UTM Offshore, JGC, KBR Sign First Floating LNG Pre-Feed Contract Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Construction (EPC) firm, to UTM Offshore Limited the Pre-FEED scope would be KBR is to provide due Limited, Mr. Julius Rone, establish a Floating Liquefied took a major step to actualise completed within four months diligence on the JGC scope said JGC Corporation came An indigenous firm, UTM Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, the project yesterday, signing from commencement date. by conducting a third-party highly recommended given Offshore Limited, has the first of its kind in Nigeria. virtually, a landmark UTM has also engaged review of all deliverables from the several similar projects the signed a deal with Japan Gas This followed the issuance preliminary front end Kellogg Brown and Root JGC during the Pre-FEED. firm had undertaken across Corporation (JGC), a leading of licence by the Department engineering design (Pre-FEED) (KBR) of the UK to provide Speaking at the virtual the world. international Engineering of Petroleum Resources (DPR) agreement with JGC. owner’s engineering services signing event, the Managing Design, Procurement and to establish the FLNG facility. According to the agreement, on the project. Director of UTM Offshore Continued on page 43
Transportation Ministry: Why we Want NPA to Procure Equipment , Not Contracts... Page 8
Wednesday 12 May, 2021 Vol 26. No 9530. Price: N250
www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO Despite Pandemic, NSIA’s Income Rises by 343% to N160bn Abacha’s $311m refund intact, says Orji Obinna Chima in Lagos and manager of Nigeria’s Sovereign performance and consistent despite the challenges posed which rose to N160.06 billion made a core income of N109 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Wealth Fund (SWF), yesterday implementation of strategic by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, up from the N36.15 billion compared to N33.07 announced its audited results infrastructure investment in the year under review, the billion in the previous year. billion in 2019. The Nigeria Sovereign for its 2020 financial year, programmes for the year. NSIA recorded 343 per cent Also, excluding devaluation Investment Authority (NSIA), reflecting a strong financial The results showed that growth in its total income, gain of N51 billion, the NSIA Continued on page 42 Southern Governors Call for National Dialogue, Restructuring, End Open Grazing Want appointments to reflect federal character Urge Buhari to address nation on insecurity Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Governors of the 17 southern states under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum have called on the federal government to convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency to address widespread agitations among Nigerians for greater inclusiveness in governance. “The federal government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency,” they said in a communique at the end of their meeting yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The governors also called for the restructuring of the country and end to open grazing in the Southern parts of the country to curb the excesses of armed herders. In the 12-point communiqué, the governors stressed the need to review appointments into federal government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character and the TRAILBLAZER... heterogeneity of the Nigerian L-R: Member, Nigerian Ports Authority Board, Chief Akin Ricketts; TAMPLARS’ Ms. Yemisi Awonuga; Managing Director/CEO, UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius population. Rone; Chief Executive Officer, Delta State Investments Development Agency, Mr. Paul Nma; Legal Counsel, UTM Offshore Ltd., Mr. Alecander Utieyin-Scott; and Continued on page 42 Project Lead Consultant, Dr. Yahuza Kassim, at the signing of the pre-front end engineering design contract of Nigeria’s first floating LNG in Lagos…yesterday 2 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 5 6 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 wednesDAY, may 12, 2021 • THISDAY
Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268
NATIONAL DIALOGUE ADVOCATES... L-R: Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Moses Ekpo (deputy governor, Akwa Ibom), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Placid Njoku (deputy governor, Imo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) during the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum meeting in Asaba, Delta State…yesterday Transportation Ministry: Why we Want NPA to Procure Equipment, Not Contracts Ejiofor Alike deliberate attempt to drag the contracts for the Lagos, Bonny and the measures put in Channel Management traditions of the public reputation and the integrity and Port-Harcourt Channels place to cover the vacuum Companies from inception service, it would not be The Ministry of of the minister in the mud. expired in 2020, while the created as a result of the of the contracts and amount drawn into an endless media Transportation has explained The statement disclosed contractual process for the expiration of the contract spent; and war. that it objected to the that while channel renewal of the said contracts to prevent revenue loss to “The total number of According to the award of contracts for the management contracts had commenced early in 2021. the government; buoys replaced or maintained statement, the agenda being management of channels by been routinely awarded over According to the statement, “The current status of during the life span of the pursued in the media could the Nigerian Ports Authority the years by the NPA at a Amaechi, had while the Lagos and Bonny/ contract and the amount best be canvassed before the (NPA) because it is more cost of between N50 billion responding to a request Port Harcourt Channel spent. administrative panel it has cost-effective for the NPA to and N60 billion on an annual for the NPA to provide management companies and “I am to also convey the set up to unravel issues procure necessary equipment basis, Amaechi had adopted requisite details related to the measures put in place to directives on the need for surrounding the management and execute the contracts a firm position that the NPA the proposed transactions cover the gap created by the the Authority to procure its of the NPA since 2016. in-house. should undertake the job of directed on January 22, expired contracts to ensure equipment for the service “The panel has been In a statement issued channel management on 2021: “There is the need the channels are maintained and cease from awarding charged to be fair and yesterday by the Permanent an in-house basis through for NPA to know that NPA for safe navigation and any such contract.” equitable in its deliberations Secretary, Federal Ministry the acquisition of the should purchase their own efficient service delivery; The ministry’s statement and will certainly, ensure that of Transportation, Dr. necessary machinery and equipment and not award “The volume dredged said despite the fact the above the primary purpose of the Magdalene Ajani, the ministry professional capacity to any contract. annually from the channels letter was duly received inquiry is the promotion of described the allegation that stop the humongous annual “The letter requested the and the depths achieved by the NPA on February 2, the principles of transparency the Minister, Hon. Rotimi sums paid out to dredging NPA to provide the following from inception management 2021, NPA did not deem it and accountability which Amaechi, recommended contractors by the agency. information for the ministry’s contracts to date and the necessary till date to respond are strongly espoused two Chinese companies The ministry, in the records and further necessary amount expended; to the ministerial directives. in the present political to execute the contracts as statement noted that the action: The current status of “The number of wrecks The ministry said in dispensation,” the statement malicious, unfounded and a channel management the managing agent contract removed annually by the keeping with the best added. Military Solution Can’t End Insecurity, Says Ex-NHIS Boss Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja country. cessation of hostilities and rehabilitation, adding that aspect of the solution as He accused the Governor, He said though the military number four - we need to various farmers have lost disarmament, which would Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, of not A former Chief Executive could be used to maintain have ceasefire by all. We their farmlands and sources take the form of bilateral showing good leadership in Officer of the Nigeria Health peace and curtail the activities need to have a ceasefire. of livelihoods. disarmament. dealing with insecurity. Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. of criminals, ending the threats Their grievances are mostly He said the farmers needed According to him, by He alleged that Kaduna Usman Yusuf, has advocated a by banditry, Boko Haram and local with vigilantes, not with to be rehabilitated and made bilateral disarmament, both State has become an epicentre non-military solution to battle groups like IPOB and OPC the federal government and to go back to their farms' the local vigilantes and the of insecurity in the country the insecurity bedeviling the would not require military we need to open channels of businesses and markets for bandits would be disarmed because of the governor's country. solution. communications and secure genuine peace to prevail. simultaneously so that utterances. Yusuf, who said he played He said only genuine ceasefire and that's what we Yusuf said repentant bandits lasting peace could return "I said that Nasiru el-Rufai is a key role along with former and properly negotiated are doing right now. needed to be rehabilitated as to communities and to the deaf, dumb and blind with the President Olusegun Obasanjo reconciliation, rehabilitation "The next stage or medium- most of them were high on nation. sufferings of his people when and Muslim cleric, Sheik and reparations could end term, we need to have three drugs and required special Yusuf said the process it comes to insecurity. These Abubakar Gumi, in negotiating the conflict and bring lasting R's and one D. The first R is care and attention to restore of peace and reconciliation children were in the custody freedom for the 27 abducted peace to the country. reconciliation and forgiveness them to normal lives. should be spearheaded by of the bandits in the bush for students of the Federal College He said: "This is the honest all across the country. Fulanis Speaking on why Gumi religious leaders- Christians 56 days and he said he wasn't of Forestry Mechanisation, reality. We need to accept that have lived in peace with all recently visited Obasanjo in and Muslims. going to talk to anyone. Five Afaka, in Kaduna State, spoke there is no military solution people across the country his residence at Ota in Ogun He stated that from the were lost and this was the first yesterday on ‘The Morning to all the issues of insecurity and now they are fighting State, Yusuf said Gumi held experiences and confessions fatality in all the seven cases Show,’ a programme on across the country. We need everybody everywhere the former president in high obtained during meetings of school abduction so far. ARISE NEWS CHANNEL, the short-term, medium-term they live. We need to have esteem and believed that with with the bandits and killer "The governor is not broadcast arm of THISDAY and long-term solutions to reconciliation and without it, his credibility and wealth of herdsmen, they were ready to showing good leadership newspapers. the problem. nothing will work and that experience both in resolving accept reconciliation brokered when it comes to the issue Speaking on what he "On short-term, and this reconciliation is local and will conflicts locally and globally, by clerics. of dealing with insecurity and described as Obasanjo-Gumi exactly what we have started, not come from Abuja." he would be able to help bring Yusuf said he believed securing the people's lives. I peace initiative to arrest the open a trusted channel of According to him, the second peace to the troubled parts of that religious leaders would have said this before, and I degenerating insecurity in the communication and that is R is reparations, stating that the country. be more effective in negotiating stand by it. He was elected to country, Yusuf said it would be what Sheik Gumi has done. many people have lost their "Gumi went to brief him the resolution of the security protect the lives of the people wrong and ill-advised for the Secondly, there is a need to lives and property and need on what we are doing, solicit crisis in the South-east, South- not to endanger their lives but federal government to pursue build confidence; there is so to be compensated. his support and to bring him south and South-west. his continued unguarded a military option as a means much distrust in the country. He stated that the third on board," he said. Yusuf also spoke on the state utterances are endangering of ending the conflict in the "The third stage is the R represents the need for Yusuf identified the final of affairs in Kaduna State. the people's lives," he said. WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 WEDNESDAY, ͺ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY NEWS Banks Slash Dollar-cash Deposits to $5,000 Monthly Obinna Chima introduced recently included of the US dollars as well as have in the naira. Over time, this year is suggesting further might discourage financial the granting of unfettered reduce pressure in the forex we have seen significant depreciation in the naira. inclusion and raise the amount Nigerian banks have reduced access to forex from Diaspora market. depreciation in the naira. “So, it makes sense to a lot of cash outside the banking the amount of United States and other money transfer Speaking on the latest “If you look at what of people to store their money system. dollars customers can pay into remittances as well as the development on Arise News happened in 2020, no one in dollars. But, from the CBN “Again, it is important their domiciliary accounts from “CBN Naira 4 Dollar Scheme.” Channel yesterday, he said: expected that the naira would standpoint, you agree with me for the flow of money to be the previous $10,000 to $5,000 The central bank had “This has to do with how be devalued twice in that that there is dollar scarcity.” captured in the system,” he monthly. explained that the policies were much confidence the people year and even the outlook, He argued that the policy said. A top bank official who part of efforts to liberalise, craved anonymity confirmed simplify and improve the the new policy to THISDAY receipt and administration yesterday. of Diaspora remittances into However, the new policy Nigeria. does not apply to customers CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin making electronic transfers as Emefiele, had said reforms to well as oil and gas companies increase diaspora remittances and dollar payments into into the country would support government accounts. the economy and help reduce The Central Bank of Nigeria the impact of the COVID-19 (CBN) directive, according to pandemic. findings by THISDAY, is to He said if the country could discourage the strong appetite have inflows of about $10 for the greenback, which has billion to $15 billion, this could continued to rise. boost the economy amidst the A report had revealed that current fiscal constraints. about 40 per cent of bank The central bank has been deposits in the top 10 banks insisting that all diaspora in the country was in dollars. remittances must go through Head of Research at the deposit money banks Coronation Asset Management, rather than mortgage or fintech Mr. Guy Czartoryski, had in institutions. the report, said: "We looked Some of the measures at the top 10 banks and the introduced recently included breakdown of their deposits the granting of unfettered showed that 40 per cent of access to forex from Diaspora their deposits are in dollars and other money transfer and it is quite astonishing." remittances as well as the The CBN has in recent “CBN Naira 4 Dollar Scheme.” times been designing policies The limitation policy by the to encourage further inflows banks, according to an analyst of foreign currencies into the at ARM Securities Limited, Mr. PLOTTING NEW SECURITY STRATEGY... Nigerian economy. Olamofe Olayemi, is expected L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; National Security Adviser, Maj.Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); and Acting Inspector- Some of the measures to discourage the hoarding General of Police, Mr. Alkali Usman, after a security meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja…yesterday Malabu: British Court Orders JP Morgan to Disclose Bank Records Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja there had been “serious issues” Italy. transfer of funds via Malabu that “in light of Malabu’s JP Morgan gave a clear and with agency report with the US bank’s approach to The licence, in the years accounts. reported connection to the unambiguous account of disclosure, adding that its focus prior, was shuffled back JP Morgan had argued that alleged Nigerian corruption exactly how the decisions to The federal government on documents and interactions and forth between Shell it received sufficient approvals scheme, there would be a make these huge payments yesterday secured a major between staff in Europe was and Malabu, a Nigerian oil from Nigerian authorities great risk presented if JPMC were made when it was on victory in its case against “unduly narrow.” company backed by a former before allowing the transfer continues to process wires notice that to pay out risked Malabu Oil and Gas after a Delivering the order, Justice Petroleum Minister, Dan of funds from a government involving Malabu.” its customer, Nigeria, being United Kingdom High Court- Neil Calver said: “A key issue Etete, that was first awarded account to those controlled by The memo was intended defrauded.” ordered JP Morgan Chase, the in these proceedings is what development rights in 1998, Etete. to prepare Pamela Johnson, Last week, fresh documents bank in the middle of the JPMC knew and when it knew when he was still serving Nigeria had also argued the bank’s global head of on the long-standing legal alleged scandal, to release it,” a report in yesterday's under the late Head of State, that JP Morgan breached its financial crime compliance, dispute between the federal more documents to the lawyers edition of Financial Times Gen. Sani Abacha (rtd). duty of care by going ahead for a meeting with then Chief government and Malabu Oil representing Nigeria. quoted him as saying. A Milan court in March with payments out of the Operating Officer, Mr. Matt & Gas showed that JP Morgan Nigeria had asked the UK Calver ruled that certain cleared the oil companies government account despite Zames, indicating the matter may have been alerted by its court to force the United States US compliance documents, and their senior and former having reasonable grounds to had escalated to the highest internal control system that the bank to disclose more records the significance of which JP executives of any wrongdoing, believe they were intended to ranks of JP Morgan. transfers were questionable. ahead of a trial in which JP Morgan played down at last and Etete of corruption charges. defraud it. JP Morgan, the The bank is now obliged to A report by Bloomberg Morgan stands accused of week’s hearing, were “likely But Nigeria is pushing government said in court, share further documentation indicated that JP Morgan enabling the misappropriation to be relevant to the case on ahead with its case in London “took the irrevocable step of linked to Johnson and other top Chase & Co. was warned by of almost $900 million in state gross negligence.” against JP Morgan and seeking paying vast sums away to US executives, including Lester its compliance team over the funds. The trial is due to start next compensation of $875 million- Malabu”. Pataki and John Gibbons. “great risk” of corruption just The court granted the February after the bank failed plus interest from the bank for It highlighted that JP In previous hearings, even days before it made the last Nigerian application to in a 2019 attempt to have the facilitating two payments in Morgan had not only notified as the bank said it had “no of three transfers that totalled secure records from top US lawsuit dismissed. 2011 totalling $801.5 million the UK’s Serious Organised responsibility” to look behind $875 million to Etete. executives and compliance The 2011 deal was an and one in 2013 for $74.2 Crime Agency of the proposed any payment instructions, The federal government officers involved in signing attempt to end a multi-year million. payments, it had filed four the judge said this was not had alleged that most of the off $875 million in payments battle over the ownership The country alleged that it “Suspicious Activity Reports” consistent with the agreement $1.3 billion purchase price for between 2011 and 2013 relating of the lucrative OPL 245 oil was a victim of a “fraudulent in 2011. the bank had with its client. the licence for the offshore to the controversial OPL 245 licence. However, it ensnared and corrupt scheme” involving A US-based compliance fter the ruling, Financial oilfield known as OPL 245 was oil licence deal. European oil majors Royal bribes paid to former and officer for JP Morgan also Times quoted a representative siphoned off to politicians and Lawyers representing Dutch Shell and Eni in current Nigerian politicians raised a red flag in 2013, saying of the Nigerian government middlemen under previous Nigeria said last week that corruption investigations in and oil executives through the in a memo revealed in court to have said: “It is high time administrations. OPEC Raises Forecast on Members' Crude Supply Nigeria’s production increases by 75,000 barrels in April Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Monthly Oil Market Report revision of members' crude was unchanged from last month's continue supporting the global assumed to have dropped by (MOMR), OPEC crude is underpinned by a downgrade MOMR, stressing that it expects economic growth forecast for 9.5 mb/d in 2020, unchanged The Organisation of Petroleum projected to rise from 26.48 in the group's forecast for global oil demand to grow by 2021, now revised up by 0.1 from last month’s assessment, Exporting Countries (OPEC) million bpd in the second non-OPEC supply, which 5.95 million bpd to 96.46 million per cent to reach 5.5 per cent now estimated to have reached yesterday lifted its forecast on quarter to 28.7 million bpd it now expects to grow by bpd this year, partly reversing year-on-year. 90.5 mb/d for the year. For its members' crude this year in the third and 29.54 million 700,000 bpd to 63.6mn b/d last year's 9.48mn bpd drop. This comes after a 3.5 per 2021, world oil demand is by over 200,000 bpd and now bpd in the fourth quarter of against last month's report’s Spot crude prices fell in April cent year-on-year contraction expected to increase by 6.0 expects demand for its own the year. projection of a 930,000 bpd rise for the first time in six months, estimated for the global mb/d, unchanged from last crude to average 27.65mn bpd The report also indicated to 63.83mn bpd. with North Sea Dated and WTI economy in 2020. month’s estimate, to average in 2021. a fall in Nigeria’s crude The oil cartel projected easing month-on-month by However, global economic 96.5 mb/d,” it said. This is almost 5.2mn bpd production from 1.477 bpd in that US crude output would 1.7 per cent and 1 per cent, growth for 2021 remains The report listed the main higher than last year and February to 1.473, a difference drop by 280,000 bpd this year, respectively. clouded by uncertainties drivers for supply growth in around 2.7mn b/d higher than of just about 4,000 bpd before compared with its previous On the global economic including, but not limited to the 2021 to be Canada, Brazil, earlier estimate of the group's rising again in April to 1.548 forecast for a 70,000 bpd projections, the cartel said spread of COVID-19 variants China, and Norway, while April production. million bpd, to add 75,000 bpd decline. stimulus measures in the US and the speed of the global US liquid supply is expected According to the highlights last month. On the demand side, and accelerating recovery vaccine rollout, OPEC stated. to decline by 0.1 mb/d year- of the organisation's latest OPEC stated that its upward OPEC kept its overall forecast in Asian economies might “World oil demand is on-year. WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] GOODNIGHT, INNOCENT CHUKWUMA Kayode Fayemi pays tribute to Chukwuma, a civil rights activist
othing could have prepared Bisi and I for the shocking and an irrepressible Coalition builders. He was active with us when news of Innocent Chukwuma’s passing, which we we established the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) and also received on the morning of April 4, 2021. We were played a central role in the work of the reputable polling body - at our country home engaging different grassroots Afrobarometer - with CLEEN serving as its Nigerian base. stakeholder groups over the Easter holidays, and the Indeed, there is hardly any civil society organization in West Africa only way I could get through the packed schedule that did not feel Innocent’s impact, and by extension millions of lives Nfor the day without betraying emotions publicly was to succumb that were impacted by their programmes. Long before he became completely to the allure of denial – the momentary coping mechanism the Regional Director for the West Africa Office of Ford Foundation, that defers dealing with painful realities but does not take the sting he championed several civil society projects including serving as away. a consultant for DFID in 2008 to design one of its development Only the day before, we learnt of Yinka Odumakin’s passing. It interventions projects in Nigeria. As a director of the Ford Foundation seemed like both legends of the struggle had agreed to serve us their office for West Africa, Inno facilitated partnership with the MacArthur untimely exits back to back, so we could deal with the agony in Foundation and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) one season. Pain tugged at our hearts as we tried to concentrate. In to support President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti- between meetings we managed to speak with our sister, his widow corruption agenda, especially the Presidential Advisory Committee Josephine on phone. Since then, I have remained in denial – even Against Corruption (PACAC). The support received from these donor after visiting our dear departed friend’s home to commiserate with agencies accelerated the work of PACAC and the anti-corruption drive the family. I am yet to come to terms with the reality of the huge loss of the present administration. which makes penning a fitting tribute in his honor especially difficult. As an institution builder, Innocent was instrumental to the establish- How could Inno be dead? My mind keeps going back to our last ment of several activist institutions and Civil Society Organisations engagement on our polity and the fragility of our democracy despite (CSOs) in Africa. He was the Head, Police Research Project (January all the work that has been put into the Nigeria project so far. I keep 1992 – June 1994), Director of the International Advocacy Program asking myself if he had a premonition this was about to happen? Was (February 1994 – December 1997), and Acting Executive Director (July he sending a message when he kept encouraging me to hold firm to 1995 – December 1996) at the Civil Liberties Organisation, unarguably the ideals and values that we fought for at the barricades, even now Nigeria’s first human rights organization, where he mobilised inter- that I am in public office? governmental organisations to sanction military regimes in Nigeria, In life, Innocent fought a good fight and had a long winning streak especially those of Generals Babangida and Abacha dictatorships. of phenomenal successes as one of the most iconic leaders of civil This was a period when human rights were severely trampled society out of Africa, before he succumbed to his last fight. He was upon by the military juntas. Inno also served in various capacities exceptional – a sagely intellectual, a dogged activist and development on boards and advisory bodies of international policing and criminal practitioner, a prodigious administrator, and a patriotic nation builder. justice organisations, including: Chairperson, Transition Monitoring Above all he was my friend – as he was to many people. Group (July 2005 – June 2007); Lead Consultant, Voluntary Policing That for me was what was most remarkable about Inno – his Sector, DFID’s Justice for All Programme (J4A) in Nigeria (April ability to build genuine bonds of friendship with so many people 2011- December 2012); Board Member, the International Centre for from so many different backgrounds in the course of his work. Every the Prevention of Crime (ICPC); Board Member, African Policing engagement with Innocent left you with the impression that he was Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF); Board Member, Open Society not only deeply passionate about collaborating with you on projects Global Criminal Justice Fund; and Member, Africa Advisory Council and programmes, but he was first interested in you as a human being. of Human Rights Watch. He was also the chair of the Altus Global His, “Oga Kayode, how are you?” was genuine, and demanding of Alliance, a global network of nonprofits. an honest response about how I as his friend was coping with the Innocent was gregarious and boisterous, yet patient and gentle vicissitudes of life. all at once. He was infectiously witty, and at the same time deeply It is not surprising therefore, that Innocent Chukwuma had one of caring about people. He was irreverent of power structures when the widest networks in the public and civic sectors in Africa. He was the occasion demanded, but also knew how to court the powers that trusted by individuals, governments, development agencies, and global be and mobilise stakeholders towards achieving any developmental non-profits – and he never failed. He got international recognition objective. That did not mean that such individuals would not attract early, with the award of the Reebok Human Rights prize. As someone his criticism in the course of time if they deviated from doing what who is from that movement myself, I can attest to the fact that his was right. Not for him the lazy intellectualism of cloistered academics. knowledge of the workings of civil society was stellar, and he had He was very much at home lecturing in the hallowed precincts of this obsession for birthing ideas, nurturing them to the point they some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as he was can thrive, handing them over to competent successors, and moving mobilizing against wrong actions by governments at home. on. One of his finest legacies is the CLEEN Foundation, which he set THE GREATEST TRIBUTE WE CAN PAY THIS He was always in search of solutions in a variety of ways. When I up in 1998 – one of the first African CSOs to focus on public safety, NIGERIAN EXEMPLAR IS TO CONTINUE IN met him, he was a young activist growing under the wings of Olisa security, and accessible justice in West Africa. CLEEN Foundation Agbakoba and Ayo Obe, but in no distant period, he soon became a was the first African nongovernmental organisation to receive the HIS WAYS BY BUILDING INSTITUTIONS AND legend in Nigeria’s democratic struggle – indeed a phenomenon. At prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective STRUCTURES THAT WILL UPLIFT LIVES AND the time, Nigeria was in deep with state sponsored intimidation of Institutions. Amongst other achievements, Innocent was the foremost SERVE THE PURPOSE OF OUR TIME AND people like Innocent who consistently spoke truth to power. authority on police reforms in the country and was a good team player BEYOND Dr. Fayemi, CON is Governor of Ekiti State THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILISATION The West has its share of weird behaviour, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi s you may be aware, the Joe and a woman as the foundation for inculcating policy. He has now ordered that the American flag new global cultural revolution-dissemination of new Biden administration has recently moral character in and undergirding American civil must be flown together with the LGBT1+ flag. secular ethics, deconstruction of Judeo-Christian instructed the U.S Embassies and society. For example, in 1823 Court decision, John What point is President Biden trying to make, if anthropology, radical feminism-has ferociously been U.S Diplomatic Missions across the Marshall held that the “sacredness of the connection I may ask? If he and others at the White House sweeping across the West. In her seminal work with world to fly the gay flag on same between husband and wife” would pave the way are pro-gay or have turned the White House into the title: The Globalization of the Western Cultural flagpole as the American flag. As I for a harmonious American society. In the late a Rainbow House, why desecrate American flag Revolution, Marguerite Peters writes that the scribbleA this I am seeing online the American flag 1885, Justice Stephen J, Field declared for the US and American international image? The national socio-political dysfunctions confronting governance flying on the same pole as the Rainbow flag. Que Supreme Court, “No legislation can be supposed flag of any nation both in international law and in the West today stems from a new global barbaridad! It is amazing how shithole fornication more wholesome and necessary in the founding of in diplomatic circles is not just a mere symbolic cultural revolution. To Peters, Western civilization is has been arrogated as statecraft in the West. During a free, self-governing commonwealth…than that representation of the nation but the way the nation suffering the consequences of the widespread new the European’s colonization of Africa little or which seeks to establish it on the basis of the idea portrays itself and its image to the rest of the world. global Cultural Revolution. Why? Because the new nothing was known about the early civilizations of the family, as consisting in and springing from By flying the American flag alongside Rainbow global Cultural Revolution has led to the legaliza- that flourished in ancient Egypt, Carthage and other the union for life of one man and one woman in flag, President Biden is portraying America as a tion of shithole fornication, safe-sex proselytization parts of ancient Africa. At that time Africa was the holy estate of matrimony; the sure foundation homosexual/lesbian country. America used to be in schools, anthropological cataclysm, existential simply known as a “Dark Continent” where wild of all that is stable and noble in our civilization; the appealing to all mankind. America used to be a role and marital infidelity, marital divorce, abortion, elephants and roaring lions lived together with the best guarantee of all that reverent morality which model to the rest of the world. euthanasia, disintegration of the family and so forth stone-age uncivilized Africans. Unfortunately this is the source of all beneficent progress in social and By turning America into a gay country President in the West. The extent of these dysfunctions, writes notion of Africa as a “Dark Continent” without political improvement.” Biden has violated the principles of diversity, Peters, has become so great that an anthropological civilization has not been reversed in many parts of But unfortunately today shithole fornication inclusiveness, non-discrimination and, above all, cataclysm has been unleashed in the West. For the West. This is probably why whenever the CNN and “marriage” between a man and a man or the principle of equality enshrined in the American example, the anthropological or biological difference or the BBC is focusing on Africa it shows photo- “marriage” between a woman and another woman Constitution. America is a multilingual, multi-racial, between a man and a woman has been blurred in graphs of malnourished African children or African have been legalized in America and most parts multicultural and multi-religious society. Many the West. The identity or sex of a man or woman children suffering from kwashiorkor ostensibly as of Europe. Shithole fornication and same-sex states, institutions, agencies, religions, incorporations is now a social construct not a biological construct evidence that Africa is still backward. You see, the marriage are repugnant to African sensibilities but in the U.S have their respective flags. There are the anymore. A woman can claim to be a man. A man contributions of Africa to world history and world in the West these barbarities have been legalized Christian flag, Pentecostal flag, Evangelical flag, can claim to be a woman. A man who feels he civilization have constantly been undermined and imbibed as acceptable human conducts in the pagan flag, Satan flag, Presbyterian flag, Buddhist is a woman can now enter a female toilet at will against the Eurocentric assumptions and myths that name of human right or right to privacy or sexual flag, Vatican flag and so forth in the U.S. Besides, and use it. Conversely a woman who feels that the West is the sanctuary of the ideals of civilization. orientation regardless of the fact that the prestigious America is a secular nation. Therefore it is illogical, she is a man can freely enter a male toilet and use This is incorrect. The West still has its own share European Human Rights Court had ruled in 2015 illegal and unconstitutional for the Biden adminis- it. In many schools in the U.S and Canada today of savagery, animalism, uncultured behavior, and that shithole fornication and gay marriage are not tration to choose to fly only the gay flag alongside boys who claim to be girls are being admitted in backwardness. For example, looking at American human rights. Despite this judgment President the American flag. We eagerly await the American girls’ schools to be sharing hostels and shower history, the American courts have been more Biden on coming to power wasted no time in mak- Supreme Court judgment on this. rooms with the girls and competing with them in inclined to protecting marriage between a man ing LGBT1+ the centerpiece of American foreign It is obvious that since the end of the cold war a Inter-Hostel Sports competition. THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021 15 EDITORIAL COMMITTING CRIMES WITH UNIFORMS
The recruitment process should be rigorous and thorough
hree policemen in the Ogun State hen the alleged kidnap kingpin, Chuk- Command were last week dismissed wudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, from service for forcefully extorting was arrested in 2015, an Army Lance the sum of N153,000 from a man Corporal was alleged to have received travelling from Abeokuta to Lagos. variousW sums of money running into several millions of “The money was recovered from Naira in three installments as his share of the ransom them and returned to the victim,” paid by some of the victims he assisted in kidnapping. said the Commissioner of Police, Three years ago, three serving soldiers from 9 Brigade Edward Awolowo Ajogun. “They were subsequently Military Headquarters, Ikeja and one dismissed Air Tarraigned for departmental orderly room trial on a Force personnel were among those arrested after a three-count charge of corrupt practices, discreditable robbery operation. The serving soldiers who were conduct and disobedience to lawful order.” This is a arrested in uniform were reportedly handed over to the recurring problem that needs to be addressed more army authorities at the Brigade Military Headquarters, holistically. Ikeja, for disciplinary action. They were tried and Three years ago, the then Department of State summarily dismissed. In the same week, a soldier who Services (DSS) Director of Operations, Godwin left his Division One, Nigerian Army Base, Maiduguri Eteng, told a House of Representatives public hearing on Absent Without Leave (AWOL) for fear of being that staff recruited into the armed forces and other killed by insurgents, was arrested while waiting to security agencies of government are selling arms deliver a stolen vehicle to another member of a robbery to bandits thereby worsening the national security syndicate in Oyo State. challenges. Eteng further recalled that in an armoury Across the country, the prisons where convicts and belonging to one of the armed forces, new pistols suspects are sent for punishment or custody have over with quantities of ammunition got missing even the years become sources of internal security threat though the armoury thanks to fire incidents, jailbreaks, and armed terrorist THERE ARE TOO MANY was never burgled. attacks. But, as it also became evident in the 2016 Kuje BAD EGGS WITHIN THESE THISDAY Yet as scary as those EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI jailbreak, the most dangerous development is the con- SERVICES THAT NEED TO BE revelations were, DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, nivance of some prison staff in aiding these criminals MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO WEEDED OUT they appear to be DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE to execute their evil acts with precision. Following the the new normal CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Kuje incident, 14 officers were suspended while the as hardly a day passes without some personnel of EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE the security services reportedly being involved in Board (CDFIPB) approved the suspension of four alleged heinous crimes. There are several reports of senior officers. The Comptroller-General of Prisons policemen employed to protect the lives and property THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED also suspended 10 junior staff over the incident. of the citizens compromising their responsibilities by EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA While we reiterate our call for professionalism opening their armoury to criminals to use against GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, among men and officers in the armed services, it is ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI the state. More recently, a Police Sergeant at Oworo DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, also important for the federal government to recognise Police Division, Lagos and a retired Assistant Super- ANTHONY OGEDENGBE that there are too many bad eggs within these DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI intendent of Police were arrested for armed robbery. SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH services that need to be weeded out. But much more In many of the states where kidnapping has become a ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO importantly, what that entail is that there should be a daily trade, citizens are accusing the police and other CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI more rigorous due diligence in the recruitment process DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO security agencies of compromise. HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA so that the state does not continue to give arms to TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] criminals who endanger the society.
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BETWEEN AMAECHI AND HADIZA BALA-USMAN STOP FIGHTING he Rotimi Amaechi and Hadiza Bala-Usman fight is a personal Minister)is not new in the APC government led by President Muhammadu one and a power tussle. In 2016, Hadiza’s appointment as Buhari. There was that of Dr. Baffa Bichi of TETFUND and Mallam Adamu Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority generated some Adamu, Education Minister. Ibrahim Magu of the EFCC and Abubakar h, come on! grumbles from some quarters - many people suggested that Malami SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Why are Hadiza was appointed because of the Minister of Transportation Gur Muhammad of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Sale the Palestin- and Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s influence – and President Buhari Mamman, Power Minister, Saleh Dunoma of FAAN and Hadi Sirika ians and Twill always give the duo whatever they wanted. Aviation Ministry). Others are Munir Gwarzo SEC DG and Kemi Adeosun, Israelites In 2021, things have changed. Amaechi is now accusing Hadiza of former Finance Minister, Prof. Usman Yusuf, NHIS and Isaac Adewole, fighting being disloyal. He has been complaining that she is arrogant and that he former Health Minister. As well as many other in-house fights that haven’t Oand killing people? Isn’t would cut her wings. And he did - by getting her to ‘step aside’ to allow been in the public. The big surprise is none of the heads of the agencies the COVID vaccine already for a probe of the NPA. The probe-panel has already been inaugurated survived their minister’s onslaught. Would Hadiza survive Amaechi’s killing enough people? with some wide mandate which includes examining and investigating hammer? This is one of the few the administrative policies and strategies adopted by Hadiza-Usman, and On the other hand, heads of agencies should learn the art of balancing times the world has united confirm compliance with extant laws and rules from 2016 till date. of loyalty and power-sharing, while ministers should also allow heads of to achieve one outcome Many officials of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration agencies to do their jobs. - defeating COVID and and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have also President Buhari is a man that seems not to have an interest interfering yet some people still want accused Hadiza of being arrogant and often displaying an attitude of ‘The in such ‘fight’ to save the heads of agencies. If Amaechi succeeds in remov- to fight. Stop for a while Lady of the House’. Notwithstanding the accusations against her, Hadiza ing Hazida as MD of NPA, we may see many of this kind of ‘probe’ by and work on stopping the has brought some extraordinary development in the NPA. She saved ministers. If Hadiza succeeds in returning back, she may be more ‘disloyal’ pandemic. Don’t worry the SHIN’s fabrication and integration yard of which $270 million was to Amaechi and not forthcoming to those who have earlier accused her of there will still be plenty of borrowed for the project; the stoppage of INTELS’ monopoly of oil and gas being arrogant. And, at the end, the fight between Amaechi and Hadiza time to fight later but if we cargo and the compliance to TSA, the stoppage of the contract scam; SAA would definitely translate into bigger political and supremacy battles don’t stop the pandemic fees on the Calabar dredging. She has also sanctioned LADOL for violating between many parties both in and outside the APC. The big picture: this is there might not be enough the terms of the land lease at Tarkwa Bay, near Light House Beach in a big low for the Buhari government in terms of public image and politics people left to fight. Lagos. These are Hadiza’s notable achievements in four years plus. of the APC. Dennis Fitzgerald, The fight between Hadiza (a head of an agency) and Amaechi (a Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja Melbourne, Australia 16 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email [email protected] MIDWEEKPOLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY Training Legislators for the Fight against Corruption Udora Orizu writes that in a bid to boost operational capabilities of lawmakers in carrying out its oversight function, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in partnership with House of Representatives Committee on Anti- Corruption recently organized a capacity building programme for members of the committee
Kreck Gbajabiamila Garba Owasonoye
he 1999 Constitution of the Federal to effectively discharge its duties. I always make out time to attend the hearings Republic of Nigeria places enormous Garba, represented by the Deputy Chairman, and I will see tonnes of materials, which are Speaker Gbajabiamila responsibility on the legislature as Hon. Bagos Dachung said that the importance presented to the lawmakers. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbaja- far as the control of public funds is of capacity building in human life cannot be “I don’t know how much research support the biamila on his part urged anti-graft agencies to concerned. Under it, there are consti- overemphasised. lawmakers have to untap the documents so that organise capacity programmes for legislators Ttutional, political and operational mechanisms He said that the target was to broaden the information there can actually made sense and to ensure an effective fight against corruption specifically empowering the legislature to hold knowledge of the participants. assist you to do what you’re set up to do. Some in Nigeria. those saddled with the responsibility of executing “We all know the dynamics of corruption; people bring these documents in Ghana-must-go Gbajabiamila said that Nigerians were desirous laws made by it as well as expending resources hence we need to try every available means to bags. I just look at it and shake my head. I say of good governance and were looking up to the appropriated by it accountable. The legislature tackle it. This capacity building for lawmakers to myself, nobody is reading these things. It’s legislature to serve as agents that would help is the main institutional anchorage provided for on Anti-Corruption is a crucial component of the same thing being requested over and over combat poverty, corruption and other challenges in the Constitution for the fight against corrup- this 9th House of Representatives Legislative again from these institutions. These kind of in the country. tion, hence the legislature is equipped under Agenda on Anti-Corruption,’’ he added things diminish the importance of the process. According to him, the House is working on the Constitution to serve as effective check on It gives the impression that you just give it to plans on anti-corruption legislation and the pos- the executive and its administrative agencies Independent Corrupt Practices and other them they won’t look at it. The legislature has sibility of establishing special anti-corruption in all aspects of public administration. Related Commission the power to investigate and expose corruption courts. This oversight power as conferred on the In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the at all levels of government. The fight against He said the House was also considering National Assembly by the constitution enables Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related corruption is our collective responsibility. It’s not strengthening the fight against corruption lawmakers to expose corruption, inefficiency, Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, the duty of the executive alone. We are happy through increased funding for anti-graft agencies or waste in the execution or administration of picked holes in the performance of oversight that the National Assembly understands this and separation of powers through a constitutional laws within its legislative competence and in functions by members of the National Assembly. and takes up this responsibility as well.’’ amendment to separate the office of the Minister the disbursement and administration of funds Owasanoye said members of the National of Justice from that of the Attorney-General. appropriated by the Acts. As they represent Assembly often request for tonnes of docu- Hon. Akpatason the people, the lawmakers are expected to be ments they cannot review in the course of their Countering Owasanoye’s assertions, the Vladimir Kreck exemplary in performing their duties and to oversight. Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Peter Ak- In his welcome address, the Resident adhere to the highest standards of integrity. He said: ‘’The oversight function and power patason before presenting the Speaker’s speech Representative Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, On assumption of office June 11, 2019, the of the legislature enables it to take an actual said in most cases, agencies supply documents Dr Vladimir Kreck said Nigeria with its oil fight against corruption was one of the priorities role in understanding the performance of other that were not relevant or fail to provide the and gas industry, billions of dollars flood listed in the legislative agenda of the 9th House arms, especially the executive arms. There’s a relevant documents. into the country and especially the state’s of Representatives. The Speaker, Hon. Femi perception out there that the legislature is either He said whatever that’s done in the National coffers every year, could be one of the richest Gbajabiamila on October 2, 2019 inaugurated reactive or trying to put out fires and preventing Assembly goes into the records. in sub-Saharan Africa, however the country 105 standing committees, saying the House the fires from going out and sometimes dramatic His words, “Debates are recorded in votes faces immense challenges. intends without reservation, to exercise full in its approach to oversight functions. and proceedings, and documents are available According to him, the endemic corruption authority of the legislature as it relates to the ‘’Nevertheless, this oversight functions is criti- in the Senate and House of Representatives. which has been depriving the country of the oversight of the Ministries Departments and cal and very important much more to ensure that Secondly, oversight functions by the legislature, resources it needs to develop is largely to blame Agencies (MDAs). we don’t get to where we’ve found ourselves in this country in particular has been grossly for the current state of affairs. Gbajabiamila, however, pointed out that the today. The legislature is increasingly stepping misunderstood by a lot people. Actually what He said, ‘’In this light, the fight against corrup- purpose of such oversight will not be punitive, up its oversight of Ministries, Departments happens in most cases is that not the legisla- tion is one of the biggest challenges that Nigeria neither are they intended to be adversarial, but and Agencies (MDAs) in recent times. There tors that make oversight activities hard but the faces today. It is, in fact, the key to development. in furtherance of the Green Chamber’s shared should be concrete reforms where you get to resistance by agencies who actually have so In this regard, the role of the legislature is not objectives of national development, peace, ask concrete questions that you must answer. much to hide and that’s what is responsible to be underestimated. It is the assignment of progress and prosperity for all. With that, so many people will seat up and if for dumping of volumes of documents both the National Assembly not only to set the legal However, it appears that the legislature at they don’t like the capacity of the jobs they take, relevant and irrelevant documents on the framework for an effective fight against cor- all levels of government have been unable to then they should resign and leave the place. parliament so as to create that challenge for ruption in Nigeria, but also to put a successful adequately discharge the onerous duties de- ‘’Another thing is the power of investiga- distilling those documents and information to oversight in place to uncover corrupt forces in volved on it by the Constitution in this regard, tion, as enshrined in the constitution. Now, be able to make sense out of it, in those cases the Government and to contribute in this way as it appears that the oversight function has this again is very important. However, with request for submission of documents is either to the President’s commitment to eradicate rather fueled corruption in MDAs. all due respect, in recent times, we have seen deliberately delayed or the ones presented are corruption in Nigeria.’’ The oversight function of the National As- committees asking for documents all the time. not the requested ones.’’ sembly, is seen to have become an avenue for NILDS DG members to enrich themselves, thereby not In his goodwill message, Prof. Suleiman yielding the desired change that Nigerians Abubakar, Director-General, National Institute of want to see in governance. Nigeria with its oil and gas industry, billions of dollars Legislative and Democratic Studies stressed the One of the stakeholders involved in par- flood into the country and especially the state’s coffers need for a change of narrative of the legislature. liamentary strengthening programmes, According to him, there is a need to change the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in partnership every year, could be one of the richest in sub-Saharan narrative that the parliament aims to undermine with the House of Representatives Committee the strength of anti-graft agencies. on Anti-Corruption, on May 6, held a capacity Africa, however the country faces immense challenges. “The legislature is doing so much to assist the building programme for members of the com- According to him, the endemic corruption which has been anti-graft agencies in achieving their mandate mittee. Before commencing the training, some through oversight activities and other processes stakeholders took turns to explain the role of depriving the country of the resources it needs to develop of the National Assembly. It rests on those agen- the legislature in the fight against corruption is largely to blame for the current state of affairs. He cies to work well with the National Assembly and expectations from the lawmakers after the by ensuring that those procedures are carried training. said, ‘’In this light, the fight against corruption is one of out appropriately and Legislature performs its role, especially in oversight which is key and Hon. Garba the biggest challenges that Nigeria faces today. It is, in cumbersome. Not only by cooperating but also In his remarks, the Chairman of the Commit- fact, the key to development. In this regard, the role of canvassing for the National Assembly to get all tee on Anti-corruption, Hon. Shehu Garba said the support it needs and requires to perform that the workshop was to help the committee the legislature is not to be underestimated its duties,’’ he said. THISDAY ˾WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 19 POLITICS Lagos Lawmaker Accussed GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS of Hoarding Palliatives Restitutes at Ramadan Tosin Clegg writes that Hon. Sherifat Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Amuwo Odofin 1 Constituency who was accussed of using COVID-19 palliatives meant for constituents as part of her birthday gift pack has a history of charitable deeds which deepens in the last days of Ramadan month to worship and get close to Allah. Alli-Macaulay also prayed for the peace and unity of Lagos State Delta State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Ondo State Governor, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu; Ogun State and that of the country generally. Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the Southern She will also be giving out free meals Nigeria Governors Forum meeting held at Delta State Government House, Asaba on Tuesday to her constituents in her office in Amuwo-Odofin to break their fast. In the spirit of Ramadan, she will be giving out food items to several people in the next few days, apart from others that will be fed before the end of the holy month. For her, Ramadan period is a time for everybody to show love to neighbors, especially those that are in need, Ramadan is also a good time to pray for Nigeria and the rest of the world against insecurity, poverty and the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic. The lawmaker said that food items that were available for distribution to the people include milk, milo, sugar, spaghetti, garri, Alli-Macaulay semovita, noodles, just to mention a few. She noted that the gesture was on. Sherifat Kehinde not from the assembly but that she was Mojisolaoluwa Alli- doing it personally. Mojisolaluwa has Macaulay who is the inspired and empowered thousands lawmaker representing of women, children and youths and L-R: Dr. Amobi Nwokafor, an Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) member, Reverend Samson Amuwo Odofin Con- also pointing them in the direction of Disiu, Council Coordinator of ICAN, Awka and District Society, Mr. Chukwuemeka Oriaku, the newly inaugurated stituencyH I and Chairman, Lagos positive change in their immediate Chairman of ICAN, Awka and District Society and Valentine Ozigbo, Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for the State House Committee on Women environment, society and towards 2021 Anambra governorship election, at Mr Oriaku’s inauguration at Cihcotel Classique Hotel, Awka Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Job nation building. And that’s why she Creation has continuously and effort- uses every avenue and opportunity lessly proven to be for her people and to give effortlessly and cheerfully. works tirelessly to support, empower She admonished the people to and use all the resources available develop a heart of giving and help to her to do her utmost best. She has the people around them, especially an unquenchable passion for social those who are in need. Alli-Macaulay justice, making a tangible difference said that the essence of Ramadan was in the community, resolving people’s for Muslims to put themselves in the problems and also sharing in the position of those that were hungry weight of their historical, political so that they could know how it feels and socio economic burden. Alli - to be in need. Macaulay began her political career Stating that, “Just like Prophet in 2010, with prior experience in Muhammad (SAW) said that anytime handling leadership positions. we are in the Ramadan period, we Amidst her good will and efforts should always remember that there towards governance the controversy are some people somewhere who do of an alleged use of palliatives for not have food to eat. So whatever her personal use drew negative at- you have and no matter how little it tention her way late last year. Going is; we should try to share it with the further to a push for her recall which people around us.” was driven with full force. She has For Alli Macauley her act of benevo- however maintained transparency lence is not about politics, religion, since the situation developed and in gender and that there should be no L-R: Member Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Teju Okuyiga; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; an honest effort to dispel the rumor sentiment in doing things to worship and Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; during the burial service of retired Commissioner of Police, Chief that she used the palliative items Allah. Alli-Macaulay noted that last Benjamin Adeniyi Olatise in Aisegba- Ekiti meant for her constituents for her year, she gave out pepper grinding birthday celebration last year stat- machines, sewing machines, hairdryer ing, “I didn’t use palliatives for my sets, popcorn machines to empower birthday. The ceremony was for my several women. Concluding she men- birthday and women empowerment tioned, “It is not about sentiment, I am and was a coincidence that 90 boxes just passionate about helping people of indomie off the palliatives came at and putting smiles on their faces. Like the time and had to be shared anyway I will always say, adding growth to to the rightful owners. I’m a woman humanity Is greater through politi- of compassion. I cannot take what’s cal participation, good conscience, meant for my people! Even before I diligence and women empowerment” became a member of the Lagos State –Alli – Macaulay, so it is important to House of Assembly in 2019, I have give women 35 percent chance when always touched people’s lives.” considering people for positions of Mama Amuwo as she is fondly authority especially at all levels of called said, “On my part, my of- government, according to the accord fice has reached out to over 3000 reached at the Beijing Conference in people through our empowerment China, while making reference to the programmes and this holy month forthcoming local government elec- of Ramadan is not any different as tions in Lagos State, Alli - Macaulay we will be reaching out to over 1000 said that more women should also women.” According to her, this is the be encouraged to take advantage of time to remain faithful to God and to the opportunity of the forth coming Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; his wife, Kafayat; Chairman, Trade Union Congress Osun forgive one another. It is also a time local government elections, adding State Chapter, Comrade Adebowake Adekola and Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congres, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, to ask for forgiveness especially in that discrimination against women decorating Governor Oyetola for his andmark achievements in the state, as part of activities marking year these last 10 days of this glorious should be eliminated in our society.” 2021 Workers Day, at the Government House, Osogbo 20 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ
Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 Pogrom in Nasarawa Local government areas of Doma and Keana in Nasarawa State have come under siege of bandits suspected to be herdsmen, whose stock in trade is to invade the Tiv communities, kill the farmers and villagers, as well as displace the living from their ancestral homes, reports Igbawase Ukumba
One of the burnt households during the Ajimaka attack Displaced persons
he rise in insecurity in the despite their efforts to scamper to of security operatives to the trouble local government areas safety during the invasion. An eyewit- Recurrent Decimal at Border area to forestall further breakdown of Doma and Keana in ness gave names of some persons Towns of law and order. Nasarawa State could be massacred during the attack to include In the same vein, President of Tiv He however called on the Tiv people attributed to the influx of Tsekaa Chiatyo (m), Kwaghdoo Tsekaa Development Association (TIDA) of Nasarawa State to remain calm and Tpersons suspected to be bandits, (f), Sewuese Tsekaa (f), Bobo Chiatyo in Nasarawa State, Comrade Peter avoid taking laws into their hands masquerading as herdsmen, to the (m), Aondoseer Fidelis (m), Aboyi Ahemba, confirmed the incident, while despite the unprovoked attack as council areas as a result of their Aduku (m) and Mwuese Aseer (m). speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state government was taking displacement from other parts of describing the attack as unprovoked measures to restore normalcy in the country. The Governor's Assurance and unfortunate. the affected areas. Unfortunately, the evil men seem to Consequent upon the Ajimaka He regretted that the attacks on the be enjoying some degrees of patron- massacre, the Governor of Nasarawa Tiv people of the state, particularly Unfruitful Effort by Police, age and support from their local State, Abdullahi Sule, condemned those living at the border areas be- Security Forces collaborators in the communities, in strong terms the brutal killings tween Benue and Nasarawa States When the Nasarawa State Police thus worsening the situation. of women and children during the have become a recurrent decimal Command was contacted over the attack on Ajimaka village by the despite efforts by the Nasarawa State killings earlier, the Police Public Rela- Coordinated Attacks gunmen. In a statement signed by Governor, Abdullahi Sule and his tions Officer of the command, ASP Consequently, on April 23, 2021 Governor Sule's Chief Press Secretary, Benue State counterpart, Samuel Nansel Ramhan, said the command suspected herdsmen launched a Ibrahim Addra, Sule was quoted Ortom to ensure lasting peace on was yet to receive any report on any coordinated attacks on Tiv farming in the statement as describing the the borderline of the two states. occurrence of such an incident from community of Ajimaka, in Doma Local act perpetrated by the gunmen as "Each time the herdsmen have the area. However, later in the day Government Area of Nasarawa State, reprehensible, callous and inexcusable. issues relating to implementation the command came up with a press killing 14 Tiv farmers, who included The governor said: "An attack that of the anti-open grazing law by statement which the Commissioner majorly women and children. This does not spare women and children the Benue State government, they of Police, Bola Longe, said the police was even as several persons were bears the trademark of devilish ele- come and attack our (Tiv) people in received a report about the attack declared missing, while scores sus- ments who are bent on truncating Nasarawa state. We are indigenous around 6:00a.m on Saturday and tained various degrees of injuries as the relative peace in the state." Tiv people of Nasarawa State. We immediately mobilised personnel houses belonging to the Tiv farmers Sule however assured that security are peace-loving people and the to tackle the situation. were burnt by the bandits during operatives have since commenced herdsmen must stop attacking our In the statement signed by the the invasion. investigations that will expose the people for things they know nothing Command's Police Public Relations Also, the militia herdsmen also criminals with a view to punishing about," Ahemba said. Officer, ASP Ramhan Nansel, on behalf circulated quit notices to the Tiv them according to the laws of the The Tiv leader lamented that of the state Commissioner of Police, farming community in the two local land. the ugly development has led to read: "On 24/4/2021 at about 0600hrs, government areas of the state to va- “My condolences and prayers are the displacement of thousands of information was received on same cate the axis or face total annihilation. with families of those whose lives Tiv farmers in the area, regretting date that at about 0100hrs, unknown The threat led to the displacement of were lost. I urge them and the rest that the incident was happening assailants attacked Ajimaka village over 50,000 Tiv farmers from their of our citizens to be rest assured at a critical time farmers were set situated at Nasarawa/Benue boundary, ancestral abode from the two LGAs. that this to commence the current farming Doka district of Doma LGA. Upon The suspected militia herdsmen, administration will do all within its season. While acknowledging efforts receipt of the information, a joint who were said to be carrying so- power to ensure justice, peace and by the Nasarawa State government team of police and military personnel phisticated weapons, invaded the security across the state. I therefore to ensure peace and security at the were deployed to the scene, where community at about 2:00am of that call for calm and support to law border areas of the state, the TIDA nine corpses were recovered; each fateful day, shooting sporadically, enforcement agents in the collective President appealed to the state with multiple machete cuts." killing majorly women and children fight against evil." government to direct deployment The statement further said the THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21 FEATURES
Some of the displaced persons
CP had directed the Deputy Com- proceeding to Daudu town in Guma missioner of Police in charge of Local Government Area of Benue State Criminal and Investigation State. Department (SCID) to move to the Speaking to journalists during a area and conduct a comprehensive visit to Kadarko town where some investigation to unravel the mystery of the Tiv farmers were taking behind the attack and arrest the refuge, the Nasarawa State TIDA perpetrators. president, Comrade Peter Ahemba Sadly, despite deployment of the said the situation was so pathetic joint team of police and military as can be seen by all. He continued personnel to the crisis area, as that the people were in very deep well as the drafting of the Deputy pains as they were displaced as a Commissioner of Police in charge result of the crisis in Doma South. of State Criminal and Investigation He also appealed to them to remain Department, reports had it that kill- calm as the state Governor, Abdullahi ings of the Tiv farmers and burning Sule, would respond immediately of their houses continued unabated. to their plight to ensure that peace returned back to their various com- Statistics munities. Hitherto, the number of persons An elderly man, Mr Cletus Wan- killed by the suspected herdsmen shima, who was among the displaced in the state was reported to have persons from Ajikamaka village, told risen to 14 persons as confirmed by our correspondent at the Kadarko chairman of the Ate U Tiv Unity Fo- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) rum, Bernard Ikyeghna, to THISDAY. camp that they woke up on that He explained that apart from the fateful Saturday to the attack on 11 persons that were massacred in them by the herdsmen. Ajimaka in Doma LGA of the state, "They just lay ambush on our people two other deaths were recorded in and started killing them. So we have Keana Local Government Area of the to run for our lives. They have taken state from different attacks which over all our houses and are burning an elderly man was macheted and and looting our valuables. They was receiving treatment in one of invaded our communities matcheting the hospitals in the state. people with cutlasses and gunning According to the Chairman of the down others with their AK-47 guns. Ate U Tiv Unity Forum, "in Keana They slaughtered a woman in Doka Local Government Area, one Sabastine village in my presence, they also Agbaka, an undergraduate of the slaughtered a man in Ikyayior vil- Nasarawa State University, Keffi was The displaced persons in Nasarawa lage," Elder Wanshima recounted. murdered in the Kadarko axis of the council area. Also in Dooshima Yara, Ikyayior, Targema, Tse Tor, Appeal village, Fidelis Abanka was declared Displacement from Ancestral Chia, Umurayi, Dooga, Gindan Rai, He however lamented the terrible missing when gunmen stormed the Homes Ajikamaka and Ankoma all in Ekye condition in the IDPs camp and called area, this was just as at Shatse village, As there was reported sustained Development Area of Doma South on the government of Nasarawa State Andrew Yough is lying critically in attacks on Tiv farmers' settlements in Doma local government area of and as well as well to do spirited a hospital as the killer herdsmen by suspected militia herdsmen in Nasarawa State. individuals to come to their support. attacked him." both Doma and Keana Local Govern- They were said to have been dis- Wanshima said: "We are faced with It was also gathered that a senior ment Areas of the state, no fewer placed by the rampaging herdsmen the problem of feeding even as we staff with the Doma Local Government than 50,000 Tiv farmers in about 13 and were taking refuge at Kadarko sleep on bare floor since our arrival Area was also reportedly murdered village settlements were reported town in Keana LGA and Agyaragu in the camp. We don't have mattresses by the suspected herdsmen while to have been displaced from their town in Lafia LGA both of Nasarawa or mats. It is quite a difficult situation going to work from his abode to ancestral homes in Nasarawa State. State. Others were taking refuge in as we are exposed to mosquitoes the council area's headquarters in The displaced Tiv settlements were relations/friends houses in Kadarko and all kinds of insects and reptiles Doma. Dooshima, Antsa, Dooka, Angwan and Agyaragu, while others were during the day and night." 22 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜2021 23
Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 RATES AS AT MAY 7, 2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT 15.25 CALL 14.75 INDEX LEVEL 506.41% 1/4 TO DATE -9.37% N379/1US DOLLAR* OBB 14.75 1-MONTH 16.50 1-DAY -0.15 YEAR TO DATE -24.45% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 17.50 MONTH-TO-DATE -1.16% Quick Takes NCDMB Holds STIC Regional Finals The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has held its Southern/Eastern Science and Technology Innovation Challenge (STIC), at the board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. According to the NCDMB, the competition seeks to motivate and challenge Nigerian undergraduates to imbibe the culture of research and development as well as apply science, technology and innovation to create home-grown business solutions to everyday problems in Nigeria. In his opening remarks, General Manager, Capacity Building Division, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, noted that the innovations will go a long way to help in the domiciliation of capacity and also improve lives. He added that the board has continued to back vocational schools in a bid to support and promote skill acquisitions even at an early age. He congratulated all the contenders from the southern/eastern region, noting that they are winners to have reached the final phase of the challenge. The acting Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Patrick Obah, as well as the judges later toured the innovative works that were on display at the venue. TSI to Empower One Million Children The Stellar Initiative (TSI), a non-governmental organisation has announced plan to educate one million children on drug abuse. Also, it plans to give five million stationaries to students in disadvantaged communities across Benin, Kano, Oyo, Enugu, Kogi, and other parts of the country through its book tour and movie show project. COURTESY VISIT The organisation in a statement issued recently, disclosed that with Chairman, BUA, Abdul Samad Rabiu, (left), with the new Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Bashir Mohammed, during the the project, students would be thoroughly educated on drug abuse, latter’s visit as the new commander of NNS Beecroft to BUA’s headquarters in Lagos…recently bullying, self-esteem; as it would leverage on the blockbuster movie, Nimbe which addresses issues associated with drug abuse. Speaking about the initiative, the Founder, The Steller Initiative, Precious Eniayekan, expressed satisfaction about the project, saying it would Advertising Regulation: APCON Takes positively impact pupils of rural and urban communities across Nigeria. “Studies according to UNICEF have shown that one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria; this to us means that Step to Deepen Operational Standard there’s a need for a major and urgent intervention in the Nigerian educational sector. “Every Nigerian child deserves the right to quality education irrespective Raheem Akingbolu ADVERTISING “I therefore charge all heads delivery and benefit stakeholders. of their financial capacities or geographical locations and this is why of the Committees to ensure that The Code Review Commit- we do what we do. The Advertising Practitioners’ they leave no stone unturned tee and AISoP were expected “We are elated to extend our reach to other regions of the country Council of Nigeria (APCON), that will ensure that the Council in carrying out their respective to conclude their tasks within and are extremely thankful to all our donors and volunteers who have has tasked leaders of sectoral fundamentally improves its assignments,” Olalekan said. three months. He called on the made this possible” she said. bodies in the marketing regulatory mandates and service The APCON boss explained entire industry to put all hands Further commenting, she expressed concerns on the need to communications industry to delivery. that in executing the assignment, on deck to work together to make increase intentionality on how children are raised especially within brace up and cooperate with The Committees inaugurated the Committees were expected the industry an enviable entity. disadvantaged communities. various regulatory committees were: The Advertising Standards to deliver well on their various As part of the new strategic “Sadly, several communities continue to degrade due to several blue of the council to strengthen Panel (ASP), The Advertising tasks and within scheduled time moves to deepen advertising factors ranging from an economic downturn to financial instability, operational standards in the Code Review Committee, and The as according to him, time was practice and realign operations, to lack of security and lots more. country’s advertising landscape. Advertising Industry Standard of the essence. the council announced Mrs. The Registrar of APCON, Dr. of Practice (AISoP) Committee. He emphasised that the task Omowunmi Owodunni, as the Saudi Aramco Beats Profit Forecast Olalekan Fadolapo, who made the “I am convinced that the teams before the Committees included: new Chairperson of the Advertis- State-run oil producer, Saudi Aramco, has beaten analysts’ forecasts appeal during the inauguration we have selected here today identifying peculiar sectoral ing Standards Panel (ASP) - the with a 30 per cent rise in its first-quarter net profit and maintained of three committees in Lagos, will approach this assignment challenges, suggest immediate Statutory Panel charged with the its dividend pay-out, helped by strong oil prices. charged members of the com- with all sense of responsibility and long term implementation duty of ensuring that advertise- Net income rose to $21.7 billion for the quarter to March 31 from mittees to develop appropriate and commitment, and serve as policies, recommend action plans ments conform to the prevailing $16.7 billion a year earlier even though Aramco was expected to post strategies as well as deploy “out enablers for the achievement of that will galvanise the industry net profit of $19.48 billion, according to an average of estimates by of the box” ideas/frameworks the Council’s success. and that will improve service Continued on page 24 five analysts, Reuters reported. “Given the positive signs for energy demand in 2021, there are more reasons to be optimistic that better days are coming,” Amin Nasser, chief executive of the world’s top oil exporter, said in a statement. Insurers Engage States in Fight against “And while some headwinds still remain, we are well-positioned to meet the world’s growing energy needs as economies start to recover,” he added. Fake Motor Insurance Aramco, which listed in 2019 with the sale of a 1.7 per cent stake mainly to the Saudi public and regional institutions, said earnings were Ebere Nwoji behalf of the insurance industry, Managing Director/CEO of boosted by stronger crude prices and higher refining and chemicals INSURANCE was engaging five states with Cornerstone Insurance Plc, margins, helping offset lower production. Insurance operators have opened plans to extend to other states disclosed that the association discussions with five state renewing their vehicle particulars as the time progresses. was also partnering the Federal governments to ensure that at licensing offices across the “We are also working closely Roads Safety Corps(FRSC) and motorists get their insurance aforementioned states. with the state vehicle Inspection the police to give them access to policy from genuine insurers. Before now, insurers do not service on enforcement of third the Nigerian Insurance Industry “The Presidential Power The Chairman, umbrella body have their representatives at the party motor insurance in the Portal(NIIP), such that, when a Initiative is a comprehensive of insurance underwriters, the licensing office, a situation which state. We are also engaging vehicle is apprehended, they can programme targeted at the Nigeria Insurers Association(NIA) served as opportunity for fake Niger, Kaduna, Kogi and Ogun assess whether such vehicle car- grid, transmission, distribution Mr Ganiyu Musa, who disclosed insurers to sell third fake third States, and remain hopeful that ries fake or genuine insurance and grid communications this in Lagos, said aside their party motor insurance policy to other states will see value in the certificates. projects that will modernise discussion with the Lagos State unsuspecting motorists at any platform and embrace it. Speaking on the Nigerian the grid and unlock 25GW of Government, the insurers are price. “Out of the estimated 13 Insurance Industry Database stable operable capacity over currently discussing with Ka- Musa, said the industry was million vehicles in Nigeria, only /Nigerian Insurance Industry duna, Niger, Kogi and Ogun embittered about what it is about 2,939,767 Third Party Motor Portal (NIID/NIIP), Musa said: the next five years” state governments to ensure losing to insurance racketeers policies are in force as at Apr “The Nigerian Insurance Industry that motorists get genuine and non-insurance of vehicles, 26, 2021,” he added. Minister of State, Power, insurance cover at the point of disclosing that, the association, on Musa, who is also the group Continued on page 24 Goddy Jedy-Agba 24 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS
ADVERTISING REGULATION: APCON TAKES Lagos Wants Partnership to Tackle Waste STEP TO DEEPEN OPERATIONAL STANDARD Management, Climate Change laws of the federation as well as Hamid Ayodeji issues in the society. which helps us acquire real growth. Imagine all that was lost nowo, disclosed that Nigeria the Code of advertising ethics She also explained that the time online data, and then we during the tsunami or floods, or still builds with the same type of the advertising profession. The Lagos State government is ministry of environment has taken exchange these data with the when people spend so much time of building materials used in the Owodunni is the first female to seeking the partnership of pri- a lot of proactive steps towards American embassy. stuck in traffic due to flooded 1950s, such as concrete, saying head the apex regulatory body’s vate and non-governmental the forthcoming raining season, “In addition, in terms of roads. that was not meant to be so. statutory committee. organisations in its drive saying there are now primary, physical economic impact we “Or even health impact as- “We need to look at using She succeeded Mr. Charles towards developing policies secondary and tertiary drainages are seeing some companies sessment as people are getting more sustainable building ma- Abraham who has been Chair- aimed at effectively tackling being cleared on a daily basis in have decided not to deal with exposed to ultra-violent rays and terials that are appropriate and man since 2015 and whose waste management and order to ensure free flow of waste companies that are not deal- getting cancer at a younger age conducive for the environment tenure witnessed remarkable climate change issues. and water during the raining ing with sustainability in their because we are not properly that would keep cool during achievements/developmental The administration season, thereby avoiding floods. production,” she said. treating our waste,” the day and warm at night strides. revealed that it has been “Also, we have six air quality She further said: “Climate On her part, the Director, while constructing buildings in Speaking on the appointment, dealing with climate change monitoring machines in Lagos change is an enemy to economic CmDesign Atelier, Tosin Oshi- this era. the Registrar said the approval and waste management was a mark of confidence on the through the Lagos State council by the government and Environmental Protection at the same time it demonstrated Agency (LASEPA), the the Council’s obligation to change Lagos State Ministry of the the course of history. Environment and Water Re- “We are delighted to vary and sources and the Lagos State to be change makers. Women Waste Management Agency participation and leadership in (LAWMA), by not merely the industry must be promoted advocating and sensitising, and fostered so as to bring new but also by enforcing policies perspectives to achieve further and regulations across the state. progress. The General Manager Lagos State Environmental Protection INSURERS ENGAGE STATES Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said IN FIGHT AGAINST FAKE this during a climate change MOTOR INSURANCE stakeholders’ forum organised by the French Embassy in Nigeria, database was established to recently. reduce soft market practices Speaking at the event which and eliminate fake insur- held in Lagos, she said the state ance policies. government remains dedicated “The association has towards partnering with private taken a step further by and public stakeholders in the MARKET REVIEW creating the Nigerian Insur- waste management and climate L-R: General Manager, Biogenerics Nigeria Ltd, Osamede Uwubanmwen; Executive Secretary, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mrs. ance Industry platform change sector in order to ensure Ediri Ose-Ediale; Managing Director, Starcom Media Perspectives, Mr. Jude Odia; Service Line Lead, Innovation Marketing Strategy, IPSOS, Mr. to enable vehicle owners’ it generates and enforces policies Opeyemi Dairo; and Second Vice Chairman ADVAN/Head Marketing and Corporate Communication Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso Odusami, purchase their third-party that effectively address such at the 2021 ADVAN Market Outlook held in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT motor vehicle insurance cover from the comfort of their homes and telephones. UPDC Board Seeks Loan from Majority Shareholders “So far, we are seeing a lot of traction on the platform Goddy Egene losses in recent time until it the company, “to enter into a The company was equally the discretion of the directors across the states of the federa- strengthened its capital structure shareholder loan agreement authorised to create a charge and subject to any requisite tion and we are hopeful that Shareholders of UACN Property with completion of the N16 with Custodian Investment over such its asset(s) as the direc- regulatory approvals. other states will key into the Development Company (UPDC) billion rights issue, leading PLC and UAC of Nigeria tors may determine, in favour They also authorised the project before the end of the Plc have authorised its board to an 80 per cent reduction Plc for the provision of a of the majority shareholders as directors, “to do all such acts as year.” of directors to enter into loan its debt from N21 billion shareholder loan required security for the shareholder loan. the board may deem necessary On the Marine Module, he agreement with its major- to N6 billion. by the company for the The shareholders also autho- or incidental to effect the above said: “As you are probably ity shareholders - Custodian But in order to discharge its discharge of its outstand- rised the directors to raise resolutions, including without aware, the Central Bank of Investment Plc and UAC of outstanding debt obligations, ing debt obligations;that in additional capital via the issue limitation, entering into the Nigeria has since integrated Nigeria Plc - to discharge its the board of UPDC requested furtherance of the foregoing of debt instruments, preference necessary agreements and the NIA Marine Module into outstanding debt obligations. that the shareholders approve resolution, the company be and shares or ordinary shares or complying with directives of the National Trade portal UPDC, which used to be a that the firm be allowed to is hereby authorised to create a combination of any of these any regulatory authority.” and all insurance certificates subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria enter into a loan agreement a charge over such asset(s) of options whether by way of UPDC recorded a revenue required for import and export Plc, became a subsidiary of with its majority shareholders. the company as the directors private placements, rights to of N1.662 billion for the year are generated from the Portal. Custodian Investment Plc when The shareholders approved may determine, in favour of existing shareholders or offer for ended December 31, 2020, down This, no doubt, signals the the investment firm acquired the special resolution at the the majority shareholders as subscription at a quantum and from N2.157 billion and reduced end of fake Marine Insurance 51 per cent stake last November. annual general meeting (AGM), security for the shareholder price upon such other terms and its loss from N15.883 billion to Certificates at the Ports.” The company was recording held recently. They authorised loan.” conditions to be determined at N439 million. NDPHC to Boost Power Supply to Delta Community with Injection Substation Peter Uzoho Nwankwo. would step down power from He noted that the project had been engaging the Benin
The statement quoted the the already existing 33KV line to followed the, “passionate” Electricity Distribution Company The Niger Delta Power Managing Director/Chief 11kV, disclosing that the project intervention of the Deputy (BEDC) and had been assured by Holding Company (NDPHC) Executive Officer of NDPHC, Mr. involves the construction of 4km Senate President, Senator Ovie the Disco that the project aligns has begun the construction of Chiedu Ugbo, as saying during of 11KV line to distribute the Omo-Agege, to have the project with infrastructure upgrade in a 1x7.5MVA, 33/11kV injection the groundbreaking ceremony power to the community. in the community. the community. distribution substation in Orogun, of the project that the injection He said seven distribution Ugbo said: “We also discovered Also speaking at the event,
Delta State, to boost power supply substation which is an NDPHC/ transformers would be installed that it is not adequate for the Omo-Agege, said President Group Business Editor to the community. National Integrated Power Project also in the community, stating community hence this purposeful Muhammadu Buhari was making Obinna Chima NDPHC disclosed this in a (NIPP) intervention project, would that, with the injection substation intervention by Niger Delta Power significant efforts to end energy statement that was signed by also boost economic activities in in place, faults on the downstream Holding Company at the instance poverty in Nigeria by facilitating Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene its Head, Communication and the community. line will not be allowed to trip of the Deputy Senate President.” the provision of electricity to rural Comms/e-Business Editor Public Relations, Mrs. Olufunke Ugbo, explained that the project the entire network. He added that NDPHC communities across the country. Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe FG Commends MAN on Job Creation Senior Correspondent ËÒÏÏ×ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß(Advertis- Dike Onwuamaeze factors. The federal government’s national output by at least $40 sector is positive, especially with that birthed a private sector ing) commendation was conveyed billion in the past 20 years and the development of private sector led advocacy body for the Correspondents The federal government has by the Minister of Industry, employing close to seven million led crude oil refining will help manufacturing sector in Nigeria. Chinedu Eze (Aviation) commended the Manufacturers Trade and Investment, Mr. Nigerians.” to establish Nigeria as one Ahmed said: “From a humble ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏÌÓÙÎßØ(Maritime) Association of Nigeria (MAN) Niyi Adebayo, at a ceremony He said one of the major of the manufacturing hubs beginning in 1971, MAN has James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) for providing seven million jobs that marked the celebration of contributions of the manufactur- in Africa.” evolved into the authentic voice Chineme Okafor (Energy) and contributing about $40 billion the MAN’s 50th anniversary, ing sector could be seen, “in its The President of the MAN, of manufacturers in Nigeria as a Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) to national output. recently, with the theme “Build- amazing example in the cement Mr. Mansur Ahmed, said that credible platform for the private
Reporters It also assured that the future ing a Resilient and Competitive industry, which has witnessed an May 7, 1971, would remain a sector to formulate and articulate ÙÝËÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ(ICT) of the manufacturing sector in the Manufacturing Sector.” incredible growth to fully cater for special in the history of the policy suggestions that comple- Peter Uzoho (Energy) country has a positive outlook in Adebayo commended mem- local demands,” adding that “the association as it marked the ment government’s efforts in the spite of the current debilitating bers of MAN, “for increasing outlook for the manufacturing incorporation of the association overall interest of the economy. THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 25
Restructuring Fertiliser Initiative for Better Output Against the backdrop of a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to undertake an overhaul of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority saddled with the task, taking up the gauntlet, has recently gone to work, writes Emmanuel Addeh
Orji Buhari
t is said that the Nigerian fertiliser industry ceeded in enhancing food security as a result of sourcing filler, blending the fertilizer, and selling and looks forward to seeing the innovation and has a blending capacity of four million tons of the expected increase in food production, reduced to off-takers. creativity which will characterise the open market Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) food-induced inflation and stimulation of economic Also, the federal ministry of agriculture and rural in the sector,” he said. annually and two million tons of production activities across the agriculture value chain. development will perform its statutory monitoring On his part, the Chairman, the Fertilizer Producers capacity for urea, with the capacity to employ But beyond the broader goal of ensuring food and quality control role over blender activities. and Suppliers Association of Nigeria, (FEPSAN), Iover 250,000 people in both direct and indirect jobs security for the country by providing high-grade The benefits of this new approach include but Mr. Thomas Etuh, in his remarks, explained that across the country. fertilisers to enhance harvest, what the NSIA has not limited to unlocking of more development with the initiative, massive production can now However, before the implementation of the achieved is to reinforce the present administra- finance (loans and investments) into the local be carried out nationwide. Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), only 10 per tion’s commitment to reviving and diversifying fertiliser blending value chain of Nigeria. “The new approach will afford operators the cent of the production capacities of the blending the economy, and creating growth by focusing It would also strengthen market systems and opportunity to build recognisable and trusted brands plants in operation across the country were being on agriculture. encouraging actor participation. This will lead while ramping up distribution nationwide,” he utilised. In this connection the NSIA has said it has saved potentially to mergers and acquisition and in- stated. Prior to the initiative, what the piece of informa- over $350 million from the erstwhile payments novation and growth across the industry which Within four years of the initiative, according to tion showed was that most of the country’s stock on subsidy and import substitution through the will benefit farmers. the NSIA, the programme has delivered on key of blended NPK fertiliser was shipped into the implementation of the initiative. The new approach would further reduce food outcomes including over 30 million bags of 50kg country as fully-finished products, although urea The authority also said it had begun implementing price inflation in the market as the availability NPK 20:10:10 equivalent spanning project period and limestone, which constitute roughly two-thirds the directive for the restructuring of the presidential of fertiliser will drive down the price or cost of and price reduction on fertiliser from over N10,000 of the component of each bag, are available locally. fertiliser initiative, which it added had started to food product. to under N5,500. Dissatisfied with the situation, the PFI was yield great returns. It is also expected to reduce the high rate of It also said 41 blending plants have been resus- initiated to reduce or fully half the importation Recall that a bid to make the programme more unemployment as more people will become engaged citated from an initial number of four plants at of blended fertiliser and the initiative appears to sustainable and following its notable successes and in the production process. project inception, adding that an estimated 250,000 be a huge success. transformative impact over the past four years, Commenting on the impact of the programme, jobs (direct and indirect)across the agriculture value To this end, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment the presidency approved the restructuring of the the Chairman, Implementing Committee of the PFI chain including in logistics, ports, bagging, rail, Authority (NSIA) was mandated to manage the PFI programme starting in the 2021 cycle with and Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Governor industrial warehousing, and haulage touch points fund and because it wasn’t the NSIA’s core mandate, various modifications. Abubakar Badaru said that the scheme has further amongst others have been created. a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called NAIC-NPK Under the modifications, the NSIA has been boosted the agricultural base of the country as well It also said food security has been achieved by Limited was established. transitioned to an upstream player thereby limiting as eliminate the wasteful subsidy programme that facilitating increase in domestic food production In order to ensure that the blending plants did its involvement to importation, storage and the was previously be practiced. through the provision of affordable, high quality not default on their obligations to remit revenues wholesale of raw materials to blenders. “The programme has in many ways served fertiliser. to NAIC-NPK, they were required to submit to The NSIA subsidiary NAIC-NPK Limited will to augment the administration’s policy-driven Recall that recently, in a bid to boost local fertiliser NAIC-NPK Performance Guarantees from their be spun off to the ministry of finance incorporated. programmes to diversify the Nigerian economy. production, the NSIA signed agreements with banks, as payment security for the raw materials Under the new arrangement, blenders will no “In the main, the programme has bolstered Nige- an offshore firm, OCP of Morocco, Akwa Ibom they receive under the PFI. longer be paid blending fees by NAIC-NPK as ria’s industrial base, resuscitated, and strengthened State Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum However , a few clarifications need to be made they will recover their costs directly from selling domestic production capacity for fertiliser, eliminated Corporation (NNPC) Gas Aggregation Company of to the effect that the presidential initiative is not a the fertiliser to the market. to the huge fertiliser subsidy burden placed on Nigeria, (GACN) to ramp up fertiliser production. subsidy scheme as there is no subsidy along the This, according to the government, will balance the federal government, created thousands of direct Also in the mix were the Nigerian Content production chain. incentives of the business and ensure the blenders and indirect jobs and alleviated the plight of the Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), The reduced price of the blended fertiliser arises build the right capacity to actively participate in domestic farmer by ensuring availability of fertiliser. Mobil and Fertiliser Suppliers Association of Nigeria from the generous discounts negotiated by NAIC- the local supply sub-sector. The blending plants “Clearly, the programme is a strong value proposi- (FEPSAN) which was geared to the development NPK Limited with the suppliers of the various raw are expected to provide bank guarantees to cover tion for the nation in the agriculture space given of a $1.4 billion plant to produce ammonia and materials, discounts passed on all the way to the requisitioned raw materials demand that are ap- the variety of socio-economic benefits it presents. di-ammonium phosphate, under the Nigeria’s Gas farmers as price savings, it was learnt. propriated for their respective production volumes. We are grateful to Mr. President for creating this Industrialisation Strategy initiative. While it is said that the previous subsidy scheme As part of the new structure and in line with programme and look forwards to supporting the While the first phase of the project is expected to cost at least 60 billion naira annually to maintain, the presidential directive, the federal ministry of next phase as it evolves,” Badaru stated. produce 1.5 million tonnes per annum of ammonia an amount that can now be deployed for more finance, budget and national planning and the Also speaking on the development, the Managing in two phases, up to 70 per cent of the ammonia productive purposes, the Buhari administration Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are expected to Director and Chief Executive Office of NSIA, Mr. produced will be allocated for export to Morocco reportedly inherited huge sums in unpaid fertiliser engage commercial banks to facilitate lines of Uche Orji, said with the support of the president, and the balance will be routed to the production subsidy arrears. concessionary credits to blending plants for the the programme has accomplished its principal of 1 million tonnes per annum of Di-ammonium In the same vein, the federal government is not purchase of raw materials. objectives. Phosphate (DAP) and NPK fertilisers to feed do- competing against the private sector, but is partnering It is also expected that the CBN will ensure that “Having fulfilled the establishment, stabilisation, mestic demand. It is also expected that the project with and enabling and supporting the private sector the foreign exchange needed for the programme and market discipline phase of PFI, the primary construction would commence no later than Q3, to deliver low-cost fertiliser to Nigeria’s farmers. is provided as and when needed to cover some objective of which was to revive the blending plants 2021, and would in the first phase of the project, Without mincing words, it can be said that through raw materials The approval, which takes effect and create a viable domestic blending industry, see the investment of $1.4billion will in building the NSIA programme, the federal government is immediately, was communicated in a letter through we believe the PFI should gradually evolve into the plant and its supporting infrastructure with securing a supply of quality fertilisers, stimulating the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President the next phase, which is a tactical withdrawal of a target operations-commencement date of 2025. local production, making fertiliser available to which was issued in November of 2020. Under intervention in the industry and the emergence With all the ongoing initiatives, fully backed by Nigerian farmers at affordable prices and in time the new arrangement, blenders will be responsible of a self-sufficient, sustainable, and efficiently the NSIA, it is just a matter of time before Nigeria for the farming season. for bulk of the activities in the fertiliser production operated market. becomes fully self-sufficient in agriculture and by To remove all doubts, the scheme has also suc- value chain such as transporting the raw materials, “NSIA is pleased with the government’s decision extension food production. 26 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ
Improving Maize Production Dike Onwuamaeze writes on efforts to boost maize production in the country he Bayer Nigeria Limited (BNL), a subsidiary of Bayer AG, Germany, is spearheading improved cultivation of maize in Nigeria with the introduction of products that are targeted at changing theT current narrative of maize farming in country from low yield to increased maize yield through the introduction of the Dekalb, the Lagon, the Decis and the Belt Expert. The BNL said the Dekalb is a quality hybrid maize seed and the Lagon, which is an innova- tive selective pre-emergence herbicide that is specifically designed for maize and cassava. The Lagon has a broad range of actions against grasses and broadleaves weed present in maize and cassava fields, with possible reactivation after drought. The BNL said that proper application of the Lagon could assure farmers of up to eight weeks weed control. The BNL also said the Decis has demonstrated proven efficacy in protecting crops from a broad range of insects for more than 30 years. It said: “There is no better choice for great yields and excellent quality as the Decis is a flexible and convenient pest management option.” In the same manner, the Belt Expert was described by the BNL as “an innovative and highly effective crop protection product with the most modern chemistry. The Belt Expert sustainablly controls a broad spectrum of chewing and sucking pests with extreme efficacy. It is a unique safe formulation for maximum protection and healthy, high-quality crops.” Apart from introducing good farming products with potential to deliver high yield into the Nigerian market, the BNL is also championing the Nigeria Maize Conference (NMC), which is its brainchild. The third edition of the annual conference was held virtually in Abuja, last month. The BNL’s effort to increase productivity in maize is boldly illustrated by the theme of this David Wangila, who commented on how maize participated in the recently concluded NMC, of their farms, hence the theme for this year’s year’s Nigeria Maize Conference (NMC) that productivity could be increased through good emphasised the importance of seeds in the conference. was captioned, “Much More Maize” (MMM) agronomic practises, stated that the BNL’s agricultural revolution of a nation. The President of the Maize Association of that is targeted at increasing maize yield for integrated maize portfolio and hybrid seeds Ojo stated that the development, production Nigeria (MAAN), Mr. Bello Abubakar Annur, Nigerian farmers. are the solutions. and dissemination of quality maize seeds amongst outlined the challenges facing the industry and The Managing Director of BNL, Mr. Sefihait Wangila said the hybrid seeds had the yield others is central to providing adequate response the efforts of the MAAN to tackle and overcome Kone, who commented on how the BNL intended potential of up to 10.9 tons per hectare and were to the many growing threats to food production these challenges. to address the maize production challenges in also tolerant to striga, leaf diseases, Maize Lethal from climate change to increasing drought and Annur stated that maize production declined Nigeria, explained that the Bayer has a suite Necrosis (MLN) and the maize streak virus. negative impacts of pest as well as the decreasing in 2020 from 12.6 million tons produced in 2019 of products which is called the Bayer “Much Similarly, the Agronomic Operations Manager gains in productivity. to 12.4 million tons, representing a 1.555 per cent More Maize” toolkit, specially put together (East, West and Central Africa) Field Solutions He pointed out that, “the growth of this sector reduction due to rainfall deficit and low-level to help farmers protect their crops and boost for Bayer, Mr. Joseph Kibaki, warned that whilst would be hampered without a proper structured cultivation of improved and drought tolerant productivity of their farms from the planting the hybrid seeds were tolerant to some of these seed system to support the industry.” maize varieties. phase through the harvesting stage. viruses, it would also be important to ensure The director general agreed with the BNL’s He said that the challenges facing maize Kone said: “We will show how these products, proper seed treatment in order to protect the theme for this year’s edition of the NMC which productivity and the inadequate supply of if used properly have the potential to increase potential of valuable seeds. was tagged “Much More Maize” because “much certified seeds in Nigeria were the catalysts the profitability of their farms which translates Kibaki specified how seed treatment could more maize is needed to feed the needs of our that spurred the BNL to conceive and gave to higher revenue for them. We hope that once target some relevant pests and highlighted the increasing global population.” birth to the NMC. all farmers imbibe these proper procedures, it importance of managing insect pests before they He, however, said that productivity had not Annur disclosed that Nigeria’s annual pro- will have a ripple effect on the economy and would destroy the maize yields. yet peaked in Nigeria when compared with ductivity of maize has been growing steadily increase the food sufficiency of the country.” He also highlighted the need for effective other countries. since 1999 when constitutional democracy was The NMC is an annual event that is organised weed control that would ensure that the weeds He said: “Averagely, in Nigeria the yield re-introduced in the country. by the BNL to bring together stakeholders in were not competing with the maize crop for potential of maize varieties ranges from 2.8-3.2Mt He said: “Our yearly national production the industry and proffer solutions towards scarce resources and nuitrents. for OPV, which is very low and unacceptable figure doubled between 1999 when the country maximising the yield of maize production in He stated that with, “proper implementation if we are to maximise productivity. returned to democracy and 2019. The figures Nigeria. of the Much More Maize portfolio and good “According to studies by the Dutch government- in the last five years are the highest ever. This The BNL said with over three million hectares agronomic practises, farmers could see results in funded seed roadmap, the OPV system in Nigeria streak of high production between 2014 and 2019 of maize grown annually at an estimated 15 as little as four weeks with appreciable growth is saturated, but of course the yields cannot has taken Nigeria to the second spot among million tons output, Nigeria is a big market of their maize crops along with an increase in ensure sustainability while the hybrid maize maize producers in Africa, behind South Africa, for arable crops. profitability.” has a seed gap of 90 per cent in 2020, which with an average of 12.9 million metric tons “However, there is still a gap in maize The Director General of the National Agri- is expected to increase if concerted efforts are per year; and then, Nigeria’s yearly average productivity in Nigeria compared to other cultural Seed Council, Dr. Olusegun Ojo, who not taken. was 10.8 tons. countries in Africa. “A decentralised seed quality assurance system “Nigeria’s production figures rose from 10.1 “The conference is pivotal to closing this gap has been proposed as one of the ways to mitigate tons in 2014 to 10.6 tons in 2015 and 11.6 tons by gathering insights, collaborating with key the seed gaps challenges in Nigeria.” in 2016. The country’s production figure rose maize stakeholders, and finding a meaningful The Country Sales Manager of the BNL, Mr. from 10.1 tons in 2014 to 10.6 tons in 2015 and and strategic path to enter the market and Nigeria is yet to reach its Temitope Banjo said, “Nigeria is yet to reach its 11.6 tons in 2016. In 2017, the figure fell to 10.4 communicate its innovations to the maize sub full potential in terms of maize productivity, for tons but leapt in 2018 to 11.0 tons, a figure sector,” it said. full potential in terms of example where a hectare of farmland in Egypt maintained in 2019. This year’s edition of the NMC was aimed maize productivity, for can yield up to 7 metric tonnes per hectare, a “However, maize production declined from at addressing the productivity gap of maize farm of the same size in Nigeria only produces 12.6 million tons in 2019 to 12.4 million tons in growers in Nigeria through innovative best example where a hectare around 1.8 metric tonnes per hectare which 2020, representing a 1.55 per cent reduction arising practices and adoption of quality inputs. of farmland in Egypt is one of the lowest among the top 10 maize from rainfall deficit (prolonged dry-spell) in the In his welcome address, the Country Cluster can yield up to 7 metric producers in Africa.” South-West and some parts of the South- East Commercial Lead for Bayer, Mr. Lauren Parez, He went on to say that even though Nigeria zones, flooding in some parts of the North-East said as a responsible and sustainable company, tonnes per hectare, a is presently the largest producer of maize in and North West zones and inadequate fertiliser the Bayers has decided to continue with its farm of the same size in Africa, the country is still not able to meet up application on maize farms.” efforts in West Africa and more particularly with its domestic and industrial needs for the He also highlighted some of the achievements in Nigeria to develop maize. Nigeria only produces crop. of the MAAN in tackling these challenges. Parez said the Bayer wished to promote around 1.8 metric tonnes He stated that the challenges with maize These achievements included the facilitation the culture of providing farmers with high- per hectare which is one production in Nigeria are mainly due to poor of access to mechanisation, capacity building performance products that would eradicate the agronomic factors and the use of bad seeds of its members on good agronomic practices environmental constraints in agricultural yields. of the lowest among the during planting and cultivation, and there is and the empowerment of more than one million The Market Development Regional Manager, top 10 maize producers a need to educate our farmers on how they farmers through the CBN Anchor Borrowers Bayer Crop Science in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. in Africa can increase the productivity and profitability programme. THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 27
Empowering MSMEs to Stimulate Economic Growth Though the new National Policy on MSMEs came with mouth-watering promises to reposition the sector and make the operators better prepared to compete favourably with their peers at the regional and global stages as well as create job opportunities, the faithful implementation of the framework by relevant agencies of government at both the federal and state levels will determine its success, writes James Emejo s pointed out by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, at the 27th edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ClinicA in Gombe State, creating opportunities for MSMEs is critical for increasing productivity, job creation as well as boosting the economy. She noted that the contribution of small businesses to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased to about 50 per cent and accounts for over 80 per cent eighty per cent of employment. Thus, they should be provided the enabling environment to thrive. Although the minister had assured that the federal government is not relenting on its efforts to partnering stakeholders across all sectors to ensure that MSMEs have the support they need to grow, the operators are still faced with a myriad of challenges which had limited the positive results expected from them as catalysts of growth. Further buttressing the constraints confront- ing the sector, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had December last year, called on government regulatory agencies to do more to improve the ease of doing business for small businesses rather than constitute bottlenecks to their smooth operations in the country. Though, he acknowledged the fact that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was working to remove obstacles Radda Katagum in the operation of small businesses, he added that, “We need to take a second look at the The federal government, also approved and business turnover, adding that experience He stressed that the performance and wellbeing way we regulate SMEs in the country.” for the split of micro enterprises into Nano/ from comparable countries, including India, of the enterprises are largely dependent on the The vice president, during inauguration of Homestead and Micro Enterprises. showed they have all shifted from using assets existence and implementation of a functional the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Giving reasons for the choice of turnover in classifying their MSMEs. national policy on MSMEs. (ACCI) Convention Center in Abuja, said govern- over asset base in identifying MSMEs, moving Radda, added that the company income tax Katagum, however, assured that said the ment policy and private sector investments forward, the SMEDAN DG, whose agency waiver/incentive for small businesses under approval by the Federal Executive Council in small businesses would go a long way in spearheaded the development of a new roadmap the Finance Act 2020 is also tied to turnover (FEC) of the MSMEs policy provided the determining the country’s economic trajectory. for the sector, fingered the rising inflation and and not asset base. framework to resolve the challenges faced Osinbajo, particularly maintained that busi- currency devaluation among others for the by the sub-sector. nesses cannot thrive if “government officials decision. Benefits of new policy The minister said the revised policy which considered small businesses as obstacles” adding He said: “Inflation and naira devaluation Essentially, the new national policy on MSMEs accommodates key changes that have occurred that government regulations must not constitute have eroded the asset levels set in 2007 when will facilitate the creation of a minimum of in the national and international socio-economic roadblocks to the growth of SMEs but rather the first national policy was approved. 41 million jobs within the next three years. scene, was a product of deep and wide con- serve as business facilitator going forward. “As a result, comparison of new investments Radda, also said framework will facilitate sultations with critical stakeholders across In the same vein, the Managing Director/ with the old becomes clumsy and mislead- an enabling environment for small businesses the country such as MSMEs operators, policy Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment ing – that’s not the case when comparing to function at maximal capacities as well as makers, academics/researches and development Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said there turnovers of the same time; certifying asset address grey areas in their operation, pointing partners, both local and international. are presently too many problems confronting values are more complex than determining out that the multiplier effect a healthy business But, as correctly observed by the minister, businesses in the country, especially MSMEs, turnover values.” environment will allow the MSMEs to boost it is purely through implementation of the which the government had continued to pay Under the new regime, MSMEs are further employment opportunities in the country. policy that MSMEs would be set on the path deaf ears to. categorised as nano, micro, small and medium He further explained that issues that border of sustainable growth and development. He said the menace of multiple taxation at enterprises. on compliance by small and growing businesses Yet, the big elephant in the room, has remained both the federal and states levels remained a The nano/homestead business units are and the need for more innovative funding the effective implementation of the policies by major source of concern to investors especially required to have one to two employees with windows had received significant attention in the government - an issue which has retarded start-ups. turnover of less than N3 million, while micro the revised policy blueprint which also initiated projected successes of several other blueprints in According to the former Director General, enterprises are required to employ three to 25 a symbiotic relationship and synergy among various sectors of governance and the economy Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry staff with turnover of N3 million to N25 million. all key MDAs with mandates that influence in particular. (ACCI): “When a new business starts and there Also, small enterprises are required to employ the performance of MSMES. As rightly alluded to by Radda, “there is are too many taxes coming on their heads, of between 10 to 40 staff with turnover of over He noted that the desire to consistently and no doubt that painstaking efforts have gone course, you don’t expect that business to grow. N25 million while medium enterprises are to sustainably realise the agency’s mandate and into the preparation of this document. “Many times, taxes or levies we’ve never have between 50 to 199 staff and turnover of ensure that MSMEs contribute significantly “Our desire that it should not turn out to be heard about will be imposed on businesses over N100 million before they can be qualified to the national GDP and economic growth, another document that will end up in the shelf that are just starting today or tomorrow.” as such. formed part of the several reasons SMEDAN is the reason we are using this opportunity to Even though the MSMEs sector had witnessed Among other things, Radda, said fintech and embarked on the review of the policy. reach out to every stakeholder at all levels.” unprecedented funding intervention by the other tech-driven companies have distorted He noted that the review had become “Implementation is very critical and we are government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the traditional relationship between asset base inevitable to address certain interventions, confident that every stakeholder will willingly and private sector in recent times, following initiatives and socio-economic issues both at execute assigned responsibilities as detailed in the devastating impact of the COVID-19 the national and global space with implications the Implementation Matrix.” pandemic, the Director-General, Small and on the operations of the MSMEs and large He said one principal area of action was the Medium Enterprises Development Agency of enterprises. active engagement of the states in implement- Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, Further expatiating on the framework, ing the policy “because we are aware that the believed that the stringent requirements put As a result, comparison SMEDAN boss said: “You know initially we practitioners and stakeholders are residents in place by commercial banks as well as high had the definition of MSMEs based on asset in the states.” interest rates had made it difficult for small of new investments and labour. But now because it’s no more “Consequently, we are pushing the states to businesses to meet most of the requirements with the old becomes visible – you will see a one-man business but set up State Implementation Committees and for proper financing. has a turnover of about N100 million or N1 to revive moribund committees in the where It is against the backdrop of these constraints clumsy and misleading – billion. So we are classifying it now based on they have been inaugurated but not active. to the development of small businesses that that’s not the case when the turnover as well as the number of people “In the past few months, we have inaugurated the emergence of the much-awaited National comparing turnovers employed.” State Implementation or State Council on Policy on MSMEs (2021-2025), ushers in tre- He pointed out that SMEDAN remains the MSMEs in Kwara, Osun, Benue, Jigawa and mendous hope and opportunities to reset the of the same time; custodian of the policy on MSMEs, stressing Abia States. This is addition to the 17 State sector towards playing its important role in certifying asset values that the SMEs policy was first developed in Committees that were already in existence. national development. 2006, with the support of the UNDP and other “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to According to Radda, the revised framework are more complex than development partners. States that are yet to inaugurate their Com- will ensure that small businesses are henceforth determining turnover He added that the policy had been due for mittees to do so within a reasonable time to recognised by their turnover rather than asset values a review in order to reflect new realities after enable seamless implementation of the newly base. it was altered in 2010 and later in 2018. revised policy.” 28 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ
BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE Taxation of Digital Economy in Re: CBN and Corporate Cover Up Nigeria, Need for Certainty Paul Nwabufo I was filled with apprehension and anxiety Tayo Ogungbenro when I saw the above online publication in the Guardian Newspaper of 3rd May 2021, written Digital economy no longer needs introduction. by Geoff Iyatse (Assistant Business Editor). We will therefore not be spending time trying to I was apprehensive because I thought that define neither the term, scope nor coverage. But a massive fraud perpetrated by the Central its pervasiveness and disruption of established Bank of Nigeria had been uncovered. I was also business norm is no more demonstrated by the anxious because of the magnitude of damage recent valuation of Paystack, a fintech company such exposure would cause the financial system in Nigeria, with less than ten-year track record. and the economy. Stripes, a US-based major investor in the payment The opening paragraph of the write-up actually technology industry recently paid a whooping heightened my apprehension and anxiety, see: US$200m (approximately N76 billion at current ‘Until last week, many Nigerians without insider official exchange rate) to acquire the company. knowledge of what goes behind the banking The value of a relatively unknown company halls thought the country could count on a set up by young graduates was more than the stable financial system as it pulls through the combined net asset value of at least three non-first battered economy’. In the next paragraph, I was tier banks in Nigeria, each of which has been in expecting a bombshell of dirt dug up by this existence for more than three decades. ‘investigative journalist’ only to be confronted signal to the market on the stability of the board Digital economy is literally displacing the by his confusion and pedestrianism: ‘Sadly, the and management and it is in the light of the brick and mortal forms of business all over the Central Bank EXPOSED (emphasis mine) what foregoing that the CBN queried the board of world. Uber is shutting down yellow cab taxi will be liable to tax in respect of profit derived has become clandestine affairs (sic) between it and directors on the unfortunate developments at drivers in Lagos. The traditional media houses from the SEP activities in Nigeria as clearly noted the country’s topmost old generation financial the bank.” are competing for space within the social media in each of the criteria above. The major issue institution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited’. He went further to state the various measures channel. is how to determine the revenue that will be So, it was actually the central bank that ‘ex- taken by the regulator to stabilise the bank The telecommunication companies (telcos) have deemed to be derived in Nigeria. Even if we posed’ itself and not the result of any painstaking as follows: been granted a form of banking licence by the assume that this is determinable, the other issue investigation? Why on earth should a business I. Change of Management team under CBN’s Central Bank of Nigeria. The major reason why is the determination of tax-deductible expense. writer describe the relationship between a regula- supervision with the appointment of a new the telcos have not displaced the banks is due to CITA requires tax-deductible expense to be tor and a deposit money bank as ‘clandestine Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer in the limitation in the scope of what the telcos are those wholly, reasonably, exclusively and neces- affair?’ I’m wondering; is this a business editor’s January, 2016. permitted to do. Nevertheless, the fact that the sarily incurred for the purpose of generating the language or that of a junk news reporter? Isn’t II. Grant of regulatory forbearance access to telcos outlets in cash dispensing far exceeds the taxable income. It is however difficult, if not the central bank the regulator of the financial enable the bank work out its non performing ATM machines and available in remotest part of impracticable, for the NRCs to determine with system in any economy? Isn’t the maintenance loans through provision for write-off of at least Nigeria is a wake up call that banking in Nigeria reasonable degree of certainty, the portion of their of financial stability a core function of CBN? Is N150bn from its earnings for four consecutive will no longer be the same. expense incurred across international boundaries this major role lost on this writer to the extent years The Nigeria tax system however lacks a coherent that will perfectly meet these conditions. Thus, if of describing the relationship of CBN and a III. Grant of concession to insider borrower to system of taxation for the players in the digital it is difficult to determine both the taxable income bank in such vulgar language? restructure their non performing credit facilities economy. It is still rooted in the past seeking for and tax-deductible expense, the resulting taxable As you read along, you’ll further discover his under very stringent conditions the traditional ways of tracking income derived, profit will always be a subject of controversy obvious bias when he out rightly impugned the IV. Renewal of the forbearances on a yearly earned, received or brought into Nigeria. with the tax authority. maturity, wisdom and integrity of the central basis between 2016 and 2020 following thorough The common factor about each of the basis for In the remaining part of this article, we have bank with this closing sentence in the paragraph; monitoring of progress towards exiting from identifying a taxable income for companies in analyzed some of the challenges of determining ‘...... which raises a question on the genuineness the forbearance measures. Nigeria is ability to identify a particular place or each of these variables – taxable income and tax- and sincerity of the intention of the Regulator’. With all these pieces of information at the trajectory of where an income is earned within deductible expense. In order to avoid unnecessary What was the issue that led to all the brick- fingertips of this editor, you begin to wonder the geographical space of Nigeria. This is where controversy where one may be tempted to focus bat? According to him, ‘ the Bank (First Bank) the exact purpose of the write-up. Was it to give digital economy escapes from tax net of the country. on the messenger rather than the message, we rejigged the board with Gbenga Shobo who the central bank a bad name or give balanced The situation in Nigeria is extremely critical. The will avoid mentioning any of the affected players was the Deputy Managing Director elevated information as it relates to the issue at hand? tax laws, sadly, do not guarantee certainty in tax in the digital economy space whilst illustrating to the position of Managing Director and Chief He acknowledges that First Bank is a payable by the companies. The problem ranges the issue with real life situation. Executive Officer’. He agreed that this appoint- ‘systemic important bank’ but fails woefully from identification of the particular legal entity that Our first example relates to an NRC digital ment among others were ‘awaiting regulatory to connect the actions of the central bank to the should account for the tax, to the determination player develops and sells an Enterprise Resource approval’ and that it was made contrary ‘to an preservation of the healthy status of the bank of the taxable income, tax-deductible expense, Planning (ERP) software to multinational enterprises existing understanding between the board and knowing that doing otherwise would affect the documents and information required to be filed (MNEs) operating across multiple jurisdictions. the Central Bank of Nigeria’. whole financial system. Isn’t he aware that for tax purpose, among others. Usually, the agreement will be concluded and Without giving any serious thought to this since the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, signed with one legal entity within the group and position, he continued his deprecatory remarks every financial system throughout the world is Concept of Significant Economic Presence the software deployed to all operating companies thus: ‘For years, the Central Bank of Nigeria in taking robust measures to avoid bank failures Earlier this year, the Minister for Finance, Budget in different jurisdictions. In practice, the operating a fashion typical of a civil society organisation of any type particularly those in the class of and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, companies will usually pay their respective share exchanged memos with an institution it has ‘systemic important banks?’ tried to address the problem by issuing Regulations of the expenditure to the contracting company regulatory oversight over but was either too timid Perhaps the editor does not fully comprehend (Companies Income Tax (Significant Economic within the group for onward remittance to the to invoke relevant provisions of the law or too the regulatory role of the CBN as stipulated in Presence) Order 2020) that will define the basis ERP software developer. partisan to act as expected’. ‘Act as expected’ by the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act that will make some of the non-resident companies Currently, there are few Nigeria headquartered who?’. So, beyond being ‘civil’ by ‘exchanging 2020. If he did, he would have appreciated the operating within the digital economy space to MNEs in this situation. Whilst the operating memos’, you expected them to use armed men effort of the CBN in following due process in be deemed to be deriving income from Nigeria. subsidiaries in Nigeria use the ERP, all the operating to ‘scatter’ the place? Arrest everyone and lock firstly bailing out a systemic important bank as The regulations moved away from the traditional companies outside Nigeria also use it for their up the place so they won’t be seen to be ‘too well as checkmating the impending boardroom permanent establishment or fixed base concept to respective businesses in the host country. Thus, timid’ or ‘too partisan?’. imbroglio that would have caused chaos in the economic substance. It sets various digital criteria the benefits of the expenditure extend beyond He continues; ‘this raises the question as banking system. by which such companies would be deemed to the shores of the country. However, to the extent to how many other regulatory breaches the have Significant Economic Presence (SEP) and that the payment is made from Nigeria, such central bank is covering up and how many Indeed, no regulator of any financial system in therefore liable to tax on income derived in Nigeria transaction will be assumed by the Nigeria tax more years the regulator would have looked the world would sit back and watch the board from such activities. authority and other regulators to be derived in the other way while the financial system was of a bank run the affairs of the bank without Specifically, the Order provides that a foreign the country. subjected to systemic risks supposing the board check, nor will it allow a Shareholder who will company shall have a SEP in Nigeria in any In another instance, an NRC digital player has continues to pander to the undeclared interest not subject him/herself to regulatory control accounting year, where it a. derives N25.0million facility for advertisement. The process is simply of the Regulator’. and authority to remain a director of any bank. (approximately $65,000) annual gross turnover to place advert on their platform and make the Meanwhile, the Central Bank Governor had Why then should one make light of the or its equivalent in other currencies from any or information available to targeted and potential in his press release of 29th April 2021 titled, enormous contributions of men and women combination of the following digital activities: customers spread all over the world. When an ‘Governor’s Statement on the Purported at the Central Bank who work tirelessly to i. Streaming or downloading services of digital MNE does this with a digital player, the company Management Change at First Bank of Nigeria ensure systemic and financial stability? Criticism, contents, including but not limited to movies, is able to reap the benefit of increased patronage Limited,’(copy must be with this editor), clearly particularly of an institution like the Central videos, music, applications, games and e-books across multiple jurisdictions especially where it has explained and stated the reasons why the regulator Bank must be made of sterner stuff. The least to any person in Nigeria; or operating companies that can provide the service. had to intervene by reinstating the erstwhile we should do is to use opportunities available ii. Transmission of data collected about Nigerian Similar to above, the Nigeria’s tax authority will Managing Director, he said amongst other things, to us to put down people and institution doing users which has been generated from such users’ deem the expenditure as an income derived by ‘Ordinarily, the board is vested with author- everything possible to protect the banking system, activities on a digital interface including website digital service provider from the country and ity to make changes in the management team the financial system as well as the entire economy. or mobile applications; or therefore subject it to tax therein. subject to CBN approval. However, the CBN In the instant case, the central bank has iii. Provision of goods or services other than those considers itself a key stakeholder in management disclosed that its various interventions and under sub-paragraph 5 of the Order, directly or changes involving FBN due to the forbearances windows created since 2016 at the commercial indirectly through a digital platform to Nigeria; or t0HVOHCFOSP JT B QBSUOFS JO UIF 5BY and close monitoring by the bank over the last bank are paying off, particularly with the col- iv. Provision of intermediation services through a 3FHVMBUPSZ 1FPQMF 4FSWJDFT %JWJTJPO PG five years aimed at stemming the slide in the laboration and understanding of the reinstated digital platform, website or other online applications ,1.( "EWJTPSZ 4FSWJDFT JO /JHFSJB )JT going concern status of the bank. Managing Director and the board. Fruits of that link suppliers and customers in Nigeria. BSFB PG TQFDJBMJTBUJPO JODMVEFT UBYBUJPO PG “It was therefore surprising for the CBN to intervention activities everywhere in the world However, this is where certainty in respect QMBZFSTJOUIFEJHJUBMFDPOPNZ)FJTBMTP learn through media reports that the board of take time to fully mature. First Bank with the of taxation of the players in this economy ends BDLOPXMFEHJOHUIFDPOUSJCVUJPOTPG"LJOXBMF directors of FBN, a systemically important bank regulatory direction of the Central Bank of under the current tax legislation and regulations "MBP &MJ[BCFUI0MBHIFSFBOE7JDUPS"EFHJUF under regulatory forbearance regime had effected Nigeria is moving in the right direction so, as explained further below. sweeping changes in executive management why try to upset the applecart? without engagement and/or prior notice to the Uncertainty in taxation still holds sway NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the regulatory authorities. t/XBCVGP BmOBODJBMBOEQVCMJDBGGBJST The affected Non-Resident Companies (NRCs) online edition on www.thisdaylive.com “The action of the board of FBN sends negative BOBMZTU XSPUFJOGSPN"CVKB WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 29 30 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 •THISDAY WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 31 32 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ
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L-R: Coordinator-General, Enugu Youth Forum (EYF), Comrade Onyeabochukwu Christian; Chairman of L-R: Fashion and brand Influencer, Akin Faminu; Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Aishat Anaekwe; Senior the All Progressive Congress and Patron EYF, Dr Ben Nwoye; and Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Media and Brand PR Manager, Sandra Amachree and Media Personality, Olisa Adibua at the Heineken Fashion Commission, Chief Chidi Ekwe, during EYF Summit in Enugu...recently Party, during the just concluded Heineken Lagos Fashion Week in Lagos...recently
L-R: Treasurer, Nigeria School Sport Federation; Dr Obafunsho Usman; Winner Best Athlete Junior Boys Category L-R: Mr. Bode Olubiyi; Dr. Timi Olubiyi; Senator for Lagos West, Senator Olamilekan Yayi Adeola; Mr. Niyi Okon Moses; and Brand Manager, Maltina, Nigerian Breweries Plc Chiamaka Efulu at the Maltina School Games Oyetayo and Mr Tobi Olubiyi, during the one year remembrance service for Late Chief Sehindemi Awe Olubiyi 2020 Prize Giving Event in Lagos…recently at Vaults and Garden Cemetery, Ikoyi Lagos...recently
L-R: Daughter of Bashorun Asika Ogoeh/Managing Director oF DESOPADEC, Winefred Asika Ogie, and President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Ikechukwu Nnamani (right), presenting Representative of Rivers State governor and the Commissioner for Information, Rivers State, Paulinus a plaque to the Group Managing Director/CEO of VDT Communications Limited, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, during a Nsirim, during the presentation of the Year Infrastructure Award to Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Governor of Rivers courtesy visit of ATCON’ national executive council representative to VDT Communications in Lagos...recently State, at the Independent Awards 2020 in Lagos...recently
L-R: Groom’s father, Mr. Oludele Adeogun; bride’s mother, Pastor Mrs. Modupe Gbadegesin; newly wedded couple, Pastor Samuel Adedapo Adeogun; his wife, Pastor Mrs. Lydia Doyinfunmi Adeogun; bride’s father, L-R: Comfort Alalade, Akunna Okechukwu; Public Relations Manager, GOtv Nigeria, Jennifer Ukoh and another Pastor Dr. Jide Gbadegesin; and groom’s mother, Mrs. Esther Adeogun, during the wedding of their children at finalist, Faith Mac during the Nigerian Idol Top 11 Meet & Greet at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos...recently the Christway International Church, Ile-Ife, Osun State...recently THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 33
L-R: Director, Legal Services Department, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Yvonne Odu- Thomas; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Mr Edet Akpan; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; and Chairman, Ministerial Technical Committee on Job Creation L-R: Chief of Staff to the Kogi state Governor, Phamacist Abdulkarim Asuku; Initiator, Eradication of malaria in Nigeria, Dr Ekanem Udoh, during the presentation of the Technical Committee Report on Job Creation to in Africa, Prince Ned Nwoko; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; and Welfare Manager, Ned Nwoko Malaria the Minister in Abuja...recently Eradication Project, Ms Nora Okolo after a collaboration meeting in Abuja...recently
L-R:Commandant of Army War College, Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa; Former Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulraman Dambazau; and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and , during the Muslims shopping for Eld el-Fitri celebration at Balogun Market, Lagos....recently Groundbreaking of Army War College Nigeria residential quarters in Abuja...recently
L-R: Representative of the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mr Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (right) presenting letter of permanent and pensionable Chuks Ngah and Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Suleja Area Command in Niger appointment to KHADIJA UMAR YAKUBU, a temporary worker at Local Government primary Health Care Unit State, Prince Mohammed Abubakar, during the visit of the PCRCs delegation to the Director-General’s Office who sustained injury as a result of motor accident which led to the amputation of her two legs, during the May in Abuja...recently Day celebration in Kano...recently
L-R: Chairman, Special Visitation Panel on the appointment of the 9th Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Bamitale Omole presenting the report of the panel to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. A scene of a derailed train loaded with water pipes at Unguwan Kanawa by Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna... Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Lagos House, Ikeja...recently recently 34 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ EDUCATION Learn at Home: Eliminating Odds against Continuous Learning with Tech As schools struggle to recover lost ground and regularise their academic calendars after the disruption caused by COVID-19, Uchechukwu Nnaike highlights the initiatives by Data Science Nigeria, and other bodies to provide access to online learning for all children, so as to fill the void created by the prolonged schools closure
ducation witnessed an unprecedented disruption across the world for the better part of 2020, as schools were shut for more than six months to check the spread of COVID-19, Ewhich ravaged the world. However, learning did not come to a complete stop in advanced countries as it did in most developing countries like Nigeria. According to 2020 data from UNESCO, nearly 40 million primary and secondary students in Nigeria were affected by the school closures, including those in internally displaced camps. For many of these school children, particularly those in disadvantaged rural communities, learning came to a complete halt. The closure of schools ushered educa- tors into the era of new normal, teachers quickly adapted to the use of technology; they used devises at their disposal to ensure that learning never stops for their students, but not for children in remote areas who could not afford the devises, who didn’t have electricity and have no access to data to take advantage of the online learning. In fact, many of them reside in distant communities where fast 4G networks, which the prominent platforms recommend for smooth usage, is largely inaccessible. Learning never stops with technology For some who have the devises, constant purchase of data became a problem, as many support, where they receive educational have equal, convenient, and affordable access the Project Zero initiative, a programme parents lost their sources of income and materials on key subjects, based on the to quality learning.” designed to identify, track and bring back could not afford data. So, most students Nigerian Educational Research and Develop- Speaking on the initiative, the Executive out of school and not in school children back missed out of the online intervention. ment (NERDC) curriculum for primary and Director of Data Science Nigeria, Toyin to school. The project helps to provide school To eliminate these barriers and provide free, secondary school students. Adekanmbi described it as “a creative and uniform, socks, writing materials and school online and unlimited learning access to more On the platform, pupils and students from innovative approach to democratize learning bags to pupils at the verge of dropping out than 100 million Nigerian youths, Data Science primary one to senior secondary three (SS3) in Nigeria and provide an effective solution of school, due to socio-economic reasons. Nigeria, in collaboration with MasterCard will gain access to a special examination to the challenge of unequal distribution of “The initiative, as well as other aggressive Foundation recently launched a first of its readiness series that include a collection learning and education opportunities in sensitization and advocacy programmes kind audio e-learning platform (www.lear- of solved past questions in WAEC, NECO, rural and urban in collaboration with the School Based nathome.radio) to provide curriculum-based BECE and Common Entrance from 2009 to communities.” Management Committee, has so far helped educational aid and resources for pupils 2020. Expert teachers have been engaged to She said: “The Learn at Home audio e- to bring back over 14,000 (and counting) and students from primary one to senior provide answers and explanations to the learning initiative will build on the clear of the pupils back into school. The first secondary three (SS3). past questions in a step-by-step and easy- successes we recorded in Phase of Project Zero was fully supported Some unique features of the platform to-understandformat, with complementary the quest to ensure ongoing learning for by corporate bodies, non governmental include that it functions in line with the live classes that enable each student to learn children during the pandemic restrictions, organisations, education enthusiasts and national mobile phone penetration and at a preferred pace irrespective of location particularly those who are economically many well meaning individuals.” basic feature phone requirements. It can and socio-economic conditions. disadvantaged, through our audio classes A teacher, who pleaded anonymity, said be activated on mobile phones operating Besides the examination preparation series, in several cities in Nigeria. the learn at home radio will help people on the EDGE or 2G network and low data. www.learnathome.radio features a wide Describing the initiative as a welcomed who could not return to school after the The organisation also partnered MTN, one variety of content, including amazing global development, the Chairman, Lagos State pandemic to learn on the go. of the youth-friendly service providers to facts, inspirational quotes, current affairs, Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), “Some girls in secondary schools were provide free access to the platform. With common errors in the English Language, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King said children married off, some became pregnant, while this, it said children in rural and remote and much more. need all the support they can get to help others started their own businesses and saw communities can learn from the highest Some of the youths who could not return to bridge the learning loss that has occurred no need to return to school. This learn at quality teachers at their own pace and prepare school after the pandemic for reasons beyond as a result of the pandemic. “The govern- home radio will help those of them that for important examinations with the best their control, and still desire to learn, can ment has embraced blended learning and still have the desire to learn. They can learn resources and educational aids developed also take advantage of the plaform to stay we are excited to have other well-meaning at there own pace, and who knows, may based on the approved curriculum informed, pending when they can return organisations support towards the collective decide to return to school and complete their The platform is a continuum of Data Sci- to school. goal that every child has sufficient access secondary education.” ence Nigeria’s successful ‘Learn at Home’ According to the Country Head, Mastercard to quality education”, he added. One of the parents already taking advantage initiative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, Chidinma Lawanson, According to him, upon resumption after of the platform, Mr. Nwachukwu, lauded Foundation, that provided learning to mil- “the disruption of the pandemic did not only the statewide closure of schools as a result it as a breakthrough innovation. “Before, lions of Nigerian pupils amid the COVID-19 halt learning for many, but also revealed of COVID-19, over 21,000 of primary school platforms like this one were usually only for disruptive restrictions. and exacerbated existing inequalities in pupils did not return back to school due to those who could afford expensive laptops or Already, more than four million students learning opportunities. The purpose of www. various impacts of the pandemic. smartphones and daily internet subscriptions. have joined audio classes with USSD/SMS learnathome.radio is to ensure that children “In reaction to this, LASUBEB launched Now, everychild, every where can learn.” FUPRE to be Among 400 Best Varsities Globally by 2025, Says VC
Sylvester Idowu in Warri mark his first year in office as benchmarks for qualification in year to include construction are on to complete the College become innovative hub, with vice-chancellor of the institution. Times Higher Education World of 1,500 capacity convocation of Science Phase II and the 750 huge investment in ICT infra- The Vice-Chancellor, Federal To achieve the vision, he University Ranking, which is arena- phase I; procurement capacity students hostel. structure and development of University of Petroleum Re- disclosed that the best world to have published at least over and installation of laboratory “The construction and furnish- networking capabilities required sources (FUPRE), Effurun, university ranking organisation, 1,000 articles in Scopus indexed equipment for Marine Engineer- ing of Administrative Building; for building a community of Delta State, Professor Akpofure Times Higher Education, has journals in the last five years ing; completion of university the construction and furnishing solution providers. Rim-Rukeh, has said the vision been selected for FUPRE at anytime, covering different electrification works. of 500 capacity students hostel He commended the principal of his administration is to make University ranking, adding that subject areas, have been taken Others, he said included through the intervention of officers of the institution for their the specialised university to be the requirements of the Times care of. general electrification and external the Tertiary Education Trust continuous support and sacrifice; among the best 400 universities Higher Education are being To further position the uni- beautification/car park for the Fund (nearly completed) and for always standing strong even in global ranking in the next thoroughly studied and the versity for the world ranking, blocks of classrooms and offices; construction and furnishing of in the face of difficulties, while four years. key areas of assessment being Rim-Rukeh, listed some of construction of standard basketball University Library complex.” thanking the staff and students Rim-Rukeh, made this known addressed. the projects his administration court and construction of standard Rim-Rukeh stated that the for inspiring them to deliver while briefing journalists to According to him, one of the had initiated for the past one lawn tennis court, while efforts ICT under his leadership has quality service. THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 35 EDUCATION Visitation Panel Solicits Support of UNN Nigeria Debuts Locally Community, Calls for Memoranda Made Plagiarism Uchechukwu Nnaike to, among others, address The federal government financial management of each the challenges facing public had constituted visitation institution, including statutory university education in the panels to all federal tertiary allocations and internally Software Members of the University country, in order to proffer institutions and they were generated revenue over the of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Kuni Tyessi in Abuja According to Bogoro, the fund community have been called solutions to them. inaugurated by the Minister recommended period and upon to take advantage of the She therefore urged all of Education, Mallam Adamu determine whether it was in is not only committed to the Federal Government’s Visita- relevant stakeholders of Adamu on Monday and compliance with appropriate Days of fraudulent acts of initiative, but has effectively UNN to play their parts in Tuesday, April 12 and 13, 2021, regulations plagiarism might have come promised and proceeded to tion Panel to the institution by ensuring that the objectives at the National Universities Others are: To investigate submitting their memoranda of the exercise are achieved. Commission (NUC), Abuja. the applications of funds, to an end in the nation’s ivory make funding commitment and participating, actively in The panel is to review Given 60 days to submit their particularly the special grants towers as Nigeria has launched towards the project. the process for the university’s the performance of each reports, covering 2011 to 2015 and loans meant for specific a homegrown plagiarism de- “TETFund recently realised overall future development. tection software code named the need for software on anti- Chairman of the panel and institution and advise the and 2016 to 2020, their terms projects in order to determine former Vice-Chancellor of the federal government in the of reference are: To inquire into the status of such projects and EagleScan. plagiarism for the National University of Abuja, Professor areas of governance, academic the level of implementation their relevance for further fund- The cost of development, Research Fund, we are also standards, quality assurance, of the white paper on the ing; to examine the adequacy of working on a software to Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, management of finances, last visitation report; to look the staff and staff development deployment, maintenance and who said this in a statement relationships between manage- into the leadership quality of programmes of each university; marketing of the software over package the impact of research, signed by the Secretary, Mrs. ment, staff and students, as each university in terms of the to determine the relationship the next three years is projected but in respect of plagiarism, Bukola Olatunji, described the at a total of N251,298,000. we are happy to work with visitation as a very important well as conditions of physical roles of governing council, the between the university and assignment, which promises infrastructure and instructional vice-chancellors and other prin- the various statutory bodies Launching the software the CVC. facilities, among others. cipal officers; to look into the it interacts with, according in Abuja, the Vice-President, “We are convinced of deep- to its Law for the purposes Prof. Yemi Osinbajo stated ened content of academic en- of supervision, planning, finance, discipline, guidance that plagiarism is a form of gagement particularly research. and any other relationship (i.e. corruption, describing the The idea of operations must governing council, NUC and act as stealing of intellectual stop, hence the establishement of Federal Ministry of Education); properties of others without the Research and Development to examine the Law establish- acknowledgements. Committee,” Bogoro added. ing the University, including Osinbajo, who was rep- The Secretary General of the the relationship between the various internal organs, units resented by the Executive Committee of Vice-Chancellors, and offices and indicate the Secretary of the National Prof. Yakubu Ochefu said ways the Law has been Universities Commission (NUC), “the cost of development, observed by the competent Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, said it deployment, maintenance and authorities and also suggest is an initiative that announces marketing of the software over any modifications to the Law. the zero tolerance for plagiarism. the next three years, is projected The visitation panel is also expected to trace the historical According to him, the federal at a total of N251,298,000. evolution of the university and government is fully committed “A substantial part of this take stock of its net achieve- to supporting all initiatives cost is for licensing closed user ments and problems, as well that will continue to build databases and repositories. For as its style and direction; to and enhance the integrity of now, CVC Secretariat is hosting examine the general security higher institutions. the secretariat for the Eagle Scan in the university and how the university has dealt with it “Let me also say that the Technical Team.” and recommend appropriate government will give all The main features of the measures; and to examine that is needed to ensure that software include, Plagiarism the process and structures anti-plagiarism measures are Checker, Peer Review, Docu- of discipline of students in instituted across the country,” ment Comparison, Grammar each university, in line with Osinbajo added. Checker, Similarity Index, due process of the rule of law. The Executive Secretary of Grade Mark, Local and foreign Other members of the UNN Panel are: Professor Prekeyi the Tertiary Education Trust Language Support/Converter, Tawari-Fufeyin; Alhaji Jimoh Fund (TETFund), Prof. Elias Local/Global Repository, Title/ Ayinla Bankole; Professor Dan- Bogoro, said the fund in respect Abstract Validation, LMS In- ladi Slim Matawal; Professor to plagiarism is delighted to tegration, Report Download, Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo; work with the Committee of User Account Management, Prof Gambo Laraba Abdullahi and Barr Abdul Ibrahim Radda. Vice-Chancellors (CVC). and Self-Archival Interface. Foreshore School Boss Gombe Gov Hosts FUK Management, Visitation Commends Pupils, Teachers Panel, Pledges Support for Success in Cambridge Segun Awofadeji in Gombe that the institution does not versity to have a link with the management of the university only provide tertiary education Leventis Foundation in Tumu for and to intimate the governor Checkpoint Exam Gombe State Governor, Muham- to the people of the state, but its sugar research programme, the on the vision of the new team madu Yahaya has promised that also employment to its citizens. governor said the initiative was going forward. Funmi Ogundare the outlook for Africa was his administration will continue He said the presence of the in line with his administration’s This vision as explained by tremendously bleak, especially to work in partnership with the university in Gombe has helped Agricultural Entrepreneurship Pate is to develop the university The Director of the Foreshore for its most populous nation, Federal University of Kashere in reducing the risk attached Training Centre, adding that the and to consolidate on past School, Ikoyi, Ms. Oyindamola Nigeria. Fear and caution then (FUK), so that the institution can to distant travels in search of State government will look at the achievements in the institution, Egbeyemi has congratulated the became watchwords for most keep providing quality education tertiary education and has best way possible to collaborate saying that anything less will not teachers, parents and year six of the past year. Educators for the people of the state. ultimately provided less financial for optimal results. be accepted by his leadership. pupils for the feat achieved were inevitably in the same He stated this recently, when obligations on parents who will He said despite the paucity Also speaking, the Chairman, at the Cambridge Checkpoint dire state of confusion that all he granted audience to the joint rather patronise the institution of funds being experienced by Presidential Visitation Panel to Examinations, conducted in organisation leaders had to delegation of FUK management than send their children far away the state, in the midst of many FUK, Dr. Mac John Nwobiala April. forcibly go through.” and the Presidential Visitation to acquire university education. demands, his administration said the six-man panel will ap- She said taking the examina- She said despite the chal- Panel to the university, led by the On some of the challenges will remain resolute towards praise the performance of the tions was a significant achieve- lenges, the school had to brace Vice-Chancellor, Professor Umar confronting the university, Yahaya supporting the university, as institution in terms of leadership ment to the school because of up to maintain standards, fill Pate, at the Council Chamber of assured the management of the what goes into the institution qualities of the vice-chancellor, the creativity, innovation and gaps, rebuild and sustain rela- the Government House. institution that his administration will eventually trickle down to principal officers and governing teamwork that was applied to tionships among its stakeholders The governor assured the will do everything necessary to the people of the state. councils with a view to ascertain- ensure that the pupils were so as to survive and thrive. visitors that the state govern- ensure that the institution is In his remarks, Professor ing the extent to which they have ready and confident enough “This was the mindset ment under his leadership allocated additional land for Umaru Pate said they were fulfilled their mandate for public to write the examinations. and driving force during the will continue to support the expansion. at the Government House to good during the period under Egbeyemi, who said this in pandemic, and the momentum university based on the fact On the request by the uni- officially introduce the new review spanning 10 years. a release made available to has been sustained now that we THISDAY, recalled the challenges are recovering from it.” faced by the school occasioned The director expressed excite- by the COVID-19 pandemic. ment about the school resuming NDDC Donates Multi Million Naira Science According to her, “at The physically, with a hybrid learning Foreshore School, the challenges option available for families Equipment to 46 Secondary Schools in Niger Delta were dire and the state of confu- who prefer their children to sion was so immense that the learn from home, adding that Sylvester Idowu in Warri the Niger Delta Region, Ef- the interest of young minds in “The relevance of science core of the school’s existence, children are happy to be back furun near Warri, Delta State, the study of sciences. education to our lives and its which is a family values-based and interact with their friends The Niger Delta Development the Interim Administrator of He said the NDDC rec- capacity to apply vital life skills system, was threatened on and teachers. Commission (NDDC) has NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa said ognises that the youths are to everyday activities indeed, multiple occasions. This was a Egbeyemi also recalled the donated science equipment the commission was donating the future leaders and key cannot be over emphasised. true test of trust, resilience and conversations around education to some selected schools in the equipment to 46 schools players in the regional growth That is why we must equip the strength of the foundation during the pandemic, saying the Niger Delta region. across the region, adding that strategies, adding that there our laboratories with modern that was laid when the school that everyone simply needed to During the flag-off of the the goal of the commission is should be efforts to ensure science equipment. That is why was established 14 years ago. do what they thought was the donation/distribution of es- to facilitate effective teaching that the Niger Delta Region we must promote the teaching “At the beginning of the best that they could, in order sential science equipment to and learning of science subjects reaps adequate reward from and learning of science subjects pandemic in March 2020, to survive. selected secondary schools in in order to stimulate and foster its natural riches. in schools,” he added. 36 WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021 ˾THISDAY MARKET NEWS
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 10- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the May-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 N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 3.80% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.75 2.81 19.70% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.16% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 148.18 148.61 -4.66% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.35 3.51 -5.56% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.21 1.25 28.13% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.98% Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 1.31% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 127.56 129.03 -4.10% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 0.00% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -21.24% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,133.02 1,133.02 2.61% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.00 19.57 4.76% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.65 10.72 1.84% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 413.94 426.42 3.39% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.89% ARM Ethical Fund 36.87 37.98 9.36% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -11.49% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.96 -14.54% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.95% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Balanced Fund 1.62 1.64 7.36% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.39 12.45 2.13% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.22% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.03 104.03 2.28% PACAM Equity Fund 1.56 1.57 -1.22% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.50 112.01 0.46% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 129.31 131.51 5.43% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -26.90% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 2.49% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.17 2.21 -8.27% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,132.86 3,157.64 -2.59% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 229.01 229.01 1.85% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.17 1.19 0.00% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 300.18 300.18 1.87% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 214.45 217.06 -1.87% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.36% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.29% Paramount Equity Fund 15.82 16.10 -1.12% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,168.83 10,296.56 -3.18% Women's Investment Fund 131.54 132.92 -1.21% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 1.99% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.46 113.46 2.14% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 100.84 100.84 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.89% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 113.93 114.63 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 -2.12% United Capital Bond Fund 1.93 1.93 2.23% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.36 106.36 United Capital Equity Fund 0.89 0.91 2.69% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.38% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.20 120.20 2.66% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.73% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 -0.57% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 -3.29% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.04 1.04 4.20% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.34 1.34 -15.28% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.03 12.13 1.37% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.18% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.32 13.43 9.00% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.80% Zenith Income Fund 24.33 24.33 1.43% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,158.41 1,164.90 -3.32% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.07% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,364.24 1,364.24 8.69% SFS REIT 122.84 1.74% FBN Balanced Fund 184.80 186.06 -1.54% Union Homes REIT 53.12 1.37% FBN Halal Fund 109.27 109.27 3.98% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.18% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn -- -Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.49 12.59 -5.49% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.61 124.61 3.29% SIAML Pension ETF 40 123.31 123.31 1.29% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 151.23 153.36 0.03% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.99 98.75 -2.42% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.77 3.81 -0.38% Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.56 5.64 -2.21% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.94 17.04 3.64% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.67% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.08 19.28 -6.98% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 158.91 160.91 -27.30% Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 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. WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 • THISDAY 37 38 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ
ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏäÏÙÌÓ CITYSTRINGS ×ËÓÖÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘ Ekweremadu @ 59: A Journey with Destiny Uche Anichukwu
ames such as Chinedum (God leads me), Chi- buike (God is my strength), Mmaduabuchi (No man can successfully play God), NChidera (God has the final say or what God has written is already written), Osinanchiadimma (God bestows good fortunes), etc. underscore Igbo’s belief in the supremacy of God in the affairs of men. Nevertheless, they believe that one should not imitate the praying mantis that went to sleep because her co-wife promised her some pounded yam. She did not as much as venture into her mate’s hut to find out if the food was ready. She kept stretching her neck in expectation. That was how the praying mantis developed a long, lean neck from hunger and protracted giraffing. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart also, Unoka, the loafer father of Okonkwo, clears the farmland when oth- ers are already planting. He flutes away his time. Expectedly, he is debt-ridden and without a title or a place of honour among real men in Umuofia. He dies a man whom Okonkwo is too ashamed to identify with as his father. However, there are many, who, like the great men of Umuofia, are not just on a rendezvous with destiny, but whose cocktail of determination, courage, vision, intellect, humility, and industry also blend with grace and destiny in perfect proportions. Each time destiny leads opportunity to their doorsteps, it always finds in them willing and Ekweremadu well-prepared partners, even if disguised as humble responsibilities. Senator Ike Ekweremadu was voted the Best Council was picked. Ekweremadu was seeing ity and having earlier served as a First Ekweremadu is one of such men. Chairman in 1997 and the footprints of him off after the kitchen cabinet meet- Deputy Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, it At a valedictory service for a set of that stewardship are still very visible till ing, hoping to head to the Enugu State was another date with destiny for him, graduating secondary school students date. Broadcasting Service to submit the new as he was also unanimously elected as of Boys Secondary School, Umueze Upon the sudden dissolution of appointment for announcement. But on Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament when it Awkunanaw, Enugu State around 1980, the Councils by General Abdulsa- their way out of the Lion Building, the was Nigeria’s turn to occupy the office the officiating priest had asked the lami Abubakar, following the death man said he didn’t want the office, as in 2011. Since the office rotates among young men to ask God for anything as of General Sani Abacha, Ekweremadu it would appear that he masterminded the 15-member nations in alphabetical they began their journey into the world. re-contested for the position during Chief Onyemuche Nnamani’s removal. order, it would take about 60 years from The young Ekweremadu scanned the Abdulsalami’s transition to civil rule Consequently, Ikeoha was appointed the the end of Ekweremadu’s tenure in 2015 circumstances around him, his home- programme in order to continue with his SSG despite his initial refusal. before another Nigerian occupies the town, and locality with his mind’s eyes good work, but was practically stopped Senator Adolphus Wabara was fa- seat. and prayed Jabez’s kind of prayer: “Oh, through brigandage, escaping death by voured by the Peoples Democratic Party After PDP’s devastating loss of the that you would bless me and enlarge the whiskers. However, that loss was (PDP) leadership as the President of the presidency and majority status in the my territory; that thou would use me actually destiny taking him on the path 5th Senate, leading to the withdrawal of National Assembly in 2015, some politi- as an instrument of transformation for of higher political ground. other interested persons. Ekweremadu cal rivals and pundits declared that it my people and I would in return build To cut a long story short, Ekweremadu also lost the contest for the Senate was the end of the road for Ikeoha. But a place of worship for You”. Anybody was later to link up with Dr. Chimaroke Presidency to his kinsman, Senator Ken he re-emerged Deputy President of the who has followed his political rise or Nnamani and became the Director- Nnamani, following Wabara’s removal 8th Senate as an opposition leader in an knew Mpu and Aninri in particular as General of his governorship campaign in 2005. But ahead of the inauguration intrigues-soaked politicking. Then, they well as Enugu West in general before the organisation. Nnamani had during a of the 6th Senate in 2007, the position said he would not survive more than six rise of Ekweremadu would agree that January 2019 visit by Ikeoha narrated of the Deputy President of the Senate month. But God saw him and Senator God is a keeper of covenants indeed. how he found himself in a fix in finding landed on his laps. It was the late Sena- Bukola Saraki through the tribulations As a nine to 10-year old boy, Ekwer- a role for Ikeoha in his government tor Kanti Bello (PDP, Katsina), who came and diabolical political machinations, emadu’s mates in Mpu had already after the election as some powerful to inform him that party leaders had while he also showed himself a truly elected/appointed him Chairman of political forces blocked the position he chosen Senator David Mark as incoming principled politician by refusing to their age grade association. As he grew was pencilled down for in a pre-election President of the Senate, while also abandon his party at its most trying into a man, the people of Mpu, on understanding. Worse, although Ikeoha endorsing him (Ikeoha) as deputy on the period. Instead, he dug in and fought their own, beckoned on him to lead the could have taken Enugu’s ministerial recommendation of Mark, who spoke for PDP’s eventual revival. community as the town union President slot as requested by Chief Olusegun so highly of his brilliance and unalloyed Indeed, running for dear life with fam- General. He occupied the position for Obasanjo, he (Nnamani) said he felt loyalty to his Governor, Nnamani, in the ily and surviving the civil war, which so many years at the pleasure and Ikeoha would be key to the success of 5th Senate. broke out when he was about five, insistence of the community. his administration. Thus, that slot was However, Ekweremadu once told the disappearing from his father’s home In 1996, he was the secretary of the given to Chief Dubem Onyia, who was story of how the former Chairman of years after the war on a day he was to movement for the creation of Aninri second on the list. PDP BoT, the late Chief Tony Anenih, be taken for apprenticeship by a trader LGA to bring development to the towns As he rode in the same car with invited him to a breakfast meeting (whereas he preferred to continue his of Ndeaboh, Mpu, Oduma, Okpanku, Ekweremadu from the old Governor’s a day to the inauguration of the 6th education) and reappearing a day after, and Nenwe. He was also chosen to Lodge to the Government House one Senate. Anenih informed him that buoyed by destiny, benevolent spirits make Aninri’s presentation before the day (around Bisala Road), the Radio party leaders and President Umaru and destiny helpers; equipped with visiting Abuja panel. Upon the creation Nigeria network news announced the Yar’Adua had changed their minds. LL.B, B.L, LL.M, PhD. (Constitutional of the local government by the Gen. Sani appointment of a Chief of Staff and Senator George Akume would now Law), fortified by experience, and armed Abacha regime, thanks to people like the a spokesperson by Obasanjo. Greatly become the President of the Senate, also with enviable record as the longest late Prof. Samson Ukpabi, a delegation relieved that he finally found a role for with Ekweremadu as his deputy. But serving presiding officer, the question on of Aninri elders came to him with a Ikeoha, Nnamai immediately took a Ekweremadu respectfully declined and the lips of many as Ikeoha clocks 59 on message to provide leadership for the cue from Obasanjo, appointing Ikeoha asked that leaders should as well get 12th May is: What next? new LGA as its pioneer elected Chair- the first Chief of Staff to a governor in another Deputy for Akume because he As Ikeoha rightly stated during a man. He contested and won the Council Nigeria. Governors used to have only could not in good conscience abandon radio interview in Enugu last year, this election in 1997. Principal Secretaries. Mark at that point. Although deserted is a question, which even himself cannot The Military Administrator was Ekweremadu emerged the Secretary by many, both men, through God’s grace answer. As a man on a journey with shocked to meet and commission a to the Government (SSG) in a dramatic of God and strong support of some destiny, his future is in the hands of brand a new Council secretariat at fashion when that position became party leaders and their colleagues turned God. Ndeaboh, the Aninri LGA headquarters vacant in the course of Dr. Nnamani’s things around. Mark beat Akume 68 to Happy birthday, Your Excellency, during his tour of local governments first tenure in 2001, as he strongly 39 votes, while Ekweremadu emerged Ikeoha Ndigbo. in Enugu State. He was even more declined. Another person, who later unopposed. The rest is history. surprised that Ikeoha did not take became the Attorney-General during Ikeoha was re-elected unopposed as -Anichukwu is Media Adviser to any loans to accomplish such feat. Governor Sullivan Chime administration, Deputy President in 2011. In this capac- Ekweremadu THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39 CRIME&SECURITY How Safe is Oyo under Makinde?
Makinde inspecting the newly-established Oyo State Security Joint Force Base at Mamu Donation of nine operational vehicles to the Oyo State Security Joint Force as part of ef- Village on the Oyo/Ogun States border forts to secure the state's entry-exit points
Aderonke Ajayi task force in his office in Ibadan, recently, Makinde said the body was set up to yo State people are an interest- address the various security challenges and ing lot. They boast that they ensure that the state was always on top of don't copy anyone while all security situations. others are free to struggle to He said that with recurring incidents of do as Oyo does. Whenever the kidnapping, especially of students in the Onation is in the labour room preparatory to North, the state had to be on its toes to birthing a major occurrence, Oyo, especially, prevent such kidnappings and tackle all Ibadan, its capital, is a barometer to measure other forms of criminality. it. Nigeria is in the middle of a security He added that the committee would crisis and the South West is in it too, very regularly link with traditional rulers, involved. It is thus necessary to look at how stakeholders across all local councils, Oyo is beating back or beating off the wind political stakeholders, and different ethnic of insecurity blowing everywhere in Nigeria. nationalities to have requisite information on Nigeria's south is no stranger to battling happenings across the localities. serious security problems. In recent times, The state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi a particularly baffling one had presented in Onadeko, in what seemed to be in further- the form of herdsmen killing people and ance of the state government's crusade laying waste to farms. That problem was an- against kidnapping and other crimes, also ticipated to go into a suppressed state with visited an Ibarapa community, Ayete, on the advent of the regional security network, CCTV cameras installed at the Joint Security Post at Mamu village – a border community Thursday, May 6, where she urged the the Amotekun Corps. And the initiative of between Ibadan and Ijebu Ode in Ogun residents to partner with the police in the South West governors is truly proving solving the security problems that are being to be so much help in keeping farmers and any previous indications or expectations to According to him, the joint security base experienced in the areas. other residents safe and the murderous the contrary. has a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) and Onadeko had visited the town on herdsmen at bay. Today, for government at all levels in cameras that are being monitored from the Thursday for a firsthand assessment of the However, governments in the region had the country, finding solutions -- elusive, as state’s control room in Iyaganku, Ibadan. situation on the ground and to meet with no foreboding that they would soon have it were -- to the problem of kidnapping is He stated that the personnel manning the other security agencies, traditional rulers, more on their plates in terms of abnormally on the front burner, with nearly all other security base were expected to call for community leaders, indigenes and residents frequent cases of kidnapping - undoubtedly governmental functions, economic or social, reinforcement in dealing effectively with any of the surrounding towns and communities, the biggest security threat the country is relegated to the background. suspicious movements or criminal activities. especially in Ibarapa North Local Govern- facing today. The reason for this lack of However, the recent discovery of major To ensure the presence of security agents ment Area. suspicion is not far-fetched: not so long ago, kidnap locations in Oyo State is presently at the base 24 hours a day, a joint team According to the police commissioner, this particular 'strain' of crime appeared to being viewed by stakeholders as a game of men of the police, civil defence and the visit became necessary following the be a problem that was peculiar to the North. changer in the resolve of the state govern- military will be operating in shifts. Locals incessant kidnappings occurring in Ibarapa A report headlined 'Spotlight on Nigeria's ment to fight the crime of kidnapping in the areas around the base will also be towns and communities. Diverse Security Challenges', which was head-on. collaborating with the security agents in In attendance were other security agen- written by Mark Duerksen and posted on Feelers from the circle of security experts terms of providing useful information in a cies, traditional rulers, community heads, the website of the Africa Center for Strategic in the state also indicate that this newfound timely fashion. religious leaders, social workers, local Studies, in March 2021, looked at the ace in hands of the state government While inaugurating the base, Governor government representatives, local hunters beleaguered North's gradual descent into its is expected to be deployed in tackling Makinde said: “This particular place has re- and vigilante group members. present criminal and abysmal kidnap-for- other crimes that are distracting it from real ally been in the news for kidnapping, people “I have been concerned and worried ransom enterprise. matters of growth and development. coming across the border to perpetrate evil. about the spate of kidnappings and other A part of the report reads: "Exploiting a It was gathered that the locations that “This is a pilot project and we want to violent crimes going on here. It is no use security vacuum, criminal gangs in North were discovered to be majorly targeted secure all the entry and exit points to Oyo sitting down in Ibadan and issuing direc- West Nigeria have been behind a surge of for kidnapping in the state are in Ido and State. This is the border with Ogun State. tives. It is better I come here and we all sit kidnappings for ransom targeting boarding Oluyole local government areas, as well If everything works well, because we have together, talk as a family, advise one another schools. as Igangan axis and other parts of Ibarapa CCTV Cameras out there that are being and find a solution to what is going on in "In the last five years, the North West areas around the boundary between Oyo monitored from the control room. our community,” the commissioner said. has experienced the greatest concentration and Kwara states. “If anything is going on here, they can She said she was in Ayete to seek the of kidnappings in Nigeria. The ransoms All routes into the Oke-Ogun zone are alert us so that the security agencies can people’s support “so that we can all work collected through these mass abductions said to now be hotbeds for kidnapping. deal with the situation appropriately. But for together and see how we are going to stop have become a means of business for these Recent cases of kidnapping in the state us, if we know people coming in and we this issue of kidnapping and other crimes." criminal gangs. include that of a female student of a health can trace them or if any crime is committed Security experts who spoke with our "Mass kidnappings in Zamfara, Niger, institute in Eruwa. She was kidnapped on inside the state and they want to run out, correspondents agreed that the effectiveness and Katsina states have emulated 2014’s Igboora-Eruwa Road. There was also the we can activate the process whereby they of the newly established security base in infamous kidnapping of the Chibok report of the abduction of two other persons can be apprehended at the entry/exit Mamu will determine how the government schoolgirls by Boko Haram and have forced who were travelling on the same road. Also points.” will secure other entry and exit points across the government to respond. Government recently, three women were kidnapped at The governor presented five operational the state. spokespeople deny paying ransom to secure Onipe community in the Idi Ayunre area of vehicles to the state police command and One of the experts expressed the view the release of the children, but on-the- Ibadan. A hotelier, his wife, and seven other three to the Nigeria Security and Civil that proper funding is a critical element in ground accounts contradict this. members of his family were also reported Defence Corps (NSCDC)vin the state to the success of the security project. He also "Moreover, government officials may kidnapped in Ajaawa on April 24. support the security base. also said that synergy among the security benefit from the large amounts of cash used Governor Seyi Makinde, a couple of Governor Makinde is also presently head- agencies as well as the cooperation of their to secure hostages’ release. As in the North weeks ago, inspected a security base ing an 11-man security task force as part of local helpers would be crucial in successfully East, kidnapping for ransom has made established primarily to check kidnapping measures to address security challenges in stopping the influx of bandits, kidnappers highways in the region too dangerous for on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road. The base is the state. and other criminals into the state. travel, and airlines now operate short flights located in Mamu, a village in Oluyole Local The wise learns from others' misfortune He, however, warned the state govern- from Abuja to Kaduna." Government Area. It is a border community and takes protective measures. A measure of ment against losing sight of criminals and But current realities have left no one in between Oyo and Ogun states. At the event the pacesetting culture of Oyo is the recent other miscreants that still constitute nuisance doubt that the South, especially the South monitored by one of our correspondents, the decision of the governor to weave a special to security in towns and communities. West, is not immune to the problem of governor said the base was a pilot project security cordon round schools, especially the kidnapping and the enormous threat its and the intention of the government was to very vulnerable ones across the state. r"KBZJ BTFDVSJUZBOBMZTU XSJUFTGSPN prevalence poses to its citizenry in spite of secure all entry and exit points in Oyo State. At the inauguration of the security 0HCPNPTP 40 THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Kwara Offers Young Entrepreneurs Interest-free Loans Hammed ShittuÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ to Kwarans with viable and growth and job creation in the scalable business ideas and state. Kwara State Government has are not more than 35 years old. “Young people are to the na- rolled out plans to support young “Registration is open through tion what the heart is to the body. entrepreneurs in the state with http://www.Kwapreneurs.com. They drive and make it beat. interest-free loans ranging from Application runs from May 10 Kwara under this administra- N350,000 to N3,000,000 each, to May 18, 2021. tion believes in the talent and depending on the scale of their “The first phase of the industry of her youths. proposed businesses. programme targets at least 300 “To hasten economic develop- Already, about 300 young youngsters with viable busi- ment, we need them to become entrepreneurs are set to benefit ness proposals, the statement employers of labour. This is from the first phase of the said, adding that at least 1,200 why we are to support young programme and it will be for young people will benefit from people with visionary ideas three months only. the initiative over the next with interest- free loans for A statement issued in Ilorin, four years.” their businesses”. signed by the Acting General Brimah added, “Successful He stressed that, “The Manager of the Kwara State applicants will be trained and application process will be in Social Investment Programme supported with interest free stages, including idea pitching (KWASSIP), Alhaji Moham- loans ranging from N350,000 and presentations, and training med Brimah stated that, “An to N3,000,000 each, depending on business development before ambitious plan of Governor on the scale of their proposed receiving funds. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq businesses.” “The youths-oriented pro- to invest in and raise a new He said, “Kwapreneur grammes under KWASSIP are generation of successful young has been designed to harness numerous. We have previously men and women.” the potentials of enterpris- organised training for about He said that, “One of Ni- ing youths and raise a new 15,000 youths in basic digital geria’s biggest investment in generation of leaders through skills, while we are looking to businesses owned by young sustainable empowerment, hit the 30, 000 mark in the next people, Kwapreneur is open thereby spurring socio-economic two years.” MARKET INDICATORS
Guinness Nigeria Grows Profit by MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) 35% to N1.8bn in Nine Months JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 Goddy Egene mance, which was a significant restrictions which remain. Growth improvement when compared was primarily driven by increased -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary to the same period last year, was off-trade channels sales and at Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 of Diageo Plc, is on the way to a testament to an unwavering home consumption. The strong delivering a bounteous harvest commitment to meeting consumer growth is also partly because -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 to shareholders for the year demands as well as the company’s of a weak third quarter of the -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 ending June 30, 2021, given resilience in a challenging operating previous financial year, when VAT its results for the nine months environment. increase took place and COVID ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 to March 31, 2021. Managing Director/CEO, lockdown commenced.” The total beverage alcohol Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Baker According to him, they have ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 company, posted a revenue Magunda, said: “In the months delivered broad-based growth Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 ofN114.956 billion, representing ended 31 March 2021, Guinness driven by double digit growth a growth of 20 per cent above Nigeria has delivered a growth across all their focus brands and Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 the N96.019 billion recorded in of 54 per cent in the face of the categories, which has further -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 the corresponding period of challenging operating environment showed that their strategy is 2020. The company reported leading to a turnaround in the sound, and they are making ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 a profit before tax (PBT) of N4.463 overall performance of the busi- unswerving moves to ensure ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 billion, which was 123 per cent ness in the nine months of our their long-term competitiveness above the N2.005 billion in the financial year so far. This stellar in Nigeria. ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 corresponding period of 2020. growth in the third quarter of our “Despite reduction in exports, But profit after tax (PAT) grew financial year is the main driver Guinness delivered double ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 slower by 35 per cent from N1.362 of the year to date 20 per cent digit growth in volumes and --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 billion to N1.838 billion because revenue growth. “The growth is revenue with the new Guinness of higher tax charge. encouraging, however, considering Smooth innovation contributing Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 The company said the perfor- varying degrees of Covid-related significantly to this”. --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19
--Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ S&P: FBNH, First Bank Boards’ Changes Ensured Stability --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 S&P Global Ratings yesterday the entire boards of FBN and third-largest banking group in said changes to the boards of FBNH, and reinstated the former Nigeria, which has total assets Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) FirstBank of Nigeria and FBN executive directors and CEO, Dr. of Nigerian N7.7 trillion. Month March 2018 Holdings PLC (FBNH), recently Adesola Adeduntan. “We are of the view that the Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 directed by Central Bank of The CBN had also requested CBN’s historical approach has Nigeria (CBN), addressed the FBN unwind certain exposures been more reactive than proactive, Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) banking group’s corporate and divest from its participation in as illustrated by the Skye Bank governance challenges and a non-permissible company, also episode. That said, recent actions, Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 ensures the Nigerian banking pointing to potential corporate while disruptive in the near-term, Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 sector’s financial stability. governance lapses at the bank. may signal a more direct and In a statement yesterday, it “However, Dr Adedun- possibly decisive supervisory Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 stated that its ratings on FBN tan’s reinstatement and the approach to alleged failings in and other Nigerian banks remain re-appointment of the other the management and governance 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 constrained by shortcomings executive directors underscores of regulated institutions,” it stated. in corporate governance and the CBN’s confidence in the It, noted that FBN’s overall 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 transparency, among other factors. existing management team to credit profile has gradually 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 The CBN recently replaced continue the turnaround of the stabilised since 2016. 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 Rand Merchant Bank Wins Award Prime Lending rate 17.35 Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria management. recognised as an innovative and (RMBN) has announced that it RMBN was honored for outcome-driven bank.” recently won the ‘Outstanding its platform - RMBN Digital He added: “RMBN’s online ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ Transformation by a Transaction - an online banking platform banking offering promotes ef- OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY, 10 MAY 2021 Bank – Africa,’ award. that enhances the transactional ficient cash management through According to a statement, the banking experience of its clients. adequate and accurate financial The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $67.10 a barrel on Monday, compared award was part of the inaugural Head of Corporate Banking, reporting as well as the timely with $66.57 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Digital Banker Middle East & RMBN, Taiwo Shote, said: “We processing of transactions. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Africa Innovation Awards 2021. center our business around our “We created a digital banking Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light The awards honor and cel- client needs and built an online platform for our clients that al- (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), ebrate the region’s preeminent banking offering from scratch in lowed them to access and activate Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and banking institutions, identifying response to this. banking transactions on the go, best-in-class performance, innova- “This was an important while having a full view of all Merey (Venezuela). tion, delivery and execution in transformation for our busi- their transactions across different SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna transaction banking and risk ness, and we are thrilled to be sectors and markets. THISDAY ˾ͯͰ˜ͰͮͰͯ 41
FSDH Funding SPV Lists N12bn Bonds on FMDQ Exchange Goddy Egene Nigerian debt capital market for nated and senior bond notes, capital adequacy assessment vein, the Director, Union the successful listing of the FSDH Merchant Bank Limited. each with a 5-year tenure. process,” he said. Capital Markets Limited, Mr. bonds on FMDQ Exchange and FMDQ Securities Exchange Speaking on the issuance of The listing of the bonds on He commended Union Egie Akpata, said: “We are thank the board and manage- Limited has approved the the bonds, the Director, FSDH FMDQ’s platform will help Capital Markets Limited for delighted at the successful ment of FSDH Merchant Bank listing of the FSDH Funding Funding SPV Plc, Mr. Adekunle provide visibility and enhance facilitating the listing of the listing of the N12.00 billion Limited for the opportunity SPV Plc’s N7.05 billion Tranche Awojobi, said they were pleased the liquidity of the bonds. The bonds on FMDQ Exchange FSDH Funding SPV Plc Series to work with them.” A and N4.95 billion Tranche about the successful N12 billion net proceeds of the bond issue and the issuing houses, Stanbic 1 bonds on FMDQ Exchange. Meanwhile, trading at the B Series 1 Fixed Rate Bonds, capital-raise under the FSDH will be used to fund the growth IBTC Capital Limited, FSDH The listing of the bonds on stock market remained bull- under the company’s N30 bil- Funding SPV Plc’s N30.00 bil- of risk assets of the sponsor, Capital Limited, Rand Merchant the exchange allows for ish as the Nigerian Exchange lion Debt Issuance Programme lion Debt Issuance Programme. FSDH Merchant Bank Limited. Bank Nigeria Limited, and liquidity and trading of the Limited (NGX) All-Share Index on its platform. “The bond issue is the first A portion of the bond issuance United Capital Plc for their bonds which is positive for appreciated by 0.2 per cent to FSDH Funding SPV Plc is series under the programme will serve the dual purpose of support in ensuring the suc- the investors. We are glad close at 39,382.96, while market a special purpose vehicle set and comprises of two tranches shoring up the bank’s Tier 2 cessful capital raise”. that Union Capital Markets capitalisation added N36.6 up to raise capital from the (Tranche A & B) of subordi- capital, in line with its internal Speaking in the same Limited was instrumental in billion to be at N20.5 trillion. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 11/05/2021
MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 42 WEDNESDAY, ͺ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY PAGE FOURTY-TWO Security Chiefs Get Three Weeks to Curtail Rising Insecurity Get approval for fresh measures to curb strife in South-south, South-east Nigerian, Nigerien armies to collaborate to rescue Katsina abducted worshippers Deji Elumoye and Kingsley of Police, Mr. Alkali Usman, the security challenges facing unemployment, which of course, country. observe the late-night Ramadan Nwezeh in Abuja who briefed newsmen after the the country, particularly those the Federal Executive Council “The council was pleased with prayers. meeting, alongside the National that cropped up in the last few had given approval, through the actions and of course, the It said the situation was under The nation’s security chiefs Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. months. previous memos on how to get prayers that were made, which control as reinforcements had yesterday got a fresh ultimatum Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), Monguno said the president 100 million people out of poverty, council has also graciously arrived the area. of three weeks to abate the and the Chief of Defence Staff, gave marching orders to deal was also discussed. Then, again, undertaken to look into. These, The bandits had on Monday worsening insecurity in the Gen. Lucky Irabor, stated that with the emerging problems the lack of an effective crime of course, have to do with abducted 45 worshippers, but country. Buhari approved the overhaul physically. reporting system. manpower development, training the police said 35 of the victims This was one of the conclusions of the security apparatus in both He said: “The first two “Again, the president has and equipment issues, and were recovered while 10 were of the National Security Council South-south and South-east. meetings were inconclusive, given direction on how to make thankfully, the glow on my face still with the bandits. (NSC) meeting presided over by The security chiefs were but today's meeting is the final these things effective. Already, should, of course, give you an A statement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari also joined by Buhari’s Special in the three meetings. Again, the Nigeria Communication indication as to the graciousness army spokesman, Brig. Gen. in Abuja. Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. President’s concern at the Commission (NCC) has been of the National Security Council, Mohammed Yerima, said the The council has, therefore, Mr. Femi Adesina, who stated growing trend of insecurity given certain instructions on in relation to the briefings that army was collaborating with given them a mandate to that the president, by presiding has been highlighted and the how to deal with this, but by we've given in this regard and I Niger Republic military to track evolve new measures to combat over the council meeting three meeting, basically, was briefed and by, the council has agreed believe that going forward, we the kidnappers, with a view to insecurity in all the 11 states in times in two weeks, “shows the by the National Security Adviser, that the level of insecurity in the shall be translating that and it rescuing the victims. the South-south and South-east. premium the president and the the Chief of Defence Staff and country, especially in the last will have some great impact on It said the bandits were The mandate to the security administration have placed on the Inspector General Police. one month, is something that the security disposition across forced to withdraw following chiefs came against the backdrop security issues.” “I briefed the meeting on has to be addressed with the the country.” the superior firepower from of the rising cases of attacks by Usman said the meeting strategic issues in relation immediacy that it requires and at a combined team comprising non-state actors on police and assessed the situation in the to security, while the Chief the operational level, of course, Nigerian, Nigerien troops and police personnel, other agencies' facilities as well country, particularly in the of Defence Staff briefed on the Chief of Defence Staff has Armies to Collaborate who were tactically deployed as personnel, especially in the South-east and South-South, operational issues, and Inspector- been working with the service in the town following earlier South-east. as it affected law and order. General of Police briefed on chiefs and the recommendations to Rescue Katsina intelligence received on the However, the Nigerian Army He said: “We have some constabulary matters. On my they’ve made to the council are Abducted Worshippers planned attack. has said it will collaborate with measures, which we have part, I briefed council on the already being handled.” "On getting the information, its counterpart in the Niger outlined and have been approved enablers of crime and the need Also speaking, the CDS stated Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army the combined team mounted a Republic to track fleeing bandits by the council and we'll see how to find quick responses with a that decisions have been taken has said that it will collaborate pursuit on the bandits, forcing who kidnapped 45 worshippers we can change the narrative view to mitigating the growing to boost the operations of the with its counterpart in the Niger them to abandon most of the from a mosque in Jibia, Katsina within the quickest possible threats to society. security agencies. Republic to track fleeing bandits hostages while fleeing with an State, and rescue the remaining means to restore law and order “These enablers are discussed Irabor said: “No doubt, far- and rescue their victims. unknown number. The rescued 10 victims in custody. and restore peace in that area. in detail and Mr. President reaching decisions were made. The Army high command victims have since been reunited The NSC at the meeting We solicit all law-abiding citizens has already given direction On our part, just as the National has also said that troops of 17 with their families while further in Abuja also decided not to to work with us to identify and on how to deal with them, Security Adviser indicated, I Brigade, in conjunction with efforts are ongoing to rescue publicise henceforth measures to deal with the situation. That is specifically issues of drug abuse briefed on various measures that the police, averted a planned the others in collaboration be deployed to tackle insecurity that; I may not go into the details as propellants for crime, how the armed forces, in partnership attack by bandits on Magama with neighbouring military in the country for a more effective of how we will do that.” to make the criminal justice with other security agencies, the Central Mosque in Jibia Local establishments, including those result. The NSA said the meeting system much more effective, measures we’ve taken to stem Government Area of Katsina of Niger Republic," the army Acting Inspector-General emphasised the need to address as well as looking at issues of the tide of insecurity across the State where people had gone to said. SOUTHERN GOVERNORS CALL FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE, RESTRUCTURING, END OPEN GRAZING They said in the communiqué, food supply and general security, “In deference to the of insecurity and restore the the southern governors' forum but all over Nigeria, who are read by the Chairman of the the governors said open grazing sensitivities of our various confidence of our people. on the ban on open grazing of we to say otherwise? forum and Ondo State Governor, has to stop. peoples, there is a need to Besides Akeredolu, other cattle. “We are therefore in support Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, that “Consequently, the meeting review appointments into the governors at the meeting were Spokesman of the ACF, Mr. of the stand of MACBAN and they had resolved to foster resolved that open grazing of federal government agencies, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia Emmanuel Yawe stated this the Southern state governors.” cooperation among the Southern cattle be banned across Southern including security agencies, State;; Chief Willie Obiano of while reacting to the outcome He however said, on the issue states and the nation at large. Nigeria,” they said, noting that to reflect federal character as Anambra State; Senator Duoye of the governors' meeting in of dialogue and restructuring, The communiqué added development and population Nigeria’s overall population is Diri of Bayelsa State; Chief an interview with THISDAY “the ACF has always believed that the governors reviewed growth has put pressure on heterogeneous.” Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; yesterday. in this if the aim of the dialogue the situation in the country available land and increased the They expressed concern over Mr. Godwin Obaseki of Edo He however said before is to promote the unity and and deliberated on the current prospects of conflict between the continued gridlock on the State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti a decision should be taken progress of the whole country. security situation, agitations/ migrating herders and local Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and State; Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of on restructuring, Nigerians “Our forum will dialogue restructuring, prospect for populations in the South. the chokehold, it exerted on the Enugu State; and Mr. Babajide should first agree on whether with any state and group of inter-state collaboration and Given this scenario, they said, nation’s economy being the sole Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. the country should remain one people that share our cherished partnerships as well as on the it has become imperative to outlet from Apapa Wharf. Others are: Prince Dapo before deciding on what structure ideals of unity, justice, peace and incidence of the COVID-19 enforce the ban on open grazing To ease the gridlock, the Abiodun of Ogun State; Mr. to adopt. progress”, Yawe said. pandemic. in the South, including cattle governors recommended the Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; “On the issue of the ban of On restructuring, he said Their conclusion: “We affirm movement to the South by foot. activation and establishment and Chief Nyesom Wike of open grazing, I don't think there “the ACF believes that before that the peoples of Southern The governors also of ports in other states of the Rivers State. is much problem here with the we make a decision on this, Nigeria remain committed to recommended that the federal federation to create new jobs However, Prof. Ben Ayade stand of the ACF. we should agree on whether the unity of Nigeria on the government should support and promote socio-economic of Cross River State and Mr. “At our last National Working Nigeria should remain one basis of justice, fairness, equity willing states to develop activities in the country. Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun Committee meeting in Kaduna, country before deciding on what and oneness, and peaceful co- alternative and modern livestock The governors also expressed State were absent, while Mr. the National leader of Miyetti structure Nigeria should take. existence between and among management systems. concern over the economic Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Allah Cattle Breeders Association “Our position on this is its peoples with a focus on the They added that the progress implications of another Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo of Nigeria spoke to us at informed on the facts that some attainment of shared goals for of the nation requires that lockdown on the country, and State) were represented by their length and he said he and his of the advocates of restructuring economic development and urgent and bold steps be taken suggested greater coordination deputies. organisation have decided that are at the same time advocating prosperity.” to restructure the Nigerian and cooperation between the the only way forward and that the dissolution of Nigeria. Observing that the incursion federation leading to the federal and state governments ACF Backs is in the interest of MACBAN, “Are they believers in Nigeria of armed herders, criminals, and evolution of state police, review in evolving strategies for dealing Ban on Open is to embark on ranching and at all? We must all agree to let bandits into the Southern part of revenue allocation formula with the pandemic. that they were waiting for Nigeria be before we move of the country has presented a in favour of the sub-national They further “expressed very Grazing, Supports governments policy on this”, forward.” severe security challenge such governments and creation grave concern on the security Restructuring Yawe said. that citizens are not able to live of other institutions which challenges currently plaguing He stressed further that, their normal lives, including legitimately advance the the nation and strongly urged Meanwhile, the Arewa “If MACABAN wants open pursuing various productive commitment to and practice that Mr. President should address Consultative Forum (ACF) grazing banned, not only in activities leading to a threat to of true federalism. Nigerians on the challenges has endorsed the position of the southern part of Nigeria
DESPITE PANDEMIC, NSIA’S INCOME RISES BY 343% TO N160BN TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % In addition, it achieved 33 Development Fund (PIDF) Fund (NIF), he said projects Orji said the NSIA in 2020 significant disruptions to the MEYER 0.05 0.57 9.6 per cent growth in net assets to projects such as Abuja-Kaduna- under construction in the launched its Nigeria Innovation supply chains and logistics N772.75 billion, compared with Kano Highway, Lagos-Ibadan country had reached major Fund to address investment of NSIA’s key projects. NSIA PRESCO 6.90 78.90 9.5 the N579.54 billion it achieved Expressway and the Second milestones across domestic opportunities within Nigeria maintained its three-pronged UPDC 0.07 0.83 9.2 in 2019. Niger Bridge. infrastructure projects in in information technology with investment approach: direct AFRIPRUD 0.55 6.55 9.1 NSIA Managing Director, “COVID-19 adversely affected motorways, agriculture, and an immediate pipeline that investments, co-investment Mr. Uche Orji, said at a virtual logistics around infrastructure healthcare. included data networking, with partners, and creation UNITYBANK 0.05 0.60 9.0 media briefing yesterday that projects, especially the toll road According to him, in data centres, software, and of financial institutions to fill TOP LOSERS NGN % the organisation received an projects, and the presidential 2020, there were improved services as well as agri-tech critical institutional voids in REGENCY 0.03 0.31 8.8 additional contribution of fertiliser initiative. In response contributions from subsidiaries/ and biotech. the infrastructure landscape. $250 million and provided to COVID-19, NSIA partnered affiliates such as Infrastructure It also made progress on In 2020 the Authority recorded HONEYWELL 0.07 1.13 5.8 the first stabilisation support Global Citizen, a not-for-profit Credit Guarantee Company developing the ammonia significant progress on all fronts. CUTIX 0.11 2.10 4.9 to the federal government of group, to form the Nigeria (InfraCredit), Nigeria Mortgage and diammonium phosphate “Over the past six years, UNITEDCAP 0.24 5.76 4.0 $150 million withdrawn from Solidarity Support Fund. Refinance Company (NMRC) production plants in partnership the Authority has invested the Stabilisation Fund, in the Separately NSIA acquired and and Family Homes Funds Ltd with OCP in the review year, as significantly in crucial sub- CORONATION 0.02 0.51 3.7 year under review. distributed oxygen concentrators (FHFL). it selected Ikot Abasi in Akwa sectors of the financial landscape HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 Similarly, the NSIA received to 21 teaching hospitals as part The NSIA, he said, invested Ibom as the venue after an with the intention of bridging Volume: 296.60 million shares $311 million from funds of corporate social responsibility, additional capital into NG extensive review of several critical voids that otherwise recovered from late Gen. Sani in addition to staffing support Clearing, the first derivative other locations. constrain investments and Value: N3.36 billion Abacha from the United States to the Presidential Task Force clearing house in Nigeria to He said: “In the year smooth operations in the sector. Deals: 4,265 Department of Justice and on COVID-19,” Orji said. maintain NSIA’s shareholding under review, COVID-19 “In 2020, the access roads Island of Jersey for funding Giving a highlight on the at 16.5 per cent following the adversely impacted NSIA key As at yesterday 11/5/2021 of Presidential Infrastructure activities of Nigeria Infrastructure company’s rights issue of 2020. infrastructure projects, with Continued on page 43 See details on Page 31 WEDNESDAY, ͺ˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY 43 NEWS Payroll Review to Remove Ghost Workers, Illegal Allowances, Says Ngige Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja that are outside the approved National Salaries, Incomes & government was also reviewing it was going to slash salaries of workers and fictitious ones. template, as part of its cost- Wages Commission (NSIWC) enterprises to know those the public servant. We never He said the plan was not Minister of Labour and saving measures. to review the salaries of civil productive and those that said so. to cut salaries. "Rather, what Employment, Senator Chris The organised labour servants as well as the number should be scrapped. “If anything, we are holding we are trying to do is to make Ngige, yesterday shed more had kicked against what it of federal agencies. According to him, rather than meetings like this to increase sure that we know the actual light on moves by the federal described as moves by the Besides, the federal slashing the salaries of workers, hazard allowance for those quantum of persons who are government to review payrolls federal government to slash government also intends to the federal government will who are deserving, for labelled civil servants; that and cut the cost of governance, workers' salaries as a way of remove some superfluous items encourage productivity in the those who are working and they exist. We want to have allaying fears that the federal reducing the cost of governance. from the budget in order to cut public service. experiencing hazards in their the actual figures. government would prune The organised labour was the cost of governance. He said: "I want to use this place of work, those who are "We don't want to have ghost workers' salaries as part of reacting to last week’s statement But Ngige, who dismissed medium to dispel the erroneous exposed to disease infections workers as they used to call the cost-saving measures. by the Minister of Finance, reports of an imminent slash report ascribed to the Minister which may even cause their them or fictitious workers. Rather, Ngige said at the Budget and National Planning, of workers’ salaries, said at of Finance and Budget Planning death. So, we did not in the “Secondly, there are opening of a meeting of the Zainab Ahmed, at the National no time did the government who is also chairman of the Presidential Committee on establishments or organisations Presidential Committee on Policy Dialogue on Corruption propose any pay-cut measure. Presidential Committee on Salaries say that we are going where people have fixed their Salaries and Hazard allowance and Cost of Governance in The minister added that what Salaries that the federal is to slash salaries." own allowances that did not for the Health Sector, in Abuja Nigeria, organised by the the federal government was planning to slash salaries of The minister stated that the pass through the normal that the federal government Independent Corrupt Practice planning to do was to fish out its workers. federal government was taking channels - which did not go would only remove ghost Commission (ICPC), in Abuja, fictitious workers and those "I am the deputy chairman in steps to carry out a personnel to the government's salary fixing workers from the payroll and that President Muhammadu earning unapproved allowances. that committee and there was audit and an appraisal of their agency, the Salaries, Incomes also check illegal allowances Buhari had directed the The minister said the never a time government said allowances to identify real and Wages Commission. UTM OFFSHORE, JGC, KBR SIGN FIRST FLOATING LNG PRE-FEED CONTRACT “What UTM is doing is required LNG standard, liquefy Rone said: “At UTM to key players in the national stakeholders that we will not renowned firms are working largely novel. It is the first the gas, store the LNG and Offshore, we completely petroleum industry, notably let them down,” Rone said. with UTM Offshore to actualize of its kind in Nigeria and offload to LNG carriers. agree with Mr. President that the Group Managing Director Auwalu, who attended the this FLNG. DPR shall continue we are very excited about According to Rone, the given Nigeria’s potential of of Nigerian National event virtually lauded Rone to guide and encourage UTM this trail-blazing project: The floating LNG, when fully about 600 trillion cubic feet of Petroleum Corporation and his team for blazing the on this project.” opportunity to build from completed shall have an gas, the commodity has the (NNPC), Mallam Mele trail in building Nigeria first An executive of JGC the scratch, the first floating LNG production capacity enormous potential to diversify Kyari, and the Director of Floating LNG. He said: “It is Corporation of Japan, Mr. liquefied natural gas facility in of 1.2 million metric tonnes our country’s economy. Department of Petroleum a historic event today as UTM Koji Sakrai, praised the Nigeria is humongous. That per annum (mmtpa), Turret “We also agree that the rising Resources (DPR), Mr. Sarki Offshore working with our vision and tenacity of Rone is why we cannot afford to and Mooring System, Gas global demand for cleaner Auwalu, for their support for support is actualizing Mr. and his firm, pledging the settle for less hence our resolve pre-treatment modules, LNG energy sources has offered the FLNG project. President vision not just for commitment of his company to contract JGC Corporation, production modules, living Nigeria an opportunity to According to him, gas and the diversification of to deploy the latest and cost- one of the leading firms in quarters, self-contained power exploit gas resources for the other partners and critical our economy. effective engineering design the LNG Construction sector generation and utilities as well good of the country. stakeholders that are “Mr. President has promised and constructions modules in in the world, to provide the as capacities for LNG storage “We thank the president for supporting the FLNG to migrate Nigeria to gas and undertaking the project and Pre-Front End Engineering and offloading. making gas development and project include Afreximbank, that is what UTM Offshore assured that the task would Design Services for this first At the landmark agreement utilization a national priority NAPIMS, Templars, Vitol, is doing with the decision to be completed within schedule. Floating LNG facility in signing event, Rone thanked to stimulate economic growth, Yahaska Energy Services build and operate and FLNG. Present at the agreement Nigeria,” Rone said. President Muhammadu Buhari further improve Nigeria’s Limited and the government It is a tortuous process but I signing were the UTM Offshore Limited is for creating an enabling energy mix, drive investments, of Delta State. can confirm that UTM Offshore representatives of the GMD pioneering the development environment for indigenous and provide the much-needed “I am particularly thankful has met all the requirements of NNPC, Mr. Abubakar Umar; of the FLNG facility in firms like UTM Offshore to jobs for our citizens in the to the visionary Governor of and that is why DPR gave the representatives of Vitol, Mr. collaboration with LNG equitably operate in the very country.” Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. firm license to proceed with Chibuzor Ifeanyi; while Mr. Investment Management sensitive and competitive He expressed appreciation Ifeanyi Okowa, who from Day the building of the FLNG. Steve Brown also of Vitol Services (LIMS), a subsidiary upstream sector of the to the Minister of State for One, believed in our dream “At DPR we have been joined virtually. of Nigeria National Petroleum petroleum industry. Petroleum Resources, Chief of building the first Floating monitoring closely what An Executive Director, Corporation (NNPC). He said that the resolve of Timipre Sylva, for tenaciously LNG in Nigeria and has been UTM is doing and we are Afrexim Bank, Mr. Ibrahim The facility, a newly-built UTM Offshore to embark on driving Mr. President’s vision of immense support since then. very happy that they are Sagna, joined virtually, while vessel, will receive gas the huge project is steeped in the petroleum sector, “We cannot thank him working with the best firms Mr. Peter Olowononi and Mrs feedstock from an existing in the National Gas Policy of particularly the gas policy. enough. Indeed, we are and consultants in the world, Ngozi Kalu-Mba, also from offshore facility, treat it to the Buhari’s administration. He also expressed gratitude assuring all our partners and in fact, first-class and globally the bank attended the event.
DESPITE PANDEMIC, NSIA’S INCOME RISES BY 343% TO N160BN to the Second Niger Bridge, ran the Presidential Fertiliser He stated: “Although opportunities to create value by aviation and the industrial US Department of Justice 2A and 2B, 17.5 kilometres Initiative (PFI) from December NSIA believes the market is by the NSIA.” sectors as the world opens up and Island of Jersey and the (Km) each (totaling 35km), 2016 to December 2020, adding unlikely to repeat some of Orji also shed more light again. agreement was to spread the were added to PIDF scope that the operator company - the performance of 2020, it on the NSIA’s financial Uche stated that fixed income money in equal measures across of work. "These had initially NAIC-NPK - has now been is more likely that a broader performance when he appeared should be closely watched by three projects. been part of scope expected to spun off to the Ministry of market recovery will occur yesterday on ‘The Morning investors, except for the impact "These are the Lagos-Ibadan be carried out by the Federal Finance Incorporated (MOFI). with economies opening Show’ on ARISE NEWS of inflation, which he predicted Road, Abuja-Kano Road and the Ministry of Works but owing “The Authority’s role in unlike the case in 2020 in which CHANNEL, the broadcast would make interest rates go Second Niger Bridge. Each of to several challenges they have the programme has shifted technology stocks drove market arm of THISDAY Newspapers. up and make fixed income them will get $103million-$104 been unable to commence the upstream. NSIA’s role is limited performance. He explained that some of instruments fall. million. To spend the money, projects leading to a transfer to to importation, storage, and the “In the Future Generations the NSIA’s portfolios were "My view is that on the we have been required to have the NSIA. The original scope wholesale of raw materials to Fund, we expect to allocate up by as much as 50 per balance of risk, we are more external auditors aside from our of NSIA’s section was 10.7KM blenders. In essence, blenders more capital to venture cent in dollar terms in 2020, likely to see interest rates go in-house auditors as Deloitte of bridge and road, bringing are expected to build the capital, global equity markets, predicting that although the up than go down," he added, to monitor the disbursement the entire project to more than capacity to actively participate and increasing exposure to financial technology sector noting that venture capitalist of that fund. 45Km. in the sub-sector. European equities where we ruled the market last year, funds are also being explored "A civil society group, “As of year-end 2020, the “Over the period it ran, 42 had been underexposed in there will be a broader profit by the organisation. CLEEN foundation has been original scope of 10.7km blending plants were enlisted 2020. NSIA believes that the ecosystem this year as countries "On the average, we had appointed by the Ministry of Second Niger Bridge is at under the programme while a broad opening of the markets continue to open up on the almost 30 per cent returns Justice and also with the US 53 per cent completion with total of 30 million 50kg bags will provide a comprehensive back of increasing COVID-19 in dollar terms and we are government to also supervise a completion target of 2022. of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser were lift to equities. vaccine jabs. going to be more aggressive the disbursement of the fund. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway made available to the Nigerian “In the Nigeria Infrastructure According to him, the body in venture capital,'' he said. So, you can imagine that every is at 66 per cent completion and farmers. Beyond serving a Fund, the Innovation Fund is has been aggressive in terms Uche stated that the NSIA single pair of eyes possible are is expected to be completed proof of concept for import expected to be very active as we of its focus on international is also investing in fintech, overlooking how these funds in 2022.” substitution in the fertiliser see opportunities in data centers, equities, private equity software services, data will be disbursed. He added: “The initial scope space, the programme led data networking, software, investments, venture capital networking as well as biotech "The fund is still there intact. of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano to the creation of thousands pharmaceutical manufacturing, and direct investments in the and pharmaceuticals. Not a dime has been spent. It Highway is at 66 per cent of direct and indirect jobs and many others. international market, where Besides, the NSIA has also is being held in our accounts completion. However, please across the agriculture value “NSIA expects to complete much of the profits came from. intervened in the diagnostics with the central bank." note that the scope of the project chain including in logistics, concession, capital raise and He said with the exception and radiology centres in Kano He added that another has been expanded from the ports, bagging, rail, industrial operationalisation of the of just one or two portfolios, and Umuahia and the cancer €4.2 was being expected to rehabilitation of 92.5km along warehousing, and haulage three PIDF road projects: every single asset class made centres at the Lagos Nigeria be repatriated, which the the three sections of the road touchpoints amongst others. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, substantial returns to the NSIA University Teaching Hospital authorities have agreed should to the full reconstruction of It also enabled the country to Second Niger Bridge and last year, with net profit of (LUTH). come to the NSIA to be used the entire stretch of 375km, as conserve foreign exchange that Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway. N108.9 billion. It is also discussing with the for the three projects. directed by Mr. President; this would have otherwise been "Despite concerns around He predicted a broader University College, London, According to him, the has extended the completion used for subsidy payment,” new waves of COVID-19, the recovery for the equity side to develop pharmaceutical NSIA is planning to invest date. The NSIA is exploring he said. Authority remains confident of the investments this year, industries in Nigeria. more in healthcare sector this options to shorten the Commenting on his outlook that with widespread saying that although stock On the Abacha loot, he year, with the ramping up of completion timeline for the for 2021, he said the NSIA vaccination programmes, market growth in 2020 was stated: "The Abacha fund infrastructure in Abuja and project.” would raise fund by issuing global economies will continue largely anchored on technology, was $311 million that was an eye on 20 such centres According to him, the NSIA a Sukuk bond. to reopen and create more activities in 2021 will be driven returned to Nigeria by the nationwide. 44 WEDNESday MAy 12, 2021 • THISDAY NEWSxtra Afenifere Restates Call for Buhari’s Resignation
James Sowole in Akure restated the call for President and the dwindling economic and had failed to address the the situation. why he is still there”. Muhammadu Buhari to resign challenges facing the country. increasing wave of insecurity and Adebanjo said ” I have told He berated the youth for failing The apex Yoruba socio-political or step aside over his alleged The call was made during downturn of the economy. them that in a better and civilised the country, stressing that “the group, Afenifere, yesterday inability to address insecurity the 95th birthday celebration Adebanjo said that with the country, he should have gone younger generation has failed of the leader of the group, series of challenges confronting long ago. If he has self-respect, the country. The country was Chief Reuben Fasonrati, and the country, Buhari ought to have he should have gone because not as bad as this when we were Tackle Break-up Agitations with the dedication of a church in resigned long ago without being everything has to fall. demonstrating for self-governance. his honour in Iju/Ita Ogbolu in forced to. “What is he presiding over? “They want the old men to Improved Security, Economy, Akure North Local Government He said the President had failed Is it over corruption, security, fight their cause for them. Area of Ondo State. the people of the country, adding education? Law and order have “Why should people like Employment, JNI Tells FG The Acting National Leader of that there is no better time to leave broken down in the country me be in the trenches at 93 the group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, but now. for the past three years. It is and Baba Fasoranti at 95? The apex Islamic body in Nigeria, in mind that by Allah’s will, said the Buhari-led government He argued that Buhari’s only because Nigerians are over Where are those in their 40s Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under tomorrow Wednesday, 12th May had incapacitated the country government can no longer handle tolerance of despots; that is and 30s? the leadership of the Sultan of or next tomorrow Thursday, 13th Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad May, 2021 shall mark the end of Sa’ad Abubakar III, has asked Ramadan fasting, to witness Eid- the federal government to address el-Fitr celebration in-shaa’Allah. In agitations for break-up of Nigeria the light of which Jama’atu Nasril by improving security, tackling the Islam (JNI) under the leadership economic hardship and addressing of His Eminence, the Sultan of the massive unemployment in Sokoto and the President-General, the country. uses this medium to, once again The Islamic body in its end of show gratitude to Almighty Ramadan fasting message said Allah, the Exceedingly Merciful addressing those challenges for sparing our lives to have would reinvent the spirit of observed the 2021 Ramadan patriotism among the citizens Fasting – Alhamdulillah. for an indivisible Nigeria. “This however, shows the The statement signed JNI mortal nature of man and that Secretary-General, Sheikh Khalid time is transient. The valuable Abubakar Aliyu also urged lessons learned in this year’s Muslims to give out Zakatul-Fitr Ramadan fasting is that despite the (Ordained Alms Giving at the end seeming economic hardship and of Ramadan Fasting) despite the pervasive insecurity, the fasting economic and intractable security was observed well and almost all challenges bedeviling the country. mosques observed the Tahajjud According to JNI, “bearing (night) prayers. DEEPENING TIES… Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva (left); and the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kim Young-Chae, Attacks on Military, during the envoy’s courtesy call on the minister at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Towers, Abuja…yesterday Declaration of War, FG Warns Olawale Ajimotokan the public and create a sense Tears as Remains of Pastor Dare Adeboye were Laid to Rest of insecurity among the public. Chiemelie Ezeobi Assistant Pastor in charge of was delivered by Pastor Kola physically and virtually. The federal government has Mohammed warned that Region 35. Oyeneyin, while the Presiding In her tribute, the widow waxed issued warning to separatists the groups engaged in such Despite efforts to maintain a stoic The 42-year-old, who fathered Bishop of Living Faith Church, poetic about the lengths her late and militant groups across dastardly act would pay dearly mien, tears poured in torrents three daughters with his wife, a.k.a, Winners Chapel, Bishop David husband often went to ensure she the country that it would for their actions whether they as the remains of late Pastor Temiloluwa, was buried yesterday Oyedepo, prayed for the family. was happy. henceforth declare any attack were known or unknown Oluwadamilare, the son of General after a farewell service at the Youth Tears poured as he was She wrote, “I write this with a on the military as an attack on gunmen. Overseer of Redeemed Christian Centre, Redemption Camp, along committed to mother earth after heavy heart because I never knew the state and a declaration of “Now, there is a growing Church of God (RCCG), Pastor the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway . the farewell service. it would be this soon. I can’t believe war against the country. dangerous trend which I will Enoch Adeboye, were laid to rest Prior to the funeral, the church, Among the dignitaries on ground I have to talk about you in past The Minister of Information like to comment on. It is the yesterday especially the youth wing, had were Oyedepo; his wife, Faith; tense. and Culture, Alhaji Lai practice of launching deadly The third child of the family, P organised service of songs and Pastor David Oyedepo Jr; and “I thank God for the Mohammed issued the warning attacks against the nation’s Dee, as he was fondly called, died night of tribute, championed Senior Pastor Covenant Christian wonderful life you lived. You yesterday in Lagos at a press security personnel. Soldiers last Wednesday in Eket, Akwa by the deceased’s brother, Leke Centre, Pastor Poju Oyemade; as were amazing inside and out. briefing with online publishers as well as police, customs and Ibom State, where he lived with Adeboye. well as thousands of worshippers Yes, we had our differences on national security. other security agents have been his family and operated as the At the funeral, the sermon and well-wishers, who connected and we fought. He condemned the growing killed and maimed in some trend in some parts of the parts of the country in this country where military growing trend of targeting FG Approves New Retirement Age for Health Workers personnel whose responsibility security forces. I want to was to protect the country say, unequivocally, that any To meet with workers over hazard allowance on June 1 were either maimed or killed attack on our security men and made by health workers under at the Presidential Villa in Abuja decision on June 1”. by militants and separatist women is an attack on the state Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja the auspices of the Nigerian yesterday, Minister of Labour and THISDAY gathered that NMA groups. and a declaration of war against Medical Association (NMA) Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has proposed that health workers He said the practice would the nation. It follows, therefore, The federal government has and Joint Health Sector Unions said that federal government from level 1 to 6 be paid N60,000 no longer be condoned as its that this will be countered with reached agreement with (JOHESU) regarding enhanced had acceded to the request by monthly hazard allowance, while purpose was to instill fear in overwhelming force.“ stakeholders in the health sector hazard allowance. the unions in the health sector those from level 7 to 9 should earn to grant new retirement age for Speaking to journalists after a to extend the retirement age of 70 per cent of their consolidated workers in the sector. meeting between the Presidential the workers. basic salary as hazard allowance. Under the new condition of Committee on Salaries (PSC), “We made a lot of progress NMA also asked that its Military Repels Boko Haram’s service, the retirement age of health relevant federal government at today’s meeting, including members on level 10 to 12 workers has increased from 60 stakeholders, health sector approving new retirement age be paid 60 per cent of their Attempt to Capture Maiduguri years to 65 years. professional associations and for health workers and taking consolidated basic salary and Also the retirement age for trade unions on the issue of their proposals on the new that others on COMES 5 - 7 Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri on some of the houses. medical consultants is 70 years. hazard allowance and retirement hazard allowance which the be paid 60 per cent of their As the sound continued to echo Government also requested for age for health sector workers in government side will go and consolidated basic salary as An attempt by Boko Haram fighters all around the town, women, three weeks to consider proposals government health establishments study and come back with a well. to infiltrate Maiduguri, the Borno children, and the aged persons State capital and the birthplace of were seen trooping into the city the insurgency group was repelled centre for safety. Olawepo-Hashim Rallies Political Leaders to Save Nigeria by the military yesterday evening. A source told THISDAY that THISDAY gathered that the many residential houses were Dike Onwuamaeze carrying on as if it is business as out of government must urgently interest or ambition. attack, which lasted for over 30 completely burnt down at Jiddari usual, while it is not!” arrive at a consensus to secure Olawepo–Hashim also minutes, left many houses burnt, Polo. A former presidential candidate in He made this remark yesterday the country and return it to a recommended a six point agenda while many children and women It was however difficult to 2019 general election, Mr. Gbenga while expressing his views to path of peace and unity in order as a pathway to security and were declared missing. ascertain the number of casualties Olawepo-Hashim, has called on journalists in Lagos that the time to give hope to the citizens who peace in Nigeria, which include Residents of the Maiduguri on the side of the combatants and political leaders in the country has come for political leaders in desperately need to be assured the establishment of a Defence were thrown into panic when civilian as it was already dark when to unite and save Nigeria from the country, irrespective of their that their father land can still Co-operation Agreement (DCA) the outskirt of the town, Jiddari the shooting ceased and soldiers imminent collapse. political or ideological leanings, to work for them.” with countries that are friendly Polo was attacked at about 6pm. had already condoned off the area. Olawepo–Hashim, who was put heads together and agree on He added that the challenges to Nigeria in order to halt the Many people fleeing from the However, a lot of pictures were the presidential candidate of the a workable agenda that would confronting Nigeria would require threatening insecurity in the area into the main town, lamented shared on social media among Peoples Trust (PT) in the last stabilise this bleeding nation. the goodwill of all patriots to country. that their homes were attacked. people in the town with some presidential election, reiterated his “The nation is on fire and resolve because they “are larger He said that those who are They alleged that the insurgents people in camouflage believed belief in a united and indivisible we must put it out right now! than any particular political party fighting Nigeria are from all over shot sporadically in the area, and to be insurgents, felled by Nigeria and noted that “it is Nigeria’s political leaders across in government or in opposition. the world and multinational in threw powerful explosive devices bullets. unfortunate that many are still political lines in government and They are bigger than any group’s their composition. WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 ˾THISDAY 45 NEWSXTRA PDP Insists on Electronic Transmission of 2023 Election Results Says invasion of Presidential Villa shows Buhari can’t secure Nigeria Chuks Okocha in Abuja not have excuses not to use the the Presidential Villa by bandits National Publicity Secretary, Mr. any excuse not to employ the for electronic transmission of results electronic direct transmission of and armed robbers, describing Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that since direct transmission of results from in future elections, including those The Peoples Democratic Party results in 2023 general election and the development as a further INEC could deploy technology to polling units, which will ensure of 2023. (PDP) yesterday said that the other future polls. pointer to the collapse of security conduct online registration of voters, credible elections by eliminating Meanwhile, the PDP has said Independent National Electoral The party has also said it command structure under President which entails electronic transmission manipulations, alterations, switching it was alarmed by the invasion Commission (INEC) should was alarmed by the invasion of Muhamamdu Buhari’s watch. of voter’s data to its central server, and the disappearance of election of the Presidential Villa by The party’s position is predicated it should also conduct an electronic results during manual collation bandits and armed robbers, on INEC’s announcement of transmission of results directly from processes.” describing the development as Mbaka Proceeds on Prayer its readiness to conduct online the polling unit to its central server. It added that if INEC could a further pointer to the collapse (electronic) registration of voters The PDP said: “Our party calls use the electronic platform for of security command structure Retreat, Shuts Down for future elections. the attention of the commission registration of voters, it could as under President Muhamamdu Adoration Ministry The PDP, in a statement by its to the fact that it no longer has well deploy the same technology Buhari’s watch. Christopher Isiguzo and by his supporters last week when Gideon Arinze in Enugu his whereabouts was unknown. The ministry had sent out a Enugu State-based Catholic Priest, notice early yesterday morning Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has finally informing members of the church bowed to the directive of the that Mbaka was proceeding on a Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, one-month private prayer retreat. Rt. Rev. Callistus Onaga, as he A message to that effect read: has proceeded on a one-month “Our Spiritual Director, Rev Fr prayer retreat. Ejike Mbaka, wishes to inform The priest also announced the his beloved adorers that he has shutting down of the Adoration embarked on a private prayer Ministry for the period of his retreat that will end on June retreat. 10, 2021. Mbaka had last Sunday “Consequently, no ministry apologised to the bishop for the activities shall be held in the alleged destruction of facilities at ministry ground pending his the Bishop’s Court during a protest return. PROVIDING HOSPITALITY…. L-R: Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Sifax Group, Mr. Bode Ojeniyi; General Manager, Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Mr. Janse Boko Haram: Security Agents to Van Rensburg; Executive Director, Strategic Planning, Sifax Group, Wumi Eniola-Jegede; and Managing Director, Mac-Folly Hospitality Ltd. Mr. Chike Ogeah, at a press conference to announce the opening of Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday Intensify Screening of Vehicles, Persons SUNDAY ADIGUN in N’Assembly Bawa: States Should Get Assets Recovered from Ex-govs Security agents at the National Assembly, Mr. Amos Ojo wrote the The Chairman of the Economic that assets recovered from former him (the victim),” Bawa was be returned to the federal Assembly have introduced memo dated May 7, 2021, through and Financial Crimes Commission governors should be returned to quoted as saying in EFCC ALERT, government. measures to verify and identify the Secretary, Human Resources (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the affected states. according to The Cable. “But there are stages. vehicles and persons entering and Staff Development, Abiodun has stated that the position of “When it comes to this issue “State government lost money Issues of identification, tracing, the complex in response to Boko Oladoyin. the law is that recovered assets of recovered assets, the provision through its former governor; and recovery of assets are Haram threats. The circular read, “I am directed should be returned to the owners. of the law is very clear. There are assets are recovered from there; all these are stages. Of Following this development, to inform all legislators and staff that Speaking on the issue of asset victims of these crimes. Somebody that former governor. Of course, before trial is concluded circular titled: ’Strict Compliance in view of the prevailing security recovery when he featured on has gotten somebody’s money course, it will be returned in court where matters are with Security Protocol in the situation in the country and the One-on-One, a programme on fraudulently and assets are to the state. Other assets charged, those assets recovered National Assembly,’ has been National Assembly in particular, it Nigerian Television Authority recovered from that individual. that are recovered for the through interim forfeiture are addressed to all senators, honourable has become imperative to beef up (NTA), Bawa said the law states Of course, it will be returned to federal government, it will managed by us.” members; Deputy Clerk to the security measures to prevent the National Assembly, Clerk, Senate infiltration of undesirable elements Clerk, House of Representatives; into the National Assembly US Expresses Interest in Passage of PIB all secretaries; Deputy Clerk, complex. Senate Deputy Clerk, House “Consequently, security Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Nigeria. are all looking forward to the Affairs, noting that she was of Representatives; all directors personnel have been mandated The US Ambassador to Petroleum Industry Bill becoming aware of a roadmap for the (including clerks to committees); to search all vehicles and persons The United States of America Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, a reality so that there can be a region that was supposed to and all members of staff. entering into the National has declared its interest in the gave the indication in Abuja, predictable basis for entrance for come on stream in 2020, but The Clerk to the National Assembly.” passage of the much-awaited yesterday when she paid a companies entering or operating may have been disrupted by Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in courtesy call on Akpabio. in the industry, and sort of the COVID-19 pandemic. order to provide a clear roadmap The envoy observed that predictable expectations for Leonard stated that: “I know for the Nigeria’s oil and gas making the PIB a reality was of the population of the Niger there had been a roadmap FG Rolls out National Action sector as well as stakeholders. interest to her country to ensure Delta in that regard.” that was supposed to take This is coming as the Minister that clear-cut conditions for entry The envoy stated that she place in 2020. Many of us Plan for Mercury Use, Solid of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator into the petroleum industry as had visited Akwa Ibom State had experienced our plans Waste Management Godswill Akpabio, stated that well as operational guidelines last week to be acquainted for 2020 not going exactly how it is in the interest of the global are spelt out. with some of the activities of we planned given the global Michael Olugbode and Kasim completed by the UNIDO in community to ensure a peaceful She said: “I think that we the Ministry of Niger Delta pandemic.” Sumaina in Abuja collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, In order to eliminate poisonous Mines and Steel Development, Igbo Group: Shoot-on-sight Order will Worsen Insecurity in South-east gaseous emission into the air, the and Health, and the World Sunday Ehigiator order against Igbo youths to the exterminating innocent citizens, as The letter was copied to the federal government yesterday Health Organisation, which soldiers in the South-sast and there is no telling who might be part Chief of Defence Staff, Minister rolled out the National Action is an obligation to the A think-tank of Igbo intellectuals South-south. of the collateral, unintended casualties. of Defence, Chief of Staff to the Plan (NAP) for the reduction and Minamata Convention on and professionals, Nzuko It said such an order amounts The open letter titled, ‘Shoot-on- president, United Nations eventual elimination of mercury Mercury to which Nigeria Umunna, yesterday wrote an to a declaration of war on Ndigbo sight order and ongoing extra-judicial Agency on Human Rights, use in the artisanal and small-scale is a signatory. open letter to the Chief of Army if it was true. killings in the South-east zone’, was Human Rights International gold mining sector of the country. Speaking on the documents, Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, It also said the directive was signed on behalf of the group by Dr. and United State’s Embassy The government also on UNIDO said it would chart a over the alleged shoot-on-sight tantamount to extra-judicially N Odumuko and Dr. P. Mbanefo. in Nigeria. unveiled the national policy on path to the future of gold mining solid waste management and and environmental sustainability national policy on plastics waste in the country. management. The Minister of Mines and Steel Edo PDP Alleges Plot to Dissolve Party’s Structure The roll outs were done in Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Obaseki. of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, after a resolution passed in an conjunction and collaboration Adegbite, in his good will message The party also frowned at said the party is with the governor emergency and expanded State with the United Nations Industrial at the event, said NAP on Mercury Edo State chapter of the Peoples the delay in the appointment of over the delay in constituting the Working Committee (SWC) of the Development Organisation in the Artisanal and Small-scale Democratic Party (PDP) has commissioners by the governor, state executive council. party, the state PDP frowned at a (UNIDO) with the presentation Gold Mining (ASGM) is a well- written to the National Secretariat which it alleged has completely In a strongly-worded letter to purported state leaders meeting of the Nigeria’s National Action articulated document which was of the party in protest against excluded members of the party the National Chairman of the held in the Government House Plan (NAP) on Mercury in the put together based on baline data alleged plot to dissolve the from the scheme of things in the party, Prince Uche Secondus, and last Saturday, where it was Artisanal and Small-scale obtained from surveys of ASGM leadership of the party at the ward, affairs of the state signed by the state Chairman and allegedly resolved that the Mining Sector (ASGM). operators across the Nigeria gold local government and state levels The protest came barely three Secretary of PDP, Tony Aziegbemi leadership of the party at all The NAP was successfully mining belt. by the state Governor, Godwin weeks after the state Chairman and Hillary Otsu respectively, levels be dissolved. 46 WEDNESDAY MAY 12, 2021 ˾THISDAY SALLAH MESSAGES... SALLAH MESSAGES... Ramadan Fast Continues, Sallah Holds Tomorrow, Says NSCIA Our Correspondents
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said the Eid-el Fitr festival will hold tomorrow (Thursday). It asked Muslims in the country to observe Ramadan fast today (Wednesday). The NSCIA, which made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan fast. The statement was signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu. The NSCIA said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, Sa mni – wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH.
Gbajabiamila, Secondus Call on Muslims to Pray for Nigeria FACILITY MANAGEMENT IN FOCUS… L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect, Lagos State, Mr.David Majekodunmi; Faculty Member, Department of Estate The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Management, University of Lagos, Prof. Modupe Omirin; Chief Engineer, Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Felix (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus, have urged Nigerians, especially Elerunndu; President, International Facility Management Association, Nigeria Chapter (IFMA),Mr. Segun Adebayo; General Manager, Muslims, to use the period of Eid-el-Fitr and pray for the country Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Mrs. Nike Adekanbi; and Past President, IFMA, Mr. Stephen Ola to overcome her challenges. Jagun, at the 2021 World FM Day at the University of Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUT In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker called on Muslims to ensure peaceful prudent management of resources and commitment overall interest of the country. coexistence with their neighbours. to the welfare of the poor. He said after supplications during the just concluded month The governor said this in Ilorin at the distribution Ekiti Monarch Sues for Peace of Ramadan, it was incumbent on the Muslims to pray that the of Ramadan gift, tagged ‘Baba for all’ to the Almighty Allah brings peace to the land. vulnerable, physically challenged, widows and He said, ‘’Nigeria faces challenges at the moment, which is The Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and less-privileged across the 16 local government Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, has congratulated why as citizens, we should pray to our Creator for solutions areas of the state. even as leaders try their best to address the issues. I congratulate Muslims in Ekiti State and throughout Nigeria on the celebration Governor AbdulRazaq added that the president has of Idel Fitri to mark the end of the Ramadan and urged the Nigerian Muslims for the successful completion of fasting in the done exceedingly well in the area of infrastructure. Holy Month of Ramadan, praying that Allah would accept their people to continue to pray for peace in Nigeria. acts of ibadah during the period. Oba Alabi noted that the current spate of banditry, kidnapping, Uzodimma Salutes Muslims, Urges Prayer for unwarranted killings and terrorism in the country calls for incessant Nigeria prayers from religious leaders. FCTA Bans Eid Prayer at National Prayer Ground He remarked that no tangible development can be recorded in a nation devoid of peace, stability and love. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on the Muslim community to devote their time to praying He therefore urged the Muslim faithful and other Nigerians Muslim worshippers from converging at the National Prayer to continue to preach and embrace peace. ground along the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport for the unity of Nigeria, particularly in the face of current Road) for the end of Ramadan fasting Eid prayers. challenges posed by insecurity that threatens her oneness. The decision was taken on Monday at a meeting that took Felicitating the Muslims for successfully completing their Police Deploy 4,500 Personnel to Cover Celebration place between the Minister of the FCT Malam Muhammad Ramadan Fast, Uzodimma also admonished them to reflect in Nasarawa Musa Bello and a delegation from the FCT League of Imams deeply on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed as they Initiative led by its Chairman, Imam Tajudeen M.B Adigun, to concern love for one another and peaceful coexistence. The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday said it had discuss the modalities of holding Eid prayers for the upcoming The governor recalled that the Covid-19 pandemic which strategically deployed about 4,500 personnel to cover this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. is still ravaging parts of the globe, including Nigeria, and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state. In a statement signed yesterday by FCT spokesman, Anthony threat of insecurity in different parts of the country, clearly The state Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, disclosed this Ogunleye, all worshippers are enjoined to hold Eid prayers outdoors test the resilience, dedication, patience and self-sacrifice in statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, within the premises of their neighborhood Juma’at mosques. of Muslims as true believers in the teachings of Prophet ASP Ramhan Nansel, and issued to journalists in Lafia. The minister said the decision was taken to prevent a possible Mohammed. According to the police commissioner, “the 4,500 police personnel third wave of COVID-19 as is being witnessed in some countries He then advised them to hold tenaciously to those positive are to cover major towns, Eid praying grounds, junctions, recreational across the world. attributes which their faith espouses. centres and other public places. While rigorous patrol will be sustained on our highways for the safety of travellers. Makinde Calls for Prayers to End Insecurity Tambuwal Prays for Buhari, Sues for Peace, Security “Furthermore, undercover operatives have also been deployed to nook and crannies of the state for surveillance and information Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Muslims Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed gathering.” in Oyo State and across the country, on the completion of the to the Ulama in the state and everywhere in the country to Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri. sustain the tempo of the prayers that they have been offering Kwara Police Warn Politicians against Turning Makinde said it was a thing of joy that Muslims and non- for the peace and progress of the country. Eid Praying Ground into Campaign Arena Muslims have witnessed another celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, calling Recognising the uncommon efforts the Ulama has been for prayers to end insecurity in the country. making in ensuring that peace reigns in the country, in the The Kwara State Police Command has warned politicians across A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the face of unbridled banditry and sundry security breaches, the the state against turning the Eid praying ground into a political governor enjoined Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerians governor told the Islamic scholars that they should also not campaign arena during the forthcoming celebration of Eid-el-Fitr to reflect the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which include love, give up in praying for President Muhammadu Buhari. in the state. peace and justice in their daily living and through this, contribute He made the calls when he hosted the Ulama to The police command also said that it had deployed over 2,000 to the development of the nation. iftar (Ramadan breakfast) on the 28th day of the personnel that would keep vigil during the celebration as anyone He equally called on all Muslims not to depart from their good Holy Month of Islam at the Presidential Lodge of caught with dangerous weapons at the Eid praying ground ways exhibited during the 30 days of spiritual exercise, which, Government House, Sokoto on Monday. would be treated as criminals and would face the full wrath he said, had drawn them closer to almighty Allah (SWT) with “God knows that both in private and in public of the law. a lot of lessons learnt in the process. we have Mr President’s safety and well-being at In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday signed by the heart. We will continue to pray for his good health Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi also warned so that his wisdom and ability to pilot the affairs Ortom Urges Nigerians to Pray for Peace, Security trouble makers to stay away from the state as anyone caught of state will not wither or flounder,” the governor will be made to face the full wrath of the law. stated. As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called for sustained prayers to end NASFAT Preaches Love for Nigerian Leaders insecurity in parts of the country. Be True Agents of Change, Unity, Southern Senators The governor in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Tell Muslims The Chief Missioner of Nasru-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT, Imam Akase, believes that with prayers and commitment on the part of Abdul-Azeez Onike has urged Nigerians to fervently pray for the government and the people, the wave of killings, kidnappings, As Muslims all over the world end their 30 days of Ramadan leadership of the nation at all levels for Allah to direct their affairs herdsmen attacks and banditry will be surmounted. fast, National Assembly members under the aegis of Southern so that they can diligently discharge their duties and conduct He said the peace, security and unity of the country must be Senators’ Forum (SSF), have advised the adherents of themselves purposefully for the benefits of all. placed above personal and sectional interests, as keeping Nigeria Prophet Mohammed to act as true agents of unity. In his Sallah message, Onike noted that the Holy Prophet safe and united is a task for all its citizens. The forum said shunning religious fanaticism by said everyone was a shepherd and was responsible for The governor urged Muslims in the state to promote the both Muslim and Christians remains the best weapon his flock, adding that the leader of people is a guardian values and lessons of Ramadan such as piety, generosity, peaceful that can keep Nigeria a united nation, saying religious and should be responsible for his subjects. coexistence and justice. bigotry has done incalculable damage to Nigeria’s image, Onike asked specifically for prayers for President politics and economy . Muhammadu Buhari who is the leader of the nation AbdulRazaq Hails Buhari’s Commitment to a This was contained in a message issued by the forum’s and prayers for other leaders in government, at home, Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulating workplace or in the society. Better Country the Muslims on eid-el-fitr celebration. He said that the call became necessary in view of the Bamidele said the essence of Ramadan is to maintain myriad of problems besetting Nigeria at this moment. Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, piety among Muslim adherents and bridge the He recalled that at this moment in time banditry, yesterday cautioned against disparaging of the person of President gap between the rich and the poor, advising kidnapping for ransom, violent agitation for self- Muhammadu Buhari for no just cause. that the holiness exhibited by Muslims during determination by some sections of the country, cultism, He said that the president as the leader of the country, deserves the 30 days fasting should be sustained in the terrorism, gangsterism and many more vices have been some respect and not denigration, especially in the light of his the order of the day. WEDNESDAY MAY 12, ͺͺ˾THISDAY 47
Group Sports Editor ßÜÙ ÕÒËäßËÑÌÏ Email ÎßÜÙ˛ÓÕÒËäßËÑÌÏ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ× WEDNESDAYSPORTS ͻͻ Iheanacho: Ndidi and I Never Lost Faith in Me Nigeria and Leicester City’s in- the fringes with the Foxes. for the month of April. of not leading the way. critics. and providing 19 assists, form striker Kelechi Iheanacho In recent months though his “I think a lot of people wrote A far cry from a striker who “It was truly a bad patch and since moving to Leicester insists he never gave up hope fortunes have changed as he me off, but I never lost faith had to wait 14 months for a we all know that some people from Manchester City on a that he would return to form even was named March’s Premier in myself,” Iheanacho told BBC Premier League goal between are always too quick to judge,” five-year contract in 2017. during his lowest ebb. League player of the month, Sport Africa yesterday. September 2018 to December he said. At international level, he Iheanacho, 24, was overlooked signed a new deal to keep him “I was going through a crazy 2019 leading to some severe “To hear some people come has scored nine goals in 30 by Nigeria for the 2019 AFCON at Leicester until 2024 and is and difficult time when things criticism. out now and start saying positive appearances for Nigeria in Egypt after finding himself on on course for a double award just didn’t work out for me. Among those who criticised things again is only normal but since making his senior “But I’ve worked extremely Iheanacho was the Nigeria I don’t even bother. debut against Swaziland in hard, and also have the manager manager Gernot Rohr who “I only have to prove to myself November 2015. NWFL PREMIERSHIP PLAYOFF and other staff at Leicester, and publicly questioned his that I can do this consistently, He starred as Nigeria won most importantly brother and commitment and professionalism continue to grow, help my club the 2013 Under-17 World Cup friend Wilfred (Ndidi) who to the national team back in 2019. and country when I get the for a record fourth-time and Pelican Stars, Abia Angels stood by me. Having helped Leicester chance to play. emerged as the tournament’s “It’s been a really tough ride City to their first FA Cup final “We have a lot ahead of us. outstanding player, being but I’m just delighted it’s all appearance since 1969 It’s that time of the season voted the Most Valuable Survive Relegation come together for me.” and playing a huge role in where you want to fight for Player. masters of the second half, to Iheanacho is the Foxes’ top their quest for Champions everything in front of you He also scored six goals to Adibe Emenyonuin Benin City scorer this season with 18 goals, League football, the player and not get carried away.” secure the Silver Boot as the pull the two goals deficit back and shot into lead with a third the first time since 2014-15 that believes his latest form goes Iheanacho has made 125 competition’s second-highest The duo of Pelican Stars Jamie Vardy has been in danger some way to answering his appearances, scoring 38 goals goal-scorer. Football Club of Calabar and goal to keep scores at 3-2. Abia Angels of Aba yesterday Dreamstar Ladies only escaped relegation at the needed to score just one more University of Benin Sports goal to pull through. They Complex and thus will remain would have been on same in the elite women’s league. minus one goal difference and Pelican Stars finished tops would have won on head-to- with five points on the table head permutations. after playing a goalless draw Unfortunately, by the time against Ibom Angels in their they shot into lead at 3-2the last Playoff game. They went game was left with 2 minutes into the match with four points of pay on the watch. from two matches. The Lagos team that also Abia Angels of Aba finished finished with four points, slided second place with four points into relegation with a minus and zero goal difference to join one inferior goal difference. Pelican Stars as the second team Dreamstar Ladies and Ibom to escape relegation and remain Angels will now play in the in the NWFL Premiership. NWFL Championship next Abia escaped by the whisker season, while Pelican Stars and as they lost 3-2 to Dreamstar Abia Angels will continue their Ladies in the last game of the sojourn in the NWFL Premiership Playoff . League. Abia opened a two-goal The final matches of the NWFL lead in the first half, only for Premiership Playoff officially Dreamstar Ladies who are marked the end of the Women’s Premiership League. Leicester Defeat Man Utd to Crown Man City Premier League Champions Kelechi Iheanacho (left) and Wilfred Ndidi were both on duty as Leicester City defeated Manchester United 2-1 to crown Manchester City have won a game is increasing. Manchester City champions of the 2020/21 Premier League season third Premier League title in four A United side showing years after closest challengers 10 changes to the team that Manchester United were beaten won at Aston Villa two days ANOCA Confers Highest Honour on Nigeria’s Sports Minister 2-1 by Leicester City yesterday. previously battled hard, with Pep Guardiola’s side are now Mason Greenwood levelling Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja work and contributions to sports On the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, I wish that as Nigeria excels, development. We are very proud Mr Dare said “Your visit is timely, Algeria can also excel so that 10 points ahead of second-placed after fellow 19-year-old Luke United, who have just three Thomas had put the visitors in of you and look forward to an coming at a time we are preparing we all can celebrate Africa’s Minister of Youth and Sports enduring relationship for the for the Tokyo Olympics to use success. I look forward to the games remaining. front with a fantastic far-post Development, Mr Sunday It is the seventh time City volley into the top corner. future of our sports.” the power of sports and give invitation to the ANOCA meeting Dare, has been honoured by In his response, Mr. Dare hope to people that sports can in Cairo, Egypt as well as the have finished top of the English Ironically, Leicester’s winner the Association of National football pyramid and the fifth came from a corner that was said “Thanks for this honour conquer Covid-19. African Athletics Championships Olympics Committees of Africa and award which is quite special. “As we look forward to Tokyo, in Algiers.” in nine years. delayed by the introduction (ANOCA) with the Highest Order Manchester City were of two United substitutes by When I met you in Morocco few of Sports Administrator Award months on assumption of office, crowned Premier League manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. for his immense contributions champions for the third time One of them, Marcus Rashford, the chemistry was spontaneous to the growth of the Olympics because of our love for sports in four seasons as Leicester City was initially marking Soyuncu Movement and Sports in Africa. secured their first Old Trafford at the corner but lost the Turkey development in Africa. Since I met Conferring the Award on the you, I’ve learnt alot about sports in victory over Manchester United international in the build-up and Minister during a courtesy visit since 1998 to take a major step Nemanja Matic was unable to Africa and it’s bits of politics. You to his office in Abuja on Tuesday, need an undying spirit to succeed towards a place in next season’s repel the goal threat. President of ANOCA, Mr. Champions League. Rodgers’ side now only in sports. “ANOCA has grown Mustapha Berraf, said “ANOCA from strength to strength and we Defeat for United means they require four points from their is happy with the role you played are 10 points behind City with final two games to secure a are proud of hosting ANOCA office in ensuring the completion of on our soil. We sincerely thank only three games remaining. top-four finish, although before our headquarters in Abuja. We Caglar Soyuncu’s far-post that quest resumes, they will the IOC President and yourself are very proud of all that you for the role you played in making header was enough to bring attempt to win the FA Cup for have done for sports development Nigeria the Olympics capital of a smile to Brendan Rodgers’ the first time in the club’s history in Nigeria and Africa. Africa. Thank you so much for President of ANOCA, Mr. Mustapha Berraf (right) presenting face and that of Pep Guardiola, against Chelsea at Wembley on “We hereby present this the partnership you offer us,” whose dominance of the English Saturday. award to you for your great the ANOCA Award to Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare concluded. Dare in his office in Abuja...yesterday Africa Needs Sustainable Sports Facilities, Says Egbe The Chief Executive Officer other seven other pitches waste of money. What we Nations. safe for the end users, the that the stadium would of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe, around the country said do in Monimichelle is that “The way forward is the players,” Egbe said. have the latest state of the has declared that his outfit is yesterday that Nigeria we construct pitches which nature pure hybrid synthetic Egbe’s outfit is at the art Monimichelle nature pure building sustainable facilities does not need what are sustainable. For over five pitches which we construct. moment constructing the hybrid synthetic playing that are going to outlive he called ‘tournament years, our pitch in Aba has They are FIFA certified, Awka City Stadium in turf, even as he added tournaments, even as he pitches’ which wither away remained top notch...go and the ball behavior and foot Anambra State as well as the that the arena would be insists that is what Nigeria the moment the tournament ask countries like Angola, stability are not in anyway FIFA Goal Project edifice in the first stadium in the and Africa need now. for which they are constructed Equatorial Guinea and Gabon different from a properly Ugborodo-Escravos in Delta country that is special Egbe whose outfitis over. what has happened to the manicured natural turf State. athletes friendly as this was constructed the Enyimba “Constructing tournament pitches they constructed pitch. Our pitches have On the Awka City put into consideration in the Stadium turf as well as several pitches is nothing but a during the Africa Cup of zero undulation and very Stadium, Egbe disclosed architectural design. T RU N Wednesday May 12, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your Afenifere to Buhari COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “I have told them that in a bett er and civilized country he should TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 have gone long ago. If he has self-respect, he should have gone because everything has to fall. What is he presiding over? Is it over corruption, security, education?” – The Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, restating its This service is provided in association with accredited service providers call for President Muhammadu Buhari to resign. KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON [email protected] 0805 500 1974 So, Who Will Speak up for Nigeria? ince independence the unity of Nigeria is strange for a one – time minister of the federal south-south are included in some nostalgic maps of has hardly ever been taken for granted. republic who was in charge of the formulation and Biafra. The Yoruba and the Igbo are ethnic groups This topic is being revisited here execution of policies with great impacts (negative of tens of millions of people. There are other ethnic because it is even dangerous to have false or positive) on the political economy and the groups in the south that are only in hundreds of assumptions today about a united Nigeria society now supporting secession. thousands; some are even in tens of thousands. underS the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari. In fact, it should be considered a political And poignantly, some of these ethnic groups are The basis of unity in the country is being called abomination for any former commander-in-chief located in the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta to question in virtually every part of the country. of the Nigerian armed forces to ever belong to where the environment is degraded and exploited Therefore, it’s time those who genuinely believe an ethnic or regional organisation. It is morally and the people live in poverty after decades of in the unity of Nigeria spoke up for the beleaguered untenable. When you listen to some former extraction of petroleum from their backyard to country. national offi ce holders on issues bordering on sustain the Nigerian economy. Now it is projected Unity has always been a prominent item on the national unity you wonder how they managed that fossil fuel will substantially lose value in a national agenda in peace time and during crisis. to formulate or implement national policies in matter of a decade. Essentially, the proposition of The tragic civil war was fought to unite the good faith with this mindset. the Yoruba and Igbo separatists is that the ethnic country following the declaration of the Republic The same principle also applies to those who groups of the Niger Delta become micro republics of Biafra with General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- have had the honour of representing Nigeria of poverty. That is a selfi sh proposition. These Ojukwu as the Head of State . Millions of lives outside as symbols of the nation’s sovereignty. other groups are as different from one another were lost in the crisis. During the war the battle How can you build a nation when those who as the Igbo and Yoruba are different from each cry of the federal government was this: “To keep once managed the affairs of the nation are not other. In such a scenario, does anyone expect a Nigeria one is a task that must be done.” willing to wave the nation’s fl ag anymore? neat emergence of a plethora of republics? More than 50 years after the war, it is unthinkable Buhari The other day there was a referendum on the While the Nigerian state should be told that that the type of force, which the government of separation of Scotland from the United Kingdom. unity cannot be forced or decreed into existence, General Yakubu Gowon employed to keep Nigeria being an ethnic chauvinist who could not be more Signifi cantly, two former British prime ministers it is also very important to make the separatists as one nation, could be applicable anymore. than a Yoruba leader. “Awo is a tribalist (sic)” was of Scottish origin, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, to see the futility of using violence to pursue their Instead, what is required at this conjuncture the common campaign against the UPN leader. campaigned vigorously in support of Scotland dreams. Neither the advocates of unity nor the is playing the politics of national unity with the Today virtually everybody is a believer in remaining in Britain with a greater devolution of separatists would benefi t from the looming anarchy. due sense of historical responsibility. “true federalism.” It’s now little remembered powers and other political reforms. As intangible In championing the cause of their respective In particular, Buhari should consciously give that Awolowo was once crucifi ed for his position as this point may appear, it is fi rmly at the root of ethnic groups, Ohaneze Ndigbo and Afenifere presidential leadership to promote national unity. as an unwavering federalist. He theorised about the present grand assault on the idea of national have wisely articulated the case for restructuring. His tenure may ultimately be defi ned by what he federalism and worked hard to put into practice integration. The two organisations whose memberships include does or fails to do to promote national unity. At when he had the job of the chief executive offi ce After all, every nation is built by its people statemen have rejected secession. These ethnic least, he could sow the political and social seeds as premier of the old western region (the present with some persons thrown up by history to play organisations have sustained the clamour for that could germinate and grow to become trees in southwest and Edo and Delta). decisive roles. restructuring in the most civilised culture of debate. the forest of national unity. For instance, he could The point at issue here is that advocates of To the separatists, it is naïve if not outdated Away from ethnic solutions, the debate has even begin the process of restructuring by implementing federalism were once accused of not being to speak in favour of the unity of Nigeria. The been deepened and enriched from a popular- the report of the 2014 national conference. He has fully committed to national unity. The military most disastrous naivety, however, is to ignore the democratic perspective . For instance, remarkably more than 700 days to do so. After all, it took regimes worsened the matter with their impolitic grave danger of anarchy that may descend on from the Left, Comrade Edwin Madunagu, a President Franklin D. Roosevelt only 100 days to and mechanical drive for “unifi cation.” Today, Nigeria in the event of disintegration. Whatever Marxist, has been writing on restructuring in lay the foundation of the New Deal for which he “true federalism” has been elevated to level of defi cits this present dispensation may have recorded the last 35 years. He engaged the late Chief is remembered in history. Admittedly, Roosevelt a panacea to Nigeria’s problems. since 1999, it is still better than mobocracy (that Anthony Enahoro who also made important had a clear vision of America that he pursued Historically, however, some partisans of national is the democracy of the mobs) and the reign of contributions to the debate including giving the with policies and programmes. integration used to be impatient even with the ethnic warlords. With the heavily poisoned public shape of a restructured Nigeria. At the end of the Nigerian civil war, the nation federalist idea. sphere and free fl ow of arms it is sheer fantasy Madunagu, who incidentally will turn 75 on was reunited. However, it has subsequently The foregoing is to demonstrate that the unity to imagine a neat and bloodless separation of Saturday, once encapsulated his propositions in witnessed a lot of bloodletting in the course of of Nigeria was once considered to be worthy of any part of Nigeria. many essays as follows: “Nigeria will remain a crises in which national integration has been a defence. On the contrary, to defend the unity of Worse still, separatist agitations that used to federal republic; the current principles of citizenship, factor. Nigeria is no more fashionable today because of be on the margin of the political landscape are fundamental human rights and principles of state All the constitutions written for Nigeria have the fi ssiparous ferment on the national horizon. creeping to the centre stage with public intellectuals policy will be enhanced; the federal government always have had provisions to strengthen national Some strange tendencies in the crisis of busy rationalising mob actions. will give up a substantial fraction of its current cohesion. Policies and programmes have been nationhood are often ignored by pundits. One Specifi cally, those who have proclaimed the appropriation to the states and local governments. designed and executed to promote national of such tendencies is for those who have the republics of Oduduwa and Biafra with fl ags, The states, in turn, will fi nance the zones and the integration. Some provisions in the Chapter II of the privileged of holding high national positions of passports and currencies in the cyberspace local governments will fi nance the communities. 1999 constitution are meant to bolster oneness in responsibility and sensitivity to regress into being should ponder a point made about the fate Finally—and this is the “magic” of popular the country as one of the “Fundamental Objectives ethnic champions in retirement. Here we are of Nigeria by a fellow columnist on this page, democracy—the “cost of governance”, both in and Directive Principles of State Policy.” talking of those who history had once put in Olusegun Adeniyi, when he spoke on May Day relative and absolute terms, will be much less National broadcasts by elected presidents and vantage positions to see the complexity of Nigeria at the Platform, a programme of the Covenant than what it is at present.” military heads of state have been laden with because of the responsibilities assigned them and Christian Centre in Lagos. Adeniyi concluded his The elites of the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups exhortations about the imperative of national unity. information available to them. This tendency is highly perceptive presentation like this: “There is should be wary of the danger of the budding For instance, on October 1, 1980, President Shehu immoral and indefensible. In the situation, a enormous strength in our diversity. If we get our fascists in their midst waving the fl ags of ethnic Shagari, listed maintaining national unity as of the Nigerian who has commanded the Nigerian acts together Nigeria will certainly be more than liberation. There is this astonishing tendency of achievements of his government. This was just army or who was once the inspector-general the sum of its parts.” members of the elite conceding leadership to the a decade after the civil war. Shagari’s National of the police or the head of a security agency Unfortunately, Buhari has grossly mismanaged mob out of frustration with the state of things Party of Nigeria (NPN) fought the 1979 elections doesn’t see anything awkward in spewing ethnic the nation’s diversity. in Nigeria. It’s a destructive path to take in the on the platform of national unity. Members and prejudice against other groups in defence of its own The agitators of Oduduwa and Biafra republics circumstance. supporters of NPN were proud of the proclaimed ethnic or regional group. Similarly, something is should, however, be persuaded to accept the All told, the collapse of governance at all levels achievement. The opposition parties, of course, wrong with a nation in which those who have proposition that Nigeria needs every part to is a major factor in the crisis plaguing the land. would like Shagari to point to more “concrete headed the national parliament making laws for be a great country just as every part needs Burgeoning poverty demonstrates the failure of achievements.” The party’s slogan was “One the federation transmute into regional champions Nigeria in the context of the nation’s history. years of experimentation with neo-liberal socio- Nation, One Destiny.” The question of unity and ethnic irredentists. Nobody thinks anything Bishop Mathew Kukah is quite right when he economic policies. was also central to the politics of the second most says that it is “cheaper for Nigeria to remain Doubtless, mass poverty is fuelling the soaring popular party. The party answered the question united” than to disintegrate. wave of insecurity which in turn exacerbates the with its name, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). The Those who want the two major ethnic groups in threat to national unity. presidential candidate of UPN, Chief Obafemi Buhari should the south to be carved into different republics seem The Nigerian condition today is a bitter proof Awolowo, campaigned on an unimpeachable not consider judiciously the fate of the dozens of that unity can only be sustained on the basis of social democratic platform. He sold the ideas of consciously give minority groups in the south, not to speak of the social justice and equity using the instrumentality free education, free healthcare, full employment northern ones in the event of national disintegration. of inclusive policies. and integrated rural development. His traducers presidential In a most provocative manner, some intriguing Buhari’s professed agenda comprises Security, could not effectively fault him on what he called maps of the proclaimed Oduduwa Republic include Economy and Anti-corruption (SEA). The President the “cardinal programmes.” Awolowo’s opponents, leadership to promote the geo-political space of ethnic groups in Edo should be suggestible enough to add National Unity however, steadily put him on the defensive on the and Delta states as if they are ethnically Yoruba. to its policy plate for the next 24 months. After question of national unity. They accused him of national unity Similarly, the land areas of ethnic groups in the all, SEANU doesn’t look a like a bad acronym! 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]