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APC Leaders Defy PMB’s Directive On Litigations

Say it may trigger fuel price hike, worsen inflation Why revised budget was increased – Presidency

No. 3, 516 N200

@leadershipNGALeadership NewspapersNIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

'CBN-RIFAN Brand To Crash Price Of Rice' Pg. 2

MONDAY

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY13.07.20 MONDAY

Magu: Anti-graft War May Suffer Setback, Global Coalition Cautions

Aisha Buhari Urges Govt To Commit Funds To End Malnutrition

Air Peace Evacuates 300 Nigerians From Asia

710 2

Drag party to court over dissolution of Oshiomhole-led NWC S’Court decides on constitutionality of virtual court proceedings tomorrow

Warn against boycott My approval for vessel auction legal – MalamiMaritime Operators List Benefits Of Secured Anchorage AreaBY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos and AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja

Stakeholders in the nation's maritime industry have cautio-ned against the boycott of the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) which is presently securing ships berthing in Nigerian wa-ters from piracy attacks.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Experts Warn Against Impact Of Naira Devaluation On 2020 Budget

BY JONATHAN NDA-ISIAH, MARK ITSIBOR and TUNDE OGUNTOLA Abuja

Economic experts have expressed con-cerns about the recent devaluation of the Naira by the Central Bank of Nige-ria (CBN), warning that it will make the 2020 budget unrealistic and unachie-vable.

According to them, abolishing the of-ficial exchange rate and leaving the fate of the Naira entirely to market forces has grave implications for a mono pro-duct economy, crude oil, as the princi-pal source of foreign exchange.

The devaluation of the Naira from 360/$1 to N380.5/$1 at the official market is part of efforts by the CBN to unify the exchange rates in the Im-porters and Exporters (I&E) window,

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni (left), with managing director of federal roads maintenance agency (FERMA), Engr Nurudeen Rafindadi, after a meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

COVID-19 UPDATEJuly 12, 2020

Confirmed Cases – 32558Discharged Patients -13447

Number of Deaths – 740 – NCDC

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4FG Hands Over National Theatre To CBN, Bankers' C’ttee 15

4

The SAA is operated by Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL), a private company which provides logistics,equipment and support for the Navy to police the waters and ensure

that ships coming into Lagos seaports are kept in a safe and secure environ-ment while in Nigerian territorial wa-ters.

The stakeholders disagreed with the

recent Marine Notice issued by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) di-recting shipping companies to boy-

Interpol Arrests 3 Suspects Over COVID-19 Palliative Scam 2

‘CBN-RIFAN Brand To Crash Price Of Rice’

Interpol Arrests 3 Suspects Over COVID-19 Palliative Scam

Air Peace Evacuates 300 Nigerians From Asia

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina (right), condoling with the old mother of the late Ivorian Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died last week Wednesday after a brief illness, yesterday.

The rice produced by local farmers during the 2019/2020 dry season under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)- funded Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) has hit Nigerian markets across the States.

The mass production of the local rice, will among other numerous things, crash the prices of Nigeria’s most consumed staple food.

The programme, funded by CBN

is midwifed by the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).

Already, the Secretary of RIFAN, Taraba State chapter, Mamman Rabiu flagged off the sale of the rice over the weekend.

He noted that 36,000 bags of padi rice were sold to the integrated millers, local millers, women groups and among others at the subsidized price of N11,000 per 100-kilogram bag.

Rabiu noted the 36,000 bags

were collected from members of RIFAN as 30 percent equity of the 2019/2020 dry season recovery, adding that the rice was sold to millers in the local communities, who are expected to process it and resell to the community at a subsidized price.

He disclosed they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the millers to sell the finished products at a subsidized price as part of efforts to ensure

food security. The secretary said the agreement

would enable ntegrated millers who have bigger machineries for de-stoning and polishing to sell a processed bag of rice at N15,000 per 50 kilogram bag.

“It is worth mentioning that a 50kg local bag of rice sells at an average of N18,000 in Taraba state. On the other hand, the RIFAN agreement will see small holding millers (who don’t have

machineries for de-stoning and polishing, etc) to sell their 50kg bag at between N13-13,500”, he added.

According to him, “The Taraba State success story is what is happening across the entire federation. The essence of ABP is to ensure food safety and security. By this, the local farmers are economically empowered, while the general public is fed with healthier and nutritious rice at affordable prices”.

Group News Editor:Sunday Isuwa Monday, July 13, 20202 NEWS @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

(08025471579)

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja have arrested three suspects: Samson Inegbenesun ,30 years; Blessed Junior, 32 years and Muhammed Zakari, 36 years, all male from Uromi in Edo State for cyber-related offences including advance fee fraud, money laundering and romance scam.

Force PRO, DCP Frank Mba explained that the suspects were arrested in Uromi following investigations into suspected fraudulent online procurement and supply of COVID-19 protective mask received through the INTERPOL NCB Wiesbaden, Germany.

According to him, investigations revealed that Inegbenosun is an internet fraudster and a member of a Turkey-based online scamming syndicate.

“He supplies foreign and local bank accounts to receive fraudulent funds and use same as conduit to other feeder accounts”.

“The Police recovered from

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR, Lagos

Air Peace has evacuated 300 Nigerians from Asian countries through its two B777 aircraft, 5N-BWI and 5N-BVE.

Air Peace said both flights returned safely to Abuja and Lagos Saturday night, evacuating over 300 stranded Nigerians from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in one flight, while the second flight brought in some stranded Nigerians in India and over 200 Indians working in

Nigeria. The airline also explained that

the stranded Nigerians from Malaysia and Thailand who had lost hope of being evacuated, commended Air Peace for coming to their rescue at an affordable fare, noting that no airline in the world would have airlifted them at that fare.

The excited passengers were full of praises for the airline and federal government for its support.

When contacted, Air Peace Chief

Operating Officer, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, thanked the federal government for all the support and assured that with such continued support, Air Peace and indeed, other Nigerian carriers would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other notable carriers in the world.

She singled out the minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and thanked them for supporting the airline and bringing succour to Nigerians

living abroad by providing them the opportunity to return home.

She said the fact that foreign governments have started using Air Peace to evacuate their nationals is an evidence of what the airline can do and other Nigerian carriers subjected to the stringent regulatory conditions by the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA), adding that Air Peace is efficiently and effectively managed and could compete with other carriers globally.

him, a building apartment worth N20,000,000.00, a Toyota RAV-4 2015 model worth N6,500,000.00 and a Toyota Matrix 2002 model valued at N2,000,000.00, which he procured with the proceeds of the crime.”

“The second suspect, Junior, returned to Nigeria from Italy in February, 2020 but maintains close contacts and illicit dealings with his Italian associates”.

The FPRO also said that investigations revealed that he made over N120,000,000.00 from internet fraud and other

cybercrime dealings. “He also received the sum

of 52,000 Euros recently from his criminal associates in Italy as commission for his active involvement in an international cybercrime deal”.

“He also owns a filling station established with the proceeds of the crime.”

On Zakari, the police said he’s an expert in internet fraud, identity theft, impersonation and falsely claimed to be a British citizen.

“He also poses as one Kelly Galk on online dating apps which

he uses to carry out romance scams and defraud unsuspecting members of the public, locally and internationally”.

“Investigation reveals he has made millions of naira from his illicit cybercrime transactions since he joined the syndicate”.

Police Rescue American Citizen From Hotel

In a similar development, Police operatives have successfully rescued an American citizen who was confined in a Lagos hotel where she was held against her wish for

over a year. The victim, who hails from

Washington DC, USA and is a retired civil servant in the US, arrived Nigeria on 13th February, 2019 on a visit to one Chukwuebuka Kasi Obiaku, 34-year-old native of Ikeduru LGA of Imo State whom she met on Facebook.

She was however rescued by Police operatives attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Ogun State Annex following information received from a patriotic and civic minded Nigerian in the Meran area of Lagos State.

our standNeeded: A Population Policy

This year’s World Population Day was marked re-cently. It is an event established

by the Governing Council of the United Nations Develop-ment Programme (UNDP) in 1989 to inspire public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, the approximate date on which the world’s po-pulation reached five billion people. It aims to increase people’s awareness on va-rious population issues such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, po-verty, maternal health and hu-man rights.. The annual event is observed internationally on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.

From available statistics, it took hundreds of thousands of years for the world popu-lation to grow to 1 billion. Curiously in our opinion, in just another 200 years or so, it grew sevenfold. In 2011, the global population reached the seven billion mark, and today, it stands at about 7.7 billion, and it’s expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.

This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increa-sing numbers of people survi-ving to reproductive age, and has been accompanied by ma-jor changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come.

In addition, the world is seeing high levels of urbani-zation. By 2050 about 66 per cent of the world population will be living in cities.

These megatrends have far-reaching implications. They affect economic deve-

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of

Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by

which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and Country!

EDITOR: Raliat Ahmed-Yusuf DEPUTY EDITORS: Adebiyi Adedapo, Chika Okeke

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: George AgbaCOORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD: Suleiman Abdullahi

POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

CHAIRMANSam Nda-Isaiah

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR: Muazu ElazehEXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:

Rasheed YusufFelicia OgbonlaiyeChristian OchiamaMusa Muhammad

AGM (CHAIRMAN’S OFFICE): Nangar Dul

lopment, employment, inco-me distribution, poverty and social protections. They also affect efforts to ensure uni-versal access to health care, education, housing, sanita-tion, water, food and energy.

To more sustainably address the needs of in-dividuals, policymakers must understand how many people are living on the pla-net, where they are, how old they are, and how many people will come after.

This dramatic and exponen-tial rise will take its toll on Africa where more than half of global population growth between now and 2050 is expected to occur. The conti-nent has the highest rate of population growth among

major areas. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is pro-jected to double by 2050.

A rapid population increase in Africa is anticipated even if there is a substantial re-duction of fertility levels in the near future. Regardless of the uncertainty surroun-ding future trends in fertility in Africa, the large number of young people currently on the continent, who will reach adulthood in the co-ming years and have child-ren of their own, ensures that the region will play a central role in shaping the size and distribution of the world’s population over the coming decades.

In Nigeria, the population is estimated at 200 million

and is expected to hit the 400million threshold by the year 2050 most of that crowd in the young and growing group. What that means is that the govern-ment needs to put in place infrastructure and other so-cio-economic policies that will accommodate a popu-lation that size.

The United Nations Secre-tary General in a statement to mark the day said the COVID-19 pandemic af-fects everyone, everywhere, “but it does not affect eve-ryone equally”.

“It is deepening existing inequalities and vulnerabili-ties, particularly for women and girls.

“With many countries on lockdown and health sys-tems struggling to cope, sexual and reproductive health services are being sidelined and gender-based violence is on the rise”.

In the opinion of this newspaper, the UN chief was spot on as reports of rape and domestic violence against women in Nigeria gain ascendancy.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) projects that if lockdown measures conti-nue for six months with major disruptions to health services, 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries may not be able to access modern contraceptives. This would result in seven million unintended pregnan-cies.

Moreover, some 31 mil-lion additional cases of gen-der-based violence can also be expected.

On this World Population Day, let us act to safeguard sexual and reproductive health care, protect the health and rights of women and girls, and end gender-based violence.

3Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

for an order of mandatory injunc-tion compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to recognise the Oshiomhole-led members of the NWC as the authentic natio-nal officers of the party.

In the suit filed on his behalf by Mr Ukpai Ukairo on July 8, the APC chieftain is asking the court to strike down Article 17 of the APC constitution, which provides for appointment of officers into the organs of the party, the ground that it is inconsistent with section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and section 85 of the Electoral Act of 2010.

Insisting that the 1999 Consti-tution guaranteed four-year tenure for party officials, Agu argued that the APC NEC meeting on June 25, 2020, passed an illegal and unlaw-ful resolution dissolving the NWC and also setting up an illegal care-taker committee of the NWC.

Stressing that the setting up of the caretaker committee was in breach of the constitution, he said members of sacked APC NWC had barely spent two years out of their four-year tenure in office before they were purportedly dissolved by the NEC.

Agu therefore prayed the court for a declaration that the dissolu-tion of the NWC as unconstitutio-nal, illegal, null and void as well as a declaration that the recognition ac-corded the caretaker committee is unconstitutional and illegal.

In a 44- paragraph affidavit in support of the originating sum-mons, the plaintiff who said he is a foundation members of the Con-gress for Progressive Change (CPC) under which he contested for the House of Representatives in Aro-

chukwu/Ohafia federal constitu-ency of Abia State in 2011, said he and other members automatical-ly became APC members after the merger of the defunct legacies par-ties in 2013.

He maintained that he is an accredited APC member and that he was elected as the Abia State youth leader in April 2014 during the state's congress held at Umua-hia, adding that the national of-ficers of the APC were also elected in 2014 in accordance with the party's constitution.

Joined as respondents in the case are INEC, APC, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Isiaka Oyebola, Ken Nnamani, Stella Okorete, Go-vernor Sani Bello, Dr James Lalu, Senator Abubakar Yusuf, Hon Aki-nyemi Olaide, David Leon, Profes-sor Their Mamman, Isiaka Ahmed and Senator Akpan Udoedehe.

Meanwhile, another APC member in Lagos State, Chief La-teef Arigbaruwo, had filed a suit against the party at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking sack of the caretaker committee.

Arigbaruwo, in the suit num-ber FHC/L/CS/789/2020 which also faulted the NEC meeting of the party held on June 25, has the APC, Mr. Victor Giadom, NEC and INEC as first to fourth respon-dents respectively.

Arigbaruwo who claims to be a chieftain of the APC in Ojo local government area in Lagos State is asking the court to determine wh-ether having regards to Article 25, paragraph B (i) and (ii) of the Con-stitution of the party, the 24 hours’ notice given by the 2nd defendant for the NEC meeting held on June 25 was valid and legal.

APC Leaders Defy PMB’s Directive On Litigations

FROM COVER

BY AHURAKA ISAH AND KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

Chieftains of the All Progressives Con-gress (APC) have disdained fortune by flouting President Muhammadu Buhari's directive, which was endorsed by the party's National Executive Com-mittee (NEC), on the institution of le-gal actions before the courts.

Three weeks after the NEC mee-ting, an APC leader, Barrister Kalu Agu, approached the court with a fresh suit challenging NEC’s dissolution of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC).

Before Agu's legal action, another APC chieftain in Lagos State, Chief La-teef Arigbaruwo, had also filed a suit against the party at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking the sack of the caretaker committee.

Agu, a youth leader of the party in Abia State, is questioning the po-wers of the National Executive Coun-cil (NEC) to sack the national leaders barely two years out of their constitu-tionally guaranteed four year term of office.

President Buhari had, at the APC NEC meeting which sacked the Oshiomhole-led NWC on June 25 this year, directed that from that day there should be no more litigations among members of the party or against the party, and that cases in court invol-ving crisis in the party should be with-drawn.

The president said, “In this regard, it is important to discontinue all litiga-tions involving members of the Party, which are connected to issues of the Party and in respect of which sever-al Court Orders and Counter-Orders have been issued against the Party and some specific members of the Party.

“This directive has been issued by the Party before; unfortunately, some ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Experts Warn Against Impact Of Naira Devaluation On 2020 Budget

members failed to heed the directive. Thus, at this time, it must be made a Re-solution of the Party which must be ef-fectively enforced with dire consequences for Members who choose to ignore the di-rective,” the president warned.

But in the fresh case with suit num-ber: FHC/ABJ/ CS/736/2020, Agu is praying for an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside the dissolu-tion of the NWC as resolved by the APC NEC meeting held at the presidential vil-la last month.

He is also praying the court for an or-der restraining the National Caretaker Committee led by Yobe State governor,

Mai Mala Buni, from parading them-selves as national officers of the APC and from usurping the functions of the party's NWC.

The plaintiff who further prayed the court for an order restraining the Natio-nal Caretaker Committee from putting into effect the resolution of the APC's NEC meeting passed on June 25, 2020, also asked for an order stopping the In-dependent National Electoral Commissi-on (INEC) from recognising, dealing with or relating with the caretaker committee in whatever guise to usurp the functions of the NWC.

Similarly, the plaintiff also prayed

Buhari

a move the experts say has both merits and demerits.

They noted that with oil reve-nue accounting for over 90 per cent of foreign exchange, the unification of exchange rates means that the dollar-denomina-ted components of government spending will now be done at a higher exchange rate, thus put-ting pressure on the local curren-cy as more naira will be needed to make government purchases.

Professor of Finance and Ca-pital market, Uche Uwaleke, said the currency devaluation makes the 2020 budget unrealistic and unachievable since it was based on exchange rate of N360 per dollar and by extension the re-cently-approved Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

Besides, he said essential items that have enjoyed access to forex at the official subsidised rate, such as petroleum products’ im-ports, will have no choice than to use the single market for forex.

“The immediate implication is increased cost of importing petroleum products which will lead to a hike in the pump pri-ce of fuel especially now that the downstream sector is being dere-gulated,” Prof Uwaleke said.

In view of the import-depen-

dent nature of the Nigerian economy, Prof Uwaleke said the upward adjust-ment of exchange rate “will feed into higher inflation rates at least in the short run necessitating tight moneta-ry policy by the CBN and high interest rate environment.”

If the monetary policy is tightened, according to him, it would help rein in inflation expectations, further widen the income gap, depress aggregate de-mand and adversely affect credit deli-very to the private sector.

Investment analyst, Stephen Ka-nabe who agreed with the position of Uwaleke, expressed fear that tighte-ning may also result in deposit money banks re-pricing their assets and loans, thus raising the cost of borrowing and therefore heightening the already weak investment climate.

He however agreed that the devalua-tion will strengthen the stability in the foreign exchange market.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank had restated its com-mitment to maintaining stability in pri-ces, without which meaningful econo-mic recovery cannot be achieved.

On his part, economic analyst, Seye Adetunmbi, noted that the action of the CBN became inevitable due to the reali-ty of the pressure on the national reser-ve towards meeting the federal balance of trade obligations.

Adetunmbi said the fact that Nige-ria allowed most of its factories and manufacturing centres to die off, indu-

ced by failed power sector, brought the country to its knees.

“Nigeria is no longer the net expor-ter of refined petroleum products as it used to be in the 1980s,” a situation he said now exacts pressure on the Naira.

However, the experts agreed that the devaluation also came with positive po-tentials for the economy.

On the upside, Uwaleke and Ka-nabe said it translates to increased naira inflows into the federation ac-count, implying that the three tiers of government will have more money to distribute.

They added that it also eliminates opportunities for currency round-trip-ping and sharp practices associated with having multiple exchange rates, there-by promoting transparency in the coun-try's forex market.

By the same token, Uwaleke who is also a former commissioner for finan-ce in Imo State said it will enable price discovery as the real value of the naira becomes established through demand and supply forces, since many are of the view that the naira is overvalued.

He said the action of the apex bank will engender clarity in the country's forex market with the potential to at-tract foreign investors.

Kanabe added that the associated fall in the value of the naira in the near term could encourage non-oil exports and discourage imports, thereby facili-tating government's import substituti-on policy and improving the balance of

payments.Moreover, he said the measure will be

in line with the expectations of inter-national financial institutions especial-ly the IMF and the World Bank encoura-ging them to further support Nigeria's economic recovery efforts.

The economic experts said it was im-portant to ensure that while leveraging the upsides of exchange rates' unificati-on, policy makers in Nigeria should en-sure that the downside risks are miti-gated.

Their advice is that the authoriti-es should develop multiple sources of foreign Exchange outside oil, especial-ly via Agriculture and Solid minerals, while vigorously promoting the use of domestic products and services by sup-porting their availability at competiti-ve prices.

Why Revised Budget Was Increa-

sed - PresidencyMeanwhile, the presidency explained

yesterday that the federal government increased the revised 2020 budget de-spite the drop in revenues accruing to the government with a view to addres-sing the impact of COVID-19 on the na-tion’s economy.

Senior special assistant on National Assembly matters to President Muham-madu Buhari (House of Reps), Umar El- Yakub, disclosed this to State House cor-respondents at the weekend.

President Buhari had on Friday sig-ned the N10.81 trillion revised budget

into law.The original budget size when it was

signed into law in December 2019 was N10.594 trillion.

However, El- Yakub said the govern-ment had to prioritise infrastructure projects that would reflate the economy.

He said, “Some parameters were loo-ked at. In any event, the 2020 budget has oil benchmark of $25 per barrel of crude oil, while the amended budget is at $28 per barrel.

“So, because of that you can see there is an increase in revenue and thank God also the price of oil from then has pick-ed up. There has been a leap recently in the price of oil and even though the pro-duction benchmark was reduced from 1.9 million barrels to 1.8 million barrels per day, it was certainly because of the increment in projections as far as the cost of oil is concerned.

“In addition to that, one needs to un-derstand that the whole essence of the review is to prioritise government pro-jects to the extent that projects that will certainly address infrastructure and ginger the economy more as well as ad-dress health issues are given priority.

“All these necessitated the new look at the budget, so as to free certain amounts of money hitherto appropri-ated for certain projects, which in the circumstances are not as expedient, and look at other infrastructure that need prioritisation so as to address the pan-demic and the difficulties that it has brought to Nigerians.”

4 NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

5Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng6 NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020

FROM COVER

Maritime Operators List Benefits Of Secured Anchorage Area

FROM PAGE 4

APC Leaders Defy PMB’s Directive On Litigations

Malami

The suit which was filed on July 1 on behalf of the plaintiff by Mr.

Dimien Edonkumoh, is also see-king “an order of the court setting asi-de all the decisions taken in the NEC meeting, which he declared illegal on the grounds that it was conveyed in the June 24 and held on June 25, con-trary to Article 25 of the APC Con-stitution.”

The plaintiff, while asking the court to restrain the caretaker com-mittee members from parading themselves in that capacity, also re-quested the court to grant an order allowing the APC national vice chair-man (South-south), Mr Hilliard Eta, to pilot the affairs of the APC as ac-ting national chairman and to preside at all meetings of the National Wor-king Committee and NEC.

S’Court Decides On Constitu-tionality Of Virtual Court Procee-dings Tomorrow

Meanwhile, Supreme Court will tomorrow entertain two law suits

filed separately by Ekiti and Lagos Sta-te governments challenging the vali-dity and constitutionality of virtual court sittings’ procedure.

The highest court in the land listed in its case list against July 14, 2020 the hearing of the suit marked “SC/CV/260/2020’’, filed by the attorney-general and commissioner for justice of Lagos State.

The state government named the minister of Justice and attorney-gene-ral of the federation as well s the Na-tional Assembly as the 1st and 2nd de-fendants.

The apex court is also set to entertain the suit marked, “SC/CV/261/2020’’, filed by the attorney-general and commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State against the AGF.

The state government also listed the attorneys-general of Lagos and Ogun States as the 2nd and 3rd de-fendants.

Both plaintiffs commenced their suits by way of originating summons in the original jurisdiction of the Su-preme Court.

The Lagos State is praying the apex

court to determine whether having re-gard to Section 36(1), (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the use of technology by remote hea-rings of any kind, whether by Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Skype or any other audio visual or video-con-ference platform by the Lagos State High Court or any other Courts in Nigeria in aid of hearing and deter-mination of cases are constitutional.

On its own, Ekiti State is challen-ging constitutionality of the direc-tive of the minister of Justice and the attorney-general of the feder-ation (AGF), Malami (SAN), to the Head of Courts at federal and sta-te levels to adopt virtual court sit-tings in courts.

Ekiti State attorney-general and commissioner for Justice, Wale

Fapohunda, who filed the suit as-ked the apex court to issue an order annulling the directive for the adop-tion of the Virtual or Remote Court sittings.

He named the attorneys-general of Lagos and Ogun States as 2nd and 3rd defendants because they have

implemented virtual court procee-dings.

Fapohunda is praying the Su-preme Court to nullify the directi-ve to the extent that same purports to be binding on state High Courts and other subordinate courts in Eki-ti State for being inconsistent with Section 1(3), 4(6), 5(2), 6(2), 36(3) and (4), 272 and 274 of the 1999 Constitution.

Ekiti State further wants the Su-preme Court to determine whether the AGF’s guidelines are not a dero-gation from the legislative, executive and judicial law-making, law execu-tion and adjudicatory rules making powers exclusively vested in states of the federation in respect of sta-tes courts, by virtue of Sections 1(3), 4(6), 5(2), 6(2), 272 and 272 and 274 of the Constitution.

The plaintiff is also asking the apex court to decide whether Lagos

and Ogun States, having adopted virtual court hearings pursuant to the mlockdown, the three arms of Government in Ekiti State are bound to conduct their legislative, executive

and judicial functions pertaining to adjudication in state courts in comp-liance with the directive upon which the National Judicial Council formu-lated the provisions of Articles E (1) to E(13) of its Guidelines (issued on May 7, 2020).

Amaechi

cott the Secure Anchorage Area, saying it will rubbish the securi-ty gains recorded in recent times and may lead to upsurge of crimi-nality in the Gulf of Guinea.

It was gathered that the NPA management had recently issued a marine notice to ship masters, ship owners and other operators whose vessels currently enjoy some level of security at the de-signated anchorage to boycott the Anchorage thereby brewing fresh crisis.

According to the United Nati-ons Office for West Africa and the Sahel Report, piracy, which is the fundamental reason for the an-chorage initiative, poses a great challenge for the country, as its 2019 report showed that Nige-ria lost approximately $2.8 billi-on in 2018, due to crude oil and maritime crimes.

The president of the Natio-nal Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the umbrella body of freight forwarders in Nigeria, Mr Increase Uche, noted that dis-mantling the SAA might send the wrong signal to shipping compa-nies.

He said, “Removing the SAA may fuel insecurity in our waters. We are not indicting the Nigeri-an Navy or saying that the NPA has no right to raise alarm if they feel Nigeria’s security is being th-reatened. If there is intelligence on that the government should investigate and take action.

“Our position and that of concerned shipping operators is that we want a situation where-by there is decorum; we want to see that our waters are well-secu-red so that the freight cost payab-le cannot add to the cost of doing business in our ports.

“To us the practitioners, what we are advocating is that govern-ment should look at the issue critically. If the NPA is agitating that such measures should be ter-

minated, let us look at it holistically”.A maritime analyst, Emeka Ejiofor,

who spoke on the renewed efforts to curb OMSL's involvement in the SAA project, noted: “The disruption of the SAA arrangement operated by OMSL might cause the shipping community in the country a huge lost.

“Ships may be compelled to di-vert goods destined to Nigeria to other country, and this will not do the country's economy any good. Diversi-on of goods to neighbouring countries will surely have a catastrophic effect on our economy. This is why it is sur-prising that this is coming from those who should know better”.

Also, a shipowner who did not want his name mentioned in print pointed out that the collaboration between the Ocean Marine Solution Limited and the Nigerian Navy is very important to the nation's maritime industry in particular and the Gulf of Guinea in general.

The ship owner said, "OMSL was working for national interest and has continued to provide security service at the anchorage to the admiration of

ship owners and operators that anchor their vessels at the designated area.”

Meanwhile, a clearing agent opera-ting at Tin-Can Island port, Chibuike Donald, called for partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority on the SAA for the larger interest of the nation and its economy.

His words: “I know that based on the collaborative effort of both OMSL and the Navy, vessels at the anchorage can no longer be attacked.

"OMSL relationship with the Nige-rian Navy was purely for security pur-poses and not port operations. Stake-holders are of the view that the port management should better concentra-te on the more pressings issues”.

Donald suggested however that the security arrangement in the Lagos An-chorage District be replicated in the Eastern ports, saying it will curb the issue of insecurity currently being ex-perienced in that axis and boost the economy of the eastern flanks.

It would be recalled that of recent, Nigeria waters were now safe from pi-rate activities as OMSL vessels, opera-ted with the Nigerian Navy, have con-

sistently saved the country from the negative publicity of being reputed to have unsafe sea territory.

Recently, FleetMon Explorer, an international news agency, reported that a patrol boat (NNS SPARROW) operated and owned by the joint team of Nigeria Navy and OMSL respectively, rescued a general car-go ship 'Huanghai Glory,' which left the Lekki Port, east of Lagos Nigeria on Thursday March 5, 2020.

The ship was reported to have been attacked and boarded by pira-tes at 1820 UMT some 85 nautical miles (NM) south of Lagos Nigeria.

The ship and its 23 crew mem-bers (all Chinese) were rescued from pirates attack by the NNS Sparrow from the SAA.

The team from the SAA also res-cued a general cargo ship ‘Huanghai Glory’ which “was attacked, boarded by pirates at 1820 UTC Mar 5, some 85nm south of Lagos Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea" and was “drifting after at-tack, not responding to contact re-quests,” according to Dryad Global.

The rescued ship was not under any contractual agreement with OMSL before it offered to intervene on the platform of national interest.

As international oil companies (IOCs) grapple with a historic plunge in crude prices, a rise in piracy is also poised to threaten supply chains.

According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), first quar-ter of 2020 saw a spike in piracy around the world, with 47 attacks compared to 38 for the same peri-od last year.

The Gulf of Guinea, home to eight oil exporting countries in West Africa, has emerged as a global hot spot, accounting for 21 attacks so far this year and 90 per cent of all kidnappings at sea in 2019.

My Approval For Vessels Auction Legal – Malami

Meanwhile, minister of Justice and attorney-general of the fede-ration (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said that he followed the legal due process in granting appro-val for the sale of some vessels ar-

rested for their involvement in oil bunkering.

In the statement released by his special assistant on media and public relations, Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, the AGF said the recove-red monies for the sale of the ves-sels and their crude oil content had been paid into the Federal Govern-ment Asset Recovery Account do-miciled at the Central Bank of Ni-geria.

Although Malami didn’t disclo-se how the vessels were sold, he ho-wever listed the vessels concerned as MT ASTERIS with Crude Oil; MV PSV DERBY with Automated Gas Oil (AGO); MV ZAHRA with Auto-mated Gas Oil (AGO); MT PEACE; and MT ANUKET EMERALD.

Gwandu said the allegation that the AGF granted approval to a firm (Omoh Jay Nig Ltd) purported-ly standing trial in court for ste-aling crude oil, diesel to auction goods seized from it was mislea-ding saying it was aimed at confu-sing the public and tarnishing his principal’s good image.

He added that Omoh Jay Nig Ltd which conducted an Open Bid Sale for the five vessels was earlier granted approval vide Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) let-ter DPR/DSM/ROM/OPS/COL 2/285 dated 11th August, 2009 to evacuate the products onboard of MT AKUADA and MT HOPE.

The AGF continued: “That was four years before the coming of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and long before Mala-mi was appointed as the Attorney General of the Federation.

“The AGF confirms that follo-wing the president directive to clear territorial waters and highways of obsolete and unauthorized vessels, barges, ships, boats, trucks vehicles amongst others, it obtained Final Forfeiture Orders dated 16th Janu-ary, 2018 and 15th April, 2019 from the Federal High Court on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria in Suit N0 FHC/ABJ/CS/741/2017, FHC/ABJ/CS/742/2017 and FHC/ABJ/CS/237/2019."

Muhammad

Glo Reboots Smartphone Festival With 6 Months Data Bonus

‘Why S'South Should Retain Chairmanship Of APC'

BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

Globacom has rebooted its Smartphone Festival, a customer-reward programme with more benefits for its teeming customers with up to six months data as bonus.

Globacom, in a statement yesterday from its head office in Lagos, said the Smartphone Festival is designed for subscribers who purchase mobile phones from any Gloworld outlet.

According to Glo, customers who buy smartphones from any of its Gloworld outlets will have access to bundled data from 500 MB per month to 2GB per month for six months. The volume of bonus is dependent on the model a customer chooses from a wide range of phone brands such as iPhone, Samsung, Infinix, Itel, Tecno and Imose.

Globacom said the Smartphone Festival was designed to reward customers

for purchasing their devices from Gloworld outlets. The company said its outlets nationwide are the best places to get the best price deals and accessories.

In addition, they will also get bundled data ranging from 500MB to 2GB monthly for six months and free accessories on their choice devices, the company said.

BY ERNEST NZOR, Abuja

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) national convention to elect members of its National Working Committee (NWC), a non- governmental organisation (NGO), Power Arc Media (PAM) has declared support for the retention of the position of the national chairman in the South-south geopolitical zone.

The Power Arc Media in a statement signed by its director of Operations, Mr. Tedd Avindigh, in Abuja, noted that taking away the position from the zone would create disharmony, disaffection and may adversely affect the already troubled party.

He added that the Power Arc Media, as an advocate of unity for development in the country is of the view that retaining the

chairmanship of the APC in the South South Zone is the way to go as that would engender peace, unity and harmony in the party.

He said the Immediate past national chairman of the party Adams Oshiomhole ( Edo) and his predecessor John Odigie- Oyegun (Edo) are both from the South South Zone but Insinuation is rife among some influential APC blocs to move the chairmanship position out of south south Zone.

Rivers APC: Aguma Moves To Shut Down Sokonte Davies Splinter Group

PMB Congratulates Usman, Greets Veteran Journalist At 80

L-R: Representative of the Controller General, Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr Calistus Agu; deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke; managing director, Anambra State Fire Service, retired Air Vice Marshal, Ben Chiobi and other dignitaries, during the inauguration and presentation of two Digital Firefighting Trucks to the Government of Anambra at the Federal Fire Service State headquarters in Awka, Anambra, at the weekend.

Acting chairman of Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Igo Aguma, has moved to shut down a factional group of the party in the state led by Sokonte Davies to pave way for peace and reconciliation in the party.

Aguma took this initiative in a statement he issued weekend

following the recommendation he submitted in his situation report in Rivers State APC to the National Caretaker Committee of the Party led by Mai Bala Buni, which gave directive that groups not recognized by

the party’s rules should be closed, which is in line with a court decision.

He therefore advised the splinter group in the Rivers APC led by Sokonte Davies to immediately comply with the directive of the state Caretaker Committee of the party and shut down all factional

Secretariats in the state including his own at 63 Aba road Port Harcourt.

“Sokonte Davies is reminded

along with his splinter group that their actions are not promoting peace and reconciliation efforts in the state chapter. The Court has taken a decision confirming myself as Acting Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the party in the state, and all statutory members constituting the Committee,” he added.

BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has heartily congratulated Kamarudeen Usman on the successful defence of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title with an emphatic win over Jorge Masvidal.

As the first African-born and Nigerian UFC Champion, President Buhari in a statement by his special adviser media, Femi Adesina commended the courageous fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white colours in distant lands,

and reminding the world that good things and great people still come out of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the president has rejoiced with journalist, poet, author and sports administrator, Otunba Eddie Aderinokun at 80 on July 13, 2020.

The President saluted the more than 60 years of vibrant journalism tucked under Aderinokun’s belt, seeing him rise to editorship of the then reputable Daily Express Newspaper, and his contribution to literature through many books, particularly on poetry.

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

A coalition of global anti-corruption crusaders has said the unceremonious exit of former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) acting chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu may erode the recent gains in the fight against corruption.

The groups, Re:Common, Globalwitness and the Corner

House based in Europe; said Nigeria has regained unprecedented gains under Magu‘s leadership of EFCC and that his removal under the current circumstances may roll back the momentous gains already recorded under his tenure.

Re:Common top official, Mr Lucas Manes, Corner House, Nicholas Hildyard and Simon Taylor of Globalwitness, in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari last

week expressed deep concern over the travails of Magu, saying that the former EFCC boss may be a pawn in the desperate attempts by corrupt officials to kill the EFCC or turn the agency into a willing tool of corrupt politicians.

The letter was signed by Manes, Hildyard, Taylor and their Nigerian counterpart, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre)

chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju.The letter reads in part "what

is going on in Nigeria is of concern to the international community. Mr Magu has proved himself to be up to the task. His determination to fight corruption is evident by the recovery of stolen funds and properties plus his own high moral ground earned at the cost of diligence and hardwork never before seen.

Magu: Anti-graft War May Suffer Setback, Global Coalition Cautions

The former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has said that as the NSA between 2012 and 2015, he never campaigned for the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in whatever shape or form before, during or after the 2015 presidential election.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Dasuki, said he was only involved in the unsuccessful attempt at forging an alliance between the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),

All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), prior to the 2011 elections.

His words: “My involvement in that political process ended after the elections of 2011.” The erstwhile NSA to former President Goodluck Jonathan, debunked media reports that he discreetly campaigned for Buhari and his party APC, while serving as Jonathan’s Security Adviser.

He said: “At first I found the report

too ridiculous to take serious but on second thought, I felt it would be appropriate not only to debunk it but to put the records straight especially in view of politics of mischief and character assassination that are unfortunately the norms today.”

At the point of accepting the appointment to serve as NSA in 2012, Dasuki said he made it clear to President Jonathan that he had a relationship with (then) president Muhammadu Buhari of CPC, Asiwaju

Ahmed Tinubu of ACN and Chief Ogbonnaya Onu of ANPP, among other opposition elements, and that his appointment would not cause him to sever the relationship. “I however assured President Jonathan that I would never betray him. As a man of honour, I kept to my words. I never worked at cross purposes with my boss, President Goodluck Jonathan as being recklessly insinuated by mischief makers on their blogs and social media,” he said.

I Never Campaigned For APC – Dasuki

PMB Does Not Hate Igbos – OhanaezeBY OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide had described the allegations against President Muhammadu Buhari as Igbo hater as baseless, unfounded and handiwork of mischief makers.

The president general Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the secretary general, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike in a statement said that those spreading the allegation are the real enemies of Igbos.

According to them, "the proponent of such stand had serially squandered

the goodwill of Igbo people over a decade now through continuous offensive decisions done in error".

The Igbo group commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his love for Igbo populace, which according to the group has been demonstrated through projects sited in the

Southeast geo political zone irrespective of the political decisions taken against him in 2015 and 2019.

The group urged the President to relax some strict business policies affecting negatively Igbo traders and business owners.

The statement reads in part, "Igbo youths

chronically state that in 2003 and 2007, President Muhammadu Buhari as ANPP Presidential candidate nominated Igbo prominent sons, Late Chuba Okadigbo and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke as running mates in a contest where there was no Igbo as PDP Presidential candidate or the running mate".

NEWS EXTRA 7Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

8 Monday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

Buni, TETFUND, FERMA Bosses Meet Over Roads, Education Development

Yobe News Stream... Every Monday

Yobe Assembly Approves N2bn CBN Health Credit Facility

NOA Takes Measles,COVID-19 Sensitisation To Fika, Potiskum Emirates

Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

STORIES BY ALIYU MUSA, Damaturu

Yobe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni met with the managing direc-tor of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Engr. Nurudeen Rafindadi and the executive secre-tary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro.

A statement issued by the direc-tor-general, Press Affairs and Media

to the governor, Alhaji Mamman Mo-hammed indicated that the governor held separate meetings with Rafinda-di and Bogoro.

The statement noted that the gov-ernor intimated the Rafindadi on the nature of federal roads in Yobe State, adding that, “Governor Buni ex-pressed the importance of road net-work to socio-economic development of the state.”

The governor expressed the com-

mitment of his administration to open up more communities with more roads.

“The MD assured positive partner-ship between the agency and Yobe State government for good and safe roads,” the statement reads.

In the same vein, Governor Buni also hosted the executive secretary of TETFUND, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bo-goro.

According to the statement, “The

duo discussed areas partnership to improve education development in the state.

“Gov. Buni noted that public institu-tions were destroyed during the pro-tracted security challenge suffered by the state,” the statement added.

The governor, however, assured that his administration was committed to a result oriented partnership to pro-mote recovery and development in all the sectors ravaged by insurgency.

The Yobe State House of Assem-bly has unanimously approved the request from the executive on accessing Central Bank of Ni-geria (CBN) health credit facility amounting to N2 billion.

A press statement issued by the director of information and pub-lication of the House, Mallam Kole Shettima, indicated that the House approved the resolu-tion during a session chaired by the speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan Mirwa in Damaturu.

The statement said, “In a mo-tion presented to the House by its leader Alhaji Bukar Mustapha. The secretary to the state government

had in a letter dated 18th June, 2020 requested the House to au-thorise the state government to access the CBN approved health-care intervention support of N2, 000, 000, 000 for the development of our healthcare facilities to meet various challenges.

“For the past six months to date the entire world has been battling with the global pandemic of COV-ID-19 which the World Health Or-ganisation (WHO) declared to be a public Health emergency of inter-national concern.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the proactive measure to absorb the effect of

COVID-19 pandemic on the econ-omy, introduce N100 billion cred-it support intervention through various Commercial Banks to up-grade and expand the state’s exist-ing health infrastructure to con-tain the spread of COVID-19,” the statement explained.

It further said the credit facili-ty would be paid over a period of 120 months with an interest rate of single digit 5 per cent per an-num with a monthly repayment of N21, 213, 103.05 and 9 per cent monthly repayment of N23, 651, 804.09 from the month of Febru-ary 2021.

After a series of contributions

on the credit facility by members of the House, the speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan Mirwa, announced the approval of members on ac-cessing the N2 billion credit fa-cilities.

Mirwa said, “In accordance with the relevant provisions of the 2020 appropriation law, to authorize the state government to obtain Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) credit facility of two bil-lion naira (N2, 000, 000, 000 from United Bank of Africa (UBA) with tenure of 120 months specifically to finance the development of our healthcare facilities to meet vari-ous challenges.”

Yobe State Directorate of the Na-tional Orientation Agency (NOA), has embarked on another phase of sensitisation campaign on measles and coronavirus pandemic to Fika and Potiskum emirates.

Director of the agency, Mallam Ali Audu, while speaking during the sensitisation at the palaces of the two emirs, said the exercise was meant to remind the public of the dangers of the virus.

Audu explained that “People should inculcate the habit of ob-serving basic COVID-19 etiquette to guard against the spread of cor-onavirus in the state.

“Parents should also understand the importance of sending their wards for measles vaccination es-pecially the under age.”

The Emir of Fika, Alhaji Mo-hammed Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa and that of Pataskum Al-

haji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, while commenting on the visit, commended NOA for the sen-sitisation describing it as apt.

The royal fathers said the aware-ness campaign would no doubt re-mind their subjects of the need for routine immunization against measles and dangers of coronavi-rus for healthy society.

At Potiskum local government secretariat, the director, Personnel

Management of the council, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar urged people to consider the sensitisation on the dangers of the virus as a collective responsibility for illness does not spare anybody.

“People should respect and ob-serve safety guidelines issued by the state committee on the pre-vention and control of COVID-19 chaired by the deputy governor,” he said.

As part of efforts to ensure prop-er coordination and policy direc-tion for humanitarian interven-tions, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has inaugurated a 30-man Task Force on resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reconstruc-tion to be headed by the state deputy governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana.Buni while inaugurating the Task Force in Damaturu, said his ad-ministration decided to consti-tute the high powered Task Force in order to facilitate attainment of normalcy of the socio-politi-cal and economic development after years of destruction by in-surgents.

The governor who was rep-resented by his deputy Hon. Idi Barde Gubana said, “As we are all aware, Yobe is one of the worst-hit states by the nefari-ous activities of insurgents in the North-East geo-political zones. Thousands of lives and public and private properties worth bil-lions of naira were destroyed in the Boko Haram crisis.”

He expressed happiness over achievements recorded during the immediate past administra-tion under a similar committee, adding that the government is determined towards sustaining the efforts for full return of nor-malcy by reconstructing public buildings and providing essen-tial services to the people.

The governor explained that though all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps were closed down before the inception of his administration, the gov-ernment inherited many chal-lenges including restoration of social service such as health ser-vices, water supply and means of livelihood for returnee IDPs.

“The humanitarian crisis which insurgents inflicted on the most affected three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States was so large that it generated a lot of concerns globally,” Buni added.

The Task Force has among oth-er terms of reference a mandate to monitor, coordinate and su-pervise all post insurgency re-settlement, rehabilitation and re-construction activities and advice on coordination drives towards recovery to avert duplication of efforts in the state.

The task force will also provide strategic direction on the imple-mentation of development pro-jects; collaborate with local, national and international devel-opment partner interventions in affected areas among others.

Post Insurgency: Gov Buni Inaugurates Taskforce On Reconstruction, Others

Governor Mai Mala Buni (left) and execu-tive secretary of TET-FUND, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro (right) after a meeting in Abuja.

10 NATIONAL NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020

Court Sets Aside NERC Order Removing IBEDC Board MembersBY KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

Justice Taiwo Taiwo of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has set aside the order obtained by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) removing the Tunde Ayeni led Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC.

Delivering judgement, Justice Taiwo agreed with the submissions of Counsel to IBEDC and its directors, Muyiwa Balogun Esq., Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, that the appointment and removal of directors must be in accordance with the provisions of Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 (ESPRA).

Scores Of Bandits Killed As Military Bombs Camp In Zamfara

A farmer, Mrs Virginia Ezekude; executive secre-tary, Anambra StateEmergency Management Agency, Mr Paul Odenig-bo; director,Disaster RiskReduction, NEMA,Mr Vincent Owan; director general, NEMA, AVM Mu-hammadu Muhammed (rtd) presenting bags of fertiliser to farmers af-fected by the 2018 flood in Anambra State,at the weekend.

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

The first lady, Aisha Buhari, has called on stakeholders at federal and state governments to commit funds to the prevention and treatment of all forms of malnutrition in the country.

A statement signed by the special assistant to the president on media and publicity,

Office of the First Lady, Aliyu Abdullahi, said proper nutrition strengthens the immune system to combat most illnesses including COVID-19.

The first lady also called on community stakeholders, families and caregivers to ensure that food items meant for malnourished children are actually given to the children

who need them for their health and well-being.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the increasing need for global attention to ‘Severe Acute Malnutrition’ (SAM).

The statement reads in part: “As the National Nutrition Champion and the founder of Aisha Buhari foundation, the first

lady, Aisha Buhari acknowledges the need to add her voice to the ongoing advocacy for improving the nutrition situation in the country in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that all policies and services required for treatment of malnutrition including the CMAM centres are supported to function optimally particular in this time.

Aisha Buhari Urges Govt To Commit Funds To End Malnutrition

BY TARKAA DAVID,Abuja

The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has attacked another armed bandit’s camp in the Southwestern part of Kwiambana Forest in Zamfara State and neutralised scores of their fighters.

The coordinator, Defence Media Operations,Major General

John Enenche, said the air strikes were executed on 10 July 2020 after Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports and series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions indicated that a group of structures hidden under the dense forest vegetation served as hideouts for suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province

(ISWAP) elements and fighters under the notorious armed bandit kingpin, Dogo Gede.

The Air Component therefore dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.

“The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the target causing damage to some structures in the camp and neutralising scores of

the criminals. Several bandits, who were seen

attempting to flee on foot and on about 15 motorcycles, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the helicopters.

“HUMINT sources later revealed that several of the bandits were neutralised and their motorcycles destroyed as a result of the air strikes,” he said.

Fuel Price Increase Compounding Hardship Of Nigerians –NASUBY MICHAEL OCHE, Abuja

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has kicked against the recent hike in the price of petrol from N123 per litre to N143.80 per litre, urging the federal government to reverse the decision in the interest of poor Nigerians.

The union in a statement by its general secretary, Comrade Prince Peters A. Adeyemi said the increase will exacerbate the already precarious economic situation of workers and the downtrodden in the society.

Adeyemi said the increase cannot be justified especially at this time, stressing that NASU sees it as an extortion of the downtrodden masses of this country in favour of market forces.

KDSG White Paper Committee On Crises Lopsided, Says GroupThe Committee set up by the Kaduna

State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to draft a White Paper on communal crisis that occurred over twenty five years ago in southern part of the state, has been described as lopsided.

In a press release at the weekend and signed by its chairman, Julius Nyavou Patrick and secretary, Kenneth Kurmi Aboi, the Zango Kataf Liberation Movement

(ZKLM), frowned at the action of the state governor, saying it amounted to vendetta and an exercise to witch-hunt a particular section of the people.

“The Justice Rahila Cudjoe and AVM Usman Mu’azu report upon which the committee is to produce a white paper were both submitted over 25 years ago and have either been implemented or overtaken by events”, it said.

Following the crisis of 11th and 12th June 2020 in Zangon-Kataf and Kauru LGAs over farmland, resulting in the imposition of curfew, the state government had constituted an eight-man white paper drafting committee with six weeks deadline.

Members of the committee included, Adamu Mansur, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Human Services, Chris Umar Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice,

Abdullahi Sani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security & Home Affairs, Habiba Shekarau Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, Ibrahim Jere, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Phoebe Yayi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Aisha K. Mohammed Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission and Bulus Audu SSA to the governor on KADGIS.

NCWS Commends Senate For Passage Of Sexual Harassment Bill BY JOY YESUFU, Abuja

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has commended the Senate for the passage of the sexual harassment bill titled “A Bill for an Act to make Provisions for Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of students in tertiary educational

institutions and formatters concerned therewith 2019.”

This was contained in a statement signed by the national president of the council, Mrs Laraba Shoda. She said the passage of the bill was a step in the right direction to curtail sexual harassment in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

She said the bill was first originated in the eight assembly and was re-introduce by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and 106 other senators to help check the incessant sexual harassment of female students in the hands of those engaged to tutor and mentor them.

According to her the legislation

passed would address an aspect of gender-based violence adding that they are particularly pleased that the 9th senate, under the leadership of its President, Dr Ahmed Lawan made it possible. “The bill passed will now stand as a preventive and protective mechanism for those trying to pursue their educational dreams.

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

The Shi’ite group, otherwise addressed as Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has debunked insinuations that it was planning to host its members from across Africa in Sokoto State.

Speaking for the group, its leader in Sokoto, Shiekh Sidi Mainasara said contrary to the narrative being sold to many by the security agencies that they were planning

to host such a religious event, it is a gathering only for brethren from Sokoto State.

“We are not having any IMN African meeting in Sokoto as it’s speculated by the security agency.

“Though, we have it in good account that the Nigeria Police is making efforts to stop our gatherings. However, we want to remind them that it is not in any way criminal for us to gather for our religion, as enshrined in the

Constitution of Nigeria”.Giving reasons for the upcoming

July 20th gathering, Sheikh Mainasara said, it was to pray for the repose of the souls of their members that were killed in the state in 2007.

According to him, about 13 of their members were killed, another 1000 illegally detained and over 200 houses belonging to their members destroyed in Sokoto in 2007.

The IMN while assuring that

they would follow peace and due process, expressed fears over activities of the security personnel as a possible replica of their experience in 2007.

“We are seeing same thing that happened to us in 2007 coming back in a different form. But, let it be known that, it will get to one point that we will no longer continue to take all the oppression from the Nigerian security forces,” said.

Shi’ites Not Planning Any African Gathering In Sokoto – Shiekh Mainasara

Schools Closure: NPC Raises The Alarm Over Early Marriage, AbortionBY ERNEST NZOR, Abuja

The National Population Commission (NPC), has said the continued closure of schools across Nigeria due to the coronavirus pandemic, means that more girls are likely to drop out of school through early marriage and unwanted pregnancy and abortion.

Acting chairman of the commission, Dr. Tayo Oyetunji, said this in a press conference to commemorate 2020 World Population Day with the theme: “Putting the breaks on COVID-19: How To safeguard the health and Right Of Women And Girls Now,” in Abuja.

11Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

12 NATIONAL NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020

Acting NSITF Boss Takes Charge, Promises To Reposition Fund

L-R: Director of Operations , Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission ( NCPC ),Amos Yohannah; executive secretary, NCPC , Yakubu Pam; former director in charge of NCPC, Esther Kwaghe and former Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Enoch Duchi , during a visit by the former Ambassador to NCPC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, at the weekend.

BY ABU NMODU, Minna

The rector of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Dr Abubakar Abdul Dzukogi has laid foundation for three projects at the sum of N584 million under 2017/2019 TETFund projects. Speaking at the occasion over the weekend , the rector stated that the three projects which would be

completed within 24 months were legacy ones. He said the projects were one storey building of a lecture theatrecomprising eight (8) lecture halls with 200 seating capacity for eachhall to be constructed at the rate of N133 million. He added that the Central Multi-Purpose Laboratory which he

described as first of its kind in the Polytechnic is to cost N172 million for its construction and to be furnished with N38 million . According to Dr Dzukogi, the Computer Based Test ( CBT) Centre would also be constructed within 6 months with 500 seating capacity at the sum of N201 million and furnished with N49 million making

the total sum of the three projects to be N583 million. He expressed satisfaction over the approval of TETFund special intervention for other projects after completion of many others in the last five years of his administration while he commended the federal government for the valuable projects executed in the institution.

BY IGHO OYOYO, Abuja

One of the leading governorship aspirants in Ondo State, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ife Oyedele, has vowed to defeat the incumbent governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, and other governorship aspirants in the forthcoming APC governorship primary scheduled for 20 July, 2020 in the state.

Oyedele, in a press briefing yesterday in Abuja on his expectations from the forth coming primary, explained that his confidence was based on the fact that the present administration under the leadership of Akeredolu has performed bellow standard, so there is the need for positive change in the state.

According to the governorship aspirant, it is a tragedy that the state has a Senior Advocate of

Nigeria (SAN) as governor and does not understand little things that could affect the lives of people positively, stressing that Ondo State needs to be transformed.

“We are not satisfied that the present governor has met our expectations, and that is very unfortunate. For example, Ondo State has an isolation centre with only 20 beds, when there are over 300 confirmed Covid -19 cases. Also, the only ventilator we have

in Akure is not working. That was why we lost the Commissioner for Health to the dreaded virus.

“Presently in the state, doctors are on strike. Ondo State is the only state in Nigeria where doctors are on strike. They have withdrawn their services even from the isolation centre and all of the patients have been discharged to go back to their homes and continue to infect the citizens of Ondo State with the virus.

Ondo 2020: Oyedele Vows To Defeat Akeredolu, Others In APC Gov’ship Primary

BY MICHAEL OCHE, Abuja

Acting managing director of NSITF, Dr. Kelly Nwagha, has said that the focus of the interim management of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is to reposition the Fund to meet its mission, core values and objectives.

Nwagha, while addressing the management and staff at the headquarters of the Fund after the team’s inauguration in Abuja, said members’ appointments were at the behest of President Muhammadu Bihari.The Fund has been engulfed in controversy over suspension of the

previous management. But Nwagha charged staff to support the new management in its quest to build confidence of employees and increase the number of enrollees into the Employee Compensation Scheme, thereby increasing the financial portfolio of the Fund.

He emphasized that the three key objectives of the Fund are the objectives that will play pivotal roles in seamlessly selling the employment injury scheme, which is focused on the prevention of workplace accidents, injuries and disabilities, rehabilitation and compensation.

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

When there is an assurance that the safety of health workers can be guaranteed in any society, effective and efficient performance can also be assured, the Executive director Rehoboth Community Advancement Initiative (RCAI) Mr Nathaniel Ciwon Abaniwo has said.

Speaking against the backdrop of

recent attack on health workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja in Kogi State, Mr Abaniwo in a statement signed by him reiterated that the safety and protection of health care workers and health care infrastructure is paramount particularly at periods of pandemic such as the Coronavirus pandemic.

Towards this end, he said, “Rehoboth Community Advancement

Initiative a front line Women and Children Centered Non-governmental Organization in Kogi State, condemn in its entirety the recent attack on the only Federal Medical Centre in Kogi State by unknown gunmen. “First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt support for all the health workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for those working tirelessly in so many other areas of

health care as well”.He emphasised that healthcare

workers, facilities and medical vehicles should never be a target of violence, and urged governments, communities and all weapon bearers to respect and protect health care workers at all times, and to contribute to creating a protective environment in which health care services can be provided safely.

COVID-19: Group Harps On Safety Of Health Workers

BY IGHO OYOYO, Abuja

The federal government said it is set to present its 2nd Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the United Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF) today ( Monday, 13th July) at 3:20pm (GMT+1).

President Muhammadu Buhari, who

was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, will be presenting the Report at the 2nd Panel session of the Forum, which is holding online for the first time this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Janet Mcdickson, Head of Communications for OSSAP-SDGs, made this known in statement yesterday, that the Nigeria’s 2020

Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on the key issues of poverty (SDG-1) and an inclusive economy (SDG-8), health and wellbeing (SDG-3), Education (SDG-4), Gender equality (SDG-5), and the enabling environment of peace and security (SDG-16), and partnerships (SDG-17).

According to the statement, this

focus is based on Nigeria’s current development priorities and the development objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“This VNR is being developed while facing huge challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic testing Nigeria’s public health systems, and of the\ collapse in oil prices, for an economy still getting 86% of public revenue from oil and gas.

FG Presents Voluntary National Review Report On SDGs To UN

No Crisis In Kaduna PDP – SarkiBY ISRAEL BULUS, KAFANCHAN

One of the vibrant youths of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), the erstwhile Deputy Director General of the Party’s Campaign Committee in 2019 general elections in Kaduna State, Comrade Danjuma Bello Sarki has reiterated that there is no crisis in the party, but a group of renegades who believe in impunity, undemocratic and unconstitutional processes.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP in an exclusive interview over the weekend in Kaduna, he said that the PDP is aware of some serial decampees who are political merchants of conflict.

He said their stock in trade is causing confusion anywhere they go and that they are the ones currently sponsored by the APC to carry out a hatchet job, aimed at destroying the PDP by casting aspersion against it and its leaders in the media and subjecting it to perpetual litigations.

He observed that the few individuals are people who don’t believe in election and have always been running away whenever there is a gathering of delegates to exercise their franchise, adding they’re used to allocating position to their cronies and are the ones making frantic efforts to destroy the party.

NSCDC Commander Tasks Kaduna Residents On Information SharingBY EKWENUGO NONYE JULIET, Kaduna

The Zone B Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ACG Pedro Awili Ediba has tasked Kaduna residents on sharing information with security agencies in order to control insecurity in their community, local government and the state in general.

Ediba made the call in Kaduna during the formal commissioning of the command Headquarters, donated by Kaduna State government and the newly constructed office of NSCDC Cooperative & Investments Society executed by the present executive officials.

The Zonal Commander disclosed that security agencies on their part are doing everything professionally possible to make the state habitable.

He said that “we will gain nothing by killing, rather it is only when we ensure peace that development will thrive”.

TETFUND Builds N584m Lecture Theatre, Others In Fed Poly Bida

13Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

COVID-19: MUSWEN Urges Nigerians To Take Responsibility

Obiakor Tasks Igbo People On Peaceful Coexistence

SMARTNEWS

14 Monday, July 13, 2020

LagosBRINGING THE SOUTH-WEST TO YOU

news

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti

The Afenifere Renewal Group(ARG), a pan Yoruba, socio –cultural organisation has called on all prominent Yoruba leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire southwest to close ranks ahead of the 2023 presidential election in the country.

The group also advocated what it called, "classical restructuring" of the country to correct the

highly entrenched lop-sidedness in all zones and ethnic groups in phases.

Addressing newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the ARG Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, said the country can't run away from restructuring, adding that it remains the best panacea for peace and unity among diverse Nigerian citizens.

"Nigeria needs to be restructured, but what we need is classical restructuring, it might

not be holistic for now. With restructuring, governance in the state will be healthier and more beneficial, the running of the states will be healthier.

"Governance under the presidential system is very powerful and costly, but with power residing in the states and local governments, things will be better. We must have a roundtable referendum to achieve this.

It is not to satisfy certain groups, it will bring geometric

progressive order, because we have not been moving at the right pace".

The socio -cultural and political body said leaders like the APC National leader , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, party's pioneer Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and the Chairman, Nigeria's Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi would be blamed if the southwest fails to clinch the presidential ticket of the party in 2023 due to unwarranted divisions.

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has charged Nigerians to take per-sonal responsibility to protect themselves against the dreaded Coronavirus, by observ-ing with every sense of seriousness, the rec-ommended preventive measures, advised by governments and ex-perts.

MUSWEN in a com-muniqué issued at the end of Webinar on, "CO-VID-19: Effects; and Muslims Responses" and made available to newsmen urged govern-ments to ensure that the health-care centres have adequate facilities to promptly handle fresh cases, while frantic ef-forts are made towards finding lasting remedy to the pandemic.

BY DUSTAN AGHEDO, LAGOS

The acting president of the newly inaugurated socio-cultural group known as "Nwanne Di Na Mba" Chief John Obiakor, has appealed to Igbo indigenes residing in Ota Area of Ogun State to ensure that they live peace-fully with the host commu-nity.

Speaking on the forma-tion of the group, acting president of the association, Chief John Obiakor said that the group was formed to form a common ground for peaceful coexistence and co-operation among the Igbos living in the area and also to extend such gesture to their host community.

Obiakor said, "This meet-ing is very important, in that when it is properly es-tablished, it will form a com-mon ground for peaceful co-existence and cooperation among the Igbos living in the area which we will also extend to the host community."

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos

The Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), has lamented job losses by clearing agents in Lagos, Ogun due to the closure of Idiroko, Seme and other land borders in the country to import and export by the federal government.

It would be recalled that the federal government had ordered the complete closure of the Nigerian borders, placing a ban on importation of cargoes through the land borders to curb smuggling of vehicles and foreign parboiled rice into the country.

Speaking to journalists in his office over the weekend, ANLCA's vice president, Kayode Farinto said the border closure had led to 1000 licensed Customs Agents out of business with 200,000 support staff out of business.

Farinto further argued that the continuous closure of the land borders doesn't create only job loss but also affected the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) that Nigeria recently signed.

He however urged the government to consider reopening of the borders for essential goods under this situation of the COVID-19 Pandemic

According to him, "I am one of those that said the issue of border closure was a necessity when it was closed but, we have closed our borders for about eight months which is not too good for the economy of the country.’’

Afenifere Tasks S'West Political Leaders On 2023 Election

Resign Or Face Impeachment, Ondo Dep Gov Tells Speaker

Your Funds Safe, Secured, Lagos Tells Intending Pilgrims

BY Y TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure

Embattled deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has asked the speaker of the state House of Assembly, David Oleyeloogun, to resign from his position or face impeachment.

Ajayi, in a statement by his media adviser, Comrade Allen Sowore, said, ‘’ His incompetence has brought the exalted parliament into

disrepute.”According to him, the

speaker's removal will go a long way to preserve the democratic gains, restore the dignity of the legislature and the principle of separation of power.

The deputy governor noted that, "the decision of the Chief judge of State, Hon justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu in respect of the illegal and fraudulent move by a section

of the Ondo State House of Assembly to impeach the State deputy governor, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi, has rekindled the confidence and hope of the people in the judiciary as a bulwark against tyranny, and totalitarianism."

He added that, "His Lordship leaves no one in doubt about the need to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and due process in modern democracy.

"The decision is a triumph for the rule of law against brigandage and anarchy. With the decision, the judiciary of Ondo State has demonstrated its independence and thus made a clear statement about its commitment to secure and sustain the principles and lofty ideals of our constitutional democracy.

BY ADENIYI ADUNOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State government has assured intending pilgrims that the funds they paid for the 2020 pilgrimage to Jerusalem was safe and secured with the state government , saying they would be

airlifted when the coast becomes clear for international travel earlier suspended over the outbreak of coronavirus.

The state's commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who disclosed this at a stakeholder’s

forum held in Lagos, said part of the challenges posed by outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease on the state's Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board was the cancellation of the April/May Easter pilgrimage.

Elegushi, noted that though the Holy pilgrimage is a spiritual

exercise, the delay in plans was part of Almighty doing and that pilgrims must keep hope alive and believe in God's timing and that airlifting of pilgrims will commence once the Holy lands open their borders for religious activities.

@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

L-R: Admin executive,ADVAN, Happiness Alabi ; executive secretary, ADVAN,Mrs Ediri Ose-Ediale ; outgoing chairman, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN),Mr Ademola Akinlabi and secretary, Electoral Committe, PJAN, Mr Kehinde Shonola at the 'Advertiser Community Support Initiative' to specific associations affected by COVID -19 hosted by Advertisers As-sociation of Nigeria in Lagos, at the weekend. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.

Clearing Agents Lament Job Losses In Lagos, Ogun

Others include Capstar Entertainment International Limited, Winners Golden Chance Lotto; EG&H Integrated Concepts Limited; Global

Ogun Students Threaten Protest Against NSCDC Over Age FalsificationBY FEMI OYEWESO, Abeokuta

Students in Ogun state yesterday threatened to mobilise members in a protest against the zonal authority at Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) should the agency fail to investigate one of its personnel, Abduljabaar Ayelagbe who allegedly lied

under oath to falsify his age in order to retain his membership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

The students, under the aegis of Joint Campus Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS) made the threat yesterday at a

press conference addressed in Abeokuta, the state capital by the NANS JCC state chairman, Comrade Bamgbose Tomiwa.

The students' bodies specifically called on the NSCDC Southwest zonal Commandant to institute a probe into the activities and involvement of Ayelagbe as the state chairman of NYCN in Ogun state chapter despite his

status as a security personnel.They maintained that as

a law enforcement officer, Ayelagbe's emergence as the chairman of NYCN, contravenes the constitution of the council, emphasising that he cannot act as the chairman of NYCN in the state and also be a personnel of the NSCDC without jeopardising the interest of the youths in

business@leadershipNGALeadership NewspapersNEWS MONEY CAPITAL MARKET INSURANCE INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

Monday, July 13, 2020

L-R: Non-executive director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Bennedikter Molokwu; company secretary/legal ad-viser, Temitope Hassan; chairman, Dangote Sugar Plc, Aliko Dangote; acting managing director, Dangote Sug-ar Plc, Ravindra Singh Singhvi; non-executive director, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN) and non-executive direc-tor, Olakunle Alake, at Annual General Meeting of Dangote Sugar Plc, in Lagos, recently.

O/N 12.1875 -2.441M 9.9519 2.643M 10.0792 1.136M 10.7990 1.20

INTER BANK LENDING RATE (AS AT MARCH 6) RATE CHANGE (%)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

With our human capital resources and an enabling environment thatwill enhance the creative talent of our youth, Nigeria

has the potential to earn over N20 billion annually from the creativeindustry.” CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele

Emefiele

FG Hands Over National Theatre To CBN, Bankers’ CommitteeBY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

The federal government yesterday handed over the National Arts The-atre, Iganmu, Lagos to the Bankers Committee to revamp for the crea-tive industry financing initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Receiving the edifice on behalf of the Bankers Committee, governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, said the country’s creative industry hub which the national heritage would become had the capacity to bring in an annual earnings of N20 billion.

According to him, “Upon comple-tion in another 18 months, this area would have transformed into Nige-ria’s creative industry centre which will be comparable to other world class entertainment and convention centers in any part of the world. This creative centre which comprises mu-sic, movie, fashion and IT can be a source of creating one million jobs.

“With our human capital resourc-es and an enabling environment that will help enhance the creative talent of our youth, Nigeria has the poten-tial to earn over N20 billion annual-ly from the creative industry.”

The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who did the handling over on be-half of the federal government, as-suring that there would be no job loss noting that the project would create 6000 jobs during the con-struction and at completion would create 600 permanent jobs and 3000 call up jobs.

Mohammed whilst noting that the National Arts Theatre which is sur-rounded by 134 hectares of fallow land would remain a national her-itage, said it would encourage per-

JUNE 11.22 11.23JULY 11.08 11.14AUG 11.02 11.23

2018 2019INFLATION RATE (%)

forming arts and create opportunities and points of socio economic devel-opment for the country.

He expressed pleasure at the re-vamping of the edifice noting that it had not been renovated in over 40 years since its inauguration as all at-tempts to renovate it had failed.

Emefiele on his part stated that the goal for the National Theatre, is to create an environment where start-

ups and existing businesses are re-warded for their creativity. Accord-ing to him, “When fully renovated, the National Theatre will be able to support skills acquisition and job creation for over one million Nige-rians over the next five years.

“These Nigerians would be em-powered with funds at single dig-its interest rate, high level training using state-of-the-art tools, and net-

works, that will enable them to turn their ideas into a reality. When they are able to achieve their objective of creating a new music product, a high-quality movie, an IT software application, or a fashionable outfit, the bankers committee will work to ensure that they are able to distribute their work on a larger scale.

Also at the handling over, Lagos State governor, Babanjide Sanwo-

olu said Lagos state would be a ma-jor beneficiary of the revamping as it would drive employment as well as the tourism sector.

Whilst commending the Presi-dent Muhammadu Buhari led gov-ernment for the initiative, he said the state government would work towards ensuring that all critical in-frastructure for the success of the project are made available before completion.

Highlights of the first phase in-clude the upgrade of the theatres (the main halls and cinema halls, conference and banquet halls, press hall and the bar); installation of new seats, upgrade of the sanitary facil-ities, installation of lifts, acoustics and specialist lightings, as well as replacement of the air conditioning, lighting and plumbing.

Phase II will involve the devel-opment of purpose-built clusters to provide world-class for Nigeria’s Creative Industry, with the clusters having four hubs: fashion, music, film, and information and technol-ogy (IT) hubs.

The creative clusters will be sup-ported by other facilities, including multi-storey parking to accommo-date 1,000 cars, a Visitors’ Welcome Centre which will house commer-cial and retail facilities, as well as administration and management of-fices.

The project is expected to be com-pleted in 18 months.

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The federal government said a series of stimulus packages have been made available to assist operators in the pri-vate sector, saying that these include a N50 billion survival funds for MSME and a N15 billion Guaranteed Uptake Scheme to save 500,000 jobs.

The minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, revealed that under some of these inter-ventions, 40 per cent of the funds would be reserved for women owned business-es.

He disclosed this during a meeting with the members of the Organised Pri-vate Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), saying his ministry will support and work close-ly with the private sector as government works to reboot the economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister gave this assurance at a virtual meeting held at the weekend attended by the president of NACCI-MA, who is also the current president

of the OPSN; Hajiya Saratu Aliyu; the president of MAN, Engr Ahmed Man-sur; president of NECA, Mr Taiwo Ad-eniyi; and the president of NASME, Sir Orimadegun Agboade.

They also discussed and agreed that the implementation of project and pro-grammes under the Economy Sustaina-bility Plan which was recently approved by National Executive Council will be in close cooperation with members of the OPSN.

The OPSN is made up of the Manu-facturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agri-culture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employ-ers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Small and Me-dium Enterprises (NASME) and Nige-rian Association of Small Scale Indus-trialists (NASSI).

Adebayo affirmed that the private sec-tor has an important role to play in the bid to restart the economy and assured the OPSN of his readiness, and that of

his ministry, to work closely with the pri-vate sector in this regard.

In her earlier statement, the president of OPSN, Hajiya Saratu Aliyu thanked the minister for the opportunity given to the private sector to present its posi-tions and requests, and called for clos-er ties between the OPSN and the min-istry especially as the country struggles to save and reboot the economy.

She said that present situation tru-ly presents an opportunity to diversify the economy and make it more self-re-liant, and steps must be taken towards that goal. Other issues discussed at the meeting were Maritime Port Reforms; Appropriate Gas pricing; Special Eco-nomic Zones and Industrial Clusters, as well as stable and regular power supply.

The meeting agreed on a quarter-ly consultative meeting of the OPSN with the minister as part of strategies to work closely with the private sector for the implementation of appropriate pol-icies across all sectors of the economy to ensure desired impact.

FG To Release N65bn Stimulus Packages For MSMES, Manufacturers

Group Business EditorJoseph Chibueze08099400168

Business Editor (Lagos)Chima Akwaja

Assistant Business EditorTony Awunor

Correspondents/Reporter

Chika IzuoraMark ItsiborBukola IdowuOlushola BelloAbah Adah

17Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng16 Monday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

Monday, July 13, 202018 NEWS/BUSINESS @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

STORIES BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Ni-geria (ABCON) has urged the federal government to suspend all increases in taxation and tar-iffs until the economy recovers from the impacts of the COV-ID-19 pandemic.

The association in its Quar-terly Economic Review report for the second quarter of the year while commending the recent decision to suspend the proposed hike in electricity tar-iff, urged that the same deci-sion should be extended to pro-posed increases in taxation and tariffs.

ABCON stressed that short-falls in the budget as a result of the suspension should be covered with COVID-19 re-lated donations. “Shortfalls

that might have emerged be-tween national budget adjust-ments and expenditures should be covered by various financial support to COVID-19 from for-eign and local contributors.

“In line with this observa-tion, all current increases in tar-iffs and taxes could be deferred until when the economy recov-ers from the effects of the pan-demic,” the Association stated.

ABCON also called for ac-tions to minimise disruptions in the food chain noting that, “The lockdown and the consequent effects have been in Nigeria for about four months now in vari-ous states of the federation.

“One of the evident conse-quences of COVID-19 crisis is the potential to trigger a food security crisis in Nigeria, with agricultural production poten-tially contracting between 2.6 per cent in an optimistic sce-

nario and up to seven per cent if there are trade blockages ac-cording to a World Bank sur-vey.

“Thus, there should be more emphasis on saving lives and protecting livelihoods through strengthening health systems and taking quick actions to minimise disruptions in food supply chains. There should also be faster implementation of social protection programs, including cash transfers, food distribution and fee waivers, to support citizens, especial-ly those working in the infor-mal sector.”

In the same vein, the as-sociation also called for a paradigm shift in the for-eign exchange market with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) focusing on to supply side management from de-mand side management.

FMDQ Exchange Admits Axxela’s N11.5bn Bond Increased Digitisation To Boost SSA’s GDP FMDQ Securities Exchange

Limited, has admitted for listing on its platform, the Axxela Fund-ing Plc N11.50 billion Series one Bond under its N50 billion Bond Programme.

In a release by FMDQ, “Axx-ela Funding Plc is a special pur-pose vehicle (SPV) incorporated by Axxela Limited to raise funds through the issuance of debt se-curities in the domestic capital market.

“Axxela Limited, owned by Helios Investment Partners, is a natural gas shipping company on the West African Gas Pipe-line, providing unique energy solutions with presence in Nige-ria and gas export operations in neighbouring West African coun-

tries.”According to the Exchange,

the critical role which debt mar-kets play in facilitating sustain-able growth and development cannot be over-emphasised.

“The Nigeria debt market cap-ital (DCM) plays an important role in the efficient mobilisation and allocation of resources in the economy and despite the impact of the current times, the mar-ket has continued to effectively support corporates looking to ex-pand their business operations.

“It is in this regard that FMDQ Holdings Plc in its role as a mar-ket organiser of the Nigerian DCM, amongst others, has con-tinued to provide stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market with

a credible and robust platform for capital access, risk management and transfer of value.”

It added that the admittance of the Axxela bond is testament to the opportunities which the DCM avails to corporates in di-verse business areas and further, to the potential of the market to support stakeholders effectively even as they carry on their activ-ities in the face of the pandemic.

It noted further that the Axxe-la bond, by its listing on FMDQ, shall be admitted onto the FMDQ Daily Quotations List, saying that this will promote the much-needed transparency for investors and providing a credi-ble basis for portfolio valuation daily.

Equities Market Sheds 0.12% W-o-W

Union Bank Gives Out N15m In ‘Rise Challenge’ To Grow Network

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Trading activities on the Nige-ria equities market ended last week on a negative note with the market performance indi-cators dropping 0.12 per cent week-on-week (W-o-W), amid sell pressure as investors await weak first half (H1) 2020 earn-ings results.

The bears sustained strong hold of market’s activities de-spite two down days amid five trading sessions in the week un-der review. Market breadth also maintained negative stance last week as ratio retain negative posit in almost all the trading sessions last week.

Consequently, the NSE All-

Share Index (NSE) declined by 29.76 points or 0.12 per cent week-on-week to 24,306.36 points. Accordingly, market cap-italisation fell to N12.680 trillion as investors lost N16 billion.

Amid sustained bearish sen-timent, most of the sub-sec-tor gauges closed negatively, save NSE Banking index which rose by 5.85 per cent to close at 283.19 points. The NSE Con-sumer Goods index, NSE In-dustrial index, NSE Insurance index and the NSE Oil and Gas index fell by 3.96 per cent, 2.13 per cent, 0.73 per cent and 0.67 per cent respectively to 413.75 points, 1,094.31 points, 125.69 points and 194.89 points respec-tively.

Market breadth for the week was negative as 25 equities ap-preciated in price, 33 equities de-preciated in price, while 105 eq-uities remained unchanged. Red Star Express led the gainers ta-ble by 18.52 per cent to close at N3.52, per share. PZ Cussons Nigeria followed with a gain of 15.38 per cent to close at N4.50, while Sterling Bank went up by 13.04 per cent to close to N1.30, per share.

On the other side, Custodi-an Investment led the decliners table by 10.91 per cent to close at N4.90, per share. Conoil fol-lowed with a loss of 10.00 per cent to close at N18.90 and Beta Glass declined by 9.95 per cent to close at N61.55, per share.

Union Bank has said it would continue to expand its agency banking network to complement its operations as it said it had giv-en out N15 million to Nigerians who have risen above the chal-lenges of the COVID-19 pan-demic by being innovative.

Speaking with journalist dur-ing an online press conference at the weekend, spokesperson of Union Bank, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said the bank asides the support through the donation to Coalition against

Covid-19 (CACOVID) amongst others had looked at ways to make impact by supporting the everyday customers.

She said the bank had ear-ly last month launched the Rise Challenge which aims to cele-brate Nigerians who have risen above the COVID-19 challenge to support their immediate envi-ronment and become innovative.

Ekezie-Ekaidem explained, “We launched the rise chal-lenge about five weeks ago and it has been popular and success-

ful across online channels. We received nearly 1200 entries of people who were doing great things within their communities.

“Every week we selected 10 of those stories and rewarded them with N250,000 and we had 40 winner over four week which is a total of N10 million. She noted that because there were so many great stories that the bank want-ed to acknowledge, “We then had a pick of honorable men-tions where we also highlighted 50 other stories.”

Economists at the African Depart-ment of the International Mone-tary Fund (IMF) has said expand-ing internet access in sub-Saharan Africa by an extra 10 per cent of the population could increase real per capita Gross Domestic Prod-uct (GDP) growth by one to four percentage points.

According to Preya Sharma and Martha Tesfaye Woldemi-chael, co-authors of the analyt-ical chapter for the IMF Eco-nomic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, in a region where infra-structure is often lacking, digital technologies offer ways to break down or leap over barriers.

Woldemichael noted that hav-ing used the deployment of sub-marine cables as a natural ex-periment to identify the causal impact of digitalisation on eco-nomic growth, “we find that a one percentage point increase in internet penetration in the region can raise per capita GDP growth by up to 0.4 percentage points.

“We also conducted a firm level analysis, and from that the sales of businesses that use dig-ital communications are almost three times higher than many us-ers. So from an economic poli-cy perspective, there are poten-tial gains from digitalisation.

“First digitalisation is help-ing to accelerate financial de-velopment and inclusion, since sub-Saharan Africa, the spread of mobile money has improved access to finance, it has opened up the financial sector to popu-lations that were previously ex-cluded.

“Digitalisation has also the potential to improve govern-ment spending efficiency. And this is because digital tools such as biometric technology or dig-ital ID can be used to better tar-get public benefits and services. And this also helps limit leakag-es related to fraud or corruption.

STOCK INDEX (AS AT JULY 10)

Symbols CP % changeLivestock 0.56 9.80Intbrew 3.85 6.94Vitafoam 5.33 5.13Glaxosmith 4.80 4.35UCap 2.70 3.85

Symbols CP % changeABCTrans 0.51 -8.93Regalins 0.22 -8.33Aiico 0.90 -4.26Transcorp 0.65 -2.99UBA 6.25 -2.34

Gainers Losers

STOCK INDEX (AS AT JULY 10)ASI (Points) ....................................................................................................24,306.36DEALS (Numbers) .........................................................................................3,044VOLUME (Numbers million) ......................................................................131.631VALUE (Nbillion) ..........................................................................................N899.491CAP (Ntrn) ...................................................................................................N12.680

ABCON Urges FG To Suspend Taxes, Tariffs Increase

Shareholders of Dangote Sug-ar Refinery Plc have approved a total cash dividend of N13.2 billion for the year ended De-cember 31, 2019. The share-holders gave their approval at the Company’s 14th Annual General Meeting held by vir-tual meeting in Lagos.

The dividend represents N1.10 for every ordinary share of 50 kobo each held in the company for the year end-

ed December 31, 2019. Speaking at the AGM, the

chairman of Dangote Sugar, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that “Despite the challeng-ing business environment and the intense competition witnessed by the industry in the year 2019, the company posted a Group turnover of N161.1 billion, a 7.1 per cent increase over N150.4 billion in 2018.

“A profit before tax of N29.8 billion, a profit after tax of N22.4 billion. Earn-ings per share increased to N1.87kobo against N1.85, a 1.1 per cent increase over 2018. EBITDA decreased to N35.6 billion, with EBITDA margin of 22.1 per cent, a 5.4 per cent decrease compared to the N37.6 billion with EBIT-DA margin of 25 per cent achieved in 2018.”

Dangote Sugar Shareholders Approve N13.2bn Dividend For 2019

L-R: Wang Qiongyu of CRCC and executive secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, during the negotiation meeting between the federal government and CRCC for the construction of the Ibadan Inland Dry Port, in Abuja, recently.

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Previous winners of star prizes in the Bag of Goodies national con-sumer promo Season one by Dangote Cement

Plc in 2019 have expressed huge excitement over the approach-ing Season two version, which is billed to take off nationwide this month.

The star winners, among the 40 lucky individuals across Ni-geria who were each presented with a brand new saloon car for their wins in the Season one pro-mo, also commended the cement manufacturing giant and its chair-man, Aliko Dangote for transform-ing their lives for participating in a promo unveiled to improve the lives of 21 million citizens through various prizes won.

Some of the enthusiastic win-ners, who were contacted by tele-phone, recalled how their wins in the past promo enhanced their good fortunes, hailed the sinceri-ty of Dangote in handing over the cars to them, and urged Nigerians to participate in the Season 2 pro-mo.

They insisted that the 2019 con-sumer promo was credible, real and a life-changing experience, and expressed willingness to ac-tively participate in the new Bag of Goodies 2020 Season two promo.

The first star (car) prize win-ner in Season one promo, Abra-ka, Delta State-based cement re-tailer, Benjamin Igherighe in a phone interview endorsed the pro-mo, saying it is real and credible. The cement dealer urged the pub-lic to take advantage of the promo

Bag Of Goodies Promo: Dangote Cement Commits To Transforming Consumers’ Lives

Dangote Cement is the best in the coun-try. The product is second to none in the country. The com-pany takes care of its consumers and ensure they ben-efit from its generosity all the time.

Dangote

to buy cement for their building projects and at the same time stand a chance of winning life-changing prizes from Dangote Cement.

Benjamin said the car has changed his life and business. “People stop me on the road to make inquiries about cement sup-ply and then place orders. It has become a marketing tool which at-tracts attention and increased sales for me. The branded car has made me an ambassador of Dangote Cement and I keep telling people that the company stands for qual-ity, durability and trust,” he added.

Commending Dangote Ce-ment, he stated that the company is known for doing great things such as giving out trucks to customers, therefore, customers and consum-ers of cement products should be confident that the promo is real and take advantage of the season to win prizes.

Elated 64-year-old Bricklayer, Mr Iyowun Ezekiel from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, who also won a brand-new Star Prize of a GAC saloon car in Season 1, expressed joy at the phone call, and narrat-ed how his prize has changed his life forever, courtesy of the Dan-gote Cement promo.

The artisan, who said his status has been elevated with the win, noted that the promo is real and Nigerians should participate in the new season two. He said many of his clients have switched to Dan-gote Cement product, which he in-sisted is the only brand he uses at his various project sites.

He also thanked Aliko Dangote, who he described as a humane per-son with the welfare of Nigerians in his heart. Iyowun, who proud-

ly described himself as a Dangote Cement ambassador, pledged to participate in the Season two pro-mo to enable him win another star prize among other prizes.

Another Season one star-prize winner from Onitsha, Anambra State, Mrs Ugochukwu Joy was ecstatic when called on phone and kept asking when is Season two kicking off. She said the promo is real, adding that by God’s grace she is expecting to emerge as star prize winner again. According to her, the promo is real and trans-parent as Dangote Cement ensured that the prizes got to the real win-ners.

She added that the car prize has changed her life and status as peo-ple see her as a brand ambassador of Dangote Cement which opens doors and attracts favour towards her. According to her, the car has made movement easy and aided her family’s daily activities.

She endorsed the promo, ask-ing the public not to relent but pur-chase Dangote Cement for their projects while at the same time getting the chance of winning life changing prizes.

A contractor in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr Awojobi Olusegun, who also won a star prize in season one said the car has added 100 per cent value to his life, business, and his family, and brought more clients to his business. He said since he won the car he has become well respected in his society.

“People who were not interest-ed in transacting business with me are now doing so because of the branded Dangote Cement car prize. God has used Dangote to save me and family. I want to

use this opportunity to thank Al-haji Aliko Dangote and the entire management of Dangote Cement for giving me opportunity to own a car. I will like to participate in any of their promo in the future.”

He encouraged people to con-tinue to patronise Dangote Ce-ment, describing it as one of the best brands in Africa. “Dangote Cement is the best in the country. The product is second to none in the country. The company takes care of its consumers and ensure they benefit from its generosity all the time. Dangote products remain the best,” he added.

Under the new promo tagged Dangote Bag of Goodies Season two, 1,000 Nigerians are expected to win a star prize of one million naira each over a promo period of 16 weeks, among other available prizes of tricycles, refrigerators, television sets, generators, Good-ies packs, smaller monetary priz-es and airtime.

Dangote Cement Plc is Sub-Sa-haran Africa’s largest cement pro-ducer with an installed capacity of 45.6Mta capacity across 10 Afri-can countries and operates a fully integrated “quarry-to-customer” business with activities covering manufacturing, sales and distribu-tion of cement.

Dangote Cement has a long-term credit rating of AA+ by GCR and Aa2.ng by Moody’s due to its market leading position, signifi-cant operational scale and strong financial profile evidenced by the Company’s robust operating and net profit margins relative to re-gional and global peers, adequate working capital, satisfactory cash-flow and low leverage.

BUSINESS/INDUSTRY 19Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

20 NATIONAL NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Two pregnant Covid-19 patients have been delivered of their babies at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

The first delivery was a spontaneous vertex delivery to a baby boy while the

second was delivery by elective caesarian section to a baby girl.

The Head of Department, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UPTH, Prof Ngozi Orazulike, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt at the weekend, said the deliveries were on July 9, 2020 and July 10, 2020, respectively.

Orazulike, who described the deliveries as first of its kind in the history of the hospital, said the mothers and their babies were doing well and will continue to be on the management of Covid-19.

The statement reads in part: “History was made in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital on the

9th and 10th of July 2020 respectively as we delivered our first two pregnant COVID-19 positive women successfully.

“The first delivery was a Spontaneous Vertex Delivery to a baby boy while the second was delivery by Elective Caesarian Section also to a beautiful baby girl.

“Mothers and babies are doing well and continue to be on management for Covid-19.

“Special thanks to our Departmental Infectious Disease Team of Dr Victory Oputa (the lead surgeon), Dr Ozah (the assistant surgeon) and Dr Inya who took the vaginal delivery.

NYCN Seeks Establishment Of Commission For Small Arms

Ize-Iyamu Unveils Online Campaign Programmes

COVID-19: Charity Group Donates Palliatives To Wards In Benue

COVID-19: Yobe Okays 10% Tax Reduction

2 Pregnant COVID-19 Patients Delivered Of Babies In UPTH

Obaseki Assures Of Policies To Reduce Inequality, Promote Inclusive Growth

Boko Haram Demands N20m Ransom From 75-yr-old Blind IDP

Chairman,Society for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Prevention (SFAFP), Iliyasu Gash-inbaki (left) and Board member/ former president of ANAN, Mr Anthony Nzom, at a press conference on the need for forensic accountants by African governments , during SFAFP’s 4th induction ceremony in Abuja, at the weekend.

As part of measures to cushion the effect of coronavirus pandemic, the

Yobe State of Internal Revenue Service Board has approved 10 per cent

Tax relief on all tax assessments for 2019 (outstanding) and 2020.

A statement signed by the Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Board, Rakiya T. Muktar, said the reduction is with effect from 30th September 2020.

She said only individuals and enterprises that paid within stipulated time will

enjoy the tax relief.Muktar said, “On the

18th of June 2020, Yobe State House of Assembly Committee on Finance & Appropriation, in consultation with the Ministry of Budget & Planning and the State

Board of Internal Revenuereduced the expected

revenue from all individuals & enterprises in the State by 10% as relief to cushion the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

She, however, appealed to the Media, Civil Society

Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to sensitize the Taxpayers on the Structure of the Tax compliance relief programme between now and the commencement date so as to take advantage of the reduction.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state government will continue to prioritise policies aimed at reducing inequality and engendering inclusive growth.

Obaseki, who said this in commemoration of the World Population Day, marked every July 11, noted that his administration will strengthen policy frameworks and implement innovative

solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable development.

According to him, “In commemoration of the World Population Day, we will continue to ensure implementation of policies which favour healthy population growth for economic development and social cohesion. On a day like this, it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating practices that threaten

vulnerable groups especially women and girls as the world is confronting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Noting that this year’s theme for the day, safeguarding sexual and reproductive health needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said it was imperative for all stakeholders to work together to check against practices that threaten

women and girls.The governor said that the state

government has undertaken a number of initiatives to ensure pregnant women continue to have access to affordable, accessible healthcare services, as Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state are fully equipped to continue to provide essential services despite the challenges of COVID-19.

He added that the

state government is also strengthening implementation of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) law to deal with perpetrators of all forms of violence against vulnerable persons and groups, noting that work is in progress with key consultants in domesticating a Sex Offenders Register, as part of the government’s stance against rape and other forms of gender-based violence.

BY FRANCIS OKOYE, Maiduguri

A 75-year-old blind internally displaced person (IDP) at the CAN Centre IDP Camp Maiduguri, Mr. Jato Ndarfa has been asked to pay N20 million ransom by suspected Boko Haram terrorists before his daughterand

niece abducted by the insurgents could regain freedom.

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP yesterday in Maiduguri, Mr. Ndarfa said his daughter, Lami Jato, a 25 year old graduate of Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education Maiduguri and

his niece, Renita Bitrus were abducted by the suspected Boko Haram terrorists two weeks ago alongside a tractor driver while in farm at Tungushe village in Magumeri local government area of Borno State.

Tungushe which is along Maiduguri- Monguno road is 15km

from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

He said when the terrorists made contact through the phone number of the abducted niece, they demanded N20 million ransom for the release of the two women and the tractor driver from their custody.

Speaking in an

emotion laden tone with tears running down his cheeks, Mr Ndarfa said he has appealed to the Boko Haram terrorists to show mercy to him and release his daughter and niece, stressing that as an old 75- year blind IDP living in an IDPs camp shanty, there is no way for him to raise the N20 million ransom .

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has called for the urgent passage of the bill seeking the establishment of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

A communique made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja, jointly signed the president, NYCN, Mr Isah Abubakar and its director programmes, Engr Labaran Abubakar, said after an extraordinary deliberation the council identified the proliferation of small arms as one of the main causes of insecurity and killings in the country.

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edo State governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has announced the commencement of an online series on his campaign manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, to be streamed daily across his social media accounts starting Monday, 13th of July.

In a statement released by Mr. John Mayaki, the director of communication and media of his Campaign Organisation, Ize-Iyamu described the daily streaming as an open conversation that will outline his manifesto to the people of Edo State, particularly the youths, and a part of the campaign’s adaptations to accommodate the changes occasioned by the coronavirus disease.

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, MAKURDI

In a move to fight community transmission of COVID-19 in Benue State, the United Purpose through Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) has donated 276 improved customized hand washing buckets and soaps to all the Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the 23 local government areas of the state.

The state technical officer, United Purpose, Mr Shadrach Guusu, during the handing over of the Items to the state executive secretary, Primary HealthCare Board, Dr. Bem Agenda, informed that the gesture is to nip in the bud community transmission of COVID-19 through improved sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour.

BY DANJUMA JOSEPH Lafia.

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule has said that the proposed Centre for Research and Disease Control in Lafia, would be commissioned soon.

Governor Sule stated this at the weekend when he visited

the centre to inspect the level of work done.

The governor who expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the project, said in no distant time the centre would be put to use.

He said the multibillion naira project which was conceived during the tenure

of the immediate past governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has been successfully completed during the present administration, adding that soon the centre will be furnished and put to use.

According to him, as a research centre, facilities to be installed therein would

be of help for researchers to conduct their services during outbreak of diseases unhindered.

He said already some organisations have indicated interest to partner with the state government to operate at the center to address problems, such as Lassa Fever,

Malaria, Ebola, Coronavirus, among other diseases.

Governor Sule who expressed his administration’s concern for the health need of the people, assured that his leadership will continue to accord priority attention to the provision of health facilities in the state.

Nasarawa Disease Control Centre To Take Off Soon – Gov Sule

Oyo Dares FG Over Cancellation Of 2020 WASSCE Exam

Beneficiaries Of OPM Scholarship Scheme Get Letters

Edo: Newly Recruited TVET Teachers ‘II Boost Technical Education – Osagie

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

Despite federal government’s decision on reopening of schools and conducting the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the Senior Secondary School 3 students, Oyo State government has insisted that schools in the state would remain open and also conduct the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate examination.

The federal government had ealier stated that students would not participate in the examination due to the increase in the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu had declared that schools should remain closed for the safety of the students.

BY ONYEANUNA ONYEDIKACHI, Abuja

Joy and excitements rented the air as 78 beneficiaries of the study abroad scholarship scheme, fully financed by the Port Harcourt faith-based outfit; Omega Power Ministry (OPM) received their admission letters.

The event which was held at the residence of the general overseer of the ministry, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere saw another ten lucky people picked for all expense paid Work and Live in Poland scheme.

The Clergy, while addressing them said he derived joy spending on education because its the best legacy to bequeath for the younger ones and a surest way to avert poverty.

The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s newly recruited teachers have strengthened the state’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme as part of strategy to build a vibrant workforce to drive the state’s industrial growth.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, in a statement, said the state government has pursued a wholistic strategy to revamping the education sector in the last three years and seven months that has seen to the development of the critical sectors of the education sector.

According to him, “We have ensured that there is harmony between government and teachers through a well-intentioned programme to build their capacities to respond to the challenges of the 21st century”.

Troops Rescue 5 Kidnap Victims, Recover 714 Animals From Bandits

NCPC Scribe Tasks Plateau Leaders On Unity

COVID-19: 67 Patients Discharged In Oyo As Kwara Records 71 Fresh Cases

Ondo 2020: APC Kicks Against Aspirants Dictating Mode Of Primary

Corruption In APC, Cause Of Nigeria’s Poverty Status – PDP

L-R: Front Row: Coor-dinator, Coalition of Northern Group, Ka-duna State, Comrade Sa’adu Bako; chair-man, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna Chapter, Comrade Ad-amu Yusuf; national coordinator, Coaliton of Northern Group, Com-rade Balarabe Rufai and national director, Action Mobilization, Comrade Aminu Adam, during a familiarisation visit to NUJ secretariat in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA ABIOLA.

BY TARKAA DAVID, Abuja

Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI during an aggressive clearance operations killed scores of bandits, rescued five kidnap victims and 714 animals in Sokoto and Zamfara States.The coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche in a statement said the troops had on 11 July 2020, following credible intelligence that armed bandits rustled unconfirmed number of cows around Daki Takwas and

Tashar Kuturu in Anka and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State, tactically deployed to the scene and engaged the armed bandits in gun battle.

He said the troops overwhelmed the recalcitrant bandits and neutralised an undisclosed number while others escaped with gun shots wounds.

The troops recovered 302 rustled cows and 412 sheep,one empty magazine and 5 mobile phones.

He added that efforts are ongoing to hand over the rustled animals to

the owners.In another development,he said

the troops rescued three kidnapped victims in Isa LGA while two others were rescued at Yayi village in Sabon Birni LGA, both of Sokoto State.

The coordinator said upon interrogation, it was revealed the victims were kidnapped on 1st June 2020, adding that the victims have been handed over to the Sokoto State government.

Furthermore on 10 July 2020, while troops were on patrol, they arrested

five members of Yan Sakai group and a gun fabricator along Maga- Kyabu-Tadurga village road.

They also recovered one motorcycle, 10 dane guns, one catarpult and one knife, one saw,16 plugs, one axe and 3 mobile phones.

Following these successes,the Military High Command commended the troops for their dedication and unwavering commitment and urged them to remain committed and sustain the onslaught against the enemies of the nation.

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

The executive secretary of Nigeria Christians Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam has urged Plateau politicians, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to close ranks and forge a common front for the unity and development of the state.

Pam who disclosed this at the weekend in Jos during a reception in his honour as the new ES of NCPC said, “Without unity, the people will be divided and unable to achieve the collective goals of the people on the Plateau.”

The new NCPC ES said he felt humbled to be appointed

BY TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo state chapter has described as inconceivable that aspirants would dictate to the party which mode of primary election to adopt.

The party, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Alex Kalejaye on Sunday, noted that it’s the prerogative of the national secretariat to decide which of the modes spelt out in the party constitution should be adopted for each state at any

point in time.According to him, “For the

sake of emphasis, the party’s constitution approved three modes of primaries to select its candidates for an election: direct, indirect and consensus. Any of these could be chosen at random,

depending on the discretion of the supervising authority.”

Kalejaye further disclosed that,” The supervising authority in this regard is the Governor Mai- Mala Bunni-led Caretaker Committee, saddled with the responsibility to decide the

option for Ondo State 2020”. “The State is disturbed at

inflammatory statements credited to some of the aspirants especially those laden with threats to ensure that the state chapter is brought down where the wish is not granted”.

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday alleged that the unbridled treasury looting and extortion by the cabal in the Buhari-led Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are directly responsible for the excruciating poverty and escalated insecurity suffered by Nigerians in

the last five years.The PDP stated that the

grandstanding by the Buhari Presidency in response to revelations of abuses and sleazes emanating from the investigation of the suspended acting chairman of the APC-controlled Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, exposed the desperate attempt by a cabal to

delink certain of its officials from indictment in the saga.

A statement by the national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, added that the recent revelations of widespread treasury looting, including the alleged allocation of billions of stolen money to certain top government officials, have also exposed the hypocrisy of the APC

and how its leaders are mercilessly plundering the economy while abandoning citizens to a life of squalor.

“The picture is becoming clearer on how APC leaders, in the last five years, siphoned and pocketed over N14 trillion from various government agencies, meant for the development of the nation and the welfare of Nigerians”.

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin with agency report

Sixty-seven COVID-19 patients were on Saturday discharged from the Oyo State Isolation Centre after receiving their second negative test results.

Gov. Seyi Makinde, who announced this through his

official Twitter handle on Sunday, said the figure raised the number of discharged cases in the state to 992.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State government said 71 more people have tested positive to Coronavirus, bringing the total of confirmed cases in the state to 382.

The chief press secretary to the state governor and spokesman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin.

Among the people that tested positive are some aides of the state deputy governor and chairman of the state

technical committee on coronavirus.

The deputy governor’s aides have been admitted at COVID- 19/ Infectious Diseases Centre, Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin.

The deputy governor, Kayode Alabi disclosed this in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday.

despite several names that were taken before President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration for the job.

Pam, however, assured President Buhari that he would reposition the

commission and deliver on the assignment that would make the Commission a rallying point for all Nigerians.

He also called on his Berom kinsmen to appreciate Governor

Simon Lalong for nominating him for the position, who was supported by the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd).

According to him, “Henceforth, churches

will be encouraged to see NCPC as their own and encouraged to sponsor their members on Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land instead of relying on the government to sponsor them”.

NATIONAL NEWS 21Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

22 NATIONAL NEWS Monday, July 13, 2020

BY JAIYEOLA ANDREWS, Gombe

Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya has vowed to massively develop the state through the provision of needed infrastructures.

The governor made the

vow, when he inspected the ongoing Nayi Nawa-

Wuro Shi’e- Bye-pass road project in the Gombe metropolis.

While addressing some community leaders and residents of the area, the governor restated

his administration’s commitments towards providing access roads and other development projects to all nooks and crannies of the state.

Besides expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Yahaya equally

called on the residents of the benefitting communities to cooperate with the contractors handling the project.

Meanwhile, in a bid to put an end to what he described as reckless destruction of the state’s forest through illegal exportation of firewood,

charcoal and timber to markets within and outside the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has directed the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Justice to expedite action on the ongoing review of the state’s Forest Resources Laws.

COVID-19: Al-Hikmah Varsity VC Advocates Online Teaching

Anambra 2021: My Gov’ship Ambition Not A Do-Or-Die Affair – Ozigbo

Niger State Rated Best In Rural Roads Rehabilitation

Gombe Gov Vows To Massively Develop State

Refugee Commission Distributes Food Items, Others In 11 States

Kogi Govt Warns Residents Against Blockage Of Drainages

L-R: Innovator, Omsans Consolidated Services Ltd, Mr John Shuaibu; anchor/executive producer, Money Line with Nancy on AIT, Nancy Iloh; host speaker, Hon. Bimbo Daramola; chef at Vii Bistro Restaurant, Ifedayo Ogunshola and project coordinator ,Project 60:60:60, Dr. Agboola Adewale,at the Nigeria’s 60th Indepen-dence Anniversary Entrepreneurs Pre-Boot Camp Conversation, organized by Project 60:60:60 in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Developing partners involved in the coordination, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of rural road networks under the second Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP-2) have rated the government of Niger State as the best in terms of the implementation of the project, declaring that the state was now

among the best in terms of “procurement, safeguards, financial management and technical experience to manage rural roads.”

In a letter of commendation addressed to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the development partners noted that a total of 176 km of roads has been rehabilitated in the state while another 404 km

are under rehabilitation, in addition to 29 river crossings, consisting of culverts and bridges that have also have been constructed.

The letter of commendation which was jointly signed by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri and the Country Director

of French Development Agency for Nigeria Mr.Pascal Grangereau said the roads rehabilitated and river crossings constructed provide all-weather access for over 120 communities with an estimated population of 342,00 people in the state.

It said the scheme has impacted on many communities in the areas

of easy access to health facilities, increased schools enrollment, reduced transport costs and improved the living standard of the rural dwellers economically and socially. “The cost of transportation has reduced by 40 percent along project road corridors while post- harvest loss is reported to have dropped by 30 percent,” the letter said.

BY BLESSING BATURE, Abuja

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), under the leadership of Honourable Federal Commissioner, Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed is set to distribute another set of food items, clothes, academic

materials, agricultural facilities and palliatives in 11 more states.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity of the Commission, Sadiq Abdullateef, yesterday the beneficiary states are; Kwara, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kaduna,

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Plateau states.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioner shortly before the departure of the officials to the respective states, the head of IDPs at the comission, Hajiya Fatima Mamman Daura said, in line with its mandate of ensuring continuous welfare

for Persons of Concern (POCs) in the country, the commission is set for another disbursement of food items, clothes and palliatives to 11 more states.

She further added that, the commission is totally concerned about the plight of displaced persons in the country especially during this time of rain and they will continue to

provide the neccessary facilities and amenities for the POCs to ensure a safer and better living.

Also speaking, the head of refugees at the commission, Dahiru Bagiwa added that, since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Mohammed has embarked on an aspiring task of making life better for the POCs.

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

With the onset of rainy season, Kogi State government yesterday appealed to residents of the state to stop the habit of dumping refuse in waterways to mitigate flood disaster.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Victor Omofaiye, made the call after monitoring some ongoing reconstruction of drainages in Lokoja, the seat of power.

He said the attitude of some persons are inimical to free flow of water through the drainages and has become worrisome. He expressed concern over dumping of refuse in water channels, and urged the residents to desist

from such act forthwith to prevent avoidable flooding.

“In some cases even where dustbins are kept very conspicuous enough to dump waste inside, some other persons have the courage to splash the waste around the footage

of the bins with reckless abandon. “Such lacadasical attitude by some people only affects the immediate environment and in view of the present pandemic ravaging the earth, one has to take precaution to control avoidable diseases”, he said.

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

The outgoing Vice-chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Taofeek Ibrahim, has advised the federal government to encourage online teaching and learning in the nation’s tertiary institutions during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

This, he said, will ensure uninterrupted academic calendars at the various higher institutions in the country.

Ibrahim who spoke at a media parley organised by the Correspondents Chapel of Kwara State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in Ilorin said that Al-Hikmah University’s academic programmes were not affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that the institution had run online courses and organized examinations for its students online.

“Our academic programmes are not affected by COVID- 19. We run online courses as if students are on campus and examinations were conducted, using our ICT infrastructure, e.g, zoom and WhatsApp platforms, backed up with voice note. It yielded positively for us”, he said.

BY OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka

A governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has stated that his governorship ambition is not a do or die affair.

He told newsmen at the Anambra State PDP Secretariat in Awka, the state capital weekend that he would be ready to support any othercandidate of the party if he did not clinch the ticket.

The ex-boss of the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) however stated that he possessed the capacity to transform Anambra State to an enviable status in the eyes of other states in the country.

Before arriving the PDP state Secretariat, Mr. Ozigbo had distributed assorted food items and cash to 35 orphanage and elderly homes, as well as association of those living with sickle cell anaemia and physically challenged in Anambra State at Geogold Hotel, Awka.

The food items included, 10 bags of rice, cartons of Gino brand of tomatoe paste, Soya milk, which he distributed to each of the 35 homes. He also gave N20,000 to each of the homes.

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

Kwara State has officially been designated a test centre for COVID-19 pandemic by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The chairman of the state’s medical advisory on COVID-19, Dr Femi Oladiji has disclosed.

Oladiji said that the NCDC has approved the automated GeneXpert laboratory, which is stationed at the COVID-19/Infectious Diseases Centre Alagbado Ilorin, which is now fully functional. Another COVID-19 molecular and research laboratory is proposed at the Harmony

Advanced Diagnostic Centre which will utilise Reverse transcription and PCR in real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). “The GeneXpert machine has been accredited by the NCDC and is now officially functional in Kwara State.

“A review to assess the

diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert found that when used as an initial test, it had pooled sensitivity of 89% and

specificity of 99% compared to sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 99% for RT-qPCR at standard formats.

The GeneXpert tests will let us make quicker decisions

about whether to quarantine or isolate individuals who show up with or without potential symptoms related to COVID-19.

Hospital management staff will also be able to make rapid decisions about the best way to use resources, such as respiratory equipment.

Kwara Gets NCDC Certification For COVID-19 Test

Monday, June 13, 2020 ISSUES 23@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

Tinubu And The Latter-Day NostradamusBY TUNDE RAHMAN

Some people never learn but I will tender to them a word of sound advice in hope that some degree of civility and good sense will find its way to them. It is not wise to continuously pass judgment on a person or to repeatedly predict a person’s demise, politically or otherwise. Worst, are those who lurk in the shadows to pass calumny and stir falsehood against someone because you believe that person may one day seek the same high office you so irrationally and desperately covet. The same measure you use shall ultimately be weighed against you and you shall be found lacking.

Political carpetbaggers and their hired mercenaries have strained and tugged so hard to paint recent developments within the All Progressives Congress to be what they are not. With the legal disputes regarding the national chairmanship, the party was certainly going through a rough patch. However, we know much of that turbulence was due to the covert machinations of a troubled minority in the party that wanted to take over the party leadership. Since they did not have the requisite popularity within the party, they tried to do through the court what they could not achieve through the workings of internal democracy. They learned this tack from their former mentor Atiku Abubakar who used the same ruse to try to grab though specious legal argument what President Muhammadu Buhari handily won through the democratic ballot. Victor Giadom would never have laid claim to the APC chairmanship if not that certain figures were instigating his actions from their lairs in the shadows. He was not really an independent leadership figure. He was but the improvised explosive device of those who paid him to do their destructive work so that they may seem to keep their hands clean. Their motives were still soiled and sordid.

The turmoil this minority caused indeed was hurting the party. The president waited patiently hoping matters would be resolved. However, when it became clear that the usurpers

would not stop, he wisely determined to put an end to their penchant for confusion.

The action taken at the recent NEC meeting placed the party on an even keel. Victor Giadom gloatingly waltzed into the meeting thinking himself chairman of the party. He was escorted out before the meeting ended. The court cases were to end. The party was to stand united behind the Edo primary winner, Osagie Ise-Iyamu. A caretaker committee comprised of leading and highly respected party members was formed to guide the party through elections in Edo and Ondo states and to schedule a national convention in 6 months.

The minority usurpers were denied the core of what they had been plotting to achieve. Party leadership was moved as far from their hands as ever. They reacted predictably by vainly depicting this as a setback for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But Asiwaju’s statement on the matter set the record straight. If this were a defeat, it is one of those defeats so advantageous as to be indistinguishable from victory. In their dissections of events, some writers have, however, attached themselves to the empty conjecture and propaganda of the anti-party usurpers.

Posturing as latter-day Nostradamus, these people are not trying to predict what will be; they are predicting what their sponsors want to happen. They see only what they and their biases have been financed to see. What they claim to be their crystal ball are nothing but their leaden hearts and dense ambitions. They see nothing because they cannot see beyond themselves.

This brings us to the existential question: why all the furore over Tinubu? They want to rule this nation but deep down they know the nation does not really want them. They also know that their ambitions far outpace their abilities. They have no qualms in making a mash of the party because they merely view the party as a platform for their unbridled selfishness.

Tinubu on the other hand is different. He joined with President Buhari to

form this party. He sees the party as an essential institution to provide Nigerians the democratic good governance and progressive reform needed. He also established a fine track record as a creative and innovative governor, one of the nation’s best and most productive. Those who snipe at him from the shadows and through proxies know they cannot equal his resume nor do they have his knowledge and vision. Thus, they must do the only thing they have mastered in their long careers. They must seek to destroy a man who has in one way or another helped them during their times of need. While such destructive talents may seem potent in the short-term, they offer no enduring solutions to building a great nation or establishing a vibrant political party.

These people are so scared of Tinubu’s shadow that they constantly attack him although he has yet to declare an interest in the 2023 race. As such, this ambition exists only in the imagination of his enemies. Tinubu has shown himself to be clearly of a different personal constitution than these people. He does not engage in backbiting and sniping. These people do these things because it is all they now. At this juncture, with so many challenges facing us, these people should be too occupied with the daily welfare of the nation than in what might happen three years from now. Their perception of time and what is important are sorely warped. This should give the public pause as to whether they want such people to lead them.

While believing the expression and naked pursuit of any presidential ambition would be highly distasteful at the moment, Asiwaju has devoted himself to trying to assist the party and the administration. Showing a supportive relationship with President Buhari, he has offered policy suggestions and ideas during the COVID-19 crisis. Abridged versions of some of these ideas have been published to help explain to the population the need for novel approaches during this uncertain time.

While Asiwaju has devoted himself to such constructive efforts, his assailants have done nothing of the kind for they cannot offer what they do not have. What they lack is statesmanship and economic knowledge. What they have in abundance are cheap tricks, intrigues and cynical politics that speak of nothing but their individual ambitions. Such people are not of the kind that Nigeria needs, particularly now.

Tinubu has spent his time trying to better the lot of the average person during this straitened moment of global emergency. These others give not a thought to the common person. They would rather sacrifice the collective interests of all Nigerians to satisfy their thirst. Whatever you want to say about Tinubu you cannot say he has been afflicted with this malady. He has sacrificed his own ambitions more than these other men ever could.

As a last ditch effort, the usurpers and their hired columnists have tried to create some rupture between President Buhari and Tinubu. Their efforts, though creative, have not worked. They have tried to stoke the President by saying Tinubu is trying to undermine him. They have tried to stoke Tinubu by saying the President is attacking him. The two men and their political partners are wiser than the conspirators think. The President sees how hard Tinubu has worked and, I believe, knows the sincerity of Tinubu’s suggestions and recommendations. Tinubu trusts that the President is always seeking the national interests. Such a foundation cannot be destroyed by unfounded rumour and tales.

From his response to President Buhari’s intervention, Asiwaju clearly demonstrated his support. Not only did he support the decisions taken by President Buhari to restore order, he restated his unwavering belief in the Buhari administration to continue to reform this nation for the better.

This is not the response of a man bemoaning his fate. Moreover, the

APC Caretaker Committee led by Governor Mai Buni had visited Asiwaju Tinubu and former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande. During their visit, the panel thanked Asiwaju for his support of the NEC decisions. Governor Buni stated that the visit was to seek support, guidance and wise counsel for the committee’s assignment.

Those mindlessly pursuing a 2023 presidential ambition at present to the point of fomenting disunity to gain control of the party structure need therapy. They have been driven to mad obsession by their ambitions. Asiwaju has taken a different path.

In his most recent statement, Asiwaju said: “To those who have been actively bleating how the President’s actions and the NEC meeting have ended my purported 2023 ambitions, I seek your pity. I am but a mere mortal who does not enjoy the length of foresight or political wisdom you profess to have. Already, you have assigned colourful epitaphs to the 2023 death of an alleged political ambition that is not yet even born.

“At this extenuating moment with COVID-19 and its economic fallout hounding us, I cannot see as far into the distance as you…I have devoted the last few months to thinking of policies that may help the nation in the here and now. What I may or may not do 3 years hence seems too remote given present exigencies”.

In addition to thinking of policies and ideas that can help the country at present, Asiwaju, at every point, has been counseling Nigerians to stay safe by engaging in personal hygiene and embracing social distancing measures. Only in this way may we get through this moment without adding to the tragedies that have already come. Every other matter including what happens in 2023 is for the future and as such in the hands of God, not the clever devices of man.

– Rahman, former Editor Thisday on Sunday Newspaper, is Media Aide to Asiwaju Tinubu.

Examining NSCDC’s Scorecard In Five YearsBY SEGUN ADEYEMI

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, is presently an institution in a league of its own years since its emergence as one of the paramilitary institutions in Nigeria.

The NSCDC has attained series of milestones in recent times as one of the leading paramilitary institutions in the country.

However, these were made possible with the relentless effort of the Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, who has been at the helms of affairs in ensuring a smooth running of the security agency.

It is important to note that, the NSCDC, before its establishment in 2003 operated as a voluntary organization established in 1967, then as Lagos Civil Defence Committee to protect the then Federal Capital Territory of Lagos and assist victims of the civil war at the time.

Interestingly, up on till now, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp has continued to embark on reforms and training strategies, contributing to national security, while preserving and maintaining peace in

the country.Over time, the NSCDC under

the helms of Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has racked up series of accomplishments, a feat which has made NSCDC to be perceives as a top dog in paramilitary affairs.

Most recently, it was announced that the NSCDC generated a whooping N800 million in revenue. This latest achievement was because of their activities in issuing applications and licenses to Private Guard Companies.

Over 250 applications were issued to prospective Private Guard Companies as 87 were licensed by the NSCDC. The NSCDC also generated Personnel Database for Private Guard Companies and, Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Also, as one of the key players in the fight against insurgency, the Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu-led administration of the NSCDC deployed over 5,000 well-trained personnel to the north-Eastern part of Nigeria to protect IDP camps, and also help to reclaim territories annexed by the Boko-Haram sect.

Similarly, the NSCDC has carried out joint task operations with the military to curb insurgency, herdsmen attack, banditry, and a host of others.

Since the appointment of Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu as NSCDC boss, a total of 300 convictions were secured. At the moment, at least 150 inmates are serving jail terms, while over 500 are awaiting trials. These convictions come as a result of their operations in the fight against criminals engaging in illegal refineries, pipeline vandalization, oil theft and other illegal activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

The Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu-led administration also signed an MoU with the Nigerian Communication Commission in a bid to enhance telecom facilities, and to alsl upgrade security-telecom infrastructure. Following the signing of the MoU, the Commandant General ordered the deployment of Corps to all 774 local government of the country, thereby providing adequate security for NCC facilities like the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC).

The NSCDC boss Abdullahi Gana

Muhammadu also place a great premium on the welfare of the Corps.

He has the perception that “The ability of the Corps to handle its mandate can be likened to the existence of well trained and highly motivated workforce”.

Particularly, the NSCDC under Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has initiated a significant number of workshops, seminars, intensive training, and development programs both home and abroad. As a result, over 40,000 personnel has benefited from these developmental reforms.

Prompt payment of salaries and allowances as become a norm since the emergence of Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu. Provision of new kits, insurance against accident, death, and other disability during the course of duty has been a top priority.

Additionally, the activities of the Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu NSCDC led administration has not gone unnoticed as he was recently enlisted among the 20 people to be honored by the United Nations at the United Nations Public Service Awards in New York.

The NSCDC boss also bagged

an award in Geneva at the Knight of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) Award for his contribution to civil defence earning him a nomination as the Knight of the International Order of Civil Defence. The ICDO award was for his efforts in creating the Agro-Rangers initiative which over 3,000 personnel were trained to protect farmers and their investments from reoccurring criminal attacks.

Likewise, the Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu led administration at NSCDV has embarked on numerous capital projects. Some of the projects have already been completed.

The completion of six units of a three-bedroom apartment in Sauka, Abuja. Construction of an administrative complex with inbuilt cells and armory in Ebonyi command, Abakaliki; completion of an administrative complex with inbuilt cells and armory in Ogun State, and Niger State, respectively. These and many more are some of the progressive reforms of C.G Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu.

- Adeyemi is a public affairs analyst

capital THE NATION’S

N E W S A R O U N D T H E C A P I T A L C I T Y

@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ngw

Monday, July 13, 202024

Insecurity: Danze Charges Vigilantes To Unearth Bad ElementsBY BLESSING BATURE

Chairman of Gwagwalada area council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze has tasked members of the vigillan-te group in the area to per-form their duties with ut-most sincerity and diligence in order to fish out bad ele-ments within the communi-ties of the area council.

Speaking at the week-end during a meeting with members of the vigilante groups across the 10 po-litical wards of the area, Danze explained that gov-ernment’s topmost re-sponsibility is to protect lives and properties of the citizens.

The council chairman, who is also the ALGON chairman for the FCT not-ed that the measure is inline with the recent federal gov-ernment’s emphasis on the need for community polic-ing to curtail crime rate in the society.

FCTA Accuses Consultants Of Frustrating IGR Collection

COVID-19: FCT Health Secretary Tests Negative, Leaves Isolation Centre

Reps Member Decries Marginalisation Of FCT Indigenes

Some of the 72 Nigerian evacuees from Lebanon upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at the weekend.29 of them are Nigerian girls working as domestic staff who had since wanted to return home, including Temitope Arowolo and Peace Busari who were put up for sale in Lebanon.

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has accused revenue consultants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of frustrating the collection of Internally Generating Revenue (IGR) in the territory.

Director, Outdoors Advertisement and Signages (DOAS), Dr Babagana Adam, who made the accusation in an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, described illegal revenue consultants as pickpockets that distract the attention of

residents while short changing the administration.

“ I call those revenue consultants that are not legal as pickpockets. They will put their hands into your pocket and take everything. That is how the revenue consultants have been short changing the FCT administration.”

Gana debunked a report that the administration is having a running battle with the FCT area councils in terms of revenue collection, even as he explained that DOAS is the sole agency charged with the responsibility of collecting revenues on outdoor

advertisement and signages in the FCT, adding that there is a sharing formula on how the revenues generated would be shared between the FCTA and the area councils.

He disclosed that because of the understanding existing between his office and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in revenue collection that DOAS had been given three offices in AMAC secretariat, which is under the supervision of DOAS director and the chief revenue officer in AMAC.

According to him, “DOAS is not

having any misunderstanding with the FCT area councils. DOAS is only having perceived conflicts generated by the revenue consultants who are aggrieved of what they are not doing before for the past 10 to 30 years”.

Some of them have been living fat on the problems they created between the area council, DOAS and the FCT administration. Let me prove to you that DOAS has gotten a desk in the office of the chief revenue officer of AMAC, Mr. Danlami Awaje. We were given a number of staff from AMAC to work with.”

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

Acting secretary for Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Mohammed Kawu has been discharged from the Asokoro District Hospital, where he received treatment for COVID-19 after testing negative to the virus.

In a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Kawu revealed that he has been declared free from the coronavirus, adding that he had moderate to severe symptoms.

It would be recalled that the acting secretary had announced two weeks ago that he and some members of his family had contracted the disease.

According to him, “I developed

chest infection, so I had to be on antibiotics for some days. But thank God, I and members of my family do not have the symptoms again and we have been discharged from the isolation centre.”

He added that the final tests conducted on the family members returned negative, which prompted their discharge, just as he warned against stigmatising victims of the

disease.“Even me, I was not spared. I heard

that people around the neighborhood where I live were spreading the news in fear. So, we need to really work on the stigma issue. It is important that everyone follows all the extant guidelines of hand washing or sanitising, maintaining social distance, wearing of facial covering and staying at home”, he added.

BY IGHO OYOYO

A lawmaker representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Micah Jiba has decried the continuous exclusion of indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in federal appointments.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Jiba noted the recent omission of FCT slot in the composition and

nomination of 11 judges in the FCT as well as the exclusion of FCT from the list of career ambassadors.

He pointed out that the FCT indigenes have paid their dues more than some other indigenes from other states of the federation, adding that the indigenes are not fairly treated, despite the sacrifices of giving out their ancestral lands as contribution to nation building.

The lawmaker called on the federal government to find lasting solution to the continuous marginalisation of the people of FCT, even as he appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to follow the principles of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in his appointments.

“We are peace loving people who have never resisted the development of the territory. So, we

are appealing to President Buhari to as matter of urgency, come to our aid by giving us what rightfully belong to us. We have witnessed influx of people from other states to the FCT and people are still coming”.

“So, we are demanding that the President should nominate FCT citizen among the FCT judges. He should also nominate a career ambassador and

a minister from the FCT to avoid constitutional breach,” he said.

He described the FCT as part of the north central states, adding that the people should benefit from those things other northern states are benefiting from, even as he pointed out that President Buhari has been giving attention to states in the north central without considering that FCT is part of the north.

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

Minister of the Federal Cap-ital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has enjoined health profession-als in the territory to collab-orate with each other to de-feat the COVI-19 pandemic.

Speaking when a delega-tion from the Pharmaceuti-cal Society of Nigeria (PSN), FCT branch, paid him a cour-tesy visit, Bello commended the good work of the health workers in the FCT, for their efforts at combating the coronavirus, even as he re-minded them that the attain-ment of success against the disease is dependent on the various health professionals working together in synergy.

The minister noted that the successes recorded in the FCT were hinged on the collaborative efforts of the various health profession-als working closely and col-laborating with each other, just as he urged them to con-tinue to function as a unified team in the fight against CO-VID-19.

Minister Seeks Better Synergy To End COVID-19

Monday , July 13, 2020 OPINION 25@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

BY OSIGWE AHMED MOMOH

In the wake of the gestapo-like arrest of Nigerian Instagram sensation Raymond Igbalode popularly known as Hushpuppi in the United Arab Emirates, several well-meaning observers had asked as to whether the Nigerian investigative agencies were complacent; in that the individual in question was well reputed to flaunt his seemingly illicitly acquired wealth on the social media and in social gatherings in Nigeria. Certainly, Nigerians know that there are several of these ‘Hushpuppies’ who seem to wake up into overnight opulence.

In light of the fact that every Nigerian is thoroughly covered and protected with the Presumption of Innocence as constitutionally enshrined, one therefore wonders if the government, based solely on mere suspicion and bereft of any supporting evidence whatsoever, can institute a legal proceeding against anyone with seemingly

questionable wealth? In other words, can the government premised on the fact that an individual is immersed in obscene opulence and inexplicably luxury, institute a criminal proceeding? to use the words of Sen. Dino Melaye; should the government investigate the source of people’s wealth and not the source of their poverty? Without doubt, the last question is not deserving of an answer, but I’ll painstakingly attempt the answer the earlier one raised.

According to the 9th Edition of the Black’s Law Dictionary, ‘’presumption of innocence is the fundamental criminal law principle that a person may not be convicted of a crime unless the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, without any burden placed on the accused to prove innocence.”

This sacred legal principle has been firmly planted in Sec 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to

be innocent until he is proved guilty” this seemingly simplistic provision is perhaps the bedrock of criminal law and guides not just criminal trials but quasi criminal trials in common law jurisdictions.

In C.O.P v. AMUTA (2017) LPELR-41386(SC) the highly cerebral Justice Ogunbiyi, expertly espoused this constitutional provision to wit; “The constitutional provision on the presumption of innocence of an accused person is sacrosanct and settled. The burden is always on the prosecution to prove the guilt of the accused and not his business to prove his innocence. He can decide to keep mute from beginning of the trial right through to the end. It is for the prosecution to make out a prima facie case against the accused through credible evidence which must be laid bare before the Court. It is the proof of hard facts that would lead to the conviction of the accused. Without any case made out against the accused, he cannot be called upon to enter his defense because in doing otherwise would undermine the constitutional presumption of innocence’’.

It is settled that everyone is presumed innocent, and you cannot arrest and try anyone on the basis of mere suspicion neither can you force anyone to defend themselves or prove their innocence, afterall he that asserts must prove! In SHUAIBU v. STATE (2018) LPELR-45023(CA) the Court of Appeal re-echoed the time-tested principles when it held that ‘suspicion no matter how strong cannot replace legal proof.’

However, IT MUST BE NOTED that the doctrine and principle of

presumption of innocence does not extend to property right; it is only a person that is presumed innocent and not his chattel, real estate, money etc. As complex and obfuscating as this may seem, it is actually very simply and easy discernable. In the next few paragraphs, I shall further attempt to clarify this legal position.

Since we have firmly established

that everyone is deemed innocent, and mere suspicion no matter how pungent they may seem, can never replace evidence; one then wonders how the law enforcement agencies can muscle up the courage to prosecute individuals that provocatively display glaringly illicit opulence yet no shred of evidence can be used to prosecute such fellow.

If an individual who has no job or viable business suddenly begins to display stupendous luxury and flaunts his wealth on social media, does that individual still enjoy the presumption of innocence? Everyone with a functional brain knows that money does not fall from the sky, should the individual then be prosecuted for the mere fact that he was once broke but now he is inexplicably rich?

The answer to the preceding paragraph is yes and no. As at the last check, it is still not a crime to become rich overnight, neither does an individual have an obligation to publicly declare his assets save for specific instances.

We shall continue this discussion by reproducing Section 18(3) EFCC ACT which is impari materia with Section 15 of the Advance Fee Fraud (and other Fraud Related Offences) Act 2006.

‘ In any trial for an offence under this Act, the fact that an accused person is in possession of pecuniary resources or property for which he cannot satisfactorily account and which is disproportionate to his know sources of income, or that he had at or about the time of the alleged offence obtained an accretion to his pecuniary resources or property for which he cannot satisfactorily account, MAY BE PROVED and may be taken into consideration by the Court as corroborating the testimony of any witness in the trial’. (emphasis mine) Simply put, this section tends to suggest that the mere fact that an individual has inexplicable funds can be proof that he has illegitimate or corrupt money. This provision seems to conflict directly with the

constitution, in that an individual is invariably asked to explain his wealth or better put defend his innocence.

This Section appears to place the burden of proof on the accused, andthe mere facts that he has pecuniary resources that he cannot satisfactorily account for may be proof that he has committed a crime.

It is difficult to accept that this provision does not intend to erode the sacred provision of the constitution, and for clarity an certainty sake, ‘any law that is in conflict with the constitution is basically null and void, to the extent of its inconsistency see Section 1(3) of the 1999 Const (as Amended).

This must have been the reasoning of the appellate court in FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V. DR. OLUBUKOLA ABUBAKAR SARAKI (2017) LPELR-43392(CA), where the court held that ‘The Burden Of Proving ‘All’ Elements of the offence still rests on the prosecution in conformity with the accusatorial criminal justice system the country operates. (Emphasis mine), the standard of prove is that beyond reasonable doubt, the prosecution must prove ALL elements of the

offence and the Defendant need not say a single word to prove his innocence’.

The great advantage of this section to the state would be in terms of corroborating already existing evidence, therefore if and when there is already evidence or a witness against a suspect, the fact that the suspect has questionable resources would corroborate the already existing evidence.

Since every Nigerian is deemed innocent and cannot be forced to defend his innocence regardless of the extent of suspicion, and since, criminals and conmen are especially skilled in burying links and traces of their crimes, one now wonders how prosecutors can based solely on common sense, round up persons who cannot satisfactorily explain their resources. The solution to

this legal issue and the exception to the doctrine of presumption of innocence, has been thoroughly codified in Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and (Other Fraud Related Offences) Act 2006.

With this provision, the law enforcement agents can base on the mere facts that anyone has either money or money’s worth way above his ostensible means, apply to high court seeking a temporal forfeiture order. Now if the court grants this order the defendant now has the duty to go to the court to show course, in other words, prove that indeed that property was not gotten from illicit or criminal activities, failure of which the properties would be seized and confiscated. Permit me again to reproduce the section for better understating;

17.(1) Where any property has come into the possession of any officer of the Commission as unclaimed property or any unclaimed property is found by any officer of the Commission to be in the possession of any other person, body corporate or financial institution or any property in the possession of any person, body corporate or financial institution is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful

activity under this Act, the Money Laundering Act of 2004, the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act of 2004 or any other law enforceable under the Economic and Financial Crime Commission Act of 2004, the High Court shall upon application made by the Commission, its officers, or any other person authorized by it and upon being reasonably satisfied that such property is an unclaimed property or proceeds of unlawful activity under the Acts stated in this subsection make an order that the property or the proceeds from the sale of such property be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Momoh is an Abuja based lawyer, writer and public commentator

Hushpuppism: An Exception To Presumption Of Innocence

Why Sector Reforms Must Be Given Necessary ImpetusBY FESTUS AKINDE GERALD

Reform is the engine that drives economic growth. Nigeria, conscious of this fact has successfully carried out reforms in several critical sectors including telecoms, ports, and pensions. Reforms are necessary where services and development in the various sectors are not being provided at optimal levels making it necessary for the private sector to come in and engender competition.

In Nigeria today, there are a number of sectors needing urgent reforms, but this paper will focus on 2 sectors: health and education.

It is no longer news today that access to healthcare in Nigeria is poor. Hospitals are full of patients waiting agonizingly to be attended to, with few doctors to attend to them. The lack of affordability of healthcare services means that the poor sometimes have to rely on attracting sympathy from well-meaning citizens to assist them in paying for treatment.

Therefore, if the sector is reformed by the government, with the right policies and framework put in place, there will be a positive change in the delivery of healthcare services to Nigerians.

The reform of the health sector will improve the availability, accessibility, efficiency, quality and affordability of healthcare services, by expanding the coverage of healthcare services and implementing initiatives which will fundamentally transform healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

Additional benefits of the reform include: updated and expanded medical facilities and research centres through Public Private Partnership and job opportunities for graduate doctors; while Nigerians in the Diaspora will have the opportunity to bring back their knowledge and expertise to Nigeria; and the concomitant expertise that should be attracted to Nigerian hospitals will curtail capital flight as Nigerians will no longer need to travel abroad for medical attention.

In the same vein, it is apt to reform the education system in Nigeria which is the bedrock of life. Education is the right of the child. But in Nigeria, so many children of school age, especially in Northern Nigeria are out of school. It is common knowledge in the country that the basic educational facilities are lacking especially in government owned schools, even as unmotivated teachers in these public schools engage in marketing their personal wares in the school environment in order to make ends meet. As staaid earlier, these schools are bereft of modern facilities and textbooks and where the books are available, most of the students can neither read nor write. Yet, these students are expected to sit for the National Common Entrance, WAEC, NECO and JAMB Examinations and other forms of qualifying examinations with their counterparts from private schools.

Under these circumstances, it is difficult for these children from public schools to measure up with

their peers from private schools, thus, not being able to move higher in their educational pursuit! What therefore, does the future hold for such children?

As presently obtains in public schools, the Federal Government contributes towards improving the education system at the primary level by engaging the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and its counterpart in each State to engage service providers (contractors) to provide educational materials (books) and infrastructure (classrooms renovations). However, this is not well implemented.

Private schools provide state of the art teaching aids, classrooms for the pupils/students and embrace the use of information technologically in providing quality education. The teachers are paid comfortable or living salaries but the irony is that these schools are largely for the rich. As long as the problems in the education system are not addressed, the educational disparity between public and

private schools will continue to widen.

The government must therefore carry out urgent reforms in the sector to correct the imbalance in public and private schools and to enable Nigerian students compete favourably with their counterparts in private schools and other climes.

Expectedly, reforms in the education sector will bring in aggressive private sector participation in funding and investment while freeing the government from spending on the sector and focusing on other areas of needs.

Agreed, reforms create pains at the beginning but in the long run, the citizens stand to benefit more as evidenced by the successful reform of the telecoms sector.

There is therefore, no time to waste now but for the Federal Government to give the necessary impetus to the reform of these critical sectors.

- Gerald is an Abuja- based public affairs analyst

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ADESOLAI Formerly known and addressed

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ABASHEI formerly known as SUNDAY ABASHE WILLIAMS now wish to be known and addressed as ABASHE WILLIAMS ADO All former document remain valid. general public take note.

MIKAILUI formerly known and addressed as MIKAILU ABUBAKAR now wish to be known and addressed as MIKAILU GARBA. All documents bearing former name remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to take note.

ISAHI formerly known and called as ISAH SADIQ DADA. Now wish to be known and called as ISAH SADIQ ONIMISI. Former documents remain valid. GT bank PLC and general public to take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMEThis is to confirm that BASIRU S. IBRAHIM and IBRAHIM BASIRU SIRAJ with 26/4/1989 as date of birth refers to one and the same person who now prefers to be known as IBRAHIM SIRAJ BASIRU with actual date of birth as 1/1/1989.. general public take note.

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CORRECTION OF NAMEI formerly known as UMERIE

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CONFIRMATION OF NAMEThis is to inform the public that, I DR OTOKITI OLUWAKEMI ELIZABETH is one and same person as DR AWOJUMOBI-OTOKITI OLUWAKEMI ELIZABETH, I now wish to be known and addressed as DR AWOJUMOBI-OTOKITI OLUWAKEMI ELIZABETH. All documents remains Valid . LUTH, NPMCN, MDCN, CMUL, IPPIS and The General public take note.

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ELIZABETHI formally known as ELIZABETH SHAGAYA AMINU now wish to be called and addressed as ELIZABETH SHAGAYA, and that my Date of Birth is 24-5-1989 not 1-5-1988 all former document remain valid. The general public should take note.

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OKPALLAI formerly known as OKPALLA IKENNA FERDINAND now wish to be known and addressed as OKPALLA FRIDAY FERDINAND All former document remain valid. general public take note.

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NYIEKAAI formerly known as NYIEKAA IORAORKWAGH now wish to be known and addressed as NYIEKAA BONIFACE IORAORKWAGH. My correct date of birth is 11/9/1995 not 12/2/1993. All former document remain valid. All authorities concerned. general public take note.

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EMMANUELI formerly known as EMMANUEL ONYINYECHI BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONYINYECHI GIFT All former document remain valid. general public take note.

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USMANI formerly known and called as SHAIBU SABDAT OYIZA. Now wish to be known and called as USMAN SABDAT OYIZA. Former documents remain valid. UBA / Unity bank PLC and general public to take note.

ADDITIONAL OF NAMEI formerly known as AISHA MAGAJI now wish to be known and addressed as AISHA MAGAJI STEPHEN All former document remain valid. general public take note.

YUSUFI formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR RABI MARYAM now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF RABI. My date of birth is 16/5/1969 not 10/6/1970. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

USMANI formerly known as KABIRU MOHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN MAAJI All former document remain valid. general public take note.

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ADAMUI formerly known as MUSA RAKIYA. DATE OF BIRTH 01/01/1984. now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU RAKIYA DATE OF BIRTH 01/01/1993 All former document remain valid. general public take note.

USMANDuring my BVN registration. I used names as USMAN JOY. Now wish to be known and called as USMAN OMENEKE JOY. Former documents remain valid. Union bank PLC and general public to take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMEThis is to confirm that SANI ABUBAKARA and ABUBAKAR HARUNA with date of birth as 12/6/1992 refer to one and the same person who now prefers to be known as SANI ABUBAKAR with actual date of birth as 5/8/1999. general public take note.

SULEIMANI formerly known as SULEIMAN HAMIZA ADAYIZA now wish to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN HAMZA OTUOZE and that my actual Date of Birth is :15/3/1986 All former document remain valid. general public take note.

AYILARAI formerly known as ABDUL

RASAQ ABIBAT now wish to be known and addressed as AYILARA ABIBAT KEJI That my correct date of birth is 27/ March 1993, not 27/ March 1994 All former document remain valid. general public

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MARKI formerly known as NUHU NOAH MARK now wish to be known and addressed as MARK NOAH All former document remain valid. general public take note.

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OSITAI formerly known as OSCAR

FREDRICK now wish to be known and addressed as OSITA FREDRICK.Old Dob.12.1.1983. New dob 1.1.1986. All former document remain valid. general public take note.

CELINAI formerly known as CELINA OSSAN now wish to be known and addressed as CELINA MOSES All former document remain valid. general public take note.

STELLAI formerly known as JUDITH

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ALAKANI formerly known as ALAKAN TAIWO KUDIRAT now wish to be known and addressed as ALAKAN TAIWO CHRISTANA OLD DATE OF BIRTH 17/06/1963. NEW 17 6 1964 All former document remain valid. general public take note.

AWESOMEI formerly known as OBINNA

CHARLES IHEKWOABA now wish to be known and addressed as AWESOME WOW CHINEDUM All former document remain valid. general public take note.

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as OWOLABI BALIKIS ABIOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as OLOHUNGBO BALIKIS ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

BALAI formerly known as BALA

MAIGORO SHUAIBU DASHAL now wish to be known an addressed as BALA SHUAIBU MAIGORO an my real date of birth is 1/2/1999 all former documents remain valid.Authority concerned an

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ANZAKUI formerly known as AMEVIE

ISAAC now wish to be known and addressed as ANZAKU, PETER ISAAC All former document remain valid. That management of Access Bank and general public should take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAMEThis is to notify the general public that KACHINA NGUEVESE JOYCE and KACHINA JOYCE are one and the same person. But wish to be known and address as MRS JOYCE NGUEVESE TSAFA. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and the general public should pls take note.

NATHANIELI formerly known as ABALAKA

OGWU now wish to be known and addressed as NATHANIEL OGWU DATE OF BIRTH IS 23rd November, 1985 not 23rd november 1982. All former document remain valid. general public

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HYACINTHI formerly known as HYCENT MARK now wish to be known and addressed as HYACINTH AGBO MARK All former document remain valid. general public take note.

SOLACE I, ADENEYE DANIEL

ADEOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as SOLACE DANIEL ADEOLUWA. Please note that all my documents carrying the old name as appeared above still remain valid. General

public take note.

SAMA’ILAI, formerly known as

SAMA’ILA BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMA’ILA SULEIMAN All former document remain valid. General public take note.

SUNDAYI formerly known as

ABDULLAHI SAIDETU now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY SAIDETU All former document remain valid. general public take note.

MUHAMMADI formerly known as ANAS MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMAD, ANAS All former document remain valid. general public take note.

GRACEI formerly known as GRACE

ONYEJONCHI ABRAHAM now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE ABRAHAM All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ZULKIBILU I fomerly known as IBRAHIM YAHAYA ZULKIBILU now wish to known and addressed as ZULKIBILU YAHAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take notea

YAKUBUI formerly known as ADAMU

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VERONICAI formerly known as

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ADANNAI formerly known as

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EZEI formerly known as ANI PEACE ONYINYE now wish to be known and addressed as EZE PEACE ONYINYE All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ADAMUI formerly known as HALADU

CIBI KWALA now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU IDRIS YAHAYA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ADIEI formerly known as

TESTIMONY ALORYE ADIE now wish to be known and addressed as ADIE ANNA ALORYE All former document remain valid. general public take note.

OBIAKORI formerly known as OKORIE GETRUDE OKECHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as OBIAKOR PATRICIA OKECHINYERE All former document remain valid. general public take note.

RIDWANI formerly known as

ABUBAKAR ABDULMALIK now wish to be known and addressed as RIDWAN ABDULLAHI All former document remain valid. general public take note.

INNOCENTI formerly known as GRACE

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MGBEJUMEI formerly known as EDWIN JERRY now wish to be known and addressed as MGBEJUME JERRY GODSTIME All former document remain valid. general public take note.

IKECHUKWUI formerly known as OFFIA

ANGELA IFEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU ANGELA IFEOMA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

EKEHI formerly known as NWIGWE NGOZI NNEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as EKEH NGOZI NNEOMA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

BALARABEI formerly known as GAMBO

UMAR BALARABE now wish to be known and addressed as BALARABE UMAR All former document remain valid. general public take note.

JAMESI formerly known and

addressed as BALA MAGDALENE now wish to be known and address as JAMES MAGDALENE. All former documents remain valid. Keystone Bank and the general public to note.

FATIMAI formerly known as MUNKAILA

HANNATU now wish to be known an addressed as FATIMA ADAMU MAISAMARI an my real date of birth is 1/1/1988 all former documents remain valid. Authority concerned an general

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UNEKWUI formerly known as MISS UNEKWU EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UNEKWU SAMSON All former document remain valid. general public take note.

HAGGAII formerly known as HAGGAI

KYUNE GEORGE now wish to be known and addressed as HAGGAI ALKALI All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ABAGII formerly known as MISS DAVIS, LUCY INYANG now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABAGI LUCY JAMES. Date Of Married - 9th May, 2015. All former document remain valid. general public take note.

MUHAMMADI formerly known as

MAHMUD SHEHU now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMAD SHEHU All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ANIEKEI formerly known as UDEM CHRISTIAN ANIEKE now wish to be known and addressed as ANIEKE UDEM CHRISTIAN All former document remain valid. general public take note.

REARRANGEMENT OF NAMESI formerly known as NGOZI

ASSUMPTA ABAECHETA NWOSU now wish to be known and addressed as ASSUMPTA NGOZI ABAECHETA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

KOKOI formerly known as KOKO

FELIX now wish to be known and addressed as KOKO FELIX TERHEMEN. DOB-15/07/1998 All former document remain valid. general public take note.

HEZEKIAHI formerly known as FASASI YEKINI now which to be known. and a address as HEZEKIAH JAMES UBAGBO all former documents remain valid Gtb and general public take note.

RUTHI formerly known as JENEBU

RUTH ABUBAKAR now wish to be known and addressed as RUTH EZEKIEL All former document remain valid. general public take note.

SALIFUI formerly known as AJUMA SALIFU now wish to be known and addressed as SALIFU HAWA AJUMA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

HALIMATI formerly known as

HALIMAT ABUBAKAR now wish to be known and addressed as HALIMAT KAS YAHAYA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ABDULHADII formerly known as ABDULHADI SANI IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULHADI SANI. My former D.O.B is 22/5/1985 And my new D.O.B is on 22\5/1989. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MURJAI formerly known as MURJA

ZAHARADDEN now wish to be known and addressed as MURJA IBRAHIM All former document remain valid. BANK NIBSS general public take note.

MUHAMMEDI formerly known as HARUNA

AISHA 01/01/1983 now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED AISHA ABDULKARIM 15/02/1987 All former document remain valid. general public take note.

GEORGEI formerly known as GEORGE GARATY now wish to be known and addressed as GEORGE NWULIA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

KARIMAI formerly known as FATIMA

SANI now wish to be known and addressed as KARIMA YA’U DOB-25-January-2001 All former document remain valid. Access Bank general public take note.

ITODOI formerly known as ITODO

TABITHA DORCAS now wish to be known and addressed as ITODO TABITHA All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ADEGBITEI formerly known and addressed as WAHAB ROFIAT TEMITOPE now wishes to be known and addressed as ADEGBITE ROFIAT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

AGHEDOI formerly known as IRHEZAEN

OMOLEGHO COMFORT now wish to be known and addressed as AGHEDO OMONIGHO COMFORT All former document remain valid. general public take note.

ABEDNEGOI formerly known as

POLYCARP TIMOTHY now wish to be known and addressed as ABEDNEGO TIMOTHY GEORGE All former document remain valid.

general public take note.

MOHAMMEDI formally known as ABUBAKAR

MUHAMMED of Unguwar madaki Bajoga Funakaye L G, Gombe state. Wish to be Called and Addressed as MOHAMMED BELLO ABUBAKAR. All Documents remain Valid U. B. A and DIAMOND Banks Authority Concern Pls.

All former document remain valid. general public take note.

JOSHUAI formerly known and called

as KEHINDE RUTH AVOSUAHI. Now wish to be known and called as JOSHUA RUTH AVOSUAHI. My date of birth is 3/3/1985 not 3/3/1973. All former

document remain valid. general public take note.

SPACE FOR SALE

SPACE FOR SALE

SPACE FOR SALE

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MAWUH GLOBAL SOLUTIONS ORGANIZATION CAC/IT/NO 134911

This is to inform the general public that the above name organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC Abuja for CHANGE of its trustees under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matter Act No.1 of 1990

OLD TRUSTEES ARE 1.NZEGWU IKECHUKWU CHIKE -Removed 2.SAMA SYLVEINUS -Retained

NEW TRUSTEES ARE SAMA SYLVEINUS -Retained 2.BATEY,OBEN WILLIAM -Appointed

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

Any objections should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate Affairs commission,Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: T.O.TEKE ESQ. (Legal Officer Mawuh)

08141740714

ASSOCIATION OF TRADEMARK, PATENT, DESIGN AND EXPATRIATE AGENTS OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Blessing Ekerue 2. Chinedu J. Michael 3. Dr. Ike Christopher Obioma

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To establish an association to promote collaboration and encourage professionalism among trademarks, design, patent and expatriate agents in Nigeria.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BLESSING EKERUE

AHANI IN DIASPORA ASSOCIATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to

the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1 IBEKWE- OKORIE PEACE 2 IMACHUKWU CHRISTIAN NNAEMEKA 3 CHIJIOKE SUNNY ONYENAUCHEYA AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. PROMOTE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE, UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONGST US 2. ORGANIZE AND BRING TOGETHER ALL INDIGENES OF AHANI ACHI IN THE DIASPORA 3. ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BENEFIT OUR MEMBERS AND RENDER ASSISTANCE WHENEVER POSSIBLE 4. INVEST IN ANY VENTURE THAT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR COMMUNITY AND RESTORE IT TO PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS 5. FOSTER AND PROMOTE THE EDUCATION OF AHANI SONS AND DAUGHTERS

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: POPOOLA YEMISI GRACE

LOSS OF ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENTThis is to inform the general public of the

LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL COPY OF RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY ( R of O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT 726 SITUATED AT IDU, ABUJA - FCT WITH FILE NO. MISC. 13811 ISSUED BY ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AGIS) BELONGING TO PW NIGERIA LIMITED. All efforts made to trace the above - mentioned document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. This publication is for record purpose. Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the general public to note.

WIDOW’S MITE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL DALLAS

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) OKORIE OKORO AGU. (2) COMER RANDALL STUART (3) PETERS LAMI ESTHER. (4) ROBINSON SHARNETT LANAA DESHA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO EMPOWER WINDOWS TO BE SELF-RELIANT, ELIMINATE IGNORANCE ON DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES AND IMPROVE WELLBEING OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS IN THE SOCIETY.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

UPLIFTING YOUTHS THROUGH AGRICULTURE CENTER CAC/IT/NO:90423

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization, has applied for removal and addition of Trustees to the Corporate Affairs Commission, under part “c” of companies and allied matters Act. 1990.

OLD TRUSTEES: 1. MRS AFOMA CLARA ADIGWE (PRESIDENT) - RETAINED 2. MR. MUHAMMED BALA ADAMU (MEMBER) - RETAINED 3. MR. EJIKE CHRISTIAN OBIOKO (MEMBER) - RETAINED 4. MR . EDWARD CHINYEM OKELEKE (MEMBER) - RETAINED 5. Mr. RICHIE NNAMDI ADIGWE (MEMBER) - RETAINED

REMOVED TRUSTEES: 1. OGBONNA EMMANUEL AZUIKPE - REMOVED 2. LORETTA NGOZI NWAJE – REMOVED 3. NANTIYA CHEARJEEN AYENI – REMOVED 4. MELVIN IKECHUKWU ADIGWE - REMOVED 5. GABRIEL AKPAMGBO ODII - REMOVED

NEW TRUSTEES: 1. PROF. ADESOJI ADESUGBA (VICE PRESIDENT) - APPOINTED 2. DR. RISLANUDEEN MUHAMMAD (VICE PRESIDENT) - APPOINTED 3. DR . COLLINS CHIBUEZE OBIOHA (VICE PRESIDENT) - APPOINTED 4. MR .DOTUN ISRAEL (TREASURER) - APPOINTED 5. MR. IYKE DONATUS OKOLO (SECRETARY) - APPOINTED

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED MANAGEMENT

FOCCUS FELLOWSHIP INT’L This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate

Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. MICHAEL ADELOYE ADEBAMOWO 2. OYERINDE SOLOMON OLUTAYO 3. HENRY ADEKEYE. IJIDAKINRO 4. SIMEON OLAFIMIHAN OLANIPEKUN 5. DEBORAH AJIBOLA AYORINDE. 6. AKINTADE JULIANAH OLUWAKEMI 7. MALUMI AYANFE OLUWAFEMI* 8. AKINTUNDE AKINNEYE AKIN-AKINSANYA 9. OGUNTOYINBO OLUWADAMILOLA SUNDAY AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO PROVIDE CARE,SUPPORT ,ENLIGHTENMENT AND SOUND BIBLICAL TEACHINGS AND WELFARE FOR ITS CONVERTS AND THE VULNERABLE IN THE COMMUNITIES. 2. TO PROMOTE THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: OLUFUNSHO ISAAC-OLUFUNSHO ESQ

HIS GRACE EVANGELICAL MISSIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) ABRAHAM KEMI PHEBE - CHAIRMAN (2) FAKOYA CLEMENTINA ADEOLA - SECRETARY (3) FAKOYA ADEBOLA LAWRENCE (4) ODUNSI LADIPO PAUL (5) ODUNSI ATINUKE OLUWATOYIN

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AFRICA FUTURE INNOVATION GROWTH INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ODUMADE ADELAJA EMEKA - CHAIRMAN 2. OLIVER SANTIAGO MARIA LUZ - SECRETARY 3. NWACHUKWU FUNMILAYO TOPE 4. ONUGU EMMANUEL OGAREKPE 5. MAKANJUOLA STEVEN OLUWASEGUN 6. NNAMANI CHUKWUKA CELESTINE 7. MMEDA SALA SARA TRINIDAD 8. CHINOMSO CHIOMA FAVOUR AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GOODIE OBI FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) DR. GOODLUCK CHINONYEREM OBI. (2) MRS NONYE GOODIE-OBI. AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO PROMOTE IGBO LANGUAGE AND CULTURE. (2) POVERTY ERADICATION, YOUTH AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT. (3) PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE, VALUES AND HUMANITY.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHASE TRUE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named

has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONYEIWU CYNTHIA - CHAIRMAN 2. AIZOSENOMWAN OSAGIODUWA - SECRETARY AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AL-ISLAH FOUNDATION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) SALIHU SHUAIBU (2) ABDULLAH MUHAMMAD (3) ZARIA ABUBAKAR SALIHU (4) SHU’AIBU MUHAMMAD SALIHU. AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGE MUSLIMS IN OUR SOCIETY.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

DOCTORSINSIGHT AFRICA INITIATIVEThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) MODESTUS QUEEN ADA - CHAIR PERSON. (2) SAMUEL OLUWAROTIMI WILLIAMS (3) EHIZUELEN MICHEAL MITCHELL (4) ALADELUSI TIMOTHY OLUKUNLE (5) ODII ELIJAH CHIBUEZE (6) DR. FATIMA LAWAL (7) MODESTUS JOY NNKEM - SECRETARY. AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SOPHIYA’S ESSENCE INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to

the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLADUNJOYE ARIBA - CHAIRMAN 2. EWAEN EDUN - SECRETARY AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1). TO HELP YOUNG GIRLS WHO HAVE BEEN ABUSED SEXUALLY FIND THEIR PURPOSE IN LIFE 2). TO PROVIDE A TRAUMA THERAPY, PSYCHO-EDUCATION TEACHING, PERSONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING, LIFE COACHING TO VICTIMS OF RAPE. 3). TO PROVIDE PSYCHO-SOCIAL COUNSELLING TO VICTIMS OF RAPE; REINTEGRATION OF THE VICTIMS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES AS WELL AS THEIR WELL-BEING. 4). IDENTITYING AND EDUCATING YOUNG GIRLS WHO ARE VULNERABLE AND MOST AT RISK TO BE ABUSED SEXUALLY ABOUT THEIR PURPOSES IN LIFE.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. OSUJI U. GERALDINE 08106237932

NEHEMIAH DISASTER RELIEF INITIATIVEThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1. Tonye Patrick Cole2. Susan Nwakaego Chisom3. Adeolu Adeboye4. Emmanuel Iluebe Dania5. Owanari Bobmanuel Duke AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. To provide relief materials during environmental disaster.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: MIKE IBEZIM, ESQ; SOLICITOR

28 Monday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY LAW CLASS 1999 ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1. ADULSALAM LATEEF SAKA 2. ODETA TITILAYO OYINLOLA 3. NASIRU IDRIS SHALL 4. ADASU AONDOWASE FRANCIS 5. YONGU AOR PAUL 6. UZOCHUKWU THADDEUS CHUKWUDI 7. AHMED FARI HAUWA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. FOSTER FRIENDSHIP AND CAMARADERIE AMONGST MEMBERS. 2. TO THIS END SEE TO THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 3. TO EXTEND SAME TO AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA. 4. TO IMPACT POSITIVELY IN THE SOCIETY.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. ABIADE FATURIYELE

OLORI CARES NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ASHAOLU QUEEN OLUWATOBILOBA - CHAIRMAN 2. EKERE OGECHUKWU LINDA - SECRETARY 3. UBANWA ADAOBI LAWRENCIA OBIANUJU 4. IKPEAMAEZE ANTHONY CHIZURUM

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Help and support victims of rape and domestic violence. 2. Fund and support children finding it difficult to complete their education. 3. Rehabilitation and support of mental health victims especially women suffering from narcissistic abuse.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF LOSS OF ORIGINAL CUSTOMARY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (RofO) ISSUED BY LAND, PLANNING & SURVEY DEPT. OF THE BWARI AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA. IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO 412 of ABOUT 650sqm. KUBWA EXT. 11 (RE-LOCATION), KUBWA, ABUJA, DATED 25/05/2003, SIGNED BY ISHAQ SALIHU (ZONAL MANAGER). BELONGING TO PAMELA D. HARKSON. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID MISSING DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CUSTODY CARE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above-named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied matters Act,1990. TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Alhaji Buba Babagana - Chairman 2. Mr Abdulfattah Junayd - Secretary 3. Hajia (Mrs) Fatima Babagana 4. Prof. Dugje Ibrahim Yakamba 5. Dr Mohammed Hamadina

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote the preservation of dignity, encourage self-reliance, support the livelihoods, and improve opportunities for those displaced as a result of insurgency or any other humanitarian crisis. 2. To raise national awareness on the problem of displacement and assist in advocating the rights of the IDPs and other victims of humanitarian disasters. 3. To assist every other needy in the society - such as widows, orphans etc.

Any Objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescents, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maltaima Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: ABDULFATTAH JUNAYD SECRETARY

HAUWA AYAWA FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

NAMES TRUSTEES ARE: (1) HAUWA ABUBAKAR AYAWA PRESIDENT (2) UMAR SAID BALA SECRETARY (3) ABDULLAHI ISMAIL FINANCIAL SECRETARY (4)HABIBA ABUBAKAR AYAWA ASSIST FIN SECRETARY (5)ABDLLKARIM SALISU P. R .O (6)AHMAD IBRAHIM VICE CHAIRMAN (7)RUKAIYYA ABUBAKAR AYAWA MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO ASSIST LESS PRIVILEGE AND VULNERABLE WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO ERADICT POVERTY IN THE SOCIETY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

KINGDOM BRANCHES APOSTOLIC WITNESSES This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. YAHWEH, PAUL 2. ADEWA- FABORO, ANIEKEME ANIKE 3. GBINDE, TERKIMBI DENNIS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES1.To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

RECONCILIATION CHRISTIAN CENTRE GOMBEThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES 1. CHRISTOPHER HASSAN LAIMA - CHAIRMAN 2. NAPE HUSSAINA LAIMA - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. KEFAS TANKO SULEIMAN - SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO PREACH AND TEACH THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION SO THAT MANKIND WILL NOW LIVE FOR THE ONE THAT DIED FOR THEM. 2. TO PROMOTE THE REVIVAL OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH. 3. PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION TO THE CHURCH OF GOD SO THAT TRUE UNITY WILL BE RESTORED IN THE CHURCH IN SPITE OF DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES. 4. TO PREPARE THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR THE RETURN OF THE MASTER.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ACHIEVING SOULS FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1) MRS. EKEOCHA OLABIMPE - CHAIRMAN 2) DR. EKEOCHA OBINNA ADIMEGWU - VICE CHAIRMAN 3) MS. OKO-OSI OLUWASEUN TITILAYO - TREASURER 4) ALHAJA OSIEFA MULIKAT ABEGBO - SECRETARY5) MR. OSIEFA OLUWASHOMI QUDUS6) MR. OSIEFA OLUWASANMI TESLIM 7) MR. OSI-EFA SHOLA SULAIMAN 8) MRS. OKOOSI F. TEMITOPE9) MR. OLORODE-ALLEN OLUWASEGUN OLUYOMI10) MRS. KANGE LADU REJOICE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1) TO HELP AND SUPPORT ORPHANS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE IN THE SOCIETY BY PROVIDING SHELTER, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND HELP THEM IN ACQUIRING EDUCATION AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL FACILITIES2) TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL DIGNITY OF CHILDREN/LESS PRIVILEGED AND ORGANIZING EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ATSEHE ULTIMATE SYNERGY FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1. AYANTSE JONATHAN ATSEHE - CHAIRMAN 2. AYANTSE LUBEM MARTINS - SECRETARY 3. AYANTSE ADUE COMFORT - MEMBER 4. AYANTSE MONDAY ERNEST - MEMBER 5. SHAGHER BEATRICE MKINBIR - MEMBER 6. AYANTSE CORNELIUS - MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1.TO INITIATE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMES,LIFE COACHING AND CAREER GUIDE PROGRAMMES FOR TERTIARY SCHOOL STUDENTS,SECONDARY SCHOOL,YOUNG/SCHOOL LEAVERS,DROPOUTS AND TOUTS 2.ENHANCE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND YOUTH THROUGH SKILL ACQUISION PROGRAMES

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: AYANTSE JONATHAN ATSEHE

THE BUILDER’S HOUSE MINISTRYTHIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES1. VINCENT OGIJI2. RAHILA OGIJI3. DANIEL AUDU LAAKI4. IDISIRE BITRUS HABU5. DALAPO JAMIU BELLO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: DANIEL AMOS ESQ

ADERONKE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Subuola Kujore 2. Aderonke Kujore

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To focus on empowering individuals and families across the country through various innovative programs and services particularly in the areas of national literacy and youth empowerment. 2. To render assistance in areas including but not limited to the provision of scholarships, payment of school fees and educational assistance to promising but indigent students; orphans and children of widows. 3. To motivate, mobilize and orientate youths on the importance of economic empowerment and gear them towards acquisition of entrepreneurial skills. 4. To provide relief materials and food items for orphanages and the poor in society. 5. To organize workshops, seminars, symposia on select contemporary issues and provide continuous learning to youths in order to build their self-esteem and unleash their youthful potentials. 6. To provide an avenue where youths can discover their talents through life advices, coaching and mentoring in all aspects of life. 7. To assist youths who are in need by providing vocational courses and skills acquisition schemes as would make them self-reliant and self-dependent. 8. To affiliate with other like-minded associations; civil society groups and Non-governmental organizations worldwide towards meeting the needs of the less privileged members of the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

AKAEZE IMPROVEMENT UNIONTHIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

NAME OF TRUSTEES :1. OKOR MICHAEL UZOR (CHAIRMAN).2. IGWE FRANCIS NWOSU (SECRETARY).3. EZEOKE GODWIN AJALI 4. NWAITE LINUS CHUKWU 5. OMEH LINUS CHUKWU.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To unite the people of Akaeze resident in Lagos and environs.2. To check and stop injustice and cheating of Akaeze indigenes in Lagos State and in the community as a whole.3. To promote and respect the custom and tradition of Akaeze and modernize same where necessary.4. To join hand and work together for the peace and harmony amongst ourselves and with any external or internal organ for the development of Akaeze in particular and Nigeria in general.5. To promote the educational, cultural and social development of Akaeze community.6. To mediate in conflict among members and uphold the honour and dignity of Akaeze community.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CLOUD SCHOOL INITIATIVEThis is to inform the general public that the above-named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, for incorporation under Part C of the Companies and Allied Act 1990.

TRUSTEES1. Titi Omo-Ettu2. Oye Eribake3. Lawson Olabosipo Adekoya4. Ganiyu Adesola Aderounmu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES1. To advocate for the adoption of Cloud School Management in Nigeria.2. To develop ICT-Driven technologies that will enable the adoption of Cloud School Management.3. To source for funds needed for the nation-wide adoption of Cloud School Management.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, PMB 198 Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

AL-KHYRAT ZAKAT AND SADAQAH FOUNDATIONThis is to notify the general public that the above-named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration as a Foundation under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1.Mr. Adefulu Adewale Ganiyu 2. Hon. Justice Adamson Obafemi Afis3. Mrs.Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi4. Mr. Abdul-Quadri Abdul-Razaq Tayo5. Mr. Adefulu Abdul-Rahaman Olamide

AIMS & OBJECTIVES1. To offer humanitarian help to the less privileged2. To collaborate with government and other organisations to out poverty alleviation initiatives

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

NASARAWA CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLYThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission (CAC) abuja for registration under part ‘c’ of companies allied matters act 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES1. MIKE OMERI AGBO OMERI 2. UMAR SHEHU USMAN3. UMARU GAMBO YAKUBU4. TITI MONDE5. ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM AZARA6. ABUBAKAR OBERE KANA

AIMS AND OBJCTIVES1. To engender community partnerhip with all arms of Government and international partners as the case may be, for citizen centred community development in Nasarawa State, based on the tenets of good governance, cooperation and sustainability;2. To promote the values of equity, fairness and unity among the peoples of the state at all times;3 To serve as a think tank, collate data and similar resources and to apply same in its advisory function to government and all indigines of the state irrespective of political affiliation and interests;4 To promote common brotherhood and peaceful coexistence amongst thé diverse ethnic and religious groups in the State;5.Tô carry out other lawful activities that will enhance attainment of the aims and objectives of the NCA.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420,Tigris crescent, off aguyi ironsi street, pmb 198,maitama,abuja. within 28 days of this publication.

Signed SECRETARY

7. ALIYU ISAH ABBAH 8. ZIHWOMI GUVNOR IYAKWARI 9. HALADU AKWASHIKI10. MAIJAMAA kWASAU 11. ISHAYA AKYALA12. YUSUF SANI OGAH

29Monday, July 13, 2020 @leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

LIKEMINDS SOCIETY OF ILORAThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; (1). OKETIKUN, OLATUNJI OLAYINKA - PRESIDENT. (2). OKUNLOLA, BOLARINWA MONINUOLA - TREASURER (3). OKUNLOLA. OLANREWAJU VICTOR. - SECRETARY AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1). TO FOSTER CLOSER RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MEMBERS (2). TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE WELFARE AND INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PILLAR OF GRACE AND FIRE MINISTRYThis is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied

to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. (No.1 of 1990).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PROPHET ISAAC IFEANYI 2. PASTOR ELIZABETH E. NWANKAKA 3. MRS. IFEANYI AKUNNA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel to all nations of the world. 2. To teach and train Christians to possess good Christian virtues and be upright believers, honest and dedicated in everything. 3. To promote unity among Christian and to earnestly defend the faith. 4. To carry out evangelistic missionary work in any part of Nigeria and overseas or as a branch of the Church and to make rules and regulations for the smooth running of such branches.

Any objection to the registration of the Ministry should be forwarded to: The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission CAC, 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

FENCING SPORT ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIATHE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED

SOCIETY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. ADEYINKA SAMUEL - CHAIRMAN2. PATRICIA AIYENURO 3. RACHAEL SAMUEL 4. HAASTRUP EREKOKAYE - SECRETARY

THE OBJECT OF THE FOUNDATION SHALL BE i. TO DEVELOP THE SPORT OF FENCING IN NIGERIA.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION MUST REACH THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED: DAPO OWOADE & COoffice@dapoowoadeandco.co

LOSS OF DOCUMENTThis is to inform the general public

of the loss of Right of Occupancy (R of O) in respect of Plot No. 355 Katampe District with file No. OS10307 Cadastral Zone Bo7, No. 10 Magadshu street wuse zone 4, Abuja bearing MISS ADERANKE ADEDUMOLA JOHNSON. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest police station.

THE DONNER FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to

the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1. ABIODUN OLUSEGUN OTUN. 2. KEHINDE HUSSEIN AJADI. 3. GBENGA TOKUNBO AJANA. AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO PROVIDE RELIEF AND SUPPORT TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY IN AREAS OF EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, GENERAL WELFARE; ETC. 2. TO EMBARK ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE LIVES AND LIVING STANDARDS OF PEOPLE. 3. TO PROMOTE THE ACQUISITION OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS BY CITIZENS THROUGH ORGANIZATION OF EMPOWERMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

ASSOCIATION OF A. A. U. LAW CLASS OF 2003/2004

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENEREAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED IS TAKING STEPS TO APPLY TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C’’

OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES. (1) Andrew Obakpolor (2) Paula Patience Agbale (3) Elizabeth Aiwekhoe Iyamu-Ojo (4) Clement Ighodarho Osuya (5) Theresa Okogwa (6) Augustine Nwabueze Eseagwu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1) To provide support to members of the association. (2) To promote active members involvement, encourage meaningful interaction with alumni, and participate in any activities the association might initiate from time to time. (3) To help improve the overall standard of the School through engagement, contribution and supporting of core educational policies that will make the school a world class school. (4) To promote the welfare of our members at all times; see to the overall development of our members; career improvement, family development and general improvement of the wellbeing of our members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 , TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: ADEMU DESMOND FRANCIS - LEGAL PRACTITIONER

PUBLIC NOTICEThis is to inform the general public that BINANI GLOBAL AIR

SERVICE LIMITED of 17, Atiku Abubakar Road Yola Adamawa State has applied to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) For grant of Air Transport License (ATL) to operate schedule and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services within Nigeria and outside Nigeria

BOARD OF DIRECTORS1. DAHIRU AMINATU CHIROMA2. DAHIRU HAUWA AHMED3. CAPTAIN EL-YAKUB AHMED MOHAMMED

Any persons or organization that has objection or representation as regards this application should do so within 28 days from the date of this application. Such objections or representation should beforwarded to:The Director GeneralNigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)Nnamdi Azikiwe International AirportAbuja

POPULAR HUMAN GROWTH INITIATIVEThis is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate

Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) VERONICA OGBONNAYA - PRESIDENT (2) MR. FRIDAY OWO - SECRETARY (3) MR. ECHEMAZI IKECHI ANIGE - MEMBER. (4) MISS IKOROH, ANTHONIA CHIKA. (5) MR. ECHEMAZI KELECHI SUCCESS - MEMBER. (6) MR. TENIOLA CAXTON - MEMBER (7) MR. IKORO, CHIMEZIE GODS’ WILL - MEMBER.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO CARRYOUT ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA OF MIGRATION, CHILD RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT. (2) TO PROMOTES STRATEGIES FOR ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN, PROMOTE WAYS TO PREVENT, REDUCE AND PROTECT STATELESSNESS, PROROGATE RIGHTS OF WIDOWS, HELP ORPHANS AND HANDICAP CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY. (3) TO PROMOTE, AND IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (4) TO CARRY OUT ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGN ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ELECT FAMILY EMBASSYThe Public is hereby notified that the above name has applied to the

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under Part C of the companies and allied matters. Act 1990.

TRUSTEES - 1. DIAVWODERU IRIKEFE MOSES. 2. GODWIN GRACE. 3. OBA ACHIEVERS LONGMONEY. 4. OKPORU EDMOND.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to unsaved souls.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar, General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: DIAVWODERU IRIKEFE MOSES

CARE GIVERS AGED FOUNDATIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1.IDRIS AJIBOLA OKOYA 2.REMILEKUN MARIAM KASALI 3. MUHAMMED ADISA YUSUF AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1) ADVANCING THE WELFARE OF THE AGED IN OUR SOCIETY 2) GIVING VOICE TO THE AGED IN OUR SOCIETY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHRISTIANS LOVE WORLDThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) OFIAELI ISRAEL - CHAIRMAN (2) ABUBAKAR SAMUEL ABADA - SECRETARY (3) CHIMA SAMUEL - TREASURER AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO WIN SOULS FOR GOD

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

GLORY UNLIMITED MINISTRIESThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:APOSTLE MIKE ASHIEDU SUNDAY (CHAIRMAN ) OBIAJURU CHIKAODILI PRISCA (SECRETARY ) LOVETH E BANKOLE CHU JAMES NGEI AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HELPING THE NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY AND LEADING PEOPLE INTO CHRIST.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: OBIAJURU CHIKAODILI PRISCA

INITIATIVE FOR PEACE ENVIRONMENT & FOOD SECURITY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. ATULE SIMON LUPER 2. ATULE FLORENCE SEWUESE 3. IDZUA M. PETER 4. MBAKIGHIR EMMANUEL APELA 5. DEGRI IBRAHIM HAMMAN

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:1. TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR HANDLING RELATIONSHIPS AND CONFLICT CONSTRUCTIVELY.2. TO PROMOTE PEACE ISSUES AND INITIATIVES ACTIVELY THROUGH THE MEDIA/EVENT.3. TO WORK FOR PEACE DISARMAMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PETER & HEMBADOON TSEENYUM GBISEH FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) LEGHEMO IVEREN MIRIAN (2) GBISHE-IGO JENNIFER (3) GBISEH TERTSEA TSEENYUM AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO CATER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

HIS GRACE EVANGELICAL MISSIONThis is to inform the general public that the above named has

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for Registration under part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:(1) ABRAHAM KEMI PHEBE - CHAIRMAN (2) FAKOYA CLEMENTINA ADEOLA - SECRETARY (3) FAKOYA ADEBOLA LAWRENCE (4) ODUNSI LADIPO PAUL (5) ODUNSI ATINUKE OLUWATOYIN AIM AND OBJECTIVE:(1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

30 Monday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

sportsMonday, July 13, 2020@leadershipNGALeadership Newspaperswww.leadership.ng

COVID-19: Egbe Hails Minister’s Plans For Sports Return Chief Executive Officer of Monimi-chelle, Ebi Egbe has applauded the minister of Youth and Sports Devel-opment, Sunday Dare, for the over the plans being put in place by the minis-try ahead of the return of sporting ac-tivities in the country.

Egbe whose outfit has been receiv-ing accolades for the excellent jobs it is doing across the country and oth-er parts of Africa noted that Dare has been meticulously planning on how the

country can safely return to sports.“I’m impressed with the road map

Sunday Dare has drawn up. The min-istry has released a COVID-19 proto-col on sports. It is good that the Minis-ter wants sports to return in a safe and scientific way.

I’m happy he is putting the health of the athletes first in the whole plan.”

He stressed that Dare equally de-serves thumbs up for making tireless efforts to ensure that the nation’s sport-

ing facilities get better post COVID-19 pandemic.

“We all know that one area we need to work on for our sports to get better is that of infrastructure. With the plans be-ing put in place by Dare, things would soon be looking up for Nigerian sports. The national stadiums in Abuja and La-gos would soon get a new lease of life going by what Dare is doing and he needs the support of every stakeholder to realize his vision,” Egbe said.

that Usman remains unbeaten in his UFC career so far as well as putting his level with Khabib Nurmagome-dov with 12 consecutive wins.

A meeting with Gilbert Burns could still be on the cards after the Brazilian was forced to withdraw from his fight with Usman, six days before the event; having tested posi-tive for coronavirus.

“First and foremost, I need to get home to my daughter,” said Usman. “That is what is important. I need to sit on my couch, eat some Thai food and watch some Netflix with her and then, watch a couple of gymnastics training and jiu-jitsu practices”.

“And then, we will start thinking about fighting somebody again. I mean, that is the one thing in this di-vision. There is no shortage of con-tenders”.

“Leon Edwards is there. I mean, the guy has been tearing it up. Gilbert (Burns) had an amazing year. He is there. Colby (Covington) thinks he is there. So there is no shortage of chal-lenges”.

“There is always going to be a chal-lenger and they (UFC) are always go-ing to throw somebody in there with me.”

PMB Congratulates Usman For Retaining UFC Belt

2022 Will Be Tough For Super Eagles – Rohr

‘Abia Warriors Will Challenge Titles Next Season’

EPL: Tottemham Beat Arsenal In London Derby As Wolves See Off EvertonToby Alderweireld’s 81st-minute header sealed a 2-1 Premier League victory for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in the first north London der-by in their new stadium, yesterday.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw but Alderweireld claimed all three points for Spurs to move

Jose Mourinho’s side above Arsenal into eighth place in the battle for lo-cal pride.

Defensive errors cost the Gunners as they gave away an early lead and lost 2-1 at Tottenham in the north London derby.

With three games left Tottenham

have 52 points to Arsenal’s 50, but are seven points behind fourth-placed Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Wolves bounced back form back-to-back defeats to move into the Premier League’s top six by inflicting another miserable away day on Everton in a 3-0 win at Molineux.

Raul Jimenez’s penalty and Lean-der Dendoncker’s header a minute either side of halftime put the game out of Everton’s reach before Diogo Jota beat Jordan Pickford at his near post 16 minutes from time to round off another performance that will see the England No 1 scrutinised.

BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH, ABUJA

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Kamarudeen Usman for successfully defending his Ulti-mate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title with an emphatic 50-45, 50-45, 49-46 win over Jorge Masvidal.

As the first African-born and Ni-gerian UFC Champion, President Buhari in a statement by his special adviser media, Femi Adesina com-mended the courageous fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white co-lours in distant lands and reminding

the world that good things and great people will still come out of Nigeria.

“While the global COVID-19 pan-demic may have brought gloom to many families and nations, the Pres-ident is delighted and gratified that our welterweight champion has lift-ed our spirits with another profession-al performance, proving that things will surely get better at the fullness of time when we remain committed to our vision.”

The President wishes Usman the very best and more victories in his career and prays that like fine wine, he improves with age.

The victory over Masvidal means

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr has predicted a complicated 2022 for his team due to the postponement of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations by a year.

The Confederation of African Foot-ball (CAF) had last week announced that the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AF-CON) will be held in Cameroon in 2022 after the coronavirus pandemic forced a change in the football calendar.

Qualifying matches for the compe-tition were also postponed in March, while games billed to hold later this year was shifted to 2021.

Rohr, however, expressed confidence in his team’s chances of qualifying for the competition and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“The AfCON is postponed. It’s the same for everyone, so it’s not a draw-

back. We have more time to prepare as well as for other countries,” Rohr was quoted as saying by girondins4ever.com on Friday.

“But it 2022 will be a difficult year because already in 2021, there are many qualifying matches to play for the team (Super Eagles). I think we will have time to play a few friendlies”.

“In the year 2022, if we have qualified for the World Cup and the AFCON, there will be many, many games to play. So it will certainly be a difficult year (2022).”

Rohr, who has been coaching the Su-per Eagles since 2016, led the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. The German tactician in June penned a new two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in April.

Abia Warriors chairman, Emeka In-yama has declared that the Club will challenge for honours next season and drive the club towards achiev-ing it.

The experienced and seasoned football administrator who recently acquired the services of coach Imama Amapakabo stated that with the struc-ture in place, Abia Warriors are good to go next season.

“Imama is a big coach, has pedi-gree, won the league with Rangers and has cut his teeth with other clubs like Sharks and Enyimba. He also

worked with the National team coach of U-23, Assistant Coach to Gernot Rohr, so he has something to offer,” Inyama told Passion 94.5 FM.

“We need to drive the club this time around. Our ambition this time is to contest for honours and go for the big picture”.

Meanwhile, the former board member of the Nigeria Football Fed-eration (NFF) whose club have pro-duced players to other clubs in Nige-ria hinted that the club will continue to maintain it’s philosophy which is centered around the youth.

Usman

Dare

Tottenham players celebrating their victory

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— MAX SHULMAN

In 1990 when the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agen-cy (NDLEA) was charged with the commission to eliminate the growing, processing, selling, ex-porting and trafficking of hard drugs, their sole target was the leaders of narcotics and money laundering organizations because they assumed that the ‘back end’ of the illegal drug business was funded by wealthy and powerful people. Drug use was assumed to be an expensive habit that only the rich could afford so the NDLEA didn’t feel the need to look at the baseline user, the regular Nigeri-an who resides on the lower eche-lon of society; the high school stu-dents , the sex worker, the public transport bus conductor, the cor-ner street tout, after all “where would they get the means to pay for cocaine and heroin?” (or so they assumed). Little did we know that ‘drug abuse’ will re-introduce itself in what some people call the lesser drugs like “cannabis’ and synthetic over- the -counter drugs that contain ‘codeine or Morphine ’ which could be purchased easily for the street value of as low as 100 and 500 naira a portion, decades lat-er. A 2018 report by the United Na-tions Office On Drug and Crime (UNODC) on Drug Use Survey in Nigeria found out that an estimated 10.6 million people had used can-nabis,, 4.6 million people had used Opioids( tramadol, codeine, or mor-phine) and 87,000 had used hero-in in 2018 alone . The report also stated that drug abuse was more common among those aged 25-39 years. The situation is getting worse by the day . During the 2020 Inter-national Day against Drug Abuse, the Chairman of NDLEA said the Agency seized 310 tons of Canna-bis and 612,903 kg of other drugs in 2019. 9,444 persons were ar-rested for drug abuse offenses and 1,995 convictions were recorded in the same year 2019. The implica-tion of rising addiction to drugs is that the average Nigerian youth ap-pears to have taken solace in alco-hol and drug use over the last de-cade so s/he can be desensitized to the numerous challenges they grap-ple with on a daily basis. Of course, one cannot lose sight of those that grew up abusing substances either because of the company they keep

Biting skills now required to join the

police?

GHANA MUST GO

— News

Recruitment: Police deny persons with bad teeth,

bow legs

eyes away from a leadership that abuses power? A system where leaders seek to cater for and project their selfish ambi-tion whether it is for wealth, fame and ultimately power is one that at best has the tenden-cy to error, a lack of integri-ty and a progressive abuse of power towards the people they are called to serve thereby cre-ating a vicious circle that in-vites whomsoever desires to serve within it to compromise his/her fundamental values for fairness in order to be ‘invit-ed to eat at the table’. The av-erage Nigerian politician who may already be wealthy before attaining a position of leader-ship within the system, already has within his/her character a flaw that allows for compro-mise which sets the stage for the ultimate abuse of power when s/he is elected.

How do we create an en-abling environment where the political arena encourag-es leadership with character and competence? How do we change the mindsets that seek a position of leadership in or-der to promote themselves in-stead of the nation? How do we change the narrative from the abuse of power to giving pow-er to leadership as a trust that should only be exercised for the good of Nigeria and Nige-rians? I think that is the Ques-tion for the Present and Future.

LEADERSHIP (ISSN 0331-328X) is published in Abuja by LEADERSHIP GROUP LIMITED, 27 Ibrahim Tahir Lane, Off Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way, Utako District, Abuja. Advert: 08112993160 (Abuja), 08112993161 (Lagos) News: 08112993167. P. O. Box 9514, Garki II, Abuja. Lagos Office: 34/36 Adegbola Street, Anifowose, Off Oba Akran, Ikeja. E-mail: info@leadership.ng, advert@leadership.ng, newsroom@leadership.ng

or the tendency to do crimes.After the BBC Africa Eye

expose in 2018 that lead to a ban being placed on the im-portation and manufacture of drugs containing codeine; the estimated 3 million bottles of codeine cough syrup drunk every day in two northern states resulting in psychosis and organ failure, exposed the nation’s systemic breakdown of the mental health of our young people who have lost faith in a political system that cannot guarantee them em-ployment after school, where insecurity thrives, education standard is crashing , and mer-it is sacrificed for nepotism. A young lady in her 30s whom I encountered recently in La-gos loosely compared the ef-fect of drug abuse or addiction with the abuse of power dis-played blatantly by the peo-ple in government in the last 20 years in Nigeria. She pos-tulates that whilst drug abuse is sometimes an unwilling choice to stem the effect of the help-lessness and hopelessness the average Nigerian feels at the deplorable state of the nation and the erosion of their sense of self worth caused by the systemic corruption in lead-ership, our leaders’ abuse of power is the other side of the ‘bad penny’. Abuse of pow-

er in Nigeria , unlike abuse of drugs , is often a deliber-ate choice our leaders make that is set to induce that same helplessness with the hope that they can wield a narcissistic hold over Nigerian(s). She went further to narrate a few shocking instances to support her case. How do you explain excessive indulgence in the perks of public office which has become addictive like drug abuse? According to her , it is probably one of the rea-sons why our politicians can go to any length to remain in public office for ever simply because of addiction . Some Law enforcement agents such as Customs and Police Offi-cers have become addicted to extortion before doing duties which they are mandated by law to do . This abuse of pub-lic office like abuse of drugs can be found amongst both the low and the high in society, she said . Shall we then say that Power is like a drug that induc-es a nonchalance and reckless-ness in leadership, the brunt of which is borne by the people the holders have pledged to serve? In the case of Nigeria , the answer seems to be a re-sounding YES!!

Since the advent of the fourth republic ,the Nigeri-an political space has since

evolved from being a closet of corrupt practices ensconced in Federal and State government led projects to the blatant loot-ing and racketeering by elected and appointed leaders who si-phon funds meant for develop-ing different sectors into per-sonal bank accounts both at home and abroad. Much like the misuse of drugs produces the pre-requisite numbness the ordinary Nigerian desires so s/he can pretend that the state of the nation is mildly functional, so also is the misuse of pow-er in leadership that produc-es a selfishness in our politi-cal leaders that denigrates its mandate to serve Nigeria and Nigerians. The fact that this is commonplace, and is done with impunity, with little or no punitive measures to address it, inadvertently sets the stage for the continuous ‘Abuse of Power’. True leadership is service to the populace and relies greatly on the Charac-ter of a person and their level of Competence. It is believed that whereas competence can be learned prior to the job or even on the job; the true char-acter of a leader is largely dis-played when s/he attains the level of power that gives him/her the opportunity to choose service above self.

In a democracy, one as-

LEADERSHIP NOTES WITH DAP A Nation Of Addicts

Dakuku Peterside dakuku3@yahoo.com, 08033123801 only sms

Abdallah

sumes that the elected mem-bers of the legislature are the aggregate representation of the thoughts and desires of the people in every constitu-ency who are supposed to ser-vice the needs of their ‘sep-arate people’ in consonance with the general good and uni-ty of Nigeria within the am-bits of law. However, what we see represented consistently is the disregard for the peo-ple on a constituency grass-root level and as such a disre-gard for the Nigerian people as a whole; this is Abuse of Power! Our legislators do not bother to know what matters to us on any issue and what we will have them say on our be-half in the various legislative houses . Theatrics in Legisla-tive houses serves only one

purpose; to feather the nests of the legislators. The judiciary, which is a sanctuary of sorts charged with the responsibility for interpretation of laws is not spared . We are seeing a rising number of judicial officers in-dicted and sanctioned for their ignorable role in desecrating the temple of justice simply because of addiction to filthy lucre . This is Abuse of Power! The executive arm of govern-ment which has over time tried to curb the strain and accusa-tions of a corrupt system, has in its actions and inactions in-dicted itself. Its activities have had negative effect on other arms of government , and of-ten times a few corrupt indi-viduals within their ranks have elevated abuse of office to an art. The turning of a blind eye to this Executive recklessness is also Abuse of Power. This leads me to an inevitable ques-tion; does power intoxicate just as drugs do? Does the abuse of power induce a heightened mental and emotional state that leaves an individual reck-less in his/her character, there-by ignoring the correctness or lack thereof of their choice? If the answer is Yes to this ques-tion, it behoves us to ask why the same system would indict young men and women who abuse drugs when we turn our