FG PROTESTS DELETION of TWEET, SAYS TWITTER CAN't GAG BUHARI Destruction and Loss of Lives Tweets by Kanu

$40bn Investments Needed for Nigeria’s Gas Plan, Says NNPC Barkindo: Oil industry's upstream spending slumped 30% in 2020 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja will require at least $40 billion Also, the Secretary that capital investments in billion cubic feet to 10 billion organised by the Association in direct investments in basic General of the Organisation the upstream of the oil and cubit feet of gas in the next of Local Distributors of The Nigerian National infrastructure to achieve the of Petroleum Exporting gas industry fell by 30 per couple of years, compared Gas (ALDG), tagged “The Petroleum Corporation federal government’s much Countries (OPEC), Dr. Sanusi cent in 2020. to its current 1.6 bcf supply Decade of Gas: Unlocking (NNPC) has said that the talked-about about “Decade Barkindo, said the cartel's NNPC said yesterday that capacity. Nigerian oil and gas industry of Gas.” latest assessment showed it was targeting between 7.4 Speaking at a virtual forum Continued on page 10

Osinbajo: FG to Provide 20,000 Jobs Annually for Graduates... Page 6

Thursday 3 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9551. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO

TODAY'S WEATHER ABUJA MAIDUGURI ENUGU KANO LAGOS PORT HARCOURT 25°C-33°C 31°C-31°C 25°C-28°C 27°C-33°C 24C-27°C 20°C-30°C FG Protests Deletion of Tweet, Says Twitter Can’t Gag Buhari Accuses microblogging site of double standards Deji Elumoye in Abuja on the Nigerian civil war. The president, in the post The federal government on Tuesday, had warned yesterday accused the social against insurrection, saying media giant, Twitter, of double that those fomenting trouble standards in its treatment of in the South-east are in for a issues affecting Nigeria. rude shock. It warned that it would Buhari, in a series of tweets not allow the microblogging on Tuesday via his verified site to dictate to President Twitter handle @mbuhari Muhammadu Buhari his views had said: “Many of those on national issues. misbehaving today are too The accusation followed the young to be aware of the decision of Twitter to delete a controversial post by Buhari Continued on page 8 Ezeife: South-east Violence, Plot to Undermine Clamour for Igbo Presidency Editors express concern over growing insecurity Alex Enumah in Abuja Ezeife, while featuring on ARISE NEWS CHANNEL, the A former Governor of broadcast arm of THISDAY Anambra State, Chief Newspapers, however, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, exonerated members of yesterday accused sponsors the proscribed Indigenous of the ongoing violence in People of Biafra (IPOB) and the South-east of plotting the Eastern Security Network to forestall elections in 2023 (ESN) from the recent killings with the sole aim of thwarting of police personnel and the THE POWER BEHIND THE GOVERNOR AT 60... the clamour by the zone to Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left), with his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, who celebrated her 60th birthday with so produce the next president. Continued on page 8 much laughter and panache, in Asaba... Tuesday

North-west, South-east Renew Demand for Additional States...Page 5 2 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY, ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 5

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 North-west, South-east Renew Demand for Additional States CAN recommends 18 years as minimum marriage age for girls Christopher Isiguzo, Gideon nation remain sacrosanct to to enable states control their Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd) River Federal Constituency, opportunity to maximally Arinze in Enugu, Ibrahim the National Assembly. resources and the creation renewed the demand for the said the demand remained explore inclusiveness and Shuaibu in Kano and James The speaker, who was of an additional state took creation of Adada State out one of the oldest and as such, participation growing to Sowole in Akure represented by Leader of centre stage at the second of the present Enugu State, merited attention from all adulthood. the House and member day of the hearing. noting that it remains the stakeholders. "We recommend that the The North-west and South- representing Tudun Wada/ Stakeholders also canvassed most crucial demand from "If there is any state that constitution shall bring clarity east geopolitical zones Doguwa Federal Constituency the inclusion of persons living the South- east. should be created in the and emphasis to recognising yesterday renewed their of Kano State, Hon. Alhassan with disabilities, PWDs and Ugwuoke said the South- South-east, it has to be Adada and affirming 18 years as the demands for additional Ado Doguwa, stressed women in governance and east region had marginalised State and we must collectively age of maturity and that for states at the public hearings the determination of the decision making. in the distribution of state support the creation of the sexual consent. conducted by the House of National Assembly to address The Deputy Governor of resources, hence the need for state," he added. "Guarantee for the rights of Representatives’ Committee contentious issues bordering Ebonyi State, Mr. Kelechi the creation of an additional In its presentation, CAN women and girls, females, to on Review of the Nigerian on the continued survival Igwe, said there was the state for the region. asked the National Assembly contest or seek appointment Constitution. of Nigeria, irrespective of need for fiscal federalism According to him, the to consider 18 years as the based on equal opportunities The Christian Association of ethnicity, regious, faith and to allow states to exploit demand for the creation of minimum age for girls to that secure their active Nigeria (CAN) also asked the background. their resources, generate their Adada State has come a long marry. participation in politics," National Assembly to consider While declaring the public revenues and pay taxes to way, adding that leaders in The CAN President, he said. 18 years as the minimum age hearing open, Kano State the centre. the region met in 2006 in Imo Reverend Olasupo Ayokunle, While addressing journalists for a girl to marry. Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Igwe said if allowed to State to support the demand while presenting the position after the hearing, the At the Kano venue of Ganduje, expressed worry that control their resources, states for the creation of the state. of CAN to the Constitution Chairman of the South-west the public hearing for the Nigeria has failed to convert would exploit their potential In his response, the Leader Review Committee for the Constitution Review Centre North-west geopolitical its diversity to prosperity. for growth and would no of the team for Enugu/ South-west zone in Akure, for Ondo, Osun and Ekiti zone, the demand for the Ganduje said the country longer need to depend on Ebonyi/Anambra zone lamented that the girl-child states, Hon. Peter Akpatason, creation of new states, was endowed with unique the federal government for and the Deputy Minority are being exposed to indecent stated that all the submissions requests for special status, differences from across zones survival. Leader of the House of tradition and circumstances. would be relayed to the local government autonomy, and regions that should He stressed the need Representatives, Hon. Toby Ayokunle, who was House of Representatives. residency/indigenship, federal remain a major source of to ensure that various Okechukwu, said there was represented by the Ondo Akpatason said no fewer character and constitutional strength. contributions to the review of a consensus in the zone for State CAN Chairman, John than 35 proposals were role for traditional institutions At Enugu, one of the the constitution are considered the creation of Adada State. Oladapo, said pegging the submitted and presented dominated submissions to the venues for the public hearing, for equity and fairness. Okechukwu who also marriage age at 18 years before the committee for committee. the need for fiscal federalism On state creation, Maj. represents Aninri/Awgu/Oji- for girls would avail them consideration. The Chairman of the Movement for creation of Ghari State from the present Kano State, Alhaji Sani Gadanya, in a presentation, said the proposed Ghari State was endowed with resources to make it self-sustaining. Also, Senator Masud Jibril Doguwa made a presentation on behalf of the Movement for the Creation of Tiga State out of Kano State. However, a representative of Gaya Emirate, Professor Abba Gaya of Kano State University of Science and Technology, requested for constitutional roles for traditional rulers. At the session, the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reiterated the dedication of the parliament to sustain national integration despite the raging disunity and acrimony being orchestrated by some interest BOOSTING TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT... groups. The speaker stated that L-R: Consul General of Germany in Lagos, Dr. Stefan Trumann; Past President of VDMA, Dr. Reinhold Festge; President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Nigeria's multiple divergence Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the launch of Dangote Foundation-VDMA technical training programme, and mutual interests of the in Lagos...yesterday Outrage as Gunmen Murder Ortom’s Security Aide in Jos Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu "It is on a sad note that the Borno and Edo states. He they did, a retired AIG gunned the murder. It described it as of Benue State. in Abuja, Seriki Adinoyi command received an ugly hailed from Katsina Ala down. This is very sad." barbaric as well as ominous, On its part, the Minority in Jos and George Okoh in report of the death of AIG local government area in He called on security given the recent attempts on Caucus in the House of Makurdi Christopher Dega (rtd). Benue State. agencies to find the killers the life of Ortom by terrorists Representatives, in a statement "On 31/05/2021 at about Reacting to the murder, of his aide. and bandits. by its Leader, Hon. Ndudi Outrage yesterday greeted 2030hrs, AIG Christopher Dega Ortom condemned the He also urged President The party described the slain Elumelu, described Dega's the killing of Mr. Christopher (rtd) was shot dead by three assassination, describing it Muhammadu Buhari to Dega as a patriotic Nigerian killing as wicked and devilish. Dega, the Senior Special yet-to-be identified gunmen as devastating and a huge convene a national security and dutiful aide, who gave his It called on the police Assistant (SSA) on Security in an isolated restaurant at blow to his administration dialogue to address the all in the service of his dear and other security forces to to Benue State governor, in Bukuru, Jos." and the state. nationwide security challenges. fatherland and his home state. immediately track down and Jos, Plateau State capital. The statement added that The governor, while Ortom also sympathised The PDP charged the police bring the killers to justice. A statement by the Plateau the late AIG had arrived speaking to journalists with the family, friends and to apprehend and bring the The lawmakers who said State Police Command’s Public in Jos from Makurdi, the yesterday in Makurdi, former colleagues of the assailants and their backers they were deeply grieved Relations Officer, Mr. Gabriel Benue State capital, on the lamented that the retired deceased and prayed God to justice. by the incessant killings Ogaba, described the killing same date at about 1930hrs. AIG was a dedicated aide, to grant him eternal rest. The party also called on nationwide, called on the of Dega, a retired Assistant It said investigation had expressing shock that he Also reacting to the killing, Buhari to end his perceived federal government to take Inspector General (AIG) of revealed that he was trailed was gunned down in such the Peoples Democratic Party lethargic approach to security more effective and proactive Police as sad. and shot. a gruesome manner. (PDP) expressed shock at the matters and take decisive steps measures to combat the The Benue State Governor, The police said some He said: "Retired AIG Dega murder of the late security to end terrorism, banditry and worsening insecurity. Dr. Samuel Ortom, also suspects had been arrested, served with me here and this adviser. vandalism. The lawmakers condoled condemned the killing, which while the investigation was is someone who has retired The PDP, in a statement The main opposition party with Ortom as well as the took place on Monday. ongoing. but is not tired and was very by its National National commiserated with Ortom, family of the deceased, praying Giving details on how Dega Dega was twice active. So, for him to have Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola the Dega family as well as to God to comfort them at was killed, the police said: Commissioner of Police in been murdered in the manner Ologbondiyan, condemned the government and people this moment of grief. 6 THURSDAY, ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Osinbajo: FG to Provide 20,000 Jobs Annually for Graduates EU, Dangote, Visa, BUA, Lafarge, Microsoft back programme Deji Elumoye in Abuja internship opportunities Fund which the AFDB's Ag. of the United Nations and opportunities. It will has to offer. Graduates will will be created for young Senior Director, Mr. Lamin Systems in Nigeria, Mr connect inspiring young be able to better understand Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Nigerians who have recently Barrow also mentioned at Edward Kallon, said Nigerians with local the needs, challenges and yesterday unveiled plans by concluded the National the event. the launch and eventual opportunities that will realities that industries the federal government to Youth Service Corps (NYSC) He added: “Also under implementation of the apply their expertise, while broadly face, and learn launch a job fellowship programme. The fully-paid our Economic Sustainability scheme would redefine the equipping them with world- how best to contribute to scheme for graduates under internships will last for Plan (ESP), designed to future of Nigeria. class practical knowledge. address them.” which 20,000 youths will be 12 months and will be in protect existing jobs, create He added: “Having a “The Nigeria Jubilee Also speaking at the event, employed annually. reputable private and public new ones, and promote local population of 41 million Fellows Programme will the representative of the EU, Osinbajo said the sector organisations. production, our agricultural, young people constituting bridge the gap between Mr Ketil Karlsen, pledged the programme was being Osinbajo said the NJFP housing and solar power 30% of the youth population graduates and industry. support of the organisation supported by the European “is in very good company, a programmes already employ in Africa, empowering young Through this programme, to the programme. Union (EU), Dangote Group, new and bold addition to an and will employ tens of Nigerians will be key in the private sector entities, Private sector partners Bua Cement, Lafarge Cement, existing suite of large-scale, thousands of people to actualisation of a better startups and key public of the programme include, Visa, Microsoft, among other big-impact programmes that ensure food security, and future for Africa. sector institutions will BUA, Dangote, VISA Nigeria, private sector partners. will rewrite the narrative as deliver affordable homes and “The Jubilee Fellows be connected directly to Outsource Global, GE Gas He added that the it relates to jobs, skills and new power connections.” Programme will champion graduates to find the best and Power, Lafarge Africa, programme will rebuild employment in Nigeria. The Resident Coordinator homegrown Nigerian talent young talent that Nigeria SecureID and Microsoft. confidence in the country’s “We are resolute in our youths. determination to make Spokesman to the Vice the needed difference, and President, Mr. Laolu Akande, rebuild the confidence of our in a statement yesterday, young people in the ability said President Muhammadu of their government to rise to Buhari’s administration the occasion and guarantee in collaboration with the a future that is better and United Nations Development more prosperous than the Programme (UNDP) and past. other private sector partners “Our ongoing efforts was set to launch the scheme, include the N-Power to be called the Nigeria scheme, which recruits Jubilee Fellows Programme young graduates and places (NJFP). them in agricultural, health Osinbajo stated that Buhari and education intervention would soon launch the schemes in local communities 12-month job fellowship around the country. N-Power programme. also has a non-graduate He added: "We are looking scheme focused on technical forward to the president skills and IT education. The formally launching the President has approved the programme very shortly. expansion of the N-Power "As we prepare for programme from 500,000 the formal launch of the beneficiaries to one million. programme by Mr President, “We have also established I urge private sector leaders a N75 billion Youth Fund and captains of industry, in the Ministry of Youth development partners and and Sports to provide the diplomatic community, credit and support for to support this programme young entrepreneurs and aimed at equipping young professionals." Nigerians with skills and Osinbajo added that there experience required for the is also the $500 million FORGING PARTNERSHIP... work place." African Development Bank L-R: Founder/Managing Director, SecureID Limited Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Under the initiative, Technology and Innovation Ali Pantami, and Head HR SecureID Limited, Mr. Bodunrin Oguntade, during a courtesy visit to the minister, in Abuja... yesterday Atiku, Lawan, Tinubu Set Agenda for New NGE Leadership Deji Elumoye and Chuks leadership as vice president advised the new officers unite the people rather "The Nigerian media have in his leadership by his Okocha in Abuja (West) and general secretary to be a strong voice for than those that divide come a long way, therefore colleagues. respectively. good governance and the them, adding that they the editors cannot afford to "I charge Mallam Isa and Former Vice President Isa had trounced the rule of law. should respect and reflect fail in their responsibilities his executive committee to Atiku Abubakar; the outgoing Secretary, Victoria He urged the new guild all shades of opinions in to the nation in this critical do more for the union and President of the Senate, Ibanga, by securing 176 leaders to "demonstrate the country instead of period of our national the country in this new Dr. Ahmad Lawan and votes against his main courage by speaking out suppressing certain points development." tenure. the National Leader of the challenger’s 54 votes. on behalf of the ordinary of view. On his part, Tinubu, in “As the pacesetting All Progressives Congress Adebiyi defeated the Nigerians who have no voice Also, Lawan, in a a statement in Lagos by body for all editors, and, (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, outgoing Social/Publicity in the face of excruciating statement yesterday in his Media Office, said the by extension, as guardians yesterday outlined areas Secretary, Mr. Ken Ugbechie, challenges of existence." Abuja, praised the NGE for executive committee had a of journalistic freedom of priorities for the new by polling 132 votes against He added: "The media is the success of its biennial responsibility to ensure and quality, this executive leadership of the Nigeria his challenger’s 80 votes. the watchdog of society and convention in Kano and that editors perform their committee must ensure that Guild of Editors (NGE). Announcing the results therefore they have a great the peaceful conduct of work according to the best editors and journalists live Atiku, Lawan and Tinubu, of the keenly contested responsibility for holding the elections. standards of the profession. and work by the creed of in separate congratulatory elections, the Chairman of leaders accountable in order He said: "The peaceful He stated editors and the their profession. messages to the new the Screening and Election to promote good governance and orderly manner of press are essential to the “The committee must leadership, urged them Committee, Mr. Bonnie and the rule of law." the elections are a good wellbeing of a democratic ensure journalists perform to foster national unity, Iwuoha, had said Mr. He also advised the example of how professional and open society, and thus with utmost maturity and promote professional Ali M. Ali, was returned new NGE leaders to bodies should conduct their must do well for democracy responsibility for which they standards and ethics as well unopposed as the deputy show courage in the affairs. You therefore deserve to be sustained and grow. are aptly called the fourth as joined in the crusade to president, while Kila Habibu demonstration of their plaudits for living up to “I earnestly congratulate estate of the realm. combat fake news. Nuhu, was also elected responsibilities as watchdogs the high expectations that the newly-elected executive “It’s only by so doing The NGE had on Monday unopposed as vice president of society. society has of you as leaders committee of the Nigeria will they publish true and night re-elected Mr. (North). "The press is indispensable of the fourth estate of the Guild of Editors at their objective news and issue Mustapha Isa as president The final results also to a free, democratic society. realm. recent convention in Kano. meaningful commentary to oversee the affairs of showed that Samuel Egbala So, you are the voice of the "In that light, I enjoin “I particularly commend while beating back the the guild for the next two was elected vice president people. Your role is not you to always consider the President of the guild, menaces of fake news, hate years. Also, the Editor of (East) after he secured 132 that of cheerleaders, but the higher national interest Mallam Mustapha Isah, who speech and biased reporting. THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. votes against a distant of holding government of unity, peace, justice and was reelected as president “Let us do more to Bolaji Adebiyi, and the runner up, Mr. Sheddy accountable for the good progress as you discharge at the convention. His re- improve the critical Nation’s Capital Editor of Ozoene, who polled 88 of democracy," he stated. your critical role of gate election is a testament to organisations and the newspaper, Mr. Iyobosa votes. Atiku called on journalists keeping in your various and affirmation of the trust institutions of our country, Uwugiaren, joined the NGE Atiku, in his statement, to emphasise things that media organisations. and confidence reposed particularly at this time." THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THURSDAY, ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY PAGE EIGHT

FG PROTESTS DELETION OF TWEET, SAYS TWITTER CAN'T GAG BUHARI destruction and loss of lives tweets by Kanu. arson and the likes in the are brothers, they are our centres would have been What happened in 1967 was that occurred during the He said: "The mission South-east. uncle, they are children. full by now. a genocide; a crime against Nigerian civil war. Those of of Twitter in Nigeria is He stated: "Twitter may We kill them their wives He said: "There are so humanity and it must never us in the fields for 30 months, very suspect. Has Twitter have its own rules, it’s not become widows, their many people who have ever be allowed to happen who went through the war, deleted the violent tweets the universal rule. If Mr. children become orphans. been spewing hate against again.” will treat them in the language that Nnamdi Kanu has President, anywhere in the And what is the offence of Mr. President, against this She added: “For a they understand.” been sending? Has it? The world feels very bad and these policemen - because governments. So if you want president to come out today Buhari’s statement, which same Twitter during the concerned about a situation, they are working to keep to comment, be fair; don't and use 1967 as a yardstick was also tweeted, sparked ENDSARS protests promoted he is free to express such the country one. What about take a position, which is to threaten people with what outrage on the social media tweets trying to raise funds views. Now, we should soldiers that are putting not objective. If we were to happened then, with the 30 with some Nigerians for the ENDSARS protesters. stop comparing apples with down their lives so that pick up everybody today months of gruesomeness, reporting it to Twitter. It was the first to close the oranges. If an organisation you and I can sleep? It is who had been abusing this with the 30 months of However, some said the account of former President is proscribed, it is different not acceptable anywhere administration, the detention heinousness, with the 30 president sounded firm of US, Donald Trump. from any other which is in the world for anybody, centres will be filled up months of atrocities that in his warning against "And you see, when not proscribed. Two, any anywhere, to stay in the and you will be the first were meted out on human perpetrators of violence people were burning organisation that gives comfort of wherever he is person also to talk about beings, on fellow brothers in the South-east. police stations and killing directives to its members and now give directives to lack of tolerance, lack of and sisters, on children in But yesterday, Twitter policemen in Nigeria during to attack police stations, go and kill soldiers, go and rule of law." this country, is inhumane, it pulled down the tweet ENDSARS, for Twitter, it was to kill policemen, to attack kill policemen." Reacting to Buhari’s is insensitive, it is callous, for violating its community about the right to protest. correctional centres, to kill Asked why Sheikh Ahmed tweet, human rights activist, and it is unspeakable.” standards. But when a similar thing warders, and you are now Gumi whose comments were Aisha Yesufu, described as Former Ekiti State Twitter, in a comment, happened at the Capitol, saying that Mr. President perceived as justifying Boko “insensitive” the civil war Governor, Mr. Ayodele said: “This Tweet violated it became insurrection. You does not have the right to Haram actions has not been analogy by the president. Fayose, however, called the Twitter Rules.” see, we are not going to express his dismay and arrested, Mohammed asked Yesufu, in a video on Twitter to hold The federal government, be fooled by anybody. We anger about that? We are who appointed Gumi as statement yesterday, presidential spokesman, however, kicked against the have a country to rule and the one guilty of double the go-between between said: “My name is Aisha Mallam Garba Shehu and decision with the Minister we will do so to the best of standards. government and Boko Somtochukwu Yesufu. I am Mohammed accountable of Information and Culture, our ability. Twitter mission "I don’t see anywhere Haram. Igbo, a threat to the Igbo for the controversial ‘civil Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Nigeria citing those two in the world where an "Who appointed Gumi people is a threat to me. Any war’ post. wondering why Tweeter examples is very suspect. organisation - a person middleman between attack on the Igbo people Reacting in a string of would object to a submission What is their agenda? will stay somewhere government and Boko is an attack on me. Any tweets, Fayose wrote: “A by the president on national "How does Mr. President's outside Nigeria, and Haram? Listen, for me, malignment of the Igbo president who cannot issues but would ignore speech that anybody who will direct his members unless you come and tell people is a malignment to address his own people in provocative postings by is destroying infrastructure, to attack the symbols me this what Gumi said me. We are all Nigerians time of crisis can certainly the leader of the proscribed who is destroying police of authority, the police, that is inciting that you and no Nigerian is more not be the one tweeting on Independent People of Biafra stations, who is destroying the military, especially are comparing to Kanu… Nigerian than the others. the crisis. Twitter should (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on INEC offices should be ready when that organisation anyway what we're “The government must rather hold Garba Shehu, its site. for the consequences; is that has been proscribed. By discussing is different. We're ensure that it deploys its Lai Mohammed and co The minister told inciting violence?" whatever name, you can’t discussing Twitter. If you resources and its apparatus (others) accountable. journalist at the end of While accepting the fact justify giving orders to kill want to ask any question equally to every section of “It is obvious that those the Federal Executive that Twitter may have its policemen or to kill anybody about Gumi or any other this country. using the president’s powers Council (FEC) meeting at own rules, Mohammed you do not agree with. person, go ahead but please, “I totally condemn the for him do not know when the State House, Abuja that said that should not stop "But I'm saying that you be objective," he added. tweet from the president and where to stop their Twitter's mission in Nigeria Buhari from expressing his cannot compare anybody He also said if government where the president is power. Regrettably, Twitter is suspect. views against a banned with Kanu who boldly say, had resolved to pick up all threatening the Igbo people. may not know that Buhari He wondered if Twitter organisation like IPOB go and kill policemen. I those critical of the Buhari He is threatening them with is not the one operating the has ever deleted offensive inciting people to commit think sometimes…policemen administration, the detention what happened in 1967. handle.” EZEIFE: SOUTH-EAST VIOLENCE, PLOT TO UNDERMINE CLAMOUR FOR IGBO PRESIDENCY torching of public institutions for the violence without are being crippled by the on the federal government adapting new funding and expertise of the profession in the zone. evidence. government. to, as a matter of urgency, business models. - with a view to attaining He spoke hours after the He said: "IPOB does not He dismissed insinuation expunge, repeal or amend ‘’Considering that the role the needed proficiency Nigerian Guild of Editors have tradition of shedding that the Igbo cannot speak as may be appropriate, all of information dissemination and competencies that (NGE) expressed concern blood or burning down with one voice when it existing obnoxious media by the mass media is an are required to overcome over the growing insecurity things. It is not Igbo comes to presenting a laws that are inimical to essential public and social the new media drifts in the country and advised tradition to shoot police, candidate for the 2023 press freedom. service, the guild calls on that dragging journalism government at all levels to burn down houses. During presidential election. It also urged editors and government to consider profession.’’ activate their structures in the ENDSARS protests, According to him, the journalists to continue to mitigating the media’s While commending tackling the challenges. people attributed what South-east has many subscribe to and uphold the operational costs and Governor Abdullahi Umar Ezeife described the was happening in Lagos individuals that can govern journalism code of ethics - as economic challenges by Ganduje of Kano State for insurrection in the South-east to some Igbo people and the country and the zone developed by the Nigerian floating a national media keeping the state safe even as an attempt to provoke it was later discovered to is currently working hard Press Organisation (NPO). subsidy regime, including in the midst of the prevailing indigenes of the South-east. be untrue. to win the support of ‘’The guild observes the tax holidays and waivers, insecurity in some parts He added that their "Those who are sponsoring other zones to clinch the need for the Nigerian mass lifting of licence fees of the country, the editors findings showed thatthis destruction don't want presidency in 2023. media to exercise their for the broadcast media also appreciated the state those behind the killings election; they don't want On the ongoing public freedom to operate freely and offsetting debts of government’s phenomenal and destruction of public president from South- hearing to review the with a sense of responsibility. government media agencies drive of infrastructure institutions such as offices east zone and would constitution, the former And considering the spikes in the country,’’ the guild development; as well as of the Independent National even want to scatter the governor urged legislators in the levels of insecurity stated. the state government’s Electoral Commission (INEC) Anambra election and go to stop wasting their time across the length and The guild’s national determination to turn Kano are not Igbo. for emergency situation and and public resources because breadth of the country, it convention, which attracted into a modern city. He said: "Who are the appoint someone. what the people need now is high time for the media to over 300 editors and media The guild thanked people burning INEC's "Nigeria should is a new constitution. set the agenda and lead the owners across the country, Ganduje and members of offices, who are killing understand what is going country’s drive to sustaining also expressed concern the state Executive Council the police? There is the on and not jump into Editors Express national cohesion. over the prevalence and for providing the enabling impression that some people conclusion." ‘’While observing Nigeria’s massive elevation of fake environment for the national even within the government While not justifying the Concern over consistent deterioration in news, disinformation and convention to hold. are guilty of organising such activities of IPOB and its Growing Insecurity the Global Press Freedom propaganda due to the threat and blaming it on leader, Ezeife stated that Index since 2005, the guild mishandlings of the social IPOB and ESN. the federal government Meanwhile, the NGE has notes that it is worrisome media platforms by negative "Now we know that by its alleged continued expressed concern over that the slide is happening persons. more than 80 per cent of marginalisation of the the growing insecurity in in a democracy, whereby the The guild harped on the the people caught by the South-east, is pushing Igbo the country and advised guild has had cause in recent need for Nigeria’s media CCTV are not from the out of Nigeria. government at all levels times to issue three press publics, particularly the South-east. He listed some of the to activate their structures statements on the threats youth whom the media must TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % Was it a design to blame injustices the youths are in tackling the challenges. of closure and imposition carry along, to use, decipher UPL 0.12 1.40 9.3 it on IPOB and ESN? We fighting to include the It also called for an of fines on some broadcast and rely on the conventional are learning more now that absence of tangible federal enabling political and stations by the National media for reliable and REGENCY 0.04 0.53 8.1 there is a design to provoke government projects in the economic environment for Broadcasting Commission credible information in VERITASKAP 0.01 0.21 5.0 the East." area as well as the alleged the media to discharge their (NBC),” the communiqué taking their decisions. CHI PLC 0.03 0.75 4.1 He, however, could not disregard for the principle constitutional and social added. The safety of journalists ROYALEXCH 0.04 0.80 3.9 identify the sponsors but of federal character in responsibilities. The guild noted that also attracted the attention suspected that some of them appointments, to the It added that creating the huge disruption the of the editors, as they called TOP LOSERS NGN % might be in government detriment of the Igbo. a conducive environment COVID-19 pandemic has on both the public and the CWG 0.20 1.91 9.6 going by some of the "The federal government for the media to thrive created globally, saying private media operators to IKEJHOTEL 0.10 1.00 9.0 findings by South-east has been working hard would guarantee and that the disruption has also devise measures inclusive leaders. pushing the Igbo out of sustain democratic space, had negative effects on the of guaranteed welfare and NASCON 1.30 13.50 8.7 He stated that a South- Nigeria. The young men sustainable development Nigerian media industry, insurance schemes for the JOHNHOLT 0.05 0.53 8.6 east governor who had are reacting to what is and provide incentives for leading to drop in revenues. safety and security of LINKAGEASSURE 0.05 0.55 8.3 earlier accused IPOB and coming from the federal social/democratic change. ‘’For the media to respond journalists working for them. ESN of executing the attacks government. Whether it is The guild, in a to these challenges creatively, The communiqué added: HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 had since exonerated the project location, we don't communiqué issued and there is urgent need for the ‘’Against the backdrop of Volume: 274.852 million shares secessionist group. have any in Igboland; signed by its President, media managers to evolve the assailing new media Value: N2.632 billion He also expressed whether it is appointment, Mr. Mustapha Isah, and diversification, designing of trends, the guild highlights reservation that the Minister you don't find it but if it is General Secretary, Mr. a dynamic management the essence of training and Deals: 4,159 of Information and Culture, retirement, we're dominant." Iyobosa Uwugiaren, at system, producing innovative retraining of the Nigerian As at yesterday 2/6/2021 Alhaji Lai Mohammed, could Ezeife also alleged that the end of its 2021 Biennial contents, restructuring their journalists to update their hold the groups responsible many Igbo businesses Convention in Kano, called production technologies and knowledge, skills and See details on Page 39 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THURSDAY, ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS FEC Okays N5.6bn for 37 Oxygen Plants for COVID-19 Treatment Deji Elumoye in Abuja states of the federation Calabar Free Trade Zones, I linking Imo and Rivers quickly exited recession in projects executions. We and Abuja. as well as the Textile and State, started in 2010. the fourth quarter of 2020. all know that recently, a The Federal Executive “The contract was Garment Park in Lagos and He got an approval for a "The improved economic lot of flooding has been Council (FEC) yesterday approved in the sum of N5, the Special Economic Zone, variation of N620, 763, 000. condition that has been happening and is as a approved the establishment 615, 127, 479 inclusive of Lekki, Lagos. He also got approval for reported is indicated by result of climate change, of an oxygen production 7.5 per cent VAT, in favour He said the approval erosion flood control on the fact that 23 out of 46 insecurity is relatable with plant in each of the 36 of four different companies, was of important to the Ndemili-Utagba-Onitsha activities recorded positive climate change. states of the federation with a completion period infrastructure development road in Delta State, started growth in the first quarter “This climate change and the Federal Capital of 20 weeks.” plan of the country. in 2014. The council today of 2021, compared to 17 policy has repositioned Territory (FCT) at a cost Mohammed also said Mohammed also said an approved N244 million in the previous quarter.” Nigeria to begin to upgrade of N5.6 billion. FEC approved N9.2 billion approval of N1. 1 billion to augment the original Also speaking, all that we have achieved It also approved N9.2 as premium for insurance was given by the council contract sum," he stated. Minister of Environment, so that we can present billion as premium for companies to manage the for the procurement of On her part, Minister Muhammad Mahmud, said during the meeting. life insurance scheme for group life insurance for aviation security uniforms of Finance, Budget and FEC approved the revised “Its implementation federal civil servants and federal civil servants. and accessories for use in National Planning, Mrs. National Policy on Climate strategy is to be all military personnel while “On behalf of the Head various airports. Zainab Ahmed, said she Change, adding that “the encompassing. We have also giving the go-ahead for of Civil Service of the He said: “Minister of briefed the council on the last one was in 2012 and met with several MDAs, the use of revised national Federation, I will like Aviation got an approval latest National Bureau of it became necessary for us agencies and civil society policy on climate change to report that council for the award of contract Statistics (NBS) report on to revise based on what organisations and even in the country. today approved the for direct procurement for the 0.5 percent growth has been happening in the media because this is Briefing journalists award of contract for the the design, manufacture of the nation’s GDP and the last three years since something that requires all at the end of the FEC appointment of insurance and supply of aviation presented the first quarter 2012 particularly with the hands to be on deck as we meeting, presided over companies for group life security uniforms and of 2021 GDP results various agreements." are all potential polluters by President Muhammadu assurance for federal accessories. and other performance He added: “We all of environment causing Buhari in Abuja, Minister government employees, "The sum total is N1, indicators of Nigeria. know climate change is climate change. of Information and Culture, public servants paramilitary 127, 945. The unique thing The NBS had last month our topic of today, it has “Eventually and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who and the intelligence about uniforms for the released its first quarter serious implications on ultimately the objective stood in for the Minister community for the year aviation industry is that result, which showed that economy, livelihoods. The is to help Nigeria that is of Health, Dr. Osagie 2021-2022 in the sum of it has some International Nigerian GDP grew to 0.51 environment in general climate resilient and also Ehanire, said the approval N9, 248. 995, 907 and this Civil Aviation Organisation per cent year-on-year in and economic change gender sensitive in the was to cushion the effect premium is for a period (ICAO) standards that real terms in the first affect every body but we future and that is the vision of COVID-19 pandemic, of 12 months. would be followed.” quarter of 2021. have realised that it affects of this policy because the which has made oxygen “This is part of the On the memo approved She said: “This first women even more and on world is moving towards a critical commodity. government’s welfare for the Ministry of Niger quarter performance marks this, we also know that carbon neutrality. He said: “The Minister of programme for our Delta Affairs, Mohammed the second consecutive we have national polIcy “It is assumed that by Health presented a memo, public employees so that said N864.7 million was quarter of positive real on gender and climate the year 2015, we should which was approved, in case of death, they are approved as variation costs GDP growth following change as approved. have carbon neutrality. for the emergency assured that there would be for two road contracts two previous consecutive "This revised one has also Today, now is the time to supply, installation and compensation,” he added. which were abandoned by quarters of negative growth put into consideration the get prepared for that so maintenance of oxygen FEC, Mohammed said, previous administrations. in 2020, in Q3, and Q4, national policy on gender that is what the policy is production plants and approved N18.1 billion “The Minister of Niger which saw our country and climate change to all about to drive towards construction of plant for the development of Delta got approval for going into recession. But include women in almost a Nigeria that is sustainable houses in each of the 36 infrastructure at Kano and Okpula-Igwartanta Phase you’ll recall that we very every aspect of climate environmentally.” $40BN INVESTMENTS NEEDED FOR NIGERIA’S GAS PLAN, SAYS NNPC Opportunities in the that are outlined in the he said. restrictions by itself affect largest share of the global "We must continue to Domestic Gas Market,” decade of gas. He expressed the hope the kind of projections that energy mix throughout the advocate a turnaround the Chief Operating Officer, “This investment will that the Petroleum Industry we look at,” he added. forecast period, providing in this very upsetting Gas and Power, NNPC, come in the upstream, Bill (PIB) will be passed He stated that if Nigeria nearly 28 per cent of trend. The very future of Mr Yusuf Usman, stated midstream and downstream, this year, noting that the will achieve the decade of global requirements in our industry is at stake," that a major constraint in but there are challenges as corporation is ready to gas, it must transit to a 2045, followed by gas at he stated. achieving local content well because there have adjust to the changes that willing-buyer willing-seller around 25 per cent and According to him, oil and through the programme been a lot of announcements the law will impose. market. coal at roughly 20 per cent. gas will continue to be a is the difficult conditions around funding for fossil Usman stated that by the Besides, there must In 2019, Barkindo stated vital part of the energy placed by foreign lenders. fuels and these are some corporation’s projection, be a document with that the continent produced needs to ensure future However, he stated that of the things we have to demand for gas to generate timelines as well as defined 8.5 mb/d of oil, which is demand is met, adding the corporation expects to look at as we go forward electricity in the country investment strategies on the around nine per cent of that policies must change grow about 10 gas-based and we need to figure out will consume between announcement that is being world's output. in that regard. industries as it works the announcement vis-a-vis 60 to 70 per cent of the made about the restriction He said at the end of He stated that another towards the 10-year target. the foreign estimate that entire commodity produced, for fossil fuel to achieve 2019, Africa was estimated issue of utmost concern He added that the figure we expect.” with the ongoing plan to the decade of gas. to have proven oil reserves in Africa is the scourge on the quantum of funds He added that the generate 45,000MW. amounting to around 126 of energy poverty, which needed is based on the corporation has a supply “The other challenge we Barkindo: Oil billion barrels,with Nigeria continues to impact millions submissions NNPC has plan to deliver up to 4.5 have is the liquidity in the holding the lion’s share across the continent. received from potential bcf of gas into the market, power sector, and there’s Industry's Upstream with 36.9 billion barrels, Citing OPEC data, investors. while going forward, the a lot of work going on Spending Slumped representing 29 per cent Barkindo said an estimated In addition, he stated country expects 7.4 bcf of because it is a very huge 30% in 2020 of Africa's reserves. 47 per cent of the that about 39 thermal gas. market. If you see the Barkindo said demand population in Sub Saharan power plants were being According to Usman, demand projections that we Meanwhile, the Secretary in developing regions, Africa had no electricity and targeted as opposed to the there are urgent plans have done, it is going to General of the Organisation including Africa, with its approximately 85 per cent current 33. to complete ongoing gas consume 60 to 70 per cent of Petroleum Exporting rapidly growing population of people lacked access to According to him, by the projects in the country, of the gas that we have. Countries (OPEC), Dr. and dynamic demographical clean fuels and technologies end of this year, the NNPC including the AKK project “Not only that; without Sanusi Barkindo, has shifts, would be intensified, for cooking. is projecting an added gas , which he described power, all the development said that the cartel's and all forms of energy He stated that considering sales of about 600 mmscfd, as one of the most programmes we are latest assessment shows would be needed, not the richness of the compared to its current 1.6 aggressive and biggest thinking of will be a mirage. that capital investments only to support the post- continent’s resources, both bcf to hit 2.2 bcf by the pipeline infrastructure It is an inevitable equation in the upstream of the oil pandemic recovery but to conventional and renewable, end of 2021. ever embarked upon by that we have to solve to and gas industry fell by 30 satisfy long-term energy this situation is hard to He said: “In terms of the country. The pipeline move towards development per cent in 2020. requirements. accept. benefits, we will generate spans 614 km. and issues around it have He said at the first "One major issue looming He urged all stakeholders 45,000 megawatts of power He said all the gas to be resolved,” he stated. meeting of the OPEC- in the long-term horizon to unite on the issues in terms of gas use, creating activities going on Usman urged policy Africa Energy Dialogue is the lack of adequate to ensure an equitable massive employment and around the country were makers to answer the that despite that, crude oil industry investment. distribution of energy that import substitution. being handled by local questions surrounding will continue to be relevant, "According to our latest leaves no one behind. “There are changes we construction companies and gas pricing, since Nigeria especially in Africa. assessments, upstream "When all is said and need to look at to actualise local providers of services is interested in using gas Describing the future capital spending is done, access to energy, like the decade of gas. We due to the COVID-19 as a source of revenue as of Africa's oil industry as estimated to have fallen education and health care, see the huge amount of restrictions. well as balancing between bright and the opportunities in 2020 by a staggering should not be considered a investment, both Foreign “Going forward into 10 investment and local vast, Barkindo stated that 30 per cent or more. luxury but a human right. Direct Investments (FDI) years, we expect to do content drive. the continent is currently "Our 2020 World Oil "OPEC will continue that will come into the another big pipeline that “All these FDI come with home to five of the top 30 Outlook estimates that $12.6 to work closely with country upward of $40 will take up gas from south, conditionality before taking oil-producing countries in trillion will be required our member countries to billion or much more than all the way into Ajaokuta the money. That will put a the world. between now and 2045 in advocate for real and lasting that in order to achieve all and possibly we extend it limit to our local content According to him, oil the upstream, midstream change on this issue," he the aggressive plans that all the way to Maiduguri,” drive. As you all know, the is expected to retain the and downstream. added. THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] AFRICA SHOULD MANUFACTURE ITS OWN V ACCINES Rajendra Aneja urges the continent to develop a road map to produce a billion jabs in 18 months

he continent of Africa, comprising of 54 countries This is no time to be sclerotic. An IP waiver will accelerate and a population of 1.3 billion has inoculated the manufacture of vaccines in Africa. only about two percent of its people with the African Union leaders must architect an urgent road-map Covid-19 vaccine. Africa was principally depend- to produce Covid-19 vaccines within 18 to 24 months. These ing on the COVAX programme supplies, backed plants can also produce vaccines to immunise for childhood by WHO and other multilateral bodies. COVAX diseases and provide for future outbreaks of infections. Thad planned to source the AstraZeneca vaccine from Serum Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa Institute of India. The goal was to supply 600 million doses CDC) plans to establish five new vaccine-manufacturing to Africa to vaccinate 20 percent of the population in 2021. centres across the continent. They will manufacture 60 However, due to the crisis in India, the supplies have been percent of Africa’s requirements by 2040. However, this is too suspended till end-2021. So, it could be the end-2022, before little, too late. Vaccines normally take a decade to discover. Africa vaccinates its people. However, the world has over a dozen vaccines to fight Africa cannot be left to fend for itself. According to the Covid-19 within a year. Given the human will, the factories BBC, “Globally, 150 doses of the vaccine have been admin- too can be accelerated. istered per 1,000 people, but in sub-Saharan Africa it’s about Even a small research institute can discover lifesaving eight doses per 1,000 people.” vaccines. Dr. Waldemar Haffkine was a Ukrainian scientist, The extra doses with some of the richer countries can be who had discovered the vaccine for Cholera in 1892 in Paris. diverted to countries in Africa with high infections. This His Cholera vaccine was widely used in Russia and India. will contribute to ridding a weary world of Covid-19 and Later, an epidemic of bubonic plague struck Bombay city kickstart economies. (now Mumbai). The Indian government asked Dr. Haffkine The former British Prime Minister Mr. Gordon Brown has to work on the vaccines. He laboured in a makeshift labora- written a brilliant article (Financial Times, 22 May), advocat- tory in the corridors of the Grant Medical College, Bombay. ing that “G7 must bear the burden of vaccinating the world.” In about three months, he developed a vaccine. He tested According to him, “If the cost of vaccines is in billions, the it on himself in January, 1897. The vaccine had remarkable overall benefits of additional economic output made possible results and was deployed to fight the plague. as trade resumes in a Covid-free world are in trillions.” True. So, great oak trees can grow from small acorns. Some Investments by the Western nations in Africa on the vaccina- small institutes in Africa may produce miracles, given the tion, will pay rich dividends in terms of resumption of trade. faith and opportunity. The article should be assimilated by every President and Africa has many rich industrialists. They have established Prime Minister in the world. His advice should be heeded. businesses in Africa in a range of industries like infrastruc- This pandemic overrules geographical, national, religious, ture, media, consumer products, etc. African entrepreneurs tribal, caste, creed boundaries. As long as there is a single should establish vaccine factories in Nigeria, South Africa country with the disease, the world is not safe. We have to and Kenya. These countries have large populations and act together. To quote President John Kennedy, from his trained manpower. The plants should be fully integrated, Inaugural address of 1961, “United, there is little we cannot researching, discovering and producing the drugs. They do in a host of cooperative ventures.” should not be small filling plants. Africa produces just one percent of the vaccines it An industrialist like Mr. Aliko Dangote has established administers. The balance 99 percent are imported through himself admirably in assorted infrastructure projects and international agencies like UNICEF, etc. Now, Africa finds consumer products in Nigeria and across Africa. He could itself neglected. render a great service to West Africa by establishing a Africa should aim to produce vaccines locally and ensure vaccine plant in Nigeria. The project could be accelerated to self-sufficiency. Covid-19 has taught us, that during a global produce vaccines in 18 to 24 months. pandemic, despite the best intentions, vaccines do not move The new projects could be managed jointly by the private freely across nations. In a crisis, every nation is for itself. and public sectors in the countries. The UK is establishing Africa has 10 manufacturing plants for vaccines, based in a new vaccine unit at a cost of about 100 million GBP. Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, etc. This type 0f money is not difficult to invest for the senior They are principally fill, finish, package and label units. They industrialists of Africa. The national governments of these do not engage in upstream research or production of the vac- countries, World Health Organisation (WHO), European cines. Nevertheless, four of these, Pasteur Institute of Dakar, Union, African Union Trust, Global Alliance for Vaccines Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Biovac Institute in Cape Town and (GAVI), can contribute with grants and soft loans. the Pasteur Institute of Algeria, do have some capability to Africa should become self-sufficient in vaccines. It should establish manufacture the substance from which vaccines are made. AFRICA SHOULD BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT vaccine factories within 18 to 24 months to produce a billion jabs. Then, The Ethiopia Public Health Institute and Biovaccines Nigeria IN VACCINES. IT SHOULD ESTABLISH VACCINE Africa can even export vaccines. It is doable with the right manage- Limited, have some plans to manufacture vaccine materials, FACTORIES WITHIN 18 TO 24 MONTHS TO ment. Then, Africa’s children will have a brighter future. according to a study sponsored by the UK Government. PRODUCE A BILLION JABS. THEN, AFRICA CAN Aneja was the Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He President Biden has signalled that the USA will support EVEN EXPORT VACCINES. IT IS DOABLE WITH is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of the waiver of Intellectual Property protections, on life saving books entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Covid-19 vaccines. The European Union should also support THE RIGHT MANAGEMENT. THEN, AFRICA’S Express”. He is a Management Consultant the initiative to share vaccine technologies across the world. CHILDREN WILL HAVE A BRIGHTER FUTURE GULAK, IPOB AND A NATION BESIEGED Nigeria is on the brink. The president must lead in bringing it back to the path of normalcy, writes Olusegun Adeniyi

Continued from backpage to evoke so much passion, so much anger, crimes before drawing conclusions is the today, there is neither any sense of urgency so much appeal that throngs of youth from minimum expectation of a public whose nor even a response from the authorities made the foregoing deduction six the Southeast have found a war cry for all sensitivities have already been agitated. to some of these negative projections years ago and today, we are in manner of dysfunction in our nation. The Unfortunately, the manner in which the about the future of our country, including serious crisis because of the choices challenge is that we are gradually losing Gulak assassination has been handled is by those who are not neutral. In the we have made or refused to make. our country. not exactly a glowing tribute to responsible latest edition of the influential ‘Foreign While the problem of Nigeria did not As things stand, there is a greater burden policing in a part of the country where Affairs’ magazine, former United States start with President Muhammadu of law enforcement in the Southeast where national security already faces a challenge Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell IBuhari, I do not believe he is handling insecurity has become an offshoot of a trou- mired in a bloody history. and Harvard Kennedy School Emeritus the IPOB challenge the right way. Making bled chapter of our national history. Since Indeed, the Gulak murder may have Professor, Robert Rotberg magisterially some strategic concessions for the sake of the police (whose personnel and barracks added an extra ugly dimension to our conferred on Nigeria the status of a ‘failed peace in a plural society is not a sign of are being taken out by these criminals) basket of headaches well ahead of a poten- state’. In February 2011, five Professors weakness. But he has consistently refused have proved ineffective, troops are being tially turbulent election season in 2023. I at the University of Mississippi, United to do that, even when there were glaring deployed to restore order. But this is very hope the authorities recognize the dangers States, did a research titled, ‘Failed State opportunities to do so. His statement on tricky. Moreover, elements of partisanship ahead. In 2005, the United States National 2030: Nigeria - A Case Study’. This was Tuesday is also predictable. I understand have also amplified other factors at play Intelligence Council, in a document entitled their conclusion: “While religious and that no government will give in to criminal in the Southeast. For instance, in Imo State ‘Mapping Sub-Saharan Africa’s Future’, had ethnic violence are commonplace, the blackmail. But there are also times when that is becoming the epicenter of the crisis predicted the “outright collapse of Nigeria” federal government has managed to strike leaders recognize that force offers no in the region, we also have confrontations as a nation-state within the next 15 years. a tenuous balance among the disparate enduring solution, especially to a problem between and among powerful political At the time, President Olusegun Obasanjo religious and ethnic factions. With such that will not go away. gladiators and an atmosphere of free for all described the report as “glib talk” arising demographics, Nigeria’s failure would be As I also once argued on this page, when criminality engendered by unemployment from “dubious or diabolical benchmarks.” akin to a piece of fine china dropped on things are so bad that young people seek and scanty opportunities. But Obasanjo did not ignore the report. He a tile floor—it would simply shatter into salvation in a past they never experienced, In all this, security agents must be extra passed it to the National Assembly with a potentially hundreds of pieces.” the challenge should be how to deal with sensitive to the peculiar complexity of the covering letter where he wrote: “I am send- To ensure these dire predictions do not the lingering injury that fuels such mis- Southeast. We expect the military to pay ing this to you not because I am alarmed come to pass, there is much work to be placed nostalgia. It is therefore important attention to the rights of ordinary people in by the report but because if we know what done. Not only by government but indeed for the administration to interrogate why their line of duty. For the police in particu- others think of us and about us, we can by all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. more than five decades after the end of the lar, the challenge is one of professionalism. prevent what they project for us.” But it is the responsibility of President civil war, the Biafran experience continues The rudiments of thorough investigation of Despite the avalanche of such reports Buhari to lead the charge. Is he ready? THISDAY • THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 15 EDITORIAL HARVEST OF DEATH ON WATERWAYS

The relevant authorities must enforce minimum standards on our waterways

t is understandable that boat accidents are in- navigable waterways from the Nigeria/Niger Republic evitable in the creeks and coastlines especially and Nigeria/Cameroon borders to the Atlantic Ocean. given the fact that the people living in those These comprise Rivers Niger and Benue as well as areas have no alternative means of transporta- the creeks, lagoons, lakes, and intra-coastal waters. tion. And perhaps because of that, they tend NIWA’s mandate also includes providing “regulatory, to pile into whatever watercraft happens to economical and operational leadership in the nation’s be moving towards their destinations. This inland waterways system and develop infrastructural exactly explains the reason for the incessant facilities for efficient intermodal transportation system boat accidents. In the latest of such tragedies that now that is safe, seamless and affordable”. NIWA’s presence Idefine our country, at least 154 persons perished last is hardly felt. week in Kebbi State. The rickety boat was said to be carrying 180 passengers and 30 motorcycles when it t is unfortunate that almost everything worthwhile capsized in what has become a familiar tragedy. Just and ordinarily should be easily achieved always three weeks ago, 28 people (mostly villagers running looks like a mountain in Nigeria. With the exis- away from bandits) were killed in Niger State follow- tence of waterfronts in various parts of the country ing a boat mishap. Iand the increasingly devastating state of our roads, It is a notorious fact that there is hardly any ferry, innovative leaders would have ordinarily explored the canoe or the so-called “flying boat” that keeps to options of water transportation by heavily investing the exact passenger number specification. In some in our waterways with a view to making them safe. instances, boats that were constructed to carry not That sadly is not the case despite the fact that water more than 20 persons could be loaded with 50 or more transportation is one clear source of de-congesting passengers especially the roads in places where road travel could result in ASIDE FROM OVERLOADING, at peak periods when frustrating hours in traffic gridlock. We therefore urge MOST OF THESE BOATS people are in a hurry NIWA to be alive to its responsibility by enforcing a ARE OLD AND SUFFER to get back to their universal safety standard. For instance, the absence of FROM LACK OF PROPER places. Consequently, THISDAY any search and rescue agencies often contribute to the MAINTENANCE. PERHAPS when the canoes EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI high casualty figures recorded since the operators have DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MORE IMPORTANT IS THE encounter stormy MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO little or no knowledge about what to do when faced OBVIOUS LACK OF SAFETY conditions along DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE with emergency situations. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI STANDARDS the water, the sheer EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Going forward, we reiterate our call that operational weight of the human MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE standard be enforced nationally for those in the cargo and other lug- business of ferry and canoe transportation. Provision gage would make them easily susceptible to capsize. of emergency services along the waterways is also Aside from overloading, most of these boats are old THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED worthy of consideration. It is even more disturbing and suffer from lack of proper maintenance. Perhaps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA that we have marine police in the country who always GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, more important is the obvious lack of safety standards. ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI seem to be nowhere in environs where water tragedies In fact, not much is known about the existence of any DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, occur. If they are marine police, shouldn’t they be ANTHONY OGEDENGBE mandatory operational guidelines for ownership of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI permanently stationed around waterways and swiftly ferries and boats and the minimum standards that SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH swing to action when tragedies occur on the waters by must be met to be in the business of ferrying people ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI promptly rescuing victims? CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI through the waters. DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO The authorities must put in place the necessary The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA safety measures. Travelling by water should not be a was established in 1997 to manage the nation’s 3000 TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] suicide mission.

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

THE IYC FALSE ALARM IT’S NOT LOGICAL

he US Government is going to release some t is disheartening to hear that a false alarm was raised ments, serving in various capacities in an institution they once information about UFOS. This might be either a few days ago on the alleged kidnap of the Ijaw Youth criticized. because there is nothing interesting to find or President, Peter Igbifa, on his way to Abuja en route the It is no news that the forensic audit ordered by the president has they are trying to hide something else that is Port Harcourt Airport. now been turned into a circus for mismanagement and misappro- much more interesting. No doubt the alleged kidnap was to make the Minister of priation of public funds to oil the machinery of political interests of a Most UFOs have sensible explanations the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio look few while the region and its people continue to suffer the perpetual Talthough a few don’t and that is where the interest lies. Ibad in the eyes of Nigerians, arising from the threat of massive psychological torture of these buccaneers. There might be other life forms out there, its statistically protest to shut down the Niger Delta region by the Izon Youth It is now made abundantly clear that many of the kidnap cases likely, but less likely is that they would visit us. We are Congress and other ethnic groups that have signed in to join the we hear are all a hoax and all in a bid to heat up the polity and a long way from any other planet, physics says we can’t protest as a result of the non-appointment of a substantive board for blow the insecurity situation out of proportion and by extension travel all that fast so it’s a long journey and we aren’t the Niger Delta Development Commission for the past three years. malign President Buhari. What the IYC President and his co probably that interesting. We can recall the NDDC is still at present being run by an travellers did is unacceptable in any sane society. We cannot allow The more puzzling thing is why do they seem to visit Interim sole administrator. This alien appointment runs counter to these characters to roam free in our society. the drunk, the demented and nobody with a good camera? the provisions of the act that established the NDDC. This was not They must be brought to face the law if it is established that he Most of the world has a high-resolution camera in their the intendment of the framers of the NDDC Act. To add salt to faked his kidnap to deter many whom have indulged in this kind pocket, capable of both photos and films and yet all we get injury the appointment of Mr Effiong Akwa as announced by Femi of practice. is fuzzy images at a distance. There seems to have been no Adesina, the Presidential spokesman, was said to be an open- Yes Peter Igbifa may have done well to oppose the present accidents except maybe Roswell in 1947 so they must be ended appointment. That the appointment of Effiong Akwa ends situation in the NDDC like many have done across the country and great flyers given the speeds they seem to be travelling at. whenever the forensic audit is concluded. And this is the reason still do because what we have seen coming out of the NDDC is a Perhaps we should stop looking to the sky and look why the minister has exploited this clause to his personal advantage putrid smell that is not good for any government that purports to around as we have enough to see here and enough by shifting the date for the end to the audit. It is quite interesting. be fighting corruption. The NDDC today has become an institution problems to solve. Maybe the UFOs ae here to make About two trillion so far has been budgeted and approved for the where corruption walks with four legs and you can feel the corrup- sure we stay here given how badly we are managing this commission in the past three years with nothing tangible to show till tion like a solid object all under the watch of Godswill Akpabio who planet. date and no one his batting an eyelid. superintends over the NDDC. As Mr. Spock might say ‘It’s not logical’. But unfortunately we have a roguish team that has hold sway Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South South Reawakening Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia with many enablers right in the system, some by way of appoint- Group 16 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) ‘It’s Diservice to Ask a Woman Politician Questions About Rumoured Affairs’ Rinsola Abiola, one of the daughters of the late politician and businessman, Chief Moshood Abiola-the supposed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, is becoming increasingly known for her advocacy on gender equity and youth inclusion in governance. In this interview with Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha, the card-carrying member of All Progressives Congress in Ogun State emphasises the need for young women’s participation in politics through both partisan and nonpartisan platforms

o you believe that having women activism has not helped, because it has. in political leadership provides To get the results we seek, we need to col- a different kind of voice? laborate more and sustain engagements. We also I certainly do. Society is made need those of you in the media to help counter up of diverse groups and repre- narratives that hurt our women by projecting Dsentation is key; the better represented all these women politicians and professionals in a more groups are, the more representative democracy positive and more competent light. will become, and the more effective governance It does a huge disservice when a woman will be for the people. This has been proven politician is interviewed and she is asked de- in several countries where we have witnessed meaning questions about rumoured affairs and improved representation for women, and I can headlines are crafted around domestic chores, thus say that it would hold true here also. thus reinforcing cultural sentiments about a Take, for instance, the protracted battle to woman’s place. I am aware that there is a general get the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill sentiment among media practitioners about through; it is not an exaggeration of any sort to women politicians being media shy, but this say that if we had more women occupying seats is actually a key reason why many stay away. in the National Assembly, it wouldn’t be such a difficult task. The Violence Against Persons Would you say there is a difference in Prohibition Act also took several years to pass, behaviour in politics between men and and the refusal to adopt affirmative action in women? Is there a common ground that governance as recommended by the Convention can be exploited by women? on the Elimination of Discrimination Against We can look to countries led by women and Women (CEDAW), which Nigeria is a signatory see how their affairs are being managed. The to, is also an example of the negative impact of Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, women’s underrepresentation in governance. has been remarkable in the role and so have We have state assemblies across the country other women leaders of countries across the where women are not represented at all; despite world. Citing a recent example, the Coronavirus the best efforts of gender focused organisations, pandemic also seems to have been managed it is an uphill task getting such assemblies to Abiola better in countries with women leaders. prioritise issues affecting women specifically. Now, this is not to say that women in positions Sometimes, the discrimination is not even are people who, due to their societal conditioning, pointment of women to decision making of authority are perfect, because I particularly deliberate, it is just that you cannot factor an will not vote for a woman candidate no matter positions? do not like keying into tropes that inadvertently experience which you do not share and do not how qualified she is. We have a lot of work to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has place women on a higher pedestal than their understand into policy making. do regarding reorientation and behavioural been exemplary and so has Governor Abdul- male counterparts, but it just goes to show that change, so people are less hostile to women razaq of Kwara State. Governor Yahaya Bello women are competent too and our gender does What barriers are still in the way of and their aspirations. of Kogi State has also done well in ensuring not rid us of the ability to make decisions in the optimal participation of women in the that women emerged as vice-chairpersons in best interests of our people. political process in Nigeria? Can you assess the inclusion of women at all local governments in the state. Governor Returning to the Nigerian political terrain, There are a number of challenges with our different cadres of governance by President Babajide Sanwoolu also has a number of young the primary interest of any political group or political system; some are gendered, and some Muhammadu Buhari’s administration? women holding key positions in his cabinet, platform is to win elections. It is, therefore, im- are not. The high cost of political participation Looking at appointments, in addition to the including the very brilliant commissioner for portant that women with political aspirations when running for office, for instance, is one women ministers, we also have some women agriculture, who is doing a great job. key into this by offering value both individually challenge which affects women more although DGs and heads of agencies, and on boards. and as members of a larger political family. As it is a general issue with our politics. I say it We must also pay attention to what is being Deﬁning a pathway through activism like we advocate for enhanced inclusion and work affects women more because women are of- done at the state level regarding inclusion, Oby Ezekwesili has not yielded positive to secure enabling policies, we must also work ten unable to muster the resources required though, because if representation is going to results, what strategies can women deploy to develop our political capacity and value and to compete favourably with more established improve, then deliberate steps must be taken to get desired results? build strong networks. male politicians. in every tier of government. You know, I think activism is very key. Take Crowdfunding would be a veritable tool for At the local level, Kogi state, for instance, has the Not Too Young To Run Act for instance, it Are there issues around women’s political overcoming this particular challenge; running women serving as vice chairpersons in all local took joint efforts by young people in the civil leadership that concern you? for office is expensive all over the world, but governments. This is a step in the right direction, society space and those of us within the political I worry about dwindling numbers. Take a one thing that is done in advanced democracies and it would be a welcome development if other system to make it work. Women politicians look at the legislature, for instance. If I recall which we haven’t embraced here is the culture states replicated this. also collaborate with development agencies correctly, in the Eighth Assembly, there were of crowdfunding. Governors should also make efforts to appoint and gender advocacy groups and organisations 22 women in the House of Representatives. For me, perhaps due to my direct involvement, more women. frequently, and many have benefitted from their In the current assembly, we have 11. That is President Buhari’s 2015 campaign was the first support through different programmes. These a 50% decrease, and I worry that if we do not time I saw people from all walks of life being Which Nigerian governor would you agencies also play a key role in engaging elected take steps to secure enhanced representation eager to support their chosen candidate with commend for exemplary demonstration officials when seeking support for proposed for women, we could have an even smaller funds. When we identify candidates whom of walking the talk when it comes to ap- legislation and policies, so I would not say that number in 2023. we are confident have what it takes to deliver The onus to prevent this lies on the leadership on good governance, then I believe we should of political parties. INEC, of course, has a role support them with our time by volunteering The Nigerian political terrain is tough. In a system to play in all of this, but we need legislation to on their campaigns, and funds if we have the support it so there is no wiggle room for anyone. capacity to. Doing this will greatly help not just controlled entirely by men, it goes without saying People also often talk about how certain women, but young people and other qualified women in positions of authority do not seem candidates too. that a good number of people – not just women – who particularly concerned with the larger gender Electoral violence is not as widespread as it agenda, and I think this boils down to perceived used to be, but it remains a challenge, especially ascend to elevated positions do so because they were value and how they ascend to these positions. in the weeks leading up to the polls. Although backed by powerful figures, who are mostly men. Also, The Nigerian political terrain is tough. In violence affects everyone, it is mostly perpetrated a system controlled entirely by men, it goes by men and particularly bothers a lot of women I spoke about the cost of participation earlier and for without saying that a good number of people who would ordinarily like to participate. To – not just women – who ascend to elevated address this, I believe it is important for security the most part, you need a lot of personal resources positions do so because they were backed agencies to do more to curtail violence not just to make it through the ballot. For those who raise by powerful figures, who are mostly men. on election day, but also keep the usual suspects Also, I spoke about the cost of participation under close watch as elections approach and funds, this is mostly done through close associates. earlier and for the most part, you need a lot apprehend them swiftly once the need arises. of personal resources to make it through the We also need policies implemented at party Essentially, people who are elected owe their success ballot. For those who raise funds, this is mostly level which will ensure the emergence of more done through close associates. women candidates. to those who helped them get there, so they may not In addition to all of these, there is a lot of always feel like they need to be accountable to other NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the unlearning that needs to be done regarding the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com perceived place of women across cultures. There groups or treat their demands as a priority THISDAY ˾THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 19 POLITICS ‘Abia is Now Acknowledged as the SME Capital of Nigeria’ Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, prefers to allow his works testify to his performance. But in this interview with Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo, the Abia chief executive talks about the Abia of his dream and what he has done so far to meet this aspiration after six years in oﬃce

ay 29 marked the second Well, it is about strategy. I dare say most anniversary of your second critics don’t even understand the dynamics of tenure and the sixth anni- management of scarce resources which is what versary of your ascendance governance is all about. In 2015, we knew we to the governorship seat of were not going to have all the money we would AbiaM State. How far, so far? require or we would desire to have. At that time First, I return all the glory to God Almighty also we were mindful of the enormity of our for this far He has led us. This administration circumstance and we evolved a two-pronged has waded great storm from 2015 up until now strategy, one, to do everything to rev up our and I’m happy to say that the outlook in Abia is internally generated revenue while we manage better than what it used to be and our hope for what we have judiciously. And in doing that to a better tomorrow is even reinforced as I speak. focus on the areas where we know would give From tackling our deficits in various areas in us the greatest mileage in terms of internally terms of education, infrastructure, health, trade generated revenue and that is Aba. And Aba is and commerce and addressing our core pillars Aba Ndi Abia, Aba Ndigbo; it’s not about the which includes the promotion of small and geographical area where it falls. Who owns medium enterprises, even industrialization at all the houses on Azikiwe Road, who owns all a time like this. It’s been really wonderful and the houses on Asa Road? Most of the people to that extent I’m grateful to God Almighty for you see from other parts of Abia spend more thus far He has led us. than 90 percent of their time in every given year and do their businesses in Aba. I felt that In the course of addressing these problems if I fail to do what I need to do in Aba I will be what challenges have you encountered? depriving them the needed oxygen to flourish Well, so much. In the first place we needed to in terms of their enterprise. And if I needed to rev up public confidence in governmental issues Ikpeazu unleash the potential energy inherent in the because by 2015 people were really despondent Abia person, the place to apply resources is and worried about the way forward. (But) we flexible pavement without potholes. The fact deficit you met on ground, are you hitting Aba and that is what we have done. But Aba have charted a clear direction in terms of vi- that today the narrative about shoes from Aba your target in terms of how holistically Road in Umuahia done by Arab contractors sion on how to develop Abia State. Today, if has changed. There is a Footwear Academy built you had intended to tackle the problem? is it not in Abia? The Agbama Ring Road in you mention Abia not only in Nigeria but all by a private sector person. There is Enyimba I think development must be assessed based Umuahia is it not in Abia? The Nkporo Road over Africa what would come to the mouth Automated Shoe Factory and if you tie up the on irreducible parameters or index. At some done by Bullet is it not in Abia? All these roads of people is, oh yeah! Those people who are Footwear Academy with the machinery that point we came up with what I call develop- are not in Aba. But whereas we would not want strong in leather and garment, those people is available at the Enyimba Automated Shoe ment index, which is the amount of money or to abandon any part of Abia state, I’m saying who are the SME capital of Nigeria, people Factory and possibility of a Diploma from Abia resources available to a government divided by that good reason and logic underscores the fact with great innovative minds, with energy, State Polytechnic on Leather and Shoe Works the amount of money deployed for infrastructure that we must be able to rev up infrastructure resilience and power to drive their convictions. then Abia would continue to retain our first and multiplied by a hundred. It gives you a fair in Aba and attract sufficient response in terms That has become the new narrative for Abia. position as the leather capital of Africa. That assessment and pound-for-pound comparison of credit to enable us even do more in other And in terms of infrastructure we are catch- we are today selling shoes to Nigerian Legion, between one state and the other. And I would places. I’m placated by the fact that, contrary ing up very well with other states within our Nigeria Police and possibly Nigeria Army gives have loved to come to a point where Abia would to what critics are saying, a lot of people seem economic bracket and we’re even exceeding me joy that we are no longer regarded as people be awash with money and I would be able to to be happy and applauding our response to expectations of those who are subjective to our with little understanding of our potentials. We deliver on everything I have envisioned, but the enormous problems of Aba. So, if I have aspirations as Ndi Abia. So, I’m proud to say are acknowledged as the SME capital. just like every endeavour in life, that is not a the opportunity to do this again I will do the we have challenges and we’re still battling the The prospect that we could have a manufactur- possibility. But we have deployed our energy, same thing. challenges; challenges is part of governance ing platform for Ndigbo through the Enyimba we have deployed our resources judiciously and it is also what makes governance exciting, Economic City, the fact also that it was gazetted and we’re in a phase where I can look back and Recently you came up with 30-year as it were. We will not come to a point where as economic free zone, the first of its kind in say we have not done badly at all. Probably if development plan and you have barely there would be no more challenges. But suffice the South East under this administration gives we had a better weather we would have done two years to complete your second and to say that we have our heads sitting squarely me a sense of joy that perhaps we are very better but given our circumstances we have final tenure in office. How sustainable is on our shoulders and we’re doing well and I close to the path of irreversible development made judicious use of the opportunity that the implementation of this development think our future is brighter. of Abia going forward. Our way of thinking Ndi Abia have given to us and I’m proud to plan going to be by the time you must have is beginning to change. The way an average say that this government is going to bequeath left office? Hypothetically speaking, if there is a shoemaker thinks of himself is beginning to roads that would outlive our tenure. I‘m so I think that every state, in terms of modern constitutional amendment allowing state change. Some of them have gone to China and confident on this assertion because the roads we day parlance, requires a medium term and long chief executives to go for third term in came back, so they know that shoemaking speaks commissioned within the first 100 days of my term development agenda. Most of the states office, would there be sufficient motivation the same language all over the world. It gives administration are sill strong and that is why that you see are doing well are running on plans for you to continue sitting on the hot seat me joy that through my interventions some we have progressively and geometrically built that were enunciated by their predecessors. of governance? of these things are beginning to happen. The on our road infrastructural stock and we’ve not So, this plan is not supposed to end with my I thank God that there won’t be any third term fact that despite the paucity of funds that this spent so much doing palliatives on the roads we administration. So how can a long term plan in office. In the first place, I’m a strong believer administration revived the scholarship board have done and our calculation is that perhaps be something that I will execute myself? No. A in what I call the biological clock. There is a big and before the exit of this administration we that’s the only way going forward has been long term plan is a futuristic agenda that will clock ticking for everybody. Eight years of my will be able to send between 50 and 100 Abians vindicated and I’m assuring the inhabitants bring the needed prosperity that we desire life sitting on this seat and doing what we’ve abroad for further studies gives me joy that that before the next 24 months we will add for our people. If prosperity and creating been dong since 2015 is sufficient sacrifice. I despite all of these we are able to touch every much more o what we have done. better life would be the agenda of subsequent have a bigger assignment and I have things facet of governance, especially when it concerns administrations they would find that plan very that I want to do. Most public officers spend human capital development. I’m fulfilled and Your critics point out that most of the handy and then that is the language that the so much time within the public space and that I want somebody else to try his hands. So, I’m road projects are concentrated in Aba to development partners, World Bank, and other is why they don’t build strong families; that is not praying for third term. the detriment of other parts of the state funding agencies understand. How can you why they don’t build strong communities. You that equally need government’s presence. be running a government without planning? can spend too much time and at a time you’ll Given the enormity of infrastructural What do you say to that? I want to give it to you first hand that we are be forced out of office. I’m not like a typical even spending heavily now to partner UN African leader. I have done my bit and I think HABITAT to give Aba a master plan and give it would be a privilege to step aside and watch Umuahia a master plan and we plan to give someone build from where I stopped. The office Most public officers spend so much time within the public Ohafia a master plan. It is an anomaly that of governor is no loner attractive to me/ there space and that is why they don’t build strong families; that the haphazard development that has become could be many things I could contrive which the lot of our cities is occasioned by the fact I cannot do if I continue as governor. I think is why they don’t build strong communities. You can spend that we don’t have any development plan, I’ve seen it, I have made my own contributions too much time and at a time you’ll be forced out of office. we don’t have a master plan and any sensible and I think that this is the time for me to move administration, empirical governance, science forward. Already there are few things that are I’m not like a typical African leader. I have done my bit and I -based governance must emphasize that you very dear to me, which I’ve done - things like, think it would be a privilege to step aside and watch someone must do development plan, you must have if you want durable road you must employ master plan for your major cities to guide rigid pavement in some places. build from where I stopped. The office of governor is no loner development, going forward. The natural There is no time again that anybody would attractive to me/ there could be many things I could contrive resources that we have are not finite but our think of doing urban road without drainage. For demands are infinite, so we must find a way the fact that there could be solution for seemingly which I cannot do if I continue as governor. I think I’ve seen it, to plan the application of these resources that intractable engineering problems – we’re tackling I have made my own contributions and I think that this is the are available so that generations yet unborn Ndiegoro, we’re tackling Port Harcourt Road. would have a place to live. Faulks Road was not impossible but for the time for me to move forward. Already there are few things that fact that we have done it. The fact that I could are very dear to me, which I’ve done - things like, if you want NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the bring a fresh graduate from IMT to do Ukaegbu online edition on www.thisdaylive.com Road and the road is six years today and it’s durable road you must employ rigid pavement in some places 20 THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], Tel: 07010510430 Driving Sustainability through Cultural Diversity To commemorate this year's Cultural Diversity Day, Sahara Group, in recognition of the role diversity plays as a crucial enabler of sustainable development, reiterated its firm belief in equal opportunity employment policy, zero discrimination, and collaborative accountability, Chiamaka Ozulumba reports

Cote d'Ivoire Abuja, Nigeria

Nairobi, Kenya Accra, Ghana

he splash of colours at Sahara Sahara’s continuing success stories is inspiring. natural and cultural diversity of the world, intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. Group, a leading international Every May 21, Sahara Group in all its and recognising that cultures and civilizations "This is captured in the culture conventions, energy conglomerate with proud locations, turns on its diversity along with can contribute to, and are crucial enablers which provide a solid basis for the promotion African heritage is unmistakable. the world to celebrate the Cultural Diversity of, sustainable development. of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus They are vibrant, audacious, and Day. With multiple nationalities represented The mass confinement that attended the an asset that is indispensable for poverty fiery. They epitomise the brand’s in the Group, the event is one of the flagship COVID-19 pandemic took the world back reduction and the achievement of sustainable Tinsatiable desire to innovate more, disrupt celebrations at Sahara. The employees put in to the basics. We witnessed some form of development,” said the UN about cultural more and transform more in the pursuit of great effort - with gusto - to turn up at work cultural renaissance that saw people around diversity. excellence and making a difference. in different cultural attires, representative of the globe turning to culture for solace as the Considering the above, there is little wonder They find expression in almost 5,000 Sahara just about any culture in the world. virus went on rampage. We would see a rise why Sahara goes out of its way to celebrate employees across Africa, Asia, Europe, and In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal in virtual visits to museums and galleries, cultural diversity. “For us at Sahara, diversity the Middle East. Talk about professionals Declaration on Cultural Diversity. and in In streaming of films and even community choirs finds expression in our equal opportunity from multiple nationalities contributing unique December 2002, the UN General Assembly, via social media - showing its fundamental employment policy, zero discrimination, masterstrokes to the Sahara vision – bringing in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 role as a source of resilience for communities. and collaborative accountability that drives energy to life. to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity The United Nations notes that three-quarters our mantra – your job is not done until Since 1996 when Sahara made its debut in for Dialogue and Development. In 2015, the of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural the job is done. We respect and relish the the oil and gas sector, there has always been Second Committee of the UN General As- dimension, adding that bridging the gap outstanding milestones we have achieved a clear thread that connects the unique parts sembly unanimously adopted the resolution between cultures is urgent and necessary for on the pedestal of diversity at Sahara. Every that have made the organisation outstand- on Culture and Sustainable Development peace, stability, and development. “Cultural Saharian contributes something unique as ing across the value chain. From upstream, A/C.2/70/L.59, affirming culture’s contribu- diversity is a driving force of development, we continue to make a difference and bring midstream, and downstream sectors to power tion to the three dimensions of sustainable not only with respect to economic growth, but energy to life,” said Bethel Obioma, Head, and infrastructure, the impact of diversity on development, acknowledging further the also as a means of leading a more fulfilling Corporate Communications at Sahara. NIWA to Licence Boat Operators as Part of Fresh Intervention on Water Transportation As part of the efforts to licence boat operators, practical and theoretical methodology. in whatever they do and what they are doing want to know them and that is why we want the National Inland Waterways Authority The GM added that the training will also the waterways activities," Braimah explained them to be licensed. NIWA wants to start (NIWA) has reiterated its commitment to be extended to executive boat operators . Braimah told the gathering that awareness from somewhere. build capacity for boat captains and skippers The general manager said the move was on the blue waters alongside the potentials "We want a proper formal education for operating in the Lagos waterways. necessitated against the backdrop of the poor were positioned for economic sustainability our captains because they are not properly This was disclosed by the General Manager educational background of the skippers and but the brown waters has what it takes to educated ". She further stated. , Marine Operations, NIWA, Joseph Ororo, at captains in brown waters operations. also compete with the blue economy. She also noted that the training programme a stakeholders meeting between the agency He reiterated that "this training of our boat She noted that the stakeholders in brown will be devoid of language barrier as all types and boat operators held in Lagos. operators is long overdue. We have started it waters operation have what it takes to move of dialects will complement the capacity Ororo maintained that the training will be in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states but Lagos the sub sector to an enviable level, pointing building project. compulsory for the operators even as he noted is the centre of excellence." out boat mishaps in recent times can be The area manager urged stakeholders to that participants at the end of the schooling Earlier, the Lagos Area Manager NIWA, attributed to carelessness and other human cooperate with NIWA to end the incessant would be licensed by the agency as certified Sarat Lara Braimah, said the training was errors activities. boat mishaps on Lagos waterways, adding captains. centred on how to licence boat operators. "Both the operators and NIWA, are all that carelessness on the part of the captains According to him, NIWA with the collabora- According to her, the certification would guilty of these unfortunate incident on our resulted to the accidents that occurred recently. tive support from accredited institution will last for three years at the end of the training. waterways therefore we want to look for the The stakeholders meeting had in attendance design a curriculum for training of the skippers. "Our boat captains will be formally licensed way forward. members of ATBOWATON, MWUN, officials He said the training will be categorised by NIWA. We want them to be known in their "How can we do it right. Let's even know from LAGFERRY, and the service providers into the three phases, which in turn include operations. We want to hold them accountable who are the people piloting our boats. We in the waterways transportation ecology. THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 21

#THISISNIGERIA- Zeal Akaraiwe. Different Times, Different Footprints: Make the Impact Needed in Your Time n the mid 19th century, there was a brilliant surgeon who had unmatched skill and understanding of the human body and used this talent to save very many lives. However, due to the difficulties of Iinternational travel and communication at the time, he was constrained and was only able to save very few lives outside the shores of his own country. He then decided that it was a much more efficient use of his time and talent to dedicate his life to teaching people to be as skillful as he was. He, therefore, started a School of Surgery! His logic was rather simple: As a surgeon, he could only perform one surgery at a time and if he had to travel by ship to other countries, he could only save a handful of lives a year. But if he sacrificed his time and talent for saving lives and used it instead in training others, he could, in a manner of speaking, be in several places at the same time and therefore, multiply his impact. He also disagreed that he was “special” and believed that his skill and talent could be taught to absolutely anyone and so, in picking his students, he made sure that they were everyday people. Dr. RuoiVas, as he was known, got a few students from humble backgrounds and spent his days training them on the delicate skill of surgery. Though he was known to have performed some of the most complicated surgeries known at the time, he had to “reduce” himself to performing simple surgeries so that his young trainees start with and get experience on the basics that will eventually form a solid foundation. He always told his students that with the way the world was evolving, he anticipated a time when mankind would have the ability to travel cross-continent in just a few days, or less, and then, at that time, they would each be able to perform hundreds of surgeries a year. Dr. RuoiVas had a major flaw though: he had a bit of a temper that sent him into a violent rage. Luckily, the trigger for this temper existed entirely outside his medical field and it never showed up Gustavo Fring at work. Outside work though, he was known to have beaten up quite a few me in you by training more and more casion, one of them answered and said: limitations or the restrictions of his time! people every now and then. The “DOC- surgeons.” “For what you did, RuoiVas would have And the question “What would RuoiVas TOR” was a perfect professional worthy Though none of them associated with beaten the daylight out of you, but I am do?” was seen for what it was: an absolutely of respect and emulation but the “MAN”, the flaws in the personal temper character not replicating RuoiVas, I am replicating misdirected priority. RuoiVas, had his personality flaws that traits of Dr. RuoiVas, each of them had the doctor in him. And the doctor in him The question: “Despite all that has hap- many detested. earned their badge of honor and each would still perform the surgery on you pened and how you feel, what would the All his students knew about this flaw added the prefix “Dr.” to their names. and save you, despite your terribly bad doctor here today do to positively impact but understood that part of him was never The “Dr.” in Dr. RuoiVas had successfully behaviour.” as many lives as possible?” was what gave going to interact with them. been replicated and one key success factor Or sometimes, the learned doctors the atmosphere for deep reflection and This made it easy for them to understand was the understanding that the doctor in emphasized that though Dr. RuoiVas was positive energy, the ability to put sentiments what he meant when he made statements him had a completely different skill and constrained in doing surgeries outside his aside and it was always a call to action like: “I want you all to be, not just as demeanor from the temper issues RuoiVas immediate environment due to the limitations that saved lives! good as me, but much better than me; struggled with. of his time, today, we are much freer than To replicate the doctor means being the to do greater things than I have done”; Dr. RuoiVas was indeed right, and as his he was. He had to concentrate on teaching impact that’s needed in your own time; it and “You need to observe and do what students spent time performing life-saving to develop people that would perform the doesn't mean you are to live as he would I do”. They all knew and understood surgeries, they also made time to train ACTIONs he was constrained from. We, that have in his time. Too many people are that the “me” or “I” he referred to was people to be just like them and as technology can, should therefore ACT more while those limiting themselves based on the same the “DOCTOR” part of him and not his improved, these “grand-students” of Dr. that want to TEACH should do so. A unique limitations the doctor experienced in his personality that contained the flaws. So, to RuoiVas were able to perform, collectively, constraint still exists though, and that’s the time, despite the fact that those limitations the students, it was a massive compliment, thousands of surgeries daily across the fact that in some of the written teachings long ceased to exist! not an insult, when they helped people entire world. They were able to touch far of Dr. RuoiVas, some of his technique and and got feedback like: “you remind me more lives than Dr. RuoiVas could ever reasoning for the techniques was / have been t;FBM"LBSBJXFJTUIF$&0PG(SBFNF of Dr. RuoiVas.” have and his main wish had been fulfilled: lost in translation, culture and context. We #MBRVF"EWJTPSZ)FJTBOFYQFSJFODFE After a few years under Dr. RuoiVas’s “Go into all the world, train more surgeons hope the world will eventually be able to GJOBODJBMBEWJTPSZFYFDVUJWFXJUIPWFS tutelage, almost all the trainees were now and save as many lives as possible and reason that out and overcome the constraint, UXPEFDBEFTPGFYQFSJFODFJOUIFCBOLJOH full-fledged, well-trained, surgeons and do greater works than I did.” even though evidence shows the contrary! JOEVTUSZ they had only one mission: Sometimes, these surgeons get themselves We need to remember that Dr. RuoiVas “Go into all the world, save as many in a fix and get asked or ask themselves, bought us the freedom to be the best ver- 5XJUUFS ![FBM@B ] -JOLFE*O ;FBM lives as possible and, while at it, replicate “what will RuoiVas do?” and on one oc- sion of himself without being tied to his "LBSBJXF 22 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ͱ˜ 2021 23

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 ͰͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OBB ͯͶ˛ʹ͵ϱ CALL ͯͶϱ INDEX LEVEL ͳͮʹ˛ͳͷϱ 1/4 TO DATE ̋ͷ˛ͱͲϱ ͲͯͰ˹ͯ ̩ OVERNIGHT ͯͷ˛ͯ͵ϱ 1-MONTH Ͱͮϱ 1-DAY ͮ˛ͮ͵ϱ YEAR TO DATE ̋ͰͲ˛ͲͰϱ ̩ Quick Takes Electronic Payplus Joins ICMA ÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍËãÚÖßÝ Ó×ÓÞÏÎ˜ÓÑÏÜÓË˪ÝÝ×ËÜÞÍËÜÎÚÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØÍÙ×ÚËØãËØÎ ÚËã×ÏØÞÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÚÜÙàÓÎÏÜÒËÝËØØÙßØÍÏÎÓÞÝ×Ï×ÌÏÜÝÒÓÚÙÐÞÒÏ ØÞÏÜØËÞÓÙØËÖ ËÜÎËØßÐËÍÞßÜÏÜÝÝÝÙÍÓËÞÓÙØ̙ ̚˛ ÓÞÒ×ÙÜÏÞÒËØͰͮͮ×Ï×ÌÏÜÝÓØͲͱÍÙßØÞÜÓÏÝ˜ ÒËÝÌÏÏØÞÒÏàÙÓÍÏÙÐ ÞÒÏÍËÜÎ×ËØßÐËÍÞßÜÓØÑÓØÎßÝÞÜãÐÙÜØÏËÜÖãͱͮãÏËÜÝ˛ ÒÏØÙØ̋ÚÜÙÐÓÞËÝÝÙÍÓËÞÓÙØÙÐÍËÜÎ×ËØßÐËÍÞßÜÏÜÝ˜ÚÏÜÝÙØËÖÓÝÏÜÝ˜ÝßÚÚÖÓÏÜÝ ËØÎÙÞÒÏÜÓØÎßÝÞÜã̋ÜÏÖËÞÏÎÍÙ×ÚËØÓÏÝÓÝËÚÜÏ×ÓÏÜÜÏÝÙßÜÍÏÐÙÜÞÒÏÍËÜÎ ÓØÎßÝÞÜã̋ÐÜÙ×ÞÜËÓØÓØÑÞÙÓÝÝßÏÝÝßÜÜÙßØÎÓØÑÍËÜÎÚÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØ˜ÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑã˜ ËÚÚÖÓÍËÞÓÙØ˜ÝÏÍßÜÓÞãËØÎÏØàÓÜÙØ×ÏØÞËÖÓÝÝßÏÝ˛ ÝÞËÞÏ×ÏØÞÏâÚÖËÓØÏÎÞÒËÞÌãÔÙÓØÓØÑ ˜ÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍËãÚÖßÝ Ó×ÓÞÏÎáÙßÖÎ ÒËàÏËÍÍÏÝÝÞÙÏâÚËØÎÏÎÏÎßÍËÞÓÙØËØÎÞÜËÓØÓØÑÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞÓÏÝÞÙÝÞËãËÒÏËÎ ÙÐÞÜÏØÎÝËØÎÌÏØÏÐÓÞÐÜÙ×ØÏÞáÙÜÕÓØÑáÓÞÒÞÒÏÖÏËÎÓØÑÍÙ×ÚËØÓÏÝÓØÞÒÏ ÍËÜÎÓØÎßÝÞÜãËÜÙßØÎÞÒÏáÙÜÖÎ ÒÏËØËÑÓØÑÓÜÏÍÞÙÜ˹ÒÓÏÐâÏÍßÞÓàÏÐÐÓÍÏÜÙÐÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍËãÚÖßÝ Ó×ÓÞÏÎ˜ Ü˛ËãÙÎÏÙÕßØ˜ÝËÓÎÞÒÏÑÏØÏÜËÖËÞ×ÙÝÚÒÏÜÏÓØÒÓÝÍÙ×ÚËØãáËÝÙØÏÙÐ ÏâÍÓÞÏ×ÏØÞÌÏÓØÑËÎ×ÓÞÞÏÎÓØÞÙÞÒÏ×Ï×ÌÏÜÝÒÓÚÙÐÞÒÏÑÖÙÌËÖÍÙ××ßØÓÞã ÙÐ ˛ ˫ÏËÜÏÒËÚÚãÞÙÌÏËÍÍÏÚÞÏÎÓØÞÙÞÒÏÚÜÏÝÞÓÑÓÙßÝ ØÞÏÜØËÞÓÙØËÖËÜÎËØß- ÐËÍÞßÜÏÜÝÝÝÙÍÓËÞÓÙØ˛ÒËÞÞÒÓÝ×ÏËØÝÓÝÞÒËÞÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍËãÚÖßÝ Ó×ÓÞÏÎ ÒËÝÌÏÏØÜÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏÎáÙÜÖÎáÓÎÏ˛ ˫ Þ˪ÝËÑßËÜËØÞÏÏÞÒËÞËØãÚÜÙÎßÍÞÐÜÙ×ÙßÜÚÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØÖÓØÏÓÝËÝÑÙÙÎËØÎÝÏÍßÜÏÎ ËÝËØãÙÐÞÒÏÙÞÒÏÜÚÜÙÎßÍÞÝÐÜÙ×ÙÞÒÏÜÓØÞÏÜØËÞÓÙØËÖÍËÜÎ×ËØßÐËÍÞßÜÏÜÝ áÒÙËÜÏ×Ï×ÌÏÜÝÙÐ ˜ˬÎÏÙÕßØÝËÓÎ˛ CAPACITY BUILDING ÖÏÍÞÜÙØÓÍËãÚÖßÝ Ó×ÓÞÏÎÝÞËÜÞÏÎÙÚÏÜËÞÓÙØÝÓØËãͰͮͮͳËÝËÚËã×ÏØÞ R-L: Mr Aliyu Kalgo who represented the Managing Director/CEO of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON); ÝÏÜàÓÍÏÚÜÙàÓÎÏÜ˛ÓâÞÏÏØãÏËÜÝËÐÞÏÜ˜ÞÒÏÙ×ÚËØãÒËÝÌÏÍÙ×ÏÓÑÏÜÓË˪Ý ÌÓÑÑÏÝÞÓØ×ËÜÞËØÎÓÑÓÞËÖËÜÎÚÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØ˜áÓÞÒÍËÚËÍÓÞãÞÙÚÜÙÎßÍÏËÖÖ Group Head, Enforcement, Mr Joshua Ikioda, and Company Secretary, Saidu Jallo, at a 2-day training of Asset Management ÕÓØÎÝÙÐÝÏÍßÜÏÍËÜÎÝ˛ Partners of AMCON held in Lagos...recently Ajua Partners Huawei to Support SMEs ÔßËÒËÝËØØÙßØÍÏÎÞÒËÞÓÞÝÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÏØÑËÑÏ×ÏØÞÚÖËÞÐÙÜ×˜ØÑËßÑÏÓÝ ØÙáËàËÓÖËÌÖÏÞÙ ßËáÏÓÎÏàÓÍÏÝàÓËÞÒÏ ßËáÏÓÚÚËÖÖÏÜã˛ÒÏØËßÑÏ ÚÖËÞÐÙÜ×áËÝÖËßØÍÒÏÎÙØÞÒÏØÏÞáÙÜÕÓØËÜÍÒËØÎÒËÎÝÓØÍÏÑÜÙáØÞÙ Operators Warn against Cybercrime ÌÏÍÙ×ÏÞÒÏÝÏàÏØÞÒ×ÙÝÞßÝÏÎÌßÝÓØÏÝÝËÚÚÖÓÍËÞÓÙØÙØÞÒÏÙÙÑÖÏÚÖËãÝÞÙÜÏ˛ Emma Okonji ICT forum towards addressing the at the end of the forum, ÚÏËÕÓØÑÙØÞÒÏÚËÜÞØÏÜÝÒÓÚ˜ÞÒÏÓÑÏÜÓËÙßØÞÜã ÏËÎÙÐÔßË˜ËãÙÝÒÓÜß factors mitigating efficient use stakeholders identified the ÝËÓÎ˜˫ÒÏÜÏÖÏËÝÏÙÐÞÒÏØËßÑÏÚÖËÞÐÙÜ×Ìã ßËáÏÓÙØÞÒÏÓÜÚÚËÖÖÏÜã ÓÝÞÏÝÞË×ÏØÞÞÙÞÒÏÎÏ×ËØÎÐÙÜÞÒÏËÚÚÖÓÍËÞÓÙØÌãÓÑÏÜÓËØÝËÍÜÙÝÝÞÒÏ The Nigeria Computer Society of IT for leapfrogging develop- reason for the increasing rate ÍÙßØÞÜã˜ÞÒÏËÚÚÓÝÍßÜÜÏØÞÖãÞÒÏ͵ÞÒ×ÙÝÞÎÙáØÖÙËÎÏÎÌßÝÓØÏÝÝÞÙÙÖÙØÞÒÏ (NCS), the umbrella body for In his welcome address, the ment, Sodiya added. in cyber insecurity and proffered ×ËÜÕÏÞËØÎáÏËÜÏÑÖËÎÞÒËÞ ßËáÏÓÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝÍËØØÙáÌÏØÏÐÓÞÐÜÙ×ÞÒÏ Information Technology (IT) President of NCS, Prof. Adesina The NCS organised the forum solutions. ÐÏËÞßÜÏÝÙÐØËßÑÏ˛ practitioners in Nigeria, has Sodiya said NCS observed that to provide reliable platform for They stressed the need for ˫ÏËÜÏËÖÝÙËáËÜÏÞÒËÞ͵ͮÚÏÜÍÏØÞÙÐÝ×ËÜÞÚÒÙØÏÝÓØÞÒÏÓÑÏÜÓËØ×ËÜÕÏÞ expressed concern over the cyber attacks in Nigeria was on analysing the situation critically government to train more of ËÜÏÐÜÙ×ÒÓØËÝÙáÏÏâÚÏÍÞÞÙÝÏÏËÝÓÑØÓÐÓÍËØÞÑÜÙáÞÒÓØÞÒÏØËßÑÏ increasing rate of cyber-security the increase, based on current and provide reliable solutions youths on ethical hacking and ÍÙ××ßØÓÞãÙàÏÜÞÒÏØÏâÞÐÏá×ÙØÞÒÝ˛ˬ challenges in the country. local and International reports to Nigeria’s cybersecurity chal- how to use historical data ßËáÏÓÓØËÝÞËÞÏ×ÏØÞÜÏÖÏËÝÏÎàÓËÝÙÍÓËÖ×ÏÎÓËÝÞËÞÏÎÞÒËÞ˜˫ÞËÚÓÝØÙáËÖÖÓÞ To this end, the group has that were alarming. lenges for financial institutions, through the help of artificial ÞËÕÏÝÐÙÜãÙßÜÌßÝÓØÏÝÝÞÙÑÜÙááÓÞÒÞÒÏßØÓÛßÏÚÙáÏÜÙÐØËßÑÏ˜ˬÞÒÏã advised government and the According to him, “Individu- regulatory agencies, govern- intelligence to fight cybercrime. ËÖÝÙáÏÖÍÙ×ÏÎÔßËÞÙÞÒÏÓÜÚÚËÖÖÏÜãËØÎÜÏÍÙ××ÏØÎÏÎÞÒÏËÚÚÖÓÍËÞÓÙØ private sector on new measures als, governments, and corporate ment, corporate organisations, The trainings, according to ÞÙÞÒÏÓÜÌËÝÏÎÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝ˛ ÒÏØËßÑÏËÚÚ˜áËÝÎÏàÏÖÙÚÏÎÌãÔßËÞÙÎÏÖÓàÏÜËÝÍËÖÏÎàÏÜÝÓÙØ to nip the development in the organisations are losing huge telecommunications institutions, them should be either academic ÙÐËÖÖÞÒÏÞÙÙÖÝßÝÏÎÌãÏØÞÏÜÚÜÓÝÏÞÙËÍÒÓÏàÏÝßÍÍÏÝÝÞÙÝàÓËËÝÓØÑÖÏ bud. sums of money and property information technology profes- or vocational, and government ËÚÚÖÓÍËÞÓÙØ˜ÚÜÙàÓÎÓØÑÞÒÏ×áÓÞÒÞÒÏËÌÓÖÓÞãÞÙÜÏÍÏÓàÏÚËã×ÏØÞÝÐÜÙ×ÞÒÏÓÜ NCS gave the new measures due to cyber-attacks. Threat sionals, security experts and law must ensure that all organisa- ÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝàÓËËßØÓÛßÏÍÙÎÏ˜ÍÙÖÖÏÍÞÐÏÏÎÌËÍÕÐÜÙ×ÍßÝÞÙ×ÏÜÝ˜ËØÎ during its second stakeholders’ techniques are continually enforcement agencies. tions have a security policy in ËÎàÏÜÞÓÝÏÞÙØÏáÚÜÙÝÚÏÍÞÝàÓË×ßÖÞÓÚÖÏÝÙÍÓËÖ×ÏÎÓËÚÖËÞÐÙÜ×ÝÖÓÕÏáÒËÞÝËÚÚ forum on cyber-security, which changing, and attacks are getting Issues of financial fraud, place. ËØÎÓØÝÞËÑÜË×˛ held recently in Abuja. more sophisticated by the day, cyber-attacks, social engineer- Also, chief executive officers Worried about the increasing hence the need to discuss cyber- ing, cyber-security education, should be trained to identify WD Introduces SSD Gaming Solutions rate of cyber challenges in the security challenges in Nigeria formulating national cyber the sensitive data used in their ÏÝÞÏÜØÓÑÓÞËÖÙÜÚÙÜËÞÓÙØÒËÝßØàÏÓÖÏÎÞÒÜÏÏØÏáÝÐÙÜÓÞÝ̰ country, technology experts who in our forum, with a view to security strategies, cyber security organisations. ÚÙÜÞÐÙÖÓÙÙÐÚÜÙÎßÍÞÝ˜ÚÜÙàÓÎÓØÑÑË×ÏÜÝËÜÙßØÎÞÒÏáÙÜÖÎáÓÞÒÐËÝÞ˜ÒÓÑÒ̋ attended the forum, advised preferring lasting solutions to regulation and ethics, youth and “Cyber-security trainings ÚÏÜÐÙÜ×ËØÍÏÝÞÙÜËÑÏÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝÞÙßÚÑÜËÎÏÞÒÏÓÜËØÎØÏâÞ̋ÑÏØÍÙØÝÙÖÏ ÑË×ÓØÑÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ˛ government to urgently intro- the identified challenges.” social media, fake news and should also be included at ØØÙßØÍÓØÑÞÒÏÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝ˜ÞÒÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏÓÍÏÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞËØÎÏØÏÜËÖËØËÑÏÜ˜ duce internet monitoring, to NCS is committed to IT hate speech, were discussed the basic education level, the ÖËÝÒßÝÓØÏÝÝËÞÏÝÞÏÜØÓÑÓÞËÖ˜ÙÌÙÎÏÜÌÏÜã˜ÝËÓÎ˝˫ßṴ̈ ÌÜËØÎ blacklist fraudulent sites and development in Nigeria and at the forum. ÎÏÖÓàÏÜÝËÍÖÏËÜËØÎÝÓ×ÚÖÏÚÜÙ×ÓÝÏÞÙÑË×ÏÜÝ̎ÐËÝÞËØÎÜÏÖÓËÌÖÏÝÞÙÜËÑÏ fake news sites in the country. had organised the stakeholders’ In a communique issued Continued on page 24 ÞÒËÞÏØÒËØÍÏÝÞÒÏÓÜÑË×ÏÚÖËã˛ÓÞÒÞÒÏÓØÞÜÙÎßÍÞÓÙØÙÐÞÒÏØÏáÚÜÙÎßÍÞÝ˜ ÞÒḬ̈ ÚÙÜÞÐÙÖÓÙÒËÝÎÓàÏÜÝÏÐÖËÝÒ̋ÚÙáÏÜÏÎÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝÝÙÞÒËÞÏàÏÜã ÑË×ÏÜ˜áÒÏÞÒÏÜÞÒÏãËÜÏÔßÝÞÝÞËÜÞÓØÑÙßÞÙÜ×ÙÜÏËÎàËØÍÏÎ̎ÍËØÏâÚÖÙÜÏÞÒÏ ÜÓÍÒáÙÜÖÎÝÙÐÞÙÎËã˪Ý×ÙÝÞÓØàÏØÞÓàÏÑË×ÏÝ˛ˬ Sylva Inaugurates Africa’s Largest Tech Incubation ÓàÓØÑËÞÞÒÏÓØÞÏÜÝÏÍÞÓÙØÙÐÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑãËØÎÏØÞÏÜÞËÓØ×ÏØÞ˜ÞÒÏØÏáÖãÓØÞÜÙÎßÍÏÎ ̰ ÑË×ÓØÑÚÙÜÞÐÙÖÓÙÚÜÙÎßÍÞÝÎÏÖÓàÏÜÝÓØØÙàËÞÓàÏÝÞÙÜËÑÏÝÙÖßÞÓÙØÝ ÍßÝÞÙ×ÓäÏÎÐÙÜÞÒÏÑË×ÏÜ˛ Hub to Enhance Entrepreneurship ÒḬ̈ ͵ͳͮÏËÖÖÙáÝÏØÞÒßÝÓËÝÞÑË×ÏÜÝÖÏàÏÖßÚ ÞÒÏÓÜÙÜÖËÚÞÙÚÑË×ÓØÑÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏáÓÞÒ ÏÏØͲÞÏÍÒØÙÖÙÑãËØÎÝÞÙÜËÑÏ Peter Uzoho ICT Capital, Dr Akintoye Akindele campus could have been ÝÚËÍÏÐÙÜ×ÙÜÏÑË×ÏÝ˛ is a pan-African investment utilized as a shopping mall, The Minister of State for Petro- He lauded the company for company that targets innova- hotel or rental apartments. leum Resources, Chief Timipre choosing to invest in youth tive ideas, start-ups and early “The choice to invest in our Sylva, has inaugurated Africa’s development and skill acquisi- stage companies in the technol- youths and nurture the next biggest technological incubation as opposed to other sectors ogy and technology-enabled generation of entrepreneurs is “Nigeria has 11 tion centre, Unicorn, in Lagos of the economy that would sectors across Africa, which truly patriotic and inspiring. data centres that are State, which is positioned to probably yield higher return have the potential to emerge For the first time, I’m seeing impact over one million young on investments, adding that as unicorns. the right thing being done,” currently expanding tech entrepreneurs in the next the provision of the platform A prototype of the popular Sylva said. into cloud hosting, 10 years. would facilitate education, Silicon Valley, Unicorn aims to He said there was need for yet they are Inaugurating the Unicorn training, mentorship, infrastruc- provide education, training, every Nigerian to stop the hub sited at Yaba, the minister ture, and long-term capital to mentorship, infrastructure, blame game and complaints underutilised said he was overwhelmed by entrepreneurs and start-ups in and long-term capital to and join hands to work out because of poor the capacity of the innovation technology-enabled sectors. entrepreneurs, start-ups and solutions to the country’s patronage, leading put in place by the promoters. He commended the promot- early stage in the technology problems, adding that the Sylva was joined at the ers of the project for choosing and technology-enabled sectors solution is with the abundant to huge loss of occasion by the Lagos State to invest in the development through its ecosystem. young, talented population revenue for the Governor, Mr. Babajide-Sanwo- of human capacity and nurtur- Sylva said: “I must say Nigeria has. Nigerian economy” Olu; the Executive Secretary, ing of tech and innovation that I’m overwhelmed by Also speaking at the event, Nigerian Content Develop- start-ups. the capacity for innovation Wabote hailed the launch of President, Institute of Software ment and Monitoring Board Unicorn, a creation of that I have confronted here Unicorn Incubation Campus Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote; Nigeria’s investment guru today. Toye is a dreamer, he’s Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu amongst other dignitaries. and Chairman of Platform an innovator. This incubation Continued on page 24 24 THISDAY ˾ JUNE 3, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

OPERATORS WARN AGAINST CYBERCRIME Gokada Launches App, Crosses $100m trainings should be made in Annual Transaction Value interesting for example the training can be in form of Stories by Emma Okonji worth $20 billion over the next its millions. who was previously Director cities where licenses are avail- games for kids to help develop few years. “This launch is core to of Developer Growth at Andela able, initially starting with Ogun their interest. Gokada, the Nigeria-based “I experienced the same our objective of positioning and will lead Gokada’s product and Ibadan,” Goel further said. “There is need to develop last mile delivery, logistics kind of growth in India when Gokada at the center of Nige- development. “The Gokada Super App, our own internal resources and transportation start-up, I was with Zomato. Much like ria’s e-commerce and delivery “Gokada’s expansion will see available on Android and and technology to store our has launched a ‘Super App’ in India and our counterparts revolution.” the creation of new jobs, with the iOS, has been developed to sensitive data as a nation. The where customers can access food in other emerging markets, In addition to the launch of addition of thousands of new enable customers have enhanced National Information Technol- delivery, ecommerce, and ride Gokada is building a transport the Gokada Super App and G-pilots, the largest last mile discovery of key services and ogy Development Agency hailing services in one app. infrastructure from the bottom its multi-city expansion plans, delivery fleet size in Lagos. As products, have access to all of Nigeria (NITDA) should The launch of the solution up, using well-trained riders, Gokada is also strengthening well as significantly expanding Gokada pilots at the touch of a enforce the use of government comes as Gokada crosses the powered by technology, to its senior management team, its last-mile delivery offering, button, rate the service instantly emails in all government $100 million mark in annual connect businesses large and with the recent appointment Gokada will also reintroduce its and choose single or multi point agencies for security reasons. transaction value, having com- small with a consumer base in of Dika Oho as VP Product, popular ride-hailing service in deliveries,” Goel said. “There should be enhanced pleted one million food delivery enforcement of the Nigerian and e-commerce orders on Data Protection Regulation behalf of over 30,000 merchants (NDPR) laws. Chief Executives in the last 12 months alone. who violate the laws should be The company said its growth sanctioned. Government should was fast accelerating, as it grew formulate cyber-security poli- its volume three times in the last cies that includes the private six months, adding that with sector. increasing internet penetration “Government should also and ease of mobile payments, specify in a gazette, the lists of the e-Commerce sector in Critical National Infrastructure Nigeria is set to grow and last (CNI). This will give the mile delivery is set to drive it telecommunication operators even further. some measure of protection,” Gokada is looking to serve the the communique further said. growing market with expansions from its current base in Lagos, across multiple cities in Nigeria, SYLVA INAUGURATES including Abuja, Port Harcourt, AFRICA’S LARGEST Ibadan and Ogun. Gokada plans TECH INCUBATION to leverage its recent NIPOST HUB TO ENHANCE license for cross-country courier ENTREPRENEURSHIP and logistics services as it expands and promised the board’s across the country. partnership to further channel Speaking on the development the creativity and energy of of the Gokada Super App, its Nigerian youths to promote CEO, Nikhil Goel, said, “The BOOST FOR TECH peace, development, and ecommerce and delivery market L-R: CEO, ARM Academy, Jumoke Ogundare; DAAYTA 2021 winner, Tope Suleiman; Mayowa Alamu from TechncoVision and excellence. in Nigeria is growing at an Managing Director, ARM Academy, Uche Azubuike, during award presentation to winners of the 2021 DAAYTA competition, He said the key man- exponential rate and will be which held in Lagos...recently dates of the Board under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Develop- ment (NOGICD) Act was Nigeria, 22 Others Endorse COP26 Forest, Commodity Trade to develop local capacities and capabilities, monitor The COP26 Forest, Agriculture critical to mitigating greenhouse leading causes of forest loss The UK Government is keen fantastic start. I am confident compliance and enforce and Commodity Trade (FACT) gas emissions and limiting a in Nigeria. to intensify our partnership that this is just the beginning the provisions of the Act, Dialogue has taken a significant global temperature rise to 1.5 Through programmes such with Nigeria to ensure an as we work to protect trade which is why the Board is step in bringing together degrees Celsius. as Investments in Forests and inclusive vision and effec- and development, and our always excited to be part over 20 countries to commit International trade in agri- Sustainable Land-Use (IFSLU), tive action for sustainable biodiversity-rich forests, in of any initiative aimed at to protecting the world’s cultural commodities like palm the UK government is sup- agriculture, forests and land equal measure.” the development of local forests and natural habitats oil, soy and beef, is worth over porting a shift to sustainable use economy, these areas have British High Commissioner, capacities and capabilities. from destruction. $80bn per year. Globally, 1.6 supply chains for agricultural the potential to address major Catriona Laing said: “In Nigeria He added: “Our vision Twenty-three countries, billion people depend on forests commodities associated with barriers to development around the UK is working with the is to serve as a catalyst for including Nigeria, endorsed for their livelihoods, many of deforestation, including palm poverty, food and nutrition Federal Government, the the industrialization of the a joint statement committing them in developing countries. oil and cocoa, and creating new insecurity, unemployment, private sector and with local Nigerian oil and gas industry them to working together to Nigeria is a producer investment opportunities in environmental degradation communities across the country and its linkage sectors. These protect the world’s precious and consumer of forest risk sustainable land use through and instability. to promote investment in linkage sectors include power, forests while also promoting agricultural commodities. public-private partnerships. COP26 President-Designate, climate-smart practices and construction, ICT, and several sustainable trade and supply Domestically it produces cocoa IFSLU has worked with Alok Sharma said: “The FACT business models that will help others. I have no doubt that chains of agricultural com- and palm oil but it also imports Edo State, one of the major Dialogue has much work ahead reduce emissions, increasing this Unicorn Incubation modities. palm oil from Southeast Asia. forest states in Nigeria, and to deliver on its objectives as productivity and build climate Campus is definitely a place Launched in February, the Forests are the largest natural a leading palm oil state. we move towards COP26. But resilience.“Nigeria’s active that will catalyse innovation FACT Dialogue brings key carbon sink and a vital harbour Edo State Government has the publication of today’s joint engagement in the COP26 and creative ideas to address countries, which buy and of biodiversity but they are committed to responsible oil statement marks a highly FACT Dialogue and their modern challenges.” produce products such as beef, disappearing at an alarming palm production, becoming important first step in laying endorsement of the joint state- soy and palm oil together to rate. Nigeria has one of the a member of the UK-funded the foundation for our work. ment is very welcome. We look agree how these can be traded highest deforestation rates Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 “To have brought so many forward to more collaborations more sustainably. globally, it loses approximately (TFA 2020) Africa Palm Oil countries together, both like this as we continue to work The statement was the result 350,000 – 400,000 hectares per Initiative (APOI) in May 2018 producers and consumers, together towards a common of collaborative action on an year. Logging, agriculture and and the UK-led Just Rural and to plan a way forward goal of sustainably producing issue that is complex but also collection of fuelwood are the Transition in September 2019. on sustainable trade is a agricultural commodities.”

FG Urged to Increase IT Investment for Youth Empowerment Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Nosa Alekhuogie held recently in Lagos. brilliant but just don’t have lence and ensure that by end “We came on board to help The maiden edition of the the opportunities to develop of the year 2021, we are able people learn new skills. We Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene Information Technology training, which ran for six their talent and excel in their to deposit into our economy weren’t expecting it to be this Comms/e-Business Editor (IT) training company, NIIT weeks, was aimed at empow- chosen career, and creating a minimum of 2000 youths. big but I’m really impressed. Emma Okonji Fortesoft Systems has called ering young, educationally access for them. The vision of the initiative is to “I think this is a very good Asst. Editor, Money Market on the federal government to disadvantaged Nigerian youths “It is a great milestone transform the ordinary person initiative for the Government to Nume Ekeghe invest more in empowering the in order to put them in a better for the company and I will on the street to become an IT take advantage of, if the youth Senior Correspondent Nigerian youths in IT training. position for employment and encourage the participants to skilled person,” Oduyemi said. can channel this energy into ËÒÏÏ×ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß(Advertising) NIIT gave the advice in self-empowerment purposes. utilise the skills they are being The Corporate Social Respon- something that will bring a Correspondents Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Lagos during the graduation The Managing Director at impacted with. We are an IT sibility (CSR) Co-ordinator at positive change, it will be a very ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏÌÓÙÎßØ(Maritime) ceremony of Nigerian youths the Surulere Branch Office of training company and during JMG Limited, Vera Umanah, big opportunity if government James Emejo (Finance) who participated in the NIIT, Mr. Adedokun Oduyemi, the COVID-19 Pandemic, we explained that they partnered can take over,” Umanah said. Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) “Streets2click” programme who was represented by Mrs. saw the need to give back to with NIIT to sponsor the par- The Project Manager, ××ËØßÏÖÎÎÏÒ(Energy) sponsored by JMG Limited Joseph, in his opening speech, the society and take IT to the ticipants because they realised Streets2click, Naomi-Job Kalu, Reporters and Jamara Nigeria. explained that it was worthy streets to make an impact. a lot of people do not have revealed that they had to go ÙÝËÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ(ICT) The Graphics and Hardware to note that the training was “The idea of ‘Streets2click’ is the opportunity to express to the streets and slums to get (Energy) Peter Uzoho Class graduation ceremony was about taking people who are to empower youths for IT excel- themselves and gain skills. the right beneficiaries. THISDAY ˾ JUNE 3, 2021 25 BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Uaboi: Virtual Cards Will Enhance Financial Inclusion Country Manager, Visa Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Uaboi, speaks on technology innovation in the financial services space and how virtual cards and contactless payment solutions can further drive financial inclusion in Nigeria. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

ow can virtual cards help the ated without physical contact with the cards, and low income earners to save they are designed to protect all forms of financial money, given the need to deepen transactions, while boosting sales for merchants. financial inclusion at the lower The virtual cards and contactless payment solutions strata of the country’s economic became a necessity for Nigerians during the lock Hpyramid? down, occasioned by COVID-19, because people No one can save without access to digital were able to shop online, and make payments financial tools. So what Visa is doing with virtual online, without going to a physical market or cards generally, is to enable access to digital pay- mall, and that in itself, changed the consumer ment system offered by Visa. With virtual card, shopping and spending behaviour. Virtual cards money can be sent and received, and this creates can be activated online and used for payment and opportunities for savings. The virtual cards also virtual cards is also used to eliminate queues and help merchants to access payments for every traffic at toll gates since commuters do not need financial transaction. So the transfer of funds, to give money and probably collect their balance which the Visa virtual cards enable, will also help before driving off. With contactless solutions, all people to develop saving culture and save money the user needs do is to simply tap on the device for future use. For merchants that accept virtual and payment is effected and the person drives cards for payment, they automatically develop a off without any form of delay. store records of payment information, through which they can approach the bank to get loan. How will you address the challenge of fast data depletion during online financial How secured are virtual cards, given the transactions, using the Visa virtual and security issues surrounding credit and debit contactless payment solutions? cards, where some are cloned and used for Our virtual cards will be riding on existing unauthorised transactions to defraud the infrastructure that will not necessarily lead to actual cards owners? faster data consumption, while transacting online. It is good this question of security of contactless Most payment devices used in malls today, have solutions is raised in this interview because there the contactless features but some have not been is need to address the minds of people who activated. So it is the same device that is used for still have phobia for online transactions and the usual debit and credit cards, that will also those who would rather want to transact with Uaboi be used for the virtual cards, and I do not see physical cash for the perceived fear of losing the virtual cards consuming more data than the their money through virtual card transactions. underlying issues that people need to understand of payment, especially in the era of COVID-19, usual debit and credit card. For the merchants I want to reassure those sets of people that the before embracing, but even at that, consumer where governments of different countries are serious that use Point of Sales (POS) terminals, the virtual and contactless payment solutions, are bahaviour is constantly changing with technology with the observance of COVID-19 protocols, that data consumption will definitely be the same the safest and most easier ways of carrying evolution. The increase in online shopping is have restricted physical contacts of people and in transmitting Information and validating payment out financial transactions, and they come with making life easier for the majority of consumers. objects. Few years ago, manual cards like debit and with the originating banks. So the virtual cards convenience. The Visa virtual cards come with New technology, no doubt, will always attract credit cards, dominated the payment space. But and contactless payment solutions do not create additional security beyond what is obtained in people with fraudulent intentions to try such today, technology innovations are driving virtual additional burden for the merchants and consumers a regular credit and debit cards. The Visa virtual technology, to steal sensitive information. For us cards and contactless payment solutions and the from the stand point of data consumption. cards are encrypted with high level technology, at Visa, we do not see it as a challenge because merchants and consumers are surrounded with which makes it difficult to defraud. Since the cards we rather see it as an opportunity to innovate varieties of payment options driven by mobile How is Visa collaborating with industry can only be used to transact online, it has short the more. So it is our responsibility to create the apps. At Visa, we are constantly innovating and players and government in promoting the expiration period from the very moment the card right awareness for all users of our payment we are using technology to make payments virtual card technology to enhance financial is generated online. It can be programmed for solutions. We will continue to educate them on more convenient and safer for consumers and inclusion in Nigeria? one time use and the owner can easily generate the key things they should look at for when merchants. Technology in the payment space At Visa, we believe in collaboration because we another virtual card anytime there is need to carrying out online and virtual transactions. has evolved from stripe cards to chip and pin are not a stand-alone entity. We appreciate the power transact virtually. Virtual cards can be generated We also have a duty to educate them about the cards and today we have gone a step further to of collaboration and we are constantly driving online for use for only three months period. At danger of sharing sensitive information around introduce virtual cards and contactless payment collaboration within the industry players and the the end of its expiration period, no person can online financial transactions. So it is not really solutions. As for Nigeria, the records from recent government because we believe that collaboration use that same card. Again, the contactless pay- a challenge as it were, but it is an opportunity surveys conducted by Visa, showed that 71 per is key to business growth and sustainability. We ment solutions are highly secured because each to ensure that people are knowledgeable about cent of consumers are moving towards online apply safeguarded measures in ensuring sustainable transaction is accompanied by a one time secure the opportunities in the digital space. payment, where virtual cards and contactless growth within the payment ecosystem. One of our code, which makes it impossible for anyone that payment solutions, feature prominently. So Visa is strategies to drive digital transformation across Nigeria, may have access to your code, to use same code One major fear about contactless payment making the online payment space a lot safer and is to collaborate with Financial Technology (fintech) to defraud the account owner. The virtual cards solutions, is the inability of the network to convenient for people, and Nigerians are indeed players as well as government. At the end of it all, come embedded with electronic features that complete online transactions at real time ready to embrace the new payment solutions. our goal is to deliver digital solutions that are fit enable one to trace used credentials about the because of poor telecoms infrastructure on for purpose and that meet the needs and desires card. So Visa will continue to educate consumers which the solution rides on. Most times Before the era of COVID-19, the Nigerian of customers. on the proper use of their virtual cards in fighting recipients will either experience delay for economy was regarded as a predominant against fraud. The virtual cards have in-built hours, days and weeks, or may not even cash-based economy, because of the heavy How will the Visa virtual cards and con- technology that protects sensitive information receive the transferred money even when dependence on cash for most financial tactless payment solutions, help in driving that could be used to defraud card holders. the sender’s account has been debited. How transactions. How is Visa helping to boost financial inclusion across the country? can this be addressed? financial inclusiveness in Nigeria? The truth is that there a huge number of people Having evolved from the usual debit and Most times in happens that way, where there is As Visa, we made a commitment several years that are still financially excluded and our solutions credit cards to virtual cards, what exactly delay in completing transactions, but that could ago to provide innovative payment system that are designed to bring these peoples onboard the differentiates virtual cards from the other be traced to network issues from the telecoms will help drive financial inclusion among Nigerians. financial services ecosystem and make them forms of cards, and how will you describe the service providers, and not from the app or the The truth is that people are eager to carry out financially inclusive so that they can enjoy the ease of use of virtual cards and contactless contactless solutions. Although it is a challenge, financial transactions in a more convenient and benefits. At Visa, we made a commitment to bring payment solutions? but as technology advances, I am sure the telecoms safer way, and Visa is providing the solutions 500 million people into the financial inclusion Essentially, contactless payment solutions and service providers will be able to improve on their that will help achieve the desire of people. The space and we really committed to meeting the virtual cards look like the usual debit and credit networks to address such challenges. Banks are informal economy deals largely with cash and goals. So the Visa virtual cards and contactless cards, but the differentiating factor is the added beginning to address such challenge, in collaboration Visa is simplifying payment system in order to payment solutions are designed to drive financial security features that make its operations virtual, with the network service providers. remove payment barriers, so that more people inclusion in Nigeria and in other parts of the contactless and of course unique. With the virtual In the area of infrastructure, Africa, including will adopt digital payment system. Going by some world, where we operate. We have connected card, the cardholder is able to tap into electronic Nigeria, has poor infrastructure development. of the recent statistics released by the Nigeria hundreds and millions of people to the digital devices that allows virtual transactions. So what Without access to basic infrastructure, it will be Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), we can financial space and we are still connecting. As that does for the virtual card holder, is all about difficult to bridge the existing digital gap. Our see growth in the acceptance of digital payment we connect businesses and people to the digital convenience and safety in transaction. From a mandate is to develop relevant solutions for solutions in Nigeria. In fact, there is a double payment space, we are also empowering those that merchant standpoint, it brings about easy and financial transaction, and we hope that service digit growth in the acceptance of digital payment were initially excluded from the financial inclusion smooth flow of their customer traffic, which providers and government will address the poor solutions in Nigeria. What this means is that stand point, and giving them the opportunity invariably facilitates commerce. It can make infrastructure challenges. We will continue to the predominant use of cash is gradually been to be financially inclusive. financial transactions a lot easier, thereby attending partner with government and service providers eroded from Nigeria, as more people continue In the wake of COVID-19, finTechs are taking to huge volume of customers seamlessly and to ensure the provision of better infrastructure to accept digital payment, and as Visa continues even more impactful roles – as the champions effortlessly. Contactless payment solutions take that will enhance seamless financial transactions. to demystify the use of payment solutions and of small businesses and recovery. A whole new different forms, and over the next few years, we make them safer. generation of finTechs are helping solve complex will begin to see how mobile apps will make Visa is currently driving virtual cards and problems and bringing financial services for financial transactions a lot easier with so much contactless solutions to advance financial Among the several payment solutions consumers and small- and micro-businesses convenience. transactions in the Nigerian payment eco- developed by FinTech players in Nigeria, what that are underserved. With 680 million people system. How ready is Nigeria to embrace in your view, will make the Visa contactless remaining unbanked, and 60 million untapped Do you foresee any challenge for this the payment technology? payment solutions unique from other forms merchants in CEMEA, finTechs are part of an revolution, especially in the current context The payment landscape in Africa and Nigeria is of payment solutions? emerging community joining the rush to develop of technology innovations? evolving and the adoption rate is increasing because The Visa’s virtual cards and contactless payment new services that will support these unserved With any new solutions, there would be some people want a faster and more convenient method solutions are unique, because they can be oper- segments. 26 THISDAY ˾ JUNE 3, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD DEVELOPMENT Paying School Fees from Plastic Wastes Morit International School is supporting poor families in underprivileged suburbs to pay their children’s school fees from proceeds gotten from sales of recyclable plastic bottles. Ugo Aliogo presents the report

he Minister of State Education, Mr. the Morit International School strive and they Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, recently would continue to support them. declared that Nigeria still holds the He hinted that the uniqueness of the proposi- continental record of children who tion of the school is how school fees are paid, are out of school. stating that the pupils collect used plastic bottles TSpecifically, Nwajiuba lamented that Nigeria and submit to the school to pay their school had more than 10 million out-of-school children fees, “the school, in turn, gives the plastics to (OOSC), which is the highest in sub-Saharan recycling companies.” Africa. According to him: “We are here to support The above figure was in contrast with the vision of the founder of Morit International the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu’s School who was also is the customer of the declaration that many more Nigerian children bank. He has been our customer for over six are in school than ever before. years. We keyed into the vision of education Adamu had said the number of OOSC in for all, especially for children. the country had dropped to 6.946 million from “We have helped him to grow and have up to 10.1 million; claiming that as of December 31, 172 school pupils of the poor and vulnerable. The 2020, a total of 3,247,590 children, who were founder’s overriding vision is to have education not in school, were enrolled within the space for every child and every family who cannot of a year and seven months, due to several afford school fees in Ajegunle. The uniqueness activities undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Plastic waste of the proposition of the school is how school Education, particularly, Better Education Service fees’ are paid. The pupils use plastic bottles Delivery for All (BESDA) being implemented plastics and use the proceeds to pay school school pupils of the poor and vulnerable. The to pay their schools which are then recycled. in 17 States of the Federation. fees for the children, but some of the parents founder’s overriding vision is to have education “One of our key shareholders’ is IFC and Indeed, the quest for quality education has were skeptical and didn’t welcome the idea. for every child and every family who cannot we are partners in the green project. The green continued to remain a major problem especially “So I told those parents who were skeptical afford school fees in Ajegunle. project talks about having a climate that is for children in disadvantaged communities in about the idea that if they are not using plastics “The uniqueness of the proposition of the habitable for people and in essence prolonging Nigeria. to pay their children school fees, they can collect school is how school fees’ are paid. The pupils life. So on one aspect, we are putting children Many children whose parents could not afford plastics to help others instead of throwing it use plastic bottles to pay their schools fees in school, by supporting the pupils of Moritz their school fees have dropped out of school away, they can bring it to the school and it will which are then recycled,” he stated. international school. and engaged in petty trading such as hawking, be written against a particular child’s name. Joda stated the bank gave an interest-free loan “We are also supporting and driving our dream bus touting, vocational jobs, and others. “I just want children to go to school that is totaling N160 million in over five months to to see a cleaner Lagos and Nigeria whenever But in the midst of these seemingly gloomy why I set up the school and created the idea of school owners, adding that despite the company’s we operate. So the pupils are allowed in school situations, a school in Boundary Area of Ajeromi- using plastics. Plastics are just the most popular, interest reduction in 2020, “they are determined as long as their parents can out and pick plastic Ifelodun Local Government Area, known as we also collect other recyclables,” he said. to do more support students to grow.” bottles, then use the plastic bottles to pay the Morit International School is providing a lifeline The Morit International School Proprietor He also noted that education was key to children school fees.” for parents who are determined to provide posited that they are partnering with a lot of fighting poverty and tackling unemployment. quality education to their wards but don’t recycling companies depending on the one that The Accion boss further explained that the NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the have the financial wherewithal through its is coming to pick up, adding that getting the bank is passionate about education while online edition on www.thisdaylive.com recycling initiative. money and using it to pay the school fees of expressing confidence that they hope to see The initiative requires parents who cannot the kids is the utmost goal. pay their children’s school fees’ to bring used According to him, “I don’t want to partner plastic bottles, metals, and other recyclable items with one recycling company; I want it to be to the school. The recyclable plastics and metals open. We partner with companies such as Lasigid are then sold and the proceeds realised will be recyclers, and Wecyclers. We recently started used in paying a child’s school fees. working with Lagos State Waste Management The initiative provides that if the school fees Agency (LAWMA). of a particular child is N10,200, and the parents “We do more than a tonne in a term easily of that child brings a full bag of plastics bottles, but because of the pandemic, the number has it is sold and the parents pays half of the fees dropped, we hope to get things back on track. instead of full payment. Sometimes we do weekly pickup and at other A beneficiary of the initiative, Mrs. Musikrat times twice weekly. Sulaimu, who spoke to THISDAY said two of “The school opened in 2013 and the initiative her children in the school have gained from started in 2016, but it became popular in 2018. the initiative. The bank has been supportive regarding this She explained that there are times, the school initiative. There was a book the bank managing would pay half payment for them and they director gave me to read and it has changed would complete the rest, adding that at other my mentality and view of things. Moreover, the times they (school) would pay the entire fees book has been a great support and it thought for them. me how to manage a business properly. “Presently, the school fee is N10, 200, before “There was a time the bank brought bags for it was N7, 000. Under the current rate, when the kids in the school. They are also bringing we present the plastics to the school, we will plastics to pay the schools of some kids. From only pay N4,200 and the school will cover the the little we have done we have been able to rest,” she noted. improve the standard of these poor families. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Patience Dennis, We have helped to support 100 families to added: “I have four children in this school. I’m provide quality education for their children.” grateful to God for this initiative and I want to thank them for their support and love for us. The Role of the Bank “Two years ago, there was a particular At the center of this initiative is the unwavering company that visited to give scholarships to support of Accion Microfinance Bank towards kids, and my son was one of the beneficiaries, the growth and promotion of quality education and it was through this plastic initiative that in such underprivileged suburbs. they gave our children this scholarship. After The bank has shown a strong passion for the COVID-19 lockdown, the company started environmental sustainability especially by again and we continued to bring the plastics,” decommissioning the use of diesel generators he added. in all their branches as a result of the smoke and the heat from the diesel which depletes Support from the School the Ozone layer. In his remarks, the School Proprietor, Morit The bank has switched to renewable energy, International School, Mr. Patrick Mbamarah, therefore in all Accion MFB branches, they rely said the school was established for low-income either on power from the national grid or solar families, who could not, “afford the school power energy to generate electricity. The goal fees of N8, 500, so I did a price slash and I is to prevent noise and environmental pollution discovered that most of them could not meet and that everyone has cleaner and better air up.” to breathe. He hinted that having built a background in Speaking during a CSR activity at Morit recycling he decided to act as the middleman International School which was organised for these parents, to collect plastics and help by the bank, the Managing Director, Accion them sell to use the proceeds to support the Microfinance Bank, Taiwo Joda, said the bank schooling of their kids. was committed to supporting the vision of the Mbamarah explained that to further the founder of the school. conversation on the issue, he called a meeting “We keyed into the vision of education for of the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) where all, especially for children. We have helped he spoke to the parents on the need to collect him to grow and have supported up to 172 THISDAY ˾ ͱ˜ 2021 27

Kaodilichukwu: Nigeria Needs Framework to Drive Logistics Business The Chief Executive Officer of Pine, Mr. Nwokoro Kaodilichukwu, in this interview speaks on the need for efficient framework, supported by technology to enhance Nigeria’s logistics sector. Nosa Alekhuogie brings the excerpts:

hat is Pine all about and what is its vision? Pine is a technology driven logistics platform that connects shippers to Whaulage companies, truck and van drivers, be an individual, large corporation or small and medium enterprises. The platform is open to everybody as it makes the process easy. All you have to do is request for a particular type of truck/van from the list of presets and the platform will handle your payment and goods in Transit Insurance and the good thing is that you can do it from anywhere, at any time. We also have a fleet management solution called Pine Carrier (available free on Android and iOS) where truck owners can effectively manage their fleet and drivers and earn money directly. You don’t need Kaodilichukwu to have other people manage your trucks for you, you get to see available detailed to use our platform, and once people see orders yourself, accept and assign it to your how easy the process is for them, they never drivers, they follow up and payments are go back to the manual way of requesting made directly into your account. You can for haulage services. We will always stay also check real time location as the trip(s) ahead by building solutions. is ongoing. You can add as many drivers and trucks as possible. Pine Carrier gives What has been your guideline for you control over your assets and earnings. running this business effectively? We want to spur economic activities by Good corporate governance, putting providing a one stop solution to handle customers first, taking note of customers’ the movement of goods across the country feedback and improving on existing offerings and beyond, we also want to empower are some of the basic but very important people by providing avenues to earn and measures we have put in place to make cater for themselves. sure each process runs smoothly. We also follow rules and regulations set by govern- What are the challenges you have ment agencies to operate. For instance, we faced so far? strictly enforce validity of Vehicle licence and Some of the challenges we face are identical insurance, road worthiness, Drivers Licence to the general challenges facing the Logistics and all other required Know Your Customer sector in Nigeria. Port congestion is a major (KYC) guidelines before users can use our one, sometimes truck drivers spend weeks platform to move cargoes. picking up or dropping cargo at Apapa Port, which handles about 75 per cent of The ‘New Normal’ has changed the imports in Nigeria. An efficient framework game of every business, what impact is urgently needed and we hope the recently has it had on your business? introduced e-call up system salvages the I would say a strong positive impact. People situation. Poor infrastructure and road are looking for ways to carry on with their network have also hampered operations. businesses with less physical presence and Some routes are challenging and sometimes this has put us in the spotlight because we it requires splitting the cargo into smaller automate the services without the need for units so the trucks don’t topple, hence much physical presence. increasing the cost. Insecurity is another The other side of this is the drastic re- challenge we are facing, some drivers don’t duction of movement of goods whenever go to certain routes because of banditry lockdown is enforced, hence weak revenue, and armed robbery, which has adversely at this time, only essential goods can be affected securing goods in transit insurance moved. for cargoes heading to those routes. What is your goal for Pine in the Do people have to download the ap- next ﬁve years? plication before they can have access We want to power trade and commerce in to your services? Africa. We want to make it easy for people Not only via the app, we also offer to move goods of different sizes securely tailored third party supply chain services and fast without limitations. Currently, e- for clients who wish to outsource their commerce activities in Africa are on the rise supply chain. Using this template, we but still limited due to lack of proper logistics work hand in hand with clients to make framework, domestic payment limitations sure their goods are effectively distributed and cross-border payment limitations. We across the country and this gives clients intend to fix the missing pieces of the puzzle breathing space to focus on the actual trading to allow for the original model of e-commerce and manufacturing activities. We are also and trade to thrive in domestic markets and working on implementing other channels also connect cross-border markets. We are like USSD for places or individuals with looking forward to rapid expansion across low or no internet penetration, this way the country and beyond and our biggest goal basic functions and data can be acted on is to offer cross-border rates in Africa by in rural areas. taking advantage of the AfCFTA agreement which recently commenced at the beginning What plan do you have for the popula- of this year. What this means is that a tion that isn’t technology savvy? trader/manufacturer can count on us for We are doing our best to sensitise people on product reach within a domestic market the need to adopt new technologies through and to other African countries. webinars, forums, a dedicated on-boarding team and a well documented frequently NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the asked questions (FAQ) with illustrations in online edition on www.thisdaylive.com order to make it easier to understand how 28 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 • THISDAY 29 30 THISDAY ˾ JUNE 3, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Mordi: Why Nigeria Needs to Build Digital Economy around Sports The Chief Executive Officer of Desarrollar Limited, a sport marketing and real estate company, Ikemefuna Mordi, in this interview speaks on how sports can help boost the nation’s economy if well positioned, marketed and supported with necessary infrastructure. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts:

ou have consistently advocated that we got outside and they introduced us to their focusing on the sports industry can training facility, I was shocked. There were 12 rub positively on the economy, what full-size training pitches in some wooded areas. are the important changes that There were bushes around but well-kept. Inside, need to be made in the industry they had two indoor training facilities, full-size Yto succeed and earn global recognition? pitches, of course, with a plethora of equipment To start with, let me emphasise that governments and swimming pools. I saw an industry and I was at all levels and top players in the private sector stunned. I couldn’t believe it. I met with Sir Alex ought to factor in sports when discussing or taking (Ferguson) and the boys were so overwhelmed. actions on diversification of Nigeria’s economy. And then, I asked my foreign partner who took The industry is yet to be explored adequately us there, “You mean this is a training facility?” if we consider our potentials and what we can The gentleman smiled, turned to me and said, garner in terms of resources through sports. That “Sport is a business. Football is a business.” I said, I believe in the intervention of the private had the same encounter when I went to Finch sector just as it has been done globally. Now, Farm, Everton’s training facility. Everton had 16 guess what! For the private sector to be involved, full-size pitches outside for training. It was crazy. imagine Nigeria having Sport Court facilities And I could go on and on. But interestingly, branded with telecommunications companies’ that experience left the boys with an impact. I logos or a banks’ logos. And the value proposition went to other facilities and travelled with a few to these conglomerates is that whatever facility sporting stars, Nwankwo Kanu and the like. It you want to institutionalise in gated communities made me think of how to replicate that mindset or educational communities, you can leave your in this environment. brand on that facility and it will have a 15-year gestation period on it. That is an attraction to Why has Nigeria been unable to replicate the organised private sector. this? Not only that. Right now, in Nigeria, most of The direct answer to your question is, first, our sporting initiatives are driven by individual sport has not been packaged as a business and companies. But imagine a sector-led intervention. Mordi I’ll break it down. Look at the impact music You have the Bankers’ Committee, the oil and gas has had on the youths in Nigeria; I want to sector, the manufacturing sector, and the telcos. the old mock Nations Cup in Ajegunle (Lagos). sector have tax-deduct elements, once it is use that as an analogy. Let me give you some Imagine that Nigeria’s top five or six sports are Those are havens where, if we had standard community-based. I’ll give you an insight into statistics. Nigeria’s population is projected to be supported by different sectors in the economy. facilities – not just standard but facilities that will the things I have done, so it is not just theory. In 234 million by 2025; 263 million by 2030 and 330 So, they take different sporting initiatives and go from one generation to another – you will the last one and a half years, and that has been million by 2040. In 2050, it has been projected pump in not just promotion, but marketing. find that because of government intervention, elongated by COVID-19 pandemic, I marketed a that Nigeria’s population will hit 402 million. Remember you are reaching youths. facilities are poorly built because the mindset proposition to the Nigerian Army that will attract Now, 60 percent of this population is youth. The If, for instance, you have these facilities branded is ‘we need to change these things every three private sector funding, and that is tax-deductible “why” is because sport has been packaged as a and they are supported with balls or free kits from years.’ It’s seen as a contract. But the kind of because it is a collective. But imagine that impact cost centre, rather than seen as a business. So, global institutions, and from Nigerians who are intervention we are bringing with our partners is where you have this private sector infrastructure like it happens in other climes, the direct answer global persons of repute, i.e. Masai Ujiri, who is such that when we institutionalise facilities and situated in different communities across Nigeria, is, sport needs to be productised and monetised. the President of the Toronto Raptors. If we have we make sport a co-educational thing, so that we all driven by the organised private sector because Sport needs to be sold as a product, whether it’s facilities branded and supported by the organised are looking at sustainability and maintenance, they know that whatever the interventions that football, athletics, handball, netball, etc. It hasn’t private sector, we will be able to attract foreign it becomes the bedrock for intervention in the are people-led, impact the local communities been packaged as a product to make it attractive patronage and intervention here in Nigeria. public and private space. It is then what we and are male-centric and female-centric, and enough for the organised private sector to run. There are foreign-based global non-governmental call edu-sport. The second part is that sporting has a gestation period of 15 to 20 years, will Many times in this environment, sport has been organisations that give free footballs and sporting infrastructure must be as durable as the ones that naturally attract (tax deductions) because those left to the government to execute. You and I equipment once you have the facilities on the we have globally. Why is it that in South Africa are things they can report on their books as their know that a government is not well suited to ground. Nigeria has not been able to access or England the sporting facilities are standard; interventions. And guess what! It doesn’t become promote sport. However, the intervention that is this because we lack the plan, strategy and they are there for 10 to 15 years and they have a one-off. It becomes a sustainable initiative that required for adequate funding to follow through infrastructure to attract them. It’s a system that not changed? We need to have that kind of can go year-on-year for the next 15 to 20 years, must come from the ability to productise sport, like will require private sector intervention but will durability because that is what will lead to talent especially if they are going to be situated within Formula One. You can imagine if the gentleman also require the “how” to make them interested. discovery, and it’s not just about football; it’s educational institutions. There is a strategy to that is called the Nigerian Nightmare (Kamaru It’s a marketing tool that reaches over half of this about making it integral to our educational system that. It is private sector-led and they get their Usman) were in Nigeria, he would maybe population whether you are in or out of school. as it used to be. That forms the foundation. I’ll natural tax (deductions). It is devoid of politics be pushing trucks or whatever. The Ultimate Therefore, the first thing is infrastructure – I want give you a critical example. My children used and religion. Those things will actually help Fighting Championship has been packaged as a to tie it down to brass knuckles. While we were to attend Corona School; anytime we had to promote the culture of making sport a business product; so today, everyone is talking about the growing up in schools, we had access to facilities. do their inter-house sports, the school had to UFC. The basic answer is that sport needs to be For instance, I went to the University of Benin use the University of Lagos. Now, UNILAG is The summary of your projection is based productised and monetised. We need to build a and I remember that Prof. Grace Alele-Williams the barometer for any school within that axis to on sports marketing and positioning, could digital economy around it. It needs to become was the vice-chancellor when the UNIBEN sport Ikoyi. My children are in Ikoyi, but they would that be because of the background you had attractive as a marketing tool for the organised complex was built. I can remember we had a come all the way for their inter-house sports to in marketing communications industry and private sector, so that they can fund it. It is that great complex. Other schools that had great (sport) use the UNILAG facilities. Imagine a sector-led banking sector? funding that will allow sport to grow. It is that complexes were University of Ife (now Obafemi intervention taking up not just UNILAG but It is natural for those backgrounds to influence funding that will attract global patronage. It is that Awolowo University), University of Ibadan, and Yaba College of Technology and other critical me but what spurs me majorly is the exposure funding that is tied to marketing. The statistics so on. When we went to exercise, all I needed schools, outfitting those facilities and putting to global trends and the need for us to explore I’ve given you, especially the youths, will make to do was go to the sport department within their logos on those facilities. Even within the opportunities around us. I have been a consultant it attractive enough for sport to be lifted up. the complex, I would just sign in with my ID military and the police college, it can happen. and a banker. But in recent times, we’ve been card and take a fresh pair of football boots or I’ve had experiences in Europe where people say, thinking about infrastructure. The COVID-19 era Have you devised a strategy to change anything. ‘I would love to come to Nigeria but you don’t has allowed us to modify our business. Desarrollar the narrative? have facilities or any place where we can bring basically started as a real estate solution company, I would like to say first and foremost that sport If we understand the picture you are our scouts, whether basketball or any other sport, but we have infused sport consulting and agency is a community and a corporate religion in Nigeria. painting, Nigeria lacks basic infrastructure to see those talents.’ So, the primary foundation as the primary vision of Desarrollar right now. Sport is not seen, packaged and promoted as a to support sports industry’s growth? of our intervention is infrastructure, relationships, There are so many opportunities that lie not just business but as a cost centre. Really, the intentions Yes, what is lacking basically across the board marketing and showing the private sector how in Nigeria, but across Africa. I was privileged for Desarrollar are just to bring to the forefront is infrastructure. If you look at the growing they can utilise and grow their market from to take two young boys from Jos (Plateau State) the need to promote sport as a business, create nations in the world, they build sport stores, this infrastructure. to Manchester United for football try-outs. They the opportunities, highlight them, and make it football facilities, wrestling facilities, indoor and had never traveled by air, neither had they ever attractive enough for private sector participation. outdoor, just like they are doing in South Africa. How will the private sector be more left Jos. We held a series of camps in Lagos, Like we all know, sport worldwide is an economic South Africa has a sport store, to use a very encouraged to make the investment? Onitsha, Benin and Jos, just looking for talents block built on people, products and processes. It’s close example. So, what they have done since By my exposure, especially in banking, I have we could recommend to Manchester United. I a multibillion-naira industry. So, the question is 2010 is to attract the corporate world. I’ll give had the opportunity to crisscross 18 African was working with my foreign partners then. why isn’t that happening in our environment, with you a prime example: one of our partners is countries. Taxation is crucial because for one, Interestingly, we got the invitation. For two young a population of over 200 million people? With a called Sport Court – it’s almost like a basketball most of the organised private sector have what boys who had never been out of Jos, the British teen population of over 100 million, why haven’t facility but you can play six sports on it – football, we call foundation, so they have community High Commission was magnanimous enough and we been able to replicate in this environment basketball, netball, hockey and it has a 20-year interventions, which is tax-deduct. For some gave us visas. We travelled and it was quite an what has happened in other climes? That is why warranty. Now, I look across Nigeria and my of these interventions, because it is packaged experience but I tell you it has left a scar on my we have come up with what we call solutions solutions are more of making it an educational as sectorial, it is focused. Just like the Dangote soul. We got to the Carrington Training Centre of that will speak to these initiatives; solutions that sport intervention – in the primary schools, Grou president, Aliko Dangote was given a Manchester United. We were introduced to the will attract funding; solutions that will attract secondary schools, universities, the military N23bn concession by the government, most training facility; the boys spent about two weeks private sector participation, just like it is done installations and the police. You might remember of the interventions by the organised private training there, trying to get a contract. When worldwide. That is why we are on this journey. THISDAY˾ THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 31 BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE How FMBN is Deepening Mortgage Penetration John T. Ikyaave bungalows as well as 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms in blocks of flats. orldwide, mortgages take the lead as the preferred Bold Policy Actions Required to means for owning a home. Reverse Trend In countries such as the To reverse the housing deficit in the United Kingdom, USA, country, bolder and more aggressive policy France,W and other OECD (Organisation for actions are required by governmental Economic Co-operation and Development) authorities to strengthen both the demand countries, it is rare to see people paying side of housing in the country as well as the outright for homes using savings, loans supply side. from friends, family members or cooperative This entails supporting and boosting societies. the capacity of existing institutions such In Nigeria, the widescale adoption of as the FMBN to scale their operations for mortgages as a popular path to owning greater impact. It is encouraging to note homes is still extremely low. This situation that the FMBN has been given a key role needs to change. It explains in part, the in the implementation of the government’s country’s high housing deficit that is economic sustainability plan alongside the estimated by experts to hover between 17 Family Homes Fund (FHF). This is a right to 22 million housing units with trillions step in the right direction. For one, the needed to make any significant dent on it. bank has the largest registry of potential Fact is that housing is a capital-intensive homeowners in the country with over five venture. million contributors to the National Hous- A combination of low wages and high ing Fund (NHF) Scheme, which the bank cost of living give millions of Nigerians little manages on behalf of the government. room to save towards purchasing or build- The list of subscribers includes civil ing their homes. For Nigeria to properly servants, workers in the private sector, house its citizens, greater efforts need to be self-employed persons, traders etc with made to bolster access to affordable housing comprehensive information about their finance to enable them to own their homes. income levels and financial capacity to pay To tackle the problem of access to afford- back mortgage loans. able housing finance, many countries across Secondly, the FMBN has over the past the world have promoted the adoption of four years demonstrated through remark- mortgages as the preferred path to home- able results that the National Housing Fund ownership. The mortgage process entails the (NHF), established in 1992 to pool long granting of monies to obtain a home with term funds for the delivery of affordable good faith that the debtor will repay the housing to low- and medium-income loan with interest attached to life of it. Both workers, can be made to deliver practical the debtor and lender benefit if nothing goes results. wrong. Dangiwa Between April 2017, when the current Over many years, the borrower repays Executive Management team took charge the loan, plus interest, until she or he owns portfolio of social housing products that arrangement towards homeownership for of the bank to February 2021, FMBN the property free and clear. Mortgages target a key and dominant segment of Nigerian workers. It makes it possible for a leveraged funds accruing to the National have helped millions of people all over the the Nigerian population: low to medium Nigerian worker to instantly move into an Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme to record world buy homes. Even if you do not have income earners. FMBN-owned housing property as a tenant N130.460Billion in various loan disburse- N5,000,000 cash, you can buy a N5,000,000 Consider the FMBN National Housing and conveniently pay towards ownership of ments. The figure comprises NHF Mortgage home using a mortgage and pay gradually Fund (NHF) Mortgage Loan and its unique the property in monthly or annual instal- Loans totalling N43.141 billion granted to over time till you defray the loan. structuring to serve the ordinary Nigerian ments over as long as 30 years at an interest 4,985 beneficiaries and Home Renovation So, essentially, a mortgage is a loan that worker. FMBN leverages funds from the rate of seven per cent! Loans totalling N49.265 billion granted to a lender, which could be a commercial NHF scheme to grant concessionary loans Another equally interesting and worker- 60,500 beneficiaries. or mortgage bank, gives to a potential to its accredited Primary Mortgage Banks centric affordable home ownership product The bank also deployed over N38billion homeowner to purchase a house or other (PMBs) at a four per cent interest rate. that FMBN has upscaled significantly towards the development of 9,540 affordable real estate. Before mortgage lenders give The mortgage banks in turn use these within the past three years is the home housing units across the country through loans, they check to see if you meet funds to give loans to qualified workers renovation loan. The loan provides up different construction product windows. certain requirements such as your income that contribute to the NHF scheme at six to N1million to enable beneficiaries who This includes Estate Development Loans to- level, your financial ability to pay back per cent interest per annum with payment already own their homes to carry out talling N20.195billion, Cooperative Housing the loan. The lender can take ownership tenors of up to 30 years. Loans of up improvements. In the past four years home Development Loans totalling N10.985 billion of, or foreclose on, the property you have to N5 million attract zero equity down renovation loans totalling N49.265 billion and Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme loans mortgaged if you do not repay the money payment while those above N5 million were granted to 60,500 beneficiaries. totalling N6.873 billion. borrowed, plus interest. to N15 million require 10 per cent equity. FMBN has also revamped its legacy The size of mortgage loans disbursed High mortgage adoption leads to high Subscribers are qualified to apply after only Cooperative Housing Development Loan within the four-year period is remarkable homeownership levels. In the United States six months of continuous contributions to (CHDL) in line with the initiative of the at many salient levels. First, it accounts for for instance, the proportion of households the scheme. The terms and features of the Minister of Housing, Babatunde Raji over 46 percent of the cumulative N282.914 that are occupied by the owners is over 65.1 NHF Mortgage loan are affordable and Fashola (SAN) to adopt cooperative societ- billion that FMBN has disbursed since the percent. In the United Kingdom, homeown- reduce the financial pressure on the meagre ies as the channel for the aggregation and NHF Scheme commenced operations 29 ership rate is above 67.69 per cent and 90 incomes of low-income earners. delivery of houses to members of coopera- years ago in 1992. per cent and 84 per cent in Singapore and For comparison, interest rates on housing tive societies. Secondly, the amount translates to an 85 Indonesia, respectively. loans in the open market range from 18 The FMBN Cooperative Housing per cent increase in the cumulative value As expected, the situation is different per cent to 25 per cent per annum while Development Loan (CHDL) enables a of mortgage loans totalling N152.453 billion and worrisome in Nigeria. We have a maximum loan repayment tenors hover cooperative society that has acquired a plot in April 2017 when the Management team homeownership rate of about 25 percent, between 10 – 20 years. Most commercial of land to develop houses for allocation to came on board to N282.914 billion as of which is much lower than even Kenya – 73 banks and mortgage lenders also require its members. Key features include tenors of February 2021. The speed of processing, size per cent, Benin Republic – 63 per cent and that applicants provide between 30 per cent up to 24 months with a moratorium of 12 of the loan approvals and disbursements South Africa - 56 per cent. to 50 per cent equity contribution before months and interest rate of 10 per cent. Up are all unprecedented in the history of the loans are processed and possibly approved to N500 million is accessible by qualified Bank. The performance proves that further Longer Term, Single Digit Interest for disbursement. cooperative societies under the facility. Over empowering FMBN to scale promotion of Mortgages the past four years, the bank deployed over affordable housing stock targeting the over It is against this backdrop that the role Balancing Housing Products and N10.985 billion towards the financing of five million of current NHF subscribers of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Worker’s Financial Capacity several cooperative housing schemes across would accelerate Nigeria’s efforts to tackle (FMBN) in boosting access to affordable Besides the NHF Mortgage Loan, FMBN the country. the housing deficit. housing finance is so significant. Established has been innovating to ensure a proper To strengthen collaboration and Overall, to achieve high mortgage as a wholesale mortgage finance institution, match between its housing products and confidence of workers who are the main penetration levels in the country and the FMBN provides primary mortgage the financial capacity of an average contributors to the NHF scheme, the bank increase homeownership rates, especially banks with low-cost funds to provide afford- Nigerian worker looking to own a home. In approved and is currently executing a within the low-medium income segments of able mortgages to Nigerian workers. the past four years, under the leadership of National Affordable Workers’ Housing the economy, there is of course the need to Notable features of FMBN mortgage loans Ahmed Dangiwa, the bank developed and Scheme in partnership with the Nigeria think outside the box giving the perennial include zero equity requirements for loans introduced two creative housing products. Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union stagnation of growth in the sector. But of up N5million and 10 per cent equity The first is the individual Home Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Employers re-inventing the wheel is not an attractive down payment for loans above N5 million Construction Loan. The loan enables NHF Consultative Association (NECA), to deliver option. A low hanging fruit is to empower to N15 million. contributors with unencumbered land, ap- affordable houses for Nigerian workers. strong institutions and systems that have Others include single digit interest rates propriate land titles and approved building The first phase of the scheme was launched shown capacity to deliver affordable ranging from six to nine per cent per annum plans to undertake self-construction. The in October 2018 aimed at delivering about housing to do more. and long payment tenors of up to 30 years. loan provides up to N15 million to con- 1,400 units. FMBN presents one such platform. The FMBN’s housing products are available to tributors to the NHF scheme at seven per About 1,400 housing units are ready for current Board and Management should, contributors to the National Housing Fund cent interest rate. Beneficiaries can pay back commissioning in 12 sites across the six geo- therefore, be encouraged, and its finances (NHF) Scheme, a social savings scheme over a period of up to 30-years depending political zones of the country in addition to bolstered to enable it to create greater designed to mobilize long-term funds from on their age and number of years left in Lagos and Abuja, in batches of a minimum impact as the foremost government tool for Nigerian workers, banks, insurance compa- service. of 200 units per zone. The second phase has social housing delivery. nies and the government to boost access to The second product is the FMBN Rent- also commenced and is planned to deliver affordable housing finance. To-Own Housing Scheme. The scheme about 2,160 houses in another 14 locations. -Ikyaave is a public policy analyst based The bank also has a rich and impressive offers an easy and convenient payment House types include finished semi-detached in Abuja. 32 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 •THISDAY THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 33 Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØÔËÖË IMAGES Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: PR and Communications Manager, Cars45, Bemigho Awala; Vice President, Finance, Basit Sameer; Vice President, Commer- L-R: Former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Onome Adewuyi; Ogun State Governor, Prince cial, Patricia Duru and CEO, Cars45, Soumobroto Ganguly during the presentation of African Leadership Excellence Prize 2021 to Dapo Abiodun, new President, ICAN, Comfort Olujumoke Eyitayo and elder statesman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye at the investiture Cars45 in Lagos....recently of the Eyitayo as 57th President of ICAN in Lagos...recently

L-R; Head of Marketing MultiChoice Nigeria, Tope Osunkeye; Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma; Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Public Relations Manager, GOtv Nigeria, Jennifer Ukoh and L-R; .Chairman House of Reps committee on Poverty Alleviation ,Abdullahi Salame ,Director general,Small and Medium Enterprise Senior Marketing Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, Adetunji Beyioku, at the Euro 2020 Media Briefing in Lagos...recently Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN ,Dr Dikko Umaru Radda and Secretary to Kano state government Alhaji Usman Alhaji during the SMEDAN 2021 Board and management Retreat in Kano ...recently

L-R; Chemistry teacher, Airforce Secondary School, Portharcourt, Mr James Ndukwe,; Area Sales Manager, PZ Cussons Family Care, L-R,, L-R, Speaker of the Parliament of Niger Republic, Hon Seyni OumApous; President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmed Lawan and Mr Nerome Borke; Father of the winner,Mr Olisa Ferdinand Ogbii; Winner PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge 2020, Olisa Chikamso Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo Agage during a courtesy visit by the Speaker of the parliement of Niger Repub- Justina, and Principal Academics, Airforce Secondary School, Portharcourt, Mrs Ukonu Stella, at the reward ceremony of the Win- lic to the Senate President in Abuja...recently julius atoi. ner of the PZCCC 2020 virtual edition in Portharcourt...recently

L-R: Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mr. Benedict O. Alabi; Former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,(NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Tunji Bello and Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun (3rd right), ﬂanked by some female students and schools’ representatives Group Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, Champion, Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, during the presentation of 2020 Champion An- during the presentation of sewing machines to schools in commemoration of 2021 Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the theme ‘Action nual Awards for Excellence in Ikeja...at weekend KOLAWOLE ALLI. and Investment in Menstrual Hygiene and Health’ in Abeokuta, Ogun State....recently 34 THISDAY ˾ , JUNE 3, 2021 ÜÙßÚÏËÞßÜÏÝÎÓÞÙÜ˝ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏäÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ[email protected], HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Tel: 07010510430 Changing the Narrative of Suicide Reporting in Nigeria In the last four years, the Nigerian media reported 264 suicide cases in Nigeria. Ayodeji Ake writes that ‘The Morning After’, a recently launched book on suicide reporting, will awaken the consciousness of Nigerian journalists in reporting suicide cases in accordance to the WHO guidelines, just as it will influence policy makers to make laws that will not criminalise suicide, rather treat it as a mental health issue ccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 800,000 deaths are recorded every year worldwide with more than 20 suicide attempts for each suicide. In Nigeria, the media have reported that 264 deathsA were recorded in four years between 2017 to 2020. Given the alarming statistics, medical experts and journalists have blamed the increasing suicide rate on many factors including poor reporting and sensationalising suicide reports. Although ‘Preventing Suicide, A Resource for Media Professionals’ as published by the WHO in 2008, made provisions for guidelines in reporting suicide cases to reduce to the barest minimum suicides cases, the reverse has been the case. Sadly, journalists omit these guidelines in their reports.

Changing the Narrative To change the narrative, a virtual book launch, presenting ‘The Morning After’ written by a Psychiatrist, Dr. Olufemi Oluwatayo and Health Journalist, THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Martins Ifijeh, held recently. The book’s unveiling a book will foster mental health guide on suicide and reporting of suicide in Nigeria. The book was presented by The Retreat Healthcare Lagos and The Nous Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN). According to one of the authors, Martins Ifijeh, who noted that the book was written to bring to the fore the WHO guidelines for suicide reporting to curb the increasing suicide scores, “three things why I wrote the book: there have been WHO guidelines for suicide reporting which I’m sure before now that journalists are not aware of the guidelines in Africa especially in Nigeria. In the last four years, 264 suicide cases have been reported in the media from January 2017 till late 2020. Checking those reports, none of the WHO guidelines were reflected in the reports. “The reason why the guidelines were developed is simply because journalist shouldn’t fuel suicide and there are specific ways of writing suicide reports. Truly, some countries have been using the guidelines but we have never used it. This prompted the idea of bringing the guidelines home and finding a way of domesticating the guidelines. If we reflect on stories that have been written, we will discover that more damages have been done than good. We want to see how we can do good stories and research to uncover how our reports have affected our society generally, probably positively or negatively”. For Olufemi Oluwatayo, he saw ‘The Morn- addition, we have recommended ways and want to bring to the fore. The mainstream which suicide is brought to public attention ing After’ as a manual Nigerian journalists manners suicide should be perceived and be also have a lot to attempt while reporting it’s through criminal reportage” he said. should reflect on while reporting suicide cases. reported in Nigeria. We want the journalists suicide cases as regards the family of the Speaking further, he highlighted the rec- “It took us a long journey to get here. I to self-regulate. We are ready as a mental deceased and the society. ommendations of the book which includes have had comments that the name ‘ The health organisation to partner them because “Another vital point is victimisation by change in language. Morning After’ does not do justice to the no one wants to die depressed,” he said. the victim’s family; probably the wife. She “The recommendations in the book spelt out book. We came about the title when we were One of the special guests reviewers, Dr. will become a target and speculations will a change in the language in suicide reporting. thinking about how to reflect the messages Femi Olugbile, a Consultant Psychiatrist, in keep flying around if she has pushed her They are recommending ideas that suicide is in the book. We want when journalists write, his submissions, noted that the guidelines of husband to suicide. And such speculations essentially a medical issue deserving sympathy to reflect on the content of the report. When reporting suicide should not be limited to will make life almost unbearable for the , empathy and specialised attention rather everyone wakes up in the morning, we reflect mainstream media alone but also to the new immediate and extended family. than the criminal justice system. on the previous day and we reason about media, who are currently taking space today. “A good point raised on the book is that “ On the part of the people, press is the the impact on the people, family, and society. “We are not only concerned about the for any suicide or suicidal attempt, there is a bridge of actualities in the society including “The reason why this book is important is mainstream media but also the new media medical reason for it. Majority of people who the matters of suicide and the general public. that it’s a book written by a journalist and a which has admitted a large number of citizen have committed suicide had a diagnosable The idea of getting the press to the side of psychiatrist. We both are experts in our various reporters who often do not get the facts but psychiatric error. That means in reality, it’s not the me talk health workforce is not new. fields which we collapsed our experiences also speculate and they are not bound by a criminal condition but a medical condition. into this book which gives it credibility. In journalistic practices, these are those we also But the current pattern in our society by CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE THISDAY ˾ , JUNE 3, 2021 35 with DR. KEMI AILOJE NEWS [email protected]; Website: lifelinkfertility.com FERTILITY 08033083580 CHANGING THE NARRATIVE OF SUICIDE REPORTING IN NIGERIA DIABETES AND INFERTILITY (PART 2)

Iﬁjeh Oluwatayo

“The people who are the bridge between the headlines. Another problem is the use of the subject and the society need to be knowl- language. These are the reasons why we are edgeable to become appropriate vehicles canvassing for training,” she said. ast week, we started a topic titled 30kg/m of helping to manage the causes of suicide Diabetes and Infertility. The Types of r 3FDVSSFOU QSFHOBODZ -PTT PG and help to keep to the barest minimum by Suicide as Mental Illness not Criminal Diabetes, effects and Managements pregnancies lead to miscarriage even before cultivating empathy. It’s not about writing Offence were also discussed. This week, the pregnancy test. sensational headlines but we need to think One of the authors, Martins Ifijeh, had our focus will be on Gestational deeply about the effect on the family and during his talk advocated a revisit of the Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Diabetes COMPLICATIONS OF GESTATIONAL society,” he said. Nigeria laws on suicide, adding that they Lcan be present before or after the start of DIABETES: In the same vein of commendation and are obsolete. pregnancy. If after the start of pregnancy, it 'PSUIF.PUIFS ZPVDBOCFGBDFEXJUIIJHI book review, Chair, THISDAY Newspapers “We still have old mental laws in Nigeria. is termed, gestational diabetes and there are blood pressure and preeclampsia (a feared Editorial Board, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said the We still have some bizarre laws in the country high accumulations of sugar in the blood (over complication of pregnancy) with alterations book ‘The Morning After’ is timely especially where we have criminalised suicide, whereas 150 mg/dl). in blood proteins and high blood pressure. in these periods of economic instability and in the actual sense, suicides are health issues. Gestational Diabetes tends to resolve (disap- The best management for this condition is COVID-19. When reporting suicide, the health angle pear) after delivery of the baby. It occurs in the immediate delivery of the baby. Seizures “I want to congratulate the authors for this should be reflected on. 2-3% of all pregnant women. The exact cause (convulsion) can occur, if left untreated. It highly revealing and also very important book “Rather than interview the police alone on of Gestational Diabetes is not known. Science would then be called eclampsia, a true medical especially at a time like this. I remember in suicide matters, the health experts should be believes that the hormones that interfere with emergency with need for urgent intensive care 2002, when a friend narrated how a colleague also interviewed. With this report, people will the normal processing of sugar, insulin, are support and care. Gestational Diabetes increases told him she wants to go to a psychiatric begin to subconsciously reason why suicide increased during pregnancy. The levels of these the changes that the blood pressure will increase, hospital and in this part of the world we is an health issue and not criminal issue”. hormones tend to increase in the later part of leading to decisions of saving either the mother immediately attach negativity to that which “This book is not just for journalists pregnancy allowing the sugar to accumulate or the baby’s life. Once you have Gestational consequently, we have pushed a lot of people alone, but I’m sure policy makers will also in the blood with Diabetes as the end result. Diabetes, you can become at risk of getting over the edge. When Martins Ifijeh told me see reasons why they should adopt some With Gestational Diabetes, the blood sugar is Type 2 Diabetes. Management, with life long, he was writing this book with his colleague of the recommendations in this book. The elevated and the developing baby is at high lifestyle choices of healthy eating and exercise who is a medical doctor, I felt elated about Lagos State government has started doing risk for certain problems, such as increase in can reduce your risk. it and I told him I will contribute to it. something but other states are still behind growth hormone and a large overweight baby 'PSZPVSQSFDJPVTCBCZGFECZUIFVNCJMJDBM “I have read a lot about mental health even the federal government. (macrosomia), weighting over nine pounds in cord and the placenta (blood vessels that supply and what I have is that not every wound is “ There is a mental health bill in the house result. With the large size, surgical removal or the nutrition from the mother through the blood) visible. Some of the silent battles we fight for about 10 years now and they have been Caesarean section would be necessary, with with this extra rich amount of sugar will cause are not things people can easily see. You unable to pass the bill because maybe only special care concerning the lung maturity of your baby to produce more insulin. Your baby see someone drive to the bridge, get parked few people understand why the laws should the baby. The close monitoring with your can grow too big with the resulting difficulty and jump. These processes are not normal. CFDIBOHFE'SPNDPVOUSJFTXIFSFUIFTFMBXT Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician in exiting normally from the vagina at birth. A These are health issues we don’t know in are picked from, they have all moved on will permit the birth of a healthy baby with surgical delivery or caesarean section will need our society and with more reading of books, so should we too from old laws,” he said. the mother alive to be performed. Another serious complication the more we know. This is a book I will is early labour (preterm delivery) with difficult recommend especially for a society like ours Commendation Management Of Gestational Diabetes. breathing (Respiratory Distress Syndrome). and I hope,” he said. On his part, former Senate Chairman, r *O PSEFS UP MPXFS CMPPE TVHBS QSPQFSMZ As you can see, it is vital to understand how Committee on Health, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, your medical team will recommend a diet your baby is affected by your own health. If HEWAN Canvasses for Training on applauded the authors for the insightful tailored to meet your diet needs; this will your blood sugar is high (over 150mb/ dl), the Suicide Reporting book on suicide preventions and reportage include lots of vegetables for fibre and fruits baby can develop Diabetes too. He /she may 'PSBQQSPQSJBUFTVJDJEFSFQPSUBHF UIF)FBMUI in Nigeria. for vitamins. A certain amount of exercise, have Type 1 Diabetes, where the cells of the Writers Association Nigeria (HEWAN), has He acknowledged that the book will serve walking, swimming is essential to keep your pancreas do not produce any insulin. The result proposed training of media practitioners. as guidelines to Nigerian journalists and other blood sugar under control. will be a baby that needs insulin injections to 4QFBLJOHBUUIFWJSUVBMMBVODI UIF1SFTJEFOU policy makers in reducing suicide cases to r"TTFTTNFOU XJUI MBCPSBUPSZ UFDIOPMPHZ survive and process any food. HEWAN, Mrs. Chioma Obinna, while concur- the barest minimum. HbA1C testing of the amount of blood sugar ring to the recommendations conveyed in “This book is very relevant in amending the that is measured in percentages should stay Prevention and General Management the book on language change, noted lack of mental health bill. The message to journalists under 6.5%. The results are stable for a few of Diabetes: training has done more harm than good in is a very important, and I would have loved months. While there is no known prevention for type suicide reporting in Nigeria. them to replicate the guidelines in report- r"GPFUBMFDIPDBSEJPHSBN TQFDJBMVMUSBTPVOE 1 DM, below are the measures that can be “A lot have been said and I feel somehow ing kidnapping in Nigeria because the way of the baby’s developing heart) will ensure that taken to reduce the risk of type 2 DM which ashamed of the media about what the book kidnapping is being reported is more like his/her growth patterns are normal. accounts for 85-90% of all cases of Diabetes. has said about our reportage of suicide. It is giving a roadmap to kidnappers. r$MPTFNPOJUPSJOHPGUIFFZFTBOELJEOFZT no more news that Nigeria is experiencing an “In four years, Nigeria media reported to avoid complications, such as proliferative 1SFWFOUJPO5IF#FTU1PMJDZ increase in suicide cases but the unfortunate TVJDJEF DBTFT BDSPTT UIF DPVOUSZ 'PS retinopathy or kidney infections. r&BUBIFBMUIZEJFU GVMMPGGSVJUT WFHFUBCMFT thing is that some of these cases has been the reported cases, not many reported in r 1FSJPEJD VMUSBTPVOET PG UIF EFWFMPQJOH and learn protein, high fibre, and high vitamins. linked to the wrong way journalists report accordance of the WHO guidelines of baby will safeguard against undetected overly r&YFSDJTFSFHVMBSMZBOENBJOUBJOIJHIMFWFM suicide. reporting suicide. What we are insinuat- large new bones. of activity “Although the media is meant to play a ing here is that the media shouldn’t r $MPTF NPOJUPSJOH PG ZPVS CMPPE TVHBS critical role in educating the public on mental trigger for more suicide cases via their RISK FACTORS FOR GESTATIONAL using the glucometer if you have a positive illness, lack of training has done more harm reportage . DIABETES: family history and had been tested to have than good in their reportage of suicide. “This book has taken the pain to explain r.PNTBHFPWFS high blood sugar level. “When suicide is inappropriately reported, how irresponsible reporting has led to r'BNJMZIFBMUIIJTUPSZ$MPTFGBNJMZNFNCFST r5BLFQSFTDSJCFENFEJDBUJPOT JUGVFMTTUJHNB'SPNUIFCPPL XFIBWFCFFO more suicide cases. It went further to such as a parent or sibling or having slightly r"WPJEUPCBDDPTNPLJOH made to understand that when you use the domesticate globally acceptable suicide raised blood sugar. r0ODFZPVEFDJEFUPCFDPNFQSFHOBOU WJTJU word ‘commit’ it’s tagging suicide a crime reportage and guidelines for Nigeria to r 1FSTPOBM IJTUPSZ PG %JBCFUFT )BWJOH B your doctor for antenatal screening, it will give and not an health condition. Another thing ensure journalists follow guidance. We slightly raised blood sugar (prediabetes). a good picture of your health. to be highlighted is that suicide cases are must disallow suicide epidemic. I com- r 3BDJBM CBDLHSPVOE 4UVEJFT TIPX UIBU r-PTFXFJHIUCFGPSFQSFHOBODZ reported by crime reporters instead of health mended the pains of the authors to bring Blacks, Hispanics and Asians have higher r%VSJOHQSFHOBODZ ZPVOFFEUPOPVSJTIUIF reporters, which is also a huge problem. this important point to the fore,” he said. rates than whites. developing baby, best not to try to lose weight, According to WHO, if suicide is reported ‘The Morning After’ launch was a r1SFWJPVT#*(CBCZPWFSOJOFQPVOET take prescribed medications/ insulin injections. responsibly, it reduces suicidal behaviors in wrap with identified sponsorship of r1SFWJPVTVOFYQMBJOFE'PFUBMEFBUI the society but unfortunately, in this part of training for 30 journalists across Nigeria r 0CFTJUZ #PEZ .BTT *OEFY #.* PWFS the world, the media tends to sensationalise on appropriate suicide reporting. TO BE CONTINUED 36 THISDAY ˾ , JUNE 3, 2021 NEWS Over 75 Million People Still Use Tobacco in Africa, Says WHO “Commit to quit” because and solutions that can help. support to quit tobacco use African Region. Governments help people quit, should Onyebuchi EzigboÓØÌßÔË the choice to stop tobacco use The WHO Director reports is available in primary health and communities should also be included as an integral is in our hands. Millions of that currently more than 75 care facilities in 11 countries, be alert to industry tactics to component in national health In her message on this people have been motivated million people in the African adding that national toll-free attract new users and keep and education programmes, year’s World No Tobacco Day, to quit tobacco during the Region use some form of lines where tobacco users people using tobacco, even plans and strategies. the WHO Regional Director for COVID-19 pandemic because tobacco, adding that this can call and get advice are when they are trying to quit. “I call on governments Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti of evidence showing tobacco burden is likely to increase available in six countries. “Products such as electronic to improve access to these said tobacco kills half of its smoking impairs lung function, as consumer purchasing In addition, Moeti said cigarettes and nicotine pouches services, using a combina- users every year and about 1.2 making it harder for the body power improves coupled that Nicotine replacement are highly addictive and not tion of approaches, such as million non-smokers die from to fight off coronaviruses and with intensive efforts by the therapy is sold in pharma- recommended as strategies to toll-free quit lines, nicotine exposure to tobacco smoke. other diseases. tobacco industry to expand cies in 19 countries with reduce tobacco use. replacement therapy (such She said tobacco use harms According to Moeti, out of the African market. governments fully cover- “As WHO, we remain as gum, patches, sprays and nearly every organ in the hu- the 1.3 billion tobacco users She suggested that public ing the costs in Eswatini, committed to supporting other products), and digital man body, adding that “even globally, 60 per cent have health advocates should Mauritius and Seychelles. Member States to meet their solutions to empower people smoking one cigarette a day expressed the desire to quit actively pursue counter- “Nicotine replacement obligations under the WHO to quit. These interventions can can seriously harm a person’s but only 30 per cent have marketing campaigns that therapy is included in the Framework Convention be phased in where resources health. Tobacco use can lead to access to the tools to do so highlight the many risks of essential medicines list on Tobacco Control. These are limited. lung, mouth, throat, oesopha- successfully. tobacco use. in Algeria, Ethiopia and include the development and “Together, let’s support gus, stomach, bowel and other She explained that digital Moeti said WHO is sup- South Africa. Burkina Faso implementation of programmes people with the tools and cancers. It increases the risk solutions can help to fill this porting countries to scale-up is implementing “mTobac- to promote quitting tobacco resources needed to suc- of chest and lung infections, gap, adding that WHO has programmes to help people coCessation,” a mobile text in schools, universities, health cessfully quit and to reduce heart disease, type 2 diabetes introduced “Florence” a digital quit tobacco, especially at messaging-based solution. facilities, workplaces and the demand for tobacco. This and other conditions. There health worker, who provides the primary health care and “This promising progress sporting environments. will save live, save money and is no safe form of tobacco”. advice on how to quit and community levels. now needs to be expanded to “Services to diagnose create healthier societies,” she The theme this year is links people with the tools She added that so far more countries in the WHO tobacco dependence and said. NIBUCAA Launches Project to Increase Knowledge of HIV Status Mary Nnah the incidence of HIV in Nigeria, there is a need for continuous The Nigerian Business Coali- dissemination of sexual and tion against AIDS has piloted reproductive health information; the first phase of the ‘’I know HIV prevention and treat- My Status’’ project in Abuja, ment information; continuous Ebonyi and Edo states. HIV Counselling and Testing The project which was especially among adolescent developed from the End HIV and young people, women, Campaign was designed and and transport workers. This is implemented to increase the because these populations fall knowledge of vulnerable people within the high prevalence age on their HIV status and enough bracket”, Owolabi said. Also safe sexual practices through HIV speaking on the I Know My Testing Services and dissemina- Status Project, the Monitoring tion of Sexual and Reproductive and Evaluation Officer at Health information. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The End HIV Campaign Oluwatobi Ojo, noted that the championed by the Nigerian intervention is an eye-opener Business Coalition Against as it revealed the agitations of AIDS (NiBUCAA) seeks to some people in the communities reduce the prevalence and regarding HIV testing. He also incidence of HIV infection via stated that there is a need for HIV testing, communication, and increased awareness in rural areas NIBUCAA oﬃcial attending to one of the participants during the HIV programme at Ebonyi State technology strategies. The project as knowing one’s HIV status is targeted communities with a key to societal progress. among adults age 15 – 64 years translated to Hausa, Igbo, and NIBUCAA partnered the Edo State Ministry of Health to high presence of Adolescent and The UNAIDS reports that was 1.4 per cent. pidgin for community members NYSC HIV/RH CDS Group, ensure the implementation of Young People (AYP), proximity Nigeria has the second-largest During the project in these to better understand the informa- Nigeria Security and Defense the I Know My Status Project. to referral centres, a high number HIV epidemic globally and one of states, Community Mobilisers tion passed across. Corps (NSCDC), the Local NiBUCAA is a coalition of over of vulnerable populations, poor the highest rates of new infections and Corps members engaged HIV Testing services were Government Kuje Area Council, 30 leading businesses spanning all health-seeking behaviour and a in Sub Saharan Africa. in door-to-door sensitisation, also conducted for over 700 Ebonyi State Agency for the Nigerian economies’ sectors with high number of hotspots. The Nigeria HIV /AIDS Indi- interpersonal communications, participants across all Project Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), a commitment to galvanise and Chief Executive Officer of cator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) sensitization at primary health- states, with six reactive cases Grassroots Development coordinate private-sector efforts to NIBUCAA, Isaiah Owolabi, 2019 also states that about 1.9 care centres and the distribution which were reported and referred Foundation, Safe Motherhood end the HIV and AIDS pandemic. highlighted the importance of million people were living with of Information, Education and to the nearest referral centre. Ladies Associations, Civil Society NiBUCAA holds interventions the project. HIV in Nigeria, of which only Communication (IEC) materials Condoms were also distributed Organisations working on HIV at all levels within the health “The I know My Status 1.6 million people knew their on Knowing One’s HIV status. to participants to encourage safe & AIDS (CiSHAN), Edo State system and the private sector Project is expedient to reduce status with a prevalence of HIV The IEC materials were sex practices. Agency for the Control of AIDS workforce. Cancer Inclusion into NHIS would Reduce Economic Burden- Bagudu Nosa Alekhuogie collaboration with First Ladies scheme. They are yet to key into Roche in Nigeria, Dr. Ladi treatment. ailment. Several kind of cancer Against Cancer (FLAC), said an the system that can help reduce Hameed said the cost of the “If a patient is able to detect requires different methods of The First Lady of Kebbi State, incorporation of cancer treatment the cost of healthcare. ailment which ranges from a early, the treatment would be treatment. Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has into the NHIS would offset the “The average cost of manag- few hundreds of thousands to much more cheaper which would “Through educative activities, said that including Cancer treat- humongous cost of managing ing the disease is N600,000 per millions is dependent on the be around hundreds of thousands we hope to bring healthcare ment into the National Health the disease. treatment of six cycles. You need particular stage of the disease unlike when it has gotten to more providers up to speed with Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would She added that the cost of to have a pool of resources that and the event aims to walk clients complicated stages. modern knowledge in cancer reduce the economic burden of healthcare which has been subsi- the hospital can use to start off through their journey, create “We hope to walk with the care, optimising the healthcare the disease. dised in Nigeria would not suffice the treatment. awareness about the National patient through his/her journey system, providing the right Buguda who made the to manage the treatment of cancer “We have to incorporate cancer Cancer Control Plan which needs and make treatment of cancer diagnosis so that patients do not submission while fielding and as such a reserve source of care into the health insurance support, demystify the disease, as easy as possible. We want have to go out of the country questions from journalists at a revenue would be needed to off scheme as a way to encompass educate the public on modern patients to know where to go for these services. At the end virtual conference organised by the cost of managing the disease. the cost of managing the disease”, cancer care and point members when they are being diagnosed of the day, we can turn what an international healthcare and “The Nigerian society is she said. of the public to right procedures to get specific treatments because is known as a terminal disease pharmaceutical brand, Roche in averse to the health insurance The Country Manager for and inform the public to access cancer is not a one size fits all to a chronic disease”, he said. UNFPA Launches TEXT4LIFE APP to Provide Essential Healthcare Services Women and girls, adolescents pandemic in tandem with the launched the TEXT4LIFE virtual responders in the healthcare infection, Gender Based source, supported by a central and young people face several activities of the “Engaging with app and the Youth COVID-19 delivery system in Lagos, Violence (GB) incidents and database server. difficulties accessing sexual and Civil Society Organisations to Handout- “Adapting to the new Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, other Sexual and Reproductive The app is available on a USSD reproductive health (SRH) as well reduce the impact of COVID-19” Normal” Akwa-Ibom, Gombe, Sokoto, Health Problems for prompt and platform and each session is as Gender Based Violence (GBV) project funded by the One UN The UNFPA Text4Life service Borno and the FCT. professional clinical intervention unique, identifiable and program- services in the country. Basket Fund. is a phone-based innovative Through this two way- and management. mable. TEXT4LIFE services are Thus, there is a dire need As part of measures to enhance message service system that is communication process, To ensure unhindered ac- compatible on feature phones as to improve and expand these access to life-saving healthcare designed to establish real-time TETX4LIFE technology will cess and minimal downtime, well as the most complicated of services following their vul- information and essential health communication between callers, also support the reporting of another feature of the system smartphones without any data nerability amidst COVID-19 services, UNFPA Nigeria today primary healthcare centres and suspected cases of COVID-19 is an uninterrupted power supply compromise. THISDAY ˾ , JUNE 3, 2021 37 NEWS 29,472 Nigerians Die of Tobacco Related Diseases Annually, Says FG Onyebuchi EzigboÓØÌßÔË the survey, of which 61.1 per While M represents Monitor is beneficial because “within cent attempted to do so without tobacco use and prevention 20 minutes, your heart rate Federal government has said any assistance while 15 per cent policies; P represents Protect and blood pressure would findings from a study conducted tried counseling and 5.2 per cent people from exposure to tobacco drop. Within 12 hours, the by the Centre for the Study of tried pharmacotherapy. smoke; O represents Offer help carbon monoxide level in the Economies of Africa showed “The death toll from tobacco to quit tobacco use by tobacco your blood drops to normal. that 29,472 deaths in Nigeria were is high in Nigeria, as the Tobacco cessation services; W represents “Within two to 12 weeks, attributable to smoking. Atlas of 2018 reports estimates Warn people about the dangers your circulation improves and It said another research find- of more than 16,100 deaths from of tobacco use; your lung function increases. ings from the 2012 Global Adult tobacco-related diseases every E means Enforce full ban Within 19 months, coughing and Tobacco Survey (GATS) showed year. on advertising, promotion & shortness of breath decreases. that 5.6 percent (4.5 million) “Another research finding sponsorship; and R means Raise “One year after, your risk of Nigerians 15 years and older, published in 2021 by the Centre excise taxes on tobacco products. coronary heart disease is about currently use tobacco products of for the Study of the Economies of Ehanire further said the half that of a smoker. Five to which 3.9 per cent (3.1 million) Africa showed that 29,472 deaths Federal Ministry of Health is 15 years after quitting, your are smokers. in Nigeria were attributable to committed to supporting people stroke risk is reduced to that Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie smoking,” he said. to quit tobacco use, adding of a non-smoker. Ehanire, who stated this at a Ehanire also said that in that.in 2019, the Ministry, in “10 years after, your risk of press conference to mark the 2021 furtherance of the WHO FCTC, collaboration with WHO and lung cancer falls to about half world “No Tobacco” Day’ last Nigeria enacted the National the European Respiratory Society, that of a smoker and your risk Monday, noted that Nigeria has Tobacco Control Act 2015 and piloted tobacco cessation services of cancer of the mouth, throat, signed and ratified the WHO the National Tobacco Control in some healthcare facilities in esophagus, bladder, cervix, and Framework Convention on Regulations 2019. the Federal Capital Territory, pancreas decreases. Tobacco Control (FCTC) in He said the ministry is working Abuja. ‘15 years after, the risk of 2004 and 2005. with the Federal Ministry of “We intend to scale this coronary heart disease is that of “In Nigeria, findings from Finance, Budget and National up to other parts of Nigeria, a non-smoker. Quitting smoking the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Planning, to further review the in the near future, so that also decreases the risk of many Survey (GATS) show that 5.6 per tax. more tobacco users can have diseases related to second-hand cent (4.5 million) Nigerians 15 According to the minister, the Dr. Enahire access to cessation services. smoke, even in children, such years and older, currently use theme for the 2021 “World No This year’s “World No as ear infection, and respiratory tobacco products of which 3.9 Tobacco Day”: “Commit to Quit” underlying Non Communicable treatment outcomes. Tobacco Day” offers op- diseases like asthma. per cent (3.1 million) are smokers. came at a good time, when the Diseases (NCDs) are at higher risk The minister said the offer of portunities to expand our “It may also reduce the risk “The GATS result further global community is battling the of severe COVID-19 outcomes. support to quit tobacco use is frontiers in tobacco cessation of impotence, difficulty in get- shows that 45.4 per cent of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, assisting one of the best-buys in tobacco services. “ ting pregnant, premature births, smokers had attempted to quit He said evidence has shown people to quit tobacco use will control measures, known as the In the meeting, the minister babies with low birth weights in the past 12 months prior to that tobacco users and those with therefore improve COVID-19 MPOWER. noted that quitting tobacco and miscarriage,” he said. Imo Community Leaders Resolve to Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation, Laud UNICEF Amby Uneze ÓØáÏÜÜÓ tions Chldrens’ Fund (UNICEF). or events to keep them abreast on the elimination of FGM and their subjects of the importance of Njaba local government The spokespersons for Isu of FGM negative effects and off other harmful traditional practices of ending the scourge. We are traditional council, Eze Anthony To save girls and women from and Njaba Presidents-General, course abstain from its practice. in Imo communities, villages and happy to see all the leaders of Ndubueze Onyeka, said his office extreme pains and discomfort Prince Jineme, who represents Contributing, Presidents- families especially at the remote the 16 communities in Isu and 21 would ensure that all relevant due to female genital mutilation Umundugba community and General and Woman Leader of areas”. communities in Njaba come to stakeholders key into the policy (FGM), the Community leaders the Woman Leader of Ibeneme Isuobishi, Oboro Amurie, Ibeoma Reminding the people of terms with UNICEF to abrogate of the state toward the complete of Isu and Njaba local govern- Community, Mrs. Kelechi Ekwe and Amurie Omenze com- the prevalence of FGM in Isu female genital mutilation”. eradication of FMG, which had ment areas of Imo State, have Aguegbulam agreed to carry munities, Chief Ejiofor Cosmos local government area hence Affirming that the awareness over the years become a source come together and resolved the sensitization to all the nooks Chinyere, Comrade Eddy the enlightenment program program mainly sponsored by of pain to girls and women in to eliminate age long cultural and crannies of their areas for Iwuji, Paulinus. O. Ihezuruike sponsored by UNICEF, Vitus the United Nations Children the state. practice identifies as harmful to properly dissemination of the and Mrs. Ike Basilia, reiterated Ekeocha, State Director, National Education Fund (UNICEF) is an Recall that FGM is one of the their wellbeing in their families, message. their consensus to outlaw female Orientation Agency, charged avenue for people and victims of most harmful prevailing practices kindred, villages and communi- The leaders also agreed genital mutilation with a view to the people to entirely reject the FGM to pour out their grievances, known to human race since the ties and local governments. to enlighten their people of saving their females from agony. practice of FGM as promised pains and experiences, UNICEF end of the era of human practices The people unanimously the dangers of female genital According to them, “let in order to allow their women representative, Chigozie Orjiaku, like human sacrifice, killing of passed the resolution during circumcision and the need to awareness against female genital deliver easily, as well as enjoy stressed that the advocacy twins and slavery. a two-day sensitization tagged eliminate the practice which they mutilation be intensified among their marriage and their increases the “knowledge of NOA with support of UNICEF “Local Government Community said is inimical, to ensure that women in the hinterlands and children. community leaders in prevention is working with Federal and Dialogue Forum with Commu- reports on FGM are adequately this should be done during Ekeocha pointed out that and response to violence against State governments, especially nity Leaders for the Elimination sent to the appropriate authority festivals or events, in churches “FGM has no benefit to girls children and violence against in the southern states where of Female Genital Mutilation”, for immediate action, to mobilize and markets. Nurses who hack and women. So, allow your women and girls”, advising the practice is most prevalent, held separately at Umundugba, security personnel to apprehend females in the name of circumci- females to be as God created the people not to mutilate any training partners, creating aware- and Nnenassa headquarters of and sanction defaulters, build an sion are non- certified nurses who them. FGM is an obnoxious part of the female organ either ness at all levels and working Isu and Njaba local government effective communication channel, are not properly trained to carry cultural practice. Hence we by application of hot- water, with communities to convince councils organized by National just as women should ensue out any medical duty. UNICEF, earlier met traditional rulers of ointment, massaging, pressing practitioners and community Orientation Agency (NOA) in to talk to their fellow women NOA and other relevant agencies Isu and Njaba local government or cutting. members to promote an end conjunction with the United Na- especially at gatherings, festivals are doing well in their advocacy areas who promised to talk to In his remarks, the chairman to the practice. Foundation Takes Medical Outreach to Somolu against Non-communicable Diseases Rebecca Ejifoma Centre (PHC) Somolu, Lagos increased knowledge, tools, that necessitates immediate HPI further donated items Nutritionist, Uju Onuorah, State, about 70 residents and medications to keep the referral to a secondary or like sphygmomanometer, encouraged residents, es- Non-governmental Organisa- received free medical tests residents healthy. tertiary facility where specialist glucometer, a pack of pecially the elderly, to tions like Health Proactivists and medications. According to Imadojiemu, care for NCDs exists. test strips, antihyperten- consume more fruits for Initiative (HPI) have continued At the outreach, the Founder tests carried out were hyper- “We do follow up that must sive medications, oral healthy living. to canvass healthy living and and Executive Director, Dr. tension, diabetes, obesity, and trigger immediate referral to hypoglycemic drugs, and She implored them to em- fight against non-communica- Marietta Imadojiemu, said visual acuity. “We plan to reach secondary care, ways we can ancillary medications like brace homemade juice more ble diseases through medical one of the pillars of HPI is five communities, and screen collaboratively and sustainably antimalarials. than carbonated drinks. outreaches and sensitisation strengthening health systems 1,500 adults this year.” fight NCDs in the community Others include notebooks “You can match watermelon in low-income communities across communities in Nigeria Earlier, HPI met with some like encouraging registration for people living with for your juice or orange or in Nigeria, and Africa. and Africa. of the leaders of the com- for a health insurance scheme hypertension and diabetes other fruits. Don’t forget to During its last health And with the recent community, trained some staff of among residents within the to record their numbers for consume more water, too. empowerment programme munity checkup project, HPI the PHC, and enlightened the community,” Imadojiemu effective follow up. It aids digestion and helps at Wright Primary Healthcare and its team saw the need for health workers on symptoms listed. Now, a volunteer and the system.”

Children’s Day: NACA Advocates Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission Ayodeji Ake Virus (HIV) and their fami- to Child Transmission of tested positive in 2020 “In 2020, Nigeria success- HIV-free generation is made lies. HIV (PMTCT) services by out of 2,504,678 pregnant fully increased Prevention of possible. Amid Children’s day According to the Director pregnant mothers. mothers tested for HIV” Mother-To-Child Transmis- “As we celebrate with our celebration, the National General, NACA, Dr Gambo “Even though there has he said. sion (PMTCT) services to children, please join us and Agency for the Control of Aliyu, Nigeria still accounts been progress in antiretro- To reduce the growing over 6,000 sites with 37,111 help us win the fight against AIDS (NACA), has urged for a significant proportion viral coverage for pregnant transmission of HIV from pregnant women receiving HIV in children by encourag- for increased promotion and of children living with HIV women living with HIV, mother to child, he said antiretroviral treatment. ing pregnant mothers to get awareness for improvement infection globally. transmission of HIV infection NACA “has been working “Despite this progress, a tested for HIV to protect their of children’s welfare, espe- “This burden is due to from infected mother to child with partners to scale-up lot more needs to be done unborn children. No child cially children living with the lack of utilisation of remains high, estimated no services for HIV preven- to stop children from getting should be born with HIV Human Immunodeficiency the Prevention of Mother of 9,999 pregnant women tion, care and support. infected with HIV so that a in Nigeria.” 38 THISDAY ˾ ͱ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Nigerian Breweries to Empower MSMEs in New Initiatives Raheem Akingbolu least 600 businesses, mostly in She added that, “these projects the south of Nigeria. are important considering the Nigerian Breweries have The Isedowo initiative on the economic issues and rising rate announced plans to support other hand has been focused on of unemployment in the country, artisans and micro, small and supporting Goldberg’s consum- as they are the best reminders medium scale enterprises ers in the informal sector since that hard work always pays.” through its Goldberg Isedowo 2017, building relationships with Life Progress Booster is and Life Progress Booster informal trade associations to expected to cover Rivers, Delta initiatives. ensure it is able to reach more and Edo states, in addition to The 2021 Life Progress Booster artisans and support their craft. the five states of the south-east, initiative was inaugurated Beyond its empowerment goal, while Goldberg’s Isedowo will recently, while Isedowo’s project it has also become a seal of go through Ondo, Osun, Oyo, is set to launch this weekend. approval and encouragement for Lagos and Ekiti states. The empowerment platforms hard work among the average In the last four years, Gold- have impacted nearly 1,000 south-westerner in Nigeria. berg has awarded at least N3 businesses and artisans with Commenting on the impact of million to 100 artisans, mostly grants of N200,000. the campaigns over the years, within rural communities in Launched in 2015, Life Portfolio Manager, Mainstream the target states that it has Progress Booster focuses on Portfolio, Nigerian Breweries, reached, also celebrating their rewarding enterprising minds Kehinde Kadiri, said it was successes with exciting large with the sum of 200,000 naira a delight to watch the Life scale experiential events. to help them implement ideas Progress Booster campaign grow At the Progress Booster that will scale their business and help many businesses in the activation events, consumers operations. Since inception, the southern part of Nigeria scale can submit their business plans CSR project has supported at and achieve some sustainability. as entries to win N200, 000. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Katagum NECA Rewards Companies Chris Uba Securities Co Limited. “As the Voice of Business and MARKET INDICATORS These companies were 100 the most representative Business Some Nigerian companies in employers that participated in Membership Organisation in MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) various sectors of the economy the competition. Nigeria, there is no better or- were recently rewarded for their They were rewarded based on ganisation positioned to organise JANUARY 2021 contributions to the economic their performance on leadership an Employers’ Award.” Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 development of the country at and governance; innovation, Adeniyi added: “As you are the median Annual Employers productivity and corporate well aware, Nigerian enterprises -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 Excellence Awards organised by performance; effective, human are arguably the most dogged and Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 the Nigeria Employers Consulta- resources management and resilient in the world despite the tive Association (NECA). industrial relations; responsible myriads of challenges besetting -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 Among the awardees were business conduct; inclusiveness the operating environment; Nige- -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 Dangote Fertilizer/Projects, MTN and diversity; technological rian businesses have continued to Nigeria Limited, British American optimization and occupational exhibit resilience and fortitude.” ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 Tobacco Nigeria Limited, Capital health and safety. According to him, “while Hotels Plc, Cititrust Holdings In his welcome address at the some have buckled under ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 Plc, Techspecialist Consulting occasion, President of NECA, the excruciating local and Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 Limited and Frieslandcanpina Taiwo Adeniyi, said, “This is global operating pressure of WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Others the first edition of the awards, unfavourable circumstances; Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 included Netcodietsmann Com- whose major objective among and others relocated in the quest -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 pany Limited, TGI Group ABC others is to reward and celebrate for survival, most organisations Transport Plc, AMECO Industries, the doggedness and resilience of have continued to trudge along ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 Fidson Healthcare Plc, Ashaka organised businesses in Nigeria. amidst the prevailing turbulence. ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00

Polaris Highlights Benefits of New Digital Bank ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19

Polaris Bank has restated that funds transfer; bills payment; pay rate for users, and is a fully --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 its newly-launched digital day loan; lifestyle and events homegrown digital solution banking platform, VULTe, is (Discover); Automated Teller developed internally by Polaris Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 a quick self-service innovation Machine (ATM) and Branch/ Bank’s Digital Banking and In- aimed at delivering greater Agent locator. Others are; viewing formation Technology Teams. --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 value and benefits to existing of transactions history, generation “It is Omni-channel; it is ac- --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ and new customers of the bank. of bank statements, profile settings cessible with same credentials --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 The Chief Digital Officer (CDO) like hide/show balance, hide/ and consistent user experience on of Polaris Bank, Dele Adeyinka, show accounts, forgot user ID/ both web and mobile platforms. while highlighting the unique password, reset PIN etcetera, and It is more flexible and scalable, Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) features and benefits of VULTe, in banking services such as limit and guarantees better user Month March 2018 a statement, was quoted to have increase, request card/cheque experience because it offers Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 said that, “VULTe is a convenient, book, block account/card, etc. seamless onboarding and usage. easy and quick self-service digital Adeyinka said, “VULTe is built It is 100 per cent self-service, Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) solution, which allows users (new as a platform where value provid- hence customers do not have and existing) access to a range ers and value consumers align to visit any branch of Polaris Bank Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 of banking services hard to get with payment as a fundamental before they can onboard unto the Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 elsewhere.” medium of exchange.” platform - either to register - or The services, according to him, VULTe, the CDO added, “is perform an account opening task. Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 include; account opening and a new, more stable and robust VULTe is the go-to for those that Wallet (NGN and USD), airtime platform that offers higher avail- require instant access to loans,’’ 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 and data Top-up; fund account; ability and transaction success the CDO stated. 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 NIMN Confers Fellowship Award on 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21

Olufowora, Others Prime Lending rate 17.35

The National Institute of and Dinner in Lagos. within which period he had Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has Olufowora, an accomplished responsibilities for managing all conferred its highest professional communications and marketing the marketing communications honours on the Chief Executive expert with over 29 years cognate activities of the bank. ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ Officer of Brand I Communica- experience spanning Media, Pub- Before joining FCMB in 2013, OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ͯ ͰͮͰͯ tions Limited, Tunde Olufowora, lic Relations and Marketing has Olufowora had worked with The as part of the institute’s annual worked with major and flagship Guardian and THISDAY (two The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $69.01 a barrel on Tuesday, compared congressional activities. brands in Nigeria including The leading flagship newspapers with $68.53 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Olufowora was inducted Guardian, THISDAY and FCMB, in Nigeria). “A renowned, The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan alongside 26 other persons who pioneering a number of initiatives seasoned and accomplished Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light have distinguished themselves in that have strongly positioned and journalist, Tunde Olufowora (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), the field of marketing, while the distinguished the brands in the pioneered (in 1993) the most Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and institute admitted one person as market. famous “Appointment” page, Honorary Member into its Body He was the Head of Corporate which today remains the largest Merey (Venezuela). of Fellows at the 2021 edition of Communications of FCMB for income stream for The Guardian SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna Conferment of Fellowship Award a period 16 years (1997-2013) Newspaper. THISDAY ˾ ͱ˜2021 39

Conoil Grows Profit Before Tax by 63% to N627m in Three Months Goddy Egene decline in revenue. lion, just as PAT rose by same According to Adenuga, the was a challenging year with downstream oil sector. The results showed that Conoil margin from N260.382 million to company had set an ambitious impressive results,” he added. Meanwhile, the stock market Conoil Plc has reported an posted a revenue of N33.091 N423.931 million in 2021. growth strategy for the next five Adenuga noted that there has rebounded yesterday as the increase of 62.8 per cent in billion in 2021, compared with Market analysts said this was a years, driven by innovation and been a consistent drop in interest Nigerian Exchange (NGX) its profit before tax (PBT) and N38.144 billion recorded in the good start for the year by Conoil market penetration. expense since 2017, and further Limited All Share Index (ASI) profit after tax (PAT) for the corresponding period of 2020.The Plc, which points to a bountiful “Thus far, significant invest- assured the shareholders that the appreciated by 0.2 per cent to first quarter (Q1) ended March company reduced its distribution harvest for shareholders at the ments have been made in company would consolidate on its close at 38,482.52, while market 31, 2021. cost from N538 million to N436 end of the year. The Chairman strengthening the company’s achievements to deliver a strong capitalisation added N35.5 billion Details of the unaudited results million, while administrative of Conoil Plc, Mike Adenuga (Jr.) retail network and important and sustainable performance that to be at N20.1 trillion. Trading made available yesterday showed expenses declined from N1.628 had promised the shareholders progress recorded on all fronts enhance juicy returns on their activity weakened as volume that the petroleum products billion to N1.285 billion. of better execution of value-added for the benefit of all stakeholders,” investment. He said the company and value traded fell by 42.9 marketing firm, adopted cost Consequently, PBT jumped products and services especially the chairman said. had strategically positioned its per cent and 49.5 per cent to reduction strategies to record by 62.8 per cent from N382.915 in the areas of marketing and “We are proud of the attain- business to take advantage of 156.9 million shares and N1.3 higher bottom-line despite a million in 2020 to N623.428 mil- growing the bottom-line. ments of the management. It emerging opportunities in the billion respectively. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 02/06/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 40 ˾THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Fell 7bps

The dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞǆ ůŽƐƚ ϳďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϵϭ͘ϱϰ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďǇ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX WAPCO (-2.9%), ACCESS (-0.6%), and DANGSUAGR (-0.3%). dŚĞƐĞƐƚŽĐŬƐĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇĂĐĐŽƵŶƚĨŽƌϲ͘ϵйŽĨƚŚĞŝŶĚĞǆ͘ Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index Price Price Previous Current Current Change Change Divindend Earnings Ticker Price ROE ROA P/E P/BV Price Weighting YTD Index to Yield Yield Change Date >ŽĐĂůŽƵƌƐĞůŽƐĞƐWŽƐŝƟǀĞ͘͘͘^/ƵƉϬ͘Ϯй THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1,691.54 -0.07% 15.2% 69.2% 15.4% 3.6% 5.2x 0.6x 5.7% 13.7% 1 Airtel Africa PLC 837.00 0.0% 32.4% -1.7% -1.7% 10.0% 3.5% 2.1% Buying interest in DANGCEM (+1.4%), ZENITH (+0.4%) and 2 BUA Cement Plc 74.00 0.0% 11.3% -4.3% -4.3% 19.1% 11.2% 35.5x 6.7x 2.4% 2.8% UBA (+0.7%) buoyed market performance as the All-Share 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 28.40 0.0% 8.6% -12.2% -12.2% 26.6% 4.3% 4.1x 1.0x 10.6% 24.4% 4 Zenith Bank PLC 22.95 0.4% 6.5% -7.5% -7.5% 23.1% 2.9% 3.1x 0.7x 13.1% 32.3% index rose 0.2% to close at 38,482.52 points. Consequently, 5 Dangote Cement PLC 215.50 1.4% 5.6% -12.0% -12.0% 32.0% 15.5% 12.1x 3.8x 7.5% 8.3% 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 162.50 0.0% 4.9% -4.4% -4.4% 97.1% 11.4% 14.5x 13.1x 5.8% 6.9% YTD loss improved to -4.4% ǁŚŝůĞŵĂƌŬĞƚĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶŝŶͲ 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 1,400.00 0.0% 3.9% -7.0% -7.0% 104.8% 17.8% 28.3x 37.9x 4.3% 3.5% 8 20.40 -2.9% creased ďǇ േϯϱ͘ϱďŶ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ േϮϬ͘ϭƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚǇ Lafarge Africa PLC 3.4% -3.1% -3.1% 8.8% 6.2% 10.3x 0.9x 4.9% 9.7% 9 Access Bank PLC 8.15 -0.6% 2.9% -3.6% -3.6% 16.4% 1.4% 2.5x 0.4x 9.8% 40.4% weakened as volume and value traded fell by 42.9% and 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 7.20 0.7% 2.4% -16.8% -16.8% 0.3x 7.2% 11 FBN Holdings Plc 7.20 0.0% 2.6% 0.7% 0.7% 11.1% 1.1% 3.8x 0.3x 6.3% 26.1% 49.5% to 156.9m ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚേϭ͘ϯďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 58.50 0.0% 2.3% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 1.8% 63.4x 2.9x 1.6% 1.6% 13 46.00 0.0% traded stocks by volume were JAPAULGO (20.0m units), Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 2.2% 4.4% 4.4% 20.7% 2.9% 7.0x 1.4x 8.7% 14.3% 14 International Brew eries PLC 5.35 0.0% 1.5% -10.1% -10.1% -15.5% -3.4% 0.9x -8.8% FBNH (12.2m units), and TRANSCORP (11.8m units) while 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 28.20 0.0% 1.2% 8.5% 8.5% 0.7x 5.0% 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C 680.00 0.0% 1.8% 69.0% 69.0% 1.6% 0.9% 39.9x 0.6x 6.0% 2.5% SEPLAT ;േϯϮϬ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ZENITH ;േϭϮϭ͘ϮŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ UACN 17 11 PLC 0.0% 7.4% 3.2% 18 96.50 0.0% ;േϭϭϴ͘ϵŵͿůĞĚďǇǀĂůƵĞ͘ Okomu Oil Palm PLC 0.9% 6.0% 6.0% 24.6% 16.0% 11.7x 2.7x 7.3% 8.5% 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 2.22 -0.4% 0.7% -11.9% -11.9% 11.4% 1.1% 2.2x 0.2x 9.9% 45.2% 20 5.00 -2.9% Ecobank Transnational Inc 0.6% -16.7% -16.7% 0.6% 0.0% 66.6x 0.2x 1.5% 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 17.00 -0.3% 0.6% -3.4% -3.4% 25.5% 12.6% 7.0x 1.7x 8.8% 14.3% 22 FCMB Group Plc 3.06 -2.9% 0.5% -8.1% -8.1% 3.3x 4.9% 30.1% Mixed Sector Performance 23 Sterling Bank PLC 1.66 0.0% 0.3% -18.6% -18.6% 9.2% 0.9% 4.1x 0.4x 3.0% 24.4% 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 13.50 -8.8% 0.4% -6.9% -6.9% 18.4% 5.8% 7.8x 2.9x 3.0% 12.8% Across sectors under our coverage, performance was mixed 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 0.88 0.0% 0.4% -2.2% -2.2% -1.3% -0.3% 0.5x 1.1% -2.4% as 3 ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐŐĂŝŶĞĚĂŶĚϯůŽƐƚ͘dŚĞ/ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞŝŶĚĞǆůĞĚŐĂŝŶͲ 26 Presco PLC 75.90 0.0% 0.3% 7.0% 7.0% 17.9% 7.3% 14.4x 2.4x 2.7% 6.9% 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 11.90 0.8% 0.2% -14.4% -14.4% -6.2% -4.1% 1.1x -5.8% ers, up 0.8% due to buying interest in WAPIC (+3.5%) and 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 5.50 0.0% 0.2% 3.8% 3.8% #N/A N/A 1.8% 29 United Capital PLC 5.90 -0.8% 0.3% 25.3% 25.3% 35.5% 4.2% 4.5x 1.4x 11.9% 22.2% NEM ;нϮ͘ϰйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 29.00 0.0% 0.3% 52.6% 52.6% -17.8% -9.0% 0.9x -22.4% 31 6.05 0.0% ing ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐƌŽƐĞϬ͘ϱйĂŶĚϮďƉƐƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͕ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐƉƌŝĐĞ Custodian and Allied Insurance 0.2% 3.4% 3.4% 25.0% 7.8% 3.1x 0.7x 9.1% 32.4% 32 A IICO Ins uranc e PLC 1.19 0.0% 0.2% 5.3% 5.3% 20.5% 3.3% 3.3x 0.2x 30.6% ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ in DANGCEM (+1.4%) and ZENITH (+0.4%). 33 Total Nigeria PLC 145.00 0.0% 0.2% 11.5% 11.5% 21.9x #N/A N/A 4.3% 4.6% 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 19.00 0.0% 0.2% 7.8% 7.8% 8.3% 1.1% 8.3x 0.6x 2.1% 12.0% Conversely, the Consumer Goods, Oil & Gas and AFR-ICT 35 Wema Bank PLC 0.59 1.7% 0.1% -14.5% -14.5% 8.0% 0.5% 3.1x 0.4x 6.8% 32.8% 36 0.0% indices ĨĞůůϭϲďƉƐ͕ϱďƉƐĂŶĚϭďƉƐƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇŽŶƚŚĞďĂĐŬ Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 0.0% -100.0% 7.4% 0.9% 6.8x 0.7x 4.3% 14.8% 37 Oando PLC 2.98 -0.7% 0.1% -19.5% -19.5% 14.5% 2.6% 1.3x 0.2x 77.9% of sell-ŽīƐ in DANGSUGAR (-0.3%), OANDO (-0.7%) and 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 62.50 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% -28.7% -7.6% 1.9x -16.8% 39 Beta Glass PLC 54.00 0.0% 0.1% -2.5% -2.5% 9.3% 6.4% 7.8x 0.7x 2.1% 12.9% CWG (-9.7%). 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc 3.57 0.0% 0.0% -0.8% -0.8% -10.6% -5.5% 0.6x -22.5%

Top 10 Gainers Top 10 Trades by Volume

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚtĞĂŬĞŶƐ Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Volume Price Chg % UP L 1.40 9.4% JAPAULGOLD 19.9 -4.8%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ as measured by market breadth REGALINS 0.53 8.2% FBNH 12.2 0.0% ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌĂƟŽͿ͕ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚƚŽϬ͘ϴǆĨƌŽŵϭ͘ϭǆŝŶƚŚĞ VERITASKAP 0.21 5.0% T R A N S C O R P 11. 8 0 . 0 % CHIP LC 0.75 4.2% UACN 10.8 0.0%

last trading session as 15 stocks advanced while ROYA LEX 0.80 3.9% FIDELITYBK 9.8 -0.4% 20 declined. UPL (+9.4%), REGALINS (+8.2%) WA P IC 0.60 3.4% SOVRENINS 7.9 3.4% SOVRENINS 0.30 3.4% WAPIC 5.7 3.4%

and VERITASKAP (+5.0%) led gainers while CWG (-9.7%), HONYFLOUR 1.16 2.7% ZENITHBANK 5.3 0.4%

UCAP 5.0 -0.8% IKEJAHOTEL (-9.1%) and NASCON (-8.8%) led decliners. We NEM 2.12 2.4% WEMABANK 0.59 1.7% FCM B 4.4 -2.9% ĞǆƉĞĐƚƚŚĞŵĂƌŬĞƚƚŽĞǆƚĞŶĚŝƚƐƐŽŌŐĂŝŶŝŶƚŚĞŶĞǆƚƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ Top 10 Losers Top 10 Trades by Value ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ĂŵŝĚďĂƌŐĂŝŶŚƵŶƟŶŐŽŶƐŽŵĞůĂƌŐĞ-cap stocks. Ticker Price Price Chg % Ticker Value Price Chg %

CWG 1.87 -9.7% SEPLAT 320.0 0.0%

IKEJAHOTEL 1.00 -9.1% ZENITHBANK 121.2 0.4%

NASCON 13.50 -8.8% U A C N 118 . 9 0 . 0 %

JOHNHOLT 0.53 -8.6% DANGCEM 116.6 1.4%

LINKASSURE 0.55 -8.3% GUARANTY 100.9 0.0%

LEARNAFRCA 1.00 -7.4% FBNH 87.9 0.0%

JAPAULGOLD 0.59 -4.8% WAPCO 55.3 -2.9%

FIDSON 5.10 -3.4% OKOM UOIL 43.0 0.0%

ETI 5.00 -2.9% STANBIC 36.4 0.0%

FCM B 3.06 -2.9% UCAP 29.7 -0.8%

Brokerage Asset Management Investment Research Afrinvest West Africa Limited Adedoyin Allen | [email protected] Robert Omotunde | [email protected] Abiodun Keripe | [email protected]

Taiwo Ogundipe | [email protected] Christopher Omoh | [email protected] THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY 41 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 01- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jun-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 153.60 155.13 -5.05% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.96% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund 302.99 302.99 -23.72% [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.53 111.53 -0.51% 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 5.89% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.78 2.84 21.01% 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 5.21% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.07 149.50 -4.08% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.25 3.31 -9.72% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.22 1.26 28.79% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.10% 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 3.09% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 124.50 125.94 -6.40% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.37 1.39 0.69% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -21.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,139.59 1,139.59 3.18% 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 18.91 19.48 4.27% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.81 10.84 3.15% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 413.67 426.14 3.32% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.31% ARM Ethical Fund 37.20 38.32 10.34% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -11.24% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.00 0.00 -100.00% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.03% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Balanced Fund 1.64 1.66 7.26% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.39 12.45 2.17% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.48% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.42 104.42 2.66% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.60 0.09% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.83 112.41 0.79% 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 126.52 128.83 6.88% 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 1.94 1.94 -23.95% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 2.95% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.00 2.04 -25.58% 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 3,122.53 3,147.26 -2.91% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 1.21% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 229.85 229.85 2.22% 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 301.43 301.43 2.30% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 214.82 217.46 -1.70% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.73% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.51% Paramount Equity Fund 15.88 16.15 -0.77% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,123.69 10,249.20 -3.62% Women's Investment Fund 131.89 133.26 -0.95% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 2.32% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.77 113.77 2.42% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.21 101.21 - Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.62% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 115.89 116.65 - 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 1.94 1.94 2.70% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.63 106.63 - United Capital Equity Fund 0.89 0.91 3.16% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.89% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.69 120.69 3.08% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.07% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 -0.38% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 -3.48% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.09% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.35 -14.80% 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 12.13 12.24 2.22% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.70% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.57 13.69 11.06% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.56% Zenith Income Fund 24.09 24.09 0.48% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,159.03 1,166.66 -3.22% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.27% 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 1,371.58 1,371.58 10.56% SFS REIT 123.46 2.25% FBN Balanced Fund 185.47 186.63 -1.18% Union Homes REIT 51.40 -1.91% FBN Halal Fund 109.64 109.64 6.45% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.19% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn -- -Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.50 12.60 -5.44% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.97 124.97 3.29% SIAML Pension ETF 40 123.31 123.31 1.29% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.86 154.91 1.11% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.58 98.32 -2.84% 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 1.00 1.00 3.15% Legacy Debt Fund 3.95 3.95 2.00% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.68 3.72 -2.54% Legacy Equity Fund 1.56 1.59 2.30% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.56 5.64 -2.21% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.16 1.16 2.08% Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.80 16.90 2.80% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.11% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.69 18.89 -8.87% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 159.50 161.50 -27.05% 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. 42 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Malami Disowns Alleged Memo to Buhari Seeking Suspension of Constitution Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami him to suspend the Constitution the report, describing it is report as fabrications of anti- The statement added that it (SAN) has denied link to any of Nigeria, so as to have a handiwork of enemies of constitutional democratic is antithetical to common sense The Attorney General of the purported memo to President free hand in dealing with the democracy. stability in Nigeria. to think that the holder of such Federation and Minister of Muhammadu Buhari, urging worsening insecurity in the “The attention of the Office “Malami remains a true coveted office will stoop to what country. of the Honourable Attorney democrat who believes in rule was printed by the media. Malami in a statement by his General of the Federation and of law and tenant of democracy “The government does UNILAG Sacks Two Lecturers in media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu, Minister of Justice, Abubakar and constitutional order”, the not operate in secrecy as it is not only denied advising the Malami (SAN) has been drawn media aide stated. not a clandestine operation. Sex-for-grades Scandal president along such lines, but to a false and fictitious report He further stressed that Hence, Malami discharges also reiterated his support for alleging that there was a secret the office of the AGF is a his constitutionally recognised Sunday Ehigiator Igbeneghu of the Department constitutional democracy. memo emanating from the office constitutionally recognised one mandates in compliance with of European Languages and While dismissing the entire to the Presidency. with its role and responsibilities principles of transparency, The University of Lagos Integration Studies, Faculty of report as false, he however “General public are hereby embedded in the constitution. openness and accountability”, (UNILAG) has dismissed two Arts and Dr. Samuel Omoniyi urged Nigerians to ignore asked to disregard the media the statement added. lecturers who were indicted Oladipo of the Department of in a sex-for-grade scandal that Economics, Faculty of Social rocked the institution in 2019. Sciences, from the services of The indicted lecturers, Dr. the University. Boniface Igbeneghu and Dr. “Council, at its meeting, Samuel Omoniyi Oladipo, considered the Report were caught on camera and findings of the Senate demanding sex from an Committee set up to undercover reporter acting as investigate allegations of an admission-seeking ‘student’ sexual harassment levelled in a BBC report. against them in a British Igbeneghu was a lecturer in Broadcasting Corporation the Department of European (BBC) World Service Languages and Integration Investigative Series titled Studies, Faculty of Arts AFRICA EYE (which centred while Oladipo lectured at on sexual harassment in the Department of Economics, tertiary institutions). Faculty of Social Sciences. “The Council consequently Their dismissal was decided and approved that contained in a circular both Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu released yesterday by the and Dr. Samuel Omoniyi school authorities. Oladipo be dismissed from The statement read, “The the services of the University Governing Council of the for misconduct, with effect University of Lagos, at its from Monday, May 31, 2021 meeting on Monday, May 31, in line with Section 18 of 2021, approved the immediate the University of Lagos Act dismissal of Dr. Boniface 1967. CAMARADERIE.. L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Federal Executive Council Akeredolu: I Didn’t Call meeting in Abuja...yesterday Kukah: Those Behind Killings Haven’t Been Labelled Terrorists for Scrapping of Senate John Shiklam in Kaduna blood in their hearts. “There is nowhere citizens know who they are, who “Those who govern us are can be slaughtered in the they believe in and where Ondo State Governor, Mr. identified Nigeria’s Bicameral The Catholic Bishop of the allowing this killing of citizens whole world without the their inspiration comes from. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Legislature and its full-time Sokoto Diocese, Bishop in their innocency because government showing empathy The government has never has denied calling for the status as plausibly reducible Matthew Kukah, has kicked they have no blood in their and concern. declared the kidnappers to scrapping of the Senate in the weights to cut cost. against the refusal of the hearts,” Kukah said. “The continuous barbaric be a terrorist group. review of the 1999 Constitution He said: “Succinctly, federal government to declare Bello was kidnapped slaughter and murder of our “There is no ambiguity being undertaken by the Governor Akeredolu’s view, bandits a terrorist group. alongside Rev. Fr. Joseph Keke people in their innocency about those who are killing National Assembly. which is the official position In his homily yesterday and murdered by bandits on suggests that our beautiful our people and why they are Akeredolu was on Tuesday of the Ondo State Government at the burial of Rev. Fr. May 21, 2021, in Katsina. Presidential Villa, National doing so and where their represented by his deputy, Mr. is that, adoption of the Alphonsus Bello, which Kukah argued that there Assembly, government inspiration comes from. We Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the Unicameral Legislature, and held at Our Lady of Apostle was nowhere in the world houses, are not evidence of hear and live with stories of House of Representatives’ making it part-time would not Catholic Church Independence where killings of human civilisation. complicity at the highest level. public hearing on the review of only cut cost of governance Way, Kaduna, the Priest also beings were so manifested “How did Nigeria come We as Christians can only rely the 1999 constitution in Akure, but has the potentials of said Nigerian leaders had no as it was in Nigeria. to this tragic situation? We on the faithful word of God. Ondo State capital. enhanced performance and Akeredolu described the altruistic services to Nigerians. report quoting him as calling “Therefore, ascribing or FG, Health Workers Disagree over Enhanced Hazard Allowance for the scrapping of the Senate misinterpreting this proposal Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja When computed, the Medical Association (NMA) and Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). as an “interpretative error.” to isolatedly, depict a call for government offer amounted to the Joint Health Sector Unions Ngige said the federal The Ondo State governor, the scraping of the Nigerian The federal government and health about N17,500 monthly for junior (JOHESU) demanded for an government has moved up who spoke in statement by his Senate is erroneous. The call sector workers have again failed to workers and N30,000 monthly increase of about N250,000 from the N5000 monthly hazard Commissioner for Information for a part-time Unicameral reach agreement on the percentage for senior workers. monthly which government allowance paid to all health and Orientation, Mr. Donald Federal Parliament remains increase on the hazard allowance Minister of Labour and refused to grant. workers in Nigeria, offering Ojogo, said he had, like many and shall be pursued with of the workers. Employment, Senator Chris Ngige A statement issued by the 350 percent and 600 percent other well-meaning Nigerians, all vigour.” At the resumed negotiations disclosed the proposed increase Deputy Director/Head Press increments for junior workers and between the federal government on Tuesday night after a meeting and Public Relations, in the senior workers respectively. He and the leadership of the between the two sides held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and said, “The Government side gave Umahi Suspends another professional bodies in the health Banquet Hall of the Presidential Employment, Mr. Charles Akpan them that offer based on the reality sector, the government made Villa in Abuja. said the government side led by that we have on ground, that the Coordinator for Dereliction of Duty an offer to increase the N5,000 THISDAY, however, gathered the Minister of State for Budget economy is not doing very well Governor David Umahi of Ekuma from office as Coordinator, monthly hazard allowance for that the health workers rejected and Planning, Mr. Clem Agba, and the capital component of the Ebonyi State yesterday suspended Ikwo East Development Centre all health workers by 350 per the federal government’s proposal. gave a counter offer to the earlier budget is actually being funded the Coordinator of Ikwo East for negligence and dereliction of cent and 600 per cent for junior A source at the closed-door submissions made by the Nigerian on borrowing. The earnings of the Development Center, Mr. duty with immediate effect. workers and senior workers, meeting told THISDAY that the Medical Association (NMA) and Government have also drastically Emmanuel Ejima. “Consequently, Mr. Emmanuel respectively. health workers led by the Nigeria affiliate associations and the Joint gone down. The 64 Development Centres Ekuma has been directed to hand in the 13 local government areas over all government property in his in the state are the fourth tier of possession to Secretary to the State No Going Back on Increase in Fees, Kaduna Tells KASU Students government in the state. Government and Coordinating John Shiklam in Kaduna House in Kaduna. She explained that the spending about N5 billion on Secretary to the State Commissioner before the close According to a Government fees hike is to enable the the university as the N26,000 Government, Mr. Kenneth gbala of work on Wednesday, 2nd The Kaduna State Government House statement issued after university to be a top-ranking being paid by students was announced the suspension in a June 2021.” has declared that the recent the meeting, Balarabe said the university, and “we want you not enough to pay lecturers statement issued yesterday. No reason was given for the increase in tuition fees of increase, though painful but to be proud that you went for three months. According to him, the suspension suspension of the coordinator, the Kaduna State University necessary, “it is the only way to one of the best schools. Also speaking during the is indefinite and with immediate it is believed that it may not (KASU) will not be reversed. that the institution can stay “We want Kaduna State meeting, the Secretary to effect. be unconnected with the fresh The state Deputy Governor, afloat. students to hold their heads the State Government (SSG), He said: “His Excellency, the outbreak of hostilities between a Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, stated “We understand the pain; high wherever they might be Malam Balarabe Lawal, Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. community in his domain and a this at a meeting with the we are also pained but and be proud to represent pointed out that university Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, neighbouring community in the representatives of the students sometimes, some decisions the state.’’ education in the country FNATE, has approved the indefinite Abakaliki local government area with senior government are taken for the betterment of Balarabe stated further that is collapsing because of suspension of Mr. Emmanuel of the state. officials at the Government the generality of the people.” the state government was inadequate funding. THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY 43 NEWSEXTRA Afenifere, APC Senator Differ on Constitution Review Emma Okonji Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has monitored by THISDAY According to Adebanjo, He said government should to ethnic bigotry. If Adebanjo faulted the constitution Newspapers. “The 1999 Constitution that call for a national conference and Afenifere think otherwise The senator representing Bauchi review process by the National Although Adebanjo argued was handed over to us by the where Nigerians would come of the constitution, they can North on the platform of the All Assembly, insisting it was a that the 1999 constitution, military, is fraudulent and we from all walks of life to re-write go to court to contest it. The Progressives Congress (APC), waste of time and energy, which is currently in use and are rejecting it because it is not the constitution that would National Assembly is doing Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, Bulkachuwa said the review under review by the National the people’s constitution and it address the needs of the people. its job by calling for review of has disagreed with the was a welcome development Assembly, was handed over to does not represent the interest Bulkachuwa, who completely the constitution and Nigerians Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political that would address the needs Nigerians by the military and of the people. We cannot disagreed with the views should allow them to do their Organisation, Afenifere, over of all Nigerians. should be discarded, to enable review a constitution that is of Adebanjo, said Afenifere job. It is true that the 1999 the ongoing constitution review The duo spoke separately Nigerians begin the process not made by the people. This members were drifting from the Constitution was reviewed in process. last night on a national of developing an entire new government must either give general belief of one Nigeria, to the past by military governments, While the leader of Afenifere, television programme constitution, Bulkachuwa said it Nigerians the 1963 Constitution have faulted the Constitution of but that does not warrant had never happened anywhere that was written by civilians for the Federal Republic of Nigeria discarding the entire constitution. in the world, where an existing Nigerians, or allow the country that had been defended by past Several civilian governments Attack Threat: Lagos CP Assures constitution that used by several to develop a new constitution civilian governments. have amended the constitution civilian governments, would be because Nigerians can no longer “I think Adebanjo has lost to meet the needs of civilians Alaba Traders of Security entirely thrown out just because accept the constitution that touch with reality and Nigerians and that is the right thing to do market leaders yesterday assured some minority voices called was forced on Nigerians by will not allow him to compel and not to disown the entire The Lagos State Commissioner of them of the command’s efforts for a new constitution. the military.” the country to descend so low constitution,” Bulkachuwa said. Police (CP), Hakeem Odumosu, in fortifying security in various has assured traders in the various markets to repel any attack. markets in the state of the security Odumosu said, “About 72 of their lives and properties. hours ago, a footage went viral, The assurance followed a viral the person in the video alleged audio, which claimed that there that Alaba International Market was a plan to attack and burn will be attacked but because we down the Alaba International are always proactive in Lagos, Market in the Ojo LGA of the we decided within ourselves to state. hold a meeting with all those In the audio, a voice was heard that work and sell in that area saying, “They want to attack Alaba and by extension all the major International Market and burn markets in the state. it down… I want to warn our “We want them to know the people in Lagos to be on the preparedness of the command alert and very vigilant because for any security breach that may they are coming to burn Alaba come up and also to let them Electronics Market.” know that they should go about In his reaction to the threat, their lawful businesses without Odumosu, at a meeting with any fear of attack.” Foreign Herdsmen Likely to Attack South-west, Says Amotekun Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan “Security challenge: Holistic approach and the significance of FIFTY-SEVEN HEARTY CHEERS… The Chairman of the Oyo regional security dimensions.” L-R: Immediate past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Onome J. Adewuyi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; State Security Network, aka “The people who are New President of ICAN, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo; and a former member of National Assembly representing Ogun East, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, during Amotekun, Gen. Kunle Togun supposed to administer Nigeria the investiture of the Eyitayo as the 57th President of ICAN in Lagos...yesterday (rtd) has raised the alarm that to move forward are biased foreign herdsmen may likely in the aspect of religion. The attack the South-west region. Fulani that I grew up to know He advised residents of the were the native Fulani. Obaseki: Court will Decide Fate of 14 Assembly Members-elect region to be vigilant because of “But these ones causing Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Okiye, for being absent from the According to him, “Some from all of you and are very glad the presence of foreign Fulani problems are non-Nigerians. Assembly proceedings for the characters said they sent that your support gives us the herdsmen in the forests in the They are from FutaJallon, Mali, The Edo State Governor, Mr. mandatory 181 days. congratulatory letters to me, and confidence to continue to fight. region. Bourkina Faso, Chad, Niger Godwin Obaseki, has asserted that Obaseki, while reacting to calls put it in all kinds of conditions. “For us as a government, we Togun, who was a director Republic. Some of these people the fate of the 14 members-elect of to pardon the Assembly members- “How can you tell me to are open. There is nothing that at the Directorate of Military were Tuaregs, who used to the state House of Assembly, who elect during an interactive session forgive those 14 lawmakers-elect we are hiding and this is why Intelligence (DMI), said the ambush traders in the olden did not turn up for inauguration, with stakeholders from Nigeria who are responsible for sedition we have to kill anything that foreigners might unleash terror days and robbed them of their rests with the court. Labour Congress (NLC), Trade and treason in Nigeria? Of course, links us to godfatherism. We on the region. money and property. The governor said the seats Union Congress (TUC) and other we are going to start charges.” have killed it at the national Speaking yesterday at an “These foreign Fulani, of the 14 members-elect were civil society groups, called for “You see, what is bad is bad. level and need to kill it locally, annual lecture organised by somebody has told them in December 2019 declared the support of all stakeholders Let’s stop covering up things so as it is everywhere. I urge you the students of the Institute that Allah has given Nigeria vacant by the Assembly led by towards achieving lasting peace that people can learn and not do to please be activists for good of Peace and Strategic Studies, to them as their heritage and former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Francis and development in the state. it again. We have gotten support cause, peace and development.” University of Ibadan, Togun they are coming here to come noted that the Fulani, who and take what Allah has given were mainly from Mali, Niger them.” Republic, Chad and Burkina Togun advised people in the Niger Bans Commercial Motorcycles Faso, had been residing in the six states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Laleye Dipo in Minna over 100 school girls from government efforts to secure confident that in no distant forests for some years. Osun, Ekiti and Ondo to be the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya the release of the abducted time, the children will be united Togun spoke on the theme, security conscious. The Niger State Government School in Tegina Rafi Local girls in Minna yesterday during with their parents. has banned the operations of Government Area and the which the ban was announced, “The government is in touch commercial motorcyclists in the increasing activities of bandits the state Deputy Governor, with some of the parents of FAO, WFP Predict Acute Food state, even as the government who use motorcycles for their Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed the kidnapped children; they also places restriction on the operations in several parts of Ketso, said measures “are being have been assured of the safe Insecurity in Northern Nigeria use of private motorcycles. the state. put in place for the safe release return of their wards.” The government action, The state government said of the abductees,” adding that He appealed to all residents Micheal Olugbode in Abuja and destruction of livelihoods, which came almost three private motorcycles would “efforts are also being made in the state to come forward worsening the possibility of months after a similar order only be allowed to operate to identify the bandits. with useful information on the The Food and Agriculture food security. which was not enforced between 6a.m. and 9p.m. “Niger State Government activities of bandits in their Organisation (FAO) of the “In the conflict-affected was imposed, came on the daily effectively from today. is negotiating the release of areas to the nearest security United Nations (UN) and the areas of Northern Nigeria, heels of the abduction of Giving an update on the abductees, and we are agency. World Food Programme (WFP) the situation is extremely have projected that about 13 concerning given the marked million people will be victims deterioration of food security of acute food insecurity in conditions despite the recent Ondo Police Parade 12 Suspects for Alleged Robbery, Stealing, Others Northern Nigeria by August. harvest. James Sowole in Akure confessed to have taken part and Timothy were arrested with fake receipts. The alarm was contained in “The majority of people in conspiracy and armed after carrying out an operation The police commissioner a 2021 report titled ‘Hunger with critical food insecurity The Ondo State Police robbery on May 6, 2021, at in Akure. said Kelvin Abugu, 35, was hotspots, FAO-WFP early are in Borno State, as a result Command yesterday paraded Ogbese, adding that other The commissioner also arrested for allegedly defiling warnings on acute food of heavy humanitarian access 12 suspects arrested for robbery suspects paraded disclosed that the police a nine-year-old girl. insecurity: March to July 2021 constraints and ongoing alleged robbery, stealing and are Jide Adewale, Olaniyi command arrested three The suspect, who confessed outlook.’ conflict. defilement. Timothy Alonge Gbolahan persons for allegedly stealing to the crime during interview, The report was an early “Here, the localities of The suspects were paraded and Oghonevo Godwin. power-generating sets. blamed the devil for his action. warning to 20 countries Abadam, Dikwa, Guzamala, at the headquarters of the Bolaji said while Jide He explained that 26 The state police boss, who recognised as hotspots, where Kukawa and Marte, as well as police command in Akure, Adewale was arrested for power-generating sets were said there were some other parts of the populations are at other only-partially accessible the state capital, by the state robbing Rano Petrol Station also recovered after the arrest suspects in the custody of risk of acute food insecurity. garrison towns, remain of Police Commissioner, Mr. in Akure, Godwin of No 24 of the trio of Ooeyemi Tosin, the command, appealed to In Nigeria, the report extreme concern. Salami Bolaji. Ogbomo Street, Warri, Delta Thankgod James and Sadiq the governments of various highlighted issues such as “Should the situation According to Salami, three State, was arrested with a Segun. states to negotiate with the an expanding revolt and deteriorate further, these areas of the seven robbery suspects, stolen Honda SUV with Bolaji said Tosin confessed judiciary workers so that the inter-communal strife, which may be at risk of famine,” the Usman Yakubu, Micheal Ali registration no: ABA 841 TG, to be a serial burglar, while suspects can be charged to led to multiple displacements report stated. and Monday Etim, have in Akure, just as Gbolahan he issued buyers of his loot court. 44 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... Senate Passes Bill Abolishing HND, BSc Dichotomy Deji Elumoye in Abuja The passage of the bill was Shekarau, while presenting the dichotomy between HND of the bill would serve as a one bill that was so important, sequel to the consideration of a report said, “the enactment of holders and graduates of motivation for polytechnic and is one way of encouraging The Senate yesterday passed a report by the Joint Committee the bill to abolish and prohibit universities would meet graduates. our Polytechnic graduates. bill that prohibits employers in on Establishment and Public discrimination between First the huge manpower needs He, therefore, called on the “That should not take away the country from discriminating Service Matters, and Tertiary Degrees and Higher National of Nigerians, ensure social public and private sectors to from the kind of training they between first degree and Higher Institutions and TETFUND. Diploma for the purpose of justice and enhanced corporate ensure the implementation of receive, but, in fact, it is supposed National Diploma (HND) Chairman of the Joint employment in Nigeria will governance, as well encourage the bill’s provisions as soon as it to be a motivation for our holders. Committee, Senator Ibrahim no doubt free holders of HND patriotic contributions amongst is signed into law by President polytechnic graduates. from stagnation and ensure HND employees in both public Muhammadu Buhari. “(And) I pray that the federal balanced treatment with their and private sectors. Lawan said: “This particular government and all those Ketron Investment Completes counterparts from other higher In his remarks after the issue has been in the front burner government agencies and the tertiary institutions in Nigeria.” passage of the bill, the Senate for a long time. I recall that in private sector would start to According to him, the President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the House of Representatives implement this by the time the Acquisition of Shoprite abolishment of the existing emphasised that the passage between 2003 and 2007, this was President assents to this bill.” Ketron Investment Limited, ensuring the continued a subsidiary of Persianas operations of one of the biggest Investment Limited, has retail success stories in Nigeria,” completed the acquisition of he said. Shoprite operations in Nigeria. “We look forward to building Persianas, a property firm an even stronger company and developer of the popular following our acquisition and The Palms, is owned by Tayo are excited about the greater Amusan. impact we will achieve to the Last year, Africa’s largest food benefit of our customers and retailer informed investors of other stakeholders now and a potential divestment of its well into the future.” business in Nigeria, while Shoprite currently has 25 Amusan’s Persianas became outlets in eight states across the preferred bidder for the Nigeria. The subsidiary had Shoprite stake among three been impacted mainly by import bidders. restrictions, forex fluctuations. TheCable yesterday, In its year 2020 financial quoted the Chairman, statement, Chief Executive Ketron Investment Limited, Officer of Shoprite Holdings, Tayo Amusan, to have said Pieter Engelbrecht said currency the Federal Competition devaluations eroded much of and Consumer Protection its efforts to push sales growth Commission had approved a high. change of ownership. In February 2021, Shoprite “We are thrilled to complete holdings closed its Kenyan the acquisition of Shoprite, stores. INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION… Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (left); and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, during the army chief’s visit to Bill Gates Pledges Extra the Naval Headquarters in Abuja…yesterday $50m for COVID-19 Many Feared Dead as Osun Police, Hunters Confront Bank Robbers Panic yesterday gripped the killed by the robbers but Akire’s Palace, while the affected as Ikire Area Command of the Vaccines for Nigeria, Others residents of Apomu and Ikire the number of casualty was police station was the Ayedaade police by robbers. towns in Osun State as hunters unknown as at press time. Police Station. She, however, said casualty The Bill & Melinda Gates together to expand equitable access and policemen confronted The dare-devil robbers were The armed robbers however figure was not available. Foundation has announced a $50 to COVID-19 vaccines, or we risk armed robbers that attacked said to have entered Apomu fled through Orileowu road “A bank in Ikire and a police million commitment to Gavi, the more deaths and the emergence of two commercial banks in the and Ikire through Ikoyi town, after some local hunters and station and Ikire Area Command Vaccine Alliance. new variants that could prolong areas. and divided themselves into policemen confronted them. were attacked by robbers. The pledge will support the pandemic for everyone,” said THISDAY gathered that two different groups before they The spokesperson for Osun “The Commissioner of Police COVID-19 vaccine purchase Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill commercial banks and police attacked the police stations and State Police Command, Yemisi is leading the operation and through Gavi’s COVAX Advance & Melinda Gates Foundation. stations were attacked by armed the affected banks, one of which Opalola, confirmed attack on a all our men are on ground to Market Commitment (AMC) as “Thanks to today’s robbers in the two towns. was located in Oke-Ola area. commercial bank in Apomu, a ensure that the fleeing robbers well as delivery of these vaccines contributions, especially Japan’s Many people were feared The second bank was near police station in Ikire, as well are apprehended.” to Nigeria and 91 lower-income generous pledge and its leadership countries. in global health, we’ve taken The announcement builds an important step towards that on $156 million in previous goal. This summit is a powerful We Handed a United Nigeria to Buhari, PDP Replies APC commitments by the foundation example of what can be achieved to the COVAX AMC. The when we act collectively to control Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the PDP administration of on Nigerians during elections. foundation’s total commitment the pandemic and save lives.” for exposing the failures of the President Goodluck Jonathan “Also, Nigerians are aware to the COVID-19 response is now The foundation urged high- The Peoples Democratic Party APC and its administration, handed over a united and of how the APC administration more than $1.8 billion. income countries to share at least 1 has said it handed over a particularly their ignoble roles stable country to the APC shielded terrorism apologists The pledge was announced at billion excess COVID-19 vaccines united and stable Nigeria to in the escalation of violence, and President Muhammadu in their cabinet how APC Gavi’s COVAX AMC Summit, with lower-income countries as the All Progressives Congress killing and other acts of Buhari after pushing terrorists leaders, on several occasions, an event co-hosted by the soon as possible. (APC)-led government of terrorism across our nation. to the fringes and conducting made case for terrorists, asked government of Japan and Gavi High-income countries have President Muhammadu Buhari. “The PDP asserts that elections in all parts of our Nigerians not to fight back in that gathered world leaders, the reserved more COVID-19 This is in response to a Governor Wike, in stating country. the face of aggression and even private sector, civil society, and vaccines than they need, and statement issued by the that the future of our nation “The APC has not denied the blamed victims of terrorism as technical partners to build support thus can be part of a critical APC which claimed that cannot be left in the hands of fact that it was on assumption witnessed in the case of 43 rice to procure COVID-19 vaccines effort to accelerate global vaccine the insurgency which its the APC, directly spoke the of its office that terrorism farmers who were beheaded and equitably distribute them to access by sharing excess doses, government was facing mind of majority of Nigerians resurged as APC leaders by terrorists in Borno State.” lower-income countries. without compromising their own was inherited from the across board. opened up our nation to PDP noted that the APC had “The world must urgently come vaccination efforts. administration led by the PDP. “As such, any attack on terrorists, bandits and vandals, been deliberately compromising In the response, the PDP Governor Wike, on this including those they brought in the security of the nation to National Publicity Secretary, Mr. score, is a direct assault on from neighbouring countries, allow for chaos, crisis and Anambra: Soludo, Seven Others Kola Ologbondiyan, berated the the generality of Nigerians as political mercenaries to assist emergency situation for their Jostle for APGA Guber Ticket APC for attacking Rivers State “Nigerians are aware that the APC to unleash violence selfish and unpatriotic gains. Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Chukwuma Umeoji, Hon. Carter Umeh, Hon. Dangote Partners Germany on Youth Training As the race for the November Chukwuma Umeoji, Chief 6 Anambra State governorship Damian Okoro, Chief to Address Skills Gap election gets intense, eight Akachukwu Nwankpo. aspirants have bought their Others are Hon. Okwudili The Aliko Dangote Foundation Dangote said that the landmark Nigeria, and will be replicated the technical training, they will nomination forms to contest Nwankwo, and Hon. in partnership with Germany’s program is a Seven-million Euro in all the six geo-political zones also get personal effectiveness in the primary elections ThankGod Kenechukwu VDMA - the German investment, a large percentage of the country. trainings of same quality as on the platform of the All Ibeh. Association for Mechanical of which is for the specialised, Noting that vocational and our staff” Progressive Grand Alliance So far, the party has raked and Plant Engineering - and leading-edge equipment that has technical skills are vital to the Germany’s Minister for (APGA). in about N176 million from its Foundation for Young Talent been shipped from Germany well-being of any economy, Economic Cooperation and Three of the aspirants are the sale of nomination forms. in Mechanical Engineering and installed in five workshops as key levers for growth, Development, Dr. Gerd muller, serving members of the state Soludo, who is a major (NWS) have officially launched purpose-built for this program at specifically in the manufacturing lauded the Aliko Dangote House of Assembly. contender in the state a technical training program in Dangote Academy in Obajana. sector, Dangote said significant Foundation and VDMA for The eight APGA aspirants governorship election Nigeria, in a bid to significantly He also said the beneficiaries skills gaps exist in Nigeria, the enviable programme that who have collected the came to the party’s national address the skill deficit in all will be trained, using these which is what this programme can transform and develop the nomination forms so far headquarters to pick his form the key sectors of the nation’s machines, so they can learn is seeking to address. economy of Nigeria. He said are: former Governor of last Tuesday with a large economy. practical skills that will be “The trainees that his ministry had supported the the Central Bank of Nigeria number of supporters who Speaking at the official transferable as they enter the successfully pass through the initiative with €3.6 million and (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma were drumming, dancing and launching of the programme work force. full vocational training will would not hesitate to do more Charles Soludo; Hon. hailing him. yesterday, the President This programme, according be prepared as well-rounded for the purpose of the initiatives of Dangote Group, Aliko to him, is the first of its kind in professionals. In addition to to be achieved. THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY 45 24 HOURS... 24 HOURS... Police Nab Fabricators of 200 Local AK-47 Rifles Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja crimes, including gunrunning, Police also paraded a syndicate and diplomatic number plates. He displayed an ammunition He said investigation was illegal possession and fabrication specialised in the fabrication of Another suspect, Abubakar chain, which could hold 1,600 ongoing. Nigeria Police yesterday paraded of arms and vehicle number vehicle number plates. Mohammed, a Malian national live ammunition used in The police also paraded 81 crime suspects and 45 assorted plates, kidnapping, armed He said Basil Okpara, based in Kebbi State, was General Purpose Machine a suspect and psychology arms and ammunition as the robbery and murder. Nurudeen Lawal, among others, involved in transnational Guns (GPMG). student of University of Jos, Mr. force battles rising crime wave He said one of the suspects, specialised in the manufacture gunrunning. He said the suspect was Sylvester Adamu, who sought nationwide. Joe Michael, a graduate of of vehicle number plates that Mba said Abubakar arrested between Nigeria/Benin and received a N500,000 loan The suspects include Government Technical College, looked exactly like the official Mohammed, “has been in the Republic border and had been from a friend for his marriage manufacturers of local AK- Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State, number plates of the Federal business of supplying arms in the business for five years, but later planned the death of 47 rifles and suspects, who fabricated 180 locally made Road Safety Commission (FRSC), to armed bandits and other smuggling one AK-47 at a time, the friend after he sighted some fabricated and sold over 100 AK-47 rifles, using original AK-47 including private, commercial criminals in the Sahel region”. which he sold for N500,000. money on his car dashboard. unauthorised vehicle number ammunition and magazines plates. which he sold for N80,000 each. Parading the suspects in He said only users would Abuja, Force Public Relations understand the difference Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a between the original AK-47 Commissioner of Police, said the rifles and the local ones he suspects were involved in various produced. Kidnappers of Islamic Students Threatening to Increase Ransom, Says Head Teacher Emma Okonji and Nosa yesterday through a telephone Alekhuogie interview on Arise News television, the broadcast arm Suspected gunmen who of THISDAY Newspapers, said kidnapped students of two female teachers were also Islamiyya School, Tegina, in kidnapped, and that the female Niger State last Sunday are teachers were forced to disclose threatening to increase the his telephone number through WELCOME ON BOARD…… N110 million ransom they which they contacted him to L-R: Principal, Dominican College, Mafoluku, Lagos, Mrs. Ngozi Anozie; Administrator, Mr. Daniel-Mario Ibezim, outgoing Chairperson, Interim have demanded for the release negotiate for ransom. Executive Committee, Parents-Teachers’ Forum (PTF), Mrs. Clara Anyanwu; and newly elected Chairman, PTF, Mr. Chuks Arubalaeze, at the of the students if the money He said he was allowed was not paid yesterday. to speak with the female inauguration of the new executive of the school PTF in Lagos…weekend The Head Teacher of the teachers, who narrated their school, Abubakar Alhassan, ordeals of how the kidnappers whom had been contacted were beating them up and Five Suspected Assassins Murder Fulani Leader in Kwara by the kidnappers, said the starving them of food and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State, Alhaji Mu’azu command had deployed its men suspected assassins stormed the demand from the kidnappers water. Hardo Buruku. in the criminal investigation town in midnight of yesterday has thrown the community into According to Alhassan, “The About five suspected criminals Some suspected assassins had bureau to the village to fish (Wednesday) and shot into the confusion, even as the state kidnappers called me on the yesterday reportedly murdered few weeks ago also murdered out the perpetrators of the air sporadically. government had remained phone and demanded N300 a Fulani leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji aspirant in Ballah area incident. “The suspected assassins shot silent over their abduction million ransom for the release Hardo Buruku, in Lamba of Asa LGA. Okasanmi, however, stated the victim on the spot, as we since last Sunday. of the students numbering over village, Asa Local Government When contacted, the state that the state police would not heard gunshots all over the Alhassan, who spoke 150, according to our records. Area of Kwara State. Police Public Relations Officer leave any stone unturned village,” he added. Until his death, the deceased (PPRO), Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, towards unraveling the ugly Also, one of the sisters of the was the state chairman of Gan confirmed the incidentdevelopment in the state. deceased, Hajia Aina’u Hardo I will Rescue Nigerians Allah Fulani Development yesterday, saying there was However, a resident of Lamba Buruku, while confirming the Association of Nigeria. a case of murder in Buruku in the Ilorin emirate, who spoke incident, said the gunmen met He was also the eldest son village in Asa LGA of the state. to journalists on the condition the victim in his bedroom and from Hopelessness, of the late Sarkin Fulani of He added that the state police of anonymity, confirmed that murdered him. Poverty, Says Moghalu House Outraged as Contractor Abandon Lagos-Badagry Expressway Emma Okonji and Nosa Newspapers, said his inability The House of Representatives’ Badagry expressway yesterday. “I am highly disappointed he said. Alekhuogie to win in 2019 would not Committee on Works has The lawmakers expressed with CGC; there is no way, Kabir said no mathematical or deter him from contesting expressed disappointment displeasure over lack of that members of the House of scientific analysis could generate Having contested and lost in again as president in 2023, that no member of staff of commitment of the contractor Representatives coming here magical formulas to equate the 2019 presidential elections, because of his desire to offer CGC Nigeria Limited, the and resolved to invite the to Lagos and none of their funding to actual construction which brought President himself to Nigerians to bring contractor handling Lagos- Minister of Works and Housing, expatriates are here. “We have visible and percentages of level Muhammadu Buhari to about the quality leadership Badagry expressway, was on Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and the project worth N63 billion; of completion of the projects. power for the second term, that Nigerians truly deserve. site when its members visited the contractor over the slow this is to show CGC are not “And you said we have the former presidential He said he would campaign the project yesterday. pace of work on the project. taking this project serious at reached about 14.6 per cent candidate of Young People’s with a four-point agenda and The News Agency of Nigeria The chairman said it was all, this is number one. completion, even on the Party (YPP), Prof. Kingsley ensure the implementation (NAN) reported that the disheartening that no single “Secondly, the issue of the average, you have only Moghalu, yesterday declared of all four agenda in the committee, led by its Chairman, expatriate from CGC was work we have seen here and reached about four per cent his interest to contest again in first four years if elected Alhaji Abubakar Kabir, was on ground to receive the the work on the paper, to me, and the money we have paid the 2023 presidential election. as president. on oversight inspection tour lawmakers to give explanations this project is not commensurate to them (CGC) now is about He said he offered himself The former Central Bank of Agbara and Seme section of on construction works. with what have been paid,” N6.7 billion. to contest the election in of Nigeria (CBN) deputy order to save Nigerians from governor listed the four-point hopelessness and poverty. agenda to include ‘Security, Onion Traders Suspend Supply to South-east over Insecurity Moghalu, who declared his War Against Poverty, interest at the Morning Show Accelerated Development and The Onion Producers and trucks by gunmen suspected to Yan doya market otherwise onion and I know some that of Arise News television, the Good Governance’, which he Marketers Association of Nigeria be members of the proscribed known as Ramin Kura. have lost more than 100 bags,” broadcast arm of THISDAY tagged ‘SWAG 2023’. (OPMAN) has announced its Indigenous People of Biafra According to him, it started he said. decision to suspend onion supply (IPOB) in Imo State. around 12:30 am yesterday. The National President of to the South-east over insecurity. The farmers and marketers “We were told that it started OPMAN told our reporter that Soldiers, Others to be Deployed for The National President of said they lost onions worth N2.4 from a Golf vehicle that was 200,000 bags of onion worth N2 OPMAN, Mr. Aliyu Isah, made billion to fire in Sokoto State. offloading yams at the market billion were lost to the fire. Ogun LG Election the announcement yesterday. The cause of the fire was still and later spread to other places “We are only praying to God He said the association’s unknown but one of the victims, including where our storage to bring succour to them but it Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta while fielding questions from decision was based on the recent Umaru Aliyu Gidan Fadama, facilities are. was a terrible and unfortunate journalists. hijack of two of their members’ said that the fire started from “I personally lost 60 bags of incident,” he said. To build public confidence According to him, “The that the forthcoming Ogun commission is synergising with State local government the Nigerian army and other security agencies to ensure the Lagos Taskforce Arrests Three Suspects for Extorting Motorists elections will be free and Sunday Ehigiator Special Offences Unit, Chief extorted N25,000 from one of offence and I was forced to fair, the authorities of the protection of the electorate, as state Independent Electoral well as electoral materials, as Superintendent of Police (CSP) their victims for obstruction. Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Commission (OGSIEC) have this will guide against electoral The Lagos State Environmental Shola Jejeloye after receiving Another victim equally alleged Secretariat, Oshodi, where I reached out to the Nigerian malpractices and further build and Special Offences Unit complaints from some of their he was extorted of the same was made to cough up N25,000 Army to help deploy soldiers the confidence of the people.” (Taskforce) has arrested three victims. amount the previous day.” as fine”. in the state on election day. Osibodu also charged the suspects, who posed as Local The suspects, Samuel The first victim who pleaded The second victim, a bolt They have also contacted youths to utilise their voting Government Traffic officers Oyegbule (52), Olayiwola anonymity said “they walked driver, said “I was arrested for other security agencies to numbers to form a common and extorted motorists in Thomas (53) and Kola Taiwo up to my vehicle while waiting dropping my client in front of assist in beefing up security force in order to make their the Oshodi Area of the state. (47), had claimed to be for traffic light in Oyetayo his house in the inner street of for the elections that will hold impact felt during the poll. working with Oshodi–Isolo Street. They knocked on my Oshodi. It wasn’t a major road He equally advised them not The suspects were arrested on July 24. yesterday on the orders Local Government. side glass and I wound down or expressway or where there The OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. to be used by any individual Babatunde Osibodu, revealed or political party to perpetrate of the Chairman, Lagos According to the Taskforce, to listen to them. They said are bus stops. They refused government plans yesterday violence. State Environmental and “The suspect had yesterday I have committed a traffic to listen to my explanation. 46 THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] THURSDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY NFF Boss, Pinnick, Debunks Players’ Unrest over Match Bonuses Femi Solaja in Cameroon have not been came, it changed a lot of things that enables them to flourish in Benin City late last year how we relate with them all settled to warrant some of the and as we had to come to in their career and this we has been forfeited. the time. Ahead of tomorrow’s first of key players to feign injuries. reality of how we navigate have provided for them in “We don’t pay for “We know its statutory the international friendlies But speaking on ARISE the curved end. Our sponsors the couple of years before mediocrity with the 4-4 for the players to earn their with Indomitable Lions TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ could not pay as agreed, which now,” he explained. result against Sierra Leone at pay but we need to have an of Cameroon in Austria, yesterday, Pinnick, insisted that necessitates renegotiating. All He said the players home in Benin City. The last understanding as well. We President of Nigeria Football the players were aware of the these we explained to the understand the situation time I was talking with my want to take a cue from Federation (NFF), Amaju problems the NFF was facing players and the coaches. with the FA. counterpart from Morocco, England FA that pays the Pinnick, has debunked the due largely to the Covid-19 Today, things are getting “Since coming on board six he said the moment you players at the end of a series news making the round that pandemic which has made better and same with the years ago, we took the matter are playing a team lower instead of regular payments. most of the players that have their sponsors unable to meet players bonuses. of the comfort of our national in ranking, the same match- On injured Samuel stayed away from the two up with their obligations to Pinnick however stressed team players seriously. We bonus doesn’t apply, Chukwueze who was games scheduled for June 4 the federation. that national team players offered them the best travels “Although it was a casual operated upon just yesterday, and 8 are doing so in protests “Since the beginning of don’t live on bonuses they by chartered flights and discussion, there are lots of the NFF Chief said he was over the non-payment of their this present administration, get while on national duty. staying in high-class hotels take away from there. We are constantly in touch with the outstanding match bonuses. we have cut down a lot “First we have to understand just for their comfort. So I looking forward to payments FC Villarreal player. Last week, a wire service of expenses to give all our the fact that no national team do not believe any of the of qualifying bonuses at the “I am in touch with Samuel reported that the players players and coaches a sense of player survives on national players stayed away in protest end of the series which to Chukwueze. We spoke have not been paid for the belonging and owing salaries team bonuses because they over any outstanding match me will save the federation yesterday after the successful six matches they played at the has been a thing of the past earn their living playing week bonuses. a lot of money. operation. He is said missing last AFCON 2019 tournament more so payment is now tied in week out playing for their Pinnick was emphatic that “The relationship with the this double header against in Egypt where Nigeria won to corporate organisation and respective clubs. the NFF will only pay for five players is cordial as they see Cameroon. The same thing the third placed bronze. It also this alone has taken huge “However, playing for the matches with the 4-4 home us like senior brother and applies to the other injured said that match bonuses for responsibility off the NFF and national team is a platform draw against Sierra Leone even their parents going by players the last two qualifying matches the government by extension. for AFCON 2022 tournament “But when the pandemic INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY Musa, Onuachu, Izuchukwu Complete Eagles Line up for Cameroon Captain Ahmed Musa, forward east 3-2 in the quarter finals of Paul Onuachu (voted Best the last AFCON in Egypt two Player and Top Scorer in years ago, mauled the Lions Belgium in the just-concluded 3-0 in a friendly in Belgium in season) and Anthony October 2015 and were vastly Izuchukwu of Spartan Trnava superior over two legs in 2018 of Slovakia have arrived at FIFA World Cup qualifying the camp of Nigeria’s Super matches in September 2017. Eagles in Austria as the The arrival of the three –time African champions inspirational Musa, get set for Friday’s prestige Belgium-based Onuachu and international friendly against Izuchukwu on Wednesday the Indomitable Lions of morning brought the number Cameroon. of players in Nigeria’s camp On Tuesday, 18 players were to 21. on hand to limber up at the Others are goalkeepers training pitch of the Stadion Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho Wiener Neustadt in Vienna, and John Noble; defenders where both fierce rivals will William Ekong, Valentine do battle in what is their first Ozornwafor, Chidozie clash in two years. Awaziem and Jamilu Collins; Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr (white shirt, backing camera), addressing the 21 players at training yesterday in Austria Cameroon’s Indomitable midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Lions have had a lot of laughs Oghenekaro Etebo, Abdullahi at the expense of the Super Shehu, Abraham Marcus and Eagles in principally Africa Samson Tijani and; forwards Okagbare Happy to Set Meeting Record in Slovakia Cup of Nations finals – 1984, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, 1988 and 2000. But the Eagles Anayo Iwuala, Terem Moffi Blessing Okagbare has said that Palace Aviva London Grand in Paris in July. edged the neighbours to the and Peter Olayinka. she is happy for executing another Prix in Crystal Palace, London Later that month she rewrote, perfect race when she ducked on July 14, 2012 when she ran completely, the African record inside 11 seconds for the third 10.99 seconds in heat one of the twice in one evening. She first Three Nigerian Para-Table time this season Wednesday meeting before running 11.01 stormed to a 10.86 seconds finish evening at the P-T-S athletics seconds to win in the final. in heat two of the Sainsbury’s Tennis Players in Slovenia for meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia. She raced inside 11 seconds Anniversary Games at the The seven-time Nigeria 100m three more times that year, Olympic stadium in London. Tokyo 2020 Tickets champion ran 10.98 seconds setting new personal best on That was the first time an African Three Nigerian Para-Table disclosed in Lagos that he to win the race and in the each ocassion with the 10.92 would legally break 10.90 seconds Tennis Players are participating remains optimistic that the process smashed the 11.09 performance in the semifinal in the event. at the world Paralympic Table athletes would put up good seconds meeting record set in of the event at the Olympics Less than 90 minutes later, Tennis qualifiers holding in performances in Slovenia by June 1983 by Czech Republic in London her lifetime best to she proved her 10.75 seconds Slovenia. picking more Tokyo 2020 woman, Jarmila Kratochvílová. close the year. wind-aided run in Eugene, The players who departed Paralympic tickets for the “Thank God for another In 2013, Okagbare broke 11 Oregon was a sign of what to Nigerian shores Tuesday country. healthy race/win today,” said Blessing Okagbare...sets meet seconds thrice with two of them come as she smashed a barrier night with Turkish airline Bankole who is a serving the Nigerian 100/200m record record in Slovakia in historic fashions. She started she had set earlier that evening include, Faith Obiorah, Francis commissioner of police said holder on her Facebook wall the season with a huge but wind- by stopping the clocking at 10.79 Chukwuemeka and Nasiru Sule. considering Nigeria’s pedigree after the race. Okagbare has Okagbare has now broken aided 10.75 seconds in June at seconds. It was the fastest time The trio are under the in global table tennis, the trio now broken 11 seconds thrice 11 seconds for the 21st time the Prefontaine Classic (Diamond ever returned by an African in supervision of Coach Sunday will not disappoint. this year. in her career, 19 more than League) at the Hayward Field the event at the time. Odebode of the Para-table tennis It is on record that Nigeria has She ran her first sub-11 seconds Mary Onyali who ducked in Eugene, Oregon, USA. In 2015, Okagbare broke 11 fame and fondly referred to already qualified six Para-Table of the season at the USTAF inside the time just twice. Hugely disappointed with the seconds six times, her most in a as ‘Able Consultant’ . The Tennis players for the Tokyo The first and only Nigerian trail wind that denied her an single season and made it to the championship which runs 2020 Paralympic Games. invitational in Eugene, Oregon USA in April before scorching to to win a track and field event obvious chance of breaking her 100m final at the World Athletics from June 2 to June 6 is the last Those already through medals at the World Athletics stage of the Olympic qualifiers include Tajudeen Agunbiade, a 10.90 seconds personal season’s country woman, Glory Alozie’s Championship in Beijing, China. in the event. Femi Talabi, Koleosho Ahmed, best at the Wanda Diamond Championship, Okagbare broke 10.90 seconds African record, Incidentally, it was the last time Chairman of the Para-Table Ogunkunle Isau, Faith Obazuaye League meeting in Doha, Qatar 11 seconds for the first time Okagbare followed up with a the Nigerian would run in the Tennis, Anderson Bankole, and Victor Farinloye last week. in her career at the Crystal 10.93 run at the Meeting Areva final of any global sprint event. THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 ˾THISDAY 47 ThursdaySports Euro 2020: Half of Belgium’s Squad Turn Down Covid-19 Vaccine A number of Belgium players muscle pain, chills, joint pain that only ‘one or two’ players guys like Mertens, Lukaku and “Within the group, the coming weeks. On the field, have rejected the chance to and fever - which can affect do not wish to receive their Hazard in the lead - just like majority is protected. The group all participating teams will receive a Covid-19 vaccination more than one in ten people. jabs. the association and the coach protection is great because protect their players as much ahead of Euro 2020, reports Belgium, which reported “I look at it positively and are very pro-vaccination,” he those boys will live in a highly as possible with vaccination claim - with around half of 1,498 Covid cases on June 1, notice that the players - with added. isolated environment for the and testing.” the squad fearing side effects has struggled with the virus could wreck their hopes at this year and only started to the tournament. come out of lockdown last The country’s government month - with non-essential had given the green light for shops and restaurants opening. players to receive the jab, with Professor Dirk Ramaekers, the Belgian FA insisting it was who heads Belgium’s Task a ‘very important’ move as Force Covid-19 Vaccination they bid to win their first ever Strategy, allayed fears about trophy as a nation. the refusals to be vaccinated. Belgium - who are ranked as He said a number of players the number one international had already received their jabs, team in world football - are set while some would prefer to to begin their Euro campaign receive theirs after Euro 2020 against Russia in St Petersburg has ended. on June 12. “A number of Red Devils A handful of stars - including had already been vaccinated Toby Alderweireld, Timothy abroad, a number of them have Castagne, Thibaut Courtois and recently experienced Covid,” Thomas Vermaelen - are all he said. said to have received their jabs. “The latter have antibodies But with the team seen as and prefer to be vaccinated one of the favourites to win after the tournament. Of those the competition, some of the who were not vaccinated, the players refused to take the vast majority had themselves Pfizer jab in case it hinders vaccinated upon arrival in our their performance, according country. Half of Belgium’s squad for Euro 2020 have refused Covid-19 vaccine jabs to Belgian outlet HLN. Ramaekers said the squad Side effects for the vaccine and coach Roberto Martinez include tiredness, headaches, were ‘very pro-vaccination’ and Barca Offer Coutinho to Liverpool Barcelona have offered Philippe favourite at Anfield, his career Suarez at La Liga champions Coutinho back to Liverpool in has nosedived since he left. Atletico Madrid. TRANSFER NEWS.... a desperate attempt to trim He has never recorded a Barcelona are still hoping to their bloated wage bill. double-figure scoring season at agree a wage cut with Alba, as The club’s financial problems Barcelona, although he did do well as with Sergio Busquets, Chelsea List 11 Players have been public knowledge okay while on loan at Bayern Sergi Roberto and Gerard Pique, for some time with the majority Munich during the 2019/2020 but if an agreement cannot be for Clear-out to Make of Barça’s first team squad up campaign, helping Die Roten reached all four of the players for sale this summer. to a famous treble. could be shown the exit door. Coutinho is no different and, Coutinho’s wages are high Ousmane Dembele’s future Room for New Signings according to AS, the Blaugrana and Liverpool would likely is even more uncertain. The European champions a spot in the top four of are considering an audacious have serious reservations Frenchman has just one year left Chelsea are set to undergo Serie A and subsequently plan to get him off the books. about signing a player who to run on his current deal and if Barcelona still owe Liverpool a massive clear out this qualify for the Champions has underwhelmed for so long. fresh terms are not agreed soon €50m for the player who they This is not the only scheme he could also be sold. Several summer, with 11 players League. The Italian giants signed back in 2018. In order to that Barcelona are hatching to Premier League clubs would destined to leave Stamford inserted an option to buy save money they have offered Philippe Coutinho...oﬀered back to trim their wage bill. Jordi Alba, be interested in his services, Bridge in order to make clause of £25m in the loan the Brazilian back to the Reds. Liverpool to ease Barca wage bill who has been a loyal servant while Paris Saint-Germain and room for four new signings. deal and the defender has Whether Liverpool would is a different matter entirely. for many seasons, could link Bayern Munich have been Coach Thomas Tuchel convinced them to pull the be open to this arrangement Although Coutinho was once a up with former teammate Luis linked as well. wants to add a new centre- trigger. back, a wing-back, a centre Ross Barkley, another man midfielder and a striker to who spent last season out Brazil Names Maracana Among Venues for Copa America his squad over the summer, on loan, will not be included Brazil named Rio de Janeiro Tuesday his government had America.” a surprise decision taken but that will mean having in Tuchel’s plans for next and three other cities as host agreed Brazil would host the Rio’s Maracana stadium and jointly with Conmebol on to offload a host of current year, while Ruben Loftus- venues for the Copa America regional tournament from June the Mane Garrincha stadium Monday, and is now racing stars from the wage bill. Cheek may finally be forced on Tuesday (June 1) in a move 13 to July 10, after planned in Brasilia will be favourites to against time to provide flights, UK’s The Daily Mail to find a permanent home that appeared to strengthen the hosts Argentina pulled out due host the opening match and transport, accommodation and reports that as many as 11 elsewhere following a string likelihood of the tournament to a dramatic worsening of the the final. training facilities for the visiting players could leave Chelsea of temporary spells away taking place, even as a Supreme coronavirus pandemic there. The decision to host football’s delegations. in the summer, either on from the Bridge. Court judge asked President The capital Brasilia, Rio de oldest international tournament The tournament is set to Jair Bolsonaro to explain his Janeiro, Cuiaba and Goiania comes as Brazil struggles to feature some of the greatest loan or permanently, to Tiemoue Bakayoko is surprise decision. were confirmed as host cities by cope with the ravages of a names in world football, accommodate the arrival another outcast Chelsea The demand by Justice Alejandro Dominguez, president virus that has killed over including Argentinians Lionel of Tuchel’s new recruits. will be hoping to ship out Ricardo Lewandowski came of the South American Football 465,000 people, according Messi and Sergio Aguero, There are several Blues this summer, while the club in response to a suit filed by Confederation (Conmebol). to government figures, the Neymar from Brazil, and stars whose futures seem is ready to wave goodbye the opposition Workers’ Party, “We have chosen the hosts second-highest tally in the Uruguayans Luis Suarez and destined to lie away from to Italian full-backs Davide which objected to Brazil hosting in agreement, obviously, with world. Edinson Cavani. west London. Homegrown Zappacosta and Emerson the tournament given the the governors,” Bolsonaro said. Brazil offered to host the Conmebol has promised e striker Tammy Abraham has Palmieri. current public health situation. “So everything suggests… tournament played by 10 all players will be vaccinated h Bolsonaro said earlier on that Brazil will host the Copa South American nations in before the tournament begins. m barely featured under Tuchel Midfielders Billy Gilmour c and the club could cash in and Conor Gallagher could G on the England international be told to prove themselves FRENCH OPEN 2021 t with a potential profit of elsewhere for a year, g around £40m on offer. although Tuchel wants to Serena, Azarenka, Kasatkina Through to Third Round t Fellow forward Olivier assess Gallagher’s ability i Giroud is coming to the up close before making a Seventh seed Serena Williams Marketa Vondrousova also from maternity leave in 2018. protected ranking after injury, but moved into the French Open progressed in straight sets. Yet the talent which has made she presented a stern challenge end of his contract, and he decision. third round after overcoming Williams is again going her one of the sport’s biggest stars for Williams as she demonstrated is expected to depart on a The most unlikely and Romania’s Mihaela Buzarnescu for a 24th major title to equal was enough to eventually see the ability which helped her rise free transfer this summer. surprising name on the list in a challenging three-set win. Australian Margaret Court’s off Buzarnescu in a competitive to 20th in 2018. After being edged Centre-back FIkayo Tomori, is Christian Pulisic. Williams, 39, won 6-3 5-7 6-1 all-time record, although her and entertaining match. out of the opener, Buzarnescu who has spent the past half- The American has to set up a meeting in the last 32 latest attempt for history comes Williams looked sharper in was rewarded with the second season on loan at Milan, is struggled under Tuchel this with fellow American Danielle at a place where she has not the first set than she did in set before Williams nicked two likely to make that move year, but the German coach Collins. progressed past the fourth round her opening win, dominating tight games at the start of the permanent in the upcoming has not been prepared to Russia’s Daria Kasatkina since 2016. on serve and hitting fewer decider to take control. transfer window. fully utilise him thus far, delivered a surprise when she Clay is not considered her unforced errors than she did “She has a lot of skills and knocked out Swiss 10th seed best surface, despite being a against first-round opponent plays well on this surface in Tomori has impressed and that could see Pulisic Belinda Bencic. three-time champion at Roland Irina-Camelia Begu. particular so I knew it would since arriving in Italy and demand a move away for Belarusian 15th seed Victoria Garros, and she has played little Buzarnescu is ranked 174th not be easy. I’m happy to get helped I Rossoneri clinch regular game time. Azarenka and 2019 runner-up on the red dirt since returning in the world and playing on a through that,” Williams said. T RU N Thursday, June 3, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your Ifeanyi Okowa to Nigerians COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Can we truly be promoting open grazing at this moment, seeing all the TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 atrocities being committ ed across the country? We need to reconsider our best options. Where we were 50 years ago should not be where we should be today and tomorrow” – Delta State Governor, defending the position of Southern Governors This service is provided in association with accredited service providers which bans open grazing of catt le. OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT [email protected] Gulak, IPOB and a Nation Besieged n his piece on Tuesday, ‘The Death originated unless the intention was to incite at Ahiazu Mbaise local government. In of Ahmed Gulak’, Dr Reuben Abati at a period respected stakeholders in the Anambra, the attackers went for the INEC attested to the character of the north were restraining their youth from state headquarters in Akwa. And on 30th late Special Adviser to President possible reprisal attacks. And then, after the May, the gunmen were at Njaba local Goodluck Jonathan with whom he account of how the police offi cers gallantly government INEC offi ce in Anambra state. worked.I He also spoke about the danger killed “the six hoodlums who carried out The attacks against the police have been his gruesome murder portends, especially the killings and four other members of more daring and devastating. Since the at this period in our nation. I didn’t know their gang”, the police completed their violence started early this year, more than Gulak as well as Reuben, but I found the tale: “The assailants were identifi ed as a hundred of their offi cers and men have deceased politician and lawyer a very members of the proscribed IPOB and ESN. been killed and dozens of their facilities friendly man with whom I enjoyed a good The driver who drove late Ahmed Gulak (including barracks and operational vehicles) laugh whenever and wherever we met. and a co-victim who survived have all have been destroyed. We need the security I therefore commiserate with his family identifi ed the dead body of the IPOB/ESN agencies to fi sh out these criminals (and as I pray God will offer them comfort at members positively as their attackers and sponsors) and bring them to justice. this most diffi cult period. also identifi ed the three vehicles recovered Meanwhile, I saw the challenge posed Of concern to me though is the manner in as those used by the attackers.” Case closed! by IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu coming many which the police have handled this tragedy. Let me be clear. I am not defending IPOB years ago. On several occasions—including The two statements released last Sunday and ESN whose operatives may indeed be at my 1st October 2017 Platform lecture (A following the incident were unprofessional culpable. But the murder of a high-profi le Nation on Edge: Which Way Nigeria?)—I and dangerous. In the fi rst statement, the politician that could have engendered raised concerns about a possible escalation police actually blamed the victim: “Gulak crisis as well as the security challenge if not handled carefully. Sadly, what I left his room at Protea Hotel without in the Southeast requires more rigour predicted six years ago is now coming to informing the Police nor sister agencies than what we have seen in recent days. pass. In my 12th November 2015 column, in view of the fragile security situation in Late Gulak The orchestrated attacks against both the ‘The Man from Biafra’, I warned that by the Southeast and Imo in particular. He more than 200 million people, the force personnel and barracks of police formations arresting Kanu and giving him attention, left without any security escorts while does not have near enough personnel to and the offi ces of the Independent National the authorities were helping his cause. the cab driver took irregular route to the shield every prominent citizen. Electoral Commission (INEC) are clearly This is what I wrote in the piece: “…One airport…” More disturbing of course was the a direct affront on national security and thing we should not discountenance is I do not understand how a respectable second statement as to how the police an undisguised attempt to undermine our that there is a generation of Igbo born security agency could have authored such an were able to apprehend and deal with democracy and fragile unity. To deal with after the civil war who believe they (or insensitive statement shortly after someone those they concluded were the killers based these challenges, the security agencies must their parents) do not have a fair deal in was killed. The second statement released on the eyewitness account “given by the deploy their best intelligence assets and Nigeria on account of the war. There is a few hours later was worse. The Police driver of the vehicle that was conveying be thorough and open-minded in their therefore a persecution complex that is claimed to have “neutralised the killers Ahmed Gulak to the airport before the investigation. deeply ingrained. It is perhaps for this of Ahmed Gulak”. That is the language of attack”. It was this driver who “gave a Last month alone there were ten attacks reason that even those who do not agree mobsters, not a civil institution responsible vivid description of the assailants and against INEC in the fi ve Southeast states of with Kanu and may actually detest him and for maintaining law and order in a society. the vehicles they used in carrying out Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra. his message are keeping silent—essentially Besides, suspects are supposed to be tried the attack.” Which is why the belated All by ‘unknown gunmen’. On 9th May, because there is some value in what he in a court of law to ensure that innocent statement by the Southeast governors that they attacked the Ohafi a local government is doing in a nation where, to borrow the people are not punished for a crime they the security agencies should “arrest the INEC offi ce in Abia; on 13th May, they words of a senior colleague, such antics did not commit. Questions therefore perpetrators and make them face justice” took down the commission’s offi ce at have become ‘a maximalist bargaining remain as to how these alleged killers is rather ridiculous. How do you arrest Udenu local government in Enugu; on position’. The way things are, by arresting were identifi ed and the process leading men that have been ‘neutralised’? 16th May, the madness had moved to the Kanu, keeping him in incarceration and to their being “neutralised”. Few people have been an eyewitness to INEC headquarters at the state capital. On denying him his rights under the law, Ordinarily, in a crime as heinous as murder but many of us have been involved 18th May, there were three coordinated the authorities are simply playing into homicide, you expect culprits to be arrested in (or witnessed) ghastly accidents and attacks in Ebonyi State INEC offi ces: One his hands. Somebody like him needs so that information can be extracted armed robbery attacks. The trauma that in Ezza North local government, another to be made a ‘victim’ in order to take regarding motives and whether other follows does not normally leave victims in Izzi local government and the third in his cause to the next level. That is the actors were involved. It was particularly with the presence of mind and photographic Ebonyi local government. On 23rd May, the platform that the federal government is important in this case of a high-profi le recall credited to this driver who, according attacks were at the commission’s offi ces unwittingly providing to the guy who is politician who had unwittingly been dragged to the police, described that the assailants in three states: Enugu, Anambra and Imo. already attracting international attention…” into the politics of Imo State in the past “used a Toyota Camry 2005 model with While that of Enugu took place at Igboeze three years. For the sake of those who silver color; Toyota Sienna 1998 Model local government, that of Imo happened NOTE: Piece concluded on page 14 may not remember, Gulak was the chair with golden color; Toyota Hilux with white of the ruling All Progressives Congress color; and a Lexus RX 330 with golden (APC) gubernatorial primaries committee Color. (Registration numbers are withheld in Imo State in the prelude to the 2019 for security reasons).” general election. The exercise ended in The next course of action was to pursue Mrs Ahmed @ FCDA acrimony before the party headquarters the alleged killers. Again, let’s complete In March last year, I had cause to be at the As a regular reader of my column, she intervened to disband the committee but the story from the police: “Having Federal Capital Development Authority especially expressed interest in my wife’s nonetheless upheld the result announced established the identity of the assailants (FCDA) offi ce to register a complaint about school project (Not Forgotten Initiative) for by Gulak. and the description of the vehicles used in the access to my house that had been blocked less-privileged children and I could see her Perhaps because of that involvement in carrying out the attack, the teams further by a new construction in the area. I met passion on social issues in our conversations. Imo politics, it is true that Gulak needed got details of the direction the hoodlums the then Executive Secretary, Umar Gambo I was therefore delighted when I read on to have taken extra precaution. But that have taken. With further leads, the team was Jibrin and his Directors who had just returned Monday that Mrs Ahmed had broken the cannot justify the kind of statement put able to establish the location of suspects. from a visitation. Jibrin invited me to his Abuja glass ceiling with her appointment as out by the police following his death. The suspects were rounded up at Afor offi ce and asked his directors to join the the FCDA acting executive secretary, following Gulak was in Owerri as a consultant for Enyiogugu junction in Aboh-Mbaise Local conversation. Although I was meeting all of the mandatory retirement of the incumbent. the National Assembly committee for the Government Area. The hoodlums were them (including Jibrin himself) for the fi rst She is the fi rst woman to hold the position review of the Constitution. If a citizen met distributing onions to locals from a time, they treated me with courtesy and I in the 45-year history of the agency created cannot move freely in their own country, trailer they confi scated. The trailer was exchanged contacts with everyone at the in 1976 to “oversee the infrastructural and then we have a serious problem. Even at loaded with onions from the northern end of our meeting. The Director, Urban and physical development (planning, design and that, with less than 200,000 active policemen region of Nigeria.” Regional Planning, Mrs Zaliha’u Ahmed, construction)” of the FCT. (the remaining are on guard duty with I don’t know why it was important to was particularly engaging and from that I wish Mrs Ahmed all the best in her new our ‘Big’ men and women) in a nation of say where the trailer loaded with onions time we have continued to communicate. assignment. 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]