Pantami: Your Argument is Pedestrian, Ozekhome tells Presidency Insists minister can be prosecuted PDP accuses APC leaders of supporting terrorism Gombe APC stands in solidarity with minister Moghalu alleges double standard Tobi Soniyi, Chuks Okocha, lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome Communications and Digital alleged terrorist acts before Crimes Commission Act, (APC) and its leaders of Adedayo Akinwale in (SAN), has faulted and Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami. the enactment of the Terrorsim 2004 (EFCC Act). a conspiratorial silence in and Segun Awofadeji in dismissed as pedestrian, all In a statement he issued (Prevention Amendment) Act This is as the leadership of the face of the worrisome Gombe the arguments put forward Friday night, Ozekhome 2013, he could be prosecuted the Peoples Democratic Party revelation in which Pantami, by the federal government argued that even though under Section 46 of the (PDP) yesterday accused the Abuja-based constitutional in defence of the Minister of Pantami committed the Economic and Financial All Progressives Congress Continued on page 8 IPOB Commander, Six Others Killed in Joint Military, Police Operation…Page 12

Sunday 25 April, 2021 Vol 26. No 9513

www.thisdaylive.com T N400 RU N TH & REASO Imo Boils Again as Hoodlums Attack Uzodimma’s Country Home Three security personnel killed Property worth several millions burnt Amby Uneze in Owerri attacked the country home of the state, leaving three Yesterday’s attack was about and the state headquarters of April 5. That was in addition of Governor Hope security personnel dead the fourth in the state in the the National Correctional to assaults on other police Unknown hoodlums in the Uzodimma in Omuma, Oru and property worth several last three weeks. The state Centre, both in Owerri, the early hours of Saturday East Local Government Area millions destroyed. police command headquarters state capital, were attacked on Continued on page 5 Students’ Killing: is at War, Soyinka Cries Out Seek help, stop improvising with human lives, laureate tells Buhari President mourns, describes killing as a barbaric terror attack It’s shocking, Northern governors lament The already over-stretched sinews of moral restraint have been snapped off the casing of nation being, and nothing is left but the collective wails of impotence. Not for the first time, what many hoped was a Natural Law of Limitations has been contemptuously, defiantly breached – Soyinka Deji Elumoye in Abuja, youth in the country. And has Gboyega Akinsanmi in called on the administration and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos of President to seek help, saying Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole the killing of three of the Soyinka has cried out about the endless martyrdom of Continued on page 10 TINUBU GETS HONORARY DOCTORATE ... Dangote, Wale Tinubu, Others L-R: Registrar, Federal University of Agriculture, Mrs Helen Nyitse; a former Governor and National Leader of APC,Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Vice-Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture,Prof. Anande Richard Kimbir, during the conferment of the Donate N1.3bn for ICICE Mosque... Pg 10 Honorary Degree Doctor of Science in Management at Federal University of Agriculture,Makurdi, Benue State...yesterday 2 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY  ͺͽ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 5 PAGE FIVE Buhari, Northern Govs Sad over Passing of Sardauna's Daughter

Deji Elumoye in Abuja on October 31, 1945. She back to Sokoto from Dubai and Governor of Plateau of Emirs of and Bichi, inculcating positive values had 23 grandchildren. Her for burial according to State, Simon Lalong, has Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayero. to the younger generation President Muhammadu mother was the late Aminatu Islamic rites. commissered commiserated They described her and also promoting peaceful Buhari has expressed sadness Abubakar (Gwaggon Kano). Also, the Northern States with the government and as a loving, humble coexistence and tolerance over the death of Aishatu According to the family, Governors Forum, in a people of Kano State over and exemplary mother among people of different Ahmadu Bello, second the deceased will be flown statement by its chairman the demise of the mother that devoted her life to persuasions. daughter of the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. President Buhari, in a reaction to Aisha's demise by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu said, "the deceased lived a worthy and humble life and was an embodiment of discipline and fine character." According to him, Aishatu, who is the mother of Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, "was not only prominent on account of her birth into a powerful family, but also for her own decent character that endeared her to so many people. "At 75, Aishatu lived a fulfilled life of modesty, discipline and decent character, virtues that should be emulated by her surviving children and other women," the President stated. Buhari, however, extended his condolences to the Sokoto State Government, Emirate Council, her son, the Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Danbaba and in-law, Ambassador Shehu Malami, Sarki Sudan. He prayed Allah to forgive the gentle soul of the deceased and reward her noble deeds with paradise. Aishatu, the second daughter of the late Sardauna was till her death, a widow of Ahmad Danbaba, the late Marafan of Sokoto. Aishatu’s father was the first and only premier of northern Nigeria from 1954 to 1966, when he was killed in a military coup. CONVOCATION LECTURE AT THE SEMINARY... Late Hajiya Aishatu, who Ekiti State Governor and Guest Lecturer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (right); and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah; during died on April 23, was born the Convocation lecture “Church, Politics and Future Elections” delivered by Gov Fayemi at the Seminary, in Kafanchan, State...weekend IMO BOILS AGAIN AS HOODLUMS ATTACK UZODIMMA'S COUNTRY HOME formations in the state. the sources said. to escape. see from my house, these April 24th, a group of Relations Officer (PPRO), The assailants on It was also gathered that the A reliable source from people are dangerous and I hoodlums, numbering about Orlando Ikeokwu (DSP), Uzodimma’s home set hoodlums set two vehicles, the comunity, who spoke think they came to kill the 15, driving in a motorcade of confirmed the incident. ablaze several property in including a Rolls Royce on condition of anonymity, governor. From the way they three vehicles, accompanied Ikeokwu, however, explained the governor's premises, belonging to the governor, said he saw six persons in were shooting and bombing by a tipper loaded with used that the hoodlums only running into millions of naira, parked inside the compound, critical conditions being everywhere, you will think tyres, stormed the country attempted to raze the including choice vehicles. ablaze. In the cause of the hurriedly moved out of the war has started. We were all home of the governor in governor's house but were According to an eyewitness attack, an official of the governor's residence but could afraid, we thought they will Omuma, Oru East LGA, repelled by the security account, the attackers, who Nigeria Security and Civil not confirm their state. come for us in our buildings, and attempted to burn down operatives deployed to the came in large numbers, Defence Corps (NSCDC), The source said, "These but they never did until they the house. scene. wearing black vests, who dared the assailants, people looked mean, they left." "However, vigilant security Ikeokwu confirmed the overpowered the security was killed instantly. drove in a large convoy Reacting to the incident, the operatives attached to the death of three security personnel on duty. However, Although the fire affected and headed straight to the state government attributed governor’s house successfully operatives, saying, "I sympathisers and villagers only some parts of the governor's house. They threw the assault to the activities of repelled the attack and can confirm the story, were said to have struggled building, the governor’s a bomb, because we heard its detractors. consequently minimised the the hoodlums attacked to extinguish the fire on the neighbours, who rushed to a loud explosion and some Commissioner for damage they had planned the governor’s house by governor’s house before the the scene, were said to have of them went in while some Information and Strategy to unleash. throwing in petrol bomb arrival of the state fire service helped in bringing the fire remained outside. Declan Emelumba, in a "In the cross fire that as a result of which two and other security agents at under control before the "They were shooting heavily statement, insisted that the ensued, a few casualties cars were burnt.” the scene. arrival of fire fighters. as they made their way into attack on the governor's house were recorded. Preliminary The PPRO said the Other sources from the A prompt response by a the building, we saw some of was politically motivated, but investigation suggests that attackers were successfully community told THISDAY combined team of the military, them outside carrying second he commended the security the foiled attack may have repelled. However, one that the gunmen, who were no police, air force, and NSCDC hand tyres, which they used operatives drafted to save the been politically sponsored. unarmed personnel of the fewer than 30, arrived about prevented further damage at in setting the vehicles outside situation. "The government has NSCDC was killed in the 8:30am in three vehicles, the governor’s house. But a ablaze.” Emelumba said, "Gallant directed the relevant process, Ikeokwu said, dressed in black attire and police sergeant, and another Another source, who security operatives this security agencies to expedite adding that the hoodlums, military camouflage. They official of the NSCDC lost also did not want his name morning repelled an attack investigation on the incident while escaping, also killed a began a shooting spree in their lives to the attackers’ mentioned, said he felt the on the Omuma country home and promptly apprehend the Police Sergeant and another the air before launching their gunshots at the popular gunmen actually came to kill of the governor of Imo State, sponsors and their agents NSCDC personnel, both rocket to rip the entrance gate Mgbidi junction, Onitsha the governor. Senator Hope Uzodimma. and bring them to justice." in their private vehicles at of the governor's house open, road, while they were trying He said, "From what I could "At 9am today (Saturday) The state Police Public Mgbidi junction. 6 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8  ͺͽ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS

HOLY MATRIMONY... L-R: Former FCT Minister and father of the Bride, Chuka Odom; newly wedded, Gabriel and Jessica Bello; Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and brides mother, Adaku Odom, at the wedding reception for the couple at the International Conference Centre in Abuja...yesterday JULIUS ATOI

PANTAMI: YOUR ARGUMENT IS PEDESTRIAN, OZEKHOME TELLS PRESIDENCY has been accused of affiliation intended to cause fear or youths? Why? that were mindlessly and Malami, to prosecute Pantami, PDP stated. with terrorist groups. make any government or "This was only on March callously mauled down at the by virtue of section 174 of the The party urged Nigerians Again, in defence of bodies abandon a standpoint, 22, 2021. Where were AIT, Lekki tollgate, even as they 199 Constitution. to recall that the PDP had Pantami, the Caretaker induce fear in the public or Channels, NTA, NAN, TVC, were harmlessly waving the "Every Nigerian has the always urged the APC and Chairman of the APC in government, etc. He can be ITV, Arise News, SilverBird, Green-White-Green Nigerian right (locus standi) to do its leaders to free the nation Gombe State, Mr. Nitte K. charged under the EFCC Act." Oak TV, or the several Radio flag in a peaceful protest? this. The Nigerian Supreme by returning the political Amangal has condemned in But because he made the Stations across Nigeria? This is Why does the Presidency Court has laid this to rest as mercenaries and thugs they strong terms, the sustained statements long before the Nigerians’ great worry, Mallam perennially have a “siege far back as 1981 in the causa imported to help them rig the campaign of calumny Pantami Terrorism Prevention Act Shehu. Do not run away from mentality”? he asked. celebre (celebrated case) of 2019 elections. by people he described as was enacted, the senior the substance and pursue the Furthermore, Ozekhome Senator Abraham Adesanya Instead, the PDP said the disgruntled and unpatriotic. lawyer submitted that, shadow. Please, face the real queried: "Why does the v. President of the Federal APC has allowed their political However, standing with "Pantami cannot therefore issues at stake," je posited. Presidency forever play Republic of Nigeria (1981) mercenaries to continue to those against Pantami, a be prosecuted under the According to him, Pantami’s victimhood, when it is JELR 54679 (SC)." maraud the country, with former deputy governor of Terrorism Act, because his religious bigotry, earlier always the aggressor? Why Isa Pantami being accused of (CBN) alleged terrorist acts occurred inflammatory speeches in do presidential spokespersons PDP Accuses using his office to compromise and a presidential candidate prior to the enactment of the support of and sympathy always scramble to outdo each APC Leaders of the NIN registration exercise in the last general election, Terrorism Act. The Terrorism with terrorist groups, such other to beat Adolf Hitler’s to register such aliens with a Kingsley Moghalu, has joined Act does not have a retroactive as Al Qaeda, Taliban and Goebel to vile propaganda as Supporting Terrorism view to foisting them on the the call for the sacking of the or retrospective Act." Boko Haram (the third exhibited during World War The leadership of the Peoples nation as citizens. minister over his past radical Section 36(8) of the group of whose shed blood II? Why will the Presidency be Democratic Party (PDP) has "Our party challenges the Islamic views and support for Constitution of the Federal he described as “our Muslim defending a Minister? What accused the All Progressives APC and its leaders to speak the Boko Haram terrorist Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as brothers’ blood”), are the real is it hiding? Why weep more Congress (APC) and its leaders out by calling on President group. amended), which provides issues at stake. than the bereaved? I cannot of a conspiratorial silence in Muhammadu Buhari to relieve The calls for President that, “No person shall be He said: "If we go by understand, or can you?" the face of the worrisome Isa Pantami of his office Mihammadu Buhari to relieve held to be guilty of a criminal Garba’s pedestrian argument However, for continuing revelation in which a member without further delay, clean Pantami of his appointment as offence on account of any act that woefully fails the acid test to support terrorist groups, of the Federal Executive up whatever compromises a minister after he admitted or omission that did not, at the of logic and rigorous reasoning, Ozekhome said Pantami Council (FEC) and Minister of he may have made in the making incendiary religious time it took place, constitute why did Nigerians not pardon should be charged under Communications and Digital system and take further statements sometime between such an offence, and no brilliant Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, section 5(2) of the Terrorism Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, has steps to protect our nation 2000 and 2006, as an Islamic penalty shall be imposed who was accused of forging Prevention (Amendment) Act. been accused of affiliation with from terrorist activities," PDP scholar, has continued to for any criminal offence her NYSC Certificate, rather His words: "Pantami can be terrorist groups. posited. gather momentum. heavier than the penalty in than pressurise and force her charged for terrorist activities, In a statement by its In the inflammatoryforce at the time the offence to resign her office? because terrorism includes National Publicity Secretary, Gombe APC Stands speeches, he had expressed was committed", appears to "Why didn’t the Presidency 'support' for; and 'support' Kola Ologbondiyan, the in Solidarity with allegiance to and support for support Ozekhome's position. trenchantly defend Mrs includes (in the words of the PDP stated that, "Our party Pantami (including sympathy with) the This, nonetheless, the lawyer Adeosun, a Yoruba woman? Act) 'incitement to commit asserts that this silence by Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Boko said the Presidency missed the Who was more dangerous – a a terrorist act through the the APC and its Leaders is The Caretaker Chairman of Haram terrorist groups. point when it rose in defence certificate forger, or a terrorist internet or any electronic a direct confirmation of APC's the All Progressives Congress But the minister claimed he of Pantami. group sympathiser and means or through the use of support and sympathy for (APC) in Gombe State, had since changed his views. “Pantami’s albatross has supporter? printed materials or through acts of terrorism including Mr. Nitte K. Amangal has "Some of the comments I nothing to do with his "Why support only the dissemination of terrorist the wanton mass killings, condemned the sustained made some years ago that alleged effectiveness or Northern-Muslim Pantami? information'". banditry, maiming, kidnapping campaign of calumny are generating controversies efficaciousness in his duties. What about the death of one He, consequently, called on and marauding, which have against the Minister of now were based on my But, it has everything to young lad, Sunday Achi, Pantami to honourably resign overtaken our landscape as a Communications and Digital understanding of religious do with his dangerous who was said to have been his ministerial appointment nation under its watch. Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim issues at the time, and I have religious antecedents, which killed due to his incendiary and 'save this clueless "We find it unthinkable that Pantami by some people he changed several positions on the surface, he says he preachment? What about government of further infamy, the APC as a party, and some described as disgruntled and taken in the past based on has renounced, but is still the consequential killings of calumny, obloquy and odium' of its leaders, who are going unpatriotic. new evidence and maturity." effectively practising in reality. Christians in Kaduna, Kano, He said: "Where he fails or about grandstanding on their In a statement on behalf The Presidency had "Otherwise, why will Jos, Maiduguri, Katsina and refuses to do so (as I know he aspiration to further lead our of the APC family in Gombe days ago issued statements he invite only a very little other parts of the North, would), then President Buhari nation, can be silent in the State, the party chairman supporting and defending known Al-Afrikiy (a wholly occasioned by his bigoted should sack him. Where face of a major threat to our expressed the belief that the minister. Muslim Television station, that religious teachings? Buhari refuses (as I know he national security as well as the bad narratives against Quoting copiously from broadcasts strictly religious "What did former CJN, would), then, any and every our foundation as a nation. Pantami were being pushed the EFCC Act, which he matters) to solely cover a Onnoghen do that made the Nigerian or NGO that feels "Our party had always by enemies of progress of the said was much wider in programme of a whole federal Presidency rubbish, hound and sufficiently concerned and drawn the attention of nation and therefore urged the scope and the definition government’s activity – the hunt him out of office in a aggrieved can approach the Nigerians to the manifest minister not to be deterred of terrorism, Ozekhome virtual Flag-off capacity most premature, disgraceful courts and ask for an Order relationship and camaraderie nor succumb to any form of said: "The combustible and development programme and unconscionable manner? of Mandamus, to compel between terrorist elements and inflammable comments of on VSAT Installation Skills "What was the offence of the the Attorney-General of the APC leaders, including those Continued on page 12 Pantami no doubt were and TVRO Systems for 600 #EndSars innocent protesters, Federation, Mr Abubakar angling to be President," the SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10  ͺͽ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS Dangote, Wale Tinubu, Others Donate N1.3bn for ICICE Mosque Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja group research, language Other major donors were Saliu Buhari, N50m; ANG N10.1 m, Senator Mohammad The Chairman of BUA laboratory and library for Abdulkabir Aliu, N200 million; Petrochemical, N50m, Mele Dagash, N10m, MD Lubell, Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu President of Dangote Group, journals, articles and electronic AYM Shafa, N100m; the Kyari, N25m; Former FCT Saleh Mohammed N10m, promised to supply all the Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the books. It will also serve as CEO of Waltersmith, Alhaji Minister, Dr , Bala Uti, N10m and Tunde cement required for the Group Chief Executive officer centre for inter-faith dialogue. AbdulRazak Isa, N50m; N20m, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar Folawiyo, N10m. construction of the mosque. of Oando Group, Adewale Tinubu yesterday made the highest individual donations towards the completion of the Al-Noor Masjid at the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) in Wuse 2, Abuja. While Dangote made a donation of N350 million, Tinubu donated N300million. Over N1.3 billion was raised in two hours at the appeal fund that had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria, Dr. Isa Pantami and Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika. Others were the Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello, NNPC GMD, Mele Kolo Kyari, former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, the Religious Adviser, Al-Huda Satellite TV, Sheikh Mohammed Salah and the Grand Mufti of , Sheikh Ismail Ibn Musa Menk. The construction cost of the mosque is N3.15 billion while its completion time frame is 24 months. Upon completion, it would have a sitting capacity for 10,000 worshippers and will be fitted with a moderate cinema suite for viewing Islamic documentary and lecture, audio recording, conference facilities, printing press, video ADEBOYE'S VISIT TO THE LAND OF PROMISE... editing studio, several study Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (right), receiving General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A Adeboye areas for independent and on his arrival at International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for his Pastoral visit to the State...yesterday STUDENTS’ KILLING: NIGERIA IS AT WAR, SOYINKA CRIES OUT abducted students of the Nobel laureate said with grief. again they have sunk their could be made, either from on Tuesday from the school. The statement quoted the Greenfield University, Kaduna He said one’s greatest fear, fangs into the jugular of this money paid as ransom or in The governor as saying, “the armed was another indication that the with this latest feat of cowardly nation.” politics, “will realise sooner Commissioner for Internal bandits represent the worst country was at war. savagery, “is that the nation “I grieve with the bereaved, than later that they are bound Security and Home Affairs, of humankind and must be This is as President Buhari must brace itself for a Beslan but mourn even more for our by the same fate as their Samuel Aruwan, had in a fought at all cost for the violent mourned the brutal murder of scenario, yet strive to avoid youth so routinely sacrificed, victims". statement yesterday morning, wickedness they represent.” the students describing their Nigeria become Africa’s burdened with uncertainty The president strongly announced that the bandits Evil, the Governor further killing as a barbaric terror attack. Chechnya. and traumatized beyond condemned the killing of shot dead three of the abducted said, would not triumph over In the same vein, the “I envy no one the task youth’s capacity to cope. To three of the students, even as students God-given humanity. He Northern States Governors ahead, terminating the toxic this government we repeat the he described the students as In announcing the killing of appealed to citizens to come Forum, has expressed grief harvest of past derelictions. public cry: Seek Help. Stop bright youngsters, who were the three students, the Kaduna together against the forces of over the reported death of Blame laying is for later. Right Improvising with Human cut down by evil people in State government said, “In an darkness challenging national the students, describing it now is the question of – what Lives. Youth - that is, the their prime. act of mindless evil and sheer security and the very existence as shocking, barbaric and needs to be done, and done future – should not serve as “My thoughts are with their wickedness, the armed bandits, of the Nigerian state. condemnable. urgently. Ritual Offering on the altar of families in this time of grief. who kidnapped students of “The Governor, on behalf of Soyinka, a renowned “We keep avoiding the a failing State. May their souls rest in peace,” Greenfield University have shot the government and people octogenarian playwright and inevitable, but that very “Not for the first time, what said the President. dead three of the abducted of Kaduna State sent deep poet, said with their killing, unthinkable now hammers many hoped was a Natural On the recurring incidents students. condolences and empathy the already over-stretched brutishly on our gates, the Law of Limitations has been of kidnappings and killings in “The armed bandits on to the students’ families and sinews of moral restraint had blood ransom arrogantly contemptuously, defiantlyKaduna State in particular, the Tuesday night kidnapped the university community, as been snapped off the casing of insatiable. breached. We need to remind President condemned them as an unspecified number of he prayed for the repose of nation being, and that nothing “This nation is at war, yet, ourselves of hideous precedents. “barbaric terror attacks,” and students at the institution their souls.The Government was left but the collective wails we continue to pretend that “We must remember described as “unfortunate, the located at Kasarami village will keep citizens informed of impotence. these are mere birth-pangs Chibok. And Dapchi. And tenor of some political and off Kaduna-Abuja Road in of further developments”, He made these remarks of a glorious entity. They are numerous antecedents and religious leaders that seem to Chikun LGA. Aruwan said. in a statement yesterday in death throes. Vultures and after, unpublicised, or soon further incite and stoke the “The remains of three The statement was, however, reaction to the brutal killing of undertakers hover patiently relegated to the sump of pain and anguish of mourning students were found today silent on the number of the the abducted varsity students, but with full confidence,” he collective amnesia. The wages families,who are forced to (Friday), in Kwanan Bature students abducted. whose bodies were dumped declared. of impunity never diminish, confront these atrocities. village, a location close to Reacting too, Chairman of the close to the institution. Soyinka noted that those on the contrary, they distend,” "Addressing this scourge the university and have been Northern Governors’ Forum In the statement titled: “The who have been proven weak he said. requires a great show of evacuated to a mortuary by and Governor of Plateau Endless Martyrdom of Youth,” and incapable should learn to Formally reacting to the empathy and coming together the Commissioner, Internal State, Simon Bako Lalong, in Soyinka said Abukakar Atiku swallow their vain pride and development via a statement as a society to squarely Security and Home Affairs, and a statement said there was no had summed up the nation’s seek help. by one of his media aides, confront these elements and Force Commander, Operation justification whatsoever for the feeling, when he said, “This According to the Nobel Garba Shehu, the president the danger it poses to our Thunder Strike, Lt.Col. MH kidnap and murder of the most recent savagery against laureate, “this is no new however declared that, democracy and peaceful life Abdullahi. innocent students, who were our youth is heartbreaking. counseling. But of , the "banditry, kidnapping and in the country.” “Governor Nasir El-Rufai has simply in school to study and “More than the heart is dog that will get lost no longer the politics of murders will Nigerians on Friday reacted condemned the killing of three prepare themselves for service broken, however, more than heeds the hunter’s whistle.” be fought with all the resources with shock and anger to the students as sheer wickedness, to the nation, adding that action millions of individual hearts He further noted that the available to our country". killing of three of the students inhumanity and an outright was an act of sheer wickedness that still lay claim to bonds dogs of war “stopped merely He gave strong assurances of Greenfield University, desecration of human lives by that must not be allowed to in a common humanity,” the baying years ago. Again and that those that thought profits Kaduna kidnapped by bandits vile entities.” go unpunished. SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12  ͺͽ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS IPOB Commander, Six Others Killed in Joint Military, Police Operation Army officer, 3 policemen lost Group confirms killing, says Imo governor will pay dearly Troops decimate 21 terrorists in Yobe Tobi Soniyi and Kingsley The statement alleged that IPOB/ESN terrorists brought leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu." their muscles when they see flee from terrorists but kill Nwezeh in Abuja Ikonso Commander was the heavy volume of fire on the The Army said the Chief Biafra agitators. For murdering innocent citizens, they were not mastermind of the attacks, in raiding team who swiftly of Army Staff, Lt General Ikonso, the ESN (Eastern able to penetrate into the camp A tactical team of the Nigeria addition to multiple attacks responded and overwhelmed Ibrahim Attahiru, commended Security Network) unit of Eastern Security Network. Police, Nigerian Army, and in the South-east and South- them with superior fire power the troops, the Police IRT, and commander in cold blood, They only ambushed Ikonso Department of State Services south. that neutralised Ikonson and DSS operatives for making the Uzodinma has stirred the but we promise them hell for (DSS), in a joint operation early The statement said, "The six of his top Commanders. operation a success. hornet nest! He should get this cowardly act! Saturday morning, stormed the joint intelligence team had "Sadly however, a Second "The Nigerian Army along ready for a sting. “ has operational headquarters of earlier interviewed several Lieutenant and three IRT with other security agencies “Uzodinma decided to kill murdered sleep, so he should the Eastern Security Network arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists operatives paid the supreme will sustain intelligence-based Ikonso because he refused be ready to stay awake! Fulani (ESN), the military wing of the in connection with the April 5 price in the fire fight that kinetic operations in the South- his offer to head Ebubeagu terrorists pretending to be cattle proscribed Indigenous People attacks and they all confessed ensued. The four officers who east and South-south until the ghost security outfit formed sellers in Enugu destroyed of Biafra (IPOB), in Awomama, that Ikonson Commander who fought gallantly have already regions are free of terrorist by South-east governors. police vans and attacked Oru East Local Government was named as Vice President been evacuated to a military activities," the statement said. Uzodinma has tried but government officials on lawful Area of Imo State, killing seven by their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, facility in Owerri.” IPOB had denied being without success to lure ESN duty with AK-47 but no army, members of the group. and was the one that mobilised The army statement said behind the attacks in Imo State. operatives into Ebubeagu. He police or DSS attacked them The Army said Ikonso men and resources as well as three AK 47 riffles, a Toyota In a statement by its had made irresistible offers till now. But ESN operatives Commander, who was said to ordered and orchestrated the Sienna van, and several other spokesperson, Emma Powerful, to them, which were turned defending our communities be the commander of the IPOB attacks on Owerri. items of value, including drugs on Saturday, IPOB said, down, hence his resorting to against the terrorists are being military, was among the seven "They equally revealed that suspected to be psychotropic “The killing of the heroic elimination of these patriotic hunted like games every day. killed during an exchange of Ikonson was responsible for substances, were recovered and innocent Biafrans protecting heroes who vowed never to The world has kept quiet over gunfire between government many other attacks on police were being processed by the our communities and towns betray Biafra. this atrocity until we begin forces and ESN fighters. stations across the two geo- intelligence team to assist in from Fulani terrorists herdsmen “Hope Uzodinma sent a lot our own madness.” An army officer and three political zones." further investigations and masquerading as cattle herders of emissaries to beg Ikonso Meanwhile, troops of policemen also died in the It said the intelligence team operations in the area. in cold blood is very painful. and other ESN officers to join Operation Lafiya Dole operation. later "tracked the IPOB/ The statement added, "The “The Supreme Court Ebubeagu security outfit. So, (OPLD) currently conducting In a swift reaction to the ESN top leader to his exact joint security team is already Administrator of Imo State, because of their refusal to Operation Tura Takaibango attack, IPOB confirmedlocation in Awomama village dominating the general Hope Uzodinma, and all betray Biafra agitation and our inflicted heavy casualty the killing of one of its where he (Ikonson) and his to area while preparations for those who had a hand in this leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the on Boko Haram/Islamic commanders, but disputed commanders were hibernating further operations are in wickedness will pay dearly. hopeless governor mobilised State West Africa Province the security agents’ claim that and plotting dastardly acts top gear. The neutralised “Hope Uzodinma and his joint security forces to attack (ISWAP) terrorists in Geidam, ESN operational headquarters against the Nigerian state. Ikonson Commander had in cowardly Nigerian security them today. the headquarters of Geidam was stormed. It said Ikonso "On noticing the presence several occasions posed for agencies that cannot confront “Contrary to claims by the Local Government Area of was ambushed. of the joint operations team, photographs with the fugitive Fulani terrorists but only flex cowardly security forces who Yobe State. IPOB issued a stern warning to Hope Uzodinma, saying he “will pay dearly” for the killing of one of its commanders. In a related development, Gunmen kill Nine Persons in the military authorities said troops killed 21 terrorists in Geidam, Yobe State. A statement by the Nigerian Nasarawa Farming Community Army, signed by the Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia the invasion of the area by the on the Tiv people of the state, and the Fulani herdsmen must deployment of security Mohammed Yerima, said suspected Fulani herdsmen. particularly, those living at stop attacking our people for operatives to the trouble area the operation in Imo State Gunmen suspected to be An eyewitness gave names the border areas between things they know nothing to forestall further breakdown was launched in the early Fulani herdsmen, in the of some of the persons killed Benue and Nasarawa States about," he said. of law and order. hours of Saturday following early hours of yesterday, during the attack to include have become a recurring He lamented that the ugly He called on the Tiv people an intelligence report on attacked Ajimaka, a Tiv Tsekaa Chiatyo (m), Kwaghdoo decimal despite efforts by development has led to the to remain calm and avoid the location of IPOB’s farming community in Doma Tsekaa (f), Sewuese Tsekaa (f), the Nasarawa State Governor, displacement of thousands taking laws into their hands operational headquarters and Local Government Area of Bobo Chiatyo (m), Aondoseer Abdullahi Sule and his Benue of Tiv farmers in the area, despite the unprovoked attack the movement of the overall Nasarawa State, killing nine Fidelis (m), Aboyi Aduku (m) State counterpart, Samuel regretting that the incident as the state government was commander, popularly known persons, while several others and Mwuese Aseer (m). Ortom, to ensure lasting peace. was happening at a critical taking measures to restore as Ikonso Commander. It said were reported missing. President of Tiv "Each time the Fulani time farmers were set to normalcy. the Intelligence Response Team The gunmen, who were said Development Association herdsmen have issues relating commence the current farming When the Nasarawa (IRT) of the Police and DSS to be carrying sophisticated (TIDA) in Nasarawa State, to implementation of the season. State Police Command was team, along with troops of 82 weapons, invaded the Comrade Peter Ahemba, anti-open grazing law by While acknowledging contacted over the killings, the Division of the Nigerian Army, community at about 2:00am, confirmed the incident while the Benue State government, efforts by the Nasarawa sState Police Public Relations Officer had been on the trail of the shooting sporadically. speaking with journalists they come and attack our (Tiv) government to ensure peace of the command, ASP Nansel group since the attacks on the It was gathered that in Lafia and described the people in Nasarawa State. and security at the border Ramhan, said the command Imo State Police Command most of the victims were attack as both unprovoked "We are indigenous Tiv areas of the state, the TIDA was yet to receive any report headquarters and the Owerri majorly women and children and unfortunate. people of Nasarawa State. President appealed to the on any occurrence of such Correctional Centre on April 5. scampering to safety during He regretted that the attacks We are peace-loving people state government to direct from the area. PANTAMI: YOUR ARGUMENT IS PEDESTRIAN, OZEKHOME TELLS PRESIDENCY blackmail. proud of the achievements has accused the presidency of scaled the vetting process and of his views now is that presidency undermines He said: "We commend the recorded by Dr. Pantami in his double standards in the matter approved for that office. he has been serving as a public accountability, as well presidency and all the people stewardship as federal cabinet involving the Minister of He reiterated that the minister while presumably as Nigeria’s struggle against of goodwill for coming out member and believe that the Communications and Digital presidency exhibited double still harboring those views. Terrorism. He should never openly and boldly to defend smear campaign, which we Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, standards as Kemi Adeosun, His disagreement with Boko have scaled the vetting process the Minister against baseless are sure will not succeed, over his past radical Islamic a former minister of finance, Haram does not absolve him and being approved for that accusations and attacks by are not unconnected with views and supporting the was made to resign for a of, at the very least moral office. The implication of the individuals and organisations the wonderful policies and Boko Haram terrorist group. wrongdoing in her past. culpability for supporting timing of Pantami's recanting who do not mean well for reforms he has been carrying While accusing the “I have refrained so far Al Qaeda and the Taliban. of his views now is that Nigeria.” out in the ICT and digital presidency of setting two from commenting on the “For this reason, Pantami he has been serving as a According to the statement economy sectors in the overall criteria for officials serving #Pantami controversy. From should not continue to serve minister while presumably issued by Sabo Ibrahim, interest of the nation's security in the same government, information available: anyone as a minister. For him to still harboring those views. State Publicity Secretary, and wellbeing." Moghalu said the minister can a mistake, and has the remain in his position, and "Two sets of standards from "We identify and stand in should just go. right to recant from it. But for presidency to support the very same government: solidarity with our dear Moghalu Accuses Moghalu, in several tweets when the evidence shows this, is to tell Nigerians one for the likes of former brother, Dr. Pantami, who is Presidency of Double yesterday said Pantami that a serving minister of that we have two sets of Finance Minister,Kemi a very dutiful and faithful should be sacked, wondering Nigeria has expressed open standards from the very same Adeosun, who had to member of our great party Standards how he passed through the support for global terrorist government, one for the likes resign for a wrongdoing in as well as an illustrious son A former deputy governor Department of State Security groups, he should never have of former Finance Minister her past, and another for of Gombe. We, therefore, of Central Bank of Nigeria (DSS) screening before he scaled the vetting process Kemi Adeosun, who had to Pantami. This position of @ request all well-meaning (CBN) and a presidential became a minister. and been approved for that resign for a wrongdoing in NGRPresident undermines party members to do so in candidate in the last general The former deputy governor office. her past, and another for public accountability, as the interest of our dear nation. election, Kingsley Moghalu, of CBN contended that “The implication of the Pantami. well as Nigeria's struggle," "We are very pleased and Pantami should never have timing of Pantami’s recanting “This position of he stated. SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 OPINION ORTOM'S EXAMPLE IN SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER Adams Abonu writes that Nigerians await other leaders with Ortom’s strength of character

ny reasonable analysis of recent issues herdsmen and the basics needs of the local farmer. The cords that hold Nigeria's unity together in a within the body polity would readily Governor Ortom has risen through ranks of the Benue firm resolve have been assaulted by the excesses of the refer to Samuel Ortom, Benue State Gov- society and established for himself a name in national criminal elements masquerading as Fulani herdsmen. ernor; as a man who has come to assume reckoning set about correcting the dangerous tides, which Every people of conscience should rise to this ominous the face of the champion of those who are has won him both resentment and admiration in unequal occasion. not afraid to speak truth to the powers measures. The fallout of the raging insecurity occasioned by the across Nigeria. With the dangerous transmutation of the excess of Fulani grandstanding of bandits and terrorists manifests in the As governor of the predominantly herdsmen into a criminal enterprise that makes the lives common existence of the Nigerian people, and any voice agrarian Benue, Ortom's predisposition as the protector and livelihood of every Nigerian a bargaining item, the that seeks to cry against the common enemy is a voice Aof the fertile valley is unparalleled. As a Nigerian with Ortom has once again risen to the occasion and assumed a of reason. While no interest can deny Benue its rightful a national outlook, Benue's governor has demonstrated voice of conscience. Having seen the harbinger of what the status as the nation's basket, it behooves anyone through his public interventions that he is committed to dastardly attack on his people would eventually assume, interested in the existence of Nigeria as a united entity ensuring that Nigeria works for her people regardless of Ortom became a major rallying point when he called the at- to gather against what is becoming a daily harvest of any parochial sentiments or political considerations. tacks what they should be called: a matter of urgent national innocent lives cut short mostly unawares. Consider the raging friction between Fulani herdsmen importance. In addressing this menace, the government The recent worrisome inflation in the prices of staple and their host communities that has taken an un- sponsored the Open Grassing Prohibition Law through food items, the increasing unease in the entire populace, imaginable toll on lives and property and the courageous the Benue State House of Assembly with the support of the and not the least, the widespread apprehension are strides of the governor to remind federal powers of their people. That this solution-seeking legislation has become manifestations of a nation in travail, and all hands must statutory responsibility to secure Benue. a model across many states of the federation should be a be on deck to save the soul of this giant of Africa. Though the recurrent skirmishes between herdsmen, policy message to those at the realm of federal might. President Buhari-led federal government recently who are mainly of Fulani preoccupation, and indigenous As the outrageous elements within the folds of Fulani heeded some aspects of Governor Ortom's admonitions crop farmers predate the days of Ortorm's stewardship, herders across the length and breadth of Nigeria mutate into viz-a-viz the illegitimate claim of herdsmen to possess that he has risen to the occasion and constituted his a monster called banditry and criminal brigandage, what dangerous arms capable of a wide-scale massacre. While authority as a shield for his people against the rampag- the country needs right away are people who are not afraid it remains unclear if the government is sincerely commit- ing excesses of supposed cattle rearers and numerous to whip national sentiments towards salvaging the already ted to the charge, Ortom's call to conscience has reverber- criminal pretenders bent on robbing local people of their protracted imbroglio. ated. Governor Ortom's strength of character, measured ancestral land, is worthy of mention. by his disciplined approach to the national malaise of It defines the essential character of the man at the insecurity, is the needed ingredient of national salvation helm of affairs in Benue. Upon the inauguration of a new at this point in Nigeria's socio-political trajectory and dispensation in Benue on 29 May 2015, there was already Ortom's strength of character, stands as an enduring legacy of his colourful political a gathering national outcry about the dangerous attitude career. of Fulani pastoralists who deprive host communities of measured by his disciplined approach It is encouraging to see that the good people of Benue livelihood by criminally sabotaging their farms and lives to the national malaise of insecurity, appreciate this statesmanship and have made their in a somewhat futile bid to establish some dominance. governor a champion of their collective interest. What is Benue State, widely acclaimed for her fertile soils and is the needed ingredient of national left is the willingness of the political leadership to heed nourishing vegetation, remains a coveted asset to many. salvation at this point in Nigeria's this worthy example. This has been at the heart of the crisis between the two ––Abonu wrote from Asokoro, Abuja via adamsa- sides - a struggle between balancing the excesses of the socio-political trajectory [email protected]. Why Aren’t Nigerians Curious About The New PIB? There are still many unanswered questions around the bill, writes Gimba Kakanda

n January, when representatives of oil-producing communities understand and oppose the grand corruption that drives the shares are available for the public or private enterprises converged at the National Assembly for a public hearing on industry. For instance, in its 43 years of operation, Nigerian as hastily assumed by those who’ve compared the new the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), they turned National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) only got to publish firm to the massively successful Saudi Aramco or even the the venue into a wrestling ring. The visitors from Niger its first-ever audited financial accounts last year. This is a Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. Delta were in Abuja to clarify their interests in the bill and frightening realization. The concern about this commercialization of the NNPC protest perceived injustice by the federal government and oil The PIB, officially titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide is the uncertainty of its shareholding structure, especially companies. Among their demands was a 10% equity share- Legal, Governance, Regulatory and Fiscal Framework for because the corporation has existed as a cash cow of holding in the oil companies operating in their communities. the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, the Development of Host the government and yet there’s no feasible alternative to This was against the provision of the bill, which provides for the Community and for Related Matters”, proposes to also Nigeria’s monthly revenue inflow. Even if entirely owned Icreation of Petroleum Host Communities Fund (PHCF) to grant disband the existing governing institutions, especially NNPC by the government, NNPC limited, like any company, shall the victimized people 2.5% of the oil companies’ actual operating and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). These two be based on dividends, which aren’t a monthly business. expenditure for the preceding year. entities aren’t the same and have functioned separately in So, where does a country that’s relied almost entirely on Even though there’s already the vastly under-utilized and the pre-PIB oil sector. DPR is the main regulator of Nigeria’s the proceeds of oil intend to source money while it awaits misappropriated 13% Derivation Fund, a subsisting law that oil and gas industry, and tasked with licensing and permits, dividends? Perhaps there’s something the politicians aren’t addresses community funding, I’m more curious about the while NNPC mostly represents the country’s commercial saying. Only 49% of NLNG, for instance, is owned by provision in PIB that tasks oil-producing communities with interests in the oil market along with limited regulatory Nigeria (NNPC), with the other shares belonging to Shell first-line protection of oil facilities. This is a responsibility in functions. (25.6%), Total (15%) and Eni (10.4%). which the military, the Police and the Civil Defence have failed, But this restructuring of the oil and gas governing institu- The workability of the reforms proposed in the PIB and yet with no state official hounded for paving way for the tions undermines the intelligence of Nigerians in a way. is one that Nigeria must pay attention to, and it’s embar- volatility of the oil-rich region. This, again, is the government One, PIB proposes two regulators, the Nigerian Upstream rassing that there are these many unanswered questions admitting to lacking the monopoly on violence in a bill Regulatory Commission (the Commission) and the Nigerian around the bill after 20 years of frustrating attempts to designed to strengthen institutions that govern Nigeria’s oil and Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Author- adopt it. Reorganizing the industry, which is largely a mere gas sector. ity (the Authority) to take over the functions previously change of acronyms in some areas, is the easiest part of the The bill also presents a series of paradoxes that merely reflect performed by DPR. This is ironic in a sense, for DPR, as process. How has Nigeria managed the previous governing the familiar Nigerian dysfunction. The agitation for 10% equity simply explained by my good friend and oil industry insider, institutions and are we importing a new cast of politicians shares in mostly foreign-owned oil companies that already Suraj Oyewale, “does to oil and gas industry, what CBN does and experts to run the new organizations or mind their pay tax to Nigeria, although an unrealistic expectation, is an to banks – oversight.” business and allow the industry to optimize its functions outcome of our perennial mismanagement of the trust and Despite the size and sophistication of Nigeria’s financial this time around? fund of these host communities. So, the proposed community sector, he explained in our conversation around PIB, the PIB is, no doubt, a desirable quest for transparency and funding, although a fair demand, is a telling indictment of the Central Bank of Nigeria hasn’t been disintegrated into efficiency in the Oil and Gas sector, but we can’t build a managers of the 13% derivation fund designed to salvage the different organizations to focus on the operations of com- mansion on the bank of an island without a solution to . The probe of NDDC MD, Daniel Pondei, on the mercial banks, micro-finance banks and the fast-expanding declared flooding of the areas. The bill can’t redeem the mismanagement of N40 billion gave us an idea of what has FinTech separately. This has always been the trouble with conditions of the oil-producing communities that have happened to the region, as also underlined by the large-scale Nigeria, the mindset of always rushing to create a committee been governed by corrupt politicians who misappropriated corruption of their leaders. and duplicate or redundant agency to address a social or funds earmarked for their redemption. Unless the institu- What the framers of the bill don’t seem to have acknowledged bureaucratic dysfunction even though the problem has been tions are strengthened to resist political interferences, scrap- is the critical role of the disasters called Nigerian politicians the frailty of existing institutions all along. ping the existing regulatory bodies is just a ceremonial or in building strong institutions in Nigeria. With the same cast Secondly, the so-called commercialization of the NNPC futile exercise. The problem isn’t the size of the oversights of politicians in charge of affairs, this proposed disbanding of shouldn’t excite the public. The privatization template pro- before the regulators, it’s the corruption of the political existing oil-administering bodies is akin to a mere change of posed in the current version of the bill, with the loss-accruing class and the undermining of these governing agencies. acronyms. The problem of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, aside corporation assuming a commercial status, isn’t privatization But, ultimately, the heightened interest of Nigerians in the from the technical aspects of it being utterly inaccessible by in the sense most understood by Nigerians. The proposed operations of this industry and the components of PIB itself the public, is the persistent political interference and quality of incorporation of NNPC as a limited liability company under is highly required. the citizenry. The citizens don’t get to ask tough questions to the Company and Allied Matter Act does not imply that the ––Kakanda wrote from Abuja THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 15 LETTERS SOCIAL MEDIA AND MOB JUSTICE

once witnessed a macabre on alleged offenders in the Olanrewaju Taiwo – a man I have been a casualty of execution – early 2000s. streets is very much the same who suffered depression – in this brood of calumniators It was a quotidian day in on Nigeria’s social media 2017. He expressed suicidal myself. I am unfazed by the Onitsha – except for a sud- platforms – where you expect thoughts on Facebook but trolling on social media. I have den alarm jarring everyone to find refined people above was bullied and taunted. He developed impermeability to grinding away in the day’s the stratum of ‘’agberos’’. It is committed suicide afterwards. ‘’praises and curses’’ on social Ihumdrum. Thief! Thief! all the same – in the streets Social media, which ordinarily media. I am comatose to what Swiftly, commuters, traders and and on social media district. should be a crucible for ideas, happens there. But somehow, idlers became vigilantes. They Nigerian Twitter, in particular, conviviality, networking, these maligners find my mo- encircled a young man and is a toxic locale – defiant to and seminal exchanges, has bile phone number and keep bludgeoned him until he was order and devoid of joy. There become a belvedere where me under siege for hours and lifeless. No questions asked. is that proclivity for ‘’gotcha some people exhibit their days with a fusillade of attacks No trial. No justice – but jungle gotcha’’. It is always about hate, bigotry, insecurities, and and curses. This bothers me injustice. ‘’dragging this person or prejudices with disinhibition. because it is an intrusion of There is a ‘’SARS’’ in that person’’. I must say, very A few days ago, Japheth my personal space. I wake up some Nigerians; reservoirs of angry creatures take residence Omojuwa, the digital media at 4am deleting hate messages. cynicism, misanthropy and there. entrepreneur, was the We are a nation of extrem- bigotry. These ones see other It may be fun and games whipping boy of these internet ists. A violent people. When people through the bifocals of until you are a victim of this infestations. They clobbered, you stray from the single their own vile existence. Just ferocious social media mob. I scratched and gored him with narrative promoted by some like SARS, the notorious but recall when Segun Adeniyi, pitchforks and daggers, even compromised persons, you disbanded police unit, profiles senior journalist and author, throwing dynamites into the become an enemy pencilled young Nigerians with tattoo was a casualty of this ruthless mix. Much of their grouse down for demolition. Is this Lai Muhammed, Minister of Information branding and dreadlocks, horde over a book he wrote. with the gentleman was the not a tyranny of opinion? hold the same opinion? What anyone and anything that this category of Nigerians He was tyrannised until he side he chose to support in How did we become so vile, is happening on Nigerian does not agree with us? reduces every individual to apologised and withdrew the 2015 election. They seized unfeeling, and sadistic? The social media is akin to the I think we need to be an offender. You are guilty copies of the book. There have a moment to creep out of beauty of intellection is in Dark Ages where people were having conversations on ways without charges, convicted been many other victims but their crevices and forgotten the variety and robustness hanged for having contrary of mitigating the perils of and summarily sentenced – some felt so overwhelmed neck of the woods to extract of opinions. Why must opinions. And the Dark this Frankenstein technology. by the self-appointed rogue that they took an exit from a toll. I have never seen such everyone submit to a lone Ages was a blot on human- Opinions on social media can jury! That predilection for humanity. virulence and turpitude on account – even if it is false- ity – because knowledge was be bought and ammunitioned exacting jungle (in)justice I recall the story of Ariyo social media before. hood? Why should everyone forbidden. We are in an era of against anyone. We cannot intellectual darkness in Nigeria discount the veritable place of where all opinions must be social media but the evolving THE SOUTH-EAST DESCENT INTO ANARCHY unitary and must conform to trend of sponsored prejudiced certain ethnic and religious opinions is leading to a he Southeast, which which led to the genocidal And, till now, there is no men and destruction of police prejudices. dictatorship of narratives. is composed of decimation of the Igbo people let-up in the Fulani’s herders’ buildings. In Imo State, not Some of the loudest voices We are all potential victims five states, is one in the north. So, the country pillaging of farmlands in the only were police stations and accusing others of extremism of mob (in)justice. The mob of the geopolitical descended into a civil war southeast. In addition, they police personnel attacked are themselves extremists, runs Nigeria’s social media. zones that make following the failure of the had raped defenseless women but also a correctional who ambush and savage You either fall in line with the up the Lugardian secessionist Biafra and the and killed farmers who centre was overrun by the contrary opinions. It must be governing narrative or risk Tcontraption called Nigeria. federal government to reach barred them from entering rampaging gunmen, leading their way or the Milky Way to violence. This mob rule has to The southeast is one of the a truce. their farmlands. to thousands of the inmates assaults and threats. end. legs of the tripod on which The secessionist Biafra, These atrocious deeds com- escaping from the facility. In How did we become so –Fredrick Nwabufo, Nigeria rests. The Igbo people, which was led by Lt. Col. mitted by Fulani cattle herders Ebonyi State, herdsmen had pugnacious that we will tear [email protected]. who inhabit the zone, are Emeka Ojukwu, lost the war. have scarred the southeast sacked towns with impunity. predominantly Christians And, since the end of the civil landscape and underlined the And the state has witnessed and practitioners of African war, efforts are being made necessity of having a security and experienced coordinated traditional religion. The culture to re-integrate the Igbo people outfit that can complement the attacks on police stations and MAKING NIGERIA of the Igbo people during the into Nigerian society and into efforts of the police personnel. police personnel. pre-colonial era is encapsulated our country’s mainstream So, the southeast governors But the incidences of MALARIA-FREE in Chinua Achebe’s anthropo- political parties. But have other had collaborated and birthed attack on police officers and logical novels; Elechi Amadi’s Nigerians forgiven the Igbo a regional security outfit called the destruction of police s a little girl, at risk. It has jeopardised The Concubine; and other people for fighting a seces- Ebube Agu. Ebube Agu, buildings may not abate growing up in the economy and health literary works. sionist war? No, they have which could be likened to the soon. The masterminds a rural com- sector of the nation, people And, from their forebears, not forgiven the Igbo people Yorubas’ Amotekun, should and executioners of brutal munity, you have die every day from malaria. today’s Igbo people inherited for fighting a secessionist war. be given legal teeth to perform attacks on police officers and to struggle to But malaria is a non- rich cultural heritage, which Today, the Igbo people living the functions for which it is destruction of police stations survive,A in an environment contagious disease which they are still upholding till outside the southeast zone in created. But can Ebube Agu have not been unmasked, where life treats you the can be curbed. In other to now. Colonial rule, which Nigeria are stereotyped as bad solve the southeast security not to talk of knowing their hard way. My parents tackle the disease, Nigeria the Igbo people experienced, people. And other Nigerians challenges? motives for carrying out the wanted a good life, but needs proper planning in couldn’t obliterate their treat them with utter distain Now, the southeast bloody campaigns. Now, the everything didn't go as distribution of health work- culture. And people of Igbo and suspicion. Worst still, they has become a theatre of a frequency of the attack is planned. It was difficult ers, drugs and information. extraction, such as Nnamd i have not been receiving a mini-war. It has come under alarming, and it can cause the growing up in a rural Provision and distribu- Azikiwe, Nwafor Orizu, Mok- fair deal in the country. They siege what with the violent incapacitation of police officers, community where stag- tion of bed nets can wugo Okoye, Osita Agwuna, are marginalized in Nigeria’s bloody happenings unfolding if the perpetrators of the nant water is everywhere, prevent mosquito bites, and others fought tirelessly scheme of things. And, they in the region with ceaseless heinous deeds are not found an environment where and insecticides will for the political emancipation are treated as second class rapidity. Now, policemen in quickly. mosquitoes have comfort- help prevent malaria. But of Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe citizens in the country to the southeast are endangered Now, it is evident that able homes to breed. My distributing these things played a pivotal rule in the which they’ve been con- species. Unknown gunmen the entire southeast is being mother whose priority won't eliminate the disease decolonization of Africa. But tributing their quotas for its do stalk and kill them. And enveloped and thrown into is her children, is always completely, it will only when Nigeria got political development. The sidelining police stations are not spared a cataclysm of unremitting concerned about the health reduce the spread. But independence, the British of eminently qualified people the assault and attack by the violence, which can cause an and well-being of us, she creating awareness among colonial overlords helped of Igbo extraction and the assailants. anarchic situation. The area made sure we always sleep the people, educating them in the enthronement of injustices that are meted out to In , a is being turned into a river of under treated mosquito about the deadly disease, the Hausa/Fulani political Igbo people have caused the governorship aspirant on blood with dire consequences. net. But I felt it was a cage. I and also training them hegemony in Nigeria. resurgence and resurrection APGA platform and former And nobody is unaware wasn't comfortable sleep- on how to dispose waste So, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa of the pro-Biafra separatist Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that anarchic condition and ing under a mosquito net. properly and creating defeated his political betters rhetoric and sentiments. governor, Professor Chuk- national development are With time, I started get- drainage system to prevent like Obafemi Awolowo Today, Nnamdi Kanu’s wuma Soludo, was attacked mutually exclusive. Develop- ting used to it. As a child mosquitoes from breeding and Nnamdi Azikiwe to proscribed IPOB has mem- by gunmen while presiding ment is put in abeyance in I was ignorant of what my will help tackle malaria. become the Prime Minister bers, who are ready and over a youth meeting at a country that has bloody mother was doing, I never This World Malaria Day of Nigeria. However, he was willing to execute the IPOB Isuofia, Anambra State. Three conflicts. knew she was protecting is to mark and celebrate overwhelmed by the political agenda. In the past, before its policemen guarding him were The governors of the us from the deadly the successes and collective trouble in the western region. proscription, the southeast had killed in that attack. And the southeast states should settle malaria disease. Through effort put together to Consequently, he was killed quaked with violent protests Zone 13 Police headquarters their political differences, band my mother, I learnt how to fight malaria. I hope our in a bloody military putsch carried out by IPOB members. in Ukpo, Anambra State came together, and proffer solutions help prevent malaria and leaders will make more executed by soldiers, who had Although the group has been under attack, too. Two of the to the security challenges how to save lives. effort to improve the health revolutionary bent. Because proscribed, it has formed the policemen who engaged the besetting the area. If no urgent Malaria is a life - threat- facilities to make Nigeria the north’s top military Eastern Security Network attackers in a gun duel were action is taken to address the ening disease worldwide. It “Zero Malaria.” Let's work brass and leading politicians (ESN). ESN is charged with killed. matter, the southeast may is a deadly disease caused together and draw the line were killed while Igbo top protecting forests in the In Enugu and Abia States, become like the northeast of by the female anopheles against malaria. politicians were spared, it southeast. We all know that there were incidences of brutal Nigeria, sooner than later. Mosquito. It affects both ––Maryam Buba, was tagged an Igbo coup. the Fulani cattle herders live in and fatal attacks on police ––Chiedu Uche Okoye, children and adults around Department of Mass Consequently, there was a forests, the place from which stations and police personnel Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra the world. Children and Communication, Univer- counter-coup in July 1966, they launch attacks on people. resulting in deaths of police- State. pregnant women are most sity of Maiduguri. 16 APRIL 25, 2021 ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA EDITORIAL Email [email protected] THE CHALLENGE OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENTS

Internally displaced persons are increasingly becoming desperate. They need shelter from the storm

he scale of forced displacements in displacement is growing across the country the Northeast is triggering a complex but more especially in the North. Last year humanitarian emergency. Last week the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) reckoned that 1.9 people were displaced in the some 65,000 people fled Damasak in North-east, with 60 per cent of them vulner- the fringes of Lake Chad, Borno State, able children. Unfortunately, many more are after series of attacks which claimed fleeing relentless attacks in Katsina, Kaduna, many lives. The insurgents looted and Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, and Adamawa States. burnt private homes, warehouses of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, has become one huge displacement centre. With thousands humanitarian agencies, police stations and health of people sleeping in the open and others in Tcentres. The attacks were a setback for Borno State overcrowded places, the conditions of the IDPs Governor, Babagana Zulum who had been striving are dire, harsh and increasingly becoming hard to return almost two million displaced persons critical. Food is rationed and access to basic to their ancestral homes. More disturbing is the hygiene and health services is limited. situation in Chad following the killing last week, hat seems to have worsened by rebels, of President Idriss Deby and the power the situation is the Covid-19 struggle that is bound pandemic which has affected With thousands of to ensue in the weeks sources of supply. Lack of safe and months ahead. water, poor sanitation and waste people sleeping in management, constitute a major the open and others The Damasak problem as they promote communicable diseases attacks affirmed the W and make life unbearable. The challenges in overcrowded alarm raised last week are accentuated by the ineffectiveness of the places, the by the United Nations several agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of soothing the pains of the conditions of the High Commission for IDPs, and massive corruption. There are also IDPs are dire, harsh Refugees (UNHCR) over reports of the startling abuses to which women and increasingly rising cases of displace- and girls are subjected in the camps. Some criminal ment caused by escalating SUNDAY NEWSPAPER security personnel whose primary task is to guard becoming critical. EDITOR insecurity in the country. SHAKA MOMODU and provide support for the displaced persons demand Food is rationed DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI sexual gratifications from women and girls in exchange The UNHCR Representa- for food and other favours. Besides, some of the people and access to basic tive to Nigeria, Ms Chansa MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO in the IDP camps suffer from post-traumatic stress hygiene and health Kapaya, said while the DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE disorders. Many children born in these camps do not services is limited relentless violence in the CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI have access to education, placing their future at risk. North-East and North-West EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN The dire situation of the displaced persons is amply MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE captured in a recent report by the United Nations Office continues to cause mass suffering and displacement in for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: “The the region, the agency is increasingly finding it difficult vulnerable host populations are in critical need of to cope as it is struggling to adequately respond to the humanitarian interventions that include food, water, growing humanitarian needs. According to the spokes- THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED sanitation, protection, education, shelter and health services.” Unfortunately, many of the aid givers who man for the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitar- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA largely sustain livelihoods in the camps are danger- GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ian Affairs, Jens Laerke, agencies were forced to shut ously overstretched. A shortage of cash is the biggest down because of targeted attacks against aid workers. ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI problem. Last week, Ms Kapaya said funding had been DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, grossly inadequate, adding that the UN agency had “Humanitarian aid operations and facilities are the ANTHONY OGEDENGBE lifeline of people in northeast Nigeria who depend received only 10 per cent out of the $96.4 million it DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI needs in 2021. on our assistance to survive”, said Laerke, adding that SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI While government should do its bit, we also appeal the violent attacks on Damasak will affect the support ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO to all critical stakeholders in the private sector, donor of nearly 9,000 internally displaced people and 76,000 CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI agencies, NGOs and others to help in tackling the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO diminishing quality of life in the IDP camps. We others in the host communities. HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA There is no doubt that the challenge of the internal cannot abandon the most vulnerable of our citizens at TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] their hour of need.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact Letters to the Editor details to [email protected]. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. AREGBESOLA AND SCARCITY OF INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS

cross the globe, available within 24 hours nation- Interior commissioned the Nigeria premium services. This is in line with hitherto Emergency Travel Certificate emerging technolo- wide under the new Maitama Immigration Service Passport international best practice, and also in (ETC) which was issued to Nigerians gies and innova- Passport Express Centre (MPEC). Express Centre, Maitama, Abuja conformity with the Executive Order in emergency situations where their tion continue to Aregbesola said: “MPEC is in which is established in partner- One on the ease of doing business in passports were not available and had affect day-to-day response to the yearnings of the ship with the private sector. It Nigeria which was signed by President need to travel to Nigeria. The old activities, from the general public for the Ministry of is a first of many more to be Muhammadu Buhari in 2017. paper ETC is non-electronic. wayA people communicate to the Interior and the Nigeria Immigra- established and designed to offer Earlier in March, President Buhari This new document is not a re- way organisations carry out their tion Service to devise additional specialized services to Nigerians. commissioned the Data Management placement for the Nigerian Passport, it activities. With this trend, it’s safe ways that the passport issuance Every Nigerian has the right to Centre of the agency. Not long ago, will only serve a temporary purpose to project that digital technol- process can be less stressful and a Nigerian passport and it is the NIS presented the electronic temporary in the case of loss or misplacement of ogy will further transform the more efficient. It is the future. The responsibility of the ministry to passport for Nigerians abroad that do the Nigerian Passport by a Nigerian working environment of Nigeria goal is to have a facility like this put it in the hands of anyone not have the regular passports but a abroad. The temporary passport is Immigration Service in the next in every local government in the desirous of it within the shortest one-way travel document to return ICAO compliant and is valid for 30 10 years. country. Every Nigerian has the possible time. to Nigeria. Then again, last week, days. To address the problem of right to a Nigerian passport and A centre like this is necessary the annual report of the agency was It is a consolidation of the digitiza- scarcity of international passport, it is our responsibility to put it to reduce stress. Secondly, by presented to the public. For this and tion efforts of the operations of NIS Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Inte- in the hands of anyone desirous minimising human contact, it more, the NIS deserves commendation. to further strengthen its collaboration rior has commenced decentralisa- of it within the shortest possible eliminates the prospect of corrup- Rauf Aregbesola commissioned the with other security agencies for effec- tion of international passports time, without stress. The passport tion. The centre will offer value Nigeria Immigration Service Passport tive border security of the country. In in the 774 local government should be available in maximum added service to all Nigerians, Express Centre on 30th March, 2021. It light of the present security chal- areas. The process started with of 72 hours of a successful ap- irrespective of their status; socially, is an electronic document and has all lenges, the temporary passport will inauguration of Passports Express plication. Where there are issues, politically and economically. This the features of a regular passport, but it no doubt help to checkmate criminal Centre at Maitama District, Abuja. the applicant must be notified implies that the centre will serve is temporary and valid for one trip and elements that take advantage of the International passports, according within 48 hours”. the passport needs of Nigerians will be retrieved from the user at the ETC to infiltrate the country. to the minister, will now be Recently, the Minister of who may be desirous of entry point. It is a replacement for the ––Inwalome Donald, Abuja. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 17

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun BUSINESS 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:[email protected] Renewed Move to Finance Safe Schools The federal government has initiated a coordinated approach to financing and implementing an integrated safe schools programme across the country, which is government-led and is tailored to the current realities. Ndubuisi Francis reports that a comprehensive and effective plan of action is desirable to stem the current spate of abductions in schools in the northern part of the country

Ahmed Emefiele Emefiele

rior to the advent of the for Global Education, and one-time Brit- Learning Communities who set the ball rolling, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, ish Prime Minister, Dr. Gordon Brown, Current realities characterised by the dialogue was an opportunity to come Nigeria accounted and several development partners and spate of abductions in schools across the together to renew and reimagine the for approximately private sector stakeholders launched three geo-political zones of the north, country’s commitment to ensuring safe 20 per cent of the the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI). and the growing apathy among parents schools for the children. global out-of-school This was in April 2014 when Nigeria to allow their children and wards to go to This process, she said, must be govern- population. With an hosted the World Economic Forum school have thrown up fresh challenges. ment-led, must be strategic, and must estimated 13 million (WEF) in Abuja. In a bid to stem the tide, the Ministry result in a multi-stakeholder framework children currently out of school in the The SSI, which was initially imple- of Finance, Budget and National Plan- and plan of action that ensures that any country,P Nigeria sits in the precipice mented in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe ning on Tuesday organised a high-level planning done is sustainably financed. of a socio-economic disaster and a full states was generally designed to: dialogue on “Financing Safe Schools: Ahmed noted that financing is a education crisis, if there is no coordi- ‡ Facilitate the transfer of students Creating Safe Learning Communities”. critical enabler to maintaining safe nated action to stop the current wave of from high risk areas to safe schools; The well-attended event which drew and secure Schools. systematic attacks on the fundamental ‡ Provide education in internally stakeholders from all strata of the society She stressed: “It goes without saying rights of children to a safe learning displaced persons (IDP) camps and within and outside the country was that financing is critical to the success- environment. other affected communities; aimed at initiating a process towards ful implementation of any proposed Parents are increasingly more ner- * Ensure the rehabilitation of school renewing and reimagining commitment interventions that come out of today’s vous about sending their children, and security infrastructure, while also to maintaining learning environments dialogue. We in government recognise particularly their young girls to school, implementing community-driven that are safe, secure and that protect that to make the critical investments with some opting to withdraw existing security processes. the dignity of children, teachers, and necessary to sustainability secure students. A national Safe Schools Fund was school administrators. our schools and ensure a holistic and This troubling statistics pose a major established in 2015 to aggregate funding Participants were the US Ambassador community-centered approach to safe danger both in the present and near from the federal government, private to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; a former schools programmes, we must address future. sector and donor communities. British Prime Minister, Dr. Gordon the longstanding challenge of domestic While some level of progress has Brown; governors, ministers, all the revenue mobilisation. This process is The Safe Schools Initiative been made through the SSI and other Service Chiefs, United Nations (UN) already ongoing through the imple- Following the abduction of over 200 programmes, there is still a long way agencies, development partners, donor mentation of fiscal reforms, including schoolgirls by Boko Haram from a sec- to go, and there is need to reimagine, agencies, and the Organised Private Finance Acts 2019 and 2020. ondary school in Chibok, Borno State institutionalise, and scale up the safe Sector (OPS), among others. “Today’s dialogue recognises the need the then federal government alongside schools programmes. The Minister of Finance, Budget and for decisive action and for a coordinated the then United Nations Special Envoy Financing Safe Schools and Safe National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, approach to the financing and imple- 18 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 BUSINESS The Renewed Move to Finance Safe Schools

Leanard Brown Fayemi Rufai mentation of an integrated safe schools Insecurity” had the Governor of Kaduna efforts to combat insecurity as doing pressures. programme across the country, which State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as one of so is equally in the best interest of the Lamenting that before insecurity is government-led and is tailored to the the panelists. world. compounded the problems facing the current realities on ground. El-Rufai, who provided the synopsis Contributing, the Chairman, Nigeria country, one of the biggest challenges “Our citizens are looking to us to lead of insecurity in his state with special Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. was how to ensure enough enrolment the way, and we must heed the call to reference to the recent abductions in Asue Ighodalo, explained that the Initia- in schools, noting that with insecurity action, and we must all work together schools, said the target of kidnappers tive requires a lot of funding. in the mix, there is a far more complex to realize the promise of safe school and bandits were usually girls and those Pledging the support of the support problem to grapple with. environments.” living in boarding schools. of the private sector as was the case According to him, the abductions and The minister lamented that the CO- He restated his opposition to negotia- with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ighodalo kidnappings in schools had provided VID-19 pandemic and the resulting eco- tion with, and payment of ransom to stated that the Nigerian economy is enough excuse for parents to keep their nomic crisis have posed unprecedented bandits, saying the federal government over-regulated and needs to be loosened children away from schools, and called challenges globally, including Nigeria. should apprehend and kill the outlaws. to trigger investments. for urgent steps to stem the tide. She observed that while the govern- He argued: “Nobody living in the While explaining that the use of He said: “At the Nigeria Governors’ ment has been proactive in response forest is innocent, and we must kill them technology and fencing of schools Forum, we are committed to working to the pandemic, establishing and all. The Chief of Air Staff has been doing could prove potent tools in checking with other partners to ensure that we implementing the Economic Sustain- well and this has led to a reduction in insecurity in schools, he observed that keep our schools safe. In all our states, ability Plan (ESP) and other interven- the activities of bandits in recent times.” the high unemployment at 33 per cent we are conducting vulnerability as- tions (including the scaling up of social While prescribing the acquisition of is a trigger for criminality and must be sessment of all our schools. The state safety net programmes, and increased drones in addition to aircraft in the fight addressed. security services have been helping in investments in health and education), against insecurity, he explained that Minister of State for Education, Hon. the states on this.” the pandemic has deepened insecurity the only way to discourage banditry Emeka Nwajiuba, suggested that his The governor lamented that the high across the country. was to stop negotiating with them and Ministry should coordinate the work unemployment rate had worsened the This, she added, had resulted in an paying ransom, but to completely wipe plan flowing from the dialogue, urg- socio-economic problems in the land, alarming spate of school attacks and them out. ing the finance ministry to provide a with more criminality and insecurity. mass kidnappings, stressing that , The governor who stated that part of template for all stakeholders to operate. “It is good to be tough on crime. “These actions are a direct attack on the measures to address the abduction of Nwajiuba added that the coordination We must be tougher on the causes of our children’s fundamental human students was the erection of perimeter should be between his ministry and crime. You cannot have a 33 per cent rights to “an education without fear fencing, disclosed that before the recent that of finance. unemployment rate in any country and of violence or attack,” as described in spate of abductions in the state, a risk not expect to deal with the sociological the Safe Schools Declaration, to which assessment carried out showed that 42 Govs Appeal to FG, CBN to Shelve implication of that. Nigeria is a signatory.” secondary schools were at risk. Planned Deductions “That is an area that the Nigeria The minister recalled that Nigeria was According to him, 10 of them were At the event, Governors Aminu Tam- Governors’ Forum believes we must in fact among the first 37 UN member immediately closed, leaving 32 following buwal (Sokoto State) and Kayode Fayemi also work collaboratively with our states to endorse the Declaration. assurances by security agencies to pro- (Ekiti State) pleaded with the Central partners, also work with our financial The UN Special Envoy on Global vide quick response during emergencies. Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Minister institutions and private sector in order Education and former British Prime He said there was the need to invest of Finance, Budget and National Plan- to find the best mechanism to bring our Minister, Dr. Gordon Brown, who more in the security agencies, adding ning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, to shelve the youth to work. joined the dialogue virtually, said he that they require superior firepower deduction of loans obtained by states “If we do that, we would have funda- was excited to be part of the discussions to overwhelm the criminals. from the federal government via the mentally played our role in addressing on the Safe Schools Initiative. El-Rufai pointed out that governors apex bank’s budget support facilities. the causes of this untoward crisis that He regretted that Nigeria accounts for should be accorded a level of control Apparently speaking for their col- the country is dealing with.” 20 per cent of the world’s out-of-school over the police to be able to effectively leagues, the two governors, who are Vice He regretted that over N41 billion children, warning that a full-blown handle security challenges. Chairman and Chairman, respectively is sitting idle with the Universal Basic education crisis was brewing. Speaking in another panel discussion, of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Education Commission (UBEC) because Brown noted that if nothing was done the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen said the deductions would worsen the of part-funding challenges, adding that within and outside Nigeria to arrest the Lucky Irabor, pledged the support of fiscal positions of the states. a pathway to surmount that challenge drift, a future of regrets would ensue the military for the Safe Schools Initia- Tambuwal appealed to the CBN and is underway. He recalled that way back in 2014, tive and other measures to tackle the the federal government not to deduct following the abduction of over 200 general insecurity in the land. the loans from states’ monthly alloca- National Plan on Safe Schools Chibok schoolgirls, the idea of “safe He, however, appealed to the media tions at this time, and appeal echoed by At the end of the high-level dialogue, schools started from investments from to be more responsible in their re- Fayemi, who said such deductions at the federal government is to develop a diverse business fellowships for educa- portage of security issues, regretting this time would compound the states’ national plan on safe schools as stake- tion across the globe and supported that the narratives in the media were fiscal problems. holders from the public and private by the charity, raising funding from misleading. The CBN had recently threatened to sectors of the economy, donor agencies business meetings, governments and According to him, the reportage commence deductions to recoup the and development partners across the government donors.” on insecurity triggers fear among $2.1 billion budget loans advanced to globe rose to galvanise financing support Brown assured that such donors were the people, adding: “The narratives the states, following claims by the Edo in the renewed effort to ensure safe still ready and willing to help in the that you find within the media space State Governor, Mr. , schools in Nigeria. latest move to re-energise the initiative, are misleading. I will rather that the that the federal government printed Although the Minister of Finance adding that the Safe School Initiative media begin to tone down the hype N50-60 billion to augment the March would not provide figures vis--a-vis was able to help 2,400 students relocate that they give to issues that have to do FAAC disbursements to stakeholders. the cost implication of the national from high-risk areas in some of the states with insecurity.” Contributing to the discussions on safe development plan, the she said such to 43 unity schools. The CDS acknowledged that a lot of schools, Fayemi said what the country a cost could only emerge after all the He stated that since 2014, over 1,300 ungoverned spaces dot the nation’s was facing was a much more serious stakeholders, including the security school children had been abducted and landscape, noting that whatever it and complex security issue that needed agencies, had done their cost analysis. were yet to return. takes to secure the schools is a worthy every collective approach to handle. She, however, stated that the implica- Abductions/Insecurity and Strategies investment, and should be pursued. He stated that governors were facing tion of not putting such a plan in place The first panel discussion which dwelt Irabor also argued that the global the direct heat of the security problems and ensuring safe schools could cost on the “Economic and Social Impact of community should support Nigeria’s in the country amid tough economic the nation N32 billion annually. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 19 ENERGY The Fuel Subsidy Quagmire After the on and oͿ appearance of queues at Àlling stations across some states of the federation some time ago, it would appear, like a lion that retreated to recharge, the queues may have roared back. The fuel queues have returned. Meanwhile, the controversial subsidy for petroleum motor spirit, popularly called petrol, returned with an almost irredeemable audacity. To be fair to the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, his desperation to ensure Nigerians do not suͿer fuel scarcity or another unbearable increase in pump price has caused him to hold on to the subsidy pillar. He insists the queues, this time around, has nothing to do with availability or aͿordability of petrol, but the tanker drivers’ strike. But we have been here before! What could really be the problem? Chris Paul examines

n the past two months, Nigerians Last month, it was disclosed that, as at March have found themselves enduring 25, 2021, Nigerian government had been spending the usual fuel crisis, arising from close to $300 million a month, on fuel subsidies. imminent increase in the price of In other words, the state oil Àrm will continue Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). to absorb the cost diͿerentials; until the federal To calm nerves, the Minister of State government-labor negotiations end. for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Unfortunately, until then, Africa’s biggest crude Sylva and the NNPC GMD, Mele producer will continue to import virtually all its fuel. Kyari, have assured that consultations with the The national oil company is emphatic in its labourI unions to agree on the appropriate price resolve not to phase out gasoline subsidies that are for the product are in progress. costing up to N120 billion ($294 million) monthly. The consequences of that on-going dialogue While Nigeria produces 1.6 million barrels of has found expression in the arbitrary and unco- crude a day, NNPC imports virtually all its fuel ordinated hike in the cost of petrol at the Àlling from abroad due to the country’s low reÀning stations. Accompanying the seeming confusion in capacity, reselling it locally at a subsidised price. the downstream sector were irregular fuel queues The NNPC boss said it will maintain the price at Àlling stations across many parts of the country. at which it sells gasoline to wholesalers and re- At some point, it appeared the minister and his tailers, saying, “Until the conclusion of on-going team had managed the crisis and the fuel queues engagement with the organised labor and other had disappeared; price seemed to have returned, stakeholders. for the most part, to the N162 per litre. However, Meanwhile, he assured the NNPC will keep within this past week, the queues came back, “bearing the burden of price diͿerentials between Àercer than before. It started in Abuja. the landing cost and pump price.” When the fuel queues resurfaced in Abuja, Nigeria’s average daily consumption is around NNPC, as was expected, advised the public against 60 million litres of gasoline. panic buying, saying petrol will be available in At this rate, will NNPC not run into a supply all depots across the country. and distribution jam, in the nearest future? This happened barely two months after petrol The question to ask is, what did the GMD based scarcity hit major cities across Nigeria. Fuel Queues at an NNPC filling station in Abuja his proclamation of the removal of subsidy on, A visit to petrol stations, last Monday evening a year earlier? What has changed so drastically found that some of the stations were shut, while products from depot owners. It also determines have been possible without this intervention. that has necessitated the bold plunge into another others were besieged by motorcyclists, tricycle the pump price at Àlling stations. “We hope that within the next seven days things full subsidy regime. owners, as well as private and commercial drivers. “We want to inform oil marketing companies will normalise and I want to assure Nigerians that The controversial $1.5 billion repair cost of the Some NNPC retail stations were also shut, with that NNPC will not increase the pump price of we are committed to it,” he said. Port Harcourt ReÀnery and the close to six years no fuel station selling petrol to motorists along PMS in May. I am giving the assurance and I ask The PTD president also said that the strike had outlay for the completion of the rehabilitation of Lugbe- Airport Road and Kubwa expressway. Nigerians to go about their normal businesses; we been suspended until the next seven days. the reÀnery does not give many Nigerians and This round of scarcity was said to have been have over 20 billion litres of petrol in our custody. Commending the NNPC and all the stakeholders international observers’ conÀdence. triggered by the strike action announced by petrol “Many of you are aware of this and with the as- for their quick intervention, he said; “We believe Nigerians hope that, at the end of the day and transport drivers. As a result, diͿerent locations in surance given by the tanker drivers and NUPENG, that the condition of service of tanker drivers and as has been the case with the nation’s downstream the capital city were gripped with tra΀c gridlock. there is no need for panic buying of the product. others need to be improved and we believe that sector in the past two decades, this Port Harcourt The usual selective sale of the product which “Petrol will be available in all the depots in the everything will be resolved as discussed.” ReÀnery story does not develop complications. normally greet this chaotic development, where country including NNPC dispatched depot across Still in the spirit of engaging stakeholders, the So, until the reÀneries are Àxed, the country will Àlling stations sell to their favorite customers with the country, so nobody should panic in buying NNPC boss pledged to work with stakeholders to have no choice; but to be bringing in the product capacity and willingness to pay higher, became the product,” he said. ensure sanity is restored in the downstream sector. from foreign reÀneries. the order of the day. Commenting on the strike by PTD, the NNPC Kyari made the pledge on Friday, in a statement But raising pump prices, let alone allowing them While telling many that they have ran out of GMD said NARTO’s inability to increase their issued by the Corporation during a meeting with to move in line with international crude markets, stock, some of the top Àlling stations across the compensation which was not resolved last week, the Association of Distributors and Transporters is a risky proposition Nigerian politicians cannot Abuja metropolis surreptitiously sell the product may have caused the crisis. of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) in Abuja. consider; because of the combustible nature of to their preferred patrons; thus depriving The NNPC boss a΀rmed the commitment of Speaking during the visit the National President the kind of controversies that have been known commercial drivers and other customers access the corporation to both NARTO and PTD that of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawal Mohammed, commended to come with it. to purchase the product. issue will be resolved the NNPC for its unrelenting eͿorts to bring sanity Many in Africa’s largest economy, which also Witnessing the unfairness in the dispensing within a week; adding that the parties will come into the downstream sector of the oil industry. hosts the highest number of people living in of the product, in situations such as this, some back to the table to have a total closure on the issue. Mohammed expressed delight at the achieve- extreme poverty globally, regard cheap fuel as smart drivers will rebel and Àght to ensure the “We also have a robust engagement with our ments of the corporation under the leadership of their single dependable beneÀt from the country’s fuel goes round all in the queue. oil marketing partners in respect of increase in Malam Kyari, especially in the area of stakeholder misspent oil wealth. As it happened in one of the NNPC outlets the volume product that is check in the Nigerian engagement. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administra- in Lugbe, the attendants stopped dispensing to market. We have agreed to work jointly with all The ADITOP President said NNPC’s initiative tion is considering ways to cushion the impact of customers, but some of the motorists refused to the security agencies to contain any possible to engage in regular meeting with the union de- fuel-subsidy cuts once they are Ànalised. leave the petrol station. infractions seen in our borders. Àned Kyari as a leader with limitless leadership The policy change would lead to deregulation At other times, the retail outlets deliberately “We will work as a team to curtail this fraudulent humility and untiring capacity for encouraging the of the downstream sector, opening up the fuel- hoard their stock in anticipation of a rise in price. practice with the help of the security agencies,” concept of stakeholder management and eagerness import business to private companies. This was the situation in some of the outlets that he added. to carry the union along in every public policy The NNPC is in talks with the Central Bank of declined to sell petrol in anticipation of a price He explained further that the meeting dwelt on engagements of the NNPC concerning the oil Nigeria to provide foreign exchange to private hike Tuesday morning. issues concerning payment by Petroleum Equali- and gas value chain. sector players for the importation of gasoline Reacting to the scarcity and anticipated hike in sation Fund (PEF) to oil marketing companies. He pledged the group’s support for NNPC, after deregulation, Kyari said. “We expect all price, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corpora- He said that all stakeholders agreed to ensure stressing that they were ready to place their trucks oil marketing companies to commence import tion (NNPC) said it will not increase the ex- depot the availability and sale of PMS to marketers. and retail outlets at the disposal of the corporation so that the burden will be taken away from the price of petrol in May. In his reaction, NARTO President, Yusuf Oth- for any pilot programme and investment initiative. NNPC,” he informed. The Group Managing Director made this known man, commended the NNPC for the intervention In the midst of the confusion, controversy and Taking the problem oͿ the NNPC is the desire at the end of a closed-door meeting with Petroleum and assured that within the next seven days, things stakeholders engagement the downstream has of all stakeholders including all Nigerians. But Transport Drivers (PTD), National Association will normalise in the adjustment of allowances gone through within the past week, the issue the nutty concern here has to do with the rules of of Road Transporters Owners (NARTO) and oil of PTD. of subsidy, which appears to have be playing a engagement and the sustainability of the process, marketers in Abuja on Monday. “We have requested that they bring three persons ¶Catch me if you can’ game with the purse of the even though the queues may have, in their usual Ex-depot price is the price marketers buy so that we discuss the issues but that would not Nigerian state. manner, faded away. 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 BUSINESS PERSONALITY Adenuga: Celebrating Africa’s Paragon of Enigma, Charisma @68 The Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, turns 68 on April 29. Typically, he would not roll out the drums in celebration as he is widely known as patently self-eͿacing. However, the day would avail his family and friends, mentees, employees, associates, and admirers worldwide, a rare opportunity to extol, recall, and recount the virtues of the man fondly called the Pillar of Prosperity. It would also be a day for the philanthropist extraordinaire to look back at his life and realise that every day deserves celebrations because of his trajectory and impact on humanity illustrated by boundless and borderless philanthropic endeavours, writes Lanre Alfred

n the mottled landscape of Nigerian businessmen, Dr Mike Adenuga, the trillionaire chairman of Globacom, is like a burst of the rainbow through a very cloudy sky. He is audacious and innovative, and despite the size of the telecommunications company, very hands-on and almost omnipresent in ev- eryI department. He was quoted as saying in a tribute to celebrate one of his past birthdays; “You cannot be in my position and be oblivious of developments around you.” Tales abound of how, since its incorporation, Globacom has never had an advertising agency for its commercials and promotional materials, as is the case with big companies. These are created in-house and underscore the creative bent of the man popularly called ‘The Bull.’ He’s a tireless hard worker. He signs oͿ on all promotional materials and has a hand in every brand ambassador because, despite his legendary self-eͿacing nature, he is in tune with contemporary culture and trends. Not surprisingly, millions of youths see him as a quintessential mentor because of his guarded and understated lifestyle and business successes. Indeed, Adenuga is not the typical African billionaire with a gaudy lifestyle. He chooses privacy over frightening excesses and superÁu- ous splurges. Also, at Globacom, there are no permanent goodbyes. It is more about ‘see you later.’ There is something about the company that makes former workers return years after leaving. Some say it has to do with the job security and convivial environment. Others say it is because Adenuga quadruples as a teacher, leader, father, and mentor before being an employer. A former top staͿ once stated, “Adenuga has recalled or reabsorbed former members of staͿ who left in the most dramatic circumstances. Some came back voluntarily while he reached out to others. For him, it is not about the sentiment but the value the individual has to oͿer. Yet, there were exceptional instances when he reabsorbed people mainly because he pitied their prevailing circumstances.” Stamp of His Honour Many money men covet and lobby far and wide for a mention on the Forbes Rich List. Don’t blame them. It satiates their conceit. They deploy huge resources to push their rating in the American journal, and when listed, these billionaires take out congratulatory adverts in newspapers and billboards. But Adenuga is markedly diͿerent. He pays no heed to such ephemeral listing. Many analysts have even consistently argued that he is bestowed with wealth far beyond the worth ascribed to him on the Forbes list and might even be the richest Adenuga on the continent. He is, however, unperturbed by such guesses. Indeed, if Adenuga doesn’t needs. This is a glimpse of who he truly is. remains unattainable to generations of tycoons more worlds to conquer. strike you, at Àrst sight, then possibly, he is a In top business schools across the world and and multibillionaires like this entrepreneur ex- masterpiece of a man disguised as a blank canvas. beyond, the corporate exploits of Adenuga are traordinaire. The Globacom chairman achieves A Citizen of Humanity The multibillionaire businessman aͿects a Áurry veritable case studies for academic researches. this with unequalled grace. He also epitomises Becoming an entrepreneur extraordinaire is of beings curled into one: he is science, an art, a And there seems to be a consensus of opinions merit and a΁uence with indescribable allure. not mere lip service. It takes consistent eͿort foundation of genius with dashes of brilliance that the Globacom boss has created phenomenally He’s got a heart of gold too. His forays into the and focus on growing from just an entrepreneur brightening the creativity of his mind and soul, successful businesses and changed the world business sector are richly layered and iconic. interested in a particular business to becoming a thus illumining the world. A product of pure signiÀcantly. He is a peerless patriot whose commitment respected and renowned empire builder. Think intellect, vision, and sheer enterprise, he can A force of nature. A towering anchor of hope. to national and economic stability is beyond Adenuga, frequently likened to a champion and become any form he creates; he is a library of An entrepreneurial depth: very few men can doubt. Having recorded a series of remarkable sometimes, a business genius that eͿortlessly masterpieces, an intricate web of sensitivity knead the tripartite traits of genius, modesty, and Àrsts in the highly competitive world of local depicts the image of a modern-day general of and hope attuned in full measure to the world’s character into that moral and human centaur that and international commerce, Adenuga has no commerce. Nothing excites him as much as his THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 21 BUSINESS PERSONALITY Africa’s Businessman Extraordinaire octopoidal conglomerate because very few full lives of their own, they had added to their members of Nigeria’s a΁uent club can achieve repository of insight before passing it on to him great feats in their youth and remain quiet and and his siblings and so doing subsequent genera- self-eͿacing like an avatar of the Himalayan tions of Adenuga. Undoubtedly, everyone who thrust. While some are busy pushing status comes in contact with Dr Mike Adenuga gleans and their immense bulk in a desperate dash for from that timeless wisdom that distinguishes socioeconomic and political acclaim, Adenuga the Adenuga lineage as an enviable one. aͿects tact and humility without ostentation or No doubt, It helped him situate the fount of pretence. You would be forgiven for ascribing his parents’ uncommon humanity and capacity to him superhuman smarts. For a man who for tough love. His parents were both strong has learned and mastered intricate business as and outgoing. They were an uncompromising the genius conductor assimilates Mozart’s aria, pair who helped make a success of the family’s you can never ornament the words enough to moral code. They taught him and his siblings describe his unparalleled verve and genius. If never to cringe from hard work. They taught Adenuga were a lab scientist, he would have them to be self-reliant. reordered groups in organic chemistry and He once described Chief Juliana Oyindamola calculated the anti-derivatives of functions as “A mother whose business blood Áowed like a that he will eͿectively deploy in real life - all river inside us. A mother whose innate business with a modest amount of energy. intuition, acumen and genius we all inherited. A mother who schooled and mentored us all, Knighted in French from very early childhood in the art and science Indeed, if virtue truly is the fount whence of doing business, through the school of hard honour springs, then he is a virtuous man; knocks and even as adults, was still coaching apologies to the late English playwright and us in business acumen”. poet, Christopher Marlowe, who would have Also, his father, “Pa Michael Agbolade probably said the same of one of Africa’s redoubt- Adenuga- a man of letters! Despite his ever able billionaire businessmen. The chairman of busy schedule as a headmaster and inspector Globacom wears his entrepreneurial strength of schools constantly moving from one location and savvy like a badge of honour on his chest, to the other, Papa still always found time to write shining it with sweat as true virtuous men do. He letters to all his children’s school”. stands tall, wading through odds with the courage Born to the illustrious Adenuga family of Ijebu of a knight and the conÀdence of a champion. Igbo in Ogun State on April 29, 1953, he attended Unlike the proverbial warrior who lives to sing Ibadan Grammar School. After that, he studied the song of his deeds and derring-do, Adenuga Business Administration at Northwestern State remains impressively humble and immune to University, Alva, Oklahoma, in the United States. conceit, treading a rare path to acclaim thus, He earned a master’s degree at Pace University, attracting honour in torrents, from home and New York, majoring in Business Administration. abroad. His sojourn in the U.S. added an inspiring In homage to his humanity and relentless chapter to his impressive history. He attracted strides at rewriting the African business nar- national attention as far back as 1991 when his rative, the French government invested him with Consolidated Oil Limited struck oil in a com- a Knight of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier mercial quantity, having distinguished himself de la Legion d Honneur), the highest French in the business of importation at the age of 22. decoration and one of the most famous in the world. Adenuga is the only and Àrst-ever Philosophy Nigerian to have received the award since its Adenuga Virtues, according to him, should be, in the inception. He was recognised and honoured for popular estimate, the rule guiding human his “remarkable contribution to the development Philanthropy he once drove himself to the album launch of conduct in business, social and political circuits of the French-Nigerian relations and apprecia- Philanthropy is at the heart of everything that Paul Play Dairo, a phenomenon in the Nigerian rather than the exception. “A man is nothing tion of the French culture.” And, just as he has Adenuga does. Why a lot of elite philanthropy is music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, without his virtues”, he argues. Thus he endeav- earned the respect of the French government, he about elite causes is not so for Adenuga. Through to the amazement of guests. ours to do good. But his deeds are done not as continues to earn that of nations, world leaders, his eponymous Pan-African philanthropic foun- “The chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga, showered an apology or extenuation of his fortune and associates while commanding the genuÁection dation, the Globacom Chairman helps Nigeria me with so much love and I enjoyed so much citizenship of the world. While many rich men of men. Not long ago, he was decorated with and other African countries to achieve social favour from him. The height of the good gestures propagate virtues as penances for the inaction of Ghana’s highest civilian national honour, the and economic independence while contributing was when he honoured the invitation to my the world’s privileged divide, Adenuga imbibes Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG). The to an improved future for Nigerians and other album launch in 2004. A lot of naysayers in the and perpetuates the culture of goodness out of former President of Ghana, John Mahama, said, African citizens. The foundation puts smiles on press said I was too inconsequential to get him an intrinsic part of his manliness. “The award is in recognition of your unique and people’s faces by creating or supporting initiatives to attend my launch. But they were all disap- Reports abound that despite his large heart, outstanding contribution to business enterprise that deliver knowledge, skills, resources and pointed,” Dairo recalled. Adenuga has suͿered untold betrayal by both in Ghana and the continent of Africa at infrastructures that will stimulate innovation, When Paul Play fell sick in 2009 and took a long friends and staͿ. Yet, he does not harbour ill- large. Through your creative business exertions, facilitate commerce, drive enterprise and improve break to treat what many thought was cancer, will towards anyone. He forgives easily. Thus, you have touched many lives in Ghana. You living conditions. Its core programme interests he confessed that he didn’t try to publicly raise he sets high standards, which he abides by as a have provided employment for our teeming are entrepreneurship, education, health, and funds because “people like Dr Mike Adenuga matter of exemplary leadership and integrity youth, artists, footballers, and many more. I am rural development. The education programme were there for me.” of character. Therefore, it is not surprising that particularly proud of you. aims to support the study of disciplines that Likewise, when juju music maestro Ebenezer doing good comes naturally to him, which is This award is our way of saying a simple drive innovation and development. Obey, who had retired from secular music decades why no amount of betrayal or backbiting would thank-you.” By the honour, Adenuga became As the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the earlier to concentrate on evangelism, required eye deter him from what he believes in. He doesn’t the Àrst Nigerian outside government to receive world, Adenuga dug into the depth of his hu- surgery many years ago, Adenuga bankrolled hug the limelight despite that it comes with his Ghana’s highest national honour. manity to support every eͿort of the federal the entire treatment, which took place abroad. monumental attainments. Similarly, in 2012, he was decorated with government to combat the virus, particularly, That gesture restored Obey’s health and return Notwithstanding his depth as an entrepreneur the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s to musical reckoning. The Globacom boss also extraordinaire, philanthropist, and citizen of (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national private sector Coalition against COVID-19, blessed the Miliki exponent with an Escalade SUV. humanity, Adenuga covets no vanities, un- honour after the Grand Commander of the donating heavily. In a letter to the CBN Gov- For several decades, the Alliance Franoaise, like other billionaires. He demands no free Federal Republic (GCFR). Talking about the ernor, Godwin EmeÀele, Adenuga applauded committed to promoting French culture and verses, heroic couplets, or ornamental rhymes award, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan said, the federal government’s measures to tackle the teaching French as a second language around to glorify his personage as a man. Adenuga “Mike Adenuga Jnr has contributed immensely pandemic’s impacts on the country, commend- the world, was located in the boisterous area is hardly given to such infectious vanities. as a businessman and an entrepreneur to the ing the bank for its worthwhile initiatives. He of Yaba, Lagos. But thanks to the generosity of growth and development of our economy. donated generously to the Lagos government, Dr Adenuga, the organisation now has a new Class Excites Businessman Extraordinaire He worked hard to establish Globacom as an various bodies, and institutions. home in Ikoyi that has been aptly named the Many a billionaire cannot be elegant even if international communications company, which Mike Adenuga Centre. Since it was declared they slave at it. So they choose to be extrava- provides means of livelihood to over 100,000 Love for the Arts open to the public in 2019, the centre has been gant. They forget that style, rather than a deep Nigerians.” Adenuga’s love for the arts is intrinsic and commanding commendations from far and near pocket, is the most crucial thing in matters Champions often write history. Sometimes invaluable. Perhaps after his passion for business, from art aÀcionados and artists, and preeminent of reputation and honour. But Adenuga is they rewrite it. But very few champs excite the making money, and philanthropy, appreciation Nigerians. In Adenuga’s reckoning, it is all in remarkably diͿerent. splendid tribute of a cheer in the wake of their of the arts is next in line. The entertainment in- a day’s work. He understands that if universal rules most glorious feats. Nonetheless, Adenuga dustry has featured prominently in Globacom’s could teach poise and panache, it would no strikingly commands the relentless tribute of corporate social investment initiatives because Journey To Selfhood longer be poise or panache, and every mid- a cheer. of Adenuga’s passion for the industry. Growing up in the Adenuga household was dling fellow with a deep pocket or otherwise It reverberates as deafening applause for the Aside from direct Ànancial commitments, like evolving in a brilliant world of dazzling may adorn themselves with the twin traits of extraordinariness of the man who taught Nigeria including massive sponsorships, Globacom mirrors. Even now, he relives the sparks of magic sophistication and elite breeding. There is no and Africa to trust in the entrepreneurial depth currently retains the largest number of key and tufts of grace wrought in his psyche by gainsaying Adenuga possesses admirable poise of man of their sons and daughters. Adenuga players in the entertainment industry as brand his exceedingly principled and loving parents. and panache, a man of venerable taste in fashion. makes history every hour. ambassadors while upholding that by actively Adenuga learnt a lot from his parents. From He eͿortlessly depicts style as an outward and He industriously adds page after page, volume engaging them. He has also really done so much his father, Pa Mike Agbolade Adenuga Snr, he inward sign of grace and character. after volume, as if nature were holding up a too for African football. He has taken football learnt humility, sacriÀce, tact, wisdom, and Many privileged billionaires stumble into monument to his exploits. to greater heights and African football has sud- patience. Whatever he learnt from his father vogue, but it takes a discerning man of class and In an era beleaguered by the infamy of humans, denly become a global phenomenon that can no was reinforced by his mother, Madam Juliana plan to mirror the girth and depth of burgeoning Adenuga’s handiwork unfurls as an undying longer be held back. It is no wonder that Africa Oyindamola Adenuga. Both parents taught trends to the world. ‘Chairman,’ without doubt, tribute to mankind’s better nature. Adenuga continues to get more slots in the FIFA World him to value every human life and relationship. epitomises such an exclusive breed of manhood. emerges as the perfect symbol of business excel- Cup competition. Adenuga’s parents, like most of their peers of Among other traits, he Áaunts immaculate Áair lence. As a historic Àgure, he is seen at home and Many entertainers, both established and un- the conservative era fondly remembered as the and charisma. He eͿortlessly characterises the abroad, the personiÀcation of a business calculus heralded, have been blessed immeasurably by good old days, inherited the timeless wisdom essence and reÀnement, exemplary of intensely within Nigeria and the African continent. this love and patronage. Though very elusive, of the ages from their forbears. Having lived constituted men of style. 22 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 MONEY Access Bank’s Race for Continental Expansion Access Bank Plc has intensiÀed its cross-border expansion in order to take advantage of opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area, which has been described as a potential game-changer for the continent, writes Obinna Chima nline with its expansion drive, Access Bank Plc last week entered into a de- structure. The bank has received the Approval- Ànitive and binding agreement with in-Principle from the Central Bank of Nigeria for ABC Holdings Limited to acquire 78.15 the restructuring and the HoldCo will consist of per cent shareholding in the African four subsidiaries in order to tap into the market Banking Corporation of Botswana opportunities that are available in the consumer Limited (BancABC Botswana). lending market, electronic payments industry The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and retail insurance market. approvalsI and customary conditions precedent, Access Bank Group will consist of Nigeria, is expected to close before the end of this quarter. Africa and international subsidiaries, while the ABC Holdings is a subsidiary of London Stock payments subsidiary will leverage the strong Exchange listed group ² Atlas Mara Limited. suite of the bank’s assets. The Nigerian bank disclosed this in a state- “Going into the fourth year of our four-year ment signed by its Company Secretary, Sunday cyclical strategy, our focus remains on consoli- Ekwochi. dating our retail momentum and expanding Bostwana is renowned for its quality sovereign our African footprint in a sustainable manner,” credit rating and stability. Access Bank’s market Wigwe said. entry is expected to further solidify its strategy In 2018, the bank launched its ‘Africa’s Gateway as, “a strong banking partner in key verticals to the World’ campaign ² a strategic initiative across retail and corporate banking, including which aims to promote ‘access to Ànance’ in especially supporting trade in payments across Africa and beyond. It started this campaign by southern Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa more leveraging technology to oͿer its consumers broadly.” new products. An example was its partnership Commenting on the deal, the Group Managing with Remita, which has oͿered PayDay loans DirectorChief Executive O΀cer, Access Bank, to over Àve million external customers. The Herbert Wigwe, said: “We remain committed to product was available on the web, through the a disciplined and thoughtful expansion strategy bank’s USSD code, via ATMs, Access Mobile, in Africa, which we believe will create strong, WhatsApp Banking, and 4uickBucks ² its instant sustainable returns for our shareholders and loan disbursal application. stakeholders at large, over the medium and Access Bank has also continued to strengthen its long-term. digital technology to propel both its sustainability “The establishment of Access Bank through targets and its African gateway strategic drive. this acquisition in the Republic of Botswana will This was evident in the bank’s partnership position the bank to deliver a more complete with the Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), aimed set of banking solutions to its clients active in at nurturing the next generation of cutting-edge and across the SADC and COMESA regions. Ànancial-technology Àrms. “This transaction complements our recent Equally, Access Bank has been driving its strategic growth acquisitions in South Africa, revenue growth through retail expansion, which Zambia and Mozambique. We are building a has grown consistently across all income lines, bank of the future that Africans across Africa and driven by a strong focus on consumer lending, the world would be proud of and look forward payments and remittances, digitalisation of to welcoming the employees, customers and customer journeys, and customer acquisition other stakeholders of BancABC Botswana to at scale It has also maintained strong capital levels Access Bank.” Wigwe BancABC Botswana is the Àfth largest bank in despite investments for growth and has ac- Botswana and is a very well-capitalised banking cumulated capital over time. institution poised for growth and success in the major countries in which we are present. sector which in turn will spur economic activities. Its recently released Ànancial statement for its local market. The bank has been perenni- “In doing this, we are also mindful of the He said: “Banks are ready especially as banks the year ended December 31, 2020, showed that ally proÀtable, given an existing high-quality country we are going to so as to make sure that have procured good lines that would support despite a challenging economic and regulatory retail loan book with opportunities and scope it is of beneÀt to the bank. As we do this, we are trading and supporting manufacturers, export- landscape, the bank beat analysts and stakehold- for diversiÀcation and further expansion into working with our friends and partners. ers, Nigerians products, which would thereby ers’ expectations. corporate and SME lending. “We are diversifying our earnings away from jumpstart economic activities. In the period under review, the bank recorded Access Bank recently unfolded plans to expand volatile markets as well and we are orchestrat- “Nigerian banks are liquid and are prepared to gross earnings of N764.7 billion for the Ànancial to more African countries as part of a strategy to ing our operations from the global payments lend out to those channels and outlets to serious year ended December 31, 2020, which was a 15 support trade and Ànance in the continent and gateway and ensuring that using Access Bank manufacturers because it poses great opportuni- per cent improvement from the N666.75 billion take advantage of the newly formed African UK, providing corresponding services from ties for Nigerian banks and the Nigerian economy. posted for the comparative period of 2019. Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). digital platforms, the overall proÀtability of “Banks are there to intermediate and they ProÀt before tax grew by 13 per cent to N125.9 According to Wigwe, across Africa, there is our franchise,” he explained. have the information, data and all that it takes billion from N111.9 billion, despite the high cost of an opportunity for the bank to expand to high- Commenting further, on AfCFTA, he said the to support Nigerian businesses that are serious operating the enlarged franchise and the increase potential markets, leveraging the beneÀts of bank would use its digital framework to beneÀt and credit worthy.” in net impairment charge of near N43 billion AfCFTA. from the continental agreement. Also, the President of Risk Management arising principally from a Structured Trade He said AfCFTA, among other beneÀts, “Coming to Nigeria, we think we need to Association of Nigeria, (RIMAN) Mr. Magnus Finance(STF) portfolio in the Access Bank UK. would expand intra-Africa trade and provide continue to entrench ourselves in the local market Nnoka, said Nigerian banks are well capitalised According to the bank, the STF impairment real opportunities for Africa. because there is still so much work to be done. and have outlets across Africa which put them is one-oͿCOVID related and recoverable over He stated that the plan is for the bank to es- “So, we are doing everything possible to at an advantage. the next 12-18 months against insurance cover tablish its presence in 22 African countries so as satisfy our customers and also to ensure that Nnoka said: “We are amongst the most pre- from world class insurers. to diversify its earnings and take advantage of our channels are adequately secured. We are pared country from the Ànancial services point However, proÀt after tax (PAT) rose by same growth opportunities in the continent. also ensuring that our staͿ are very e΀cient,” of view. Apart from a few banks in Egypt and margin from N94.1 billion to N106 billion in 2020 According to him, Africa has enormous the CEO said. South Africa, Nigerian banks are reasonably on the back of a 32 per cent growth in operating potential and there are opportunities for an Since the commencement of the AfCFTA, capitalised compared to other African countries. income, which oͿsets the rise in impairment African bank that is well run, that understands analysts and stakeholders have expressed “I think Nigerian banks, given their size today charges and operating expenses. compliance and has the capacity to support optimism about Nigerian banks’ readiness, and given their track record, are prepared and Customer deposits grew by 31 per cent to trade and the right technology infrastructure saying the Ànancial sector stands to beneÀt positioned to attract partnerships that would N5.59 trillion in December 2020, from N4.26 to support payments and remittances, without most from the continental agreement. also facilitate trade within the African block.” trillion, while net loans and advances grew taking incremental risks. They noted that with most Tier-1 banks already On his part, the Head of Consulting, Agusto by 18 per cent to N3.61 trillion, up from N3.0 “We believe that we are best positioned to operating in many African countries and are Consulting Limited, Mr. Jimi Ogbobine, said: trillion in 2019. basically do all of that. Our focus is to become continually expanding, saying that would give “In terms of the AfCFTA, the Nigerian bank- The board recommended a Ànal dividend of an aggregator in Africa and we are building a them an edge over their counterparts in other ing industry is more prepared than banks from 55 kobo per share bringing the total dividend global payment gateway and providing trade African countries. Ghana, Kenya and maybe it is the South African to 80 kobo per share. As the bank intensiÀed Ànance support and correspondent banking They added that with the increase in trade ex- banks that can give them a challenge in terms of recovery eͿorts, it undertook signiÀcant write oͿ across the continent. We are focusing on the pected to spur economic activities and increased exploiting AfCFTA. But outside South African and leveraged its risk management practices, its key markets. lending, many banks are already positioned to banks, Nigerian banks are the most prepared, asset quality improved to 4.3 per cent, compared “The approach would always be that in the take advantage of AfCFTA. especially when you are using footprints across to its 2019 report of 5.8 per cent. country we wish to go to, that we have the right The immediate past President of the Chartered the continents and for South Africa.” This is expected to continue to trend down- skills. We would not just be a drop in the country Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Mr. Uche Olowu, In view of the opportunities that exist in the wards as it strives to surpass the standard it had in which we are present, we would make sure said Nigerian banks with more trade will be in market, Access Bank recently disclosed plan built in the industry prior to the merger with that we have an impactful presence in each of a better position to increase lending to the real to transit to a holding company (HoldCo) Diamond Bank.  ˜ ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 23 MARKET NEWS Nigeria Exchange Lists N41bn Bond of Fidelity Bank Plc Goddy Egene (NGX) has listed the Fidelity unsecured fixed rate series 1 The Chief Executive Officer bank took a conservative stance has redefined business risks Bank Plc’s N41.213 billion10 Bonds under its N100 billion of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka in recognition of the impact and opportunities in the new The Nigerian Exchange Limited years 8.5 per cent subordinated debt issuance programme. Onyeali-Ikpe, had said the of the global pandemic, which normal.” A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 22- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Apr-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 154.37 155.89 -4.58% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.72% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund 306.62 306.62 -16.62% [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.07 110.07 -1.79% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.74% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.73 2.80 19.22% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.15% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 148.15 148.60 -4.67% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.36 3.52 -5.24% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.77% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.37 1.39 0.69% Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,130.12 1,130.12 2.36% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Balanced Fund 1.59 1.62 7.47% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.16 12.30 0.58% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.21% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.59 1.61 0.81% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.72 103.72 1.98% PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.86 113.73 1.39% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 130.70 132.87 6.01% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.83% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 2.20% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 -25.80% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.19 2.23 -8.41% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,109.60 3,134.16 -3.31% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 228.39 228.39 1.57% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.36% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.15 1.17 -1.69% Paramount Equity Fund 15.26 15.55 -4.55% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 299.29 299.29 1.57% Women's Investment Fund 131.36 132.75 -1.34% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 211.00 213.58 -3.45% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.30% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,872.04 9,995.90 -6.01% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 1.72% Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.24% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.21 113.21 1.92% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 128.48 129.30 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 100.58 100.58 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.87 110.87 Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.32 1.34 -3.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Bond Fund 1.93 1.93 1.91% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.18% United Capital Equity Fund 0.88 0.90 1.86% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -4.52% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.17% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.34 1.34 -15.58% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.59 119.59 2.14% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.09 -1.32% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 United capital Sukuk Fund 1.03 1.03 3.14% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.54% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.31% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,165.98 1,171.56 -2.72% Zenith Equity Fund 12.06 12.17 1.64% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Zenith Ethical Fund 13.27 13.27 8.14% Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Zenith Income Fund 24.30 24.30 1.31% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.00% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,357.58 1,357.58 6.31% FBN Balanced Fund 184.49 185.74 -1.70% REITS FBN Halal Fund 110.75 110.75 4.43% Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.94% SFS REIT 122.53 1.48% -- -Union Homes REIT 53.06 1.26% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.29 124.29 2.96% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 148.35 150.32 -1.87% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.46 12.56 -5.71% Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 SIAML Pension ETF 40 120.47 120.47 -1.04% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 94.35 96.10 -5.06% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.00% Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Debt Fund 3.92 3.92 1.35% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.55 1.58 1.77% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.70 3.74 -2.09% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.15 1.15 1.51% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.49 5.57 -3.45% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.78 16.88 2.67% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.63% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.91 19.11 -7.83% Coral Growth Fund 3,819.25 3,871.23 1.90% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 162.75 164.75 -25.71% Coral Income Fund 3,355.77 3,355.77 2.42% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.33% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 24 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾PRIL 25, 2021 DISCOURSE Gains of Effective Economic and Multilateral Diplomacy

have taken a focused interest in international relations, environment, industry trends, and new economic opportunities. economic diplomacy, multilateral, bilateral trade The Investment Summit features senior government officials, arrangements, countries quests for foreign direct invest- C-Suite business executives, and other strong political leaders ments because no country lives in isolation. The biggest from the 2 countries. The 2018 US Nigeria Investment Summit economic powers in the world like US and China are Themed: “Nigeria Is open for Business” was the maiden Edition dependant on smaller nations in the areas of buying and Sponsored by the Nigerian Consulate, which drew over 700 selling of products. They engage in bilateral and multi- attendees.The 2021 Investment Summit Themed, “Nigeria: The lateralism to survive as powerful nations. They use their future of Global Business” will build on the success of 2018. With effective diplomatic contacts and tools to engage in free trade Topics ranging from infrastructure to workforce development Iagreements to allow other countries access to their markets. will once again feature prominent industry experts and govern- Having hosted a diplomatic programme on AIT for 3 years, my ment officials from both countries.USNIIS is an organization massive exposure to diplomatic and strategic engagements with of People, Purpose and Posterity that seeks to ensure that the ministers of foreign affairs, economic and trade matters were Canada, China, Australia and host of other countries. About significant potential in a US-Nigeria commercial, investment and years of diplomatic experience and cognate exposure. From my 1.2 million migrants from Nigeria are in the diaspora. (2017 trade engagement is fully and mutually realized. I believe that understanding, free trade agreements can force local industries figure). With the latest trend in migration from Nigeria, the such an engagement will align this important purpose to long to become more competitive and rely less on government above number, must have gone through the roof by now. The term posterity as it positively impacts the people of both great subsidies, open new markets, increased GDP and invitation migration remittance to Nigeria amounted to USD23.63 billion nations. for new investments. Under free trade agreements, increased while 2017 witnessed USD22 billion. This represented 6.1% of The Mission of the organisers is to host the most advanced and international trade has the following main advantages: Nigeria’s GDP. The 2018 remittance translates to 83% of the FG influential annual summits, bringing together the direct connec- rJODSFBTFEFDPOPNJDHSPXUIrNPSFEZOBNJDCVTJOFTTDMJ- budget in 2018. Nigeria’s diaspora remittance inflows was also tion of national, state and industry policy makers and regulators, NBUFrMPXFSHPWFSONFOUTQFOEJOHrGPSFJHOEJSFDUJOWFTUNFOU 7.4 times larger than the net official Development Assistance finance directors, economists, investors, industry leaders, QPSUGPMJPTXJMMBUUSBDUJOWFTUPSTUPáPDLUIFDPVOUSZrHMPCBM (foreign aids)received in 2017 of USD3.4 billion. Nigeri’s present corporations big and small, startups, entrepreneurs and influenc- companies have more technical expertise than local companies diaspora remittance stands at US2 billion monthly. I intend to ers that impact the economic mission of both nations. The 2021 UPEFWFMPQFMPDBMSFTPVSDFTrMPDBMDPNQBOJFTBMTPSFDFJWFBDDFTT focus on our Diaspora Community around the world with short summit is expected to bring key representatives from the largest to the latest technologies from their multinational partners. interviews with the leadership to give the to have a strong voice global sectors including healthcare, agriculture, ICT/Fintech, In developing a strategic format and focus for our valued on sociopolitical and economic development in Nigeria. Education, Manufacturing, Infrastructure / Real Estate, media readers on this DIPLOMATIC DISCOURSE column, I will focus & entertainment, Transportation and Logistics etc. The trade my attention and research in developing valuable information Embassies And High Commissions in Nigeria and investment value of opportunities is expected to exceed $5B. from the 28 countries that form the EU/Shengen block includ- I would devote a sizeable chunk of my space to cover the activ- While primarily targeted at US-Nigeria engagement, participants ing US, UK, Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, ities of foreign embassies and high commissions in the areas and from around the globe are expected to participate Malaysia, UAE etc. These countries have formed strategic issues of trade balance growth, seamless immigration strategies Finally, DIPLOMATIC DISCOURSE will focus on the economic partnerships with Nigeria over the years and played that largely supports FDI, balance of trade, technology transfers, promotion Foreign Direct Investments flows into Nigeria. My solid roles in the economic growth of our country during the ICT development, support for actions against victimisation attractions here will be to promote trade, balance of trade with period in question. Nigeria’s volume of trade with the EU block of girls and young boys, economic cooperation projects that other nations on bilateral relationship that will promote business has astronomically increased over the years: 20 billion Euros in supports the youths and women. The US and the EU Economic stimulation and increase in the employment prospects of our 2016, 26 billion Euros in 2017 and 34.4 billion euros in 2018. Development Policies in Nigeria would be treated extensively in Youths and women. I will also focus on multilateral agencies and Nigeria has just received USD168 .5 million to Nigeria in new this space for obvious economic benefits for Nigeria. My focus UN agencies like WHO, WTO, UNHCR, RED CROSS, IN- development assistance to Nigeria. Under a 5 years assistance in this regard will stretch beyond the 2 national economic areas. TERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND(IMF), WORLD BANK, agreement that’s ending in 2020, that underscores the strategic Immigration, such a picky thorny issues will be extensively USAID, EU CENTRAL BANK, EUROPEAN UNION etc. I will importance of the US/Nigeria bilateral agreement. This total discussed. also focus on foreign immigration services and harsh treatment assistance value of USD805.5 Million covers ministries of health, The preparations for the upcoming US-Nigeria Investment of Nigerians, foreign airlines and harsh treatment of Nigerians. agriculture and national planning. Summit in September this year will receive attention here My promise here’s to provide unbiased incisive insights and Nigeria’s Diaspora Community remains an outstanding because of the strategic economic value to US and Nigeria. Each forensic investigations into varied subject matters that will be socio-economic and political power house in Europe, US, Investment Summit focuses on Nigeria and the US investment treated here. The Fight Against Malaria in Time of A Pandemic Derrick Osondu pregnant women every year. Malaria is of the Malaria scourge that has afflicted us for the period under review 2001-2015. Experts say endemic in Nigeria as a result at least 50% of years. Numbers they say don’t lie with a body an estimated 6.2 million lives were saved across igeria bears the main brunt the population will have an episode this year, count in the excess of a quarter of a million, it the African continent over this period, of which of the deleterious effect of resulting in over a quarter of a million deaths. means we must not take our eyes of this prob- 5.9 million (95%) were that of children under Malaria on the African con- I can go on reeling out the grim statistics on lem while we fight the COVID 19 pandemic. the ages of five. This success was as a result of tinent year on year, as you how Malaria devastates our communities each We must not let the notable strides we have hard work and eternal vigilance on the part of read this piece ten children year, but let me stop for now and look at our made in recent years to come to nothing due to all stakeholders. Sadly, this is being threatened would have been infected present debacle. Like the Americans say we a shift of focus from Malaria to COVID-19. No with the emergence of the COVID 19 pandemic with this disease. One out are between a rock and a hard place, as if the doubt there has been some progress in the fight leading to a shift of focus, which in my thinking three Nigerian children that burden of Malaria was not enough into it slips against Malaria prior to this outbreak. A recent could have a devastating effect, imagine a are infected with Malaria will die within two the COVID 19 pandemic. article published in early 2017 pointed towards COVID 19/Malaria double whammy, the Ndays of developing the symptoms. However, as big as the COVID-19 pandemic both a reduction in the incidence of Malaria and prospect of such a combo is be better imagined In Nigeria, Malaria kills over two thousand is, it is nothing compared to the size and scale reports of deaths attributable to the disease in than described. My opinion is that all critical stakeholders in the fight against Malaria must get our public health practitioners and clinicians to multi-task as we must not sacrifice Malaria on the altar of COVID-19. Long after the battle against COVID 19 is fought and won Malaria will still be here with us so there is the need for us to stay the course. The fight against COVID 19 has been charac- terized by terms associated with conventional warfare, phrases like front-line, the unseen enemy, lines of defense, brave heroes, and so on, have become part of our pandemic lexicon. So to underscore our present problem I will also like to add to the characterization, we are fight- ing a battle that has two fronts; one is Malaria the other is COVID 19. It is important that for both fronts we bring to bear the full weight of the Nigerian healthcare system backed by all critical stakeholders so we will not in an attempt to solve one problem exacerbate an existing one. Today is World Malaria Day 2021, the rallying cry being ‘ZERO MALARIA STARTS WITH ME’. The slogan according to Dr. Dave Knight was designed to keep Malaria initiatives out there so that with the challenges posed by COVID-19, Malaria will not be neglected. Greenlife Pharmaceuticals on its part will continue to make available affordable and efficacious Malaria commodities such as ACTs which are key components in the success so far achieved. A group picture of the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire with some staff of the Ministry with the representative of the Derrick Osondu MPSN, Greenlife Chinese government, Li Guanjie in Abuja...recently Pharmaceuticals Limited. info@green- lifepharmaceuticals.com.ng A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 25.04.2021

OLUSHOLA MEDUPIN A LIFETIME AS A RESTAURANTEUR

The mention of food excites him. The smell of intoxicates him, and being in the performing culinary art brings fulfilment. His tentacles as a restauranteur spread across the three continents. He has dined and fed the high and mighty. Meet Olushola Medupin, the brains behind Enish Restaurant, an upscale Nigerian restaurant with branches in the United Kingdom, Houston, and the only authentic Nigerian bar in Dubai with the sumptuous traditional signature of African cocktails. An indigene of Kogi with degrees in economics and investment banking, Funke Olaode, finds out why Medupin, son of a retired judge, jettisons white-collar job for a career in the kitchen

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] 50 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ COVER One Nigerian, One Restaurant Across Three Continents

three continents, the world-class restaurant has played host to top politicians, celebrities, and artistes such as Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Kiss Daniel, Yemi Alade, Adekunle Gold, Simi, Peruzi, DJ Cuppy, Anthony Joshua, just to mention a few. His restaurant is also recognised with various awards. For instance, in 2017, it won the African Pride Award, Best Authentic Craft Bar in Dubai, and Most Outstanding Restaurant In Dubai. Apart from his culinary art that has constantly drawn people to his tent, another magic that has worked for Medupin is the signage added to his restaurant. He points out, “Because on my signage I added Nigerian restaurant and people were like, you are limiting your market. Why would you put Nigeria, and why can’t it be Africa? I said I don’t sell Moroccan food. I don’t sell Egyptian food. I only sell Nigerian food. I told a man, ‘look opposite me, that is Jamaican restaurant, and they have their flag there. Italian will put an Italian flag. Why can’t I put Nigeria?’ So let people know where they are Medupin with the Former Vice-Presidenr, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku in his Restaurant in Dubai going, and I stuck with that Nigerian name. Because even online, when you Google Nigeria, my name will pop up. So later, I found out that it actually helped.” From London, Medupin expanded to Houston and now Dubai. How did he manage to do that? And what has been his staying power? He states, “Our staying power is consistency and the ability of my team to keep improving to be the best. My nature is that I like challenges. I like creating problems and solving them. As soon as I finish solving it, I am bored. I am in Nigeria because there is nothing to do. So the first one is Lewisham, after that Lewisham, I started getting bored. I opened a second one hoping that, that one will keep me busy. I have six restaurants in the UK. So when I opened the second one in Finchley Road, I just put two of my staff, and they didn’t even need me there. So I said, okay, let me look for another one, so I did another one in Croydon and put two staff there. The Houston restaurant started with my brother-in-law. He wanted to start a restaurant. He didn’t have any experience. He involved me, and we started. Along the line, we didn’t Medupin...in the art of culnary skill get the licence for the restaurant per se, but we got the club and the lounge. So we started the club and the lounge. For the Dubai restaurant, I just went to an exhibition. I go to exhibitions e doesn’t look like someone career life manifested right from childhood, but He says, “We are a Nigerian concept that all over the world. Normally, when I go to an who is feeling the heat due he didn’t pay much attention. delivers 100 per cent authentic Nigerian- exhibition, it takes me one week to tour every to a career path. He exudes He explains, “I know so much about food African-inspired dishes. Our vision is to bring site, but it took me only 30 minutes when I got confidence. Cosmopolitan and at some point, when I got to UK people our authentic quality food merged with modern to Dubai. and debonair, the gold were encouraging me to open a restaurant, African fusion of fine dining to the world and He adds, “I said I am in Dubai already. Let chain around his neck but I simply said God forbid. It was like a become a household name in our industry.” me enjoy myself because I have already booked illuminates his chocolate punishment. You know what? In my first three With this in mind, he started his first five days hotel. So I started going around, and skin. As a renowned and restauranteur, years in the UK, I was trapped in the kitchen. restaurant with an inscription—the Nigerian I saw one Africa restaurant in Dubai. I entered, heH has created a world for the low, high, and Anytime I apply for any job, I don’t get it. But if and I liked the atmosphere, and it was quite big, Restaurant in Lewisham, London, UK 2013. In mighty to enjoy. A remarkable thing about this I apply for a position as a kitchen porter, kitchen 2016, he moved to Finchley Road London, UK, and I said if this man can do it, I should be able Kogi State-born is his ability to turn a childhood assistant, trust me, I will get it. I was like, this is Croydon Surrey, UK, 2019, Brixton London, UK, to do something better because I know what I passion into a multimillion-naira business a curse, and at some point, I was I like I am not 2019 he registered his presence again in Ilford can do. And I just spoke to one or two people, that spreads across the three continents of the going to do this. I just stopped. But when I was Essex in 2020 and in Camberwell London, UK, and two months later, I opened in Dubai.” world. Meet Olushola Medupin. Medupin looking for business and nothing was coming 2021. Having satisfied UK appetites, in 2019, If you want to learn how to run a successful is the co-founder and managing partner of apart from that restaurant. So I said, let me he moved to the United States and co-founded restaurant, Medupin has become an open book Enish Restaurant. He holds a first degree give it a try. Trust me, let me say, like 11 years Kapriultra Lounge in Houston, Texas. for the upcoming ones. Surprisingly, apart from in Economics and a master’s in Investment ago, I would never think that I would create a In February 2020, Enish Restaurant stormed what he picked from his mother’s restaurant as Banking and Securities. He also doubles as an restaurant. I never liked it. Because I was the Dubai in style with the mission to be the best a child, he did go for further training. African restaurant consultant and combines his one who actually shut down the restaurant authentic Nigerian restaurant in the Middle “No. It is just a passion. It is just what I grew qualifications, skills, and acquired experience I was running in 2000 in Nigeria due to bad East with the best African food, quality and music up with. It is just like when your mum is a to lead the restaurant’s operations, staff roads. So I felt there was no point. I am not served in the state-of-the-art restaurants that promote nurse, and you grew up seeing her do that, and recruitment, menu definition, and training going into the restaurant business. Today, here I modern Africa. Located in the heart of Dubai and before you know it, you will know more about initiatives for Enish Restaurants and Bar. am. I think it’s just God’s plan.” along the famous street in UAE, Shek Zayed Road, medicines. So I had a passion for it, so I started Together with his wife, Eniola Medupin, a He was born in Kwara into the family Enish restaurant offers a perfect venue for both growing it myself. Before I started restaurant, I co-founder, they have combined their expertise of Justice Michael Medupin and Ebunola business and social meetings with various night was for friends. They come to me. So to wow their numerous clientele through their Christiana Medupin. themes for each day, for example, Ladies night, it is just a passion, even I do all the cooking in culinary skills. The restaurant’s name is the He shares his childhood: “It is quite Flux Saturdays, Afro Drip, African night, Afro Beat the house. I think my wife like that part,” he confluence of Eniola and Shola to form ‘Enish.’ interesting, my dad was the first permanent night, etc. With a 200 sitting capacity, a VIP Shisha explains. Medupin is passionate about what he secretary for the Ministry of Justice in Kwara. serving lounge, and VVIP 10 sitter guest room on And his father’s reaction to his career path? does. He grew up in the restaurant and He was in Lagos before he moved out. He was the mezzanine floor overlooking the DJ and the “He retired as a judge. He didn’t have a never thought of making a career out of it. a retired judge. He was in the Federal Ministry big musical video screen, Enish Restaurant and problem with it. He just assumed I took after He has become one of the most talked-about of Justice in Lagos before they created Kwara, Lounge brings years of culinary craft to Dubai. my mum. And my mum does a lot of business restauranteurs. so when they created Kwara, he went to Ilorin. It serves the true taste of Nigerian and as well, so he was just like you have taken her “My entire life has revolved around the He was in government; life was good. We beverages with a fine dining experience in steps,” he answers. kitchen. Since I was born, after school, there is were like the middle class. My mum had a Dubai, delivering authenticity to its customers’ For him, his relaxation still revolves around nobody at home, you only go to the restaurant. restaurant. My grandparents on both sides had plate. It is classy with modern design, dark his passion, saying, “I relax in the kitchen. For So that is where you eat your , and that is a restaurant. So she took over from her mom. marble, rich materials, sophisticated colours, example, if you take me to a shopping mall, I where you stay every day. So that is all you see, She even used most of her equipment. So she and subtle lighting. Enish Dubai exudes won’t enjoy it. But take me to like plate shop no friends, only a restaurant. You see people started before I was born. So, all our lives have class and luxury whether guests have come or cookery store, where they sell restaurant pounding every day, and for you to pound, been in a restaurant.” for a cocktail, dining or party experience. Its equipment, trust me, I will love it.” that means you are an adult. My younger sister Having struggled with his inner instinct, management is planning another world-class For Medupin, it has been 20 years doing was eager to start pounding, and in my mind, Medupin convinced and listened to himself. It at The Pointe Palm Jumeirah Dubai, UAE, very his things and nine years capturing the world I was like, you cannot pound before me. So all unfolded in 2012. soon with its success story. with his flavour. He is not slowing down any there is a bit of competition. So, the older ones “I saw that the environment was actually Medupin adds, “Opening our Dubai time soon as many more years will see him were pounding already. So at some point, to be conducive. All I did was just went online and first branch amidst the global pandemic and expanding. honest, it was a punishment because we didn’t looked up how to open a restaurant in London. managing to sustain it despite the COVID He admits, “I love Africa, but I don’t think have a life. All we do is school, restaurants It was extremely difficult initially because I did 19 business interruption is quite a milestone Africa is ready for me yet except Nigeria. So and home except on Sundays. And even on a lot of research to learn the rudiment of how achievement. Above all, we have made our I am looking at coming to Nigeria because I Sundays, you go to church as early as 7 a.m. to operate a restaurant. And as soon as I got the presence in the industry to claim the top spot see huge potential. I want to open the biggest and come back at 4 p.m,” the restauranteur trick, I swung into action,” he reveals. as the best African outfit on UAE ahead of our restaurant in Lagos. I don’t have space. I don’t admits. He had one thing in mind: the Nigerian predecessors.” know how it is going to happen, but I will keep Consciously or unconsciously, Medupin’s concept. Since it registered its presence on the working on it, and God will help me.” SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 51 COVER 2

A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 25.4.2021

IKE NNAEBUE A Road Trip into the Past

Filmmaker Ike Nnaebue embarked on a road trip to Europe over two decades ago with the hope of returning as a wealthy man. But his mission didn’t go as planned. Now, he is on a similar trip for his new documentary. Vanessa Obioha narrates the filmmaker’s migration ordeal

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ 53 COVER 2 IKE NNAEBUE My Road Trip to Self-discovery academic results, his mother denied him the his mother was worried sick. It took him almost opportunity to attend a secondary school, two years to reunite with his family. although not deliberately. Their pecuniary Fortunately for them, they found a Nigerian situation made it impossible to consider community in The Gambia that sheltered them. education for her first son. Rather, she toed “The only recurring thought I had in mind the path most mothers did at the time: was survival. How do I get my for the sending her son to learn a trade. Nnaebue next day? Of course, I was hungry most of became an apprentice to a man who dealt in the time. I remembered I was offered a job at the auto parts business for an agreed period a restaurant. I was so excited. It didn’t come of five years, after which the master was to with monetary payment but just two ‘settle’ him and help him establish his own per day. I was so excited to have that offer and business. His master orchestrated a fallout applied myself so passionately to the job as if plan that left Nnaebue poorer than the my life depended on it, which was the reality church rat as his tenure ended. at the time. I also understood my condition Frustrated and disappointed, Nnaebue, wouldn’t last forever, so I was always looking who had just turned 20, sought a better life. for something better.” In his village Ojoto in Anambra, there were Indeed, he only lasted two months at the tales of young men basking in wealth. These restaurant. He would transition to a newspaper young men returned home with flashy vendor in the mornings, a shoe repairer in the cars, built mansions, and rained money at afternoons and the evenings, a hawker. functions as if they were moneymakers. Eventually, he offered classes to primary and The secret of their wealth rumoured to be in secondary students. Europe. Europe, it turned out, was the magic “It was a big deal for me because I didn’t go money-making machine. Anyone capable of to secondary school. Most of the things I taught surviving the harrowing road trip to Europe, them were from textbooks. I would borrow particularly to Las Palmas, a province in them, study them all through the night and Spain, and endured the hardship of working teach the students the following evening.” in plantations, guaranteed a better lifestyle. His students performed remarkably at “Everybody wanted to go to Europe exams that their parents began referring friends then. People were sending cars back home and families to the filmmaker. While still and building houses. To my young mind, it teaching, he got an opportunity to play a lead was just a unique opportunity,” he narrated. role in a soap opera ‘Colour of Love’ shown on The more Nnaebue listened to these GamTV. stories, the more convinced he was that The success of the show reawakened his the greener pastures resided in the lush passion for music and film. He bought a guitar plantations of Las Palmas. Few of his friends and saved money to attend a film school in also bought into the idea, and together, they Nigeria. dug out their savings and planned the road The guitar became the only possession he trip. But first, they had to figure out how to returned home with. If Nnaebue feared his navigate the journey. They bought an atlas mother would be unhappy with him, he was and drew their itinerary with their scanty mistaken. On his return, she hugged him, knowledge of geography. plastered him with kisses, and would have “It sounded so simple and easy on paper. slaughtered a goat to celebrate his return like It was a good plan,” he laughed. the biblical father of the prodigal son if their The next hurdle for Nnaebue and his financial status allowed it. After all, his son friends was to get passports. A guy in Lagos was once lost but now found. Her joy replaced Island came in handy. He sold passports to any fury she felt. Rather, she encouraged him them that had other people’s names but with to pursue his dreams with vigour. In fact, she their pictures. They were advised to identify contributed financially to his trip to Jos where themselves as artists from the National he honed his filmmaking and directing skills. Troupe attending a concert in Europe. A trip “That journey was a defining moment to the National Theatre helped them get the in my life. I had two options: either to beat necessary documents. myself up and stay in The Gambia until I had With all their documentation in order, something to show off or swallow my pride, Nnaebue and his friends set out on the return home and pursue my passion in film adventurous journey. and music. I made the decision that my future “We had no fear. It was a lifetime was better than what society thinks. I embraced opportunity for us to see the world. We my failure. Of course, people mocked me. My were so elated to get to Las Palmas, start half-brothers laughed at me, but I was focused work on the plantation, make money, and on my future.” start sending cash and cars back home,” he All of this happened over two decades ago. recalled. Now, Nnaebue is taking a trip into his past to The sense of danger would, however, document the experiences of migrants taking come during a stopover between Gao and the harrowing journey to Europe by road. Bamako in Mali. A man who overheard The documentary with the working title, ‘No them discussing their plans warned them U-turn,’ will be his first. of the dangers ahead. He told them a story Although he’s been toying with the Nnaebue of a group of travellers who embarked on idea of telling his story for a long while, the a similar mission but lost their way in the opportunity finally came when he stumbled on desert and eventually died. an open call by a non-profit media organisation “For the first time, it occurred to me that in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2019. The he day after Burna Boy won his prominence of Nigerian music. On the other I had made a huge mistake in my young life,” organisation was looking for people with first Grammy award, filmmaker hand, they longed for something different. said Nnaebue emotionally. “I didn’t know how migration stories across Africa. He sent his Ike Nnaebue was in Cotonou, Beyond his love for music, Nnaebue has to deal with that. It was quite devastating. It’s proposal and was accepted. The project was to Benin Republic, enjoying the a penchant for storytelling. He remembered the bleakest moment of my life to date. The kick off in 2020, but the pandemic happened. sight and sound of the morning gathering at the village square with his peers memories still linger.” However, he attended four workshops in different rain. From a tender age, the to listen to fables spill from elders’ wise Caught in fear’s grip, Nnaebue planned to countries, including Spain and Ghana. musically inclined filmmaker mouths or the dinner-time stories by his make a U-turn. He was not alone. His friends, In ‘No U-turn,’ Nnaebue, known for his film developed a liking for rainfalls. grandmother and mother that made every too, were scared to death by the stranger’s such as ‘Loving Daniella,’ will travel across four It’s like watching a musical performance. meal worthwhile. story. But just when they were about to abort African countries — Benin Republic, Burkina TMusic is an art that Nnaebue evinced “Somehow, my young mind understood the journey, another stranger offered them Faso, Mali and Mauritania — to Europe. His an interest in as a child. When he began his that stories have the power to influence help. ultimate goal with the documentary is to music career over a decade ago under the people,” he said. Those stories shaped his This particular stranger identified himself understand why people still embark on the name FloSmith (aka Docto Aiyk), there were understanding of life even as he embarked as a sailor in Austria who was on his way to journey even with the copious tales of danger on very few international music channels that on a journey that shaped his destiny over The Gambia to pick his wife and children. that route. showcased Nigerian music. The music video two decades ago. He offered to travel with them and even help “There are still people who embark on this of his song ‘Brown Sugar’ nominated at the Tall, light-skinned, with a bald head them secure a job in Austria. The naive minds risky journey,” he said. “Someone once told me defunct Nigerian Music Video Awards in that sits on an admirable physique, the swallowed every promise the stranger that he would rather die in the desert than return 2010 was among the first music videos aired soft-spoken filmmaker was born into a made with gusto, to the extent that when he to Nigeria. on Trace TV. polygamous family. However, he has no proposed to keep their cash to avoid customs “People still have this idea that life in Europe Like many Nigerians, Nnaebue was memory of his father, for he died while tax, they willingly gave it to him. He was to is better. To be fair, most Nigerians are not afraid enthusiastic about Burna’s win. It’s a Nnaebue was still a toddler. From that keep the money for the first few days they to work. They are willing to work as long as they validation of the uniqueness of Nigerian young age, the filmmaker understood arrived in The Gambia. Unfortunately, the are getting paid and showing society that they are music and its ability to dominate world his responsibility to the family, becoming man disappeared a week later with all their successful. While some are not willing to work trends. It also spoke volumes of the hard the backbone of his mother and younger life savings. It gradually dawned on them in Europe but delve into crimes such as drug work and tenacity of the artists. The night siblings. that the stranger had swindled them. trafficking, fraud, etc. The general perception before, he and his crew had visited a social His flair for the arts made him a star With no money and no sense of direction, is that you can make it abroad more than in spot in the quiet town only to find that in primary school. He snapped up roles in the young men became homeless and Nigeria,” he explained. Nigerian music dominated the airwaves. singing, acting, and writing school plays stranded in Banjul. Mobile phones were not But more important for the filmmaker, he Their discovery evoked a mixed feeling. such that his teachers predicted a bright available at the time, so Nnaebue’s efforts to needed to tell his story, “and hopefully, it inspires On the one hand, they were proud of the future for him. Despite his outstanding reach his family proved futile. Back home, people to make a different kind of decision.” 54 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ

with KAYODE ALFRED HighLife ͮͶͯͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜E-mail: kayfl[email protected] ...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Senator Adeola Solomon: Tale of an Two Scores of Bliss for Rotimi, Betty Akeredolu It was Francis Wayne Sinatra, State House of Assembly, Bamidele Ambitious Politician American singer, songwriter, actor, Oleyelogun; acting State Chairman of and conductor, who said that love and the All Progressives Congress (APC), marriage are inseparable—the longer Ade Adetimehin; Deputy Speaker, the years of marriage, the deeper the Samuel Aderoboye; Majority Leader, devotion of the married to each other. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Secretary After 40 years of being together as man to the State Government, Princess and wife, one can only imagine how Oladunni Odu; Chief of Staff, Gbenga deeply Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Ale; Commissioner for Information is devoted to his wife, Betty, and vice and Orientation, Donald Ojogo; versa. Commissioner for Finance, Wale A few days ago, social media Akinterinwa; and many others. was awash with felicitations and During the event, the happy goodwill messages for Governor couple had much to say. According to Rotimi Akeredolu, and his wife, Lady Akeredolu, his marriage to Lady Betty Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, on their is the first plus of his life. He stated that 40th wedding anniversary. Of course, going back 40 years, he would still want Akeredolu’s allies and other Ondo state her for himself, even though they have natives and residents were not the only faced many odds. Similarly, the 67-year- ones celebrating the couple; those who old Lady Betty noted that her husband know a thing or two about ‘conjugal remains her first love, and she has no bliss’ had nothing but praises for the regrets that she had to cross the Niger to Akeredolus. get together with him. Solomon The anniversary was capped with a Obviously, these 40 years (which private event organised by Akeredolu’s is almost two-thirds of their respective ntelligence, without children and held at the residence of lives) have only deepened the love ambition, is like a bird the mother of the governor in Ibadan, that Rotimi and Betty Akeredolu have Rotimi and Betty Akeredolu without wings”, said Oyo State. Several notable figures were for each other. With four children and Salvador Dali. Also, in attendance, including Akeredolu’s many grandchildren, there is much to ambition, it is believed, is Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife, be grateful for besides their respective the path to success, just as Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Speaker of the careers. “persistenceI is the vehicle you arrive in. So, it is not out of place that Senator Adeola Olamilekan Solomon is preparing well and guiding his political career come 2023. Babajide Sanwo-Olu: The To many, 2023 is a long way to come. But the politician, who is known as a strategist, believes the maxim that Sleepless Achiever says, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” opportunities and comfort because of a man, only been significantly amped, but teachers Indeed, anyone who knows the Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team of sleepless have begun to enjoy the true dividends of man, popularly known as Yayi, very overachievers. democracy. And then there’s the integration well, will attest to the fact that he To a newcomer to Lagos, the State is a of the sector with technology, with online understands politics like the back of swirling mass of people, islands and good roads. learning, digital schooling, skill acquisition, et his hand. A reliable source close to But to anyone who has lived in the Centre of cetera. the two-term senator (Lagos West Excellence for three to eight years, none of the To Sanwo-Olu’s credit, potholes on changes to these characteristics of the Lagos highways are becoming something of the Senatorial District), disclosed that environment is undeserving of applause. past. Transport infrastructure has enjoyed as part of his political permutation It used to be assumed that Governor a buoying up since Sanwo-Olu came on and calculations, he would contest to Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the typical board, with new options for travel, reduced represent his ancestral district, Ogun noisemaker, albeit an intellectual one. Since congestion, and an all-round improvement West Senatorial District, in 2023 on coming on board the Lagos ship in 2019, the in the movement of people and things within the platform of the All Progressives agenda and accomplishments of the man Lagos. Congress. have proved otherwise. Practically every To Sanwo-Olu’s credit, indigenous It is said that the senator currently aspect of Lagos has changed, from housing to investors have had their interests stoked, representing the district, Tolu Odebiyi, infrastructure, education and job opportunities. and large-scale investments are pouring in and ex-Governor Ibikunle Amosun, In fact, one might say that Sanwo-Olu’s vision of at an all-time high rate. This has reduced the Sanwo-Olu a 21st Century Lagos with traffic management burden for job creation and infrastructure has never hidden their loathing for and transportation, health and environment, development at the lower levels of the Lagos him, could be a clog in the wheel of his Lagos is still the number state and and education and technology has been nothing government. ambition. city in Nigeria. This is not because of the but a well-clocked augury. All in all, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not Another source disclosed that Yayi overwhelmingly large crowds of hustling To Sanwo-Olu’s credit, the education sector asleep or sleeping. This much is obvious from could be using his Ogun senatorial people or the significant ethnic diversity has become a hive of honey for teachers and the many welcome developments in Lagos ambition as a launching pad for his characteristic of these crowds. Rather, Lagos instructors. The learning environment has not State. most cherished aspiration: the state’s is like imperial jade, a glowing centre of number one job in 2027 after the current governor, Dapo Abiodun, will have served his two terms as required under the law. Political observers claim New Lease of Life for Billionaire that the senatorial ambition is to worm himself into the heart of the state’s Businessman Tayo Amusan...to Buy Shoprite citizens and gain more relevance. “If you ask the senator about his most Everything appears to be coming together a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited”. cherished ambition, he will definitely for Tayo Amusan, the billionaire businessman In other words, ShopRite is going on the shelf tell you that it is to become the and boss of the popular shopping mall on for whichever Nigerian investor and business governor of Ogun state. Victoria Island, Lagos, The Palms. After the owner has the best qualifications to acquire it. many uncertainties that threatened his life and Unsurprisingly, Tayo Amusan is at the top of “He is working tirelessly to achieve livelihood in 2020, Providence has pressed a this list. this someday.” reset button for the Lagos-based enterpriser—a The ShopRite story has been on popular In the build-up to the Ogun reset button that guarantees a quantum leap in demand by Nigerian investors, including governorship election in 2019, the Amusan’s fiat and fortune. those in the diaspora. For a multi-million-Naira Yewa-born senator was considered the The COVID-19 crisis of 2020 racked up the company with over 2000 branches in other likely successor to Amosun, owing to nerves of travelling business people all around African countries, the acquisition offer is likely his financial war chest, connections, the world. As one of the many reportedly worth billions of naira. And Tayo Amusan just popularity, and sound political infected with the virus, Tayo Amusan was happens to be on top of it. But that is no surprise experience. Just like it happens the subject of many conjectures, many fears, at all. anywhere in the world, the unexpected and many prayers. But it all ended in happy Amusan single-handedly established The Amusan tears, with Amusan hale and indescribably Palms, the first mall in Nigeria that surpassed sometimes occurs in politics. So, hearty. With recent developments, Amusan’s international standards according to legends. development company, Persianas Nigeria when the reality dawned on him, the happiness is even more unquantifiable. That was in 2004 when Amusan was only 43 Limited, is housing several outlets of ShopRite Yewa-born member of the National Based on new reports, Shoprite Holdings, years old. Now, the man is 60, has accumulated and is reportedly the only one out of the three Assembly quit the race; and hurriedly managers of Africa’s most prominent retail 17 years of constant business activity and related competing investors that is all indigenous, ran back to Lagos. By Providence, he establishment, is considering—as the company managerial experience. Who is a better fit for without any foreign association or influence. came back to Lagos to retain his seat as stated it—“the potential sale of all, or a majority ShopRite in Nigeria than such a person? So yes, Amusan is on the go for a new the senator representing Lagos West. stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, As a side note, Amusan’s property breakthrough and lease of life. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ 55 HIGHLIFE Meet the Silent Achiever: Akinwole Ademola Adebise is Omoboriowo II, CEO, Genesis Electricity under Pressure The new wave of Nigerian achievers largest licensed Commercial OffGrid company is not exactly new. Like the clouds behind ema Bank in general harmattan rains, they are as stealthy as their in Nigeria, GEL Utility, and the CEO of Genesis Energy Group. and its MD/CEO, accomplishments are loud. This is why folks Ademola Adebise in would have heard of Genesis Electricity and The power sector is the primary focus of GEL Utility, but not the man behind these AOII, so his having served on the Advisory particular, have come hedge-breaking enterprises. Board of SHELL Foundation UK demonstrates under pressure from It is heartwarming that Nigerian the strength of his passion. Nevertheless, their customers for business people are straddling the the man still has enough administrative/ recent tidings regarding the bank’s managerial prowess to be a fellow of the W line between innovation and venture. liquidity status. With fears regarding Akinwole Omoboriowo II, with his Genesis Advisory Board of the Global Thinkers Forum Nigeria’s financial future, this is not Energy Holdings, for example, is taking a UK. Who knew that one could accomplish so a good time for any bank to lose the straightforward approach to pushing his ideas much with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos? trust of its customers. With Wema and goals for the country and continent. In his Omoboriowo ll Bank as an old and generational own words, it is all about ‘Lighting up Africa... But AOII’s educational foundation is more one community at a time.’ rock-solid and determinative compared to Nigerian bank, the stakes are even Akinwole Omoboriowo II (AOII for short) the next man. With a postraduate diploma in Kingdom, and another in International Oil higher. goes toe to toe against some of the best minds Strategy and Innovation from the University of Trading and Shipping from the Oxford- No banker understands the in the world on the matters of energy in general Oxford, Saïd Business School, and certification Princeton College in the same UK, one might risks involved in losing the trust and electricity in particular. Unsurprisingly, he in Electricity Pricing and Modelling from say that AOII scripted a fine life for himself. of shareholders and depositors as is the Chairman of the directory Board of the the London Business School in the United He has. Wema Bank’s Ademola Adebise. He emerged as the bank’s MD/CEO in the last quarter of 2018 after his Amazing New Year for Nnamdi Okonkwo prior position (which he held for three months) as acting MD and and depth sending felicitations and goodwill awards, since 2014, have found a way to messages, Okonkwo’s premium value in Okonkwo’s shelf. Deputy MD (which he held for about banking, industry and the Nigerian society is For a while now, folks have begun to ask a year and a half). After labouring all evident to all. what Okonkwo’s next step is—after sitting at that time, the recent allegation that A deluge of complimentary messages is still the apex of Nigerian banking and industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ramming Nnamdi Okonkwo’s social media what next? This is not out of place considering has Wema Bank under surveillance channels. From the heights of the Nigerian that his peers (First Bank’s Bisi Onasanya and has dealt a heavy blow to Adebise. society with industry leaders to the bottom Skye Bank’s Tokunbo Abiru) have also left The allegation is recent and with those who aspire to be like Okonkwo, the banking but taken over a massive chunk of announced that Wema Bank is doing depths of feeling were not unfeigned. Nnamdi other industries for themselves. remarkably poorly compared to other Okonkwo has made his mark, and he remains In any case, based on those with ears relevant to all and sundry. everywhere, Okonkwo plans to take non- Nigerian banks. In economic speak, After six years as the dynamic MD/CEO Executive roles in industries other than the bank’s liquidity ratio has fallen so of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo had to banking. In other words, the man has far from the mark that doubling the bow out and usher in Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the refused to start-up a coffee shop and live last reported ratio (14.54%) would current MD/CEO. Nevertheless, Okonkwo the rest of his life commenting on business do nothing to reach the requisite stirred up many bees and buzz in Fidelity in Nigeria. Obviously, the man intends benchmark of 30%. Meanwhile, Okonkwo Bank, the Nigerian industry in general. to remain in the thick of things—and for Wema’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (a It was during the time of Okonkwo that a good reason. Overall, it is a new year measure of Wema’s available capital The former Fidelity Bank MD, Nnamdi banking in Nigeria took a complete digital turn. for Nnamdi Okonkwo, one that will against risks associated with asset Okonkwo, has added a happy year to his life Unsurprisingly, Fidelity Bank took a topmost undoubtedly be as exciting and star-bright as loss and liabilities) was also reported on earth. With so many individuals of height position among its peers. Furthermore, several the ones before. as unimpressive, also falling short of the benchmark. Essentially, the report stated that Wema might just fall off the counter of credible and Akin Alabi, Shina Peller and Tajudeen operational Nigerian banks. Ademola Adebise has had to defend the performance of Adefisoye: Youngest Politicians Alabi Wema Bank against these reports. Youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Young He explained that the seeming established the modern sports betting industry underperformance of Wema Bank as people are the key to the future. Overuse has in Nigeria. However, the 44-year-old Alabi has turned such sayings into clichés. Nevertheless, wielded the same influence to represent his featured in the report is an outlier, the truth might pass into legend, but it will Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal constituency (of Oyo the exception rather than the normal. never become falsehood. Although only a State) in the House of Reps. So far, the titled Furthermore, he maintained that handful of young people are in the upper tiers philanthropist has not disappointed his people. the poor metrics reflect the impact of Nigerian politics and government, no one can Shina Peller is 45 years old and has of the COVID-19 pandemic, the claim that they are nonentities. represented the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/ lockdown and consequent disruption For most intending politicians who are Kajola Federal Constituency (Oyo State) in the 45 years old or less, politics in Nigeria is like of banking. Thus, he stated, Wema House of Reps since 2019. An industrialist and Bank is still standing strong, and a dinner with the devil: surviving the ordeal entrepreneur, Peller has proved to the other would require the use of very long cutlery. Thus, there is no need for panic. members of the Green Chamber that youth Adefisoye Regardless, folks are still panicky. those that eventually take a bold step do so does not connote shyness or reservation. Thus, against well-meaning counsels from friends and Peller has been one of the most outspoken The onus is on Ademola Adebise family to do otherwise. Notwithstanding, with voices in the legislative pavilion of Femi again to prove the resilience of the quality of youths making loud impacts, the Gbajabiamila. Wema Bank with an outstanding narrative is gradually changing. Hon. Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye is the performance at the end of the first In the House of Representatives, especially, youngest member of the House of Reps. At quarter of 2021. No pressure, indeed. young politicians have begun making legends 37 years of age, Adefisoye represents Ondo of themselves with their passion and visions for State’s Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency. the future of Nigeria. Three of these politicians Nevertheless, age is just a number for him. His immediately come to mind: Oloye Akin Alabi, momentum has culminated in projects geared Shina Abiola Peller, and Tajudeen Adefisoye. towards youth development in his State. Peller Oloye Akin Alabi is more notable for What else is there to say? Nigeria will be his being a super entrepreneur and author. nothing short of exciting with such people at the Although he has taken a step back from helm of affairs in the coming years. NairaBET, it is on record that he almost certainly Billionaire Val Ugbeide Dazzles Sister-in-Law with 2021 Range Rover Wedding presents are a convenience relationship between the three. In that case, one came during the time of gifts. Among that most guests never take too seriously. In might assume that the Ugbeides were overly the many commendable gifts, that of the fact, some think it is compensation for the excited because Efe was finally getting her own Ugbeides stood out starkly. According to refreshments they enjoy at wedding receptions. home (as brothers usually think of their little those in the know, Val and Linda’s gift is To honourable guests and close relatives of sisters). But the joy of the Ugbeides paled in valued millions of naira. A brand new the couples to be wed, wedding gifts offer an comparison to that of the bride herself, Efe. 2021 Range Rover SUV—that is raising opportunity to show the depth of love. Despite It has been a while now, but Efe has finally the bar a few kilometres up. this, billionaire businessman Val Ugbeide still got together with the love of her life, Inyang While the Ugbeides made no big broke the internet with his wedding gift to his Dietake. The wedding was as lavish and high- deal of their Range Rover wedding sister-in-law. octane as one might expect to demonstrate the present, not everyone can enjoy the Very recently, low-profile Val Ugbeide happy union between the two families. Even same privilege. For one, you would and his wife, Linda, got social media buzzing though her sister and brother-in-law are the have to be endeared to a billionaire with how far they were going to celebrate representatives of all things, low profile, Efe’s family. Even so, thoughtful billionaires like the wedding ceremony of Linda’s sister, Efe. wedding was packed full with high-profile Val Ugbeide are rare. Big ups to Efe and her Suppose one were not aware of the close figures, the very best of the Nigerian society. husband. Talk about a marital union that Adebisi The highlight of the wedding ceremony started on new wheels. 56 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ

LOUD WHISPERS with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791) Isa Pantami – Just Go I don’t even know why some just go. Even if na juju dem take That is why I am not writing people cannot be shaming and do us, there are some limitations plenty. Just go, baba, you can save us the stress of continued na. You cannot have this kind serve us in another capacity. If national debate. This Pantami of background as alleged, and you truly are repentant, or as scandal when it first broke, I you will remain not only in you say, it was childish youthful ignored it. I just didn’t want government but in one of exuberance, OK no problem. to start stressing myself about the most strategic ministries Now that you are healed, go into another untouchable. But as more at this time. This one is like the forest or wilderness to talk to information came out and his carrying a convicted rapist your people to be calming down. puny defence begins to rankle to stand guard in a female This thing is just too much. What and irritate people, then we must hostel. Abeg, just go. I really do kind of country is this? What all come out to strongly tell this not have power for this matter. kind of slavery is this? Please go. Pantami dude to do the right thing and Writer’s block is catching me. I beg. Go!

WHAT SORT OF ASSURANCE IN cannot in any way solve the matter what is the matter? Na me taking my I fast track you, or you go home. My CONTINUITY? and is tantamount to you supporting daughter to the airport on her way to people, I didn’t waste time, no be me When I first heard this one, it was the continued threat of secession in the UK on school exile. As we drove do amalgamation of 1914 creating this Davido’s hit song, ‘Assurance,’ that our national polity. Let me tell you into the airport, I swore to be a model monstrosity. I say oya. He say bring came to my mind. Davido, in that honestly. I have not been taking your Nigerian. I swore not to give any bribe the money. I ignored him I say I have powerful song, promised his belle calls and refused to attend the funeral or tip, jump queue or anything like that. filled the covid test form online. He say Chioma everything in this world – it last week personally. I cannot be I am the Duke of Shomolu, and I must oga are you ready or not? I say no vex. was a scam. Years after, he never seen to be cavorting with you when show the world the new Nigeria we are Went to the business centre paid the marry am. We are even hearing some this your policy will exacerbate the building. My people by the time they N5,000 and the man fill form that I had funny stories about variations of this situation we face and embolden other finished with me six hours after, I was already paid. That is how I watched assurance that the man is giving other such tendencies. Nigeria, like my out of pocket to the tune of N60,000, the guy do his magic, and pronto I was starlets to pop their cherry. It is in the marriage, remains indivisible. We are my ego deflated, and confidence in checked in, and we were on the way. same vein that I am looking at this together whether we like it or not and this country totally shattered. From It wasn’t over o. I say let us don’t Buhari’s continuity. Na real ‘Assurance’ like the Duchess, who will continue to the outside, people were paying as leave the airport until she actually - he is giving us assurance. Oya, maintain major sanctions, including much as N5,000 to police to jump the enters the plane because this airport everybody start singing in Davido’s suspending my ‘bedroom rights’ but queue. Scanner? What is that? After is a different republic entirely with its voice – Continuity. Mbok, leave me will still be ‘prouding’ and be saying, ‘I paying, you just put your luggage into own government complete. That is make I rest. This Buhari, I sure say even am Duchess Mofoluwake Edgar.’ Come that thing and collect it at the other how we started driving around the he himself don tire. When they ask him and see her at my mother’s burial, that side and continue. Even the FAAN airport while waiting. That is how I any question, he will just say the first is gist for another day. So, my brother Lounge, na black market. That corona saw a bin and decided to stop for a thing that come him head so that they with the blonde scattered hair, when has not finished us in this country is second to throw the bottle of coke into will leave him alone so he can go and they come to you with the memo, just but a miracle yet to be understood. the dustbin, and immediately my tire rest. Continuity of what o, if I may ask? thrash it or better still put in a call. Let Nobody wore a mask despite the was clamped. I say, ‘please, bro, I just Inflation, insecurity, mbok make I no me give you better advice. Let me state announcement going on. The ones stopped to bin this bottle as I did not talk. Daddy, my best advice for you is to it here very correctly that if you go who even had a mask kept it under want to throw the bottle on the road also start a countdown. A countdown ahead with this very funny policy, I, their chin. As I sit down, I weigh my and litter our international airport. to when you will go and push it very the Duke of Shomolu, will impose my options, do I remain a model Nigerian Four men, smelling, no mask say pay powerfully. That way, people will start sanctions, and you will see how all the and risk my daughter following me N25,000, or we tow you and you pay to leave you alone. They will say after single women above 40 in that your UK back to Shomolu, or do I become N50,000 to government. I say this is all he is going. Continuity, please don’t who are my constituency will show you a Nigerian and join the fray and so unfair. So so unfair. Guess which let me laugh. This na real suffering and at the polls. If you think this is an empty achieve my objective? Please, note option I took? smiling as Fela sing. threat, try me. that as a model Nigerian, I was in the queue outside the airport for two AMAZON AND TWITTER – I BORIS JOHNSON – IS SOMETHING THE THE DAY I FELT SHAME TO MY CORE hours watching Nigerians pay a toll UNDERSTAND EXPERIENTIALLY MATTER? I had first done this post on WhatsApp, in front to jump the queue. One dirty You see, we sha like to be opening our Baba, I know you are still in mourning and it went viral. People now started looking official in uniform I could not mouth and be talking crap. There has following the passing of my colleague begging me to put it on this column. recognize came to me- sir, where are been much angst at Twitter opening Duke, but then again, some things In fact, my friend Olumide Ohunayo you going. I say the UK. He say flight? shop in Ghana and now Amazon cannot wait. I have been dutifully called from Ghana – don’t ask me wetin British Airways. He say N10,000. I say going to South Africa. People who informed that your immigration that one go do there – him nomadic for what. He say if you no careful you have not seen anything in this Nigeria people are submitting new guidelines pass herdsman. He called in that he go miss flight, be speaking English. that will be shouting, those that have that would allow for some leverage had put the post on so many Aviation This na 9.20 pm, flight na 10.15 pm experienced what Nigeria is, will to a certain group of people in this Platforms and that the matter was even and you have three points, you never just be clapping for these people. Let country. This, if true, is wrong. This mentioned on Ghanaian TV. Mbok, even pay covid. Pay this N10,000 make me tell you, people, one story: that is

Buahri Johnson Odumosu Tinubu THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ 57 LOUD WHISPERS how one man call me. He say, is that back and say edjjjjaarr – that is what he Edgar? I say yes, he say I am Dr…. I calls me – no vex my phone dey silence, am an international TV consultant. I I just dey see your call. I na say na your have lived in America for over 40 years loss, you wey I want give afang and we and I have the option of opening an will laugh. Great guy. Bro, come out of international TV station in either South the closet and help rebuild this country. Africa or Nigeria. I am a Nigerian Well done. from Bayelsa, and I think I should come into Nigeria because with the US ELDERSON ECHIJILE AND OLAIDE government backing this project, it will WILLIAM – A SWEET PAIR create thousands of direct and indirect For those of you who follow football, jobs and open up Nigeria, making it the Elderson will be familiar. He is a former hub of international broadcasting. The Super Eagles player who has played South African government has given all over Europe. Me, I don’t know him me land, tax holiday for five years because I no dey see am for xvideos. and part of the funding, but I want to That is my own premiership, so I was come to Nigeria for patriotic reasons. just looking at the tall, handsome I say, oya na. I love this. Let’s do it. As man when I met him. Na my partner an investment banker, these kinds of Lami who says, ‘he is a footballer transactions excite me. So I took the and played for the nation.’ I say OK. mandate. My people don’t let me talk I hear. But then he is onto something far. We ended up in EFCC cell, losing cute in the sports betting space. He is millions of personal money, and much working on OurBet, a novel platform more painfully, the old man losing all that aims at levelling the playing field. his life savings. That night inside EFCC Echijile Ajaere I like him, so I work with him. Then cell, I ask myself questions. Questions one day, he said, I will like you to meet I could find answers to. Where did but as I reach your side, I block again. Then one name struck. My brother my partner. I say, oya. She is Olaide. we get it wrong? We only just wanted Be like say, I will leave it before the and friend, Chidi Ajaere, is the young This one is a professional who has to bring in our own small FDI and witches blind me. Na, you know your chairman of the GIG group. This boy is done over 25 years in the oil industry contribute. See me inside cell. The man contributions to the system, whatever remarkable, taking a family-owned with some very impressive mark. is in Abuja today jobless, penniless and it is, keep doing it and always stand by business to the dizzying heights This odd pair is on to something quite ruing the day he called me. Me, I am the side of truth, justice, and fair play of corporate engagement. This remarkable that will create wealth and here writing a column and doing plays as a new breed of young Nigerian. As man has the practical experience redistribute it, which is very on point. and running around begging people for for me, I don run before dem turn me and is doing things. A passionate As I listen to them talk over bottles of sponsorship. Mbok, you don’t know blind. I no write about Seyi Tinubu Nigerian who has some very strong water and coca-cola, it was early in the what Amazon must have experienced again o, mothers of the earth leave me. but highly closeted views about morning ( I trust Olaide for buy me trying to come. Dem just quietly go our land. Plays in the political afang). I could not help but be intrigued saner place. Mbok, don’t blame dem o. I CHIDI AJAERE – COME OUT OF THE background with strong reach but at the clarity of their vision and the cannot blame them. I understand. CLOSET would prefer his works to show in seamless partnership they had built When I saw the announcement of the the economic front where he has despite their different professional HAKEEM ODUMOSU – PLEASE CATCH joint committee of the NGF and NESG, created employment opportunities backgrounds. I wish them well, even THE MISCREANT I just wanted to waka pass. All these for thousands of Nigerians. I was so though I am very, very excited at the Oga, let me tell you very clearly that elitist contraptions that they will be excited that I placed a call to him. prospect of their partnership and the if in two weeks you do not catch that talking above people head don tire me. As usual, he did not pick. He now call effect on the nation. miscreant, I will personally come to that your Ikeja GRA office with 100 naked IBIOM – WHEN DOVES FLY INTO UYO women from Shomolu and stand there Orman Esin, the hard-working and till you resign. I hope you like breasts WHEN CHARLYBOY CAME TO SHOMOLU talented Commissioner of Culture because you will see plenty and don’t The call was crisp, Duke of Makinde Adeniran and the Ogelle and Tourism, called me that morning be looking forward to it o. I know you Shomolu, I want to see you. Fada man Osita Oparagu. We all sat saying, Duke, his Excellency has now o. My brother, the video of that call and I won’t answer? I went down under the tree in my house approved. I say Lord be praised. man hitting a policeman with a bottle o. I entered his lair, and he was and devoured the most deliciously You know I am now an elder in the in the head is not only annoying looking at me. Still very handsome, made afang in Lagos. Come and church, so you will see some of these but nauseating. I actually cried. Not roguish and dangerous. I love this see snails, periwinkle and goat churchy things in what I do once in a only for the lack of respect for the man die. My papa beat me for am. meat. Osita say he is vegetarian. while. Akwa Ibom today has some of institution but also for that lonely When my father ask me – who I just look am. I eat him own. We the greatest tourism potential that is policeman so assaulted. They broke do you want to be like when you ate and downed it with beautiful being harnessed. From the powerful a bottle on his head. He was there grow up, I say CharlyBoy. The bottles of wine provided by my Tech Tower to the wonderful Golf man beat me like ‘gbomogbomo’. in-law, the great Ezekiel Etim. Course situated in the iconic Ibom alone, no backup, no communication Charly Boy has been consistent Yemi brought . By the to call for help. Which kind of service Icon Hotel and the deep Seaport in in his rebellion. Passionate about time we finished, we forget to talk Oron. My most exciting view of Akwa is this? Which kind of life is this? Nigeria but weakened by the death o. Nigeria matter disappears, the Frustration all over the place. Please, Ibom is the villages, some still in their of the nation. He is sad. I say, bro, afang take over. Anyways, I still natural state. I love the clay huts, the what plans do you have for the man? no worry, make we chop afang. He think CharlyBoy is a living legend If not, kindly send me his details? lush vegetation, the narrow paths, agreed. So I invited other icons, and must be celebrated. Welldone the streams. This is what we went I will beg Nigerians to donate N5 Mudi, Yemi Shodimu, Olisa Adibua, Fada. million to the policeman. He looked to see in the Gambia the other day. so scared and alone. Please, can you Finally, Akwa Ibom is the home of kindly compensate him because that . There is nothing like diet bottle he took on the head was for the in that town o - afang, ekpang, afia whole force? Mr Odumosu, that was efere, atama too many to mention. your head. Please, do something fast, This is the home of Afang. I have and I repeat, if there is no budget for eaten Afang on every street in Uyo. his medical or compensation, send Another one is fisherman . his details. We will compensate him. Oh my God, eat this soup in Ibeno; Thank you. you will die o. The crayfish, snails, octopus. Yes, o octopus. These and SEYI TINUBU – I NEED DELIVERANCE more are the things Orman Esin Bro, for the past week, I have been wants to use to drag both internal trying to write something about you tourists and external ones into Akwa along your business lines and how Ibom and my new Play Ibiom – you have been doing well in it. But When the Doves Fly is heralding all funnily enough, each time I open the these. This is my most special play laptop, I go just get writer’s block, because it will define me as an Akwa and nothing will come out. This Ibom man first and foremost before is really funny because normally, a Nigerian. The story is sweeter than I flow o. Ican represent Nigeria in afang, over 50 dances from some of the the Olympics in writing, so you can most beautiful damsels, the stage and imagine my frustration. I will write and lightings will be out of this world, and write, but I go just get babanla writer’s my writer Director William Benson has block when I come to this your matter. just outdone himself on this one. Ibom People are fighting you spiritually o. Air and MTN are leading a slew of They don’t want me to hail you o. Even corporates, and guess what? It is free. this one that I am writing, na since 4 All free. The Duke’s gift to the people am. I have written other people own, who birthed him. Let’s fly to Uyo and CharlyBoy make magic. See you there. 58 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Adebayo Adeoye   [email protected]; 08054680651

Olori Hadiza Yakasai-Elegushi’s Commanding Fashion Sense To say that Olori Hadiza Yakasai, unparalleled fashion sense. Recently, she wife of the stylish and youthful Oba caught the attention of many when her Saheed Elegunshi Kusenla 11, is a husband celebrated his 45th birthday in dazzling beauty is, to put it mildly. Lagos. Those who have met her say she Elegantly fitted in white lace with a has many models to spend fortunes pink flower-patterned flowing gown and to possess: attractive curvature and a white headgear, the attire sat well on stunning looks. her. This, in addition to her She looked resplendent and bright commanding dress sense, usually like a well-polished diamond on the makes her the cynosure of eyes at any occasion. When the drop-dead gorgeous public event. She is already becoming sauntered into the hall in the company a fashion icon, as she is setting a new of her friends, she instantly got the standard in Nigeria’s social scene. paparazzi busy as they tried to capture Okoya Little wonder, since she got every step she took in the picture married to the flamboyant king two as memorabilia. She also rocked the years ago, she has been grazing the popular N5 million Judith Leiber clutch pages of several newspapers and bag to complement her ravishing looks Shade Okoya’s Homily magazines for her beauty and almost during the celebration. Elegushi as she Turns 44 he elegant and lavishly beautiful Prince Adeniji Kazeem’s Brilliant Career at 56 entrepreneur behind Eleganza enterprise and Managing Without a doubt, former Attorney General multi-disciplinary boasts three offices in Lagos Director of Eleganza industrial and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, and Abuja. City, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya Prince Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), son of the late The legal luminary, unknown to many, is marking another milestone Honourable Justice Boonyamin Oladiran is also a brilliant writer and an accomplished todayT as she turns 44. Kazeem, a former Solicitor General of Nigeria author whose publications, such as the But instead of throwing a lavish party and justice of the Supreme Court, (a scion of Nigerian Hire Purchase Act and the Future as usual, the woman of means would use the illustrious Kazeem Aralawon Family of of Customary Law in Nigeria, have enriched the occasion to deliver her homily about Isale-Eko fame) and Princess Jemilat Adetoun Information and telecommunication law the need for Nigerian youths to prepare Kazeem (a biological daughter of the Oba adjudication and jurisprudence in Nigeria and themselves to benefit from emerging of Lagos) takes pride in his work beyond the West African coast. opportunities by being well grounded description. While he was a cabinet member in Lagos, educationally. He seemed to have foreseen a fulfilling he brought to bear his vast knowledge in In a recent interview, Okoya had career in law practice while he was an Information and Telecommunication Law, urged the young people of Nigeria to undergraduate of Political Science at the as seen in some of the practical reforms and always be alive to their responsibilities ; so, he wasted no time in initiatives like the Lagos mobile courts, the as they prepare themselves to take up bagging another degree in law in 1990 at the digitization of Lagos State laws, with over leadership positions. same university. 100,000 users monthly, the passage of 14 bills Speaking further, she discussed all that Soon after he finished from the Nigeria Law into laws, the constitution of the anti-land she has done in terms of restructuring, School, he travelled to Glasgow, Scotland, where grabbing unit and the establishment of a organizing and saving costs through her he earned his Master’s degree in Information world-class DNA forensic centre. Described leadership at the new Eleganza Industrial and Telecommunication Law from the as caring and compassionate, he also scores City; which is being positioned as the University of Strathclyde. highly in the area of philanthropy. No wonder number one manufacturing organization He would later start his professional career so many people spoke glowingly about him in the whole of Africa. as a consultant with the foremost globally-rated last Monday when he turned 56 last Monday. “Since I assumed office as the international consulting and accounting firm, Interestingly, whenever asked to talk about Managing Director (MD) of Eleganza Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Kazeem some of the best decisions he has made in Industrial City, I have repositioned the Services), where he worked in the Tax and Five years later, he quit his job at KPMG to life, he is always quick to mention his blissful company in a positive environment. Regulatory Services Division. marriage to Ronke, a lawyer. The company had suffered major lapses establish Adeniji Kazeem & Co; and today, the in the past. However, the company has undergone major improvements and is now bigger, better structured. Under my leadership, Eleganza has new visions, a new mission and culture aimed to propel Ambassador Maureen Tamuno: the company in the direction of being the number one producer of all household items. Today, I am proud to say that Eleganza is stronger and with higher Round Peg in Round Hole quality products,” she said. The fashion icon also added that the also a custodian of Yoruba nay African culture lack of direct flights from both countries. new Eleganza Industrial City is a massive and traditions. Speaking on the occasion, “But this is being looked into and will project on 35 hectares of land which will Tamuno, who was spectacularly entertained by soon be a thing of the past,” she added. In his cater for every household needs. traditional dancers from Ile-Ife, thanked the Ooni response, the Ooni, who expressed his joy over “It is called an ‘Industrial City’ because for the invitation and the hospitality accorded the visit by the ambassador-designate, assured of the large variety of household products her and her entourage, which she described as her of total cooperation to make her job easy. that we manufacture. My chairman, my “overwhelming”. The Ooni, who also christened the husband is so passionate about the project In her words, “Kabiyesi, I am thrilled to be ambassador-designate ‘Adetamilore( which and Allah has been so kind and good to here on your invitation as the representative of literally means gift from the crown), further him in terms of giving him the strength Nigeria in the Caribbean and Jamaica. stated that “I am stating here that, as the and health for achieving his dreams and “The Caribbean would be happy and also representative of our country, you have been goals in the new Eleganza Extension site,” look forward to being associated with the adopted as our daughter, and we will she added. people of Nigeria, especially those from continue to celebrate you and honour you. Born in Lagos on the 25th of April the South West, who were transported as “You are starting well; we are with 1977 into the family of the late Alhaji Taju Tamuno slaves many years ago through Badagry in you; God is with you, and you are going and Alhaja Nimota Adeleye, Chief (Dr) the South-West part of Nigeria and Calabar. to be the greatest Nigeria’s ambassador Mrs Shade Okoya had her early education Even as she warms up to resume office “So, we have ancestors over there waiting for ever. God will continue to guide you. in Lagos where she grew up. She studied as the High Commissioner to Jamaica, Haiti, us to connect. As a woman who believes in Amen.” Her visit to the governor of Osun at Lagos State Polytechnic Isolo, where Belize, and the Dominican Republic, Dr the tradition and culture of our people, I was State, Gboyega Oyetola, was also fruitful she obtained an OND in Banking and Maureen Piribonemi Tamuno has begun to glad when the Ooni of Ife invited me to come as the governor showed his appreciation Finance. She followed this up with a show evidence of being a round peg in a round here to see and know how to communicate and promised his utmost support. degree in Sociology from the University of hole. Tamuno, who has also been appointed as with the people of the Caribbean. As gathered, she again paid a Lagos. the Permanent Representative to International “I have seen and also thrilled; I want to pre-departure visit to His Excellency, Among her many titles are the Bewaji Seabed Authority, seems prepared to prove her assure your Imperial Majesty that this story Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of of Lagos, Otun Aare lyalaje of Ajiranland, mettle. Indeed, the River State-born woman would go viral than what you ever thought. Lagos. The courtesy call was essential to Yeye Oge of Epe Land, Ajisewa of Oke of substance has hit the ground running with As an ambassador of the black people, I am facilitate seamless communication of the Ona Egba as well as the Patron of activities that tend to benefit Nigeria. For two assuring you that I will let people know that progressive plans of Ambassador Tamuno, Fashion Designers’ Association of Nigeria days, specifically April 15, and Friday, April 16, there are people known as people of Ife who to further expose the cultural splendour, (FADAN). 2021, she was in Osun State, where she visited hold the African culture in high esteem. We heritage, trades, and other Institutional aspects She has interest in many areas of both the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega would love to bring it to the global space for of Lagos and Nigeria to investors and the business other than standing as the Oyetola, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial the world to know. We are working for the world. His Excellency Governor Babajide Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. cooperation of the two countries and for the Sanwo-Olu said with delight that the visit City Limited. She is also a member, Board The visit to the Ooni of Ife was part of people of Ife to get ready to visit Jamaica.” was well-timed and that he will ensure that of Directors of Eleganza Group and RAO activities to discuss issues of mutual relations She further revealed that the Jamaicans had all avenues are exploited to bring to pass the investment Property Company Limited. and seek cooperation from the Ooni, who is not been connected to Nigeria owing to a things discussed. SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 • THISDAY 59 60 AP ͺͽ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INTERNATIONAL UK’s Asylum for the IPOB: Beyond the Myths and Reality of Foreign Policy Reviews in Nigeria

here were two major events in the past one week: or punishment for a criminal offence are not normally refugees. the holding of a conference on Nigeria’s foreign VIE Prosecution may, however, amount to persecution if it involves policy and the consideration of a possible grant victimisation in its application by the authorities.’ of political asylum to members of the Indigenous INTERNATIONALE Three points are noteworthy in the notice of instruction given People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for to the decision makers: determination to consider applications for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra asylum; grant of asylum on the basis of fear or act of persecution; (MASSOB) by the Government of the United  non-preparedness to consider criminally-oriented applicants. In Kingdom. One important nexus between the two this regard, can it be rightly argued that there are no legitimate bases events is that they are both about foreign policy challenges that Bola A. Akinterinwa for any Nigerian to seek asylum in light of the deepening situation haveT always, at best, not been well addressed. For instance, how do of insecurity in Nigeria? Let me note at this juncture that it cannot we explain the quest for and the grant of an asylum to the IPOB? Telephone : 0807-688-2846 but be most unpatriotic and very cowardly for a Nigerian, worth What is an asylum in international diplomatic practice? Should e-mail: [email protected] his person and dignity, to seek to check out of the country because the reaction of the Federal Government, through the Minister of of insecurity challenges. However, it is also an act of reckless Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to the grant of foolishness not to seek to check out when certain ethnic group asylum by the British be an issue of concern? openly declare whoever does not accept an Islamic Caliphate in In the same vein, what is a foreign policy review? In which way Northern Nigeria or who are considered infidels because they do does the operational word ‘review’ different from an amendment not accept Islam, or who disagree with their ethnic group, should or modify? When should there be a review of foreign policy? In be considered very eligible to be shot dead first. fact, what should we mean by foreign policy as distinct from a do- Explained differently, it is either you accept an Islamic imposition mestic policy? There have been calls for a comprehensive foreign and you have the right to live peacefully without being targeted policy review. When is a foreign policy review comprehensive to be kidnapped or aggressed, or you refuse to accept Islam and or holistic? Is it from the perspective of contents of foreign policy? one will be brutally killed. This was the message conveyed in a Participating stakeholders in the foreign policy conference? Must statement sent to the Geidam community in Yobe State by the Boko there always be an organised conference before a foreign policy Haram insurgents last week. The statement is not as of concern as review can take place? the attitudinal disposition of the PMB administration. These questions are necessary because the House of Repre- There is no disputing the fact that the IPOB and the MASSOB sentatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been agitating for separate identity. They specifically are ask- held a Conference on Foreign Policy on... on the basis of which ing for the sovereign State of Biafra because of perceived political the Kingsley Osadolor-anchored Good Morning Nigeria show marginalisation and persecution. Why is it that the play of politics focused on April... and during which many controversial issues has been made so difficult to the extent that it has not been possible were also raised. Perhaps we should ask at this juncture: can we for an Ibo indigene to be Nigeria’s First Citizen? Is it because the review a policy that does not exist? Can foreign policy be an all 1967-1970 war has not officially ended? End of battles but the war comers’ business? continues? Without any shadow of doubt, asylum cannot but be an The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta important issue in foreign policy, because it is very political in (MEND) has been asking for the control of mineral resources in its conception, self-protecting in design and unquestionable in Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs area in the manner gold is being mined by Government and people outcome. It squarely falls under the exercise of political sovereignty the five foregoing conditions, which are internationally considered of . In a normal setting, there should not be one set of whenever it is considered and granted by every sovereign State. as ‘protected grounds.’ rules for one group of people and another set of rules for another Vie Internationale observes that the Government of Nigeria always Apart from these general conditions, States also have different ethnic group. What is allowed in Zamfara State should not be thinks after action, not before. We strongly believe that the conduct considerations for granting asylum. There are bilateral interna- prohibited in another State. Most unfortunately, this is what obtains and management of Nigeria’s foreign policy is largely predicated tional instruments compelling States to grant asylum to refugees. in Nigeria and over which the Federal Government has always on poverty of ideas. If not so, there should not have been any public In fact, each country defines, on the basis of sovereign right, the been quiet, but which is a major of anger for many law abiding outbursts about asylum by Nigeria’s Minister of Information, conditions for grant of an asylum status, as well as the number of people in the country. Alhaji Lai Mohammed. applicants to be admitted. In the United States, for instance, the It is also a major rationale for the agitation for self-determination number of African asylum seekers who were admitted into the and calls for separatist governments. The agitation for Oduduwa Asylum in International Diplomatic Practice status of an asylee, has been on the increase since 2012: from 10,608 Republic is largely a resultant from the perception of the Fulani The basic principles for granting asylum to an individual in in 2012; 15,980 in 2013; 17476 in 2014; to 22,472 in 2015 and 31,625 in ethnic stock as born to rule, the impact of which has been to the international relations are well known. They are a truism. There are 2016. The number began to decline with 20,232 as from 2017; 10,459 detriment of the interests of other ethnic groups. Fulani offenders reasons for requesting for an asylum by seekers, and qualifications in 2018; and only 4,160 in 2020. The sharp decline can be explained are reportedly allowed free hands and quickly released with for eligibility to apply. In the same vein, there are also reasons for by the factor of COVID-19 pandemic which emerged in March of impunity when they are under police investigation. This is another accepting or not accepting to grant an asylum. This is where there 2020. perception fuelling national disunity. It is even believed that law can be need to rightly talk about foreign policy review, in terms The essence of the foregoing figures is simply to underscore enforcement agents are not always enthusiastic in prosecuting of foreign policy as a technique of relationship, as distinct from the issue of asylum in international relations. Even though the a case in which Fulani people are reportedly involved. Why are foreign policy as a strategic objective. There can be time to plan for a Washingtonian authorities often place a ceiling on the number of Nigerians in this type of dilemma? once-and-for-all holistic conference to review foreign policy when asylees to be admitted in a given year, there have generally been And true enough, Chief Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo, GCFR, it is about change in focus and new interests. more arrivals than approved ceilings, especially when there are and three-time Head of State of Nigeria, publicly told all Nigerians It is useful to note that asylum is internationally and nationally situations of force majeure. that the PMB administration has a Fulanisation agenda, the regulated, particularly for refugees, particularly the Internally In the specific case of the United Kingdom that has reportedly origin of which we already traced to a debate initiated by Senator Displaced Persons (IDPs). There is the Convention Relating to received applications for the grant of asylum and refugee status to Fagbenro Beyioku at the Senate in 1961. One major problem of the the Status of Refugees, generally referred to as the 1951 Geneva the prohibited IPOB members, it should be noted that asylum and Fulani herdsmen is that they do not believe that there is no more Convention or the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951. In other refugee status necessarily go pari passu. Whoever is seeking to live terra nullius. Every land in Nigeria is titled. Engagement in open words, one can become a refugee by force of necessity as a result of in the UK must first of all apply to be an asylee in order not to be grazing cannot but involve trespasses. In the eyes of the Fulani unprovoked wars. Many IDPs often run helter-skelter to escape lawfully resident a refugee, and particularly to also qualify to work herdsmen, all unexploited land, including government reserved being trapped when there is a crisis or conflict. Consequently, it is in the country and benefit from social amenities provided by the forests and other swathes of land, can be occupied and exploited by not when one has committed a political crime or one is victim of an Government. them. impending persecution that asylum is sought. Generally, asylum is In determining the eligibility of the IPOB and MASSOB appli- In fact, they have also argued that they can reside in any part of hardly given if crimes are involved cants for an asylee status, the British Government released on April the country, which is constitutionally allowed, but without wanting Grosso modo, for an asylum to be considered and granted, 21, 2021, a ‘Country Policy and Information Note Nigeria: Biafran to accept that residence in any community outside of their own an applicant for it must be under the fear of persecution in his secessionist groups.’ It ‘directed its decision makers to consider if a indigenous areas, necessarily requires playing along with the rules or her home country and the fear of persecution must be driven person who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of engagement in their new community. This is another major by reasons of either race, religion, political opinion, nationality of arrest and detention and ill-treatment which is likely to amount rationale for the conflict between the Fulani herdsmen and the or membership of a particular social group. In other words, an to persecution.’ More important, the decision makers were also local farmers in the southern parts of Nigeria. The establishment asylum applicant must be able to prove beyond every reasonable instructed ‘to consider if the Nigerian government’s actions are of Àmòtékùn, a security outfit in the South-West of Nigeria, was doubt that he or she is evading persecution on account of anyone of acts of prosecution or not persecution. Those fleeing prosecution prompted by this Fulani factor, and also interestingly why the Yoruba leaders have similarly decided to carve out an Oduduwa Republic out of the current Federation of Nigeria. Consequently, the The bitter truth of the conduct and management of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the PMB PMB administration has made life not worth living as a Nigerian. administration is that it lacks lustre and focus. Government wrongly believes that Nigeria has The IPOB and MASSOB saga should be understood within the a Foreign Policy Grand Strategy by simply nursing the idea of Nigerians occupying executive same framework. positions in various international organisations as a landmark success. In order to make Nigeria Under the PMB administration, public officers are sacked from office for reasons of embezzlement of public funds, and yet the great, she needs a foreign policy grand strategy. Nigeria’s foreign policy must be research driven disgraced officials will still be given letters commending the same before it is given a political colouration. A foreign policy conference in which there are no sacked officials for jobs well done. How can someone be sacked for leading research institutions on foreign policy, with limited governmental, non-governmental wrong doing and, at the same time, still be commended for doing organisations, and civil society organisations, etc, cannot be seriously described as a true national well? One Minister is not only suspected to be currently aiding and conference. At best, as at today, Nigeria’s foreign policy is reactive and largely predicated on abetting terrorism, but on record to have expressed unqualified sympathy and support for Osama bin Laden. It is shameful that the pillars of poverty of ideas, particularly in light of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishing a president is defending such a Minister. One unanswered ques- chapter in a book and claiming that Dr. Jaja Wachukwu was Nigeria’s First Foreign Minister. tion often asked is this: how do we explain the fact that the same If there is to be any meaningful review of foreign policy, it must begin with ensuring better Minister created a social media platform only in Arabic language quality of Foreign Service Officers, functional reorganisation of the foreign policy research and is using that same platform for dissemination of government institutions, and most importantly, establishment of a separate Foreign Service Commission news? Why the double standard? for the purposes of Nigeria’s larger Grand Strategy. It is by so doing that Government can move Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com from the mythical world to that of reality ARTSARTS && REVIEWREVIEW A PUBLICATION 18.04.2021

FOR FRIEDERIKE MOESCHEL, IT’S SOON TIME TO SAY ‘AUF WIEDERSEHEN’ Cover continued on Page 62 Moeschel EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ [email protected] 62 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 ARTS & REVIEW\\INTERVIEW FOR FRIEDERIKE MOESCHEL, IT’S SOON TIME TO SAY ‘AUF WIEDERSEHEN’ As her four-year engagement as Director, Goethe-Institut Lagos comes to an end, Friederike Moeschel, who is set to leave Nigeria next month, offers insights into her cultural experiences in the country in an interview with Yinka Olatunbosun

t was an amazing time. I learned a prepared to embrace yet another cultural life. lot,” Friederike Moeschel said, as she “I have an advantage of knowing about the reclined in her chair in the new breezy Yoruba cultural heritage,” she enthuses. “So, Goethe-Institut office in Victoria I am quite confident that a lot of things that I Island, Lagos. In the past four years, learnt here, I can also take with me to Brazil she had asserted her presence at major and also, maybe, help to strengthen some cultural events in Lagos. Apart from connections. I am looking forward to using the being very active on her social media knowledge that I have gained in Lagos.” pages, she has remained attentive to the art commu- Already fluent in English, German and "Inity, whether she is in or out of Nigeria. French, Moeschel is looking forward to learn- Moeschel is always curious about different aspects ing Portuguese in Salvador. of Nigeria’s cultural life and art institutions. Hence, While reflecting on the various aspects of before arriving in Nigeria, she made some findings Nigerian arts and culture, she acknowledges about her destination. Lagos, she was told, is a leading the global image of Nigerian music, visual cultural destination in Africa. Of course, she came in arts and literature. In her opinion, the fashion dressed in light-texture clothings. Compared to the industry is one aspect that needs more visibil- average weather in Bonn where she hails from, it feels ity across the globe just as much as the clamour like summer-all year round in Lagos. for the return of stolen artefacts. Whenever conversations swirled around archiving “Before I came to Nigeria, I went to book- and documentation, her interest was piqued. Two shops in London and Germany. You can find years ago, she backed a workshop that focused on nearly all well-known Nigerian authors there museum reform. Perhaps owing to the way museums and some are translated into German. And in are positioned in Nigeria, any one would imagine that music, the latest Grammy award in Best Global a discourse about museum would be boring. On the music went to Burna boy. Nigeria is a big name contrary, the session was like BBC’s ‘Hard Talk’. The in music. representatives of National Museum that were pres- “I think it is the histo-cultural heritage is ent at the workshop were put on the hot seat with the being forgotten especially by the younger gen- barrage of difficult questions posed by members of Moeschel eration who are unaware of their pre-colonial the audience about how the institution is still operat- heritage. This discussion includes bringing back artefacts ing an archaic management system in a highly-digitalised Yoruba Pantheon, has been released. Written by Peju Akande, from museums in the global north and also put these topics world. Toni Kan and Jahman Anikulapo, with illustrations by on platforms so that it is not just a discussion amongst the That sort of openness is one of the things that Moeschel Abdulkareem Baba Aminu, the book targets young audience intellectual elites but also the people of Nigeria to realise will miss about Nigeria. “I will miss the openness of the between age 25 and 40 who are curious about Yoruba culture what these mean for them through the development of new people,” she says. “And thank God, in Lagos, you don’t and religion. Moeschel relives the circumstances that birthed curriculum.” have a language barrier so it is very easy to adapt. For me as the idea of writing the book, tracing it to an event in Lagos. For her, it is one thing to have a great idea and another to a German, it was very easy to talk to people and Nigerians “It started more than two years ago at an event. I think the motivate people to come with you on the journey towards always say when they don’t want something. They are also topic was architectural heritage and how the Brazilian build- actualising the dream and achieving sustainability. On very blunt. It makes it easy to adapt. And I never had any ings are deteriorating and when they are gone, they are gone. the heels of the attack on City Hall that housed the former fears coming here. I have spent four years and I have never You can try to rebuild but it will not be the real thing. For us, Goethe Institut office, in the violent attacks targeted at had any experience where I had felt threatened or unsafe.” the starting point to discuss this is that when you are not aware properties owned by Lagos State after the protests last year, When COVID-19 struck in 2020, there was panic in the dip- of your own culture and history, then you will wonder why Moeschel said Goethe-Institut Nigeria has made arrange- lomatic circles. News about the closure of the airports forced you should take care of those things. It is not part of your own ments to make German language learning easy for Nigerian many expatriates to return to their homeland. Moeschel had cultural DNA. If you don’t have this knowledge, you cannot audience through its online classes. Therefore, location is no to leave for Germany, suspending many planned projects in protect it and then we continued talking about the influence of longer a barrier to anyone who seeks to learn German. the process. the religion on culture. Culture and religion have always been While awaiting her replacement, Dr. Nadine Siegert who “Last year was a big challenge for everyone,” she remi- closely related. The publishing house, Iwalewa Books is very currently serves at the Goethe Institut in Johannesburg, nisced. “When I look back, it is something to delete from experienced in publishing cultural books. So, I am really proud South Africa, Moeschel is focused on rebuilding Goethe- memory because one was not able to do a lot of things. We of the project because it is an example of Nigerian-German Institut Nigeria though on a temporary site at the moment. tried to do some things but in all, it was a very positive time collaboration. We have lots of Yoruba in diaspora. This book is However, there is one thing she will certainly not miss about here for me. I really do hope that in spite of all the challenges our baby. This is a first publication that targets young audi- Nigeria. right now, the cultural scene would flourish and go back to ence. We have had other publications done with support from “I will definitely not miss the traffic,” she said. “It steals so where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.” Goethe Institut.” much time from you. It is something I always regret. Some- Next year, Goethe-Institut will mark its 60th anniversary The book features details about orisas including Ogun, times, it would be so nice to have three or four meetings in a globally. Although Moeschel will be long gone by then, she Sango, Oya, Oba, Obatala, Orunmila, Esu, Soponna, Olokun, day but it is not possible. So, sitting in the car for hours is not has reasons to celebrate now that as a representative of one Aje, Osanyin, Yemoja, Osun, Moremi and Osoosi. As at the easy. Unfortunately, I do not belong to the category of people of the most enduring international cultural institutions in the time the book project commenced, she didn’t know that her who can work while in traffic because I always felt sick. I world. One of her projects centred on documenting Yoruba next destination after her assignment in Nigeria would be hope the government will, in future, find more possibilities gods and goddesses is the book, titled Who’s Who in the Brazil. With this research into Yoruba culture, Moeschel felt for public transportation.” MOVIES AWON BOYZ: Demystifying Area Boys Yinka Olatunbosun is one in ten children revealed that he hailed from a middle class background but the large number of children made it difficult to give each child the very bit of the 38minutes for right quality of life. With families like his, it is very the documentary movie, easy for any child to end up on the streets. Malik titled Awon Boyz is worthy who claimed to have had excellent performance in of attention. The area boy school said his troublesome nature forced him to phenomenal in Lagos was leave school. With characters like Yobo, Moses and the centrifuge of this brilliant Lovely, it is established that street boys are not just cinematic experience directed limited to the Yoruba clan but quite a number of by Tolulope Itegboje. Through persons from other ethnic groups have assimilated the eyes of seven individuals who work as street this street life and built the street persona that is urchins, the story of the unemployed youths is both intimidating and misleading. E Still, drug-dealing, stealing, fraud, prostitution told from the point of view of cause and effect. rings and gang fights are regular features of the While each one has a peculiar circumstance street life. Agamma who stays around Afrikan that puts him on the streets, they all share the A scene from the movie Shrine recounts a very emotional story of two street quest for survival. Through Awon Boyz, the urchins who had a fatal fight over cabbage and viewer learns that the phrase “area boy” has survive on the streets. higher institutions who couldn’t secure jobs suya. Agamma is a non-committal narrator who been misused over time by many who use it Mostly domiciled in shanties found in Monkey after graduation. Sadly, the documentary did gives the perspective of others rather than his. not provide statistics on the number of these loosely to describe criminals. But the truth in Village, Oshodi, Orile Iganmu, Mushin and other The movie, released on April 14 on Netflix puts a parts of Lagos, these “area boys” are husbands, individuals on Lagos streets and why this is face to this growing legion of young men who run reality is that not everyone on the street is out predominant among the male gender, but the to perpetrate crime. Some had failed in their fathers, brothers to other people. The average area the street life in Lagos. Though it had its premiere boy speaks B or C grade English which may come interviews beamed light on the foundation of screening two years ago, the docu-movie remains pursuit of career goals and had resorted to sheer as a shock to anyone. Although quite a number of this systemic failure- the family unit. a timely collage of lives of courage, unconditional aggression and bullying to extort money to them are school drop-outs, some are graduates of For instance, Malik also known as Ete who happiness and unfulfilled dreams. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 63

Editor:Olawale Olaleye CICERO mail:[email protected], SMS: 08116759819 IN THE ARENA Defending Pantami With a Presidential Cudgel

Brushing off sensitive public allegations against Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, President Muhammadu Buhari deepens distrust, widening significant ethno- religious fissures imperilling the state, writes Louis Achi

wo months after Muham- administration would commence an madu Buhari was sworn investigation into allegations that in as the 15th President of some businesses were behind the Nigeria, on Friday, 29 May attacks on the minister. 2015, the 11th President of Pantami’s Salafist ideology, the core India (2002-2007), Dr. Avul of his extreme preaching back then Pakir Jainulabdeen (APJ) – which he claims he has repented Abdul Kalam, died aged 83. from – can hardly be swept under the Kalam was a top notch aero-space engi- carpet. Hear him: “Oh God, give vic- Tneer, rocket scientist, Indian hero, author tory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda… and exemplary statesman. This jihad is an obligation for every As a Muslim steeped in Hindu culture, single believer, especially, in Nigeria.” he was to many an oddity – a scientist, In another, he reportedly endorsed who could recite classical Tamil poetry, the killing of “unbelievers.” who played the rudra-veena, a traditional According to Wikipedia, the min- South Indian instrument, and listened to ister, whom Buhari entrusts with the Carnatic devotional music every day, but biometric data of Nigerians, trained performed his namaz with no sense of under extremist Islamist scholars in incongruity. Saudi Arabia, including Muhammad In melding the Islam into which he was Ibn Uthaymin, whose extremist views born with a strong sense of the traditions include opposition to women driving in which his civilisation was anchored, in that country. Abdul Kalam was a complete Indian, an Traditionally, ministerial picks embodiment of the eclecticism of India’s undergo two levels of screening heritage of diversity. His popularity was before induction – first by the DSS undimmed by his relinquishment of and then the Senate. Could it have office. In his life and his work, Kalam meant that both winnowing processes personified the best of what India can be. failed to detect fatal flaws in Pan- Noted Saikat Chaudhuri, Wharton tami’s background? For the Ahmed Adjunct Professor of Management Lawan-led Senate, this is unflattering. and Executive Director of Wharton’s Worse, at press time, no corrective Management: “He was a true nationalist, action is being contemplated from upholding the utmost integrity. He pushed that chamber. the country to reach new heights and to According to Ex DSS Director, Den- aspire to lead the way in its global rise, nis Amachere, there is no information rather than aim to merely catch up with the Pantami that escapes the DSS. “When I was developed nations.” working there, we keep a catalogue of “Kalam raised aspirations by catalysing a demonstra- anybody of interest that comes up to limelight in this tion effect. By showing that it was possible to think big Pantami, an Islamic cleric, has been in the eye of the country. and look far, he did what the best leaders always do: storm for over two weeks after videos resurfaced online “During the vetting process, for anybody to be recalibrate what people think is possible,” gushed Man- showing he supported, over a decade ago, extremist appointed a minister or commissioner or anything, your ish Sabharwal, co-founder and chairman of TeamLease groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. name is sent to the DSS for vetting. They check your Services, India’s leading staffing company. Hence, for once holding extremist ideology and background. We get a lot from open source intelligence While in his single five-year tenure, Kalam pushed expressing it openly; advocating the violent Jihadist and I can tell you that in Pantami’s case, we have it. India with her diversity and over one billion folks to narrative of al-Qaeda and the Taliban before he was But there is a political angle to it. When somebody is reach new heights and to aspire to lead the way in her appointed minister by the President, he is understand- being appointed, if the security agencies see that there global rise, the same can hardly be said for Buhari - ably under fire. These are weighty issues on account of is something wrong with his name, they will send it to leading his 200 million-plus citizens and now trundling which many Nigerians are canvassing his resignation or the appointing agency. into the home stretch of his second and last presidential outright sack by the President. “The appointing agency will now decide amongst tenure. The minister later admitted making the controversial other variables either religious variable, federal character Successive controversy, enervating insurgency, bloody statements but claimed immaturity and explained that balancing variable, or political variable and say that, security nightmare, unforced serial errors and intractable his views on such groups have changed. He also said ‘Oh, yes, we know that this guy has this and that but governance snafus have become defining highlights of he was being targeted for attack by people uncomfort- let’s appoint him. So, the political decision is not taken Buhari’s presidential trajectory. But at a fundamental able with his policies as the communication minister. by the SSS.” Perhaps not unexpectedly, the DSS has level, it may be unfair to pillory the lanky General from On Thursday, the presidency weighed in, declaring disowned its former Director’s position. Katsina, given the huge disparity in cognitive capacities support for the embattled communications minister. At the most sensitive, troubled and uncertain period and critical leadership endowments between the two. In his statement on Thursday, presidential spokesman, in the nation’s history, deepening the existing distrust The latest quirky controversy involves Dr. Isa Ibrahim Mallam Garba Shehu said, the Buhari administration and widening the ethno-religious fault-lines are hardly Pantami, a former Director-General of the National In- “stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian the way to go. A Pantami sack would have sent an formation Technology Development Agency (NITDA), citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, important symbolic message. now Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. and fair protection in ICT services.” He also said the Predictably, Buhari failed the test. POLITICAL NOTES Does Pantami’s Atonement Count for Nothing? s Pantami’s Atonement Not Enough? together. Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communica- But poor choices are not peculiar to any class of people. tion and Digital Economy, has been in the thick of Besides, they provide opportunity to start all over again storm in the last few days. Perhaps, it’s his turn for – bigger and better – if not more intelligently. Just may be political fire baptism. Unfortunately, he appears the Pantami experience would help prevent many others caught up in one of the most obnoxious parts of the from treading the path of perdition and start to rethink storm: sentiments to religious fundamentalism and humanity without unduly misinterpreting and misap- affiliation to terrorism. Yet, these are nothing the average plying religious doctrines. INigerian would easily gloss over or forgive at a period Like everyone else, Pantami deserves another chance insecurity is unceasing and at an all-time high. to retell his story, this time from a better standpoint, using Even then, these were choices Pantami admitted to the window of time of his otherwise poor choices to have made in sheer ignorance and at a time he didn’t change many lives that are in religious bondage through know any better. He’d since come out to confess and own sermons and engagements that do not typify Islam – a up to them – more like atone for his rather poor choices religion of peace – in any form or shape. He’s merited the – even though the shock of the revelation had initially chance for a new beginning and should be allowed to Pantami thrown him off balance and unable to put himself either use it well or bungle it. 64 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 BRIEFINGNOTES

The late President at the war front Déby: Plurilateral Implications of His Death and Politics The death, last week, of the President of Chad, Idriss Débré Itno, was not without nuances of politics, but even more, are its imports for the region, writes Bola A. Akinterinwa

had is officially a Francophone and an the East (East Africa region). rity in Chad have been of major concern. Political instability in Arabophone country, officially referred to as And perhaps most importantly, even though Chad has a total the country dates back to 1966, otherwise only six years after the République du Tchad. Its system of government area of 1,284,000 sq km, of which the land area is 1,259,200 sq. country’s independence on August 11, 1960. It was as from 1966 is a presidential republic in which there is a km, only 3% of it is arable. Many countries, like Mali and Chad, that the Northern Muslim rebels began to fight the animists, the dominant . It is a multi-religious are territorially bigger than Nigeria, but Nigeria has the biggest French troops, and the Christian government in the South, with society with the Muslims accounting for about arable land in the whole of Africa. Chad is, however, strategically several ceasefires and peace pacts done, but most of which have 53%; the Catholics, 20%; Protestant,14%; and well-endowed with many natural resources: oil, uranium, kaolin, been to no avail. In fact, political governance in Chad has been animists, 7%; as at ten years ago. natron, etc. very repressive under President Itno, against which there has also In terms of topography, Chad is a wooded savannah, desertic It is against the foregoing background that the exegesis of the been vehement opposition. inC the South, part of the Sahara in the North, while its southern international politics and implications of the death of Idriss Débré rivers flow into the Lake Chad. And more important, Chad Itno in Chad should be done and understood. The mere fact of Dynamics of Instability and Insecurity is geo-politically located in central North Africa, and therefore, being land-locked and located at the epicentre of four different The first dynamic of political instability and insecurity in Chad land-locked, with its neighbours located in four different regions regions of Africa also requires the Government of Chad to cope is not only that the Chadian military is divided against itself, of Africa as defined in Articles 1 (d) and 1(e) of the 1991 Abuja with the challenges from four different directions. Additionally, thus compelling President Itno to be very cautious and to be Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community. the fact of many ethnic groups (Sara, 28%; Arab, 12%; Mayo- suspicious of his military, but also the existence of many groups Put differently, Chad is bordered by Libya towards the North Kebbi, 12%; Kanem-Bornou, 9%, etc) necessarily also implies of insurgents in the country. In this regard, the Muslim rebels (North Africa region); by Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon towards internal struggle for power, fairness and justice in the allocation should be differentiated from the Libyan-based rebels fighting the the West (West Africa region); by Central Africa Republic of national resources. government. towards the South (Central Africa region); and by Sudan towards From the religious perspective, political instability and insecu- This means that Itno had to fight in different battle fields either NOTES FOR FILE Judicial Autonomy Long Overdue Last week’s strike by the Judiciary Staff Union But Nigeria’s federal system appears to have encour- of Nigeria (JUSUN), clamouring for judicial inde- aged the Executive to capture the judiciary and enslave pendence was a decision taken rather too late. For it, so it could only serve at the pleasure of its power. whatever reasons, the leadership of the judiciary as an Although the legislature was in this corner before it arm of government appeared too laidback, perhaps, sought and largely secured its freedom, save for a few because it could always sort itself out when the chips states that chose to look away from what’s right and are down. But that does not guarantee the place of proper, Judiciary’s time finally came last week. the other layers of the all-critical institution and their With Nigerian governors agreeing to concede its wellbeing. most deserving independence to it, the judiciary might In a democracy and even dictatorship, the place of be on its way to self-rediscovery. Battered and reduced the judiciary is immutable. It is the reason the prin- to a shadow of itself, the judiciary had remained in ciple of separation of power frowns at the overbearing the unenviable shadow of the Executive at all levels tendency of any of the other arms of government, for too long with a rather devastating implication on Judicial officers protesting the non-implementation prescribing their respective independence, albeit in performance. But with a new life beckoning at it, this of their financial autonomy collective interest. liberation from Executive’s grip is long overdue. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 25, 2021 65 BRIEFINGNOTES t%²#:1-63*-"5&3"-*.1-*$"5*0/40')*4%&"5)"/%10-*5*$4t simultaneously or one after every attack from whatever direction. In many of the battles to defend the independence and territorial integrity of Chad, President Itno had to lead from the front, not necessarily because of the need to provide leadership by example, but essentially because of his mistrust for the military. Second, the ghosts of the people Itno had killed appear to have hunted him to the time of his death. Hissène Habré ousted Goukouni Oueddei in June 1982. Goukouni Oueddei was compelled to flee the country for safety. Hissène Habré himself was removed in another coup d’état by the Itno-led Mouvement patriotique du salut (Patriotic Salvation Movement). The Move- ment was founded on March 11, 1990 by Itno, who enjoyed the active support of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya in ousting Hissène Habré. The Movement has been the ruling political party since 1990. As noted earlier, the governance of Chad has been repressive by force of necessity: difficulty in differentiating between terrorist threats and agitations for social security needs. There is the added problem of opposition to the presence of foreign powers in the country. Third, there is the challenge of Libya’s claim of sovereignty over the Aouzou strip by the time Itno came to power. The territorial dispute with Libya was the first foundation of the irritant in Chado-Libyan relationship, even if Itno was assisted by Libya to gain power. As considered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya filed in the Registry a notification of an agreement that was concluded with Chad, on August 31, 1990, in Algiers. As stipulated in the agreement, in the event of impossibility of political settlement of the dispute, the misunderstanding should be referred to the court for adjudication. It was on this basis that Chad, on 3rd September, 1990, filed an Application instituting proceedings against Libya on the basis of the Franco-Libyan Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness of 10 August, 1955 and on the basis of the Algiers Agreement of 31 August, 1990 between Chad and Libya. Following the filing of Memorials and Counter-Memorials at the ICJ, as well as the oral proceedings held in June and July 1993, the issue for determination by the ICJ was whether there was an existing international frontier or border between Chad Mahamat Itno...the acting president Late President Deby and Libya. While Libya claimed that there was no existing boundary ‘on fair and regular elections; any amendment or revision of the in Chad as at today is that the opposition to Mahamat Déby has the basis of a coalescence of rights and titles of the indigenous Constitution or legal instruments, which is an infringement on increased to near consensus. inhabitants, the Senoussi Order, the Ottoman empire, Italy and the principles of democratic change of government or is incon- Fourth, the French proverbial saying that ‘’ordre et contre ordre Libya itself,’ Chad, on the contrary, posited that there was an sistent with the Constitution; and any substantial modification égalent désordre, that is, ‘order and counter order amount to existing boundary on the basis of a Treaty of Friendship and to the electoral laws in the last six months before the elections disorder,’ is likely to come into play in Chad. On the one hand, Good Neighbourliness concluded by France and Libya on 10 without the consent of the majority of the political actors’ (vide France advised that efforts should be quickly made to ensure a August, 1955, or alternatively, on French effectivités, either in J. Shola Omotola, Unconstitutional Changes of Government return to democratic rule, but, on the other hand, France has also relation to, or independently of, the provisions of earlier treaties.’ in Africa: What Implications for Democratic Consolidation, Nord- come up with the justification as to why Mahamat Déby has to The ICJ delivered its judgment on 3rd February, 1994 in favour iska Afrika Institutet, Uppsala, 2011, for analysis of the extent to be in power. of Chad, largely considering that there was a boundary and that which the crime of unconstitutional change of government can It has been argued that ‘logically, it should be the speaker it is defined by the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourli- be considered as a supranational crime). of the House, Haroun Kabadi, but he refused because of the ness of 10 August 1955 between France and Libya. As a result, Not only does the Chadian Constitution requires that exceptional security reasons that were needed to ensure the Libya took the bad end of the stick and has not always meant the Speaker of the House of Representatives stands in for a stability of this country.’ To borrow the idea of the French Foreign well for the country. This partly explains the terrorist activities transitional period of forty days, the African Union also does not Minister, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Chadian military were right often launched from the territory of Libya, especially, from the condone unconstitutional change of Government in whatever to have adopted Mahamat as Head of State and not the Speaker. Tibesti mountains, which are aimed at undermining political ramification in Africa. France may be rightly wrong in this case. France is right to stability in Chad. From the crime of unconstitutional change of government the extent that, if the Speaker who is constitutionally required to But without a scintilla of gainsaying, since Itno came to power discussed above, there is no disputing the fact that the demise of accept the responsibility of leadership reneges, there has to be an in 1990, and even with a new constitution approved in March President Itno was a coup, especially, that his son, Mahamat, was alternative. The wrongness of the French position is at the level of 1996, which enabled a multi-party presidential election in June imposed by the interim military council to serve as President of the choice of alternative: why the choice of Mahamat Déby and and July in that year, Chad has largely remained a terra cognita Chad. This development has the potential to further deepen the not that of another Army General? for insurgency, which has also been largely driven by political situation of insecurity, in spite of the fact that the late president The plain truth is that the regional coordinating centre of chicanery. survived two coups d’état in 2006 and 2008. France’s anti-terrorism struggle is in Chad. President Itno and For instance, President Itno won his third-term in office on Second, the naming of Mahamat as successor of his father his son, Mahamat are major useful instruments in the hands of May 3, 2006 in an election boycotted by the major opposition gives the impression that the Chadian presidential system is France, who the Elysée/Matignon Government in Paris cannot parties. In other words, since 2006, there has been contestation being turned into a monarchical system. President Itno was afford the luxury to ignore. The challenge for France is how to of election organisation and results. After the first two-terms, the accused before he died that he had changed the rule of law maintain a balance in the error of terrorist insurgency in Chad: election victory of Itno has always remained a dividing question to the rule of man, especially, following the amendment of it is an error to promote the crime of unconstitutional change in Chad. the Constitution in 2006, which removed the limitation to the of government to the detriment of non-compliance with the number of presidential tenures from the Constitution. By implica- constitutional requirement that the Speaker should succeed the His Death and Implications tion, he was enabled to contest and remain in power for as long late president. On Monday, 19 April, 2021 President Itno was reportedly as he wanted. At the plurilateral level, the demise of President Itno requires killed in a frontline battle with the Front-for-Change-and- Most unfortunately, in his absence, his son cannot be a a coordinated reaction beyond unnecessary songs of praise for Concord-in-Chad insurgents, a group of dissident army officers legitimate beneficiary of his election victory. It is quite true that him. The challenge newly created is very daunting: heightened formed in 2016 and fighting for democracy. Did he die as a result President Itno won five earlier presidential elections in 1996, 2001, terrorism-driven jihad. The challenge requires greater border of bullet wounds in the battle field? Was he killed by an insider 2006, 2011 and 2016. However, another truth is that there were surveillance by all the neighbouring countries of Chad to prevent in the battle field, because the Chadian military is on record to be complaints of irregularities and opposition boycotts during the the influx of the insurgents into their countries. The challenge divided against itself? said elections. also requires a comprehensive encirclement by air of the whole As it is believed that there are boko haramists in the Therefore, the likelihood of Mahamat Déby being able to operational areas of the insurgents in Chad and Nigeria simulta- Government of Nigeria, so also were anti-Idriss Déby Itno in rule effectively in Chad is remote, not simply because his father neously by the military forces of the ECOWAS and the ECCAS. government. took over power at the age of 37 and he too is repeating history Specifically in Nigeria, while the Government is thinking Besides, there are also many groups of insurgents in Chad. by also taking over power at 37 years of age, but particularly, of guiding and mainstreaming the Chadian saga within the The more notable ones are the Libyan-based terrorist group because the army is divided and he is from the minority group. framework of the ECCAS, ECOWAS and the AU, the Boko and the Islamic fundamentalists group. With this factor, it is This leads to the third point. Haram has reiterated its intention to establish an Islamic Caliph- very difficult to identify, who was responsible for the killing of It should be recalled that President Itno was a Zaghawa from ate in Northern Nigeria, beginning from the North East. Perhaps the president. What is quite obvious is that there is a military the Muslim ethnic group in Eastern Chad and also concentrated more disturbingly, as revealed with the attacks on Geidam in struggle at various levels to have the political power of control. in the Sudanese State of North Darfur. The Saghawa people, Yobe State, last Friday, 23rd April, 2021, all those Nigerians, who The insurgents are looking for power and the military under though are a minority group in Chad, played active roles along refuse to accept their agenda of Islamisation have been told to President Itno are also struggling to remain in power. It is from with their kith and kin in Sudan in the insurrection against the expect more and greater attacks on them. The terrorist order is this perspective that the many issues involved and their implica- central Government of Sudan in 2001. now ‘accept Muslim Caliphate or get killed.’ tions should be explained. In fact, the Saghawa are the main backbone of the Chadian One leeway to consider in not simply addressing insecurity First is the issue of unconstitutional change of government in military and economy under the late president, who initially in Chad, but particularly also in Nigeria, is to first provide good Africa. It is considered as a crime. As provided in Article 28A of did not support the Saghawa insurrection in Sudan, but for leadership in the fight against the boko haramists in Nigeria, the Malabo Protocol, a legal basis of the African Criminal Court, reasons of force majeure, had to later accept them in Chad and before offering to guide and mainstream regional strategies, the a crime of unconstitutional change of government comprises ‘a also strained relationship with Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya, who capacity for which Nigeria does not have. putsch or coup d’état against a democratically-elected govern- enabled his ousting of Hissène Habré in 1990. Nigeria cannot be protecting sympathisers of terrorism at ment; an intervention by mercenaries to replace a democratically- The implication in this case is that the killing of President Itno home, on the one hand, and also preaching the sermon of better elected government; any replacement of a democratically-elected and the imposition of his son are an attempt to sustain the rule than thou in the struggle against terror in international relations, government by use of armed dissidents or rebels or through of the minority to the detriment of the interests of the majority on the other. Nigeria’s quest to guide and mainstream the saga political assassination; any refusal by an incumbent government ethnic groups. This is one major reason for the unending in Chad is, at best, a resultant from poverty of ideas. Let charity to relinquish power to the winning party or candidate after free, attempts to overthrow the late president. The situational reality begin from home first. 66 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 CICERO/REPORT How PDP Congresses May Shape Its Chances in 2023

In the post-Peoples Democratic Party zonal congresses, the choices of the respective zones will play a part in how they stand within the 2023 equation, writes Chuks Okocha

he tenure of office of the present National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to come to an end towards November or December this year. And in preparation for a national conven- tion to elect new national officers to run the affairs of the party, it approved the conduct of its zonal congresses in the six geo-political zones commencing March 6, 2021. T According to the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party slated the submission of nomination forms, including aspirants for National Ex-Officio on or before February 25, 2021. The forms for the various offices were to be submitted to the directorate of mobilisation and Organising. With this brief an- nouncement, the stage was set for the elections of zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country. The elections of zonal officers are important, because it would foretell two things: the way the wind will blow in the emergence of national officers at the National convention and also the emergence of the presidential candidate of the party later in 2022. So, all hands are usually on deck and it usually comes with pomp and celebration as well as political manuovering. This explained why in some of the geopolitical zone, it is like the winner takes all or a do or die affair.

The Southwest Zonal Congress The Southwest was where real elections took place. The election was a true test of supremacy between the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose. Both chieftains of the party supported different Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, in embrace after a temporary truce was candidates. Fayose and Makinde had been at loggerheads over brokered between the two during the Southwest congresse the leadership of the party in the zone. While Makinde supported and sponsored Mr. Taofeek The congress was disrupted by thugs midway into the voting from the zone, Samuel Ortom tasked the new officials on Arapaja, a former Oyo State deputy governor, Fayose backed process. While the violence lasted, ballot papers and other fairness, justice and equity in the discharge of their mandate. Mr. Eddy Olafeso, a former governorship aspirant in Ondo voting materials were destroyed – a situation that forced most of Ortom also disclosed that the party in the zone had resolved State and the immediate past chairman of the party in the zone. the party chieftains to hurriedly leave the venue for fear of being to end ‘godfatherism’, imposition of candidates and avoid the The feud between Makinde and Fayose prevented the party caught in the attack. mistakes of 2015 and 2019 that gave APC victory. He commend- from reaching a consensus on the zonal congress. The PDP Fingers were later pointed to delegates from Kano over who edstakeholders within the zone for exhibiting a high-level of NWC also intervened several times to ensure a consensus would emerge as the PDP chairman in the zone. maturity throughout the processes that led to the election. candidate for the chairmanship position, but to no avail However, to avoid vacuum, the PDP NWC, last week, an- In his speech, Mark said Nigerians and indeed the people of At last, the party had to move the congress from Ibadan to nounced the constitution of a Northwest Caretaker Committee. North Central had learnt their lessons by voting the APC, saying Osogbo, where a total of 743 delegates elected officials of the This was as a result of the inability of the zone to elect its leaders. at a time, all the six sovernors and senators in the zone were Southwest zonal congress election to elect officials to run the The party, in a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, National elected under the platform of the PDP. He therefore urged the affairs of the party in the zone for the next four years. Due to the Publicity Secretary, said the NWC acted on behalf of the people to do more to reclaim their lost positions. intensity of the acrimony, the party set several machineries in National Executive Committee (NEC) and pursuant to Section Saraki, who is also the Chairman, PDP Reconciliatory motion to ensure a free and fair zonal congress. 29(2)(b) of the PDP constitution (2017 as amended) constituted Committee said, it was time for the NorthCentral to recover its Each state had its delegate portion with Oyo State having the North West Zonal Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs mandates in the remaining five states and that it was time for total of 171 delegates, while Ogun had 114 delegates, Osun had of the party in the zone. the zone to provide the much-needed leadership that Nigerians 130 delegates, Ekiti had 115 delegates and Lagos, 101 delegates. The North West Caretaker Committee has Dr. Aminu Abdul- yearned for by winning back all six states in the zone. The party also named the Benue State Governor, Samuel lahi as Chairman, while Alhaji Sani Baba, Hon. Ali Madaki, He further appealed to the APC to stop disturbing their Ortom as the chairman of the Southwest PDP zonal congress. Hon. Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, Hon. Umaru Maye, Alhaji Akibu governors and allow them to concentrate on the good works Other members were Senator Sandy Onoh, Ogun Ofome Dalhatu aremembers. that they were doing across their states. Otemabore and Ireruoke Edward who served as members, Others are A’isha Ibrahim Madina, who will serve as mem- Former governor of Niger State, Mr. Babangida Aliyu, said while Senator Samuel Anyanwu was secretary of the commit- ber and Women Leader; HamzaYunusa,member and youth the party must create a peaceful atmosphere to endear it to tee. The party equally appointed an election appeal committee Leader and Alhaji Baba Kasim Ibrahim is to serve as secretary. Nigerians ahead of the 2023 general election. headed by Chief Okey Ezenwa, who wouldserve as Chairman, The party said the Caretaker Committee would be charged In his acceptance speech, PDP North Central Zonal Chair- while Clement Okaredir would serve as member. Roland with the responsibility of running the affairs of the party in the man, Shan, commended the party faithful, especially, their Najomoh would serve as secretary of the committee. Alto- zone, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the Party Constitution, leaders, for finding them worthy to serve another term and gether, 743 delegates voted in the election and Aparaja defeated until a new Executive Committee is elected. The appointment is pledged not to disappoint the trust reposed in them. Olafeso, amidst controversy of rigging and malpractices. for a period not exceeding 40 days, the statement stated. All the elected officials were sworn in by the Benue State The outcome of the election was strategic for the PDP as it Before the disruption of the congress, Gwarzo was said to Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Michael stopped a former governor of Lagos State, from enjoy the support of a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Gusa. hijacking the PDP machinery for his presidential ambition Wali, who is the leader of a faction of the PDP in Kano. On the through proxies. other hand,Yusuf is said to be fronted by Kwankwaso, who leads South-south Embraces Consensus another faction of the party in the state. It was a consensus affair. The zonal vice chairman, Dan Orbih How It Played Out in North West Some of the delegates from both factions in Kano, Aminu was re-elected He emerged as the PDP national vice chairman, The North West zonal congress took place on April 10, 2021. Abdulsalam, Hamza Safiyanu, andYusuf Bello, described the South-south. Orbih was returned unopposed at the congress The zonal congress was crucial for the two known presidential disruption of the congress as shameful and undemocratic. held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port aspirants from the zone: the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Harcourt, after polling 960 votes out of the 964 votes cast. Waziri Tambawul and a former governor of Kano State, Senator From the North Central Though the election was by consensus, only delegates from Rabiu Kwankwanso. Anyone that has control of the zonal The PDP has elected 23 officials to run the affairs of the party Cross River State boycotted the zonal congress. This was due to executive definitely inches towards realising his presidential in the North Central zone for the next four years. It was by con- crisis the state governor, Ben Ayade is facing in the party, which ambition, if the ticket is zoned that way. sensus Announcing the outcome of the election on Saturday in had factionalised the party in the state. But the congress was disturbed by hoodlums, allegedly from Makurdi, Benue State, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Dr In his acceptance speech, Orbih pledged to reposition the the camp of one of the presidential aspirants. Delegates were Cletus Tyokaa, said all the outgone zonal officials were returned party and make it stronger ahead of 2023. He assured the already casting their ballots in the zonal congress held at the unopposed.He noted that a total of 906 delegates were expected members that the new executive would not betray the trust and International Trade Fair Complex, n Kaduna State before the at the congress but only 820 were accredited and voted. faith reposed in them by the delegates. hoodlums stuck. He named those who returned unopposed as: Zonal Chair- The Congress ended abruptly. Scores of party faithful had man, Mr Theophilus Shan, Zonal Secretary, Mr Maurice Tsav, The Peculiar Southeast Zone stormed the venue of the exercise, which was attended by some Zonal Treasurer, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Publicity Secretary, Mr It was also a consensus affair in the Southeast. The leader PDP chieftains. Tambuwal, and a former National Caretaker Mohamed Suleiman and 21 others. of the PDP in the zone and Governor of , Ifeanyi Chairman of the party, Senator , were among The congress was attended by all the leaders from the zone Ugwuanyi, led party delegates to the zonal congress to elect those present while Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, including a former senate president, Dr. and his Chief Ali Odefa as the National Vice Chairman (South East) of was absent. predecessor for eight years, . The only governor the PDP, who was returned unopposed. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾RIL 25, 2021 67   Addax: As Buhari Restores Sanctity of Contractual Agreements Ismaila Shittu Addax Petroleum? Tracking back, the NNPC/Ashland Production Sharing o build virile, sustainable national institutions, Contracts (PSCs) on OMLs 123/124 (formerly OPL 98) and uphold due process in diverse arenas and grow the 126/137 (Former OPL 118) were signed in 1973 and terminated nation’s economy, the sanctity of contracts must after 25 years of operation. Thereafter NNPC signed another PSC be respected. This is the pathway through which with Addax Petroleum in 1998, on the same OMLs which were Nigeria can be taken seriously by international guided by the Petroleum Act and premised on OMLs 123 and 124 investors the country cherishes, as well as by other considered as one Contract Area and OMLs 126 and 137 consid- nations. ered as one Contract Area. An awareness of this necessity clearly must have OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 are highly prolific assets with oil re- informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s enlightened interven- serves of over 450 million barrels of oil and 5 trillion standard cubic tionT to reverse the misapplication of authority and miscarriage of feet of gas. OMLs 123, 124 and 126 are currently producing while justice in the matter of needless revocation of oil leases operated by OML 137 is a green field. Specifically, Clause 19 of the Production Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Ltd. Sharing Contract clearly spells out the ground for the Termination Addax Petroleum was established in 1994 and since August of the PSC by the Concessionaire (NNPC) and this is predicated on 2009 has been a subsidiary of the Sinopec Group, one of the largest any of the following four premises: oil and gas producers in China, the biggest oil refiner in Asia and Addax defaults in the performance material obligation; Addax the third largest worldwide. assigns its rights and interests under the contract without written On Friday, April 23 2021, President Buhari handed down an notice and prior written consent of NNPC; Addax is adjudged executive approval for restoration of the leases on OMLs 123, insolvent bankrupt or to has made restitution to its creditors by a 124, 126 and 137 to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria; or that Addax liqui- (NNPC) which is in Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with dates or terminates its corporate existence. Addax Petroleum. The leases belonging to the federation were It is vitally important to note that the PSC is a contract between revoked on March 30, 2021. the Concessionaire (NNPC) and the Contractor (Addax) and that Mallam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the clearly the regulator (DPR) is nowhere a party. But curiously in this President on Media and Publicity, confirmed the development case, the DPR exceeded its regulatory jurisdiction to terminate the in a statement in Abuja on Friday. According to Shehu, the Buhari contract restoration of the OMLs to Addax Petrleum was in line with the The key essentials of contract stipulate having two willing current administration’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness billion had been invested in the contract but that Addax Petroleum parties, meeting of minds between the parties and existence of and enabling a stable business climate for investment. He stressed called it off over an issue that was totally unrelated to the project. consideration. Given the circumstances of the entire revocation, that the development reaffirmed the commitment of the Buhari It alleged that the action put over 3000 Nigerians out of work, the it is not illogical to clearly see that the regulator clearly erred and administration to the rule of law and sanctity of contracts and committee said. Talk of giving a dog a bad name. overstepped its bounds by not only terminating the contract quoted the President as directing DPR to retract the letter of revoca- Shortly, like an entity working towards a set agenda, the DPR between Addax and NNPC but also concocted a nonexistent tion of the leases. inaugurated a team to evaluate the “revoked assets” of Addax contract between NNPC and KEL/SPR More, the President also directed NNPC to utilize contractual Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Ltd. DPR’s spokesperson, Paul Were the flawed revocation allowed to stand the government provisions to resolve issues in line with the extant provisions of the Osu told Nigerians that, “DPR had recently revoked the four assets would have shot itself in the foot by this poor disposition towards Production Sharing Contract arrangement between NNPC and of Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Ltd., namely OMLs 123, contractual matters. But good a thing, clearly the President was far Addax. 124, 126 and 137 due to the non-development of the assets by the better informed on the issues at play. This is especially so, as already The Presidential aide’s words: “The restoration of the blocks to company.” Nigeria has a poor reputation with respect to adherence to the rule NNPC will boost the organisation’s portfolio, thereby making the He further stated that a team of experts will evaluate the current of law and sanctity of contracts which the circumspect President corporation to, in the long run, boost its crude oil production and in status (As-is) of the revoked assets, including liabilities post Buhari administration has been making effort to correct. turn increase the revenue it generates to the Federation Account.” revocation, in order to facilitate takeover of the assets by the new Export of petroleum is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy More specifically, the Nigerian government, through the DPR, operators - Kaztech/Slavic Consortium. New operators? But and the major source of revenue for the country. The sector also had erroneously revoked the four OMLs, alleging the company’s the whole contrived game fell through with the President’s swift contributes over 80 and 70% of export earnings and total govern- inability to comply with targets. Two weeks ago, a committee intervention. ment revenue, respectively. set by President Buhari to investigate Addax submitted a report, What were the key issues involved in the apparent conflict ––Shittu, a public policy analyst, writes from Abuja. wrongly accusing the petroleum company of “economic waste.” between the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), an entity The committee led by a former Senator, Magnus Abe, said $1 under the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and (Readers should see full article on www.thisdaylive.com)                            Chigoziem Dike youngsters who are passionate about telling Broadcast Solutions and Nihilent. more sought-after as they re-enter their respec- authentic African stories. To actualise this vision, Following the academy’s inaugural gradu- tive local film and TV sectors as highly qualified n many ways, the Nigerian film and the MTF initiative successfully delivers three ation in 2019, MTF successfully ingrained their industry professionals, the extra certification is creative industry is what it is today touchpoints within the training year, which are mission to boost the quality of local film and a qualification from the prestigious New York because of the dogged dedication of many the MTF Academy, Masterclasses and the MTF television programming. Film Academy of Visual and Performing Arts stakeholders and purveyors of the film Portal. Certainly, on a roll, the tsunami of the (NYFA). and television art in Nigeria. On more In practical terms, MultiChoice, through its COVID-19 pandemic was not enough to cause The 2020 graduands had equally completed than one occasion, Nigeria has set a pace aptly named talent factory, invests in talents by a lasting setback for MTF. Instead, it created a an intensive three-week online NYFA course on or beaten some impressive record in film not just telling or teaching them about filmmak- new opportunity for the talent factory to evolve, the production of micro-documentaries, Public art, and this would have been unachiev- ing and quality storytelling, but by involving reevaluate, adapt to the new scenario and tell Service Announcements (PSAs), music videos able without the investment of Africa’s leading them in day-to-day successful productions that even more compelling African stories through and also worked with the United Nations on entertainmentI company and beloved storyteller, viewers all over the world pay to see. This means the Nigerian narratives that emerged in the heat the global #PledgeToPause campaign, which MultiChoice. that they are fully involved in MTF’s immersive of the pandemic season. automatically equals exposure for the young In 2018, MultiChoice debuted their flagship programme where they get an opportunity to At the recent virtual graduation ceremony for creatives to global networks. Creating Shared Value programme, the Multi- intern on all MultiChoice’s original productions. the MTF Academy Class of 2020, which held on Other benefits accrued in spite of the COVID choice Talent Factory (MTF) and that revolution- This is in line with Benjamin Franklin’s popular Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Chief Executive Officer, year include an NYFA eight-week scholarship in alised the way many Nigerian creatives saw their quote that says “Tell me and I forget, teach me MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, revealed that the United States of America for the top-perform- art and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” 2020 was undoubtedly tough due to COVID-19 ing graduate; Nihilent Technologies eight-week Back in the day, preserving and documenting In addition to the students being provided but the ability of all 20 students to quickly adapt scriptwriting internship on an animation; and history through storytelling was the exclusive with skills to develop their talent, connect with and transition from physical to virtual learning Jasco Broadcast Solutions AVID media composer job of bards and historians. Today, our best industry professionals and tell authentic speaks to the world-class nature of the acad- licence to the most-promising film video editor; storytellers are filmmakers, who create the African stories, the comprehensive curriculum emy’s course. Jasco Broadcast Solution AVID Pro Tools license motion pictures that we all enjoy. This is why comprises theoretical knowledge and hands-on “The MultiChoice Talent Factory is very close to the most-promising sound engineer. MultiChoice as an organisation places special experience in cinematography, editing, audio to my heart. It speaks to who we are as Nigerians, This is without forgetting the four-week focus on training the new generation of filmmak- production and storytelling. Also, the MTF natural-born storytellers. Today we are here to MNet internship in South Africa, and the CEO ers to keep the art alive and continue the task of Portal, a digital hub conceived as the premier celebrate the second cohort who were dealt a Award for Innovation which the trio of Mr Eric spinning excellent, original African stories that destination for Africa’s creative industries, heavy blow by the COVID-19 pandemic but the Kafui Okyerefo, Ms Chioma Paul-Dike and Mr document our histories and cultures the way we profiles and connects them all with more talents challenge seems to have brought on even greater Avuiroevarie Igho Arusi won for building Ekho as a people want. and opportunities outside of the country and opportunities,” Ugbe stated. media, a streaming platform for short films and Under the leadership of master filmmaker region. It would be remembered that by the While Ugbe analysed the challenges the content creators. They also got $1000 each and and cinematographer, Femi Odugbemi, the second year of its existence (2019), the one-year academy faced, including the fact that the course a structured 1-year mentoring session with the MultiChoice Talent Factory has given 40 young scholarship programme successfully partnered was extended from 12 months to 18 months due CEO. Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 26 salient with the New York Film Academy and has to the pandemic, one cannot sweep aside the fact ––Dike a Public Affairs analyst, writes tools to become whiz storytellers. since set the standard with even more illustrious that there were many benefits for the students. from Abuja. Attempting to further list the merits of the partnerships with prestigious institutions and Asides the fact that the additional time trans- talent factory may prove unnecessary since it is organisations like Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) lated to the graduands walking away with not (Readers should see full article on www. well known that the initiative was structured for and the internationally-acclaimed Dolby, Jasco one but two qualifications, making them even thisdaylive.com) 68 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 25, 2021 FOCUS Is Ubah the Candidate to Beat in Anambra? Even though the Anambra State governorship is still far ahead, , senator and businessman, has continued to position himself as the candidate to beat in the election, writes Tobi Soniyi

hen it comes to politics, everyone is scared of. He is Patrick Ifeanyi to cast their votes on election day. They are no state in Nigeria Ubah. A dark horse in the race. Anyone who dependable. is more active than underestimates him does so at his own risk. Nothing unites Nigerians like sports. Ubah Anambra. As a matter All politics is local. No one understands this understands this quite well. He founded of fact, the nation’s better than Ubah. This explains why he easily the Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club and built the case law, with regards defeated the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club Stadium, the first to political issues, is the Peoples Democratic Party and the All of its kind in the country. replete with judgments Progressives Congress in the Anambra South This offers opportunities for Nigerians, not on disputes emanating from the state. Senatorial District Election. He contested just Anambra people to change their lives for WNo one should, therefore, be surprised that under a relatively unknown political party, the the better. The football club not only provides at the last count, there are not less than thirty Young Progressives Party and won. opportunity for talented youth across the aspirants jostling to take over from Chief Unlike the others, Ubah did not wait for country and even abroad, to pursue their Willie Obiano as the governor of Anambra. election time before reaching out to the professional careers in football, the stadium Some of the aspirants have intimidating people. He appears to have earned the provides jobs for a teeming number of credentials. Others are over-qualified for people’s trust by being there for them in their people to eke out a living, in addition to the job. There are those who think it is their hours of need. This explains the massive fol- indirect jobs created through the facility on entitlement. lowers he enjoys among the grassroots. These a daily basis, especially, whenever a football However, there is this one aspirant that are the people, who would defy the elements tournament is being hosted at the stadium. Ubah THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ 69

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi NEWS E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ Dogara: Nigeria Becoming Ungoverned Space ‡ Expresses concern about post-2023 elections ‡ Urges leaders to unite against insecurity

James Sowole in Akure “Added to this is the long list of ostrich or pretend that all is well been fundamentally wrong with and distribution of public utilities “As it has always been the other protracted conflicts, including with us and our country. We must Nigeria which we have failed create a perception of marginalisa- case in so many communities A former Speaker of the House but not limited to Boko Haram say it as it is Nigeria is at war to cure,” saying experts had tion by a section of the people, and nations that promote those of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu insurgency in the Northeast that with itself. linked insecurity in the country especially the youth, who have outfits, they will soon degenerate Dogara yesterday warned that has left scores of people dead and “It is like all roads lead to “to government’s failure or lack a sense of disaffection and/or into lucrative criminal cartels ungoverned spaces were becom- millions displaced. Golgotha. The dam has broken of capacity to deliver public resentment.” themselves. ing prevalent in Nigeria with the “We now have daily cases and we have reached an inflection services or basic needs of the He, thus, said the inability of the “Lack of training will result growing inability of the federal of banditry in the Northwest; point. These are events that must people.” nation’s security forces “to tackle in extra-judicial killings. Some of government to exert coercive piracy; organised crime in the change the way we think and act He explained that this lapse insecurity led to the proliferation us who have welcomed them power or at best maintain sporadic South-south and farmer herder in order to walk Nigeria back “creates a pool of frustrated of vigilante and zonal security as saviours will sooner than presence in different parts of the clashes in much of the rest of the from the precipice,” Dogara spoke people who are easily ignited outfits. Historically, the challenge later start condemning them for federation. country,” he said with concern for with grave concern. by any event to be violent. with these outfits is that they have their brinkmanship and lack of Dogara gave the warning at the future of the country. He noted that something “has Also, inequality in appointment not worked. transparency. the 10th convocation of Achievers Dogara noted that the problem University, Owo City, Ondo State, of ungoverned spaces “is prevalent noting that Nigeria “is at war in Nigeria where the government against itself.” has lost the capacity to exert Dogara, the Chancellor of the coercive power or at best maintains university, also expressed grave sporadic or weak presence. concern for the 2023 general “We now leave vast forested elections even as he challenged landscapes across the country political leaders to look beyond for terrorists, bandits and 2023, work together against sundry criminal cartels to use divisive tendencies and rescue as sanctuaries and establish the country from the precipice operational bases.” of collapse. He said there was a strong At the convocation, the former correlation between insecurity speaker lamented the seemingly and 33.33% unemployment rate, intractable security challenges in epileptic economic growth, the country, warning that no part overwhelmed security agencies of the country was secured again. coupled with weak institutional While he decried the spate of capacity within the security agen- insecurity in different geo-political cies; extreme inequality cum zones constituting the federation, poverty and citizens alienation Dogara asked President Muham- from the government. madu Buhari “to stop playing Dogara cited the Global Terror- the ostrich or pretend that all is ism Index (GTI), which ranked well with us and our country.” Nigeria the third-most terrorised Dogara said the Southwest and country in the world based on the Southeast, the two geopolitical the report released on November zones that were once considered 27, 2020, WELCOME TO PROMISE LAND . . safe, “are fast becoming Nigeria’s With this painted scenario, he L-R: General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel new zones of instability. said: “We can no longer play the receiving Adeboye at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom ... yesterday Edoho B. Utuk Malaria Killed More Than COVID-19 in 2020, WHO Reveals Daji Sani in Yola Adamawa State capital yesterday, “Cabo Verde has maintained malaria incidence in the region million. In Kenya, approximately of interventions like ITNs and saying every malaria case “is zero malaria status since 2018, dropped by 9% to 10% every 170 million working days and indoor-residual spraying add- With a margin of 264,463 preventable, and every malaria Algeria was certified malaria five years between 2000 and 11% of primary school days are ing that resistance of malaria fatalities, Malaria killed more death is unacceptable.” free in 2019, and Botswana, 2015, in the last five years, this lost to malaria each year. parasites to some medicines people in Africa in 2020 than In 2019, according to Moeti, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, has slowed to less than 2%. Moeti said to change this could also make this disease COVID-19, World Health Orga- the WHO African Region ac- Namibia and South Africa “Every year that we let situation, more needs to be done very difficult to treat. nization (WHO) has revealed. counted for 94% of both the 229 achieved the 2020 milestones malaria spread, health and to help at-risk populations hence “Genetic mutations of the While malaria often caused million malaria cases and 409,000 of reducing malaria incidence development suffers.” encouraged testing, vaccination malaria parasite (pfhrp2/3 gene by parasites transmitted to malaria deaths reported globally. and deaths by 40% compared “Malaria is responsible for an and insecticide-treated bed net deletions) were recently detected people through the bites of This is despite the great progress to 2015.” average annual reduction of 1.3% (ITN) for all especially pregnant in the Horn of Africa and these infected female mosquitoes made in malaria response in She, however, stated that in Africa’s economic growth. women and children could potentially increase false- claimed 384,000 lives in 2020, the region. 36 of the 44 malaria-endemic Malaria-related absenteeism and The regional director also negative malaria tests. COVID-19, a highly infectious She said between 2000 and countries in the region did not productivity losses cost Nigeria, revealed that there were new “The Anopheles stephensi disease, killed 119,537. 2019, malaria incidence declined achieve these milestones. for example, an estimated US$ challenges on the horizon, such mosquito, an urban malaria WHO Regional Director by 29% and deaths by 60%. “Overall, the region was 1.1 billion every year. as increasing vector insecticide vector, has invaded the Horn for Africa, Dr Matshidiso More than 1.2 billion cases and off track by 37% and 25% “In 2003, malaria cost Uganda resistance in the region. of Africa in recent years, with Moeti disclosed the figures of 7.1 million deaths were averted for the incidence and deaths an estimated gross domestic She explained that this could the potential to cause devastating malaria’s fatalities in 2020 in Yola, in the region. milestones respectively. While product equivalent to US$ 11 compromise the effectiveness outbreaks in cities and towns. Sanwo-Olu Discloses New Plan to End Apapa Gridlock I Regret Persuading Obasanjo to Establish NDDC, Says Oyofo Kayode Fasua At the senate, the septuage- aims intended for improved living Segun James Lagos House, Marina on Friday. and Lagos Free Zone. A lot of narian served on the Senate conditions for the Niger Delta Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the companies are already in the Senator Kassim Oyofo has Committee on the Environment people, through the formation Lagos State Governor, Mr. state government “is having a zones. We are putting a lot of expressed regrets that he was as Vice Chairman and was at dif- of the NDDC, have been thrown Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the lot of high level conversations to infrastructure there; internal and instrumental to the establishment ferent times a member of Senate overboard by a succession of weekend disclosed that high-level solve issues surrounding Apapa external roads are coming up there, of the Niger Delta Development Committees on Petroleum, Solid corrupt leaders at the commission. conversation was ongoing to gridlock, especially issues relating power and other things are also Commission (NDDC) under the Minerals, Police Affairs, Commerce “People like the former resolve diverse complications to the ports in the area.” coming up there,” he said. administration of former President and Niger Delta President of the Senate, Dr. Chuba responsible for traffic congestion He challenged the EBO to look He added that his administra- . At the session with THISDAY, Okadigbo (of blessed memory), in Apapa and its environs. at the opportunity in the Lekki tion was committed to continually Oyofo, a chieftain of the Peoples Oyofo noted that he prevailed who made it possible for us to pass Sanwo-Olu, also, said the state Free Trade Zone area, saying part partner and deepen relationships Democratic Party (PDP), was a upon the former president “to the Act would be in his grave to government was committed to of the medium and long term with international investors member of the fourth and fifth establish the NDDC. It is the only see the corruption that had taken providing a friendly business solutions to Apapa gridlock, is to and developmental partners National Assembly. Act since 1960 that was passed by over the commission. environment for investors, citing have another port outside Apapa to harness the opportunity in He expressed these concerns veto. If you understand what that “I have never gone there to what the state had been doing and decongest tank farms in the skills acquisition, training and during an interview with THIS- means: 95 votes to two. take anything from them. I do to provide strategic infrastructure area. investments. DAY at the weekend. “When I look back today, I always not want anything from them. within the state to aid business He further disclosed that the He, therefore, implored the He said he was astonished, regret that I supported the passage We had hoped they would, at activities. Lekki port “will commence opera- EBO to support the Lagos State discovering that the commission, of the NDDC Act. I should have least, improve the lot of their He gave this assurance at a tions next year. I will advise you Employment Trust Fund, which now a cesspit of corruption, had agreed with Obasanjo not to bring people. Contrary to its mandate, meeting with the President of as EBO to look at the opportunity is a deep intervention model to killed the dream of its founding the amendments I put into the Act, the NDDC is now a cesspit of European Business Organisation in the Lekki Free Trade Zone area. support and produce entrepre- fathers. because the whole thing is now a corruption. The worst corruption (EBO) Nigeria, Mr. Adefolu Ma- “There are two free zones in neurs in digital, agriculture, creative He said that he regretted initiat- cesspit of corruption.” that you can imagine takes place jekodunmi and his executives at Lekki – Lekki Free Trade Zone and construction industries. ing the move in the first place. According to him, all the grand there.” 70 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ͱͳ˜ͰͮͰͯ NEWSXTRA Copy Jonathan’s Model to End Banditry, Gumi Urges Buhari ‡ Says poor education funding fueling insecurity ‡ Accuses interest groups of targeting Nigeria Oluchi Chibuzor its leaders the opportunity to fact you do not fear Fulani men. On how to solve the problem, on education and human capital have never been to schools. They examine critical issues affecting “So, what has suddenly the cleric advocated the need “to development at large. We have know nothing. They are always An Islamic leader, Sheik Ahmad national development. changed? These are the questions improve funding in the education entirely forgotten the Human on drugs. Gumi has blamed the rising During the dialogue, the Islamic I think sociologists, criminologists sector of the country. The standard Development Index (HDI). That is “And there are so many in spate of banditry, kidnapping leader urged Nigeria to see security and psychologists should all put by the United Nations is that exactly what we are suffering from. numbers. If you want to cure it and insecurity nationwide on challenges as a social problem, their heads together and see a way education should have about “This kidnapping and banditry you have to solve it as a social the failure of governments at all which according to him, could out. But it is not by force that we 15 to 20 percent of the budget. you see is committed by people problem not as a military problem, levels to fund the education sector not be solved by military prowess. can subdue these people. I do not “In Nigeria, it is about nine to who are stack illiterate. They are the military cannot solve it,” the in line with the United Nations He explained that it was time see that.” 10%. We are not spending much not educated at all. Most of them Islamic leader explained. Educational Scientific and Cultural for sociologists, criminologists and Organisation (UNESCO). psychologists in the country to Gumi, however, challenged the come together and understand federal government to embrace for- how to resolve the menace. mer President Jonathan Goodluck’s He, however, attributed insecu- approach to security challenges rity in the country to poor funding by educating young Fulanis that of the education sector in breach resorted to criminalities due to of the 26% budget allocation that poverty and unemployment. the United Nations Educational Gumi made this recommenda- Scientific and Cultural Organisation tion at a virtual policy dialogue (UNESCO) recommended for organised by the Nigerian Global every country. Affairs Council (NIGAC), a digital He, also, said: “Nigeria is a target media-driven and evidence-based of many different international think-tank focusing on governance interest groups. For us who have and public policy. been in the military, we go to the NiGAC’s national virtual policy bush; we do exercises in the bush, dialogue affords Nigerians and you never get attacked and in European American Varsity Honours Bello, Mba, Harvey Tobi Soniyi that it was long overdue. Before now, Mba has been Kogi State Governor Yahaya a recipient of so many awards Bello has been conferred with including the Nigerian Entrepre- a Honorary Doctorate Degree neurs Award of Excellence; The by the European American Dignity of Man Award from the GOOD NIGHT, PA NWEZE . . . University, Commonwealth University of Nigeria Alumni R-L: Enugu State Governor, Mr ; Senator ; his wife, Nkechi; Paulinus Eze and Ikechukwu Eze, during the funeral rites of their of Dominican Republic. Association, Lagos Branch; the late father, Eya Nweze in Umuida, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu … yesterday. A statement made available Africa Prize for Leadership by the Head of West African Excellence as The Property Operations of the university, Dr Development Personality of Mrs Josephine Egbuta said Bello the year 2017; The Award of Look Beyond Religion to Elect Next President, Fayemi Tells Nigerians was conferred with Honorary Outstanding Leadership Recogni- Doctorate Degree in Public Sector tion & Inspirational Leadership, Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti delivering the convocation said the church “has important interrogate candidates seeking Accounting and Finance while Excellence Award in West Africa lecture at the graduation of roles to play as the nation inches their votes to ascertain their Charles Mba was honoured with by the Chartered Institute of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Good Shepherd Major Catholic towards another cycle of elections suitability. an award of a Doctorate Degree Public Resources Management Fayemi at the weekend urged Seminary, Kafanchan, Kaduna in 2023 in mobilising the laity, He added: “While it is of Science (D.Sc) in Properties & Politics, Ghana on the 10th Nigerians to look beyond religious State on Friday. women and youth organisations nice to see one of us being Development and Real Estates day of March, 2020 and among divides and sentiments to elect The lecture was titled “The for effective political participation the president in 2023, it is Management. others. the next president in 2023. Church, Politics and Future that will lead to the choice of important to look beyond However, the founder & The European American Fayemi, also Chairman, Nigeria Elections.” quality and God fearing leaders.” the religious profession of Group Managing Director Ziloc University also revealed that Governors’ Forum (NGF), warned At the attendance were seminar- He said while it would be nice the gladiators or even their Construction Ltd & Zelo Homes other prominent distinguished against giving ethnic colouration to ians, the graduates, political figures to have a Christian emerge as the ethnic or geopolitical origin. Ltd,Igboanugo Ugochukwu Nigerians who have distin- crimes just as he urged Nigerians and religious leaders including next President, Christians should “The church should develop Harvey was honoured with the guished themselves in national irrespective of their religious and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto not be beclouded by religious a charter of concerns, which award of Doctor of Science (D.Sc. politics, service to humanity ethnic backgrounds to join hands Diocese, Rev Mathew Hassan sentiments in exercising their must be as inclusive as possible Hons) in Property Management and demonstration of good to defeat evil merchants. Kukah among others. franchise in the 2023 polls but and engage the candidates in and Estate Development. leadership would be giving He gave this advice while Speaking at the lecture, Fayemi should organise platforms to direct conversations and debates. Egbuta said Mba and Harvey the opportunity to join Bello, nomination did not come as a Mba and Igboanugo on the surprise to the school, adding award stage. We’ll Take over N’Delta in 2023, Omo-Agege Boasts Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba while fielding questions from that will decide which direction the “The people are now wiser and Private Sector Key to Our newsmen shortly after inspecting political pendulum would swing more politically aware, he pointed The Deputy President of the the ongoing rehabilitation work on in 2023 would be dictated by the out, saying that they would not be Devt Plan, Says Lagos Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege the Asaba-Illah Road, an important real level impact the political actors swayed or deceived anymore by lots Segun James yesterday boasted that the All federal highway linking Delta and make on the lives of the people of empty promises but now want Economy Edo states through Asaba and Illah Egube revealed that the Progressives Congress (APC) would in different ways. to know how you have impacted take control of not just Delta State but which has been in deplorable He explained his strategy their lives and communities or The Lagos State Government Babajide Sanwo-Olu adminis- condition. in politics, which he said was has disclosed a plan to partner tration was committed to the but the South-South geopolitical environment positively either as zone in 2023. He undertook the inspection of development-based and people- political leaders or government.” the private sector for a sustain- state transitioning to a circular the road, including the main bridge focussed. able economy to make the state economy being incorporated in Omo-Agege added that he had Omo-Agege, however, expressed no doubt that the dominance of across the Anwai River, in company He said he would swing the satisfaction with the quality and a model in the world. the state’s 30-year development of Senator and his loyalty of the majority of voters in He revealed that there were plan to make Lagos a model in politics in Delta State and South- pace of work on the Asaba-Illah South by the Peoples Democratic Chief of Staff, Dr Otive Igbuzor as the area “to the APC by “putting Road, saying he had put in a ongoing plans to formulate Nigeria, Africa and the world well as several leaders of the APC aside partisanship” and cooperating incentive policies that would at large. Party (PDP) would come to an word to the construction firm on end at the general election in 2023. in Delta North Senatorial District. with relevant stakeholders to deliver expectations of the people and the encourage the sector to adopt He said: “It is of great es- According to him, the factors visible dividends of democracy. viable business practices, increase sence that our collective effort Omo-Agege said this at Illah Federal Government. resource use and reduce cost as towards a sustainable society the world shifts focus to circular can be measured, monitored economy. and evaluated in a way that Ekiti Varsity Proscribes Unions, Suspends Academic Activities The Commissioner for Eco- is acceptable and aligns with Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti asking them to resume. triggered a total lockdown of Association of Academic Technolo- nomic Planning and Budget, Mr. global best practice. These directives were contained the university, which paralysed gists (NAAT). Sam Egube made this disclosure “Lagos State will consider The Ekiti State University in a statement the Head of EKSU academic, non-academic and The statement said: “This at the weekend during a virtual enabling policies that will (EKSU) yesterday proscribed Directorate of Information and commercial activities within is as a result of the continuous stakeholders’ workshop. enhance incentives for the all labour unions within the Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bode the academic community. disruption of lawful activities on The workshop was or- private sector to report institution due to continuous Olofinmuagun issued yesterday The university proscribed campus which have endangered ganised by organised by the sustainability and circular protests that disrupted academic in response to industrial conflict all the four unions with lives and property in the last one Institute of Directors, (IoD) in economy as we need to hold and non-academic activities in rocking the institution. immediate effect. The week. collaboration with Afrikairos, each other accountable, both recent time. The unions in the institution unions comprise Academic “Consequently, to guarantee Circular Economy Innovation government and private sector, The institution, also, suspended had been protesting against the Staff Union of Universities peace and orderliness on campus, Partnership (CEIP) and Grow- whereby material data, and data all academic activities with im- management for alleged non- (ASUU), Senior Staff Union all the four unions – ASUU, ing Business Foundation (GBF) integrity, is key to tracking, mediate effect while all students payment of salaries and some of Nigerian Universities SSANU, NAAT and NASU – are under the theme, Operational- monitoring and improving were directed to return home until specific allowances, among others. (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff hereby proscribed with immediate izing Sustainability and Circular performance.” its management issued a directive Consequently, the protests Union (NASU) and National effect”. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 25, 2021 71

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe SUNDAY SPORTS email:[email protected] Troost-Ekong’s Watford Gain Promotion Back to Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

uper Eagles central defender, William Troost-Ekong, and his Watford teammates defeated Millwall 1-0 yesterday to seal their promotion back to the Premier League barely nine months after they dropped from the English topÁight. SSenegalese Ismaila Sarr’s composed 11th- minute penalty after the winger was brought down in the box by Billy Mitchell. The win lifts the Hornets to 88 points, Àve behind runaway champions Norwich City as the two automatic promoted teams. Four others are to battle in the playoͿs for the other ticket. Xisco Munoz’s side are on their best run at at Vicarage Road since 1977 - and registered a club-record 18th home triumph of the campaign. Sarr made no mistake from the spot, stroking the ball down the middle as Lions keeper Bartosz Bialkowski dived to his left. could have made it 2-0 with a header from ’s free-kick before the Watford goal came under threat, but a 22nd clean sheet of the season secured all three points and prompted celebrations at full-time. While stability was the cornerstone of Nor- wich’s success this season, Watford have gone about things in a typically frantic manner. Hayden Mullins had seen them through to the end of last season in an interim capacity after the dismissal of Nigel Pearson, and Vladimir Ivic was appointed in August to lead the club’s recovery in the Championship. Abdoulaye Doucoure, Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra were among the big names to William Troost-Ekong (left) celebrating Sarr’s lone goal winner against Millwall...yesterday leave Vicarage Road, though highly sought-after forward Sarr and captain remained. But Ivic’s reign lasted just four months and 20 manager in just over a year. and Kiko Femenia all dependable across the back. three-pronged attack - with the 6-0 demolition of league games, despite the Hornets being Àfth in The 40-year-old Spaniard gaͿer turned previ- Watford have gone from being functional and Bristol City in February a particular high point. the table and just four points from the top two. ously frequent draws into victories and an already somewhat uninspiring in the Àrst half of the How they will fare back in the Premier League A falling out with striker Deeney seemed to solid defence became even tougher to breach, campaign to showing a real attacking verve next season is anyone’s guess but the chop and seal the Serbian’s fate and Munoz replaced him with Bachmann becoming Àrst-choice keeper - talisman Sarr, Brazilian teenager Joao Pedro change approach of owner Gino Pozzo has once the following day to become the Watford’s Àfth and , William Troost-Ekong and Sweden winger forming a skilful again paid dividends. Rohr Wants Eberechi Eze to Switch to Super Eagles Newcastle Deny Liver- In apparent move to “He is a wonderful player, Under Rohr, several play- recently lost 1-0 to Egypt and strengthen Super Eagles one of the best oͿensive mid- ers have switched allegiance they are very defensive, so it pool Much-needed Win midÀeld ahead of campaign Àelders in England. I want to from their adopted European won’t be easy to score against at the next year’s World Cup have him, but he can also play countries to play for Nigeria. such a team.” in Qatar, Head Coach, Ger- for England,” Rohr said in an They include Kevin Ak- Cape Verde and Central in Race for Top Four not Rohr, has admitted he interview by Elegbete TV. poguma, Maduka Okoye and African Republic are the other would want Crystal Palace “But the boy has to take the Cyriel Dessers. teams in this group with the Newcastle substitute Joe Willock scored a star Eberechi Eze to commit decision, we won’t force him. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles overall winners advancing to dramatic but deserved 95th-minute equal- to Nigeria because he is one of “I sent him a message to are to open their 2022 World a Ànal playoͿ to be played on iser to deny Liverpool a much-needed win in the best attacking midÀelders say we are interested (in him Cup second round qualifying knockout basis against another their pursuit of Champions League football. in England. playing for Nigeria), he replied campaign against the Lone Star group winner. Mohamed Salah’s early goal appeared Eberechi Eze has featured he will think about it. of Liberia on June 6 in Lagos. Rohr is expected to draw out to have put the champions on track for a for the England U21s, but he “What we can do is to ex- Rohr admitted at the week- a list of 50 players from where vital three points as they chase a top-four could still switch international plain to him how we work and end that he has been keeping he is going to select those to Ànish at the end of a disappointing season. allegiance to Nigeria, where our objectives,” stressed the tabs on the Liberian team. feature in the qualiÀers for But despite dominating early on, Jurgen his parents are from. Franco-German gaͿer. “They are a young team, who Qatar 2022. Klopp’s side were unable to Ànish the game oͿ and were given a lifeline they failed to take when Callum Wilson’s last-minute equaliser was ruled out for handball. Steve Bruce’s much-improved visitors PCN Mourns Late Badminton Coach kept up the late pressure and were rewarded when Willock Àred in for the third match The entire Nigeria Para- his untimely death when the Gen. Emico Eruwa (rtd), in a row with the last kick of the game to lympic Committee family vehicle he was travelling in said the news of Bello’s strengthen their own position at the bottom has been thrown into mourn- while returning from Lagos death came to him as a of the table. ing following the sudden where he went for visa inter- rude shock at a time when Reds fans must now look on as West Ham death of one of the country’s view at the Spanish Embassy the PCN board was busy and Chelsea - both a point ahead of their medal hopefuls at the Tokyo was involved in the accident praying and strategising sixth-placed side - meet later on Saturday. 2020 Paralympic Games, that claimed his life. for how Nigeria will have It was already a season to forget for AbdulraÀu Bello who was He was to go to Spain for a good outing at the Tokyo Liverpool with a meek title defence and involved in an auto-crash on the last round of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. trophyless campaign, even before the Thursday. 2020 Para-badminton quali- He described his death oͿ-Àeld distraction of this week’s aborted Secretary General of the Àers slated for May 6, 2021. as a big loss to the country. interest in the European Super League. Nigeria Paralympic Com- Until his death, Bello was Eruwa who is yet to re- There were muted protests against the mittee, Isa Suleiman, who the Coach of Para-badminton cover from the shock prayed club’s owners as the team coach arrived disclosed this, said Bello Association. for the soul of the departed at AnÀeld but the players themselves who is Africa’s number one President of the Paralym- badminton star to Rest In were loudly cheered and the disruption Para-badminton player, met pic Committee Nigeria, Brig. Peace. was nothing like that seen at Arsenal on Late Abdurafiu Bello Friday night. T RU N Sunday April 25, 2021TH & REASO Price: N400 MISSILE Book Your Dogara on Insecurity COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “We can no longer play the ostrich or pretend that all is well TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 with us and our country. We must say it as it is Nigeria is at war with itself.” – A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara spoke at the 10th convocation of Achievers

This service is provided in association with accredited service providers University, in Owo, Ondo State. SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE! [email protected], sms: 0805 500 1961 And Four Pantami in the Eye of the Storm Other Things… r Isa Ali Pantami, minister of hasty, ended up as a eulogy to Pantami on his communications and digital contributions to the GDP! Sure, as alleged by DEATH AT THE DOOR economy, has been at the centre presidency, it could be true that there is a co- Three students abducted from the of a litany of controversies for ordinated and well-oiled campaign to “cancel” Greenfi eld University, Kaduna state, on two weeks non-stop — an Pantami. After all, “cancelling” is a full-blown Tuesday were found dead on Friday. This is unusually lengthy period in business in Nigeria. Anything is possible. But so heart-breaking. This looks too much like the Nigerian news cycle. A that is NOT the point. The statement came across how Boko Haram operates and appears newspaper had reported that Pantami, who is as a brazen defence of Pantami rather than an to confi rm my suspicion that much of the Dalso an Islamic cleric, was on the US terror watch attempt to address the issues. list because of his views on al-Qaeda, which is At this point, I want to add that the notion that insecurity across the country today can designated as a terrorist organisation by Western every demand for accountability and responsibility be traced to these terrorists. When we countries. Pantami spiritedly denied the report from the government is politically motivated is think we have seen the worst of these gut- and demanded a retraction. I guess that in the very unfortunate. This is the well-established wrenching crimes, another dastardly act is absence of a compelling evidence to back the standard response of nearly every government committ ed by the bestial bandits who have report, the newspaper recoiled and apologised. in our history. In the military era, people were lost every form of humanity in them. The Pantami’s lawyers smelt blood and decided to tagged “disgruntled elements” for asking questions daily bloodshed is just unimaginable. It must go for the jugular, threatening a law suit. and demanding answers. I fi nd it distressing that be a new thing that bandits would kidnap Was that the fi nal trigger for a full-blown after nearly 22 years of civil rule, this “disgruntled” and kill students without even demanding a crisis? Maybe. The consequences: people dug up mentality persists. Even if the allegations are political, ransom. My heart goes out to the bereaved more historical evidence of Pantami’s extremist they deserve appropriate responses, don’t they? views, on video and audio, and posted on the Opposition is core to multiparty democracy. It is families. Shocking. . internet. Although an old video showing him the responsibility of the government to respond fi ercely debating Sheikh Mohammed Yusuf, the Pantami convincingly to the queries, not dismiss them. FLOYD OF TEARS slain Boko Haram founder, appeared to exonerate The JNI response, which I would say came a On Tuesday, Derek Chauvin — the dismissed him of being a terror sympathiser, there were group called Borno Elders and Leaders of Thought little late but is still better than never, dismissed the police offi cer who knelt on George Floyd’s other damning recordings in which he called issued a statement demanding the withdrawal of allegations contained in the document. The body neck until he was sure the African-American Boko Haram members “fellow Muslims”, praised the troops because of alleged extrajudicial killings. raised a number of questions: in what capacity man was dead — was found guilty of murder a slain al-Qaeda leader, celebrated the massacre When Boko Haram started bombing mosques and could Pantami have chaired a JNI meeting when and manslaughter by an American jury. I of “infi dels” and expressed strong opposition to killing clerics who disagreed with them, they were he was not a national or state leader? Why would no longer seen as “fellow Muslims”. Pantami had practically shed tears of joy. It was as if people working in a secular government. He has JNI in only Kaduna, Plateau, Niger and Bauchi Donald Trump had been defeated again publicly recanted his old views, saying he is a also seen them as “fellow Muslims” apparently states meet and exclude other states? If a plot to changed man. before they declared him persona non grata. assassinate Yakowa was indeed hatched in July (I love seeing that racist lose). For once, But something far more damaging was loading. It also emerged that Pantami used to preach 2010, how come he was later elected governor a white police offi cer was found guilty of On Wednesday, a document, said to be minutes against working in a secular government. This in 2011 in a state where a Muslim-Muslim ticket killing a black person. The not-guilty verdicts of a meeting of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) is in line with extremist views. A cleric of his just sailed through (in 2019)? Now that JNI has routinely delivered by the American jurists held at the Bauchi Central Mosque in July 2010 persuasion would prefer a caliphate, governed stated its own side of the story, I would expect had created the impression that the life of and allegedly chaired by Pantami, resurfaced on by Islamic laws. That he later changed his mind, the government to launch an independent a black person did not matt er. I can bet that the internet. Decisions were said to have been went to secular schools at an advanced age investigation. if Floyd was white, Chauvin would not have reached to launch a “holy war” against Christians and even bagged a PhD from Robert Gordon Before JNI’s response, John Joseph Hayab, the knelt on his neck, not for nine minutes and 29 in the north, mainly in Plateau and Kaduna. The University, Scotland, were indications of a U-turn. chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria seconds, not having handcuff ed him. Justice. most damaging, going by the document, was a He had tempered his theology and adjusted his (CAN), Kaduna state chapter, had cautioned the purported planned assassination of the then Kaduna worldview. Can extremists really change their views public against believing the document, suggesting governor, Mr Patrick Yakowa, a Christian. Yakowa as they mature in life? Should a former al-Qaeda that a thorough investigation should be carried out DAIRY DIARY had just been promoted from deputy governor sympathiser be made a minister? Should imams fi rst. “Sensitive documents like the ones purported While most southern states (and Benue) after Namadi Sambo, the governor, was named and pastors be given government appointments to be from the JNI meeting in Bauchi should were busying campaigning against RUGA vice-president to President Goodluck Jonathan. at all? These are interesting and important topics be subjected to thorough security investigation in 2019, the Ekiti state government Some things were easier for me to understand, for public debate. and trials, not tools for social media warfare. The announced that it was planning to even if I didn’t have to agree with them, as the saga I was still managing to cope with Pantami saga danger of making this a media issue, instead of resuscitate the Ikun Dairy Farm through a unfolded. For starters, being on a terror watch list until I read social media reports on Wednesday a legal and security issue that it ought to be, is PPP. I have been following the progress since does not necessarily make you a terrorist: it just that he plotted with JNI, the Islamic body, to kill that we stand to lose the most important point: then, mainly via the Twitt er handle of Mr means your views and activities are suspicious and Yakowa and launch a jihad against Christians in that of bringing to justice persons accused to have Akin Oyebode Jnr, the highly cerebral state more attention should be paid to you. You may northern Nigeria. I said: “No más!” (the Spanish for wronged the law,” he had said. be denied visa or entry into the US or subjected “no more”, famously uttered by Roberto Durán in Hayab was an aide to Yakowa, so I fi nd his commissioner for fi nance, and I am very to extra search and questioning at the port of the eighth round of their boxing bout in 1980 after position quite fascinating. A regular northern impressed with the latest update: over 300 entry. An outspoken cleric like Pantami could be Sugar Ray Leonard II had punched him silly.) You Christian leader would have jumped at the allegation cows delivered and 200 more coming — on the watch list because of his sermons. It is, are free to defend your “fellow Muslims” — that and weaponised it. Hayab didn’t. I am inclined with a capacity to produce 10,000 litres of however, a different thing to be declared wanted is freedom of association. You can call the US “The to queue behind Hayab in his call for a thorough milk daily. The “military” 1999 constitution for terrorism. Whichever way, though, there is Great Shaitan” — that is freedom of speech. You investigation. If indeed it is a fabrication, that was not amended for Ekiti state to take this no evidence that Pantami was on the “watch” or can even ask Muslims not to take up appointments would be a heinous crime. Suggesting that Yakowa giant step. There is so much we can achieve “wanted” list as the reports had authoritatively in a secular government — that is freedom of was killed because of his religion — meaning the in this country if we open our eyes and use asserted. thought. But plot to kill Christians? No más! air mishap was orchestrated — can further fuel our brains well. Focus. I know that many Muslims initially had For me, I had had enough of the Pantami the religious inferno in the north. There were punches. I like making excuses for people, even to sympathies for al-Qaeda, especially over the US-led insinuations when Yakowa died in December 2012 AND FINALLY… invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 my own hurt, but I believed I had given Pantami that it was not an accident, so if this document attacks, even though most of the attackers were enough benefi t of the doubt. Left to me, President was forged, then the masterminds knew what Our ever-active federal lawmakers are Saudis. Many Muslims believed the US was hostile Muhammadu Buhari could no longer keep him in they were driving at: to further divide an already about to embark on a very long mission: to their religion and was out to humiliate them his cabinet — if the allegation was true. Keeping divided country. to investigate the remote and immediate and take control of the oil fi elds. In Kano, there him, in my opinion, would be an irredeemable Where do we go from here? One way fi rst: causes of the export of a cargo ship of were several protests supporting al-Qaeda and insult on the sensibilities. These are not the best the security agencies must conduct a detailed 7,200 refrigerated penises from Nigeria celebrating its founder, Osama bin Laden. The of times for ethno-religious relations in Nigeria, investigation into the document. It has serious to China, said to have been found in 36 US fl ag was regularly burnt. Within this context, with allegations fl ying up and down — and implications for national security. I am not saying boxes labelled as “plantain” on the ship that I wouldn’t be surprised if Pantami, like many the body language of the president must not other issues about Pantami’s past are not important. harboured at the Shanghai port called Red tend to lend credence to the conspiracy theories. other fi ery clerics, voiced support for al-Qaeda But the “minutes” cannot be treated with levity Market. There is just one problem though: it — and he did not deny this. As time went by, Anything short of an appropriate and transparent because it is beyond a ministerial appointment. al-Qaeda started killing “fellow Muslims” and treatment of the issue would only worsen the It is national security and it is in our interest to never happened. It was a joke on World News the sympathies faded. delicate matters. get to the bottom of it so that we can come to Daily Report (WNDR), a satirical website Pantami once called Boko Haram members I was expecting a robust position from presidency. closure rather than leave things hanging. And if “where facts don’t matt er”. I’m sorry that the “fellow Muslims”. They were initially a collection For once, I looked forward to a proper response that this turns out to be false, then our problems in reps will not be able to go to China on this of religious zealots with a deeply political message. would say the allegations would be investigated. Nigeria are far bigger than we think. It means great mission. That is plenty estacode lost. Along the way, they began to clash, violently, with But what did we get? The customary middle some people are so desperate to set this country But I am more worried about the quality of the security agencies. Jonathan had to deploy fi nger from Mallam Garba Shehu, presidential on fi re and would stop at nothing to achieve leadership in Nigeria. Disturbing. troops in Borno to contain them. I recall that a spokesman. The statement, which I think was their aim. Terrifying. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]