APC, PDP Leadership Crises Resolved Ruling party’s govs back Buni, as Secondus survives in no victor, no vanquished decision Chuks Okocha, the leaderships of both the ruling All Governors Forum (PGF), umbrella and asked it to proceed with the However, in the PDP, after two national convention, which has been Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Progressives Congress (APC) and body for governors elected on the conduct of the local government major meetings of the party’s brought forward from December to Treasure Chinelobi in Abuja the opposition Peoples Democratic platform of party, has reaffirmed and state congresses, as well as the stakeholders and Board of Trustees October, but with an understanding Party (PDP), have finally got a hold its support for the Caretaker/ national convention of the party, (BoT) members, its leadership agreed that the current NWC members Conscious of the implications of of their respective challenges, setting Extraordinary Convention in line with the mandate of the to allow the Uche Secondus National would not seek re-election. the current state of their parties to the parties on new opportunities. Committee of the party led by the National Executive Committee Working Committee (NWC) to surviving the next general election, In the APC, the Progressive Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni (NEC). continue in office till the next Continued on page 10

CBN Sets N10bn Capital Base for Credit Guarantee Companies ...Page 5

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TODAY'S WEATHER ABUJA MAIDUGURI ENUGU KANO LAGOS PORT HARCOURT 25°C-33°C 31°C-31°C 25°C-28°C 27°C-33°C 24C-27°C 20°C-30°C Battle-fatigued, Leaderless, 1,000 B'Haram Members Surrender to Gallant Troops Yahaya urges others to follow suit, renounce hostilities Concerns over pampering of repentant terrorists Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Haram members and their families who passed on after detonating The repentant Boko Haram Abu Darda. huge concerns amongst Nigerians surrendered to the Nigerian troops. a bomb during a negotiation to members, according to a statement However, while the Chief of following the release of pictures of The federal government has Decimated by military's air surrender by other fighters of the by the army, included the chief Army Staff, Lieutenant General repentant terrorists being extended recorded a big break in the fight strikes and artillery bombardment, Islamic State for West African bomb expert of Boko Haram, Faruk Yahaya, has asked other kind treatments, including provision against insurgency after some the months-long operations had Province (ISWAP), who had known as Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala insurgents to abandon their ille- of clothes, beverages and drinks 1,000 battle-fatigued, leaderless culminated in the death of the surrounded his base in Sambisa Musa Abuja, and his second in gitimate cause and also surrender to and evidently demoralised Boko terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, Forest in the North-east. command, Usman Adamu a.k.a troops, the development has elicited Continued on page 10

BEHOLD THE PDP PEACEMAKERS... L:R: Chairman, PDP Reconciliation and contacts committee and former senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; former SGF and Former President of the Senate, Senator Pius Anyim; former Senate President and former Minister for Education, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; former Senate President, Senator ; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha at the opening of the expanded meeting of the party organs to settle the impasse in the main opposition party at the party's national secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja....yesterday

NAFDAC: to Begin Local Manufacturing of COVID-19 Vaccines By 2022... Page 5 2 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 5

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene NEWS Email: [email protected], 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322 NAFDAC: Nigeria to Begin Local Manufacturing of COVID-19 Vaccines By 2022 Says three herbal drugs undergoing clinical trial FG trains 40,739 health workers for second phase of vaccine roll-out Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja government's planned local to take care of millions of Nigerians, federal government was conscious complicated process. logistics that are needed. manufacturing of COVID-19 adding that the government was of the constraints posed by lack According to Adeyeye, "A total of 3,363 teams will The federal government has said vaccines while speaking on ARISE working diligently to start local of drug security. NAFDAC undertakes a rigorous be used; 2,690 teams manning it is targeting to commence local News Channel’s ‘The Morning manufacturing of the vaccine. Adeyeye further said NAFDAC process in approving herbal the fixed post and 673 manning manufacturing of COVID-19 Show,’ also said the agency has When asked to give update has initiated a process to develop medicines for the listing by temporary fixed post which will vaccines in the next 12 months. commenced clinical trials on three on the plan to establish a factory herbal medicine products in the inspecting the premises of the go from settlement to settlement This is just as the federal local herbal medicinal products in Nigeria that would undertake country by setting up the Herbal practitioner to ensure that it meets especially around areas where government yesterday said it has for the treatment of the virus. local manufacturing of COVID-19 Medicine Product Development the required hygienic standards people will congregate. For concluded the training of about Adeyeye said the government vaccines, Adeyeye said: "In terms Committee to advance the She also said the agency example, the houses of the 40,739 health workers across the was concerned about the absence of local manufacturing, the development of herbal medicine. runs a number of relevant tests traditional leaders, the markets nation for the phase two vaccine of medicine security and its federal government is working She added that the purpose before approving herbal medicine and motor parks," he said. roll out. implications for the healthcare assiduously to ensure that there was to bring herbal medicine products for listing. On the criteria for administering The Director General of the needs of the people. will be local manufacturing of practitioners and researchers In addition, Adeyeye disclosed the Modena vaccine, Shuaib said National Agency for Food She said the federal government vaccines within a year.” together so as to subject their that NAFDAC has so far any person who is 18 years and and Drug Administration and was particularly worried about According to Adeyeye, with less products to scientific investigation. commenced clinical trials on three above would be eligible to receive Control (NAFDAC), Prof. current challenges posed by than two per cent of the country's She described the development herbal medicine products with a it or any other brand of COVID-19 Mojisola Adeyeye, who revealed inadequate supply of the vaccines population vaccinated so far, the of herbal medicine as a very view to confirming their efficacy vaccine available. for the treatment of COVID-19. However, he said it was "Since the outbreak of pertinent to state that mixing one COVID-19, we have approved brand of vaccine with another 45 herbal medicines for listing for brand in first and second dose temporal approval but you cannot is not allowed. say that they cure COVID-19. Out "Those who have received of these numbers, two or three AstraZeneca as first dose should herbal medicine products have receive AstraZeneca as second started clinical trials," she said. dose, while those who will receive Adeyeye said listing a product Moderna as first dose will receive only means that it is now safe for Moderna as second dose when consumption but does not confirm due. In a few days, we will take how efficacious such a medicine delivery of additional AstraZeneca would be until it is subjected to vaccine and those who are due clinical trials. for second dose of the vaccine "It does not confirm how will be prioritised," he said. efficacious such herbal drug is He added, "Moderna is two until it is subjected to clinical doses, four weeks apart; Oxford trials. To do clinical trial, it has AstraZeneca is two doses with to be well designed. It is not just six to 12 weeks apart; and Pfizer that I gave it to 10 people in my is two doses, three weeks apart.” village and it worked, but you He however added that brands have to do it in such a way that it such as Johnson and Johnson will attract recognition across the would require a single dose for world. That clinical trial stage is full protection against the virus. what is going on now," she said. According to Shuaib, the initial Adeyeye also spoke of the doses of Johnson and Johnson Central Bank of Nigeria assisted would be focused on those who initiative known as the Research are in the hard-to-reach areas and Development Intervention (riverine areas, desert areas) and Scheme which provides funds to the elderly because they are people SECONDUS SURVIVES… assist local production of medicine. who may find it difficult to leave “It cost a lot of money, that PDP National Chairman, Unche Secondus addressing the press after BoT/ NEC meeting flanked by Governor (L) and Governor their homes to the health facility is why the CBN is helping for a second dose. Obaseki (R) in Abuja yesterday to put some money into this Shuaib assured Nigerians of the intervention scheme for those high quality COVID-19 vaccines, who are successful during the regardless of brand. grant review process,” she added. "As long as they have been approved by NAFDAC, they CBN Sets N10bn Capital Base for FG Trains 40,739 provide adequate protection against the disease. We want to Health Workers for further assure Nigerians that we Second Phase of have strategised with our partners Credit Guarantee Companies Vaccine Roll Out so that there is no confusion on Meanwhile, the federal which vaccines will be given to government said it has concluded whom. Seeks to de-risk, boost lending to MSMEs the training of about 40,739 health "For example, all those who James Emejo in Abuja application fee of N100, 000, guidelines shall apply to CGCs to maintain additional capital as workers across the country for have taken their first dose of non-refundable licencing fee of licenced by the CBN, the PFIs the CBN considers appropriate the phase two strategic vaccine AstraZeneca vaccines and are due The Central Bank of Nigeria N1 million, and change of name shall comply with same provisions in respect of other specific risks." roll out. for their second dose would be fee of N50, 000. as it relates to their activities, the However, CBN, among other Nigeria had received 4,000,080 given theirs this August as we (CBN) yesterday pegged at N10 are expecting up to 588,800 doses billion the minimum paid-up The bank stated that the CBN added. things, barred the CGCs from doses of Moderna COVID-19 introduction of CGCs became Nonetheless, a credit guarantee provision of guarantee to MSMEs vaccine donated by the of the AstraZeneca vaccine from capital for the establishment of the COVAX facility. the proposed Credit Guarantee inevitable as it sought to improve by the CGC may cover up to a based outside Nigeria. The government of the United States, last Sunday, and has scheduled "This is the first batch that will Companies (CGCs) in the country. access to lending for micro, small maximum of 75 per cent of the bank also forbade them from be coming in the next couple This was contained in a circular and medium scale enterprises default amount, the central bank accepting demand, savings the commencement of the second phase of vaccination for August 16. of days. Thereafter, we will be by the CBN titled, "Exposure Draft (MSMEs) operating in the country. pointed out. and time deposits or any other expecting up to 3.9 million doses of Guidelines for Regulation and The blueprint also seeks to It added that after the deposits, including provision of While addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Executive of the AstraZeneca vaccines to Supervision of Credit Guarantee ultimately reduce credit risk, crystallised guarantee had been credit to customers. complement what we already have Companies in Nigeria," dated stimulate lower interest rates on settled, the PFI and the CGC The guarantee companies Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and to make sure we cover not August 4, 2021, and addressed to loans, as well as complement other would be required to take all were also exempted from the only those who will be taking their banks, other financial institutions initiatives targeted at stimulating necessary steps to recover the management of pension funds (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said the country would be receiving second AstraZeneca vaccine, but and stakeholders. lending to MSMEs. outstanding sum, adding that or schemes, foreign exchange, also for those who will want to According to the apex bank, the CGC shall be reimbursed to commodity, and equity trading, 176,000 doses of Johnson & The apex bank stated that the Johnson vaccines today. take their first dose of this vaccine," framework for the CGCs would the proposed credit risks the extent of the recovered sum. as well as all forms of trading he said. guarantee firms are expected to The CBN also stated that the in derivatives and swaps. He said: "These 176,000 doses further provide regulation and as you are aware, are coming out Shuaib explained that the reason basis for the operation of credit provide third-party credit risk cumulative guarantee liabilities The companies were of the 29,850,000 doses that the government had to postpone the guarantee companies. The circular, mitigation to lenders through of a CGC shall not exceed 10 prevented from collection of federal government procured launch date of the vaccine was which was signed by the CBN the absorption of a portion of times of its shareholders’ fund third-party cheques and other from the AfreximBank through because it wants NPHCDA in Director, Financial Policy and the lender's losses on the loans unimpaired by losses. It stressed instruments for clearing through the African Union." conjunction with NAFDAC to Regulations Department, Mr. made to Nigeria-based MSMEs that the CGCs shall commence correspondent banks. They are Speaking on preparations for the trace all the way to health facility Ibrahim Tukur, also detailed the in case of default. operations with, and maintain not to purchase, sale, dispose, take-off of the second phase of the where the vaccines would be permissible and non-permissible The CBN further explained that at all times, a minimum paid-up acquire or lease any real estate COVID19 vaccination campaign, administered. activities of the CGCs. any guarantee issued by a CGC capital of N10 billion or such for whatever purpose without Shuaib said the agency was World Health Organisation’s A CGC is an institution represents a legal commitment amount as may be prescribed prior written approval of the training 40,739 health workers (WHO), Country Representative, licenced by the CBN with the to discharge the liability of a by the CBN from time to time. CBN. across the country. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said primary objective of providing borrower in the case of default. The circular stated, among They were required to provide "We are currently wrapping up the world body would continue to guarantees to banks and other Essentially, the guidelines other things, "The capital guarantee for risk assets; render the training of about 40,739 health support government to implement lending financial institutions stipulate the minimum standards adequacy ratio of a CGC shall be advisory services for financial workers across the national, state measures that would maximise against the risk of default by for the operations of CGCs that measured as the percentage of its and business development; Invest and ward levels on our phase two the impact of the second phase of obligors. provide credit guarantees to shareholders’ funds unimpaired surplus funds in government strategic vaccine roll out plan with COVID-19 vaccination, including In addition to the minimum Participating Financial Institutions by losses to its total risk weighted securities; and partake in other focus on improving the delivery, simplifying the roll out at local capital base, a CGC is also (PFIs). assets. investments as may be approved communication, data management, levels as well as minimising required to pay a non-refundable While the provisions of the "The CBN may require a CGC by the CBN. management of the vaccines and wastage. 6 WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS A’Court Judgment: APGA Praises Judiciary for Upholding Justice Move to oust Soludo as APGA candidate a distraction, says Umeh Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and However, speaking on the Anambra, Oye thanked them for chairman of APGA. impostors trying to pervert now rebounded. Previously, we David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka appellate court judgment, Oye their steadfastness and support. "It affirmed that any suit in the course of justice and a had said Soludo will contest praised the Justices that sat He also "thanked the members any court in Nigeria without Oye judgment against judicial officers and it has come to pass. He is The All Progressive Grand over the case for their courage, of the National Working being a party as the incumbent desecrating the temple of Justice," our candidate and the person Alliance (APGA) has praised uprightness and commitment to Committee (NWC), NEC and National Chairman is a nullity.” adding that, it was a judgment that the party nominated. As the judiciary for standing firm the promotion of justice, equity the BOT of APGA for their In setting aside the judgment for justice and truth. the chairman of peace and in defence of the country's and fairness. individual and collective role of the Jigawa High Court, the Meanwhile, Umeh, a member reconciliation committee in our constitution and it's statutes According to him, the judgment in stabilising the party while the Appeal Court said that all the of the Soludo campaign party, I want to call on Umeoji over its judgment on the had renewed the hope of the distraction lasted, and appealed proceedings at lower court was organisation spoke to journalists to come over to the party. party’s leadership crisis, which people of the country in the to them not to relent". a nullity. in reaction to the judgment and "We supported him when it affected its choice candidate in judiciary and appealed to the The APGA national chairman The party concluded that said it was without flaws, and was necessary to support him, the governorship election slated National Judicial Council (NJC) urged all those still feuding with the appellate court described that all along the party had never but now the party has resolved for November this year. and the Disciplinary Committee the party to embrace common the appeal by Mr. Jude Okeke wavered about the authenticity that another person should be Reacting to the unanimous of the Nigerian Bar Association to sense and peace and return and Garba Aliyu as worthless, of Oye's leadership of the party. the candidate, and we are calling judgment delivered by the three ensure that any judge or lawyer to the fold, so that, "together, undeserving of precious judicial "We were convinced that the on him to come back. We are not Justices of the Appeal Court, Kano found guilty of professional we will win the forthcoming time and accordingly, struck it High Court judgment of Birnin seeing him as being defeated, Judicial Division on Tuesday, the misconduct should be brought governorship election as one out. Kudu in Jigawa State should rather, we are calling on him National Chairman of the party, to justice. united family." "The Appeal Court further have been a nullity, but some not to strain himself further by Victor Oye, through the National He used the opportunity to The Court of Appeal Kano warned lawyers and Judges people including the INEC used going to the Supreme Court. Publicity Secretary of the party, call on the Independent National had dismissed the judgment of against desecrating the temple it to torment us. "We saw the judgment Mr. Tex Okechukwu, described Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Jigawa Hgh Court on the of Justice, adding that lawyers "Not only has the judiciary coming, and it was based on the judgment as a watershed in do the needful without further leadership tussle in APGA, and judges should be guided redeemed itself, it has also sound principles of law. The Nigeria's political life. delay by publishing the name of saying it has no territorial or by the oaths they have taken as shown that it is the hope of the attempt was simply to derail the Also, a former national Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo substantive jurisdiction to hear officers in the temple of Justice," people. Nothing in that judgment momentum of APGA, but the chairman of the party, Senator as the rightful candidate of APGA the suit. it said. (Jigawa State) should be allowed judiciary has intervened. Let's Victor Umeh, has said the for the November 6 Anambra According to APGA, the APGA therefore described to be alive. The judges of the not lend credence to non existing legal battle waged against the State governorship election. Appeal Court also took judicial the Appeal Court ruling as, Court of Appeal were thorough problems. Oye leadership has candidacy of Prof. Chukwuma While congratulating millions notice of the High Court of "A judgment against forum and there was no flaw in it. been in place all the time, and Soludo, was only meant to derail of APGA supporters across the Awka affirming Oye as national shopping, a judgment against "With this judgment, we have will always be." his campaign. country, especially, those in Dangote, only Nigerian on Bloomberg’s Top Billionaires’ List …Fortune increases to $17.8bn Goddy Egene Bloomberg is a global information and technology Africa’s richest man, Aliko company, that connect decision Dangote, has significantly moved makers to a dynamic network up in the World billionaires’ list of data, people and ideas – as his fortune increased to $17.8 “accurately delivering business billion as against last year’s $14.8 and financial information, news billion to emerge as the only and insights to customers around Nigerian in the Bloomberg’s the world” Bloomberg L.P. yearly top billionaire lists. provides financial software Other Africans on the lists are tools such as an analytics and three South Africans. They are equity trading platform, data Johann Rupert and family, worth services, and news to financial $10.1 billion; Nicky Oppenheimer companies and organisations. with a worth of $7.80 billion Dangote with his improved and Natie Kirsh who is reputed worth of $17.8 billion, controls to worth $7.15 billion. Nassef Dangote Industries, a closely- Sawiris from Egypt is also among held conglomerate. The Lagos, African billionaires with a worth Nigeria-based company owns NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON COVID-19… of $6.93 billion. sub-Saharan Africa's biggest L-R: Director, Human Resources, Ministry of Finance, Anita Shittu; Director, Economic Research and Policy, and Minister of Finance, Zainab The Bloomberg Billionaires cement producer, Dangote Index is a daily ranking of Cement. It also has interests Ahmed during the National Dialogue on COVID-19 economic impact on national policy in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN the world's richest people. In in sugar, salt, fertiliser and calculating net worth, Bloomberg packaged foods. News strives to provide the Aliko Dangote, was also most transparent calculations recently named as the sixth Security Team of Forensic Auditors Submits NDDC Report available, and each individual most charitable man in the Nseobong Okon-Ekong in Lagos Police Force, Department of State for the honour and privilege to being supervised by the ministry. billionaire profile contains a World by Richtopia, a digital and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Services (DSS), and Nigeria have worked in the capacity as I want to thank you on his behalf, detailed analysis of how that periodical that covers business, Security and Civil Defence Corps chairman of the security team, the security committee, for a very person's fortune is tallied. economics, and financial news, The security team of the forensic (NSCDC), and was put up to he expressed the hope that the difficult job done well. The index is a dynamic based in the United Kingdom. auditors scrutinising the activities provide security for the auditors report would help the authorities “From all indications, it is measure of personal wealth This recognition came after he of the Niger Delta Development as they carried out the forensic to take appropriate decisions that clear that the security agency based on changes in markets, endowed his foundation, the Commission (NDDC) between audit of the NDDC. would move NDDC and the were not only committed to their the economy and Bloomberg Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) 2001 and 2020 has submitted its He disclosed that the team Niger Delta region forward. assignment but also carried out reporting. Each net worth figure to the tune of $1.25 billion. report to the Minister of Niger worked with the auditors and In his remarks, the minister, their task with professionalism. is updated every business day Aliko Dangote started his Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill provided the right environment, who received the report from As such, there were no incidences after the close of trading in New Foundation in 1981, with a Akpabio. adequate security at the hotels the security team, expressed on the forensic auditors, support York. Stakes in publicly traded mission to enhance opportunities The leader of the 389-member and the various project sites, satisfaction on the job done, staff – whether in their areas of companies are valued using the for social change through security team, Rear Admiral which enabled a successful stating that the report would residence or in the communities share's most recent closing price. strategic investments that Bamidele Oluwagbamila, execution of the job. definitely be a turning point for (individuals or groups). Valuations are converted to U.S. improve health and wellbeing, submitted the report to the According to him, “We the NDDC and the development "They welcomed you mostly dollars at current exchange rates. promote quality education, and minister in his office in Abuja, enjoyed the support of the of the Niger Delta region. with pomp and pageantry; they Dangote, who remains the broaden economic empowerment Monday, even as the main audit ministry. We were provided Akpabio reiterated the were excited to see all of you and richest man in Africa for the opportunities. report was still being awaited. with all the logistics that were president's directive for a they gave you all the cooperation. 8th year running, was the only Aliko Dangote Foundation Amid mounting pressure by needed for the job and over 398 holistic examination and l believe that is because of the Nigerian on the list of the top was, however, incorporated stakeholders, Akpabio had on personnel of the security agencies review of the operations of approach and tactics you used in 120 billionaires, as released on in 1994 as a charity in Lagos, June 23 assured the Nigerian were involved in this exercise. the NDDC, which culminated approaching your job," he said. Monday by Bloomberg in its Nigeria. Twenty years later, the people that the main audit report This is a very big plus for the in the inauguration of forensic The minister, therefore, yearly billionaires list. Foundation has become the of the about 12,000 projects across minister for carrying out this auditors and subsequently the expressed gratitude for the Ellon Musk and Jeff Bezos largest private Foundation in the nine NDDC catchment areas audit exercise and for all the security team for the auditors timely completion of the forensic are the richest in the world with sub–Saharan Africa, with the would be ready at the end of support he has given us." in order to salvage NDDC and audit report, which would be $194 billion in their respective largest endowment by a single July for onward submission to He claimed that, throughout the entire Niger Delta region. submitted to the president, kitty while Bernard Arnault and African donor. The primary focus President . the period of the exercise, the "From my own observation, adding that the security Bill Gates followed respectively of Aliko Dangote Foundation is While submitting the report, team did not lose anyone, adding l want to thank you for taking team exhibited high level of with $174 billion and $148 billion. health and nutrition, supported Oluwagbamila remarked that the that, "All the properties that were this national assignment seriously. discipline, candour and brilliant Mark Zuckerberg was the fifth by wrap-around interventions in security team, formed about a entrusted in their care, we can This assignment was from the comportment, knowing that the richest with $135 billion on the education, empowerment, and year ago comprised personnel of confidently account for them.” Commander-in-Chief, President exercise would not be successful world’s billionaires’ chart. humanitarian relief. the Nigerian Navy, Army, Nigeria While expressing gratitude Muhammadu Buhari, though without security assistance. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Obaseki: Nigeria Can Earn $20bn Annually from Oil Palm The Edo State Governor, Mr. and production. This is why in friendly environment to boost their partnership with other private in oil palm in Edo State, in line the Edo Agripreneur programme Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated Edo State, we have taken the bold investment.” sector stakeholders including the with the federal government’s to increase investment in the the need for Nigeria to diversify its step of increasing the production He noted that to "effectively and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). determination to diversify the agricultural sector to create viable economy from crude oil, noting that of oil palm by supporting investors efficiently encourage investors, the "Under the programme, the CBN economy,” the governor said. economic opportunities for youth the nation could earn as much as through the provision of land and state launched the Edo State Oil committed about N69 billion to Obaseki, however, added that and upscale production by farmers $20bn annually from the cultivation a peaceful, secure and business- Palm Programme (ESOPP) in support investors, who invested the government also introduced in the state. and production of oil palm. Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the decline in prices of crude oil and the CO- Fayemi: My Govt Has Attracted Over $100m Investment in 3 Years VID-19 pandemic highlighted the Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti investment to boost the economy. businesses to drive economic totality, we have attracted over with the mandate to work with importance and urgency to diversify The governor, who said this in development, Fayemi said, "In $100m to Ekiti since 2018. Ikun Ministries, Departments and the country's economy, creating Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, during a the last three years, we introduced Dairy Farm alone gulped $5m, Agencies (MDAs) for effective an alternative source of revenue. Governor of , Dr. Kayode workshop organised by the Ekiti some reforms to make establish- which we achieved through delivery of government's focus The governor said his govern- Fayemi, has disclosed that his ment was investing hugely in administration had attracted State Development and Invest- ment of business easier, which partnership with Promasidor in investment. the agricultural sector to boost over $100 million investment to ment Promotion Agency for State included granting of business Nigeria Limited and we are "This training deals majorly the state’s economy, tackle food the state in the last three years officials on Nigerian Investment premises waiver, Automation of making similar progress in other with knowledge that will enhance insecurity and create wealth for to buoy its Internally Generated certification programme for states PAYE registration, introduction of agro based companies". contracts and registering of busi- Edo citizens. Revenue (IGR). (NICPS) was represented by the online payments for construction The Ekiti governor said the nesses. Through serious investment According to him, “The Nigerian Fayemi said he was able to Commissioner for Trade and and setting of High Court mini- NIPC certification programme was drive, we have worked for the oil palm economy has the capability accomplish the feat through Industry, Chief Muyiwa Olumilua. mum thresholds at six judgments introduced to support investors for resuscitation of Ikun Dairy Farm of earning over $20 billion for our offering of waivers to investors While noting that his gov- per quarter. business promotion, job creation in partnership with Promasidor country annually just for cultivation on payment of some statutory ernment had created veritable “All these were put in place to and economic diversification. Nigeria Limited while Ikogosi fees and partnership with private platform to ease means of doing attract new businesses to Ekiti. In According to him, the gov- Warm Spring and Resort, Ire Burnt ernment has been partnering Brick, Ekiti House in Abuja and intending investors via provi- Lagos are at advanced stages of sion of accurate information on Public Private Partnership," he said. business opportunities, allocation The Southwest Zonal Head, of buildings and sites that were Nigeria Investment Promotion investment-friendly and maintain- Commission (NIPC), Mr. Has- ing marketing standard that could san Lawal, said the training boost their investments. showed the eagerness of the Special Adviser to the Governor Fayemi government to develop and Director General, Ekiti State investment for economic growth Development and Investment and development in the state. Promotion Agency, Mr. Ayoola "Working with stakeholders is Owolabi, also said the training very necessary, because you can't was conceptualised to enhance develop business alone. Our focus promotion of private investments is to improve the IGR of the states. in the state. We don't want them to rely alone Owolabi stressed that improving on monthly federal allocation and business environment was critical this can only be achieved with to the Fayemi government policy investment promotion, where our thrust and that accounted for the youth can be more engaged and establishment of the EKDIPA productive". CJN Tasks Courts on Efficient Justice Delivery WORKSHOP FOR DIRECTORS… Harps on justice devoid of L-R: The Secretary, National Judicial Institute, Umar Abubakar Maidama, the administrator of the Institute, Hon. Jusitice Salisu Garba, and the unnecessary technicalities Director of Finance and Account, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, during the opening ceremony of National workshop for Directors and Inspectors of Alex Enumah in Abuja While advising the directors area Sharia/Customary Courts in Abuja....yesterday and inspectors to be proactive The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and pay regular visits to the courts Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, in order to observe the personnel has called on courts in the country and inspect facilities therein, he EFCC Quizzes Seriake Dickson over to ensure speedy and efficient stressed that, “Your administrative delivery of justice in order to and supervisory roles must and Alleged Misappropriation of Public Funds continue to sustain the hope of should be used to promote the Nigerians by ensuring that peace purposes of ensuring substantial and justice prevail in the society. justice devoid of unnecessary Petition against me frivolous, says former governor The CJN, who gave the charge technicalities”. Deji Elumoye and Meanwhile, Dickson, who investments, Seriake Dickson Trust and other verifiable avenues to on Tuesday, while declaring open Earlier, the new Administrator of Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja confirmed the development, said Incorporated, were made between make investments for his family the virtual workshop for Directors the National Judicial Institute (NJI), he was invited by the agency based 1996 and 2012 before I became provided these are declared. and Inspectors of Area, Sharia and Justice Salisu Garba, emphasised Former Governor of Bayelsa on a petition written against him governor. These investments were "It should be on record that Customary Courts in the country, the need for the administrators and State and Senator for Bayelsa over alleged diversion of N17.5 funded by loans and advances and I have since resigned from the however, harped on the need for inspectors to understand their roles West Senatorial District, Senator billion flood funds in 2012. He repaid from salaries, allowances, Trust Administration since 2011 justice devoid of unnecessary so as to earn public trust, promote Seriake Dickson, yesterday faced described the petition as frivolous, savings and others. One of them before I became governor. My technicalities. the authority of judicial powers and interrogators at the Economic and saying he had acquired family is still on mortgage and I have solicitors and those of the trust Justice Muhammad stated that foster impartiality and independence Financial Crimes Commission assets in various parts of the made these documents available have written to the EFCC to clarify since these courts heard a majority of the judiciary. (EFCC). This followed an invitation country and the United Kingdom to the EFCC." these issues with the accompanying of cases at the grassroots, they were His words: “To remain relevant by the agency over allegations between 1996 and 2012 before Dickson said the documents." expected to be efficient and equitable in this ever-evolving space, bordering on abuse of office becoming governor. aforementioned investments The lawmaker said he was in their delivery of justice, adding where efficient justice delivery is and misappropriation of public In a statement yesterday, were declared in his assets presented with another allegation that the society looked up to the sacrosanct to the overall existence of funds during his eight-year tenure the ranking senator stated that declaration form at the House of diversion of flood funds to the judiciary as the last hope of the a harmonious society, it is pertinent as Bayelsa State chief executive the EFCC inquiry related to of Representatives in 2011; tune ofN17.5 billion when he got common man. that you must imbibe best practices between 2012 and 2020. investments of his family trust, governorship nomination form to the EFCC office on Tuesday. “This assertion makes it in your supervisory roles. In line However, Dickson dismissed "which I incorporated while in 2012, 2016, and 2020 after he According to him, "The mandatory on the part of the with the foregoing, I urge you all the allegations against him as being a member of the House of left office, as well as the Senate investigating team came up with courts to carry out their duties to adhere strictly to the dictates senseless. Representatives to hold my family Assets Declaration form this year. a new allegation of diversion of diligently with a view to seeing of your job schedule and prevent A team of operatives assets and investments which The senator added that he went flood funds in 2012 totalling N17.5 that justice prevails in our society. judges and staff of the courts from investigating the allegations were made between 1996 and beyond the declarations and wrote billion. The petition further alleged “Distinguished participants, it abuse of their discretionary powers”. grilled the former governor, who 2012 before I became governor." several letters to the appropriate that the money was used for my is in this light that you must be Justice Garba, however, warned arrived the headquarters of EFCC He also said, "I understand that agencies, copies of which had since re-election in 2019. The fact is that effective in your supervision and that the supervisory powers of the in Jabi, Abuja, about 11am. Though there is a petition from an NGO been made available to the EFCC. there was no such donation about inspection of the Area/Sharia/ directors and inspectors did not details of the allegations against alleging that these investments He stated, "My trust and the 2012 flood in Bayelsa. Customary Courts as it will go extend to reopening cases that the governor were sketchy as (largely buildings, plots, farms, I subscribed to the federal “Curiously, there was no a long way in building public had been heard and concluded, at press time, a source familiar etc. in my village, Orua, Yenagoa, government Voluntary Assets mention of donor or where the confidence in our courts, fight adding that the only option to any with the case disclosed that and two buy-to-let houses in the Income AND Declaration Scheme money came from. There was also corruption, laziness and other aggrieved litigants was to go on they related to "issues of assets UK) were not declared. (VAIDES) and also paid the no re-election for governorship in inadequacies in the judiciary,” appeal. declaration and misapplication “I have a duty to clarify these necessary taxes. As a result of Bayelsa in 2019, which are clear he said. The theme of the workshop, of intervention funds and other issues with the investigating blackmail from some quarters, the proofs that the petition was totally To this end, the CJN emphasised “Promoting Efficient Justice Delivery assets belonging to the Bayelsa authorities who by law have Trust and I went to the Federal frivolous. the need for court staff to be in the Lower Courts” was in line State government". the responsibility to inquire into High Court where there is a "The commission after looking guided by the Code of Conduct with the desire of the Board of EFCC spokesman, Wilson these matters. subsisting judgment declaring that into these allegations has since for employees in the discharge Governors of the National Judicial Uwujaren, confirmed Dickson’s "However, for the avoidance of no Nigerian law is breached by asked me to return home on of their daily duties as well as Institute to deepen the culture of invitation. doubts, let me state that my family a public officer who takes loans self-recognition." public life. quality justice delivery at all levels. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY TEN

BATTLE-FATIGUED, LEADERLESS, 1,000 B'HARAM MEMBERS SURRENDER TO GALLANT TROOPS by the . have turned themselves in," the addressing troops in Maiduguri Usman Adamu a.k.a Abu Darda ing one of the abducted Chibok Mrs. Oluwaseun Sakaba, whose The Nigerian Army Headquar- statement further stated. during the flag-off of a special along with their families and fol- girls, it was observed that the husband, Lt. Col I. Sakaba, was ters had stated that, contrary to It maintained that the army, welfare flight programme for lowers have also finally surrendered reasons for such massive turnout killed by Boko Haram in 2018, online reports, there was no plan to being a professional military personnel of the joint task force to the troops of operation HADIN was basically due to the intensified berated the army after it shared free two Boko Haram commanders organisation, would continue to of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ urged KAI in Bama Local Government Nigerian military campaign on their photos of repentant sect members arrested recently. act in accordance with the dictates those yet to surrender to do so. He Area of . enclaves and environs and also with placards seeking forgiveness A statement by the army said all of the Nigerian Constitution, as said those who fail to surrender “The acting General Officer with the overwhelming famine, from Nigerians. the surrendered terrorists would be well as international best practices. would be fished out and captured. Commanding (GOC) 7 Division discontent, internal skirmishes, Sakaba was one of the 44 soldiers received, processed and passed on "It must be known that the “We are getting them in droves and Commander Sector 1 OPHK health challenges as well as untold killed by the insurgents during to the relevant agencies of govern- Nigerian Army will never encour- surrendering already and we urge Brigadier General Abdulwahab hardship. an attack on 157 Task Force Bat- ment for further assessment in line age any act of lawlessness or extra them to continue to surrender and Adelokun Eyitayo was at Head- “The Nigerian military has talion in Metele, Guzamala Local with extant provisions. judicial killings. Accordingly, all sur- lay down their arms and toe the quarters 21 Special Armoured resolved to intensify its both kinetic Government Area of Borno State The statement stated: "Our rendered terrorists will be received, line of peace. Brigade Bama on Saturday, 7 and non-kinetic approach towards in November 2018. attention has been drawn to a processed and passed on to the “The other ones in the bush August 2021, to receive the set the ongoing fight against insur- She, however, wrote on her publication by some online news relevant agencies of government should also come out and sur- of the surrendered Boko Haram gency in order to leverage on the Instagram page: "It will not be medium released in which the for further assessment in line with render so that we’ll conclude. If terrorists and their families. knowledge of Musa Adamu and well with you (terrorists). I should authors deliberately misrepresented extant provisions," it said. they fail, we will get to them. We “During the visit, the GOC said Usman Adamu and also with the forgive you for making me a the facts contained in that report The army also noted that, "The have gotten some and will get to their decision to drop their arms current wave of turnout by terrorists widow. I should forgive you for and twisted it to suit whatever ongoing Operation Safe Corridor is all who fail to surrender whether and come out is highly commend- to enable her achieve both short making my children fatherless. I purpose they seek to achieve. an outfit established by the federal in the north-east, north-west or able, adding that they should also and long term counter-insurgency should forgive them for making "While the Nigerian Army (NA) government and not the NA. As north-central,” he said. try and talk to their brothers and gains in the North East," it said. many women and children widows does not want to be distracted from such, it is wrong to say that the Army’s Spokesman, Brigadier- colleagues in the forest to come out Unfortunately, the development and fatherless." its main focus of dealing decisively NA will free repentant terrorists. General Onyema Nwachukwu, and embrace the new life of peace has triggered arguments by those, A former presidential aide, Mr. with the threats against peace "The Nigerian Army, therefore, gave details of the surrender by and rehabilitation," he explained. who thought the insurgents should Reno Omokri, also condemned the loving Nigerians, it has become appeals to the public to disregard the insurgents in a statement. Eyitayo, who spoke through instead be punished for waging release of the photographs, saying: necessary to put issues in their the deliberate distortion of facts by "Following the recent escalation an interpreter, further disclosed war against the state and killing "The administration shared photos right perspectives. these online mediums and continue of offensive operations coupled that they would undergo some thousands of innocent Nigerians. of so-called repentant Boko Haram "It is a known fact that in the to support it in order to rid the with non-kinetic efforts by troops rehabilitation process at a govern- In the pictures, which had terrorists and asked Nigerians to recent past, over 1,000 members country of terrorism and other of operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), ment facility before reintegration gone viral on the social media, forgive them. of Boko Haram and their families forms of insecurity.” which yielded massive surrendering into the larger society. the insurgents were surrounded "Does it make sense to ask have surrendered to the troops due Consequently, Yahaya admon- of Boko Haram and Islamic State His words: “While distributing with provisions and clothes Nigerians to forgive people, who to the intense pressure from troops' ished all terrorist groups operating of West Africa Province Terrorists new clothes and assorted food while displaying placards with have killed innocent Nigerians, sustained offensive actions. in the country to abandon their in the North East, the Chief Bomb items, groceries and toiletries to the inscription "Nigerians, please when the Buhari government "Among those were key leaders illegitimate cause and surrender Expert of the terrorist group known the surrendered terrorists and their forgive us, Borno State remains the wants to prosecute Sunday Igboho of the terrorists group, who have to troops. as Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala Musa families totaling 335 fighters, 746 home of peace, forget terrorism, for protecting the same innocent renounced their membership and The army chief had, while Abuja and his second in command, adult women and children includ- embrace peace," among others. Nigerians?" he queried. APC, PDP LEADERSHIP CRISES RESOLVED The APC governors, in a Resident Doctors in federal with a position to exclude NWC that they also saw the need to should also be constituted by the urgent task facing the PDP as the communique issued yesterday establishments should be negotiated members from the election. But this sheathe their swords in the interest same NEC immediately. only viable vehicle to checkmate and signed by its chairman and with the relevant structures of the was opposed by some members and future of the party, more so "So, we thank members of the the abysmally poor governance of Kebbi State Governor, Atiku federal government," he said. who pointed out the illegality of with Wike allegedly consenting National Committee for holding the APC-led federal government. Bagudu, following a meeting on Meanwhile, Concerned APC such a move. to the fact that reconciliation was up. We thank them for their "The meeting deliberated Sunday, in Abuja, said after further Stakeholders, have insisted that Even the gentleman imperative since Secondus would prayers and support. We also extensively on the issues thrown reviewing the situation, they were the recent Supreme Court understanding by the NWC eventually retire to the state, they thank well-meaning Nigerians, up and resolved as follows: That convinced that their decision was pronouncement on the Ondo members was said not to have were both asked to agree to abide who have been waiting patiently the Constitution, traditions and well informed. governorship election, which gone down well with some by whatever would be arrived for the resolution of these issues. practices of the party should be But a group of party members suggested that the Buni-led members of the party, who at after yesterday’s meeting and "The NEC of the party shall strictly adhered to in finding under the banner of Concerned committee was not constitutional described the decision as illegal they did. meet most likely next week and solutions to any problems. APC Stakeholders, hasalleged and as such could not organise and unconstitutional, leaving the Thus, at the joint meeting of all the issues will be addressed. "That all parties should that the caretaker committee of valid congresses, signalled judicial door open for a possible challenge the PDP stakeholders, yesterday, And that NEC will be convened sheath their sword in the the party and some second term problems that could cost the APC at a later date. convened by the BoT, the party by the chairman of the party, who greater interest of the PDP and governors were bent on making in future elections. Also, the National Publicity not only succeeded in resolving is constitutionally empowered to the need to rescue Nigeria from sure the Peoples Democratic Party The group, in a statement issued Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola its leadership crisis, Secondus also do so." Tambuwal stated. the avoidable National malaise (PDP) regained power in 2023. Tuesday by its spokesperson, Mr. Ologbondiyan, has dismissed survived the plot to remove him Explaining why stakeholders and drift occasioned by the APC The Forum said it further Abdulahi Dauda, insisted that the any such thing, saying “the party from office, even though he had to unanimously resolved to ensure administration. reviewed progress being made caretaker committee remained wishes to clarify that no decision sacrifice the collective re-election unity in the party, the Sokoto "That all processes leading to by the APC Caretaker and illegal going by the apex court was taken to bar any member of bid (if there was any) of the NWC governor said, "You can see clearly an early National Convention in Extraordinary Convention Planning pronouncement. the NWC from exercising his or her members. that 13 governors of our party, October be immediately activated Committee in its effort to rebuild In the group’s statement signed rights under the constitution of the To that extent, the governors, BoT who are our ambassadors are by relevant party organs, especially, structures of the party at all levels by its spokesperson, Abdulahi PDP to contest in the forthcoming members and other stakeholders of in this meeting, fully committed National Executive Committee and commended members of the Dauda, the group insisted that National Convention of the party,” the party immediately approved the to not only resolving the issues (NEC). committee led by Buni for the only a duly constituted National his position has been dismissed suggestion to bring forward the date at hand, but also working "That the party should redouble successful conduct of the ward Executive Committee (NEC) could as a volte face by other members for the party’s national convention, assiduously towards delivering efforts to provide a credible congresses across the country. validly hold congresses or nominate of the party. while at the same time, proposed good governance in our respective alternative leadership for Nigeria "Accordingly, Forum reaffirmed candidates and not the Buni-led Ologbondiyan said the a National Executive Committee states and moving our party as it still remains the only hope its support for the Caretaker Caretaker committee. explanation had become imperative (NEC) meeting for some time next forward. for the Nigerian people for good Committee to proceed to conduct "Buni is the governor of Yobe given misrepresentations of the week, where other pending issues "Speaking on behalf of my governance. local government, state congresses State but doubles as APC caretaker outcome of the intervention by could he addressed. colleagues, we have resolved; "The meeting requested the and national convention, in line chairman, a development,which elders and leaders of the party on Secondus is expected to summon we are committed to remaining NEC to immediately constitute with the mandate of the National is at the heart of the current crisis the challenges faced by the PDP, NEC for next week to allow the in PDP. Disregard any rumour, a Zoning Committee for Party Executive Committee. in the party," said the group, adding: "While the PDP has put PDP discuss her zoning plans and every rumour that any of these Offices and another Committee "Forum was further briefed which noted that the caretaker these challenges behind it, the set up a committee to that effect as distinguished leaders are going for National elective Offices. on the July 28, 2021, judgement committee was unknown to the NWC states that it will continue well as constitute another committee anywhere. We are in PDP; we The meeting expressed of the Supreme Court on Ondo party’s constitution and that it was to adapt itself to the Constitution, for the convention, which has been are going to remain in PDP and appreciation to party elders for State 2020 Governorship election operating without reference to the traditions and practices of the party slated tentatively to hold by the by the grace of God, we shall their commitment and wisdom and recognised that the legal party’s constitution in carrying out its responsibilities." end of October. be working together to salvage in handling Party affairs. We status of both the APC Caretaker It added: "For the love of our But despite Ologbondiyan's Chairman of the PDP Nigeria. shall overcome and restore peace, and Extraordinary Convention great party, we asked that the explanation, party leadership Governors Forum, Governor "If you say you're going security and development once Planning Committee as well as leaders of our party and those,who hierarchs, members as well its Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of somewhere, where will you go? again to Nigeria,", he stated. its composition has been legally genuinely love our party to rise up supporters, breathed a sigh of , while explaining APC is no party. They do not In his opening address, settled." now and stop Buni and his second relief that some form of peace why the party had to come round have a ward structures as we Chairman, PDP’s BoT, Senator Having reviewed progress in the term governors that have spent has been achieved, quelling the its internal challenge, dismissed speak. They do not have a local Walid Jubrin said the expanded party, the Forum commended all 8yrs and have nothing to lose if the raging inferno that had engulfed speculations that more PDP government structure as we speak. meeting of the stakeholders was party members for theircommitment courts hand victory to PDP in 2023 its ranks in the last few weeks. governors might still defect to They do not have a state structure called to find solutions to the towards rebuilding the party, through court pronouncement." The first meeting was learnt, the All Progressives Congress as we speak. They do not have problems affecting the party. adding that, it noted with The group was of the view that comprised mainly members of the (APC), saying there was neither national structure as we speak. Noting that it was the reason satisfaction reports from various there was need for the caretaker BoT, current and former governors, a party nor government to go to. "APC has never had, and is not all the 13 governors and deputy states of commendable mobilisation committee to stop running the former ministers, former Senators Speaking to newsmen, after the having a Board of Trustees. So, governor of Zamfara State were and participation in the July 31st, affairs of the party, as all their and former Presiding and principal crisis had been resolved, Tambuwal, where are you going? Are you in attendance, he however told 2021 ward congresses, which was activities were not recognised in officers of the National Assembly, surrounded by Wike, Secondus defecting to federal government? the gathering that a former vice successful. the APC constitution and therefore, while the second one included the and other governors, said the Federal government is not there, president of the country, Alhaji On the ongoing strike by the illegal. other stakeholders of the party at party had no other option but because if it is there, asked my Atiku Abubakar sent his apologies. National Association of Resident "If not controlled or expeditiously different levels. to resolve the crisis because of colleagues, who are in APC. One Secondus, while briefing the Doctors (NARD), the Forum managed, the caretaker committee THISDAY further gathered that what was ahead of it. of them came out to say that when meeting, said the PDP, which stressed that grievances of the may end up becoming a disgrace the path to the success recorded His words: "As party members his students were abducted, that belonged to all had reinventeditself Resident Doctors were with and will spell doom for the party. at yesterday’s meetings had been of the BoT, members of the he saw no help. and as such, nothing would be state governments, and therefore that is why we are here to raise prepared since Monday, August 9, governor forum, members of "He received no help from the difficult in the current challenge appealed to them to negotiate with our voices as we don't want the 2021, when during the meeting of former governors forum, former federal government, and he is a to resolve. individual state governments and party we laboured for to go into the governors, Secondus and his ministers, former Senators, governor of APC. So, what are we It was gathered that Secondus issues affecting them. extinction like it happened in Rivers, estranged ally, Governor Nyesom former Presiding officer of the talking about? There is no party to allegedly told the meeting that The Forum endorsed the Bayelsa and Zamfara," it said. Wike of , believed to National Assembly and various defect to; there is no government to the October date for the national initiative of the Nigeria Governors In the PDP, sources told be responsible for his plight, were stakeholders, we are very happy to defect. We better remain together convention might not be possible Forum (NGF) and supported the THISDAY that the decision by brought together to confront each announce that we have discussed and work together, reinvent our as the party has other activities call by the federal government the Secondus NWC to jettison other and disclose to the sitting all matters and we have resolved party, and work towards the lined up in October. Competent through the Minister of Labour, re-election at the national what the exact problem was. to continue to work as a united establishment of government of sources close to the Chairman, Dr. Chris Ngige for the immediate convention, which has just been This is in addition to the fact family. the Federal Republic of Nigeria,", believe November would be a suspension of the strike to allow brought forward to a new date, that THISDAY had exclusively "This meeting has agreed that chairman, PDP governors said. more realistic preposition. negotiations to continue. was a gentleman understanding reported yesterday that the party immediately, the NEC should be In yet another statement on how He was alleged to have been "Noting that most of the out of their freewill, seeing too was planning to bring forward its convened for the party to constitute the crisis was resolved, Tambuwal overruled but that the NEC should grievances of the Resident Doctors that they had to shift grounds national convention as part of the the National Convention planning said that There were extensive be allowed to decide since it is are with State governments, Forum in collective interest, and in a no new deals, preceding the search committee and the National consultations with all major the final decision-making organ appealed to the Resident Doctors victor, no vanquished resolution. for a lasting peace, going forward. Convention should be held latest stakeholders in the party with a on all party matters. to negotiate with individual state The governors, THISDAY learnt After both men had allegedly by the end of October. Also, the view to bringing all tendencies governments and issues affecting had earlier come into the meeting addressed the gathering, especially, zoning committee for the party within together in view of the Continued Online WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] ’S CROSS AT 80 Eric Teniola writes that there were some decisions taken by the Babangida’s administration that are still hurting

eneral Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd.) will be 80 a cross he still carries today. He paid for that act by “stepping aside” on Wednesday August 17. He is the second longest on 26 August 1993. Too many scholars, writers and commentators military ruler in Nigeria, the first being General have implied that Nigeria’s problems worsened by the annulment. (rtd.) who ruled Nigeria from 1 The old hostile exaggeration still persists till today. Hostile exaggera- August 1966 to 29 July 1975. General Babangida ruled tion can make true perspective much difficult for the living. Nigeria from 27 August 1985 to 26 August 1993. His But then, there are those who beseeched and supplicated and Gclassmates at Government College Bida were General Abdusalami still pleading till today that as a forgiving country we should forego Abubakar (rtd.) General Mohammed Mamman Magoro, Major that cardinal sin committed by General Babangida 28 years ago. General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Major General Muhammed Gado They insisted and still insist that to judge a man by just one act in Nasko, Major General Garba Duba, Mr. Paul Babale, Aliyu Makama, his eight-year tenure is harsh and unfair. Some are still arguing that Ibrahim Sanda, Abulmaliki Ndayako, Mohammed Bello Ndayako, the annulment is not worse than the insecurity and splits in our Abdulrahim Dangana and Alhaji Alhassan Bisallat. social, tribal and religious fabrics of today where inadequacies and Till today historians are still debating his role in the project called inequalities have become paramount in our nation life. Nigeria. One cannot be neutral when discussing General Babangida, Fifty three ministers served under General Ibrahim Babangida you either like him passionately or dislike him passionately. At the during his tenure. They were Alhaji Ibrahim Zakaw, Professor Tam time General Babangida seized power, one fifth, if not one-third of David-West, Major-General Jiya Vatsa, Brigadier Jeremiah Timbut Nigerians of today were not born. Maybe a chronology of what he Useni, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, Lt-Colonel Anthony Ukpo, Senas did may help define the man to the present generation of Nigerians. Ukpanah, Air Vice- Marshal Ishaya Aboi Shekari, Professor Sam He made major decisions that he will carry to his grave. In July Oyovbaire, Dr. Tunji Olagunju, Air Vice-Marshal Anthony Okpere, 1986, he introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) Dr. Chu Okongwu, Major-General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, and on September 29, 1986, the second-tier foreign exchange market Major-General Muhammadu , Dr. Shetima Mustapha, took off. He moved the seat of government from Lagos to Abuja Alhaji Bunu Sheriff Musa, Prince Tony Momoh, Alhaji Ismaila on December 12, 1991. He completed and commissioned the Third Mamman, Major-General Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman, Alhaji Lawal Mainland Bridge in Lagos on August 17, 1991 which was then the Mala, Brigadier David Bonavontoure Mark, Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman, longest bridge in Africa. On March 15, 1988, he launched the new Air Commodore Adebayo Hammed Lawal, Professor Olikoye population policy of one woman four children to check the problem Ransome-Kuti, Major-General Yohanna Yerima Kure, Rear Admiral of over population in the country. On September 9, 1987, he created Koshoni, Major-General Mamman Tsofo Kontagora, Dr. Kalu Idika Akwa-Ibom and Katsina States. On August 27, 1991, he created Abia, Kalu, and others. Anambra, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Osun, Yobe and Taraba States. Some of the decrees he promulgated during his tenure are He then created 47 new local governments on that day. On September Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural infrastructure, Decree 4, (1988) 23 1991, he created additional 89 local governments. On December Medical and Dental Practitioners Decree 23, Securities and Exchange 14, 1991, governorship elections were held, the National Republican Commission Decree 29, National Primary Education Commission Convention won 16 while SDP won 14. On January 2, 1992, the Decree 31, Federal Road Safety Corps, Decree 45, The Nigerian democratically elected governors were sworn-in and their deputies. Educational Research and Development Council Decree 53, National They were Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Clement Nwankwo(Abia), Economic Reconstruction Fund, Decree 2, Counterfeit and Fake Alhaji Sale Michika and Mr. Lynn Nathan(Adamawa), Dr. Chukwue- Drugs (Miscellaneous Provisions, Decree 17, National Population meka Ezeife and Dr. Chidi Mwike(Anambra), Alhaji Dahiru Moham- Commission, Decree 23, National Directorate of Employment, Decree med and Alhaji Umaru Ahmed(Bauchi), Reverend Father Moses 24; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Decree 48, Adasu and Yakubu Agda(Benue), Alhaji Maiji Lawan and Alhaji Agriculture and Agro-Allied-Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Hassan(Borno), and Cecilia Ekpeyong (Cross River), Infrastructures Decree 4, 1987; National Centre for Agricultural and Samson Ebonka (Delta), John Odigie-Oyegun gun and Mechanisation Decree 35,1992, Federal Universities of Agriculture, Reverend Peter Obada(Edo), and Dr. Icha Ituma Decree 48, 1992, National Agricultural Seeds, Decree 72, 1992, (Enugu), Evans Enwerem and Dr. Douglas Acholonu(Imo), Alhaji A.S. Fertiliser Control, Decree 90, 1992, National Agricultural Land Biminkudi and Alhaji Shehu Kwafalo (Jigawa), Alhaji Muhammed Development Authority, Decree 92, 1992, National Primary Education Lere and James Mugaji (Kaduna), Alhaji Kabiru Gaya and Alhaji Commission, etc. Decree 31, 1988, Nigerian Educational Research Ahmed Usman(Kano), Alhaji Saidu Barda and Alhaji Abdullahi and Development Council Decree 53, 1988, Advertising Practitioners Amidu (Katsina), Alhaji Shaaba Lafiaji and Prince Ojo Fadumila (Registration etc.) Decree 55, 1988, National Commission for (Kwara), Alhaji Abubakar Musa and Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed(Kebbi), Nomadic Education, Decree, 1989, National Commission for Mass Alhaji and S. Ola Akande (Kogi), Chief Michael Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education Decree 17,1990, Federal Otedola and Alhaji Sinatu Ojikutu (Lagos) and others. School of Surveying Decree 19, 1990, Nigerian Civil Aviation Training On July 4, 1992, elections were held into the two houses of the ON 23 JUNE,1993, GENERAL BABANGIDA Centre (Change of Name) Decree 42, 1990, School Year (Variation) National Assembly. The NRC won 37 senate seats and 275 seats in Decree 27, 1991, National Agency for Science and Engineering the House of Representatives while SDP won 52 senate seats and 314 ANNULLED THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Infrastructure, Decree 33, 1992, Federal Universities of Agriculture, seats in the House of Representatives. HELD ON JUNE 12, 1993. THE ANNULMENT IS Decree 48, 1992, Medical and Dental Practitioners Decree 23, 1988, On June 23, 1993, General Babangida annulled the Presidential A CROSS HE STILL CARRIES TODAY. HE PAID Counterfeit and Fake Drugs (Miscellaneous Provisions Decree 17, election held on June 12, 1993. It was the last act that turned out to be FOR THAT ACT BY ‘STEPPING ASIDE’ ON 26 1989, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Decree 48, 1989, and tragic, both for General Babangida and the country. The annulment is AUGUST 1993 others. BUHARI AND THE EDUCATION SUMMIT Buhari is right: education is central to the individual’s attainments, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

peaking at the Global Education Summit combined effects of sections 131(d) and 318 (1)(a-d) effort in sending all those corrupt PDP people to jail. with constituencies that gave me 5%.”. The import in London recently, President Buhari of the 1999 Constitution a person shall be qualified Those who accuse President Buhari of corruption of this is that constituents which did not vote for stated that no person can succeed outside for election to the office of a President of Nigeria if are missing education. Buhari or sparingly voted for him during the last his educational qualification. “You can’t he possess a school certificate or a secondary school President Buhari is being accused of nepotism. Presidential election should be punished or denied succeed outside your educational qualifi- certificate or its equivalent or even a primary school His critics say that despite stating in his inaugural what ordinarily in justice should accrue to them cation. Anybody who missed education certificate or Grade 11 Teacher’s certificate. Note that speech, “I belong to everybody and I belong to for rejecting Buhari at the last polls. Very few Shas missed everything. Nigerians are acutely aware sections 131(d) and 318(a-d) viva voce stipulate that nobody,” President Buhari has ended up becoming Igbos voted for Buhari during the last presidential of the priority of education, and parents are making the candidate seeking election as president must a president only for the Fulanis. It is obvious that election. So, why should Igbos be expecting to sacrifices to ensure that their children and wards get provide the certificates issued to him by the relevant Buhari’s critics do not understand the complex be treated well with the rest of the country who educated,” he declared. authorities in his educational pursuit. President English language spoken by Buhari. I want to advise voted for Buhari? Mr. President is right because Justice is something profoundly personal. A guilty Buhari has satisfied the aforesaid constitutional Buhari’s critics to go back and reread what he said he did not miss education neither did education person might escape human justice: he might take requirement. during his inauguration. Mr. President did not say miss him. flight from his guilt through ingenious rationaliza- President Buhari has brought his education to that he did not belong to the Fulanis or any other For the umpteenth time President Buhari has tion, but what he cannot escape from is the ultimate bear on governance. That’s why he said last week tribe: he said that he did not belong to anybody. told Southern state governors banning cattle graz- justice in the recesses of his conscience. In Fyodor that “anybody who missed education has missed And truly President Buhari has shown that he ing routes to come to him for proper education Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, everything”. Mr. President came to power on the does not belong to anybody. For example, Asiwaju on cattle grazing rights. They should listen to the Raskolnikov tried to erase his crime from his heart mantra of eliminating corruption in Nigeria under Bola Tinubu used to believe that Buhari belonged president because he is angry with them. Many of by ingenious rationalization, but upon discovering the ideological catch-phrase “war against corrup- to him until Mr. President said viva voce in June them were either not born or were babies during the the inescapable basis for ultimate justice in his heart, tion”. This phrase is impregnated with meaning. 2021, “You cannot sit there in Lagos, for instance, First Republic when cattle rearing was practiced in he travelled to Siberia and served an eight-year Only highly philosophical minds can understand and decide on the fate of APC on zoning”. So, Nigeria. These Southern governors did not consult prison term in order to at least appease his con- the phrase. In fact, the phrase reminds us about the you can see that Buhari is a master of the English Mr. President before banning cattle grazing. science. President Buhari is not succeeding outside political ideologies of Zik and Awo, “War against language. You can see how in one simple sentence Therefore Mr. President has ordered the Federal his educational qualification: he is succeeding within corruption”. This is Buhari’s brain-child. Today he destroyed Asiwaju’s vaulting political ambition Attorney General and Minister for Justice to recover his educational qualification. He acquired his West Nigeria is free from corruption. All politicians and to become the President of Nigeria in 2023. all confiscated cattle grazing routes in Nigeria Africa Examination Council certificate. He is a others who stole government money are being sent “Political appointments in Nigeria under the and make them accessible to the Fulani herders. graduate of Cambridge. So says the 9/11 Tribunal to jail. You cannot find corrupt people in the ruling Buhari administration do not reflect the Federal Educating us on the general insecurity in Nigeria, judgment. So has the Supreme Court, Nigeria’s party, APC. This is why any politician who decamps Character. The appointments are lopsided. They Mr. President has told us to stop worrying because apex court, affirmed. If the tribunal and Nigeria’s from his party and joins the APC will no longer be are skewed in favour of Buhari’s friends, cronies his government is on top of the bad situation. So apex court have ruled that President Buhari has a accused of corruption. So, no corrupt people in APC. and country people”. In response, Buhari says why worry when you can rely on President Buhari? certificate, who are you to question whether or not The only political party where you can find corrupt “the constituents that gave me 97% [of the vote] I hope you are now convinced that “anybody who President Buhari has a certificate? Pursuant to the people is the PDP, and, government is sparing no cannot in all honesty be treated on some issues missed education has missed everything.” THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 15 EDITORIAL CBN AND THE FALLING NAIRA VALUE

The banks must be closely monitored to ensure they abide by the rules

he value of Naira has continued the naira, especially in the short term. to dwindle against the dollar and other world currencies, particularly t is against the foregoing background that the since the beginning of the year. For CBN recently discontinued foreign exchange a country that boasts the largest (FX) sale to Bureaux De Change (BDC) operators economy in Africa, it beggars belief in the country. The BDCs, according to the apex that it has one of the weakest cur- Ibank, had defeated their purpose of existence to rencies on the continent. Currently, provide forex to retail users, but had instead become the naira exchanges for over N500 to one United wholesale and illegal dealers. “They have turned TStates dollar at the parallel market. There are fears themselves away from their objectives. They are that it might depreciate further, and put manufactur- now agents that facilitate graft and corruption in the ers and others who need forex for business transac- country. We cannot continue with the bad practices tions in a more difficult situation. Consequently, that are happening at the BDC market,” said CBN prices of goods and services are hitting the rooftops. Governor, Godwin Emefiele. “Several international A weak naira potentially worsens the inflationary organisations, embassies patronise BDC through pressure given the import-dependent nature of the illegal forex dealers to fund their institutions. We will economy. This is also capable of adversely affecting deal ruthlessly with Nigerian banks that deal with output and rolling back efforts at economic recovery. illegal BDCs and we will report foreign organisations Today, virtually every sector of the economy is patronising them.” blaming the exchange rate for skyrocketing prices. Faced with rapid depletion of our external reserves The aviation sector is a prime example. Not too and a possible balance of payments problem, the ca- long ago, the pacity of the CBN to defend the value of the naira is TO MAKE THE STOPPAGE federal government being increasingly constrained. So, the justifications OF FOREX SUPPLIES TO announced waiver by the CBN are very difficult to fault in the circum- BDCS COUNT, THE CBN of Value Added Tax stance in which we have found ourselves today. By MUST UP ITS ANTE IN (VAT) on airline severing FX supplies to the BDC, the CBN has fully THISDAY MONITORING, AND BARE tickets as a means EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU shifted their role to the commercial banks that are of reducing air fares. DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA now mandated to provide forex for the legitimate ITS FANGS WHEN THERE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO ARE BREACHES But the operators DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU use of Nigerian end users. However, we hasten to have continued to CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI add that the CBN should go beyond this threat and insist that the major EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN activate effective mechanisms to monitor and rein in MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI cause of exorbitant fares is the exchange rate. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE deviant banks that might resort to their old ways of The impact of the high exchange rate has been doing business. We are very much familiar with the most felt in the oil and gas sector, with prices of predilection to round-tripping among some banks. imported petroleum products and that of essential THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED To make the stoppage of forex supplies to BDCs raw materials needed for production by firms going EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA count, the CBN must up its ante in monitoring, and GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, up. Meanwhile, the worsening exchange rate has ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI bare its fangs when there are breaches. exacerbated the fuel subsidy challenge facing the DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, As we enter the summer when the demand country. Many have argued that the solution to the ANTHONY OGED ENGBE for FX is usually on the increase, Nigerians with DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI depreciating exchange rate is not to float the naira as SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH genuine demand for forex must not be denied or has been canvassed in some quarters, including the ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI subjected to harrowing experiences by the banks. CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI International Monetary Fund (IMF). Analysts believe DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO There must be enough supplies to the banks to meet doing so will have the effect of further weakening TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] demands.

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. APC, PDP AND JEGA’S THIRD FORCE NO GOLD FOR

he former chairman of Independent National Electoral electorate. One remembers with nostalgia how NPC and NEPU became BARBIE Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega stirred the the darling of Nigerians in the first republic. Even the NPN, PRP and hornet’s nest with his statement on why Nigerians should other political parties of the second republic were great, and built on he Olympics have finished in reject both the APC and PDP in 2023 elections. Jega stated good ideologies. With the restoration of democracy after decades of Tokyo, although there is still the that the two parties have ruined the country in the last military government, many Nigerians thought that the new registered Paralympics to start, and it has 20 years. He described them as Siamese twins and that political parties would brighten the country’s political atmosphere with been a great success for the whole Tunder them, the country nosedived into anarchy with insecurity and befitting manifestoes strictly adhered to and enforced. However, both world in a time of difficulty. There poverty becoming the order of the day. The question begging for the PDP and APC have failed the country as noticed by Jega and other have been many stories of success answer remains: Is Professor Jega who conducted the 2015 election political observers. Their failures to transform the country economically Tbut not the Barbie one. Mattel, the manufac- which ushered in the Buhari administration the first person to call for and politically have become the topic of discussion among Nigerians. turers of Barbie have created an incomplete their substitution? Certainly not. Ahead of 2019 general election former By advocating for the third force, is Attahiru Jega who joined PRP and inaccurate Olympic collection. President made a similar call. Obasanjo who in not cleverly inviting Nigerians to his party? PRP is the only surviving There seems to be no doll of Asian appear- 2015 worked against his party and helped to install President Muham- second republic political party. It was founded by the late radical ance with only white and dark skin example madu Buhari of APC suddenly found his voice. Disturbed by what he politician, Malam Aminu Kano. For those who were opportune to available despite this being run in an Asian described as the poor performance of APC in office, Obasanjo mulled witness the administrations both in Kano and Kaduna States under country. There does not appear to be any the idea of floating a new political party as a third force and hoped to late Abubakar Rimi and late Balarabe Musa, they could testify to how representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community harvest membership from dissenting voices. Unfortunately, his third they stuck to their party ideology. The party was founded for the despite a number of participants from these force which would have served as alternative to APC and PDP failed to emancipation of the talakawa from the anti-people policies of northern groups, both publicly known and some not see the light of day. oligarchies. Furthermore, the fear being expressed by political pundits yet willing or able to identify themselves so. Since the return of democracy, Nigeria is yet to fully and maximally is that the proposed third force or whatever name you give it would It would also seem that Barbie only wins benefit from the dividends of democracy. While democracy literally end up like PDP and APC. Many political parties which serve as a Gold Medals. There is nothing wrong with means government of the people by the people and for the people, leadership recruitment platforms, monitor government policies or being second best in the world or 50th, it’s in Nigeria the reverse is the case. The system is being controlled and oppose it have derailed from their manifestoes. Instead of calling for the participation that is important. There manipulated by powerful forces who decide who gets what and where. the third force, Nigerians should discard party politics and look for needs to be role models for young people, That is why our today’s political parties are not driven by any ideology. credible candidates. Let the electorate beam their searchlight and elect and it appears to be the athletes themselves During the first and second republics, our politics was shaped by great only people with impeccable character, irrespective of parties. and not the Barbie versions of the athletes. personalities and what their different political parties could offer to the Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia 16 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 19 20 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email [email protected] MIDWEEKPOLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY 2023: Apprehension Heightens over Insecurity Iyobosa Uwugiaren illuminates some of the growing concerns by various stakeholders that the 2023 general election might be threatened by the unending insecurity in the land

Buhari Yakubu Yahaya Baba

s Nigeria is struggling with the at the hands of terrorist group and other described as the humanitarian crises “Here in Katsina, if we say we are very happy, huge challenges of insecurity, criminals in the past six years. perpetrated by armed herdsmen. we are not being honest. We are disturbed created by the deadly activities With over 20 military officers report- “Shockingly, the humanitarian crises with this issue of banditry accompanied with of terrorist group Boko Haram, edly killed in three months - after three generated by this crime against human- kidnaping, rape of innocent women, armed kidnappers and bandits across the crashes involving Nigerian Air Force jets, ity seems not to bother Governor Nasir robbery on our highways. I want technology Acountry, there is palpable fear that there may be analysts feared that unless some sweeping el-Rufai of Kaduna State. to be properly deployed to bring these banditry no peaceful environment to conduct the 2023 and radical actions are taken urgently, “Since the siege on Atyap land started activities under control. general election. The apprehension is created the military casualties would affect the last year, with that of Chawai that has “We are not deceiving ourselves that we will by mounting insecurity across the country. morale of other troops. been dragging on for over six years now, eliminate criminality; it has never been done A recent Blog post by the Ralph Bunche Senior Sadly, several reports – both from local Governor el-Rufai has never visited any before, it cannot be done today, neither, can it Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council and international groups indicate that in of the scenes of the violence and has be done tomorrow, but we can bring it under on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC, John 2020, over 3, 176 persons were killed by never offered any form of assistance to control in such a way that it does not disturb Campbell, on the website of the Nigeria Security the bandits and herdsmen; while over the victims,’’ SOKAPU alleged. the way of life of people as we are seeing today. Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Rela- 1,000 students were said to have been The group explained that in the last “10 out of 34 Local Governments in Katsina tions, suggested that casualties occasioned by kidnapped between January and July one week, atrocities have been committed State are under severe bandits’ attacks daily. With terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across the 2021. With Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, in two local government areas: Kauru that in mind, there is no way we can sleep. Our six geo-political zones in Nigeria, since May 29, Benue, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zangon Kataf, where 32 people phones are permanently on to hear what is hap- 2015 till date, is on the increase. And analysts are Taraba and Plateau mostly affected by the were said to have been killed and four pening in local governments. Before breakfast, worried that the security challenges are mounting deadly actions of the criminals, different villages sacked. I am being briefed about what happened last despite a whopping amount of N5.081trillion reports also indicate that as of July 31, Katsina, the home state of President night,” Governor Masari lamented. that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led 2021, over 1,094 persons have been killed. Muhammadu Buhari is not spared from While tasking the federal government to act administration is said to have spent on defence, In particular, the stories from Southern these attacks. Governor Aminu Bello very fast, the governor argued that the purpose as well as, the appropriation of N4.669trillion Kaduna day-after-day are frightening. Masari, recently begged the Chief of of governance is to protect lives, property, honour to the Federal Ministry of Defence from 2016 to The Southern Kaduna People’s Union Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General and dignity of people, saying that when it’s date and $1billion for the purchase of military (SOKAPU), an umbrella body for ethnic Faruk Yahaya, to act urgently and save under attack, the entire system is under attack. equipment. nationalities in the Southern part of the the state from severe attacks by bandits In the South-south region, a recent survey However, despite this intense anxiety among state, recently raised the alarm over what and kidnappers, saying 10 out of the 34 titled, ‘’Insecurity in the Niger Delta – A Report stakeholders in the democratic project, insiders it described as ‘’genocide’’ against its ter- local government areas of the state are on Emerging Threats in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, at the Defence Headquarters are pointing to ritories by a terrorist group that wants defenceless. Cross River Delta, Edo and Rivers Stated,” carried the ongoing counter insurgency and counter to take over its land. Masari, who expressed worry over out by a respected non-governmental body, terrorism operations, which the Nigerian military The group, at a press conference re- the predominant security challenges in Niger Delta Dialogue, revealed that the zone is stubbornly prosecuting across the country, cently, said that in the past few weeks, the state, affirmed that the worsening is experiencing multi-dimensional insecurity. which they say is gathering steam. There are thousands of helpless villagers in Zangon sequence of banditry accompanied by The report said that having been the “hotbed indications that the military operations are Kataf and Kauru local councils - in South- kidnapping, rape of innocent women and of an armed militant insurgency’’ that peaked becoming too hot for the enemies. ern Kaduna attacked by militias have armed robbery on the state’s highways, in 2009, other security challenges such as armed ‘’In what appears to be an anti-climax in their fled their land to Internally Displaced were affecting his government’s effort to robbery, kidnapping, sea piracy, farmer-herder bloody campaign, Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists Persons (IDPs) camps and other places restore peace and normalcy in the state. conflict, violent youth gangs and cult groups have been boxed into a cul-de-sac, courtesy where they can find refuge. Masari, who urged both residents and other crimes, now form a complex web of the unrelenting offensive operations of the According to the President of the and security agencies to work together of insecurity that shapes everyday lives of the Nigerian troops,” a military analyst, Chidi SOKAPU, Mr. Jonathan Asake, several in order to up the ante in the war against people in the zone. Omeje stated. villagers had trooped to Kagoro, Kaf- bandits, kidnapping and other criminal The survey conducted by 15 scholars from He said that almost on daily basis in the past anchan, neighbouring Jos, activities in the state, said the military different universities, revealed that the range one month, scores after scores of Boko Haram/ capital, Kujama and Kaduna metropolis and other security agencies in Nigeria of security challenges in the South-south ISWAP fighters have surrendered to troops in the to avoid further attacks by the armed needed logistics support and manpower zone suggested a disturbing continuum of an theatre, with about ‘’300 commanders and foot- men. And the group is not happy with the to tackle the criminal activities in the “accelerated rise’’ in the intensity of violence, soldiers’’ of the group along with their families slow-response of the state government country, particularly in the North-west social upheaval, corruption in governance, have so far laid down their arms, denounced and security agencies towards what it zone of the country. failure of traditional governance mechanism violence and renounced membership of the and breakdown in socio-cultural norm. evil organisation. In the South-east part of country, the story is not Attributing the recorded success - in the different. Between January and July, 2021, over ongoing battle against terrorist to the ‘’aggres- 23 police stations, in addition to a correctional sive deployment of intelligence, kinetic and In Katsina, if we say we are very happy, we are not being facility, were targeted by the gunmen, leaving no-kinetic onslaught’’ by the Nigerian Armed honest. We are disturbed with this issue of banditry in their trail dead officers, burnt police stations, Forces, Omeje explained that the operations freed prison inmates, and empty armoury. have led to the death of many of the terrorists accompanied with kidnaping, rape of innocent women, Like other regions, there are also cases of crimi- and obliteration of their enclaves. nal violence manifesting as cult wars, ransom THISDAY reported recently that the Nigerian armed robbery on our highways. I want technology to kidnaps and armed robbery in the troubled Air Force’s continued airstrikes and heavy artil- be properly deployed to bring these banditry activities region. In addition are constant incidents of lery bombardments on the territories of the pro-Biafra secessionist agitations that turned blood-thirsty terrorists, especially in Sambisa under control. We are not deceiving ourselves that fatal in some occurrences and currently affecting Forest, have put so much pressure on the enemies the economic activities of the zone. There are and thoroughly unsettled them. we will eliminate criminality; it has never been done reports that over 200 people have been killed The ‘’good news’’ about the military’s op- in over 40 attacks in the zone. erations against the enemies of the country is before, it cannot be done today, neither, can it be done coming at a time Nigerians and the international tomorrow, but we can bring it under control in such a NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the community are complaining gloomily about online edition on www.thisdaylive.com the number of fatalities recorded by the military way that it does not disturb the way of life of people THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 21 POLITICS Between Dare and Dalung: Beyond the Olympics Politics Abiodun Adeniyi, while weighing in on the spat between the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare and one of his predecessors, Solomon Dalung, over the participation of Team Nigeria at the just concluded Tokyo Olympics, concludes that the issues might not all be about sports alone, but the politics of it

Buhari Dare Dalung

inister Sunday Dare was lately disparaging think-tanks that came after That said, how did Dare perform at the Olympics. For the records, Team Nigeria was in the eye of the storm, obvi- him to prove that his expertise cannot Olympics? Having only been in office properly kitted for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ously for the Olympics Games be surpassed. Akinyemi is, however, for about two years, should he take the with the Ministry buying a 9-item bag of kits in Tokyo, Japan. He had as- urbane, epistemic and charitable. Not blame for failures of some past leaders for each of our athletes and officials. The second sumed duties as a Minister on once has he been asked to comment on like Dalung? Records in the public space category of kits is the Competition Wears. This theM back of an illustrious journalism career, a his successors performances. On every shows that Nigeria got a bronze medal category is the specific competition kits which media entrepreneur, broadcaster, author, public occasion, he has been circumspect, if at in long jump, 25 years after Chioma are peculiar to each sport and provided by relations manager, and as a public administra- all responding to the questioners, arguing Ajunwa won gold in Atlanta 1996, and individual Sports Federation.” tor. These trades are service oriented genres, that he has done his part, and the onus is that Nigeria won a silver medal for And also, we have been told that the Ministry sometimes intangible, but certainly productive on his successors to do theirs. Reviewing wrestling, first Olympic medal ever in provides financial support to each Sports Fed- in the smoothening of social processes and their activities could, therefore, be petty, the sport’s history; aside a 21-year-old eration as required, and it is the responsibility procedures. They are often empowering enough primitive, and uncultured. And even Enoch Adegoke who became only the of each National Sports Federation to provide to hone managerial skills, provide multi-levelled when such reviews are very necessary, third Nigeria to get to the Finals of the 100 these Competition Wears to their team athletes perspectives and a knowledge of social nuances he’ll rather allow others to do it for him. Meters Men event. There is also the record and officials, and for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic good enough to exemplify a bearer. That’s the Prof. of Nigeria bagging two medals, a silver Games, each of the Sports Federations bought the Dare carried on with that background, Dalung is not a professor, anyway and a bronze, placing her 68 out of the two Competition Wears for their respective teams, adding a scintillating locution, a panache and may not act professorial, but there hundred and five countries at the Tokyo in relation to their specific needs. The AFN and candour, first tested by the October 2020 are loosely three ways to learning. One, Olympics and fourth in Africa, besides got enough specific wears from AFA Sports EndSARS protests, were as Youth Minister, through formal education. Two, personal Nigerian Olympians making record final directly for their athletes at the Games, while he was supposed to be the charge. He largely experiences, and there, the experiences finals at the Olympics. How about the the Ministry leveraged on the Local Content took charge, did his bit, until the novel protests of others. One of these routes should Nigerian Olympians setting several Policy of the Federal Government in looking petered out, just like that; or perhaps, until have served Dalung to understand that new personal best records in Athletics, inwards to engaging an indigenous company, another day. A second attention to him was a public attack on his successor in office or reaching the final of shot-put for the AFA Sports, to produce the general kits. with the just concluded Olympics Games in is not just infantile, but ludicrous, liminal first time in her history, and performing It was equally interesting to hear the Minister Tokyo, Japan, where he wass again the charge and heedless. And what is more? Dalung better when compared with London 2012 on the controversial Puma deal. He said: “We of a usually turbulent course, often combustive, is supposed to be in the same political Olympics with zero medal and the Rio are optimistic. Many people don’t know the for the disparate tempers of partisans, the hope party as his predecessor. He and Minister 2016 Olympics with one bronze medal? truth. It was expected that Puma would end the ministry represents, and the right focus on Dare, his successor, are believers in the Are these being examined, or should we that contract. Why not? The kits provided by youths as persons of the future. How do we President Mohammadu Buhari school of assume some politics are simply playing Puma is a subject of litigation. But people will contextualize the darts towards him, during thought. Even if these do not make him out? It was naturally worrisome seeing a soon know the truth. Those who bought the the games, and now after? How did he fare at avoid a public spat with the ministry, sportsman who rather chose to manually kits are running from pillar to post and from the Olympics? how about considering assumptions he wash his jersey, instead of using the wash- one media to another to tarnish my name and One critic that especially caught my attention is still bitter that he was dropped from ing machine, if for the sensational effect, make me look like the bad guy. Is their concern was his immediate predecessor, Mr. Solomon the cabinet? And should his bitterness but also salutary to read from the other really about the progress of Team Nigeria? Or Selcap Dalung. He was angry that the minister be directed at a man who knows nothing side. Check: “Firstly, for kits or sports they are afraid of what is going to happen when dissolved Federations ahead of the games, and about why he was sacked, despite his high equipment for Team Nigeria, there are two this massive case of fraud unravels? I have no that preparations were not coterminous with hopes of returning? Ministerial positions categories: these are the General Wears regrets at all. Yes, the Puma kits were available responsibilities. He volunteered these in live are highly respected offices where past and the Competition Wears. The General before we went with our Made-in-Nigeria kits, television interviews, which eventually got and present holders are supposed to be Wears category is the responsibility of which are equally beautiful and durable and cross and multiple postings. I wished, however, exceptional, whether in their public and the Ministry. The kitting of Team Nigeria also good for our economy. that this former minister who once “spended” private lives. Our man, Dalung, dropped for various National, Continental and “The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo all the money given the ministry very well had the ball here. He was simply uncharitable, International sporting events has always unveiled the kits, so you think he would take learnt something about grace and charity. I wish discourteous, and coarse. It should never been the responsibility of the Ministry and part in that process if the kits were no good? he also heard of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, an be a template. this was no different for the Tokyo 2020 It is common knowledge that the former AFN erudite scholar, diplomat per excellence and president, Engineer Ibrahim Shehu Gusau is former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who could desperate to extricate himself from a contract easily pass for Nigeria’s own Henry Kissinger, Dalung should understand that a public attack on his that he controversially signed the AFN into, Warren Christopher, or Madeleine Albright, which has now placed him in a position of trying for his feats at the ministry even though he was successor in office is not just infantile, but ludicrous, to blackmail Team Nigeria into wearing the in charge for just about two years. kits. Ibrahim Gusau has conveniently neglected Though Akinyemi is retired, he has been a liminal and heedless. What is more? Dalung is supposed to tell Nigerians that he and Sunday Adeleye keen watcher of global events, consistent with his to be in the same political party as his predecessor. signed a non-disclosure agreement with Puma, callings as a Professor emeritus of International which details are unknown to the Ministry Relations. With that background, he passes for an He and Minister Dare, his successor, are believers in and board members of the AFN. Nobody will authority on global affairs and could as well be a blackmail Team Nigeria into wearing those kits, first-rate consultant for successive foreign affairs the President Mohammadu Buhari school of thought. they can raise all the dusts they want, but the ministers and governments. With his broadened dust will eventually settle and then they will understanding, he could similarly rip apart Even if these do not make him avoid a public spat with dance to the music.” some policy directions, if to exemplify his depth the ministry, how about considering assumptions he The issues, might after all not be about sports and penetrating appreciation of transnational alone, but the politics of it. For the latter, Dare occurrences. He could also do more, including is still bitter that he was dropped from the cabinet? has been salutary. For the former, time will tell. 22 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 POLITICS Sanwo-Olu: Sustaining GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS APC’s Winning Habit Lagos, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has continued to sustain the winning habit of the All Progressives Congress as exemplified with the recent council elections, writes Vanessa Obioha

and ward levels. One of those who got a notch in their belt after the keenly contested election was Governor Sanwo-Olu for successfully continuing the legacy of the ruling party by sweeping all seats during election. Also, the election was adjudged to be one of the freest and fairest. There was no single report of breakdown of law and order, ballot box snatching, fighting and others vices associated with elections of that magnitude. As the number one citizen in , a L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress, FCT Chapter, Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman; Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, lot was expected from Governor Sanwo-Olu Minister of State for FCT; Senator Khairat Gwadabe and Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim at an APC stakeholders as many entrusted him to deliver for his party. meeting in the FCT, where Olawepo-Hashim was formally welcomed into the party As a seasoned administrator and manager of human and resources, the Governor never disap- pointed in sweeping victories for Lagos APC during last Saturday council polls. He was fully involved in the party’s electioneering as he joined thousands of party chieftains and members in presenting APC flag to chairman- Sanwo-Olu ship candidates at the party’s secretariat on Sunday July 18. Speaking at the handing over of party flags ince the return of Nigeria to civilian to the 57 chairmanship candidates ahead of the administration and birth of Fourth elections, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged them Republic on May 29, 1999, Lagos State to replicate the political victories of the party has remained one of the few states in being witnessed across the country in the poll. the country being run by same political He said the party’s current successes across Sstructure. Lagos State has never left the path the country, culminating in the mass defections of the progressive politics at both the state and of political top echelons to the party showed local government levels. the acceptance of the party by the people. The first governor in the Fourth Republic, The governor added that the local government Asiwaju Bola Tinubu came into power under is a critical arm of government, saying “We have the auspices of Alliance for Democracy (AD), three tiers of government and everybody has which later changed to Action Congress (AC) their roles and responsibilities. But as a state and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Through government, we will continue to ensure that Senator Uche Ekwunife (left) and Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic this political transition, the party’s focus on our development agenda is spread across the Party in the November 6 governorship election at an event where Ekwunife was named bottom up developmental initiatives did state and because we own all the local govern- Chairperson of the Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Council not change. The Local Government Council ments we will ensure it is reflective in all local administration was at the centre of every ac- governments and that is what we are doing. tion plan. This accounted for the creation of “So, what we expect from them is to key into 37 more Local Councils Development Areas our agenda. So that when they come in, they by the Bola Tinubu administration aimed at can also hit the ground running in all the wards bringing governance closer to the grassroots that we have. We expect them to start work people. immediately. The state government will carry The development continued under the All out some projects in the wards but we expect Progressives Congress (APC), which came into complimentary roles from these chairmen; we being in 2014 after the merger by the ACN, expect them to compliment that and do more.” Congress for Political Change (CPC), All Ni- After the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu didn’t geria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of go to sleep; he worked more and talked less the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to ensure that the ruling party continues its and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). dominance in Lagos politics. Given the fact that Two years after, the ruling party swept the he walks his talk, he rolled out the strategic 20 local governments and 37 Local Council framework with leaders and members of the Development Areas (LCDAs) chairmanship party, dotted his ‘I’ and crossed the ‘t’, mapped seats and also won 370 out of the 377 council- out his strategies and capitalised on the strength lorship seats during the 2017 council elections of the party across the 57 councils of the state in the State. Same feat was repeated during the to ensure that APC won in all polling units. election that produced the incumbent Governor, Without any iota of doubt, the laudable Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the fourth governor performance and the developmental strides of Lagos State in the present Fourth Republic. of Governor Sanwo-Olu contributed to the Governor Sanwo-Olu is also guarding the landslide victories of APC in the 57 councils ‘legacy’ jealously as his emergence as governor and 377 wards. ‘Sanwo-Eko’ as the Governor L-R: Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; with has strengthened the ruling party in Lagos State, is popularly called by politicians in Lagos State Head of Service, Pastor John Adeniran; during the Ondo Head of Service working visit to Ado-Ekiti making it an acceptable party to Lagosians due has done his best to satisfy the different class to his developmental strides in the last two of people in the state as his projects which years. Sanwo-Olu’s for a ‘Greater Lagos’ vision, cut across the nooks and crannies of the state which he is already bringing to life through touched both the rich and the poor, especially the THEMES developmental agenda has been at the local level. There is no ward among the a blessing to the political fold. 377 wards in Lagos State that has not benefitted Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown leader- from the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, ship in Lagos State by delivering dividends as the Midas touch of the governor cut across of democracy and good governance to citizens all strata in the state. of the State since his assumption into office Undoubtedly, the input and influence of on May 29, 2019. His achievements have Sanwo-Olu and his determination to work with earned him recognitions and awards locally other stakeholders in the party across the 20 and nationally as one of the best performing LGAs and 37 LCDAs was an added advantage governors in Nigeria. Last Saturday’s landslide to APC’s victory in the last council polls as victory of APC in the State local government the party leaders and members irrespective elections across the 57 councils and 377 wards of their differences worked together towards did not surprise millions of Lagosians. It was winning the hearts of the electorate for APC a testament of the developmental strides of in the state. Governor Sanwo-Olu, which has made the The outcome of the Lagos State local govern- All Progressives Congress the best option for ment elections has clearly redefined any narra- the residents. tion about the political acumen and strategy of From left; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Owoeye; Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict The July 24 local government elections pro- Governor Sanwo-Olu as a performing governor Alabi; Governor Gboyega Oyetola; his wife, Kafayat Oyetola; National President Nigeria Civil Service Union, duced smiles and tears, losers and winners, and good manager of party politics. Without Comrade Lawrence U. Amaechi and Chairman, Osun State Civil Service Union, Comrade Christopher A heroes and villains as well as additional feathers any shred of doubt, the achievements recorded Arapasopo, at the presentation of Best Governor Award to Governor Oyetola, during a One-Day Retreat and to the political caps of some politicians and by APC during Sanwo-Olu’s tenure would be Award Programme of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, South -west Zone, at the Staff Development Centre, political gladiators at state, local government replicated in future elections. Abere, Osogbo WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 23 24 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 Kogi's Blueprint for Holistic Regeneration, Reformation Following the abysmal level of socioeconomic development on ground, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that upon assumption of office, Governor Yahaya Bello, against all odds, launched the New Direction Blueprint, which has become the roadmap for proportional and accelerated development of Kogi State

Distribution of power tillers to enhance mechanized farming Training of youth under the Fadama project

hen I came into office society: How Kogi’s three main ethnic groups for the first time on became one’ by the Commissioner for Culture January 27th, 2016 our and Tourism, Hon. Isah Idachaba; and 2023 people needed change elections: Journalists as agenda setters’ by desperately and their President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chief expectations"W were sky-high. I was the young- Chris Isiguzo. est governor in the country and because of our youthful energies and perspectives The Governor's Vision I know everyone, even from outside the Disclosing his vision for the state, he said as state, expected fireworks and magic, or in the youngest governor in the country, many other words, an overnight success. expected fireworks and magic, or in other "As governor, I never once underestimated words, an overnight success, adding that the amount of work that needed to be he had a vision for the state even before he done considering the abysmal levels of ran for office which formed the substratum socioeconomic development we inherited. of his manifesto during campaigns. But I also tell myself that I did not come into With the campaign over, he lived up to government to glorify impossibilities, but his promises by developing the manifesto to solve problems. Thus I had a vision for into a roadmap called the New Direction the state even before I ran for office which Blueprint, which he said became the roadmap formed the substratum of my manifesto for proportional and accelerated development during campaigns and I had it developed of Kogi State in all her constituencies. into a roadmap for my work once I was He added that "as a leader, I have my elected governor." eyes on leaving lasting legacies and not Those statements above were made by necessarily making good impressions on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya people who are hell-bent on making dents Adoza Bello at the first annual Governor in our accomplishments through dishonesty. Yahaya Bello (GYB) Seminar for Political By its nature legacy cannot be frontloaded, and Crime Correspondents/Editors. it must always be a verdict delivered by posterity, in retrospect. Inaugural Chat "This means that legacy is not a medal To rub minds with journalists, crime you award yourself, it is one earned by hard and political corespondents and editors in work the results of which extend into the particular, and bring to fore the achievements future. For that very reason legacy cannot be recorded under this administration, the first permanently denied by malicious actors and ever GYB inaugural meet and greet-cum- a leader who must succeed must care little seminar was initiated. Bello or nothing for distraction. With the foregoing Following the welcome remarks by the always in view the GYB Administration has Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr never, not even for one day, worked for (Mrs) Folashade, Arike Ayoade, the governor economic downturn. The Kogi story’ by Forum, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe; insecurity applause but for positive impact and always of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, fondly the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. and the role of women: Case study of in the overall best interests of the people known as Essential GYB, shared the vision David Apeh; "Reporting Nigeria for Kogi State' by the Commissioner for of Kogi State. and mission for Kogi State under his watch, Nigeria’ by Editor-in-Chief, Leadership, Women Affairs & Social Development, "Did we magically transform Kogi State which led to an avalanche of questions for Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene; ‘Constructive Kogi State, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba; overnight? I wish I could say yes here, but the governor and team. This was followed reporting in crisis situation’ by former and ‘Impact of Civil Service reform on no. My team and I promised to work hard by several presentations covering security, Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Reuben national growth: Kogi as Case study’ by and to work smart for the people of Kogi politics, youth participation, governance, Abati. This session was wrapped with the Secretary to the State Government, State but we did not promise them magic. education, and even agriculture. a newsroom exercise anchored Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade. Thus, the best I can do is to say that we The seminar was wrapped up by the by THISDAY Columnist, Mr. Eddy Others include ‘Citizens’ participation tried, and that we have not stopped trying. Director-General, Research & Development, Odivwri and efficient security architecture: What This is because good things have processes Kogi State, Mr. Moses Okezie-Okafor with The event also recorded presentations we did differently' by the Kogi State that take time, including development and questions and answers before the closing on "Taming insecurity across Nigeria: Security Adviser, Navy Commander good governance of a society. Fireworks may ceremony/gala night/presentation of Special focus on the North’ by the Jerry Omodara (retd); ‘Peaceful coexis- light up the night but finally people must GYB Media Merit Awards/Presentation Publicity Secretary, Arewa Consultative tence in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious calm down and patiently wait for the day of Certificates, thus signalling an end to to dawn." what was an eventful dialogue. Impact of Civil Service Reform Presentations Did we magically transform Kogi State overnight? The civil service is the engine room of Billed for the seminar were presentations any government charged with day-to-day on "Youth Participation in Governance: Effect I wish I could say yes here, but no. My team and I implementation of policies and programmes, on crime rate” by the Chief of Staff to the as well as management of public expenditure. Governor, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu Asuku; promised to work hard and to work smart for the Harping on the reforms initiated by "Prioritising Education as pre-requisite for people of Kogi State but we did not promise them Governor Bello in the civil service, Secretary a peaceful society: The Kogi example” by to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade the Commissioner for Education, Science & magic. Thus, the best I can do is to say that we tried, Arike Ayoade in her paper on ‘Impact of Technology, Kogi State, Hon. Wemi Jones Ojo; Civil Service reform on national growth: ‘Achieving food security in spite of global and that we have not stopped trying Kogi as Case study’ said if there is peer THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 25 FEATURES

State of the art referral vehiclesambulances to boost health sector infrastructure review among states, they can tap from some ticipation in Governance: Effect on Crime elements of the Kogi Civil Service Reforms. Rate' he noted that youth participation in Stressing that the role of the civil service politics and governance is a subject that has in national development cannot be over- continued to generate nationwide interest emphasised, Ayoade said the first issue because it pertains to the socio-economic they tackled was the huge wage bill and development of the Nigerian youth. debt due to undefined salary structure and He said: "Nigeria has the third largest youth over-bloated service compounded by ghost population in the world and a median age of workers. 18 years. However, the youth demographic Noting that it was a drain on the govern- is grossly under-represented in Nigeria’s ment's purse, with support from her principal, governance process. A cursory overview of they set to work and can now boast of proper the median age of Nigeria’s leaders will accounting, owing to the Treasury Single show that the nation’s political echelons Account. They also weeded out 9,000 ghost are dominated by persons older than the workers which have stayed out given the age of 50. constant auditing of the accounts. "The general and if I might add, biased Another issue they tackled was the perception about our youth is that they lackadaisical attitude to work. But to deal are inexperienced and not mature enough with this, they first tackled the underlying to be trusted with the affairs of the state. factors like the poor conditions of service, Consequently, youths have been left out in working environment, backlog of salaries major decision making and policy formulation and delayed promotions including those processes that ought to serve their interest. without corresponding financial backing. This has led to the systemic marginalisation of Having done that, the system of reward and Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara youths in politics and engendering leadership penalty was instituted. This is just as they succession in the country. carry out habitual training and retraining "The average Nigerian youth is well to improve their capacity. rate of rate of population growth, governor and is trusted to two local equipped with the skills and technical Also, another drain in the government's and poverty also play a part within government areas; 1000 power tillers knowhow to make a difference in Nigeria’s purse was the duplication of duties making an already difficult environment, he which were distributed to women governance architecture but hardly are they it impossible to hold anyone responsible said in achieving food security in spite farmers all over the state; irrigation given the opportunity to put these skills for shabbily done jobs. To tackle this, she of the global economic downturn, Kogi facilities e.g water pumps etc. procured to work in mainstream development and canvassed a merger modality, thus cutting State having in mind the importance for use during dry season along the governance. cost of governance. of food availability to her citizen is bank of River Niger and Benue; as "More so, the youth in Nigeria is confronted This was just as infrastructural decay in true collaboration with government well as procurement of implement/ with a lot of micro and macro challenges that and lack of adequate and proper tools for and non-government agencies across farm inputs across the state facilities stands in his/quest to becoming a part of the work hampered effectiveness and efficiency. the state to easy the effects. which were distributed to farmers. governance process. In Nigeria, youths face Additionally, to address the crave for ‘juicy Noting that the mainstay of the He further stated that barring factors poverty, displacement, barriers to education, ministries’ by top officials, she is there is a state's economy is agriculture and of COVID-19, flood, farmers/herders multiple forms of discrimination and limited written examination to determine the fitness has comparative advantage in the clashes, cattle rustling, declining soil employment prospects and opportunities. All and suitability of top officials for ministries, production of cashew, rice, cassava, fertility among others, the state is poised these have constituted a clog in the wheels based on their long years of service, experi- palm oil, maize, beniseed, cowpea, yam to record increased food production of growth and development of both the body ence, skills, conduct and public good. as well as livestock and aquaculture, and food security, adding that the gains and minds of the majority of our youths." Another massive reform taken by the he said the state collaborates with of the past which slowed down by But beyond the socio-economic problems Kogi Civil Service is championing life after World Bank to fund programme such the COVID-19 pandemic are picking that these challenges portend, he opined retirement for its pensioners by keying into as the agro processing, productivity up again. that the perception of alienation and mar- the Contributory Pension Scheme introduced enhancement and livelihood support Conclusively, "not minding the short- ginalisation of youth has led to problems by the federal government in 2004. (APPEALS) project which empowers age of resources, Kogi State will not of insurgency, banditry and insecurity in The state has also carried out reforms of youth/women in rice, cassava and relax in making sure that the availability certain regions of the country, adding that the local government system in a bid to cashew production; International Fund of food for it citizenry will be her top the fundamental obligation of any democratic make it more effective. for Agricultural Development/Value priority," he added. society is to ensure the security of lives and Essentially, the reforms in the civil service Chain Development Programme (IFAD/ properties of the citizenry. in Kogi by the governor and team has led VCD) also in rice and cassava. Youth Participation and Effect Proffering solutions, he said early action to seamless governance, which if sustained, Also the state collaborates with on Crime to ensure fair representation of youth in will continue the state on a trajectory of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fund Noting that youth participation is the process of governance builds resilience growth. project, which will empower youth pivotal in governance, the Chief of Staff and social cohesion, as well as serves as and women in the development of to the Governor, Pharm. Abdulkareem a medium for curbing crime and conflict Achieving Food Security aquaculture and cassava production Moh’d Jamiu, while quoting Kofi An- prevention for vulnerable and at risk youths. In the paper on ‘Achieving food security and processing under this programme nan, the Former Secretary General of For youth participation in governance to go in spite of global economic downturn: The known as Accelerated Agricultural the United Nations, posited that any beyond the enactment of the Not Too Young Kogi story’, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Development Scheme (AADS). society that cuts itself from its youth to Run Act, he noted that it is expedient that Hon. David Apeh said the current global Also, some agricultural implements severs its lifeline. strategic measures for the active participation crisis is historically unprecedented worldwide like 100tractors were purchased by the In his presentation on 'Youth Par- of competent youth and equal opportunities with several factors converging to make it for governance are created. particularly damaging to people at risk of Commending Governor Bello for walking food insecurity. the talk, he said the governor has ensured "This global economic downturn is adequate representation of youth in all stratum enveloped with a food crisis that pushed In the last five years, our results speak for themselves. of government, full gender affirmation and the price of basic staples food beyond the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the reach of millions of poor people. In By 2018, after about two years in the office, Kogi the process of governance. addition, the crisis is affecting large parts Having noticed the insecurity situation and of the world simultaneously. This current went from being a violent crime hub and the kidnap marginalisation in the governance system global economic crises that hit developing capital of Nigeria to the 'second most peaceful state of Kogi State, he said the governor joined countries like Nigeria tended to be confined the gubernatorial race at the age of 39 in to individual countries or several countries in the country' and 'the state with the second lowest 2015 and by God's grace was sworn in as in a particular region." the fourth Executive Governor of Kogi State Citing causes of underlying food crisis crime statistics in Nigeria' according to the rating on the 27th January 2016 at the age of 40. as drought, flood and conflicts (farmers/ herders crisis), kidnapping/banditry, high agencies and law enforcement records Continued on page 26 26 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAYͯͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ FEATURES Kogi's Blueprint for Holistic Regeneration, Reformation

Procurement and distribution of Massey Ferguson tractors to the farmers across the 21 Lo- Confluence rice mill plant cal Government Area

"Evidently, at 32, I was appointed DG "We rooted out several bandits and kid- protocol in 2016 and at 36 I was upgraded nappers camps as well as cultists in some to the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi local government areas of the state through State in 2019. His youngest political appointee, cohesive intelligence gathering and operations; Mr. Edogbo, the Technical Assistant to Kogi intervened, resolved and resettled communi- State Governor on Private Sector and Digital ties involved in one communal crisis or the Economy, is 25. A host of other vibrant youths other through well structured meetings with are now decision makers in Kogi State, as stakeholders particularly security agencies, against being used as political thugs or member traditional rulers and community leaders. of an organised criminal syndicates; they are "The construction of 23.7 kilometers ac- off the street thereby curbing insecurity. Thus, cess road from Achara covering Rhombo, Kogi State is unarguably the safest state in Kpokpolobi, Tsaseri, Kpari, Gbubudu, Ishua, Nigeria today despite having borders with Adingere in Kogi LGA to Uttu Forest in 10 states including FCT. Nasarawa State on the advise of the Nigerian "Governor Yahaya Bello’s brilliant legacy Army to minimise or eradicate incidences and his accomplishments are a true testa- of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery ment to what can be achieved when youths in the wide forest; training of 441 Special and women are given the opportunity to Police Constabulary at Police Training School, participate in the process of governance. It is Ilorin. The IG approved 16 each for the 21 imperative to note that, power is not given, LGAs of the state, amounting to 336. The it is taken. Young people must determine governor added five each from the LGAS their own destinies and chart a new course making 105 and bringing the total to 441. for the desired future that they want. The constables successfully passed out on "As 2023 approaches, young people must Maternal Newborn and Child Health Intervention programme 29 December, 2020 to strengthen the security start asking questions as regards what the of the state; future holds for them. They must demand "Strengthened human and technical intel- to be participants in the governance process as immediate priority and strategic thousands of communications and other ligence; provided synergy among security of Nigeria. The numerous endorsem theent solutions. gadgets to our security contingents in agencies; monthly Review, Re-appraisal, of Governor Yahaya Bello by youths and Speaking on 'Citizens’ participation Kogi State within our first year. Respond (RRR); and debriefing of kidnapped various groups across the nation represents a and efficient security architecture: What "In the last five years, our results victims by security agencies." democratic ideal for the youth demographic: we did differently', the Kogi State speak for themselves. By 2018, after According to Omodara, the target security- that it is time to be part of the decision making Security Adviser, Navy Commander about two years in the office, Kogi went wise remains that the state government "will governance system of our country. Jerry Omodara (rtd), said the concrete from being a violent crime hub and the ensure the activities of various components "Suffice to say that, Governor Yahaya Bello programmes and policies embarked on kidnap capital of Nigeria to the 'second of our Internal Security as harmonised with is the modern day Yakubu Gowon who is by the government have been yield- most peaceful state in the country' and informed policy guidelines towards strengthen- working assiduously to unite the North and ing the much desired results as the 'the state with the second lowest crime ing internal security and community policing; the South through a handshake across the security situation in Kogi State today has statistics in Nigeria' according to the "With the success story in the use of local Niger. Governor Yahaya Bello is without improved tremendously as compared rating agencies and law enforcement hunters and vigilantes in our deployments, mincing words, the bridge between the to what obtained in the past. records. The ubiquitous armed robbery will soon look into amendments of the Kogi north and the south, between the old and Noting that because the state shares and communal clashes we inherited Vigilante Service Law to integrate hunters into the new, between the fast and the slow and boundary with nine states of the are largely extinct now. our system; we will continue to coordinate we young Nigerians have a duty to ensure federation and the FCT, Abuja, he "We still record kidnapping but only activities of various security agencies for that he is given a chance to lead Nigeria to said this has made it vulnerable to all as opportunistic attacks far removed the enhancement of adequate security and a prosperous promised land.' sorts of criminal activities as people of from the franchised operations they observant of human rights in the state; we Finally, he postulated that judging from questionable characters from different used to be in the past when bus loads will equally continue to call of relevant of Governor Bello's achievement, it will be right parts country converge to cause havoc of passengers were routinely abducted stakeholders and companies to contribute to say that political exclusion of youth and on innocent people. for random on our highways. Much substantially to the state Security Trust Fund. woman has direct correlation with insecurity Meanwhile, the governor noted "we respect for our gallant law enforcement "We recognised the need for sensitisation and that Nigeria is facing today. As such it is time set our sights on security in the state contingents in Kogi State who generally aware campaigns to guarantee the required for the youth to rise and take that which and overhauled it. Nigerians may want subdue such criminality with professional support and confidence of the public towards belongs to them! to know that our police, military and despatch and extreme prejudice." strengthening internal security framework in other law enforcement officers are not On what they did differently, the state; while the will continue to seek for Citizen Participation and Efficient cowards. The vast majority of our officers Omodara noted that by "defining the Special Security Intervention Fund from the Security Architecture are good, intelligent and diligent folk. geographical location and providing the federal government because of our strategic Security is an important and critical ele- We discovered that they just needed right security apparatus, it is worthy location in the country", Omodara surmised. ment to the progress of any government the right tools to do their jobs and a of note that no two states in Nigeria or organisation as valuable development little motivation to give us their best. are the same as it relates to people, About Kogi State can be achieved without adequate security. We did our best to give them both. typography, geographical location access Kogi State of Nigeria, which is covered Kogi is no different as his efforts against It took a huge toll on our resources, roads, infrastructures religion, ethnic with a land mass of about 28,313.53sqkm, is insecurity has brought the crime rate in the but we got and distributed over 200 diversity All these helped in determining bordered has borders with 10 states including state to its barest minimum, making Kogi patrol vans, over 500 motorcycles and suitable security applications. the FCT. Located in the Northern Nigeria, State a safe haven for settlers, investors and it was created in 1991 from parts of Kwara a connecting bridge between the north and State and . southern regions. Kogi State is nicknamed the "Confluence But it wasn't always like this as the state We rooted out several bandits and kidnappers camps State" due the fact that the confluence of the was once plagued with a host of insecurity River Niger and the River Benue occurs in challenges which were inherited, prominent as well as cultists in some local government areas of its capital, Lokoja. According to Wikipedia, among these includes terrorism, kidnapping, due to its strategic position in the middle assassination, political agitation, pipeline the state through cohesive intelligence gathering of the country and its access to these major vandalism, herders/host community clashes, rivers, Kogi State is a key center of com- communal clashes and high rate of cultism. and operations; intervened, resolved and resettled mercial trade in Nigeria. The majority of Kogi To tackle this, government found the need communities involved in one communal crisis or the State residents are Igala, Ebira and Okun. to restore peace and confidence to the people Agriculture remains dominant in the Kogi by embarking on programs and policies other through well structured meetings with stakeholders State economy. THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 27

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08056356325 RATES AS AT AUGUST 10,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 27.50% CALL 4% INDEX LEVEL 535.12% 1/4 TO DATE 0.40% N411.50/1US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 28.75 % 1-MONTH 6% 1-DAY 0.13% YEAR TO DATE -20.10% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 10% MONTH-TO-DATE 0.40% Total, Seplat, Others’ Revenue Hit N500.93bn in H1 2021 amidst Higher Margin in Products’ Sales

Darasimi Adebisi Also, profit for the period that price of Automotive Gas company, Seplat Petroleum nies, Total Nigeria and Seplat loss reported in H1 2020 over moved from N379.8million oil (Diesel) rose by 8.05 per Plc in the period under review Petroleum declared interim 41.8 per cent increase in revenue Listed Oil & gas companies on in H1 2020 to N11.39billion cent to N242.42 per litre this grew revenue by 50.4 per cent dividend of N4.00 and $2.5 to N151.33billion in H1 2021 the Nigerian Exchange Limited in H1 2021. year from N224.37 litre sold to N120.44billion in H1 2021 cents respectively. from N106.7billion reported in (NGX) reported growth in profit The federal government last June. from N80.12billion reported in On its part, Conoil Plc also H1 2020. and revenue driven by hike had early this year wanted to The price of PMS, better H1 2020. grew revenue by 17.7 per cent Analysis of the results in prices of Premium Motor suspend subsidy payment on known as petrol, currently The company listed on NGX to N67.6billion in H1 2021 from released by Eterna Plc showed Spirits (PMS), among others. imported petroleum product, hovers around N162/N163 and London Stock Exchange N57.46billion reported in H1 that the company migrated The Oil & gas companies that PMS, when the global oil price per litre. reported a profit of N14.12 2020 to drive profit by 214 per from a loss of N66.58million have so far released their half gained significantly over Crude However, the fact that the billion in H1 2021 from a loss cent to N1.06billion in H1 2021 in H1 2020 to N310.5million year results for period ended oil production cut by the price of the commodity is of N37.78billion reported in H1 from N338.7million reported in H1 2020, attributable to 33 June 30, 2021 on NGX are; Organization of the Petroleum still been sold at an average 2020. in H1 2920. per cent increase in revenue Ardova Plc, Total Nigeria Plc, Exporting Countries (OPEC). of N162/N163 per litre stations Capital market analysts have The growth in profit drive the to N37.99billion in H1 2021 MRS Nigeria Plc, Conoil Plc, A report by National Bureau across the country, meant urged investors to invest in company’s Earning Per Share from N28.52billion reported Seplat Petroleum and Eterna Plc. of Statistic (NBS) revealed that that the federal government, listed Oil and gas stocks with to N1.53 in H1 2021, about 214 in H1 2020. For the period under review, average price of PMS between through the Nigerian National strong fundamentals rather than per cent increase over N0.49 In addition, MRS Oil & Gas these companies grew revenue June of 2020 and June 2021 has Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) patronizing banking stocks as reported in H1 2020. also migrated from a loss of by 30per cent to N500.93 billion increased by 28.49 per cent to is still subsiding a litre of the most are struggling to survive A multination petroleum mar- N329.7million in H1 2020 to when compared to N384.08 N165.61 per litre from N128.88 commodity for Nigerians. numerous policies of the regulat- keting company, Total Nigeria N151.5million in H1 2021, billion reported in half year per litre sold last year. Specifically, an independent ing bodies. Plc reported N8.07billion profit ended June 30, 2020. The report by NBS also stated indigenous Nigerian energy In the period, two compa- in H1 2021 from N537.2million Continued on page 28 Fixed Income, FX Markets Sustain Momentum Recording N15.31trn, N4.16trn Turnover in One Month Eromosele Abiodun money market transactions were in June 2021. the highest contributors to the “The MoM increase in FX Investors’ interest in the fixed fixed income markets turnover Derivatives turnover was driven income and currencies markets has in June 2021, jointly accounting by MoM increase in turnover continue to soar as both markets for 64.18 per cent of the total across all derivative products, recorded significant increase in fixed income markets turnover. as FX Swaps, FX Forwards, FX turnover in June 2021, a report by Similarly, the FX market Futures and Other Derivatives FMDQ OTC limited has revealed. recorded a turnover of $10.12bn turnover increased by 88.07 per Analysis of the report revealed (N4.16trillion), in June 2021, cent ($0.92bn), 19.80 per cent that fixed income markets representing a MoM increase ($0.26billion), 118.18 per cent recorded a turnover of N15.31 of 38.44 per cent ($2.81billion) ($0.51billion) and 106.84 per trillion for the month ended from the turnover recorded in cent ($0.37billion) respectively. June 30, 2021, representing a May 2021 ($7.31billion). “In the OTC FX Futures month-on-month (MoM1) According to FMDQ, the market, the near month contract3 increase of 49.51 per cent to MoM increase in total FX market (NGUS JUN 30, 2021) with a total N5.07trillion and a year-on-year turnover was jointly driven by outstanding notional value (NV) (YoY2) decrease of 7.04 per cent the 17.90 per cent ($0.75billion) of $0.29billion matured and was (N1.16trn). and 65.73 per cent ($2.06billion) settled, whilst a new long-term The report revealed that increase in FX Spot and FX Continued on page 28 foreign exchange (FX) and Derivatives turnover respectively Source: FMDQ MARKET DATA AS AT TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 FGN BONDS BILLS OTC FX FUTURES CPs DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) CONTRACT Current MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) (%) TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) 11.668 FGNSB (MONTH) MREP CP XXXI 100.11 3.16 0.00 NTB 26-Aug-21 3.00 3.00 0.00 9.02 9.03 0.00 15-AUG-2021 1 NGUS AUG 25 2021 420.93 13-AUG-21 10.301 FGNSB NTB 9-Sep-21 3.10 3.11 0.00 UNCP CP III 27- 4.26 4.27 0.00 16-AUG-2021 100.12 3.16 0.00 2 NGUS SEP 29 2021 422.38 AUG-21 VAAG CP I 27- 11.150 FGNSB 0.00 NTB 16-Sep-21 3.15 3.16 0.00 10.20 10.25 0.00 11-SEP-2021 100.69 3.13 3 NGUS OCT 27 2021 423.83 AUG-21 TTNG CP II 31- 12.364 FGNSB 0.00 NTB 30-Sep-21 3.25 3.26 0.00 4.59 4.60 0.00 12-SEP-2021 100.82 3.12 4 NGUS NOV 24 2021 425.28 AUG-21 SIBP CP I 2-SEP- 12.175 FGNSB 0.00 NTB 14-Oct-21 3.35 3.37 0.00 5 NGUS DEC 29 2021 426.73 4.13 4.14 0.00 10-OCT-2021 101.49 3.08 21 28 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

TACKLING COVID-19… L-R: Group Head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande; Dean, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Bola Omoteso; Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede and Group Executive Director, SIFAX Group, Bode Ojeniyi during the 5th International Conference on Education organised by the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University with the theme- COVID-19 and Emerging Issues in Education held at the OAU Campus, Ile-Ife... recently Over 52 Senior NNPC Staff Affected in Fresh Redeployment Oil rebounds from three-week low Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja well as Mrs. Aisha Ahmadu- Mr. Yusuf Usman, formerly Reporting, Ayuba Ashu, has while Yunusa Jibril, formerly from NAPIMS; Silas Chimmy, Katagum, who was promoted Chief Operating Officer, Gas been moved to Accounts as the GM services at NAPIMS, has ex-Manager Technical Learning, The Nigerian National Petro- to the position of Group and Power, while Mr. Garba new Group General Manager. been transferred to the Hu- is now GM, Commercial and leum Corporation (NNPC) has Executive Director, Corporate Deen Muhammad, will take Former GM, Finance, man Resources Department Business Development, Cyprian continued its ongoing major Services. over from Dr Kennie Obateru Ibrahim Sanda, in the latest as GGM. Uchenna moves to Construc- reshuffle of key managerial In addition, a former Chief as the Group General Manager, internal movement, is now Ezeala Chizom moves to tion as GM, while Mijinyawa positions in the national oil Operating Officer, Business and Group Public Affairs Division the GGM, Finance; Opusunju Nigerian Gas Marketing Com- Muhammad, is new ED, Finance company, a move that has Ventures Development, Mr. of the corporation. Jestus, GM, Methods and pany (NGMC) as MD; Sophia and Accounts at the NPDC. affected at least 52 officials Adeyemi Adetunji, became But in the new list, the Procedures, has been moved Apunegbe ex-GM Contracts Zakariya Bitrus is new GM, in the latest list sighted by the new Group Executive General Manager, Planning, to NNPC Pensions as MD, and Procurement is now GGM, Gas Development; Kabo Mo- THISDAY yesterday. Director, Downstream, while National Petroleum Invest- while Yahaya Hamza, former Supply Chain Management hammed is now GM, Services, On Monday night, the a former Chief Operating ment Management Services General Manager in the Hu- and Talson Nungdang, for- NAPIMS, Kigo Abubakar is corporation announced the Officer, Corporate Services, (NAPIMS), Marcel Ogbonna man Resources Department, merly of Greenfield Refineries new ED, Services , National redeployment of Mr. Billy Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, was has now been promoted as is now MD NNPC Properties. and Petrochemicals has been Engineering and Technical Com- Okoye, who has now been selected the Group Executive the new Managing Director, Executive Director, Power moved up as the GGM. pany Limited (NETCO), while appointed the new Group Director, Gas and Power. Integrated Data Services Investment, Lawal Jibrin , has Ali Zara is new MD, Nige- Igbokwe Emmanuel moves to Executive Director, Ventures The repositioning also Limited (IDSL), while erstwhile been moved to the Renewable rian Petroleum Development Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) & Business Development as saw the disengagement of General Manager, Financial Energy Department as GGM, Company (NPDC), moving as GM. NiMet to Provide Marine Forecast for Ocean Going Vessels, Earmarks N1bn for Equipment Kasim Sumaina in Abuja NiMet, Professor Mansur N1 billion for marine forecast So as part of our establishment instruments to monitor the other marine equipment. This Matazu made the disclosure facilities was based on approv- Act, we were mandated to weather conditions around is just the first phase and we In a bid to expand services while speaking at the African als of the Federal Ministry of provide marine forecast for the coasts. are going to expand by next to non-aviation sectors, the Swift Testbed-3 Workshop Aviation because the agency ocean going vessels.” He said: “This is a very year. Also, I must state here Nigerian Meteorological Agency on Nowcasting and Users is under the Ministry and had The agency, he added, needs capital intensive programme that this is based on the huge (NiMet), has hinted that its set Co-production, in Abuja. been mandated to extend its to do a lot of installations, that involves the purchase and support we are getting from the to provide marine forecast for According to Matazu, “the functions to the marine sector. especially on high sensitive installation of tidal gauge and Federal Ministry of Aviation.” ocean going vessels. To this end, the agency revealed that it has set aside TOTAL, SEPLAT, OTHERS REVENUE HITS N500.93BN IN H1 2021 AMIDST HIGHER MARGIN IN PRODUCTS SALES N1 billion Naira to purchase driven by 53.2 per cent increase to higher margin in crude oil restriction of movement eroded Total Nigeria shares over its company’s payout is always 70 equipment for the project. in revenue to N36.7billion from products, stressing that the ease their revenue last year but intrinsic fundamentals on the to 80 per cent every year and It added that Nigeria has N23.99billion reported in H1 of movement also contributed with the ease on COVID-19 NGX. they may still pay dividend more than 800km stretch of 2020. to revenue and profit. lockdown, they were able to In his words, “Total Nigeria of N20.00 at the end of 2021 coastline that is busy with In his reaction, the MD/ According to him, “These grow revenue that translates is one of the most reliable Oil financial year. It makes a lot of shipping activities. CEO Enterprise Stockbrokers companies reported increase in into profit.” & gas stock on NGX and the sense for investors to buy Total The Director-General, Plc, Rotimi Fakayejo attributed revenue due to higher margin He maintained that investors company by year end is going Nigeria and Seplat Petroleum the Oil & Gas performance in products sale this year. The can always consider buying to have EPS of N35.00. The shares on NGX.”

FIXED INCOME, FX MARKETS SUSTAINS MOMENTUM RECORDING N15.31TRN, $10.12BN TURNOVER IN ONE MONTH (60M4) contract, NGUS JUN 24, an average of $/N500.57 in June 2026 was introduced at a Futures 2021 from $/N486.28 recorded price of $/N613.76. The total in May 2021. NV of open OTC FX Futures “Consequently, the average Group Business Editor contracts as at June 30, 2021 stood spread between the exchange Eromosele Abiodun at circa (c.) $4.25bn5 representing rates in the formal (I&E FX Comms/e-Business Editor a MoM increase of 7.32 per cent Window) and unregulated Emma Okonji ($0.29billion) from its value as at (parallel) FX markets increased May 31, 2021, and a reversal in by $/N14.26 to $/N89.27 in June Aviation Editor the downward trend witnessed 2021. At the I&E FX Window, Chinedu Eze since May 2020, “it stated. the Naira depreciated against Asst. Editor, Money Market On the currency front, the the U.S. Dollar, losing 0.01 per Nume Ekeghe report revealed that the Naira cent ($/N0.03) to close at an Source: FMDQ Senior Correspondent depreciated against the U.S. average of $/N411.30 in June Dollar at the I&E FX Window, 2021 from $/N411.27 recorded in change rates in the formal (I&E turnover, while FGN Bonds June 2021. This was driven by Raheem Akingbolu FX Window) and unregulated with term-to-maturity of 20Y the MoM increase in Repos/Buy- (Advertising) losing 0.01 per cent ($/N0.03) May 2021 whilst trading within to close at an average of $/ a range of $/N410.00 and $/ (parallel) FX markets increased or higher were the most actively backs turnover and Unsecured Correspondents N411.30 in June 2021 from $/ N412.00 in June 2021 by $/N14.26 to $/N89.27 in traded long-term11 sovereign Placements/Takings by 102.63 James Emejo (Finance) N411.27 recorded in May 2021, “Similarly, the Naira depreci- June 2021.” debt securities, accounting for per cent (N2.73trillion) and 58.82 Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) “whilst trading within a range ated against the U.S. Dollar in The report added that 23.00 per cent (N0.63trillion) of per cent (N0.10trillion) respec- Chineme Okafo (Energy) of $/N410.00 and $/N412.00 in the parallel market, losing 2.94 treasury bills were the most the total sovereign Fixed Income tively. The average OBB rate Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) June 2021.” per cent ($/N14.29) to close at traded sovereign debt securi- market turnover. (secured lending rate) and O/N ties in the month under review, It added, “Total turnover in rate increased by 1.40ppts and Reporters Similarly, it said the Naira an average of $/N500.57 in June depreciated against the U.S. Dollar 2021 from $/N486.28 recorded accounting for 28.71 per cent the money market segment 1.31ppts respectively, to close Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) (N0.79trillion) of the total increased MoM by 100.35 per at 16.71 per cent and 17.19 per Peter Uzoho (Energy) in the parallel market, losing 2.94 in May 2021. Consequently, the per cent ($/N14.29) to close at average spread between the ex- sovereign Fixed Income market cent (N2.84trn) to N5.67trn in cent in June 2021.” THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 29 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Analysts: Lagos Major Beneficiary of Rivers Court Ruling on VAT, Responsible for 70% of Collection Across Nigeria Nume Ekeghe allow the ruling to stand. they only keep 15 per cent and collect it themselves but at the some states would then state to the border by customs and no Oyedele added that if states 85 per cent goes to the states moment, FIRS is collecting on reconsider adjusting VAT collec- state can collect at the border, Following the ruling by a Federal collect personally, Lagos state and local governments.” their behalf, ”he said. tion as well as ask companies to it still has to be the federal High Court sitting in Port Har- would be the major beneficiary “We have also had different At the moment, he said the register operations in different, government. And VAT you court, Rivers State, stating that of the ruling adding that 70 per cases in the past including up to hopeful winner from the latest which in entirety would be would get from the border from Rivers State Government should cent of VAT collected nationwide the Supreme Court which was development would be Lagos cumbersome imports is not very different collect Valued Added Tax (VAT) are of Lagos origin. between Lagos state and Federal state. He said: “This is a judgment from what is gotten form the and Personal Income Tax (PIT), He said: “Based on the consti- Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) “I don’t think any other state of the Federal High Court and I VAT pool. So, the impact on analysts have noted that Lagos tution, consumption tax belongs and it was a debate between would make more money as of don’t think any state would want federal government would would be the major beneficial to the states and I don’t think VAT and consumption tax. And today from collecting their VAT to implement it. You expect there be negligible and Lagos state of this ruling. that anyone is debating that. So, the Supreme Court said VAT than what they are sharing from would be an appeal to court of would make five times what Fiscal Policy Partner and what happened in 1993 when law has covered the fees and the Federation. The reason is very appeal and then Supreme Court. they are getting from VAT and Africa Tax Leader at PwC Mr. the VAT law was introduced therefore Lagos state should not simply, there is customs VAT that This is a major issue so I don’t they would be the winner from Taiwo Oyedele, in an interview was the understanding that the introduce consumption tax. Now is collected by customs on behalf think anyone would allow it this. with THISDAY, noted that the Federal Government (FG) had even though this is not the same, of FIRS, and that accounts for stand at this level were it is. So, Many states from the North practice of the federal government the capacity to collect. At the but they are related. somewhere around 12 to 15 the reality is that I would not would have almost nothing to collecting VAT and PIT on behalf time, even Lagos state did not I”f you think of a law like percent of VAT and that is a be implemented now, it would collect. Some sates like Rivers, of states has been an ongoing have the capacity to collect. So, personal income tax, it is a state VAT no state would be able to still be under appeal and I don’t Ogun maybe they would be practice since states didn’t have FG was only collecting on behalf tax and no one is debating it lay claims too. Also, maybe 60 know how many more years balanced because they have g the capacity to collect personally. of the state and then keeping a with them to collect it but the to 70 per cent of the nation’s that would take.” good number of VAT within However, he pointed out percentage of the state to cover law was centrally enacted. So, VAT is generated in Lagos. This “Today, VAT is somewhere their states but more than 30 that with the complexities the cost of collecting. So, we can a way, I see VAT playing out means all the other states are around N1.5 trillion TO N1.8 of the 36 states would be far involved in collecting VAT debate on whether the percent the same way. Centrally enacted barely contributing 30 per cent.” trillion a year. About 12 to 15 worse off if the judgment is state by state, the FG will is high or not and that is why maybe at some point states would He noted that if this enacted per cent of that is collected at implemented.” Inyang-eyen: Gov Emmanuel Industrial Programmes Foundation for Viable State Okon Bassey in Uyo Inyang-eyen said with many was created. dead before Governor Emmanuel Refinery took a lot of effort. “What makes the difference industries already built and others “I think in all sincerity, Gov- arrived but today I can say clearly “For instance the coconut between every other state and Akwa Ibom State Government undergoing either technical or ernor Emmanuel came with a that this has changed, “he said. project had challenges right from Lagos State is not the public sector. has said the attraction of investors, structural procedures, Governor strong desire to take the state “Laying foundation for begin- planting the coconut up till the Lagos probably by allocation establishment of industries and Udom Emmanuel ould have away from central allocation, civil ning new thing is never easy, it is time we were ready to install the gets less than Akwa Ibom but diversification of the economy are transformed the economy of service, sharing of the money to always the most difficult of any equipments and we are still on their private sector is so solid his key strategies to prepare the the state from a dependent one a sector that is independent of project. So the Governor came to it. Now building this foundation and strong that their Internally state to be economically viable to a manufacturing and viable whether there is allocation or not lay a solid and stable foundation takes time but God helping the Generated Revenue is in tens of and independent of allocation economy before leaving office. in Abuja because we may get to to begin industrialization in the Governor to accomplish most of the Billions every month, “he stated. from the government at center. He said though there were somewhere in the future where state. Before you get people to foundational structures he wants “So I think that Governor The Chief of Staff to Akwa challenges because of the non there will be no allocations from invest in a place they have not to do in the private sector, the state Emmanuel has laid a solid Ibom State Governor, Ephraim industrial background and orien- Abuja again. been investing before it takes a would have been transformed foundation to activate for the first Inyang-eyen stated this Monday tation of the state, the Governor “Our state before 2015 was lot of energy. To have brought the and so whoever God chooses to time the private sector in Akwa while fielding questions from has been able to revitilize the basically waiting to receive money syringe that is supplying syringe become the next Governor will Ibom. Like the pencil factory, it Journalists in Uyo, the state economy, more than what his from Abuja at the end of every to all parts of the world, to get meet a private sector that is active took off, wobbled and has since capital. predecessors did since the state month. The private sector was the flour Mill and the Coconut and running. stabilized. 30 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD ECONOMY FG’s Debt Obligation to CBN The federal government’s borrowing binge is pushing the country towards insolvency, argues Ndubuisi Francis

espite government’s argument to 2019 revenues of N4.5 trillion runs foul these services in order to lift millions of suffered recession in 2016, which lasted five the contrary, there are increasing of the five per cent threshold permitted Nigerians out of poverty and to achieve the consecutive quarters largely on account of fears that its borrowing binge by the CBN Act. Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. sudden collapse in oil price, adding that is pushing the country towards Besides what is considered a violation of “Transparency and accountability in another economic downturn was also wit- insolvency, or at best, a debt trap. the five per cent threshold, the provision the spending of CBN overdrafts and nessed in 2020 due to the negative impact DWhen confronted with the debate over the also requires that the loans are repaid at loans would also improve the ability of of COVID’19 pandemic. burgeoning public debt profile, the federal the end of every year, failure which the the government to effectively respond to “In these circumstances, it would have government has always taken refuge in the CBN will no longer be able to lend to the the COVID-19 crisis. This means that the been insensitive on the part of the CBN alibi that Nigeria is still below the global government in the following year. government would not have to choose not to bail out the government in line with threshold in the area of borrowing. CBN’s monetary account is currently put between saving lives or making debt its role as banker to the government and While Nigeria’s debt-to-gross domestic at over $25 billion or about N10 trillion, payments. lender of last resort. product (GDP) is at about 22 per cent, which indicating that the Federal Government of “The recent overdraft of $25.6bn (about “The reality is that the give per cen ceiling is below the stipulated 58 per cent global Nigeria (FGN) is not meeting its obligations N9.7trn) reportedly obtained from the CBN on previous year’s IGR effort with regard to ceiling, it is worrisome that as at March 31, as required by the apex bank’s Act. would appear to be above the five-percent CBN Ways and Means never envisaged the 2021, public debt stood at N33.26 trillion. limit of the actual revenue of the Federal situation the economy found itself in the last Interestingly, the debt of some states were FGN SEEKS SOFT LANDING Government for 2020, that is, N3.9trn, few years. not captured in the latest official figures, prescribed by Section 38(2) of the CBN “I think the idea of scuritising these loans by which the Debt Management Office (DMO) The federal government is planning to Act 2007. SERAP notes that five-percent the CBN will enable them to be restructured into released at the end of March. securitise the debt it owes the CBN. In of N3.9trn is N197bn.’ long term tradable obligations which allow the But while concerns continue to mount over essence, it intends allow the debt it owes SERAP explained that while Section government sufficient time to liquidate them the debt quagmire, one of the disturbing the apex bank to be offered as bonds to the 38(1) of the CBN Act allows the Bank to against the backdrop of the requirement that signals is the federal government’s $25 billion investing public while the bank recovers grant overdrafts to the federal government any loan by the CBN must be repaid before (about N10 trillion) loans or overdraft from its money from the investors. Since the to address any temporary deficiency of any new one is extended.” the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). FGN unveiled the move to securitise the budget revenue, sub-section 2 provides In his intervention, the founder and presidential When the debt of some states that were loans from the CBN, various reactions that any outstanding overdraft ‘shall not candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party not added to the last figures released by have trailed the plan. exceed five-per cent of the previous year’s in the 2019 general elections, Mr. Tope Fashua the DMO and the $25 billion (N10 trillion) actual revenue of the federal government. maintained that, going forward, the sanctity overdraft secured under the CBN Ways and ANALYSTS VIEW It also noted that Section 38(3) requires of the provisions of the CBN Act should be Means window are brought into the mix, all overdrafts to ‘be repaid as soon as upheld, while the excuse of COVID-19 should the country might be heading for a more The Socio-Economic Rights and Ac- possible and by the end of the financial be discarded. complex debt crisis. countability Project (SERAP) has filed a year in which the overdrafts are granted. He said: “Going forward, I think the excuse lawsuit, asking the court “to compel the SERAP joined the Attorney General of of COVID should recede into the distance and CBN ACT federal government to disclose details the Federation and Minister of Justice we should be able to go back to following the of a $25 billion overdraft obtained from Abubakar Malami; the Minister of Finance, Act which only allows 5 per cent of previous Section 38(1) of the CBN Act allows the the CBN. Budge and National Planning, Zainab year’s revenue, and of course what that does federal government to borrow from the apex SERAP also asked the court to compel Ahmed, and tbe CBN Governor, Godwin is that it also puts government under pressure bank to finance budget deficit. It allows the the government to disclose spending details Emefiele in the suit. to increase its revenue base, and in doing that, bank to provide financing of fiscal deficits of the overdrafts and loans obtained The group said the court action everyone is involved” not above five per cent of the government’s from the apex bank since May 29, 2015. was in the public interest and in line Explaining that the move to securitise the previous year’s revenues. The group’s suit was embedded in its with the Nigerian Constitution, the debts owed to the CBN was in order, Fasua However, the CBN, via its Ways and Means Freedom of Information (FoI) request to Freedom of Information Act, the Fiscal said: “By securitising, I believe what they want window advanced a total of N2.8 trillion in President Muhammadu Buhari to disclose Responsibility Act, the Central Bank to do is to package the borrowings as bonds support loans to the federal government in the overdraft and repayment plan details. Act; the Debt Management Office Act; and sell to the investing public in order to get 2020 as the latter could not meet its revenue According to SERAP, ensuring transpar- and the country’s international legal off the balance sheet of the CBN. This will just targets due to the impact of the dip in oil ency and accountability in the spending of obligations. translate into bonds as it were in the hands prices and COVID-19 pandemic. CBN overdrafts and loans would promote For the National President of the of people and spread out over a period of During the public presentation of the 2021 prudence in debt management, reduce any Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, time, perhaps into the long term, so that the budget highlights, the Minister of Finance, risks of corruption and mismanagement, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, much as he would government can find a way of managing it. Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab and help the government to avoid the not support the idea of CBN frequent “Of course, it is not good for the government Ahmed disclosed that the apex bank gave pitfalls of excessive debt. resort to Ways and Means given its to have over-borrowed from the central bank. financial support to the federal government It argued: “Transparency and account- negative implications for inflation and However, the justification for some of these to the extent of N2.8 trillion to fund the ability in the spending of CBN overdrafts exchange rates, it must be borne in mind could be the Covid period.... However, the budget expenditure. would also ensure that public funds are that one of the functions of the CBN is system is pretty inefficient in Nigeria and a lot Of the 2020 budget deficit of N6.1 trillion, properly spent, reduce the level of public to act as lender of last resort. of the interventions of the government have N2 trillion was from domestic sources and debt, and improve the ability of the govern- Uwaleke, a former Commissioner for not had the impact that they were supposed N1.2 trillion from foreign borrowing, while ment to invest in essential public goods Finance in explained that what to have. We’re not even seeing the multiplier the CBN’s Ways and Means catered for the and services, such as quality education, this simply means is that the apex Bank effect in all the industries that the government shortfall. healthcare, and clean water,” SERAP said is expected to come to the rescue of the has intervened in. We are hoping that we Simply put, the CBN loans/overdraft total- in a statement. government whenever it is in serious continue to get more accountable in Nigeria ing N2.86 trillion to the federal government, “It is the primary responsibility of the financial difficulty. through the efforts of the media and those which is 47 per cent of the government’s government to ensure public access to He recalled that the Nigerian economy who speak up.” WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 31 32 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD REAL ESTATE Property Devt and Purple-Sukuk, A Match Made in Heaven Since it landed in Nigeria with its maiden issue of N10 billion by the Osun State Government in 2013, Sukuk Bonds have found its niche in the Nigerian finance system as a strong means of financing infrastructure. Recently, Purple Group, an active player in the nation’s Real Estate sector, announced that it is issuing a bond to fund its property development in the Lagos metropolis. From the look of it, the relationship will lead to the completion of ongoing construction and the creation of its Purple Urban residences in the Lekki area of Lagos State. Chris Paul reports

hen Sukuk Bonds first made and cash flows of debt financing to a specific These are the principles governing the Between 2018 and 2019, PREDCO had concluded its landing in secular Nigeria, asset being purchased, effectively distributing Sukuk-Purple bond; as it were, concerning the sale of its first two projects - Bishopsgate it caused fierce religious the benefits of that asset. This allows investors redefining the dynamics of property develop- Residences and RedworthTerraces and also the controversy; with many to work around the prohibition outlined under ment in Nigeria. development manager for the Group’s flagship Nigerians, especially, in the Sharia and still receive the benefits of debt But then, this is no Sukuk master class. project Purple Maryland and Purple Lekki, PREDCO South believing it is another financing. However, because of the way that This piece is on how a fast-,growing property derives both management and agency fees from Wploy by the North to Islamise the finance sector sukuk are structured, financing can only be development firm got the attention of the its activities. of the country. But when some states in the South raised for identifiable assets. Islamic Finance instrument, the advancement Nigeria’s real estate and construction sector began taking the Islamic Finance certificate, it Representing aggregate and undivided shares of the goal to bridge the property deficiency is one of the key sectors of the economy as the looked like the Sukuk pudding may just be good of ownership in a tangible asset which relates gap in Lagos state and bring innovative 6th largest contributor to GDP and accounting for the eating. Osun State led the way to the to a specific project or a specific investment residential concept to property development for c. 9.8% of GDP in 2019. Sukuk kitchen and then a South Eastern State activity, an investor in the Bond, thus, does in Nigeria. The recent growth in the construction sector also had a bite of the pie. They saw it was good not own a debt obligation owed by the bond Incorporated as a limited liability company has largely been driven by the increase in foreign and ever since the Sukuk story has been sweet. issuer; rather, he or she owns a piece of the in 2015 Purple Real Estate Development direct investments and local private capital in Its latest bond issue raise by the Purple Group asset that is linked to the investment. Company (PREDCo) the economy as well as increased infrastructural has further deepened the roots of the Sukuk In other words, unlike bond holders, sukuk commenced operations on September development, particularly in Lagos State. flower in the enhancement and beautification holders receive a portion of the earnings 2015; and it is a wholly-owned subsidiary The sector witnessed a slowdown in growth of the Nigerian property development space. generated by the associated asset. of Purple Real Estate Income Limited. The in 2016, as it was one of the most negatively Similar to a bond in Western finance, Sukuk is Are there similarities or differences between principal activities of PREDCO include the impacted sectors during the nationwide recession an Islamic financial certificate that complies with Sukuk and conventional bonds? development of residential and commercial With improving macroeconomic fundamentals, Islamic religious law commonly known as Sharia. In terms of similarities, both provide real estate with the aim of outright sales or the real estate sector is expected to return to Since the traditional Western interest-paying bond investors with payment streams. They are lease of properties to meet the needs of pre-recession growth levels. structure is not permissible, the issuer of a sukuk issued to investors and both may be used individuals and corporate bodies. Following the establishment of the Nigerian essentially sells an investor group a certificate, and to raise capital for a firm. Leveraging on its market knowledge and Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) with the then uses the proceeds to purchase an asset that Considered to be safer investments than expertise as well as its network to attract, purpose of promoting home ownership while the investor group has direct partial ownership equities, both also have their differences; while invest and deliver sound positive alpha deepening the primary and secondary mortgage interest in. The issuer must also make a contractual Sukuk investors receive profit generated by returns to its investors, PREDCO focuses markets, credit to the real estate sector is expected promise to buy back the bond at a future date the underlying asset on a periodic basis, bond on development/growth opportunities and to increase. at par value. investors receive periodic interest payments. has equitable board/project involvement. It In addition, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) It is a sharia-compliant bond-like instruments While Sukuk involves asset ownership, has consistently raised funds from HNI’s new policy direction instructing commercial banks used in Islamic finance and it involves a direct bonds are debt obligations. and Institutions. to increase lending at lower rates to stimulate asset ownership interest, while bonds are indirect Whereas bond yield is strictly due to its With regards to real estate, Purple is look- aggressive growth of the economy is one of the interest-bearing debt obligations. interest rate, the more the asset backing ing to build on the success of its flagship major government economic and social policies Although, both sukuk and bonds provide a sukuk appreciates, the more the sukuk mixed-use project, the Maryland Mall and that is expected to attract investment into the investors with payment streams, income derived appreciates. other residential projects and aims to grow real estate development sector. from a sukuk cannot be speculative; because that Assets that back sukuk are halal whereas its real estate footprint by delivering 3- 5 In Lagos and Abuja, which are prime locations would make it no longer halal. bonds are often ribaand may finance non similar assets within the next five years and and key cities in Nigeria’s real estate market, there Sukuk have become extremely popular since sharia compliant businesses or fuel speculation. up to 1000 residential units. is a high demand for commercial buildings and 2000 with the rise of Islamic finance, when the first While a bond’s price is largely determined Some of its major existing projects include residential apartments. such products were issued in Malaysia; followed by its credit rating, Sukuk valuation is based BishopsGateresidences and Redworth Ter- This is the turf the Purple group has continued by Bahrain in 2001. on the value of the assets backing them. races at Ikate Elegushi at Lekki; and Purple to dominate in its stride with its mix-use archi- In today’s world, the Islamic Finance instrument Trust Certificates is the most common type of Maryland, its work, shop, eat, play and drink tectural masterpieces. With this sukuk energy, is used by Islamic corporations and state-run a sukuk and it is also governed by Western law; retail Mall experiment. PREDCO is about to soar beyond the height organizations alike around the globe, taking up however, the structure of this type of sukuk It has secured locations for delivery under of the eagle in the sky and may soon become an increasing share of the global fixed-income is more nuanced. The organization raising a staggered approach for: Lekki Phase 1 the prime property development driver of the market. funds first creates a special purpose vehicle - 185 units of 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom and Nigerian State with its lofty goal of adding Islamic law prohibits what’s known as “riba,” (SPV). The SPV then issues trust certificates to 5-bedroom apartments Maryland (Purple 1000 keys to the residential real estate market or what we understand as “interest” in the West. qualified investors and puts the proceeds of Macro) – 130 units of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom in Lagos State. Traditional Western debt instruments, therefore, the investments toward a funding agreement and 3-bedroom. No doubt, this Islamic Finance instrument cannot be used as viable investment vehicles or with the issuing organization. In return, the While other retail and mixed use centres are will further fire the zest of the Purple group to ways to raise capital for a business. To circumvent investors earn a portion of the profits linked all under Pre-development phase, construction continue to capture the minds and temperament this, sukuk were created in order to link the returns to the asset. has commenced on Purple Lekki. of today’s new tenants and landlords. THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 33 BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE Investing in Lubricants Production, Packaging for Cash

Godwin Uba ing plant after which additives such as detergents, anti-corrosive chemicals, dispersants are added. he impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and resultant Heating and agitation simultaneously take place Lockdown on the Nigerian Economy and to achieve blending of the oil with the chemicals. the entire world has changed the types and After blending, the product is allowed to cool down before nature of investments to embark upon. being filled into various containers such as drums and kegs. We have taken time to look at those viable The required equipment and machines is Lube blending and profitable investments to make after machine, oil filling machine, cap screwing machine, con- Tthe COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdowns in Nigeria. veyor, and farm tank with total of 20,000liters, standby gen- One of the sectors to invest into is the oil and gas erator, delivery vans, interconnecting pipelines and finance. sector. Under this sector we see investing into The plant will cost about N38.5 million excluding land production of lubricant as a very lucrative one. and building, but including machinery, generator and The importance of engine oil cannot be over working capital requirement, which includes base oil stock. emphasized. Oil is the life of any engine. Its main There some legal and operational licenses that supposed role is to provide lubrication to moving parts and to be obtained for smooth operations. All formulations transfer heat. It keeps the moving parts from grind- and specifications of products to be manufactured ing against each other causing wear and damage. should be forwarded to the Standards Organization The demand for engine oil in Nigeria is from vehicle of Nigeria (SON) for consideration and approval. owners, power generator owners, industries, tricycles Samples of all blended batches should be retained for and motorcyclists. Engine oil is used by both petrol and a period of not less than three months before disposal diesel engine oil, though in different grades. Lubricant oil blending filling plant PHOTO: ARSLAN ENGINERY and be made available on demand for any desired The petrol engine oil are used in serving passenger car quality verification test within this mandatory period (light cars) while diesel engine oil are used in servicing gen- as blended motor oils, brake-fluids, transmission of storage. important sectors of the petrochemical industry. Upon completion of the construction of blend- erators (small and big) and also for heavy cars (diesel cars). fluids and lubricating machinery grease. The The size of lubricating oil and grease market in There are still grades of diesel engine oil (mono grade and industry is heavily dependent on crude oil prices. ing or recycling plant, an application for license to Nigeria is estimated at over N900 billion and operate the plant should be forwarded to the Depart- multi grade) mono grades are commonly used in Nigeria, There are four (4) types of lubricants: Oil, it is growing at around 3.5 per cent annually. although people are now beginning to appreciate multi Grease, Penetrating Lubricants, and Dry Lu- ment of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Details on all The choice of site for this project was mainly legal and operational requirements will be given. grades. The viscosity of the oil is a function of the grade. bricants. The two (2) most common lubricants consumer driven. The major consumers of this Statistics available confirms that the total world demand dealing with on daily are oil and grease. product are to the extent of 80 per cent plus, resident for lubricating oils is about 50 billion liters per annum Major products of oil refineries include asphalt, in the urban areas and mostly health sector. Besides, IMPLEMENTATIONS (60 per cent automotive, 40 per cent industrial). However, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel fuel, lubricating the fundamental business infrastructures are more For details on comprehensive & Bankable feasibility the industrial lubricants account for more than 70 per oils, fuel oils, gasoline, kerosene, paraffin wax, readily available in the urban areas. cent of the total gross earnings and profit margin globally. tar, petrochemicals. Lubricants (engine oil) are studies, Business Plan; procurement & installations of Such facilities as electricity, good road system, strong and durable machines, internationally acceptable In Africa, Nigeria is said to be the third largest products of petroleum refinery. experience manpower etc are better established consumer of lubricating oils amounting to about The raw materials required for the produc- packaging methods, Export markets and funding ar- in the urban areas. Though one can locate the rangements and Recruitment & Training of manpower 700 million liters (1 per cent of the world’s total tion of Lubricants are products of oil refineries, project at any parts of the country, we advise that demand), with a gross earnings of N150 billion in which are readily available in Nigeria. It can be please contact the writer. We assist in reviving of death it is located close the market and raw materials. manufacturing/ industrial projects. Some prospective 2013 and over N450.37Billion as the end of Q1, 2021. sourced from virgin material or through recycling. The project can take off in a land space of two plots The cumulative assets base of the blending plants The Lube market consists of two major segments, investors would prefer to go to internet and copy pre- of land. The factory building must have five major feasibility reports done in India or other parts of the is about N20 billion, generating about N45 billion automotive and industrial, having a market share of rooms namely Cloak Room, Packaging Material profit margins in 2013 and N120billion, generating 70 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively. Most of the world. That type of report can never lead you in terms Room, Production Room, Finished Product Room, of knowledge and sourcing of your funds. The reports about 300billion profit margin in the Q1, 2021. competition is crowding into the first category. In the Raw Material Room. Furthermore, it has been estimated that 75 per cent of automotive segment, while cars, Generators and two are not in the business environment with Nigeria, so The factory will be located where there is it could be misleading. the total need of lubricating oils is produced locally or three wheelers segment accounts for 65 per cent of no human residence within the compound. while the remaining 25 per cent are specialized products the market, diesel operated engines; trucks and other The production process for engine oil involves imported by the marketing companies into the country. heavy vehicles have the bulk share of 35 per cent. procurement of base oil from refineries; the t(PEXJO6CBJTUIF-FBE"OBMZTUTBU(MPCBM The Lubricant Oil Manufacturing industry produces The lubricating oil and grease are one of the most procured base oil is now filled into the blend- 5SVTU$POTVMUJOHJO-BHPT petroleum-based lubricant and grease products, such 34 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD INSURANCE

Understanding Air Travellers’ Rights, Claims Limit Ebere Nwoji writes on the risky nature of air transport, enormity of claims by air passengers and behavior of both airline and insurance operators in accident cases and calls for the need to sensitise passengers on their rights and the limit of their claims when crash occurs

n the past seven months of this year, 2021, is overwhelming. It appeals to people’s their insurers want to take advantage of other of its sort. precisely the months of February, May emotion who would want to know if the ignorance of the victims to short pay their The regulators are alive to their duties in and July, Nigeria’s air space has witnessed relatives of the victims of the crash are well claims. this regard while government is much more three major air mishaps involving military compensated for the loss of the lives of their interested in seeing the law obeyed to the last aircraft that claimed eminent people’s loved ones. In the case of fatal accidents, INSURERS’ PERSPECTIVE letter. This is because of risky nature of air lives including the former Chief of Army the relatives of deceased often inundate Insurance experts said aviation insurance transport and high premium associated with IStaff, Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru who the airline operator and its insurers with is one of the technical classes of insurance air travel, which is considered the safest means died at age 54 in a fatal plane crash which huge claim filings. business. of moving from one place to another. occurred on May 21,2021,four months after his Both the airline operator and the accident According to them, it is so technical that Industry observers noted that in Nigeria, appointment. Attahiru, died in the crash along victims’ expectations on insurance company insurance managers themselves regard it as after the tragic accidents involving two major 10 others including top military officers, aids concerned are always very high. In the past, not for all comers in the business and that passenger bound aircraft in 2005 and 2006, aviation and crew. there has not been accident claim in Nigeria requires well experienced, highly technical industry regulators became much more critical On February 22, Nigerian military plane, King that was amicably settled. The settlements and thorough breed professionals who in assessing insurance status of every aircraft Air350, took off from Abuja Airport but reported were usually dogged by controversy because specialise in the business to handle it. that flies out of Nigerian airports. engine failure, according to media reports, while of the high expectation of the relatives of According to them, insurance claims and They said the situation became tougher since trying to return back to the airport on account of the victims of the crash. But there are compensation is part of aviation business, January 1, 2013, when the National Insurance the failure, it exploded killing all seven people standard compensation enshrined in the which is mainly international in nature. Commission (NAICOM) began enforcement of on board. International Civil Aviation Organisation Aviation insurance is effected in the ‘no premium no cover’ policy among insurance The two fatal crashes, if not that they involved (ICAO) regulations. But sometimes some international market more than any other underwriters. military aircraft, would have required huge relatives of the crash victims sue to kick branch of insurance. compensations in form of claims from insurance against the claim, considered to be less than “This is why knowledge of laws governing AIRLINE OPERATORS’ EFFORT companies because of the status of the victims what could compensate for the death of air transport and aviation insurance in These have put airline operators in tight corner and the fact that aviation insurance is such a their loved ones. various countries both locally (Nigeria) and insurance in terms of obtaining insurance cover compulsory requirement that regulators hardly internationally is important to keep abreast for their equipment. Recent observations show wink at in the discharge of their duties. REGULATION ON CLAIMS AND of changes in this class of business. that currently due to huge premium involved in But military aircraft are not handled by “People fly both locally and internationally aviation insurance and refusal by underwriters insurance companies; rather, government takes TRAVELLERS IGNORANCE and therefore the question now is in the event to grant cover on credit, airline operators buy care of the dependents of the deceased. Experts in aviation business said as of loss or death of a passenger, which law will their insurance cover monthly instead of annually. But this has not and cannot immune insurance emotional as any air mishap is, there are be applicable for purposes of jurisdiction,” This has exposed them to risk of being grounded operators from huge claims that emanate when both local and international regulations that one of the insurance experts who spoke to by their regulators once there is little mistake or commercial aircraft is involved in a crash. guide aviation insurance contract just like THISDAY asked. omission in their aviation insurance. For the commercial aircraft, claims from air every other contract and these regulations They noted that since after the First World Industry observers noted that this risk was almost crash is so enormous and often very controversial cannot be violated in demanding for or War, there was very rapid advancement suffered by Arik Air few years back when on that it rakes up emotions and endangers the paying for damages incurred during the in aeronautical engineering. According to account of a public holiday that delayed renewal goodwill of the insurance companies involved if course of air trip. them, today, the size and type of aircraft of its insurances by one day after expiration, the the compensation for the relatives of the victims They noted that contrary to this, most times, in operation is unimaginable. They are of airline was stopped from flying and the passengers of the accident is not well managed. when there is air crash, the passengers are the view that the recent advances in aircraft discharged by the officials of the Nigerian Civil The claims are so huge that if the business ignorant of limit of their claims and quantum manufactured today in terms of number of Aviation Authority (NCAA) until NAICOM is not adequately spread by the lead insurer of claims, which the premium they paid can passengers, load carried and distances covered confirmed that it has put its insurance package among other insurers, the claim is capable of give to them. when compared to some 20 years ago is also in order. bringing down the insurance company, not Similarly, industry observers said in most unbelievable. This means that these aircraft are According to the observers, these strict withstanding its financial strength. cases, the insurance companies, take advantage highly valued and therefore value at risk is regulations by both NCAA and NAICOM are Where the victims are not adequately of the ignorance of the passengers on their when accident occurs is quite high. put in place for security, safety and interest of compensated, the criticism from the public is claims right to underpay them perhaps having The experts said there is therefore need the passengers, also capable of sending the airline operator out charged very low premium from the airline for an insurer with a lot of financial strength of business. operator in order to grab the business from to play in this class of business adding that AIR CRASH DAMAGES other insurers racing for the same business. even locally, strict regulations by the insurance A study of a number of air crashes that have EXPECTATIONS FROM VICTIMS According to the observers, the problem regulator is in place for any operator that wants occurred in recent past shows that often when Indeed, aviation insurance is one class of stems from the fact that air passengers, to participate in aviation business. it occurs it claims lives of all the passengers insurance business that has so much exposed neglect reading these aviation insurance rules on board, including the cabin crew and at the the insurance sector and its operators to public and regulations written at the back of their ENFORCEMENT same time causes damages to the ground where criticism erroneously or constructively. passenger tickets and the result is that when Here in Nigeria, among all the classes it crashes. This is because aviation risk, when it occurred, the unforeseen happens, argument follows of insurance that are made compulsory for attracts much public concern and sympathy. either because the victims or their relatives the protection of the third party’s interest, The public could be curious and anxious to in case of death are making wrong claims enforcement of aviation third party liability NOTE: Interested readers should continue in know the outcome. The empathy it attracts or some mischievous airline operators and insurance is much more serious than any the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021˾THISDAY 35 BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Nnoka: Stronger Policies Necessary to Reverse Current Economic Trends The President, Risk Management Association of Nigeria, Mr. Magnus Nnoka, reiterates the need for strong policy implementation that will revamp the Nigerian economy, as well as some pertinent banking issues and risk factors. Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts:

The CBN last week discontinued the sale of foreign exchange to the BDCs. What risks do you envisage from this action? ith the ban of forex sales to the BDCs, Nigeria could save over $5.7 billion annually, according to a report from Bloomberg. The Banking system is a better platform to closely monitor operators,W trends and manage the nation’s foreign exchange market. For example, since the sharp drop in crude oil prices to below $30 per barrel to a dollar in April 2020, the Deposit Money Banks have contributed significantly to price stability as dollar has depreciated by just 14 per cent while the exchange rate of the naira in the black market has depreciated by about 40.2 per cent to more than N500 to a dollar. We see short term risk of Naira depreciation but with more transparency and enhanced regulatory oversight, the value of the Naira will remain stable in the FX market in Nnoka the medium to long term, all other things being equal. I support the position taken by CBN on When is the CBN likely to begin monetary this, it is the globally accepted best approach policy tightening as seen in some other countries? Private placement and Initial Public Offers Unlike its peers, Nigeria’s key economic indicators (IPOs) seem to be drying up in the market. such as GDP, inflation rate and exchange rate) What do you think are the limitations for remain very fragile. In fact, you will recall that such offers? Nigeria barely came out of recession owing to the Private placements in Nigeria have had a effect of COVID-19 pandemic and slump in crude checkered history. The major concerns include oil prices. Therefore, accommodative monetary the lack of transparency, poor disclosures or policy stance is recommended to continue in the information asymmetry, and lack of accountability short to medium terms. associated with private placement, which acts as a disincentive to investors. I am aware however Part of the events that will take place after that the FMDQ has initiated actions to address the forthcoming conference of the association, some these issues and reverse investors’ apathy is election of new officers, and having served I should also add that the trends in private for the maximum term of three years, what placement and IPOs are a reflection of business has it been for you leading the association environment and health of the economy as investors and what legacies are you leaving behind? tend to push for alpha in areas where their returns As you may know, aside from the employees are optimized. We should also consider reducing the at the RIMAN Secretariat, all members of the listing fee and associated cost of private placement Executive Council have their full-time jobs. So, which are relatively considered on the high side it is expected that we all must put in extra hours for the financial status of interested companies, to serve the two maters, and for the president, this is even more demanding because the buck The Central Bank has often said the banking stops on my desk. This is the challenge all past system is safe and sound. Does this imply presidents have faced, but the unique nature of my that the sector is devoid of any risk? What tenor has been the additional challenges caused are the inherent risks? by COVID-19 which has tasked professional risk The Nigerian banking system is robust and managers more than ever. I am encouraged by the financially sound. Average NPLs hovers around 5.7 strong thought leadership and support we provided per cent while average capital adequacy ratio and to both our corporate and individual members liquidity ratio remain above minimum regulatory in managing the heightened risk environment. limit at 15.5 per cent and 41.3 per cent as of June On my legacies, frankly speaking, I would not 2021. We think credit, cybersecurity, macroeconomic, want to indulge in self-assessment, I will rather let and regulatory risks are some of the inherent our members and the professional risk management risks facing the industry. Don’t forget that there community to be the judge, but I am confident is nowhere in the world where the banking sector that posterity will be fair to me. And don’t forget, does not face some sort of risk in its operations, I am joining the elite club of past presidents and the most important thing is making sure that such will continue to avail the association with advisory risk are effectively mitigated at organization and support when and where necessary. systemic levels. What does the 20th Annual International What actually is responsible for the recent Conference of RIMAN, hopes to achieve? rise in inter-bank rates, and what does it RIMAN’s Conference is the largest gathering mean for the industry and economy? of risk practitioners and stakeholders in Nigeria, In my view, the recent hike in the interbank rates with significant value addition over the decades. is largely attributed to the efforts of the Central The conference provides a forum for RIMAN to Bank to control the excess liquidity in the system collaborate with regulatory authorities in policy and thereby curtail inflationary pressure. Therefore, advancement and promotion of best practices in risk the CBN from time to time do issue OMO Bills management. Since the advent of the COVID-19 to mop up liquidity. In addition, the regime of pandemic, businesses have had to adapt their Discretionary CRR debits as part of liquidity operations to cope with lockdown restrictions and management by the CBN also contributes in the increased shift to remote working. It is for creating the trend we have seen in interbank rates. this reason that this year’s conference has been On the positive side, this helps to moderate themed “Risk Management in a Digital Era”. inflation though still extremely high, but it could It is our expectation that the event will provide have been worse. Overall, the banking industry a platform to re-examine the plethora of risks remains very robust despite the volatility in the associated with digital adoptions in various spheres nation’s inter-bank rates. of economic activities and private lives. We will be joined by a host ofseasoned speakers who will Is the Nigerian financial market beginning drive the conversation around risk management in to see Investors coming back, given the changes the covid era and proffer strategies for managing in interest rates? these risks. RIMAN, over the years, has used the Investors are watching our economic and political conference to promote Intellectual discourse on developments with cautious optimism. Insecurity, contemporary issues and provide strategic direction high inflation rate and exchange rates’ volatilities for policymakers in the public and private sectors. are some of factors that deter foreign investors from investing in the economy. Therefore, there is a need for stronger policy actions to reverse NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the current trends and boost economic activities. the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com 36 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Ogunbiyi: Nigeria Over-leveraged, FG Must Borrow for Specific Projects The Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, in this interview spoke on several problems facing Nigeria including unemployment, trade deficit and the burgeoning local and external debts, Ugo Aliogo present the excerpts The operating environment in the country has people running it - running our government. How been tough; unemployment is high and insecurity professional are they? But they find themselves there; worsening. What in your opinion is the way out? so, what can we do? n idle hand is the devils workshop. If unemployment is worse than two, three Power challenge is a thing of concern that is per cent in America, it is headache. It is affecting SMEs in the country. Despite different a major scoring for any government in reforms, the sector is still challenged. What is the power. It is daily assessment for them. way forward to revamp the power sector? Many of those unemployed have gone It is not an individual issue that you just raised. It through university. You produce them in mass. You is still a national issue. It is same Federal Government A that will make a pronouncement and issue national can take care of these people if you are productive. Do you know the main productive sector of America policy. To start with, what is the energy policy of the is the SMEs? When somebody has no hope, why will government? What is the energy policy of the four they not recruit him into kidnapping? last governments that we have had in this country? I There was a young man in my village, he made first had an interaction with one minister many years back, class in architecture, three years after he graduated, he and we were discussing this same issue, and I said to had no job, no hope. His first job ever was a senior him, “Why is it difficult to solve energy problem in lecturer at a university in the United Kingdom. I gave Nigeria?’ And the man laughed, and he said, ‘Nobody him scholarship to go and to his masters when I got to is ready to solve power problem in this country.’ We are know. From there he did his PhD. This is somebody only paying lip service to it. I asked how; he said it is who was wasting away in Nigeria. This is the story of a simple thing. We have individuals, investors across Nigerians. We are brilliant; we are knowledgeable but the globe who can solve it without government getting nothing to do. If we have industries, factories, business involved. It is just creating an enabling environment. entrepreneurs that can absolve all these people, why And I said, ‘I agree with you.’ can’t we do it? Why don’t we segregate Nigeria into six geographical zones, make each zone independent, and call each Despite the opening of Nigeria’s boarders towards investor to come and understudy and let them provide the end of last year, Nigeria has still been recording power for each region and charge based on their viability. trade deficit. Why is this still happening? The way the telecoms service was liberalised, let it be We are not a productive economy. We live virtually done in the power sector too. Let there be a national on import. Common tissue paper, little things that we policy on power from the Federal Government, and can produce are imported. Before, we used to have let us be sincere with it. industrial parks, even in Ikeja here. How many industries are still functioning? Along Oshodi Badagri road, we The agriculture sector is grappling through used to have cotton industries that produced fabrics. challenges which are worsened by security problems. How many of them are still there? What actually is The CBN has introduced interventions but food the source of problem is lack of productivity. When inflation is still persisting How can some of these you don’t produce, what do you have to export? We challenges be addressed? talk of dollar scarcity. What do you think brings dollar I agree with you; the greatest problem of Nigeria scarcity? today is insecurity and it doesn’t look like we have Recently I read that vessels that come with tons of Ogunbiyi a solution tomorrow. It is getting worse. goods into this country, when they are going, they go Coming to the issue of intervention, the CBN has come empty. You have cargo aircraft; they come in daily statistically, they said we are out of recession, I to look at things physically - look at agriculture, up with various interventions for agric. The question fully loaded, when they are going, what do they take want to believe we are out of it. industrialisation, even look at what people are is: what do we have to show for them? Before you back? Why?, because there is nothing to export. It using to make money, things that will make them say you want to intervene in a particular area, there calls for a re-think. Nigerians are not lazy. They can The government has been borrowing a independent. has to be a detailed report, a business plan. If farmers produce, why should everybody depend on only a lot and most of government’s earnings are When you create avenues for people to be say they are getting loans and are unable to repay, few companies to produce for everybody. People can being used for debt financing. What is the entrepreneurs, to generate their own business, look into it. I am a farmer. I have several hectares of be called entrepreneurs in their own rights but there is implication of this? there is tax implication. But an environment farmland; I have not got a kobo from the government. nothing like that. There is no incentive for anything. It There is nothing bad in borrowing, but when that makes it easy for people to start business, But people are using insecurity as an excuse. They is only the big boys who can get the incentives. They you borrow and there is nothing to show for when they start a business, don’t be in a hurry see any intervention from the government as their are the ones that have access to foreign exchange. We it, there is no means of paying back other than to make money before they start. Get them to share of national cake; that is the unfortunate thing. need to put value on productivity. that one product - oil, it is a problem. It is a start it and support it. When you support it and There is no genuineness in the so-called farmers Three things, which we are cogent in this country, major problem. it starts to grow, then you can now start to tax who claim this intervention. That is why you have knowledge, power and wealth. We place emphasis When you borrow, you borrow heavily. it. When you have a sustainable N5, it is better all kinds of agric associations everywhere. Go and on wealth and that is where we are missing it. If Leveraging an economy is not bad, but when than taking N50 today and the business will not check it. The real farmers, how much do they get? you have the knowledge, and the knowledge is you leverage, you leverage to deliver on some see the light of the day. Do they even put it into production? adequate, with adequate knowledge and information, things. What are they borrowing against? Is it I am not against borrowing, but I think the Presently, if you can go back to those old days, you can be able to create wealth and get power. to do infrastructure? Is it power or is it social federal government needs to watch it. The country when you had the farm board, cotton board; let the Because if you want to produce tissue paper for infrastructure? But when you just borrow for owe about N33trillion; our external reserves today farmers be sure of what they are going to get from the example, if you have the knowledge, you will be the sake of borrowing, before you even bring is just over $30bn. They don’t have money to production of a particular crop. If today, you say you able to produce the tissue paper and that gives you the money, they have shared it. It is unfortunate. sustain it. I am an entrepreneur; I know the value want to produce maize and there is a national policy, power and that power generates the wealth. We will Why are we borrowing? of money. I know what goes into making that maize for this year is going to be sold at this. Don’t always be in deficit except there is a national policy Borrowing, itself is not a bad thing. The price one naira. give them any money. They will go and produce. For that talks on productivity. Mention any sector of the of oil is good now. What is our oil reserve, our We are already over-leveraged, but if we must that particular year you are producing maize, maize economy in America or in Europe that you will not external reserves? Look at what dollar is to naira. borrow, let us borrow for a specific project and will flood everywhere. If you have a formula that find a Nigerian among the blacks. The knowledge You don’t even find dollar to buy. We are not a let the people we are borrowing from certify the has worked in the past and you don’t have a better is there, but we lack one thing; We will not allow productive economy; we are a rent economy. A value of the project so that we know what we solution, the money they are using to intervene, let our people to apply the knowledge to generate rent economy should not be going out to borrow are doing. them put it down and say, ‘With this money, we have productivity and without productivity, we always money. When you borrow money, to do what? All the loans that the states have taken, who N250m to buy maize this year.’ Let them know, and have negative balance of trade. Look, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been there regulates them? We have different agencies that are the farmers will produce massively. Do the same thing for how many years now? Ten years. It has spending money here and there. The agencies are for cocoa and others. Instead of intervening, use the Industry statistics show that Nigeria is out of increased the value of the contract; it has been also part of the problem of the federal government. money to buy it directly, then coordinate and export. I recession. But has the economy really improved doubled over and over again. It is unfortunate; They budget heavily for them despite the fact think that will be better than giving money to people to show we are out of recession? we are not supposed to borrow at all. It is a that they are income-generating agencies. When who will come and give excuse. If you produce, you We have to go by the statistics that is published. time to do austerity measure. It is a time to live they make the money, what do they do with it? earn money. They said we are out of recession and they have within our means. We have mineral resources that are more valuable statistics to back it up. Yes, we are out of recession, What is the solution to the forex scarcity in than oil. Why don’t we have a national policy on but looking at COVID-19, I think we have been really How can the states reduce their reliance on the country? Can unification of the exchange gold, diamond and any raw materials you find in very blessed when it comes to COVID-19, its impact, its federal allocation and focus more on internally rate be helpful? any part of the country? Why is it only oil. All these implications, especially, on the economy of our country. generated revenue? If you have something that is so scarce, why mineral resources are there in commercial quantities. In fact, when last years, when COVID-19 was ravaging Our state governors don’t get anything doing. don’t you have a single conversion rate? They What happened to coal? We have leaders who want every economy, when all the economies of the world How much is their internally generated revenue? sell money to Bureau de Change operators the easy way out - oil. was closed down, I can virtually say that Nigeria still And about 70 per cent, 80 per cent of the money at a different rate; you sell to importer at a We should come up with a policy of taking from managed, except when government forced us to stay they collect from federation account is used for the different rate. When the Federal Government the farmers directly at an agreed price; it is better than indoor, it is like COVID-19 is not existing in Nigeria. so payment of civil servants’ salaries. How can you has something to do, they know how to go and giving them money ahead. And if you want to support if they say it has no such magnitude or multi impact, develop? Our state governments need to crave take money at another rate from the central farmers, how many hectares have you planted? Get I will say the answer is yes because we are lucky, for independence. There is no part of this country bank. All these things are corruption. Let us agents who will give fertilisers, insecticides - physical either God intervened on our behalf all through race, that is not blessed for agriculture. In those days, have single exchange rate. Something that is so things that they can see - and you determine the or through our inheritance or through whatever is it when we had the regional governments, they scare, why will you give people the opportunity quantity you give. that we have been able to build. competed in terms of food production - cotton to choose their exchange rates? Most of those that collect the money are not involved in Yes, we had few individuals who died of COVID-19, in the North, cocoa in the South West, coal in the The Federal Government has restricted the agriculture. Let farmers get direct benefits of their labour. and if you look at it, you will find out that they had East. These things are still there. Even if you want list of things that they use forex to fund. Make The farmers are the poorest while the middlemen are one underlining sickness or the other. So I will say, to borrow, borrow for a specific project. Let the everything available. The singular reason to solve getting richer. The truckload of the produce would have by are large, Nigeria has been very lucky, we have project be viable; borrow money against viable this problem is to have one single exchange rate passed five to six layers of middlemen. The middlemen actually operated as if there was no COVID-19 except projects so that when the projects are generating so that anywhere you turn to, it is the same rate sell for more than 10 times the price they bought. Let for the time that we were forced to lock down, but cash flow, they will pay back. you get it. There will be some sanity. Everybody us have a national policy so that everything comes look at everywhere, activities are still going on. So, The states need to think inwards. They need knows the right thing to do but who are the in, then you can sell. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 37 38 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 EDUCATION Gender-based Violence: Why Children Must be Protected from Abuse Funmi Ogundare writes on the need for more awareness and engagements with organisations and groups that work with children so that girls who have suffered one form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse can get justice ashida Adeola, 16, dropped out of Oluwa Memorial College, Tolu, Ajegunle, in 2019 when she was in JS2 because there was no money to finance her education. She grew Rup not knowing her father and mother, who was supposed to be taking care of her, eloped with another man and abandoned Rashida and three of her siblings that she had for two other men, to their fate. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she got pregnant for a boy, an apprentice mechanic she met while hawking ‘pure’ water on the street. When she broke the news to the boy, he denied responsibility for the pregnancy. THISDAY recently met Rashida at the office of Dreams from the Slum, an Ajegunle-based non-governmental organisation that takes children off the street. She was clutching a malnourished two-month-old baby. She looked forlorn and unsure of what the future holds. She recalled that when the boy approached her for friend- ship, she accepted his request, and they started having sex afterwards until she got pregnant. When she informed him about the pregnancy, he denied being responsible for it. “All through the period of my pregnancy, I couldn’t stay at my mother’s place because she hardly had time for my siblings and me who she had for other men, and so I was forced to stay at a crowded room in Ajegunle which we pay stipends for, to pass the night. “Once my mother goes out on Monday, she will not come back until the Sunday after and there is no one to cater for my upkeep, so I had to start the business of hawking sachets of water which I learnt from my mother so They should be protected from abuse that I could use the proceeds to feed myself.” She said since she had her baby through the Caesarian section two months ago, she violence are such a phenomenon that affects had to stop hawking. Asked how she caters society. You see people behaving abnormally for herself and her baby, she said she met the The time has come to break the these days, and when you go to the roots of it, organisation’s founder through a relative of hers, it’s actually sexual and gender-based violence. adding that he has been responsible for their culture of silence. We can’t afford It shouldn’t be handled like a family matter. cloths, toiletries and food for her and her baby. People should speak out more, especially now Rashida’s case illustrates many teenage girls’ that anymore because sex and sexual that we see more support from the government from dysfunctional homes have been abused, and groups, civil society organisations and NGOs, especially during the COVID-19 period, due based violence is such a phenomenon and their willingness to take up this issue and to lack of parental care, self-control, assault, handle it headlong rather than allow it to be lack of sex education, poverty, among others. that affect the whole society. You see swept under the carpet.” Findings from the 2014 National Survey on According to Offia, domestic violence drives violence against children reveal that six out of people who are behaving abnormally some children to the street. The duo of Uju every 10 children in Nigeria have suffered one these days and when you go to the Chukwumoka and Cynthia Ibe of FIDA said the form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated before they reach the age of 18. One in four girls roots of it, its actually sexual and domestic violence, adding that the group has and one in 10 boys have experienced sexual magnanimously started to cushion so many of violence. This violence often occurs in a place gender based violence. It shouldn’t be the impacts and victims are getting justice. For where the child is considered safe such as their girls who have been molested sexually and got homes and schools, and fewer than five per handled like a family matter pregnant in the process, they said once they can cent of children who are victims of abuse ever identify the culprit, they will be mandated to get the help they needed to recover. Obiamaka take care of the baby. The duo said the group Aga is a legal practitioner and secretary of the “They are not talking to their children, us that they can manage it, especially if has been working with the Lagos government to African Women Lawyers Association, Lagos. and they don’t even know what child the person molesting the children is their give a holistic approach to victims, adding that The association is also a member of the Child rights are. We go directly to the children breadwinner.” they have also been promoting women’s rights. Protection Network (CPN) in the state. She beginning from nursery school. By going A legal aid officer with the Legal Aid Isaac Omoyele, the founder of Dreams from said the group works directly with children. through the school system, it is already Council of Nigeria and former chairperson the Slum, told THISDAY how his organisation She recalled a case of a couple arrested for making the needed impact. The children of Federation of Women Lawyers in Taraba, partner the Rights Enforcement and Public Law neglecting their three children who were between are the ones speaking up on the issue of Jessica Jidanke Offia, noted that sexual and Centre to help victims of abuse by advocating the ages of three and five, adding that the group abuse, not even the parents. For instance, gender-based violence, particularly in the for their rights and providing free legal services investigated the issue and found them culpable. there were three sisters that we rescued. north, is hardly discussed. for vulnerable women. “This is the reason why “This couple were drunks and take Indian Their father was molesting them sexually. “Affiliations are also very vocal about we partnered with them so they could sensitise hemp on a daily basis, and the children loiter from women rights regarding sexual and gender- girls and women in Ajegunle on their rights.” one street to another. We received information “These sisters reported to their neighbour, based violence. The awareness is getting For abused teenage girls, he said he believes that from a mandatory reporter because there is a family members and even their church, but better now, but we still have cultural and everyone has a chance to rewrite the outcome of child rights law that has been put in place by they were told they needed deliverance. religious inhibition and the general attitude their lives. This is why his organisation is making the Lagos state government,” she stated. “We The eldest was about 15 years old. After towards sexual relations. Recently, with more moves to connect them with organisations and also have the child protection policy, which that, they reported the case to the school, awareness and engagement with people and individuals that can come to their aid. stipulates that you must report anything bad and because they had the opportunity to advocacy, we are beginning to see people Describing Rashida’s case as pathetic, he said if you see anything bad happening to a child. hear about sex and abuses, they knew that speak out.” the person that impregnated her is a boy. “It is So we monitored it, and we saw that it was a what their father was doing to them was She recalled a case of a father who was not advisable for her to go back to him. Her pattern, and we picked up the parents. Right now, completely wrong.” abusing his daughter because her mother had child is totally malnourished. As an organisation, the children are being rehabilitated in a home, There is also the culture of silence, espe- died, saying, “he feels that the girl belongs we have actually taken it as a duty for us to while the parents are in Kirikiri Correctional cially from the mothers who often try to to him,” and he could do whatever pleases take care of everything that the child needs, Centre, Lagos, cooling their heels.” cover up for the fathers who perpetrate this him with her. The girl was already 12 when like clothing, food and nappies,” said Omoyele. Aga said the group also go down to schools abuse because they are the breadwinners the abuse was uncovered. “We might not be able to shelter her for now. to educate children about their body parts while of the home. Emphasising the culture of She added, “We are saying that the time Another thing is to see how we can set girls expressing concern most parents have failed silence from family members, she said, “Each has come to break that silence. We can’t afford like her up in business so that they will be able in their responsibility. time we get to the police station, they tell that anymore because sex and sexual-based to help themselves.” THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 39 EDUCATION Kwara Has Surpassed UNESCO-recommended Education Budget Allocation - AbdulRazaq Hammed Shittuin Ilorin held in Ilorin, the governor immediately. Two years down learning environment.” surpassed the UNESCO their duty post. No single said, “This is why my first the road, my team and I are The governor also noted budgetary threshold of 26 teacher was seen in 54 of the Governor AbdulRahman preoccupation in office had proud to report that the situ- that his administration’s goal per cent. Even so, it is clear 368 schools sampled, while 23 AbdulRazaq says Kwara been to check up on the state ation has changed. We have “is to make public schools the that the government cannot per cent of students on head has surpassed the budget of our schools. It was a sorry restored our relationship with first choice for all in terms do this alone.” teachers’ records were not in allocation for education tale. The basic education had key partners after years of a of the quality and relevance He however acknowledged school during the census.” recommended by UNESCO. simply collapsed.” blacklist,” said AbdulRazaq. of our infrastructure and that “huge gaps still exist.” He also pointed out He noted that society He noted that his admin- “We have reshaped public teaching staff in the digital AbdulRazaq explained: that “only 15 per cent of would no achieve sustainable istration was committed to perception about teaching by age.” “For instance, our recent the schools sampled were development without a good revamping Kwara’s education engaging the best minds into On funds allocated to school census across four rated as needing no repair, education system. system and that there were the system. Work is ongoing the sector, he stated, “As a local government areas implying that 85 per cent” Speaking at the Kwara results to show for that. in some 600 basic schools to show of our commitment to shows that 41 per cent of of the classrooms required Education Futures Summit “We got down to work give our children a befitting education, we have recently our teachers are absent at rehabilitation. Corona College Emphasises Value-driven Education, Graduates 155 Chris Asika The stakeholders who spoke at the convocation maintained Corona College of Education that funding was a major issue Lagos has reiterated its com- in revamping the country’s mitment to ensuring a value education system. and technological-driven Okonedo also noted that education system to contribute African ivory towers must its quota to developing the focus on values and re-think country’s education sector. how to develop practical This was as the school solutions to the issues. confirmed that 155 students She also identified key skills were conferred with various employers look for in gradu- certificates for the 2019/2020 ates to include communication, academic session, awarding problem solving, creativity, 117 Professional Diploma in adaptability, inquiry, among Education; two in Nigeria others. Certificate in Education; and Okonedo called on the 36 in Advanced Diploma in federal government and Early Childhood Care and various institutions of learning Education. to include service-learning The Provost, Dr Olajumoke and service provision in the Mekiliuwa, disclosed this curriculum. at the third convocation Expressing her dissatisfac- ceremony of the college tion with the current education and a convocation lecture, funding in Nigeria, Mekiliuwa the second in the series of opined that things could be public lectures organised by better though the country the college. still falls short of UNESCO L-R: Deputy Provost, Corona College of Education (CCED), Mrs. Chinedum Oluwadamilola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pan The lecture, ‘Town and standards. Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Provost, CCED, Dr. Olajumoke Mekiliuwa; Director of Education, Corona Schools’ Gown Synergy: Bridging She maintained that the Trust Council, Mrs. Amelia Dafeta; and the Registrar, CCED, Mrs. Joan Omole, at the third convocation/public lecture of the Gap between Theory and college was committed to its the college in Lagos... recently Practice Towards a sustainable vision and mission of being Society’, was delivered by the best provider of teacher Prof. Enase Okonedo, Deputy education in Nigeria with pre- Vice-Chancellor, Pan Atlantic mium quality and standards University, supported by other for the training of globally AAAN Releases AdCademy stakeholders. competitive graduates. Masterclass Schedule TRCN Inducts 900 The Association of Advertising insights on how the market and relationship management, and job crafting/workload Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) works, market and consumer leadership approaches in management. The AdCademy has released the schedule for its intelligence, advanced research marketing, art of negotiation Masterclass series, which took Teachers at FCET Umunze second AdCademy Masterclass and data analytics, data and and presentation. off in March after decades at Uchechukwu Nnaike vost, Dr Tessy Okoli, said billed to hold from August insight in communication and The sessions will be taken the conception level, is designed the college keyed into the 26-29. principles of media strategy and by Henley Business School’s to widen the talent pool in The Teachers’ Registration federal government’s direc- The schedule of the three- Public Relations management. Dr. Melanie Prinsloo and advertising and other market- Council of Nigeria (TRCN) tive to weed out unqualified day virtual training course, in Facilitators, said the statement, Professor Aadeyinka Adewale, ing communications fields as has inducted 900 graduates of teachers from schools. She partnership with the prestigious include Professor Adeyinka Professor Emevwo Biakolo of well as continuously upskill the Federal College of Educa- said the college would not Henley Business School, Adewale and Ms. Louise Claas- the Lagos Business School, Mr. current staff of advertising tion (Technical) Umunze. relent in producing quality was released via a statement sen, both of Henley Business Ayuli Jemide, Chairman of the agencies and communication The inductees were among teachers that would invest jointly signed by Messrs. School; Mr. Bayo Adekanmibi, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) professionals in the private and successful candidates that sat their knowledge and skills in Jenkins Alumona, AAAN Chief Transformation Officer, section on Business Law, Mr. public sectors. the 2021 professional qualify- the nation’s education sector. Vice-President/Chairman, MTN Nigeria; and Mrs. Nkiru Austin Ufomba, Chief Execu- The statement also disclosed ing examination held in the “At the inception of this ad- AdCademy Committee; and Olumide-Ojo of South Africa’s tive Officer, Tytron Group; and that prospective participants institution by the TRCN. ministration, the management Olasunkanmi Atolagbe, acting Standard Bank. Mrs. Chioma Afe of Access who register between 4-18 Speaking at the induction laid out a clear policy on hu- AdCademy Director. The second day is devoted Bank. August will enjoy a 10 per ceremony held recently at Dr. man resource development by According to the statement, to the course on essential The final session has efficient cent discount on the N150,000 Alex Ekwueme Auditorium encouraging both teaching and the programme’s opening ses- leadership competencies, with work management as focus, course fee, while advertising of the college, the Registrar/ non-teaching staff to enhance sion will focus on Marketing participants taken through with participants billed for agencies with two or more Chief Executive of TRCN, their competence by pursuing and Marketing Intelligence, training in emotional intel- insights into project manage- registrants will enjoy an ad- Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, com- further academic training and with participants exposed to ligence, business networking ment, the art of delegation ditional 10 per cent discount. mended the institution’s retraining programmes. This leadership for making TRCN career enhancement policy has induction a priority over the remained effective till date,” years. Okoli said. 20 Indigent Bridge Pupils Get Scholarship He said the induction of The provost noted that the teachers into the council had college had remained a strong Funmi Ogundare a local government hospital and their future. programme of the school. remained one of the best advocate of professionalism donating equipment to make “If there is anybody seeking One of the parents of the international practices and in teaching by ensuring that Twenty indigent Bridge pupils women’s lives in the community to make an impact, there is no beneficiaries, Modupe Alfred, quality assurance benchmarks all its teaching staff get the have received a full academic better. The scholarship awards better way than to invest in the expressed gratitude about her in the drive for the profes- required certification. year scholarship from the Ala- to the pupils are its first social lives of children because they son’s scholarship, commending sionalisation of teaching. “It is pertinent to note baster Network. project in education. are the future of our country,” Alabaster and Bridge for their The registrar, represented by that our partnership with Alabaster is a non-govern- Speaking at the scholarship stated Rotimi. intervention in supporting the Director, Regulation, Ac- the TRCN over the years in mental organisation focused presentation, which had in at- Obaloluwa Olusesan, a children’s access to education. creditation and Enforcement, the certification of qualified on sharing principles on how tendance the beneficiaries, parents primary four pupil at Bridge Bridge Nigeria is a network TRCN, Enilolobo Gbolahan, candidates has yielded huge students can excel at their careers and sponsors, a representative International Academies in Ipaja, of nursery and primary schools stated that the TRCN serves benefits. Thousands of our and home. of the Alabaster, Iye Rotimi, one of the beneficiaries, expressed in underserved communities as the gateway to teachers’ college graduates inducted The organisation has carried noted that investing in the lives delight about the scholarship. in Lagos and Osun, creating professional life and personal into the TRCN serve in dif- out social impact projects such as of children through education He said he enjoyed reading opportunities for children to development and growth. ferent capacities in schools supporting orphanages, adopting was a pivotal way to securing because of the electronic reading grow and explore their potential. In her remarks, the Pro- across the country,” she said. 40 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 EDUCATION Parents Urged to Invest More in Children A as Cicero School Graduates 19 Uchechukwu Nnaike to be secure in school, adding and most of all the fear of and not expect their children Teacher’s that the school has integrated God. May you always lead to be perfect. Worried by the increasing rate security into its curriculum, by example and hard work as The chairman also DIARY of moral decadence in society, teaching schoolchildren the high flyers. May you continue encouraged the teachers the Head, Cicero School, importance of safety and to fly like an eagle until the to be content, nurture KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com Ajah, Chidinma Agumuo, security. sky becomes your starting the children in their care, has advised parents to invest She disclosed that point.” upgrade themselves and more in their children. the school had also put In his remarks, the aim higher. ELIMINATING OUR She said this at the school’s precautionary measures in chairman of the occasion, Orji High points of the event recent graduation ceremony, place to safeguard the pupils. Dike, harped on the virtues of include the recognition of TEACHERS HASSLES for a total of 19 pupils in the To the graduands she honesty, patience, hard work the best pupil in each class, tressors that raise every teacher, lecturer, tutor, instructor nursery and primary sections. said: “I pray that your years and contentment among presentation of certificates to (or whatever pedagogical title you’d like to be known On insecurity in schools, ahead will be characterised children. He advised parents the graduands, and musical by)’s tension derive from governmental, national, Agumuo said every child by discipline, good moral to be accommodating and rendition and cultural dance zonal, as well as from personal sources. What causes ought to know what it means conduct, positive aspirations, patient with their children by the pupils. Steacher these strains, anxieties, difficulties, worry, tension and troubles includes: Irregular salary payments. Inadequate salaries. Excessive work overload. Excessive teaching hours. Poor students’ behavior. Large class sizes. Non-computerised teaching resources. Pressure of assessments and examination deadlines. Lack of professional opportunities. Lack of life opportunities. Lack of promotion. Lack of career progression. Parents’ aggression. Conflict with head of school, head-of-department or colleagues. Role ambiguity. Role conflicts generating all manner of dissatisfaction among colleagues. Role over-load. Lack of health care In every profession, teaching not being the least, whenever we get stressed out, we all make poor choices that actually exacerbate our stress levels and cause other problems like: high blood pressure, insomnia, low self-esteem, poor concentration, cancer, digestive disorders, infections and L-R: Director, Finance and Account, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Mrs. Ramat Egbeyemi; Dr. so on. To get the most out of your job therefore, you must Hakeem Shittu, board member; representative of the state Accountant General, Mrs. Iyabo Tifase; Executive Chairman, cultivate certain habits that would help you manage your Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King; and the Board Secretary, Hakeem Lamidi, at the training for headquarters and LGEA variation dissatisfactions. These habits are simple, affordable and officers of LSUBEB, in Lagos... recently accessible. Healthy eating is one of such habits. It’s magical in the way that it helps you lower or treats your stress levels.

Tips to manage teacher-stress Lagos SUBEB Empowers Variation Officers Always eat breakfast Funmi Ogundare chairman of the board, Wahab that they are motivated. As applauded the state Even though you may think you aren’t hungry, Alawiye-King, urged the variation officers, they are in government for approving you need to eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast The Lagos State Universal participants to pay attention charge of making adjustments the workshop for the officers. makes it harder to maintain the proper blood and Basic Education Board “so that they will have the and identifying changes to A participant from Mushin Sugar levels during the day, so you should always (LSUBEB) recently held necessary skills to make their be made.” LGA, Oluwakemi Sulaiman, eat something in the morning. a workshop for variation job easier and ensure that they A permanent board member said the programme would officers to enhance their are relevant in today’s world.” in charge of planning and enhance her work. Carry a snack performance on the job and He added, “The issue of research, Dr Akeem Shittu, “Normally, we have people Keeping some protein rich snacks in your car, ensure accountability. the wellbeing of our staff is said the programme was to who have been promoted. office, or pocket book will help you avoid blood The programme was themed very imperative. If you walk keep the officers abreast of So, it’s about teaching us sugar level dips, accompanying moods swings, and ‘Efficiency in Handling of Staff in and your salary is not modern ways of doing their how to put things right the fatigue. Nuts, fruits and energy bars all have the Salary Variation’. calculated appropriately, you job. and implementing the salary nutrients you need. Speaking at the maiden will be discouraged. Part of the Head of Revenue Unit accounts of those who have edition of the programme, the welfare package is to ensure SUBEB, Elizabeth Oladunni, been promoted,” she said. Healthy munchies If you like to munch when you’re stressed out, you can replace chips or other unhealthy foods with carrots, cucumber, bananas, yoghurts or even Early Diagnosis Helps in Managing nuts. Bring your lunch Autism, Say Experts Although a lot of people prefer to eat fast food Oluchi Chibuzor providing support to parents preempt the next line of action stereotypes associated with it. for lunch, you can save a lot of money and actually and caregivers. and the therapeutic measures “The government has done eat healthier if you take a few minutes and pack The Chief Executive Officer “If you have a child or ward to adopt and things to change some things to create awareness a lunch at home. Even if you only do this a few of Guaranty Trust Holding living with this condition, you around the child looking beyond on special needs, but the time a week, you’ll see a much better improvement Company, Segun Agbaje, are not alone. You have the the early years of diagnosis,” information is still limited. over eating out. has led an autism awareness full support of everyone at added Bamgbose. “Parents The expertise they have may campaign to sensitise parents Guaranty Trust, as well as our need to educate themselves not be enough to ensure that Stock your home and caregivers on better ways commitment to helping you in on better ways to manage that they are meeting the needs of As important as it is to get the bad food out of to care for children living with any way we can,” he stated. child to become independent. children with disabilities. We your house, it’s even more important to get the good the disorder. Consultant and speech- They have to look at things to hope we can get government food in! The best way to do this is to plan a menu of Speaking at a programme language pathologist, Dr Grace change around the home that support and that parents can healthy meals and snacks at the beginning of the held recently to mark World Bamgbose, noted that as part would suit the child. We want get therapy and diagnosis,” week, list the ingredients you need, then go shop Autism Day, tagged ‘Life Being of efforts towards ensuring that to have a conversation about said Edema-George. for it. This way, you’ll know what you want when the Diagnosis’, experts reiterated children with special needs are the kind of school placement A US-based speech-language you need it and you won’t have to stress over what the place of early diagnosis in properly cared for, parents and of that child.” pathologist, Adeboyega to eat. managing the developmental caregivers should seek early Adelola Edema-George, Otubanjo, stated that beyond Finally, ensure you undertake the hereunder listed tasks disorder. diagnosis and learn how best a special needs educator, awareness was the challenge of on a routine basis to reduce your hassles: The 10-day conference, 11th to care for them. opined that every child at willingness to access the service. Exercise. It’s a cliché for a reason: exercise really does prompt in the series, held in Lagos from She said about seven to every level of autism needed “Even though in New York, your body to release feel-good hormones like endorphins, July 26 to August, hosted special 12 per cent of children had support, attention to develop the government is providing which can help you to feel less stressed... needs and child care experts developmental needs from ages and contribute meaningfully early intervention for free, the Organise... worldwide. two to 14, adding that early to society. willingness to approach these Breathe... In his remarks, Agbaje detection would increase the She added that government services is not there because Take a time out... stated that the organisation child’s chance of getting the support would ease the financial of lack of enlightenment on Meditate. was committed to leading requisite help they need to lead burden of managing the what autism entails. Some the conversation to draw independent and productive condition and further broaden people believe that autism is r0NPSVJTBGSFFMBODFXSJUFS FEVDBUJPO IFBMUIBOETPDJBM attention to the needs of lives. the mindset of parents and something that a family member DBSFBEWPDBUF children living with autism and “Getting a diagnosis will caregivers to better deal with the caused,” Otubanjo pointed out. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 41 42 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi CITYSTRINGS Email [email protected], 07010510430 How FMBN is Leveraging Co-operatives to Make Homes Possible for Nigerians Nathan P. Ajene themselves into co-operatives to ensure financial visibility. They are to acquire their land, design alamatu Ahmed is a level 9 administra- the types of houses they plan to build, get proper tive officer with the Citizenship and titles for the land and a planning permit, after Leadership Training Center in Abuja. which they can approach FMBN for a loan. Shortly after she gained employment, she Patrick Ekpe is the President of the Akacare registered and consistently contributed to Cooperative Society and a proud owner of a theS National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme. The 3-bedroom fully detached bungalow in the estate. NHF is a federal government program created "The constant increase in the cost of renting in in 1991 to pools long-term housing finance to the FCT pushed us to form the Akacare Coopera- drive delivery of affordable housing to Nigerians tive and work towards owning our homes. Our through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria members are civil servants who contribute to the (FMBN). National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme. We came About a year ago, Salamatu received the keys together with a common goal, engaged Perfect to a three-bedroom, fully detached bungalow at Estate Developers Limited, and later met with the 230-housing unit Woodhill Estate located in FMBN to develop the framework for building Kuje, Abuja, FCT, after a down payment of N3.5M. this estate. "Am so excited," an elated Salamatu exclaimed. The choice of design and variety of sizes was "It is a dream come true for me. I am now a intended to cater to the co-operative's diverse landlady in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory membership. We have the two-bedroom semi- (FCT). Now I don't have a problem with neighbors, detached; we have the three bedrooms, and landlords. I control my living space, and no one we have duplexes as well. So, for most of our can come and knock on my door, saying your members, affordability is critical; we consider house rent is due. Even when my husband is the affordability on what is your capacity to away, he knows we are safe and comfortable take on what you want to do". in our house, "enthused Salamatu. "Over the 20-years that I started working and "The first step I took was to register and start contributing to the NHF Scheme, I never knew contributing to the National Housing Fund (NHF) it would be possible to use that to own a home Scheme. Next, I joined a Cooperative Society. I of my own. I have missed many opportunities to paid N3.5m equity, and FMBN paid the remaining acquire a house because of the many challenges balance. They would be deducting it from my that we face. Because we formed a Co-operative, salary till I retire, and it won't affect me," she we have been able to get to where we are today. added excitedly. MD/CEO, FMBN, Ahmed M. Dangiwa I feel lucky as a happy owner of a 3-bedroom Another beneficiary of the FMBN funded detached bungalow. That's why I say a big thank Woodhill Estate in Kuje is Mariam Amos, a level you to federal mortgage bank". 10 Civil Servant with the Federal Government. She building standards and specifications. to boost the delivery of affordable housing AkaCare Co-operative society is one of many is a proud owner of a three-Bedroom Bungalow. FMBN split the disbursements into phases to Nigerian workers in a structured manner. co-operatives in the country that is benefiting from "Before I got this place, we were paying rent to ensure value for money with additional Under the scheme, FMBN would provide the resolve of the FMBN to boost homeownership where we lived in Lugbe, and I've been there payments tied to the developer meeting set affordable housing estate construction finance for Nigerians. The Bank has about forty (40) for about 3-5 years, and you know everyone deliverables and project implementation through reputable developers under the co-operative housing development loan wants the security of owning their home because timelines after inspection and confirmation Bank's co-operative housing development projects that are ongoing nationwide with a before you know it, a year has gone by, and by its professionals. loan portfolio. projected delivery of about 2,570 housing units. you're thinking of paying another rent, so it Upon complete construction, FMBN Next, the FMBN will provide mortgage The Akacare illustration and the forty projects wasn't easy at all". proceeded to package NHF Mortgage loans loans of up to N15million to the members of spread across the six geopolitical zones should "Knowing we don't have the finance to buy of up to N9M to members of the Akacare the co-operatives at a nine percent interest encourage other co-operatives to take advantage the property, my husband suggested that we Cooperative Society to enable them to own rate per annum with tenors of up to 30 of the favorable government posture and the get a loan from the Federal Mortgage Bank, so the homes at the best market rates. The years depending on the contributors' age institutional framework provided by the FMBN we paid the equity, and we were able to source interest rate on the FMBN NHF mortgage through primary mortgage institutions. to put smiles on the faces of their members. the loan from the FMBN. We were surprised loan is seven (7) percent, and tenors are Back then, Fashola commended the when they called us to go fill in the necessary upwards of thirty (30) years, depending on Board and Management of FMBN for Delivering Houses through Co-operatives documents". the beneficiary's age and length of service. the push to deliver affordable housing – The Global Perspective "I can now call myself a landlady now in The wholly subscribed Wood Hill estate to Nigerians using Cooperative Societies For a long time, co-operatives have been proven Abuja, as I don't have to pay rent to anyone is fully serviced with basic infrastructure, and the collaboration with built industry as functional frameworks for empowering those again," an elated Mariam Amos stated proudly. including an internal road network, electric- professionals to deliver on quality. who fall within the low-medium income bracket. ity, and waterworks to create residents' "This string of partnerships, including And it's a good thing that FMBN is champion- Homeownership Dreams a Reality conducive and livable environment. FMBN subscribers who want a house, who are ing its use in delivering affordable housing to Dreams are becoming a reality for many also provided additional finance for the ready to pay for it, who can afford it; the Nigerian workers. contributors to the National Housing Fund construction of a 2-kilometer access road developer who is committed to delivering From the onset of industrialization, housing (NHF) Scheme. Like thousands of other Nigerians, for the estate. it, an architect who can meet the needs of co-operatives served as a solution to the desperate Salamatu and Mariam's homeownership dream The Woodhill Estate is one of the many the subscribers and most importantly a bank housing conditions of Europe's working classes. come true stories result from the Federal Mortgage estates that the FMBN has financed to make that can translate their dreams and vision By the early 20th Century, housing co-operatives Bank of Nigeria's (FMBN) renewed multi-level affordable homes possible for members of into an actual homestead, where people were more or less common throughout Europe. affordable housing interventions. co-operative societies nationwide. can say I have shelter, is important and In particular, after World War I and World War These interventions increase access to quality and The FMBN Cooperative Housing we want to do more of it." H.E. Babatunde II, they assumed a crucial role in rebuilding the affordable homes to contributors to the National Development Loan Window Fashola said. damaged housing stock. Nowadays, according Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme. The FMBN Cooperative Housing The Minister decried the prevalence to the Co-operative Housing International, 27 On the one hand, they include the financing Development Loan (CHDL) enables a of empty houses in Nigerian cities. He million Europeans live in housing co-operatives. construction of affordable housing stock by co-operative society with unencumbered said that they speak eloquently to the Although the trend of a more robust private- reputable housing developers and the packaging land titles to access construction finance and problem that FMBN in collaboration with driven housing market continues, housing of affordable mortgage loans to enable eligible build houses for its members who must the Developer, have solved for members co-operatives remain Sweden's most affordable NHF off-takers to own the built properties. contribute to the National Housing Fund of Akacare Cooperative Society. form of tenure, representing 22% of the total In their case and that of other beneficiaries (NHF) Scheme. The loan window provides "You will hear those 150 houses are housing stock. of the Wood Hill Estate, the Federal Mortgage up to N500million at an interest rate of already fully subscribed. That means Housing co-operatives are increasingly relevant Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) provided a N997M ten percent. Key features include tenors they are affordable. You will hear that 77 as a housing strategy for the urban poor in Africa. Cooperative Housing Development Loan to the of up to 24 months with a moratorium units are ready, which means there is a In Egypt, for example, co-operatives were Akacare Multipurpose Cooperative Society. The of 12months. Once built, FMBN packages waiting list of ready offtakers as distinct established already at the beginning of the 20th Cooperative comprises workers from the formal mortgage loans to enable the members to from an empty house that nobody can Century, as part of the anti-colonial struggle. and informal sectors, including civil servants, own the houses. afford. Therefore, co-operatives have become Housing co-operatives emerged as a result of private-sector workers, and self-employed persons. The Hon. Minister of Works & Housing, a critical tool to address this problem." individual initiatives with some State support in The approved housing units were deliberately H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, com- Under the National Housing Cooperative 1930. State support significantly increased from designed to fit the incomes of the Akacare missioned the estate in 2020. At the same Development Scheme (NHDS) framework, the 1970s onwards, when housing co-operatives Cooperative members to ensure affordability. event, the Minister kicked off the National the Minister stated that the government also became part of a slum eradication strategy. They comprise two (2) and three (3) bedroom Cooperative Housing Development Scheme expects Nigerian workers to organize Today, Egypt counts 2,320 housing co-operative detached bungalows priced at N7.5M and N9.5M, societies accounting for half a million dwelling respectively. units23. Sub-Saharan Africa, however, only saw the emergence of housing co-operatives in the 1960s Improved Project Delivery For a long time, co-operatives have been proven as after many countries had gained independence. Quality assurance was also a key deliverable functional frameworks for empowering those who Many housing co-operatives explicitly promote at the project site. Unlike the practice in the past, sustainable lifestyles, emphasize the importance the FMBN did not only vet and disburse the fall within the low-medium income bracket. And it's of communal spaces, and are trend-setters in monies to the Developer. They also deployed promoting energy efficiency, sustainable building competent built professionals its employment to a good thing that FMBN is championing its use in technologies, livable neighborhoods, and cities. closely monitor each stage of the construction process to ensure strict compliance to agreed delivering affordable housing to Nigerian workers -Ajene is a public policy analyst based in Abuja. THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAYͯͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 43 CRIME&SECURITY Orphaned by Bandits Musa and his brother Ahmed, whose parents were killed by bandits in Tsauwa village of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, have been left on the street without parental care as their sisters were also massacred in the same attack, writes Francis Sardauna he National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Lagos Zonal Command recently joined the world to com- memorateT the 2021 World Day against Human Trafficking in Persons. Themed "Let the Voices of Victims Lead the Way", NAPTIP and stakehold- ers from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Legal Hub University of Lagos, Live Abundantly organisation, among many other non governmental and government agencies staged a road walk to create awareness about the menace. Led by the Lagos State Zonal Com- mander, Mr. Agaran Alao, the road walk, which was to sensitise the public and create awareness on human trafficking and its negative effects, started from NAPTIP Lagos office in GRA, Ikeja to Allen Junction in Ikeja. During the walk, NAPTIP officials distributed leaflets containing infor- mation about the dangers of human trafficking and why they should stay away from it. It also contained contacts to call. Speaking at the walk, Alao said the theme was apt as the voices of survivors of human trafficking, sex slavery tell a true rhetoric of the danger inherent in human trafficking. He said "This year's day against human trafficking is dedicated to victims of human trafficking. We want to ensure that the rights of the victims and survivors of human trafficking is protected. We want to use the occasion to create awareness on the situation of the victims. The theme of this year's day on human trafficking is that victims' voices lead the way and we want to ensure that whatever we are doing, the victims are part of it. "We want to create a survivor advo- cacy group where a lot of things can be done for them. We want them to be empowered and not be re trafficked .We want them to be empowered to live well in the society". He further hinted that over 300 persons have been rescued from countries they were trafficked to by the Lagos Zonal Command this year, Musa and Ahmed adding that all hands must be on deck to fight the menace. Associate Professor Iyabode Ogundi- the victims. They are the ones I left Delta State with her and to be back in Nigeria. She said " ran representative of Anti- human that have been through all the we got to Benin. She took me There is no job outside the country Trafficking Hub, University of Lagos, horror. They are in the position to Lagos where we moved by but sex slavery. It is horrible and I said the scourge of human trafficking to tell those intending to travel road to Mali. It was after we got suffered all the time I was there in is all over the world and creating illegally their experiences so to Mali that I was told it was Ghana. I was lucky to escape and be awareness of the victims' plights should as to dissuade them from being prostitution work. I felt bad. rescued to Nigeria. I am going about be a continuous exercise. She urged trafficked." "Luckily, some girls she put preaching to young girls to be patient members of the public to be careful One of the rescued girls ,19 years me up with, about fifty of them in Nigeria and not be deceived that not to fall prey to the trafficking ring. old Bella John said " I am from decided to ran away. Some of there is good job in other countries. Sister Felicia of the Bakhista Founda- Delta state. I lost my dad and them succeeded in escaping, they What the traffickers are taking you tion urged the government to address a neighbour we know as Mama were the ones who reported to to do there is prostitution". the push factors fuelling illegal mi- called me to her room. She told the embassy. That was how I One of the rescue agencies in the gration, adding that "the push factor me she had sales girl job for me was rescued and brought back United Arab Emirate, Abigail Founda- has also been poverty. People who in Benin city Edo State but she to Nigeria". tion urged the government to provide cannot get better opportunity to get said that I should not inform Another trafficked survivor, jobs for the teeming youth especially jobs, and live a good live can easily anyone that we are traveling. Becky John said she is happy those who who have completed their get deceived to come for job offers but secondary education. Mrs Abigail said " on getting there, the story changes. Nigerians are the traffickers. They seize There is no work but sex slavery. The their passports and visa and threaten issue of parental care for children is the girls that if they are not sleeping important so that a neighbour will not with men,they will kill their parents take advantage of a mother or father Some people attacked our village (Tsauwa) and other family members in Nigeria. not being in the lives of children to last year and killed my father, Muhammed and "The trafficked girls are called deceive and traffick them". okada riders and they have what The National Coordinator of the our mother, Fatima. They also killed my elder they nicknamed as pit where these Network Against Child Abuse, Traf- girls sleep with these men. They beat ficking and Labour (NACTAL), Mrs. sisters—Khadijah and Hafsatu. They attacked them up when they refuse to work. Morenike Moribeoje said all hands must This pit can be a construction site, a be on deck to fight human trafficking the village in the night and after their operation, forest, bush, anywhere. The madam and build a strong society that values is very cruel and there are cult boys the lives of young Nigerians. I saw the lifeless bodies of our father, mother who also participate in the trafficking Mrs Bumi Laja of the Live Abundantly ring and are used to threaten the girls Organisation said " Let's hear from and two of my sisters to meet with men for money ". 44 THISDAY ˾ͯͯ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Group Urges Nigeria, Others to Adopt Renewable Energy Adibe Emenyonu ÓØÏØÓØÓÞã of 2015, Nigeria was still neck Dr. Ojo rhetorically asked? deep in seeking investments for Transitional justice requires Environmental Rights Action/ oil prospecting. that rich countries pay ecological Friends of the Earth Nigeria According to him, by 2025, debts to compensate for Nigeria’s (ERA/FoEN) has urged African some European countries have stranded assets such as oil and countries to urgently embrace committed to end production gas reserves, account for the renewable energy sources so of petrol-diesel cars and fully historical carbon emissions as not to be left behind in the embrace renewable energy. released into the atmosphere ongoing rapid global movement He said there are trade-in and address loss and damage from dirty energy to clean energy. schemes to get rid of petrol-diesel for fairness and equity including The environmental rights cars in place of the emerging payment of compensation to group stated that time was and fast spreading electric cars victims of climate change, “he running out against African in developed countries, adding declared. countries in catching up with that Africa. While reasoning that Nigeria the rest of the world by their “There is the genuine fear beyond oil is very feasible with slow approaches to accepting of energy colonialism if all the several benefits accruable to the and investing in solar energy. disused and obsolete energy country, the Executive Director Executive Director of ERA/ systems and petrol engines of ERA/FoEN noted that his FoEN, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo and vehicles are shipped to organication and its allies including gave this advice in a keynote Africa as Greek gifts or even civil society groups, community- address on, “Transitional Justice for sale, “he said. based organizations, community and Nigeria Beyond Oil,” during Oko noted that if the above representatives across Nigeria a two-day conference on Climate is allowed to take place, it have recognized the urgent need Justice held in Port Harcourt. means that the third world for energy transition from fossil He stressed the need for countries would be a dumping fuels to renewable energy. African countries, particularly ground which will have serious He however, expressed dis- Nigeria to divest funds from impact on the environment, pleasure over the slow migration fossil fuels to renewable energy. health and general well being from dependence on fossils by Ojo noted that whereas on a of the people. the federal government which global level, countries are making “How will Africa react to is still neck deep in seeking MARKET INDICATORS comprehensive plans to transit this pending crisis waiting investments for oil prospecting from fossil fuels to renewable to happen and how will the especially in the Gongola/ Chad MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) energy sources and cleaner rich countries respond to this Basins and has committed billions technologies by the year 2030 during the COP 26 coming up of dollars to the expansion of JANUARY 2021 in line with the Paris Agreement in Glasgow later in the year Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves. Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 FG Seeks Private Sector Partnership Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 on Water Resources -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 Udora Orizu ËØÎ Folalumi nance of life and this means the and provide for enhancement AlaranÓØÌßÔË adequate management of our of the sector in line with global ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 water sources in an integrated best practices thereby creating Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 The federal government has manner is an important element environment for public and called for effective partnership to human livelihood as well private sector investments. Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 with the private sector in order as being key to prosperity. To Earlier in his remarks, the -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 to maximise the economic address security issues related Executive Director, Nigeria benefit of the nation’s water to Water Source, a partnership Integrated Water Resources ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 resources. approach is being proposed, Management Commission ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 The Minister of Water re- involving Federal, State, Local, (NIWRMC), Umar Magashi sources, Suleiman Adamu, made or Communal government said the policy draft is in line ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 the call in Abuja, at a workshop entities; private sector owners, with already existing policies on the draft of National Water operators and representative while taking into considerations ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 Source Protection Policy. organizations; academic and the latest development in the --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 He said the water sector professional bodies; and cer- sector. has huge challenge in the cost tain not-for-profit and private “The journey to the draft Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 mechanism management and volunteer organizations that policy before us today started the government alone cannot share in the responsibility for with its approval by the National --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 manage it efficiently. protecting the Nation’s critical Council on Water Resources --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ He explained that the country sector assets.” 2017, led to the inauguration --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 comprises of 37 water agencies On her part, the Permanent of a special National Technical which are inefficient and the Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Committee (experts) in 2018 critical infrastructures may Didi Walson-Jack said the which produced this draft Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) not be reliable as adequate shortcomings in the water policy. It is worthy to note Month March 2018 maintenance have continued sector have been adequately that this draft policy has been Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 to deteriorate over time. addressed with the new draft subjected to experts and relevant Adamu said, “As we all policy. stakeholders in the sector for Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) know, protecting of water She assured that the policy professional inputs prior to this sources is critical to the suste- when finalized will better serve validation workshop, “he added. Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00

Treasury Bill Rate 11.84

FG Initiates National Multidimensional Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Poverty Index Survey 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ global agreements, including therefore, stands ready to 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 ÌßÔË the Millennium Development collaborate with different 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 Goals (MDGs), which have government agencies, donor The federal government has been replaced by the Sustain- organisations and private 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 announced the kickoff of the able Development Goals (SDGs) investors to shape policies and Multidimensional Poverty to cover the multiple aspects drive real impact in the use Prime Lending rate 17.35 Index (MPI) Survey. of deprivation at the core of of MPI data to foster govern- Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 The MPI Survey was virtu- poverty and their inter-linkages. ment accountability to citizens ally launched yesterday by the The minister listed the multi- through improved multi-sectoral Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, stakeholder evidence generated interventions targeted at the root ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ Disaster Management and Social by the MPI to include poverty of deprivations,” she said. Development, Sadiya Umar eradication, zero hunger, quality She added the ministry will OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE  ˜ͯͳ  ͰͮͰͯ Farouq. She said Nigeria has education, climate action and collaborate closely with the now joined many countries inclusion. “This aspiration takes National Bureau of Statistics The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.15 a barrel on Thursday, that have moved towards into cognisance the country’s (NBS) to conduct regular compared with $75.29 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. improving the efficiency of current estimated population multidimensional poverty mea- The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan their decision-making processes of about 200 million people, surements alongside monetary Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light through the evidence generated as well as the need for better measures at both national and (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), by MPI. She noted that the evidence for programming. sub-national levels to ascertain the true poverty status of Nigeria Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and consensus around the use “The Ministry of Humanitar- Merey (Venezuela). of the MPI emerged from ian Affairs, Disaster Manage- and use the findings to shape different approaches and ment and Social Development policy and programming. THISDAY ˾ͯͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 45

   Gains in Airtel, MTN Nigeria, Others Drive Stock Market by N317.5bn Darasimi Adebisi the top losers. basis points to 39,176.62basis Meanwhile, the NGX Banking or N0.04 to close at N0.60 per Jaiz bank Plc depreciated by At the close of trading yes- points yesterday. index closed at 378.89 basis points share. Stock price of Veritaskap 4.84 per cent or N0.03 to close at The Nigerian equities market terday, the Nigerian Exchange Accordingly, the stock market from 378.98 basis points it close Plc appreciated by N4.35 or N0.01 N0.59 per share. Sunu Assurance rebound yesterday following Limited (NGX) market capitalisa- Month-to-Date gain increased to yesterday. to close at N0.24 while Courtville Plc was down by 4.26 per cent investors renewed interest in tion appreciated by 1.6 per cent or 1.6 per cent, while the Year-to-Date As measured by market Business Solution rose by 4.17 per or N0.02 to close at N0.45 and Airtel Africa Plc, MTN Nigeria N317.48billion to close at N20.411 loss moderated to -2.7per cent. breadth, market sentiment was cent or N0.01 to close at N0.25 Livestock down by 3.06 per cent Plc, and 20 others to drive the trillion from N20.094trillion it On sectors, the NGX Insurance positive, as 21 stocks gained, per share. or N0.06 to close at N1.90 per market by N317.5billion. opened for trading. (-0.2per cent), Consumer Goods relative to 16 losers. Juli with 9.01 per cent or N0.10 share. The stock market started this In the same vein, the NGX (-0.1per cent) and Industrial Airtel Africa plc with 10 drop in stock price to N1.01 and The total volume of trades week on a negative note, drop- All-Share Index that tracked all Goods (-0.1%) indices recorded per cent ot N65.00 topped the CHI Plc that dropped by 6.90 per increased by 155.8per cent to ping by N126.9billion as investors stocks listed on the Exchange declines while the Oil & Gas gainers’ chart yesterday to close cent or N0.04 to close at N0.54 474.53 million units, valued at profit-taking in Dangote cement appreciated by 1.6per cent or (+0.1per cent) index was the at N715.00 followed by Unity were the most significant losses N3.98 billion, and exchanged in Plc, Zenith Bank Plc were among 609.36basis points from 38,567.26 lone gainer yesterday. bank that gained 7.14 per cent of yesterday 4,161 deals. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 10/08/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 46 WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 47 MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 09- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 156.64 158.20 -3.17% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.69% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 312.36 312.36 -22.58% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.24 111.24 -0.76% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.88% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.71 2.77 -5.12% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.23% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.10 152.37 -2.19% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -4.75% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.32 1.44% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.10 1.10 0.83% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.77% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 137.74 139.32 3.56% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.42 1.44 4.17% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.11 -16.74% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,141.42 1,141.42 5.14% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.65 20.24 8.36% Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.45 11.51 9.41% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 428.77 441.70 7.09% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.67% ARM Ethical Fund 38.24 39.39 13.43% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.04% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.97 -7.86% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.96% PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.61 105.61 3.83% PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,015.99 1,015.99 1.60% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.42 134.00 11.21% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 10.08% CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,272.31 3,307.26 1.89% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.09 232.09 3.22% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.26% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.23 3.81% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 305.48 305.48 3.67% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 224.10 227.42 2.68% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.14% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.00% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,341.80 10,491.47 -1.44% Paramount Equity Fund 16.52 16.82 3.28% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.31% Women's Investment Fund 136.73 138.31 2.74% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.19 115.19 3.70% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 102.86 102.86 - Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.24% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.30 119.05 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.55% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 4.02% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.19% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.66 107.66 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.53% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.52 119.52 4.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.53% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.44% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.88% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -1.00% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -13.93% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.92 13.03 8.84% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.25 14.38 16.65% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.43% Zenith Income Fund 24.26 24.26 1.17% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.21% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.32% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,141.78 1,157.13 -0.88% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 125.18 10.79% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,399.78 1,399.78 11.35% Union Homes REIT 51.80 2.67% FBN Balanced Fund 191.79 193.16 2.19% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 111.72 111.72 7.79% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.60% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.36 13.46 1.09% SIAML Pension ETF 40 122.23 125.28 1.66% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.55 126.55 3.55% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.58 98.70 -2.65% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 158.08 160.30 4.56% MERGROWTH ETF 17.86 17.96 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 18.14 18.24 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.54% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.96 3.96 2.38% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.91 3.95 3.54% Legacy Equity Fund 1.58 1.61 3.85% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.91 5.99 3.84% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.18 1.18 4.11% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.46 17.56 7.59% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.32% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.26 19.46 -6.09% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 152.27 154.27 -30.53% Coral Balanced Fund 3,719.91 3,772.48 -0.69% Coral Income Fund 3,358.16 3,358.16 2.50% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.82% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.40 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 48 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 • THISDAY 49 50 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Police Trust Fund Awards Contracts for Procurement of Arms, Ammunition

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Hon. Muhammed Dingiyadi, fueling of police vehicles and the Strategic Leadership and “The ministry is deeply contracts for the supply of has said. supply of fuel to the 36 states Command Course 3/2021 grateful to Mr. President more operational vehicles, body The Police Trust Fund (PTF) The minister, who made police commands in order to at the National Institute of and the National Assembly protection vest and helmet, arms has awarded contract for the the disclosure yesterday in enhance its operational efficiency. Police Studies in Abuja, the for approving funds for the and ammunitions, drugs and procurement of arms and Abuja, also said that the federal Speaking during the minister said the Police Trust supply of fuel to the 36 states medical equipment and other ammunition for the Nigeria government approved N4 billion presentation of a paper Fund awarded contract for police commands across the critical security hardware”. Police, Minister of Police Affairs, for the purchase of fuel for titled, “Strategic Leadership the procurement of arms and country and FCT to increase Dingyadi said the Ministry of Development: The Role of ammunition, body protection, their efficiency. Police Affairs made training and the Ministry of Police Affairs” operational vehicles among “As we speak the Police development of police officers NIS Introduces Code of with the course participants of others. Trust Fund has awarded top priority. Conduct, Electronic Data Management System Michael Olugbode in Abuja mandates demand that its Officers and Men regularly The Nigeria Immigration display the highest level Service (NIS) has released a of discipline, diligence, code of conduct for its officers promptness, vigilance and and men, just as it unveiled transparency in operations an electronic data management and activities. system (EDMS) as part of efforts Aregbesola said: “As the to achieve a paperless system. gatekeeper of the nation, Launching the two initiatives NIS cannot but regularly in Abuja yesterday, the Minister showcase the cherished virtues of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, of integrity, courtesy, sound expressed optimism that they morality and uncommon would take the NIS to the next transparency in its official level, improve efficiency and conducts. make its officers and men a “The mirror of the largest pride of the nation. black nation of the world which He said the launch of the the NIS represents, must not Code of Conduct and Ethics only be crystal clear at all Document for the NIS was not times but must be attractive, COURTESY VISIT… only timely, but apt especially courteous, engaging and Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (left), with the Commandant-General, Nigeria for the service whose critical pleasant.” Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr. Ahmed Audi, during Audi’s visit to INEC in Abuja…yesterday Lagos Explains Loan West African Countries Urged to Take Conversion Approval by Advantage of Energy Potential House of Assembly Michael Olugbode in Abuja Tunis, during the ongoing He added that the region all this enviable resources. Segun James the full shares/equity of the “Delocalised Meeting of is also blessed with 25,000 Tunis stated that “the energy former owners of the company Countries in the West Africa ECOWAS Parliament Joint megawatts of hydraulic power sector in the region is beset by Following reports from in 2014, noting that there was sub-region have been advised to Committees on Energy, Mines, potential in five countries a myriad of challenges, which the Lagos State’s House of no need to take such a request exploit the huge energy potentials Industry, Private Sector and including Nigeria and 5.2 billion include poor governance and Assembly that it has granted the to the House. in the region to industrialise their Environment,” which is holding metric tons of proven natural weak capacity for planning and government the go-ahead to The commissioner said: economies. in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire gas reserves, which is about 30 implementation. take over the Lekki Concession “Following the Lagos State The advice was given by Tunis said that West Africa is percent of the reserves of Africa. “Another challenge is the Company (LCC), the state Government’s full ownership of the Speaker of the Economic sitting on top of 17 billion tons The speaker, however, uneven distribution of the energy government has made further LCC in December 2014, the loan Community of West African of proven oil reserves, which lamented that only 52 percent resources of the region. Nigeria clarification on the issue. became eligible for conversion States (ECOWAS) Parliament, should not be made to mean of people living in West Africa alone sits on top of more than The government in a to a Sovereign facility with an Honourable Sidie Mohamed nothing. have access to electricity despite 90 percent of oil resources here.” statement by the Commissioner attendant significant lower for Information and Strategy interest rate of LIBOR plus 80 Fayemi Announces Restriction as Ekiti Records 180 Covid-19 Cases Mr. Gbenga Omotoso has said: basis points and extended tenor. “its request was to convert In the recent past, there have Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti political gatherings across the 95 cases in July and frighteningly about their businesses with strict the African Development been discussions amongst LCC/ state and directed transporters to 85 cases in the last few days in adherence to the safety protocols, Bank loan from a private LASG, AfDB and the relevant The Ekiti State Governor, reduce the number of passengers the month of August, adding, “ saying, “ we must never trivialise sector (commercial) loan to Federal Government Ministries Dr Kayode Fayemi, has by half. we are constrained to respond the danger that COVID-19 a sovereign (public sector) and Agencies concerning reintroduced restriction in public Fayemi, at a press conference to this development with the continues to pose to us. loan, which attracts a lower conversion of the loan to a places as Ekiti recorded 180 new addressed on his behalf by the following non-pharmaceutical “We must ensure we do not interest rate. This will enable Sovereign facility. Upon the cases of COVID-19 in the third Commissioner for Health, Dr control measures, which remain have a reversal of fortune. We the company to make some completion of the conversion, wave of the pandemic between Oyebanji Filani, yesterday in our best means of containing the cannot afford a community savings.” there will be a significant July and August, 2021. Ado-Ekiti, noted that all efforts pandemic in the state.” infection that could easily Omotoso explained that the reduction of applicable interest Determined to stem the must be geared towards stopping The governor added that overwhelm our capacity and government, in fact, acquired rate and extended tenor. tide of the lethal infection, the further spread of the deadly the patients are stable across return us to another round of the governor has imposed variant in the state. the isolations centres in the stay-at-home with even more More Tributes as IBEDC, Odubu, restrictions on social, religious, He said the state had recorded state, advising residents to go stringent measures.” Suspected Food Poisoning Kills 24 in Sokoto Others Mourn Okunbo Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto village of Bargaja ward, Isa Local and are currently responding always be cautious in order to Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Adibe of the company to the enviable Government Area of the state. to treatment, with very good prevent such reoccurrence in their Emenyonu in Benin City heights it has achieved. No fewer than 24 persons have The commissioner said the chance of survival. families, as now experienced in “His chain of businesses been confirmed dead as a result of deceased used fertilizer type “Attempts to save the lives Sokoto state and Zamfara earlier The Ibadan Electricity Distribution spanned across the gamut of suspected case of food poisoning known as “Gishirin Lalle in of all the affected people by in the year. Company (IBEDC) Plc has hospitality, security, real estate, in Sokoto State. Hausa”, as seasoning in cooking providing the needed medical “It is very important for the mourned what it described the oil servicing, and agriculture. The State Commissioner for food, instead of common salt. care, proved abortive,” Inname public to know that this incidence, untimely passing of its esteemed A renowned and accomplished Health, Dr. Ali Inname, disclosed “Regrettably, the entire family stated. though preventable and not investor and pioneer Director, business mogul, who contributed this in a statement yesterday, who had the meal lost their lives, The commissioner, therefore contagious, is extremely fatal even Captain Dr. Idahosa Wells Okunbo, immensely to the development saying the victims were within except two female members, warned the general public to with best of medical attention and died on August 8,2021, in the of the Nigerian economy by a single household in Danzanke who merely tested the food “learn from this incidence and care,” he further stated. United Kingdom at the age of providing jobs and substance to 63 years. thousands of his fellow country- A statement signed by the men and women through his Pirates Abduct Five Persons at Bonny River Chairman of the Board of Directors diverse and extensive businesses. of IBEDC, Mr. Olatunde Ayeni, “We have lost a distinguished Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Federation (BYF), who preferred the other passengers allowed released in February. on behalf of board, management Nigerian, an illustrious anonymity, revealed that the to continue the journey to Port Officer-in-Charge of the Marine and staff, and made available to businessman with a heart of At least five persons were yesterday attacked speedboat was a one Harcourt, adding that the abductees Police in Bonny, Solomon Adeniyi, THISDAY, yesterday, noted that, gold,” he said. abducted at the Bonny River, close to outboard engine powered speedboat were yet to be identified and their a Superintendent of Police, was late Okunbo with his sagacious Ayeni while describing Capt. the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, that carries 10 passengers which destination yet unknown. quoted as confirming the incident, business acumen was extremely Okunbo as one of Nigeria’s most after a seven-month reprieve that was on its way from Bonny to Calm had returned to the disclosing that “five people were pivotal to the establishment of outstanding philanthropist, said his had seen the frequency of attacks Port Harcourt early in the morning. waterways around the areas after kidnapped after Onne on a 10 IBEDC and was very involved death has created a huge vacuum minimised. He narrated that five of the the Isaka 12 abduction incident passenger speedboat around in piloting the smooth growth that would be difficult to fill. An official of the Bonny Youth passengers were abducted and in January, who were eventually 07:30 a.m.” WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 ˾THISDAY 51 NEWS XTRA New York Governor, Cuomo, Resigns after Sexual Harassment Allegations Peter Uzoho with agency report best way I can help now is if I in 14 days. decision as one necessary to the last thing government should Speaking to his three step aside and let government She will become the state’s avoid protracted argument and be. I cannot be the cause. New daughters, Cuomo said, “I want New York Governor, Andrew get back to government, and first female governor. divisiveness that would bring York tough means New York them to know from the bottom Cuomo yesterday announced he therefore that is what I’ll do, Though Cuomo, 63, apologised the state’s government to a halt. loving. “And I love New York of my heart that I never did would resign after a withering because I work for you, and to his accusers, he made it clear “It is a matter of life and and I love you. Everything I have and I never would intentionally report from the state’s attorney doing the right thing, is doing the he did not believe he stepped death,” he said, referring to the ever done has been motivated disrespect a woman, treat any general documented multiple right thing for you,” the nbcnews over a red line requiring removal immediate need to combat Covid. by that love and I would never woman differently than I would accusations of sexual harassment quoted Cuomo to have said in from office. “Government operations and want to be unhelpful in any want them treated, and that is against women. a televised address, at which he Instead, he framed his wasting energy on distraction is way,” he said. the God’s honest truth. The decision heads off his took no questions. almost certain impeachment Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, and conviction in the state a fellow Democrat, will serve Legislature. the rest of his term when the “Given the circumstances, the resignation becomes effective Osinbajo: We will Complete All Critical On going Projects in Niger Delta Deji Elumoye in Abuja following my tour of the Niger Delta, which involved Vice President Yemi Osinbajo extensive consultations with has given an assurance to the key stakeholders in the region, people in Niger Delta that the New Vision for the Niger the present administration will Delta was birthed in response ensure completion of all critical to the various challenges which on-going projects in all the nine had been plaguing our people. oil producing states in the region. “The objective of this New WEALTH CREATION… This assurance, he said, Vision is to ensure that the L-R: Managing Director, Futureview Asset Management Limited, Ms Ugochi Nnodi; Group Executive Director, Futureview Group, Mr. Diamond was aimed at fulfilling the people of the region benefit Uju; Group Managing Director, Futureview Group, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi; Head, UBA Global Investor Service, Mrs. Taiwo Sonola; and Managing President Muhammadu Buhari maximally from their wealth, Director, STL Trustees Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, at the signing ceremony of Futureview Equity Fund in Lagos…recently administration’s New Vision through promoting infrastructural development agenda for the developments, environmental oil-rich region. remediation and local content Osinbajo, who was represented development.” Two Abducted Persons Regain Freedom in Ekiti by the Senior Special Assistant The VP said the Two persons abducted last Friday off the hook. Government Area of Ekiti since after which they went to the to the President on Niger Delta administration’s Niger Delta New evening along Ayetoro-Ekiti and Mr. Olusegun Erinle, a family Thursday for the burial of Mrs. palace of the Onikun of Ikun- Affairs, Office of the Vice Vision initiative has recorded Ewu-Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local friend of the abducted persons, Florence Tuyole Erinle, mother Ekiti where the traditional ruler President, Mr. Edobor Iyamu, some landmark achievements Government Area of Ekiti have confirmed to NAN the release of of Olusegun Erinle, a former received them. stated this yesterday in Lagos in the areas of education, regained their freedom following the people after paying ransom. lawmaker in Ekiti. When contacted, the Police at the 6th Anniversary Lecture/ environmental remediation, payment of ransom after four Erinle, however, declined to It was gathered that the two Public Relations Officer in Niger Delta Awards Organised infrastructure and local days in the kidnappers’ den. disclose the amount paid, as abductees were released last Ekiti Command, ASP. Sunday by Gbaramatu Voice Newspaper. content development, among According to the News he simply responded to NAN’s night at about 7:50 p.m in Ikun- Abutu, confirmed the release of According to him, “in 2017, others. Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the enquiry that, “an undisclosed Ekiti, Moba Local Government the victims. kidnappers had earlier contacted ransom paid”. Area of the state. Abutu said that he would find the family members of their NAN reported that victims NAN also gathered that the out to know the veracity of the victims, demanding N50 million of the kidnapping had been in abductees were driven to the claims and the circumstances that DPR Eyes $500m Fresh ransom before they could be let Ewu-Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local heart of the town, Ikun-Ekiti, surrounded their freedom. Investments in Domestic Security Sector Mourns Ekhomu Gas Value Chain Chiemelie Ezeobi Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) arena of low intensity warfare. “He was my teacher, he Peter Uzoho launched on August 10, 2020. International in Nigeria, died on “A professional whose mind delivered a lecture organised by He said the expected Encomiums have continued to Monday in Lagos after a brief is always tinkering on new ways PCRC Victoria Island on Practical The Department of Petroleum investments resulted from the pour in for the late Chairman of illness. and improving synergy and Implementation of Community Resources (DPR) is anticipating confidence boost received by Transworld Security Systems, Dr. Former Assistant General of collaboration through community Policing. fresh investments valued at over the intending investors after being Ona Ekhomu. Police Zone 2, AIG Ahmed Iliyasu policing/technically- driven “He was one who had the $500 million from investors who convinced about the benefits and His death threw the security (rtd), described the deceased as strategies in fighting the menace interest of the community at have indicated interest to invest opportunities inherent in the gas sector into mourning, especially “an iconic security strategist of of all kinds of crime.” heart and always at the fore to in the domestic value chain of network code the private sector, most of whom modern times. The Chief Executive Officer fight again any form of crime. the Nigerian gas sector The NGTNC which is one the he mentored to register and start “He was always striving in of Badinson Security, Mathew “Chief Ona was an icon The investment value, according critical vehicles towards realising their companies. preferring solutions, ways and Ibadin wrote, “ in the security industry. He to the Director of DPR, Mr. Sarki the Nigerian Gas Master Plan, Ekhomu, a global leader answers to emerging and new This is a loss whose impact will encouraged me to register my Auwalu, was derived from the among others, was intended to in industrial security and a patterns of crime and criminality be strongly felt by many because security company because he was total estimate of the domestic gas provide a uniform commercial and founding member of Association especially insurgency, banditry, Chief Dr. Ona Ekhomu was a enthusiastic about progress and supply targets of the individual technical gas transportation and of Industrial Security and Safety kidnappings, sabotage in the visionary to be reckoned with. development of those around him. investors cumulating to 500 million distribution framework. standard cubic feet of gas per It was also tailored towards day (mmscf/d) addition into deepening the development of COVID-19: FG Scores Self High on Interventions the domestic gas market. the Nigerian domestic gas market Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja dependent economies, the as the government continued According to her, the federal Auwalu disclosed this to segment across its extensive value country, it noted, has been the implementation of post- government’s response to the journalists yesterday in Lagos chain, support the sustainable The federal government hit hard by the drop in crude COVID-19 recovery plans and COVID-19 pandemic has been during his presentation on the growth and impact of the gas sector has scored itself high in the oil prices and the COVID 19 develop the next generation proactive and people-oriented, agency’s scorecard after one year in the economic development of management of the COVID-19 pandemic. medium and long-term national with an emphasis on human of operationalising the Nigerian Nigeria, and enhance the ease of pandemic, declaring that since The Minister of Finance, development plans. capital development and critical Gas Transportation Network Code doing business in the nation’s the outbreak of the scourge, its Budget and National, Mrs. The event was organised infrastructure. (NGTNC) which was formerly energy sector. interventions have been proactive Zainab Ahmed, who presented by the finance ministry in She said: “The pandemic has and people-centred. a keynote address in Abuja, collaboration with the Pro- required that we take a critical But, it pointed out that Nigeria, yesterday at a “National Dialogue poor Growth and Promotion look at our health and economic Nigeria Solidarity Support like most countries in the world, on COVID-19 Economic Impact of Employment in Nigeria policies, to swiftly introduce crisis is experiencing a new economic and Assessment of National (SEDIN), one of the programmes management measures, catalyze and social reality because of the and States Recovery Plan and being implemented in Nigeria support to the health sector, and Fund Calls for Donations COVID-19 crisis. Policy Options,” said the event by the German Development accelerate certain key reforms The Nigeria Solidarity Support efforts to mitigate the Like other primarily oil- provided a critical feedback Agency (GIZ). while reimagining others entirely. Fund (NSSF), a non-profit adverse economic effects of organisation created as a the COVID-19 pandemic partnership between the on Nigerians by supporting Nigeria Summons Ambassador to Indonesia for Debriefing international advocacy vulnerable members of the Michael Olugbode in Abuja Indonesian Immigration Service what might have gone wrong. ambassador’s summon was a organisation, Global Citizen population, strengthening the in Jakarta. The Minister of Foreign routine process to throw more and the Nigeria Sovereign country’s healthcare system The Nigerian Government Though the Immigration officers Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who light on the immediate and remote Investment Authority (NSIA) and re-skilling the Nigerian yesterday summoned its involved in the disrespectful disclosed the invitation of the causes for the brutal attack on is renewing calls for support workforce for a post-pandemic Ambassador to Indonesia, treatment were said to have ambassador at a news conference the Nigerian official. and financial donations to the world. Muhammed Buba Ahmed, for later apologised for their action, in Abuja, said the action of the The minister also disclosed fund. A statement by the group debriefing over the circumstances and the Indonesian ambassador Indonesian officials contravened that the Nigerian Government The NSSF is an innovative said the strategic priority for surrounding the manhandling and during summon by the Nigeria’s international law as well as the has equally sent an official arrest of one of Nigerian diplomat Ministry of Foreign Affairs had Vienna Conventions governing protest to the Government of platform for resource NSSF for 2021/2022 is to ensure also apologised, the federal diplomatic and consular relations Indonesia on the August 7 incident mobilisation primarily that one million Nigerians are in Jakarta. Few days ago, a Nigerian government yesterday summoned between states. despite an apology from the host established to supplement vaccinated against COVID-19. diplomat was manhandled by its ambassador for questioning on He explained that the government. 52 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS XTRA Rescue Tegina School Girls, Commissioner Now, PDP Tells Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna gunmen. “With the development, leadership they have rendered resources knowing that the we make haste to remind Bello The newly elected state the PDP has no other option over the past six years. This people he swore to protect that the primary responsibility of The Peoples Democratic Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Tanko than to conclude that the All is very unfortunate and sad.” are in the hands of daredevil any government is the security Party (PDP) has charged the Beji, in his first official statement Progressives Congress (APC) The state PDP leader asked: terrorists?” of lives and property, especially Government to since his election last Saturday has no business being in any “How does Governor Bello sleep However, he said: “While in this case that involves over immediately facilitate the release said: “There has been no word leadership position considering well, eat well, smile and junkets the PDP conveys it prayers and 135 children between the ages of the recently abducted state or any sign of seriousness from the inept, clueless and classless around the world using state heartfelt sadness to the families, of five and 15.” Commissioner for Information, the state Governor, , Alhaji Mohammed Sani Idris, since the Tegina school girls and the 136 Salihu Tanko were kidnapped. Islamiyya School girls in Tegina “The PDP is totally disgusted from the clutches of bandits. and alarmed that over 70 days While the 136 school girls after the Tegina Islammiyya are spending close to three school children were kidnapped, months in captivity, the no word or even mere body commissioner was last Sunday movement to show seriousness night kidnapped by unknown from the state Governor, Bello. UNICEF: Over Half of Nigerian Children’s Births Unregistered Michael Olugbode in Abuja The statement noted that as Nigeria joined the rest of the United Nations Children’s Fund world to commemorate the (UNICEF) has decried the low Civil Registration and Vital STRENGHTENING UNIVERSITIES… birth registration in Nigeria, Statistics (CRVS) Day yesterday, L-R: Chairman, Governing Council, Nigeria French Language Village, (NFLV), Prof. Remi Sonaiya; Member, Governing Council, University of stating that more than 50 percent addressing structural, normative of the births of children under and operational challenges to Maiduguri, Prof. Yisa Kehinde Yusuf; Member, NFLV, Prof Joke Bestman; and Director, NFLV, Prof Tunde Ayeleru, during the inauguration of the 5 remain unregistered in the birth registration should be on governing councils of some universities and inter-university centres in Abuja...... recently country. the front burner. UNICEF, while lamenting The statement emphasised that Africa has the lowest that birth registration is a one-off Over 112 Killed in Kaduna, Plateau in 30 Days, birth registration among all the event that gives every child a continents, lamented that the unique identity which will Says Amnesty International births of 166 million children give them better access to vital A global human rights group, were killed, 160 abducted issuing statements and condemning between July 3 and August 5, under 5 have never been services like health, education, Amnesty International (AI), and thousands displaced in attacks after they have happened, 2021, in Kaduna State, including recorded worldwide. and social protection. yesterday said the failure of the communities in Kaduna and the government needs to rein in 121 school children of Bethel Baptist A statement issued yesterday The statement quoted the Nigerian authorities to live up Plateau States from July to August on attackers and bring suspects Church High School. by UNICEF noted that with UNICEF Nigeria Country to their obligation to protect the 2021. to justice,” the Director, Amnesty The group added: “At least 34 only 44 per cent of children Representative, Peter Hawkins, right to life has enabled a month of “Our findings show that International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, people have been killed in Plateau registered at birth, even as to have said: “Every child bloody attacks on both farmers and despite clear signs that there will said in a statement. State, including seven herders who millions of deaths also go counts, and we must ensure herders in some parts of Kaduna be retaliatory attacks, enough is Amnesty International’s were attacked on July 1 at Dogon uncounted each year. that we count every child so and Plateau States. not being done to prevent the investigation has also revealed Gaba, two others were lynched at Nigeria alone accounts for 11 that they can best benefit from In a statement issued yesterday, bloodshed, thereby fueling the that at least 78 people were killed Fusa village while trying to locate per cent of unregistered children important services like health the body said at least 112 people ongoing circle of violence. Beyond and 160 abducted by bandits their missing cow. in West Africa. and education,” WAEC Commences Exams 43 Drug Dealers Arrested as NDLEA Raids Ondo, Nasarawa, Benue Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Anambra seized a total of and 6, 2021, during which at State Command of the agency August 16 8,268.2 kilogrammes of assorted least 41 suspects were arrested in the early hours of August 9, No fewer than 43 dealers and illicit drugs. and assorted drugs such as 2021, raided Odopetu area of Funmi Ogundare requirement for registration for consumers of illicit substances In the latest raids, according to cocaine, cannabis sativa, cough Akure, the state capital, where the examination with effect from have been arrested in a fresh raid the spokesman of the NDLEA, syrup (codeine), rohypnol and one Mrs. Folake Ademola, 44, The West African Examinations 2022 and subsequent ones. in Nasarawa, Benue and Ondo Femi Babafemi, in Nasarawa tramadol with a total weight of was arrested while her husband Council (WAEC) yesterday “This means that all States by the operatives of the State, “NDLEA operatives backed 65.250 kilogrammes recovered. fled. announced its readiness to prospective candidates must National Drug Law Enforcement by a detachment of soldiers from He disclosed that cannabis Babafemi said recovered conduct the West African Senior register with the National Agency (NDLEA), recovering 177 battalion of the Nigerian planted by the drug dealers from their home included 65.4 School Certificate Examination Identity Management 137.55 kilogrammes assorted Army in Keffi, raided notorious in the adjoining bushes were kilogrammes of cannabis sativa; (WASSCE) for school candidates Commission (NIMC) and get drugs. drug joints in Kara Masaka, destroyed while all the stalls skunk, 500 grammes; loud, 16 in 2021. their National Identification Few days ago, the NDLEA Ruwa Ruwa Uke, Abattoir at in the drug markets were grammes; and Colorado, 34 The examination will Number (NIN). This is in line in a coordinated raids of seven the border with Abuja, Filing dismantled and set ablaze. grammes, bringing the total commence throughout the with the federal government’s states of Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bala, Masaka U-Turn and other Babafemi said in the same of drugs seized from them to council’s sub-region from policy, as directed by the Federal Adamawa, Enugu, Bauchi, Edo places for two days, August 5 vein, operatives of the Ondo 65.95 kilogrammes. August 16 to October 8, Ministry of Education that ‘No 2021, and end in Nigeria on NIN, no entry’,” he said. September 30, 2021-a period Areghan gave the statistics Anti-Open Grazing Bill Passes First Reading in Enugu of seven weeks. of students that would sit for The Head of National Office the examination. Gideon Arinze in Enugu relevant sections of the Assembly presented, and as such, has in and Nigeria.” (HNO), Mr. Patrick Areghan, He said a total of 1,573,789 Order, gave the assurance that not been deliberated by the In his reaction, the Speaker who briefed journalists at a candidates, comprising 792,620 A bill to ban open grazing in the bill would pass through all lawmakers. The lawmaker of the Assembly, Hon Edward programme to also inaugurate males (50.36 per cent) and Enugu State has passed its first the procedures of lawmaking, said politicising the bill would Ubosi, urged the lawmakers its request management 781,169 females (49.64 per reading at the state House of including the public hearing truncate the peace enjoyed by to go through the bill in order system and WAEC –ChatBot cent) were presented by 19,425 Assembly. stage. the residents of the state, which to make contributions to the in Lagos, disclosed that the recognised secondary schools Presenting the bill yesterday, Ezeugwu, who represents is not needed at this time. legislation “that will boost National Identification Number across the country, including Leader of the Assembly, Udenu state constituency, said According to him, “During security in Enugu State.” (NIN) would become a major the FCT, for the examination. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said the bill would regulate cattle the public hearing, anybody He noted that there was no it is intended to help protect ranching in the state. who is interested in the bill better time to address the issue lives and property of citizens He warned members of the should come and make his than now when farmer-herder Sailor Missing, 12 Rescued as of the state. public against politicising the or her input to guide us in crisis has continued to claim Vessel Capsizes Near Lagos The lawmaker, while citing legislation, which was only passing the bill. We need peace several lives across the country. The Nigerian Navy has rescued following a distress call put Edo Commends Inner-City Innovation Hub on Devt 12 crew members of a capsized across to the Base. Sunday Okobi the youths of the state to take Social Investment Programme Investment Programme. fishing vessel, named ‘Lady “In response to the distress advantage of the opportunities to the governor, during a facility It commenced its inaugural Barbara’, belonging to Seabless call, the patrol team of the Edo State Government has being offered by the tech firm. tour of Inner-City Innovative startup cohort in August, “with Fishing Company Limited. Base, in collaboration with commended the Inner-City This development was Hub, a technology firm based the aim of helping young The Commander, Commo- some personnel of the Nigerian Innovative Hub for its innovative disclosed to journalists in Benin-city, the state capital. entrepreneurs build and start dore Bashir Mohammed, in a Customs, swung into action. services, youth development, recently by the Focal Person, The tech firm, which was their businesses as well as press statement yesterday , said “This led to the rescue of 12 commitment to human capital National Social Investment initiated by its founding exposing them to investment that the crew members were out of the 13 crew onboard the and technological development Programme (NSIP) to the Chairman, the United possibilities through such rescued on Thursday while the vessel at the entrance to the in the state. Edo State Governor, Godwin Kingdom-based Edo-born avenue as mentorship, computer sailor was still missing. Lagos Harbour and a search This is even as it highlighted Obaseki, Miss Osayuwamen tech entrepreneur, Hilton training boot camps in software “The Search and Rescue for the missing sailor is still the objectives of its technology Aladeselu, who is also the Idahosa, enjoys the support development and multi-media Operation was conducted ongoing,” he said. startup project while calling on Senior Special Adviser, Edo State and partnership of Edo Social skills.” WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 53 CRIME&PUNISHMENT Nigeria's Internet Fraudsters Busted See what two Nigerian fraudsters, Tobilola Ibrahim Bakare and Alimi Seun Sikiru have lost to the Federal Government: N463.8m in Cash, Cars and Osapa London Duplexes

No 31, Alhaji Mudashiru Eletu Way, Osopa London, Eti-Osa, Lekki, No. 13, AbdulRahman Oseni Street, Ocean Breeze Estate , Ologolo , House 2B, Bamidele Majiyagbe Street, Southern View, Chevy View, Lagos Jakande, Lekki, Lagos Lekki, Lagos Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja a cyberheist of $1 million through alternative, now broke, they will a business email compromise. need benefactors to help them pay heir glitzy homes. Their Their victims are not paupers; a fine of N4 million. They have vainglorious vehicles. they are organisations that have been stripped of their ill-gotten Their ostentatious in their employ hard-working wealth; all their illicit monies and lifestyle. And their young Nigerians. KLM, British properties forfeited to the federal wayward, daring, Airways, and Turkish Airlines government. andT malicious endeavours. In were their major victims. It is also a fine testament to the shadow of those adjectives, Like live mugshots, transfixed the EFCC's dogged investigation they betrayed enterprising spirit in the dock, Tobilola Bakare and and prosecution in a crime-and- to unsuspecting neighbours and Alimi Sikiru were brought back punishment episode that can leave other youngsters. to life when the judge announced many Nigerians to look before With over N200 million in their their conviction with a tone of leaping into the murky waters bank accounts and properties finality. Justice O. A Taiwo of of Internet fraud. worth N260 million, it was the Lagos State High Court was With every crime committed, seemingly unimaginable to see unmistaken in her judgment, and there should be a commensurable them go broke in few hours. Tobilola Ibrahim Bakare Alimi Seun Sikiru her gavel's dull but deepening punishment. Bakare and Sikiru But lie is a sprinter; truth a thud sent cold shivers down the might have understood that too marathoner. was up. Caught in the labyrinth their arrest, arraignment, and royal robes. spines of Bakare and Sikiru. late. Yet, it remains to be preached With forlorn faces, the two of their lawlessness, they stare conviction, the youngsters had Enthralled and emboldened by It was a grim reminder: for the myriads of other Nigerian youngsters knew their game listlessly into a void that leaves lived in palatial palaces like inordinate lust for money to "get crime does not pay. Six years youngsters: honesty remains the them helpless and hapless. Until pretentious princes in stolen rich or die trying," they carried out behind bars await them. In the best policy. 54 WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: [email protected] WEDNESDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Hero’s Welcome for ‘King’ Messi in Paris PSG officially announce his signing, to address press today

Lionel Messi displaying his PSG jersey number 30 at Parc des Princes...last night Femi Solaja a new deal under La Liga’s three alongside the two most Chauveau, a PSG fan who Considered one of the club he joined as a 13-year-old. with agency report financial fair play rules. expensive players of all time – has been back and forth to greatest players of all time, He won the Ballon d'Or a And speaking about his Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. the airport every day since Messi scored a record 672 goals record six times and lifted 35 AAfter savoring the joy move to PSG, Messi said:”I He could make his PSG Sunday in the hope of seeing in 778 games for Barca, the trophies with the Catalan club. of landing football’s most am impatient to start a new debut at home to Strasbourg Messi arrive. celebrated personality at chapter of my career in Paris. on Saturday. Messi gave no details of the moment, Paris Saint- The club and its vision are The six-time Ballon d'Or the deal, which was reached Germain last night officially in perfect harmony with my winner received a hero's days after Barcelona said it ...His Posters Removed from announced signing Argentine ambitions. welcome after touching down could not afford to keep the legend,Lionel Messi, in a deal “I know how talented the in France yesterday to start midfielder because of Spain's Barcelona’s Nou Camp to run till 2023. players and staff are here. I am a new life at PSG. La Liga's fair play rules. Few minutes after Lionel Messi to French side PSG on a two-year The French capital city determined to build, alongside The deal is believed to be But his father, speaking to flew into Paris to seal a two- contract worth £1m a week and club made the officialthem, something great for the around €35million (about reporters at Barcelona's airport, year PSG deal, the face of the Barcelona have started their new announcement in a two-minute club and for the fans. I can’t $55.7 million) net per season, confirmed reports by French Argentine was removed from era by removing pictures of their video which finally unveiled wait to set foot on the Parc add-ons included. newspaper L'Equipe and outside Barcelona’s Camp Nou former captain from the club’s Messi at the end of the clip. des Princes pitch.” Wearing a T-shirt that read Spanish newspaper Mundo stadium on Tuesday. surroundings. The 34-year-old’s shock Messi took centre stage in a Messi who will be officially Messi becomes PSG’s "This is Paris," Messi beamed Deportivo that Messi had departure from the Spanish side large image of multiple Barcelona unveiled to fans at Parc des fourth free-transfer signing and waved at scores of fans reached an agreement with was announced last week and stars including goalkeeper Marc- Princes at midday today is to this summer after the arrivals who had come to greet him PSG, which is owned by Qatar Messi waved goodbye to the club Andre Ter-Stegen, Gerard Pique wear jersey number 30 instead of Netherlands midfielder at Le Bourget airport on the Sports Investment. he spent his entire career at in and Antoine Griezmann, but of his traditional Number 10 Georginio Wijnaldum, Spain outskirts of the French capital BBC Sport columnist an emotional press conference construction workers took down that Brazilian Neymar has been defender Sergio Ramos and after his flight from Barcelona. Guillem Balague, confirmed on Sunday. the strips showing Messi’s face. wearing since crossing over Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Chanting "Messi, Messi, yesterday that Messi has An emotional Messi broke The entire posters on the side of from Barcelona to PSG in a Donnarumma. Messi," the fans cheered and agreed a two-year deal to join down in tears at the farewell Barcelona’s 99,000-seater stadium record transfer. Highly rated Morocco let off firecrackers. Paris St-Germain following his press conference and called for have been removed following ‘humility and respect’ from the Messi’s departure, while club Messi left Barca – the only right-back Achraf Hakimi "It's going to be mad. shock exit from Barcelona. He club after he left. officials were also seen taking club he has played for – as also joined from Inter Milan. After all, it's a legend who added that the deal, has the UK’s Sportsmailrevealed down smaller, street-side posters they were unable to afford Messi will play in a front is arriving," said Florent option of a third year. yesterday that he is set to commit with the Argentina’s face on them. Chukwueze Out as Villarreal, Tokyo Olympics: NFF Chelsea Clash in Super Cup Nigerian international, Samuel not been helped with an injury Chukwueze, will not be in crisis during pre-season which, Congratulates Dare, Sports Ministry action today due to injury as at one point, saw them lose 12 Villarreal clash with Chelsea in players across positive coronavirus The Nigeria Football Federation Amusan narrowly missed netting worked their socks off. The football team eventually ended UEFA Super Cup. tests and injuries. (NFF) has felicitated with the a medal as she finished fourth in Honourable Minister was up winning Team Nigeria’s only Chukwueze is continuing And ahead of the final on Federal Ministry of Youth and the women’s sprint hurdles final. exemplary; he explained, medal – a bronze – at the Games.” rehabilitation following a muscular Wednesday night, they remain Sports Development and the “The Nigeria contingent may encouraged and empathized Pinnick was particularly injury and is expected to miss the without a host of players, setting Minister of Youth and Sports, not have returned with the with the athletes as necessary delighted at the performance of one-legged tie in Belfast, Northern them up for a huge task against Mr Sunday Dare on Nigeria’s harvest of medals that many and led the cheer at most of the multi-talented Ese Brume, who Ireland. Champions League holders outing at the 32nd Olympiad hoped for, but there are bright venues where Nigerian athletes won the women’s long jump: The Super Eagles winger picked Chelsea. which ended in Tokyo, Japan lights all around and some competed. “I am happy for Ese (Brume) up the injury in last season’s Key midfielder Dani Parejo on Sunday. brilliant individual performances “He is such a wonderful because I played a role in her Europa League second-leg remains out with injury, as does Nigeria earned one silver and that give hope for the next Games breath of fresh air from the discovery and nurturing. I am semi-final at Arsenal. another midfield option in Francis one bronze medals from the in Paris. immediate Minister of Sports fulfilled at her career progression He also missed the final against Coquelin. Games, with a slew of promising “At the end of the day, the who rather constituted himself and I believe she will be there Manchester United which Villarreal Though, there is some good performances as a number of silver and bronze medals earned into a bulwalk and divisive force in Paris in three years’ time to won via penalty shootout. news in midfield with the possible athletes reached the final of their in Tokyo make the just-ended against Nigerian athletes at the win the gold medal. A second major trophy is on returns of Vicente Iborra and events. For the first time since Olympics Nigeria’s best outing in last Olympics in Brazil. “I also pledge that our football offer for Villarreal having broken Etienne Capoue from respective 1996, a Nigerian athlete was in the 13 years. That is commendable. “We do not wish to recall his teams will return to the Games their long wait for a first with injuries. final of the glamour event of the “The Sports Minister, in inglorious remarks against the in three years’ time in Paris and their Europa League success last Both players returned to training Games – the men’s 100m sprint. his personal capacity, and the football team when the team compete favourably for the gold season. on Monday ahead of travelling to Young hurdler Oluwatobiloba Ministry of Sports as a body was camping in the USA. That medals.” But Unai Emery‘s men have Belfast yesterday morning. WEDNESDAY, ͹͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 55 SPORTS TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS...

John Stones Extends Man City

Contract Inter Free Nainggolan, Set to Join Cagliari Radja Nainggolan has had Until 2026 his contract with Inter Milan terminated by mutual consent, the Serie A club announced JohnJohn Stones...extends Man CitCityy deal till 20220266 on Tuesday, paving the way for the Belgian to join Cagliari. John Stones has signedg a five- from Everton in a £47.5million men cruised to a third leagueg incredible.incre To be a part of it The 33-year-old spent the yeary contract extension that will ($66 million) deal in 2016, for title in four yearsy and reached has beenb a dream come true second half of last season on keep him tied to Manchester a past year in which he has the Champions League final lastlast and I just want to continue loan at Cagliari, after spending City till 2026, the Premier rejuvenated his career for club season and Stones also started winning. the previous season there on League champions announced and country. all of England's matches at Euro "This is the best place for a temporary deal, and is now yesterday. The 27-year-old formed a 2020 as the Three Lions reached me to play my football and widely expected to join the The new deal rewards formidable partnership with a major final for the first time fulfil my ambitions." Sardinian side on a free transfer. Stones, who joined the club Ruben Dias as Pep Guardiola's in 55 years. Stones fell down the pecking "FC Internazionale Milano "I couldn't be happier. I love the order at the Etihad during can confirm that Radja being part of this squad. There the 2019-20 campaign and Nainggolan’s contract with are so many quality players appeared to be facing an the club has been terminated here and I know we can uncertain future last summer by mutual consent," read a HiFL 2021: UAM Tillers Hold Advantage club statement. continue winning trophies, when City spent a then club Radja Nainggolan...set for which is my main focus," record fee on Dias. Italian media reports say over ABU Nobles for Q’final said Stones. However, he won a battle that Nainggolan agreed to Cagliari switch "Working with the manager with Aymeric Laporte to partner a severance payment worth UNN Lions, IAUE Minders around €1.5 million. out on loan following coach is a dream - he has taught me the Portuguese at the heart of Antonio Conte’s arrival in 2019. so much about the game and the City defence as 19 clean Inter signed Nainggolan from battle for lone ticket at stake AS Roma for an initial fee of The 30-cap Belgium I feel like I learn something sheets in 27 games between €38 million in June 2018, but international scored seven The battle for the final four their home game at the Abraham new every single day. November and February helped quarter-final tickets in the Ordia Stadium at the University he played only one full season goals in 41 games for the "The success we've had in open up a commanding lead for the club before being sent Milanese club. second round of the 2021 of Calabar. the last four years has been at the top of the table. Higher Institutions Football Speaking on the progress League (HiFL) is gathering of the tournament, NUGA momentum. UNN Lions are at President, Stephen Hamafyelto home in Enugu to face IAUE said the competition has lived Minders with a mind to snatch up to expectations and is grateful Arsenal Resume Talks with Odegaard on Permanent Deal the ticket and head into the last to the sponsors including Arsenal are continuing talks Spain this season, it's unclear eight. StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, with Real Madrid over a how prominently Odegaard The Minders would mount Minimie and Bold, who have permanent deal for attacking will feature this season for Real pressure on the Lions who failed ensured that the competition midfielder Martin Odegaard, Madrid under new boss Carlo to capitalize on the advantage in continues to wax stronger. having remained in sporadic Ancelotti, with sources close to the first leg. The first leg ended “We are glad of what our contact over the summer. the player doubting he'll be goalless with nothing to separate partners and sponsors on HiFL The Norwegian, who captains given much of an opportunity. the teams, making this tie an are doing as we anticipate his country, spent the second That could open the door all-important cracker for both interesting outcomes in the half of the 2020/21 campaign for Arsenal to swoop back in, teams. forthcoming matches. The on loan at the Emirates Stadium and the club believe they can In the other match, 2018 level of competition and and was largely impressive, even get a permanent deal done champion UAM Tillers will sportsmanship demonstrated though Arsenal struggled to find having looked again at the hope to consolidate on their so far by the athletes and their any kind of consistency in the numbers - initially there was away win in Zaria to oust ABU officials reflects the discipline Premier League. concern over the transfer fee Nobles in Makurdi. and commitment to ensure The Gunners have been for Odegaard and his sizeable The first leg in Zaria ended that we run a league that is hunting for a creative midfielder wage demands. 2-1 in favour of the visiting credible and would be a model all summer and Odegaard has Arsenal gave the green light Tillers, who are in control of in Nigeria. always been at the top of Mikel earlier this summer to spend up the tie with a leg in the last “We are optimistic that the Arteta's wish list; one that has to £250m on new signings, and eight. Interestingly, the Nobles league will continue to record also included Emi Buendia, it's now likely they will have a would try to create an upset to more successes as our students James Maddison and Philippe further £25m added to the pot. snatch the ticket from their hosts. experience the remarkable Coutinho at various points. Odegaard would prefer to join These ties promise to live up moments of the HiFL matches,” Coutinho remains of Arsenal again if he does leave to expectation as the competition Hamafyelto said. significant interest to Arsenal, Real, but it remains to be seen is expected to have a new HiFL organized by PACE but 90min understands that whether he'll push for another winner after the champions Sports and Entertainment dialogue has again opened with loan rather than a permanent of the last edition, UNICAL Marketing Limited commenced Real Madrid over Odegaard - switch. He's previously left Malabites were knocked out in 2018 in partnership with the who Arteta is particularly keen Madrid on a temporary basis of this year’s competition by Nigerian University Games to land. to play for Heerenveen, Vitesse UNIBEN Royals despite winning Association (NUGA). Initially tipped to stay in Arnhem and Real Sociedad. Martin Odegaard...Arsenal chasing permanent deal T RU N Wednesday, August 11, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Middle Belt Youths to FG “The recent revelations by the Emir of Muri have exposed the huge danger that has engulfed our people. That indeed, there are foreign Fulanis wielding sophisticated weapons brought by some powers to occupy Nigeria’s forests in the bid to take over the country” --- President of Benue Youth Forum, Terrence Kuanum, berating the federal government for its lethargic response to the barbaric activities of the foreign herders. KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON [email protected] 0805 500 1974 For a Responsible State s the United States healthcare system the court room in most cases. Someone calls it or improving education; the electorate in those got overwhelmed by the ravages of tribunalocrcay, that is the democracy determined climes expect to be told how the governor or the coronavirus pandemic last year, by the electoral tribunals. Even the smaller party, president would fiancé the projects. In Nigeria, celebrated theorist of liberal democracy the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is not soon after a governor is elected he begins to lament Francis Fukuyama made a strong spared of the political virus of elections without that the monthly allocation from the Federation Acase for the competent state. He posited that party programmes. The legal labyrinth created Account is drying up. The job of a governor the state should be capable of giving “effective towards the Anambra state gubernatorial election should be more than sending his commissioner leadership” while winning the trust of the people. coming up later in the year is not based on of finance to Abuja monthly for allocation of According to Fukuyuma, in periods of crisis preferences for policies on education, health or funds. The strategy of economic management the centrality of the role of the state becomes industrialisation among the candidates of APGA, should include revenue generation in the most more conspicuous. Examples of such moments PDP or APC. Rather, what you have on display imaginative manner. in history cited by the scholar included World in the rancorous politics in Anambra is utter It is certainly not a story of progress that War I, the Great Depression, World II and 2008 contempt for ideas and structures. The situation in retrospect the politics of the much-criticised Financial Crisis. is the same nationally. Second Republic is now remembered to be more During crises, the people look up to the state Therefore, there should be a rethink of the role qualitative than the present one. A politician is for solution. of the political parties in the process of putting made president or governor first before he thinks According to the political theorist, America lacked governments in place at all levels. The operations of governance strategy. In whichever way the such a solution under President Donald Trump. of the parties in this dispensation have purged map of a restructured Nigeria is drawn, progress Countries that have managed the global public them of any democratic significance. The parties would still be hindered unless the governance health crisis remarkably have “a competent state are indistinguishable in terms of programmes; issues are tackled. apparatus, a government that citizens trust and politicians move freely across the parties since So it is good to search for who will do the listen to, and effective leaders…” Those countries there are no ideological boundaries. job of the president; it is even more important to which have mismanaged the crisis are largely To start with, party secretariats should do define what’s to be done on which ideological governed by states without those specified virtues. more than forwarding candidates forms to the platform. In other words, it is also important to His argument was put forward in an essay Buhari Independent National Electoral Commission define the presidential hopefuls by their ideas published in the June 2020 edition of the American (INEC). The parties should be identified by their and not just their ethnicities, regional origins influential journal, Foreign Affairs. The piece is results of a presidential election are announced, well- articulated programmes. That was the way it faiths and professions. Questions should also be entitled “The Pandemic and Political Order: It the politics of the next presidential election begins was in the Second Republic. Some specific policy asked about their passion for development as a Takes a State.” The context, of course, was the in earnest even when the verdict is still being choices were associated with each of the parties way of enriching the political process with ideas. disillusionment of the pundits and the people disputed at the electoral tribunal. At any moment, in existence during that period of the nation’s For instance, an aspirant should be known alike with the Trump presidency. a distant observer could mistakenly assume that political history. For instance the National Party of by what he or she would do differently in the Similar views were expressed by the anti-poverty the presidential election would take place the Nigeria (NPN) articulated a programme of green education sector. The crisis in the sector is not economist, Jeffery Sachs, in a recent statement following month in Nigeria. revolution and mass housing while the Unity one that could be solved by the prescriptions at a development forum. Sachs also called for But the purpose of politics is hardly a matter Party of Nigeria (UPN) focussed on free education, of free-market fundamentalists. The problem of a government with capacity for any country of interest to the politicians as well as the people. health service and rural development while the millions of children out school is beyond free- confronting the crisis of underdevelopment. Again, Hence the big fight i Hence the big fight on People’s Redemption Party (PRP) implemented market solutions as the experience of the last the position of the scholar is that to confront the the political landscape is more about who gets a widely acclaimed programme of mass literacy few decades have shown. Similarly, the problem contemporary crises, the government of each to power and less about what to do with the and other anti-poverty policies. In terms of policies of millions of poor people without access to country must give leadership in finding solution. power so coveted to deliver public goods. n sold to the electorate during elections similar things quality healthcare cannot be solved without The character of the state is coming to the fore the political landscape is more about who gets could be said of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), universal health coverage being a cardinal policy in the various systems around the globe. This to power and less about what to do with the the Great Nigerian Peoples Party (GNPP), and of government. Yet some policy wonks are still identifiable character will determine how the power so coveted to deliver public goods. Here the National Advance Party (NAP). calling for more privatisation and deregulation in state tackles the crises confronting humanity lies the contradiction to be resolved. After all, The president and governors elected on the areas which strictly meant for delivery of public such poverty, inequality, social injustice, climate being involved in politics to gain power should platforms of those parties were expected to goods. It would be less than responsible for a change, pandemics, conflicts etc. be a means to an end: to advance the public implement the party programmes. The supremacy state to toe that policy path amid acute crises of It is important to draw attention to the above good. If that had been the case, the nation could of the party was not only invoked in nominating poverty and underdevelopment. It requires deep positions of liberal thinkers because they speak to have made faster progress in the last 22 years candidates, but also in matters of policies and thinking to come with policy options. the Nigerian situation in some respects. Those who of civil rule. programmes. The American state under the watch of President have made a career of defending liberal democracy In most cases, politicians have sought power to In contrast to the policy distinctions of the Joe Biden is intervening in the political economy are now also making a case for strengthening promote personal interests. For clarity, it is legitimate Second Republic, virtually all the presidents of with trillions of dollars as stimulus packages. It the ability of government to deliver public goods. for politicians to have political ambitions. It is this Fourth Republic only remembered to draw takes a state to do that in any economy- capitalist Amid the crises, a rethink of issues and options more important, however, that power should be up their economic programmes and strategies or socialist. is taking place globally. used for people’s interest. Most participants in after months of their elections. In other climes of A responsible state cannot emerge from a political However, here in Nigeria our neo-liberal the political process are not motivated by this liberal democracy, not only must the parties and process that is not based on clear strategies and ideologues are still fixated on their opposition end of serving the public good. If the reverse their candidates articulate the programmes in every policies of development. to the strategic role of the state in the political had been the case in this civil dispensation, the sector of economic management before elections, All told, the crises manifesting as insecurity, economy. Instead of the recent views of Fukuyama condition of the poor people ought to have been they are also expected to come up with how poverty and threats to national unity can only be and Sachs, our experts and technocrats would better than it was 22 years ago. No, the condition to finance the programmes. It is not enough to tackled by a responsible and responsive state. As rather recall that former American President Ronald is worse today. make declarations about revamping infrastructure indicated in the introduction to this reflection, to Reagan said 40 years ago that “government is not Come to think of it, stories of countries which play its role responsibly and responsively, a state the solution to our problem; government is the have taken developmental leaps in a matter of should muster enough competence and strong problem.” Reagan, of course, made the statement decades are being told in the public sphere. leadership while securing the social trust. In in the ideological atmosphere of neo-liberal hubris The troubles bedevilling the main political addition, the institutions in the public sector of those days. parties are not based on differences in policies “The big fight in the including the bureaucracy should be well- equipped Today, the organic link is often not obvious or perspectives to development. The basis of the and developed to enforce regulations. between the spread of such laissez - faire ideas and quarrel is the control of the party structure as political landscape This is the “irreducible minimum” as Comrade the decline of politics that is oriented towards vehicle for those who would like to take a ride Edwin Madunagu would put the ideological public good in this country. Politics has been in it to power, to paraphrase Bishop Mathew is more about who question in this proposition mathematically. cynically reduced to a game played as a means Hassan Kukah. That’s why membership of a To be sure, this not a revolutionary position. It to achieve private ends. It’s a virtual privatisation party for some politicians is a political ephemera. gets to power and less is only an amplification of an enlightened liberal of politics, if you like. Hence, there is so much Neither the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor suggestion. political controversies and little or no discussion the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has held about what to do with However, in the light of the multi-dimensional of policies. a policy conference in recent times. Instead of nature of the crisis and in the absence of a That is why on the surface it would appear that preparing policy documents, candidates devote the power so coveted revolution, this minimum condition of responsibility politics is taken seriously in this land. The nation more time designing their legal strategies. They should be met by the Nigerian state to prevent is perpetually in electoral mood. As soon as the know that the ultimate voting takes place in to deliver public goods” anarchy. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . 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