Our vision is to be most much-needed catalyst to inclusive the customer first philosophy. innovative and preferred bank economic growth. “The consumer lending space in Nigeria and in Africa in The Group Head Consumer is an opportunity to grow across terms of consumer lending, Lending Mr. Anant Rao, said this Africa and fortunately, Nigeria has with the best consumer credit yesterday, during a virtual media the demographic dividend. With in the market. parley where he spoke on the more than 200 million population, Obviously, we are not going theme: ‘Stimulating Nigeria’s we can see the opportunity. In to lend indiscriminately and Economic Growth and Impacting fact, every individual has bor- recklessly as we want to ensure People’s Lives.’ rowing needs and aspirations. we protect our capital and He also revealed the bank’s “We want to resize ourselves depositors’ money and ensure re-launch of its ‘Click Credit’ with and our operating model and en- that we are very responsible. a new feature which enables sure that in the future, consumer “We understand the market and customers access loans in 3 lending contributes a significant we have the ability to under right minutes. Speaking on plans to portion of our loan portfolio. We very well and we have the ability increase its consumer lending, want to be very aggressive and to recover our money very well. EDC Promotes Financial Literacy amongst Children GMD, UBA, Kennedy Uzoka Goddy Egene gerian demography, we thought Lekki Lagos aged 9 years, won it would be apt to read what our the 7 – 9 age category and Miss MARKET INDICATORS The EDC Fund Management children have to say regarding Joan Goma of Chrisland School Limited (EDC), a part of insecurity in our country. Idimu Lagos aged 12 years won MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Ecobank’s Securities Wealth & “Children are our future and in the 10 – 12 age categories. Asset Management Division, getting them involved in nation Both entrants scored the highest JANUARY 2021 recently concluded its essay building at a very early age is marks as it relates to content, Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 writing competition for children key to the development and structure and style. between ages 7 and 12 years, unity of our country.” “As we prepare to receive a -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 in commemoration of the 2021 Ogunmola explained that the child into this earth, we must Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 Children’s day. EDC is passionate about the equally prepare for their educa- The essay tagged, “If You future of the Nigerian child, say- tion,” Ogunmola said, stressing -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 Were the President of Nigeria, ing, the company was excited to that the company’s objective of -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 How Will You Solve the Issue of provide a way to stimulate them ensuring that all her clients meet Insecurity, Particularly Kidnap- educationally whilst they also their investment goals, EDC pays ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 ping, in the Country?” according learnt how they could provide particular attention to children to the company, was deliberate solutions to our nation’s issues. and the youth. ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 and timely to gauge the extent to The competition was open for “EDC emphasises the impor- Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 which our children understand a period of two weeks in the tance of planning for your child’s the happenings in our society course of which they received education as early as possible as Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 and how to address same. hundreds of entries from children well as enabling them develop -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 Speaking on the objective between the ages of 7 – 12 years financial independence in the of this competition, Head of all over the country. future. To this end, EDC has ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 Distribution at EDC, Mrs. Yemisi According to her, Miss Ifeoma provided some solutions that 0.00 Ogunmola, said: “Given the Ni- Ivana Elibe of Chrisland School have made this goal seamless. ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 Aella Launches e-Wallet Reward Scheme for Customers ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 Aella App, a financial service of the month. The buildup of time and still cash out the interest and payment solutions provider interest earnings makes Aella at the end of the month,” he Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 in Nigeria has announced its Wallet the first of its kind in added. introduction of a new daily the market. According to the statement, --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 interest initiative that will see The CTO, Aella App, Wale the Aella App has also simpli- --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ its customers getting paid for Akanbi, said funds domiciled fied loan and bills payment --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 simply going about their day- in the wallet gain interest daily with quick and easy access to-day transactions on the App. and empowers customers by to loans of up to N1 million, The new product is accessible allowing free access to their with the App working on both Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) only through the Aella App funds anytime. android and IOS platforms to Month March 2018 and, provides daily interest for “We strongly believe that deliver financial services in five Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 money kept in the Aella Wallet, our customers deserve to take (5) minutes. Aella has been according to a statement from credit for their hard work. This positioned to further demystify Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) the organisation. is why we focus on creating impediments to payments and Aella Wallet is an e-wallet that revolutionary products that put quick loan services in Nigeria Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 allows customers to store value the power back in the hands and Africa. Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 using the Aella App to perform of our customers, constantly Akanbi said, “Aella is built all financial transactions while rewarding them for just going to simplify instant credit and Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 earning discounts and rewards. about their daily lives. “With payment solutions for emerging Customers get rewarded with the Aella Wallet, there is no markets by offering; instant loans, 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 daily interest payments, with the need to lock funds. Our customers bill payments, micro-health insur- option of cashing out at the end can access their money at any ance, and investment services.” 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 Ibom Icon Hotel Organises Capacity Building Programme 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 ICON Hotels and Resorts Chairman Board of Directors Kayode; the General Manager Prime Lending rate 17.35 Nigeria said it has commenced of the Hotel Mr. Udeme Ufot. Ibom ICON Hotel & Golf Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 an intensive one-year human Also present at the inaugura- Resort, Mr. Charles Masilia, capital development program. tion were other directors of the Head of Operations of the The programme taking place Ibom Resort and Hotels Limited: Hotel, Mr. Gilbert Thinji, the ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ at Uyo, aims at converting Mr. Orman Esin; Imo-Abasi Head, Human Resources, Mr. semi-skilled individuals to Jacob; Bassey Ekanem, repre- Akan Bassey and the Training OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜Ͱͷ ͰͮͰͯ skillful personnel that can take senting the Attorney General Manager of the Hotel, Mr. Awak up opportunities in hospitality and Commissioner for Justice, George. The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.34 a barrel on Tuesday, and operate at managerial levels Akwa Ibom State; as well as Speaking at the inaugura- compared with $73.84 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. anywhere in the world. Mrs. Utomobong Inyang, Ag. tion on behalf of the Board of The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan A statement explained that Company Secretary Ibom Resort Directors, Esin, commended the management for initiating the Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light the training known as ICON and Hotels Limited. (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Management Training Pro- Others were the CEO ICON program aimed at develop- gramme commenced last month Hotel Group Africa, Mr. Fred ing indigenous talents and Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and with seven pioneer trainees, Maina; the CEO ICON Hotels preparing them to take up Merey (Venezuela). and had the presence of the & Resorts Nigeria, Mr. Adetope opportunities across the globe. THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 37 Companies Raise N800 Billion in Bond Market Goddy Egene and thus was expected to result be enough to restore economies would remain low over the short Plc (N115 billion) raised over 60 billion; C& I Leasing Plc in many corporate borrowers to to the growth path, aggregate term while pressures build-up per cent of the total bond raised (N10 billion); CERPAC (N15 Nigerian companies have raised see bonds as a suitable source of consumption was expected to for an upward movement in in the market. Other issuers billion); Coronation Merchant over N800 billion bonds from the capital to cover their increasing grow at a gradual pace. yield over the medium term,” include:; Fidelity Bank Plc Bank (N30 billion). On the capital market in the first half cost of operations. “With the announcement of Norrenberger had said. Various who raised N41.213 billion; equities market, Norrenberger of 2021 (H1) just as predicted The Report titled “Seizing The the federal government’s N5.06 companies have taken advantage Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc also posited that activities of by Norrenberger in its 2021 New Reality,” was designed for trillion deficit in the 2021 budget of the low performance in the raised N29.8 billion; Nova the bears would outweigh the Economic Outlook Report. local and foreign investors who and the activities of corporate fixed income market to raise Merchant Bank raised N10 positives in the equities in 2021 Norrenberger, a financial seek to understand the invest- borrowers, we expect minimal bonds at rates below 10 per billion; Emzor Pharmaceu- based “on the limited upsides services group, had predicted ment/capital market in Nigeria. impact on fixed income rates. cent to the tune of N800 billion. ticals raised N13.7 billion; of stocks given the overbought in its 2021 economic outlook The report had explained that We also project corporate issues Notably, three issuers namely, while Mecure Industries status, mid-term uncertainties, the report published in December while major policies and actions between N2 trillion and N3 tril- Dangote Cement Plc (N300 accessed the market for N3 weak macroeconomic backdrop 202o that yields on fixed income from government authorities and lion, for a meaningful impact billion) and MTN Nigeria Plc billion just as CardinalStone and thin foreign investors’ instruments would remain low international organisations should on yields. In our opinion, rates (N100 billion) and BUA Cement Financing SPV Plc raised N5 participation.” PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 25/06/2021 MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 38 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39 TRIBUTE To My Editor and Brother @ 60 Bello Olusegun Adeniyi On the other hand, I was disgusted The clan includes Jill Okeke, Yomi annulment. It could also not have with what Tyson did, even while not Idowu, Waheed Odusile and many been an accident that Tunji Bello was ntil I became the editor of much of a boxing fan. Overhearing others. It was also under his supervi- given the Environment Ministry in THISDAY, The Saturday the conversation that lasted several sion that my wedding was planned Lagos State where he has operated Newspaper in 2010, I minutes between Louis and I, Tunji right in the newsroom. Louis was for the past two decades. As editor, had worked for a decade Bello challenged us to go and put my ‘best man’ and the wedding Tunji Bello would never tolerate as Staff Reporter, Senior our conflicting arguments in writing. suit I wore was made by a tailor any form of dirt or filth within his UStaff Writer, Abuja Bureau Chief, At the end, Louis and I were fea- recommended by Tunji Bello. He also vicinity and in his office every single Assistant Editor and Deputy Editor tured in the next edition of Sunday helped us to raise the money, in a item was always in its rightful place. under six different editors. I learnt Concord under a special section remarkable story fitting only for my And he loves nature. Despite the a lot from each of these men. But named ‘Crossfire’. I remember the memoir if I live long enough to write huge population that inhabits a small my most memorable experience was title of my piece which responded one. space called Lagos, it is perhaps to with Mr Tunji Bello who is 60 today. to Louis’ canonization of ‘Iron Mike As it would happen, I resigned my the credit of Tunji Bello that there He invited me to Sunday Concord Tyson’ as he was then described appointment as his deputy shortly has been no environmental disaster in 1995, after the late General Sani by the media: ‘Holyfield, The Iron after my wedding in December 1998 in that city state. Abacha had lifted the proscription Bender’! to join THISDAY. Our paths would As I have shared in the past, what- order placed on some national news- In addition to being a good later cross again at THISDAY when ever credit I now gain for writing a papers and magazines at the time. leader, Tunji Bello is also a very he became Chair of the editorial weekly column, it was all because I started as assistant editor before I good person who cares deeply about board at a period I edited the Satur- Tunji Bello created my first platform. became his deputy. In the process, he others. Back in the days at Sunday day title. And perhaps to boost my confidence taught me the rudiments of editing. I Concord, I enjoyed his introduction Tunji Bello left the newsroom when I started, he expressed more learnt how to cut what didn’t fit into of what I will describe as ‘Nkwobi 18 years ago to become a com- faith in me than I had in myself. a story and how to watch out for Journalism’. Not only did he teach missioner in Lagos State but his After nominating me as his deputy possible libel. But much more impor- some of us how to eat that delicacy, transition to the political/public to replace Mr Sam Omatseye, FNAL tantly, Tunji Bello ran a newsroom he funded the indulgence. The only arena was smooth for two reasons. (current chair of The Nation editorial that was like a family, and he related aspect I refused to be inducted into One, as Group Politics Editor of board) who had left for the United to reporters as equals. Ever playful, was the ‘prospecting for OPEC crude’ Concord Press before he edited the States, he also asked me to take up he would hail me as ‘Kwara man’ (drinking of Stout!) which always Sunday (and later the daily) title, the column Omatseye was writing and had a nickname for everyone. accompanied the session, despite the he understood the field. Much more in the Sunday paper. “You cannot Tunji Bello brought a culture of ‘pressure’ from Louis and others. importantly, as a close relation of the write like Sam, so don’t even try. But spontaneity to the newsroom in That Tunji Bello ran a newsroom late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, Tunji you have your strengths. You are a which impassioned arguments were whose personnel related like one big Bello played a crucial role in the reporter with a nose for gist. You often translated into story lines. I family is reflected in the fact that June 12, 1993 presidential election are a good storyteller. And you have remember a particularly interesting most of us remain friends till today. and the agitations that followed its humour. Play to those strengths,” he experience. Following the 28th June told me that day. Incidentally, it was 1997 WBA Heavyweight Champion- Louis who suggested that the column ship contest between Evander When I reflect on my professional life, I have many be called ‘The Verdict according to Holyfield and Mike Tyson, which Olusegun Adeniyi’. When I reflect ended on a disgraceful note after people to thank for the little I have accomplished. on my professional life, I have many the latter bit off part of the former's people to thank for the little I have ear, my friend and colleague, Louis But today, I pay homage to Mr Olatunji Bello. At a accomplished. But today, I pay hom- Odion and I held different views age to Mr Olatunji Bello. At a critical on the outcome of that most bizarre critical period, he inspired me, pushed me, supported period, he inspired me, pushed me, fight. Louis is not only a boxing supported me, and helped me to enthusiast, having been an amateur me, and helped me to develop my talent and thrive. develop my talent and thrive. As he boxer in secondary school, but also a therefore joins the sexagenarian club, fanatical supporter of Tyson. So, he As he therefore joins the sexagenarian club, I can I can only wish him the very best was naturally defensive of his idol. only wish him the very best that the future holds that the future holds. 40 THISDAY ˾ ͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ TRIBUTE Obaseki @ 64: Celebrating an Unusual Politician Crusoe Osagie ous. In one instance, Oshiomhole relied on the faulty premise of a non-existent n a first meeting, he would defect in Obaseki’s academic qualifica- not seem to you like much. tion to disqualify the governor from Extremely unassuming, contesting for the APC governorship prim and proper. To classify ticket during a screening aired on him as a perfect gentleman national TV. He described himself in hardlyO does justice to the description of that instant as the Supreme Court of his mien. the APC, which had the power to make Unfortunately, in a society where or mar the destiny of an aspirant. He bruteness is celebrated as a hallmark of taunted the governor to appeal the leadership and shameful conduct hailed decision if he wasn’t satisfied with as glorious, a Godwin Nogheghase the verdict. But being quick-witted, Obaseki, until you actually get to know the governor dumped the APC, and him well, will most likely not be taken switched to the PDP for the ticket to seriously. contest in the election, a move which Sometime in 2018, less than a year inspired Obaseki’s supporters to turn the after he picked me to be his Special episode into a sonorous pop song with Adviser, Media and Communication the sing-along line, ‘Oga Carry Your Strategy, I was walking towards the Ticket Go’. gate which borders his office and After the election had been won and coincidentally his innocuous convoy lost, almost a year later, the Supreme of just three vehicles drove into the Court delivered its verdict on the alleged car porch. He stepped down dressed certificate forgery saga, which quashed in his usual smart suit. As he saw me Oshiomhole’s preposterous posturing. walking towards the gate, he beckoned A master of political intrigues, and I approached him. I wished him a Oshiomhole was beaten to his game by good afternoon, he responded and then the underdog, Obaseki who built a new asked, ‘Crusoe are you free later in the army of supporters, who were eternally evening?’ I responded, yes sir, and he invested in his quest to wrestle the God- said please let us have a meeting once father off his high horse. From defanging you are ready. political lions and tigers, demobilizing It was the first of such interactions I a statewide political machinery to had had with him and it set me think- unmasking the façade surrounding his ing. predecessor’s enigma, Obaseki proved From what I had known about many too slippery for all the attacks waged by powerful and successful men, it was a Oshiomhole and his minions. relatively unusual way to engage your staff. ‘Edo No Be Lagos’ First, he greets me with genuine Obaseki Another intriguing persona in Gov- interest in my wellbeing and then he ernor Obaseki’s political sojourn is the asks if I was free to meet him? it within the ambits of modesty and political debacles in Nigeria’s fourth former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju This sort of attitude elicits different simplicity, then you have failed, because republic, as a political ‘lizard’ in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a kingpin who reactions from different kind of people. for him, it is absolutely unacceptable to phrasing of Oshiomhole faced off with a had mastered the intrigues of Nigerian For me, having studied leadership from display power and lord it over the very political ‘giant’. politics. Touting himself as the ‘father a largely unconventional institution, the people whose mandate you stand on to The stakes were high. Obaseki rode of democrats,’ Tinubu had schemed church, I immediately knew that this provide leadership. the storms in a manner that befuddled to stretch his political empire to Edo was not the kind of man to take for However, to take this simplicity for anyone that was conversant with the State, after holding sway in South-west granted. weakness when you engage Obaseki has Godfather-godson squabbles that dot Nigeria since the turn of the century. Power can be vicious but power under proven to be a costly mistake for many. Nigeria’s political history. Oshiomhole Few days before the election, he made firm control can change the world. After Otherwise, how can you explain had everything going well for him, or so a broadcast that riled the emotion of that day, I kept watching this man who Obaseki’s triumph over nearly all the everyone thought. He was the National Edo people against the APC candidate, clearly understood the enormity of political heavyweights in the country, Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was Tinubu’s power in his custody but was not even who pitted themselves against his Congress (APC), which had at the time man Friday. minutely intoxicated by it. He carried reelection in September 2020. just pulled off a political masterstroke The Obaseki nut proved too hard to this huge power with so much grace Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, with the ousting of the Peoples crack. During the run-up to the election, and humility. This is exactly the kind Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate Democratic Party (PDP) at the national on the streets of Benin City, one of the of man to be revered and maybe even leadership, the House of Representatives level. He had just completed two terms most potent chants to draw hysterical feared. leadership along with all their hirelings as Edo State Governor and had the reaction from the crowd was the refrain: Conversely, however, in a broad all deployed their full weight against political machinery in the state wrapped ‘Edo No Be Lagos,’ a jibe at the kingpin segment of the political space in Nigeria, Obaseki’s reelection and they failed around his palms. While serving as in Lagos, who Edo people felt was such individuals are perceived to be woefully. governor, he had defeated the Tony plotting to take over their state and turn weak. Many in our local political space Anenih political apparatchik, amassing descendants of the dominant, old Benin consider might to be right and rudeness Oshiomhole’s Self-immolation massive followership and a reputation Empire into modern-day slaves. On as the currency for measuring the sense When the story of Obaseki’s political as a political bulwark that combined the election day, it was not uncommon to of dominance and primacy. journey is written, Comrade Adams oratory of a labour leader, the sagacity hear crowds erupt in joyous, liberating I once had a casual conversation Oshiomhole would get copious mention of a sage and the fame of a pop star into screams of ‘Edo No Be Lagos’ when the with a security personnel, who inciden- for the friendship the duo shared, his ever-bubbly frame. All these were results were announced with Obaseki tally was the Chief Security Officer to but more so, such a treatise will brought to bear against Obaseki in the leading. Governor Obaseki at the time. He was highlight the high-octane ‘politricks’ that political battle that ensued. The role of the Nigerian Senate in trying to draw my attention to what characterised their frayed relationship, In the end, Oshiomhole not only met the futile efforts to unseat Obaseki is he believed was one of the possible which culminated in the demystifying his match, he was outwitted by the com- now etched in history. They had sought precursors of all the political battles that and usurpation of the latter’s political bination of the Governor’s experience to take over the Edo State House of the governor had to fight during his first fiefdom. as a student of Classics with learnings Assembly in what proved to be an abuse term in office. Obaseki became governor of Edo State from ancient philosophers and political of legislative function, acting out a script According to him, it all begins with in 2016, in what many people believed strategists; decades of hedging risks in that was hatched by the honchos in the the convoy of the governor. Crusoe, to be the making of Oshiomhole, as he corporate boardrooms and an unassum- APC. Feeling undone with the crises you think convoys of governors and supposedly deployed his political arsenal ing mien steeped in the fine traditions of that resulted from the move, they were presidents are long and intimidating for to ‘install’ his successor. However, the one of the old Benin empire’s aristocratic joined by the House of Representatives, fun? He asked me. tides turned in a matter of months, families. in the hope that a united National As- There is a psychological angle to it, resulting in one of the most dramatic The dramatic highpoints were numer- sembly could muscle the State Assembly he counselled. People must fear you as and subsequently remove Obaseki. They a governor. When a governor passes, met a brick wall, nonetheless, with a the place should shake and people must High Court in Port Harcourt validating feel the chills. This drives a sense of awe the proclamation of the Assembly by into the people and they will think twice For Obaseki, simplicity is second nature. Whatever Governor Obaseki. The APC National before picking a fight with you.” assignment he gives you to handle for him, if you Working Committee also collapsed to This security expert made the com- the whims of Oshiomhole, who usurped ment out of frustration after he had cannot deliver it within the ambits of modesty and their powers on his vengeful mission to tried repeatedly without success to get remove Obaseki. These schemes came to this governor to fortify his convoy with simplicity, then you have failed, because for him, naught, turning the Obaseki story into a bomb squads, heavy artillery and a reti- legend in Nigeria’s political space. nue of bulletproof SUVs. I understood it is absolutely unacceptable to display power and On this July first, birthday of an the dilemma of this security man but unusual politician and decent Nigerian, had he known Obaseki more he would lord it over the very people whose mandate you Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, it is with have stopped trying to sell dominance stand on to provide leadership. However, to take this great delight and admiration that I wish and intimidation as a security strategy. him a fabulous birthday celebration. For Obaseki, simplicity is second na- simplicity for weakness when you engage Obaseki ture. Whatever assignment he gives you -Osagie, a journalist writes, from to handle for him, if you cannot deliver has proven to be a costly mistake for many Benin City THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 41 42 THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 43 NEWSXTRA British High Commission in Talks with FG over Kanu’s Arrest Afenifere, Abaribe, Igbo, Yoruba groups want IPOB leader’s rights protected Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Sunday are protected. any trial or legal proceedings to follow The organisation said this through RSHUDWLQJXQGHUWKHULJKWHQYLURQPHQW the dubious approach of the federal Ehigiator in Lagos, James A spokesperson of the British High GXHSURFHVVµDV.DQX·VSURVHFXWLRQ the Secretary General, Chief Sola XQLQÁXHQFHGE\SROLWLFDOFRQVLGHUDWLRQV JRYHUQPHQW WR ÀJKWLQJ FULPHV DQG Sowole in Akure, and Amby Commission, Dean Hurlock, disclosed resumes. Ebiseni, who spoke with journalists and tribal body languages of the politi- criminality in Nigeria. Uneze in Owerri this in a message sent to TheCable Reacting to the arrest, Afenifere, in Akure, Ondo State, capital. cal actors in the illegitimate exercise “Of course, Nnamdi Kanu is answer- yesterday. \HVWHUGD\ VDLG 1LJHULD·V VHFXULW\ ´7KH DUUHVW RI .DQX HYHQ LQ D of the powers granted them by the DEOHWRFKDUJHVDJDLQVWKLPDQGKDYLQJ The British High Commission has Kanu, who is also a British citizen, DJHQFLHVKDYHGHPRQVWUDWHGWKDWWKH\ IRUHLJQ ODQG VKRZV KRZ HIÀFLHQW people. now been brought before the court, said it is “in the process of seeking was arrested on Sunday and extradited FRXOGEHKLJKO\HIIHFWLYHLIJLYHQULJKW DQG HIIHFWLYH WKH 1LJHULDQ VHFXULW\ ´+RZHYHUWKHUHLVQRWKLQJFKHHULQJ the mode of effecting his arrest has FODULÀFDWLRQµIURPWKHIHGHUDOJRYHUQ- to Nigeria to face trial for alleged ZHDSRQVDQGHQYLURQPHQW VHUYLFHV DQG IRUFHV FRXOG EH ZKHQ in the arrest against the backdrop of become a mere academic exercise. ment regarding the arrest of the leader treason. of the Indigenous People of Biafra In the message shared with The- (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Cable, Hurlock said the UK Foreign, This is coming as the apex Yoruba &RPPRQZHDOWK DQG 'HYHORSPHQW socio-political group, Afenifere; Senate 2IÀFH´VWDQGVUHDG\WRSURYLGHFRQVXODU Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya DVVLVWDQFHµUHJDUGLQJWKHPDWWHU Abaribe; pan-Igbo think-tank group, “The British High Commission in Nzuko Umunna; World Igbo Congress Abuja is currently in the process of (WIC), and Yoruba Ronu Leadership VHHNLQJFODULÀFDWLRQIURPWKH1LJHULDQ )RUXPKDYHDOOUHDFWHGWRWKHDUUHVWRI JRYHUQPHQWDERXWWKHFLUFXPVWDQFHV .DQXDQGXUJHGWKHIHGHUDOJRYHUQPHQW RIWKHDUUHVWµKHVDLG to ensure that his constitutional rights He added that the UK “would expect Transcorp Energy Presents Alternative Energy Solution to Nigeria Transcorp Energy Limited, a Nigeria,” Ikenga explained. subsidiary of Transnational Onu, while welcoming the Corporation of Nigeria Plc, has Transcorp team, reiterated the presented an alternative energy commitment of the federal govern- solution to Nigeria as part of its ment to promote the application of integrated energy strategy. science, technology and innovation Unveiling the Company’s within Nigeria, in line with the alternative energy plan at a meeting Executive Order No. 5 of the federal with the Minister of Science and government. “We are delighted to Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, see this innovation and appreciate the Head of Transcorp’s Energy Transcorp for leading the charge AWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY… Business, Mr. Peter Ikenga, said in the industry with this initiative. L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva; member of the board of Corruption Reporters, Dr. Yunusa Tanko; it will unlock greater value in the The approach by Transcorp to power sector. and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Birtus Nabasu; during the presentation of award from Corruption use small scale nuclear plants is Reporters, at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Towers, in Abuja…yesterday Speaking at the event, Ikenga catalytic for achieving the national stated that Transcorp Energy was goals on Science and Technology”, seeking to collaborate with the he stated. federal government, through the The minister further affirmed Federal Ministry of Science and the commitment of the Federal Senate to Debate, Pass PIB Today, House Receives Report Technology, to develop nuclear Government, particularly the Min- power plants as alternative energy Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu the Group Managing Director of The Speaker, Hon. Femi Petroleum Industry Bill on a istry of Science and Technology to in Abuja source for power generation in support Transcorp in the laudable the Nigerian National Petroleum Gbajabiamila had on Tuesday Bill for an Act to Provide Legal, Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, announced that the lawmakers Governance, Regulatory and Fis- Nigeria using the OPEN100 model. venture and directed that a joint The Senate will today debate the who will explain the technicalities will pass the long awaited Bill cal Framework for the Nigerian “This project is transformative committee comprised of Transcorp, report of the Petroleum Industry of the bill to the lawmakers. before its summer break schedule Petroleum Industry, the Develop- and a first in Nigeria and would and all the relevant stakeholders Bill (PIB) submitted to it on He added that after the closed- to begin middle of July. ment of Host Communities; and radically change the way nuclear be setup immediately to jointly Tuesday and accordingly pass door session, the bill will be The final report was laid by for Related Matters, 2021.” power plants are deployed, offer- manage execution of the project. it immediately. subjected to debate by Senators Chairman of the Committee and Gbajabiamila, thereafter told ing a substantially less expensive The OPEN100 is the world’s President of the Senate, Dr. ahead of passage later today. Chief Whip of the House, Hon. the lawmakers to send their aides and less complicated solution. It first open-source blueprint for Ahmad Lawan, who disclosed Meanwhile, the House of Mohammed Tahir Monguno. to collect copies of the final report will further provide the country nuclear power plant deployment this during plenary yesterday, Representatives at the plenary Monguno said: “That the on the bill for further study before with a reliable and sustainable for a small, standard, pressurised further said the upper legislative yesterday received a report on House do receive the Report it will be considered later by the energy source, devoid of some of water reactor that will accelerate chamber will also today have an the PIB from its Adhoc Committee. of the Ad–hoc Committee on House. the challenges hampering stable deployment of the modular nuclear hour closed-door session with and reliable power generation in plants for power generation. House Queries NECO over Three Zamfara PDP Senators, Nwaoboshi Defect to APC APC senators now 70, PDP 38, YPP 1 to dissolve the State Exco of the said his decision to resign from N636m Unremitted Funds party. the PDP was due to the implosion Udora Orizu in Abuja executives of the examination body. Deji Elumoye in Abuja joined the APC. “This has negatively impacted within the party. Addressing the lawmakers, With the defection of the four effective representation of my con- The lawmaker accused the PDP Senators, APC now has 70 stituents. Being a representative of leadership of the party of foist- The House of Representatives Ogborodi who said they had an Senators Sahabi Alhaji Yau (Zam- operating surplus of N1,278, 462,493 fara North), Hassan Mohammed Senators, PDP 38 Senators and my people, and having consulted ing tyranny, arbitrariness and Committee on Finance, yesterday Young Progressive Party (YPP) 1. widely with them, I decided to intolerance. queried the National Examinations of which they were to remit 80 per Gusau (Zamfara Central), Lawali cent (N1,022, 769,994) to the govern- Hassan Anka (Zamfara West) and The defection letter by the defect from the crises-ridden party The Senate President, Lawan, Council (NECO) over the N636,778,000, Deputy Minority Whip, Senator to a more formidable and peaceful who stopped midway while which it failed to remit to the federal ment, noted that only N385,991,627 Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) was remitted. have defected from the Peoples Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara West) reads: party, the APC.” reading the defection letters as government in 2019. “I hereby inform Your Excellency Deputy Chairman, Committee a result of interjections from PDP The committee has also directed He said this was because the Democratic Party (PDP) to the examination body was being owed All Progressives Congress (APC). and my Distinguished Colleagues on Senate Services, Senator Lawali Senators, jokingly remarked that that agencies such as, National Youth of my decision to move from the Hassan Anka (Zamfara West), on more defections were underway. Service Corps (NYSC), Industrial by some state governments. President of the Senate, Dr. According to him, “The balance Ahmed Lawan read the letters Peoples’ Democratic Party to the his part, said his defection was “Distinguished Senator Training Fund, National Broadcast- All Progressives Congress Party. informed by the crises in the (Chukwuka) Utazi, I know this ing Commission (NBC) and Nigeria is because some state governments of Senators Yau, Anka and who did the examinations are yet to Nwaoboshi at plenary and also “The decision is necessitated by Zamfara state chapter of the PDP. is not easy, but you know we have Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the endemic crisis that engulfed Chairman of the Committee to learn to live with it, because which failed to show up at the hearing, pay. Zamfara State was the highest informed his colleagues that Gusau debtor with N1, 220, 34,000. Others who resigned his membership of the Zamfara State chapter of the on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator many more will be coming here,” should appear today unfailingly. PDP, which led the national body Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) Lawan said. The Chairman of the Committee, are: Adamawa (N281, 455, 500), Kano the APC on Tuesday has also Hon. James Faleke, at the resumed (N240, 043, 000), Gombe (N7, 214, investigative hearing into alleged $30 150), Bornu (N40,027,675) and Niger billion annual revenue leakages, grilled (N234,453,157).” Seven Journalists Killed, 300 Violations Recorded under Buhari’s Govt, Says Report He however said they have written the Acting Registrar of NECO, Mr. in Abuja, the Executive Director, ists including killings. of weak democracy and a restive Ebikibina Ogborodi and other top to relevant authorities to help with A 2021 Press Freedom Report has the recovery of the money. revealed that the media industry Citizen Advocacy for Social and The report reads in part: “For government, adding that it is recorded seven unresolved killings, Economic Right (CASER), Mr. example, in 2017, four journalists instructive to note that a free and 300 violations, affecting about 500 Frank Tietie, said actions like were killed in separate incidents open press is part of the bedrock Arrest of Kanu: FG is Competent in journalists, media workers, and these only bring back unpleasant with no credible inquiry yet to of democracy and development. Handling Security Matters, Says ACF media houses in Nigeria under memories of the long tenure of find the culprits and their motive Speaking earlier, the President the administration of President military rule and the established for the fatal attacks. The four of NUJ, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, decried The Board of Trustees ( BoT) of the Malami, the group praised the Muhammadu Buhari. culture of intolerance against the were Ikechukwu Onubogu, a the incessant attacks on journalists Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) federal government, and the The report released by the Media media when Nigeria recorded her cameraman with the Anambra in the country. has said that with the arrest of security agencies both local and Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) most grievous crimes against the Broadcasting Services, Lawrence Isiguzo said the safety of Nnamdi Kanu, the federal govern- international, that brought him in collaboration with the Nigerian industry. Okojie of the Nigeria Television journalists goes beyond killings ment is competent in handling back to Nigeria. Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the The report said the nation was Authority (NTA) in Edo State, and physical assault but also security matters. The Board said the action of the development was of major concern witnessing actions that seek to Famous Giobaro, a desk editor include the absence of arbitrary In a communique issued government in handling Kanu in to the union, as journalists and undermine the profession by with Glory FM in Bayelsa State arrest, resorting to exile to escape after the BoT meeting in Kaduna such a neat way amidst many other media organisations are targets both state and non-state actors. and freelance broadcaster, Abdul repression, harassment, destruction yesterday, which was signed by security challenges showed that the of attack by both protesters and It said Nigeria is fast gaining Ganiyu Lawal in Ekiti State.” and confiscation of equipment and the Chairman of the ACF Board government is very competent in government. notoriety for its failure to tackle It also noted that clamping premises, and self-censorship in of Trustees, Ambassador Shehu handling security matters. Presenting the report yesterday impunity for crimes against journal- down on the media was a sign media. 44 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 NEWSXTRA COVID-19: FG to Deny Travellers from India, Turkey, Brazil, S’Africa Entry into Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja announced this measure yesterday and Brazil -as persons of interest. Also Nigerians and those with ted within a government-approved sengers that make false declaration in a revised provisional quarantine In addition to that, it revoked the permanent resident permit who treatment centre, in line with National or misleading contact information protocol specific to those four visas of the foreigners, while the visited the aforementioned countries treatment protocols if positive, while will be liable to prosecution while The federal government has countries for travellers arriving in Nigerian citizens had their passports within the 14 days preceding travel the passenger shall be admitted within those who willfully disregard or threatened to deny entry into the Nigeria. frozen for six months. to Nigeria shall be made to undergo a government-approved treatment refuse to comply with directions of country of non-Nigerian passport The protocol, which does not apply The specific guidelines for the four seven days of mandatory quarantine centre, in line with National treatment Port-Health staff, security agencies or holders and non-residents who visited to passengers who transited through countries also warned that airlines that in a government-approved facility protocols. evade quarantine will be prosecuted Brazil, India, Turkey or South Africa the countries, will come into effect failed to comply with the protocols at the point-of-entry city and at cost The PSC also said that if the test is in accordance with the law. within 14 days preceding their travel from July, 2, 2021. will mandatorily pay a penalty of to the passenger. negative, the passenger will continue The revised response provisional to Nigeria. It will be recalled that some weeks $3,500 for each defaulting passenger The PSC stated further that pas- to remain in quarantine and made quarantine protocol now requires The Chairman of the Presidential ago, the federal government had while non-Nigerians will be denied sengers from those countries will to undergo a repeat PCR test on in bound passengers to perform a Steering Committee (PSC) on declared 222 visitors- Nigerians and entry and returned to the country within 24 hours of arrival take a day-seven of their quarantine. COVID-19 PCR test not more than COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha foreigners, who visited India, Turkey of embarkation at cost to the airline. COVID-19 PCR test and be admit- The statement said that pas- three days or72 hours before boarding. $3&&KLHIWDLQ&ODUL¿HV$OORFDWLRQ of Campaign Funds to Kwara Nseobong Okon-Ekong same time. In any case, we had a national officer of the party, the National Publicity Secretary, who is Former Vice Chairman (North Central) from Kwara State. We did not have of the All Progressives Congress (APC), any complaints from Kwara or any Suleiman Wambai, has denied claims other state that the said fund was that the national headquarters of the mismanaged. It was used for the party gave the Kwara State Governor, purpose it was meant for.” AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, N1 billion He said the allegation by the former to run his campaign in 2019. state Chairman of the party, Bashir Speaking yesterday on the recent Omolaja Bolarinwa, that the governor controversy on campaign funds in the did not disclose the fund sent to state, Wambai said the funds the party him was “definitely false because sent to Kwara and other states were the disbursement was transparently for election logistics such as payment done, otherwise, where did the money for polling agents, supervisors, and paid to our party agents, supervisors, canvassers. canvassers come from? The reports Wambai told journalists in Abuja from Kwara and other state showed that: “That particular money came that all the polling agents and others with a specific template of distribution that were meant to be paid were duly and various stakeholders, including paid as designed.” national officers, were involved in Wambai clarified that Kwara State its disbursement. The candidate, like did not get up to N1billion, and his colleagues in other states, took whatever the state got was disbursed delivery of the said funds but that in accordance with the template from PRINTING NIGERIA’S STORY… was all. Its disbursement followed the national headquarters of the party. a template that the party had earlier “This matter can only generate L-R: Member, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, Chief Teni Zaccheus; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, approved. controversy out of ignorance. If they Chief Adeniyi Adebayo; and President of the institute, Mr. Malomo Olugbemi, when a delegation of the institute visited the minister “As the chairman of the party were aware of the restrictions the in Abuja…yesterday in the North Central, I was to be electoral laws imposed on campaign there, but I couldn’t possibly be in fund donations, they wouldn’t be all the North Central states at the saying such thing,” he said. Former Federal Lawmakers List Ways to End Insecurity The Forum of Former Federal correct perceived areas of injustice, containing agitations, conflicts and the former federal lawmakers urged Canada Seeks More Volume Lawmakers in Nigeria has decried exclusion, and economic alienation insurgencies benefiting the society. governments at all levels to scale up the current state of insecurity in in the country as part of a robust The former lawmakers said they land border control measures. of Trade with Nigeria the country and has recommended solution to end insecurity. were worried about the menace of It called on the federal government measures to the government to end The former federal lawmakers farmers/herders clash and proffered to issue a timeline during which to Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Canadian high commis- the menace immediately. also advised that government must ranching as the best solution to vanquish the Boko Haram insurgency sioner said: “Nigeria is Canada’s The forum in a public notice intensify dialogue with non-state actors sedentary pastoralism. amongst others, while also calling second most important partner in Canada has shown interest in suggested ways out of the logjam. in order to assuage frayed nerves Against the backdrop of the for an end to bloody secessionist sub-Saharan Africa. It said government must first across the nation and succeed in porousness of the nation’s borders, agitations. increasing both bilaterally and “Nigeria is an important partner multilateral cooperation with Nigeria for Canada. Our bilateral relation- and subsequently increases the ship is multifaceted and growing volume of trade with the country. stronger each year through our $JDLQ,1(&/DPHQWV$WWDFNV'HVWUXFWLRQRILWV2I¿FHV Addressing journalists in longstanding cooperation across Abuja recently to mark the trade deals, development, diplomacy, Chuks Okocha in Abuja capable of undermining the electoral Implications for Anambra State attacks on 42 INEC offices in the Canada independence from the education, and security.” integrity in the conduct of elections Governorship and the 2023 General country. British on July 1, 1867, the acting On the volume of trade with The Chairman of the Independent in Nigeria. Election’. “We are, therefore, seriously High Commissioner of Canada Nigeria, Simard said as per year- National Electoral Commission (INEC), Relatedly, Adele said it has become The INEC chairman, in his welcome concerned at the impact of this chal- to Nigeria, Nicolas Simard, said: to-date data from statistics, the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has listed increasingly clear since the post-2011 address, said the topic of the lecture lenge when the physical appearance “We look forward to broadening total merchandise trade between the destruction of the property and general election that state resources was quite significant especially with of registrants commences at the 2,673 and deepening our cooperation Canada and Nigeria is estimated staff of the commission as capable of are being used with impunity and at the ongoing security challenges registration centres soon. with Nigeria both bilaterally and to be $1.4 billion (Canadian Dollar affecting negatively the November 6, an alarming rate as part of election- nationwide, and particularly, as there “This challenge is more pronounced multilaterally.” CAD), with Canadian merchandise 2021, Anambra State governorship related and electioneering war-chest has been numerous attacks on the as the commission will deploy 5,345 Nigeria presently stands as the imports from Nigeria accounting election and the 2023 general election. of governing parties at the federal commission’s offices and property workers to officiate in the 2,673 regis- second largest trade partner of for more $411 million (CAD) and He stated this as former INEC and state levels. all over the country. tration centres nationwide. Naturally, Canada on the African continent, Canadian exports to Nigeria at more national commissioner and scholar, Both spoke at the 2021 annual According to the Yakubu, “For we are deeply concerned about their exceeded only by South Africa. than $539 million (CAD). Prof. Adele Jinadu, described vote Abubakar Momoh Memorial Lecture, instance, between 2019 general safety even more than the security of buying as the latest contrived act with the title: ‘Security and Elections: elections and now, there have been our property and materials.” Trial of Eight Suspected Killers 3'33UHVHQWV&HUWL¿FDWHWR2]LJER6D\V$3&)DLOHG1LJHULDQV of Unilorin Student Stalled Chuks Okocha in Abuja the beginning of a new dawn in experienced. only to the people of state, but the state. “So we believe that Anambra all Nigerians. Hammed Shittu in Ilorin until her death, was a student of Agricultural Science department from The National Chairman of the While presenting the certificate is a very important state not only According to the PDP national Oke-Opin community in the Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to Ozigbo, Secondus said: “Today for PDP, but for the country. The chairman, “We want to state here The trial of eight suspected rapists Local Government Area of the state. Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday we are presenting the certificate of state hosts the largest number of clearly that what happened in and armed robbers, who allegedly The defendants were brought before presented the certificate of return to return to our candidate, Valentine billionaires, industries and those Anambra State on June 26 is raped and murdered a 24-year-old the court by the state government in Valentine Ozigbo as the Anambra Ozigbo. who have stakes in the Nigerian the first time ever that we have University of Ilorin student, Olajide suit No KWS/33c/c/2021 on 11-count State governorship candidate of “We want Nigerians to know project. So we want to present our conducted a very peaceful primary Blessing Omowumi, could not hold charge bordering on armed robbery, the party for the November 6 that APC has completely failed certificate to the candidate that election in Anambra State since yesterday due to the inability of three illegal possession of firearms and rape. gubernatorial election. this country. They made all sorts has gone through all the processes 1999. As witnessed by the media of the suspects to produce legal rep- Three of the defendants, Abdulazeez Meanwhile, Ozigbo has pledged of promises in 2015 but they failed and fulfilled all the conditions of and the good people of the state, resentation. The suspects, Abdulazeez Ismail, Ajala Moses Oluwatimileyin to commence an immediate to fulfill all of them. We are in a our party.” our party has gone through all Ismail, Ajala Moses Oluwatimileyin, (Jacklord) and Oyeyemi Timileyin reconciliation of all members of mission in Anambra State to rescue Secondus urged the governor- the necessary processes in ac- Oyeyemi Timileyin Omogbolahan, Ab- Omogbolahan, were said to have the party, stating that his election Nigerians from the hands of APC. ship candidate to go and campaign cordance with our constitutions dulkarim Shuaib, Kareem Oshioyemi allegedly conspired among themselves as the governorship candidate is This is the worst Nigerians have peacefully and return victory not and guidelines. Rasheed, Abdullateef Abdulrahman, “to rob one Olajide Gloria Blessing Daud Bashir Adebayo, and Akande Omowumi also known as ‘Wumi’ (now Taiye Oladoja, were scheduled to be deceased) of her Samsung Galaxy A2 UNIBEN Student Killed Hours after Final Exams arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf Core phone and carted away other of an Ilorin high court. items, including one black Acer aspire, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Izu was said to have been killed last numbering four, were said to be fully been shot on same day (Tuesday) The state Police Command had one series laptop, one Samsung drive, Tuesday after he was trailed to his masked-up when they carried out the by gunmen. earlier confirmed suspected rape and one pink wireless mouse, one white A final year Political Science student off campus hostel located at 5, Image dastardly act in the presence of the Oginigbo, a student of Computer murder of a 300-level student of the handheld mini sewing machine, one of the University of Benin has been Street, off Federal Road, Ugbowo, deceased friend, Walter Emeka, who Engineering, was shot in the head university in her residence at Tanke Infinix charger and one gold colour reportedly shot dead hours after Benin-city, by his assailants who was also hit by bullet in the arm. around the June 12 Secretariat on the area of the Ilorin metropolis. Wintouch tablet, while armed with writing his final examination. shot him dead in his room. In a related development, another campus and in a critical condition and The deceased, said to be staying offensive weapons, including a black The student identified as Augustine According to a source closed to the student of the institution, Joshua receiving treatment at the University with her elder sister at Tanke area, wooden pistol.” scene of the incident, the assailants, Oginigbo, is also reported to have of Benin Teaching Hospital. THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 45 NEWSXTRA House Investigates Non-payment of Allowances to Army Personnel Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja by Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba at the lowance, operations allowance and by President Muhammadu Buhari training and performance of other North-east, anti-banditry operations plenary yesterday. duty tour allowance of soldiers and on January26, 2018. military duties, who are still being in the North-west, anti-bunkering in The House of Representatives has Moving the motion, the lawmaker officers, was necessitated to mitigate He said: “Despite the increment in owed various types of non-regular the South-south and anti-kidnapping ordered an investigation into the recalled the significant upward review the effects of current economic realities budgetary provision for non-regular allowances.” across the country. non-payment and under utilisa- of non-regular allowance of the on the welfare of troops and the allowances from N283 billion in 2020 The lawmaker pointed out that The House, therefore, mandated tion of non-regular allowances of Nigerian army in 2017 to ensure entire personnel of the Nigerian army. to about N380 billion in 2021, the the country is besieged by several its Committee on Army to investigate army personnel from 2017 despite that serving army personnel are Nalaraba said the increment welfare of army personnel has not security challenges and the Nigerian the disbursement of non-regular increment in budgetary provision for adequately remunerated and motivated was captured in the Manual of felt the corresponding effect and army is currently saddled with internal allowances to army personnel from the allowances in 2020 and 2021. for optimum performance in provision Finance Administration (MAFA) personnel of Nigerian army involved security operations, which include 2017 till date and report back to the The decision of the House was of adequate security in the country. and approved for implementation in internal security operations, anti-insurgency operations in the House in four weeks. sequel to the adoption of a motion The lawmaker noted that the of urgent national importance moved non-regular allowance, which includes payments such as first 28 days al- Senate Okays N74.773bn Budget for Police Trust Fund Deji Elumoye in Abuja N23,632,857,141.30. Giving a breakdown of the budget, the Senator said the sum of The Senate has approved the sum of N988,279,006.05 is for Personnel Cost; N74,773,601,916 billion as 2021 budget N10,027,610,310.25 for Overheads for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. Expenditure; N11,015,889,316.30 for The approval was sequel to the Recurrent; and N63,757,712,600.00 consideration of a report by the Joint for Capital Expenditure. Committee of the Senate and House He explained that the 2021 accrued of Representatives on Police Affairs. revenue are as follows: 0.5 percent Presenting the report, Chairman of the Total Revenue Accrued to of the Senate Committee on Police Federation Accounts Revenue at Affairs, Senator Dauda Halliru Jika, N41,867,680,099.00; 0.05 per cent observed that the 2021 NPTF budget of Total Value Added Tax (VAT) is the second since the Act came into N8,824,064,676.00; 0.05 percent of being in 2019. the Net Profit of Companies in He disclosed that the total Nigeria – N 300,000,000; and Aids, revenue roll-over from 2020 was Grants, and Donations – N150,000,000. Abia Alliance Tasks Ikpeazu on COURTESY VISIT… Transparency, Welfare of Workers L-R: Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, Mr. Tunde Olalere; Chairman, NUJ, Lagos State Council, Mr. Leye Ajayi; Founder, Love of Christ Generation, Rev. Esther Ajayi; and Treasurer, NUJ, Lagos Council, Mrs. Iyabo Ogunjuyigbe, during the Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in portunists’, was signed by the group NUJ, Lagos Council’s visit to the cleric in Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI Umuahia Coordinator, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, and four other strategic executive A group of concerned Abia State members, Chief Joe Ezearu, Chief businessmen, technocrats and profes- Allen Chunks Wogu, Bishop Bernard Illegal Arms Importer to Pay N1m Fine as Senate Amends Firearms Act sionals has urged the state Governor, Nwaogu and Dr. Jude Ohuche. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to show more According to AFA, “The lack Deji Elumoye in Abuja fails to surrender illegal firearms “This is necessary because the Government,” the Senator added. transparency in the management of of transparency in the Ikpeazu to the relevant authorities during power to confiscate or seize illegal He said the bill has become impera- the state finances, saying the current administration has continued to The Senate yesterday passed the a proclamation for such. firearms should be all-inclusive and tive in view of the proliferation of “opaque nature” of governance leaves manifest in the high cost of projects Firearms Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill The Chairman of the Committee, not limited to a particular arm of firearms, coupled with the security much to be desired. in the state and the secrecy in the 2021, increasing the fine for illegal Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, force or law enforcement agency.” challenges facing the country. The group under the aegis of Abia award of contracts,” adding that Abia importation and sales of firearms said the N1,000 fine contained in the The bill also amended sub-clauses The lawmaker said the fine in the Freedom Alliance (AFA) made the people have not enjoyed democratic to N1million, from the N1,000 in extant Act was not punitive enough (4) and (5) of clause 39 to allow extant Act was not commensurate call in a statement made available governance under PDP in the state. the extant Act. to deter illegal importation and sales firearms that are not of military with the gravity of the offence, hence to journalists in Umuahia, the state Though it did not provide The Senate passed the bill after of firearms in Nigeria. serviceable grades but are serviceable, the upward review of the fine in capital, highlighting the six years of comparative contract figures, the it considered the report of its Com- He said, “Clause 39 of the Bill, to be deployed for use by Civilian the bill. Ikpeazu administration and 22 years group noted that projects in Abia mittee on Judiciary, Human Rights which deals with power to seize Joint Task Force and other Registered This, he added, would serve as of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State “are costing multiple of what and Legal Matters. and destroy confiscated and illegal Vigilantes, under the approval and deterrent and strengthen the current “stranglehold” on the state. similar projects in other South-east Section 35 of the bill was also firearms, was amended to provide for supervision of the Office of the efforts geared towards the control of The statement entitled: ‘Okezie states cost even when the topography amended to increase the fine to inclusion of other law enforcement National Security Adviser. illicit and illegal firearms influx into Ikpeazu at 6: Why we must rise to and other environmental conditions N3million or three years impris- agencies besides the Police and the “This is important because these the country and in the possession reclaim our state from political op- are similar.” onment or both for anyone who military. joint efforts are also funded by the of an individual. UK Withdraws £150m Tropical GKS President Buried Amid Encomiums on His Legacies Diseases Funding The late President of God’s Kingdom Adedokun said at the occasion President shunned the trappings that “this makes GKS unique from Obasanjo, Jonathan, Gowon, Abdulsalami, 29 others kick Society, (GKS), The Church of the which was attended by more than and paraphernalia of office, adding several other churches and is highly Living God, Godwin Onukwulunjo 4,000 members and friends of the that he moved about without any recommendable”. Former Presidents Olusegun The UK Government’s decision, Ifeacho, was laid to rest at the week- Church from various parts of Nigeria, security. The speech was read on behalf Osinbajo, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu if implemented, means its aid end with members and friends of the United Kingdom, Canada, United He added that the late Ifeacho of the king by High Chief W.A. Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar and programme to Nigeria would be Church heaping praises on him for States of America, with the state “was unstinting in his determination Digbori, the Okpako r’ Ilorogun 29 other ex-African Heads of State cut by 58 per cent. his services to God and humanity. government being represented that the Church remained united and of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom. have lamented the United Kingdom’s It also means the UK will abandon In a funeral ceremony held at by Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, Special in peace by the grace of God” and The chairman of GKS Laity, Joel proposed withdrawal of £150million 77.1million NTDs treatments in Ni- Salem City, Warri, the Church Adviser on Neighbourhood Watch that he even “suffered himself to be Omare, spoke of the landmark strides for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). geria and over 200 million of Africa’s headquarters, where the late president and Chairman of the Delta State defrauded for the sake of peace.” attained by the Church in terms of They urged the international poorest and most vulnerable people was also interred, the Acting President Security Trust Fund and Dr. Em- Expressing his condolences on physical development of Branches community and humanitarian that it had promised to support. of the Church, Felix Ekundayo manuel Okoro, Special Adviser on behalf of the Agbarha Traditional during the late president’s period in assistance agencies to mobilise the Out of the 26 countries affected Adedokun, said the late President, Community and Rural Development, Council and the entire people of office, believing that he worked hard needed aid resources to avoid further by these aid cuts, 24 are in Africa, who died at the age of 81, was neither to the Delta State Governor, as well Agbarha kingdom, His Royal to strengthen the faith of members loss of life that might result from including Nigeria. materialistic nor vainglorious, his as representatives of the traditional Majesty, London Afokerhi Itu, Orhifi by visiting as many Branches, no the UK’s decision. According to Uniting to Combat guiding principle being “service to ruler of Agbarha- Warri Kingdom, Ememoh 11 (JP), the traditional ruler matter how remotely located. “He They made the plea in a statement Neglected Tropical Diseases, which God and humanity.” among other dignitaries. of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, noted served as president with zeal and under the auspices of the Forum for represents over 100 organisations “He believed that there is dignity Reading the tribute of the Execu- that the succession pattern of the openness and never feared being Former African Heads of State and working on NTDs, the cuts mean tive Board, the General Secretary GKS is not hereditary “that is, from criticised, a virtue which will leave Government and other Institutions 18.3million treatments will not be in simplicity, and this showed in his general lifestyle, comportment, of the Church, Tariola Michael father to a spouse, son or brother”, indelible marks in our minds”, he (Africa Forum), made available by delivered in Tanzania, 26.7million Ekiseowei, stated that the late but rather was “universal”, adding asserted. not-for-profit-organisation, Uniting to treatments will be affected in speech, dressing etc.” Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases. Mozambique and 3.6million in Ghana. Obasanjo Felicitates with China’s Ruling Party, CPC at 100 I Don’t Foresee War in Nigeria, Says Cleric Former President Olusegun to the world and consequently modernisation. “Working towards relations with China in 1971, Ni- The Founder of the Love of for all Nigerians to be more Obasanjo has extolled the leader- rubbed off positively on global the goal of economic modernisa- geria’s relationship with China has Christ Generation Church C&S, prayerful because there can never ship quality of the Chinese, as the economies, including Nigeria. tion, their strategy moved from developed into one of the most worldwide, Rev. Mother Esther be peace when there are crisis in country’s ruling party, Communist “The party has led the country “national industrialisation” to important bilateral relationships Abimbola Ajayi, has urged religious the land. Party of China (CPC),clocked 100. from the era of Chairman Mao to “four modernisations. Mao was maintained by either country. The leaders as well as Nigerians to The cleric said that she would The former President in a become the economic powerhouse responsible for many of the political relationship has broadened and continue to pray for the country continue to pray for Nigeria as she congratulatory message to CPC it is today. At $16.64 trillion GDP, initiatives that transformed the face deepened with China’s growing in order to overcome challenges was optimistic that there would at its centenary age, attributed the it’s the second largest economy of China” power and interest in securing confronting her. not be any outbreak of war in success and growth of China to after USA with $22.68 trillion GDP. The elder statesman boasted its regional interests (particularly The Christian cleric made the Nigeria. the consistency and doggedness of “With the founding of the of how he enabled a sustained within the South China Sea), and call during a visit by Executive “He is God of new beginning the ruling party in its 100 years People’s Republic of China, relationship with China during his taking its place as a major global members of the Nigeria Union of and nothing is impossible for Him of existence. headed by Mao Zedong who is tenure as the President of Nigeria, actor. China and Nigeria have Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Council to do. God always had a way Obasanjo in the message recalled regarded as the Founding Father a development which he said was signed a number of agreements on led by its Chairman, Mr. Adeleye of restoring calmness in Nigeria how the decision and policies of of Modern China, China’s leaders able to strengthen the bond between trade, economic and technological Ajayi. whenever any crisis was looming,” the founding fathers of the Peoples’ began their exploration of the road the two countries till date. cooperation as well as on invest- According to her, there is need Ajayi said. Republic of China marketed China to socialist industrialisation and “Since establishing diplomatic ment protection”. 46 THISDAY •THURSDAY, JuLY 1, 2021 ThursdaySports Leicester Put Iheanacho, Vardy on Red Alert with Signing of Daka Femi Solaja 2018 was in a blistering form in with agency report the final quarter of last season with several match winning Leicester City yesterday stepped goals that helped the Foxes to up their bid for striking options win the FA Cup and narrowly in the coming season following missed the chance to play in the the signing of striker Patson UEFA Champions League this Daka from RB Salzburg. coming season. The Zambian international Chelsea legend, Didier was officially unveiled yester- Drogba, took to social media day morning, when the Foxes to welcome Daka to the Premier confirmed Daka had put pen League yesterday. Drogba enjoyed a trophy- to paper on a five-year deal. laden career at Chelsea during The implication of the addition his eight years at Stamford means that the duo of Super Bridge. There, he won four Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheana- Premier League titles, four FA cho and England striker, Jaimie Cups and three League Cups. Vardy will have to sweat it out Also, he won the Premier for a starting line up with new League Golden Boot twice point man in the new season. and set numerous club scoring Daka, 22, had previously records, including the most by a been linked with Jurgen Klopp's non-Englishman (164), the most Liverpool and Arsenal. in the Champions League (36) Speaking to LCFC TV, Daka and the most in cup finals (nine). said: “I'm so, so excited to join And now that the African this great, historic club. It has Jaimie Vardy (left) and Kelechi Iheanacho have new threat with the signing of the Zambian Daka. star has officially teamed up been my dream and I'm so with Brendan Rodgers’ men, the happy and looking forward not going to be easy, but I feel Zambian. ances last season saw him finish Celtic in his homeland before former Cote d’Ivoire international to what's coming next. ready to face this new challenge. The striker has scored 68 as the Austrian Bundesliga's top joining Austrian side Liefering formally welcomed Daka to the “I have followed Leicester “I will give my best for the times in 125 appearances for scorer, as well as being named on loan in 2017. King Power Stadium. from the time they won the Club each and every day, and RB Salzburg in all competitions, the league's Player of the Season. Iheanacho, who was part of “Congrats to Patson Daka league. I feel it is the perfect I look forward to seeing the and rapidly caught the attention Born in Zambia, Daka spent Super Eagles’ team to the first for your Leicester City move. place for me, because it's a team Leicester City fans inside the of top European clubs as a result. part of his youth career with round elimination at the last Welcome to the Premier League,” that fights for titles. I know it's stadium soon,” observed the His 27 goals in just 28 appear- Nchanga Rangers and Kafue World Cup finals in Russia in Drogba tweeted. UEFA Euro 2020 Q’finals Live on DStv, GOtv Eguavoen Admits Tough Final Quarter final matches of the The second match on Friday after their stunning upset win ongoing UEFA Euro 2020 night is an all-heavyweight clash over the Netherlands, but the Championships are going to between Belgium and Italy in Danes are continuing to ride the Squad Selection to Face Mexico be broadcast live to viewers Munich at 8pm. emotional wave driving them lot of commendations because on DStv and GOtv through The Red Devils are looking forward in the wake of Christian it’s not easy working with a SuperSport on Friday 2 and to justify their world number Eriksen’s collapse early in the whole lot of players from the Saturday 3 July. one ranking, but will likely have tournament. domestic league.” The titanic battles will get to cope without key men Eden Catch this match live on SS Eguavoen however apologized underway early on Friday Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, Football (DStv channel 205 to those who thought they ought evening with Switzerland taking while the Azzurri will again be and GOtv channel 31)and SS to be in the squad to the Mexico on Spain in Saint Petersburg. reliant on their strength in depth. Euro2020 (DStv channel 204 friendly. Spain have become the rising This will be live on SS Football and GOtv channel 32). “Apologies to those who felt force of the tournament after (DStv channel 205 and GOtv The Quarterfinals wrap up on they should be here but are not scoring 10 goals in their last two channel 31)and SS Euro2020 Saturday night with the meeting here. This is not a one-off thing matches, while the Swiss are (DStv channel 204 and GOtv of Ukraine and England in Rome but a continuous thing. Recall fresh from their upset win (via channel 32). at 8pm. that the Minister also told us penalties) over world champions Saturday’s early game is the The Three Lions are in ecstasy that we should go back to the France in the Round of 16 and meeting of the two surprise after a historic 2-0 win over drawing board when we have have started to dream of glory. packages of the tournament, Germany in the Round of periodic camping,” he noted. This clash will air live at 5pm with Czech Republic facing 16, but Ukraine’s last-gasp, The NFF has promised that on SS Euro2020 (DStv channel Denmark in Baku at 5pm. extra time win over Sweden henceforth, there will be regular 204 and GOtv channel 32). The Czechs are flying high shows that they are dangerous invitations of players from the opponents. R-L: Super Eagles officials, Paul Aigbogun and Austin Eguavoen domestic league in a one-year having tete-a-tete with other coaches of the home-based senior plan where there would be Betway Nigeria Donates Bus to Nile University national team before their departure for Los Angeles, USA...last night periodic camping for them to fish for those to be included in Community Boxing Gym in Lagos Qualifies for Total- Duro Ikhazuagbe figure out what position is best the ‘A’ team. for each player as well. It was Premium entertainment and present the bus at EliteBox fit- NBBF Division Enyimba forward, Anayo gaming brand, Betway Nigeria, ness centre in Victoria Island, As the home-based Super Eagles tough decision,” observed the Iwuala and his teammate ex international fondly called on Wednesday, donated an Lagos. One Finals departed Abuja last night for goalkeeper John Noble have 18-passenger bus to EliteBox, The founder of EliteBox, Los Angeles, USA, venue of the Cerezo in his days as Eagles become regular members of defender. a boxing gym in Lagos. Rehia Giwa-Osagie, says; “I Nile University came out international friendly between the Super Eagles following their The donated bus is expected founded EliteBox Fitness in smoking on Match- day Nigeria and Mexico on Saturday, Eguavoen stressed that coach- good showings recently. to take care of transportation May 2016 to provide people ing a football-loving country like 5 as they continued their Technical Director of the Nigeria and tours for members and with a platform to keep impressive display in the 2021 Football Federation (NFF), Austin Nigeria demands thick skin by trainee boxers. healthy and also as a way to the gaffers as criticisms are what Total National Division One Eguavoen revealed the difficult NPFL “Betway is happy to support pick up life skills that include Basketball league. to expect on regular basis. EliteBox Gym in their bid to techniques on how to defend task the team’s coaches faced in “It has not been easy because it (Match-day 30) Still unbeaten in the promote fitness and healthy oneself. Savannah Conference, the trimming the squad from 26 to has been very tough. You know living in Lagos. We hope that “The goal was to improve 22 players. when people criticize you, you Lobi Stars 3-0 Heartland only university in the league this donation will go a long the boxing culture in Nigeria defeated Safety Knights of Eguavoen who won the should be able to accept it once Rivers Utd 3-1 Plateau Utd way in contributing to the and have more world champi- AFCON 1994 with the ‘golden you are in this job. But objec- general well-being of residents ons come out of Africa. I am Abuja by 74-57 points in the generation’ of the Nigerian tive criticisms are welcomed. IfeanyiUbah 3-0 Adamawa and trainees at the facility,” grateful to the Betway team local derby. senior team admitted that Discovery again lost their But Again, this job is open to MFM FC 2-1 Kano Pillars Betway Nigeria’s Director, for supporting us with this it was difficult dropping criticism anyway. Chris Ubosi, announced at bus, and this gesture will go a game against OS Lions in the four of the players in camp “Like I said before that this job Enyimba 1-1 Warri Wolves the presentation of the bus. long way in changing lives,” Atlantic Conference of the Total because of the commitment EliteBox has revolution- Giwa-Osagie stressed. National Division league. and improvement exhibited is not easy and selecting those Rangers 2-1 Abia Warriors players is also not easy.” ized training of boxers with The donation, according ABU lost to Yobe Warriors by all the stars invited from unique equipment inspired by to the Betway officials, “is in in a game that came down to the domestic topflight league. He however feels elated by Jigawa GS 0-1 Katsina Utd the commendations heaped on methods of boxing greats like continuation of Betway’s com- the wires. It was the Warriors “We had about 26 players in Sunshine 1-0 Wikki Tourists Mohammed Ali, Sugar Ray munity support programme who held their ground to win camp and it was difficult trim- the coaching crew by the Sports Robinson, among others. and contribution to healthy Minister, Sunday Dare, when 68-66pts. ming it down to 22. Yes, there TODAY Executive Chairman, Yang- living in Nigeria.” Today, Ebun Comets were lots of improvement. I am he visited the team’s training abet, Derrick Kentebe, joined Since the initiative com- early this week. will hope to maintain their not saying that those dropped Dakkada v Kwara Utd Manager, Retail Channel, Bet- menced in March 2021, Betway unbeaten run when they face were the least, but we also “When the Honourable way Nigeria, Clement Okolie has donated nearly N10 million Minister of Sports (Sunday Akwa Utd v Nasarawa Coal City Kings in the first want to let them know how and Agency Manager, Betway worth of fitness and sports game of the day. we want to play and trying to Dare) visited us, he gave us a Nigeria, Dotun Adepegba to equipment across Nigeria. THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 • THISDAY 47 Thursday, July 1, 2021 Ekweremadu to Nigerians Those who have ruled this country as presidents, do you think their villages are better than others? It’s a psychological thing”—Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu on why the 2023 Presi- dential slot should go to the Southeast The Tricky Trial of Nnamdi Kanu fter a four-year interregnum, the the Southeast Governors’ Forum announced the much unfortunate because the inference was that trial of the ‘supreme leader’ of the proscription of IPOB activities. The then chairman, because Kanu is Igbo, all Igbo people must suffer proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State also assured the consequences of his action…Unfortunately, the Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu Nigerians that “full investigation is ongoing on all message that was also lost on the authorities in Abuja resumed on Tuesday at the Federal allegations of killings, maiming and other unlawful is that you cannot build an inclusive society when AHigh Court in Abuja. First arraigned on 14th conduct in the (Southeast) zone within this period”. you react to national security threats in a manner that October, 2015 before he eventually secured bail But nobody can deny that Kanu is now a huge suggests some people are above the law; although and fled the country, Kanu had been slammed factor in Southeast politics. Because some people many people across the country also felt let down with an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, cannot differentiate between Biafra and the Igbos, that some otherwise respected senior citizens from treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, Kanu has been able to create a ‘We’ versus ‘Them’ the South-east who ought to have called Kanu to publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession narrative on what remains an emotional injury in order were practically genuflecting before someone of firearms and improper importation of goods. the Igbo collective psyche. The tragedy really is young enough to be their grandson!” According to the Attorney General of the Federation that it did not have to come to this, if Kanu had In that presentation, I also made it clear that the and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, SAN, Kanu not been consumed by hate-mongering. In my excessive military show of force in the South-east is now also accused of inciting violence through 1st October 2017 ‘Platform Nigeria’ presentation, under the pretext of ‘Operation Python Dance’ was television, radio and online broadcasts that resulted ‘A Nation on the Edge: Which Way Nigeria?’, I a dangerous gambit that could play into the hands in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, spoke on how Kanu was insulting other ethnic of Kanu given public resentment by the people who paramilitary, police forces as well as the destruction nationalities. Yet those who ought to have restrained were made to pay for what they knew nothing of civil institutions and symbols of authority in him refused to do so. As I asked in one of my about. Sadly, that was what fed the general angst the Southeast. columns, when Kanu said “anybody attending a that eventually turned Kanu into a folk hero within While the security agencies may have scored a Pentecostal church with a Yoruba pastor is an idiot, the region. huge coup by arresting Kanu abroad and bringing Kanu a complete fool and an imbecile” before adding, Now, let me come back to the 2017 ‘Platform him home to face trial, nobody should be under “if your pastor is Yoruba, you are not fit to be a Nigeria’ intervention for my closing argument: any illusion that this is a simple case. The trial of And on 10th September 2005, he also granted an human being” or “Pastor Kumuyi should be stoned “Admittedly, ours is a fragile polity but the social Kanu resembles that of his friend-now-turned-foe, interview to the Independent Newspaper where and dealt with thoroughly if he comes to Aba for and economic bonds that unite us are strong and Mujahid Dokubo-Asari who was charged with similar he said: “Nigeria is an evil entity. It has nothing his planned crusade”, was I expected to clap for hard to dissolve. Yet the task of conscious nation offences under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Let’s to stand on and I will continue to fight and try to him as a Yoruba man? building has hardly been done. The rights of hope it doesn’t turn out the same way. Although see that Nigeria dissolves and disintegrates and I However, what provoked my ‘Platform Nigeria’ citizenship are still shackled by boundaries of state Dokubo-Asari’s case eventually ended with his am ready to hold on to the struggle to see to this intervention was the ultimatum given by some of origin and ethnicity. The excessive hangovers release from detention by my late boss, President till the day I will die. I do not see any reason why ‘youths’ for all Igbos to vacate the northern region, of prolonged military rule are still with us in the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on 14th June 2007 (two I should continue to live with people that have as a result of killings in the Southeast at the time. Let form of impulsive arbitrariness. Our government weeks after assuming office as a prelude to the no relationship with me whatsoever.” me take excerpts from what I said on that occasion: still finds it easy to call in military force to quell Niger Delta Amnesty programme), anybody who During the trial on 19th February 2007, Dokubo- “On 6th June this year (2017), some old men under elementary civil unrest. We are yet to teach our wants to recall that drama and its lurid details Asari created a never-to-be-forgotten scene when the aegis of Coalition of Arewa Youths gave all citizens from infancy the values of group living and should read the Supreme Court judgement of he told Justice Peter Olayiwola who had asked the Igbo people living in the North till yesterday, how to compete as individuals without resorting 8th June 2007. Incidentally, that judgement (on that he be taken out of court for unruly behaviour: 1st October to vacate the region. Even though the to primordial hate when we cannot prevail. a bail application case) was delivered by Justice “Stupid man! Stupid judge! You want to adjourn quit notice was eventually withdrawn, the damage “However, despite all these, the real challenge is Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, the current Chief this matter again? You want to send me back to that ultimatum did to our national psyche would that of creating enough wealth to cater for the need Justice of Nigeria (with concurrence by Aloysius the underground cell again? I am sorry for you. take many years to heal. But then, the action of of our huge population. If we remain a poor country Katsina-Alu, Niki Tobi, Francis Fedode Tabai, Pius Your family will weep when it happens. They this group was also a response to the uncontrolled with an external reserve that is less than the cash Olayiwola Aderemi and Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh). will cry and cry. Your family members cannot verbal aggression by Mr Nnamdi Kanu, leader of holding of Facebook alone, our competitions might Meanwhile, Dokubo-Asari’s lawyer was Festus escape too. I know where they live. And Obasanjo the so-called IPOB. get bloodier and our future more speculative and Keyamo, SAN, the current Minister of State for will not be able to protect you.” In the end, that “Egged on by the mob, comprising mostly Okada tentative. Our task therefore is to make Nigeria a land Labour and Productivity. trial catapulted Dokubo-Asari into national and riders with online support from several of his kinsmen of equal opportunity for all, a nation whose unity Let me refresh the memory of readers on that international limelight and perhaps, stupendous in the Diaspora, Kanu was allowed to take hate is not decreed as non-negotiable but is guaranteed case before I go to the substance of my interven- wealth as well. speech to an unprecedented level. Even when he by the practical incentives it offers for all to want tion. Arraigned on 6th October, 2005 before the However, while the recall is important to situate was presented a golden opportunity to champion to stay in and perfect the union.” Federal High Court in Abuja, Dokubo-Asari was the issue of Kanu’s trial, I am also aware that the the genuine grievances of his people with civility, ENDNOTE: As we gradually inch towards the 2023 accused of managing “unlawful societies of more Southeast is not exactly the Niger Delta in the following an ill-advised treason trial that catapulted general election and the permutations for presidency than ten persons respectively known and called mind of the current dispensation. Obasanjo and him into national limelight and prominence, Kanu in the two leading political parties continue, we are Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Yar’Adua may also have taken different approaches could not rise beyond the mediocrity of the adula- bound to confront the Igbo question in a way that Congress for the Liberation of Ikwere People but for essentially economic reasons vis-à-vis the oil tion of some street urchins. He felt that by making could tie into Kanu’s travails, even if unintended. (COLIP) and Chikoko Movement” with objec- factor. There are no such considerations in this case. incendiary statements to offend, insult, intimidate His trial has now been compounded by the fact tives that allegedly include: Levying war on the Besides, the most incensed members among Kanu’s and threaten people from other ethnic groups, he that he jumped bail which, in some jurisdictions, government of Nigeria; encouraging the killing and supporters are in the Diaspora. The feeling within was helping whatever his cause was. At the end, is usually deemed a “consciousness of guilt”. But injuring of persons and property; promoting the the Southeast political circle may be one of relief he made a strategic miscalculation. Kanu deserves a proper trial and respect for the subversion of the government of Nigeria and its that Kanu is out of circulation. Indeed, following “However, while I do not know why Kanu believes rules. The federal government should grant him officials; committing and inciting acts of violence their meeting in Enugu on 15th September 2017, spreading hate and violence would help his cause, access to his lawyers, obey the courts, and ensure and intimidation; encouraging interference with the Arewa youth counter-response was also very that he gets justice, according to the laws of the or resistance to the administration of law; and land and the constitution. encouraging the disturbance of peace and order By his conduct and utterances in the past six years, Kanu Meanwhile, Southeast leaders will also do well in the Niger Delta. to reassure other Nigerians that IPOB does not In one of the charges, Dokubo-Asari was said has succeeded in alienating many open-minded Nigerians speak for the region. By his conduct and utter- to have held a meeting on 28th August 2005 at (outside the Southeast) who appreciate the legitimate ances in the past six years, Kanu has succeeded in Samsy Hotel in Benin, Edo State capital where he alienating many open-minded Nigerians (outside the planned to cause civil disorder that would lead to demand of Igbo people for fairness, equity, and justice in an Southeast) who appreciate the legitimate demand the overthrow of what he reportedly called “the inclusive nation they can call their own. of Igbo people for fairness, equity, and justice in dictatorial government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo”. an inclusive nation they can call their own.