FRIDAY 16TH JULY 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Air Force: Super Tucano Fighter Jets Depart US for Nigeria Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force said yesterday that the long-awaited first batch of six A29 Super Tucano aircraft, ordered by the federal government from the United States, were on

their way to Nigeria. The fighter jets, bought following the award of a $329 million foreign military sales contract to SNC by the United States government to build 12 A-29s for the Nigerian Air Force in November 2018, are

expected to fly through five countries, notably Canada, Spain, Greenland, Iceland and Algeria before arriving in Nigeria. The jet fighters were billed for delivery to Nigeria between 2021 and 2022. The air force,

in earlier statements, had said six of the fighter aircraft were to be delivered by July while the remaining six would be in Nigeria by December. The air force had also completed construction of a hangar in Jaji, Kaduna State,

where the attack aircraft would be domiciled. A delegation of the House of Representatives had some weeks ago visited the United States to ascertain the state of the fighter jets. The delegation had raised

questions over the delay in the delivery of the fighter jets. A statement by the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters said the first batch of the fighter jets departed the United States Continued on page 10

COVID-19 Impedes FG's Economic Diversiﬁcation Drive, Says Ahmed ... Page 6 Friday 16 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9594. Price: N250

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Emir Bayero Tells Buhari to End Nigerians’ Suffering Kasim Sumaina and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

DIAMOND FOR NGIGE... L-R: The celebrant, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN); his wife, Ogochukwu; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, at a thanksgiving to mark Ngige's 60th birthday in Lagos…recently

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, yesterday told President Muhammadu Buhari to step up efforts by his administration to end the sufferings of Nigerians. The emir told the president who paid him a courtesy call Continued on page 10

Afraid of Defeat in 2023, APC Senators Weaken e-Transmission of Election Results How senators voted Commotion forces House to adjourn decision till today New law may be unconstitutional

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Despite the independence conferred on the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the conduct of elections, the Senate yesterday passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which requires the commission to seek clearance from the Nigerian National Communication Commission (NCC) and the National

Assembly before deploying electronic transmission of election results in any area. By the decision, the National Assembly, statutorily designed as a law-making organ of government, seeks to assume powers to approve a decision exclusively within the purview of the executive

arm of government. The senators, with marching orders from their party, All Progressives Congress (APC), buckled and deployed their majority in the Senate to weaken the quest for electronic transmission of poll results in the 2023 election cycle Senators from the ruling

party, with two opposition lawmakers who broke ranks with their party, at the consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, voted 52 to 28 to amend clause 52 of the bill that would have empowered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit election results

electronically during the 2023 general election. Twenty eight other senators were absent to cast their votes. But THISDAY gathered that many of them were in the chambers before voting begun. The senators' tactical Continued on page 8

Alakija: My Transition from Fashion to Oil Industry Was God Ordained... Page 5

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NEWS Alakija: My Transition from Fashion to Oil Industry Was God Ordained

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Oil mogul and richest woman in Africa, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, yesterday recounted how she transited from being a fashion entrepreneur to an investor in the oil industry, saying her path was designed by God. Alakija, who joined the septuagenarian club yesterday, in an interview on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, gave glory to God for her successes in the oil industry, fashion and her humanitarian gestures. She recounted her long battle to secure an oil licence, adding that it took three years under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). She also recalled the difficulties she encountered after she was awarded an offshore oil block, but oil exploration companies declined to partner her company to drill for oil. She spoke of her involvement in the campaign against COVID-19, which led her foundation, Rose of Sharon, to donate N1billion in support of the fight against the pandemic. She said: "As I look back now, I can say that there is nothing to regret. My only regret in life is not coming to Christ earlier, which is almost 30 years. That is my only regret in life. "I transitioned from fashion to oil to the glory of God,moving from fashion to the oil industry. First of all, I would say fashion is my passion. A friend of mine, we met on the plane, a family friend and she said you know what, there is something I would like to talk to you

about when we get back to Nigeria." Alakija added: "When we got back to Nigeria, she brought some bid documents and said that we are looking to lift crude oil from Nigeria and she wanted to know if I can speak to some of our clients, one of whom was the late Mrs. Mariam Babangida. "I said okay, I will go and see what she can do about it and I got there and she (Mrs. Babangida) said I can book an appointment for you to see the petroleum minister. I went to see the petroleum minister and what they wanted to do was to lift crude and the petroleum minister said the administration at that time wanted to move away - they preferred to get Nigerians to be involved (in the oil industry) rather than giving it out to foreigners and he said if they want to invest in Nigeria rather than lift crude, then they will be willing to do that. "I took it back to my friend, she took it back to her clients and her clients said ‘no we don't want to invest in Nigeria, we only wanted to lift;’ so, we parted ways and I said to myself now that I have an inroad to that place, why don't I go find something I can do what I wanted was a contract to boost my pocket. "I still wanted to keep on doing my fashion, I love it so I went back to Mrs. Babangida and asked her to help me get another appointment and I went back and told the minister that I can do something. I can do something with NNPC and I was giving all sorts of different options and possibilities." She stated that after several appointments with the then petroleum minister, it took

three years to secure the oil licence. Alakija, who was named Forbes Magazine's richest woman in Africa in 2020, said after securing the oil licence, oil exploration companies declined involvement owing to the fact that it was "offshore and about 5,000 feet." Alakija added: "The rest was what God wanted to do. What He wanted to at first by giving me that opening through my friend because I would have never looked at the oil industry." She said when she got

the licence, she found out that it was an oil block that nobody wanted. "Nobody in the industry wanted it. It was deep offshore, it was 5,000 feet and technology had not reached that water depth. It was too expensive to explore and nobody knew what was deep under. Only God knew and He closed the eyes of every human being on earth to it," she added. According to her, it took another three years for her to find technical partners. She recalled meeting with

multinational (Texaco) a company before the eventual signing of the papers. On her philanthropy, she said it was anchored on the principle of giving. "I know that the more you give, the more God gives back to you. That's for sure but that shouldn't be the reason why you should give", she said. On the activities of her foundation, Rose of Sharon Foundation, she said: "I asked God if there's any way, He will want me to help Him. As Christians, we should not be going

to God, give me this, give me that. We should also ask God, what can I do for you today?". On that premise, she set about rendering assistance to widows and children. Speaking on her N1 billion donation to CACOVID, she stated that her foundation sought assurances of judicious application of the donation before it was made. "We requested that when it gets to CACOVID, it will get to the right quarters, where we wanted our money to go. We donated N1billion," she said.

DUTY CALL... Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) presiding over the virtual National Economic Council meeting, at the State House, Abuja... yesterday

FG Seeks WTO's Exemption from Regulations for Artisan Fishers James Emejo in Abuja The federal government yesterday called for the exemption of small-scale and artisanal fishers from the scope of the fisheries subsidies discipline which is under negotiation at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by member nations. The fishing subsidies regime will impose discipline in the global industry and help fishing activities thrive in an environmentally sustainable manner. Some fishing operations are deemed to be detrimental to environmental sustainability, particularly in the areas of overfishing and over-capacity, among others.

This development has prompted the WTO to plan some measures of discipline for fishing entities in order to restore sanity. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, in his submission at a virtual meeting of the WTO Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) at the ministerial level on fisheries subsidies, affirmed Nigeria's commitment and support to the agreement to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that had resulted in rapid depletion of global marine fish stocks. The minister assured the WTO of Nigeria’s support and commitment to engage members towards achieving

a balanced outcome in line with the organisation's mandate. Adebayo said Nigeria would be happy to negotiate on appropriate special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries and least developed countries. He said the sustainable development of the fisheries sector would be a viable route to member states' socioeconomic development given the sector's contribution to food and livelihood security improvement. He, however, said illegal fishing, overfishing and overcapacity, as well as other unsustainable fishing and fishing-related activities incentivised by heavy

subsidisation threatened the ongoing efforts towards sustainable development of the sector. Adebayo said: "These unsustainable practices have resulted in rapid depletion of global marine fish stocks. After 20 years of negotiations, I believe it is time for us to draw the curtain on the fisheries subsidies negotiations. "Nigeria would continue to support you Madam DG and show requisite flexibilities so we can collectively achieve balanced outcomes consistent with SDG 14.6 and our mandate." Adebayo, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Ifedayo Sayo, stated that Nigeria believed that the progress

that had so far been made as contained in the revised Draft Consolidated Text of 30th June 2021, provided a good basis that could "take us to a successful conclusion; and we are happy to work on that basis while ensuring that the mandate of the negotiation is substantively achieved in a balanced manner." The minister, at the meeting attended by the Director-General of the WTO, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said that in view of the technicalities involved in the fisheries subsidies negotiations, as well as the urgency to expeditiously make progress, Nigeria’s participation would henceforth involve engagement by senior

officials from his ministry and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The WTO mandate prohibits certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and refrain from introducing new such subsidies. The framework also recognises that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing countries and least developed countries should be an integral part of the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation.

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NEWS

ECOWAS Administrators Seek to Curb Tax Evasion, Illicit Financial Flows James Emejo in Abuja Tax administrators of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states yesterday intensified efforts to make it difficult for individuals and business entities, especially multinational institutions, to evade tax compliance as well as limit illicit financial flows and corruption at regional level. At the first major stakeholders' meeting of the Support Programme for Tax Transition in West Africa (PATF), the regional heads of public tax institutions agreed to fast track the formulation and adoption of policy and framework to strengthen the fight against tax fraud as well as improve domestic tax management and ensure better coordination of taxation in the programme's coverage area. The Chairman, Federal

Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, while declaring open the regional seminar on the problems of tax transition in West Africa, in Abuja, said at a time when the various governments were facing health and security difficulties, results were of great essence to boost revenue mobilisation and improve fiscal positions. He stated that since the establishment and holding of the first steering committee meeting, the execution of the missions in progress had accelerated, making it possible to have results that could be shared by the actors of the programme and the beneficiaries. He said though there were still lots of grounds to be covered, "we have come a long way, with results that are certainly mixed, but encouraging and which should encourage us to continue our work."

He added that the outcome of the exercise will enable ECOWAS member countries to move forward in a united manner to develop the technical and professional skills of the tax and customs administrations. He added that this will guarantee them a better increase in domestic revenue, following the decline in revenue linked to efforts to improve the free movement of people and goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). He said the programme would help to improve the management of Value Added

Tax (VAT) in the region, improve the management of tax expenditures as well as provide an opportunity to have a regional methodology guide for the evaluation of tax expenditures among other objectives. Nami said though a lot had been achieved within a year-and-a-half, there were still many projects to be undertaken. He, therefore, urged the committees to "complete your work as soon as possible, but above all to propose innovative, realistic and feasible recommendations." Also speaking at the occasion, Director, Public

Finances and Fiscal Affairs at WAIMO, Habass Teaore, said the event would expand the region's domestic tax collection and reduce fraudulent tax evasion. He added that the seminar was aimed at building the capacity of member countries towards the objectives. He said ECOWAS was proud of the results so far achieved, adding that the purpose was to brainstorm on ways to address issues affecting tax collection in the region. Also, ECOWAS Director of Trade, Custom Union, Tientore Salifor, said it was important that "we all

mobilise tax revenue and ensure the adoption of international standard." He said the forum had also given the stakeholders an opportunity to share experience and come up with ways to drive the tax system in the region. The PATF, which spans the period of 2020 - 2022, provides a framework for ECOWAS member states and Mauritania to increase their resources by focusing on efficient and effective domestic revenue mobilisation to offset the potential decline in tax revenue from the reduction of customs barriers in the region.

NAFDAC Approves Moderna, Sputnik, Korean Astrazeneca for COVID-19 Vaccination Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved three additional COVID-19 vaccines for use in Nigeria. Ahead of the arrival of more vaccines doses in Nigeria, the agency said that its vaccine committee had recommended Moderna (Rovi Pharma Madrid, Spain); AstraZeneca AZD1222 (South Korea Bioscience Co Limited); Sputnik V (Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia) for emergency use. The agency added that following observations of some avoidable effects during vaccination, it has recommended that health officials carry out preliminary checks on individual's health status before administering the vaccine on anyone. NAFDAC had earlier granted emergency use authorisation approval for Astrazeneca from India, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech and Johnson and Johnson (Jassen) vaccines to be deployed in the country against COVID-19. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the agency was the first national regulatory body in Africa to have guidance on regulatory preparedness for Emergency Use Authorisations (EUA), licensing or access to COVID-19 vaccines. She said: "NAFDAC is announcing the approval of Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines and conditional approval of Sputnik V vaccine. "The NAFDAC Vaccine Committee has been carefully assessing several vaccines despite the fact the vaccines have been approved by stringent regulatory countries or have received WHO’s Emergency Use Listing

(EUL). A COVID-19 vaccine that has gone through the prior approval from either of these two sources had gone through quality, safety and efficacy evaluation, which is a prerequisite for acceptance by COVAX Facility." She added that most regulatory agencies across the world use this mechanism to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines. "The agency did a thorough assessment of each vaccine and were found to have the quality, safety and efficacy attributes, with the benefits far outweighing the risks," she stated. According to her, the agency spends at least 15 days to examine the dossier or submission package of the vaccine to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks and that any side effects are well noted for monitoring after vaccination by the respective NAFDAC and primary health officers. She added that the EUL will allow Nigeria to receive supplies of the vaccines from the COVAX facility. Adeyeye explained the processes involved in the vaccine approval mechanism to include: submission of dossiers by manufacturers and market authorisation holders, assessment of dossier through different mechanisms and using the common technical document for the rolling submission. Other stages in the process are emergency use authorisation, expedited approval, full review, postmarketing, pharmacovigilance and Surveillance. Adeyeye explained that Moderna and AstraZeneca AZD1222 vaccines have received WHO EUL listing and were given expedited approvals.

FORGING PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH... L-R: Founder and Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, and President, ECOWAS Trade Promotions Organisation Network, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, on the sidelines of ﬁreside chat titled, "From ECOWAS To AfCTA," organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, in Abuja...yesterday

FG, Partners Complete N10bn Historic Corporate Sukuk Bond Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government and its partners in the private sector, under the auspices of Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), have completed the issuance of a seven-year N10 billion corporate Sukuk , the first-ever in the country. The Series I Sukuk, expected to fall due in 2028, is the first Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered corporate bond to be issued in Nigeria and certified by the Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts (FRACE) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The transaction, which was more than twice oversubscribed, also represents the company’s debut in the Nigerian debt capital markets. The transaction, which attracted significant demand from pension funds, ethical funds, fund managers, non-

finance Islamic institutions, trustees, corporate and high networth individuals, had a total received value of N21.3 billion of the intended N10 billion and was launched at a rental rate of 13 per cent per annum. Speaking during the signing of the bond, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said achieving the feat had been a long and demanding journey, lauding all parties that worked to ensure the success of the issuance. She described the issuance as historical, adding that it will strengthen the fund’s dedication to its core principles and expand its ability to offer wider opportunities for Nigerians who rely on them to realise their home ownership dreams. Ahmed said: “As we know, housing is one of the key indices for measuring development in any country.

From the onset, housing for Nigerians, especially those on low-income, has been a major priority for President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. “Social housing is one of the strategic pillars of our economic development programmes and a direct way of improving the lives of Nigerians. This is what has informed the kind of investment we are making across the country through institutions like the Family Homes Funds.” Ahmed, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, stated that with funding from the federal government, FHFL has so far been able to finance the development of affordable homes in some states, stressing that it is important that it strengthens its capabilities with the issuance. According to her, sustainable funding remains critical, while

the interest the issuance has generated is significant for what the future of funding in the housing sector may look like. “The kind of results we are seeking can be hastened through efforts like this, where the private and public sectors can blend in through investments and other forms of partnership,” she added. In his remarks, Chairman of the fund, Mr. Suleiman Barau, stated that the institution has been able to finance the development of 11,700 homes at different levels of completion across the country, with many more in the pipeline. “With this issuance on a N30 billion Sukuk bond, Family Homes Funds’ commitment to financing the development of affordable housing in Nigeria is further strengthened and presents a great source of hope for average Nigerians seeking a home of their own.

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PAGE EIGHT AFRAID OF DEFEAT IN 2023, APC SENATORS WEAKEN E-TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS rejection of electronic transmission of election results drew flaks yesterday from a Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere; the pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and some senior lawyers. But the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) endorsed the senators' action. If the House of Representatives concurs with the Senate in passing the clause, INEC would require the permission of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly before it could transmit election results electronically. The House couldn't conclude the legislative process of passing the bill yesterday due to commotion over allegation that the presiding officer, House Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase, was trying to rig the voice votes in favour of opponents of electronic transmission of results. Yesterday's proceedings at the Senate confirmed THISDAY’s exclusive report on Monday of plot by APC senators to delegitimise future elections and undermine the nation’s democracy with their insistence on prohibiting electronic transmission of results. Sources told THISDAY last night that while some of them were ready to shift ground on Wednesday to vote for electronic transmission of election results yesterday, they had to fall in line when the party ordered them to water down clause 52. It was gathered that the APC leadership, a few hours to the commencement of plenary, directed the Leader of the Senate, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC Kebbi North), to inform the party's members to amend clause 52 of the bill to mandate INEC to seek NCC's nod before it could transmit election results electronically in a particular area. During the consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021, containing 154 clauses, it was looking like a smooth passage for the draft legislation until the senators got to clause 52(3) of the bill, that provided for electronic transmission of election results. The stage for partisan bickering among senators was set when Senator Abdullahi Sabi (APC, Niger North) sought an amendment to clause 52 (3,) which read inter alia “The Commission may transmit results by electronic means where and when practicable.” But he prayed the Senate to amend the section to read, “that the Commission may consider electronic transmission of election results provided the network coverage in the area concerned is adjudged to be conducive for transmission of results, by the National Communication Commission (NCC)." Senator Albert Bassey (PDP Akwa Ibom North East) countered with a motion that the amendment should reflect that INEC may allow for electronic transmission of results where and when practicable. Attempts by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan,

to rule in favour of Sabi's motion was rejected by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South), who called for a division of the senators to vote on clause 52 (3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. Abaribe, egged on by other like-minded colleagues, rebuffed attempts by APC senators and Lawan to withdraw his motion for division. To douse tension, Lawan called for an executive session. But after the closed-door session that lasted for about 40 minutes, Abaribe insisted on Order 73, which called for division of the upper chamber to enable voting on any contentious issue by each senator. The ruling party put more pressure on Abaribe to recant his position with Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) warning that lawmakers must be wary of anything that would affect cohesion in the Senate. Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia), cautioned Abaribe over demands for electronic transmission of election results. He claimed that the South-east had neither stable electricity nor sufficient telecommunication coverage to guarantee efficient transmission of results. Others who voted against Bassey’s motion said Nigeria was not ripe for electronic voting and transmission of result. Though the Senate leader and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), separately made spirited efforts to make Abaribe withdraw his motion on division, the minority leader stood his ground. Thereafter, Lawan told the senators that those in favour of amendment made by Abdullahi should say No, while those for the counter amendment made by Bassey should say yes. At the end of the voting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, a total of 80 senators participated, out of which 52, voted for the amendment made by Abdullahi, and 28 voted for the original provision of the clause. As announced by the Clerk, 28 senators were absent during the division and voting session. However, sources told THISDAY that some of the absentee senators were in the chambers before the commencement of voting and excused themselves later. Among those who didn't vote were Senators Theodore Orji (PDP, Abia), Gabriel Suswam(PDP, Benue North East), Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP, Anambra South) and Stella Oduah (PDP, Anambra North), who are under investigation and trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption. Also, all the three senators from Ogun State were not around at the beginning of the voting, the same way two out of the three senators from Oyo State left the chamber before the commencement of voting. In his remarks after voting, Lawan explained that the 28 absentees were on official oversight functions in national interest. He said: "We have gone through probably the most rigorous process we ever had. We had at a point had to go through a division, but that is democracy. No hard feelings and I'm sure that Nigerians will appreciate the debt of concern by all of us here. Those

who voted for amendments and those who voted against, each one of us did so out of conviction for what we believe will be better for this country. "In this case, the Electoral Amendment Bill has now been passed by the Senate and we expect that the House of Representatives, our counterparts, will do the same. If in any case we have even if it's a single difference between our version and theirs, there will be a committee to harmonise, the conference committee. If, however, there is no difference between what we have passed here and what they would have passed in the House, this bill will now be sent to Mr. President for his presidential assent. "But I want to assure all Nigerians that what the Senate did was to show serious concern and care about the divergent views of Nigerians on the election process in this country. All of us want to see an election process that is all inclusive, that is fair, that is equitable and just to everyone, whether someone is in the city or in the villages or in the hamlets. "I wish INEC the best and Nigerians to support INEC at all times to ensure that our elections are done quite in time without postponment due to one reason or the other. We pray that this bill will guide the 2023 general elections so well. And we hope to have a better and more improved election process in 2023." Addressing newsmen after the plenary, Senate spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the lawmakers tried to persuade Abaribe to have a change of mind. According to him, the lawmakers supported electronic transmission of election results, but provided the network is adequate as adjudged by NCC, subjected to approval of the National Assembly. He added that all over the world, there is no where there is total network coverage. Meanwhile, THISDAY learnt that many of the Southern senators who voted against electronic transmission of election results broke their pledge to Southern governors to support the system. The Southern governors, rising from a meeting in Lagos on July 5, had, among others, called for the inclusion of electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. Sources told THISDAY that Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, later met with senators from the region to extract a commitment from them to support the forum's position.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Tambuwal, PDP, SANs Knock Lawmakers Reacting to the decision of the senators, the PDP yesterday expressed shock over the decision of the Senate to undermine the electoral process by refusing to approve the demand of Nigerians for the electronic transmission of election results without conditionalities. PDP said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, that the action of the APC senators was an assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians, who looked up

to the Senate for improvement in the electoral process in a manner that will engender free, fair and credible process. The party said: "It is outrageous that the APC and its senators, in their desperate bid to annex the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seek to route a statutorily independent commission to the approval of an individual masquerading in the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC); an agency under executive control in addition to an extra endorsement of the legislature, before conducting elections. "This action of the APC senators is a direct affront, novel in its recklessness and a defilement of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which clearly conferred operational independence to INEC to conduct elections, free from interferences and regulations from any other agency of government.” Also, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, described the decision of the Senate as disappointing. "By voting against electronic transmission of election results, most senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have clearly shown that they are democrats only when they are favoured or when it suits them. "Of the 109 members, whopping 28 were absent when such an important decision was going to be taken. It was disgraceful. That the voting pattern, for and against, cut across party line was a further proof that when it comes to taking decisions on important national issues, the driving force for most politicians would be 'self' rather than what would best serve the people," he stated. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo also lampooned the Senate for rejecting electronic transmission of results. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the organisation said the action cast a doubt on both the image and quality of the lawmakers in the upper chamber. "The essence of electronic transmission of results is to put to an end to such things as manipulation of results, thuggery, stuffing of ballot box and other forms of electoral malpractices. "The Senate of any country should always be futuristic, statesmanly and answerable to the public conscience and posterity," it added. On his part, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Ahmed Raji said: "Credible election is very crucial to the sustenance of democracy. Electronic transmission of results will boost the credibility of the election and invariably good governance". He stated that INEC is supposed to be independent in line with constitutional provisions. "Any law that attempts to compromise the independence will be unconstitutional. "Any law requiring INEC to be liaising with a body like NCC and the National Assembly will appear to be unconstitutional as such law directly interferes with the independence of INEC,” he added. On his part, Professor Konyinsola AJayi (SAN) said the excuse given by lawmakers who voted against electronic transmission was not tenable

because Nigeria currently boasts the best penetration rate and internet reach. "NCC is a regulator and not an operator; therefore, one cannot fathom why anyone will say that NCC should be the one to decide how election results are transmitted. "In the first place, with advancement in IT, deployment of telecommunication in Nigeria, we have one of the best penetration rate, in terms of internet reach. "To think it will be fair that there should be no election transmission of election results from polling units is a shame," he said. Also reacting, the Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, faulted the manner the Senate decided the issue of electronic voting, describing it as unconstitutional In a statement he signed, the governor, who was House of Representatives speaker, said the decision of the Senate to subject INEC's constitutional power to conduct elections to the NCC and National Assembly was unconstitutional. He said: "For the avoidance of doubt, Section 78 of the Constitution provides that ‘the registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall be subject to the direction and supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission. "In Third Schedule, Part 1,F, S.15: INEC has power to organise, undertake and supervise all elections. The constitution further provides that INEC operation is not to be subject to the direction of anybody or authority." According to him, the mode of election and transmission are critical parts of the conduct, supervision, undertaking and organisation of elections in Nigeria. "Of course the National Assembly has power to flesh out the legal framework but that has to be consistent with the constitution," he added. However, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said it supported the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of elections results as it may it may “short change” some voters. Spokesman of the forum, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, also expressed concern about the capability of INEC to cover the whole country. Yawe, in an interview with THISDAY, said: “If the electronic transmission will work throughout Nigeria, fine - that is our preference. “But if by using it, we are going to shortchange some Nigerian voters, then we support the decision by Senate. “We have no objection to electronic transmission. We are, however, more concerned about the capability of INEC to cover the whole country”.

Commotion Forces House to Adjourn Decision Till Today At the House, the clause-byclause consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill degenerated into an uproar among lawmakers. The disagreement forced plenary activities to be halted for about four times. It was during the stormy session that lawmakers threw caution to the wind and engaged in physical combat, especially between Hon. Ifeanyi Momah (APGA/Anambra) and Hon. Sheu Koko; Yusuf Gagdi

(APC/Plateau) and Hon. Mark Gbillah. The clause-by-clause consideration was almost enjoying smooth sailing in the House until they got to Section 52(2) of the proposed legislation which gives discretion to the INEC to adopt electronic voting or any other method of voting in any election, as it may deem fit. To amend the section, Hon. Sheu Koko moved a motion that under Section 52(2), accreditation and voting should be done electronically, while collation should be done manually, but lawmakers rejected the motion. The Deputy Minority Leader in the House, Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, however, moved a different motion, suggesting that voting, accreditation and transmission of results shall be done electronically. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Idris Wase, who presided over the consideration of the bill, put the motion moved by Okechukwu to vote, but while the 'Ayes' had it, Wase ruled in favour of the 'Nays'. It was at this point that the chamber became rowdy and the lawmakers who voted in favour of electronic transmission of results left their seats and moved towards Wase's seat to protest against the injustice. After normalcy returned about 40 minutes later, Wase warned that he would not take exception to lawmakers approaching his seat to insult him. He stated that as parliamentarians, they should conduct themselves, adding that language conduct is important. Wase said: "I make bold to ask, those who are insisting that you must transmit electronically, what about our brothers in Borno and Yobe?" But the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, interjected, and suggested that the lawmakers should vote individually to properly settle the matter. In his submission, Hon. Onofiok Luke (PDP Akwa Ibom) said the lawmakers should vote, bearing in conscience the interest of Nigerians who gave them the mandate to represent them. However, the House Leader, Hon. Ado Doguwa, cited the rules of the House that when a matter had been ruled on, it could not be revisited. On his part, the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (PDP Delta) supported Gbajabiamila's suggestion, saying it was in order. Wase, however, ignored Elumelu's suggestion and opted for a voice vote on Hon. James Faleke's suggestion. For the second time, he again ruled in favour of the "Nays" despite "Ayes" having the majority vote. After Wase's ruling, the plenary again became rowdy as the proponents of electronic transmission again left their seats and moved towards Wase to protest. It was during the heated arguments among lawmakers that it degenerated to physical fighting. Doguwa therefore moved that the House return to plenary but his motion was voted against by the members. When it appeared that the situation was getting out of hand, Gbajabiamila ruled that the adjourned till today for the consideration of the controversial Section 52(2) of the proposed legislation.

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

COVID-19 Impedes FG's Economic Diversification Drive, Says Ahmed Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday attributed the federal government's inability to achieve economic diversification to a decline in revenue due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She described the Nigerian capital market as a key catalyst for the development of the critical sectors of the economy, saying it offers a credible platform for obtaining medium to long term finance. Ahmed, who spoke during a webinar organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, said the facilitation of funding and provision of structured market platforms such as the commodities exchanges portended a boost for the mining and solid minerals sector. She said: “Given the

economic challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing efforts of the federal government to achieve economic diversification has been affected by a decline in revenue, underlined by volatility in global oil prices, which is our main source of foreign exchange earnings. “The mining sector is strategically based as alternative source for revenue generation in the economic diversification plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria. It also has the potential to create employment and develop rural settings for other benefits." She stated that the mineral export guidelines by the federal government was formulated to address the need to keep accurate mineral trade data, ensure effective monitoring of the evacuation of export proceeds, to optimise the collection of royalties and facilitate the implementation of free shipment inspection policies

of the federal government on each export transaction. She added that this is international best practice in line with the Marrakesh Protocol of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. Ahmed said the initiative of employing the commodities exchange would encourage responsibility accounting and fairness to governance. According to her, this and other initiatives will also facilitate the collection of all royalty and fees due to the government from the export of solid minerals sector, ensuring the integrity of the mining data, minimising revenue leakages and removing undue bottlenecks experienced with transactions by both exporters of minerals as well as the regulatory agencies. She added that identified as one of the frontiers of opportunity in the new economic reality, the Nigerian commodity trading eco system serves as the core point which supports and accelerates the development of non-oil

commodities, which will be complimentary by ongoing efforts to diversify the national economy. Ahmed stated that inefficient linkages of buyers and sellers in sufficient schemes will possess the capacity to proffer solutions to some of the fundamental challenges inherent in the mining sector. She added that streamlining the operations of the mining sector through the commodities trading ecosystem and through other initiatives will ensure proper regulation of solid minerals extracting industry in Nigeria. She expressed optimism that the outcome of the webinar and the strategic partnership between the mining sector and the capital market community will enhance the competitiveness of new non-oil commodities and compliment the economic diversification of the federal government. She assured investors of her ministry's support to ensure the achievement of the objective of the federal government to develop the

mineral potential of the country. Ahmed stated that the nation stands to benefit more in an organised mining and solid mineral extractive industry with the capital market ready to contribute its quota. In a welcome address, the Director-General of SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, said with over 44 minerals found nationwide, the solid minerals sector can be instrumental in the ongoing quest to diversify the economy from its heavy reliance on crude oil. Yuguda said the sector had also been identified as a backbone of the investor value chain, which is an essential source of input for key industries such as construction, automobiles, electronics, aircraft and ship building. He expressed the belief that the Nigerian commodity trading system and the capital market can be the transformational patronage to bring about this positive

changes in the sector. He said with opportunities provided for better access to marketing of produce, price discovery and valuable market information, a striving commodity trading ecosystem could foster inclusive mining prosperity by linking commodities to industries in sufficient scale thereby promoting the output, creating jobs, improving living standards and unlocking the economic potentials of mining communities. In a keynote address, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, described the webinar as timely because it’s coming at a time that President Muhammadu Buhari is striving to revamp the sector for economic stability. He, however, expressed disappointment that over 90 per cent of the artisanal miners and small-scale operators’ contribution to employment is still low with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of 0.5 per cent.

Minister: States to Begin Repayment of Budget Support Facility July Ending Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has stated that the repayment of federal government's support facility by the states will begin by the end of July. This is just as the National Executive Council (NEC) has canvassed strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines as Nigerians celebrate Sallah next week.

Ahmed, who briefed NEC yesterday at its monthly virtual meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said with the agreement reached on the Support Facility issue with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which provided the bridge financing facility to the states, deductions from state governments would commence from this month. Ahmed also gave the council an update on the

underlisted accounts as follows: Excess Crude Balance as at July 13, 2021 was $60,852,533.19; stabilisation account balance as at July 13, 2021 was N26,346,419,015.43; while development of natural resources account balance as at July 13, 2021, was N23,573,977,607.78. On the forthcoming Sallah festivities, the NEC called for a strict adherence to the COVID-19 response guidelines across the country,

after receiving a regular state performance report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). According to the report, the COVID-19 positivity rate has gone up in the country just as three cases of the Delta variant has now been detected. The council received the state performance report on COVID-19 from the DirectorGeneral of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who stated that the Delta variant

is a new variant identified in 103 countries and is 60 per cent more transmissible than the highly infectious Alpha variant, which was previously identified. He said despite the low number of cases in the country, the positivity rate had gone up with Lagos State having a larger burden of between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of cases in the country. The state has also recorded an increase in number of cases

in the last 10 weeks. The NCDC therefore urged the council to ensure the sustenance of effective COVID-19 response nationwide, while improving public health awareness, adherence to public health and social measures. The agency also called for the re-activation and sustained functioning of isolation centres as proactive preparatory measures towards tackling a possible third wave.

government is executing people-oriented projects, particularly in Kano State. Earlier, Buhari, who spoke in Hausa, had said: "I am delighted over how Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is developing Kano State. I am also happy about his continuity policy. I have seen a number of projects of previous administrations which he has completed. "I urge other state governors to emulate the continuity policy of Governor Ganduje. I am very happy for the warm reception I received in Kano." Buhari Performs Ground Breaking for 203.8km KanoKaduna Rail Line Meanwhile, Buhari yesterday in Zawaciki, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, performed the groundbreaking for the 203.8km segment of the Kano-Kaduna rail project. The segment starts from Rigasa station, Kaduna, and runs to Kano. The length of the main line

is 203.8 kilometres. It connects two important states in the North: Kaduna and Kano. When completed, it will be connected to the already functional Abuja-Kaduna railway line, and it will be possible to travel directly from Kano to Abuja by train. The project adopts China Railway standard, with a designed speed of 150 km/h. It is a single-track standard gauge railway, using diesel traction and automatic blocking system. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, said the proposed Kano-Kaduna railway project would boost trade and present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano with ease. Amaechi stated that the project is part of the third and outstanding segment of the Lagos-Kano railway modernisation project. He added that the first segment, Abuja-Kaduna line, was launched for commercial operation in July 2016 and the

second segment, Lagos-Ibadan railway line, was inaugurated for commercial operation on June 10 2021. "Succinctly speaking, having delivered Abuja- Kaduna and Lagos- Ibadan railway project, the remaining stretch of IbadanKano, which traverses Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano has been segmented as follows: KadunaKano segment, Ibadan- Minna segment and Minna-Abuja segment." "This project will link the Federal Capital, Abuja with the commercial city of Kano and also link the ongoing Kano-Maradi project. The outstanding addendum, Ibadan- Abuja, will link the sea ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic. "This, I believe, will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development. This railway line will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease," he added.

Gabkwet told THISDAY that the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, was in the US to meet with pilots before they took off.

It was gathered that the path taken by the fighter jets was designed to avoid the Atlantic Ocean route, a distance not usually flown by fighter aircraft.

EMIR BAYERO TELLS BUHARI TO END NIGERIANS’ SUFFERING in his palace in Kano as part of his itinerary during his official visit to Kano State, that the present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians. As part of his engagement during the state visit, the president was in Zawaciki, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, to perform the groundbreaking for the 203.8km segment of the Kano-Kaduna rail project. He also told governors not to abandon projects initiated by their predecessors so as to speed up the development of their states. Bayero, while receiving Buhari, said: “Nigerians are suffering, and something urgently needs to be done. “The present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, coupled with the insecurity.” The emir called on the government to do everything possible to control inflation. He also urged the federal

government to find a lasting solution to ease the suffering of the common man, more specifically with the high cost of essential commodities that are clearly above their reach. He called on Buhari to intensify more efforts in tackling insecurity and the economy. Bayero said: "We are excited with your visit to the palace. We appreciate your visit to the palace from time to time even during the time of the late emir. "We want to commend the president for the infrastructural development across the country, particularly those sited in Kano just as the governor listed some of such projects despite the shortfalls in the global economy. "We are calling on the president to look into various sectors of life and find ways of ameliorating the sufferings and hardships faced by the masses, especially in the areas of security, economy, especially food and commodities. "We are hoping the

presidential aides would continue to advise the president on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain developments for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us, which we need to discharge accordingly. "We often pray for divine intervention for our country. To the followers, we urged them to sustain constant prayers for the leaders and pray to God to heal our land from COVID-19 pandemic.” The emir appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the success of the Buhari administration. He also assured the president of the emirate’s continued prayers for his administration, and applauded him for finding Kano worthy of citing federal government’s critical infrastructural projects, which has turned the state to an economic hub. He also expressed delight over the way the federal

AIR FORCE: SUPER TUCANO FIGHTER JETS DEPART US FOR NIGERIA on Wednesday. The statement by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said: "The first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft has

departed the United States of America on Wednesday, 14 July 2021, enroute Nigeria. "The six aircraft will be leapfrogged through five countries, including Canada,

Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Algeria, before arriving their final destination in Nigeria towards the end of July 2021. "An official induction

ceremony of the aircraft into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force is already being planned at a later date in August, to be announced in due course."

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

RAMAPHOSA-DE KLERK DIARCHY FOR SOUTH AFRICA Okello Oculi writes that the ‘sharing’ of power by the government gives room to instability

igerian political engineers invented the term ‘’DIARCHY’’ to couple hope from a position of weakness by politicians longing to share power with a military class that monopolised tools of violence. Both groups lacked popular legitimacy earned from votes cast in free and fair elections. Politicians envied the military’s access to a vast inflow of revenue from oil revenues. This game of social engineering had been shown by Leopold Senghor in Senegal and Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana who argued for one-party politics as a borrowing from village communities which did not accept the notion of permanent opposition and hatred between rulers and members of community. Julius Nyerere invented electoral competition by members of the same family following a British colonial by which all (but one rebel member), were declared ‘’elected unopposed’’ without voting taking place. A French scholar of Africa accused President Bill Clinton’s government of supporting the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as a form of gift to Africa. Just as the genocide against Jews had taught Europeans to value ‘’Democracy”, a moment of horror would turn Africans away from dictatorships. So the allegation goes. Regimes controlled by minority European immigrants had drawn Russian and Chinese support as friends of armed struggles for freedom. Mugabe had won in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) while in far west Agustinho Neto had – with Cuba’s troops and Russian weapons decimated South Africa’s white troops and forced political leaders to negotiate for peace and safeguards under Black majority governance. The United States now chose to support African Ethnic Minority Rule in Meles Zenawe’ Ethiopia; Yoweri Museveni in Uganda and Paul Kagame in Rwanda. As the saying goes, a sleeping cobra does not lose the poison in its throat. In African countries which were exploited by a small team of businessmen and political administrators, Kwame Nkrumah described the cobra’s venom as ‘’Neo-Colonialism’’. On 11 July, 2021, supporters of former President Jacob Zuma erupted with violent anger against their leader sitting inside a prison cell. Two weeks earlier, the Constitutional Court sentenced former President Zuma to a prison term because he had disobeyed orders by the supreme court of the country. No one, including a former president of South Africa, is above the law. The legacy of ‘’the rule of law’’ is sordid in South Africa. Its supremacy had imprisoned Nelson Mandela for 27 years.

THIS SPLIT HAS PUSHED RAMAPHOSA TOWARDS DEPENDENCE ON DE KLERK’S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CAMP; AND OFFICIALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND THE WORLD BANK. THIS IS A ROAD TO POLITICAL IDIOCY AND SPIRALLING CONFLICT

A retinue of people who challenged the ‘’rule of law’’ under European immigrant repression were regularly either murdered in prison or while in exile. European immigrants used guns and death to rob communities of their land. There were blatant incidences of corruption and ‘’state capture’’. The state forced victims of land robbery to till farms for whites, to live in horrible dormitories; provide slave labour in mines and die of dust in their lungs. Mugabe, himself a brilliant lawyer, believed in ‘’Anti -Colonial rule of law’’; with the cardinal injunction of returning land to Bashona owners; by force if illegal owners resisted. Mugabe built schools and universities for Black Zimbabweans to catch up. Zuma as a disciple of Mugabe is bound to strike panic in De Klerk’s political camp. Following ANC’s election victory in 1994, it was reported that Cyril Ramaphosa was directed by President Nelson Mandela to go into business. In 2021 he shares with former racist regime president, De Klerk, a similar vision of political engineering of South Africa. With over 400 years of bitterness from violent and poverty-entrenching white rule over African peoples; with 63 per cent of youths under age 24 years unemployed, this ‘Ramaphosa-De Klerk diarchy’ make the country very unstable. In response to riots and looting, Ramaphosa called out the military instead of hurrying to meet angry and hungry looters in Soweto Township. The Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress claimed that the president’s distance from the people is manifested by addresses in English on television. Human rivers of haggard youths carrying away consumer goods looted from shops, while an address by an ANC official merely tags them as ‘’criminals’’ affirm the gulf between her faction of the party and those still loyal to promises made to followers in the struggle against white South Africans owning 90 per cent of the country’s wealth while they constitute only 10 per cent of the population. This split has pushed Ramaphosa towards dependence on De Klerk’s economic and political camp; and officials of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This is a road to political idiocy and spiralling conflict. External merchants of conflict welcome it. Those who wish to deepen an erosion of the country’s level of industrialisation and weaken its credential for being a member of BRICKS will deepen decay in the education sector and availability to drug addiction.

COVID-19: NOT YET UHURU

The pandemic is still on the prowl. Nigerians should adhere to the preventive measures, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

he signs are not too pleasant. Big parties are back in full force. So are large gatherings. There is utter disregard for social distancing. The use of facemasks has been discarded. We embrace and shake hands at will. All of a sudden, we seem to be acting as if the deadly virus no longer exists. Sadly, as we imprudently tread the path of complacency, the pandemic is not really in a hurry to leave. It is even giving birth to deadlier variants. For the virus, there is still more land to conquer. Stakeholders have raised the alarm of a possible third wave of COVID-19 across the globe. This followed a sharp increase in the number of positive cases recorded in the last few weeks. In Lagos State, for instance, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently disclosed that the state’s daily cases of COVID-19 confirmation had shot up to 6.6 per cent over a period of one week. The governor stated that from the beginning of July, there was a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as of 8th July 2021. This rapid increase should give every wellmeaning individual serious cause for concern. Perhaps, more alarming is the revelation that within the past few weeks, the occupancy rate at Lagos’ 2 isolation centres increased from an average of 1% to 6%. This is a troubling reality that must not be treated casually. Experts have linked the sad trend to the uncaring approach of travellers from countries in the “high risk” zones as well as the careless attitude of the residents to adhere to the protective protocols issued by the government

after the end of the second wave. In his recent briefing on the Lagos’ COVID-19 situation, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 18 percent of 50,322 air passengers of interest, who arrived in Lagos via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), could not be reached for COVID-19 status monitoring by EKOTELEMED because they supplied wrong contact details. Also, quite disturbing is the confirmation of a highly contagious Delta variant of the virus in the country. According to experts, the deadly Delta variant, which has been detected in at least 105 countries globally, is now becoming prevalent and it is rapidly spreading. Now, the fear is that it could become predominant in African countries if unimpeded. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has equally expressed fears about the Delta variant as well as the possibility of the rise of other new or unknown COVID-19 variants. WHO said the Alpha and Beta variants are already in 173 and 122 countries respectively, while the Gamma variant is in 74 nations. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that emerging COVID-19 variants like the Delta variant are winning the race against available vaccines. Tedros lamented that several countries are experiencing a remarkable increase in cases. According to him, it is rather ironic that many nations are already doing away with public health measures “as though the pandemic is already over.” In Nigeria, considering our fragile public health system, we should logically be concerned about the risk of a third wave of the pandemic. It is, therefore, rather disturbing that a larger percentage of our people are acting as if things are absolutely normal.

The reality of the COVID-19 situation, no doubt, calls for great caution among compatriots, especially Lagosians. Being the epicentre of the pandemic, Lagos, especially, and other cosmopolitan cities in the country must not be exposed to tendencies that could spark the third wave of COVID-19. We must, thus, be all resolute in our stand against the virus. Caution must remain our watchword. No soldiers celebrate in the midst of an inconclusive battle. It is in our own interest to willingly comply with all regulations designed by the appropriate bodies to contain the spread of the virus. This is the time for those saddled with the safeguarding of our borders to be patriotic and vigilant. The Immigration and Customs, especially, must keep their eyes on visitors coming into the country. They must ensure a seamless working relationship with the frontline responders stationed at all ports of entry across the country to ensure in-bound travellers adhere to laid down COVID-19 protocols. Relevant authorities are also enjoined to sanction in-bound air passengers that fail to provide verifiable contact details, including accessible phone numbers they can be reached for monitoring. Such passengers should face prosecution, including fines and imprisonment in line with the relevant law. The situation at hand requires reactivation of full compliance with all protective protocols already outlined by the government. There should be compulsory use of face masks in all public places, while also the social distancing protocol must also be strictly adhered to. Also, we should not compromise on compulsory temperature checks, provisions for handwashing and sanitizers, and a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy in enclosed spaces.

Besides the need for sanctioning, it is important to enjoin Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their health. The ultimate responsibility for our safety lies in our hands. The pandemic is not yet over, irrespective of what we think. Therefore, we need to step up personal safety measures and precautions. Families must deliberately speak about it at homes, while schools and working places must religiously champion it. This is not the time to be careless. This is not the time to let down our guard. If we choose to be undaunted in the midst of a raging battle, we will not only hurt our nation, but our families too because the virus has no respect for anyone. Taking personal responsibility is our duty; we have to change our orientation. The time to take responsibility is now! The onus lies on us to take personal responsibility. Wear your facemask appropriately. It is not a chin mask! Adhere to social distancing rules, wash hands regularly and keep to all safety guidelines. According to history, the Spanish flu of 1918 claimed many lives in the first wave, but as soon as the lockdown was relaxed people began to gather again, hug, shake hands and before they realised the second wave claimed 10 times more people. To prevent a third wave of COVID-19 cases and forestall our healthcare system being overwhelmed, we all need to take responsibility and follow strict hygiene practices. We should not frustrate the government’s effort in containing the virus. Let us all take responsibility for keeping everyone safe. Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

EDITORIAL NGF AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA The leadership of the forum is clearly discernible. But there is more to do

n the past few months, Nigerians have searched for a consensus that addresses our diversity and potential. This is in reaction to the real and imagined forces that seek to break the country. The spread and depth of insecurity which has manifested in banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country have threatened livelihoods, social cohesion and created ripples on the political scene. In the process, we have seen the southern governors meet to discuss and agree on certain positions. Same for the northern governors. In this landscape of disparate voices, there is a threat to national unity and progress. Indeed, it is without a debate that this country is pulling at the seams because of a failure to lead at the centre. That has engendered a situation in which some people are pushing to pull the nation apart, especially at the ethno-regional level of geopolitical zones. But the country cannot afford to continue treading this path. We need a conversation on a template of civility and mutual IT IS GOOD TO NOTE THAT THE FORUM HAS BEEN VERY respect. Sadly, the institutions that ACTIVE, BUT NIGERIANS should make WANT TO SEE MORE this happen have ENGAGEMENT ON THE ISSUES THAT THREATEN TO themselves become mired in the divisive PULL US APART AS A NATION politics of the time. Yet, we can look to certain bright spots in our current challenges that offer opportunities for engagement such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). It is noteworthy that many of the governors in the 36 states have become moderating voices in the current conversations about the future of our country. This makes the NGF a potential actor in the drive to amplify the voice of reason and make the engagement more productive. The NGF has had a chequered history, having been divided and coloured by partisanship at different times. At

Letters to the Editor

one time it had two chairmen, which reﬂected the disputes at the level of the political elite. However, it is commendable that at a time when the country is at its ebb in terms of divisive messaging from political and separatist actors, the NGF has managed to maintain its unity and togetherness. That provides hope that political leaders can stay together and ﬁnd common ground on what ails our country. Today’s NGF leadership provides a ready template for the effective management of our diversity be they regional, religious, tribal, or partisan.

T T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGED ENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

hat there are different groups of states coalescing around varied subjects, some in conflict to the other, and yet still unite on a common goal is a testimony to leadership. This is the first time the NGF has operated for over a year without controversy along partisan or regional lines. Much of the credit for that is due to the carriage, stature, and leadership of Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, who over the past year has steered the forum in such a manner as to make it stay on message, while maintaining a semblance of oneness and inclusiveness. Under Fayemi, we have seen the NGF intervene in the fiscal crisis that held several states down, in positively addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, and providing succour for the vulnerable as part of the Covid-19 action plan in concert with the private sector. The decisions of the NGF to collectively support post Covid -19 recovery efforts as a collective action is a case in point. But the forum can do more. The NGF should be at the centre of the current engagement on devolution of powers, true federalism, cross-border insecurity, herdsmen-farmer clashes, and several other contending issues. The governors should take the conversation away from ethnic entrepreneurs who only muddle the waters. It is good to note that the Forum has been very active, but Nigerians want to see more engagement on the issues that threaten to pull us apart as a nation.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciﬁc publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. 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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

HOW THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW CAN FIX THE ECONOMY

t is no longer news that the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many economies of which Nigeria has had its shares. There is a threat of another economic meltdown if urgent steps are not taken. The Fiscal Responsibility Law has become the most vital tool in salvaging the economy if appropriately implemented. This has necessitated the need for repeal and re-enactment that is ongoing in the National Assembly. Just recently, the Senate Committee on Finance held a public hearing leading to the passage of the proposed amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. The bill is seeking to amend some sections of the act thereby repositioning the Fiscal Responsibility Commission in executing its mandate as the enforcer of the act and give succour to the already volatile economy by increasing the generation of the independent revenue into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). It will improve the commission’s funding and capacity to increase the generation of independent revenue collections and curb financial frauds within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It is noteworthy to know that despite all the work done by the Commission, it seems the expected impact is not yet fully seen because some agencies are taking advantage of some gaps in the act to subvert the law. They engage in

creative accounting in hiding revenues due to the federal government. It is on record that the Commission has been able to cause to be remitted over N2 trillion into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) after a long battle with the agencies involved. With the amendment, there is hope for an increase in revenue if the scheduled corporations know that there are appropriate sanctions in the act if they fail to do the needful. It becomes very imperative to ensure that this amendment process scales through forthwith. It is trite also to note that the Commission has been critical in reorganizing the economy since its inception despite operating in an unfriendly environment and with a faulty law. It has recorded notable achievements ranging from the operating surplus remittance that was not possible before the coming of the Commission, the restoration of the budget circle from January to December of the fiscal year, and verification of capital projects captured in the budget. The fiscal responsibility index designed to track the compliance level of the MDAs is another milestone recorded by the Commission. The Commission is playing a critical role in the National Assembly’s oversight functions to the scheduled corporation which the Senate acknowledged in different fora that the Commission has made their work easier with facts and figures. The

template for the calculation of the operating surplus designed by the Commission has made it difficult for the corporations to hide revenue with their creative accounting which was their stock-in-trade before. By and large, if the Commission must sustain the critical function of providing for prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensuring long-term macro-economic stability of the national economy, securing greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term expenditure fiscal policy framework, there is a need to quickly pass the proposed amendment bill into law. This will help in restoring the vast economic hope amidst the present global economic volatility caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the oil revenue continues to fluctuate and remain unpredictable, increasing the independent revenue collection base will help in revitalizing the economy. As we look forward to the successful passage of the amendment bill and subsequent signing by the president, we enjoin all the stakeholders and the general public to lend their support to the Commission as they embark on a rescue mission to salvage the nation’s economy and guarantee a prudent, transparent, and accountable financial management for Nigeria. Benson Igwebuike wrote from Abuja

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

Senator Marafa and the Personification of Honour Mika’ilu Barau, an English Language teacher at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto commends the rare moral high standards of Senator Kabiru Marafa “For let the gods so speed as I love the name honour more than I fear death” Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (I.ii).

he leading political event in the last week of June and first week of July, 2021 is arguably the decamping story of Zamfara State Governor from PDP to APC which came with a lot of controversies known to many in Nigeria. Three people top the headlines in this political instance: Governor Bello Matawalle; Former Governor Abdul’Azeez Yari Abubakar and Distinguished Senator Kabiru Marafa (CON). Of all the three, Senator Marafa is the most heard about. Thanks to his generous and courageous outspoken nature, the nation and the world got the full background of the story in the tireless session he had with the media -print, broadcast, local, international, Hausa and English alike. Senator Marafa’s comprehensive narrative demystified the hide and seek game that inherently characterised the defection story with timely, coherent and transparent updates. Following these engagements, it is gratifying to see how Senator Marafa comes out strongly symbolizing the stature of honour that is befitting of a Senator. The position of a Senator as we know it has a history dating prominently back to the Roman Empire. The pride of every Senator in that ancient time was his nobility, honour and valour which are best earned through strong moral foundation, courage and reasonable material possession. The quote opening this piece speaks to this because Brutus there was telling Cassius, a fellow Senator in the Roman Empire, that he would rather take death than accept the disgrace of having Caesar who was perceived as a dictator to continue ruling the empire. Again, I cannot help quoting Shakespeare from the same play to make a point on the premium place of honour in such historic context: “Why, man he [Caesar] doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves. Men at some times are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. But in ourselves that we are underlings” Julius Caesar (I,ii). In summary, a Senator should be that person who soars to the peak of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs -the level of self actualisation. One unfortunate thing I see in Nigeria is that people tend to refuse to grow on the five-step ladder of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs -physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem and self-actualisation. Many will acquire the right knowledge, network, resources and related achievements but will continue to operate at the most basic level where substances of subsistence are used to play around with their moral merits. This is where Distinguished Senator Marafa stands out to the pride of all of us affiliated to him as political protégé or even the privilege of coming from the same state with him. Permit me here to challenge even before giving my reasons in the following paragraphs that if you take out Senators who were governors of their states or rose to the position of Senate Presidents, Senator Marafa can count among the top three most distinguished Senators since the return of democracy in the fourth republic from 1999 to date. He is one Senator that any politically conscious Nigerian can identify by telling the state he came from and where he once stood in an important debate on national life. A quick mental imagination of other Senators on this scale can show how Senator Marafa dwarfs them in this respect. The privilege of working with Senator Marafa and closely observing his engagement tell me how much his fame was earned through dogged commitment to honour. In

a widely circulated debate in the last Senate, he appealed to his colleagues to accept the apology of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege having swallowed his pride and apologized to the house. Senator Marafa argued that he could not imagine himself in the situation

of Omo-Agege because he (Marafa) would always want to think through his words and actions before engaging thereby making regret highly unlikely after such action. This I know and appreciate so well about Senator Marafa as a witness to the thinking

Why PDP Used Super Delegates in Anambra Guber Primary Valentine Ayika, a lawyer and former member of the House of Assembly and House of Representatives was an automatic delegate in the recent Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Primary election which expectedly generated a lot of controversies The Laws Regulating Primary Elections lections, both primary and general, in Nigeria are regulated, majorly, by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010. The Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC) is the body constitutionally empowered to organise and supervise general elections. The body is also vested with powers to monitor political party congresses/primaries.

Indirect Primary By section 87 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010, the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be either by direct or indirect primaries. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by its Constitution adopted the indirect primaries which implies that only a selected few, in form of an electoral college, votes to nominate the party’s candidates. This electoral college is comprised of the state and local government officers, five principal officers in each of the 326 wards, three adhoc delegates elected at a congress from each of the wards in the state and the automatic delegates. The automatic or super delegates are members of the party that are occupying or that have occupied certain elective positions in the party or at the state or national levels. The Factions For Anambra State; the state, local government and the five principal officers were part of the ward executives elected during the party’s congresses in 2017. Since then, there has been lots of litigations

challenging the outcome of the congresses which has given rise to factions within the state chapter of the party. Conﬂicting Judgments The battle for legitimacy by the different factions necessitated the institution of various suits at different courts which unfortunately have given numerous conflicting judgments on the matter. It is on record that there are four judgments on the same subject matter by four different courts of coordinate jurisdictions. The recently elected adhoc delegates for the governorship primary election got entangled in the controversy as the actors in the processes that led to their emergence may have been affected by any of the judgments. INEC Deadlines Worthy of mention at this stage is that by certain provisions of our Constitution, electoral laws and guidelines for general elections some activities in the chain of events that leads up to the general election are time bound in that specified periods for certain activities or deadlines for particular stages of the election processes must be complied with. For example the INEC guidelines for the 2021 Anambra Governorship election the prescribed for July 1, 2021 as the last day for primary election while the last day for submission of names and particulars of candidates by political parties was July 9, 2021. Any omission or noncompliance with any of these dates disqualifies the political party from fielding a candidate in the election. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

process that goes into confronting political hurricanes like the one at hand on Governor Matawalle’s defection. I must say, Senator Marafa’s training in Chemical Engineering coupled with his extensive life experience and commitment to truth must have helped his positive political engagements and interventions. Those are also the motivations to the daring passion with which he speaks and act. On the eve of the defection engagements in Kaduna in the last week of June, I was assigned to accompany former Governor Mamuda Shinkafi and the acting APC Chair for Zamfara to persuade Senator Marafa to agree to come and talk to Governors Bagudu and Badaru with other high-level stakeholders. This was after taking the principled stand of requesting the APC to agree to extend the defection ceremony for members of APC in the state to be carried along first. After about two hours of effort that made Senator Marafa agreeing to join us somewhat forcefully (around 10pm) because the people on the mission refused to allow him enter his house nor drive his car, Senator Marafa asked us subconsciously to branch at one of the hotels to meet Senator Tijjani Kaura. I later realised the reason was because he and Senator Tijjani mutually agreed to boycott the discussion for their lack of agreement with its principles. Senator Marafa did not allow the pressure mounted on him to forget this agreement. We all waited for like another hour for Senator Marafa to brief his friend and agree to join a meeting with the governors which many politicians unconditionally crave for. One thing that Senator Marafa speaks in public with modesty in the current tussle was the offer from his colleagues to leave Yari alone and facilitate the defection of Governor Matawalle to APC –‘colleagues’ is the term Senator Marafa deploys euphemistically to describe the representatives of the Federal Government. Trust me, this was a big offer that carried power and money running into billions. I hardly can imagine an average elite around turning down such offer in exchange for honouring the agreement of a fresh reconciliation. In fact, most of the Senator’s associates privy to the offer encouraged him to take it. In his most distinguished nature, Senator Marafa did tell some of us in turning down the offer with ease that ‘it is not my way’. In a related context sometimes in February 2021, it was Senator Marafa that helped his group decide that former Governor Yari should be the leader of all reconciling groups which calmed many nerves and brought the formidable consolidation that made APC in the state wax with confidence. Well, there is a limit to how far I can go with providing instances of Senator Marafa’s honourable stance in the interest of readers and their time. But let me say that since Senator Marafa granted that grand interview to Channels Television on July 9, I received overwhelming feedback through calls and messages on how lucky Zamfara was and Nigeria by extension for having such courageous, eloquent and honourable people that can challenge the ominous arrogance of a typical ruling party like the one that the APC seems to tilt to by reminding that it is a product of people not the other way round. Such arrogance was part of the undoing of the PDP in 2015 and we are very lucky to have people like Senator Marafa to protect APC against itself with his novel idea of ‘WIN Win Win’ as the best way forward for the party in Zamfara and beyond. By this it means, proposing a framework that meets the yearning of existing party members, the decamping governor and the representatives of the party at national level. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

As Things Fall Apart in South Africa

Suswam’s Unwise Take on State Police

Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline.com applauds the stand of South African King of the Zulu ethnic group for condemning the wanton looting and destruction of lives and property perpetrated by his subjects

Anthony Kila, Director, Centre for International and Advanced Professional Studies berates former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam for his opinion against state policing

ing Misuzulu Zulu, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, spoke with the voice of responsibility and challenge for better conduct and handling of the explosive situation in South Africa. Instead of making excuses and pointing fingers at other multi-ethnic nations in Southern Africa, the King decided that his most important task will be to challenge his own community. It is the way forward for any serious group of people or country. The King is young but seasoned. With a voice and presence filled with agony and disappointment as the entire world watches, day after day since one week, the looting, violence and destruction of lives and properties in his beloved Zulu Kingdom and across the major cities of South Africa, said: “What is even more saddening is that so many of those who are drawn to this lawlessness and criminality are members of the Zulu nation.... It has brought great shame upon us all... as fingers are pointed at my father’s people.” He reminded everyone: “This chaos is destroying the economy, and it is the poor who will suffer the most.” The 46 year-old newly enthroned king was very blunt when he said that the destruction “has brought great shame” and on the Zulus the largest ethnic group in South Africa. His Majesty Misuzulu Zulu has my respect for calling on his Zulu nation of almost 12 million and all of South Africa to rise to the heights of decency, protect and respect human lives and economic infrastructure which ultimately support the communities. This is unlike what we see in many parts of the African continent including Nigeria where the eyes of nepotism, favoritism and ethnocentric biases are turned on whenever there is an issue which concerns someone of your own community. It is such hypocrisy and immoral relativism that have combined — with several colonial, neo-colonial and contemporary factors — to keep most of Africa backward. This existential matter, logically lets me to explore a tough and critical question. Regardless of its controversial implications for continental Africans, I shall ask it: Why, In some perverse and awkward sense, do we still have most of the underdeveloped or developing countries in different parts of the African continent locked into a self-hating cycle of purposeless grind

and foolish competition over who will outdo the others in the violent “defense” and “brotherly protection” of corrupt, unlawful and self-serving politicians and soldiers from their own sections/regions of their misgoverned countries? Remarkably, hundreds and thousands of those “comrades” who are in great need of what is popularly known “stomach infrastructure” mobilize most of those angry crowds. They are hungry and angry! So many are homeless and millions of them go to bed hungry, every day; yet they are the ones who picked up weapons and destroyed the entrepreneurship and hardwork of many indigenous and dedicated comrades who labour and provide economic employment opportunities in the community and bring about transformative empowerment to the post-apartheid South Africa! In terms of recent economic migrants and business developers, Nigerian and other African businesses have suffered from the unfortunate xenophobia and recent attacks. Sadly, most of the Zulus and African National Congress (ANC) members from other parts of South Africa who never benefited from the corruption stained presidency; the defunct, controversial presidency of Jacob Zuma looted and set ablaze hundreds of businesses. Zuma is a Zulu. I agree with the King of the Zulus, Misuzulu, who has warned that “my father’s people are committing suicide” by their involvement in the violence which has taken almost 125 individuals, following ex-President Zuma’s 15-month jail term for contempt of court regarding corruption charges. Somehow, our beloved South Africa, like Nigeria, has refused and failed — through a combination of historical and contemporaneous factors — to move up to the organic level of competent, inclusive, accountable and harmonious countries of the world. What is next for South Africa, as things fall apart?

In terms of recent economic migrants and business developers, Nigerian and other African businesses have suﬀered from the unfortunate xenophobia and recent attacks. Sadly, most of the Zulus and African National Congress (ANC) members from other parts of South Africa who never beneﬁted from the corruption stained presidency; the defunct, controversial presidency of Jacob Zuma looted and set ablaze hundreds of businesses. Zuma is a Zulu

ear Senator Gabriel Suswam, You recently made headlines for your contributions to the debate and reflections on state policing in Nigeria. Going by what the newspapers reported, it would appear that you are against state policing in Nigeria because you do not trust governors to manage such force and because such process and practice will lead into the disintegration of Nigeria. To buttress your point, you even went down to your personal memory lane to remind us that even in your glorious and momentous years as governor, you were against state policing. In your own your words: “The proposal in the constitution for amendment is that governors will appoint Commissioners of Police, and I can’t be party to that because I know the implication for that. That will be recipe for complete disintegration of the country, except we want that. Because as a governor there is no way you will come to my state and misbehave and I won’t charge you for nuisance and put you in jail. And when it comes to election, you know that I can appoint a Commissioner of Police. My mother can be Commissioner of Police, my cousins will be the DPOs here and there, and my lackeys can be in positions; so anywhere somebody is my opponent politically, that person is gone. So, we can’t practice state police. Given what is going in various parts of the country and across the world, your words and position stirred more than a few thoughts and reflections in me and one of the immediate thoughts that came to mind is that whilst we generally clamour for and defend the freedom and courage to express our thoughts and those of others, two things we fail to insist on are one side, the need for such thoughts to be deep, constructive and accountable and on the other, the wisdom to keep quiet in some circumstances: The famous moment when silence is gold. One of the many newspapers that reported your position headlined it as “Suswam Kicks Against State Police” in my personal current condition of just recovering from a painful loss via penalties as well as the consequent behavior and utterances of a handful of loudmouthed, shallow, uncouth, self-serving, bigoted and vexatious football fans loosely defined as racists. My thought, when I saw that headline was “Suswam Kicks Penalty into Throw-in.” Dear Senator Suswam, I have some information for you and there is no milder way to put it: Your words and opinion, on this issue of state policing, are neither worthy of your profile nor of your public position, rather it is an indictment on both. Your views came across as rather archaic, out of touch, pedestrian, fatalistic and submissive. That is bad enough, but things get worse when one factors in that you were as a former Governor and sitting Senator from Benue State. The quest for state policing is neither a whim nor a desire of some to amass power. It is a necessity generated out of the need to address the issue of security crises rocking practically the whole country and inefficient policing that the centralized system Nigeria has practiced thus far has not been able to successfully

address. Any simpleton can be allowed to say that he or she is against state policing because it might lead to abuse of power by state governors but not someone elected and paid to lead and represent his people. A citizen can, out fear of nepotism or unfair advantage, privately opine that state governors might nominate their friends and families as police commissioners, but an elected officer holder cannot and must not be allowed to do publicly do such. A governor or senator must be seen to and must in truth and in practice be working to curb ways that will allow any form of abuse, nepotism or corruption. Political leaders are elected, nominated, charged and expected to find solutions by having innovative ideas, building institutions and ensuring processes that will protect country and uplift people. When we fear that governors might abuse state policing, what guarantees do we have that the Inspector General of Police or the President cannot, will not and does not abuse national policing? If you have such guarantees, please have a change of heart: Support state policing and insist that the same mechanism that gives us such guarantees with the IG and President be extended to governors. You were born in 1964, it is therefore correct to observe that as a young man who in such a relatively short time on this earth has gotten so much in life and from Nigeria and thanks to Benue, it is legitimate that you defend the integrity of Nigeria, it matters not whether you do so out of interest or conviction, I defend your right to defend the integrity of Nigeria. As an elected leader however, you are not allowed to be paranoid. Your duty is to convincingly, coherently and cogently represent the yearnings of your people. You also have the important duty of proffering solutions that will dissuade those tired of Nigeria to start loving and wanting Nigeria again. The way to do such is to talk about and focus on working on security, justice and prosperity through provision of opportunity, not by disseminating fear and doubt against progress and modernity. You say “Nigeria should not compare itself with developed countries on the issue of state police as those countries had gone past where we are today. We’ve to wait until we are mature enough for state police…” Dear Senator, please speak for yourself. You and some Nigerian politicians that reason like you might not be mature enough for state policing but we the people are more than mature for it.

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 19.75 % 20.50 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

19 % 20.50 % 22 %

J U L Y

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078

9 , 2 0 2 1

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 1.18 % YEAR TO DATE -19.55 %

EXCHANGE RATE N411.75/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes

Delta Resumes Lagos Flights

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers(CIS), Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe; his wife, Olajumoke; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Olukayode Pitan and his wife, Femi during the Investiture of Pitan as Honorary Fellow of CIS in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

‘Truckers’ Ignorance Fuelling Gridlock on Port Access Roads’ Eromosele Abiodun The designer and manager of the electronic call-up system aimed at containing Apapa gridlock, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP) Limited has lamented poor compliance by truck owners/ drivers as well as a deviant resistance from an extortion industry worth N100 million daily before the deployment of the electronic system for continued traffic gridlock in Apapa. The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Temidayo Adeboye, who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Lagos, said efforts of the truckers to circumvent ETO was fuelled by ignorance of the gains the new operational method would

MARITIME deliver to transporters if wholly embraced. Adeboye, who revealed that it took his company more than six years of painstaking research to understand Apapa Gridlock and build the electronic solution deployed in February 2021, said 50 per cent of Apapa traffic were bound to the ports. According to him, the focus was to effectively regulate the maritime traffic and solve half the problem. He said: “We have been researching Apapa for over six years and now understand the demographics of different truck traffic which can be categorized into three major parts, namely; the maritime traffic, oil and gas traffic; the FMCG’s (fast-moving

consumer goods), manufacturers and freelancers. “Holistically, we couldn’t take these segments at once, so we believed that if we are able to solve the problem for the largest single demographic among these three categories, it means that half of the problem will be resolved.” “It is been tough. We had to build everything from the scratch. We couldn’t go out to buy a solution off the shelf since there is no country in the world with this particular type of port problem. We had to go round, visit places, take best practices and come here to develop our indigenous solution in Nigeria and by Nigerians,” he stated. Noting the improvement in the flow of traffic, he said the

extortion industry whose earnings on the port access road was allegedly put at N100 million daily before the introduction of ETO was being contained as more trucks are captured in the call-up system. He said expectations were that the problem of corruption would be tackled once there was free-flow of traffic to and from the port. “The extortion industry in this Apapa is about N100 million a day. That is what it used to be. If we can fix 50 per cent of the problem, nobody can extort money from port-bound truckers”, he said. He disclosed that while other types of trucks have Continued on page 22

Stakeholders Tackle FAAN over Security Tax Chinedu Eze Officials of international airlines that operate in Nigeria have alleged that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had diverted the multibillionnaira security tax it collected from passengers for the provision of facilities at the airports. But FAAN has denied the allegation, saying it was false. Every passenger traveling to international destination pays $20 security tax to FAAN. It was introduced in 2010 to provide infrastructure that would further fortify the airports against terror attacks. FAAN recorded 323,751 international passengers at the Lagos and Abuja airports in the first quarter of 2021, that paid $6, 475, 020 (N2, 661, 233, 2020) security fee of $20 each. One of the officials who spoke to THISDAY, on condition of anonymity, explained that every passenger travelling out of the

AVIATION country pays $20 security tax and FAAN has been collecting the money since 2010, but so far security infrastructure and other facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), which is the major gateway have not improved. The official lamented that even Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel are inadequate most times the x-ray machines at the airport are not manned. Also, the source alleged that AVSEC workers at the terminal gates are not enough and were being complemented by Nigeria police. The official told THISDAY that if the huge revenues accruing from security tax were used for the airport maintenance and provision of security equipment, the international airports in Lagos and Abuja would become more functional

with modern facilities. “Besides, when the tax was introduced it was meant to be for a period of time but it has become permanent which every passenger travelling out of the country must pay,” the source said. “FAAN has been recruiting new personnel lately but there are still paucity of aviation security personnel so police have to complement them and police have brought their ways in the streets into the airport. “Every day you notice that passengers are being extorted. Sometimes AVSEC officials would stop a passenger, accuse him of not having one document or another and after he would tell the passenger to go and meet the police officer, who will ask him to pay some money. “The police should not be permanently stationed at the airport, but should be called up when the need arises. So

FAAN need to train more aviation security personnel. “If you go to FAAN headquarters or even at international terminal you will see so many workers who are not doing anything, just idling away but there are not enough Aviation Security officials. I was told that it is not easy to train AVSEC officials because they have to be profiled and their names must be sent to DSS, which would vet the names and investigate and profile them,” he further alleged. To the President of Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria and the Managing Director/CEO of Merchant Express, a cargo company, Kingsley Nwokoma, revenues from the security tax was meant to provide facilities to alleviate the rigour of passenger processing at the airports. “Passengers suffer a lot of

Delta Airlines has resumed operations at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport to pre-pandemic levels with the resumption of its non-stop service to the United States four times a week. The flight from New York-JFK joins Delta’s existing daily service to Atlanta, which restartedlastSeptember,followingashortsuspensionduetotheairport’s closure at the height of the pandemic.The choice of non-stop services to Delta’s largest hubs enable customers to connect onto flights to 130 destinationsacrosstheUSwithinfourhoursofarrivalineitherAtlantaor NewYork.DeltafliesAirbusA330-200aircrafttoNigeria,whichinclude Delta One business class, complete with fully flat-bed seats and aisle access for all, as well as Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. “Deltaisthelongest-servingU.S.airlineinNigeriaandthecountryremains an important market for us,” said Bobby Bryan, Delta’s Commercial Director, Africa. “Facilitating trade, as well as providing valuable air links for families and friends to re-connect is key to our mission here in Nigeria and around the globe. Never has this been more important as the world recovers from the pandemic,” he added. The additional service from New York also provides cargo customers with increased capacity for the safe transportation from Nigeria.With short connection times in New York, cargo can be swiftly forwarded to destinations throughout the U.S. and beyond. Delta’sflightstoLagos,whichhavebeeninoperationsince2007,supports economic and trade ties between Nigeria and the US. Data from the Office of the USTrade Representative showed that the value of US goods and services trade with Nigeria was estimated at $10.4 billion in 2019 with exports valued at $5.3 billion and imports into the US worth $5.1 billion.

Meshelia Chairs LAAC Confab

The Chief Executive Oﬃcer (CEO) of WestLink Airlines, Capt. Ibrahim Msheliawillchairthe24thLeagueofAirportandAviationCorrespondents (LAAC) scheduled to hold on July 28th, 2021, in Lagos. Also, the CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema; Managing Director of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, and other dignitaries have indicated interest to grace the occasion. Chairman, Governing Council, Nigeria Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Captain Dung Pam; Chairman, Association of Aviation Ground Handlers (ACHAN) , Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, and General Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rabiu Abdulmutalib would also deliver papers at the conference. Already,majorstakeholdersinNigeria’saviationindustryarekeyinginto theConferencewiththetheme:‘NigeriaAviationIndustry:Management, Policy and Regulation.’ While the Ministry of Aviation has indicated interest to be part of the event,alltheaviationagencies,including:NigerianCivilAviationAuthority (NCAA),FederalAirportsAuthorityofNigeria(FAAN),NigerianAirspace Management Agency (NAMA), Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N),NigerianCollegeofAviationTechnology(NCAT),ZariaandNigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) have equally expressed their desire to be fully involved in the whole arrangements.

IATA Appoints Sullivan Global Cargo Head

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Brendan Sullivan as its Global Head of Cargo with immediate eﬀect. Sullivan has worked in air cargo for 20 years including spending 14 years atIATA.SinceJanuary,hehasbeenactingGlobalHeadofCargoalongside his role as Head of Cargo Operations and E-Commerce. Recent achievements include leading two key IATA initiatives: The ‘One Source Platform’ that provides comprehensive information on infrastructure capabilities critical to taking advantage of special cargo and e-commerce activities. Another is, ‘The IATA Face Campaign,’ that buildsthenextgenerationofaircargoleadershipbyattracting,developing, and retaining young talent within the air cargo industry. Sullivan began his career in air cargo at Air Canada in 2000, where he gained frontline operational experience and developed expertise in dangerous goods handling that facilitated his transition to IATA in 2007. “Brendan will be a great Global Head of Air Cargo. He knows the industry from frontline operations to the development of global standards. He recognises the critical need for modernisation to meet the needs of air cargo’sbiggestbusinessopportunities—e-commerceandspecialcargo. And he has the passion to drive a post-crisis agenda that will strengthen aircargo’scontributiontotheglobaleconomyandtotheairlinebusiness,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety andSecurity.ACanadiannational,SullivanisﬂuentinEnglishandFrench.

“We will implement the new consumer protection law to the letter, but we need to educate the passengers about their rights” Director General, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,

Captain Musa Nuhu Continued on page 22

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BUSINESSWORLD ‘TRUCKERS’ IGNORANCE FUELLING GRIDLOCK ON PORT ACCESS ROADS’ been streamlined and allocated time belts in a bid to ensure all trucks on ETO platform get into the ports within 24 hours of booking, export trucks have posed a major problem, challenging the entire project. Adeboye, who insisted that the ease of traffic in Apapa largely depends on effectively regulating the movement of export cargo, disclosed that NPA in tackling the challenge is creating export zones. He said, “until we find a solution to the export problem, we can’t get to that 24-hour entry target. The export problem is really abhorring.” He said the cooperation of stakeholders and adherence to the policy and the time guideline would help a great deal. “If everybody can just do the right thing, everybody will transit within 24hours. But right now, what we are seeing is a maximum of 48 hours if it is not an export container,” he added. He also blamed the slow start of ETO on transporters who failed to heed the initial call to register as only 120 truckers with 2,000 trucks registered and attended their training but a week after the deployment of the scheme, the number rose to 2000 transporters and 50,000 trucks.

STAKEHOLDERS TACKLE FAAN OVER SECURITY TAX delays because the needed equipment or personnel are inadequate. Travel is supposed to be great experience for passengers but the airports in Nigeria give you bad experience, where you can wait for a long time before you board you flights because there are inadequate and outmoded equipment. “It is unfortunate that we are where we are, but FAAN has to improve its system, it is not about collecting revenue. It should provide efficient service,” Nwokoma said. When contacted, the Regional Manager in charge of MMIA, Mrs. Victoria ShinAbbah, said she would not comment on the issue. But the General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, told THISDAY that the allegations were not true.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

NEWS

FG Distributes Engagement Letters, Devices to Independent Monitors Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has distributed engagement letters and tablets to trained Independent Monitors to track the various packages of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in Benue States. The representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mr. Iorwa Apera, who is the National Coordinator of NASSCO, said the ministry was repositioning the NSIP in line with the federal government’s commitment to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. She charged them to consider themselves as the eyes and ears for the effective implementation of the programme, while admonishing them not to assume the role of the Implementation Team in the discharge of their duties. She said the programmes include the job creation programme N-POWER, National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP),

Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCT) and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). “We flagged off the training of 5000 Independent Monitors for the National Social Investment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

“The training was carried out across the Country from February 2021 to April 2021. Each Independent monitor is expected to monitor a designated number of beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme,” she said. “They will be paid a monthly stipend of N30,000, and they

must meet up to 80 per cent of their deliverables monthly to be eligible for their stipend,’’ she added. The minister warned the independent monitors not to assign their responsibilities to third parties and urged them to carry out the assignment with utmost patriotism, diligence and

sincerity. She added that: “The Ministry reserves the right to disengage an Independent Monitor for misconduct or noncompliance with set guidelines and directives. I hereby urge you to carry out this assignment with utmost sense of patriotism, diligence, and sincerity”.

STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP

L-R: Representative of the Benin Royal family and Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Ezelekhae Ewuare; Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar; German Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; after a meeting with the German Minister of Foreign Aﬀairs in Berlin, Germany... recently

Jamoh: Deep Blue Project Driven by Competent Manpower Eromosele Abiodun The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, has reiterated that assets deployed under the Deep Blue Project, recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari, are manned by proficient officers from the Nigerian security services. Jamoh stated this in Lagos during the graduation ceremony of officers trained to man the Special Mission Vessels, the main maritime component of the

project also called the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure. Represented by the agency’s Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Shehu Ahmed, Jamoh said the graduation of 30 officers trained in various part of the globe marked a significant addition to the team of competent personnel manning assets under the maritime security scheme. “This event is remarkable. It guarantees us competent manpower required to man the Special Mission Vessels. It is a further indication of our

commitment to bequeathing a crime free maritime domain to Nigerians and the global maritime community. Early in the year and in line with a Presidential directive, we deployed the Special Mission Vessels and the Fast Interceptor Boats to the Lagos Port Secure Anchorage Area. But the event of today takes us further to the full deployment of the two Special Mission Vessels with fully trained and certified crew. The Crew of the Special Mission Vessels have concluded localized training and terrain

familiarization courses after their initial technical based training abroad,” he said. Also speaking, Coordinator of the Deep Blue Project, and Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services Department (PRDMSD), NIMASA, Mr. Anthony Ogadi, said the crew had nine foreign and 10 local trainings on various platforms of the Deep Blue Project under the supervision of the project contractor, HLSI. Ogadi stated that some local trainings for the operation of other assets under the maritime

security scheme, including the Special Mission Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and armoured personnel carriers were simultaneously on-going at Ikeja and Ojo in Lagos, and Elele in Rivers State. Speaking on behalf of the crew, Captain of DB Lagos, Captain Uche Aneke, and that of DB Abuja, Captain Mohammed, thanked NIMASA for facilitating the training. They assured the Agency that they would carry out their duties with a high sense of proficiency and professionalism.

Amaechi Expresses Satisfaction with Pace of Construction at Lekki Eromosele Abiodun The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project. Amaechi revealed this recently during an inspection visit to the Port by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other government agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority

(NPA), the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA). “I am very delighted and impressed with the pace and the progress of construction work on this project from the last time I was here in November 2020. The promoter of the project-Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited has demonstrated strong commitment and capacity to deliver the project as agreed,” he said.

The minister further urged the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited and other stakeholders to work tirelessly to ensure that the Port becomes operational by mid-2022. While briefing the minister and his entourage on the status of construction of the Port, the Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri, disclosed that the entire port construction was now at 55.48 per cent completion.

Giving a further breakdown of the status of the components of the port, Dabiri noted that dredging and reclamation has reached 61,11 per cent, Quay Wall 50.39 per cent, Breakwater 67.49 per cent while the landside infrastructure development has reached 33.70 per cent completion. Dabiri assured the minister and the stakeholders that the project was on course and going according to schedule. He

declared that at the end of third quarter 2022 would complete the construction work while commercial operations will commence by fourth quarter 2022 as planned. “We understand the significance of this project is to the Nigerian economy and we would not fail to play our part to ensure that it is delivered as and when due,” he said. He expressed profound appreciation of the company to

‘Renewable Energy to Contribute 22% of Africa’s Energy Consumption by 2030’

Goddy Ogene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ugo Aliogo

Asst. Editor, Money Market

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected that renewable energy will contribute 22 per cent of Africa’s total energy consumption by 2030. It noted that about 580 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacked access to electricity in 2019. The agency which disclosed this during a recent virtual

Emma Okonji

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

meeting, also stated that Africa faces a massive energy challenge, while noting that the continent is richly endowed with renewable energy sources. Also speaking, the Director of Huawei Southern Africa Digital Power Business, Huang Su, stated that there was urgent need to accelerate the growth of renewable energy across the region to ensure sufficient, affordable, reliable energy supply for

individuals, businesses, and communities. He said that there is still a massive gap to be bridged, adding that the traditional energy infrastructure operation mode cannot meet the new challenges brought by the latest development in the digital world. He added that digital technology could be of great help to ensure we provide sufficient electricity to every African

household and business. According to him, “The cost of PV power generation has fallen sharply over the past decade. In most countries, traditional energy grids cost a lot more than PV electricity. “This offers Africa an opportunity to harness its abundant potential of increasingly costcompetitive renewable energy to meet the growing demand for electricity and pursue a climate-friendly, needs-oriented

power strategy. “Renewable energy is much cheaper than fossil-fuel-based options, with a kilowatt-hour of solar power costing less than a Rand in South Africa. It is clear then, that solar power should and likely will play a large role in the world’s future power mix. In order to achieve this, Huawei is committed to introducing digital power solutions driven by digital technologies.”

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IATA Urges States to Follow WHO Cross-border Travel Guidelines Stories by Chinedu Eze The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on states to follow the new guidelines on travel from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The guidance recommends a, “risk-based approach” to implementing measures related to COVID-19 and international travel. It was expected to be presented to the WHO COVID-19 International Health Regulations Emergency Committee yesterday. Specifically, WHO recommended that governments do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition for entry or exit; remove measures such as testing and/or quarantine requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated or have had a confirmed previous COVID-19 infection within the past six months; ensure alternative pathways for unvaccinated individuals

through testing so that they are able to travel internationally. The WHO recommended rRT-PCR tests or antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for this purpose and that only implement test and/ or quarantine measures for international travelers “on a risk-based manner” with policies on testing and quarantine regularly reviewed to ensure they are lifted when no longer necessary. “These commonsense, riskbased recommendations from WHO, if followed by states, will allow for international air travel to resume while minimizing the chance of importing COVID-19. “As WHO notes—and as the latest UK testing data proves—international travelers are not a high-risk group in terms of COVID-19. Out of 1.65 million tests carried out on arriving international passengers in the UK since February, only 1.4 per cent were positive for COVID-19. “It’s long past time for

governments to incorporate data into risk-based decisionmaking process for re-opening borders,” said IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh. WHO also called on states to communicate, “in a timely and adequate manner” any changes to international health-related measures and requirements.” “Consumers face a maze of confusing, uncoordinated and fast-changing border entry rules that discourage them from traveling, causing economic hardship across those employed in the travel and tourism sector. “According to our latest passenger survey, 70 per cent of recent travelers thought the rules were a challenge to understand,” said Walsh. Additionally, WHO encouraged states to look at bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements, particularly among neighboring counties, “with the aim of facilitating the recovery of key socioeconomic activities” including tourism, for which international travel plays a vital role.

Air Peace Restores Banjul, Dakar Flights Air Peace has announced the resumption of flight operations into Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal from July 23, 2021, to provide more options for regional connectivity. The spokesperson of the airline, Stanley Olisa, who made the announcement said that Banjul and Dakar flight services would operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. “We are glad to let the flying public know that we are reinstating our Lagos-Banjul, -Dakar flight operations to offer more regional connectivity while our daily Gombe

flights from Lagos and Abuja will be launched on August 9, 2021. “Dakar and Banjul routes will be operated with our ultramodern Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, and we shall resume more routes and increase frequencies to other destinations as we take delivery of more brand new E195-E2s as well as other aircraft undergoing maintenance abroad,” Olisa stated. The airline said customers can now book for the resumed routes on the airline’s website or its mobile app. It restated Air Peace’s resolve to continue providing peaceful, strategic,

and affordable connections, while observing the highest standards of safety. Air Peace had suspended its regional routes consequent upon the outbreak of COVID-19 and the lockdown that ensued last year, but it is now resuming these routes, the first being Accra, which was restored in March, 2021. Air Peace currently services 17 domestic routes, five regional routes and two international destinations, including Johannesburg, while it boasts of a mixed fleet of 28 aircraft, the latest being three brand new 124-seat capacity E195-E2 jets.

Aviation, Cargo Conference Holds in August Stakeholders are signing up for the first aviation, cargo and export conference in Nigeria. The event is coming up on August 25th and 26th, 2021 in Lagos. The organisers of the conference said it has earned the support of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) and Ethiopian Airlines Cargo along with many airlines, logistics and global financial service companies. The organisers noted that since 1935, aviation has been growing in Nigeria and with so many airlines and airports, it is expected that aviation should and would contribute more to the nation’s economy. The conveners of the event ATQNews, a global Pan African Travel News Organization said the conference was long overdue. “Nigeria, a country with over 200 million resourceful people depends a lot on imports; this has been eroding the national wealth. A lot of airlines bring freighters daily to Nigeria and most of them fly out empty. “There is therefore a need

to change this dysfunctional scenario. Nigeria needs to export more and aviation should be the key to increasing exports,” it added. “To this end ATQNews seeks to convene an annual conference that brings all potential exporters, cargo managers, Logistics firms, airlines, airports, customs and everyone in the aviation and cargo ecosystem to chart a pathway that enables Nigerians export more. As the importance of oil wanes, the value and volume of non-oil export should be growing and Aviation should be driving it,” the convener said. The conference, which would have an exhibition part, would be broken into three parts over two days: Aviation, Cargo and Exports. The aviation aspect will have a presentation and panel discussion on ‘Airlines, Airports and Aviation.’ Experts including airline CEOs, past airport CEOs and aviators would discuss the reasons why our airlines and airport systems have not delivered the best possible outcomes

for aviation in Nigeria. The second section on cargo would be on presentations and panel discussions on the cargo and logistics value chain, the challenges of scale and the opportunities available. The third part would be on export. How do we scale our Export Capacity? How do we remove the impediments and improve our access and market penetration globally? There will be a support session on Insurance and Financing of Aviation, Cargo and Export in Nigeria. At the end of the 2-day event, “we will be leaving the event with enough Knowledge about the current aviation situation in Nigeria and its role in growing the economy by driving bigger cargo export from Nigeria. With this understanding of the Cargo and Export Systems we can integrate our systems by networking and learning from each other as problems shared eventually become problems solved” according to the publisher of ATQNews, the organiser of the event.

Strengthening Consumer Protection in Aviation Sector Chinedu Eze Last week, the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika said local air passengers in Nigeria who suffer flight delays at the airport for two hours (the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) later corrected it to three hours) or more are entitled to a refund of their full ticket value from the airline. Sirika, who featured in the weekly ministerial press briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the State House, Abuja, stated that infringements to the rights of travellers, both local and international, have laid down rules and guidelines that spell rights and punishments, just as there are punishments for travellers’ violation of good behaviour. According to him, there are channels of laying complaints at the airports, which would see to it that customer rights and privileges are protected but noted that most travellers fail to take advantage of the provisions because they fail to pay attention to instructions and information hanging around airports. However, what the Minister said was not new because it is contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR) 2015 as amended, Part 19, which deals with Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities and Airlines’ Obligations to Passengers. That section addresses consumer protection issues, including, compensations for denied boarding, delays and cancellations of flights. But with his pronouncement the matter was brought to the fore and elicited a lot of reaction from passengers, even as industry observers said while passenger protection is necessary, the Minister’s reinforcement of what is already existing gave the regulation a new twist and seems to have empowered passengers. On many occasions passengers have beaten up airlines ground staff and few years ago, there was even attempt to stop a Turkish Airlines flight that was about to take off by passengers whose luggage did not arrive the country with them at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that in response to the Minister’s statement, passengers last Saturday at the Abuja airport became combative and violent when their flights were delayed. Uko, who said he witnessed the passengers’ violent reaction, noted that refunding passengers their full fare if their flight was delayed for three hours is not practical because most often the cause of the delay is beyond the airlines. “If there is rain and you shut down the airport, all the flights will be delayed. What I saw last Saturday where passengers were fighting the staff of airlines, including Aero Contractors, Air Peace and Ibom Air indicated that they were energised by the Minister’s pronouncement.

Uko, who said he witnessed the passengers’ violent reaction, noted that refunding passengers their full fare if their ﬂight was delayed for three hours is not practical

Nuhu “By saying this I am not condoning airlines’ bad service but what happened to the three airlines was bad because what caused the delay was beyond their control. It was mayhem that day and I would rather say that refunding passengers their full fare after three hours is unrealistic; maybe four hours. “Rainfall, bad weather or even VIP movement and other factors can delay flights. I pitied the staff of airlines that day,” he said. A top official with one of the domestic carriers told THISDAY that what the Minister said was not practical because the main cause of delay is lack of infrastructure and airlines cannot be held responsible for that. He noted that little weather change can make airlines stop flights because there are no modern and efficient navigational aids, but in many other countries, flights operate under heavy rain and inclement weather because of modern navigational equipment. In Nigeria poor visibility leads to shutting down of the airspace. The official also noted that the major area where airlines could be held responsible for delays is in the reliability of operating aircraft, noting that many aircraft deployed for operation in Nigeria are old and therefore yield to frequent breakdown. “The reliability of operating aircraft is the major challenge airlines are facing. This is because most of the equipment is old so they break down very often. There are a lot of snags but we have very high reliability in our own operation because we stay above 90 per cent in our schedule. But due to poor navigational equipment flight operations are adversely affected by the rains and during the harmattan. However, they are yet to enforce the policy. The day they will enforce it, it will open a can of worms,” the official said. The President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria and Managing Director Smile Air, Alex Nwuba said flight delays have been with the industry since the beginning of time, remarking that there seemed to be an expanded interest in delays as if it is something deliberate and could be fully mitigated. “All the talk about 48 hours refunds seems not to understand that aviation is a business in which the operators have cash flow management as part of their process. “The money from the ticket you purchased was not kept in the bank waiting for you to travel, it was used to fund the numerous and often unrecoverable costs of your trip, trips before and after. “Those that have never run a business are attempting to create an environment that will lead to more business failures or at a minimum, difficulty in running airlines. I have often said that talk is nice but the 48-hour rule is unrealistic and perhaps unenforceable because there will be many ways to justify a delay and refunds, even in court may not be enforceable as ruled,” he said.

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Examining Aviation Ground Handling Companies’ Operations Chinedu Eze identifies reasons why aviation ground handling companies record poor returns in Nigeria despite huge investment and how regulatory authority and synergy can reposition the sub-sector in order to ensure that safety is not compromised.

espite the critical role they play in the aviation industry, aviation ground handling companies over the years may have been consigned to the short end of the stick by factors ranging from poor regulation of the sub-sector, cutthroat competition and unwillingness of local and foreign airlines to pay the right price for their services. The handling companies’ mode of operation has subjected them to the dictates of the airlines that seem to under appreciate the critical role they play in rewarding the services rendered to them. Yet, the ground handling companies are responsible for loading and unloading freight and baggage, monitoring the safety of passengers, sorting freight and baggage, service the interiors of the aircraft, wash exterior of the aircraft and repair mechanical faults in the aircraft. However, industry observers while blaming environmental factors, poor regulation of the sector, under payment by airlines, also blame the aviation handling companies for creating defeatist competition among themselves.

Non-Compliance Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Seyi Adewale identified factors responsible for the unfavourable operating environment whereby ground handling companies are arguably shortchanged by the system. He identified non-compliance by the Service Level Agreement (SLA) signed by airlines as one of the factors and noted, “The observed infractions or violations make handling companies compromise for lower tariffs/ charges during contract renewals. “There is lack of expertise in contract negotiations as compared with their airline counterparts. For example, airlines rarely change their contract team/ negotiators. “Many work in either the contract or procurement departments for years and gain valuation experience and quality trainings unlike their handling partners. Many negotiators have on-the-job negotiation experience for upwards of 10 years and have excellent succession plan. “The handling counterpart have 3-5 years job experience, frequently changed or replaced and lower quality of trainings. Airlines easily share qualitative information regarding handling companies operating within an airport especially within their alliance. “On the other side, handling companies do not have same or similar synergy. Competition and fear of losing an airline makes for easy compromises and tariff lowering. These are just some of the related issues.” He also advised that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should independently perform tariff audits and analyse what it actually cost to perform ramp services, passenger facilitation, warehousing and others, urging that the regulatory authority should enforce a base (minimum) rate cost per aircraft type and service rendered that all handling companies must abide by, adding that any lowering of this tariff would be meted with serious penalties including suspension of ground handling license for a determined period for the sake of Safety of our aviation sector. “Surely, low tariff will surely compromise on aviation safety in many significant ways, which include the fact that handling companies will start cutting down on staff training, other staff related welfare will be affected and thus a demotivated workforce that are susceptible to engage in vices including negligence. “Also staff turnover and that of experience workforce and their replacement with lower educated or qualified staff and equipment maintenance and replacement would be difficult and will affect airline operations, efficiency, and accidents,” he stated. Low Tariff and Safety THISDAY gathered that the handling companies yearn for adjustment review of tariffs in the services rendered to domestic

“Anybody doing business must first recover his cost and this is simple to do. You must recover the cost of depreciation, tax, profit and others. Otherwise, inflation will catch up with you. “Clearly, the rates they are charging are not sustainable, but I may not be able to be specific on the right rates. What I think they are doing right now is subsidizing from other aspects to do the business. That is not a sustainable model for business in the long run. Whatever that is not sustainable, you will eventually crash,” he said. Oluwasegun-Ojo therefore, called for the intervention of NCAA, noting that the regulatory body has a great role to play and urged it to call the stakeholders together – the airlines and the ground handling companies. “My experience in the banking industry is that you collaborate before you start competing. If Ghana is charging about $1,500 to handle narrow body aircraft and Nigeria is charging this little, then, something is wrong with our system. We must do something about helping our country and industry to grow. We have a huge market here and we must do something to boost the sector, starting from the ground handlers, he said.

NAHCO providing handling service to a ﬂight

airlines, a balance report between handling companies and airlines, as the two are operating in the same environment, reflecting costs to dovetail with what is obtained in other West African countries, which operate in similar environment and need for government intervention. The handling companies also called for government’s tacit support to make the operation environment conducive for both the airlines and ground handling companies and also give the operators access to foreign exchange, as the ground handling equipment are foreign sourced, noting that there is need to continually build capacity in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirement and standards. President of Association of Ground Handlers (AGHAN), Adigun Olaniyi, told THISDAY that ground handling companies are barely surviving due to the low operating profit; that they cannot afford to invest in innovative technology, modern equipment, recruit/retain quality manpower and training aimed at preventing incidents and accidents. He added that that they are rather reduced to making do with only those mandatory safety measures. By so doing, safety procedures have become a reactive exercise instead of a proactive measure; that there is also the link between safety and operating revenue. “Whilst AGHAN members are fully committed to providing safe and secure ground handling operations, diminishing revenues due to low tariffs combined with increasing cost of doing business will continue to put material pressure on safety and security as well as long term sustainability of the ground handling companies. “In comparative analysis, the association tabled the charges and tariffs of other countries in Wes and Central Africa and insisted that Nigerian ground handling companies charge the least for their services. “It is observed that ground handling rates in Nigeria is the lowest in the entire African countries, if not the world and this has been a thorny issue for over a decade. And this includes domestic and international airlines.” Furthermore, he said: “Below are rates collected from the other African countries: Guinea - $1,673 (narrow body) and $4,715 (wide body) aircraft; Senegal - $2,250 (narrow body) and $5,259 (wide body); Cameroon - $1,400 (narrow body) and $4,500 (wide body); Sierra Leone - $2,250 (narrow body) and $5,250 (wide body); Ghana - $1,500 (narrow body) and $4,150 (wide body). “In Nigeria, the rates oscillate between $400 and $1,139 (narrow body), depending on the negotiating power of a foreign carrier and

$3,000 and $3,200 (wide body), depending on the negotiation of the foreign carrier. These rates have been on since late 1980s and 1999.” Impact of Inappropriate Rates Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo explained that If you charge for a service that is less than cost-reflective, it means you are getting your cost back and on the long run, it will not be sustainable, remarking that lack of sustainability for aviation has serious implications because aviation actually starts from the ground and you land back on the ground, noting that it is the ground handling companies that facilitate that. “If you are charging less than cost, it means you are subsidising from somewhere and this will have impact on the service you provide, equipment on the ground and others. “You know that most accidents/incidents in the aviation industry actually occur on take-off and landing. So, it is extremely important that we take care of what happens on the ground and in this case, via the ground handlers in charging the cost-reflective tariff. “That means you can recover cost with some margins for hospitability, including being able to pay taxes to the government. Companies that make losses will not be able to pay taxes. As you are aware, all the ground handling companies are locally-owned now and there is employment implication for staff. If these companies are not making money, thousands of people will be out of work,” he said. Price ﬁxing It has been noted that one of the factors that drove down the tariff and charges is competition, but ironically the sub-sector is dominated by NAHCO and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc and other smaller players, which makes it a duopoly but competition is still rife, Oluwasegun-Ojo stated, “You must allow prices to be cost-reflective, but still show some levels of competitiveness. The telecom industry is a good example; operators compete around service and the call tariff’s difference is not that much. They have a minimum service level that they must provide. “There should be price fixing for narrow body and wide body aircraft. You should have a minimum level you can go, but don’t charge yourself out of business. If you are already operating below the bottom, honestly, it is not sustainable. “There is implication on safety, security, job employment and the government. If companies are not making sufficient profit, it will affect the level of tax they will pay.

Safety and Security Speaking in the same vein, the former Managing Director of SAHCO Plc, Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi said that the low charges by ground handling companies has been on for more than a decade and remarked that it is unfortunate that government has not intervened yet. He said that the low charges affect the government, foreign exchange, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and even the NCAA, being the regulatory authority. “When you fly straight, within the next 25 minutes, you are in Accra. Then, you ask how much they handle a wide and narrow body aircraft over there. It is completely different from what they are paying in Nigeria. In fact, it is peanut here. When you move further to other West African countries, you will see the disparities and they are unbelievable. “Move to South Africa, Europe and America, the disparities are unbelievable. We are a country that is suffering just because there was no authority to be able to stamp their regulation on these airlines and call the ground handling companies to order. “This act has painfully affected the revenues of the handlers, the take home of FAAN at the end of the year. The total sales that we pay as remuneration to FAAN at the end of every year surely will diminish. It is what we take that we pay for. As we are losing, FAAN is losing and NCAA is not taking up its responsibility to ensure everything is being done rightly. “The point is, how much are you paying for air tickets 10 years, five years and even three years ago? Is it the same as you are paying now? Handling prices must move at par as what we are paying on tickets. Don’t forget that the equipment we are using is imported and is cleared by ICAO and IATA (International Air Transport Association) before we can use them,” he said. Owolabi therefore called for NCAA intervention, saying that the Authority needs to wade in because the government is losing foreign exchange, as foreign airlines pay in dollars, while Nigerian airlines operating domestic flights pay in the local currency. He noted that these foreign carriers are taking undue advantage of the ground handling companies. “NCAA should stamp its authority. There should be a minimum rate with sanction to anyone that violates it and should be treated as a saboteur to government. Though, the sub-sector is deregulated, but the take home of government annually is being shortchanged when appropriate charges are not collected. So, the government can’t keep quiet on that,” he added.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

As NIMASA Moves to Restructure Nation’s Ship Registry Eromosele Abiodun writes that the move by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety to restructure the nation’s ship registry and issue new certificates of ship registration will ensure a thriving registry

ast week the federal government announced that it had commenced moves to restructure the nation’s ship registry in a bid to ensure the utilisation of secured statutory certificates and prevent the entry of unseaworthy and sub-standard ships into the Nigerian flag. Also, the government said it had commenced the issuance of new certificates of ship registration while simultaneously phasing out the old permits. Ship registration is the process by which a ship is documented and given the nationality of the country to which the ship has been documented. The nationality allows a ship to travel internationally as it is proof of ownership of the vessel. Ship registration is used to document ships for ownership. Documentation provides definite evidence of nationality for international purposes and provides financing opportunities with the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels. All vessels, according to the rules of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are expected to register under a country of their choice, the maritime administration, which in turn permits such ship to fly their flag. Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who disclosed, said the government was restructuring the Nigerian Ship Registration Office for efficient and effective service delivery. “We are determined to grow our national fleet and tonnage to an enviable height. We are committed to ensuring that our Ship Registry remains of International Standard and this is why we have enhanced our certificates with more security features that would stand the test of time. “The all-encompassing process of issuance will ensure robust screening of vessels that would visit our waters,” he said. He added that the new regulation, which took effect from July 1, involves the Certificate of Nigerian Registry, Provisional Certificate of Registry, Certificate of Nigerian Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel, Fishing Boat and Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Wholly Owned Nigerian Vessel, among others. He disclosed that the Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel; and Foreign Owned Vessels are also affected. Others, he added, are Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Joint Venture Owned Vessel, Deletion Certificate, Bill of Sale and Transcript of Registry. “The Certificate of Mortgage to Secure Account Current and Certificate of Freedom of Encumbrance has also been changed. All existing certificates issued by the Registrar of Ships before the commencement of the new regulation remain valid and should be carried on board vessels until their expiration. But vessel owners or Masters may apply for the reissuance of their existing certificates. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 makes it mandatory for the Originals of Certificates of Registry to be carried on board vessels at all times, “he said. He noted that issuance of these certificates is a fulfilment of Section 30 of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, which provides, inter alia, that, “the Registrar of Ships shall on completion of the registration of a ship, issue a certificate of registration in such form as may be approved by the agency.” Once a Thriving Registry Nigeria once had a thriving ship registry and vessels proudly carried the Nigerian flag. Like most things in Nigeria, that become history as the country’s flag administration went out of reckoning until three years ago when NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Dakuku Peterside revived the nation’s ship registry. Put simply, ship registration has been done since business on the seas has been important. Originally meant to control ships carrying cargo in European seaborne countries, it was

Jamoh

used to make sure ships were being built in the local country, with crews predominantly of the local country. Since then, ship registration has been used to document ships for ownership. Documentation provides definite evidence of nationality for international purposes and provides financing opportunities with the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels. All vessels, according to the rules of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are expected to register under a country of their choice, the maritime administration, which in turn permits such ship to fly their flag. Ship registration is the process by which a ship is documented and given the nationality of the country to which the ship has been documented. The nationality allows a ship to travel internationally as it is proof of ownership of the vessel. International laws, experts said, require that every merchant ship be registered in a country, called its flag state. “A ship is subject to the law of its flag state. It is usual to say that the ship sails under the flag of the country of registration. A ship’s flag state exercises regulatory control over the vessel and is required to inspect it regularly, certify the ship’s equipment and crew, and issue safety and pollution prevention documents. The organisation, which actually registers the ship is known as its registry. “Registries may be governmental or private agencies. In some cases, such as the United States’ Alternative Compliance Program, the registry can assign a third party to administer inspections. A register that is open only to ships of its own nation is known as a traditional or national register. Registers that are open to foreign-owned ships are known as open registries and are sometimes called flags of convenience, said Managing Director and former Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investment Limited, Mr Greg Ogbeifun. A few years ago, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited made effort to revive the Nigerian ship registry. NLNG had engaged a consultant on ways of improving the nation’s registry. The NLNG actually approached Nigeria’s flag administration to express their desire and preference to register all her ships in Nigeria if the flags administration can be enhanced and reorganised to meet international standard. They went further and paid for a consultant to carry out a study of our flag administration and made recommendations to achieve this objective. The report and recommendations have been awaiting implementation by the maritime administration since then, over three years ago. On assumption of office, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had constituted a committee to look at possible ways to make the nation’s flag administration attractive for international patronage.

Reviving Ship Registry It was in a bid to ensure a thriving ship registry for Nigeria that NIMASA set up team of professionals who worked assiduously to produce a comprehensive report and recommendations to achieve the objective. On submission of their findings, the NIMASA set up a seven-man committee, which transverse several notable maritime countries to seek assistance. After a painstaking work, the committee three years ago submitted their report to Peterside. The terms of reference of the nine-man committee, which was set up in February 2018, included to examine the status of the ship registry in line with international best practices and advise and recommend requisite improvements of necessity in the registry. Peterside had said Nigeria would have a vibrant, effective and efficient Nigeria Ship Registry (NSR) in a few months stressing that the achievement will transform the nation’s shipping industry and transform the Nigerian economy. He said: “A ship registration is a custodian of the licensing of every vessel that is flagged Nigeria. It is more than a licensing agency. It is a regulation of the technical acceptability of the country in the global maritime space. “If we have a ship from a flag of convenience or what they call open registry and I have another ship that is carrying the British red and white ensign, the UK flag, automatically, that vessel carrying the UK flag is respected. It is believed it meets every global standard by the right people and it would not be involved with illegal activity because there are minimal standards accepted by the UK ship registry. “This cannot be said for flag of convenience. Most crime in international high sea are committed by vessels with flag of convenience, they become vessels of interest if you juxtapose this with the meaning, the symbol of the Nigerian flag and the Nigerian Shipping Registry(NSR), currently, there are not too many ocean vessel carrying the Nigerian flag. “Even vessels owned by the LNLG are not flying the Nigerian flag. So, when you talk about what the flag can do for the Nigerian economy, it would bring respect and reputation for Nigerian shipping. “So, if the NSR is solid, reputable, business ready, of course, it would command global respect. It would attract vessels to the NSR and a Nigerian flag ship leaving Nigeria to another country would earn her place and be respected.” The NSR, he added, would mean technical competence, more dispositions by the international community. “So, the first thing it does is the NSR will be having people with technical competence. The second thing is that it will give ship owners access to funding in the international financing space so they can play big. If your vessel is registered with the NSR and the NSR commands respect, then the financial institution can transact with you. “They know about the integrity of the Nigerian flag. You can access capital at a competitive and relatively cheap rate. There are funding out there. If your vessel is not with a flag that commands respect, people will deal with you with caution and circumspection. “The third thing it does is that it attracts the best hands to work for you. It enhances the status of the Nigerian seafarer. If a ship is flagged, for example, United Kingdom, it means that all the seafarers there would be deemed to be competent. “Once you leave there, you can work anywhere. People would employ you because you have the British flag. If the Nigerian ship earns this reputation, we would not be fighting everywhere looking for sea time bets for our cadets. Our cadets can practice on vessels flagged Nigeria and become employable anywhere in the world,” he said. Impact on cost of insurance He explained that the cost of insurance would

drastically reduce, stressing that the insurance premium payable by Nigerian flagged vessels would reduce. “If your vessel today is registered under the Nigerian flag, the insurance companies P&I (Protection and Indemnity) Clubs in London can deal with you knowing that you are technically solid, your safety records are good, and then of course you are bringing some value. The insurance premium will come down. “Another thing the NSR will do will be acceptability in other countries. Now, you know that when you go to other countries, their port state control officers would delay you. Now, if they are sure of the quality of your flag, they know that you meet all the technical standards set by the IMO or the regional MoU. “But if your flag is substandard, you become target for port state inspection. Your vessels are delayed and sometimes detained. So, in every dimension of quality, the Nigerian flag determines the capacity of Nigerian flag ships to transact business in the international spaces and those who will engage them,” he said. Peterside stated that there are many companies out there that will not engage a ship flagged Nigeria, “but again, if our flag is raised solid and commands technical respectability, then many people will trade with vessels. “It means more trade, more business opportunities. It means strength for our businesses and so in every dimension, the quality of the flag determines your place in the market. The flag shapes profitability in the marketplace.” He said Nigeria lost its respect in the past because it neglected the quality of training of its surveyors. “I think that it is something that happened gradually overtime. We neglected the quality of training of our surveyors. We didn’t run with technology. We also neglected the enforcement aspect. One thing is that negligence itself breeds more negligence. If you could do something and get away with it with nobody ensuring compliance, of course, it means that you can do the other things. From the point of administration, there has been negligence on our part and so this would eventually get to the Nigerian flag. “Now, shipping is a global business in nature. If your vessel cannot trade in some regions of the world, of what use is it? Very few vessels will trade outside the Nigerian coasts all their lives. Vessels are expected to trade in different jurisdictions. So we got it wrong in the deployment of personnel and technical response capacity and the time involved,” he added. Health of Maritime Administration Speaking just before submitting the report, the committee chairman, Emmanuel Ilori, stated that ship registration and the effectiveness of the established processes in a country’s maritime sector operations were critical in determining the health of a national maritime administration. “All the committee’s efforts were geared towards making the Nigerian flag globally acceptable. The committee carried out an extensive review of the Nigerian Ship Registry, took cognizance of stakeholders’ opinions and expectations, and carried out comparative analysis of the ship registration processes of some Global Registries in arriving at the report. NIMASA management should consider and implement submissions contained in the report because we need to see the Nigeria that is moving in the positive direction going forward. “Thank you for your efforts and time to change the negative perceptions of the Nigerian maritime industry. The reform that we are recommending, we believe, is in the right direction, will attract investment, grow the confidence of the financial community in the Nigerian flag, and make sure that we achieve the necessary global acceptability because the exposure at the moment has to be reversed,” Ilori said.

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR 1. THE UNIVERSITY

KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF UNIVERSITY BURSAR

The Candidate for the position of the Registrar, must have a very good understanding of the dynamic and complex nature of University administration, must have ability to pursue and achieve set goals and objectives and must possess the drive and resilience that the University environment requires. In addition, the candidate:

Technology (ICT) capacity and 1. THE UNIVERSITY skills. The King David University of f. Must possess NYSC Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Discharge Certificate or Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi evidence of Exemption. State is designed as an ultramodern 21st century state-of-theg. Must be physically and art International Medical Sciences emotionally stable University. The University’s central goal is for specialized 6. VISION STATEMENT: manpower development in the most conducive environment Candidate must provide a in all aspects of medical Vision Statement of not more specialties with the highest form than 500 words relating to the of professionalism, ethics and University in his/her tenure excellence. with particular reference to the administration of the 2. THE POSITION: University. The Bursar is the Chief Financial 7. METHOD OF Officer of the University APPLICATION: responsible to the ViceChancellor for the day-to-day Candidates are required to administration and control submit fifteen (15) copies of their of the financial affairs of the applications and Curriculum University. He/she must have Vitae and photocopies of their the competence to provide the credentials. The curriculum University Management with vitae should highlight the appropriate advice and support following: for all financial transactions of the University. 1. Full name(Surname First in Capital Letters) 3. THE PERSON: 2. Place and date of Birth 3. Age The University Bursar is a 4. Gender Principal Officer and the Chief 5. Marital Status Accounting Officer of the 6. Number and Ages of University, who is responsible Children to the Vice-Chancellor for the 7. E-mail Address and Phone day-to-day financial matters of Number(s) the University. Candidates for 8. Postal Address the post of the University Bursar 9. Permanent Home Address must possess considerable 10. Nationality degree of competence, 11. State of Origin and LGA integrity and transparency in 12. Schools attended and all financial matters relevant qualifications obtained to the management and with dates (photocopies of administration of a University. certificates to be attached) The Candidate must have the 13. Previous employment(s), ability to effectively engage with position(s), Date(s) stakeholders of the financial 14. Details of Administrative sector. Experience (with dates) 15. Present Employment, 4. QUALIFICATIONS AND Status, Salary and Dates EXPERIENCE: 16. Extra-Curricular Activities 17. Membership of Professional Candidate for this post shall: Bodies 18. Names and Addresses of 3 1. Possess a good Honours referees Degree and Masters Degree in Accounting, Economics, Applications should be Financial Management or any submitted under confidential other related field or related cover in sealed envelopes subjects from a recognized marked, “Position of University; University Registrar” to: 2. Must be a qualified member The Acting Vice-Chancellor of a professional body such as King David University of ICAN, ACCA, ANAN, CIMA, Medical Sciences (KDUMS) CPA; Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State 3. Must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years cognate Applicants are expected experience, ten (10) years of to request their referees to which must be unbroken service forward their reports under in the University system; confidential cover; directly to the Vice-Chancellor. 4. Must have attained the rank of a Deputy Bursar, or its equivalent CLOSING DATE: in a University.

a. Must not be above 55 years of age at the time of appointment.; b. Be a person of integrity and strong moral character with ability;

Applications should reach the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, not later than four (4) weeks from the date of this publication.

c. Must be able to relate excellently well with staff, students and the general public;

Prof. Jesse Uneke Acting Vice-Chancellor King David University of 7. Must possess NYSC Discharge Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Certificate or evidence of Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Exemption. Ebonyi State 8. Must be physically and emotionally stable and be free from financial embarrassment

The King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State is designed as an ultra-modern 21st century state-of-the-art International Medical Sciences University. The University’s central goal is for specialized manpower development in the most conducive environment in all aspects of medical specialties with the highest form of professionalism, ethics and excellence. 2. THE POSITION AND DUTIES: The University Registrar is a Principal Officer and the Chief Administrative Officer of the University, who is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administration of the University except for financial matters which fall within the purview of the Bursar. The Registrar is also the Secretary to the Governing Council, Senate, Convocation, Congregation and other statutory bodies as defined by the University Laws. He/ She shall also perform all other duties assigned to him/ her by the Council and/or the ViceChancellor from time to time. 3. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate must possess a good University honours degree and a Masters degree. He/She must also have at least fifteen (15) years post qualification experience, out of which a minimum of five (5) years must have been spent in a position not less than Deputy Registrar in a University. 4. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE The appointment is for ONE YEAR contract, while salary and other conditions of service shall be as approved for Registrars of Nigerian Universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governing Council of King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu. 5. THE CANDIDATE

d. Be a person with an articulate vision and strong commitment for the development of the University, e. Be up-to-date in Information and Communication

6. Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of relevant accounting/auditing packages and software.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN 1. THE UNIVERSITY

5. VISION STATEMENT: Candidate must provide a Vision Statement of not more than 500 words relating to the University in his/her tenure with particular reference to the administration and control of the financial affairs of the University. 6. SALARY/CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: The appointment is for ONE YEAR contract, while salary and other conditions of service shall be as approved for Bursars of Nigerian Universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governing Council of King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu. 7. METHOD OF APPLICATION: Candidates are required to submit fifteen (15) copies of their applications and Curriculum Vitae and photocopies of their credentials. The curriculum vitae should highlight the following: 1. Full name(Surname First in Capital Letters) 2. Place and date of Birth 3. Age 4. Gender 5. Marital Status 6. Number and Ages of Children 7. E-mail Address and Phone Number(s) 8. Postal Address 9. Permanent Home Address 10. Nationality 11. State of Origin and LGA 12. Schools attended and qualifications obtained with dates (photocopies of certificates to be attached) 13. Previous employment(s), position(s), Date(s) 14. Details of Administrative Experience (with dates) 15. Present Employment, Status, Salary and Dates 16. Extra-Curricular Activities 17. Membership of Professional Bodies 18. Names and Addresses of 3 referees Applications should be submitted under confidential cover in sealed envelopes marked, “Position of University Bursar” to: The Acting Vice-Chancellor King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State Applicants are expected to request their referees to forward their reports under confidential cover; directly to the ViceChancellor. CLOSING DATE:

5. Must not be above 55 years of age at the time of appointment.

KING DAVID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES UBURU

Applications should reach the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, not later than four (4) weeks from the date of this publication. Prof. Jesse Uneke Acting Vice-Chancellor King David University of Medical Sciences (NDUUMS) Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State

The King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State is designed as an ultra-modern 21st century state-of-the-art International Medical Sciences University. The University’s central goal is for specialized manpower development in the most conducive environment in all aspects of medical specialties with the highest form of professionalism, ethics and excellence. 2. THE POSITION AND DUTIES: The University Librarian is a Principal Officer of the University responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the administration and management of the University Library and the coordination of the Library services in all the Departments, Faculties, Colleges, Institutes and other academic units of the University. The successful candidate will be expected to provide leadership and guidance to the University Management in all aspects of Library matters including e-library. 3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Candidate for this post: (i). Must not be less than a Deputy University Librarian/Reader/Associate Professor by rank and should possess a good honours degree, Masters and Ph.D in Library/Information Science from a recognized University. (ii). He/she must have at least fifteen (15) years relevant experience in the University system, not less than five (5) of which must be at the level of Deputy University Librarian/Reader/Associate Professor. (iii). The candidate must show evidence of substantial contribution to knowledge through research and scholarly publications in reputable journals. In addition, the candidate should be able to show a clear understanding of modern day University Library, demonstrate considerable experience in its management and administration. (iv). The candidate must have the ability to initiate research and must be knowledgeable in the application of relevant computer softwares and library operations/services, especially the e-library. (v). The candidate must be at least a registered member of the Library Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), and must not be older 55 years at the time of assumption of duty. 4. VISION STATEMENT: Candidate must provide a Vision Statement of not more than 500 words relating to the

University in his/her tenure with particular reference to the administration of the Library of the University. 5. SALARY/CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: The appointment is for ONE YEAR contract, while salary and other conditions of service shall be as approved for Librarians of Nigerian Universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governing Council of King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu. 6. METHOD APPLICATION:

Candidates are required to submit fifteen (15) copies of their applications and Curriculum Vitae and photocopies of their credentials. The curriculum vitae should highlight the following: 1. Full name(Surname First in Capital Letters) 2. Place and date of Birth 3. Age 4. Gender 5. Marital Status 6. Number and Ages of Children 7. E-mail Address and Phone Number(s) 8. Postal Address 9. Permanent Home Address 10. Nationality 11. State of Origin and LGA 12. Schools attended and qualifications obtained with dates (photocopies of certificates to be attached) 13. Previous employment(s), position(s), Date(s) 14. Details of Administrative Experience (with dates) 15. Present Employment, Status, Salary and Dates 16. Extra-Curricular Activities 17. Membership of Professional Bodies 18. Names and Addresses of 3 referees Applications should be submitted under confidential cover in sealed envelopes marked, “Position of University Librarian” to: The Acting Vice-Chancellor King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS) Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State Applicants are expected to request their referees to forward their reports under confidential cover; directly to the Vice-Chancellor. CLOSING DATE: Applications should reach the Office of the ViceChancellor, not later than four (4) weeks from the date of this publication. Prof. Jesse Uneke Acting Vice-Chancellor King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS), Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Becoming Folorunsho Alakija at 70

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

COVER

Becoming Folorunsho Alakija at 70 Africa’s Richest Woman, and Founder, FAMFA Oil, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, who clocked 70 on Thursday, July 15, in this exclusive interview with SUNDAY EHIGIATOR, shared snippets of her journey from trials to fame and affluence

ell us about your upbringing and shareable infant memories? The meaning of my name is ‘God Protecter’ (Folorunso). And he has been doing that right from when I was in my mother’s womb. If it wasn’t for God, my mother wouldn’t have given birth to me. I thank God. I come from a polygamous home, from a family consisting of eight wives and 52 children. I am child number eight child to the glory of God. Growing up, we learnt so much. At an early age of seven, my parents decided to send me and one of my siblings, who was six-year-old at the time, to boarding school in England. And that was a big change in my life. The weather wasn’t kind of course, for a little girl who has been in the sun for all her life and now had to wear winter coats and socks up to her knees. I did notot like the cold and still don’t like the cold. Then, you have to have your bath only once a week, which was the rule in boarding school. Then coming back four years later as an 11-year-old, I remember one day, my mum sent me a letter to my dad who was having his siesta at home. She was in her shop, and I was in her shop. I had come back to Nigeria like six-months after, and she gave me this letter to go and give to my father. I got there, and he was sleeping. The mosquito net was down, and I woke him up. I said I had this letter for you and my mum wanted me to give it to you. And he said; okay, why don’t you stick it in my mouth. And I lifted up the mosquito net and I stuck the letter in his mouth. Suddenly he got up. He was in a rage. He took his clothes brush, and he started to spank me with it. And I felt so bad. I felt that life had dealt a bad one on me, because I didn’t know what I did wrong. He told me to put it in his mouth, and I put it in his mouth. I didn’t realise that he was only being sarcastic. And I cried all the way to my mum’s store and I told my mum what happened. She burst into laughter when I told her what happened. She called all the other retailers around and told them what happened, and they all burst out laughing, and I cried the most, because I didn’t know why they were all laughing. And I started saying, I want to go back to England, I am not staying here anymore. It took me a long time to realise what I did wrong. What was your parent’s occupation? My parents were textile retailers, and my father used to order textiles from Austria. He was a textile retailer. He would design them. He was a wholesaler, and my mum was one of his customers. Tell me about your life as a fashion designer? I studied fashion design in school. I went through school in England at the age of 11, came back to school here in Nigeria, started my A Levels in Nigeria, and went back to England. By that time that I went back I had been married and I went back to study fashion design. I have had all my children. My youngest was two-year-old at the time. I took him with me. The third one was in boarding school. His older brothers, number one and two were also in boarding school in England, so I went to England to study fashion designing. I came back after some crash courses in fashion design and millenary to set up my fashion label here. Within three weeks of setting up, I had entered into a fashion competition. I had won the cup and it was a national competition. I won the competition and that immediately threw me into the limelight. This history as we look back today was what launched me into the public limelight. I stopped designing when I was 50-year-old, that’s 20-year ago. And I transitioned from the fashion industry into

Alakija

the oil and industry. What made you give up fashion and how did you get into the oil and gas industry? First and foremost let me say, fashion is my passion. Sometime in 1991, I met a family friend of mine on the plane, and she said, “there is something I’ll like to talk to you about when we get back to Nigeria. If the person I asked to help me out with it hasn’t done it, I’ll ask you to help me out.” So, we got back to Nigeria and she came knocking on my door, and gave me some big documents. She is a Lawyer, and then said she had some clients, and “we are looking to lift crude oil from Nigeria.” She wanted to know whether I might be able to speak to some of my clients, one of whom was the late Mrs. Babangida. And I agreed to go and see her, and see if she can help. I got there and she said, “Okay, I can book an appointment for you to see the Petroleum Minister.” And I went to see the Petroleum Minister, and what they wanted was to lift crude, but the Minister said, the current administration at that time really wanted to move away from that, and preferred to get more Nigerians involved in that, rather than giving that out to foreigners. So he said if they want to invest in Nigeria, rather than come and lift Nigeria’s crude, then they will be willing to do that. I took it back to my friend and she took it back to her clients, and they said, “No we don’t want to invest in Nigeria, we only wanted to lift.” So we parted ways. And I said to myself, now that I have an enroot to that place, why don’t I go find something I can do. All I wanted was a contract to boost my pocket. Though I still wanted to carry on with my fashion, I love it. So, I asked Mrs. Babangida to please help me book another appointment. So I went back to see the minister, and I told him I was interested in finding something to do with NNPC. He said okay; “why don’t you go and do your homework, and let’s see what we can do.” I went back, and went to see some friends who work with NNPC at that time, and I asked them “what can I possibly do or think I can do within NNPC.” I was given all sorts of different options that are possibilities; catering for offshore workers, then maybe transporting crude from one location to another etc. So, I would sit down, write my letter, take it there, and ask Mrs. Babangida to help me meet the minister. Sometimes I have to wait for six months to get an appointment with the Minister. Sometimes, I have to wait for like four months. And I would go back, but the minister would point holes in what I had come to offer. And I would return home dejected. And I would go back to do some more work, and I would get Mrs. Babangida to get another appointment for me. So that went on. They were all no’s, which is one of the reasons I have made it one of my mantras to “never accept a no for an answer.” Eventually, at the end of it all, the last thing the minister said to me was, “why don’t you think of exploration and production?”

And I thought, okay, I get it. He is trying to say no in a nice way. And he was like this is it, which means I can’t come back to this office to ask for anything else. Me! Exploration and production! We know the kind of people that are involved in that; little did I know that it was a move of God. So, I came back home and I cried my eyes out. My husband comforted me. And I call Mrs. Babangida and told her what I came back with. And she said, well, all she knew was that that kind of thing takes years.” And we left it at that. And I carried on licking my wounds. And then I woke up one day and said, no! I am not accepting that no. I am not going to allow that to just filter away. I said to myself, “Folorunso, what’s the matter with you. I thought you like challenges. Come on, do something about this. What’s there to lose?” We were comfortable; we had a block of eight flats at the back of the house and our own individual house in front. Our children all abroad, we were comfortable. We were okay, I was running my fashion business and I loved it. So I decided that I was going to go back. So I called Mrs. Babangida and I said, “Please, I would like to ask you to please book me one more appointment with the minister.” And she did. She was very kind. But that was all that Mrs. Babangida did concerning this oil license matter. She kept on getting me those appointments. And the rest was what God wanted to do. What he wanted to do at first by giving me that opening through my friend because I wouldn’t have looked towards the oil industry. And that’s how God works. He doesn’t come down, he uses people. So I went back and I said to the minister that I wanted to see if I could do this, and I really want to apply for it. And she said okay, “You go and do your homework, because its Nigerians that the government of the day wants to encourage now. We have had a lot of multinationals over the years, we want to encourage Nigerians, and we want our resources and wealth to be retained in our own land rather than have it carted away by foreigners all the time.” So, I applied for the license three times. And that took three years. The Ministers changed hands twice within the process. And it was during the time of the last minister that I eventually got it. I remembered I was abroad and I was watching General Babangida on CNN, when he was saying that he was stepping down. I remember that, each time the ministers changed hands, I burst into tears again. Because, it was like snakes and ladders. It was like starting all over again. It was a case of discretionary allocation at the time. The President, through the NNPC, was the one that would decide who gets it. I think I was one of the first women to get the license. It’s very painful when you listen to people say that “oh! It’s because she makes blouses for Mrs. Babangida or Oh! It’s because she was one of them.” How about all the others who got the license, and weren’t in the oil industry at the time that they got the license? So because they are men, they have two heads? Is it fair on womanhood? Why relegate us to the background. Why say we can’t when we can? When all the prerequisites, the boxes could be ticked? Everything that I needed to do, to supply before I could qualify to apply for a license or get one, I made them all available; our technical partners etc. I went here and there, I got everything, and I supplied everything. I did my homework. I learnt on the job, went for courses as well to help me to be able to sit in board rooms, and face others, and be where I am today, to His glory. Now we got that license and when it came, I went to find out about it, and I realised that it was an oil block that nobody

wanted. Nobody in the industry wanted it. It was deep offshore. It was 5,000 feet deep, and technology had not reached that water depth. It was too expensive to explore. And nobody knew what was deep under. Only God knew the blessings therein, and he closed the eyes of every human being on earth to it. And as I always say, that the stone the builders rejected, became the chief cornerstone. So it took another three years, after getting the license, before I was able to get technical partners, because nobody wanted it. The first door I knocked on was a multinational company that was right next to us on the plan. I said, would you like to partner with us please, and they said, “No! We were allocated that block, and we returned it, because it was just not going to happen. There was no point, where do you start from? We returned it.” And they said no, we don’t want to partner with you. Three years down the line, Texaco came knocking. There was maybe a bit more technology improvement, and they were willing to look into that block and invited us for a meeting. We had meetings for three months before we eventually signed. Before we signed however, those neighbours who had said no came back running saying, “we are interested!” And we told them no! Sorry, it’s too late. Because we had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Texaco who had said, “If anything happens while we are still negotiating, we want to hear.” So we were obliged to tell them that Statoil had come knocking on our door, and they said “no, no, no! Don’t talk to them.” So Statoil said to us, we will do this and that for you; you know what we did with that? We were armed with all the promises they made, and we used that against Texaco to negotiate for more. It was God. So you got the license, but it was for an oil block that nobody wanted, how did you feel at that moment? I cried my eyes out again. But I knew that we had nothing to lose. Because what we could pay for at the time was the smaller amount that we were obliged to pay to the government. We could afford to pay those as a family. But the bigger amount that we needed to pay the government, we were waiting until we got technical partners. When we got technical partners, they did pay. Shortly after that, we found oil in commercial quantities, and the rest is history today. Forbes 2020 recognised you as the richest woman in Africa, what does this mean to you? I don’t say that I am, it’s people that say that. I don’t know what’s in other people’s pockets. There may be others who have more, you never know, because they aren’t saying or doing anything. But I thank God who has brought me this far. How does it make you feel? It gives you some more comfort, but it doesn’t do everything that you want in life. Money comes and goes; you have to look after it. That’s how my parents brought us up. One of the values that they instilled in us is that you have to look after money. If you look after it, then it will look after you, and it will stay with you, otherwise it will flee from you. It’s good to have, and it’s good to be able to use it to help others who don’t have it, because our fingers are not equal. God did say that we will always have the poor with us, and it’s because of the poor that he also created rooms for those who have more, so we can always be our brother’s keeper. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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NEWS

Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2021 would be Highbred – Organisers Stories by Mary Nnah Although this year’s edition of the annual awards of Vanguard Media, “Vanguard Personality of the YearAwards”, would be merged with last year’s which couldn’t hold due to COVID-19 pandemic, with a huge number of over 30 recipients on the list for the awards, Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Group, the firm organising the awards for the media house, has said that despite all odds, this year’s episode would be highbred. ScheduledtoholdonSaturday, July 17 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards, has over the years evolved from just focusing on the banking sector and governors, to becomingabalancedassessment of people who have performed outstandingly in their various fields, singling out who are the real heroes of the society and having them celebrated. That is what the event is doing again this year. Speaking on the forthcoming

Adesida

event, Chief Operating Officer, Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Group, Mr. Dipo Adesida recalled that the journey started sometime in 2007 / 2008, then as Vanguard Bankers’ Awards, which ran for just one season. It took a break for about four years and then continued in 2012 when the event was rebranded as Vanguard Personality of the

Year Awards. Adesida who described his company’s experience with Vanguard Media over the last 8 years as being very liberating, noted that one of the things that makes a successful event is when the client gives its consulting agency the role to create. He opined that “having a client who is willing to explore with you is one of the key determinants orchestrating a memorable event.” “Especially because it is usually a very high profile event that attracts crème de la crème of the society we have to take certain things into consideration such as security, ensuring that the hall that we use is the best in class and that all the performances are such that reflect the brand, Vanguard - all of these have happened in the last eight years because Vanguard has given us the leeway every single time to design the idea and they ensure that the funds are provided.” Speaking on the idea of merging last year’s edition with this year’s, he said, “The event did not hold last year. It was sched-

uled for March 2020 and just as we were heading to the event, the federal government gave an ultimatum that all events should be canceled. Covid-19 was still very fresh in Nigeria at that time so, because of that we had to cancel everything. “So, what we are holding this year is actually a combination of last year’s and this year’s events. We are having for the first time Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards a combination of winners from the year before and this year. That means this year’s edition is going to be huge, however it is going to be highbred”, Adesida noted. He stressed that, even though Verdant Zeal is planning a big celebration; it has to be in compliance with all of the principles and protocols of NCDC. “We are not going to contravene government regulation of how many should be in the hall and so on. So again, we are still looking at Saturday with fingers crossed. So, with a lot of trepidation and hope, we are really looking forward to hosting the event and putting it behind us”, he asserted.

Townsway Travels Opens High-tech oﬃce in Lagos To provide bespoke services in Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry, Townsway Travels has opened a state-of-the-art office in Lagos with plans to have presence in key cities in Nigeria and Accra, Ghana in the next few months. The sophisticated technologically- fitted office located on the popular Agindingbi road, Ikeja, Lagos, is strategically placed to provide unparalleled services to its customers. Townsway Travels, which is affiliated with over 100 schools abroad, is also at the forefront of ensuring Nigerian youth get quality education abroad in the areas of sciences and key developmental courses that would help in the advancement of the country. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Townsway Travels, Mrs. Marian Oluwadare said the mission of the company is to pursue its endeavours with

L-R: Vice President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agency, Lagos Zone, Yinka Folami; Chairman, Townsway Travels, Victor Oluwadare; Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Townsway Travels, Mariam Oluwadare; Managing Director, Adakul Collection, Princess Ada ; and Head of Finance, Travelex Retail Nigeria Limited, Peter Appeal at the event

the highest level of dedication, insight and professionalism, as well as preserving the confidentiality of clients’ affairs at all times. “Our ambition is to take part in the vision of our clients, and to excel in the quality of services provided, ensuring that the expectations placed on us are at least completely

met, if not exceeded,” she added. She revealed that Townsway Travels has deployed state-of-the-art technology in providing ultimate solutions tailored to clients’ needs ensuring that the highest global standard of quality service is delivered to clients. On ticketing, the CEO said,

“We represent all international and local airlines operating in Nigeria in ticketing sales, and we are ranked within the top ten agents for all international carriers in Nigeria.” For student visas, “We provide Education consultancy, by promoting African talents by exposing them to the world, giving them insight on the importance of seeking for more knowledge and skills abroad that can help in redefining and redressing the problem of our nation. “Our clients gain access to hundreds of universities and higher education institutions in the UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Dubai and Turkey through our direct partnership with several universities and institutions”. Another key service to be offered by the firm is the corporate travel service, as Townsway Travels will help businesses control cost on travel expenses.

StyleofTyLuxe Opens for Business 60 AfricanYouths to Benefit from ‘Trace Troop’ Empowerment Initiative to Indigenous Fashion Brands Cable television music and generation, while also exposing In recent years the Nigerian Fashion industry has experienced a lot of growth and expansion, there are still many areas yet to be tapped with limited, clearly defined support services for the ever-growing industry. This is the gap that StyleofTyLuxe intends to fill. In line with this, StyleofTyLuxe, a young dynamic agency set with the hardened passion to see the growth of strong fashion labels grow while breaking borders and frontiers, recently worked with indigenous fashion labels, Indainque and Yanga Trybe in the launch of their SS21 collections – the Gaia Collection and Vibranium Collection respectively. They worked with the designers in creating their lookbook video, their photoshoot and even promoting the collection. With a network of skilled professionals and a team of passionate fashion enthusi-

asts, the SyleofTyLuxe is led by CEO Akee Temitayo Ramo. “We have created a collective of dedicated specialists focused on the various areas of the any Fashion business lifecycle with the aim of boosting and propelling them to the global community”, Ramo noted. The StyleofTyLuxe is focused on working with indigenous local and international Fashion brands with an objective to provide the much needed marketing direction from the start of the creative process to the consumer experience cycle. Style of TyLux is currently facilitating a major collaboration for its client Indainque with iFitness which is set to change the men’s activewear and gym wear look in the coming month. The StyleofTyLuxe with the Instagram handle @ty_luxe aims to be the driving force behind the Fashion industry growth by pushing the creative

lifestyle channel, TRACE, has recently launched TRACE Troops, a multi-directional tribe of young West Africans willing to be trendsetters and young leaders in their respective fields. Opened to individuals between the ages of 18-27 years, it would feature young leaders from different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences willing to take on exciting challenges and improve their lifestyle. The Chief Executive Officer of TRACE, Olivier Laouchez, noted that it was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative targeted at assisting youths across Africa. He also stated that the first batch of 15 beneficiaries would be hired for a period of three months. The Managing Director of TRACE, Sam Onyemelukwe, described the project as an avenue to equip the younger

them to fun activities. He said: “The initiative was conceived to educate and empower 60 Nigerian and Ghanaian youths within a year; inspire and engage the younger generation of bright minds by starting them on a journey to becoming industry leaders of tomorrow. “The programme is to share and cheer, and to give them a chance to share their perspectives on issues affecting their generation and equally have fun in the process.” Speaking further, Onyemelukwe noted that to further expand the frontiers of TRACE’s CSR initiatives, another programme tagged TRACE Academia, which is similar to TRACE Troops in purpose and. target audience, had been launched. According to him, it would curb the Menace of youth unemployment inAfrica.

Adspace.Ng Set to Rebrand Face of Advertising in Nigeria Taking into consideration the rate at which advertising is blooming and gaining more importance in the Nigerian economy, it is expected that positive change and rebranding, which are technologically compliant should occur in order to give room for growth and greater results, hence, the reason behind the establishment of Adspace.ng. This newly launched initiative portrays the improvement that a technologically inclined society should seek. According to the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adspace.ng, Kunle Yakubu, the initiative behind the establishment of the company is to rebrand the face of advertising in Nigeria by making it a smooth and easy process. While speaking about the need for advertising technology in the marketplace, the CEO explained that change is constant and with the implementation of technology in several industries, it was only a matter of time before some sort of change occurred in the advertising industry. He shed light on the challenges faced by advertisers in relation to the idea behind the creation of Adspace.ng “Most SMEs and advertisers have been finding it difficult to run campaigns because they don’t have access to the data they require to make informed decisions on how to reach their target market or the estimated cost of running a campaign. “There is also the problem of finding the contact of the media owners and how to negotiate price directly with them. All these brought about the need to develop an online marketplace where advertisers can find, negotiate and book advert spaces thereby reducing the time and cost of deploying an advert, anywhere,” he explained. Stressing that the goal of the company is to bring advertisers and media owners closer, Yakubu affirmed that the platform is aimed at increasing the advertising market cap of Nigeria by giving access to foreign companies interested in expanding into the Nigerian market giving SMEs and Startups a relevant tool that will help them grow and make advertising a smooth and easy process. Speaking about the newly launched application, Yakubu disclosed that the media owner and partners can download the application which is available on google play store and apple/ios app store, register and list their available advert spaces with prices, which in turn gives customers access to over 5000 advert spaces. He explained that the platform covers all types of media including billboard, television, radio, newspaper, cinemas, magazines and influencers.

Why Nigeria May Not Maximise Gains From ACFTA, PIB - Expert Kasim Sumaina in Abuja A logistics expert, Mubarak Ibrahim Mahmoud, has cautioned that Nigerians will not benefit maximally from Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) and the newly signed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) because of the lack of human capacity to occupy strategic positions in these sectors. Mahmoud, a marine officer/ Offshore oil and gas expert, lamented that Nigeria does not have skilled persons in the logistics field to fill the positions that would be created by trade agreement. The expert, who authored a book on the lack of human capacity in the logistics sector, said unless the gap is filled, other African citizens would fill up the space and further compound the lack of employment, insecurity and other challenges in Nigeria. Citing the recently ratified African continental free trade area agreement as an example, he stressed that the African continental free trade area agreement was ratified by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 1st of January, 2021, noting that reluctant of Nigeria to ratify the agreement initially continue to create a very big problem in the African continent because of the relevance and importance of Nigeria as a block but eventually persuasively, some other trade blocks around world lobby it and get Nigeria key into the pact. According to him, “We know that African continental agreement is the largest free-trade pact in the world today, so now if Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa rectifies this, do we actually have the players that will play in that Arena? The answer is no. “In the absence of having Nigerians who are qualified enough and sufficient in number enough because the space in the arena is big, so we need plenty Nigerians to fill in that arena but in the absence of that other African citizens would come and fill in that space further compounding our lack of employment, our insecurity problems and challenges.” He opined that the book will allow Nigerian universities to quickly swing into action and begin to train the army of logistics, specialist, practitioners players that will fit in that opportunity presented by the African continental free trade area in Nigeria and even other African countries because the trade pact allows anybody to come in and capitalise on the trade pact in order to harness and take any opportunity they can find in Nigeria and Nigerians can go outside and do the same. He added that if Nigerians do not train this army of logistics soldiers that they need to fill in these trade opportunities and gaps, other African countries will fill it up.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

The Unforgettable Naija Ninja

VANESSA OBIOHA pays tribute to the late musician Sound Sultan whose imprints in the music industry, she writes, will remain indelibles

e met almost three years ago at FESTAC Town in Lagos, a few days after he celebrated his 18th anniversary with a musical ‘Jungle Story’. Before we began the interview, a fan walked up to us and asked for a selfie. Without airs, he indulged the fan, allowing him to have a memento of him to cherish always. Unlike that fan, I never bothered to take a selfie with him, maybe because of my belief that stars live forever in our hearts. Yet, when the news broke that Olarenwaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan passed on Sunday morning, a part of me shattered and I kept replaying my last interview with him. It was the first time I had a close encounter with him, seeing through the artiste whose songs were part of my adolescent memories. Back then in school, my classmates and I would sing ‘Mathematics’ during breaks, admiring the creative way he applied the popular Mathematics acronym ‘BODMAS’ in his lyrics. It was those early days of Plantashun Bois and Remedies, but Sultan, encouraged by his brother Baba Dee, came into the spotlight with that song. The import

The late Sound Sultan

of that song on the Nigerian economy was vague to my classmates and me at the time but over the years, I would come to appreciate Sultan as an unconventional storyteller. From ‘Motherland’, ‘Hello Baale’ to ‘Ole (Bushmeat)’, Sultan told stories of patriotism, love and hope. His musical ‘Jungle Story’ captured the political, social and economic

happenings in the country. Since his passing, ‘unassuming’, ‘humble’ are the words that many have described him with. Words poured out from the old and young, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, who featured in ‘Jungle Story’. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a statement described him as a bundle of talents who used “his God-given gift to advance the course of mankind.” The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in a statement described him as “a prime example of a shining star and a powerful voice of African music. His dedication to the craft was impossible to miss.” THISDAY Group Politics Editor, Nseobong Okon-Ekong who had many encounters with him during his time as an entertainment and lifestyle journalist regarded him as “calm, friendly and unassuming. He had no airs of a celebrity about him. He had a certain warmth and charm which came directly from his heart. His talent cuts across many entertainment genres. That is why he was very well respected by those who were ahead of him in the industry and equally admired by the younger generation of entertainers.” Sultan lived a life that was not mired in controversies. One can arguably say he lived simply. He didn’t belong to the class of celebrities who show off their wealth on social media. His modesty made him stay

Samsung Launches Special Edition Galaxy A22 with Joeboy Vanessa Obioha Following the Samsung Galaxy A22’s June 24 global release, Samsung Nigeria has released a special edition of the midrange smartphone in honour of its A-series ambassador Joeboy. The release is to personalise the experience of lovers of the series in the Nigerian smartphone space. “Due to the market the Samsung Galaxy A22 caters to, we chose to create a special Joeboy edition, which means that there will be branding communications leveraging him to give customers the experience not obtainable with other smartphone brands

Joeboy

in the country. It is our way of appreciating our loyal customer

base,” said Omolade Agbadaola, IM Marketing Manager, Samsung Nigeria. Tagged Special Edition with Joeboy, customers will get customised gifts branded with Joeboy in shops nationwide. The A22’s design is fashioned to satisfy the need of a wide range of smartphone users with its new innovative features that deliver the best streaming, gaming (90 Hz refresh rate), visual (Super AMOLED screen), and photography (quad-camera system with 48mp primary camera) experiences. The Special Edition with Joeboy runs from Monday, July 5 to Saturday, July 31, 2021.

From Okokomaiko to the World Vanessa Obioha The road to celebrity has been a long winding one for Akinbiyi Abiola, who broke onto the music scene with the Olamide-assisted ‘Vision 2020’. Before then, he freestyled on beats and uploaded to the internet while studying to attain a degree in History and International Relations at the Lagos State University (LASU). Noting his rise from humble beginnings, Bella, 24, prides himself as an

ambassador for his community in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos State. This sense of self has continually fueled his ambitions. “I don’t want to go back there (Okokomaiko) empty-handed. I want to go back as an ambassador, helping others in the community,” he said in a recent chat, adding that he has a lot to prove. This, in a way, explained the pace with which he released two EPs within a year.

For his current project, he embarked on a personal journey to ascertain the impact of his sounds on the music scene. On the EP, he explores themes on self-worth, mental health and fame. Currently signed to OneWorld Records, Bella hopes to take the music industry by storm, especially considering that he has completed his university studies. Aside from his music career, the singer also revealed plans to expand his brand by exploring the entrepreneurial path.

The Race is on for The Voice Nigeria Top 8 For the first time since the third season of the First Bank sponsored The Voice Nigeria kicked off, all finalists are up for possible elimination. Esther, Eazzie, Kitay and Naomi

Mac who were previously saved by the coaches will now feel the heat of being up for elimination. Of the eight talents who weren’t saved by their coaches in the first live show, only Anu, KPee, Nuel

Ayo and Dapo returned. The fate of the talents now depends solely on voters who can keep them in the show by using the First Bank USSD code. Voting closes every Thursday night.

in his neighbourhood FESTAC, instead of moving to Lekki where most A-list celebrities usually reside. To be sure, he could afford to live there but like he told me in 2018: “I don’t judge by how high. I judge by how long.” While he entertained fans with his music, he also empowered up and coming musicians with the launch of Naija Ninja, a record label he founded with his brother Baba Dee. He dabbled into movies too with films such as ‘Head Gone’. Beyond his music, he was known on the basketball field. He even had his own team, Lagos City Stars. Sultan’s head was filled with witty and decent rib crackers that often sent those who kept his company into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Now united with mother earth, Sultan will remain indelible in our memories. He is indeed the fine wine he thought himself to be, even though his life was cut short by Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma — a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related malignancies (cancers) that affect the lymphatic system (lymphomas) — at age 44. This disease with a tongue-twisting, jawbreaking name is one Sultan would wrap a comedy skit around if he had survived it. Who knows, he might just be laughing as he journeys to the Great Beyond.

The Legacy Lives on in Made Kuti Iyke Bede The atmosphere at Terra Kulture, Lagos, was not only charged with the energetic performance delivered by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s grandson Made but overflowed with a certain kind of familial love only the Kutis can evince. They had communed for ‘An Evening with Made Kuti and the Movement’ concert. The tall, slender figure, who emerged on stage, is a third-generation performing Kuti. And just like his father and grandfather, he made the stage his home. Backing the crowd in an almost ritualistic manner, he moved rhythmically to the instrumentals before welcoming the audience with a calm voice that distinguished him from the other Kutis but yet possessed similar energy as he performed ‘Free Your Mind’, the first track on ‘Legacy+’ B-side. The album is a collaborative effort with his father, Femi Kuti. In that moment of soaring saxophones, trumpets and boisterous dance moves from two female dancers, the crowd came alive as though witnessing Fela on the Afrika Shrine. Made really proved his worth on that stage after years of studying and practising music. This series of events, as it happened, was already foretold to this reporter by Laila St Mathew-Daniel, Made’s maternal grandmother. “He is taking music all over the world,” she said, recalling how a six-year-old Made would sway while playing his ‘little trumpet’ under the supervision of his father. “He has prepared for this moment.” As the evening progressed, it revealed the many sides to Made. He journeyed the crowd through

Made Kuti

his limited catalogue that includes ‘Different Streets’, ‘Young Lady’ and ‘Higher You’ll Find’. Throughout his rendition of these tracks, he held his own, demonstrating his interpretation of what afrobeat is to him. However, the signature mannerisms –primarily when he disrobed his upper body– of Fela remained evident. It is easy to call Made the chip off the old block, yet he nuanced his performance to reflect his personality. This sense of self further seeped into his performance of Fela’s songs, too. From ‘Zombie’ that had the crew replicating moves of the undead, to ‘Sorrow, Tears, and Blood’, and ‘Shuffering and Shmiling’ that had extra dancers chime in, Fela only appeared as a backdrop. Although he paid homage to Fela, he also extended the same gratitude to his father with his performance of Femi’s 1995 smash single ‘Wonder Wonder’ earlier on in his two-hour performance, of which a sizable portion saw Femi bopping vigorously in his seat. But this feeling wasn’t unique to Femi. Soon, Yeni, Fela’s first daughter, joined him on the walkway as they danced joyfully and proudly to their heart’s content. The night was also one filled with surprise performances. As Made continued to thrill the crowd with sonic works of Fela, Seun Kuti made his way to the stage.

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Group Launches Inter-ethnic Advocacy to Address Secessionist Agitations Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja An all-female group known as the Fairer Campaign has embarked on an advocacy for inter-ethnic relationships brought about by the raging secessionist agitations by some groups across the country. The group also also singled out interethnic conflicts, unemployment, inadequacy of basic amenities, poor healthcare system, bribery and corruption as reasons for the current security challenges in the country. The group’s team leader, Zubaida Baba Ibrahim, who addressed the media yesterday, noted that contrary to the atmosphere in Nigeria,

the Asians that have used their multiethnic diversity to their advantage by developing themselves. Ibrahim said they cannot pretend that inter-ethnic differences in Nigeria is hindering the country’s development and undermining the potential of its people. “It is easy to put the blame on the colonial masters for joining these entities together. Even in African themed conferences our leaders have adopted this blame-game tactic but there are Asian countries with multi-ethnic diversity that have developed far from what they were when the same Europeans colonized them,

this is because they have used the countries diversity to its advantage rather than to continue using the victim card,” she said. Ibrahim said has become necessary to address some of these challenges by creating systems for inter-ethnic relationship, harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country. “In view of the above therefore, we are glad to introduce our campaign initiative known as The FAIRER campaign, which is a female-led advocacy for inter-ethnic relationships aimed at harnessing the values that unites Nigerians more than what divides, through

coordinated media narratives and media actions for fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity which will be targeted at the youth, women, religious leaders and the government,” she further explained. She said the campaign was not only aimed at national unity and security but to sustain it through attracting attention to the positive aspects of the various ethnicities in Nigeria through opinion articles. She said:” The sustenance will be aided through longterm partnerships with relevant organizations and stakeholders with monthly evaluations.” She said her group would embark on a

Nigerian Idol: Bigi Refreshes Kingdom Kroseide to Victory Rebecca Ejifoma After months of auditions, evictions and drama, the Bayelsa-born Kingdom Kroseide has been crowned the winner of the Nigerian Idol 2021 for displaying an exceptional talent that swayed millions of votes to beat Francis Atela at the grand finale of the singing competition, sponsored by BIGI. The Bigi soft drinks have, for over 10 weeks, refreshed and revitalised all contestants who contested for the season 6 of the Nigerian Idol. On 24 April, 68 contestants headed to theatre week of the music contest with only 17 contestants progressing to the next round. The 17 contestants were assessed based on the strength of their voices and their overall stage performance which saw 11 contestants elevated to the live performances. Eventually, the voyage of creativity and excitement lasted for 10 weeks with 11 contestants. Kingdom’s rendition of Gentleman by Fela Kuti coupled with his duet with Cobhams Asuquo on the track one hit ignited a euphoric feeling that

Manager, Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi drinks affirmed again the company’s commitment to talent development and entertainment in Nigeria. According to her, Rite Foods Limited has found a way to give back to consumers with not only refreshing beverages but also operate on very high standards in Nigeria by tying the company’s values to youth L-R: Staﬀ of Rite Foods Limited, Biola Aransiola; Nigerian Idol Season 6 winner, Kingdom Kroseide; and the Brand Manager, Rite Foods Limited, and people centered initiatives. Boluwatife Adedugbe at the grand ﬁnale and prize presentation of N30 Ms. Adedugbe further million to the winner stated that this is why the company’s sponsorship of erupted ecstatic moments produced by a leading Nigerian the music competition “is from the judges who gave a producer plus a top-notch to ensure that talents are standing ovation during the music video, courtesy of the nurtured in order to inspire performance. The 24-year- organisers. and empower stars that old singer had refreshingly Weeks ago, seven contestants would take the music and delighted all with his music visited the sponsor, Rite Foods entertainment industry to talent for 10 weeks to clinch Limited, makers of Bigi drinks enviable heights. We also look the coveted grand prize. at its Lagos headquarters, the forward to the winner tonight, The new star won a cash prize new star, Kingdom, revealed Kingdom, doing more on the of N30m, a brand-new SUV, that his favorite Bigi variants international scene to place six-track EP recording deal, were Bigi Water and Bigi Nigeria on the global map,” three music videos included, sausage roll. It is now safe to she added. a Bigi branded refrigerator assume that Bigi premium The popular hit song Jerusaplus 1-year free supply of Bigi drinking water over the weeks lema by Master KG heralded drinks, an all-expense-paid has kept the star replenished the performances at the grand trip to Seychelles, a weekend and hydrated while he was finale witnessed by Patorankgetaway to Dubai for two-and dishing out energising music ing, Ice-Prince Zamani, Ayra one-year cable subscription. performances all through the Star and CobhamsAsuquo who The runner up, Atela, earned competition. also graced the stage to add to a prize of a music single to be BoluwatifeAdedugbe, Brand the thrill of the event.

NNSBeecroftArrests,Handsover162BagsofSmuggledRicetoCustoms Chiemelie Ezeobi The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team recently intercepted and arrested a wooden boat ferrying 162 bags of contraband rice around Lagos Offshore area. According to the base, the arrest was in line with the federal government’s ban on the importation of rice To achieve this, the Nigerian Navy has continued to collaborate with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to stop the activities of smugglers who attempt to import this commodity in a bid to sabotage the nation’s economy. THISDAY gathered that preliminary investigations by the base revealed that the bags of rice were all foreign parboiled

L-R: Base Intelligence Oﬃcer; Lieutenant Commander Zakari Tomu; Deputy ComptrollerNigeriaCustomsService;ANjobdi;BaseOperationsOﬃcer,Commander Andrew Zidon; Assistant Comptroller Nigeria Customs Service, ND Labar

rice smuggled into the country from Republic of Benin. Therefore, in line with the Nigerian Navy Standard Operating Procedures, NNS BEECROFT handed over the

Cotonou boat and 162 bags of rice to the Nigeria Customs Service. On the arrest, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore

Bashir Mohammed, warned smugglers to steer off Lagos maritime environment. Mohammed, who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Commander Andrew Zidon, vowed that the base would be relentless in its determination to bring an end to rice smuggling within its Area of Operations in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral AZ Gambo Strategic Directive 2021-5. “As partners for a safe maritime environment, members of the public, especially our host communities are enjoined to kindly furnish the base with credible information to assist in curbing the activities of criminal element and economic saboteurs,” he added.

“neighbourliness campaign can be effective in building cooperation between people of different ethnic groups through relational communication.” “A strategic communication approach is essential in establishing and sustaining mutual relationship for nation building,” she said, adding that “the approach should focus on cooperative relationships and offers a communicationcentered, participatory approach for improving ethnic relations in multicultural state like Nigeria.” Ibrahim, who identified ethnocentrism as a psychological belief which revolves around the sentiment that one’s own

ethnic group is much more superior than that of others, said, ethnocentrism has always been one of the huge problems in Nigeria, and has continued to fuel oligarchy, greed, indiscipline and violence in its citizens. “This has led to poor government policies, injustice, economic inequality due to us making societal decisions on the basis of intra-ethnic relationships which is built on similarities in language, physical attributes and cultural value rather than through inter-ethnic relationships which should be built on similarities in skill, experience and knowledge.”

New Road Leads Students to Scholarships Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Immaculate Heart Road Umungasi Aba in Osisioma local government of Abia State is home to many private schools and a big parish, the SSAnthony and Jude Catholic Church. But for over a decade the area was not accessible due to the deplorable state of the road. Students and their teachers waded through muddy water to and from school, business owners lamented low patronage due to bad road which put off prospective customers and landlords agonised over the low value of their properties as rents plunged because people relocated from the area. The parish priest of SS Anthony and Jude Catholic Church, Rev Fr. Francis Onuoha said the deplorable state of the road became so unbearable that many of his parishioners decided to relocate to other parts of Aba. However, on July 9, 2021 the lamentations of the residents of Immaculate Heart road gave way to songs of joy and happiness as a newly reconstructed road was inaugurated by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Students, teachers, Reverend Sisters, members of the Catholic Women Organisation in their trade mark uniform and indeed residents of Umungasi poured onto the newly built road to welcome Ikpeazu and his entourage and thank him for the new road. It was a big sigh of relief for them as a smooth, solid road with drainage system emerged to replace the hitherto inaccessible road.

Band boys from some of the schools competed for attention as they played out their hearts while waiting for the arrival of the governor. Students lined up waving mini Nigeria flags. It was a joyous occasion. Fr Onuoha was so overwhelmed with joy at the new look road that he prophesied that his parishioners that “ran away” when the road was so bad would come back. He profusely thanked Governor Ikpeazu for reconstructing the road, noting that the ongoing urban renewal in Aba has shown that Ikpeazu ‘is a real Nwa Aba” (Aba son). Chairman of Immaculate Good Neighbours (Landlords) Association, Prince Nweze was equally riding in the pink cloud as he lauded Governor Ikpeazu for remembering their area in his distribution of road projects. “The reconstruction of Immaculate Heart road is a testimony of your desire to make the entire Abia conducive for living and for doing businesses,” he told the governor. “Things are moving smoothly now and businesses are growing”. Governor Ikpeazu was very much impressed with the level of appreciation shown by Immaculate Heart residents that he announced scholarship awards to seven students that sang welcome song and other performances. He used the occasion to defend the perceived slow pace in execution of projects by his administration, saying that his “slow and steady” approach was aimed at delivering quality infrastructure to the people of Abia.

Governor Ikpeazu shaking hands with jubilant students during the Immaculate road inauguration

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Remembering Sound Sultan’s Resounding Music Heritage

OlehBook ClubFlagsoff The shocking demise of Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiyu Fasasi stage-named Sound Sultan signals a dimming BooksDonation light on an era in Nigerian music, writes Yinka Olatunbosun The loss of the gap-toothed musician, rapper Campaign and comedian, Sound Sultan on July 11 was a hard hit on fans, colleagues and families albeit not in that order. Everyone loved Sound Sultan- he was approachable, down-to-earth, family-oriented and super-talented. He took Nigerian music to a state of reawakening with the song‘Mathematics.’

he year was 2000- a period when popular music was undergoing some major experiment in Nigeria. Music fans’ interest in juju and fuji genres had waned. Also, the proliferation of new private radio stations aided the airing of new sounds made from the elements of hip-hop, pop and indigenous music. Remedies, Paul I.K Dairo, Plantashun Boiz, JJC, Maintain, Wale Thompson, Styl-Plus, Ruggedman and later D’banj are among this generation of music stars who effectively achieved a sweeping cross-over appeal with their music. The playlists on radio, clubs and parties began to favour this kind of music above western songs. Mathematics also known as ‘Jagbajantis’ was a game-changer because at that time, most Nigerian hit songs were feel-good music. Like Fela, Ras Kimono, IdrisAbdulkareem and others, Sound Sultan perfected the art of making conscious music become street anthems. In the song ‘Mathematics,’ he gave his own interpretation to BODMAS-a popular Mathematic problem-solving formula stating that ‘B stands for Brotherhood, O for Objectivity, D for Democracy, M for Modification, A for Accountability, and S for solidarity to articulate social values. Motherland (2016), an acoustic soul track preaches patriotism. It was quite ironical and regrettable that the singer had to leave his motherland for the United States of America to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for his condition- Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. Sadly, he lost the battle to cancer at 44 and was buried according to Islamic rites. The social media was awash with some of his last posts including a video of him with his wife and three children singing together. Sound Sultan was scandal-free and his love for humanity also made his sudden death even more painful. Sound Sultan’s commitment to nurturing music talents was phenomenal. Perhaps, that was his way of passing the baton on the race to greatness. As an aspiring musician, he saved money from hosting shows to book studio sessions. That was the genesis of his hit-making career. After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists, he was signed by Kennis Music where he released four albums. When his contract expired in 2007, he partnered with Baba Dee to start Naija Ninjas, a parent organization for a record label, production outfit and clothing line. After starting as a rapper, he explored other musical genres from R&B to Afrobeat, soul

Sound Sultan

and Fuji. His protégées include Karma Da Rapper, Young GreyC, Shawn and Blacka. Sound Sultan would also be remembered for his collaboration with Haitian rapper and producer, Wyclef Jean in the song, ‘Proud to be African’ featuring 2face Idibia and Faze from Wyclef’s Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101 album. They also collaborated on two other projects: “King of My Country” (2009) and “People Bad” (2012). Other collaborations include ‘Bushmeat’ featuring TuBaba and ‘2010’ (Light Up) featuring M.I. The songs draw government’s attention to corruption, abuse of power and other harsh socio-political realities in Nigeria. His colleagues in the entertainment industry have expressed their grief at the news of his death. Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti wrote, “I am shocked and very sad reading this news of the passing of Sound Sultan (He is family). I pray our Creator to give his family strength at this time.” The CEO, Virtual Media Network and former OAP at OGBC 2 and Star FM, Femi Aderibigbe popularly known as Kwame posted: “To say this one weak me is an understatement! You lived an exceptional and exemplary life.”

Another collaborator, the CEO, Black House Media, Adekunle Ayeni also mourned the loss of one of Nigeria’s most cerebral music artists. “We’re sending prayers and condolences to the family of Sound Sultan, a long-time BHM friend and collaborator who has sadly shockingly passed on. Sound Sultan’s contributions to the development of music, film and sports in Nigeria will forever be remembered and celebrated.” In a message by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Sound Sultan is noted for his “strong messages for the Nigerian society through various songs with thematic preoccupations that centre on politics, commitment and service to fatherland, among others.” The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also declared: “The President notes that Sound Sultan’s demise is not only a loss to the Nigerian music industry, but to the country as a whole.” Like the legendaryAfrobeat pioneer, FelaAnikulapoKuti, Sound Sultan’s music shoves at the conscience of a nation.

Billionaire,AlakijaSharesLifeNuggetsatBookPresentationtoMark70thBirthday Yinka Olatunbosun Nigerian billionaire and woman of faith, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija has extolled the virtues of prayers, kindness and love at the public presentation of her first autobiography titled “Blossoming with the Hand that Gives the Rose.” The event, which is one in a series to mark her 70th birthday, was held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi on July 12. It was a roll-call of women of substance including the First Lady of Ekiti State, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, fmr. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Singer Onyeka Onwenu, fmr. Bank Chief and motivational speaker, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Aisha Babangida. In his review of the book, Sonny Iroche, an investment banker and convener, Abia League of Professional Initiatives observed that the author understands the importance of passing down values to younger generations. He added that the book is loaded with issue-specific prayers. “Apostle Alakija is an epitome of simplicity and this reflects in the book,” he said. Whilst drawing attention to the author’s use of language in the book, he noted the she appropriates some self-made coinages to articulate her views. Iroche pointed out expressions such as ‘Out-laws’ to describe in-laws that are destructive elements in a

Display of Alakija’s ﬁve books

marriage. While the author used “in-love” instead of “inlaw” to suggest “family members” without hopes of being dragged to court someday. The book reading session was a mixture of tributes, comments and actual reading of some sections from the book. On her part, Mrs Awosika spoke glowingly about the author’s leadership streak and her Junior Chamber International (JCI) connections where she had the rare opportunity of being a speaker twice. On her part, Onwenu read from the section titled “Fashion My

Passion” and recounted how Alakija’s fashion statements had impacted on her persona even at international functions. In a question and answer session, Alakija encouraged everyone to cultivate the spirit of giving adding: “If you have items in your home that you have not used for two years, there is someone out there who is in dire need of it. Money is not always the answer to our problems. Money cannot buy happiness.” The book also contains the details of her close shave with death along Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos. Other four books presented at the event include ‘The Master Key: The Power of Prayers,’ ‘Mysteries of Marriage Unveiled,’ ‘Answers to Marital Hiccup’ and ‘Lamp Unto My Feet.’ Named by Forbes as the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $1 billion in 2020, Alakija’s first company was a fashion label whose customers included late Maryam Babangida, the wife of former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida. Alakija is also the Vice Chair, Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil exploration company with a stake in Agbami Oilfield, a prolific offshore asset. She is married with four children. Folorunsho is the Director, The Rose of Sharon Group.

Yinka Olatunbosun Oleh Book Club has flagged off its books donation campaign to stock up the Delta State Library, Oleh, in Isoko South LGA, Delta State as well as other neighbouring school libraries. This initiative is a part of the book club’s corporate social responsibility to satisfy the appetite for books in readers and adults, sustain the momentum of the club’s reading event in Oleh and neighbouring communities of Irri, Oyede, Aviara, Uzere, Olomoro, Igbide, Emede, Ozoro, Owhe and beyond. The campaign is in response to the pervasive book famine in the land, especially in local communities that lack both resources and facilities to provide same. It would be recalled that Oleh Book Club marked Children’s Day 2021 on May 28 at Emore Grammar School, Oleh, alongside its inaugural book reading session. The event had a large gathering of school children and adults from within and outside the community. t had its Coordinator, journalist and writer, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, On-Air-Personalities, Lady Ejiro Umukoro (Mega FM, Warri), and Mr. Oghenero Ezaza (Kpoko FM, Warri), the librarian, Mr. Michael Iboh, poet, Princess Oghale Oweh, the schools’ Vice Principal and Principal, Mrs. Gladys Ighokpo and Mr. Anthony Edheka headlining the reading and mentorship programme. In the same vein, Ajeluorou, author of children’s book, ‘Igho Goes to Farm’ has called on the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration to equip knowledge-enhancing facilities like libraries across the state to meet the growing demand for quality education and make the state the hub for quality education. Ajeluorou particularly lamented the deplorable state of Delta State Library, Ozoro, that was abandoned and left to crumble to the ground and is currently in a parlous state. He also commended The Martha Charity Foundation for rebuilding the state library at Oleh, which Governor Okowa commissioned in September 2017. Drop off points for the books are marked with banners appealing to the public to donate books to the library at Oleh. They include Best Western Hotel, DBS Road, Asaba; the Oleh library on IDC Road, Oleh; Christian Tigbogbo Tailoring, 24 Okandeji Street, by Fada-Helie, Off Ometan Road, Warri; Narrative Landscape Press office, 9 Odunlami Street, by Bola Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, and 1 Sanyaolu Street, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Others are FRCN,Abuja, Flomat Books Ltd, A16 Cabanna, Sheraton Hotel, Ladi Kwali Street, Abuja, and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN),Abuja. Cash donations in lieu of books are also valid.

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Raquel Kasham Daniel: Impact through Social Entrepreneurship Raquel Kasham Daniel is a social entrepreneur and educator working in poor and remote communities in Nigeria focusing on education for children and sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls through Beyond the Classroom Foundation. She is the creator of Nzuriaiki, an online platform designed to showcase volunteer opportunities in Nigeria, as well as the author of Flow: a girl’s guide to menstruation, There Is a New Virus in Town: a coronavirus awareness book for children; TheAlphabet Book on COVID-19; Squeaky Clean; a personal hygiene book for girls and most recently launched a set of colouring and tracing books for children. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she talks on how she has been using her platform, Nzuriaiki to prepare youths for job opportunities; how she through her book addresses the major concerns every young girl goes through during puberty and more

ow would you describe your journey so far as a social entrepreneur? Would you say you are fulﬁlled? I started out as more of a “charity worker”. After about five years of struggling to sustain our projects, I knew it was time to move from the charity model to the social entrepreneurship model. My team and I had to carefully look at our projects to find ways we can make them all sustainable. So instead of simply raising funds to purchase and distribute free sanitary pads to girls who cannot afford them, we start looking at the ideas of designing our own affordable reusable pads and teaching the girls how to design their own pads. Instead of buying the colouring and tracing books for the pre-schoolers in our programme, I designed colouring, tracing and comprehension worksheets that parents and schools can buy, this then allows us use the profit to print more books for our beneficiaries. We also introduced a business mentoring and small seed grant programme for the mothers of our beneficiaries at the IDP camp. This will allow them to earn a living and within a year or two, they are able to start paying the fees of their children, giving us the opportunity to enrol more children. Moving from the charity model has been very tough and I am not where near fulfilled with my work but I am fulfilled with my life. I believe there is still so much that can be done. What inﬂuenced your passion for working with children and girls? My passion for education and sexual & reproductive health for adolescent girls is influenced largely by my background and experiences growing up. After my late father told me no one in my family had gone past secondary school, it completely shocked me. I instantly understood why he is so passionate about having us go to school. He was practically obsessed with it. So when he passed while I was a teenager, I made it my own dream to ensure I go beyond secondary school and I did. And now that I have a degree, I’ve seen how important it is which is why I am so passionate about getting children whose parents cannot afford to put them in school, back to school. For menstrual hygiene, my dad taught me all I knew at age 9. He was an amazing father. Like I mentioned earlier, he passed. After his passing, I ended up living on the street, because I ran away from home from fear of being married and never actualising my dream of going to school. While on the street, I had to use tissue paper from a restroom toilet to manage my period. I’d walk into the eatery, head straight to their restroom, change and run off. Using tissue gave me lots of blisters on my thigh and made it so uncomfortable for me to walk. Somewhere along the line, I started using cloth pads to save cost and that, just like the tissue hurt me and completely hurt my self-esteem. I was always afraid my pad would fall off and it scared me. When I finally had the means, I started to provide free sanitary pads for other girls because I know exactly what it means not to have one. You are a social entrepreneur and educator with focus on poor and remote communities, what does this entail?

The two books on menstrual and personal hygiene were inspired by my past experiences. My late father inspired the menstrual hygiene book and my late mom inspired the personal hygiene book. In the course of my work, we visited so many schools to educate girls on menstrual hygiene and personal hygiene and also distribute free sanitary pads. I realised that, I always end up talking about my parents. That’s because there’s no way I can tell my menstruation and puberty story without mentioning them, they taught me all that I know. When I decided to write my first book, “Flow; a girl’s guide to menstruation”, I knew it was also time for the world to hear a positive story about fathers. It is a book that every girl can relate to. It serves as a guide to help them navigate through the world of puberty. In the book, I spoke about how my late father taught me about menstruation, I also shared my personal experiences, gave practical advice and information on managing menstruation. My goal is for these books to address the major concerns every young girl goes through during puberty.

Daniel

I discovered that there is a gap in how people find volunteer opportunities and how non-profits find volunteers, so I designed a platform that advances community action by volunteering. As a social entrepreneur, I have through Nzuriaiki, made it easy for anyone to find volunteers for their organisation’s needs and for individuals to find volunteering opportunities. It often takes a lot of time, energy and perseverance to find volunteer opportunities online for an organisation you are passionate about. Nzuriaiki simply offers a better way for volunteers to discover the right opportunities quickly and efficiently. As an educator, I work with children and girls through Project Red Robots of Beyond the Classroom Foundation. We educate girls on menstruation; bust the myths and taboos around it while providing free/affordable reusable pads to girls in secondary schools in poor communities in Nigeria. We recently created the “Flow with Pride Kit’, for girls. It contains 12 reusable sanitary pads, 5 underwear, one FLOW menstruation book, and 5 bars of Soap. This kit comes at a cost and can be purchased for the girls we work with or any teenage girl. When you purchase a kit, you enable us to sustain our project through the proceeds. What gap is the Nzuriaiki platform ﬁlling? Nzuriaiki.com is an online platform that showcases volunteer opportunities in Africa and connects organisations with volunteers. I decided to launch it because volunteering helped me gain skills when I had no skills to get a good job. I was orphaned as a teenager and was left to cater to my three younger brothers. Needing a job but having no work experience, I decided to volunteer for free to build up my capacity, which is something my mom always emphasised anyway. Through volunteering, I developed professional, technical and soft skills such as leadership and critical thinking, but most importantly, it boosted my self-confidence. Prior to getting into University, I used those skills to apply for jobs, which I got easily. The

skills I learned during my time volunteering gave me the opportunity to find flexible parttime jobs allowing me to earn and continue to take care of my siblings while paying my way through school. I decided to launch this platform, to fill the gap of unemployment and access to opportunities for the youths. Knowing a lot of organisations want certain skills and work experience, which a lot of graduates don’t have, this platform will give them the work experiences they need. Volunteering worked for me; I believe it is a solution that can tackle the problem of unemployment in Nigeria. By serving and giving your time, it can turn up to learning or earning opportunities. Share with us challenges you have faced carrying out your work? My journey in this sector is not different for many. The major challenge we face is the issue of funding. When I first started over 10 years ago, it was really tough. It was like starting any business; I had to face the challenges of getting the right team, innovation and plans for sustainability. Looking back now I see the wisdom in getting a mentor early and connecting with a community of people in the same sector. That was also a big challenge. I believe collaborating with others would have eased my load, as it was a new terrain I was navigating. I also made a lot of mistakes, running too many projects at once and trying to solve every problem that we encountered. In 2013, I got some training at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University and two sponsored Social Sector training, one in South Africa another in Nigeria by the US Embassy in Lagos. It was after I gained clarity and became focused on our mission that the work became easier. Right now, even though we’re still a small team, the work isn’t as tough anymore and we’re making more impact than when we started years ago. You wrote books on menstruation and personal hygiene, what informed them?

How is your book ﬁghting period poverty? Period poverty is when women and girls cannot afford proper sanitary products or do not have the information and facilities to manage their period properly. This can put their health, education, and well-being at risk. My book FLOW, is fighting period poverty in the area of menstrual education. Periods are something women and girls have been having for thousands of years. It’s the reason you and I are even here. And yet around the world, there’s still an element of shame associated with a woman’s monthly cycle. If you’ll be honest, you’ll agree that menstruation is associated with impurity and disgust, which is probably why many women say they feel uncomfortable talking about their periods. This has over the years led to women suffering in silence when it comes to their periods and thus they provide little or no information to growing girls in their homes. In my work with Beyond the Classroom, I have seen that few girls especially in rural communities have access to the necessary information they need to prepare themselves for menstruation and manage their periods when it arrives. For this to change, parents and our schools must provide resources and information that girls can access. This book will help girls understand rather than feel scared about what is happening to their bodies during puberty. What key message do you have for young people who are trying to make a meaning of their lives? It is good to always remember that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you might not know about. So whatever it is you are going through, keep your spine straight, be honest in all you do and don’t be lured into becoming somebody you are not. It’s also important to have guts, show up always, have courage and be yourself in the face of all these uncertainties. As you try to make a meaning of your life, learn to build strong networks and collaborate with others in your field. It helps you to not only grow but also to keep hope in times of difficulty. You also need to learn to deal with disappointments sometimes. Then stand up again, straighten up your shoulders and then move. Eventually, things will get better but some things take time.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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How Emeka Ngige Celebrated 60th in Style Eminent lawyers and personalities last Sunday gathered at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos to celebrate the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, who turned 60. The ceremony also included the unveiling of the Law School rebuilding initiative, Davidson Iriekpen writes

t was a festival of accolades as foremost Bar Leader and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), turned 60 years last Sunday. Born on July 11, 1961 Ngige’s initial reluctance to mark the milestone anniversary due to the mood of the nation was torpedoed by friends and associates among others. In fact, Ngige would later confess during his “Thank You Speech” at the birthday ceremony that it was a poser by his amiable wife, Ogoo, on his tenure as CLE Chairman that turned the tide. What followed next became the highlight of the birthday ceremony - the unveiling of the “Nigerian Law School Support Initiative.” A project after Ngige’s heart, it is designed to revamp the decaying infrastructure at the Nigerian Law School. His words: “My wife, children and I wish to start by thanking God Almighty who made the event of today possible. Within the family, we had been discussing on the propriety of anyone celebrating anything nowadays, in light of the challenges our dear country and indeed the whole world is facing today. “However, a thought must have flashed through my wife’s mind when she asked, ‘How many years is the tenure of a Chairman of Council of Legal Education?’ I said, “four years”. After some silence, she quipped: ‘Nna, from 28th of May, 2021, you just have two years to go. You must try and leave a lasting positive legacy at the Law School before your tenure ends’. I was struck by this flash of inspiration and we started thinking of what can be done to make this chairmanship memorable. “Following extensive consultations that I had with the DG of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma SAN and the Chairman of my Committee of Friends, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN, the idea of a ‘Nigeria Law School Support Initiative’ was mooted. The initiative was designed to be unveiled at the occasion of my 60th birthday. Initially, we thought of holding the event in Abuja but along the line, we decided that Lagos - my State of Residence since 1986 - should be the appropriate venue. My Committee of Friends had less than a month to prepare and package what has been presented to you today. We cannot thank God Almighty enough.” The day actually kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos. Among the dignitaries that attended the church service were Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami. The hybrid anniversary celebration then moved to the Nigerian Law School for the birthday ceremony and the unveiling of the Law School rebuilding initiative. Held at the exquisitely decorated Adetokunbo Ademola Hall, the event also had many leading lights especially of the legal profession in attendance. They include Justice Samuel Oseji, a classmate of the celebrant, who represented the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; Chairman of Body of Benchers, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour; the longest serving Deputy Senate President, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu; President of Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensen represented by the Presiding Justice, Lagos Division, Justice Joseph Ikyegh; President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata; former NBA President and Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, and Chairman of YABATECH Governing Council, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN who also doubled as Chairman of the Occasion. Others were Prof. Zach Adangor SAN who represented Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Mr Uche Ihediwa who represented the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Anambra State Commissioner for Information

Ngige

and Enlightenment , Mr. C-Don Adinuba, former Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo. Among the guests who joined virtually were former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Owelle George Uwechue SAN who was the “Father of the Day;” Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN among many other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Benchers and Bar Leaders. While legendary Nollywood star-turnedlawyer, Bar. Kanayo O. Kanayo compered the event alongside senior lawyer, Ms. Tolani EduAdeola, Nigerian Law School Director-General played the role of a perfect Chief Host, even as cerebral lawyer, Prof. Gbolahan Elias SAN delivered a scintillating Anniversary Lecture on “The Nigerian Law School, infrastructure and the future of law: Stakeholders as catalysts for development.” The Naira rain for the rebuilding of the decaying Nigerian Law School infrastructure was then set in motion with the unveiling of the “Nigerian Law School Support Initiative.” Many guests expressed shock at the dilapidated facilities at the Nigerian Law School, beamed into the hall and the spill-over outdoor tent on the school’s green lawns from strategically positioned LED screens. While many corporate bodies and individuals donated generously towards the initiative, Air Peace Airline, one of Africa’s largest airlines where Ngige is a Director, turned out to be the stand-out donor during the unveiling ceremony. Its Chairman/CEO, Chief Allen Onyema, also a ranking lawyer, reeled out several projects to be undertaken for the five campuses of the Law School as well as its headquarters in Abuja totaling over N40 million. Other notable donors were Mr. Nyesom Wikeled Rivers State Government (N20 million); Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe SAN (N20 million); Nigerian Law School Class of 1985 (N18 million); Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN (N10 million); Mr. Ahmed Raji SAN (N10 million); Abia State Government (N5 million); Prof. Fabian Ajogwu SAN (N5 million), and Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman/ CEO, Oilserve Nigeria Limited (N5 million). With a documentary on “Ikemba: A Legal Leviathan @ 60” and melodious tunes wafting from iconic saxophonist, BeeJay Sax, the stage was set for the celebrant to step forward with his lovely wife and son to cut his birthday cake. Bar leader and leading arbitrator, Chief Joe-Kyari

Gadzama SAN then gave an endearing toast for his longtime friend while several groups tried to outshine each other in presenting gifts to the celebrant. Earlier in the day, Ngige was besieged with sundry birthday messages, with President Muhammadu Buhari “rejoicing with family and friends on the milestone” recorded by Ngige. According to a press statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu: “The President notes, with commendation, contributions of the legal luminary to the study and practice of law in Nigeria, donating books and materials to Law Schools, and serving on National Executive of NBA for more than 25 years, during which he represented the association as a member of the Body of Benchers. “President Buhari affirms that Chief Ngige played a significant role in ensuring fairness and justice for the state and citizens by accepting to join the team of private legal professionals that prosecuted cases at the Failed Banks Tribunal and other significant cases for the Federal Government, largely related to recovery of public funds and property. “As the lawyer, who holds the chieftaincy title of “Ikemba N’Alor” turns 60, the President congratulates him for many achievements that have attracted recognitions and awards for diligence over many years of service. “President Buhari joins family members of Chief Ngige, his friends and all well-wishers in praying for longer life, good health and strength to continue in good works.” Others who have also felicitated with the leading litigator include Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami; Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Council of Legal Education and many Nigerian Law School Alumni classes. In his goodwill message, Justice Muhammad described Ngige as a “legal icon and quintessential philanthropist,” adding that he is a “man of honour and dignity” whose lifestyle “has been a formidable fountain of inspiration to people from all walks of life.” His words: “Alife of scholarship. Alife of commitment to the development of his fatherland. A life of service to humanity. A life of absolute submission to the dictates of the almighty God and his conscience. Those are the exceptional

attributes that aptly epitomise the 60-year voyage of this legal icon and quintessential philanthropist at whose instance we are all gathered here today.” Said Justice Muhammad: “My friend and learned colleague, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, who is currently the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, is a man of honour and dignity. His lifestyle has been a formidable fountain of inspiration to people from all walks of life. He is a man who briskly deploys wisdom and unassailable intellectual strength whenever he is confronted with herculean challenges. Interestingly, to the best of my knowledge, he has never faltered in any task assigned to him, especially in the enviable position he currently holds in the Council of Legal Education. “The legal luminary whose 60th birthday we are celebrating today has accomplished so much in life within the short time he has so far spent. He has become a strong tower and a paragon of intellectual prowess that the younger generation of lawyers from Nigeria and beyond could conveniently draw inspiration and strength.” On his part, Governor Akeredolu, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said: “My great brother and learned friend in the life of Mortals, commemoration of the day of first contact with the Earthly plane comes once in a yearly calendar. “As you celebrate your 60th Birthday today, I heartily wish you a very happy birthday and prayers for scores of healthy, prosperous and peaceful returns of the day. May you have all the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day can bring, all the Blessings a life can unfold. “CONGRATULATIONS. All honour, glory and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you to this age. As we say in Yoruba, Asodunmodun, àsosùmòsù, igba odun odun kan. More grace.” In his congratulatory letter dated July 2, 2021, the Mr. Boss Mustapha said: “This occasion indeed requires giving thanks and adoration to the Most High for bestowing His favours and mercies upon you. “Your achievements and contributions over the years towards the growth and development of the legal profession is far reaching. You have used your role as the Chairman, Council of Legal Education to effectively ensure that legal education receives the desired attention needed in order to take the legal profession to its desired destination. I strongly believe given your wealth of experience, you will do more towards the growth, development and progress of the legal profession and Nigeria at large. On his part, Malami said: “Your birthday calls for the celebration of your life and the remarkable achievements you have recorded over the years. As a thorough-bred legal practitioner with a track record of professional excellence, your invaluable contributions towards the progress of our noble profession over the years have not gone unnoticed hence the various appointments both in the legal profession and other bodies. “Indeed, you have distinguished yourself as a renowned, selfless, industrious and committed lawyer whose foray into the legal profession has benefitted our dear nation tremendously. “While wishing you continuous success in all your future endeavours, it is my prayer that Almighty God will preserve you for many more years and in good health so that the legal profession and the nation in general will continue to benefit from your wealth of experience.” Aside from family members, associates and leading lawyers, birthday messages were also received from Nigerian Law School Class of 1985; Independent National Electoral Commission (Imo State); Mr. Allen Onyema; University of Nigeria Law Class of 1984; Otu Oka Iwu (Law Society); National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), and Alor People’s Assembly among others.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

POLSCOPE

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The Making of Mile Two Mess

ur former Lagos State correspondent, Kola Ologbodiyan, the present National Publicity Secretary, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in those days, would come back to the newsroom and regale us with stories of what they (the Alausa correspondents), did the previous night with the then Military Administrator, Col Buba Marwa (as he then was), who is now the Chairman of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He (Kola) would tell us how the MILAD would go with the Correspondents into the Lagos city, at a very ungodly hour of the night, driving through various parts of the city, notoriously labelled as “black spots”. That Marwa, would always be armed with a Jotter, where he notes bad spots that require maintenance, areas where there should be more security presence etc., adding that on a number of occasions they would run into a gang of bad boys who get promptly disarmed and arrested. Over time, that routine drive around, enabled the MILAD not only to have a firm grip and comprehensive knowledge of the state, it helped to significantly drive down the crime index in the state. I do not know if succeeding governors, over time discarded or adopted that surveillance strategy. I had thought the present governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not quite mindful of the rising state of insecurity in Lagos, until I recently listened to 96.1 FM, the Lagos traffic radio, wherein all the hazards and dangers associated with going around in Lagos metropolis was highlighted in an educative jingle. I surmised that the Radio station cannot know this much without the governor himself being aware. As I drive round town most days, I see the strident efforts of Gov Sanwo-Olu to better the state. The socio-metrics of the state are looking bright, what with many of the major roads being re-surfaced, street lights being lit up, dirt mounds disappearing etc. But there is a but. Lagos seems to be loosing its safety niche. In the last four months, the crime rate in the city is rising steadily and faithfully. It is worse with cases of roadside robberies. The frequency and audaciousness of attack on passengers and car owners on Lagos streets and roads is becoming intolerably alarming. It will require another day to tell the story of kidnappings and abductions in the Lekki/Ajah axis of the state. Perhaps, the black spots are all fully back and activated with fiercer versions of whatever they were in times past. One of such bad spots is Mile 2. It is a major Bus stop connecting the outskirt communities to the city centre. Like Ojuelegba, Mile 2 does not sleep. But it has gone to seed! It is alive 24/7. It is a major gateway to Apapa, where the two sea ports in the state are located. It links Orile/Costain end of the city, It also connects Oshodi and Gbagada axis. It therefore hosts plenty of traffic, and ipso facto, a burgeoning commercial hub. Sadly, Mile 2 has long overtaken Oshodi as a den of robbers and violent criminals. Oshodi used to be such a terrible place that everybody who had regard for his/her life and his/her little money and possessions, tried to avoid, even at 12 noon. That was the situation until the advent of former Governor, Babatunde Fashola, now Minister of Works. Fashola not only re-jigged Oshodi, it transformed it and all the criminals who had hibernated and operated there for years suddenly realized that Oshodi was too bright for comfort. The array of flood light was more than that of the National Stadium. They fled. Today, Mile 2 has become even twice deadlier than Oshodi. Matters are not helped by the fact that too often, there are terrible and aged bad spots that certainly force motorist to not only slow down, but also devise ways to crawl through such very bad spots, especially during the rains. I have never been able to understand why year-in-year-out, government is fanatically negligent of such bad spots, and so motorists experience the same nasty danger and discomfort every year. I think it is the height of governmental irresponsibility. I do not quite care whether it is a federal or state road. The consequence is that, too soon, there is a long stretch of traffic build up. And that traffic glitch is all the bad boys need to descend on motorists. This has nothing to do with the time. Twice in the month of May, I was attacked between the hours of 6 and 8 pm. That was after I had spent over two and half hours in almost one spot. On the

Sanwo-Olu

second experience, a woman who was alone in her car, got her windows shattered with just the blast of a hammer on the window. Her laptop, bags, telephones and whatever they could lay their hands on were all gone in a jiffy. Many people simply ran out of their cars, locked or unlocked, into the dark night. It was a fierce night. Thirty minutes later, they came again, breaking many glass windows and grabbing whatever they could. So bad it was that the mere shout of “dem dey come” triggered a wild rush. A full coaster bus, in less than 2 minutes was completely emptied as passengers: men and women, old and young scampered out of the bus, some through the window, with some falling and rising the same second. We were all jittering and praying, reciting Psalm 23 as many times as possible…. Yet, the traffic was fixedly stuck on one spot, all lights and engines switched off. No police or soldier or even Civil Defence was anywhere in sight. But if you think the ensuing darkness was invitation enough for attack on motorists, you will be shocked to hear that few days after my experience, my wife was also attacked at 3pm at the same Mile 2, coming from the Orile end! She was wiser, as she kept pressing her loud horn, as the fierce boys surrounded her, attempting to break her wound-up window glasses. The attention drawn by the loud blare of the horn caused the boys to flee. Just last Tuesday, my cousin, an UBER driver was attacked by three wild boys, two of whom were bearing short guns, at the same Mile 2, before 6 pm and all his rake-ins of the day were collected, with his phone narrowly escaping. Just everyday, Mile 2 is a menace. It has become the headquarters of traffic robbery in Lagos. Yet, not only is there a Police station in Mile 2, there is indeed a stationary Van of Policemen, LASTMA etc., at the OshodiOke, at the point where the road leads down towards Orile. Those security men never do anything to protect motorists. They are more interested in collecting tolls from the tanker and trailer drivers heading to Apapa. This fear of attack also causes many motorists to hit the roads almost all at the same time, to beat the black spots. But they hardly ever do. At all ends of the Mile 2, there are hoodlums and criminals waiting for whom to attack. But even if you ignore the menace of traffic robberies, what can we say about the colony of Okada riders who have practically taken over the entire Mile 2 Exchange—whether above or beneath the bridge? It is worse above the bridge. Hordes of dirty-looking

motor-cycle riders take over the two lanes with their bikes, leaving motorists to struggle to squeeze through a narrow corridor, most times scratching their cars, amidst swearing and cursing. If these can happen in Mile 2, you can then imagine the deep mess neighbourhoods like Ajegunle, Shomolu , Mushin and all such adjunct communities must be going through. Even then, there is a worse aspect: people operate roadside Buka or restaurant right on top of the median of the bridge. There are Tea sellers, who have camp gas cylinders with which they fry eggs, potatoes, boil rice and really undertake cooking expedition. While the feasting continues, the packs of food, nylon of pure water sachets and all such warts are thrown around and about the roads. In an hour, the mess generated will fill a truck. Yet, nobody talks. Nobody drives them off the highway. Nobody arrests them. Nobody chases the unlicensed motorcycle riders off the roads. Many of the motorcycles, especially those ridden by people from a certain part of the country, are without plate numbers. They are not registered. So, when they use those bikes to commit crime, and escape, they can hardly be traced or tracked. The riders have no licence. They do not understand road signs. Neither they nor their passengers wear helmet. They ride against traffic, most recklessly. They have sent many to their graves and the luckier ones to Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital. How does a 21stcentury city, desperate to be called the Centre of Excellence have all these as its signature malaise? And there is a government run by law? No government worth its salt and name will tolerate what goes on in Mile 2 for just a day. This is a crying challenge to Gov Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. About a kilometer from Mile 2, is another Bus stop Called 2ndRainbow. It is defined by the huge number of Okada riders who are menacingly positioned on both sides of the express way. Motorists have to literally run away from them, doing everything to avoid hitting them. Matters are further worsened by the now accustomed tradition of Danfo(Yellow Buses) who usually drive against traffic, all the way from Cele Bus stop to the same Mile 2. They are not only on top speed, they are reckless, daring and abusive. Needless to say many fatal accidents have been recorded on account of such highway recklessness. One is tempted to ask if the people of Mile 2 axis enjoy immunity from the many laws enacted by the Lagos state government. There is hardly a pretence to the enforcement of the laws. Surprisingly, even Policemen are

often coolly seated on the front seat of such offending buses, driving against traffic. So, who will arrest them, if the Police appear overwhelmed and given up? Yet, even the LASTMA officials who will always cast a blind eye to the mess on the highway will be so active in intercepting offending motorists on adjoining, less busy Apple Junction axis. I was all too giddy when in February 2020, Gov Sanwo-Olu had reiterated the ban of Okada on Lagos major roads. But it has proven to be something like “For the Records” order, as not quite a week after some task force men clamped down on Okada riders, seizing their motor-cycles, the business is back in full swing. There is no highway that is sacred to Okada riders, not even the Third Mainland Bridge! The streets are full of the menace of these people. Government appears helpless as it silently wrings its hands in utter helplessness. Of what use is a law that cannot or will not be enforced? The concept of a failed state begins with inability to punish offenders of state laws. Quite often the unofficial explanation for the seeming incapacity of the government to rein in the Okada riders and even reckless Danfodrivers is that they are often the people politicians turn to during elections. They are the ones who strive to queue up in the rain and sun to vote the candidates dictated by politicians. But it is raw Bunkum with a capital B! Former Gov Fashola was undaunting in enforcing the law banning Okada riders or traffic offenders, insisting, for instance, that those who drive against traffic must undergo a psychiatric test. Was/Is he less a politician? Gov Sanwo_Olu went a step further by seizing such eighty-eight “one-way” vehicles and auctioning them, last February. It happened only once. Ever since then, there has been no other auctioning session. And so the practice is back, with all its concomitant danger! Gov Sanwo-Olu must be reminded that no matter how smooth the roads are, how well he ups the ante in many other areas, the failure to ensure and enforce security in the city, will eclipse his good works, as it is bound to be a turn off for prospective investors—local or foreign. He cannot afford to allow that issue to slur his records. Life is already hard enough with an unfriendly economy, adding the pain and fear of insecurity will merely make life more brutish, short and even nasty. That will be by no means an attribute of a Centre of Excellence.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Kwara Empowers 170 Young Entrepreneurs with Interest-free Loan Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Kwara state government has awarded interest-free loans to about 170 young business owners as part of effort to make them self-reliant as well as to boost the economic activities in the state. The government stated that, the beneficiaries got between N250, 000 and N3 million respectively, to start or strengthen their businesses after some rigorous, private sector-led screening processes that began with at least 7,202 applicants. The programme was coordinated by the office of the State Social Investment Programme alongside Fidelity Bank. Speaking at the presentation of the cheques to the affected beneficiaries in Ilorin yesterday,

the state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that, “Amounts awarded depended on the scale and viability of their business proposals. He listed among beneficiaries to include Mr. Umar Faruk (Rice processing); Oluwatosin Adedoyin (Fish smoking); Courage Balogun (Waste evacuation); Jubril Bello (Plastic waste); and Mutolib ISSA (Locust beans) presented the best five pitches which won N3 million interest-free loan apiece. Others whose business pitches came next were Femi Olanrewaju (N2.5 million for his fish Pond); Alabi Michael (N1m, Cashew); Akpem Micheal (N1 million, UBER); Nasir Ajala (N1 million, Agro farm); and Yusuf Mohammed (N1 million, Rice processing). AbdulRazaq added that, “The loans were awarded under Kwa-

preneurs, a state government’s entrepreneurial platform designed to support initiatives of people not more than 35 years of age with seed funds. “Kwapreneurs is a revolution and the essence is to ensure that public funds are allocated to serve the best interest of the people, especially the young people below 35 years who have been underserved for many years. This is in line with our commitment to promote innovation, industry and enterprise.” AbdulRazaq commended the youngsters for their brilliant ideas and their courage to have their pitches assessed by an independent panel of judges, assuring them of continuous government’s support and mentorship as their businesses grow.

House, DPR Disagree over Oilfield Revocation, Awards The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Petitions and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) have expressed divergent views over Dawes Island marginal field lost by Eurafric for holding the national asset without production and making it unviable for seventeen years. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) awarded the field to Petralon 54 Limited and its partners during the last bid round, a decision that was countered by Eurafric through a petition to the House Committee on Petition. A statement explained that DPR had revoked the licences of 11 marginal field operators for non-performance, including

Dawes island marginal field located in OPL2006, Okrika, Rivers State. It stated that DPR justified the revocation of the field licence on the ground that, “Dawes Island marginal field was operated by Euroafric energy Limited for over 16yeats without significant progress to attain full production and failure to submit field development plan for the asset.” According to the DPR Director, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, the decision was taken in the best interest of the nation. The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Petitions was, however, quoted in the statement to have reversed the DPR’s award of Dawes Island marginal field to Petralon 54

Limited and its partners, arguing that the action did not comply with the principles of equity and fair principles even when available information suggests that Eurafric had not financial or material investment in the assets development, leading to non-performance. According to the committee, the three companies should benefit from any re-award of the asset, which it said should be restored to pre-revocation status in the interest of equity and national interest. It alleged that there was an ulterior motive in re-awarding the licence to Petralon 54 alone, when abinitio, Eurafric and Tako, Petralon 54 were supposed to be punished for the same offence.

Shareholders Approve Nova’s Merchant Bank’s N800m Dividend Nova Merchant Bank recently held its fourth Annual General Meeting in Lagos where shareholders commended the board and management for its impressive performance over the years. At the meeting, the shareholders approved the payment of N800 million as dividend for the 2020 financial year and urged the bank to continue the growth trajectory notwithstanding the current challenging macro-economic environment. While presenting the bank’s financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2020,

the Chairman, Nova Merchant Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, was quoted in a statement to have noted that the bank reported significant improvement in all its key financial parameters in the year under consideration. Specifically, the bank declared a profit after tax of N3.49 billion in 2020, an increase of 112 per cent compared to N1.65 billion recorded in December 2019; gross earnings also rose significantly by 130 per cent while profit before tax increased by 135 per cent from N1.5 billion in 2019, to N3.52 billion in the year under review. Commenting on the perfor-

mance, Oduoza, stated in the face of the challenges in the macro-economic landscape, the bank was able to turn in very impressive results in the period under consideration. He said, “On behalf of the board and the shareholders, I will like to express my gratitude to the management and staff for sustaining the Bank’s growth trajectory and delivering sterling results in such difficult times.” The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nath Ude, said the bank took advantage of the opportunities presented by the challenging environment.

Konga Partners Medical Practitioners to Boost Healthcare Delivery Nosa Alekhuogie Konga Health, a technologydriven healthcare solutions company, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) to boost access to quality healthcare services in Nigeria, including the delivery of genuine drugs and medical supplies. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place recently in Lagos. The partnership will see Konga

Health, boost standards across verticals in the Nigerian health sector. Specifically, the company intends to achieve this by improving access to quality healthcare for the reached, under-reached and unreached members of the populace through the importation and timely delivery of certified pharmaceutical products and medical supplies across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria through a wide chain of distribution centres. Furthermore, the development will guarantee the gradual eradication of the incidence of fake drugs, while also providing

a credible and robust platform for local and international donor agencies, government, non-governmental institutions as well as philanthropic and public-spirited individuals who wish to support access to quality Medicare with clear data to the remotest part of Nigeria. Co-CEO, Konga Group, Mr. Nick Imudia, said: ‘‘We are delighted and see it as a privilege to have finally signed this very strategic partnership between Konga Health and ANPMP which will positively change the face of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”

L-R: Managing Director, AT3 Resources Limited, Mrs. Tosin Adefeko; Executive Secretary, Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, Mrs. Adedayo Richard; Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Member, Board of Trustees, Mrs, Bola Okolie, and Late Ibidunni’s brother, Mr. Dare Ajayi, at a media brieﬁng by the Foundation to announce the roll out of the second cycle of Project 40at40 IVF grants in Lagos...yesterday

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͯͲ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $75.29 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $75.13 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela)

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

United Capital Defies Market Volatility, Grows Half-year Profit by 65% Goddy Egene The United Capital, Nigeria’s investment bank and pan-African financial and investment services group, yesterday announced its unaudited results for the half year ended June 30, 2021. The results showed resilience as the company soared through the volatile markets to record significant growths in all performance indices. Details of the results indicated

that revenue rose to N6.853 billion, from N4.447 billion in the corresponding period of 2020. Total expenses printed at N3.113 billion, compared with N2.179 billion in 2020. However, profit before tax jumped by 65 per cent to N3.740 billion, up from N2.268 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) rose from N1.913 billion to N3.142 billion in 2021. Commenting on the performance the Group Chief Executive

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Officer, United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade, said:“I am excited to inform our stakeholders that United Capital Plc recorded a very impressive H1 2021 results following a record year performance in 2020. We ended theH1 year on a very high note as reflected in our earnings growth and strong financial performance. United Capital Plc is in a growth phase, and I must say that our strong financial performance is a testament of

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

our unwavering commitment to increasing value creation for all our clients amid the harsh socio-economic environment and lingering effects of the devastating pandemic.” Ashade said that in the remaining half of the year, they would be focused on their transformation agenda by deepening their value propositions to different market segments especially mass affluent and the underserved mass market

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

clients, while driving phased automation of our business processes. “ Our bespoke affluent segment propositions including private trusts, and wealth management solutions are curated to increase, preserve, and transfer wealth for our fast-growing affluent customer base. Furthermore, our best-in-class digital platforms remain central to our purpose of transforming lives and promoting financial inclusion across Africa by

O F

providing easy access to collective investment schemes and micro loans while promoting socio-economic development. Our stakeholders can be assured of our commitment to delivering superior returns. More importantly, we will continue to work with our regulators and other capital market operators on structural reforms to deepen the capital market as the domestic economy continues the path to recovery,” he said.

1 5 / 0 7 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S DAY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14Jul-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 155.52 157.06 -3.87% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.78% Nigeria International Debt Fund 316.78 316.78 -21.48% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.47 111.47 -0.56% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.95% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -4.66% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.32% Anchoria Equity Fund 133.84 135.37 0.62% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.09 -17.86% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.52 20.11 7.64% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 424.44 437.24 6.01% ARM Ethical Fund 38.05 39.19 12.86% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.05% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.97 -8.05% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.15 105.15 3.38% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 133.11 133.77 5.39% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.66% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 -15.39% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.07 2.10 -14.47% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.81% Paramount Equity Fund 16.36 16.67 2.32% Women's Investment Fund 135.65 137.21 1.93% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.35% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.12 117.86 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.20 107.20 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.41% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 3.15% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,147.55 1,160.80 -0.49% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,387.75 1,387.75 11.30% FBN Balanced Fund 189.89 191.20 1.18% FBN Halal Fund 111.14 111.14 8.22% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.23% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.09 156.18

126.09 3.52% 158.34 3.30% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.95 1.57 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 4.68% 3.95 2.17% 1.60 2.87% 1.18 3.77% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,670.48 3,358.16 100.00

Offer Price 3,721.60 3,358.16 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn -1.99% 2.50% 5.57%

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.22% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.95 3.01 3.13% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.34 151.62 -2.67% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.31 0.77% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.37% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.37 11.42 8.53% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.29% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.63 1.66 7.29% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.52 11.58 -5.00% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.73% PACAM Equity Fund 1.62 1.63 2.45% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.17 113.85 2.04% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 132.74 135.02 8.56% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.09% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,246.72 3,278.42 1.05% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 231.28 231.28 2.86% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.20 1.22 2.54% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 304.13 304.13 3.21% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 220.51 223.81 1.04% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.64% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,266.05 10,411.23 -2.18% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.94% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.76 114.76 3.31% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 102.25 102.25 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 0.82% United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 3.53% United Capital Equity Fund 0.86 0.88 8.03% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.20% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.90 118.90 3.90% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.56% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.63% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.88 12.99 8.51% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.10 14.23 15.47% Zenith Income Fund 24.18 24.18 0.83% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.60%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.34 51.61

10.09% 2.31%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.24 125.19 99.00 17.98 17.90

13.34 128.20 101.10 18.08 18.00

0.16% 4.07% -0.25%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.89 5.95 17.34 1.00 19.13 150.65

3.93 6.03 17.44 1.00 19.33 152.65

3.04% 4.50% 6.86% 2.37% -6.75% -31.19%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.52

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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.

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

How Senators Voted

THOSE WHO VOTED FOR INEC TO SEEK CLEARANCE BEFORE TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS ELECTRONICALLY

Ovie Omo-Agege

Peter Nwaoboshi

Ali Ndume

Opeyemi Bamidele

Abdullahi Gobir

Danjuma Goje

Yusuf Yusuf

Ibrahim Mohammed

Sahabi Lau

Uba Sani

Kabiru Gaya

Ishaku Elisha Abbo

Babba Kaita

Adamu Aliero

Yahaya Abdullahi

Yakubu Oseni

Isa Jibrin

Smart Adeyemi

Yahaya Oloriegbe

Oluremi Tinubu

Solomon Adeola

Tanko Al-Makura

Godiya Akwashiki

Abdullahi Adamu

Sani Musa

Sabi Abdullahi

Mohammed Enagi

Dadu’ut Ladi

Francis Alimikhena

Abubakar Kyari

Ajibola Basiru

Orji Uzor Kalu

Aderele Oriolowo

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed

Degi Eremienyo

Ashiru Yisa

Bello Mandiya

Dimka Ayuba

Kashim Shettima

Stephen Odeh

Shaibu Lau

Alkali Saidu

Amos Bulus

Hassan Ibrahim

Ajayi Boroﬃce

Abdullahi Barkiya

Jika Dauda Haliru

Lawali Anka

Lawan Gamau

Danladi Sankara

Suleiman Abdul Kwari

Frank Ibezim

FRIDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS THOSE WHO VOTED FOR TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS WHEN AND WHERE PRACTICABLE

Enyinnaya Abaribe

Francis Adenigba

Cliﬀord Ordia

Matthew Urhoghide

Gyang Istifanus

George Sekibo

Biodun Olujimi

Bassey Albert Bassey

Mpigi Barinada

Betty Apiaﬁ

Philip Aduda

Chukwuka Utazi

Ibrahim Danbaba

Danjuma La'ah

Francis Onyewuchi

Nnachi Ama Micheal

Patrick Ayo

Kola Balogun

Eyakenyi Akon

Christopher Ekpenyong

Seriake Dickson

Cleopas Zuwoghe

Emmanuel Orker-jev

Sam Egwu

S E N ATO R S A B S E N T

Sandy Onor

Gershom Bassey

James Manager

Obinna Ogba

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˾ ÙÒË××ÏÎ ËÝÝËØ ˾ ÖßÌßØ×Ó ÎÏÞßØ×ÌÓ ˾ ÒÓ×ËÜÙÕÏ ØË×ËØÓ ˾ ÙÍÒËÝ ÕÙÜÙÍÒË ˾ ÙÒË××ÏÎ ËÌÙ ˾ ËÜËß ÓÌÜÓØ ˾ ÌÜËÒÓ× ÏÓÎË× ˾ ×ËÜ ËÎÓÛ

After Stormy Session, House Steps Down PIB Senate adopts committee's report, retains 3% for host communities Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives was yesterday forced to step down the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) over the reduction in the five per cent recommended for host communities earlier passed by the House following protests from some southern lawmakers. But the Senate yesterday

passed the conference committee report of the Senate and House of Representatives on the PIB and retained the three per cent for host communities. However, the report from the conference Committee, which harmonised the two versions earlier passed was laid and considered at the plenary yesterday by the House. Even before the commencement of the plenary, the lawmakers were engaged in a shouting match with some

southern lawmakers shouting that they should be given five per cent after news filtered in that the conference committee recommended three per cent as against the five per cent passed by the House. It was during this row that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila made his way into the Chamber, but his presence did nothing to stop the rowdy session. When it appears it would be difficult to achieve decorum, the

Speaker directed that the House should go into an emergency Executive session which started at 12:25 pm and ended 1:20 p.m. After the Executive session ended, Gbajabiamila called on the Chairman of the Conference Committee from the House and Chief Whip, Hon. Mohammed Mongunu to lay the report, but the lawmaker later sought the permission of the House to step down the laying of the report. While journalists were not informed of what transpired

at the Executive session, the stepping down of the clauseby-clause consideration of PIB was an indication that they were not able to reach a compromise on the percentage for the host communities. However, Gbajabiamila has assured that the PIB will shortly be transmitted to the President after proper harmonisation with the Senate. The Speaker disclosed this while delivering his speech to mark the end of the legislative

year. He said after multiple failed attempts over two decades, the PIB has passed both Chambers of the National Assembly and would be transmitted shortly to the President after proper harmonisation with the Senators Gbajabiamila stated: "Through it all, the 9th House of Representatives has carried on its constitutional duty to make laws for the good government of the country.

Army Confirms Killing of APC Suspends 11 Loyalists General By Gunmen in Abuja of Mohammed in Kwara

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Army last night confirmed the assassination of its former Provost Marshal, Major General Hassan Ahmed by gunmen in Abuja. Ahmed was reportedly killed by gunmen in Abaji Area Council. The slain officer was in a recent shake-up, appointed a director at the Army Headquarters. A source said the general and his wife were on their way to Abuja from Okene in Kogi State, when they ran into the gunmen.

“They opened fire on his vehicle; he died. The driver pretended to be dead from the wound he sustained,” the source said. Though the source claimed that the wife was also abducted, a military statement said an Army delegation visited the widow last night. A statement issued late last night by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident. He said the late general

would be buried today (Friday) at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery by 10 am. "With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj. Gen. Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army. "The sad incident occurred when the senior officer's vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja - Abuja road yesterday July 15, 2021," it said.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended 11 members of the party, who are loyal to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for instituting a court case against the party and Kwara State chairman of the party Hon. Abdullahi Samari. The 11 Kwara APC members had approached the court to demand the removal of the approved

State Caretaker Committee Chairman contrary to the directive of National Executive Committee (NEC) of June 25, 2020, which directed that no member of the party should institute any action in court. Mohammed's group had opposed the removal of Mr. Bashir Bolarinwa as the caretaker chairman of the party in the state. This has led to the protracted crisis, which has created two factions and pitted Governor

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq against the minister in a supremacy battle for the control of the soul of the party in the state. However, the suspension letter sighted by THISDAY yesterday was dated February 5, 2021, and signed by the National Secretary, Caretaker/ Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Senator James Akpanudoedehe and addressed to Kwara State chairman of the party.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

NEWSXTRA

Lagos APC Group Writes Buni, Alleges Subversion of Constitution Ejiofor Alike A group known as Concerned All Progressives Congress (APC) Progressives based in Lagos has written a strongly worded petition to the Govenor Mai Mala Buni-led APC National Caretaker Committee in Abuja against the Chairman of the party in Lagos

State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun alleging anti-party activities, subversion of the provision of the Constitution and indulging in actions capable of eroding the core values of the party in Nigeria. In the petition signed by the chairman of the group, Mr. Kabir Onalapo, and the Secretary, Mr. Olajide Olukogbe, the APC group

said it considered it “expedient” and “imperative” to bring these infraction to the knowledge of the Party which, according to them“if left unattended, will thwart the overall efforts of the National Body in deepening democracy in Nigeria. The petitioners argued that local government elections can only be

validly held in the recognised 20 Local Government Councils in Lagos State, insisting that it would amount to total disregard of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria if the national body of the APC is dealing with Lagos on the grounds of 20 Local Government Councils, while the Lagos Chapter of the party on its own volition is dealing

within itself based on 57 Local Government Councils. “If this is allowed without the party at the National level taking urgent steps to correct the anomaly it might grievously affect and undermine the existence of the political party in the state,” they alleged. They stated that if LAISEC goes

ahead to conduct and local government election as stated on July 24, 2021, it would not only violate the core values of the party but also the section of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria which recognises only 20 Local Government Councils for Lagos State as against the much-ﬂaunted 57 Local Government Councils.

US Universities Offer $4.35m Scholarships to 30 Nigerian Students Ejiofor Alike Thirty Opportunity Funds Programme scholars of the US Consulate General in Lagos have received fully funded scholarships totaling $4.35 million to attend American universities and colleges for the 2021/2022 academic session. Following a competitive selection process, the 30 highachieving, low-income students received financial aid from the US Consulate General that covered expenses involved in the college application process such as payment for standardised tests, application fees, and visa fees in addition to air travel to the United States. Speaking yesterday in Lagos during a reception in honor of the US-bound students, Consul General Claire Pierangelo urged the scholars to make the most of their opportunity to get a topnotch education while gaining first-hand experience of American life and culture. “I congratulate each one of you on your tremendous success. Your success is evidence

Group Backs Southern Govs’ Call for Power Shift Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The recent resolution by the governors from the Southern Nigeria that the south should produce the president in 2023 has received a strong support from the Nigeria Equity Group (NEG), a non-partisan political pressure group. The group, nonetheless, made a strong case for a southern Christian to occupy the number one political office in the country. At a press conference held yesterday in Abuja, the National Convener, NEG, Dr. Emeka Nwosu, urged all the major political parties to put peace and stability of the country first this time, by reserving their presidential tickets for competent and experienced southern Christians. “We strongly believe that the only way to truly promote fairness and inclusion in our diverse and complex society, especially at this time of unprecedented national crisis, is for power shift to a southern Christian in 2023. “Anything other than this will further exacerbate the rifts and wounds that have become more evident lately and not bode well for our country,” Nwosu stated.

of your leadership, academic performance, and the great potential young Nigerians hold for the future of this country,” Consul General, Pierangelo told the departing students.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known and address as MRS. ABIOYE ADETUTU OMOADUN OMOSENI, now wish to be known and address as MS. ABIOYE ADETUTU OMOADUN SHOKOYA-ELESHIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ADINDU NSOBUIKE DAVID UZODINMA JR, now wish to be known and addressed as NSOBUIKE DAVID NWOKO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known, and addressed as MISS AJAYI OLUWASEUN AGNES, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BELLO OLUWASEUN AGNES. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIOMA REJOICE ONYEJI, now wish to be known and address as CHIOMA FAVOUR EMEADI. All former documents remain valid. Please public take note. I formerly known and addressed as TOLU FASAN, TOLULOPE FASAN, TOLULOPE OLUWASEYI ODUSI, TOLULOPE ODUSI AND TOLULOPE FASAN-ODUSI now wish to be known and addressed as TOLULOPE FASANODUSI.. All former documents remains valid, The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EGIE EDERARO PATRICK, now wish to be known and addressed as EDERARO PATRICK EGIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BOLANLE OLUFUNMILAYO ODESOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BOLANLE OLUFUNMILAYO OYEKAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that MOSES AMOS and OKEREKE AMOS is the same person, and now wish to be known as OKEREKE AMOS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. This is to inform the general public that MRS WATEMI PATIENCE and MRS WATEMI PATIENCE IRIAGBONSE is one and the same person and now wish to be known and addressed as MRS WATEMI PATIENCE IRIAGBONSE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

STRENGTHENING TIES… Area Sales Manager, West Africa, Airbus Helicopters, Mr. Eric Gilles (left), and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, when a delegation of the company led by Gilles visited the minister in his oﬃce, in Abuja…yesterday

Policeman, Two Others Killed in Ondo Bank Robbery James Sowole in Akure No fewer than three persons, including a policeman were confirmed killed yesterday during a bank robbery at Ilaramokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. Three other persons were said to have been injured as they were hit by the stray bullets of the robbers while an undisclosed amount of money was also carted away by the robbers . It was gathered that the

deceased were a policeman, a commercial motorcyclist and a staff of the Elizade University (names withheld). The slain university staff was formerly a journalist working with the Ondo State-owned Orange 94.5 FM The robbers were said to have broken the bullet-proof door of the bank with dynamite before they gained entry into the banking hall. According to an eyewitness, the ‘okada’ rider and the university staff, were passing by when they

ran into the robbers while the operation was ongoing. They were said to have been killed by stray bullets. But the policeman was said to have been killed by the dynamite. A resident of the community, who was inside the bank when the robbers arrived, narrated that the robbers, numbering about six attacked the bank at about 3pm and started shooting sporadically into the air to scare he people. “I was inside the bank when they (robbers) came; immediately

all of us lied down; they started shouting where is the manager! Where is the manager! “So, they later got the key of the vault and packed the money there but they were not satisfied with what they saw; they also opened the Automated Teller Machine, but there was no enough money. “That infuriated them and they shouted where is the money? It seems they didn’t get their target? After they took the money they went out angrily shooting to escape from the scene.”

Broadcaster Faults House over Demand for Pay-As-You-Go A content creator and broadcaster, Abayomi Adeoye-Balogun, has branded the House of Representatives as confused over its call to the Federal Government to compel pay television operators to adopt Pay-As-You-Go billing model and reduce tariff on their services. Shaba, who spoke in Lagos yesterday, said the House appears confused and is indulging in legislative overreach, noting that there is no provision in the country’s

laws that empowers the Federal Government to determine billing models for and prices charged by private operatives. The content provider argued that pay television companies are private businesses and are free to determine their subscription models as well as charge tariffs that are reflective of the economic situation in which they operate. He noted that pay television is no essential commodity, public

utility or inalienable human right, but a service for which subscribers have to pay what is charged. “The legislators are confused. That is what the resolution passed indicates. They’re just trying to look good in the eyes of Nigerians. “Pay TV services are no essential commodity, social service or basic freedom. They attract charges decided by operators, who must have done the math, putting many things into consideration.

Operators also decide the billing model, not the government,” he said. He stated that House’s confusion can also be seen where it adduced reasons for pay television tariff increases to increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 5% to 7.5%, dwindling value of the naira, which naturally must have affected the cost of broadcast content and infrastructure, inflation and operations in general.

No Succession Battle in SCOAN, Church Clarifies Dike Onwuamaeze The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) has debunked insinuations that there is ongoing battle in the Church to choose a

successor to its founder, Prophet TB Joshua. SCOAN said in a statement that the claims of succession battle in the church were completely false and should therefore be disregarded. “We want to inform the general

public that there is no succession battle at The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN). We are sons and daughters of love and shall continue to let love lead as we follow the instructions laid

down by Prophet TB Joshua,” the statement explained. “Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to honour the life and legacy of Prophet TB Joshua,” it added.

FRIDAY, ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRISPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

At Last, D'Tigers’ Kits for Tokyo Olympics Released from Apapa Port

Nigeria’s senior men and women’s basketball teams due to depart from Tokyo Japan on Monday from their training base in USA have been saved the embarrassment of competing at the Olympic Games with old kits. After several months that

sportswear and equipment donated to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) by its China-based sponsors arrived Apapa port in Lagos, the items have finally been cleared and now in custody of officials of the federation. Minister of Youth and Sports

Development, Mr. Sunday Dare’s intervention secured the release of the basketball kits to the NBBF from Apapa wharf. Dare had taken the matter to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and as well as the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service,

asking for waiver to clear the items meant for athletes on national duties. It was understood that delay in documentation to get the waiver by NBBF officials kept the items at the port. The Caretaker Chairman of the NBBF, Musa Kida, confirmed

the release of the items late yesterday. He thanked the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Hameed Ali for making the release of the kits possible.

It was not the first time that kits and equipment donated to cash strapped national sports federations get stuck at the ports. Back in 2016, Team Nigeria athletes to the Rio Olympiad only received their kits for the Games on Day 13 after most of them had finished their events.

AFA Sports Boss Dreams of Kitting Eagles, Man Utd, Chelsea Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Falcons are back in camp in Austria training ahead of the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament scheduled for September in Lagos

Falcons Storm Austria to Prepare for Aisha Buhari Tourney A contingent of nine-time African champions Nigeria has arrived in the Austrian capital, Vienna for an eight-day training camp as part of intense preparations for some upcoming challenges, most notably the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament. The City of Lagos will host the six-nation invitational that will see the Super Falcons, Ghana’s Black Queens, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Morocco and Mali tango in a celebratory atmosphere in the month of September for a glittering trophy named in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari. A total of 26 players, alongside technical and administrative staff, are ensconced at the Event Hotel

Pyramide Vienna for the purpose of total concentration as Coach Randy Waldrum seeks to harness the different qualities and abilities of individual players to conflate a better and stronger team. New faces have continued to emerge in the camp of the Super Falcons as Coach Waldrum’s roving lenses have been picking up Nigeria-eligible dames from across the globe to strengthen the squad. Before the Summer Series tour of the United States of America in June, where the Falcons drew with Portugal and lost narrowly to Jamaica and hosts USWNT, few Nigerian ball fans had heard of Yewande Balogun, Onyinyechi Zogg, Nicole Payne and Michelle Alozie. But they formed part of a group that bonded fabulously with foreign-based

and home-based professionals and presaged an interesting future for the Falcons. Nigeria is in the club of only seven countries that have qualified for and participated at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition was launched in 1991, and has also featured in three Olympic Games. Waldrum has unearthed even more prospects as the Ijeh sisters (Josephine and Evelyn), Megan Ashleigh and Ninuola Dada are part of the training camp in Austria, even as England –based forward Ini-Abasi Umotong makes a return to the fold of the perennial African champions. The camp in Austria is the third gathering that the Nigeria Football Federation has arranged for the Super Falcons this year,

RCCG to Partner Maccabi Haifa on Football Devt Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has said that it is entering into partnership with Israeli top club, Maccabi Haifa on the grooming of football talent and development of its proposed football academy.

The Assistant General Overseer (Education and Training), Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, stated this recently during the opening ceremony of the 2021 Regional Sports Competition of the church at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.

UAM Tillers Defeat ABU Nobles, UNILAG Marines Hold FUTA Tigers The second round of matches in the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2021 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) organized by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited got more interesting as thrilling results came in from the matches played across the four centres. In the match of the week, UAM Tillers shocked ABU Nobles at home defeating the Zaria boys by 2-1.

HIFL 2021 ROUND OF 16 The Nobles played with utmost gusto but they were pegged back by the visitors. A brace from Asen Shater in the 8th and 19th minutes gave the visitors the lead which the hosts fought to reduce. They were however rewarded with a glimmer of hope when Enoch Ishaku reduced the deficit in the 68th minute.

He said the partnership with the Israeli club would help the youths and sport as well as assist to establish the football academy the church is proposing. He said the visit will likely take place before the end of the year. “In fact by now we should have gone far, if not for what happened last year (Covid-19 lockdown). They were to visit us last year,” Odeyemi said. He said the RCCG is considering various camps to site its national football academy but the camp might not be too far from the FCT, with a hint it might be in Nasarawa State where it has a camp ground. The Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 10 said the regional sport competition was organised in order to engage the youths by leveraging on sports which has been proved to be a unifying force in every culture and every nation.

following an interesting threewins-out-three account at the Turkish Women’s Cup in Antalya in February and the Summer Series in the USA last month. First –choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield impresario Ngozi OkobiOkeoghene and forward Uchenna Kanu, who all missed the tour of USA for one reason or the other, are in Austria. There is also a return for former captain Desire Oparanozie as well as fellow forward Ebere Orji. The Falcons have won all but two of the 11 editions of the Women AFCON held since the first edition in 1998.

The country’s biggest name in sportswear, AFA Sports, is determined to leverage on its current breakthrough as Official Kits partners of Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Now, AFA Sports is dreaming of becoming the kit partners of the Super Eagles and the likes of English Premier League clubs as Manchester United and Chelsea. AFA Sports’ CEO, Ugo Udezue, who spoke in Lagos on Wednesday said the firm has only been able to tap just five percent of the opportunities available to them in the vast global sports market. He said, “Talking about the Super Eagles, yes we are looking in that direction too. That will be a dream come true to kit not just the Eagles but the likes of Chelsea, Man United and Barcelona someday. It could be possible in the next couple of years as we have started developing our football brands.” He added that the Nigerian football league is not out of their view despite the low patronage the topflight league is currently getting from the business world. Ugo, who is a former power forward with the national basketball team, D’Tigers, made an emotional review of the deal with the Nigerian government to the Olympics and said AFA Sports tenacity for quality helped them to make history with Team Nigeria. “We didn’t chase a contract to Abuja,” he explained, “They came to us. “Unknown to us they had

been carrying out detailed research and reports on Nigerian products. I give kudos to the sports minister and the sports ministry as it was their initiative to go with a Nigerian brand but more, they were determined to get top quality or go elsewhere. “They visited and inspected our products from the assembly line to the finished product. They tested and were highly impressed with the designs, quality and the vision behind AFA Sports. That was how we got the job. “What we are doing here today is to lay a solid foundation for future Nigerians. Nothing is achieved fully with just one generation. We are doing our part now and others will continue. The media was not like this, years back in Nigeria but a lot of innovations have come in and it is better for everyone, stressed the former NBA agent. Ugo who hit the Nigerian and African scenes with the entertaining African Basketball League and later the Continental Basketball League added, “We have started well at AFA Sports and we know that it can only get better. This brand is less than four years old. If we can get this far in this short time we are positive that it will be a lot with younger ones coming up ideas. It is a Nigerian dream.” AFA Sports made their first major hit with the Nigerian basketball teams D’Tigers and D’Tigress. They have continued to expand in different directions as partners with the Nigerian volleyball teams, Ghana’s national basketball teams amongst others.

GunMenKillOwnerofNewNNLTeam,UdalaFC,Others Tragedy struck the Nigerian football scene again on Tuesday as the owner of new Nigeria National League (NNL) team, Udala FC, Chief Philip Chinonso Udala, was killed by unknown gun men. The amiable club owner was shot dead along with his Team Manager, Godsent Eriobu and others in his convoy. General Manager of the team, Henry Chinye and Media Consultant, Ralph Chidozie George confirmed the killings of Udala and the others. “It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we announce the untimely death of our President, High Chief Philip Chinonso Udala (Nwanweniteaku Idemili),” a press statement from the club read. “Chief Udala tragically lost his life on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 when unknown gun men attacked his convoy killing him alongside our team’s manager, Godsent Eriobu and others. “The primary thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Udala family at this period of unspeakable loss.

Chief Chinonso Phillip Udala...shot dead by unknown gun men “As a family, the management, players and technical crew, we mourn his passing and hope to keep his vision for the team alive and make it his legacy. “The football community in Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general have lost one of the most passionate men of the game. “He was member of the

Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) Caretaker Committee that was set up by NFF to reposition football in the state in 2020. “In February 2021, he sponsored the Udala Pre-season Tournament involving 8 teams from the South East and followed with Udala scouting programme involving another eight teams. “Udala was a kind and generous man whose love for football was overflowing. “Our Team Manager, Godsent Eriobu was truly God sent to the team as he was there from inception as a pioneer player and captain. He was also the Secretary of the Anambra Independent Football League (AIFL). “At this difficult time we appreciate the support and solidarity of the football family. “The funeral will be announced by his family,” concludes the statement. Udala FC of Uke in Anambra State is coached by David Gideon. The club gained promotion to NNL from the the Imo centre of the NLO in 2021.

Friday July 16, 2021

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MISSILE

PDP to Keyamo “Keyamo, in his failed effort to fault our reliance on the Supreme Court’s direct interpretation of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution in its judgment on Faleke v. INEC, ended up exposing a poor knowledge of the application of the law” – PDP slamming the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, on his legal opinion on Governor Matawalle’s defection.

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Anambra’s Church of Antioch

he state is a complete riot of political gymnastics at the moment. But that is not new. Anambra State, as the Nigerian State generally, has acquired a political reputation that is peculiarly its own since the return of democracy in 1999. Political party lines exist in name only. Loyalty is most often contrived. Merchants of the reprehensible variety of political godfatherism are still afoot, even as bad weather threatens them from all sides. Many victims of the latest round of political primaries in Anambra State, for instance, were somehow complicit in one or two previous party primaries that were nothing but organized swindles. While the more pragmatic and hardnosed among them have brushed off their bruises, had a handshake and taken whatever deals they were able to work out, others are not prepared to let it all go so lightly. The latter are too miffed to accept that they could be so pointedly outplayed, or defeated, as the case may be. Some, not all, in the latter group, if the truth must be told, are actually diehard political witch doctors who have been part of the confusion in Anambra politics for almost twenty years now. Yes, court injunctions are whizzing

about. But court injunctions have always been whizzing about in Anambra politics, for as long as anyone can remember. So, watch out! Your cap, or even your head, may be knocked off while they are at it. Since everyone’s point of view is correct, at least as far as he/she is concerned in all matters concerning the primaries, there is little room for a middle ground among the aggrieved. Tomfoolery, some might say. “The politicking of the state reminds one of the crisis among the early Christians of the Church of Antioch, mentioned in the Bible” the religiously inclined may declare. To contextualise all of this, I shall begin by reproducing a fairly long quotation from a pro-PDP WhatsApp platform. The quotation came up not long after the state branch of the party announced the emergence of Valentine Ozigbo as the winner of the primaries. Even at that, Ugochukwu Ubah who held his primaries, powered by a court document, was also announced winner by his own people. Not to be outdone, Obiora Okonkwo, the runner up in the primaries deemed to have been the one authorised by the party alleged irregularities in the process. Implacable, and convinced that a Big Boy like him cannot

be so blatantly outplayed, Okonkwo granted a calm and mature television interview, wherein he assured his followers that the fight was only just beginning. The story is not much different in the APC, where Andy Ubah emerged as winner in a primaries election that many members of the party are claiming did not take place at all. Soludo emerged in the APGA primaries, and not without some shenanigans from some quarters within the party. But the problems of APGA pale in weight and significance to the volcanic underbelly of the other parties. I invite you to replace “PDP” with any other political party in the following paragraphs I shall quote form the earlier-mentioned WhatsApp entry. “The aftermath of the PDP (party) primaries has created two major perceptions and attitudes. The one is the perception of a successful event and an attitude of “let’s move on, because the rancour is now behind us.” The other is the perception of a controversial event with questionable outcomes and an attitude of “no way, we won’t let it stand.” The second, of the two perceptions, is not as visible and as popular as the first. But it is there. It is a matter that must be well managed, in order to have everyone fully on board as one united

house. It is a known fact that the frustration of a single family member, even if he is misguided, may make him align with forces that can bring down the entire Umunna (extended family). I make the last statement bearing in mind Obiora Okonkwo’s (as also any aspirants from other parties) post-primaries TV interview, as well as the experience of Peter Obi in the 2019 general election in mind. Much bitterness followed the emergence of Obi as VP to Atiku. Some of our aggrieved brothers and sisters then said: “Let us see how he will be VP”. One group diligently worked behind the scenes to guarantee Buhari the required minimum 25% spread, provided they could retain their seats as governors. Others put all their energies into working out a parallel agreement with the Atiku camp, to ensure that Obi will not be the channel for anything that would come to the South East. As one of them gleefully told me, “We cannot be put under Peter Obi in a political environment we dominated before he turned up from nowhere.” Read full article online at www.thisdaylive.com

BUA: Running with Hares and Hunting with Hounds David Bako I have been an ardent advocate of free market where healthy competition can drive supply, demand, prices and general quality of services. In February 2021, when Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, called for liberalisation of cement industry to accommodate more investors, increase production capacity and drive down prices of cement, I was happy to hear such reassuring message from one of the big players in cement industry. Rabiu was quoted as saying: “Even though this cement policy is a good one, it must be done in such a way that a lot of players must come in and participate. There is no point in making a policy that only one, two, or three people are able to benefit from that policy,” he said, adding: “That does not make sense. I am benefiting from this policy, but I know it is a bad policy. So, whilst the policy is good, the way it is being administered is not good. You can’t have a policy that restricts so many people from participating, at the end of the day, you are just creating a monopoly.” While I was forming and painting an image of Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu in my mind as a “messiah” and a “saint” who had come to salvage cement industry and make the commodity cheaply affordable for the masses via BUA Cement, my curiosity arose; punctured the ballooned bubbles and the facade fell off my eyes. I took out take time, went on market survey, only to discover that BUA Cement was not cheaper than others in the market. Then I began to question the motive of such highfalutin propaganda, cloaked in an obviously insufferable hypocrisy, disguised as an interview. I began to ask thought-provoking questions. You said you are not comfortable with a policy, though you’re benefiting from it. Thinking? Why refuse to excuse yourself from benefiting from such a “bad policy”? You said you want to see cement prices crash, yet your own cement; BUA

Rabiu is one of the most expensive in the market. Who is deceiving who here? In the said interview, you alluded to a flawed impression that a cartel did not want the cement industry liberalised, in order to maintain hold on price of cement. And I ask again, was it the same cartel that “forced” BUA Cement to sell cement at the similar price with that of the purported cartel members. You claimed to be fighting a “cartel” yet continue to benefit economically from the activities of the so-called oligopolistic group. You don’t want “monopoly” but keep profiting from prices allegedly fixed by the same monopolistic cartel. A clear case of running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. Why can’t BUA Cement sell, at least, N500

cheaper than that of its competitors, to drive home the message, if Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu truly believes and practises what he is dishing out to the public? Why wait for potential manufacturers in the industry to reduce price of his own product under his sole control? BUA ranks second in terms of market share, and with this position he can force the price down if he is sincere to Nigerians. For God’s sake, he should stop deceiving the populace If truly he is hanging hope on non-existent new manufacturers to “force down” price of cement—including his own (BUA), it is either he is revelling in the reveries of hypocrisy or mistake Nigerians as being too gullible and undiscerning to notice his deception. Meanwhile, in a free-market economy, every producer or seller has power to influence prices of his goods and services, unless it is regulated. It is left for customers to make the ultimate choice of purchase. Alhaji Rabiu’s BUA Cement has been surreptitiously engaging in public incitement against other players in the industry by trying to portray other his competitors as “anti-people cartel”, while projecting BUA Group as the saviour of cement industry. Why the incitement? Why can’t you paddle your own canoe and allow others paddle theirs? Why play mind games with Nigerians? BUA Cement increased its ex-factory price by N200 on the 5th of July, (just barely 16 days after declaring no further increase in the price of BUA cement) making the Group’s cement the most expensive in the country as at this moment of writing. This is contrary to all the grandstanding, gerrymandering and hullabaloo of the company that it would not increase its cement price. Yet, the same company will always strive to hoodwink Nigerians that there is a “cartel” somewhere that does not want cement price to be cheaper than it is today. In separately written two press statements

released on April 24 and June 18 of 2021, respectively, BUA Group denied not having any intention to increase price of its cement; not even in the nearest future. As usual, it pointed accusing fingers at competitor(s) as instigators of the arbitrary increment in cement prices. In the statement of June 18, 2021, it read: “As a responsible corporate entity, we refuse and reject associations with any actions that are deemed capable of projecting any industry we operate as a cartel. Hence, whilst we respect that the said company has decided to increase their prices, we are not questioning the reason(s) why, but would like to make clear BUA’s position on a price increase. “The timing is not right for any increase on BUA’s part, and we do not have any justifiable business reason to increase our prices (ex-factory) anytime soon. We therefore urge our distributors not to panic as well as not engage in any arbitrary hike in the retail price of BUA Cement,” As a discerning Nigerian, the question I will want to pose to BUA Group is: what changed—between 18th June, 2021 and 5th July 2021? Why increase the price then after all the denials cum shenanigans? Did the so-called cartel you alluded to force you to increase the price of your cement? What’s the role of said cartel in the choice of a producer to increase the price of its product? Why being hypocritical and conny about it? As at today, in Abuja precisely, the retail price of BUA Cement is N3,700 while others are N3,500 a bag. Between BUA Group and other producers of cement, who is the “real” cartel and anti-people here? This is the same man who has been pussyfooting about crashing cement price for years. There’s limit to hypocrisy and its attendant deception. Nigerians are wiser. They can look beyond the noise of sanctimoniousness and recognise a double-dealer when they see one. r#BLP XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

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