EIU Report: FG May Raise VAT to 15% Before 2025 Govt's tax take among world's lowest, undermined by widespread evasion, large informal sector effect a 100 per cent rate Report Nigeria,” stated that increase in government’s arm of The Economist inevitable given a rising debt Dike Onwuamaeze increase in the Value Added the anticipated increase in VAT revenue. magazine explained: “We burden, with further rises in Tax (VAT) from the current was inevitable given the rising It also stated that the expect three equal VAT rate 2024 and 2025. Even then we A report by the Economist rate of 7.5 per cent to 15 per public debt burden and the predicted VAT increase would increases, taking the rate to 15 expect fiscal revenue to peak Intelligence Unit (EIU), cent before 2025 in order to likelihood that the Petroleum be implemented instalmentally per cent by 2025. The first is at just five per cent of the GDP London, has predicted that raise government’s revenue. Industry Bill (PIB) might not in 2022, 2024 and 2025. expected in 2022, prior to the the federal government might The report titled, “Country be able to deliver considerable The report from the research next elections but seemingly Continued on page 10

Protests Rock Cotonou Court over Igboho's Extradition Hearing ...Page 6

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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 NNPC Records 63% FAAC Remittance Shortfall in Five Months Corporation pays N225.5bn into joint account Deficit may hit N820.6bn by year end Brent rises to $71pb Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja indicated. An analysis of the data The statutory payments made by presented by the national oil the Nigerian National Petroleum company to the Federation Corporation (NNPC) to the Account Allocation Committee Federation Account, a joint pool (FAAC), in the first five months operated by the local, state and of this year showed that of the federal governments, declined calendarised total sum of N613.834 by over 63 per cent in the first billion, the corporation was only five months of 2021, documents obtained by THISDAY have Continued on page 10 Air Force Chief: Threats by Bandits Require Robust Security Architecture Hints personnel energised by survived pilot's heroism Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja down fighter planes, Amao, who was addressing troops in The Chief of Air Staff, Air Maiduguri, Borno State, during Marshal Oladayo Amao, the Sallah celebration said, the yesterday, said the present security threat confronting the security challenges in the nation required robust security country required robust architecture capable of rapid security architecture and a deployment of air power. versatile air force capable of He allayed fears over the rapid air power deployment vulnerability of the fighter AKEREDOLU MARKS 65TH BIRTHDAY... across the theatres of war. planes, insisting that the air Speaking against the force pilots were equipped L-R: Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN; Bishop of Owo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi; Ondo State backdrop of concerns that for such encounters with Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, at the Holy Communion Service marking the bandits and terrorists had 65th birthday of Governor Akeredolu held at the Chapel of the Epiphany, GRA, Owo, Ondo State... yesterday. acquired the capacity to bring Continued on page 10

Senate Directs AGF to Sanction Officials Involved in Alleged Mismanagement of $274.2M... Page 5 2 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY,  
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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene NEWS Email: [email protected], 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

COURTESY VISIT TO FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN... L-R: An Associate of the former president, King A.J. Turner; Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, during a visit to the former president at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja... yesterday Bishops to N'Assembly: Stop Working against Electoral Reform, Press Freedom Bill, which in my view, is still Legislation on e-Transmission of results not over, says senator work-in-progress and can still Emma Okonji, Nosa party and privileges over Sallah celebration, the men as a window of opportunity, argument is that while some be revisited,” Adetunmbi said. Alekhuogie in Lagos and people’s rights and interest, of God urged Muslims to in where the lawmakers from both voted in support of electronic Asked to speak on the Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti relief and progress continue the spirit of the festival work chambers will respond to all of transmission of results, others position of PDP caucus in the to elude Nigerians. together for peace and make the controversies surrounding voted for INEC to be checked House of Representatives, which The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan "Simply put, those who claim all necessary sacrifices to build electronic transmission of by an external body before has called for the prosecution of Ecclesiastical Province, has to represent the people seem a nation on the strong pillars election results from polling transmitting results.” NCC officials for alleged perjury condemned the National to have perfected the art of of fairness, justice, equity and units. I believe that the intention He said since the public had and for misleading the House Assembly for allegedly voting sabotaging the progress of the the rule of law. of the senate will be for good raised some concerns about the over the possibility of electronic against electronic transmission same people. Indeed, the time Meanwhile, the Senator governance, regardless of matter, the National Assembly transmission of election results, of election results and other may have come for Nigerians representing Ekiti North at partisan and regional affiliation would not want to ignore it, Adetunmbi shared the view of issues of national interest based to no longer simply roll over the National Assembly, Senator of its members.” because they represent the the opposition party. on partisan interests. and accept non-representative Olubunmi Adetunmbi, has said Adetunmbi, who spoke people who have complained. He said: “If there is a report The Bishops described decisions of the assembly but to the legislation on e-Transmission yesterday on the Morning “For me as a person, I that showed that Nigeria has as absurd and grotesque, a challenge them by all legitimate of election results from polling Show of ARISE NEWS will want objective reasons enough internet capacity situation, where elected federal means," the communique said. units was not over yet, despite Channel, added that, “Electronic and will not support the to transmit election results lawmakers put parties' interests The Bishops appealed to the position of senators, who transmission of results is as law that will tend to suggest electronically from polling units, above national interests, by Nigerians to resist attempt being voted against it. good as existing and cannot that the parliament does not as against the submission of working against electoral reform, allegedly contrived to silence the According to him, “I am be killed. My thinking is that the have confidence in judgment NCC staff that Nigeria does press freedom and other issues press and penalise journalists convinced that there will Independent National Electoral of people that have been not have enough 35 and 4G that affect Nigeria. for merely doing their job in be a reconciliation between Commission (INEC), should be assigned the responsibility of broadband capacities to transmit The Archdiocese, comprising the country. the positions taken by the allowed to decide whether it running INEC. These are my election results, then such Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and They insisted that the freedom House of Representatives is possible and convenient to thoughts, but the Senate has submission by NCC could be Osogbo Dioceses, spoke in a of expression was a fundamental and the Senate and I see it transmit election results. The taken a position on the Electoral verified, because it is verifiable.” communique issued after its human right, guaranteed by the meeting at Domus Pacis Pastoral constitution and could not be Institute, Igoba, Akure, Ondo alienated by any government State, and made available to least of all in a democracy. Senate Directs AGF to Sanction Officials Involved newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on The Clerics also backed the Wednesday. Catholic Bishop of Sokoto The communique signed by Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah in Alleged Mismanagement of $274.2 million its Chairman and Secretary, in his effort to unveil the truth officers responsible and sanction in the 2015 report of the Auditor- a result of multiple currencies Bishops Gabriel Abegunrin about the Nigerian situation Deji Elumoye in Abuja and John Oyejola respectively, in order to ameliorate things, them for mismanagement of General of the Federation which that were involved and single public fund in accordance the Senate upheld at plenary exchange rate. felicitated Muslims on the calling on the government not The Senate has uncovered celebration of this year's Eid- to perceive criticism as a crime. with Rule 3115 of the Financial reads: "The Account-General of the how some officials of the Regulations and for gross "During the examination Federation is thus required to el-Kabir. The Clerics further stated: Office of Accountant General "The ongoing controversy "Our sympathies with those misconduct. of Note 51 and Appendix to provide the source (s) of the of the Federation (AGF) made Rule 3115 of the Financial Note 52, it was observed that exchange loss difference of surrounding the proceedings who continue to pay a high Nigeria to lose difference of of the National Assembly price. We express our deepest Regulations states," An there was a total exchange loss $274.2 million (N54.1 billion $274.2 million (N54.1bn) on accounting officer who is queried difference of $278.2 million ) with documentary evidence. gives ample evidence of the sympathies for the Nigerians, external loan. theatre of the absurd, which who bear the brunt of Nigeria’s for his failure to manage or (N54.1bn) reported by the Office "Provide the calculations The revelation was contained spend public funds, effectively of the Accountant- General of showing how these figures were democratic representation has debilitating situation, because in the report of Senate become in Nigeria – be it on of economic depression and or who spends public money the Federation in the document arrived at and the reasons for Committee on Public Accounts without due regard to economy provided but this could not be the exchange loss for each of the electoral reform, electronic hunger, armed robbery, banditry, on 2015 Financial statement transmission of electoral results, kidnapping for ransom, contrary to FR 415 and fails to found in the DMO document. the figures should be explained. of the Federal Government reply to the query, shall be "Also, the criteria for arriving "Disclose the source of press freedom or the Petroleum unemployment and injustice. of Nigeria and the Federation Industrial Bill (PIB). "Many have died as has removed from the schedule and at the exchange loss difference Exchange difference in a note." Account which was approved be disciplined in accordance with of $274.2 million ( N54.1bn) was The upper chamber "The work of those, who happened in Igangan in Oyo by the Red Chamber before represent the people on the State and elsewhere while so the Public Service Rules. not disclosed. in its resolution after the proceeding on its annual recess The query to Accountant "The Accountant General of presentation of the report by federal level in Nigeria does not many are still dying. May the last week. seem to bring much satisfaction departed souls rest in perfect General of Federation from the Federation in his response the Committee Chairman, The upper chamber has Auditor General of Federation maintained that the closing Senator Mathew Urhoghide, to the people for whose interest peace and may those who are therefore asked the Accountant they were allegedly elected. suffering at various levels find titled ;" Inconsistent Exchange balance is as provided by DMO upheld the recommendation General of the Federation, Loss Difference on External while the exchange difference of of the Committee for officials With the National Assembly help and comfort". Ahmed Idris, to identify the at various occasions prioritising Congratulating Muslims on Loans" which was contained $274.2 million (N54.1bn) was as involved to be sanctioned. 6 THURSDAY,  
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SALLAH HOMAGE TO MR. PRESIDENT... L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; President Muhammadu Buhari and Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, during their sallah homage to the president in Daura... yesterday.

extraordinary rendition (or kidnap by government) won’t be part of bringing Igboho back Protests Rock Cotonou Court over to Nigeria. This is because federal government has commenced the due process of legal extradition. Igboho's Extradition Hearing However, at this stage, it does not matter much what happens next," he said. How ex-army chief, Buratai's letter, facilitated Igboho's arrest He asserted that, “If federal government of Nigeria gets Igboho, a new dimension of the SDP says agitations won't stop until social justice is in place epic legal battle will commence Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja stage a protest, chanting Yoruba knew about the likelihood that Cotonou on Monday night while accomplish whatever it considers in Nigeria and so will be more anthem and rendering songs to Igboho would explore the option of he attempted to travel. He was a priority. This latent political fuel for the agendas and agitations Supporters of a Yoruba secessionist show solidarity with the activist. travelling through a neighbouring already at the airport with a determination now uncaged for separationist moves. If federal agitator, Sunday Adeyemo Some of their placards bore such country. passport. The immigration officers can be very useful for positive government fails to get Igboho, the otherwise known as Sunday inscriptions as: “No going back "The ex-army chief knew that suspected the passport and so they and productive impacts. de-novo activists cum traditionalist Igboho, Wednesday, thronged on Yoruba Nation”, “Igboho Oosa Igboho has the only option of stopped him. In the process, they “This is why we can only will go and cool off abroad. He a Benin Republic Appeal Court is our hero”, “General Buhari is a first fleeing to any neighbouring discovered he was the one, and hope and expect that the will count his losses as well as (Palais De Justice, Cour D’Appel dictator”, “We are tired of Buhari African country sharing borders arrested him,” he said. government will include in its ponder over his next moves. De Cotonou) in solidarity, and his Fulani killers”. with Nigeria and as Nigeria’s Buratai had served as Force priority list, the principles of social “Either way, agitations will not following his arrest on Monday Igboho was to be arraigned in ambassador to Benin, which shares Commander of the then justice comprising equal access, abate in Nigeria until President by security agents working with the court in lieu of his extradition several borders with Nigeria, he reconstituted Multinational Joint inclusiveness, equity and respect Muhammadu Buhari and his International Police (Interpol) in to Nigeria. could not be caught napping,” an Task Force (MJTNF) in 2014 under for human rights in order to assure presidency adopt principles that country. Media aide to Igboho, Mr. Intelligence officer told PR Nigeria. the auspices of the Lake Chad peace, roundtable conference and of social justice to bring about Curiously, however, a former Olayomi Koiki, shared footage According to him, Buratai Basin Commission and the Benin integration in Nigeria. peace, progress and prosperity to Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. of the protest on Wednesday. tinkered with the idea penultimate Republic. “ln this Cotonou interception, a Nigeria,where the people have Tukur Buratai, has been fingered In the video, the protesters week and then wrote to the Meanwhile, the National it will appear that abuse of agreed on how to live together, in Igboho’s arrest after he allegedly were seen singing solidarity songs government of Benin Republic. Chairman of the Social Democratic rule of law and breach of the work together, weather storms wrote a letter to Benin authorities demanding the immediate release “Gen. Buratai insisted on the Party (SDP), Chief Olu Agunloye, international process such as together and develop together.” ahead of Igboho's trip and of Igboho. They also demanded arrest and extradition of the said agitations would continue consequently facilitated his arrest. Yoruba self-determination, even as self-acclaimed Yoruba secessionist in the country until President Buratai, who is Nigeria's they debunked claims that Igboho leader. His secret letter to the Benin Muhammadu Buhari adopted NDLEA Arrests Lady with Ambassador to Benin Republic, had been freed, saying he was government was delivered through the principle of social justice that Multiple Identities for Trafficking allegedly knew that Igboho's exit still in custody. the Nigerian Embassy in Benin would bring about peace, progress route would be a neighboring Similar protests were also held asking them to be on the lookout and prosperity to Nigerians. 296,000 Tabs of Illicit Drugs country and therefore pulled a in Ibadan, Oyo State and in the for Igboho.” Agunloye, a former minister, fast one, which culminated in his United Kingdom. Buratai’s letter, according said this in a statement titled: Suspect wears hijab to evade detection arrest alongside his wife, Ropo, Some lawyers were also seen at to the intelligence officer, was “Sunday Igboho, FGN and Us”. a German, at the Benin Airport the court premises in Cotonou as instrumental to the arrest of Igboho He said “intercepting Sunday as 465kg of skunk seized in Ondo on their way to Germany. security agencies were deployed and his wife at the Cadjèhoun Igboho in a foreign land in a Michael Olugbode in Abuja Meanwhile, the two interstate drug traffickers had rebuffed The Contonou court was billed to the area to maintain peace, the Airport in Cotonou, the largest city similar way to that of Nnamdi efforts to take pictures with the to hear Igboho's extradition trial, protesters called for his release. in the French-speaking country. Kanu, also in a foreign land, A 36-year-old lady, Chioma exhibits without wearing their which prompted his supporters to Meanwhile, Buratai reportedly “Igboho was arrested in shows that our government will Afam, who used multiple hijab. identities and wore hijab to In a related development, the evade security scrutiny, has Ondo State command of the been arrested by operatives Agency on Sunday 18th July, of the National Drug Law 2021 intercepted one Olu Ameh, Analysts Back Emefiele on Growth Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) a commercial motorcycle rider in Benue State along with her with 465 kilograms of cannabis partner, Peace Chidinma Caleb, sativa along Ijagba-Ute road in Potential in Agriculture Sector 22, for trying to smuggle a total of Ose Local Government Area of 296,000 tablets of Diazepam and the state. James Emejo in Abuja so far recorded through the the government to subdue prospects for the sector, Exol-5 from Onitsha, Anambra The illicit substance was said bank's intervention support insecurity, the sector is set Managing Director/Chief State to Gombe State. to have been bought from one Analysts yesterday backed the in the sector. for a major breakthrough. Executive, Credent Investment Chioma, who used such names Joseph in Ago-Akure, Akure views of the Governor of the The CBN governor, further The Managing Director/ Managers Limited, Mr. such as Amina, Uzoamaka and North LGA and being conveyed Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), described the 100 hectare - farm Chief Executive, Dignity Ibrahim Shelleng, said Ifunaya to cover her criminal to the buyer, a certain Egbonwon Mr. Godwin Emefiele, that the as a milestone achievement Finance and Investment agriculture has massive activities was arrested on Saturday at Ijagba village in Ose LGA. country may record significant which will catalyse the desired Limited, Dr. Chijioke potential of transforming 17th July, 2021, along with the Reacting to the two seizures 22-year-old Peace Chidinma Caleb, and arrests, Chairman/Chief strides within the next three agricultural revolution in Ekechukwu, told THISDAY Nigeria’s economy as it who also wore hijab as a cover years in current efforts to the state and the country in that the optimism of the CBN currently contributes a Executive of the NDLEA, for her nefarious activities during Maj. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), reposition the agricultural general. governor was realistic. significant amount of to GDP routine checks and profiling of and provides employment commended the commanders, sector for greater growth. However, the analysts in He, however, pointed out inward vehicles into Makurdi, officers and men of the Benue Emefiele, had during the separate interviews with that the, "only major threat is to a large number of the the Benue State capital. and Ondo States’ Commands recent inauguration of the THISDAY, said Emefiele hit the insecurity which for now does population. Their vehicle coming from of the Agency for their efforts to maiden integrated farm nail on the head regarding the not have a mitigant, except He also said as much as Onitsha, Anambra State was ensure that no illicit substance estate established by the immense potential which the to fight it head on". it was possible to make a intercepted along Makurdi-Alliade was allowed to pass through National Agricultural Land agricultural sector possesses He said once there is the breakthrough in agriculture road while heading to Gombe their areas of responsibility Development Authority to make the diversification will, there will be a way, within the near term, the State via Makurdi. under whatever guise or cover A search conducted on their to destroy the lives of innocent (NALDA) in Daura, Katsina programme of the federal adding that, "It will be one out major issues faced in the vehicle led to the discovery of State, expressed optisimism government a reality within of many other interventions of sector remained financing, Nigerians in other parts of the 43kilograms of Diazepam and country. that the combined efforts the shortest period. federal government through poor techniques, inadequate 33kg of Exol-5, both weighing the CBN. There has to be use of technology and lack of While wishing them and their of the apex bank and the The analysts however, 76 kilograms with a total of colleagues in other Commands authority in making land pointed out that with more optimism and commitment storage and processing adding Two Hundred and Ninety Six across Nigeria a happy sallah and credit available to farmers investments in agriculture to make it work." that more recently, insecurity Thousand (296,000) tablets packed celebration, he charged them will further add to the gains as well as the ability of Also commenting on the in four large ‘Ghana must go’ to remain vigilant at all times. Continued on page 8 bags. THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THURSDAY,  
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HOLDING AGM... L-R: Newly elected officers of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC): Vice-President, Mr. Akin Osuntoki; Immediate Past President, Mr. Kayode Falowo; President/Chairman of Council, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; Deputy President, Mr. Ray Atelly, and Vice President, Mr. Seyi Adeyemi, at the NBCC 2021 Annual General Meeting in Lekki, Lagos... recently ABAYOMI AKINYELE

give poor and middle-income countries the knowledge and Pfizer, BioNTech Seal Deal to Manufacture licences to produce COVID-19 vaccines. Biovac has partnered with COVID-19 Vaccine in South Africa Pfizer since 2015 to manufacture Hamid Ayodeji finish" deal with Johnson & vaccines. Many developing quickly. Albert Bourla, said in remarks and distribute its Prevnar 13 with agency report Johnson for its viral vector countries including South "Weakening IP rules will prepared for a WTO summit pneumonia vaccine, although COVID-19 vaccine. Africa and India support the only discourage the type of later on Wednesday. it is still awaiting regulatory Pfizer and BioNTech have African countries have some waiver, but several wealthy unprecedented innovation The World Health approval, Makhoana said. struck a deal for South of the lowest vaccination rates countries remain opposed, which brought vaccines Organisation last month chose "Having an existing Africa's Biovac Institute to worldwide, and many are saying it would deter research forward in record time and a consortium including Biovac relationship always helps," help manufacture around dependent on global vaccine that allowed COVID-19 make it harder for companies for a, "tech transfer hub" in he said on his company's 100 million doses a year of sharing scheme COVAX, which vaccines to be produced so to collaborate," Pfizer CEO, South Africa, part of efforts to expanded ties with Pfizer. their COVID-19 vaccine for has struggled to deliver. the African Union. CEO at Cape Town-based Reuters reported that the Biovac, Morena Makhoana, told firms disclosed this yesterday. Reuters that the aim was to Protest as Contractor Allegedly Abandons The deal is to "fill and finish" start producing shots, "towards the vaccine, the final stages the second half of 2022" and of manufacturing where the then ramp up to maximum N22bn Akure/Ado-Ekiti Road Dualisation product is processed and put output of around 100 million of criminals engaging in Dantata and Sawoe. afford to die in silence, we want into vials. doses a year by early 2023. James Sowole in Akure kidnappings and killings. The protesters, who to strongly appeal to President It does not cover the On-site development and Some of the inscriptions barricaded the ever-busy Muhammadu Buhari to please complicated processes of equipment installation would Vehicular movement was shut read: "Too much of kidnapping, highway at Igoba junction, look into this matter as a matter mRNA drug substance begin immediately, Pfizer and down for hours on the Akure- raping on Akure-Ado-Ekiti Akure North Local Government, of urgency. We also express production, which Pfizer and BioNTech said. Ado Ekiti road as some residents road," "Governor Fayemi may alleged that, "The dualisation our displeasure at the manners BioNTech will do at their own Makhoana said Biovac would of the two state capitals, not be too happy with the of the road was awarded to at which Director General of facilities in Europe, the report modify its plant by expanding yesterday, protested over the slowness of Akure-Ado-Ekiti Dantata & Sawoe in 2020, and BPP awarded the road. explained. next to the filling line and abandoned N22 billion Akure/ road," "Revoke Akure-Ado-Ekiti the company was subsequently "Mr. President should not The agreement comes investing in new freezers, as Ado-Ekiti road dualisation as road contract from Dantata and mobilised for it in November allow his name to be dragged as Pfizer and BioNTech the vaccine needs to be stored well as the lack of commitment Sawoe.” 2020. into the mud on this matter try to sway World Trade at -70 degrees Celsius. on the part of the contractor to Others read: "Dantata and The spokesperson of the since he had performed Organisation’s (WTO) members South African President Sawoe is frustrating the effort group, however, alleged that his Constitutional right by from supporting a waiver on Cyril Ramaphosa, whom the fix the road. The residents under the of Mr. President on road the contractor refused to move awarding the contract and some intellectual property African Union had named its infrastructural development," to site until few days ago after subsequently mobilised the rights for COVID-19 vaccines. "Champion on COVID-19," aegis of Great Patriot for It will make Biovac - a joint called the agreement a Better Initiative (GPBI) trooped "Fix our roads, save our souls," the organisation had petitioned contractor. Therefore, he must venture between the South breakthrough in efforts to out with placards alleging "After 15 months of mobilisation the office of the Director-General ensure his directive is complied African government and overcome vaccine inequity. lackadaisical attitude of the Dantata and Sawoe company of Bureau of Public Procurement with and carried out. private sector partners - one He added it entailed a shared contractor towards the project is nowhere to be found", "Too (BPP) over the abandonment "The contract should be of the few companies in Africa investment of 200 million rand 15 months after mobilisation much killings and robberies on of the project. revoked to save the life of processing and distributing ($13.6 million) in the coming fee was allegedly paid by Akure-Ado-Ekiti road. He said, "It is on record the road ushers. The road COVID-19 shots, and the six months. government for the road According to the head of that killings, kidnappings, is expected to be delivered first to do so using the mRNA WTO members have been in dualisation. Project Monitoring of GPBI, Mr. robbery, raping and terrible within 30months of award and technology. talks for months on waiving The protesters pointed out Niyi Majofodun, the project as motor accident have become up till now no sophisticated South African pharmaceutical drug firms' intellectual property that the state of the road has a matter of urgency should be uncontrollable on the Akure– equipment is seen on ground.” company Aspen has a "fill and (IP) rights for COVID-19 continued to aid activities revoked from the contractor, Ado Ekiti road. We cannot Also lamenting the development, one of the stakeholders, Biyi Poroye ANALYSTS BACK EMEFIELE ON GROWTH POTENTIAL IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR stated that the attitude of the had greatly affected farming. said the intervention of the government." work with the Executive (ABP) will be eligible to get contractor towards the project He however, said attracting CBN remained practical He added that most of these Secretary of the authority, solar home systems (SHS) had become a huge concern, private sector funding though and direct adding that the initiatives at the state levels are Mr. Paul Ikonne to explore to supply electricity to their saying residents and motorists key to the development of the initiatives ought to have been not monitored for performance the potential of providing homes. had been going through sector, "will be increasingly replicated and implemented hence, the reasons why they affordable and accessible He said the bank will agonies on a daily basis. difficult if the insecurity by state governments. fail on the long run. finance to the beneficiaries develop a repayment On his part, Senior Special problem is not tackled." He said: "We have seen Gbolade, however, advised under the agricultural scheme framework that will allow Assistant to Governor Kayode According to him: several interventions by the the government to hands off to scale up productivity. the farmers to use their farm Fayemi of Ekiti State on Citizen "Government alone may not be CBN including the Anchor agriculture and engage critical He pointed out that the produce to pay for electricity Engagement and Grassroot, able to tackle all the limiting Borrowers’ Programme stakeholders in the private strategic mandate of NALDA consumed under the scheme. Josemaria Adeusi said, "If a factors to agricultural growth. yielding positive results sector with collaboration aligns with the current The CBN governor added contractor has been mobilised However, they certainly could because of implementation. with government agencies developmental priorities of that the initiative is expected to 15 months ago and he has not encourage participation in the "The CBN in intervening in particularly the CBN, NEXIM, the CBN. improve the standard of living done anything significant that sector by addressing some the agricultural value chain NIRSAL among others that can Emefiele also disclosed that of smallholder farmers across we can see to attest that he is of the challenges faced by has studied the peculiarities actually take professional and that the CBN is positioned the country and motivate ready to work, the best to do stakeholders." of the area and the income informed decisions to measure to ensure the integration prompt loan repayment, as well is to revoke the contract.” Shelleng, said to harness generating trajectory of these and evaluate input and return of farmers into the federal as enhance the sustainability A former Chairman of Akure more value from agriculture, interventions before embarking and maintain standards across government’s Economic of the programme. North Local Government, Rotimi stakeholders must also look on them. board. Sustainability Plan, which Emefiele said the CBN Adeleye, said, "It is highly to process raw materials into "Whereas most initiative by He added: "This will enable is focused on providing five intervention programmes embarrassing and disgusting secondary products in order states and federal government the country see reasonable million homes with electricity and schemes were introduced that nothing has been done. to increase their export value. in most cases are for political development in agriculture as using renewable energy. with the core objectives of We are pleading with the On his part, Managing reasons and spur the moment seen in other areas where the He explained that under the stimulating investments government to come to our Director/Chief Executive, approach without even PPP initiative is implemented." programme, farmers with good in the real sector, thereby aid. Several lives had been lost SD&D Capital Management considering the tremendous However, the CBN governor repayment records under the catalysing growth and inclusive on this road alongside several Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, returns it could generate for had said that the bank will Anchor Borrowers’ Programme development. kidnappings." THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THURSDAY,  
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THISDAY PAGE TEN NGE: Media Not Disposed to Giving Terrorists Exposure “Its single purpose is to Cautions NBC over consistent anti-media policies protect the capability of The Nigerian Guild of reports. IIeah, the regulatory agency media policy of NBC in than now in our country”, institutions, including the Editors (NGE), has said NGE stated this on cautioned broadcasters recent times, its members the Guild explained. media, to guarantee citizens contrary to the insinuation Wednesday while expressing against glamorising and were concerned about what The Guild added that the free exercise of their by the National Broadcasting concern over the recent giving too many details the commission meant by Nigerian media were fundamental human rights, Commission (NBC), Nigerian directive by the NBC, on the nefarious activities the expansive definitions of very mindful of their without discrimination. journalists, especially, its warning journalists, television of terrorists and kidnappers. what might constitute “too responsibility in the current “History has revealed members, were not friends and radio stations in Nigeria But, in a statement by many details”, “glamorising”, collective efforts to address time and again that efforts to terrorists and bandits against “glamorising and its President, Mustapha “divisive rhetoric” and the security challenges in to increase security through and as such, would never giving too many details Isah and General Secretary, “security issues” in its the country, adding that the clampdown of liberty be disposed to giving the on the nefarious activities Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the directive. the relationship between and freedom have threatened criminals any exposure. of terrorists and kidnappers” NGE said the directive was “We hope it is not a the security agencies and both liberty and security,” The professional group during their daily newspaper unhelpful and described it ploy by the NBC to ban the media has been more it stated. however maintained reviews. as a subtle threat to free newspapers review in respectful and trustful along While reiterating that there that journalists have a In the directive titled: press, freedom of expression, broadcasting stations, this mission in the past few was no security without free responsibility to help “Newspaper Reviews and access to information, and because, the content of the years. media and free expression, the country cope with Current Affairs Programmes: victims’ right to justice, directive doesn’t specify “While we are mindful and no free expression and the prevailing threat and A Need For Caution’’, signed which it insisted were what kind of conduct would of our responsibility at free media without security, consequences of banditry, by the Director, Broadcast essential to public debate fall within their realm. It is this trying moment of our NGE said these two terms kidnapping and terrorism Monitoring, Francisca and accountability in a our view that the role of nation, we must also not lose should come hand-in-hand in Nigeria, and would Aiyetan, on behalf of the democratic space. independent, critical, and ability to see that security, and not fight each other in continue to be responsible new Director-General of The Guild added that trustworthy journalism has in a democratic nation, is the general interest of the and responsive in their the Commission, Balarabe given the consistent anti- never been more important not an end in itself. nation. AIR FORCE CHIEF: THREATS BY BANDITS REQUIRE ROBUST SECURITY ARCHITECTURE adversaries hence downing of Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Component of Operation Component of OPHK, would lane to recall his days as their joint efforts brought to the war planes by bandits and said the air force was aware HADIN KAI (OPHK) to a continue to perform overly the Theatre Commander of the battle against insurgents in insurgents were not regular of the lethal weapons wielded buffet lunch at Maiduguri.” critical roles in providing OPHK, where he enjoyed the state, while urging them occurrences. by bandits and insurgents, In his remarks at the lunch, the much-needed air support unfettered access to all the to sustain the momentum. He, however, said air force insisting that pilots were the CAS captured the essence for the effective conduct of platforms and facilities under The service chiefs were personnel were energised equipped for such eventualities. of the visit, which he said ground operations by the the air component commander, accompanied on the visit by the heroism of Flight "The likelihood of bandits provided an opportunity Land Component. while expressing gladness by the Theatre Commander, Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, possessing such weapons have to not only bond with On the gallantry displayed that the cooperation between Maj. Gen. Chris Musa; GOC who survived the air crash always been considered and frontline troops but also to by Fight Lieutenant Dairo, the land and air component 7 Division Nigerian Army, in Zamfara State by ejecting the NAF have been aware of promote comradeship and after successfully ejecting had continued even after his Brig. Gen. Abdulwahab from the aircraft and wading the lethality of these weapons. regimentation in the service. from an Alpha Jet, before it tenure. Eyitayo; Chief of Operations through strongholds of bandits Our pilots have also been The lunch, according to was downed by the terrorists, Yahaya singled out the (Army), Maj. Gen. Olufemi to safety. trained to guard against such the CAS, also provided an the CAS commended NAF air power characteristics of Akinjobi; Chief of Training Amao, who celebrated sallah attacks hence the reason why opportunity to remember and Nigerian Army personnel, speed and reach which, when and Operations NAF, AVM with troops in company with we haven't had this type of colleagues, who had paid the who worked tirelessly to locate combined with the army's James Gwani and Provost the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. situation in the past until last supreme price in the service the crash site and the pilot’s ability to hold the ground Marshal, Maj. Gen. Robert Gen. Faruk Yahaya said, "The Sunday", he said. to fatherland. parachute, while also combing as critical to bringing the Aiyenigba. security threats currently Gabkwet maintained that While expressing pride nearby locations for the pilot. current security challenges Others were Chief of Air facing the nation and the Dairo's heroism was a pointer in the efforts of all NAF On his part, Yahaya to a halt. Intelligence, AVM Ibukun challenges therein required to the determination of the officers, airmen and airwomen commended the personnel The service chiefs also took Ojeyemi; Air Officer the emplacement of a robust air force chief to fight until participating in internal for their dedication time off to pay a courtesy visit Commanding Tactical Air security architecture capable of the criminal elements were security operations in different and commitment to to the Governor of Borno State, Command, AVM Gamsu rapid employment of air power defeated. parts of the country, Air counterinsurgency operations Professor Babagana Zulum. Lubo and Ag. Chief of Military in all spectrums of warfare. "So, there is nothing to Marshal Amao stated that, under OPHK. The governor praised both Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Danladi "The paradigm shift in the worry about as the NAF is the NAF, through the Air He went down memory service chiefs for the synergy Salihu. way air warfare is waged in the fully prepared to deal with the fulfillment of mission objectives situation. The sheer bravity of NNPC RECORDS 63% FAAC REMITTANCE SHORTFALL IN FIVE MONTHS necessitates a highly versatile Flight Lieutenant Dairo in the air force capable of executing face of glaring danger recently able to remit N225.852 billion. into the federation account in meet its obligation to the three billion monthly, describing the a wide range of airpower roles has energised our personnel. The documents obtained from April, while a paltry N29.647 tiers of government, the NNPC development as unsustainable. across multiple theatres of Dairo's heroism should also one of the federal ministries billion was remitted in May. has had to deal with the major He said while the actual cost of operation to deal with these convince Nigerians that the showed that N387.982 billion As exclusively reported by challenge of shouldering the importation and handling charges security threats". NAF under Air Marshal remained unpaid during the THISDAY earlier in the month, the government's petrol subsidy amounted to N234 per litre, the He said the collaborative Oladayo Amao will continue to efforts between the NAF fudge on until these criminals period under consideration, corporation said it would deduct payments in the last couple of government had been selling at and sister agencies, which are brought to their knees," representing about 63.21 per N114.337 billion from the June months. N162 per litre, therefore, bearing had enhanced operational he said. cent actual budgetary forecast. federation proceeds at a meeting, The elimination of payments the cost burden. effectiveness of the entire (AFN) A statement issued by the According to the NNPC/ which took place last week. for what the government now He said the NNPC could no contributed in minimising the air force also said the coming FAAC data, while the corporation The documents showed that terms under-recovery has been longer afford to bear the cost, threats posed by insurgents. together of the two service was expected to pay a net amount N225.852 billion was remitted a controversial issue for decades saying Nigerians would have Amao, therefore, assured chiefs to celebrate Sallah with of N122.767 billion monthly into as of May, while a projected as attempts to alter the existing to pay the actual cost sooner the troops that the NAF troops in Maiduguri "was a the federation account, it was N820.684 billion shortage of the arrangement has always met with or later. But the government would continue to enhance demonstration of the jointness only able to remit N90.860 billion net total forecast of N1.473 trillion stiff resistance from the labour has since then said it was in its synergy with other arms at the highest echelon of the of the military and security Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in January, N64.161 billion in for 2021 might be recorded by unions, civil society organisations negotiations with organised agencies while leveraging each by the Chief of Army Staff February and N41.184 billion the end of the year if the current as well as a cross-section of labour on the matter. other’s capabilities to secure (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya in March. challenges continue. Nigerians. On June 30, the NNPC boss the nation. and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), But as it earlier announced, While there might be other Last year, specificallyrevealed that the price of the In a chat with THISDAY, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, the national oil company was ancillary issues leading to the on March 19, at a time the product had further skyrocketed Spokesman of the Air Force, Air who feted personnel of the unable to make any payment inability of the corporation to international prices of crude and that without subsidy, petrol oil took a downward spiral, would be selling at N256 per EIU REPORT: FG MAY RAISE VAT TO 15% BEFORE 2025 the Muhammadu Buhari-led litre at the filling stations. administration had announced At the time Kyari spoke, crude in 2024, which also assumes would stand at 35.4 per cent “high debt-servicing costs, a It, therefore, opined that the total deregulation of the oil was selling for $74.40 per no fuel subsidies beyond 2022. of the GDP in 2025. large public wage bill, and the Nigeria’s economic policy downstream petroleum sector. barrel at the international market. “The federal government's “Overall, we expect the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines choices would be skewed, However, there has been a It has since then hit a high of tax take is among the world's fiscal deficit to narrow to will elevate expenditure. “towards protectionism and, rollback of that policy following $77, before slumping below $70 lowest, undermined by 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2021 Capital investment will be for reasons of incompatibility the gradual recovery of the on Monday and Tuesday. widespread evasion and a (from 3.7 per cent of the GDP emphasised to compensate will lean away from price of the commodity in the Meanwhile, yesterday, the large informal sector. The in 2020) as international oil for the disappearance of internationalism,” even though international market, which has Brent crude sustained its upswing PIB is likely to be balanced prices rise. petrol subsidies once the PIB the country would remain a invariably affected the pump rising from $69.05 per barrel to between the interests of the “Also, the VAT rate increases is enacted (which is expected major player in Africa, given price of fuel in the country. close at $71.02 per barrel. treasury and investors, and and rising oil prices will push in late 2021). its size. In all, added to the funding The price rally was in so not deliver a considerable down the deficit to 2.6 per cent “The government will It added: “Land borders of its ongoing major projects, reaction to an industry report increase in revenue. of the GDP in 2023-24, but a justify price deregulation by that were closed to goods payment for under-recovery, which showed an unexpected “Consequently, the VAT, decline in average global oil promising to invest the savings since late 2019 have reopened, among others, the funding build-up in US oil inventories currently at 7.5 per cent, is prices in 2025 will cause the in infrastructure and will face but Nigeria's approach to performance of the corporation last week, which heightened likely to be used as a means of shortfall to widen to 3.0 per pressure to match rhetoric with encouraging regional trade showed that as of May, N1.088 worries about a resurgence in repairing the public finances.” cent of the GDP in that year. action.” will be minimalist, beyond trillion had been disbursed by COVID-19 infections potentially The report also projected “The government has raised The report also identified its obligations under the the NNPC, including N195.652 dampening fuel demand. that public finances would its public debt limit to 40 per price controls on petrol African Continental Free Trade billion in January and N191.194 Earlier, a deal by the remain in deficit between 2021 cent of GDP to incorporate prices and electricity tariffs Agreement (AfCTFA). billion in February. Organisation of Petroleum and 2025, because an average higher budget shortfalls over as another important area of “The trade pact compels In March, also, N224.589 billion Exporting Countries (OPEC,) global crude oil price of $63.8/ the medium term and to focus, stressing that in spite Nigeria to eliminate 97 per was distributed, while in April and its allies, known as OPEC+ barrel in 2021-25, which makes accommodate securitisation of of the astonishing is lacking.” cent of tariff lines over the and May, N156.366 billion and to boost supply by 400,000 up for more than 50 per cent the Central Bank of Nigeria’s It, however, hinged the hope next five to 10 years. This N320 billion were disbursed bpd each month from August of the federal government's deficit-financing as long-term of market-determined petrol deadline will not be met respectively. through December, sparked an retained income, would be debt. We expect public debt pump price on the Dangote zealously, given high prices in The Group General Manager, oil price slump on Monday, insufficient to balance the to reach only 35.4 per cent of Refinery, a new 650,000-barrel/ Nigeria and declining external NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, exacerbated by demand fears budget. the GDP in 2025,” the report day refinery near Lagos competitiveness for industries in March, said the federal with cases of the Delta variant It added that the percentage added. expected to come on-stream that could otherwise benefit government was subsidising of the coronavirus picking up of public debt to the GDP It further projected that, in 2022. from regional market access.” petrol with about N120 in major markets. THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] CLIMATE CHANGE OR ‘GREED CHANGE’? Some moments of global greed incite current wrath by nature, writes Okello Oculi randma heard horrified talk about rain eating earned surges of investments to inoculate exploited and oppressed hundreds of people in a land called ‘Europe’ and, masses of Africans against socialism. President Robert Mugabe’s from a deep breath, said: ‘’Nature is angry with resolve to recover land from European immigrants was met with their ways’’. Children around her laughed at her ruthless economic embargo meant to impoverish his people and turn old thinking. them against the struggle for economic prosperity for themselves. Television pictures reported about terrible heat From Mali to Mozambique, violent Muslim militias financed and Gwaves gripping Canada and California/ Oregon regions of north ideologically inspired by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emir- America. Huge flames of fires turned horizons red. Hundreds of ates are killing inhabitants, seizing livestock, burning down houses in families run away from homes doomed to be consumed by these areas rich in minerals. In Mozambique, there are reports of children fires; losing material possessions and objects of ancestry. Many also beheaded in a region rich in natural gas already under commercial lost hopes of completing debts owed to companies as mortgages for exploitation. homes. In South Africa, a government led by Cyril Ramaphosa, a Television pictures of rapidly flowing rain water which drowned beneficiary of the ‘’Black Economic Empowerment’’ scheme, has found cars; thrown some against trees and torn walls of houses; of wrecked itself resorting to guns and tanks once used by racist rulers to smash bridges and livestock and persons carried to unknown endings. the current ‘hunger revolt’. The death of over 120 looters between 11th Wreckages also include the reputation of northern Europeans as and 16th July, 2021, reminds South Africans of Sharpeville killings in conquerors of nature by highly organised use of scientific knowledge. their past. The Norwegian sociologist and mathematician, Johan Galtung once In Eastern Africa, yesterday’s Tigray rulers of Ethiopia now are made that claim with lavish arrogance. fighting a war for secession from Ethiopia following their loss of Germany, for example, had nurtured a reputation for building stout power inside a former ruling coalition. Following the fall of the infrastructure and machines; even in conducting competitive football military rule of Mengistu Haile Mariame, the Tigre –led coalition matches. The genius of the Dutch for reclaiming land from the Atlantic broke up centralised government into semi-autonomous language- Ocean and creating waves of tulip flowers, and cities, were under based districts. challenge. It shattered Amhara hegemony. As a minority ethnic group, they Descendants of Holland and Germany who carried to South Africa resorted to ruthless violence and mass imprisonment of challengers and Namibia their habits of clenched teeth in fighting nature, have con- from the larger and bitter Amhara nationality. They were also accused tinued to sustain Silent Genocide by malnutrition and hunger as they of channelling economic benefits to their region. Both a legacy of stubbornly hold vast fertile land which they robbed in yester-centuries. violent and selfish rule produced deep fears of revenge by other Little wonder that rivers of youths running back and forth (like red controllers of government at the federal centre. soldier ants)- hauling booty and food grabbed from shops, malls and The internal bleeding in Ethiopia’s body politic erodes achievements street kiosks. While some fell over each other in their surges, security by Meles Zenawe’s government. It detracts from glorious examples officials were shown shooting unarmed looters that were not throwing in Senegal and Tanzania where Leopold Sedar Senghor and Julius stones or grenades on military tanks rolling comically on empty streets. Kambarage Nyerere as Christians from Minority nationalities were Victims of official protection against realising ‘dividends of anti- elected and governed for 20 unbroken years over Muslim ethnic apartheid wars’ had resorted to a hunger-based revolt and grabbed Majorities. food and low-quality consumer goods. In the Americas, Cuba’s scientists have invented a Vaccine against After World War 2, fear of Socialism spreading to Western Europe COVID-19 that is 92 per cent effective. Her provision of education and and Asia outside China, had compelled the United States to pump health care to the highest quality to all citizens, provokes the ‘’Black heavy economic investments into Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong in Asia THE TRIUMPHS OF LIBERATION WARS Lives Matter’’ movement globally. The United States of America and West Germany and its conquered neighbours. Their economic conducts economic terrorism against this brilliant example of human revival and prosperity around territories ruled by Communist parties ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA HAVE NOT development. became beacons to arouse appetites against socialist countries ravaged EARNED SURGES OF INVESTMENTS TO It is little wonder that these moments of global greed for indulging by war. INOCULATE EXPLOITED AND OPPRESSED in doing evil deeds incites current wrath by nature through tossing The triumphs of liberation wars across Southern Africa have not MASSES OF AFRICANS AGAINST SOCIALISM out hurricanes, earthquakes and belches by climate change. FIXING A DYSFUNCTIONAL PARTY SYSTEM Wale Bakare writes that the APC must go for a chairman with vision, integrity and character

s the APC’s Congress draws nearer, the lines. At this time what we don’t need are those weeks, names of former governors, ex-ministers is on this radar. political patronage is central to what that go to the extent of using God in courting votes and serving senators such as Tanko Al-Makura, There are a number of arguments for conviction ails the political party administration but they’re actually after their personal interests. Danjuma Goje, George Akume, Abdulaziz Yari, politics of Senator Musa. One is that he is seen to be viz-a-viz system of governance. We As the public expects more drama to unfold, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, Abdullahi Adamu and more honest to be accepted by the various interests must not continue depicting Nigeria the bunch of aspirants seeking the chairmanship Mohammed Sani Musa have been pronounced and groups that form the APC; he is a politician that as a soft state and a weak nation, of the party is a welcome development for a party as the likely successor to the former national simply says what he believes rather than shading unableA to apply the law equally to all its citizens. in governance. And this is starring the party and chairman, Adams Oshiomole. No doubt, they are his opinions to be palatable to his audience. Another It is no longer news that our political parties and its various leadership groupings. Other political all eminently qualified and loyal to the party. One is that he is always voicing strong opinions, pushes institutions are captives of the oligarchy and serve alliances may also step in as the election fever of the most unassuming contenders on everyone’s public debate forward and promotes a genuine mostly their interest and that of the few rich allies heats up. At this point, however, neither those in lips is Senator Mohammed Sani Musa – the Senator discussion of political issues. Even if he loses, he and powerful politicians. Our leaders failed to unite the old class nor maintaining the status quo deserve representing Niger East in the ninth Senate. will have promoted his particular political ideas and and inspire our diverse peoples as a nation. These a place in the new party leadership; the APC Senator Mohammed Sani Musa is a credible and persuaded some voters of his value. are symptoms of political patronage, peripherals deserves it better now than ever to maintain the potentially winning candidate if he can mould a There are also more instrumental reasons why feeding on themselves, defining us after many lead and improve its electoral fortunes. vision for the party which will eventually translate Sen. Musa is best for the party at this time. He is decades of this practice. To all of the aspirants to the chairmanship, the to the nation and the future that the people can known to be forceful in arguing for his positions Our dysfunctional democracy gets its root decision to go for it should be as sacred as going to believe in. Musa is a plausible alternative candidate during deliberations and campaigns; he is a politi- from failed party system, and administration is the poll booth to vote. Since the vote is sacred, there because he has chalked up a long and creditable cian that many believe he will be able to pursue one that can best be described as a failure of an is a bigger responsibility on the part of potential record of service in both private and public sectors, the goals of transforming the party once in office. electoral system to excise the virus of the politics of leaders to decide and prepare to be a leader of this his performance especially in the legislature stands Also, proponents argue that a conviction politician patronage that has infected our so-called elections. party and country. him high even if he had spent just a little more than like Sen. Musa is more likely to win. When he was This vicious politics of patronage has allowed few A chairmanship candidate must bring before two years. The exercise of power will not be foreign a candidate to the Senate in 2011 for his Senatorial oligarchs and bosses to rule us from colonial times the APC members, and by extension the people a to him. District, Sani Musa stated: “As usual and more to post-colonial times, and their rule has brought us vision of the future and the nation, which he will Senator Sani Musa has been a long time student often, our way of playing politics has been so cruel, nothing but a facade of democracy. strive to realize if he is fortunate enough to get and observer of the Nigerian political system; he but for me one of the deepest connections I have Furthermore, the agenda of the oligarchy, the elected. That vision must be personal, shared by his must have been learning the skills to be a go-getter with others is to disagree and agree. I do not shy political dynasties, clans and cabals who get their party and supporters if he is lucky. He cannot and researching more on what a candidate must away from speaking the truth and they know at candidates sponsored by their over-burdened substitute for this the vision or record of his bring to the office in order to succeed as a true least that I will tell the truth.” influences in party administration and get elected predecessor or political godfathers; in the end he party leader. It can well be said that this coming While some strategists focus on positioning allow their legitimate capture of state institutions. must lead alone. APC Congress will be an election about the candidates on issue after issue, for Senator Musa he They build on this dominance and perpetuate Any of the aspirants could quickly become future, not the past. Hence the real intentions of believes that most voters focus more on whether the themselves in power, positions and wealth. serious and viable candidate for the party’s highest those seeking party and public office must be candidate has integrity and character on the whole It is unfortunate that all these deformities are office if he can do things differently when he ideologically defined and promoted on the basis than mere propaganda. And this is the hallmark of intertwined and protected by the lapses of adhering announces his candidacy in the coming party of shifting grounds from the status quo to a “new demonstrating the conviction that to our 1999 Constitution. And this clearly calls for a Congress. vision – new direction” doctrine that Senator Musa he is a man that always take a stand, which is paradigm shift both from the political parties and to First, he should run on a platform of conviction so believed in. what the APC needs most at this time. the system of governance. politics - of his fundamental values as a new breed Despite APC seeking a consensus to the Pundits argued that the coming APC leadership The best that can happen to any of our political politician, and what he believes will best serve the emergence of a new chairman, conviction politics should position the party for big, bold changes, parties is having an enigmatic leadership that is full party and its purposes. should be the main drive. The party needs someone grounded in the central principles of the driver’s of energy, vibrancy, intellectualism, focus driven and Second, he should go against the grain of the that will campaign based on his own fundamental ideology. The party needs selfless, self-made and free of all liabilities. The country needs leaders who entrenched political culture of dynastic politics, values or ideas rather than attempting to represent contented personality, who cannot be compromised will lead and not hide behind the power to escape sectionalism, favouritism, money politics, parasitism an existing consensus or simply take positions that easily, but a decisive personality that will set accountability. on the public payroll, cronyism and patronage. are popular in polls. And from various analysis it policies for the party based on clear and firmly held There must be an agenda with patriotism as the From the foregoing it will not be out of place is keen to mention that only thorough-bred new principles and which many believe Senator Sani hallmark for all those seeking party and public to give a brief of the possible contenders to the political actor can best be described to fit in to this Musa can accomplish for the APC. offices. Those that don’t require us reading between position of National Chairman of the APC. In recent category and from all indications Senator Sani Musa Bakare, public policy analyst, wrote from Abuja THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 15 EDITORIAL KIDNAPPERS IN THE PALACE

Security agencies could do more to contain the menace

ver the past few months, Nige- some idle hands. rians have lost count of victims of the gangs who operate every- t is particularly unfortunate that most victims regain where in the country, extorting freedom only after their families had parted with money from people, both rich huge sums of money. But not everyone survives to and poor, in the name of kidnap tell their stories as many of the victims have also for ransom. The crime is not only Ibeen killed. While the spread of kidnapping for ransom well organised, but also becoming may be the symptom of wider problems in the society, it a thriving industry with network of support staff. That is important for the security agencies to device strategies Otraditional rulers who ordinarily are the custodians of the for tackling the challenge of this most heinous crime. cultures, values and norms of the people have become Initially, the targets were rich businessmen, politicians, easy prey for kidnappers is an indication of how low and other well-heeled professionals. society has lost its values and essence. It is also a testi- However, kidnappers also come to the lower mony to the increasing sophistication of these criminals bracket, perhaps out of desperation. In some cases, that they could easily get to these royal fathers who are these criminals randomly stop vehicles on the road hardly alone. in the hope of finding someone worth kidnapping. In April this year, the Obadu of Ilemeso in Oye So notorious has our country become in this crime local government area of Ekiti State was kidnapped that when the African Insurance Organisation, a in his palace by gunmen. Same week, the traditional non-governmental outfit, held its forum in Mauritius ruler of Umuezie community in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise last year, Nigeria was designated the global capital local government area of Imo State, was also abducted for kidnap for ransom, having overtaken countries in his palace in like Colombia and Mexico that were hitherto front- GOVERNMENT AT ALL what has become a runners. LEVELS SHOULD ADDRESS familiar story across THISDAY Sadly, the authorities have been unable to find SOCIAL ISSUES LIKE the country. The EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU a lasting solution to combat the crime, despite DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA UNEMPLOYMENT AND governing mercantile MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO increased patrols of the highway. In many of the 36 POVERTY WHICH HELP TO logic among the DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU states, there are laws that any person who kidnaps, kidnappers must be CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI abducts, detains, captures, or takes another person FEED THIS CRIME EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN that the abduction MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI by any means or trick, with intent to demand ransom of monarchs is bound to attract huge attention and THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE or do anything against the victim’s will, commits an sympathy, which could in turn translate to heftier offence punishable either with death or life sentence. ransoms from the monarch’s subjects. Sadly, not a single person has been brought to justice Since traditional rulers have also become prime THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED on account of these laws. Even the case of Chukwu- targets, members of our various communities must EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA dumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, realise they have a critical role to play in providing ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI which began in 2017 has more or less ended in media useful information to security agencies that should DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, drama. ANTHONY OGED ENGBE also begin to act with urgency while deploying all DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI That the current security system needs a major necessary and available resources. Above all, we call SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH shake-up has been harped upon by critical stakehold- on government at all levels to begin to address social ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI ers. But now that kidnappers target the palace, the CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI issues like unemployment and poverty which help to DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO message is clear: many of our communities are no feed this crime. With ransom being paid for victims, TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] longer safe. The security agencies must mobilise the kidnapping now seems to be a serious vocation for necessary skills and resources to combat this threat.

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BANDITS AND BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

ntense fire from bandits caused a Nigerian attack jet to deadly conflict involving many armed organisations which Venezuela, Mexico, Yemen, Syria, the Philippines, Iraq, crash in northwestern Zamfara State last week, but the Boko Haram has used to infiltrate the region, including Afghanistan and Somalia. Thousands of Nigerians have been pilot survived by ejecting from the aircraft. Zamfara herder-allied groups, vigilantes, criminal gangs and jihadists. kidnapped for ransom and other purposes over the years. and neighbouring Kaduna are among the states worst The violence has killed many people since 2011, and displaced Kidnapping has prevailed in spite of measures put in place affected by a surge in criminality including mass abduc- millions, some into neighbouring Niger. Despite several by the government. The Nigerian police’s anti-kidnapping tions of schoolchildren and armed robberies, often carried security operations and dialogue efforts, a durable peace squad, introduced in the 2000s, has endeavored to stem the Iout by large gangs of outlaws, locally known as bandits. remains elusive. menace. But this has been to no avail, mainly due to a lack of Bandits are now members of Boko Haram. The only avenue Frequent acts of violent crime have grown to form a major manpower and poor logistics. left for Boko Haram to raise funds now is through banditry. threat to Nigeria’s national security. These include instances These efforts have also failed because of weak sanctioning Bandits are occupying Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger of militancy, insurgency and banditry. Banditry includes and deterrence mechanisms. Kidnapping thrives in an environ- and Kaduna States to raise funds for Boko Haram. Boko cattle rustling, armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom. ment that condones crime; where criminal opportunism and Haram is using banditry to infiltrate all parts of Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom has remained the most virulent form impunity prevail over and above deterrence. This obviously Banditry represents the financial wing of Boko Haram, to of banditry in Nigeria. It has become the most pervasive and calls for an urgent review of Nigeria’s current anti-kidnapping raise funds to finance terror activities. Bandits are terrorists intractable violent crime in the country. approach to make it more effective. who can raise funds for Boko Haram across Nigeria. Bandits Kidnapping can be targeted at individuals or at groups. Similarly, Boko Haram insurgents have used the proceeds have negotiated with many state governors in the north-west School children have been kidnapped in groups in various of kidnapping to keep their insurgency afloat. The insurgents of Nigeria. President Buhari should treat bandits as terrorists. parts of Nigeria. Usually, the prime targets of kidnapping for engage in single or group kidnapping as a means of generat- Bandits have participated in kidnappings where ransoms were ransom are those considered to be wealthy enough to pay a ing money to fund their activities. Huge sums are often paid collected to finance terrorism across Nigeria. fee in exchange for being freed. as ransom by the victims’ families and associates to secure Boko Haram has also been known to raise funds through Kidnapping is the unlawful detention of a person through their release. mass kidnapping of foreigners and civilians for ransom. Boko the use of force, threats, fraud or enticement. The purpose is In addition to militants and insurgents, organized local Haram has a specialized kidnapping task force led by bandits an illicit gain, economic or material, in exchange for liberation. and transnational criminal syndicates have been involved. that set out to abduct school children, politicians, business It may also be used to pressure someone into doing some- This is happening in huge proportions in Northwest where people, foreigners, rulers and civil servants with the intention thing—or not doing something. rural bandits engage regularly in kidnapping in the states of of trading them for large sums of money or for the return of Nigeria has one of the world’s highest rates of kidnap-for- Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto. other Boko Haram militants. Nigeria’s Northwest is suffering ransom cases. Other countries high up on the list include Inwalomhe Donald, Sokoto State 16 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾
THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) ‘Some States’ll Die If We Embrace True Federalism’ As discourse continues over the issue of restructuring to achieve true federalism, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji in this encounter with Vannesa Obioha cautions that some states may go into extinction if Nigeria embraced true federalism ears ago, the founding fathers under our Governor. But beyond all of these of Ebonyi State came up with things, the Governor thinks that the creation what they coined ‘The Charter of a conducive environment will do a lot in of Equity’. The objective was to reorienting the youths and women through ensure that no bloc in the state engaging them in a dignified means of liveli- Ywas left behind especially in the light of hood, keeping them busy. A couple of months the dominant role played by people of ago, the governor hosted a seven-day youth Abakaliki bloc who control two senato- Summit, we called it EndSARS Summit. It rial districts with eight local government was arising from the Federal Government councils as against Afikpo bloc with just directive that every state must engage her five councils. Now that Governor Dave citizens, to ensure that the young ones would Umahi emerged from Afikpo bloc, do you have a say in the affairs of the nation. So think it has fulfilled objectives of the the governor has done that and has got to charter of equity? see that the creative industry will do a lot to It really did. And I can say that it is divine. bring them on board. We’ve got to see that Of course, it came from the platform of the the entertainment industry will do a lot to Divine Mandate and when he was going to bring them on board. The governor did not contest, the whole story everywhere was that only create this initiative through the creative you have never seen a deputy governor that industry, he also introduced a policy of what ever succeeded his boss when the boss’ own we call ‘catch them young’ or talent initia- establishment said no. That was the story tive, and that is happening through sporting all over the country. Of course, he became Umahi Orji events. Recently, we introduced a sporting the first in our clime to become a governor competition for different events in a school, from his position as a deputy even when the judiciary should also be given the environ- to be republicans, whenever we go outside primary and secondary, and there will be establishment was totally against him. And ment, the necessary funding. In Ebonyi State, our place and we develop that place, and we competition across the local government, so, it would be as if it was God’s decision that we are giving the House of Assembly, the cannot say that we have all the advantages. In competition across the zone, and within the this equity should be respected because at that judiciary, a level playing ground. Whatever the north, they have advantage in agriculture, state, and this will make for a talent hunt and point it was going to be abused, it was going is due to them, the governor releases. The they have the land, they have the passion, and will make for people to also identify their to be disregarded, or discountenanced. But governor doesn’t buy vehicles or whatever they are doing that, they have the funding talents, that way, they will be built. In our God, through a means I cannot comprehend for them, he releases the money for them to from the Federal Government, and these are individual capacity, we are introducing what to date had to bring him on board. He brought build houses or to do whatever they like. Of all things that you cannot rule out. In the we call Talent Hunt Initiative whereby we him on board and made him a governor to course, our governor doesn’t want a situation South-south, you have the oil there, and if look at all trades of life and engender a kind beat, made him a governor that every other whereby we can just say ‘restructure’ without you are saying, you want restructuring and of competition, a fair competition in all trades, state would want that he be their own gov- providing for the states, because if you do if you’re not looking at how you can fend for ward-by-ward, local government-by-local ernor. Some will say they want to borrow that, all the states that are not viable will go yourself after the restructuring, then they may government and at the state level, we wrap our Governor for six months, some one year. into extinction. That will be another form of be in a total disadvantage because South- it up. The idea is to raise the best in each of I can tell you that we are most amazed that colonisation, and neocolonialism, that will south cannot give you the oil because you these fields and give that person empower- in our time, we are seeing a Governor like impact states, Ebonyi inclusive because we’ve are South-east, that is not possible. They can’t ment. We call it the Vertical and Horizontal that. A man that within the shortest record got no Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), give you because you are South-west. They Empowerment Programme. Now, apart from of time in Nigeria’s political history, was able other states have got their own IGR. We’ve not will have to make use of what they have and this, the governor is also ensuring that school to transform a state, from grass to grace, from gotten full industrialization, other states are if we are looking at federating units, Bayelsa education is really fortified, especially at the zero to something. I have never seen within a step ahead of us. We have not got so many will say no, my oil cannot go beyond Bayelsa. primary level. What did the government the shortest record of time, a governor that facilities that will make for independence- the Then we have problems. I think that all of do? The government injected N7.5 billion did that. And that’s why today you cannot kind people think. The governor thinks that us are one under God, and from far north, for out-of-school children programmes, and compare Ebonyi with other South-east states we need to be given time, through economic far east to far west, where we are helping taking away children who are drop-outs from in terms of development. restructuring so that we can meet up with one another. We must keep it that way, and the streets and taking them back to school, other states. move forward. that is, by giving them counselling, and also There is the raging discourse on re- giving them scholarships, giving them free structuring the country to achieve true A northern group recently said that the The youths come up in conversation education, but it’s going to be compulsory. federalism. Is Umahi more concerned north developed the South-east and the about violence in Ebonyi State and a And this is working in every local government about restructuring the mindset of Ni- South-south. How do you react to this? recent report showed that the state has and development centres are given a task: gerians than the country itself? I am not aware of that. If it is a quotation the highest rate of drug abuse. The gov- look at the minimum number of students you The governor has a concept about this from them, I do not know. But all I know is ernor has likewise said that the youths must take away from the street before you restructuring. He’s talking about economic that we should, at this point, de-emphasise are brainwashed and susceptible to hard are given a pass mark. And this is actually restructuring first of all, before we go into inflammatory publications, conferences, or drugs. How is the government addressing helping a lot because the governor is building administrative restructuring. Economic re- press conferences that are very inflammatory these and ensuring there is reorientation a lot of infrastructure in the area of educa- structuring in the sense that it is better that across the north and the south, because no of values among the youths? tion to make them comfortable. Of course, every state, every zone, be made to really two wrongs can make a right. So the words The problem we have now is the issue of he is training our teachers, and giving them harvest its area of comparative advantage. of the mouth and the works of the weapon value reorientation, Ebonyi State, inclusive. necessary equipment that will make them Today in Ebonyi State, we have a comparative are the same before the eyes of God. But I can Our youths have derailed and this has been do better, as it were. So these are the things advantage in solid minerals. And so what say that we have our individual differences, brought about by long years of bad leader- the government is doing. But beyond this can we do to devolve the powers given to individual mannerisms. In the South-east, ship. Ebonyi State is not an exception. I agree empowerment programme that’s ongoing, the Federal Government in solid minerals we are known to be entrepreneurs, we are that before the governor came on board, our the governor declared that 2021 through the to devolve into the state so that we can take known to be very enterprising, we are known youths and women have been in the streets budget, which is citizen participatory budget, advantage? What can we do to see that there to be good business people, we are known of major cities of Nigeria hawking and that is empowerment was given the pride of place. is deliberate funding of agriculture because gradually being attended to in Ebonyi State It is the most funded sector in our budget and in the South-east we have a lot of advantage the idea is to use the opportunity to raise the in agriculture? What can we do also to create human capital of our teeming youths and empowerment programmes through social The governor injected a N4 billion credit scheme women. That way, they will leave all those investment programmes or other programmes, idle kinds of businesses, I can assure you in so that our teeming entrepreneurs, youths, for the civil servants. A minimum of N200,000 was no distant time, you will see an Ebonyi State women can take advantage and fend for that would be really an example of excellence themselves through MSMEs programmes, accessed by every civil servant who showed interest in terms of human capital development. Let liaising with financial institutions? So, that and a maximum of N4 million was accessed. Now, the me mention that we’re beginning to see the is the restructuring the governor is think- impact. The inferiority complex that we’re ing about. The governor is thinking about governor is looking at ensuring that the civil service wearing before, the governor has pulled it restructuring that will take care of equity in the out and has given us a new cloth of some sharing of the national cake. If a Minister for should be very efficient, effective, and there should sense of self esteem and self worth, and that Works can come from Lagos, then a minister is what is really helping us to compete and can also come from Ebonyi State or vice versa. be no reason to use the civil service to siphon scarce talk favourably with everybody, no matter The President can come from the North, he resources in the state by injecting more numbers that where you’re coming from, no matter where can also come from the South. These are all they are from; Lagos or from the UK. I can the restructuring measures that the governor have got nothing to do. Now that the governor has confidently say if you are from the UK, come thinks will make it possible. to Ebonyi and do a sleepover. I won’t be afraid When people say that they want a true seen the need to inject more numbers into the civil to invite you from Lagos or from Akwa Ibom Federation and you are still talking about service, he is injecting 5000 civil servants; 2000 at to come to my state. independence of the local government system, that is not true federalism. So these the local government level, 3000 at the state level NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the are restructuring issues that the government online edition on www.thisdaylive.com is also looking at. A situation whereby the and it is already working THISDAY ˾

THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 19 POLITICS ‘Matawalle’s Defection is Home Coming’ The former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, in this interview with Adedayo Akinwale bares his mind on political happenings in his state and in the country

Yerima

hat is your view on the been dissolved. officially I would have had 20 million that this issue of citizenship has not recent defection of supporters. been accepted fully in Nigeria. the State Governor, What are the chances of the party We still have tribal, ethnic and reli- Bello Matawalle from in the state in 2023? The President is from the North- gious differences which is very wrong. the PDP to APC? Zamfara is an APC state. From APP west where you come from…? And until and such a time we believe WIt is a good development for us and we have never lost an election, not one Nigerians should know that de- that we are Nigerians, then the issue he is coming back home. He was in time. When I won election in 1999, I mocracy is democracy. We are not the of Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaws, the All Peoples Party (APP). He was a won again in 2003. My deputy won one that brought democracy, there is will continue to haunt us. But this is founding member of APP. He was also as governor in 2007. He defected to nothing in our constitution that talks not a good talk because they know... with us in All Nigerian People’s Party PDP and we recovered our seat when about moving power from one place even today if APC says we have zone (ANPP). It was only when my deputy Abdulaziz Yari became governor in to another. Every Nigerian, according this Presidency to Rivers State, will who succeeded me left the party for 2011 and 2015. Yari also won election to the Nigerian constitution, unless it you force people in Lagos or people in People Democratic Party (PDP) that as the governor and in 2019, the party is amended, has the right to aspire to Sokoto to go and vote for the person he went along with him and contested also won, but because of the crisis, any political office once he is quali- in Rivers state? No! You can’t. It is not for the House of Representatives under the Supreme Court gave it back to the fied. So, it is not wrong for anybody something you are allocating, if it is an the PDP and won the election. So, for PDP. So, PDP tested power in Zamfara to say he is contesting the election, allocation, you can say I have allocated me and for him, it is a home coming. through the defection and through even from Daura. Any person from this position. Only those people will Supreme court action. Daura local government where Mr. aspire to be in that position. There is issue of leadership of President comes from can aspire to the APC in the state, what is your What is the update on your presi- be President, Governor or anything The issue of insecurity is a major position on that? dential aspiration? in Nigeria. You see, some people are problem in the country and Zam- The constitution of APC is very clear, I’m in the race, I have already de- political illiterates or maybe mischief fara is one of the most ravaged, everything under democracy is gov- clared my intention and I am mobilis- makers. You cannot say this is my turn what do you think is the way out erned and guided by the constitution ing. By the grace of God I am trying because it is about election. All of us of insecurity in the country? of either the party or the country or to mobilise. Mr. President won the are going to go for election to elect Challenges are bound to happen the Electoral Act. The constitution of election with a little above 15 million the person that we think should be over time in all countries. Every time APC has stipulated that the President and I assure you, before I even declared president. Our problem in Nigeria is you have this challenge or another and Commander-in-Chief is the leader challenge, but the ability of leaders to of the party at the national level and face these challenges and resolve them at state level, all the governors are makes them leaders. I believe that the leaders of their party at that level. current government is up and doing. Nigerians should know that democracy is democracy. There has been change of baton in the There is insinuation that those We are not the one that brought democracy, there is military and I have just also heard that who he met upon his joining the there have been movement of officers, APC are not comfortable with the nothing in our constitution that talks about moving General Officers Commanding (GOCs) proclamation that he automatically and so on. I’m sure with the rejig of the becomes the leader of the party in power from one place to another. Every Nigerian, military force something will happen. the state? I’m sure now with the coming of the Can they change the constitution by according to the Nigerian constitution, unless it is governor to the APC, all of us will put their actions or can they just follow the amended, has the right to aspire to any political hands on deck to ensure that we go rules and regulations of politicking? It to the president and seek his support is the constitution of the APC that said office once he is qualified. So, it is not wrong for and also offer our advice. Before now, the governors are leaders of the party as a member of an opposition party in the states. I was a founding member anybody to say he is contesting the election, even in my state, as an APC member and of APP, I became the first governor from Daura. Any person from Daura local government the government was in PDP, it was in Zamfara state. When my deputy very difficult for me to come and say succeeded me, I left the position for where Mr. President comes from can aspire to be governor you must do this. He will him. You cannot do your time and do think that we are not even in the same another person’s time. I’m sure that President, Governor or anything in Nigeria. You see, party, but now he knows that I am a every member of the party now knows, stakeholder, I’m looking for his suc- as declared by the National Chairman some people are political illiterates or maybe mischief cess, for the success of our party and of the Caretaker Committee of the APC makers. You cannot say this is my turn because it is I am also looking at our people. We that he is the leader of the party in now have common interests because the state and the state executive has about election we are members of APC.0 20 THISDAY ˾
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Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], Tel: 07010510430 Excitement as Community Discovers Water Ukome Village in Ibeku recently discovered water after many years of unbearable hardship. Charles Ajunwa and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo write on how this jinx was broken

or years several attempts made by government and private individuals to sink borehole in Ukome village did not yield water. The search for underground water in this agrarian village located in Umuahia North Flocal government of Abia State was so difficult and frustrating that everybody appeared to have given up the search for water. Yet the thirst for underground water from their land remained strong. They could not understand why water that nature has stored beneath their soil could not be reached to quench their thirst. The Ukome villagers said Ifeanyi Umere (2nd left back), teachers and pupils Woman Leader, Beatrice Peters Ogbonna and Youth that over the years they had been made to of Migrant Farmer Nursery and Primary School, Community market in Ukome Laeder, Chimezie Eluwa believe that borehole drilling would never Ukome yield water in their area. More so “experts” had tried without success and handed down the discouraging verdict that underground water was beyond reach. The people resigned to their fate. “Some of our people had tried to sink boreholes but did not succeed in finding water,” said Israel Eluwa, the secretary of Ukome Development Union. According to him, the process of drilling the borehole some of the contractors “abandoned their equipment and ran away” after the machines developed problems. With no public water supply and no borehole the villagers depended on alternative means of water supply. Those who could afford bought plastic tanks of various capacities and paid for tankers that supply them water. Others had to contend with the difficulty of trekking a long distance with bad terrain to reach a spring far away. However, the youth leader of the community, Chimezie Eluwa noted Water from the first ever borehole in Ukome since that the available sources of water were not the creation of man The only well in Ukome built by the colonialists Orji only difficult to access but in most cases the water is not fit for drinking. He said: “The for over 260 metres deep. “Today, we have found Apart from the health centre. the Migrant problem. “We are going to reticulate the water villagers trekked long distance to a place where water in Ukome Village in Umuahia North Farmers Nursery and Primary School, Ukome, to the village so that the villagers will not water comes out from the rock. The villagers’ local government in Abia Central courtesy of is also an immediate beneficiary of the newly put pressure on the Primary Health Centre,” another source of water is the farm well dug the doggedness of the Distinguished Senator,” found water. The school shares fence with the he assured. He stated that the Abia Central during the colonial period. The water from Umere declared triumphantly. He noted that health centre both facilities sitting in the valley Senator would stop at nothing to ensure the the farm well is dirty and not drinkable. We in normal situations water could be reached at on the edge of the community. The Assistant full completion of the water project to bring also ask tanker drivers to supply us water depths between 110 and 120 metres but drilling Headmistress of the schools. Deborah Nwahiri happiness to the people that gave him mandate especially for those that can afford it. But with a borehole in Ukome was not an ordinary said the water project has come as a big relief to be in the Senate for the second term running. this borehole from Ochendo the community task because of the nature of the land. He to the pupils and teachers because of the dif- “Ochendo is legendary for being passionate is relieved of the burden of the scarcity of said that they went to that unusual depth ficulties of bringing water to the school. “W and compassionate and those who know him water which bites so hard.” in search of water because Senator Orji had are very happy that our Big Daddy (Senator can attest to this. He is always emotional about Indeed, the topography of Ukome did not insisted that there must be a way out when Orji) has drilled borehole here,” she said. “We the welfare of his people and he has been help matters. The village sits on a high plain he was told that search for water in Ukome are happy because it’s going to help these known as a man of fidelity and when you with undulating valleys all-around. The valleys had been fruitless in the past. children maintain hygienic environment as they are a man of fidelity and honour you delight covered with thick vegetation and frightening The news that a borehole was successfully can now readily wash their hands especially your people,” Umere said. “It’s that process of depths make them largely inaccessible. Though drilled with good water gushing out to the during this COVID-19 pandemic.” According delighting his people that made him insist that the valleys are covered in lush vegetation rising surface was received with ecstasy. “This water to the assistant head teacher, “we have been as long as man exists that there must be a way and falling in conformity to the contours of project is a dream come-true. I’m overwhelmed suffering so much to get water here.” As a out. Even in the Sahel if the camel could still the land. The rather captivating scenery has seeing this water project happening in my way out of the problem, Nwahiri said she was find one pint of water so we compared it here the potential of becoming a tourist haven if community. In the past, we tried to drill a always bringing water to school all the way with the Sahel and we have broken the jinx.” developed for that purpose. borehole in my community but to no avail. from Ahia Eke where she resides. Once the The successful sinking of borehole at Ukome With the construction of a primary health Today, i’m very happy and I thank Ochendo supply is exhausted it becomes impossible to is good news to other villages in Ibeku clan that centre by the National Primary Health Care for giving us this borehole in our community,” replenish because “immediately we are in here share the same fate of having been classified as Development Agency (NPHCDA) the search the youth leader said. Chimezie, who said that you cannot go out or send the pupils out in “impossible” area to find water. Those villages for solution to the water problem of Ukome he was “physically present when they were search of water” trekking over one kilometre. could expect that the same “miracle” would was given a new impetus. The healthcare drilling this borehole” had watched with bated She therefore expressed gratitude to Senator be performed in their areas with the same facility attracted by the Senator representing breath, given the failure of similar projects in Orji “for wiping away our tears” with the technology that worked at Ukome. Though Abia Central in the National Assembly, Senator the past. “I was amazed when water came out water project. the technology is said to be expensive, Umere Theodore Orji, needed regular water supply from the borehole something we were told can Perhaps the euphoria in Ukome over the said that the high cost “cannot be compared to function effectively. Chief liaison officer to never happen,” he said. “In fact, the whole borehole would not have come to light if with the happiness of the people” when they the Abia Central Senator, Mr. Ifeanyi Umere, thing was like a miracle to me and others Senator Orji had heeded the expert advice. get accessible potable water to drink and use said that though “everybody had gone to bed couldn’t believe it. The villagers were excited Umere recalled that Senator Orji actually got for other purposes. with the notion that water cannot be found when they received the news.” a brief from the water authority in Abia that “Having broken this jinx means that we can in Ukome” there was still a compelling need The woman leader of Ukome community, from their geophysics (findings) it’s impossible now deploy this technology to every community to further explore the possibility. Mrs. Beatrice Peters Ogbonna said that it was to get water here, that there are other villages in Ibeku Ancient Kingdom that have no water, According to Umere, Senator Orji had insisted a big relief that “water has now been found in in Ibeku clan that you cannot find water. But, having discovered the secret,” Umere said. He that every modern technology available to Ukome because in the past we were told that the Abia Central Senator, according to Umere, regretted that people had been suffering with man should be deployed to make sure that water cannot be found here.” She said that refused to take the expert advice which would no potable water to drink because of “primi- the purpose of finding water here is achieved it has always been a harrowing experience have foreclosed what has turned out to be a tive technology in the past that gave negative because this is a Primary Health Centre and you for women over the years as they searched successful venture. He said that Senator Orji’s results”, adding that with new technology cannot have a Primary Health Centre function for water for domestic use. “Many women perseverance and passion for the welfare of everything is possible and water can be be without water. He said that he ran with the have been disfigured carrying water up and his constituents eventually paid off. “For us, provided everywhere. “Every community in marching order from the former governor and down the hill,” she lamented. She expressed it’s a record breaking venture courtesy of the Ibeku now should expect that after reticulating frantically searched for people that have the profound gratitude to the Abia Central Senator determination of His Excellency, Senator T.A.Orji here, we are going to make sure that every equipment that could bring out water from for the twin projects of water and health centre and his love for his people,” the chief liaison Ibeku village gets water having gotten this the difficult landscape of Ukome. “I had to be which were among the major needs of the officer said. He further described it as “history technology down here at Ukome,” he said. exceptionally adventurous that we find a way agrarian community. The community leader, making because we have broken a jinx” with Meanwhile, the Ukome villagers continue out of that problem to make history. Luckily Chief Austin Ukonu was equally grateful to the borehole. to relish their new source of water supply, enough we found a foreign-based firm that Senator Orji for the water project. “We have Now that water has started gushing out from hoping and waiting for the provision of other brought the much needed technology that been praying for this type of project. We are underground, the next step is taking it from amenities. For the Ukome community, the broke this jinx,” he said. farmers and our needs are water and roads,” the area where the health centre is located to finding of water here is like the discovery of According to the chief liaison officer, the he said, adding that reticulation of the water other parts of the village for maximum impact. oil,” Umere noted. The feeling here is that the foreign contractors with the appropriate technol- would make it generally beneficial to most Umere said that the reticulation was the next hitherto impossible situation has been made ogy set to work and struck water after drilling people in the community. stage in the process of solving Ukome’s water possible. THISDAY ˾
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#THISISNIGERIA- Adeoluwa Adebayo Fighting for Nigeria: Thoughts from the Life, Career, and Activism of Wole Soyinka

Adeoluwa Adebayo

or a nation judged as the giant of Africa, Nigeria is a conundrum. From the attainment of indepen- dence to the collapse of the first republic ultimately resulting in a civil war, the meandering military governmentsF intertwined with the second and third republics, to the current democratic dispensation (which is the longest in the country's history) Nigeria has had mediocre leadership which has failed to provide welfare and security for its citizens. In 2018, Nigeria overtook India to become the poverty capital of the world, and the 2020 Fragile States Index ranked Nigeria as the 14th most fragile state in the world and 10th in Africa. Through the chaos, there have been individu- als who through their lifetime serve as a voice in the wilderness consistently speaking the truth to Nigerian Leaders. Margeret Ekpo, Herbert Macaulay, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Gani Fawenhinmi, Ken Saro Wiwa, Omoyele Sowore, Oby Ezekwesili top the list of these individuals. One voice that has stood the test of time and the whips of Nigeria's military & civilian rulers from pre-independence till date is the literary giant, Wole Soyinka. Wole Soyinka (WS) was born into a family of outspoken individuals, his mother Grace Eniola Soyinka joined her aunt-in-law Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to protest outrageous taxes levied against shopkeepers by the Alake of Egbaland with support from the British colonial officers. Soyinka's activism will not begin till he was on scholarship at the University of Leeds in England where he joined a community of West African students, with whom he explored the idea of a pan-African movement to set South Africa free from the apartheid regime. He returned to Nigeria in 1960 to research traditional performance practices in Africa at the University of Ibadan courtesy of a Rockefeller grant. His return was near the time of Nigeria's independence and his play A Dance of the Forest - a satirical piece portraying the Nigerian colonial elite as a new type of oppressor - was presented at the Nigeria independence celebration. The play ruffled the feathers of the colonial elite. At the age of 31 in 1965, he was arrested after taking over the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service and broadcasting a message denouncing electoral base for his memoir The Man Died which in Nigeria and abroad publishing The Open fraud in Western Nigeria. This bold act which was published in 1972 and was banned by Sore of a Continent: A Personal Narrative fresh opportunity presents for a new crop young Nigerians replicated in October 2020 a Nigerian court in 1984. WS continued to of the Nigerian Crisis in 1996. The Abacha of Nigerians in their 20s and 30s to define a when they occupied the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos be a heavy critic of successive Nigerian regime charged him with treason in 1997, long-term agenda on what they would love for 9 days during the #EndSARS protests governments. As his career grew, authoritarian the charges were dropped upon Abacha’s Nigeria to be and begin to take daily steps landed Soyinka in prison and he was only African leaders and the apartheid regime in death in 1998. He subsequently returned to to actualize it. More like WS, they must be released two months later after an outcry South Africa were not spared from his whip Nigeria as the country transitioned into its prepared to stand the test of time against from the international community. of words. current democratic dispensation. all odds. While he continued to blossom in his career He became the first African to be awarded WS has not failed to be a consistent voice as a playwright producing the legendary play, The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. In his in criticizing successive governments to date. Happy birthday WS! Kongi’s Harvest in 1965, Soyinka did not prize acceptance speech, This Past Must Address Presently 87 years old (Tuesday, July 13), his Adeoluwa Adebayo is a Nigerian and a deter from seeking a Nigeria that works for Its Present he said: “And of those imperatives opinion is still sought on major ills battling Brand Strategist. He is an avid believer in all. With the coup and counter coup of 1966, that challenge our being, our presence, and Nigeria, and here lies the problem - a country 'Project Nigeria' and has dedicated his life to the young Nigeria nation descended into a humane definition at this time, none can be whose highest demography is under the producing leaders that will work for Nigerians. civil war. With the hope of brokering peace, considered more pervasive than the end of age of 35 cannot continue to seek a voice When he's not on 'Project Nigeria', he plays he secretly met with the military governor racism, the eradication of human inequality, in him. It is understandable why young on the intersection of brands, innovation & of Eastern Nigeria, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and the dismantling of all their structures. Nigerians are reluctant to take the reins of storytelling. His engagements on social media who had seceded the region into a new The Prize is the consequent enthronement this country owing to its steady decline, even are from @theadeoluwa. country, Biafra. The Nigerian government of its complement: universal suffrage, and with consistent criticism of its leaders and led by Yakubu Gowon was displeased with peace.” The award further exposed WS to systems from prominent activists like WS t"EFPMVXB
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ͰͮͰͯ 23

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BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

HARMONISATION OF REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, KEY New Report Urges Africa to Integrate to TO AFRICAN TRADE INTEGRATION Accelerate Transformation Trade Agreement, coming together to have a single Stories by Emma Okonji is well-timed against the back- Africa. This larger market will require shifting the integration economic policy institute market place, will amount to a drop of the African Continental attract greater investments, boost narrative from pursuing not just that supports governments massive market and an avenue The African Center for Eco- Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) productivity, provide better jobs, regional market integration but and businesses to transform to promote trade integration nomic Transformation (ACET) coming into practice earlier this and improve human well-being, also increasing broader regional economies and deliver sustain- among African countries. For has launched its third African year, giving fresh impetus to the all of which support the conti- collaboration. able growth that improves the past 50 years, Africans have Transformation Report (ATR), continent’s integration project nent’s economic transformation. Citing previous reports, the livelihoods. ACET follows been involved in disjointed exploring the critical need for and affirming the commitment Now is the time to reinforce the recent ATR Report underlines a unique approach that trades that were in silos and African countries to pursue by African countries to accelerate push for African integration, the urgent need for countries to combines analysis, advice, and this has not helped in growing greater economic integration intra-African trade and boost not just through trade, but also look beyond trade and markets advocacy in critical program the manufacturing industry to transform the continent. Africa’s competitiveness in through greater collaboration to collaborate in delivering areas, encompassing economic in Africa. Intra-AFrican trade The report stressed the need global markets, Amoako further to provide regional public regional public goods such as management and governance, accounts for only 17 per cent, for Africa to harness regional said. goods. Only then will Africa transport corridors, free move- youth employment and skills, whereas intra-trade within opportunities through height- Former President of Liberia, see its economies transform ment of people, well-managed regional integration and gender Europe, accounts for over ened integration, increased Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, also said: and develop the leadership river basins, cross-border digital equality, to foster collaboration 60 per cent, and 59 per cent collaboration, and visionary “Making a success of the new and institutions to build the connectivity, and systems to among policy makers and the in Asia,” Faridah said. leadership. African Continental Free Trade Africa we want.” control future outbreaks of private sector as they look to Comptroller, Modernisation The report was unveiled Area is one way to reinforce According to the report, deep- pests and disease. accelerate Africa’s sustainable ICT and Risk Management, recently during the 2021 virtual badly needed integration in ening regional integration would ACET is a pan-African growth. Nigerian Customs Service, African Transformation Forum, Adekunlè Oloyede, who featuring leaders from both also spoke at the panel ses- the public and private sector, sion, said: “For AFCFTA to such as Mastercard Foundation succeed, African need robust and World Bank Group. The automation system across all 54 report urged African countries countries driving the AFCFTA to work together beyond trade initiative, in order to have a to accelerate transformation better trade interface between and improve lives by creating trade partners. If some African more jobs, enhancing digital countries are fully automated, innovation, and managing the and some are not, then it will impacts of climate change. generate trade barriers.” ACET Founder and President Dr. Kingsley Amoako, said: “The report highlights the criti- ALTON: FUNDING cal need for African countries CHALLENGES FORCED to confront key issues to allow EARLY TELCOS INTO economies to scale. Increased EXTINCTION collaboration across Africa, equipment in line with the especially through the delivery trend, a situation that forced of regional public goods, will be most of them out of business, critical to tackling shared chal- Adebayo said. lenges to successful economic Adebayo further explained transformation. Integrating to that policy implementation transform demands visionary in protecting smaller opera- leadership at all levels that goes tors, was another compelling beyond national interests to UNVEILING SAMSUNG’S BRAND AMBASSADOR factor, such that the Tier pursue collective actions for L-R: Managing Director, Samsung Nigeria, Danny Kim; Samsung Ambassador, Dakore Egbuson-Akande; Head, Consumer 1 operators that had the the common good.” Electronics, Samsung Nigeria, Oluwaremilekun Ogunsan and Marketing Manager, Consumer Electronics, Samsung Nigeria, financial muscle, were doing The latest edition of the ATR Chika Nnadozie, at the unveiling of Dakore as Brand Ambassador for Samsung, in Lagos...recently everything possible to stop the growth of Tier 2 operators, who were smaller in size and in financial strength. Groups Partner CBN to Raise Awareness on Cyber Fraud He said the lack of policy to protect smaller industry Worried about the various online across the country, said so many major threat to financial system Banks (DMBs). reduce cybercrime and financial players, forced many Internet risks faced by over 40 million Nigerians have inadvertently stability, not only through their “The framework outlined fraud. Service Providers (ISPs) out Nigerians that have access to fell victims to fraudsters, who impact on the institution, but the minimum cybersecurity He said CCISONFI, a commit- of market. “While the Tier 1 the internet, the Committee tricked them to defraud them of also through their impact on baseline to be put in place by tee formed under the guidance operators have the size and of Chief Information Security their money and valuable data. multiple components of the DMBs and Payment Service of CBN, and made up of the scale, the Tier 2 and Tier 3 Officers of Nigerian Financial The Director, Banking financial system. Mustafa added Providers (PSP). The framework Chief Information Security operators do not have such Institutions (CCISONFI) and Supervision Department at that the collaboration between also mandated the procedures Officers of Nigerian Deposit scalability and it was easier Cybersafe Foundation, have CBN, Mr. Haruna Mustafa, CBN, CCISONFI and Cybersafe into bank’s broader risk manage- Money Banks and Payment for the Tier 1 operators to partnered Central Bank of said the collaboration would Foundation, would go a long ment policies and an annual Service Providers, became force them out of market, Nigeria (CBN), to sensitise help in creating cybersecurity way to help Nigerians avoid Cybersecurity self-assessment,” necessary due to the need to through sharp practices. So Nigerians about online risks, awareness among Nigerians, falling victims of cyber fraud. Mustafa said. have an industry body sup- the telecoms industry was the dangers and how to mitigate and make them resilient to He said CBN took some steps Chairman, CCISONFI, Mr. porting the CBN in providing regulated in a way that there them. cyberattacks whenever they in 2018 to further improve the Abumere Igboa, said the cyber guidance and advisory services were no provision for smaller The groups who spoke are online or offline. cyber-resilience of supervised awareness initiative campaign, related to Cyber, Data and operators to survive stiff recently at a media parley in Mustafa who was represented institutions through the issu- tagged #NoGoFallMaga, Information Security across the competition with the bigger Lagos, organised by CCISONFI at the media parley by his ance of the CBN Risk-based would assist in promoting Nigerian payment ecosystem, operators who are the Tier1 and Cybersafe Foundation, to deputy, Dr. Adedeji Adetona, Cybersecurity Framework and general public awareness on as the cyber threat landscape operators that have the size create awareness on cyber fraud said Cyberattacks remained the Guidelines for Deposit Money cybersecurity, with a target to continued to evolve. and scalability,” Adebayo said. Nigerian Businesses Crave for Data Liberalism

Raheem Akingbolu only scratching the surface of “We have data, yet we don’t “RAMs and TAMs (Radio media reporting dashboards.”

masses of data in the market have data. Robust data requires Audience Measurements and “Given the difficulty in ac- For businesses to flourish and and constrained by privacy a lot of investment and with the TV Audience Measurements) cessing sales data from most contribute meaningfully to the laws to use them for marketing. potential death of cookie data, parameters are still the industry clients and that can be used economy, there is a need for He maintained that data is investment in platforms and standard for traditional radio for econometric modelling to easy access to data, a leading still in the hands of big media private data networks becomes and tv channel planning. The actually unearth the contribu- Group Business Editor ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ
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media buying practitioner, tech companies like Google, imperative for marketers. Cook- major challenges with these tion of the different channels in Emeka Okeke, has stated. Facebook and others. ies have been the backbone are, recently, real time access the marketing mix deployed by Comms/e-Business Editor According to a report by He said: “We are still of the open internet, but with and coverage. AMPS comes clients attributable to product ××Ë
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   Achieving Widespread Digital Connectivity with STORM The STORM initiative recently launched by Galaxy Backbone in collaboration with Interra Networks for South-east and South-south, will deepen digital connectivity in the regions, writes Emma Okonji

Pantami Abubakar

alaxy Backbone, a government conditions of citizens across these locations, our rescue and FRSC became the biggest Wide to connect digitally and be part of the global agency providing digital and Pantami said. Area Network (WAN) in the public sector, digital transformation. network communication services, a development that allowed it to adopt and “In Imo State, we understand the importance in collaboration with Interra Job creation implement emerging technologies in driving of technology in building capacity that will Network, a private organisa- In his welcome address, the Managing FRSC operations across all commands in the improve the welfare of citizens and the state tion,G penultimate week, launched STORM, a Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. country. government. Technology is a cardinal focus broadband internet connectivity infrastructure, Muhammad Bello Abubakar, said change “Today Nigeria is still battling with the of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, designed to provide connectivity access for remained the only constant thing in life. He adoption and growth of emerging technolo- and he has leveraged technology to digitalise the South-east and South-south regions of therefore advised everyone living in a fast gies, and it is the collective responsibility of the state’s salary structure and to transform the country. changing digital world, to embrace change the people of South-east and South-south to the entire state,” Nwogwu said. STORM was launched in Enugu though so that no one is left behind at the ‘speed of embrace STORM in driving digital transforma- The Director of ICT at Ministry of Science a hybrid event, which attracted physical light’ transformations taking place all around tion across both regions. There is therefore and Technology in Delta State, Mr. Rocky audiences in Enugu and virtual audiences the globe. need for collaboration between the public Ighoyota, said the STORM initiative would from across the country. “We are confident that by making fast and and private sectors, in order to enhance faster help states in the regions to develop much An initiative of Galaxy Backbone, STORM reliable internet services available in urban digital development.” faster into smart cities, where all transactions is a connectivity infrastructure, built for large, and rural communities, greater number of He further said the COVID-19 pandemic has will be digitalised. “Since Galaxy Backbone has small and medium businesses to offer a range job opportunities will emanate and we can further compelled businesses and government decided to extend its fast internet connectivity of broadband packages for residential, of- lift more people out of poverty. History has transactions to go online, and that STORM offerings to the South-east and South-south fices and commercial sites, designed to help shown us that in every major pandemic, one would provide that access to sustain online regions, it is evident that the regions will businesses stay connected digitally with their or two sectors begin to thrive and lead to the transactions and communications. Chidoka have access to digital infrastructure that will customers. The launch of STORM in Enugu, transformation of the lives of entire communities encouraged the people of South-east and boost ICT skills among youths and enhance will address issues around internet connectivity and indeed the world. In this case, digital South-south regions to embrace the STORM digital transformation,” Ighoyota said. for South-east and South-south regions of technologies have taken centre stage especially infrastructure to improve education, healthcare, the country, while providing Value Added in Nigeria where we have noted its great transportation, e-commerce, agriculture and ICT as new oil Services (VAS) that rides on the network of contribution to the GDP of our country in sports, across the regions. The Chief Executive Officer of Interra Galaxy Backbone, such as hosting service, the last quarter of the year 2020. Projections Network, Mr. David Onu, said Information storage and cloud services. continue to show an upward movement in Digital connectivity and Communications Technology (ICT) has this even in this year 2021,”Abubakar said. Citing the importance of digital connectiv- remained the new oil that is driving global Public-private sector collaboration He added that the broadband internet ity in South-east and South-south regions of development, and has overtaken oil that used The Minister of Communications and connectivity and hosting service being offered the country, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi to be the main stay of global economies. Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, by STORM would lead to an experience that Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the According to him, “Global oil companies that while declaring open, the launch of STORM people would find efficient, reliable and with launch by the Commissioner of Science and used to be rated top ten about 15 years ago, in Enugu, stressed the need for collaboration great support. Abubakar called on the people Technology, Mr. Obi Kama, said the people of have now been overtaken by ICT companies between the public sector and the private of South-east and South-south regions to take Enugu State and the entire South-east region, that had lowly beginning. ICT is now the sector, in order to drive widespread digital advantage of the digital opportunity that had long clamoured for digital connectivity driver of global economies and Nigeria must connectivity. He was confident that the STORM Galaxy Backbone is bringing to the regions access to further drive businesses. According leverage technology to develop her citizens initiative would enhance collaboration between in collaboration with Interra Networks. to him, a number of businesses across the and her economy. The launch of STORM the public and private sectors, to further drive state have decided to engage three different is a gateway to advance faster technology digital transformation across the country. Capacity building Internet Service Providers (ISPs) at the same development, because it provides access to Pantami who connected to the event through Former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita time in order to meet the growing demands of connectivity that will enhance online visibility.” video conferencing, said in the last couple of Chidoka, who was physically present in customers who have become digitally savvy. Hs assured the South-east and South-south years, the Federal Ministry of Communications Enugu for the launch of STORM, said Nigeria’s “It is therefore our belief that with the launch people that the partnership between Galaxy and Digital Economy has championed the future development would depend on capacity of STORM, people can have access to effec- Backbone and Interra Networks, would further need to transform Nigeria into becoming one building that would drive human capital tive digital connectivity that will meet the improve access to technology that would drive of the leading digital economies in the world. development, which he said the STORM demands of people, while providing better development in the regions. According to the Minister, “In our attempt at initiative would achieve. technical support. With digital communica- “The STORM initiative will help Nigeria achieving this, we came up with the National “STORM will empower Nigerian youths tions becoming a much sort after commodity, to build on digital and intellectual resources, Digital Economy Policy and Strategy with to develop technology skills that will help there is absolutely nothing that anybody or rather than natural resources like oil and gas. the clear vision to transform Nigeria into a build the Nigerian digital economy much organisations can do without internet for The initiative will provide access to technology leading Digital Economy providing quality faster,” Chidoka said. effective digital connectivity. Enugu State will that will fast develop agriculture, education, life and digital economies for all. This vision According to him, “When I was appointed support the widespread adoption of STORM to manufacturing, e-commerce, communications, is strengthened by our mission, which guides the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety enhance digital connectivity across the state,” healthcare, among others,” Onu said. our daily activities towards building a nation Corps (FRSC), in 2014, I was confronted with Ugwuanyi said. He added that the STOTRM initiative where digital innovation and entrepreneurship the challenge of digitalising the salary structure The Commissioner of Science and Technol- would provide the infrastructure that the are used to create value and prosperity for all. of all FRSC commands in the country, which ogy in Imo State, Prof. Boniface Ginikanwa people would leverage to put an end to “With the launch of STORM, which has the led to the automation of all staff across all Nwogwu, who lauded the initiative of STORM, urban migration, while developing regions capacity to provide high speed internet and commands, and Galaxy Backbone came to said it would help the people of South-east faster and digitally. hosting services everyday across the South-east The STORM infrastructure comes with and South-south regions, covering Enugu, dedicated bandwidth, static IP address, and down to Ebonyi to Owerri, Portharcourt, With the launch of STORM, which has the capacity internet access that will enhance customer Awka, Onitsha and Asaba, the objectives of experience. Onu listed some of the packages the initiative is gradually being met.” to provide high speed internet and hosting services to include STORM Thunder, STORM School. Pantami said STORM would open up massive STORM Enterprise, STORM Cool, adding that opportunities for corporates, small businesses everyday across the South-east and South-south the various packages support line offering and for homes looking to improve the quality regions, covering Enugu, down to Ebonyi to Owerri, valuable after-sale support, advisory services of internet services at their location. We are to clients, 99 per cent reliability with fast much more convinced also that the project Portharcourt, Awka, Onitsha and Asaba, the objectives speed internet and custom solutions that are will lead to the creation of new businesses unique to the requirements of each business and bring about improvement in the living of the initiative is gradually being met and residence. 26 THISDAY ˾


 
 
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ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Committee of Vice Rack Centre Expands Tier III Data Chancellors Select Centre, Doubles Capacity Layer3Cloud Services Emma Okonji the Internet Exchange Point and an open access mast for the most recent being winner of Nigeria, it addresses the connectivity providers. of the Excellence in Data Emma Okonji our preferred choice for cloud in- Rack Centre, a carrier neutral growing need for proven The Managing Director of Centre Award at the 2021 frastructure and services, we are data centre colocation provider reliable hosting, flexible in- Rack Centre, Dr. Ayotunde DataCloud Global Awards, The Committee of Vice Chancel- excited to leverage their platform in West Africa, has completed terconnection and enabling Coker, said: “The Lagos which was held digitally and lors of Nigerian Universities with the increased availability, the doubling of its Information companies to advance their Campus data centre has grown has customarily been held in (CVCNU) has selected Layer- low latency, performance, and Technology (IT) load capac- digital transformation. to be the largest carrier neutral Monaco.” 3Cloud for its cloud services. security that come with running ity to 1.5 MW at its Lagos With 100 per cent uptime digital infrastructure hub in He added that Rack Centre The CVCNU, which is the on Layer3Cloud. campus, further serving cloud track record since inception, the West Africa and West Central had set the bar for quality in umbrella organisation for Vice- “Using Layer3Cloud also providers, content providers, expansion is the first stage of Africa, halving the latency of Africa, being the first carrier Chancellors of Nigerian Federal, allows us to fulfill the local data and enterprise customers with a trajectory that is in progress data transfer from South Africa neutral company to be Con- State and Private Universities, residency and data sovereignty additional 600 square metres to add an additional 13MW to Europe and the USA. structed Facility Certified by will use Layer3Cloud to innovate requirement of the Federal of data centre white space. of IT load capacity ready for All undersea cables are the Uptime Institute in April faster and offer its homegrown Government since the company According to the company, service in 2022 at the same directly connected, so every 2017. plagiarism detection software is a local cloud service provider the facility provides com- campus in Lagos Nigeria, the country on the Atlantic coast of In March 2020, Rack Centre code-named EagleScan. with its data centers in Nigeria.” prehensive carrier neutral company said in a statement. Africa are directly connected. announced the controlling stake By running on Nigeria’s Layer3’s Head of Cloud Busi- ecosystem benefits with over It further explained that We have achieved a track by Actis, the UK Private Equity leading cloud, CVCNU can ness, Adeniyi Osibeluwo, said: 40 carriers/Internet Service the newly completed LGS 1 record of 100 per cent uptime company, and Convergence scale its application on top of “We are living in an era of deep Providers (ISP) and a diverse facility boasts two redundant, since launch and gained an Partners, the Africa technology Layer3Cloud’s reliable infra- and rapid digital transforma- Cloudmarketplace. As a key independent, and diverse unprecedented list of high- private equity company, with structure, enhancing the site’s tion and we are proud to be Tier III Constructed Facility meet-me rooms, three fibre profile global accolades for an Jagal remaining a significant availability and reliability to give able to support the CVCNU Certified hosting location for entry routes into the facility African data centre company, investor. users in Nigeria, and around in providing them the right the world, better performance platform to launch their innova- even during periods of peak tive product. By leveraging our demand. cloud, CVCNU can access an CVCNU is leveraging the innovative infrastructure that breadth and depth of Layer- is local, agile, robust and easily 3Cloud’s features’, including adaptable to the expanding virtual data center, managed needs of their organisation.” databases, compute, storage, Layer3Cloud is Layer3’s security, and data warehous- purpose-built cloud infrastruc- ing, to accelerate innovation of ture running out of multiple new customer-facing products data centers in Nigeria. It is an and services while reducing award-winning platform with development costs for those multiple ISO certifications such products significantly. as the ISO27001 and ISO27017 Secretary General of CVCNU, as well as the PCIDSS industry Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, said: “As certification. TETFund Joins Science Granting Councils in sub-Saharan Africa Nosa Alekhuogie been jointly funded by the AWARD OF EXCELLENCE United Kingdom’s Foreign, Recipient of Vanguard’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2020 and Managing Director, Sujimoto Construction Limited, The Science Granting Councils Commonwealth and Develop- Sijibomi Ogundele (Left), with the former Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, at The Vanguard Personality of Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa ment Office (FCDO), Canada’s the Year Award in Lagos...recently (SGCI), has announced that the International Development Nigeria Tertiary Education Trust Research Centre (IDRC), South Fund (TETFund) has joined the Africa’s National Research initiative to advance research Foundation (NRF), the Swed- Foundation Partners UNESCO on Internet excellence in sub-Saharan Africa. ish International Development TETFund is an agency set up Cooperation Agency (Sida) and by the Federal Government to the German Research Foundation Governance Policy provide supplementary support (DFG). The initiative aims to Emma Okonji organised by UNESCO Head- UNESCO’s Internet Universality tion’s Secretariat, in Lagos South to all levels of public tertiary strengthen the capacities of quarters and the African ICT ROAM Principles and Indicators. West Nigeria, issued by the institutions. It’s Research and Science Granting Councils The African ICT Foundation Foundation, seeks to engage in The President of the African Director of Communication, Development (R and D) support (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa is partnering United Nations an extensive partnership with the ICT Foundation, Mr. Tony Ojobo Mr. Isaiah Erhiawarien stated is becoming an institutional refer- in order to support research and Educational, Scientific and West African Internet Governance and the Director for Partnership that Internet governance-related ence and has changed Nigeria’s evidence-based policies that will Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Forum community via the newly and Operational Programme issues would be addressed and narrative in many aspects. contribute to economic and social to host a stakeholders’ engage- launched Dynamic Coalition Monitoring, UNESCO, Marielza covered during the session. Nigeria is already a major development. ment for the advancement of of IUIs, so as to join forces for Oliveira, will give the opening According to the statement, producer of research in Africa, Through the engagement evidence-based policy making advancing evidence-based policy remark at the event that will be the Forum would allow national though a recent study suggests with TETFund, facilitated by of Internet governance making of Internet governance moderated by the West Africa leading experts from West Af- that it has the clear potential to FCDO’s West Africa Research The virtual even, which holds and fostering digital collaboration Regional Director at the Founda- rican sub-Region countries to do more, given the number of and Innovation Hub, Nigeria next week,is the first of the in line with UN SG’s roadmap tion, Dr. Kossi Amessinou and present their national assess- its 196 universities, think-tanks has become the 16th country in Foundation’s partnership with of digital cooperation. with the Executive Secretary, Mr. ment projects using Internet and research professionals. SGCI. Initially it will join other global organizations across to The discussion at the forum Bassey Emmanuel and the Benin Universality Indicators and foster Executive Secretary, Ter- SGCs through the SGCI Annual the world to deepen internet will focus on Advancing digital Focal Point Director, Nazaire further engagement with West tiary Education Trust Fund Forum, bilateral exchange visits penetration in Africa. transformation in the West Hounghihin as rapporteur. African IGF communities and (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman and other activities to share The event which is jointly Africa Sub-Region via applying A statement from the Founda- stakeholders. Elias Bogoro, said: “National lessons in managing research growth and competitiveness funds for maximum impact (in the context of globalized and to identify areas for future economy) depends very much collaboration, such as joint Zoho Advances BI, Analytics Market with on continuous technological research calls, as resources improvement and innovation become available. Self-service Platform driven by a well-organized According to the Vice- vibrant Research and Develop- President, Programs and Nosa Alekhuogie and pipeline service. ment, the Regional Manager, acting on legitimate data, which ment System. Partnership Branch at Canada’s Zoho’s end-to-end self-service Africa, Zoho Corp, Andrew can be effectively leveraged “We are confident that our International Development Zoho Corporation, a global BI Platform, which combines Bourne, said: “For data to to determine new revenue admission into SGCI will open Research Centre, Dr. Dominique technology company, has said newly-launched Zoho DataPrep be a true catalyst of business streams, refocus funds, drive a new window of opportunities Charron, “With the largest its new Business Intelligence with an enhanced version growth, there can’t be any gaps productivity, and overall gain a that will provide platforms population and economy in (BI) Platform, which is Artificial of Zoho Analytics, enables in the collection, management, competitive edge among peers that can serve as a fulcrum in Africa, Nigeria’s participation Intelligence (AI) driven data organisations to cleanse, unify, or analysis process. in their market.” achieving our goals of Nigeria’s expands the potential for the analytics solution, will empower and analyze cross-departmental “Too few BI platforms Zoho’s BI platform brings transition to a knowledge Science Granting Councils businesses to surface precise data, obtain an encyclopedic in the market excel in both together pre-built, visual dash- economy in the 21st century. We Initiative to achieve its goals of and actionable insights, through view of the company, and data preparation and analytics, boards, comprehensive data are assured of quality partner- strengthening science systems self-service data preparation ultimately move toward a which leaves businesses with integrations, data preparation, ships and collaborations on the and building alliances between and augmented analytics. more competitive business weak—or worse, flawed— augmented and embedded BI, continent of Africa and beyond.” science granting councils in Zoho also launched Zoho strategy based on real-time insights. Zoho’s BI Platform security and privacy capabili- Starting in 2015, the Science multiple regions across the sub- DataPrep, an augmented insights. is industry-leading because ties, flexible deployment models Granting Councils Initiative has continent and internationally.” self-service data preparation Announcing the develop- it ensures organisations are and scalability. 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   Marketing Lessons of COVID-19 2020 was considered not too good for new businesses to enter any market but despite the odds, a few brands, including Amber Energy Drink took the risk and weathered the storm. Raheem Akingbolu takes a look at the circumstances that helped the brand to survive the turbulence.

n the last 14 months, many businesses have faced unique and difficult chal- lenges in the face of new regulations and social distancing constraints. As a result of this ugly circumstance, manyI existing businesses have closed or are operating with reduced capacity through effective use of cashless and digital payments. Globally, brand owners recognise the strain this is placing on businesses as storefronts are seeing lower foot traffic or closing temporarily. To cushion the effect, many merchants quickly adapted business models that support customers online as well as using other measures to maintain physical distance while keeping their businesses running. It is therefore unimaginable that a new brand may choose such a period to launch into a new market. That was exactly what the management of Amber Energy Drinks Ltd did in 2020. They entered Nigeria’s market with a bang when many experts had predicted that new businesses could not survive the heat. Beyond COVID-19 and the lockdown that followed, the Amber brand from the stable of the company had more challenges to contend with but its promoters damned Adedeji the consequences. First, the energy drink market was almost saturated. Another chal- the consumers. Covid-19 pandemic and its vicious imports Through the initiative, the company has lenge is the fact that there were existing Loking back, one can simply conclude and percussions in untimely deaths, suf- succeeded in creating a huge number of brands that had become household names that the brand has actually sailed through fering, hunger, anger and isolation. entrepreneurs popularly called Amber- at the time of Amber’s arrival. Of course, bravery and boldness to dare the lions in After activating the market, the team went ssadors who now own their own in the not a few market watchers predicted that their dens and seized the market from on a social charity binge by innovating Free Nigerian enterprises sector. it would be an effort in futility but the the grip of the oldies. No wonder, its BRT Bus Ride for millions of Lagosians Then when everybody thought the brand promoters moved on. One year later, the promoters can now possibly state that and commuters just emerging from the had seen it all, its manufacturers again brand has not only survived the heat but the mustard seed planted a year ago has pains and pangs of the pandemic. launched a web-based game called “Amber beaten competitions to it. grown in equity and relevance. To consolidate the inroads the brand is Rush” that seeks to entertain, relieve and The question today is; how did the Like every business venture, the company currently making, the management just reward its teeming consumers as part of brand and its promoters make it? General came in with brand promises. It is believed re-assured stakeholders with the latest activities marking its one year anniversary Manager of Amber Energy Drinks Ltd, Ms. that it has started fulfilling the promises campaign- ‘Amber Dey For You’ which has in the Nigerian energy drinks market. Titilola Adedeji while responding to this, and proving its essence as it continues to continued to resonate with the target audi- The game, which was formally unveiled simply captured it in two sentences. “The stimulate the energy in all Nigerians. As ence even as they relish the high premium recently, is a major driver of the brand’s management of Amber Energy Drinks Ltd an enduring brand, Amber has continued quality the brand offers on their palate. one year anniversary aimed at creating believed in the market and were sure of to gain market traction and set an agenda. Observers have concluded that it is a awareness, arousing interest while inciting the quality of what they were bringing. The brand presence is beginning to be bonding that has a beginning but may more consumers purchase and also further They plugged in with confidence and felt across the country as its promoters never have an end as the brand remains bonding with the key target audience. arrays of innovative ideas and strategies spread their tentacles through the states of a legacy brand and a trustee of posterity. Commenting on the new innovation, that would empower trade partners and the Nigerian Federation with the care and As part of efforts to push the brand Adedeji, said the game is a representation connect consumers,” concern for the brand’s teeming consumers. further, the company had earlier launched of what Amber stands for which includes According to Adedeji, the joy of the Perhaps the first major step that ease an empowerment programme aimed at stimulating the energy in consumers and handlers of the brand is not only because the journey was that Amber started con- improving the standards of living of several tapping into the company’s TGs active it’s succeeding in the market but satisfac- necting with the consumers by activating thousands of Nigerian citizens in becoming lifestyle, social connections, and digital tion it has given to trade partners and the market long abandoned due to the self-employed and financially independent. convenience. GOtv’s SabiMan Initiative Impactive, Say Beneficiaries Raheem Akingbolu she could recommend enlistment for the programme to other young people, pointing ear in, year out, beneficiaries of out that a career at MultiChoice will forever GOtv’s Sabiman initiative come enrich one’s life for good. out to tell the world how the While expressing her appreciation to programme has helped them the promoters of the initiative, the young to have a breakthrough in their entrepreneur urged other organisations to businesses.G Another set of beneficiaries of follow the footsteps of the company by the empowerment platform established for impacting the lives of youths by providing Nigerian youths by Multichoice, have also employment opportunities. expressed their delights over how it has “I say a very big thank you to MultiChoice impacted and changed their economic status. Nigeria for making me a better person, Among other opportunities, Sabiman pro- for giving me a life after many lost hopes. gramme is designed to tutor participants on Indeed, MultiChoice is a place where lives the rudiments of service activation, response are changing for the better,” she added. to customer enquiries and resolution of The GOtv Sabiman and Canvasser scheme issues about GOtv services. which is a job creation through skill imparta- For the management of the PayTV com- tion and entrepreneurship is part of the pany, the initiative was introduced as part company’s contributions to empowering of their drive in empowering the youths of young Nigerians to make them contributors today across religious and ethnic divides to the economic and social well-being of the in Nigeria. As at the last count, Nigerian country. The scheme, which was established youths in their thousands have benefited and souvenir supplied by GOtv management my priority to have a good relationship with in 2016, provides willing young Nigerians from the empowerment schemes. as morale boosters, which she admitted my customers so as to promote my job,” with technical training that enables them One of the latest beneficiaries, Aghadiuno went a long way in helping her to showcase Looking back at the last five years as a to resolve various issues related to the Chiamaka from Onitsha who said she re- her works. GOtv Canvasser, Chiamaka said it is dif- GOtv service. ceived the information about the programme On what her job as a Sabiman entails, ficult to quantify how well the programme Meanwhile the testimonies shared by from her former boss, Mr. Samuel Chinwe, she said: “My job as a Sabiman agent is has impacted her but admitted that it has Chiamaka has confirmed the declaration said the initiative was not only enlightened an outdoor-to-outdoor marketing strategy successfully changed her life for the better. of the Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice but has exposed her to a lot of skills like that enables us to meet our customers’ “The impacts are countless. I don’t even Nigeria, John Ugbe, when he stated at the interpersonal skills, communication and aim in terms of finding solutions to their know where to start from but they are all beginning that the empowered youths identi- problem-solving skills. recharging problems, reconnection issues positive” she stated. fied by the company, ended up becoming She also described the various supports and others. Above all being a Sabiman, it is She was enthusiastic when asked if ambassadors for the brand. 28 THISDAY ˾
 
 
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ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD DEVELOPMENT Tackling Skills Deficit in MSME Sector Ugo Aliogo examines the growth prospects of Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country he need to train more artisans to acquire be clarity about what the expectations are in skills that will drive development in the event of any form of hazard.” the country, has become inevitable as Nigeria lacks sufficient skills in repairs Challenges of MSMEs and maintenance from various fields. In defining the problems facing MSMEs, Ayeni OrganisationT also need to invest more in their was of the view that one of the major problems corporate social responsibility programmes in of MSMEs is a lack of access to finance. order to train more people to bridge existing He argued that government support to MSMEs skills gap in the country. is still very low and when they even provide intervention funds for MSMEs don’t get to Tackling Skills Deficit those who need the finance, and at other times, Commenting on the skills deficit in the MSMEs the processes are cumbersome. space, the Founder, Field of Skills and Dreams According to him, “There is a particular (FSD), Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde, stated that machine needed for servicing air conditioning, a lot of the manufacturing industries that are it is known as AC Service station and it is sold doing well usually engage the services of foreign for N1.5 million and the highest loan I have experts, adding that tertiary institutions and received for LSTE is N250, 000. training institutes don’t teach students technical “Another challenge facing MSMEs is lack of skills that would be useful for industries. knowledge sharing. Most business owners don’t She also asserted that in the last 18years, the like sharing knowledge with their workers so training school has been providing professional that those workers cannot grow and understand and technical training for unemployed youths, the trade properly, the owners enjoy hoarding and they have realised that as the students such knowledge. As a result, when the business are given professional training, they get jobs owner is not around everything is put on hold, immediately in the labour market. which is not supposed to be. Ogunrinde said: “For the past 18years, we “There is also the issue of lack of division of have been providing professional and technical labour is a problem also facing Small businesses. training for unemployed youths. We have realised You find out that in most small businesses, that as we give them professional training, the business owner handles everything in the they get jobs immediately. I recently reviewed organisation, without delegating duties and a report which showed that we graduated 68 functions to his workers and that affects the technicians on June 15 and everyone of them business, especially when the owner is not is in a well-paying job. For most of these jobs, around.” we have no connections with the employers, we In her remarks, Ogunrinde argued that the give them the letters, ensure that our students Ogunrinde major challenge for MSMEs is the absence of have the skills and they go for their interviews the requisite information that would be needed and selection process and they are given the jobs is lacking. Another area, we have discovered is ship, cost structure, and others. It is designed to start setup and sustain viable businesses that to start immediately. The organisation confirms the digital space which keeps increasing and in such a way that you either go from left to would have a multiplier effect on the economy. with us and we give our endorsement. We are there is a knowledge deficit. It goes beyond right or right to left. It was an enlightening She hinted that many MSMEs are looking for not an agency that connects people to jobs; we being able to use the computer and our youths conference so when you are even talking to access to the right information, the market for provide the skills that grant these guys access are not ready. We need to help them by giving them about the business model canvass and their products, and who needs their services. to jobs. In the electrical installation department them those requisite skills.” how they need to put things into perspective, “Most people are of the view that MSMEs are in the school, we realised that many of our it is not as if they didn’t know, but they don’t looking for capital and the most important things students who had gone through five years Record keeping and Governance Culture have access to information and education.” to them are capital. There are some businesses of training in higher institutions don’t have The FSD boss explained that for every training that don’t require anybody’s money to setup practical knowledge of anything in that space. organised at FSD, the focus revolves around Market Growth and Business Performance especially when you are selling intellectual So the question is how many people are going teaching business owners’ management strategies, The NECA boss explained that the economic capacity. So even before you offer your service, to employ them? If they are employed their book keeping, bankable finance, and others. growth of a country is premised on MSMEs, they have paid you ahead of time. So MSMEs services will not be required in the technical skills She added that as part of the provisions of adding that it goes down to the root and takes require access to the right information that will department, but administration department.” the curriculum, the other phase of the training care of the disadvantaged and vulnerable. help them to scale up the business. Access to The FSD founder argued that tackling the skills focus on teaching the students skills that would He espoused that businesses prefer to stay information is the important thing that is lack- deficits requires training university graduates help them to access jobs in terms of teamwork, longer as MSMEs because it insulates them ing in our economy and that is what FSD has in professional technical skills programme to communication, grooming and etiquette, the against regulatory gangsterism, “even those in positioned itself to do to support MSMEs,” ensure that they are employable in industries. mindset of an entrepreneur, and others. the formal business space don’t have pleasant she stated. She remarked that many of the students after She posited that the school provides training experiences. So when you occupy your space going through the school’s intensive training for the students in the areas mentioned above as an informal business, you still have your Addressing Challenges programme become reluctant to go for internship because “we want them to understand that relief.” In addressing, the problems facing MSMEs, programmes; therefore they decide to setup on by the time they are going to startup on their Ayeni called for the provision of loans with their own and employ others to work for them. own, they should understand that business is MSMEs and Insurance Policy low-interest rates, and improving the ease of In his reactions, the Director-General, Nigeria different from personal affairs.” He remarked that the issue was not about doing business which he said would translate Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Continuing, Ogunrinde stated: “We usually adopting insurance policies, but queried the to having the enabling environment. Timothy Olawale, stated that efforts have been organise a two-day vocational conference known end results of those who even insured and if He said: “Government needs to reduce the in place to tackle the skill gap in the MSME as emerging entrepreneur to support MSMEs. The the insurance policy came through for them taxation for small businesses. The few days we space, while pointing out that 12years ago, conference doesn’t talk about vocational skills, after the destruction caused by the #ENDSARs have been here, we have been paying taxes to a survey report revealed that most factories but the only section that focuses on vocational protest. different government agencies. Another area had a deficit with regards to mid-levels and skills is the mentoring session, where we bring “We understand that some businesses were not in which government will help us is to see lower-level skills requirements. resources persons to talk about the challenges compensated because the insurance companies how they can regulate the auto spare parts He argued that the skills gap is very wide they faced in business, agro-allied, ICT, food said they defaulted in the prompt payment market that is infiltrated by crafty and dubious despite the availability of technical school and science technology and how they were able of premium. Even those that paid there were businessmen. Most of the auto spare parts we polytechnic graduates that should fill space, to overcome those challenges. so many issues of technicalities which we felt have in the market are substandard and they “we discovered that they passed through the “The focus of the training is to help emerging should not even come up. For us, as busi- are brought from China. This is the time for the school, but the school didn’t pass through them.” entrepreneurs understand what is required ness people, it is very simple, if you insure agency of government to step in and regulate He maintained that many of those graduates to scale up their businesses, management a building and it was attacked and looted, the problems in that sector.” had paper qualifications, but they were not strategies and under it, you have things such there is a value to it. All I expected was for The NECA DG stated that in positioning job-ready and jobs that are skills driven require as Business Model Canvass (BMC) that gives the insurance company to compensate me so the MSMEs for growth, there is a need for practical experience. you the understanding and clarity on what that I can get back to business, but instead, we government to review the ease of doing business According to him, “We introduced the you need to do. started seeing different technicalities that you indices and address them one after another. interventions of the technical skills project that “BMC is pictorial information that describes insure the building, not the content, which was He stressed that access to capital is very critical we are partnering with the Industrial Training your business just at a glance. It has nine major aligned to the owner of the business, the facility to the growth and survival of MSMEs, adding Fund (ITF) on. Our focus is to identify our aspects which include value proposition, channels, was insured against fire and natural disaster that there is a need to free capital for MSMEs. partners such as FSD that are willing to make revenue streams, target size or market, raw not against looting. I’m saying it is not good “There are a lot of windows that the federal available their training centers for us to support materials sourcing, key activities, key partner- to take up insurance policies, but there must government has created through the Central these MSMEs with equipment and funding, so Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unfortunately they that they can train these youths on these skills are political windows that the MSMEs find that they are deficient in society. We are not difficult to access because of the bottlenecks only focusing on the factories, because even Our focus is to identify our partners such as FSD that are and conditions that different MSMEs cannot when you train for the world of work, there meet. There is need to review those conditions is a limit to how much you can train which is willing to make available their training centres for us to and make it easy for them to be able to enjoy why most of them are really relevant especially support these MSMEs with equipment and funding, so the benefits in all those schemes. those of them that focus on the daily skills of “Importantly, there is need for experience the MSMEs, so that these youths can become that they can train these youths on these skills that they sharing, our policymakers and implementers employers of labour. should create that forum where they listen to “We have had wonderful testimonies when are deficient in society. We are not only focusing on the the MSMEs and share experience, and they we graduate these students; however you can factories, because even when you train for the world of take learning points from them on what they only do the much your funding capacity can are going through in business. But what we take which is also one of the reasons why we are work, there is a limit to how much you can train, which have done today is that representatives of showcasing the model to the federal government is why most of them are really relevant especially those government feel they know what is good for to expand the capacity to accommodate more MSMEs without getting feedback from those youths. The jobs are available, but the capacity of them that focus on the daily skills of the MSMEs concerned.” THISDAY ˾

 
 
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BUSINESSWORLD DEVELOPMENT Brifo: Food-affiliated Industries Can Operate with Best Ingredients Managing Director of Freddy Hirsch Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Kojo Brifo, speaks on food insecurity, the impact of AFCFTA on food sustainability and the supply chain vulnerabilities of food manufacturers in Nigeria. Ugo Aliogo presents the excerpts:

ou play in the food industry across lenge on local manufacturers who now have Africa. Can you share what you to spend more to produce the same product think are the challenges of food in our quite elastic market. security in Nigeria? The current state of the affairs has also affected Food Security is very critical for the supply chain. The ports are congested theY socio-economic development growth of and it takes a long time to get your goods any country. In Nigeria, the current state of from/to the port via sea. The other option a high reliance on food imports, erratic food is airfreight which is about 4x the cost of supply, and supply shocks due to crisis, for sea freight. instance in the North and the high costs of Food ingredients businesses have complex food reveals the vulnerability of the country supply chains with many unique characteristics: to food insecurity. We have to find a way to tight margins, fresh products that may spoil, improve that. There are impliedly several gaps expiration dates on products, complicated to tackle; last-mile, supply side, distribution, inbound requirements, and more. Getting marketplace, logistics, and others. There is the right volume of products at the right also the lack of infrastructure, limited rural time, and at the right location, is no easy development, credit, and land for farming. A task. These supply chain vulnerabilities are key challenge across the entire food chain is more pronounced in African countries, with the lack of resources to modernize our current ineffective logistics and transportation systems agricultural production process. We need to and so on. adopt technology and mechanization more, as, without technology, we would not be able You mentioned supply chain vulnerabili- to increase productivity. Our value chains ties as critical issues for food manufacturers. need to be integrated. Can you shed more light on this? A significant challenge is our lack of Our suppliers give us lead times of six to manufacturing firms that can process raw eight weeks when we place an order, but to materials into value-added products. For avoid disappointments, we typically add an instance, the Birds Eye Chili is grown in average of three to four weeks as the transit West Africa, yet it is exported to countries time for the goods, followed by about two to that process it and turn it into products like three weeks for clearing at the ports. Things chili extracts, oleoresin peppers, and other have changed, the transit time and clearing flavors used to make hot chili sauces; this times have increased. You can now do six is then sold back to West Africa at a higher months waiting for a food ingredient, with most cost value. The Nigerian ginger is the most Brifo of the time at local ports. Another challenge dynamic in the world as its attributes are is also land transportation to our warehouse. many, yet we export the raw ginger, which is must develop the competence to transform in Africa? The road network in the port creates huge transformed outside the continent and used our agricultural systems into profitable and The African continental free trade agreement traffic. At Freddy Hirsch Nigeria, we have for commercial products that are sold back to sustainable systems and introduce some form is welcoming news for the African continent. It to overcome these bottlenecks by placing us. Without value-adding firms, we cannot of end-to-end processing from raw materials aims to expand intra-African trade and boost emphasis on planning and looking at local guarantee food security. to finished goods. economic growth. Africa depends on exports solutions in the ingredients business. Thanks to inadequate storage systems, We can increase the federal allocation for of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, To satisfy our customers, and achieve our inaccessible road networks and dysfunctional agriculture and rural development from less coffee, cotton, and spices. However, we are vision of creating authentic African flavours agricultural value chains. About 50 per cent than three per cent to about 10 per cent of also a huge importer of finished food products and tastes, we have invested in a Research, (230 million tonnes) of agricultural produce the national budget, as specified in the 2003 such as chocolate, sauces, dairy, and oil which Development, and Application laboratory and a is wasted in sub-Saharan Africa annually. For Maputo Declaration, and develop an institutional is a huge concern. Total trade between African manufacturing facility with world-class quality Nigeria and the rest of Africa to improve its framework across stakeholders to support countries is very low, under two per cent. The management systems, in Nigeria, where our food security, it has to urgently tackle these subsidies, credit financing, and insurance for AFCFTA can change the dynamics, increasing experts develop flavors for various application issues. small and rural farmers. We must also create free trade among Africa countries at low or areas, especially savory foods, sweet applications, an enabling environment for more marge-scale no tariffs will improve the flow of goods and and beverages tailored to the African market. COVID-19 has impacted almost all investors to create state-of-the-art processing services across the countries. The potential These facilities allow us to tap into the pulse industries, some positively, some inversely. firms, good roads, and irrigation systems. is huge. The policymakers should expedite and gain valuable insights from our customers, How has it impacted food security in Also, thanks to the African Continental this agreement. In the agric processing sector, meet the unique taste preferences of the regional Nigeria? Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its potential each part of the continent should identify market and develop competitive solutions in One of the major economic implications to lift millions of people out of poverty and strategic commodities that can be harvested culinary, bakery, confectionery, and dairy. With of COVID-19 is the weakened levels of food end chronic food insecurity in Africa, African and processed, and exchange within the regions. these competencies, we can offer cost and security in many countries. Global hunger nations can improve food security by developing This will accelerate Africa’s economy. FOREX savings with best in class in-country numbers that were already dire before the inclusive regional value chains around priority food ingredients and flavors to reduce capital outbreak of COVID-19, underline how desperate commodities, led by a dynamic and diverse As a leading African provider of extracts flight, drive job growth and improve the lives the situation has become. World hunger had private sector of smallholders, commercial for spices, ingredients, and flavours, of our teeming youth population. been rising before the pandemic, increased farmers, processors, and service providers. you provide essential services to food significantly: for instance, the World Food It is expected that strengthening national manufacturers in Africa. What are the How is the pandemic affecting consumers’ Programme (WFP) estimated the number of food production capacities and linkages to challenges you see in the food flavour food and flavour interests? undernourished people in the 35 countries regional markets will provide a strong basis and food manufacturing industry? We have seen consumer trends shifting within which it works increased a whopping for countries to boost regional trade. The There is some reliance by manufacturers on towards clean labels and natural products; 60 per cent within a year, from 177 million to increased integration of stakeholders along foreign items. In producing food ingredients health and wellness. This has created additional over 296 million. With its vulnerable agricultural agricultural value chains, from farmers to and flavors, there are two components; the opportunities for innovation that can boost food chain, several countries in Africa were processors, transporters to retailers, is likely to local component, which involves the items you health. This immunity-type product comes severely affected by the pandemic, with huge create sustainable jobs and improve long-term have or can procure locally, and the imported with a taste challenge. Our role is to provide supply chain disruptions. In Nigeria, food agricultural productivity and, ultimately, food component. During COVID-19, up till now, we food ingredients and flavors that taste good, insecurity in Nigeria has been aggravated security and nutrition. have seen the Nigerian Naira being devalued We know that ‘Taste is King’. Our team cre- by myriad factors, including communal to other currencies and a FOREX shortage. To ates systems that improve health as well as conflicts, the presence of militant groups How will the African Continental Free order from abroad, you need FOREX, which enhance taste. like Boko Haram, violent clashes between Trade Area (AFCFTA), improve food security is unavailable. This has placed a huge chal- For our customers, we have made a difference herders and farmers, and COVID-19. in the supply chain management, They are Specifically, COVID-induced border closures looking for ingredients and flavors companies and lockdowns reduced food access, reduced These facilities allow us to tap into the pulse and like Freddy Hirsch, which is based in Nigeria production as many agro process companies who are flexible, require low minimum order were unable to manufacture due to a shortage gain valuable insights from our customers, meet the quantities, short lead times, and also trade of resources such as raw materials, process in Naira as compared to huge FOREX costs. equipment parts, etc. So, COVID-19 impacted unique taste preferences of the regional market and Freddy Hirsch is uniquely focused on providing Nigeria like other African countries. develop competitive solutions in culinary, bakery, local solutions with speed and agility. We are passionate about what we do and partner our What are the opportunities for food confectionery, and dairy. With these competencies, customers to provide winning solutions. Our security in African countries, and what are customers are looking for end-to-end solutions the similarities you see across countries? we can offer cost and FOREX savings with best in post-Covid 19 and we have become an extension The opportunities lie in the ability of West class in-country food ingredients and flavours to of our customers, thanks to our research and Africa to enter food production, processing, and development capabilities. At Freddy Hirsch distribution. We have good land to cultivate reduce capital flight, drive job growth and improve Nigeria, we understand the taste of West Africa produce. The opportunities lie in manufactur- and our goal is to create customized taste ing and adding value to the product. We the lives of our teeming youth population solutions for the regional market. 30 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 31 32 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 35 36 THISDAY ˾

 
 
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Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala IMAGES Email [email protected]

L-R: Head, Media and Marketing, Rotimi Ogunwede; Executive Head of Content and West Africa channels, L-R: District Chair, West African Project Fair Rotarian Nosa Edo-Osagie, District Chair, Public Image Rotarian MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola; Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho,and, Kelechi Ekezie, President Rotary Club of Warri Rotarian Helen Douglas and Past Assistant Governor Innocent Head of Business Development, Abeg App, Ayo Akinola at the Big Brother Season 6 Media Briefing in Lagos… Azeke during the installation ceremony of the District Governor, District 9141 Andy Eyone Uwejeyan in recently Asaba...recently

L R: The Country Director PharmAccess Foundation, Njide Ndili and Executive Secretary National Health L-R: Controller of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr Liman Ibrahim; Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Mohammed Nasir Sambo, at the signing of MOU between PharmAccess Idi Gubana; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Wali and others, during the inauguration and Foundation Nigeria and NHIS to provide technical assistance on accreditation and quality improvement tools handover of newly acquired firefighting truck by the Controller-General to Yobe to state government in in Abuja... recently Damaturu…recently

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (4thleft) and the organizers of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organization during the inaugural dinner in Abuja..recently

Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau State Command, Alexander Barunde; Comptroller of NIS, Plateau State Command, Kemi Nandap and the Representative of the Comptroller- General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Tijani Lawal, during the closing ceremony of the 2021 Nationwide Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (right) and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi SERVICOM/Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit sensitisation and enlightenment campaign in Jos.. Ganduje during the presentation of an award of the Leading Governor in Infrastructure/Education to Ganduje recently at the House of Representatives Press Corps Annual Dinner/Award of Excellence in Abuja…recently THURSDAY JULY 22, 2021 • THISDAY 37 38 THISDAY ˾
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[email protected], HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Tel: 07010510430 FCT on Red Alert over Cholera Outbreak The spread of cholera in the nation’s capital and across the country in the last six months is highly concerning, Ola- wale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo report

holera is a highly virulent gastro habitually defecate in the bushes around the camp intestinal disease characterised in and in some of the improvised conveniences that its most severe form by a sudden litter the open spaces as almost all the blocks onset of acute watery diarrhea don’t have toilets. that can lead to death arising “Lack of toilet is major problem here. I reliably from dehydration. learned that there is a standing order from the CIn the last one month, an increasing number building engineers to the IDPs not to use the toilets of cholera cases has been reported across states as the buildings have not formally handed over to of the federation. The most affected states are government, which is yet to pay the contractors Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa, for the job executed”. Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory. This claim was reinforced by another resident, A report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Samuel Musa. He said many of the houses in the Control (NCDC), said 10,833 suspected cholera camp lack conveniences. cases have been reported in 15 states, including But the FCTA has said it is taking proactive the FCT between January and June this year. Row of buildings at the Wassa IDP camp measures to tackle the sudden outbreak of Cholera The number of confirmed cases is 112 while in the FCT. the fatality is 289. Kawu said the Health and Human Services The FCT has witnessed the most frightening Secretariat (HHSS) has commenced sanitisation and outbreak of the sporadic faeco-oral disease during the advocacy visit to the heads of key management raining season. This results from the contamination agencies in the Territory. of food matters and water sources by pathogens. The HHSS also said its officials have identified The outbreak is usually triggered by poor living and met with key stakeholders such as Abuja conditions and lack of access to potable water Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), FCT supply, in over-crowded communities. Water Board and the management of FCT Rural As at the last count, about 514 suspected cases Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), have been reported in the current outbreak in towards curtailing the outbreak. three Area Councils of the FCT. On his part, Sani said the FCT Administration was The worst affected area councils are Bwari, also working very closely with the National Primary Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Gwagwalada. all the necessary interventions to end the scourge While giving situational updates on the outbreak of the disease in the Territory. at a recent advocacy meeting with various agencies, He said continuous surveillance on communities the acting Director, FCT Public Health Department, Makeshift convenience that serves the people in the camp with suspected cases were being conducted in Dr. Saddiq Abdulraheem, said 36 deaths have so the six Area councils of the FCT to confirm the far been recorded since the outbreak of the disease. prevalence of the disease. Early in July, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) He said the FCTA had taken several measures to FCT Minister, Abubakar Sani presented the to stop the further spread of Cholera as well as latest figure on the number of cases. provide the highest level of care to those affected The update via a statement was sequel to the by the disease. first official pronouncement on the outbreak in June Some of the measures taken from early May 2021 by the Acting Secretary FCT Health and Human when the diarrheal outbreak was reported in the Services Secretariat (HHSS), Dr Mohammed Kawu. FCT include: the formation of Cholera Emergency According to Kawu, the seven deaths in the Operation Centres and training and sensitisation territory were linked to 91 suspected cases and of health care providers in both secondary and were all reported in AMAC. primary healthcare facilities and some private ones He said that HHSS immediately began to as well as community sensitisation on causes and investigate the cases after it received complaint means of treating and prevention of Cholera. of sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in some FCT The FCTA also said it had embarked on high communities. level engagement with all the six Area Councils The communities were Dei-Dei, Zuba, Shenagum, Dilapidated house in the camp chairmen, religious and traditional leaders on Kubwa and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP handling the scourge. Camp) in Wassa. Also the NCDC, which is the lead agency on He noted that the secretariat deployed some infectious disease control in the country, said that Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, drugs and it has activated a multi-sectoral National Cholera consumables to some of the facilities that have Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), following reported Cholera cases. an increase in cholera cases across the country. But sadly, that intervention, however, has failed The EOC is co-led with the Federal Ministries to stop the transition as many more people are of Environment and Water Resources, given falling sick to the bacteria. the link between cholera and water, sanitation A good case is the Wassa Resettlement com- and hygiene. The National EOC has also been munity, better known as the IDP camp, where supporting states to ensure a coordinated, rapid many of the dwellers, resettled from crisis torn and effective response to the ongoing outbreak. communities in the North-east and some parts of This includes the deployment of National Rapid Kaduna State, live in squalid conditions. Response Teams (RRT) to support the response The Secretary of the IDP camp, Usman Ibrahim at state level, provision of medical and laboratory revealed that the 5,317 people that presently reside supplies, scale up of risk communications amongst in camp divided into seven divisions are exposed other activities. Additionally, the resources that have to Cholera because of the hazardous hygienic been developed as part of Nigeria’s COVID-19 conditions. L-R: Chairman of the IDP camp, Mr Geoffrey Bitrus; Secretary, Usman Ibrahim; and a health worker, Taminu response are being used to strengthen the response to He clarified that though eight cholera cases Osu, fronting the health centre, recently renovated by the wife of COAS, Mrs Salamatu Faruk the cholera outbreak. This includes the digitalisation have been confirmed in the camp, only two of the national surveillance system, establishment persons have died from the disease.The victims, for procuring two generators for the camp and specialises in bore hole drilling, said the scale of of laboratories and treatment centres, training of who were elderly residents, died before they got other relief items when a delegation of the Nigerian the cholera outbreak that afflicted the community health workers among others. proper medical attention. Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) on had been downplayed because of lack of data Cholera is a preventable and treatable epidemic Ibrahim blamed the tendency of the people Humanitarian outreach programme visited the given that the residents mainly patronise local -prone disease which is transmitted by eating or to be drinking from the nearby stream due to camp on July 5 to commemorate Nigerian Army chemists if the need for medical intervention arose. drinking contaminated food or water. The number lack of access to portable water as the cause of Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021. “There was a time I had a meal with a man at of cholera cases tends to increase with the onset of the outbreak. “The problem here is the water that is not a canteen but two days, he died of Cholera. In the the rainy season. The risk of death from cholera “Lack of clean water is the cause of the outbreak. clean. Besides many residents live in squalid same week, about seven people died of Cholera, is higher, when treatment is delayed. It is very Although we have about seven bore holes in the conditions that is not good for habitation. We but the data was never collated. The outbreak important to visit a health facility if you have camp, regrettably not all of them are working. are appealing to government to resolve the water spilled over to the nearby Madalla Village, leading symptoms such as watery diarrhea and vomiting. As a result, women have been fetching water challenge by providing more generators to aid to the death of unspecified number of people. The NCDC urged members of the public to be from the stream that is contaminated with human the pumping of the bore holes that are serving “I have started telling people I know to be aware of the risk of the disease and adhere to g faeces,” Ibrahim said. the seven quarters,” he said. careful about their eating habit given the outbreak precautionary measures to ensure safety including He said the bore holes had not been put into In addition, he appealed to the Federal Capital here. Although there is a borehole here, it can boiling and storing of water in a clean and safe use in the last three months due to unavailability Development Authority (FCDA) to hasten to the barely produce enough water, warranting many container before drinking. of generating sets to power them given that the completion of the proposed health centre designated go to the stream to source water which is impure Washing of hands frequently with soap under camp is not connected to the national gridlock. to service the community. He lamented that work and contaminated with pathogens,” Joshua said. clean running water to prevent infectious diseases Ibrahim, who is from Bornu State, thanked the on the health centre has been abandoned half way. He also decried the poor attitude of most the including cholera. This is especially important after wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Salamatu Faruk Joshua, who resides in the community and IDPs to personal hygiene. He said that the people defecation and before handling food or eating. THISDAY ˾
 , JULY 22, 2021 39 NEWS [email protected]; Website: lifelinkfertility.com FG to Protect Nine Million Vulnerable FERTILITY 08033083580 Children with ARC Project Repeated Ivf/ Implantation Sunday Ehigiator mission was to facilitate pro- expand, deepen and broaden grammemes that will ensure the the scope of the programme. Failure (RIF) Part 1 The Special Adviser to the integration of at-risk children She added that the programme President on Social Investments, and young adults by creating would be institutionalised to Mrs Maryam Uwais, has revealed opportunities for skills and continue beyond the President that over nine million Nigerian empowerment to reduce their Muhammadu Buhari administra- children exposed to violence, vulnerabilities. tion and called for support from abuse, neglect, exploitation and She said ARC-P would nurture Corporate Nigeria to implement exclusion would be protected children with dignity and respect, interventions including basic by the newly launched At-Risk raise equal citizens and bridge literacy and numeracy, health Children Project (ARC-P) by her the poverty gap. and nutrition, entrepreneurial, office. “A key objective of the financial literacy and vocational Mrs Uwais made this known programme will provide pro- skills and digital skills. in Lagos, at the unveiling of the tection and hope to youth and Responding, some of the programme, which she described children who are vulnerable, for a companies, including Lafarge as a strategic national response to productive life through learning, Africa Plc, ANAP Holdings, address the problem of vulner- combined with improved health Airtel Nigeria, International able children. outcomes, values and skills. Finance Corporation, Flour She explained that the ARC-P’s “It will also provide Mills of Nigeria, Wema Bank, vision was to comprehensively meaningful, impactful and Aliko Dangote Foundation, FBN address cross-cutting concerns pragmatic quality programmes Quest Trustees, StanbicIBTC, of at-risk children and provide that empower the children to InterSwitch, Murtala Muhammed them with a life of dignity. become productive to themselves, Foundation and Accelerex “In the family and communi- their families, communities and Network, all commended the ties, children should be fully society.” initiative. protected so they can survive, She further disclosed that the They noted that it was an grow, learn and develop to their programme would leverage on innovation that would help fullest potential,” she said. successfully tried and tested resolve the out-of-school children She added that the project’s intensive learning initiatives, to problem and insecurity. ssisted Reproductive Technology endometrial polyps, intrauterine adhesion and (ART) seem to have the answer hydro-salpinx) can interfere with normal implanta- to most forms of infertility chal- tion. When possible, the intrauterine abnormality Kidney Disease Now a lenge, it may be however very should be examined by ultrasonography and discouraging to be faced with hysteroscopy. Hysterosalpinogram or hydro-salpinx, Global Burden - Dr. Osunbor repeated Invitro Fertilization (IVF) with laparoscopy can be done to confirm or refute failuresA which is an indication that the embryos (a diagnosis if necessary. Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ
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the increase in Chronic Kidney care by government, especially baby in the early stage of development) transferred Thrombophilia: Although the thrombophilic Disease (CKD) in the country, through health insurance schemes into the womb did not implant and pregnancy state is either inherited or acquired, it has been A Consultant and Case Man- Osunbor said the disease had and regular routine screening has failed for that cycle. mainly associated with repeated pregnancy loss. ager, Stella Obasanjo Hospital risen astronomically as one of the programme. At present, worldwide IVF success rate ranges Several investigations have reported an association in Edo State, Dr. Osariemen major causes of death globally. “There should also be from 30-35%, with cycle to cycle variation ranges between RIF and a tendency for increased ability Osunbor, has said that kidney According to him, “While the awareness and enlightenment up to 50-60%, a number which has remained of blood to form clot (hyper coagulations). It disease is gradually tilting towards case of HIV that ranked above programmes about kidney static for so many years. IVF has helped many is assumed that the mechanism of implantation being a global pandemic. CKD in 1990 have decreased disease,” he said. couples across the globe to complete their families failure is similar to that of pregnancy loss, mainly He expressed fears that the over the years, that of the kidney Also, Dr Egbe Enobakhare, and experience the joy of parenthood but the disturbed blood flow to the endometrium and disease which occupied the disease had continued on it who spoke on the topic: “Gender heartbreak and emotional trauma surrounding placenta. Disturbed blood flow on one hand 27th position in the causes of upward movement unabated.” Based Voilence (GBV) During the repeated failed IVF cycles remains. A failed can hamper endometrial receptivity and on the deaths in 1990 to 18th position Dr. Osunbor attributed the COVID - 19 Lock Down, called IVF takes an emotional toll on a woman who other hand cause miscarriage. For patient with in 2010, is now the 10th position reason for this rise to lack of for actions on responses to be is attempting pregnancies as well as financial RIF, diagnosed with thrombophilia, treatment as the leading cause of deaths awareness and inadequate stepped up. toll on families, with a single IVF cycle costing with medications that thins the blood has been worldwide. enlightenment campaign on The Wife of the Governor, million of Naira shown to significantly improve implantation, as Osunbor expressed this ap- the subject matter, adding Mrs Betsy Obaseki, who was This week’s discussion would be looking at well as in clinical pregnancy rate in subsequent prehension in Benin City, on the that “CKD ranked among the the special guest of honour, all the possible causes of repeated implantation IVF attempts. occasion of the second Ordinary causes of premature deaths as its commended the doctors for failure, resulting in numerous IVF attempts, the Immunological factors: A number of studies General Meeting/Scientificestimated prevalence is between their steadfastness improving evaluation and current trends in the treatment have shown that the immune system plays a major Conference of the Association 16 to 18 percent globally which the health indexes of the state. of RIF. role in the process of implantation and in the of Resident Doctors (ARD), Edo varies from country to country.” She noted that her office will subsequent maintenance of pregnancy. A conception State Health Management Board. He also said: “The disease continue to give priority to issues What Is Repeated Implantation Failure? must be recognised as non-self in order not to The consultant who gave a is constituting a drain on the of GBV that she is passionate (RIF) trigger an immunological process that prevents lecture on the topic, “The Menace economy of countries as it about. Repeated Implantation Failure is diagnosed the maternal immune system from rejecting it. of Chronic Kidney Disease; Way majorly affects the economically Represented by Dr. Bridget when transferred embryos fail to implant following The HLA compatibility system evidently plays Forward”, declared that the productive age of between 25 Okaeguale, Mrs Obaseki said, several In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment cycles. a vital role in this recognition. disease has become a global and 45 years.” “I have been doing and will This means that at least three or more consecu- HLA means Human Leucocyte Antigen; they burden. Osunbor identified urgent and continue to do my best as regards tive IVF treatment has been carried out with at are proteins or makers found on most cells of one’s While describing as ‘alarming,’ adequate funding for kidney GBV.” least 1-2 high grade embryos transferred back body. The immune system uses these markers to to the womb at each attempt without successful recognise which cells belong to one’s body and pregnancy. The failure may be a consequence of which do not. Couples who share the same HLA COVID-19 Created Poverty, uterine or embryo factors. alleles may experience recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated implantation failure. What is Implantation? The reason why this is so, is poorly understood. Nigerian Music Artiste Rues The process of implantation involves two However inadequate response of the maternal Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ
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to be affected in 2021. music, while saying his genre have the potential to implant and a receptive antigen, due to HLA sharing has been implicated, Frannels described the situa- is spiritual. endometrium (inner layer of the womb where an this usually results in imbalance of T-helper cells Nigerian Artiste, Amodu tion as unfriendly for business, The up and coming embryo or embryos are attached). These factors which basically are immune cells, causing the Francis Eneojo, has bemoaned that noting that the artistes during musician,who has his latest are mandatory for successful implantation and maternal systems to become intolerant to the fetus. COVID-19 and its aftershocks are the period were left to make release as “Trail” which was subsequent normal placentation. Management of immunological factors includes threatening to wipe out decades music and spend time with released on March 12, 2021, These processes are under thorough investigation carrying out immunological screenings to identify of hard-earned progress in the families. noted that he has the intention and seem to involve many mediators originating women with immunological problems as well as fight against extreme poverty. Speaking on how it effected of releasing a new album. in the embryos, as well as in the endometrium, couple with same HLA allele. Eneojo, popularly know as his career as a musician and the He appealed to the elite ar- and also involve the maternal immunological r
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with low on shows and events. He confessed the difficulty an most popular song: “Gbege,” tion Failure reported to suppress the normal activity of NK The pandemic for the first time artiste will encounter without a described his type of music as Causes may be classified as: Maternal Factors (natural killer) cells in the body. The infusion of in more than 20 years, led to a show will compel him to spend more or less an afrobeat kind or Embryonic Factors. 20% Intralipid solution has also been reported rise in global poverty. time at home with friends in sound. to improve outcome in women with RIF, a 50% The World Bank estimated Nigeria. He advised the federal “Personally, I would describe Maternal Factors. pregnancy rate was achieved using Intralipid in that the number of people liv- government to be guided by my music as the heart’s radio. I Assessment of the Uterine Anatomy: The first women with RIF insome studies with no differ- ing in extreme poverty globally conscience and do the right always express myself and put step in evaluation should be the uterus (womb) ence in other studies. IL is normally administered increased by 120 million (includ- thing to minimise the hardship together my life experiences in and the integrity of the uterine cavity. Anatomical between day 4 and day 9 of the ovarian stimulation ing 40 million in Africa) in 2020 orchestrated by the pandemic my music. I don’t really create malformations of the uterus, either congenital and again within 7 days of a positive pregnancy due to the pandemic. in as a way of lessening the music from abstract. I use the (septate uterus or bicomuate uterus) or acquired test…TO BE The outlook is grimmer still hardship inflicted on the masses things around me, people’s experi- (uterine fibroids especially submucosal fibroids as a further increase of up to by the pandemic. ences and events,” Frannels said. growing into the uterine cavity or endometrium, TO BE CONTINUED 40 THISDAY ˾
 , JULY 22, 2021 NEWS Rotary Maryland Gives Succor to Ososa Residents Alatishe, expressed gratitude to developments not just because tory,” while assuring the club an outpatient unit. Rebecca Ejifoma of diseases.” God and the club. “It’s a fantastic our sons and daughters in the that they would take care of the Others present at the The commissioning of the project, not just in line with my diaspora are giving back to the portacabin. “We will make the commissioning included the Monday June 28 this year project falls under two areas of profession as a medical doctor, community, but because the best use of it”. Special Adviser to Ogun State will remain a remarkable day focus of Rotary. They include but in line with our aspiration government also recognises The health portacabin, which Governor on Health, Dr Tayo for residents of Ososa community disease prevention and treatment, and vision for our people.” some of the things we have is fully equipped to start opera- Lawal, representing the Com- in Ogun State, who witnessed and also enhance maternal and Alatishe described Ososa been doing. tions immediately, comprises a missioner for Health Ogun the unveiling of a fully equipped child health. town as formerly laid-back, “We are hoping that a number consulting room, observation State, Dr. Tomi Coker; and the medical portacabin at the Ososa “As you are aware, this is slippery and majorly agrarian of things like that will continue room, kitchenette, bathroom and Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Centre in a community that has a lot of in nature. “Since we came here, to come to our community. The a toilet. It is meant to support PHC Development Board, Dr. the state. elderly people. The elderly people we have been having a series of next thing we need is a labora- the work of the Ososa PHC, as Elijah Ogunsola among others. This medical intervention need basic healthcare to sustain project was powered by Rotary their health. So they will have Club of Maryland, Lagos in access to healthcare from this partnership with the Ogun portacabin we donated. State government, Rotary Club “We did not just donate the of Kuching Central District 3310, project, it’s in collaboration with and Rotary Club of Singapore the Ogun State government Min- District 3310. istry of Health, who will ensure For the young and old in sustainability and maintenance Ososa, this health cabin will of the project going forward. prevent maternal and child “Before the donation of the morbidity and mortality as well project, Rotary Club of Maryland as treat and prevent diseases. carried out a needs assessment. The President, Rotary Club Consequently, they understood of Maryland, Rotarian Obafemi that Ososa women didn’t have ac- Obadina, expressed: “I’m quite cess to anti and prenatal services excited because the project is and some of them give birth in going to touch so many lives their homes. “We all know it’s possible.” not ideal,” Obadina frowned. Apart from donating it, the Following the assessment, the club also furnished the cabin club pledged to bridge the gap with the necessary equipment. to accessing healthcare service, Obadina emphasised, “It’s going hence, the commissioning of the to save a lot of lives, reduce cabin. L-R: President Rotary Club of Maryland; Rotarian Obafemi Obadina; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Health, Dr Tayo Lawal; the maternal and child death, and In his reaction, the Gbegande Gbegande of Ososa-Ijebu, HRH Oba (Dr) Adetoye Alatishe; Past District Governor Rotary International District 9110 Rotarian Kola Sodipo; Past it will treat and prevent a lot of Ososa-Ijebu, Oba (Dr) Adetoye District Governor Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian (Dr) Wale Ogunbadejo NGC Commissions Senate Mulls Passing Law to Establish FCT College Civic, Health Centres in of Nursing and Midwifery Edo Communities Olawale Ajimotokan
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Manager, Public Affairs Division The Senate Committee on general public to make inputs needed legislation for the age support from multilateral institu- of NNPC, Dr. Kenny Obateru, Federal Capital Territory(FCT), and comments on the bill. long health institution. tions as well as boost man power The Nigerian Gas Company who was represented by the has considered a bill for an Act The FCT College of Nursing Bello was represented by the development for the health sector (NGC) subsidiary of the Nigerian Manager, Community Relations, for the establishment of the and Midwifery started in 1981 FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. of the Territory. National Petroleum Corporation Mrs. Doris Ohia, congratulated Federal Capital Territory College at a temporary site in Suleja, Olusade Adesola. He proposed some recom- (NNPC), has commissioned and the benefiting communities of of Nursing and Midwifery and Niger State and has since been He expressed his delight mendations to the bill, such as handed over a Civic Centre and Oben and Evboesi, for creating other related matters 40 years functioning without legal backing. over the proposed bill during making provision prohibiting a Basic Health Centre to Oben the enabling environment for the after the College of Nursing Stating some of the derivable his presentation to the Com- exclusion or discrimination based and Evboesi communities in projects which will improve the and Midwifery Gwagwalada, benefits of the bill, Chairman, Sen- mittee on the bill for an Act to on race, religion, gender, among Orhionmwon Local Government social economic life of the people. has been operating without an ate Committee on FCT, Senator provide for the establishment others. Area of Edo State. The Managing Director of Ni- enabling Act. Abubakar Kyari said the bill will of the FCT College of Nursing On the bill for an Act to The company said the facili- gerian Gas Marketing Company Senate President, Ahmed provide training and research in and Midwifery and other related establish AGIS and for related ties were part of its promises to (NGMC), Farouk Usman who Lawan stated this at the public nursing and midwifery and other matters and the bill for an Act to matters, he said the core function live up to it’s corporate social was represented by the General hearing on the bill for an Act specialties of nursing, leading establish the Abuja Geographic of the AGIS is to record, store responsibility to host communities Manager (Commercial), Mrs. to provide for the establishment to the award of professional Information Systems(AGIS) and and manage geospatial data on as a company. In his address, Chuddy Okocha, also thanked the of the FCT College of Nursing certificates, diplomas and other for related matters. land and attributes generated NGC Managing Director, Seyi communities for the opportunities and Midwifery and other related post basic certificates and such Canvassing reasons for by core stakeholders in land Omotowa, who was represented to erect the projects in their land. matters. He described the bill as other courses as may be approved members to see the need to enact administration in digital form by the Director, Support Services, He said: “Without your permis- crucial for the development of by the Nursing and Midwifery enabling law for the College, the and therefore a passage of the Mrs. Uche Ossai, said the commis- sion, the company, wouldn’t have the FCT. He was represented at Council of Nigeria and National minister explained that apart from bill in its present form will clash sioning of the projects in the two been able to do this. Without the hearing by Senate Minority Board of Technical Education. In bringing efficiency and effective- the responsibilities of existing communities, was the company’s you collaborating with us, there Whip, Senator Philip Aduda. reaction, FCT Minister, Malam ness in the management of the statutory departments of the contribution to the development wouldn’t have been this project. He expressed confidence Muhammad Musa Bello described College, giving the School legal administration. of the communities which they I thank you for your supports. cherished dearly as two of the We ask that you continue to serve most peace- loving communities. any other subsidiary of NNPC Experts Warn Sickle Cell Patients against Opioid Pain Relievers Omotowa said that as a com- the same way you have served pany, it will continue to solicit for us and even better.” Rebecca Ejifoma the drug is available in many that one of the things SCFN from the UK and the US,” the communities cooperation and In an address read by the pharmacies. “Please be warned,” is promoting is the use of she said. assistance in the maintenance of Secretary of Oben community The Chairman Sickle Cell he implored, “Don’t go and take nonpharmacological means of The comprehensive state peace in order to support NGC’s Elders Council and the Enogie of Foundation of Nigeria (SCFN), this pentazocine.” handling pain. “Many of our of the art BMT centre, SCFN business growth aspirations for Oben, HRH Odojijie Ogiewonyi, Prof. Olu Akinyanju has warned Lending her voice, the patients are into art - painting. noted, aims to bring a life chang- the benefit of people in the two Mr. John Omokaro; thanked sickle cell patients to stay away National Director and CEO of There is a way you can manage ing cure to Nigerians and attract communities and Nigerians NNPC and NGC’s Management from pentazocine, an opioid SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete said pain without taking medication. foreigners. generally. for executing the civic Centre in pain reliever that is allegedly SCFN has written formally to There is music, yoga, and The Founder of the Sickle “Let me reiterate that NGC their land, promising to guide addictive. the minister of health and to exercise. We are promoting Cell Champion’s Club, Atinuke will always encourage and the civic centre jealously against The chairman said this at the the commissioner for health. it. Keep drugs for later.” Adeleye, explained that the club appreciate communities that vandalism and other unholy acts. commemoration of the World “We are hoping that when they Meanwhile, SCFN has is out to encourage persons with promote peace, dialogue and According to him, “This Sickle Cell Day marked with have the National Council for established a cure for sickle cell sickle cell disorder to live normal understanding in the resolution project no doubt will help to patients and their families, which Health meeting this should be disorder. “One of the things lives. of any issue. This indeed, is the attract our youths to relocate to was held at the SCFN in Lagos. brought up and discussed.” we are excited about today is “At the club, persons with hallmark of our community the community for available jobs “Until the doctor prescribes it, In her view, she described that SCFN has established a sickle cell disorder come together relations engagement process. thereby reducing rural-urban don’t go to the pharmacy to buy the situation of access to bone marrow transplantation to share views or ideas about the “We will appreciate direct contact drift.” pentazocine,” he cautioned sickle medication across the counter as (BMT) in partnership with control of Sickle Cell Disorder with NGC Management through Omokaro also noted that Oben cell patients while explaining that unfortunate. “People just access Lagos University Teaching in Nigeria,” she adds. our Public Affairs Department on community have experienced a lot it is very addictive. medication across the counter Hospital (LUTH), which is Entertaining participants at the any community issues and not of negative environmental impact According to Akinyanju, and that should not be. the cure for sickle cell even occasion, the SCFN distributed through a third party. Problems resulting from gas flaring, gas some sickle cell patients, who “Pentazocine is an addiction though people say it’s a disease free medicine and foodstuffs. This are better solved where there is emission and oil spillage since became addicted after taking and addiction is a psychiatric that has no cure.” was achieved with sponsors constant communication between the inception of NGC’s operation pentazocine, are being treated disorder. Some of our patients Akinsete highlighted that like Zolon Health Care Ltd, entities with vested interest, for in their domain and appealed at Yaba Neuropsychiatric hospital. are already getting those ad- SCFN has made it available Shoprite, La Roche Leadership the mutual benefits of all”, he to the oil firm to fashion ways While noting that the drug dictions and are getting treated and accessible to Nigerians. Foundation, Food Concepts, and said. of mitigating the impact of gas is in oral and injectable forms, at Yaba.” “We are getting enquiries from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Also, the Group General exploitation on their environment. the chairman bemoaned that However, Akinsete added other parts of the world, even Nigeria Plc. THISDAY ˾
 , JULY 22, 2021 41 INTERVIEW Evercare: Making Nigeria a Destination for Inbound Medical Tourism Evercare Hospital Lekki officially commenced operations of its 165-bed, purpose-built, multispecialty tertiary care facility in March 2021. With the hospital’s range of specialty services, it is positioned to be a trusted healthcare partner and preferred destination in Nigeria and the West African sub-regionI. In this interview, Evercare’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ayo Shonibare speaks on the hospital’s offerings, strategy for curbing medical tourism as well as leveraging technology for quality healthcare services. Chiamaka Ozulumba brings excerpts

vercare Hospital has now started operations. Can you briefly tell us about the hospital? Evercare Hospital Lekki is a 165-bed, purpose-built, multispecialty tertiary care hospital. We offer care across a range of specialty medical and surgical Eservices. The hospital is a member of the Evercare Group, an integrated healthcare delivery platform operating in growth markets across Africa and South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria. Evercare Group’s portfolio includes 30 hospitals, 16 clinics and over 75 diagnostic centers. Evercare Hospital is wholly owned by the Evercare Health Fund, a US $1bn emerging markets healthcare fund managed by The Rise Funds and the impact investment platform of global alternative asset manager TPG.

What specialties and services does the hospital offer? Can you also share your unique value proposition? Our facility in Lekki Lagos is a multi-specialty tertiary care Hospital with 165 inpatient beds and over 20 daycare beds. Evercare Hospital aims to be at the forefront of advanced clinical care in major specialties, including Mother and Child, Cardiac Sciences (including Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgeries), Oncology (Surgical and Chemotherapy), Minimal Access Surgeries (Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, and Gynaecological Surgery), Critical Care (Adult, Paediatric & Neonatal) as well as Emergency & Trauma amongst other services. Our unique value proposition revolves around the provision of quality and acces- sible healthcare with a team of qualified, Dr. Ayo Shonibare well trained, and experienced doctors and consultants. The hospital harnesses technology we have developed a robust plan for local care. We have introduced our doctors to a better pain management; various room options as the future of healthcare and makes best and international training of our doctors, framework for patient experience, encouraging to suit different patient categories; and robust use of technological developments to provide nurses, and allied staff. each caregiver to treat every patient as they technology that eliminates paper records, saves effective services to enhance quality of life, would treat their own family. time and protects patient data. diagnostic, and treatment options. How will you describe doctor-patient Our caregivers are passionate about providing relationship at Evercare Hospital? patient focused care and this reflects in their Can you share some of the quality What impact will Evercare Hospital Essentially, at Evercare Hospital, we recognize attitude to the patient’s overall experience assurance structures put in place to have in Nigeria? that Doctor-patient relationship is a founda- at the hospital. ensure efficiency at Evercare Hospital The hospital is determined to significantly tion of clinical care which should be built on to continue meeting global standards? improve the healthcare sector by focusing trust. We believe that every individual has One of the areas of complaints by the For us, quality is at the core of the hospital’s on delivering value based, accessible, high the right to respectful and compassionate public about healthcare in Nigeria is that healthcare mission and a robust clinical quality care that will focus on tertiary care. it is relatively expensive. How is Evercare governance process has been implemented We will constantly innovate to ensure the responding to these challenges to make to ensure continuous quality improvement delivery of best-in-class standards of patient healthcare more accessible? and adherence to international standards for safety, clinical excellence, and outstanding Through our scale, platform, access and ethics and compliance. clinical outcomes with an unparalleled patient innovative blended financing solutions, the experience. hospital seeks to over time drive down the What are some of the innovations Finally, with our team of dynamic and cost of healthcare delivery thereby increas- Evercare Hospital Lekki seeks to har- passionate team of caregivers, we are looking For us, quality is at the core ing accessibility to quality healthcare. Our ness in the future to improve wellness forward to transforming healthcare in Nigeria. of the hospital’s healthcare tariffs were carefully curated to ensure the in Nigeria? pricing of services are highly competitive Innovation is at the heart of our operations The Nigerian Healthcare system is losing mission and a robust and, in most cases, outrightly lower than to simplify processes to improve the patient over $1 billon dollar to outbound medical clinical governance process our competitors. experience, make best use of resources, provide tourism. How is Evercare planning to has been implemented Additionally, Evercare has partnered with a better value, improve health outcomes, and tackle outbound medical tourism and few local and international health insurance expand access to care. provide quality healthcare to Nigerians? to ensure continuous companies) to ensure care is provided to We harness technology as the future of Nigeria is one of the top contributors to quality improvement and cash paying patients as well as patients healthcare and make best use of technological the global medical tourism spend estimated with health insurance cover. developments to provide accessible, afford- at US$1.0-1.5bn annually with an average of adherence to international able, and effective services to enhance life 30,000 patients travelling abroad annually for standards for ethics and What are the main competitive benefits expectancy, quality of life, diagnostic, and healthcare services. With over 40% physician compliance...Innovation of Evercare Hospital Lekki services? treatment options. migration, Nigeria is also one of the leading We have numerous benefits which include African sources of foreign-born physicians. is at the heart of our but are not limited to focus on exceptional Does Evercare Hospital have any With our state-of-the-art, multispecialty, operations to simplify patient experience; best in class diagnostics expansion plans or major projects in tertiary care hospital, the first of its kind and medical equipment; experienced doctors, 2021 and beyond? in the Nigerian private healthcare sector, processes to improve the nurses, and medical personnel (local as well The hospital was only officially commissioned Evercare Hospital Lekki seeks to reverse patient experience, make as expatriate personnel); access to laboratory, in March 2021 and is the first Evercare project this trend making Nigeria a destination for best use of resources, diagnostics, outpatient, inpatient, surgical, in West Africa. At the moment, we are look- inbound medical tourism across the West dental, optical services all in one location; ing to establish Evercare as the most trusted African region and beyond. provide better value, focus on patient safety and outstanding clinical healthcare partner and preferred destination Also, leveraging on our access to the global improve health outcomes, outcomes; competitive pricing which offers in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. Evercare platform, as well as a group of great value for money; offer of Laparoscopic Expansion plans may be considered in the experienced Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora, and expand access to care methods of surgery for quick recovery and future. 42 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 NEWSXTRA Gunmen Abduct Bayelsa SSG’s 90-year-old Mother Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa According to sources, Mrs. House of Assembly, as she was Several attempts to get com- manhunt to rescue the victim and dressed in military camouflage, Betinah Benson, who is 90 years first kidnapped in January, 2013 ments from the SSG proved arrest the perpetrators. stormed the residence and kid- old was abducted at about 10p.m. and released after some ransom abortive as he refused take calls A statement by the police napped the victim to an unknown Unknown gunmen in military on Tuesday at her old Assembly was alleged to have been paid. or respond to text messages that confirmed that Mrs. Benson was destination. fatigue who were suspected to be Quarters residence in Yenagoa, the Though the family is yet to issue were sent to him. kidnapped on July 20, 2021, at about “The Commissioner of Police, kidnappers have again abducted state capital. an official statement, but sources Confirming the incident, the 23.00 hours at her residence at Bayelsa State Command, C.P. Mike the mother of the Secretary to This is the second abduction of close to the SSG alleged that the Spokesman of the Bayelsa State Old Legislative Quarters, Azikoro Okoli, and other detectives have the Bayelsa State Government, the mother of Benson, who was kidnappers have established contact Police Command Asinim Butwats, Road, Yenagoa. visited the scene and investigation Mr. Kombewie Benson. also the former Speaker of the State with the victim’s family. said that police had launched a “The kidnappers, who were is in progress,” the statement added. More Corrupt Politicians will Join APC, Says ADC Chairman David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka country. ADC is the party that got the third highest votes. We got 15 House of Assembly members, and The National Chairman of the save for the crooked nature of our African Democratic Congress system, ADC should have gotten (ADC), Mr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, about five governors. We also got has said more corrupt politicians seven House of Representatives will join ruling All Progressives members, but unfortunately, we Congress (APC). lost two. Nwosu, who spoke to THISDAY “You know the Nigerian system, in his country home in Awka politicians go into office, and the yesterday, said it was not a corrupt ones among them soil their surprise to him that many politi- hands, and the next thing is, they cians, especially in the National want soft landing, and APC is Assembly, have been moving in ever ready to provide that. droves into the APC. He regretted “This advert APC is doing that his party, which he ranked everywhere, and saying once the third most popular political you join their party, your sins are party in the country, lost some of forgiven, I find it very bizarre. They its lawmakers to the ruling APC don’t mind how corrupt you are, because APC has never hidden they just want you to join their FIGHTING CORRUPTION... its determination to get corrupt party. Oshiomhole (former APC L-R: Programme Manager, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Oluwatomi Okeowo; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye politicians on their train. national chairman) was the first Oyeyemi; Executive Director, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor; and representative of the He said: “During the 2019 to say that, and they have been general election, we came third advertising it. So, I think more Founder/Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, during the launch of the foundations’ End-Line Report in terms of the number of votes politicians, especially the corrupt on its Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Project/Campaign Corruption Not in My Country in Abuja…recently. KINGSLEY ADEBOYE cast for political parties in the entire ones will still move to APC.” Recommit Yourselves to Two killed, King, Residents Flee A’Ibom National Unity, Businessman Community over Cult War Urges Nigerians Okon Bassey in Uyo throne for dear life. Ntak. other group, Debam, led by one THISDAY gathered the latest Efforts to speak with the Samuel Jessy Okonko, popularly David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka on all Nigerians to join hands to Two persons were reportedly cult invasion of the community Udianga Enem village youths’ called ‘Angel Boy’ with a view ensure that the country’s unity killed in Akwa Ibom community occurred Monday night as President, Udeme John, could to recovering those properties Oil magnate and philanthropist, was maintained. following attack by a rival cult members of rival cult group said not yield result as his phone line through negotiation”. Arthur Eze, has urged Muslims The statement reads: “Eze group. The cult war reported in to be of the Icelaand group, led was not going. “But unfortunately, scuffle and Nigerians in general to recom- felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria Udianga Enen community of Etim by one Oto, from Obon Ebot Speaking on condition of ensued, leading to the death mit themselves to national unity. on the occasion of this year’s Eid- Ekpo Local Government Area of village, stormed the Udianga anonymity, a member of the of one person while others Eze in a statement by his media el-Kabir, urging them to continue the state, caused the residents Enem community to retrieve Udianga Enem community fled”, he said, adding that the adviser, Mr. Oliver Okpala, said their prayers and support for the to flee their homes just as the stolen items, allegedly seized youths association, said the resurgence of gun violence has Muslims should use the period President Muhammudu Buhari village head, Chief Mendie Josiah by the opposing gang in the invaders led by the Icelaand forced people to abandoned their of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to led administration to overcome Udoekoriko, equally fled his nearby community of Obong leader, “came for a truce with the farms and fled. think deeply about the need to the current challenges confronting shun divisive tendencies. the nation. He urged Nigerians He stated that Nigeria is better to use the season to recommit off as a big entity than thinking themselves to the ideals of national Congresses: APC Recommends of disintegration. He also called unity, peaceful coexistence and togetherness. Consensus Option to Reduce Acrimony Nigerians Tasked to Sustain Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Secretary of the at all levels to reduce acrimony. because it saves costs and reduces Caretaker/Extraordinary Conven- “For us, we have to take into acrimony. Pressure on N’Assembly over The All Progressives Congress tion Planning Committee of the consideration the need to accom- He added:”That is why when (APC) has said that the ruling party, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, modate everyone because the APC you look at Article 20 of our Election Result party has recommended a disclosed this in a statement issued is a party for all Nigerians,” he constitution which talks about consensus option for the election yesterday in Abuja. said. elections, the first thing there is Sylvester Idowu in Warri rejected the electronic transmission of party officials at all levels to According to him, the party Akpanudoedehe noted that the for members to try reaching a of election results in the amended reduce acrimony ahead of the recommended the consensus party was encouraging states to consensus. When that fails, then Nigerians and particularly the Electoral Act. forthcoming Congresses. option for the election of officials adopt the consensus arrangement you go to cast ballots.” media, have been urged to sustain But Onuesoke disclosed that the pressure on the National As- with the rejection of electronic sembly, federal government and transmission of votes by the law- Dangote Refinery: NNPC Lacks Power to Borrow $3.2bn, Group Alleges the Independent National Electoral makers, it is the duty of Nigerians The People’s Alternative Political is expected to be completed in of the relevant provisions of the the National Council of Ministers, Commission (INEC) on the merit and the media, as the fourth estate Movement (TPAP-M), a coali- 2022. It is estimated that the 20 Constitution and other relevant borrow any sum of money whereby of electoral transmission of election of the realm, to rescue the hap- tion of labour and civil society per cent will be valued at not less statutes TPAP-M has found that the amount in aggregate outstand- results in the coming 2023 polls. less masses from the oppressive organisations, has said the Nigerian than $4 billion. the NNPC lacks the power to take ing on any loan or loans at any Chairman, DAS Energy Services, representation. National Petroleum Corporation However, in press statement a loan from financial institutions time exceeds such amount as is Udu near Warri and politician, He described the action of (NNPC) lacks the power to take signed by Comrade Omotoye to fund the enterprise owned for the time being specified by the Chief Sunny Onuesoke, made APC senators in particular as loan to fund the corporation’s Olorode and Comrade Jaye by a private corporate body or National Council of Ministers”. the appeal yesterday in Warri, an assault on the sensibilities of proposed acquisition of stake in Gaskia, a copy, which was made individual. It is pertinent to point TPAP noted that from the Delta State. Nigerians, who had looked up Dangote Refinery. available to THISDAY yesterday, out that the power of the NNPC information at its disposal the Some members of the All to them for improvement in the The NNPC recently announced TPAP-M, alleged that NNPC lacks to borrow is circumscribed by sec- NNPC did not seek the approval Progressives Congress (APC) electoral process in a manner that plans to take a loan of $3.2 bil- the power to take any loan to fund tion 82 of the NNPC Act which of the Federal Executive Council and the Peoples Democratic Party would engender a free, fair and lion to acquire 20 per cent in the planned investment. provides that “The Corporation to borrow the said sum of $3.2 (PDP) in the National Assembly credible process. the Dangote Refinery which It said: “Upon a critical review shall not, without the approval of billion. THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 43 NEWSXTRA Nigerian Army Takes Military Exercise to Bandits’ Enclave in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna kidnappers have held sway in the Governor, Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, some of its soldiers around Kagara from gun firing by the soldiers. danger.” last couple of months. said: “The two-day range classi- town, headquarters of Rafi Local There should be no public panic A lot of banditry and kidnap- The “training exercise” will start fication exercise will see soldiers Government Area and its environs because it’s a routine military training pings have taken place in Kagara In what appeared like taking the today and end on Thursday. It will carryout life firing of heavy guns from July 21to 22,” adding that: “The exercise. The people around Kagara and Tegina, with the most recent battle to the Lion’s den, the Nigerian entail the use of heavy military within the period. range classification exercise will see town and its environs are advised to being the kidnap of 156 school Army has taken its two-day military equipment and live bullets. “The general public is hereby soldiers carryout life firing of heavy disregard any attempt by mischief girls and some of their teachers exercise to Kagara, headquarters A statement made available to informed that the military is carrying guns within the period. makers who may want to spread from the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya of Rafi Local Government Area newsmen in Minna by the Chief out a routine training exercise for “There would be lots of noise false rumour of an impending School Tegina. of Niger State where bandits and Press Secretary to the Niger State Edo Muslims Pledge to Support Oba of Benin over Return of Looted Artefacts Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city development in our community as Muslims. “That is why we are praying The Chief Imam of Benin, Edo that anyone who will want to do State, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, anything that is not right, may has pledged the support of the God should change that person. Muslim community in Edo State You don’t challenge nor contest to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare with the Oba in Benin Kingdom.” II, over the alleged intention of the The Muslim cleric said they state government to take custody decried the intention of the state of the potential return of looted government to possess the artifacts artifacts by some Europeans through a third party when they countries. are returned, pointing out that Enabulele, who was at the Oba the Oba of Benin is the chief palace in Benin-city with some custodian of “our revered culture Muslims faithful to pay homage and tradition as well as the stolen to the monarch as part of their artifacts wherever they are in the tradition to mark the Eid-Mubarak world.” celebration, said the Muslims were He lamented over the “double behind the Oba over the return standard of some persons in the of the looted artifacts. state over the proposed return of According to the chief Imam, the looted artifacts because of their PROJECT INSPECTION... “We Muslims do not support personal interest and executive what is not right and what will positions,” which he described L-R: Project Manager, CCECC, Mr. Greg Williams; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry - cause problems. But we will sup as greed and an attempt to fuel of Works and Housing, Sola Agbede, during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the state… recently port what will bring peace and crisis in the Benin Empire. Plateau: Two Days after Eid-el-Kabir: Bauchi Gov Charges Peace Pact, Farmers’ Crops Traditional Rulers to Combat Crimes Destroyed Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi to caution their subjects to shun We will continue to ensure that The governor said his gov- Seriki Adinoyi in Jos such intentional decimation of acts, which he said is detrimental we assist the security agencies ernment would not prioritise farm crops in Kpachudu, Jebbu to the peaceful coexistence in in order to live in a safe and construction of roads or building Plateau State Governor, Simon Miango in Bassa Local Government Bauchi State Governor, Senator the state. secure state.” of hospitals over the welfare of Lalong has described as callous, area is totally condemnable and Bala Mohammed, has challenged According to him, “I am calling He appreciated the Bauchi the citizens, “which is why they criminal, inhuman and wicked, unacceptable. From the reports, traditional rulers in the state to on you as a father in Bauchi traditional ruler for his kind have paid July salary in advance the reported willful destruction of this is a carefully planned and join hands with security agencies State to please lend your voice words on his achievements for the people to enjoy the Sallah farm crops in some communities in executed act that is not only meant and the state government in to everyone in the position of since assumption of office, and celebrations”. the state by yet to be apprehended to provoke crisis, suspicion and combating crimes in the state. authority so that there will be promised to ensure that the He promised the emir that his criminals. instability in the area, but also The governor specifically charged effective security network for traditional institution is protected government would ensure that Lalong was reacting to a massive render the victims poor and hungry. the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulai- peaceful coexistence in the state. and accorded the privileges it farmers in the state are provided destruction wreaked on farmers’ “What these criminals fail to man, to ensure that Bauchi, the “All these things (crimes) hap- deserves. with fertilizer for the farming crops in Kpachudu, Jebbu Miango, understand is that such actions will state capital, is rid of all forms of pening in the state is not pleasing Mohammed lauded the season. in Bassa Local Government Area eventually leave the entire state and crime, for peaceful coexistence (rape, robbery, indiscipline), and emir for the visit, saying his In remarks, the emir appreci- of Plateau State. the country with food shortages of the people of the state. should be corrected for us to live administration is not unaware ated the governor for his giant He said, “The recent case of where even the perpetrators will Mohammed, who spoke in a safe environment. We thank of the hardship faced by the strides in changing the face of not escape.” when the Emir of Bauchi led you and your traditional rulers; majority of the populace, even the state. his emirate council to pay hom- imams and pastors for your wise as he added that he is doing The monarch said he and his age to the governor during this counsel and prayers which have everything possible to ensure council members were there year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, made it possible for us to live in that the citizens of the state are to pay Sallah homage to the Mother Narrates How urged the emir and his council 14-year-old Daughter Was a secure environment in the state. taken care of. governor. Raped to Death APC Group: How Buhari Revolutionised Emameh Gabriel in Abuja interest without regards to the life of my daughter which they Mother of 14-year old Premier have cut short”. Aviation Sector Academy student, Karen-Happuch, She said: “I named my daughter who was sexually abused and later Keren-Happuch, which means God Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Presidential aide, Mr. Tolu Ogun- ment of Maintenance, Repair Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano died of complications as a result has filled my cup, but Premiere lesi, and the Director-General of and Overhaul (MRO) centre, International Airports, inherited Academy, Lugbe took the cup Progressives Governors’ Forum establishment of an Aviation from the previous administration, of a condom left in her private The All Progressives Congress part, has narrated the involvement emptied the water and broke the (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman. Leasing Company, Development have been completed, while the cup. The cup I gave to Premiere (APC) Legacy Awareness and The group recalled that the of Aerotropolis (airport cities), new Lagos terminal is close to of the school in the crime. Campaign, a voluntary think- This is just as she has appealed Academy full, they returned to Buhari-led administration in establishment of an Aerospace completion. Brand new runways me empty and broken. This is tank group of the ruling party, May 2016 launched its Avia- University, designation of four were constructed at the Abuja to relevant government agencies yesterday stated that President to look into the matter to unmask too much to take. My heart is tion Roadmap with the aim of international airports as Special and Enugu International Airports in turmoil. Muhammadu Buhari has revo- transforming the sector in terms Economic Zones, upgrade of in 2017 and 2020 respectively. those behind the death of her lutionised the country’s aviation daughter. “You would have noticed that of safety, infrastructure and Accident Investigation Bureau “More than a dozen airports in since my daughter died, instead industry, ‘especially in terms of economic viability. (AIB), and the Nigerian College the country have had Low Level Mrs. Vivien Akpagher, who had investments in infrastructure and declined speaking with the media of the management of Premiere The statement said major of Aviation Technology (NCAT). Windshear Alert Systems (LLWAS) Academy, Lugbe allowing my capacity-building’. highlights of the roadmap The group stressed that since installed to improve flight safety. since the death of her daughter, The group disclosed this in told newsmen in Abuja yesterday family to grieve and mourn her, included the establishment of the launching of the aviation Investigations revealed that the Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja a statement issued and jointly a national carrier, development roadmap, the Ministry of Aviation Sosoliso and ADC plane crashes that there is “deliberate distortion signed by former party Scribe, Mr. of facts and publicity stunt by has been preoccupied with wanting of agro-allied/cargo terminals, has focused on implementation. of 2005 and 2006 respectively, to look good to the public rather Lanre Issa-Onilu; APC National concessioning of the major It said: “In terms of infrastruc- were caused by the absence of Premiere Academy, Lugbe in Youth Leader, Ismail Ahmed; order to preserve their business than work to bring out the rapist. international airports, establish- ture, the new terminals at the LLWAS in the airports.” 44 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 NEWSXTRA Forge Strong Alliance to Tame Rising Prices, Expert Advises CBN, Fiscal Authorities Says inflation rate may rise in July Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja He argued that given the major and exploitation. projects inflation rate at 11.95 provide an opportunity to metric by investors. drivers of inflation in Nigeria, In an essay: ‘Near-term Inflation per cent by December 2021. reflect on the capital market “A few days ago, the National Former Imo State Commissioner the federal government has a Outlook: Bleak Prognosis’, which This projection, he argued, was and economy in general. One Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported for Finance, and the National major role to play in line with he made available to THISDAY, most unlikely and could possibly macroeconomic indicator that a slowdown in headline inflation President of Capital Market the fiscal theory of the price level, Uwaleke also stated that inflation come to fruition sometime in readily comes to mind is the for the third consecutive month Academics of Nigeria, Professor noting that: “This calls for a strong outlook in the near-term is bleak, 2022. inflation rate, which is one of the with June inflation rate at 17.75 Uche Uwaleke, has called for handshake between the fiscal and adding that the 2021 budget He said: “The public holidays most closely watched economic percent. a strong collaboration between monetary authorities.” fiscal and monetary authorities President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the spiraling prices of had last Monday blamed rising food and other commodities in food prices on the destruction the country. caused to rice farms by floods Rotary Club Maryland to Build Maternal, Childcare Centre Oluchi Chibuzor Describing the project as the ‘star project’, Onalaja revealed In its quest to improve the quality that provisions have been made of healthcare in the Amuwo-Odofin to ensure that the project becomes area of Lagos State, the Rotary a reality, as key sponsors, Rotary Club of Maryland in conjunction of Maryland and CBOF, have with the Chris Bamidele Onalaja taken into consideration that the Foundation (CBOF) has concluded government alone cannot solve plans to build a new maternal and health challenges in the state. childcare centre in the community. He said: “Rotary and CBOF The Maternal and Childcare have come together to make Centre, Amuwo-Odofin, is expected this project a reality because we HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENT... to last nine months with its comple- know the government cannot do tion date set for April 2022. it alone. We want to support the L-R: Legal Adviser, North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Mr Benjamin Wesley; representative of Minister of Speaking in Lagos to journal- government to make sure that Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mr. Sadeeq Shehu; and Executive Director, NEDC, Alhaji ists during the foundation laying healthcare services are provided Goni Alkali, during the Humanitarian Development and Peace building forum in Abuja...recently ENOOCK REUBEN ceremony for the new facility for all Lagosians and Nigerians recently, the President of the Rotary in general. Club of Maryland, Mr. Bamidele “The hospital is our star project Onalaja, explained that the project for the Rotary of Maryland, and Tension Rises in Bayelsa Community was part of their effort to bring we are planning to deliver it within about change in the health sector. the next nine months or less.” over Choice of King NDDC: Itsekiri Leader Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The protesters, who trooped choice would be vehemently Ibamughan due to his alleged out in numbers, reminded the resisted, and would definitely corrupt system and his failure There is palpable tension in state government, through the lead to another round of crises to account for over N90 million Demands Result of Aghoro ll community of Iduwini state Deputy Governor, Lawrence in the community. belonging to the community. kingdom in Ekeremor Local Ewhrudjakpo, that their choice The protesters said their action The people of the community Forensic Audit Government Area of Bayelsa State, of King Afro Biukeme is non- stemmed from the information said instead of the former monarch as indigenes and residents of the negotiable. they got that the state govern- to show remorse for what he Sunday Okobi or how else do we move on from community went on rampage They said Biukeme is the ruler ment had allegedly concluded did and tell the community this rot created in the NDDC? over the alleged plot by the state they have unanimously chosen plans to bring back the former on how he would refund the Rights activist, and Itsekiri “For some time, you have government to impose a king, as the new Amananaowei of traditional ruler, King Ojunkonsin money, “he was boasting that leader, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, witnessed the surge of demands which they alleged was disposed Aghoro II community. Ibamughan, whom they had he was untouchable and that has demanded the result of from sponsored people, who are over financial recklessness in the The residents warned that any rejected. he had people in government the forensic audit of the Niger putting pressure on the federal community. attempt to tamper with their They claimed they rejected King to protect him.” Delta Development Commission government to inaugurate a new (NDDC), saying a new board for board for the NDDC. the commission should not be “Let me state clearly that nominated until the outcome of the federal government never Group Faults INEC over Crisis in Anambra the audit is made public. inaugurated any board. This The veteran journalists and can be confirmed from the office businesswoman also dismissed of the Attorney General of the calls for the inauguration of Federation (AGF). PDP Primaries the disbanded board of the “Today, the pressure is on and Emma Okonji and Nosa culpable for the resulting crisis. constitution mandates INEC to if they are the authentic leaders of ultimatums are being given to commission. Alekhuogie The President of the group, Joe monitor and be involved in any the political party. If they happen Lori-Ogbebor made the the president and the Minister Nwokedi, who spoke yesterday election for it to be valid, but the to engage in that diligent action, demands in Lagos while brief- of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill during the Morning Show question now is ‘has INEC been this issue of factional and non- ing journalists yesterday on the Akpabio, to inaugurate a new Following the controversy sur- programme of the Arise News monitoring these elections? The factional leadership in political situation of the interventionist board. rounding the Peoples Democratic television channel, the broadcast law is very clear; if the election parties would have been resolved agency in the region. “This time, Akpabio, who is also Party (PDP) primary election for arm of THISDAY Newspapers, isn’t monitored by INEC, such even before the congress, and According to her, “We all have desperate to keep his job, runs the upcoming Anambra State described the present situation election should be declared null it is worthy to note that INEC been waiting for the results of the around to make promises to set governorship election, a group, as very pathetic, as there is a and void. attends the congress, and they forensic audit. We must know it, up a new board of the NDDC.” the Anambra State Indigenous conflict of laws, orders, rulings “INEC is supposed to ask send their representatives there. Lawyers Forum (ASILF), has and interest over the conduct of questions as well as exercise due This is to prevent a re-occurrence held the Independent National the primary election in the state. diligence about the group inviting of court cases emanating from Kaduna Loses Electoral Commission (INEC) According to him, “The them for the congress, and inquire primary elections.” Traditional Ruler John Shiklam in Kaduna The President of the Gbagyi Niger APC: Sacked Chairman, Secretary Can’t Development Association (GDA), A first class traditional ruler Mr. Peter Aboki, confirmed the in Chikun Local Government death of the traditional ruler in Speak for us Area of Kaduna State, The Etsu a telephone interview yesterday. Chikun, Mr. Danjuma Barde, Aboki said: “Yes we have Laleye Dipo in Minna secretary, Mr. Jibrin Imam and Mr. alleged gross misconduct, misap- newsmen in Minna yesterday said is dead. loss our traditional ruler who Mohammed Liman, respectively propriation of funds and disregard that the clarification about the has been having some health cannot no longer speak for or on to the constitution of the party. position of the erstwhile leaders of He died in the early hours The All Progressives Congress of yesterday at the 44, Nigerian challenges. He died in the early behalf of the party. The Legal Adviser of the APC, the party had become necessary hours of today, at 44, Army (APC), Niger State Chapter, has Imam and Liman were sacked Mr. Khaleel Ibrahim Aliyu, in a following a statement in circulation Army Referral Hospital Kaduna, said that its sacked chairman and after a brief illness. Hospital.” from the party in July 2020 for statement made available to purportedly authored by them. 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THISDAY 45 Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] THURSDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Team Nigeria Flag Bearer Role Excites Adekuoroye, Dreams Wrestling Gold Duro Ikhazuagbe TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS As the opening ceremony of the news of my role at the Games was working hard to be at her delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic came to me as a shock. I am so best at the games. Games is barely hours away, happy to be chosen and I will do “We have many other top wrestling sensation, Odunayo my best both for the flag bearer wrestlers with similar aspirations Adekuoroye, is excited about role and in the events proper. here in Tokyo but I am focused to her role as Team Nigeria’s flag “I have people here around go all the way,” pledged wrestler bearer. me putting me through. Aunty who is ranked top most in her Adekuoroye who is one of Funke (Oshonaike) has played category globally. country’s biggest gold medal that role two or three times and Adekuoroye, who reached the prospects, is looking forward I’m talking to her to put me quarterfinals at the last Olympic to the role tomorrow when through on the expectations. Games in Rio however have her Team Nigeria will join the “It is a big honour and I am focus on the ultimate silverware: 206 other countries scheduled so elated. I can’t wait to lead the the gold medal. to participate in the symbolic team out on Friday,” gushed “I find myself often thinking opening ceremony Match past Adekuoroye who is getting about how the gold medal will be of the biggest multi-sports fiesta all the tips on how to Win her represented to me… my dream globally. event from Daniel Igali who won is finally coming true. She regarded it as a big honour Olympic wrestling gold medal “I can’t wait to experience for her to be chosen to play the for Canada at the Sydney 2000 that moment and make history role for a country of over 200 Games. as the first African woman to million people. On the wrestling event win Olympic gold in wrestling,” Table tennis players practicing at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium yesterday ahead of the The 56kg wrestler said: “The proper, Adekuoroye said she Adekuoroye stressed . 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games starting officially tomorrow PHOTO: Getty Images NPFL: Akwa Utd Inch Close to First Title with Six Points Lead Akwa United have opened up the 71st but Tunde Azeez made a six-point at the top of the the maximum points safe for NPFL following a comfortable the hosts three minutes later. 3-0 home win over Warri In Okigwe, Abia Warriors Wolves recorded a 2-1 win against With four rounds of matches Heartland in the oriental derby. to the end of the season, ‘The Paul Samson put the home Promise Keepers’ now have team ahead on 16 minute, 64 points from 34 matches. while Yakubu Hammed scored Striker Charles Atsimene the second goal in the 39th grabbed a brace for the Uyo minute. club. Chijoke Akuneto reduced Closest rivals Nasarawa the deficit two minutes before United and Kano Pillars both the break. lost on the road. Sunshine Stars were held to Nasarawa United fell 3-2 at a 0-0 draw by Katsina United Lobi Stars, while Pillars went in another game. down 2-0 to Enugu Rangers. Jigawa Golden Stars' victory Nasarawa United have 58 sees Sunshine Stars crash back points, same as Pillars, who into the relegation zone while have a game in hand. FC IfeanyiUbah, Warri Wolves Nasarawa United and Kano and Adamawa United have Pillars will be plugged down their situation unchanged at from second and third spots in the bottom. the event of Enyimba defeating Odunayo Adekuoroye...excited selected as Team Nigeria’s flag bearer in tomorrow’s opening ceremony match past FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi today. MATCH DAY 34 Rangers close in on Rivers Jigawa GS 2-1 Rivers Utd United with a point now Super Eagles’ AFCON 2021 separating the pair after the MFM FC 3-1 Plateau Utd Pride of Rivers lost 1-2 away to Jigawa Golden Stars. Akwa Utd 3-0 W’ Wolves Lobi Stars are seventh as Abia Warriors 2-1 Heartland Opponents to Emerge Next Month they wait the outcome of the competition will indeed take congratulated Cameroon for its round of 16 along with the four Kwara United's fixture against Rangers 2-0 Kano Pillars Femi Solaja Wikki Tourists today. place in Cameroon. level of preparedness to host the best-ranked third-placed teams. Sunshine 0-0 Katsina Utd with agency report “AFCON will be organized continental competition. Super Eagles of Nigeria, placed At the Agege Stadium, MFM here in this country (Cameroon) in The tournament, which was third at the last edition held in FC defeated former champions Lobi Stars 3-2 Nasarawa After over one month January next year," he noted as he scheduled to take place between Egypt and would be seeding Plateau United 3-1. postponement, the much-awaited expressed his wish for a successful January and February 2021, was alongside defending champions, MFM took control of the draw ceremony for next year’s tournament. “We have to work moved to between January 9 Fennec of Algeria, host Indomitable game late in the first half with TODAY AFCON tournament will now hold together to deliver an AFCON and February 6, 2022 due to the Lions of Cameroon, runners up at Akanni Elijah firing home. He next month, the Confederation of that will be the first of its kind in coronavirus pandemic. the last edition, Teranga Lions of doubled his side’s advantage Kwara Utd v Wikki African Football (CAF) confirmed the continent,” Mosengo-Omba In the new 24-team format, the Senegal, Pharaohs of Egypt and in the 65th minute. Dakkada v Adamawa the development yesterday. stated. winners and the runner-ups of Atlas Lions of Morocco complete Buhari Ibrahim reduced the The final draw for the premier The Secretary-General each group will advance to the the list of top seeds. continental football event was to deficit for Plateau United in Ifeanyiubah v Enyimba hold on 25th of June but was postponed due to some logistics reasons at the last minute but the Secreatry General of CAF, Antetokounmpo Leads Bucks to First NBA Title in 50 Years Mosengo-Omba, last night confirmed that the ceremony will Giannis Antetokounmpo scored Greece. His name was anglicized Antetokounmpo matches "These players are champions population, crowded together hold in Yaounde, Cameroon on 50 points as the Milwaukee from Adetokunbo by Greek the feat of Michael Jordan and every day. They've embraced in the Deer District outside the 15th of August. Bucks claimed their first NBA authorities when issuing him Hakeem Olajuwon by collecting getting better every day." Fiserv Forum, with some fans Nigeria is among the 24 title for 50 years with a 105-98 his first passport. a regular season MVP, NBA Budenholzer was only four waiting in line for five hours countries to be placed in six groups victory over the Phoenix Suns. The Suns were seeking a first Finals MVP and NBA defensive years old when NBA legends before the game to ensure they of four teams for the group phase The Bucks' 4-2 series win was NBA crown in their 53-year player of the year awards. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar would have seats. of the tournament. sealed in front of a 17,000 crowd history, having also lost NBA "I want to thank Milwaukee Robertson led the Bucks to Isaiah Tyler, a 43-year-old “The draw will take place as 65,000 celebrated outside the Finals series in 1976 and 1993. for believing in me. I want to their only previous NBA tile painter who was born and raised during the first half of August. Fiserv Forum. However, they were unable to thank my team-mates for playing in 1971, when some of the in the city, said: "This is history. And now we have confirmed the They are only the fifth team contain Antetokounmpo, who hard with me," Antetokounmpo current players' parents had I grew up here and have gone 15th of August and hoping that to win the best-of-seven finals became only the seventh player said. not been born. to a lot of lousy games - so this all things will come up according series after losing their first two to register 50 points in a Finals Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer Unlike the 2020 NBA Finals is the pay-off." to plans,” the CAF scribe stated matches. game. described the Greek forward as which were played without fans, "Milwaukee is a very in a Morocco World News report. "I'm happy I was able to do it It was also the third game "a special human being". the Bucks' win kicked off a wild segregated city, so to see us The scribe also denied with this team for Milwaukee," in the series in which the "I've learned so much from party inside the arena and on all together, all races, for one any intention to relocate the said Antetokounmpo born to 26-year-old has managed at him. He's a special leader," he the streets of Milwaukee. cause, this is how the world AFCON 2021, confirming that Nigerian immigrant parents in least 40 points and 10 rebounds. said. More than 10% of the city's should be." 46 THURSDAY, 
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THISDAY BACK PAGE CONTINUATION EME AWA: A VOICE FROM THE GRAVE! But everything changed one morning when family and come back. This is the only place on arriving campus, Awa noticed some strange where we all are safe now.’ He sounded like developments. “Now there were massed all the a leader of the early Christian sects in times Yoruba staff and students on one side, demanding of persecution.” that Njoku must go, and on another side the Awa spent the civil war years in his (Ohafia) Igbo staff and students massed up, chanting village where his car was stolen by Biafran that, Njoku must stay. Some major national soldiers and the bicycle he bought to replace it politicians of both Igbo and Yoruba origin were forcefully confiscated by Nigerian soldiers who seen coordinating the shouting prowess of each beat him mercilessly. Even at that, his perspective group. Soon enough the conflicting groups on on the civil war years is quite different from the campus engaged in a scuffle in which Mike many others that I have read though the fact Adeyemi (a lecturer) was injured. Because of his that this book was completed 26 years ago, prominence, Ben Nwabueze was fingered by the without opportunity to filter the content with Yoruba group as the culprit who had inflicted current events in the country, may explain why. the injury on Mike. Nobody who knew Ben But this summation from his Biafra recollection well enough could believe that he would want is very apt on the Nigerian condition: “Within to hurt a fly but everybody in the opposition the campus we had scientists and technologists group ‘saw’ him as he lashed out at Mike. When who had ingeniously devised means of refining the case opened in the court, Mike appeared petroleum and also produced the Ogbu N’igwe there fully swathed in bandages which looked (a special type of bomb or missile made by as if they had been tainted by some blood. I Biafrans). They could have turned out to be great wondered about the matter in some vague sort scientists and technologists of world standing of manner, asking myself whether indeed there if they had been encouraged to continue their was beneath those bandages any injury worth work. Not only were they not encouraged to talking about. The court however decided the continue their work but were also deliberately case against Ben.” frustrated so that they could not resume their With the university closed and Balewa staying normal teaching duties. This was a great loss to out of the fray, all lecturers of Igbo descent took the nation. But I believe that it was not merely a decision to resign if Njoku was not to be because the people concerned were Igbo. Had reappointed. Let’s continue the story from Awa: the position been reversed and the scientists “The Igbo leaders firmly supported the resignation been from other ethnic groups, I think that this move. The staff, apart from the two hawks, type of treatment would have been meted out wanted a face-saving measure desperately. Could to them. The point is that temperamentally the somebody, Hausa, or Yoruba, tell us, even in a country was not, perhaps is not, ready yet to perfunctory manner, not to resign? Nobody obliged make deliberate efforts to foster greatness among and our discussions assumed a gloomy look as its citizens. The veto mentality is too deeply the days went by. I approached a Yoruba man ingrained in the minds of the leadership groups.” and requested him to take me to Dr Shodeinde, Meanwhile, the journey that took Awa to the Chairman of the Governing Council of the national limelight started at the National Institute University, so that I could discuss the issues for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) which with him. For more than one hour I tried to was established in 1979 “to serve as a centre persuade Dr Shodeinde to make some appeal for high-level reflection, research and discussion on our behalf on the question of resignation. for Nigerian intelligentsia drawn from the That would be the face-saver that we needed. public service, the private sector, the academic No matter how I framed the statement, his reply community, the military and the police.” The was always ‘no’. What about inducing some subjects dealt with at NIPPS, according to Awa, other members of the Council to take this action? “cover policy and strategic studies, defence The reply was still ‘no.’ He explained to me and security, science and technology, social that he was reliably informed that the primary studies (domestic, regional and international) objective of the Igbo group in the conflict was Babangida and economic planning. Admission into the to destroy the university by leaving it abruptly. course of studies is severely limited. The level of He had been further informed that we had and he explained why. “My motivation was for Ojukwu insightful. “When some friends of previous achievements of acceptable participants signed the resignation letter on the first day three-fold. In the first place, I assumed that the mine at the American Embassy got to know is quite high: directors-general or directors in the when the students barricaded the gates. He disturbances in the nation would subside soon about this letter, they asked me again and again public service and the equivalent positions in was not properly informed as no date had been enough, and I could constitute a bridgehead for about a reply from the Colonel. At their insistence, the private sector; colonels and their equivalent put to the letter of resignation. enabling other eastern academics to take up I sent a reminder. Actually, I did not expect a in other arms of the service; senior lecturers or “Later, a Lagos woman told me that we were appointments again at UNILAG. In the second reply. Rather I thought it might be possible for their equivalent among the non-academic staff wasting our time and that the Council would place, I wanted to get myself into General (Aguiyi) my views to influence the decisions being made. of the universities, etc. Training in the Institute never accept Njoku again. She explained that Ironsi’s kitchen cabinet in Lagos and be able I was aware of the point that if secession did for the military people is an open sesame to Dr Shodeinde and the other members of the to advise him on the dangers likely to flow occur, the letter might put me in the category promotion to the higher ranks.” council considered Njoku to be too arrogant from his Decree No. 34; the composition of his of the presumed unpatriotic Biafrans. But that Following a famous lecture Awa delivered and tended to treat the Nigerian members of advisory group (virtually all were Igbo), and was a chance that one had to take. at NIPSS which analysed the Nigerian political the Council with contempt. But an Ekiti friend the promotions he made, as at the time, in the “The soldiers, unmindful of the socio-political system, he was asked to take up appointment dismissed this! His explanation was as follows: military establishments. Thirdly, I considered Lagos consequences of their action, continued to attack as Director of Studies at NIPSS the moment The Egba people were the first Nigerians to a vantage point from which I could work with and kill one another and many civilians. By he retired from UNN in 1982. “In an Institute acquire Western education and to hold important many other interest groups on national issues. September/October 1966, law and order had where professors in the universities can come appointments in the colonial service. On attainment “My attempts to meet General Ironsi were in broken down completely in Lagos. Every morning to acquire more knowledge in the areas of the of independence, they felt that an Egba person vain. He informed those close to him that he and afternoon I would settle to determine which subjects covered, it is understandable that for should have been appointed to one of what they had no intention of listening to the advice of any route to take from my house in Itire Road, me and other staff, academic work would be considered the critical positions in the country, Igbo person other than those already working Surulere, Lagos, to UNILAG at Akoka and back continued on a high level.” But the unique thing namely, the post of Governor-General (later for him. As things happened, I was on my way home. On which road would I encounter no about NIPSS, according to Awa, was bringing President), Prime Minister, Vice-Chancellor at to make the last attempt at meeting him when soldiers or only a minimum number of soldiers? together leaders and potential leaders of the Ibadan, or Lagos. They lobbied other Yoruba I heard the rumour about his murder. Lagos My wife gave birth to a baby boy on the first country. “The NIPSS people formed themselves people successfully on this matter, especially became almost totally chaotic, and the lives of of October 1966 and my mother-in-law came into an Alumni Association, which some people when they argued that it was unjust to let two Igbo people were not safe at all. The debate about to stay with us. Every time a vehicle screeched refer to today as the Kuru Mafia because of its Igbo scholars head the two federal universities what was to be done went on throughout the to a halt on Itire Road near my house, my secretive methods,” wrote Awa who believe in the south. They were now vigorously pushing country: form a confederation of the regions, mother-in-law would shout: ‘Professor, they that NIPSS has not fulfilled its mission in forward Saburi Biobaku as the Vice-Chancellor let the Igbo people alone go their own way or have come. Run for your life.’ Nigeria, despite conceding that great individual to succeed Njoku.” let the Eastern Region secede? I was fanatically “Then one day a cousin of mine told me friendships were forged at Kuru. “It was there When entreaties failed and Njoku was not attached to the idea of a Nigerian Federation that soldiers were actually searching offices for that Professor Omo Omoruyi and Brigadier reappointed, all lecturers of Igbo descent left the and did not allow the atrocities committed by Igbo people and one junior lecturer had jumped Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) met in the First Senior University of Lagos. The University of Nigeria, various people to push me towards the option through his window to escape. Victor Adu (a Executive course in 1979 and remained friends Nsukka (UNN), according to Awa, was instructed of secession. I wrote a long letter to Colonel senior lecturer) gave me shelter for two days after that. When the coup d’etat of 1983 occurred, by the Southeast regional political leaders to receive O. Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern and then I went to UNN like a prodigal son IBB was made Chief of Army Staff. Babangida all staff and students emigrating from Lagos. Region.” and asked Njoku to allow me to return there. informed Omoruyi he would like the military Njoku and the ‘UNILAG refugees’ were soon Readers will find Awa’s letter and his counsel Very graciously he said, ‘Go and collect your regime to install a new social order in Nigeria. joined by the ‘Ibadan refugees’ when, following He requested Omoruyi to recommend to him the coup d’état of January 1966, Igbo people fled two political scientists who were good and could different parts of the country. “Since Eni Njoku I assumed that the disturbances in the nation help work out plans for the new social order. had taken over as the Vice-Chancellor at UNN, Omoruyi recommended me and A.D. Yahaya. Kenneth Dike, Vice-Chancellor at Ibadan who would subside soon enough, and I could constitute So, Babangida, Omoruyi, Yahaya and I were to also exited from Ibadan, had some problem on plan the new social order.” But nothing came his hands: He would not settle at UNN and a bridgehead for enabling other eastern academics of the idea apparently because neither the then serve merely as a lecturer (two captains in one Head of State, Major General Muhammadu boat?) and so requested the region to establish to take up appointments again at UNILAG. In the Buhari nor his late deputy, Brigadier Tunde another university for him.” Idiagbon seemed interested. Amid these developments, Awa said he never second place, I wanted to get myself into General However, when Babangida toppled Buhari and felt comfortable at UNN where the image of Zik took over power in August 1985, “he seemed (with whom he had an acrimonious relationship) (Aguiyi) Ironsi’s kitchen cabinet in Lagos and be to renew his interest in the attempt to install loomed large. Reprieve soon came from the a new social order in Nigeria,” wrote Awa. University of Ife where the VC, Hezekiah able to advise him on the dangers likely to flow “Omoruyi, Yahaya, myself, and often (Tunji) Oluwasanmi, offered him (Awa) a professorship. Olagunju, met frequently with him to discuss Before he could take up the offer, the University from his Decree No. 34; the composition of his the issues involved. The salient issues that he of Lagos also sent him a message that he (Awa) advisory group (virtually all were Igbo), and the raised included the following: the number of had been assessed successfully for promotion political parties for the country, the nature of the to a full professorship and he should feel free promotions he made, as at the time, in the military political class, the need for a self-reliant society, to return and assume the appointment. Awa decided to return to the University of Lagos establishments. Continued on page 47 THURSDAY, 
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THISDAY 47 BACK PAGE CONTINUATION EME AWA: A VOICE FROM THE GRAVE! how to establish a polity that could achieve group against the other, telling him one thing and world power status, the rule of consultation telling other people another before his (Awa’s) and debate in governance.” In their discussions eventual removal from office. with Babangida, Awa said he saw three types Documented in Awa’s memoir are many stories, of forces at play that would eventually militate including his role in the creation of Katsina and against the success of the administration. “One Akwa Ibom states, the encounters he had with was the traditional military authoritarianism, the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola (for whom which also impeded Buhari’s success. Another he wrote many briefs after the annulment of was Babangida’s involvement with the quasi- the June 12, 1993 presidential elections) as well feudal forces of the caliphate group of which he as his perspectives on why Nigeria’s federal became some sort of adopted member through structure may not work, how the minorities his connections with Alhaji (Ibrahim) Dasuki. The are disadvantaged in the country etc. While I third was a strand of the Latin tide of thought urge Mrs. Awa to get a proper publishing house in Babangida. He seemed to have spent some that will have the book printed in a manner time studying Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ through that is appealing and available, including on his contacts with some academics and some Kindle, the memoir is a significant addition to highly educated military men.” the literature on Nigeria’s political development. Babangida, according to Awa, saw multiparty As I write this column, I received a WhatsApp system as the source of chaos and disorder message credited to the late Chief Richard in Nigerian politics. “His preference was for Akinjide, Minister of Education in the First a single-party system located in the extreme Republic and Attorney General of the Federation right-wing of the political spectrum. He did and Justice Minister in the Second Republic. not spell out in so many words the ideological Since we live in an age in which people write position which he favoured because he did not their fancy and attribute it to others, I wasn’t want to alienate me and Yahaya whom he knew so sure of its genuineness. Attributed to a as left-wingers. I devoted some time trying to speech Akinjide made on 12th June 2000 at assess him and his ideas. I felt that perhaps I the public presentation of the book, ‘Fellow knew less about him than did Omoruyi and Countrymen-The Story of Coup D’etats in Yahaya. I assessed him in the following way: Nigeria’, by Richard Akinnola, I called Mr He was not essentially concerned with the Akinnola and he confirmed its authenticity. question of economic development but rather Incidentally, Awa fingered Akinjide, “who had with macro-growth of the economy, which some Igbophobia strain in him” as the person could render the nation strong, self-reliant, and who insisted on the removal of Njoku as VC powerful. Problems of social justice could be at the University of Lagos in 1965. But in this swept neatly under the carpet. There would instance, Akinjide spoke about the complexity of be powerful interest/pressure groups such as Nigeria, the ethnic relations as well as his own traditional rulers, religious leaders, economic reading of the North-South divide, despite playing and financial groups which would easily buy a prominent role in Nigeria. “Our problems any right-wing policies to satisfy him and enrich did not start yesterday. It started about 1894. themselves.” Lord Lugard came here about 1894 and many By early 1986, Babangida established the Political Omoruyi people did not know that Major Lugard was not Bureau. “I believe the idea was derived partly originally employed by the British government. from the discussion we held with him. He may “an extreme left-wing radical” whom he said groups to sabotage the March re-election. He was employed by companies. He was first also have held similar discussions with some distrusted him (Awa) and anybody he considered Both dismissed the threat as the handwork employed by East Indian Company, then by members of the bureaucracy and derived some to be close to the military. “Then one thing led of crackpots. I had the problem of deciding the Royal East African Company and then by ideas from these also. Tunji Olagunju, Adviser to another and Madunagu left the Bureau and how much information I should give to the the Royal Niger Company. It was from the to the President, was generally with us although never returned. That was a pity for I had begun AFRC regarding the strategies I would adopt Royal Niger Company that he transferred his perhaps not one of us…I thought he retained to enjoy his posturing as the spokesman of the in handling the re-election. I did not have any services to the British government. Unless you Olagunju (from the Buhari regime) because of masses.” doubt in my mind that whatever I disclose know this background, you will not know the his intimate knowledge of the presidency. In As a member of the ‘Intellectual Quartet’ (my would promptly be transmitted to the sabotage root causes of our problems. The interest of the my view, looking back now, neither Omoruyi description) around Babangida comprising of groups. All the groups opposed to me looked Europeans in Africa and indeed in Nigeria was nor Olagunju tended generally to play the himself, Omoruyi, Yahaya and Olagunju, the forward to March 26 (1988) as a kind of waterloo economic and it’s still economic.” sycophant to Babangida in the handling of appointment of Awa as NEC chairman was no for me. If the re-election failed, the chairman What flows from Akinjide’s thesis, and the crucial matters of state policy, but Babangida surprise. At about the same period, Babangida also of NEC must go. Babangida, Aikhomu, Olu memoir of Awa, is that we are yet to build had several centres of power and in crucial sent Omoruyi to pioneer the Centre for Democratic Falae and others accepted this view.” a nation out of the disparate unions cobbled matters ultimate advice seemed to come from Studies and Yahaya to the Administrative Even though the election went without any together by Lord Lugard, acting at the behest his kitchen cabinet group. The point, however, is Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) as Director hitch despite the hurdles placed on his ways, of the British colonial overlords. Our First that Babangida and the four of us worked out General. But the relationship with Awa began Awa knew he was a marked man. One man Republic leaders were too suspicious of one the composition of the Bureau as follows: Awa, to sour shortly after the December 1987 local who wanted him out desperately was Chief Olu another to create a nation. The military only Yahaya, Tunde Adeniran, Oye Oyediran, Pascal government election with problems in 312 wards Falae who started out as Secretary to the Federal compounded our problem with their coups and Bafyau, Edwin Madunagu, Haroun Adamu, out of 5,024 in the country. “Entirely relying on Government before becoming Finance Minister. countercoups. Now, the responsibility on what Sam Oyovbaire, Bala Takaya, Amma Ogan and its own findings and without prompting from Falae, according to Awa, was scheming to be kind of society we want to build rests with the an executive known as Abdullah Augi. Amma aggrieved persons, NEC cancelled the elections the civilian president after Babangida and was current generation and there are no easy options. Ogan hails from the same state as myself. in these 312 wards and directed that they be intent on blocking anybody he thought would But to pretend that we have no problem is to “After we had constituted the Bureau, some repeated,” wrote Awa but that was not enough not play his game. But there were other forces continue living in denial. More distressing is strange developments occurred. Two men, both to pacify those who were already looking for at play within the military, including a member the fact that we are not even engaging any of highly placed in Babangida’s administration and ways to oust him. of the AFRC who allegedly faulted him (Awa) the challenges that stare us in the face. Which close to him, made moves to upset the composition Disputing the claim by Babangida in a for not giving 20% of a total of N200 million is why I understand the cynicism by those of the Bureau. One was in the police. The other TELL magazine interview that he (Awa) was worth of contracts by INEC to them to share. who argue that even if we restructure, not was in the army. Both men approached Babangida removed because he was too old to carry on Eventually, a man (name withheld by me) who much will change if the same mindset and and requested him to drop me as chairman of the burden of administering NEC and that contested the 1987 elections for the chairmanship leadership failures persist. So restructuring the bureau on the grounds that they did not he was confused when grilled at the Armed of a local government in Benue State and lost, is not the magic wand that some people are want an Igboman to head such an important Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) meeting over the filed a court action, making allegations of marketing, it comes with hard work and a new and delicate organisation since it was not so long report of the local government elections of 1987, impropriety in the conduct of the elections. attitude to nation-building. In recent months, ago that the Igbo made war on Nigeria. They Awa wrote: “Let me state first of all that many He later withdrew the action from court and I have made several contributions to Ransom specifically wanted someone from their own important members of the AFRC were hostile then petitioned NEC about the elections on Support Funds being raised by people I know state to be included and to have S.J. Cookey towards me. Three of these people demanded grounds that the elected chairman failed to to pay kidnappers—evidence of the fact that as the Chairman of the Bureau. For them this that I should pay to the AFRC about 20% of the satisfy the residency requirement at the time of we are now in a very bad place as a nation. meant that they had secured representation of funds I was controlling at NEC. They referred the elections in 1987. NEC set up a committee In a brilliant piece in ‘London Observer’ last the minorities in the East. I later learnt that to this as the shareholders’ dividend. They said to investigate the matter and to recommend weekend, Kenan Malik warned that the current equitable representation was not an important they wanted somebody who would play ball what should be done. “On 2nd February 1989, turmoil in South Africa is a demonstration of consideration with these people. They had with them. As I could not fulfill this request, (name withheld) met me in the office and stated a “phenomenon we are witnessing in different thought that heavy allowances would be paid to I was sure that I could be removed anytime. that the report, which he had apparently seen, ways and in degrees of severity across the globe: members of the Bureau and the idea of sharing “There was secondly a group that wanted me did not favour him. He was clutching a paper the old order breaking down, with little to fill the cake was uppermost in their minds. Some to be removed so that a Yoruba man could take which he handed over to me. In the paper, he the void but sectarian movements or identity other ethnic/religious groups got wind of the over and thus pave the way for an alignment made false, malicious, and essentially frivolous politics.” While the judicial travails of former sharing of the cake and foisted their candidates of the Hausa/Fulani groups and the Yoruba accusations against me relating to the handling President Jacob Zuma may have triggered the on Babangida. When the announcement was after military rule. Thirdly, there were Babangida of some funds. He demanded to be appointed mayhem, what is driving it, according to Malik, subsequently made, I knew for the first time and Aikhomu, whose impartial standing on chairman of the local council otherwise he would is a “combination of people made desperate by on the radio that I was no longer Chairman of the debate I could not take for granted. Both cause the fabrications to be published. I could poverty and hunger, gangsters seeking to profit the Bureau. On the day of the announcement, had felt that it would be better for me to be not possibly submit to such blackmail, and from mayhem and political activists settling the composition of the Bureau was shown as removed. Further, there was no question of I informed him so. In the next few days, I scores.” We saw a little bit of that last year follows: All the original members as mentioned grilling me. The report I made before the AFRC managed to trap him into speaking on tape when the EndSARS protests were hijacked by above but excluding Amma Ogan. The new was straightforward. The election in 93.8% of where he repeated a lot of the issues he had hoodlums, and it is a warning about the looming names added were Ibrahim Halilu, Mrs Hilda the constituencies was fair, free, and successful raised originally, and he also uttered a threat to danger if we imagine we can muddle our way Adefarasin, Hajia Rahmatu Abdullahi, Okon Uya, and it was only in Lagos State and in Onitsha my life. I made a full report of the goings-on through the current crisis without interrogating M. Zahradeen, Ola Balogun and S.J. Cookey that we encountered problems. Despite these together with the tape record to the authorities, the existing structure that is founded largely as the Chairman. The chairmanship did not figures, some members of the AFRC stated but no action was taken against the man. on sharing the ever-shrinking ‘National Cake’ matter to me as much as the fickleness of the openly that it meant that the politicians had “On 19th March 1990, Godwin Daboh’s at a period our population is ballooning and President in succumbing to the pressures indicated won the day and the military would never be scandal sheet published blatantly libelous opportunities are shrinking. above. But I got over the matter quickly and able to clean up the system. I did not accept materials against me, making accusations which In all, I find in Awa’s memoir a disturbing concentrated on the assignment itself.” that the politicians had won the day. were absolutely false. I believe strongly that history of Nigeria, even if from the perspective of Awa’s insights on the workings of the “I explained the broad arrangement that NEC the whole episode was contrived by Dodan one man. But the central thesis in his conclusion bureau, how they arrived at their conclusions, would make for the re-election scheduled for Barracks in retaliation for the report I made is that “the philosophical foundation of our the subsequent interactions with Babagida on 26th March 1988. I had before then informed about the wrongdoing of a managerial staff of political system must be rooted in humanism the direction his mind was working are quite Babangida and Aikhomu of the threat letter NEC,” whom he described as a relation of the and be geared toward action, which can promote revealing. Perhaps more enjoyable is the account (reproduced in the book) which implied that president. Awa also detailed several intrigues the dignity of all our men and women of all of his relationship with Dr Edwin Madunagu, serious efforts would be made by some unknown with Babangida who reportedly played one ages as well as the free enterprise system.” T RU N Thursday, July 22, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your Yul Edochie to Nigerians COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Some people are sending me messages begging me to show them TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 where they can do money rituals. Na film I dey act. Just like American action films where one man will defeat a whole city of bad guys. Na storyline be that; E no dey happen. Is it now a crime to be a good actor?” –Nollywood actor, lamenting how wealth seekers flood his social media This service is provided in association with accredited service providers handles to ask him questions about money rituals OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT [email protected] Eme Awa: A Voice from the Grave! he bombshell memoir of the late Eme future. the ethnic fights”, and then added: “In the small Awa, a professor of political science The proposition that allocating every ethnic circle where I belonged, we used to think that S. and former chairman of the National group in Nigeria their own fiefdom will bring L. Akintola was the brightest political strategist Electoral Commission (NEC), was peace and equity is not supported by empirical in the country. He could make manoeuvres, completed 25 years ago in December evidence. And Awa made that very clear by his which puzzled everybody: Awo, Zik, Sardauna, T1995 and six years before his death in March 2000. own experience. “When the composition of NEC et cetera, all could be outmanoeuvred. We used Mrs. Selome Awa (Mummy Awa as we call her) was announced, many things happened all at to call him ‘Akin Wonder’”. published it posthumously. I was availed a copy once, calling attention to the relatively ‘raw’ nature The first major issue tackled by Awa was ahead of its presentation. It tells a compelling story of Nigerian politics. I was the first person from the politics within academia. He recounted of the political journey of Nigeria before and after a majority ethnic group (Igbo) to be appointed his experience at University College, Ibadan, independence, the mutual ethnic suspicions that chairman of the electoral commission. There was which he joined in September 1957 after leaving ultimately led to the civil war, the mismanagement some major rumbling from Anambra State as a promising career in the federal civil service, of our diversity by the military, the incursion of to why such an honour coming to the Igbo for and at the University of Lagos which he moved tribalism into the academic community and of the first time should have gone to Imo and not to a few years later. Awa described the travails course the ‘transition’ to civil rule programme Anambra,” Awa wrote. “Inside Imo, there was a of Professor Eni Njoku as an eye opener on the of General Ibrahim Babangida in which Awa minor rumble. Why should Awa be appointed to challenge of ethnicity in Nigeria: “The University played a critical role. Some may remember his this position when it was known that he hailed of Lagos was founded by the Federal Government controversial removal as NEC Chairman as well from the Aro-Chukwu/Ohafia local government in 1962 and Eni Njoku had been appointed as the as the drama of how his name was displaced area?” But of course, Awa’s biggest challenge first Vice-Chancellor by Prime Minister Tafawa at the last minute by J.S. Cookey as chair of the at that period was that “a small Yoruba clique Balewa, presumably on the advice of expatriate 1986 Political Bureau. objected to my appointment and took steps soon scholars, some of whom were senior staff at the Describing his memoir as “hurdles of afterwards to have me removed.” University of Ibadan (then University College). consciousness from my being an Ohafia person A decade later, Awa again experienced what The University of Ibadan was then headed by through various levels of growth – Ohafia Clan, he described as the “stratification of the Igbo Professor Kenneth Dike, another Igbo man, who Bende Division, Igbo ethnic group and finally society along clan lines” when his appointment as also had been recommended for the position Nigeria”, the late Awa said his experience Awa the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria by expatriate scholars. Eni Njoku had worked allowed him to see serious structural defects (UNN) was resisted, although there was also hard and within a short time he had assembled in our country which he attributed to “the lack The young woman apparently possessed of a another angle to that. As a student at Lincoln good staff of Nigerians. My recollection now is of moral code or ethos that binds all Nigerians fertile brain, and because of this reservation, University, Pennsylvania, in the late 1940’s, Awa that most of the Nigerian staff were Igbo, but together.” He argued that “even today (1995 she gave the whole interview the title of: ‘If I was President of the Nigerian Students Association this was entirely fortuitous. Njoku considered that is) if one went into the inner recesses of open my mouth, this country will burn’…other in the USA and Canada and some of the actions himself a good Nigerian. He could never have many villages, one could find many people who, newspapers gleefully followed in the wake of during this period brought him “near conflicts been forced by considerations of ethnicity or if told that they are Nigerians, may well ask: her brilliant ‘innovate’ reporting. Anybody who with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and nepotism to give appointments to anybody. I ‘Really?’ That emotional bond, the feeling that makes even a cursory content analysis of my the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)” that believe that he administered the University with we are all fellow citizens and therefore entitled writing and speeches will easily see that I could threatened him with deportation. But the real great competence. Thus, when his removal as to certain basic or minimum rights, does not never have spoken in the ‘EnglishIgbo’ language battles he fought were with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe the Vice-Chancellor was mooted, both staff and exist in the minds of many people.” That, he to reporters. Later, however, I began to feel that and Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe over scholarship funds students protested sharply. The students barricaded explained, was why he titled the memoir, ‘My anytime I opened my mouth before reporters, from ‘Ohafia Improvement Union’ that were the gates of the institution and marched around Journey to Nigeria’, suggesting that we need they might put fire into it.” deposited with the African Continental Bank in a raucous demonstration as befits such an to move “from the inchoate state to a highly Given how history is often conveniently distorted (ACB) which, according to Awa, were never occasion.” integrated political system.” to create the impression of a glorious past in remitted. It is an interesting recall that defined NOTE: Please see pages 46 and 47 for the Awa, who would have been 100 years old relation to our current challenges, the present state Awa’s acrimonious relationship with Zik and continuation in December this year, returned to Nigeria in of our country begs a larger question about the Mbadiwe. Although Awa said he and Mbadiwe 1955 from the United States with a doctorate place of memoirs such as Awa’s. While I remain eventually made up, it is evident that he and degree in Political Science. At different epochs a proponent of restructuring the country because Zik were, to put it mildly, unfriendly throughout he held important positions in academia as the system is just not working for the majority their lives. He had a lot to say about Zik in well as public service. That is what makes his of our people, I do not belong to the school that the book, mostly unflattering. Zik, according to memoir fascinating. But let me begin with an frames the argument as a North-South affair. Or Awa, “had a pitifully false image of dissenters anecdote taken towards the end of the book. that the First Republic was a model to which as invertebrate enemies and this coloured his After recounting several unpleasant experiences we can return. If there is anything I have taken attitude towards those who disagreed with under Babangida, Awa wrote of an incident that from Awa’s memoir, it is a reminder that the him on any subject on grounds of logic and happened a few years after his removal as NEC mismanagement of the past led us to where we ethics.” Meanwhile, Awa’s perspective on the chairman: “During an interview I gave to a reporter, are today. We must therefore engage in genuine political leaders in the country before and after I mentioned one of the issues discussed above conversation (as opposed to the current shouting independence goes against popular grain. He and informed the reporter that I wanted the match) if we are to reposition our country for said when “the confrontation between the major matter off the record at least in the meantime. peace and prosperity. We must envision a better leaders grew bitter, I became apprehensive of

Adedoyin Many thanks, ‘Run Club, Abuja’ Raheem n March this year, I shared briefly the story were organising a 15-day charity run/walk Now we have 55 in the ‘school’ and 121 others of how the idea to help some children in collaboration with givingng, an affiliate of on ‘waiting list’ without any clue as to what Adedoyin at 60 within the vicinity of our house has Sterling Bank to raise funds. The grand finale, to do about them. Ilorin, the Kwara State capital will tomorrow become a cause for my wife (Amatala ‘Charity Half Marathon’, a 21 kilometres run Sadly, two of the indigent children placed in play host to the Who is Who in journalism in and Other ‘Unforgotten’ Children | took place last Saturday after which a cheque a boarding secondary school in Nasarawa State Nigeria as my own dear egbon, Mr. Raheem ITHISDAYLIVE). My wife and I have benefitted of N2.2 million was presented to NFI. But the by NFI arrived on Monday to say kidnappers Adedoyin, marks his 60th birthday with a immensely from the generousity of far too many highlight was how members mingled with and had written their school to expect them, making public lecture. Mr Dapo Olorunyomi is guest friends. When about three weeks ago, my friend hugged the children, in an experience they will us to resolve they would not be going back speaker, Aremo Olusegun Osoba is father and younger brother, Buchi Onyegbule reached never forget. I thank Buchi and members of as we explore other options. Gradually, the of the day, Mr Lade Bonuola is chair of the out to my wife on behalf of the ‘Run Club, the ‘Run Club, Abuja’ for their sacrifice and education space is being closed in our country occasion and the Newspaper Proprietors Abuja’ (a fitness & lifestyle club) to inquire generousity of spirit. As I have kept telling by the sundry criminal cartels we now give Association of Nigeria (NPAN) President, about what NFI School pressing need was, people, we never set out to establish any formal some fanciful names—including those who have Mallam Kabiru Yusuf is guest of honour. I nobody had any idea of what he had in mind. structure. We just wanted to help 14 children acquired the capacity to shoot down aircraft. And wish Adedoyin, the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, To commemorate their first anniversary, members within our vicinity who were roaming around. nobody seems to be doing anything about it! happy birthday, long life and good health.

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