The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Gas leakage detector factory to generate 400 jobs’

    ‘Gas leakage detector factory to generate 400 jobs’

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday commissioned the Amal Technologies Limited factory for gas leakage and smoke detection device in Abuja.

    The facility which can generate employment for 400 people can also yield $22 million revenue annually.

     Director, Upstream, Engr. Kamaru Busari, who represented him said  the facility was formally established to produce gas leak detection devices and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).

    According to him, the ceremony represents a significant landmark in the administration’s quest to promote a Research culture in the oil and gas industry, through the nurturing of innovation-driven startup companies.

    He added that it also represents a breakthrough in local manufacturing of electronic circuitry and devices.

    The minister said the establishment is in line with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB’s) mandate to drive indigenous technology development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the Governing Council of the Board approved the Research and Development roadmap, with a particular focus on providing institutional and funding support for market-driven Research and commercialization of breakthrough innovations with high market prospects.

    He called on the private sector, especially the Nigerian oil and gas service providers to follow the lead of NCDMB by funding research and development programs with the capability to develop homegrown technology and reduce capital flight associated with the importation of foreign hardware and software solutions.

    Lokpobiri noted that one of the proposals that have benefited from the NCDMB Research and Innovation intervention is the Amal Technology gas leak device, “which adopted the Internet of Things (IOT) to introduce into the market a device that generates a short message system (SMS) and calls on phones of homeowners in the event of a gas leak.”

    He added that the facility also has the capability for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing.

    According to him, a major plank under the renewed hope Agenda of Mr. President is the commitment to deepen Gas penetration and gas-based industrialization anchored on the penetration of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, and gas conversion for power generation, fertilizer production, among so many other uses of gas.

    The minister noted that the deployment of the flagship Amal technology gas leak detection device provides a significant safety tool that will accelerate the adoption of gas as a preferred source of energy for homes, transportation, and industry.

    Lokpobiri revealed that the NCDMB Innovation process has led to the establishment of PCB production capability in Nigeria.

    The Federal government at COP26 in August 2022, he recalled committed to a net-zero target by 2060 and Nigeria has chosen Natural gas as its transition fuel.

    He stressed that to support this initiative, projects are underway to establish fuel-to-gas conversion centers and CNG refuel stations nationally.

    The minister said the Federal Government expects that the deployment of the Amal Technology safety device will also complement our efforts to accelerate the net-zero pathway.

    He further noted that  the Job creation potential of start-up companies such as Amal Technologies is critical to the creation of a circular economy and aligns with Mr. President’s 8-point agenda for economic recovery.

    He said the signing into law of the Start-up Act of 2022 aims to provide the institutional and legal framework for the establishment and sustainable growth of innovation-driven start-up companies.

    Lokpobiri noted that the Act also seeks to position Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, as the leading digital technology Centre in Africa, with global outreach.

    He said the ministry has intention of  extending the benefits contained in the Start-up Act and any other Research-related policies to the oil and gas industry.

    He encouraged the ministry and its agencies to adopt a collaborative approach to supporting Research in line with our commitment to develop homegrown technology for the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.

    In his goodwill message, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari, noted that the $22million annual revenue Amal Technologies Limited has projected from the facility can be increased to $100million.

    Represented by the Head, Strategic Development & Partnership, Research and Technology,  Engr. Mudil Abubakar, he said “When the Director mentioned the finance being projected at $22million annually as revenue, we look forward to coming here, where we look forward to applaud increase and not just $22 million, $50millon or $100million.”

    Speaking, the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, recalled that the smart gas leak detector research was just a proposal submitted to the Board in 2018.

    He added that the idea was nurtured through the NCDMB incubation process hosted in TIIC.

    He added that the “recurring menace of gas leaks and explosions leading to heavy losses in human lives,  property damage, and pollution of the environment is the problem statement that the device seeks to address.

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    “We may recall that in 2020, a gas explosion in Lagos took over 20 lives including students, injuring over 200, and displaced over 500 Nigerians. 2021 also saw  record six deadly gas explosions claiming scores of human lives and more recently in 2022 and 2023 preventable gas explosions in Kano, and various parts of Lagos claimed many lives and property.”

    Meanwhile, the Amal Technologies Limited Chief Executive Officer, Shehu Tijiani Abdullahi, disclosed that exactly five years ago, he approached the NCDMB with an idea for a product, the IoT smart gas leak detector.

    Continuing, he said “I made my presentation first to the Mr Malik Halilu and him team, the R&D department, at that time he was the GM.

    “He was so impressed with the presentation that he quickly took it up with the then director of R&D Mr Patrick Oba.

    “Subsequently they scheduled a formal presentation to the R&D council which was headed at the time by the former ES, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, including the then director of finance and planning Mr Isaac Yalah and well as other members of the council.

    “These are all individuals that I had never had a prior relationship or encounter with.

    “They simply believed in the Amal technologies vision and by December of 2021, Amal Tech signed an official partnership with the board.

    “ That, that is indeed proof that the NCDMB is not about having connections or knowing someone at the top.

    “It is about a team of people that are dedicated to the success and progress of local content in Nigeria…

    “Today, we witness the realization of that vision as we unveil this first of its kind ultramodern facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of talented professionals.”

  • NSE elects first female President

    NSE elects first female President

    • Confers FNSE on Obuebite, others

    The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has elected Margaret Aina Oguntala as its first female President.   The body has also conferred its Fellowship status (FNSE) on Dr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite and other accomplished engineers.

    Mrs. Obuebite is a Senior Lecturer at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island. She becomes the second woman in the state to be conferred with the prestigious Fellowship.

    The Conferment ceremony which had in attendance the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, including Rodney Ambaowei,  Oforji Oboku,  Prof. Lilian Orogbo, Israel Sunny Goli, Karibo Nadu, Francis Otta Agbo and several others held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday.

    The outgoing president, Tasiu Saad Gidari-Wudil, in his address, said he is thrilled to be handing over to the first-ever female president of the association, Mrs. Margarett Aina Oguntala (FNSE) after 65 years of its existence.

    He said the world over revolves around technology advancement, hence the need for the engineers to take the lead, adding that the Nigerian Society of Engineers has a critical role to play in the rebuilding process being championed by the present administration.

    On the election of a female engineer as the President of the NSE, the outgoing president said it is a further confirmation that the engineering profession believes in diversity and inclusivity.

    He urged the incoming president and all the conferees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in reshaping the economy of the country with a focus on the engineering sector.

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    Speaking shortly after her conferment, Dr. Obuebite attributed the height she has attained in the profession to the unfailing mercies of God and dint of hard work.

    She also thanked her loving, ever-supportive husband,  Dr. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, their children, Dickson and the National Assembly members for their support.

    She described her conferment as a Fellow as a further confirmation that women have a critical role to play in the nation rebuilding process and everyone, regardless of their gender has a voice that must be heard.

    Also, in his congratulatory message, Senator Dickson said Mrs. Obuebite has further put Bayelsa in the global technological radar, saying he is proud to be associated with her for being the second woman from the state to be conferred with the fellowship.

    He stressed the need for other women to follow her footpath in bringing honour to the state.

  • UBA’s food bank lifts less privileged

    UBA’s food bank lifts less privileged

    UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc,  yesterday, hosted the 2023 edition of its annual Food Bank initiative as part of its line-up of activities to mark the festive season.

    The UBA Foundation Food Bank serves as a charitable event dedicated to supporting the less privileged and individuals in need, around the bank’s community or operation.

    This year, the bank, through the foundation, generously reached out to thousands of individuals in need, extending its community service commitment.

    In Nigeria, the event took place at the UBA Foundation Garden and Roundabout located in Marina, Lagos. Concurrently, similar events were conducted across all countries where UBA operates.

    Several UBA staff actively participated in the event, volunteering their time and resources. Many contributed food items and other essentials, amplifying the Foundation’s mission during this festive period to give back and touch lives.

    UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, who was on ground to personally share hope to people, emphasized the bank’s commitment to its communities through this initiative.

    He said, “Here at UBA, giving back is embedded in our core values. Over the years, we’ve consistently shown our appreciation to the communities across Africa and in countries of our operation. This initiative underscores our dedication to making a meaningful impact and resonates with our core belief that our success is intertwined with the well-being of our communities.”

    Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, highlighted the Foundation’s focus on empowerment, education, environment and special projects.

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    She said, “The UBA Foundation has been doing this for the past five years now. We remain steadfast in fostering sustainable development within our host communities. As part of our corporate social responsibility, we’re set to provide sustenance to tens of thousands across Africa this festive season. Through our Food Bank initiative, we distribute essential items, including food and hygiene products, to those in need.”

    The event witnessed a substantial turnout, with eager individuals forming long queues, awaiting the Foundation’s charitable offerings. Gratitude and smiles were abundant among recipients.

    One of the beneficiaries, Iya Basit, shared her heartfelt appreciation, to the UBA Foundation, saying, “I am very happy and grateful. Earlier today, I didn’t know what I was going to eat, but I and my children have benefitted from this gifts. This gesture is truly remarkable. You’ve made a significant difference.”

    UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, the Environment, Economic Empowerment and other Special Projects.

  • Vitafoam partners Unilag on science

    Vitafoam partners Unilag on science

    Vitafoam Nigeria Plc in conjunction with the University of Lagos (Unilag) exposed undergraduate students of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering to the world of polyurethane evolutions with the company’s focus on giving back to the education sector. 

    The one-day seminar, held at the University campus, themed “ Polyurethane in Practice, the Science, and the Business”, witnessed the practical demonstration of  Polyurethane innovations.

    Addressing the participants, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC,  Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi disclosed that the Company was an industry leader in Polyurethane applications in the West African sub-region.

    Adeniyi stated that the objective of the seminar, among others was to continually stimulate robust conversation about the innovations and development in Polyurethane applications towards industrial advancement.

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    “I believe that fresh ideas from this conference will enrich the knowledge base of the students in Polyurethane formulation and applications towards sustainable industrial developments of our country and also serve as a catalyst for strengthening research activities. The collaborative effort is part of the sustainability initiatives of Vitafoam to drive beneficial cooperation between academia and the industry. For our students, the future of this nation and the hope for a new world order, the seminar presents a good platform to situate classroom learning experience in the context of actual development around the globe.”, Adeniyi said.

    Corroborating him, the Vice Chancellor, Unilag, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented  by the Deputy  Vice Chancellor, Academics and Research, Professor Bolanle Oboh stated that:  “For some of us that are not in the chemistry field, we have the knowledge and we know that chemistry is actually one of the basis of life. And therefore, we will be seeing today, that Polyurethane is involved in almost every household product that is being used today.”

    The Chief Executive Officer, Purcom Brazil, Gerson Silva, in his presentation, stated that Polyurethane was the next industry evolution and it would be challenging for everyone, most especially the students.  He urged the students to take advantage of the seminar to advance their career path.

    In her welcome address, the Chairman, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Professor  Rosemary Egonmwan said the one-day seminar aimed at demonstrating the company’s commitment to supporting education and other initiatives that expand the frontier of learning.

    Egonmwan noted that the seminar would provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and insights into the practical application of Polyurethane in business.

    “Vitafoam Nigeria with its subsidiaries is the leading manufacturer of flexible and rigid fiber products in Nigeria and indeed West Africa. As a Professor, I am confident that this seminar will leave an enduring impact on each participant,” she said.

  • CIS inaugurates northern zone

    CIS inaugurates northern zone

    Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has inaugurated its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern District Zone Society as to strengthen its activities across the entire country.

    The Institute’s President, Mr Oluwole Adeosun explained that the inauguration in Abuja at the weekend, the first in the series was to meet the yearning demand for the Institute’s advocacy , investor literacy and media engagement among other from the investing public across diverse groups.

    “ District societies play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among members. Embracing these societies ensures that we as professionals , are well-connected, informed, and equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry.

    The objectives are to co-ordinate and identify as a unit of the Institute within the defined geographical location, ensure high standards of professional and ethical conduct among members, coordinate and embark on advocacy visits, investor literacy and sensitization programmes and media engagements within its designated jurisdiction, organize general academic support to registered students of the Institute within its jurisdiction and assist in mobilizing new members in the areas of coverage,”, says the Institute’s President, Oluwole Adeosun.

    In his response, the Chairman, FTC and Northern Zone District Society, Mr Sehinde Adenagbe, appreciated the historic inauguration and  assured the Institute that his members were poised to supporting the Institute’s membership drive and financial literacy through comprehensive awareness creation.

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    “ We want to assure the President that we shall always take cognisance of our fiducial responsibilities as Stockbrokers in all our dealings with people and organisations.  Our ethical commitment will be held in high esteem at all times and our word will be our bond. We shall further advertise the Institute in this region, strive to educate and draw more people into our noble profession of Stockbroking in order to expand the demography of capital market participants.

    “ We shall display our capacity to assist the Government in raising capital that will transform the nation and boost Infrastructural development without resolving to borrowing.  We shall continue to practice  with strict adherence to rules and regulations, displaying practical integrity and trust embedded with discipline, transparency and confidence. In order to function maximally, however, we need the cooperation and support of our parent body in the areas of funding, educationalmaterials and other necessary timely information that may assist us.”, said Adenagbe.

  • Nigeria’s unemployment rate rises to 4.2% in Q2

    Nigeria’s unemployment rate rises to 4.2% in Q2

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday stated that Nigeria’s unemployment rate soared to 4.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2023.

    This was contained in the bureau’s document tagged: “Nigeria Labour Force Statistics Report 2023.”

    The NLFS report indicated that the unemployment rate in second quarter 2023 was 4.2 per cent, this was an increase of 0.1 per cent on 4.1 per cent recorded in first quarter 2023.

    Other highlights of the report are that the labour force participation rate among the working-age population remained high at 80.4 per cent in second quarter 2023.

    NBS also noted that the employment-to-population ratio was 77.1 per cent in second quarter 2023.

    According to the report, the combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment as a share of the labour force population (LU2) was 15.5 per cent in second quarter 2023.

    Most workers, about 88.0 per cent were in self-employment in second quarter 2023 while the proportion of workers in wage employment in second quarter 2023 was 12 per cent.

    According to the Bureau, the rate of unemployment among persons with post-secondary education was 8.0 per cent in Q2 2023.

    NBS further said the Unemployment rate among youth aged (15-24 years) in Q2 2023 was

    7.2% having been at 6.9% in Q1 2023.

    It noted that the  Unemployment rate in urban areas was 5.9% in Q2 2023, an increase

    from 5.4% in Q1 2023.

    NBS said time-related underemployment in Q2 2023 was 11.8%.

     4.8% of the working-age population were in subsistence agriculture.

    • Informal employment rate in Q2 2023 was 92.7%, according to the report.

    It said the percentage of youth Not in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET Rate) was 13.8%.

    The report explained that the “employment-to-population ratio is the proportion of the working-age population that is employed.”

    NBS stressed that in Q2 2023, 77.1% of Nigeria’s working-age population was in employment.

    Disaggregating by sex, the employment-to-population ratio was 79.3% for men and

    74.9% for women respectively.

    NBS noted that the employment-to-population ratio in urban areas

    was 73.8% compared to 80.5% in rural areas.

    NBS noted that the aggregate status in employment comprises two broad categories; employees and the self-employed.

    It added that those working for pay in the form of salaries and wages in cash or in-kind, including paid apprentices, are referred to as employees. Own-account

    workers, contributing family workers, and employers are referred to as self-employed.

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    In Q2 2023, according to NBS, 88.0% of employed Nigerians were primarily self-employed with the

    remaining 12.0% being primarily engaged as employees.

     On disaggregation by sex, the Bureau said, 85.2% of employed men were self-employed compared to 91.0% of employed women.

    In terms of disaggregation by location, the report revealed that 80.5% of employed people in urban areas were self-employed compared with 95.3% of employed people in rural areas.

    NBS noted that the labour force participation rate measures the share of a country’s working-age

    population that is in the labour force.

    The labour force, said the Bureau, is the combination of those

    individuals who are employed and those who are unemployed.

    In Q2 2023, the report noted that the labour force participation rate in Nigeria was 80.4%, having been

    79.9% in Q1 2023.

    It further stressed that the Q2 2023 participation rate among men was 82.1% while for women the participation rate was 78.8%.

    It added that the participation rate was 78.4% in urban areas and 82.6% in rural areas.

  • I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara

    I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday said that he would not permit any distraction from the huge task of defending the interests of the people, despite the prevailing challenges.

    The governor spoke at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, shortly after he  inspected the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road project.

    Fubara recalled that during the electioneering campaigns, the Andoni section of the road was in horrible condition, adding that months after the decision was  taken to re-award the contract, the road was being fixed.

    He said: “I have to say that the contractor has done a very good job. Although, we observed that about one kilometres of road that will lead to the council secretariat was somehow not captured in the scope and I think it will be proper that we do that alongside. 

    “So, we will continue to do our best, not minding the challenges we are facing. The most important thing is that we have taken our oath to defend our people and protect their interest, and we are not going back on that.”

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    Fubara said he was determined to complete the road project that had lingered for over 20 years as part of his commitment to bequeath an enduring legacy that would serve the needs of the people for years.

    He said: “What I keep saying to everyone is, what are we bequeathing to our people? Their interest is the most important thing and governance is about the protection of lives and property. 

    “These include providing quality services and one of those things is like this road. Posterity has just blessed me with this project. It is something that they couldn’t achieve for over twenty years but within the space of six months, and I have been able to sort it out. It is a credit and a big one to our administration.”

    A youth leader, Mr Dick Nkakeek,  who appealed to the  governor to construct Andoni internal roads, including that of Oyorokoto town.

    Fubara, who urged the residents to exercise patience,  assured that his administration will consider the internal roads in  Andoni once the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road had been completed.

  • Anyaoku to leaders: imbibe Awolowo’s virtues

    Anyaoku to leaders: imbibe Awolowo’s virtues

    • AfDB boss Adesina clinches leadership prize

    Erstwhile Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has urged Nigerian leaders to imbibe the virtues of self-discipline, forthrightness, integrity, and love for the masses which the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exemplified throughout his life.

    The eminent envoy described the late sage as an exemplar for excellent leadership, adding that throughout his political career, Awolowo was a stickler for uprightness and public good.

    Anyaoku spoke yesterday at a media briefing to unveil the recipient of the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, an initiative of the Ìbaf¹mi AwolÍwÍ Foundation.

    “Our leaders should emulate Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s attributes throughout his political career. These are people-oriented policies, personal discipline, integrity and honesty. His commissioners in Western Region could not spend outside the budget or spend public money for their personal projects. Such was the discipline. He was aptly described as ‘the best President Nigeria never had’,” he said.

    Anyaoku, who decried poor leadership in the country, enjoined citizens to vote for only those who would serve their interest and not leaders who would neglect public interest and use their offices for self-aggrandisement.

    The former Commonwealth leader regretted that Nigeria has not been able to produce another leader in the mould of Awolowo.

    “Nigeria’s hasn’t had the good fortune of producing another Obafemi Awolowo, who was aptly described as the best President Nigeria never had. He was a patriot, a people-centred leader.

    “Unfortunately, we have not had the good fortune of producing another Awolowo. The electorate should vote someone who would reflect the attributes of Awolowo,” he added.

    On the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, Anyaoku said the prize not only confers considerable honour and recognition on the recipient, but also serves as a strong incentive to other persons to pursue excellence in leadership and good governance.

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    The erstwhile Secretary General of the Commonwealth announced the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adecina, CON, as the recipient of this year’s prize.

    He said the conferment ceremony will hold on March 6 next year, on Awolowo’s birthday.

    Anyaoku, who is the Chairman of the Selection Committee for the award, said Adesina was picked after a rigorous screening.

    He said the committee received many nominations from eminent personalities who have made tremendous contributions in various spheres of life.

    Elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, one of the associates of Awolowo, and a member of the selection committee, urged youths to stop being used as mercenaries by politicians, saying the future is on their hands.

    Executive Director of the foundation, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, expressed happiness at how Ban Ki-Moon described Awolowo as a “shining example of leadership”. 

    “I was thrilled by what Ban Ki Moon said about Awolowo as a shining example of leadership, and how his attributes are still being celebrated. I thank the selection committee and technical committee for their efforts,” she said.

  • Lagos reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    Lagos reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    The Lagos State government has announced the reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge yesterday.

    The bridge was closed last month to enable the government carry out essential maintenance on it.

    The entire bridge is now fully accessible to the public for smoother connectivity and safe commuting.

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    Lauding the patience of motoring public during the temporary closure, Transportation Commissioner Oluseun Osiyemi said the reopening reaffirmed the state’s commitment to infrastructure upkeep and public safety.

  • Tinubu in Lagos for Christmas holiday

    Tinubu in Lagos for Christmas holiday

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday arrived in Lagos for the Christmas holiday. 

    He was conveyed to the state by an Air Force One plane which landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja at 3.50 p.m.

    The President, who disembarked at 4 p.m, was welcomed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council (Exco), and heads of security agencies.

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    He exchanged pleasantries with the people and left for Dodan Barracks. 

    President Tinubu was accompanied by his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.