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ISWAP Releases Kidnapped UN Aid Workers

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By Uche Mbah

Aid workers, who have been abducted by the alleged members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, have been released by the terrorist Organisation. This, this magazine gathered, was part of the batch released by the group after negotiations.

Released was Idris Alooma, abducted along Damaturu-Maiduguri road. He is a staff of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Also released were Reverend Sango and Barka Wasinda. Wasinda was a staff of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, while Sango was a Christian Cleric.

Last March, the terrorist group had attacked support facilities of the UN organ, which included healthcare facilities. In response, the UN suspended operations in the areas of Files and Damask, the epicenters of the attack. It is not clear, however, where the released kidnap victims are receiving treatments.

Northern Group Urges FG To Allow Igbo Leave Nigeria Peacefully; Umahi Kicks,Says Igbo Not Ready To Break Out

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By Akinwale Kasali

Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman, South-east Governors’ Forum, Dave Umahi has revealed that leaders of the South East geopolitical zone are against and strongly opposed to the secessionist agitations by some people from the region.

He said as Governors in the region, they are ready to dialogue with the youths agitating for Biafra Republic to know their grievances.

Umahi noted that President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ministers might not be aware of all cases of marginalisation or exclusion of Igbo people in the country, but Governors in the South-east would first meet with the youths in the zone on Saturday, 19th June, 2021, to itemise their grievances, some of which would be taken to the Federal Government.

Governor Umahi who recently joined the All Progresssives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said this while featuring on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, monitored in Lagos.

On the issue of marginalisation of the region which has been a major issue, for which the People of the region are protesting, Umahi said, “A section of South-east youths is saying that there is marginalisation, maltreatment of the people of the South-east and they want a country of theirs. Our position as leaders is to say, ‘who did you discuss that with? And that we are better in a united and fair Nigeria. “So, we do not accept their position in terms of secession. But we can as leaders listen to them and that is what we are going to do on the 19th of this month.”

When asked to state categorically if he felt that the South-east was not marginalised, Umahi said, “It is not a straight-worded thing. There are issues which I explained to the wonderful honourable Minister of Defence.

“My position is that there are certain things that happen in this country that even Mr President, even the ministers will not be aware of. When somebody from the South-east is due for promotion or a particular appointment is not appointed, how will Mr President know about it?”

However, a Northern Group, under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has stated that despite the fact that the South-east region has produced key persons in the Nigerian Federal Government, the region should not be denied a referendum to allow it determine its exit peacefully and without bloodshed.

In a press statement on Monday, June 14, 2021, the Group noted that in order to avoid the recurrence of any terrible and planned mass killings, untold sufferings and atrocities, it insist on a referendum to take place across the country to agree on an immediate and permanent exit of the Igbo from Nigeria.

Spokesman of CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stated this in a release titled, “Igbo leaders fake, unreasonable; we insist on referendum for Biafra.”

The coalition said, “In the light of the frantic efforts being made by some sections of the leadership of the Igbo to disown the current violent agitations for a separate state of Biafra, we, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) insist they should not be believed and only a referendum for Igbo exit can provide final guarantee for a peaceful Nigeria.

“It is important for Nigeria to see through this hypocritical desperation by the Igbo leaders to buy time to restrategise for a deadlier onslaught for Biafra as an afterthought following the exposure of the extent of their complicity in the sponsored Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secession project.

“With the level of commitment of the Igbo public to the point of young men killing their parents who dared oppose Kanu’s activities, the rest of the country cannot be expected to accept to continue as a nation with the Igbo on the apparent weakness of the assurances of a handful of Igbo leaders.

“We also consider the sudden contraption by a certain section that calls itself “northern Igbo” as a more latent, disagreeable and unacceptable threat to the North and its people than their brethren that fight us from their South Eastern enclave.

“This is because their presence within the deep hinterland of the North and the permanent nature of that presence, accord them undue advantage over the trusting indeginous northerners who are steadily weakened by a carefully orchestrated, widespread drug war and clandestine spread of arms by these settlers.”

The CNG stated that contrary to the Igbo leaders’ claims of marginalisation, records showed the region produced the first post-independence president of Nigeria, and also had the first military Head of State in the person of Aguiyi Ironsi.

The CNG said, “Whereas even in most of the countries that we look up to as epitomes of democracy today, the vanquished in a civil war are always oppressed, marginalised and don’t enjoy the privileges of equal citizenship for decades afterwards, Nigeria was able to assimilate the Igbo nation back into the Nigerian entity after the civil war faster than most nations.

“All Igbo must leave the territory of Nigeria and assemble in their designated enclave for the purpose of the referendum during which period no further contacts should be experienced between them and the rest of Nigeria so as not to lead to any interference in the process.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria shall also have no hand whatsoever in the process, and shall not be called upon to participate or render any assistance whatsoever from the beginning to the end of the referendum.

“Should there be any need, the participation of other regional, continental and international organisations can be requested to determine the way and manner such a referendum is to be held”, the statement reads.

AFN Election: Okowa Emerges New AFN President

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AFN Election

By Akinwale Kasali

There is a wind of change in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, circle, following the election held yesterday, Monday June, 14, 2021, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Prior to the election, the Minister of Youth and Sport, Sunday Dare, had announced the dissolution of the Solomon Ogba led board of the AFN, calling for a prompt election for the Constitution of a new Board.

Tonobok Okowa of Delta State emerged the new President.

The Congress was attended by 35 State Chairmen of AFN, who converged  in Abuja since Saturday for the Congress and elections.

The election was held following the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development  invocation of  section 10.4 of the 2017 AFN Constitution  which led to the dissolution  of Board citing the expiration of its term.

The Nigeria Olympics Committee, NOC, the Ministry’s representatives and Nigeria’s Ambassador designate to South Africa amongst others were observers at  the election.

Okowa pulled 40 votes out of the available 44 votes to emerge winner, unopposed, to the delight of his people from Delta State and the South-south region.

Speaking after the victory, Okowa affirmed that his mandate as President would  prioritise athletes and coaches’ welfare.

“First of all, my mandate is  all about the Athletes and Coaches, we’ll make sure we give them an enabling environment to succeed, we will give priority  to welfare package.

“We have to draw up our programmes and ensure we do proper budget especially the one that will favour the Athletes and  Coaches and  ensure they excel”.

The newly elected Executive members assured that  they will work in unison with all zones to fulfill their mandate.

2023: PDP Will Re-gain Power At The Center, Gov. Tambuwal Promises Nigerians

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By Akinwale Kasali

State Governors under the  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have promised to do everything within their means and power to wrestle with the All Progressives Congress, APC, in returning to the center come 2023.

The PDP Governors met Monday in Akwa Ibom State to discuss the nation’s economy, security and good governance.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto who, also, is the Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, pledged at the meeting that the PDP Governors would not disappoint Nigerians who are looking up to them to actualise their yearnings for the party to return to power in 2023.

“These star-studded leaders of PDP governors in their respective states and political generals are determined by the grace of God through your prayers, support and cooperation, to rescue Nigeria.

“It is a task that we must accomplish to the glory of God and his glory alone.

“God on our side, we are determined as leaders, to provide that platform for the emergence of another PDP leadership in this country, come 2023,” Tambuwal said.

Tambuwal and his colleagues urged all citizens, especially religious leaders, to continue to pray for the country, especially over the spate of the security situation in the country.

“We need prayers. God is always there for His people and will never be tired of Nigeria for His glory,” Tambuwal added.

Host, Governor, Emmanuel Udom, welcomed the PDP governors to the state, acknowlwdging the fact  that their people did not make mistakes in electing them to represent them.

He showered encomium on his colleagues, describing them as leaders with characters and charisma.

PDP National Legal Adviser, Emmanuel Enoidem, speaking on behalf of the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, said the PDP Governors are making the party proud with their performances in their respective states.

“Today, if there is any hope of democracy in Nigeria, it has come from the PDP governors because of their excellent performance in their states,” he said.

Enoidem advised the PDP Governors to sustain those efforts to foster development in Nigeria.

He said that though the responsibilities ahead are enormous, PDP Governors must continue to work together to rise to the challenges facing of the country.

PDP Governors at the event were those of Akwa-lbom, Adamawa, Delta, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Edo and the deputy governor of Zamafara State.

Court Of Appeal Verdict On Ondo Guber: Gov Akeredolu Never Met CJN

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By Ayodele Oni

There is growing anxiety in Ondo state, as the people await the judgement of the Court of Appeal over the October 10, 2020 Governorship election.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, won the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and this has been ratified by the Election Petition Tribunal.

The Court of Appeal has announced that judgement in the appeal filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Mr Eyitayo Jegede,SAN, will be delivered on Wednesday.

However, the current anxiety was prompted by news which filtered into the state on Monday evening that  Akeredolu has secured an appointment with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) over the coming Appeal Judgement.

The questions on the lips of some residents now is why such an appointment at this time and for what purpose?

The state commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo replied in a statement on Monday evening thus:

“Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, is a Minister in the Temple of Justice. He neither desires, seeks nor contemplates such as insinuated above.

“The integrity and Grace in him have remained inexorably covertible, surviving vicissitudes. This particularly puerile attempt cannot escape similar impotence either. It missed its target.

“Governor Akeredolu’s presence in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital was to honour an invitation by the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA) as Special Guest of Honour.

“He had had to connect Uyo through Abuja for the obvious absence of a direct flight from Akure to the Akwa Ibom State capital.

“A chartered private jet which would have eased his movement directly to Uyo has never been found fashionable by the Governor.

“Therefore ,the aim of the above poorly-packaged theatric is to paint a pre-emptive picture of ‘compromise’ after the much awaited judgement of the Appeal Court on Wednesday.

“The venture ignites further, the paucity of ideas and betrays largely, the fruitlessness of efforts hitherto, on the part of those behind it.

“This is a loudly-scripted yet ignorantly acted opera that is perniciously directed by dispirited individuals.

“Notwithstanding, the aim, which is to draw benefits or benevolence from same source that has suffered unrestricted attacks and unrestrained blackmail can only be likened to self-abnegation.

“Such can only be enunciated, sustained and driven by the fluidity of a mindset that desires to keep an unsuspecting crowd in a perpetually jeering waiting box. This is uncanny and ignobly, perfidious.”

CNN’s Christiane Amanpour Down With Ovarian Cancer

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Christiane Amanpour

By Akinwale Kasali

Award winning Cable News Network, CNN, Journalist, Christiane Amanpour, has been diagnosed of Ovarian Cancer.

The British born veteran war correspondent, on Monday, 14th June, 2021, announced that she had recently undergone a surgery for ovarian Cancer, and faced months of chemotherapy treatment.

In a tweet on her Official Twitter Handle, she said: “Like millions of women around the world, I’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“I’ve had successful major surgery to remove it and I am now undergoing several months of chemotherapy for the very best long term prognosis,” the 63-year-old added.

Amanpour is known for her exquisite interviews with Presidents of countries and Powers that be around the world. She had previously hosted ABC’s “This Week”.

She is a known face in CNN and around the world. She first gained recognition

for her coverage of the 1991 Gulf War that followed Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

She has also interviewed many of the world’s leaders and newsmakers over the past two decades and reported from hotspots such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Rwanda and the Balkans.

Amanpour usually report from war zone areas, and she carved a niche for herself, becoming one of the most respected Journalists and women around the word for her professionalism.

Lobby, Influence, Relationship Determine What States Get From Abuja – Gov. Akeredolu

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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The need for Nigeria to diversify its economy as stop practising monotholic wealth has been stressed.

Ondo state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who made the remark also emphasised the need for restructuring of the country’s political system.

The Governor spoke in Akure at a public lecture and award ceremony. He was represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

According to him “Depending on monolithic wealth resources ( Crude oil ) and not creative wealth resources portends danger for the country.

“The political structure has changed. Now for you to do anything, you will have to go and take permission from the federal government. Then they will look at you that are you part of them or not. That will determine what you get or if you will get it.

“Let each and every component parts of Nigeria develops at its own pace. It is not as if we don’t have leaders that can emerge, but the process is tough and because of our political structure.

“Our heroes in the past like Obafemi Awolowo and Nnandi Azikwe ,they did a lot in terms of performance because of the political structure they operated at their times; the regional system.

“The 1963 constitution where powers were given to the regions and they could express themselves. They can decide to do whatever they thought was good for their regions without any hindrance from the central.”

Delivering a lecture,  titled “Appraising The Politics And Economics Of Development In Nigeria In The Face Of Multiple Challenges, The Roles Of Transformational Leadership/Followership,” Prof Oladimeji Adeofun, Deputy Vice Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state pointed out that “the only problem we have as a country is leadership challenge. There is no quality leadership. Most of our leaders tend to seek power first before planning to know how to use the power and that’s the power.

“Followership is not the problem. Our people are very easy to satisfy. A common man needs food ,shelter ,clothes. Basic things are not here. People are not secured and they are hungry. Even the people that want to farm are afraid.

“If leaders are doing things right, the followers will follow. There is a structural deficiency in the country that must be corrected, otherwise nothing will move. We need to restructure our current sociopolitical structure.

“This is part of our problems because we produce bad leadership and such leaders can not be visionary. We must realise that not every one can lead.

“As a leader ,you must produce result and solve problems and tackle challenges. A blind man can not be leading a blind man. The challenges in the country are so enormous and great leaders must have a great minds.”

Clark Warns: Buhari’s Grazing Routes Plan Will Be Resisted

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By James Orji

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, an Ijaw national leader, has warned against any plan by President Muhammadu Buhari to re-enact grazing routes in southern part of the country. He said such will be resisted.

Buhari had, last week, in an interview with Arise TV said he had directed Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to look at a legal framework that will enable the federal government reclaim grazing routes across the country.

The president has received knocks for the comment, particularly from states governors from the south, such as Governors Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state and Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers state, who said there’s no room for grazing routes in their states.

The 17 Southern Governors had earlier in May at their meeting in Delta state, banned open grazing in their various states.

 

Speaking on the development, Clark, in a statement, warned that President Buhari has been misadvised on the issue. He said Malami who’s supposed to give the president a good advice has failed to do so, rather he is “misleading and misdirecting” the president.

Chief Clark said he stand with Southern Governors who have banned open grazing.

He said “I repeat, on behalf of southerners, that open grazing has been finally buried in southern Nigeria. For Mr. President to insist that open grazing should continue whereby he asked the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, to dig out the gazette that approved open grazing in the First Republic is unbelievable, unpatriotic and unacceptable to our people.”

“Mr. President should regard himself as President of one Nigeria, and not as President of the Fulanis or the Northerners. We shall resist, at all cost, any attempt to subjugate us as citizens of one Nigeria.

“I also use this opportunity to seriously advise the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, over his irresponsible and unprofessional language, which is misleading and misdirecting Mr. President, because the rhetorical question Mr. President asked during his interview with Arise Television, whether Nigerians want him (Mr. President) to contradict the attorney general of the federation, was based on his understanding of the AG’s advice to him.

He said Buhari should not allow himself to be misled by Malami, the nation’s chief law officer, adding that the land Use Act vested ownership of land on state governors.

According to him “The AG’s position is provided for in the constitution, and he is expected to be independent of parochial and unconstitutional Government decisions. He behaves as if his position is that of a Minister of Justice alone.

“This was the reason why at the 2014 national conference it was recommended that the post of the attorney general, recognised by the Constitution should be separated from that of the minister of justice who owes his allegiance to the Government in power that appointed him.

“Perhaps Mr. President is not aware, or he has not been advised by the AG that the Land Use Act which vested ownership of land on the State Governor is entrenched in the Constitution of the country,” Clark said.

Shocker: South East Is President Buhari’s Favourite – Ngige

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Chris Ngige

By Ayodele Oni

Here is the news. In a claim that is bound to anger not a few South-easterners and spark off controversy, the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, said the Zone is President Muhammadu Buhari’s favourite Zone. Ngige said the Zone ought to give the President high-fives. He said the people should not be ingrates. And he accuses the elite of mischief and propaganda.

Recall that the alleged marginalisation of the Zone in appointments to sensitive positions, infrastructural developments, and siting of important  projects, its people say, are at the root of the agitations for freedom that has rocked the Zone most seriously.

But Ngige disagrees. He believes that the people of the South-east should be grateful to the Buhari Government. He says they should be thankful to Mr President. Instead of being ingrates, Ngige says they  should give him thumbs up for what his administration has been able to achieve in the Zone.

And the Minister who spoke at an Emergency Stakeholders meeting of the Association of Eze Ndigbo in the 19 Northern States and Abuja at the weekend couldn’t be more serious than he was

The meeting, which was held in Abuja, was called, mainly, to discuss the way forward in tackling insecurity in the South east.

The Zone has been rocked by unprecedented insecurity, traceable to the disenchantment of the people with being treated as second class citizens, and being called names and/or stereotyped by a couple of officials in the Buhari Government.

But according to Minister Ngige, propaganda incited the chaos currently happening in that part of the country.

Addressing the participants, Ngige said Buhari has shown friendship to Ndigbo, maintaining that the South East has received a fair share of what is due to the zone, especially infrastructure-wise.

“There is no maltreatment there. We are in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which is composed of a minister per state.

“But we have one extra ministerial slot. So, the South East is effectively represented to ensure justice is done to our people. We are there to talk when there is no justice.”

The question many of the participants asked nobody, in particular, is: What is the quality and relevance of the Ministries given to those from the Zone.

Beginning with Ngige, one of them called him the “Minister for Dispute Settlement.” He said, look at our Ministers. Ngige does nothing but settle Labour disputes. For Imo State, Barr. Emeka Nwajiuba is a junior Minister. Before then, a Professor of Education, who was a Vice Chancellor of a University, Professor Tony Anwuka, was a Junior Minister in his field, under an  Accountant. For Ebonyi State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, a first class brain, is in the Ministry of Science and Technology, one of the least favoured, least funded, and most neglected Ministries in Nigeria. Dr Godfrey Onyema  is the Minister Minister for Foreign  Affairs, but his job is majorly done by the President, and/or his other aides. It is not a question of the number of Ministers, but the quality of the portfolios.”

But Ngige insists:

“People can say that we are not honoured with appointments of Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army staff and Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF).

“These are positions we have enjoyed before in the Nigerian Federation. We had two Inspectors General of Police (IGP), Ogbonnaya Onovo and Mike Okiro.

“We had an SGF, Senator Pius Anyim. We had four Senate Presidents. Twice we produced Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker, Ike Ekweremadu and Emeka Ihedioha. They were in charge of federal budgets for eight years from 2007 to 2015. That is the rule in the National Assembly.

However, the people ask: Was any of those appointments made by Buhari? They were all made during the Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan Governments.

But Minister Ngige chides:

“So, if you now talk about appointments, it becomes a matter of perception. I won’t blame them. Perception and reality are in the same line. And he accused the Zone of ignorance when it comes to Government issues:

“A lot of them (the Igbo) don’t understand how Government works. A lot of them don’t understand that I, as a member of FEC, can influence things that will come to my State, my Zone, or any other area, and where we think things should be sited or done in Nigeria.

“For me, those people perceiving that are ignorant. I don’t want to use the word mischievous.

“But much more importantly, propaganda against the Government by the elites in the South-east should stop because it is that propaganda that provoked troubles that we are now noticing.

“People have been brainwashed and the separatists humped on that foundation to now shout from the roof tops that we will give you Biafra and when we give you Biafra, all these things will disappear.”

Dr Ngige further recalled that the Buhari Government had paid off the gratuities and pensions of the Police pensioners in the South-east that were neglected since after the war, which he said, no Government had done before.

“Infrastructure wise, if you go to the South East, from Enugu-Okigwe and Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt expressways, three companies, the Chinese Company, the Arab Contractors and RCC are there.

“Some of them have completed their work. A journey that normally took us five hours from Enugu-Aba is now about one hour, 15 minutes. When the Port Harcourt section is finished, a journey from Enugu to Port Harcourt will take two hours.

“Coming to Enugu-Awka- Onitsha, two sections have been finished. RCC is working at the stretch from Awka to Onitsha now.

“The stretch from Ninth Mile to Oji River has been completed. We are now at the third Section which is being done by Niger-Cat from Amansea to Oji River. The Old Road from Ninth Mile to Awka has also been done by Arab contractors. If you go there now, you will see it is fully completed with drains on both sides.”

There has, however, been no official reaction by any Igbo Group since Ngige’s claims.

BUA Cement Boss Restates Brand Strength; Firm Announces New Date For Dividends Payout

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By The Source

The managing director of BUA Cement Plc Yusuf Bichi has disclosed that the exceptional performance of the company last year despite the COVID 19 headwind was as a result of the value and strength customers placed on the BUA Cement brand.

He explained that the company’s performance was due to the strategic choices made by the management, particularly the holistic implementation of the company’s Business Continuity Plan.

He stated that the firm, last year, entered strategic alliances for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at its Kalambaina Plant, Sokoto State, and for the management of its mining operations.

According to him the performance “were deliberate and strategic choices other cost management efforts that expected to ensure that BUA Cement will continue to combine development and innovation into its offerings and activities to drive efficiency, reduce operating costs and maximize profits.”

Bichi said this on heels of the cement firm’s notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange Limited, NGX to move the qualification date forward from July 9 to June 18.

BUA Cement Plc has revised the closure, qualification and payment dates for the dividend recommended for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The firm said in the notification that the closure date would now be between June 21 and 25, from July 12 and 16, 2021 initially proposed. The payment would be made on July 8 from July 23. 2021.

The company had recommended a dividend of 2.067 per share for the 2020 financial year following its impressive performance.

The second largest cement company in Nigeria, reported a revenue of N209 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, indicating an increase of 19 per cent above N175.518 billion recorded in 2019. Cost of sales was impacted by the general rise in the cost of doing business to be at N114 billion, compared with N93.1 billion in 2019. Selling and distribution expenses equally pointed north, rising from N11.845 billion to N12.706 billion in 2020.

The result also indicate that administrative expenses reduced from N10.516 billion to N9.472 billion. Also, BUA Cement Plc’s excellent cost management led to a decline of 33 per cent in net financing cost to N3.438 billion in 2020, from N5.192 billion in 2019. As a result, profit before tax, PBT rose to N79.066 billion in 2020, up from N66.273 billion, while profit after tax, PAT rose from N60.61 billion to N70.518 billion in 2020