THEWILL NEWSPAPER March 20, 2023

Governorship / Assembly Elections: Commendations, Knocks For INEC

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GOVERNORSHIP, STATE ASSEMBLY POLLS:

Sanwo-Olu,Makinde,Abiodun, Abdulrazak Re-elected as Eno Umo Wins in Akwa Ibom

• Buni Returns in Yobe, Yahaya Wins in Gombe, Namadi Emerges Gov-Elect in Jigawa

• Voter Apathy, Electoral Fraud, Violence Mar Exercise

• 25 Killed in A'Ibom, Benue, C'River, Delta, Lagos, Niger, Osun, Rivers

NOT ANOTHER BOONDOGGLE BLUE RAIL LINE PROJECT

When I received a message asking that I come to Epe to interview Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, I knew it would mean hours on the road which also meant losing time transcribing the story, so I requested a dial-in interview and prayed for a miracle that he granted it.

I finally received the fingers-crossed emoji from my contact and heard nothing from his team. That was until a few hours of worship later when I suddenly got a call from a different person saying they had reached out to him and would like an interview. I said I could do it over the phone immediately.

It started to look like it wasn’t going to happen when we suddenly didn’t hear from the team, but when the call came in the following day, I knew The Creative of creatives had, once again, made a way.

What you will find in the interview is a confident young man who has put his heart and soul into making a better Lagos. And like Awolowo and similarly, Lateef Jankande, who had no prior experience running public office but did a good job such that we still hear their names in discussions of heroes of Nigerians, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is poised to do the same. Read his story on pages eight through ten.

Downtown Confidential is back after a short break. I have received several ‘confidential’ messages that tell how much they missed the page. Who would have thought?

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we have a beautiful article about the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. It’s worth a read whether or not you are expecting a little one. We also have an article: What is a woman?

Whatever you do, you must read both articles on pages fourteen and four through five.

Don’t miss the health and wellness page; our décor page shows you a thing or two about beautifying your walls. And, of course, our movie review page is always raving with new movies and series, plus music just for you.

Happy Mother’s day to everyone who plays the role of mum, whether man or woman. Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia

Makeup: Zaron

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

GOVERNORSHIP, STATE ASSEMBLY POLLS:

Sanwo-olu, Makinde, Abiodun, AbdulRazak

Re-elected as Eno Umo Wins in A'Ibom

•Buni Returns in Yobe, Yahaya Wins in Gombe, Namadi Emerges Gov-Elect in Jigawa

• Voter Apathy, Electoral Fraud, Violence Mar Exercise

• 25 Killed in A'Ibom, Benue, C'River, Delta, Lagos, Niger, Osun, Rivers

BY AMOS ESELE, WITH AYO ESAN, AYO ESAN, UKANDI ODEY, SAMPSON UHUEGBU, DAVID OWEI AND SUNDAY OGBU

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday, declared governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, winners of the governorship election held on Saturday, March 18, in their respective states with Pastor Eno Umo winning the race in Akwa Ibom State.

Prince Abiodun scored 276,298 to defeat his closest rival, Mr Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who polled 262,383 votes. Makinde polled 563,756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Folarin of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who scored 256,685 votes.

In Kwara State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

of the APC was declared winner of Saturday, March 18, 2023 governorship election, having won in all the 16 local governments areas of the state in the election results declared by INEC Returning officer, Professor Isaac Itodo.

In Akwa Ibom, Umo Bassey Eno of the PDP, won the governorship race with 354, 357 over his closest rivals, Senator Bassey Akpan of Young Peoples Party, YPP, who polled 135, 724 votes and Akanimo Udofia of the APC, who scored 129,604.having satisfied the requirements of the law. The Governor-Elect of Akwa Ibom State garnered the highest votes cast and won in 30 out of 31 local governments in the state.

Also on Sunday, INEC declared the incumbent Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, as the winner of the March 18th governorship election in the State.

Announcing the result at the INEC headquarters in Damaturu, the State Returning Officer, Prof Umar

Pate, said Mai Buni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 317,113 to defeat his closest rival, Sheriff Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 104,259.

While accredited voters were 459,492, valid votes cast and total votes cast were 444,567 and 457,781 respectively.

Buni, a former caretaker chairman of the APC, is returning as the Governor of the North-East State for the second time under the APC.

INEC also declared Inuwa Yahaya, APC candidate, as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in Gombe state.

Declaring the winner on Sunday, the Returning Officer for the election and the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Professor

...Voter Apathy, Electoral Fraud, Violence Mar Exercise

Maimuna Waziri, said Inuwa scored a total of 342,821 votes to get re-elected as Governor of the State. His closest rival, Mohammed Jibrin Barde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 233,131 votes.

Ahmed Mailantarki of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) came third with 19,861 votes while Keftin Amuga of the Labour Party (LP) scored 1,753.

INEC also declared Umar Namadi, candidate of the APC as the winner of the March 18 governorship election, in Jigawa State.

INEC Collation Officer for the governorship election in Jigawa, Zaiyanu Umar, announced the results on Sunday evening, in Dutse, the State capital.

Namadi won in 26 of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State, with a total of 618,449 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Mustafa Lamido of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 368,726 and Aminu Ringim of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who got 37,156 votes.

The Deputy Governor and former Commissioner of Finance will replace the incumbent, Abubakar Badaru of the APC, whose two-term of eight years ends on May 29, 2023.

Election monitoring groups in their preliminary reports on the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections were uncomplimentary.

Although they commended INEC for early arrival of materials at most of the 176,846 polling units across the country, the local observers agreed that the “final outcome may not reflect the wishes of the people.”

Ms Ene Obi, Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, the Convener of Civil Society Situation Room, YIAGA Africa and Centre for Democracy and Development were united in their views that vote buying, voter suppression, thuggery/ violence and apathy hallmarked the polls.

Voters and police officers were shot dead in states like Akwa-Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Niger, Osun and Rivers.

“Voters were harassed, electoral materials destroyed, vote-buying was higher in state elections compared to what was applicable in the presidential election, and voters accredited without the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” noted Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, board member of YIAGA Africa, which deployed 1,547 observers in 28 states where the governorship poll held.

According to CDD executive director, Idayat Hassan, who presented a report on the electoral process in six geo-political zones of the country, “This might be a reflection of the heightened political environment around governorship polls, the importance of local personalities in state-level politics, and the shortages of fuel and Naira.”

As earlier projected by THEWILL, local interests, power play and alliances contributed greatly in determining the fate of many governorship candidates in spite of the rampant thuggery, violence, voter intimidation and bribery.

COALITION AND POWER PLAY AT WORK

A perfect example of how these factors played out took place in Oyo, Nasarawa and Lagos States where incumbent Governors Seyi Makinde, Abdullahi Sule and Babajide-Sanwo-Olu, were seeking re-election and in Kaduna State where the ticket was open as Governor Nasir el-Rufai had served his two-terms.

In Oyo where Governor Makinde was up against a formidable opposition from the reformed All Progressives Congress, APC and its candidate, Teslim Folarin, after a spectacular performance at the presidential and national assembly polls, during

which they clinched the three senatorial seats and eight out of the 11 representative seats, Presidentelect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had to intervene.

According to dependable sources, Tinubu had to put a phone call to APC chieftains in the state to work for Makinde’s victory, a favour he had to return for the beleaguered governor’s assistance in the presidential election, which the APC won in Oyo State.

Tinubu was said to have released, “a huge sum of money to his party chieftains to calm frayed nerves and even went as far as appealing to the candidate of the Accord Party, Adebayo Adelabu, urging him to bid his time till 2027 when Makinde would have done his statutory terms,” said the source.

In Kaduna State, the elite who felt offended by the machinations of Governor el-Rufai, particularly his religious bigotry, which fuelled his decision to continue the Muslim-Muslim ticket for the governorship that in turn sharpened the ethnic tension and increased arson and killings, worked together to unseat him. The PDP, which won all three senatorial seats and 10 out of 16 seats in the House of Representatives, looked good to clinch the governorship but the APC is putting up a great resistance to turn the tide. As at the time of this report, the APC candidate was in the lead.

In a moment of reality check, el-Rufai and the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sani Uba, complained about voter intimidation in Kajuru and Zaria Local Government Areas, which the Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji, promised to investigate while insisting that the conduct of the election was peaceful.

In Nasarawa State, a helpless Governor Sule had to admit before journalists, after casting his vote at Motor Park 002 Gudi Polling Unit in Akwanga Local Government Area, that “the Labour candidate stepped down for the PDP candidate in the last minute,” when in fact the coalition was mediated two weeks to the polls by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Labaran Maku. The PDP candidate, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, looks good to win, with over half of the results from the election officially declared.

In Lagos State, the coalition between the LP and PDP was consummated “too late and with uncertainty,” few hours to the polls. According to a source who confided in THEWILL, the alliance between both parties, which personal assistant to Phillip Olabode Aivoji, PDP Chairman in the state, Mr Seyi Shodipo, in a Friday, March 17, evening statement, said was agreed to by LP Chairman, Mrs Dayo Ekong for “both parties to work together from constituency levels through their delegated members to campaign and woo voters,” came too late to be of effect.

As it turned out, “Jandor (PDP’s governorship candidate, AbdulAzeez Adediran) resisted the alliance,” confided in the party source. In the end, the alliance was as worthless as the paper it was written on, leaving Governor Sanwo-Olu virtually unchallenged.

DISRUPTIONS THAT MARRED THE POLLS

Party thugs and agents, as well as traditional rulers and complicit security personnel, contributed in rubbishing the election.

Fearing a repeat performance of the presidential election results which the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, won, supporters of the status-quo in Lagos State deployed all antics to have their way.

Lagos, the commercial nerve of the country, unexpectedly became a ‘war’ zone where known thugs issued warning statement to the Igbo not to vote against APC. On Election Day, thugs paraded areas known to be the strongholds of the opposition, such as Okota, Ojo and Lekki, shouting, “Stay at home if you won’t vote APC. A known Tinubusupporter and Chairman of Lagos Parks and Garages Management Committee, Musiliu Akinsanya, alias “MC Oluomo, shared a video in which he called on all “Iya Chukwudis (all Igbo), to “Vote APC or stay at home!”

Although the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was a joke, the wrong message had been sent out. Alarmingly, some traditional rulers, particularly Oba Saheed Ademola Elugushi of Ikate Kingdom, issued a notice on the observance of ‘Oro,’ a Yoruba religious ritual on the day of eection, in flagrant disobedience and contravention of the Federal Government directive restricting movements on that day.

In another development in upscale Lekki, whiteattired chiefs performed a ritual with a sacrificial goat invoking the gods to favour Governor Sanwoolu and ruin the chances of his rivals. In most polling units, THEWILL team saw pots of fetish materials placed in corners which voters by-passed to cast their votes. INEC had to shift to Sunday, March 19, voting in 10 polling units at Victoria Garden City, where polling booths were moved by colluding INEC officials to locations considered unsafe by the residents.

In other places, masked thugs invaded polling units and chased voters away.

In other states like Cross River, an exceptional police officer was shot dead at a polling unit. In Rivers State, thugs like their cousins in Lagos, paraded streets warning those, “who would not vote PDP,” to stay away from polling units.

In Enugu State, thugs who wore police and army uniforms out to cast votes for a particular party were arrested by officers of the National Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, at Nsukka, Enugu East, Enugu North and Nkanu West Local Government Areas.

In Plateau State, where voter apathy was pronounced, low voter turn-out became a source of concern to the major parties where the PDP, LP and the governing APC each thought their candidate would emerge victorious.

Ebonyi State also had its fair share of violence.

Lagos, the commercial nerve of the country, unexpectedly became a ‘war’ zone where known thugs issued warning statements to the Igbo not to vote against APC. On Election Day, thugs paraded areas known to be the strongholds of the opposition, such as Okota, Ojo and Lekki, shouting, “Stay at home if you won’t vote APC

...Voter Apathy, Electoral Fraud, Violence Mar Exercise

Here, thugs in military uniform hijacked election materials from polling units and destroyed them, especially in Nnewi North and Ezza North Local Government Areas, which are occupied by one of the most populous clans in the state.

To illustrate voter apathy, asked why were playing football during voting hours, some youths in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said they were not sure the outcome would reflect their wishes, judging by their experience in the presidential and national assembly polls.

Commenting on it, LP presidential candidate, Obi, supported the footballing youths view. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State also said the same thing. Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, however put it down to what he called the unusually large number of security personnel in the state.

In all, 25 lives were lost in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Benue, Niger, Osun, just as many people sustained gunshot wounds.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on election monitoring duty in Kaduna State were not spared, too. They came under attack at School Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna while attempting to arrest a suspected vote buyer.

According to the Head of Media of the Commission, Wilson Uwujaren, the team, working on intelligence on the alleged activities of one Kabiru Musa, who was seen in an amateur video allegedly inducing eligible voters by using his phone to transfer money into their accounts as they cast their votes, had mobilised to the scene to arrest the suspect.

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“However, immediately he was accosted by the operatives, Musa became unruly and screamed to attract the attention of his syndicate members, who descended on the operatives, using all manner of weapons that left some of them injured. It took great restraint on the part of the operatives to ignore the unprovoked attack, but they insisted on arresting the suspect.

“As the team drove away with the suspect, their vehicle was pelted with stones and other dangerous objects that damaged the windshield and three operatives suffered varying degrees of injuries in the process.''

Uwujaren however disclosed that the EFCC arrested 65 persons across the 28 states where governorship and state assembly elections were conducted, for alleged voter inducement. These states are Cross River, Gombe Kaduna, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Rivers and Sokoto.

He said, “Investigation so far revealed that the major modus operandi of the suspects are to give cash, transfer money, coupons and send recharge cards to eligible voters in order to induce them to vote for their candidates. A search conducted on their persons and phones revealed that most of them had transferred money into the accounts of some voters on the lists recovered from them.

“Some of the items recovered from the suspects include voter cards, cash, a list of the names and account details of voters. Others are recharge cards.

“Upon interrogation, some of the suspects identified themselves as party agents, while some admitted to distributing money to induce voters.”

Photographs From The Election Held on March 18, 2023:

COMPILED BY: PEACE UDUGBA

Former Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, at his Irágbìjí polling centre in Osun State.

Investigation so far revealed that the major modus operandi of the suspects are to give cash, transfer money, coupons and send recharge cards to eligible voters in order to induce them to vote for their candidates. A search conducted on their persons and phones revealed that most of them had transferred money into the accounts of some voters on the lists recovered from them

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, casting his vote in Ikenne LGA, Ogun State.

President-elect, Bola Tinubu, casting his vote in Alausa, Lagos. Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, at his Ika North, Agbor, polling centre.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, performing his civic duty at Adeniji Adele, Area of Lagos State.

Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, at Iwo Road polling centre in Ibadan.

Guber Poll: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Keyamo Win Polling Units

Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has won his polling unit in the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections held in Lagos State on Saturday.

THEWILL reports that Tinubu voted at polling unit 085, Alausa, in Ikeja.

According to the polling unit result announced by INEC’s Returning Officer, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, polled 43 votes to defeat Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, who scored five votes.

Jide Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored zero vote, while the candidate of NRM got one vote and one other

vote voided.

Similarly, Governor Sanwo-Olu also won in his Polling Unit 006, Ward E3, Eiyekole, Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu won his polling unit by 120 votes to defeat his distant rivals, Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, who scored 2 votes and Adediran of the PDP, who secured 3 votes.

In Delta State, the Minister for State, Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo (SAN), won in his polling unit 17, Ward 2, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the result announced by INEC, the APC Governorship candidate in Delta State, Ovie OmoAgege polled 32 votes in his polling unit to defeat the PDP candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, who scored 19 votes. The LP scored 10 votes.

Gunmen Kill Rivers APC Campaign Coordinator

The Campaign Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chisom Lennard, has been killed. The State APC Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, who confirmed the development, said Lennard was abducted on Saturday, by gunmen while voting for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections at his Ibagwa polling unit 2, ward 10, in Ahoada West LGA. "He was abducted from his polling unit during the voting process and taken away. Nobody knew where

We'll Deal With Perpetrators of Violence – Gov Abiodun

BY SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has condemned reports of violence in some parts of the state during the conduct of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday.

Abiodun, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Somorin, blamed opposition elements for the violence.

He said that rather than subjecting the exercise to the people's choice, these undemocratic characters turned a seamless electoral process to a do-or-die affair.

The governor said the reports came as a surprise because the election started on a peaceful note across the state.

He seriously frowned on the situation, which, according to him, would not be condoned, while noting that normalcy had returned to the affected areas as security agencies swiftly responded.

Voters Apathy: We'll Change Situation For Future Elections – Ogunleye

Aformer Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) will ensure that Nigerians enjoy more dividends of democracy that will change the narrative for future elections.

Ogunleye, who is a member of the state Governors Advisory Committee, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

The APC chieftain said this after casting his vote during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections at PU 012, Solomade, Ikorodu.

Ogunleye, who said that though voters’ turnout was low compared to the presidential election, noted that the electoral process was peaceful.

“The job we have to do now, not only in Lagos, is to make sure we energise and encourage voters to come out and vote.

“Things were different during the times of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the early days of Mr Babatunde Fashola.

“I’m a party man and I know some reasons I can’t be saying in the public.

they took him to. It was later in the evening of Saturday that his body was discovered," he said.

His body was found along the Ibueahi-Ubeta road in Ahoada-West LGA of the State.

Lennard, an estate surveyor and a former board member of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority during the tenure of Rotimi Amaechi, was an APC LGA caretaker chairman and a PhD student at Rivers State University.

The State Police Command has not issued any statement on the incident.

“We have the blueprint, my colleagues and I will sit down and work with it to change the situation in future election,” he said. Ogunleye said that he believed in a free, fair and transparent electoral process, noting that the deployment of BVAS had reduced electoral malpractice.

He advised the citizens to vote for a competent leader who had the interest of the people in mind and could also drive development.

He also urged the youth to shun violence and inciting statements that could lead to chaos and disruption of electoral process.

According to him, when you have violence, you are enthroning mediocrity and those who aren’t qualified to rule will be put in the position to lead.

He noted that even if a leader was a PhD holder but don’t take care of people at the grassroots, citizens would suffer.

Abiodun said his government would not hesitate to deal with anyone or groups behind the poll disruption, attacks on voters and snatching of ballot boxes.

He urged the people and residents in the state to remain calm and law-abiding, it further warned that the state government would not treat anyone responsible for the violence with kids' gloves.

"The law will take care of those caught to serve as a deterrent to their paymasters and their wards for violating the peaceful atmosphere that Ogun is known for,” the statement added.

6 Suspected Ballot Box Snatchers Shot Dead in Benue

Six persons were allegedly shot dead in some parts of the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State for allegedly snatching ballot boxes during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections held on Saturday.

Eye witness accounts claimed that some youths snatched the ballots boxes at NKST Primary School in Gboko South and took off, but ran into some soldiers on patrol when they were shot and some of them injured in the process.

Our informant stated that a similar incident took place at Hausa Quarters also in Gboko South.

It was gathered that some of the snatchers who sustained injuries were taken to the General Hospital, Gboko for medical attention with the bodies of the victims deposited in the morgue.

In Agatu Local Government Area, Abube youths were alleged to have attempted to disrupt the voting process, but vigilant security agents moved quickly to stop them.

In Vandeikya Local Government Area, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State, Fr Hycinth Alia, cast his vote at Mbadede in Bako Market Square with other people in high spirits.

Alia commended INEC for improving on the lapses recorded in the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 and called on all the candidates in the governorship election to accept the results that would be announced by the electoral body.

President Muhammadu Buhari casting his vote for the Governorship and State Assembly Elections in Katsina on March 18 2023.

FROM GEORGE MARTINS, MAKURDI

Ogun Guber: NNPP Vows to Sue INEC Over Omission of Party’s Name

BY AYO ESAN

The Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has vowed that the party will sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of the party’s name on ballot papers.

Oguntoyinbo made the disclosure on Sunday, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists.

The NNPP guber candidate, who cast his vote at Ofada, Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun state, while expressing dismay over the conduct of the election, noted that omitting the name of the party on the ballot paper was a ploy to rob him and the party the victory at the just conducted gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

He maintained that apart from omitting the name of the party from the ballot papers, the election was marred by manipulation and irregularities, alleging the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of intimidation, harassment and vote buying.

Oguntoyinbo disclosed that the party had

Plateau Assembly Speaker, Majority Leader Lose Re-election Bids

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Yakubu Sanda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has lost his re-election bid for the Pengana State Constituency seat.

Sanda was defeated by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Happiness Matthew Akawu, in last Saturday’s elections for the Pengana State Constituency seat.

Mrs Akawu scored 9,926 votes to defeat the Speaker, who polled 7,936 votes. While the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) scored 6,721 votes, the Labour Party secured 1,028 votes.

Also, the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly and member representing Mikang State Constituency, Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, who contested on the platform of the ruling APC, lost his reelection bid to Matthew Sule of the opposition PDP, in the election.

Associate Professor Umaru Takum, the INEC Collation Officer for the election, declared Daniel of the APC scored 9,848 while Sule of the PDP secured 12,880 to emerge the winner.

earlier written a letter to INEC to ensure the inclusion of his party’s name on the ballot paper, instead of only the logo.

He noted that the INEC, in its wisdom, decided to rob the party of victory by refusing to correct the error, hence, the need to challenge it constitutionally by going to court.

According to him, “On the ballot paper, I cannot see my party, the NNPP. After writing to INEC to make amendments before the election but to our surprise, we could not find the name but only the logo.

“Despite that there was security during the election in my polling unit, where I cast my vote, the APC gathered hoodlums to attack me.

“I’m so disappointed in this country. I’m so disappointed about the leaders that we have. People can’t move around freely to the extent that they were dragging guns with my security. Can you imagine? No, this is not an election.

“But by the grace of God, we are going to court to challenge INEC on why they failed to put our name on the ballot paper. I’m disappointed in INEC.”

Bayelsa Assembly Polls: APGA Claims

Two Seats as PDP Maintains Lead

BY DAVID OWEI

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Oteigbanyo George-Braah of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the Nembe Constituency 1 seat in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Declaring the results at the King Koko Square collation centre in Ognolomabiri, the INEC Returning Officer, Mr Okechukwu Okeke, said George-Braah polled 2,928 votes to emerge the winner.

Giving a further rundown of the figures of the result, Okeke announced that Hon. Ebi

Ben-Ololo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is running for a third term in office, polled 2,356 votes, while Kenneth Standfast of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 485 votes.

Also, in Yenagoa Constituency 2, an area considered to be a stronghold of the PDP, Waikumo Amakoromo of the APGA polled 4,971 votes to defeat his major opponent, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai of the PDP, an incumbent lawmaker, who has served for two tenures already.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, casting his vote at Ward 3, Polling Unit 2, Ita Osanyin, Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Council Area of the State on March 18, 2023.

POLITICS

Yakubu

Governorship /Assembly Elections: Commendations, Knocks For INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) once again was the centre of attraction as voters trooped out nationwide to perform their civic duties in the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections held last Saturday, March 18, 2023.

The elections were earlier scheduled take place on March 11, but INEC said it needed more time to back the reconfiguration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS) devices which were previously used for the Presidential/National Assembly elections and this led to the delay of the exercise for one week.

INEC had before Election Day given Nigerians the assurance that the election would be free and fair as it had learnt its lesson from the controversy that trailed the February 25 presidential election.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, said that the processes and procedures leading to the elections had been successfully finalised.

So, amid hopes of a hitch-free exercise, Nigerians finally trooped out to various polling units to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

INEC officials and materials for election, it was observed, arrived safely and on time in most polling units across the country. Impressed, voters praised INEC for improving on its performance in the previous elections, particularly for enabling them to cast their votes quickly and return to their various homes. There were heart-warming reports that BVAS devices worked seamlessly and accreditation of

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voters took place at the various polling units without unnecessary delays.

Apart from the lapses on the part of security personnel in some parts of the country, which gave room to embarrassing disruptions at the polls, INEC had used the window provided between the two elections to perfect its act.

INEC had said it carried out training and retraining for its ad-hoc staff before the elections. This was clearly evident in the manner in which the elections were conducted.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State commended INEC for the conduct of the House of Assembly election in the state. He described it as peaceful, seamless and an improvement on the February 25, 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, which drew so much condemnation from voters and

observers across the country.

The governor spoke after casting his vote alongside his wife, Dr. Gloria, at 9.07am at Ward 6, Unit 4, Kalama-Oweiwari in Sampou Community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

While commending INEC for the early arrival of officials and materials at the polling units, Diri said reports indicated that it was generally the same story across the state.

He said: “The voting process was quite seamless and very fast. So I believe that INEC has improved upon the previous election from what I just witnessed from my own polling unit in ward 6 unit 4 here in Sampou. Kudos to INEC for what I have seen today.”

Also, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State appreciated the general conduct of the March 18 elections in the state.

Tambuwal made the commendation shortly after he cast his vote at Community Girls’ Secondary School, Tambuwal in Sokoto.

He described the exercise as generally secure and free of rancour.

“There is a lot of improvement when compared with the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should keep to its promise of ensuring an all-inclusive election across the country.

INEC officials and materials for election, it was observed, arrived safely and on time in most polling units across the country

POLITICS

...Commendations, Knocks For INEC

Continued from Page 11

“We were highly disappointed with the way INEC conducted the last elections in which the process experienced a lot of irregularities. Comparing it with the current elections, the situation is highly different from the report we are receiving so far across the state,” he said.

The governor added that if the situation was sustained to the end, the will of the people would truly prevail at the end of the exercise.

“The election materials arrived at most of the polling units on time and so far, there is no issue of BVAS malpractice.

“However, the government needs to ensure the recruitment of more security personnel to address the shortage of manpower in the country,” he added.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said the voting exercise was good and excellent, noting that lNEC ought to improve on its performance and move away from the past.

He called on the Commission to redeem it image from the allegedly poor conduct of the February 25 presidential and national assembly elections, which fell below the expectations of Nigerians and the International community.

Fintiri said the fact that he did not receive any serious complaint about the governorship and state assembly elections in the state meant that the elections were peaceful.

Also speaking on the elections, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Aishatu Dahiru Binani, commended the exercise.

Binani, who voted at Bako Ward in Yola South Local Government Area, said INEC deserved commendation for the way it handled the exercise.

She commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise adding that she did not received any news of security threat INEC also received commendation from the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

Soludo particularly commended INEC for commencing voting early enough in the state.

He gave the commendation shortly after voting at Polling Unit 002, Ofuiyi Square, Umueze, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area.

The governor said he received reports that the exercise was going on fairly well in terms of deployment of logistics and timing of the election process, describing it as a great improvement, compared to the previous election, in terms of the arrival and deployment of materials.

In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed delight over the smooth conduct of the governorship and state assembly elections in his home Local Government Area of Onna and by extension, the entire state.

Speaking to journalists soon after casting his vote at Awa Iman Ward 1, Polling Unit 1, within the Civic Centre, Governor Emmanuel said that although the elections might not be 100 percent perfect, the conduct was excellent in Akwa Ibom.

“What interests me most is the peaceful conduct. I just pray that it will be replicated across the country. No system is 100 percent perfect. If we can score 90 percent here with only 10 percent error margin, we will still be excellent.

The Lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, who arrived at his polling unit around 9:12am to cast his vote on Saturday, expressed confidence in the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Faleke said that the voting process was peaceful and seamless, saying that it took him a few minutes to cast his vote.

Also, the Chief of Staff to governor of Lagos state, Mr Tayo Ayinde, applauded the electoral body for their early arrival and the good pace at which they carried out the exercise.

However the electoral body was also blamed for some lapses that were noticed during the elections in some states of the federation.

The Labour Party condemned the conduct of the elections across the country, describing the exercise as “a complete sham”.

“The leadership of the Labour Party has watched with trepidation the ongoing rape of democracy in Nigeria as being supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,” its National Chairman, Julius Abure, said in a statement last Saturday.

He decried that “serious” thuggery, violence and suppression of voters prevailed unchecked as people were prevented from going to vote for candidates of their choice, “especially when they perceived you are supporting the opposition party.”

The LP chairman cited incidents of ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters and high level of vote buying, saying electoral crimes were “very visible” in Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and several other states.

According to Abure, the conduct of the polls by INEC clearly showed that the outcome of the February 25 presidential elections was a “well-orchestrated plot to favour a particular political party and candidate.”

Also, a member of the Campaign for Democracy, (CD) Comrade Sola Olawale, said that while the BVAS seemed to impress voters, relative to the February 25 elections, and the exercise kicked off on time at many polling units, some people experienced disruptions and delays.

“One prominent case was the affluent Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, where the exercise failed to be conducted,” he said.

He said that after the situation gained attention online, the Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Segun Agbaje, was forced to appear in person at the location to address the situation.

Olawale said that when Agbaje arrived, he said there were eight polling units at VGC with 6,024 registered voters and out of which 5,624 people had their PVCs. Agbaje also remarked that two other polling units at the estate’s main gate were also affected.

He said INEC later gave further directive to shift the election to the following day, Sunday, March 19.

According to Olawale, elections did not hold in AsariToru Local Government Area of Rivers State. “It was gathered that a heated disagreement broke out at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Buguma over the absence of INEC electoral officers and result sheets, which required the intervention of security agents to bring them under control.

“Meanwhile, videos widely shared on social media showed Lagos-based voters with cuts and bruises, claiming to have been subjected to severe flogging and gruesome stabbings by hoodlums wielding canes and various sharp objects,” he said.

He is of the opinion that INEC, though it improved on the earlier election conducted in February, needs to do more for future elections in then country.

Buhari Okoye

However the electoral body was also blamed for some lapses that were noticed during the elections in some states of the federation

Lagos Governorship Election, Free, Fair – APC Chieftains

The Chairman, Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Mr. Johnson Babatunde and the Chairman, Arewa Community of APC in Lagos State , Alhaji Saadu Yusuf Gulma have both described Saturday Governorship / House of Assembly election in Lagos State as free, fair and credible.

Speaking with THEWILL, Babatunde said the election was free and fair, but said the turnout was not impressive.

“The turnout was low, too low. Our people have not learnt from the past. All the political parties did enough campaigning. They campaigned for the people to come out and vote. But to our surprise, the turnout was just too low. Even in this area, we expected that many people would turn out for the voting exercise but that wasn’t the case. We have a lot of things to campaign on and to show for the people to see. Despite the fact that we are in an electioneering period, I still embarked on some capital projects”.

“But generally the election was peaceful as far as this area is concerned. There is the need for us to let the people know that their votes count. It is not an issue of selection, it is an issue of election. The BVAS machine is working. And I have been in touch with the INEC officials and they have been responding. Give it to INEC here, if you call them they are responding.

“We had a little issue at the beginning and later things went well.

2023 Polls Most Credible, Transparent – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has described the 2023 polls as one of the most transparent and credible ever held in the country.

The minister said this on Saturday in his home town, Oro, near Ilorin Kwara while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote in the Governorship and State Assembly election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister voted at about 9.45 a.m. at Polling Unit 006, Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Justifying his assertion, the minister said the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was a game changer in tackling the issues of multiple accreditations, voting and rigging.

“With what I have observed both in the February 25 and today’s elections, there has been a remarkable improvement in the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Election: Kogi Commissioner, Senator-Elect Decry Low Turnout

“During the presidential election, the youths came out in large numbers. There was this enthusiasm but this one, I think they feel discouraged, they didn’t come out.

Also speaking the Chairman, Arewa Community APC in Lagos, Alhaji Saadu Yusuf Gulma said there were improvements in the conduct of the election.

“The election was well organized. INEC improved from its performance in the past. Number one, the INEC officials were in their seats very early unlike what happened during the presidential election. Today they came early. In my polling unit here, they came before 9am. In the presidential election they came at 11.30am. This time the INEC and its officials have improved in their conduct and efficiency..

Gulma also commended Lagosians especially the Arewa people living in Lagos State for turning out in large numbers to cast their vote for the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu.

“The voter turnout has improved. The only problem is that the youths didn’t turn out to vote. I don’t know why. With the new President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the next election you will see the difference. I am sure he is going to address the grievances of our youths. I have confidence things will improve.”

“Some of the youths are being misdirected but the current administration will improve everything”.

Kogi West senator-elect, Mr Sunday Karimi, and the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, on Saturday commended INEC’s conduct of the House of Assembly elections in the state.

Governorship election in Kogi is off-cycle and will not hold until November.

The duo gave the commendations in separate interviews with newsmen after casting their ballots at Egbe, Yagba West and Takete in Mopamuro Local Government Areas of Kogi, respectively.

Karimi said the election was peaceful but noted voter apathy as many eligible voters did not turn up at the polling units.

He said the low turnout might not be unconnected with the fact that the governorship election was not held in Kogi on Saturday.

He added that the poor turnout on Saturday could also have resulted from the shock of the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Feb. 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

“There was low turnout of voters compared to the large turnout at the presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25.

“There was an improvement in logistics by INEC, however. There was early arrival of election officers at the polling units contrary to what obtained on Feb. 25.

“Also, the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines worked perfectly on Saturday, except in a few cases where it rejected fingerprints,’’ Karimi said.

On his part, Fanwo commended INEC for organising credible, free and fair elections.

“Materials were brought on time and the BVAS worked perfectly. The electoral officers were very professional as they provided a level playing ground for everybody to exercise their franchise.

“We also want to commend the security operatives; they were very professional in their conduct, and the voters conducted themselves very well.

“I commend INEC for organising these very credible, free and fair elections.

“Without any doubt, the introduction of BVAS has been a game changer in the sense that with BVAS, you are able to get the actual number of people who are accredited.

“Also with BVAS, it is now not possible for you to vote twice because your biometric and facial are captured.

Voters Apathy: We Will Change Situation For Future Elections – Ogunleye

Aformer Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) will ensure Nigerians enjoy more dividends of democracy that will change the narrative for future elections.

Ogunleye, Chieftain of APC and member of the state Governor's Advisory Committee, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

The APC chieftain said this after casting his vote during the Governorship and House of Assembly Election at PU 012, Solomade, Ikorodu.

Ogunleye, who said that though voters’ turnout was low compared to the presidential election, noted that the electoral process was peaceful.

“The job we have to do now, not only in Lagos, is to make sure we energise and encourage voters to come out and vote.

“Things were different during the times of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the early days of Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

“I’m a party man and I know some reasons I can’t be saying in public.

“We have the blueprint, my colleagues and I will sit down and work with it to change the situation in future elections,” he said.

Ogunleye said that he believed in a free, fair and transparent electoral process, noting that the deployment of BVAS had reduced electoral malpractice.

He advised the citizens to vote for a competent leader who had the interest of the people in mind and could also drive development.

He also urged the youth to shun violence and inciting statements that could lead to chaos and disruption of the electoral process.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, casting his vote at his Okelele Polling Unit, Ikogosi Ekiti, during the state assembly election on March 18, 2023.

AYO ESAN

EDITORIAL

Time to Move Nigeria Forward

The 2023 General Election is gradually coming to a close. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, which were initially scheduled for March 11, finally took place on Saturday, March 18. The Presidential and National Assembly election had earlier been held on February 25. Apart from the rescheduled polls in one or two states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be wrapping up its national assignment for this year in a few weeks.

Already, the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially moved into Defence House, Abuja, preparatory to his inauguration on May 29 as President Muhammadu Buhari is on his way out of the Aso Rock Villa. Interestingly, the President is now operating from his Katsina country home, knowing full well that his eight-year tenure is ending in just about two months from now.

The reality on ground for everyone now is the task of moving Nigeria forward. While important lessons have been learned from the wobbling and fumbling of INEC despite all the support it received locally and internationally, the arduous task of moving the country to the next phase is the most important assignment before the president-elect and the new set of leaders at both the national and state levels. There is no gainsaying the fact that all eyes are now on Nigeria as the international community is just waiting

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Austyn Ogannah

Editor – Olaolu Olusina

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Politics Editor – Ayo Esan

Business Editor – Sam Diala

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Nigeria Bureau: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @ THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888.

EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA [Letters/Opinions: opinion.letters@thewillnigeria.com]

to see the lessons learned so far in our democratic journey. The European Union Observer Mission has been on ground in Nigeria since January and it is expected to come out with an interim report on Saturday's polls this week, according to the EU Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, who confirmed that the final report of both the February 25 and March 18 elections would be ready within the next three months.

''We are here on the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission and we are here to carry out an assessment of the election process. We have been deployed here since early January and we will continue our deployment here till April and then we will produce the final report within three months after the end of the election and it will contain all our conclusions and recommendations.

“Generally, the criteria we tested against are inclusivity and credibility, being the overall process it takes in the entire media, judicial and legislative landscape; that is why we deployed for such a long period of time," Andrews said after the polls on Saturday.

Ezenwa Nwagwu, a board member of YIAGA Africa, which deployed 1,547 observers across the 28 states where the governorship poll held, said: “Voters were harassed, electoral materials destroyed, vote-buying was higher in state elections, compared to what was applicable in the presidential election, and voters accredited without the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).”

Also, the International Republican Institute (IRI)

and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), as well as other election monitors and observer groups had earlier given their reports of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The reports were a damning verdict on the not-too-

impressive performance of INEC in the first round of the elections, especially in the area of logistics and its failure to transmit results of the polls in real-time as it had promised. Most disappointing to Nigerians in the conduct of the first round of elections was the failure of the BVAS to live up to its muchflaunted reputation as the real game-changer in the electoral system. Although some improvements were made in the second round of the polls, the accompanying violence, voters intimidation and fatalities recorded really took the shine off the entire exercise.

Nonetheless, we are happy that the president-elect appears good to go despite the opposition in some quarters to his emergence. He has expressed his determination to run a government based on merit and competence. Most Nigerians, who are really tired of the mediocrity and nepotism that characterised the administration of outgoing President Buhari, would definitely look forward to a progressive style going forward. While the legal battles take their normal course, we believe that the country cannot be held captive. Life must go on and very well, too.

The task of rebuilding Nigeria is much more important than lamenting the failure of the electoral umpire to deliver on its promises and live up to the expectations of Nigerians. It is very sad and painful that the gains of the electoral reforms have been rubbished by INEC’s inefficiency and lack-lustre performance as many Nigerians continue to wonder why the electoral body would choose to fumble when it mattered most.

The reality on ground for everyone now is the task of moving Nigeria forward. While important lessons have been learned from the wobbling and fumbling of INEC despite all the support it received locally and internationally, the arduous task of moving the country to the next phase is the most important assignment before the president-elect and the new set of leaders at both the national and state levels

Before They Begin Igbo Point-And-Kill in Lagos

BY FELIX OBOAGWINA

In April last year, I wrote an article, titled, “Didn’t Tinubu Just Goof On MC Oluomo?” The piece did a postmortem on the crisis rocking the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Long story short, Musiliu Akinsanya, alias “MC Oluomo,” was issued a query by the union’s national leadership, he refused to answer it and he was handed a suspension. Out of the blue, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared NURTW banned. In its place, they created the Lagos Parks and Garages Management Committee and appointed MC Oluomo to head it as Chairman. Those who know, know that Sanwo-Olu merely served as the hand of Esau carrying out the dictates of the godfather puppeteer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. MC Oluomo is Tinubu’s strongman. Lately, MC Oluomo’s pre-Governorship-Election message to the Igbo stock in Lagos became a social media virus. In it, the Tinubu-assisted tough-guy warns all Iya Chukwudis (all Igbo), “Vote APC or stay at home!” Simply put, should the South-Easterners fail to support APC, these attack dogs want to scare Igbo with a promise of Rwandan-style point-and-kill. It is a desperate message from a desperado whose desperate paymasters have read the handwriting on the wall from February 25, where they fell from their Olympian heights and lost Lagos to Peter Obi’s Elu-Pee. However, people like me saw the February 25 fall coming long ago.

In my April 2022 piece, I observed and warned: “As the Nigerian proverb says, ‘It is the foolish fly that gets buried with the corpse.’ Tinubu, in bailing out his embattled unionist godson may have succeeded in damaging his own ambition.” Could I have been more right?

Anywhere in Nigeria, where commercial transportation takes place, NURTW “full ground berekete.” So does its parent body, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). These are nationwide networks. Injury to one of them means injury to all. NURTW and NLC could be making Tinubu pay for robbing them of Lagos.

Apart from the MC Oluomo blunder, several others factors triggered the shock APC and Tinubu received in their traditional hold of Lagos and gave the lead instead to the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, on February 25. That February loss made them zero in on Obi’s Igbo kinsmen in Lagos. They think they have an Igbo problem they could solve through scare tactics. Perish the thought! It has nothing to do with Igbo people.

LAGOS-BORN WANT LAGOS

There is the “Omo Eko factor.” Aboriginal Lagosians from the Awori stock and the Saro Islanders, descendants of the freed slaves who returned to Lagos and Freetown in the dying days of the slave trade, these too want a shot at the throne too. Rallying around the likes of Chief Olabode George and General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, they have formed “Omo Eko Pataki,” dedicated to planting a trueborn, full-blooded Lagosian in Eko Roundhouse.

The dream the aboriginal Lagosians and Island Lagosians dream about ruling Lagos should make sense. They point out that unlike the likes of Rauf Aregbesola (Osun State), who, after a spell of meritorious service in Lagos, still headed back home to vie for state governorship positions, indigenous Lagosians have nowhere to go. Only godfather Tinubu knows why he shunned their yearnings since 1999. He paid dearly for it on February 25. It has nothing to do with Igbo people.

THE #EndSARS FACTOR

The 2020 anti-SARS protests against police brutality threw up leaders like Aisha Yesufu at the national level. In Lagos, from its angry embers rose the likes of the comedian Mr. Macaroni, the musician Eedris Abdulkareem and FALZ, the “Bahd Guy” musician son of quintessential Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN. The #EndSARS protests eventually became a symbol of youth resistance to constituted authority.

It is an understatement to say that Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu soiled their hands in the ugly episode, which started out as a peaceful protest. The Lekki Tollgate has today become a symbol of that epic struggle, Nigeria’s own version of China’s Tiananmen Square, a place of sorrows, tears and blood. Lekki Tollgate, a private concern run by LCCI, has its ownership traced to Tinubu. His son, Deji, owns the advert firm that runs advertisements atop and around the structure. On the D-Day, three things happened at Lekki Tollgate.

• CCTV cameras were removed

• Lights were switched off

• A killing squad of soldiers shot into the crowd of hyperpeaceful, flag-waving protestors.

Blood flowed. Corpses of Nigerian youth piled up. The Army whisked away the slain, denying them the decency of a burial. Who sent in the marines? Sanwo-Olu denies but the military insists he did. Those youngsters have been

waiting to get their pound of flesh. These 2023 elections provide that chance. They have waited for this moment since October 20, 2020.

Fate only provided Peter Obi as the accidental rallying point. Is it by omission or design that Aisha Yesufu, a veritable symbol of the #EndSARS protests, is highly visible in the Obi’s LP campaigns?

This is payback time. For that desecration of the flower of their youth at Lekki, Benin, Ogbomosho, young Nigerians want their pound of flesh. And they are determined, mobilised and organised enough to get it. It has nothing to do with the Igbo.

ANTI-MEDIA POSTURING

Apart from TVC and The Nation newspapers that he owns, which media can Tinubu identify as friends and allies today? The likes of Arise TV and AIT have gone overboard to denigrate him, after they wooed him without success. So does AIT. They spend generous airtime to mock and disparage Tinubu and his party. Little wonder. Before and since June 2022 that he won the APC ticket, Tinubu shunned the several debates they organised for presidential contestants. What cockiness! This anti-media posturing, unfortunately encouraged by his publicists, has proved a damager.

Who remembers that pre-February 25 even Sanwo-Olu did not much campaigning in Lagos? Instead of running his own political business, he was minding Tinubu’s business –gallivanting all over Nigeria with his godfather. The electoral results of February has sent the poor guy running from mall to shops to churches to computer villages, doing photo ops like a jack-of-all-trades! It has little to do with the Igbo.

MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET

By the way, Sanwo-Olu blames their poor show on his godfather’s Muslim-Muslim ticket. And who says that formation would escape unscathed in a multi-religious country? Tinubu performed woefully in the Christiandominated South-East, South-South, as it did in several Christian featuring states of the North? Ditto Lagos. It has nothing to do with the Igbo.

•Oboagwina, an author and journalist, may be reached foboagwina@gmail.com

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

Maintaining Nigeria’s Momentum in Fight Against Maritime Criminality

BY MUSA ILALLAH

Year 2023 kicked off on a significant note for the Nigerian Navy, with the hosting of Exercise Obangame Express 2023, the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command and US Naval Forces in Europe and Africa. This year’s edition featured 32 countries from the Gulf of Guinea and beyond, coming together to “improve regional cooperation, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise.”

At the beginning of March, barely a month after the end of Exercise Obangame Express 2023, Nigeria commemorated one year since the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) announced the country’s exit from the Global List of Piracy-prone countries. This feat came as a welcome follow-up to the IMB’s Global Piracy Report of July 2021 which indicated that Nigeria had recorded its lowest number of piracy and sea robbery against ships attacks in 27 years.

These remarkable milestones were the culmination of unprecedented naval and maritime security investments by the Buhari administration, through such initiatives as the Falcon Eye Maritime Domain Awareness System, commissioned by President Buhari in 2021, and the acquisition of several new platforms, including a brand-new Hydrographic Survey Ship, NNS LANA, as well as a new Warship, the Landing Ship Tank (LST) NNS KADA, whose inaugural operational assignment was a mission to Guinea Bissau to support the ECOWAS Stabilization Force there, in August 2022.

Two brand-new Seaward Defense Boats (SDBs) are currently under construction by the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos, while, in September 2022, the keel-laying Ceremony of two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) took place in Turkey. Weeks after the March 2022 IMB announcement on Nigeria exiting the Piracy List, the Nigerian Navy launched one of its

biggest operations in years, Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, aimed at curbing crude oil theft and vandalism in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

The Operation, launched in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has since began yielding fruit. So far, well over 80 Billion Naira worth of stolen petroleum products have been seized or recovered, with hundreds of arrests made.

Importantly, oil production, which had been declining since the start of 2022, reversed course and began climbing steadily from October, a feat that has been roundly commended by all stakeholders.

Speaking on this, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, said, “I am happy to announce that there is significant improvement in crude oil production, with both Nigerians and the international community acknowledging the improvement.”

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has consistently stated his determination to achieve this goal, and has expressed gratitude to President Buhari for providing the wherewithal and the resources to record the significant progress being recorded in the fight against maritime piracy and criminality.

One of the high points of the fight against maritime criminality was the interception, in August 2022, of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the MT Heroic Idun, a timely action that helped abort unauthorized entry into a producing Nigerian oilfield.

Working with Nigeria’s regional partners, through the Yaoundé Architecture, a Gulf of Guinea maritime safety and security coordinating mechanism, covering 19 countries, the Nigerian Navy successfully alerted Equatorial Guinea to arrest the vessel, which had by then fled into the country’s waters.

Interestingly, the West Africa Regional Maritime Safety Centre (CRESMAO), based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E (covering Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Togo), two critical operations centers within the Yaounde Architecture, are currently headed by Nigerian Naval Officers.

Following the arrest, and investigations, by the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the Ship owners paid a substantial fine, after which it was handed over to the Nigerian Navy, and duly repatriated to Nigeria to face justice. The case is currently being tried by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

MT Heroic Idun is the most high-profile of a number of rogue vessels arrested by the Nigerian Navy in 2022. According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo, “The arrest of MT Heroic Idun will serve as a deterrent to those who are stealing our crude.”

But, of course, the arrest and trial has not come without resistance from the powerful owners and elements behind the VLCC. They have been waging a most vicious international propaganda campaign against the Nigerian Government and the Nigerian Navy. But the Chief of Naval Staff has made it very clear that he will not be deterred, and that justice will take its due and transparent course, through the Nigerian legal system. Nigeria’s hosting of Obangame Express, to kick off 2023, is testament to the Nigerian Navy’s determined efforts at advancing regional and multinational cooperation, to achieve its objectives of securing, in a holistic and sustainable manner, Nigeria’s maritime environment, and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

•Ilallah writes from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

Nigerian Breweries Plc: Directors’ Pay Climbs to N685m Amid 27% Profit Slump

BY SAM DIALA

The remunerations of Nigerian Breweries Plc directors rose to N684.9 million in 2022, from N612.1 million the corporate governance chiefs collectively received in the previous year. This represents a 12 percent rise in a year the company suffered a profit slump of 27 percent.

From the 2022 financial statements filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the foremost brewer posted a profit before tax (PBT) of N17.3 billion in 2022 down from N23.7 billion in the preceding period. This inevitably thinned profit after tax (PAT) to the tune of N13.9 billion representing a slim eight percent rise from N12.9 billion in 2021, But the revenue figures evoked smiles.

The 76-year-old multinational recorded a revenue haul of N550.6 billion in 2022, representing a 26 percent jump from the N437.2 billion posted in 2021. Two reasons mainly accounted for this. The firm increased the prices of its products during the year to reflect economic realities. Secondly, the strong brand loyalty continued to earn it the excepyional industry patronage.

However, worrisome double-digit inflation was instrumental to the spike in operating costs that gave effect to the lean margins. Inflation had maintained an uptick during the year, reaching 21.3 percent in December from 13.8 percent in January. (It is 21.9 percent in February 2023.) Also, Nigerian Breweries was not immune to the headwinds that attended the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Leveraging NigComSat, SBAS For Effective Air Navigation

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) recently carried out a test-run of the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in Abuja, which was aimed at enhancing safety in the country’s airspace and cutting cost for airline operators.

In preparation for the implementation of the new technology, NAMA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), deployed its calibration aircraft Beechcraft King Air 350i for the demonstration flight, which was successful.

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The challenges include high cost of raw materials, exchange rate volatility, multiple taxes and effects of rising insecurity which plagued the backward integration window of the FMCG sector.

Nigerian Breweries is among the firms at the forefront of promoting the country’s backward integration policy which emphasises local sourcing of raw materials. The company’s highly reputed support to farmers in the areas of sorghum and cassava plantations has helped in boosting local supply of these commodities. It also effectively supports the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The decision by Nigerian Breweries, a Heineken subsidiary, to use locally grown sorghum in beer production in 1988 led to a catalyst for the creation of an industrial market for sorghum. But the tough operating environment severely impacted the gains of the initiative among the FMCG firms, including Nigerian Breweries.

In a statement signed by the Company Secretary/Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries, Uaboi Agbebaku, the FMCG firm said inflation, devaluation of the naira and high energy prices led to a 33percent increase in Marketing, Distribution, and Administration expenses (which moved from N123.13 billion in 2021 to N163.60 billion in 2022) and a 22 per cent increase in Cost of Sales (from N276.87 billion in 2021 to N337.31 billion).

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MORE INSIDE

Speakers at Polaris Bank Webinar Advocate Empowerment of Women in Workplace, Society

PAGE 34

FCMB Group Announces Issuance of Series I Bond

PAGE 35

NCDMB to Host 4th Nigerian Oil And Gas Opportunity Fair

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to organize the 4th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), with the theme “The oil and gas industry- catalyst and fuel for the industrialisation of Nigeria.”

After being held virtually in May 2021 in a bid to curtail the spread of COVID-19

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Wabote

Essaadi

AVIATION/INDUSTRY

Leveraging NigComSat, SBAS For Effective

Air

Navigation

Continued from page 32

Nigerian Breweries Plc: Directors’ Pay Climbs to N685m Amid 27% Profit Slump

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Agbebaku also noted that the economic challenges experienced during the year under review had greatly affected consumer disposable income, but that the company showed great resilience, guided by its strong premium portfolio, brand mix improvements and strong pricing. (This reflected in the remarkable revenue haul.)

In effect, the brewing behemoth recorded high operating cost during the year. ‘Total Cost of Sales, Selling & Distribution and Administration Expenses’ was N501.86 billion in the inflationstricken year up by 25.4 percent from N400.41 billion in 2021 as shown by the financial statement.

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SBAS is a correction service for standalone Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations and it has been implemented in several regions around the world, including the United States, India, Europe, and Japan and others.

An operational SBAS provides a service for improving the accuracy, integrity, and availability of standalone GNSS, or what is traditionally known as Global Positioning System (GPS).

The facility achieves increased accuracy through correction signals, which are derived from data collected from a ground reference station network.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, emphasised that the successful demonstration of SBAS using the NIGCOMSAT had shown clearly the country’s capacity to support, not just Nigeria, but the rest of Africa.

Pantami, further emphasised that NIGCOMSAT covers the whole 30.37million square kilometres of Africa and also covers some areas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Asia and Europe. According to him, the country’s satellite has the capacity to cover the SBAS in not only Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.

He pointed out that the facility could also be used for communication, marine, rail, road as well as agriculture.

Pantami stressed that the world is in the age of digital technology and this was a key enabler of major economies and that other African

countries could employ its services for things such as cartography, topography as well as hydrographic survey.

Also speaking at the demonstration flight,the Ag. Managing Director, NAMA, Mr. Matthew Pwajok, said that data received from SBAS could reduce the positioning error from standalone GNSS signals between five and 10 metres to decimetre accuracies, which is transmitted through satellite, as opposed to a terrestrial communications channel, thereby enabling it to cover a wider geographical area.

Pwajok noted that an operational SBAS comprises reference stations, master stations, communication satellites and the broadcast SBAS signals.

On the requirements for the implementation of SBAS in Nigeria, Pwajok said that Part 14 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig CARs Part 14), recommends the implementation of SBAS in Nigeria in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Air Navigation Plan.

He also added that the Nigerian Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Roadmap supports the implementation of SBAS in the medium and long term, while the Nigerian National Air Navigation Plan further supports its implementation, among others.

Pwajok explained that when fully implemented the new system would encourage single airspace for Africa.

He maintained that for the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) to work effectively, it requires the support of single African sky, which he said would be a strategy for sustaining or supporting its implementation.

He said, “Definitely, if you want to remove barriers in terms of immigration and others, then, you must also remove barrier in the airspace, otherwise you have not achieved anything. If there are restrictions and I have to have a clearance before I go to Cotonou in Benin Republic, then, you have not done anything.

“So, that is one of the strategies for achieving SAATM. You must have a single African sky so that flights can flow. The more restrictions in the airspace, the more restrictions you will have on ground. We need to remove the bureaucracy in the system.”

Besides, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the DirectorGeneral, Civil Aviation (DGCA), in his paper reiterated that SBAS’ adoption in Africa aligned with the SAATM agenda of the African Union (AU). It is a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063 to advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa through a unified sky and acting as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

Transportation expenses, though billed into delivery cost to distributors, increased significantly on the back of high energy prices. It rose to N56.3 billion from N1.8 billion in the preceding year. Raw materials and consumables gulped N246.7 billion in contrast to N197.8 billion in 2021. To sustain its market share, the company did not shirk in its commitment to advert and sales promotions. The cost of this segment of its activities rose by a 40.8 percent to N57 billion from N40.5 billion posted in prior period.

While finance costs dropped to N8.42 billion from N11.06 billion in the previous year, the company sustained huge net loss on foreign exchange to the tune of N26.34 billion as against N7.04 billion in 2021, representing an increase of 274.2 percent. This stemmed from the devaluation of the Naira from N416.4/US1 in January 2022 to N444.18/US$1 in December of the same year on the official forex market.

However, the directors’ remuneration drew analysts’ attention when it hit N702.53 million in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic year that devastated businesses and created severe health challenges in people. The company posted a revenue of N337 billion with PBT of N18 billion and N7.3 billion in PAT then. The N702.53 million directors’ remuneration in 2020 was a 25.2 percent rise from N561.24 million in 2019. It later climbed to N612.1 million and N684,9 million in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Analysts say the devaluation of the Naira could have affected the expatriate directors’ remuneration denominated in foreign currencies. “The foreign currency portion of the expatriate directors’ remuneration will be affected by the devaluation of the Naira as witnessed in the volatile forex market that has become an Achilles heel to the economy,” said Ben Akalonu, a finance

expert.

The Nigerian Breweries’ Corporate Affairs Director, Sade Morgan had, in a note made available to THEWILL, countered the insinuations that the company’s Directors enjoyed a pay boost noting that the salary emolument of (some of) the company’s Directors, like in other multinationals, were benchmarked in their home country currency.

The statement had further explained that the appreciation in the naira value of the expatriate Directors’ salary was largely due to the devaluation of the naira, “a factor over which we have no control”, adding that this applies to the “top management team members of the board of directors who are expatriates.”

On a strong balance sheet that grew 27.7 percent to N619.88 billion from N485.52 billion in 2021, Nigerian Breweries directors declared a dividend of N13.07 billion amounting to N1.43 kobo per share, to be considered by the shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).

A script/bonus issue of one share for four shares was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in December 2022 for existing shareholders of the company.

Nigerian Breweries in a disclosure filed with NGX Limited stated that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has registered the 2,055,226,476 bonus shares approved by shareholders on December 8, 2022.It also stated that the bonus shares are Earnings per share (EPS) improved marginally from 157 kobo to 158 kobo in 2021 and 2022 financial years respectively. The flock of investors to the Nigerian Breweries stock-yard, positioning for earning season, pushed the share price to N40.84 at the close of trading on Friday March 17, 2023. This is 41.84 percent above the 52 week low of N28.80 set on November 11, 2022.

NAMA in collaboration with the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), deployed its calibration aircraft Beechcraft King Air 350i for the demonstration flight, which was successful

Nigerian Breweries is among the firms at the forefront of promoting the country’s backward integration policy which emphasises local sourcing of raw materials

Pantami

Weather: NiMet Cautions Pilots, Airlines, Others Ahead of Rainy Season

As the rainy season begins in parts of the country, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned pilots and the general public to be wary of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events.

In a release issued Monday by its General Manager, Public Relations Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the Agency stated that the update is in line with the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction made by the Agency in January this year.

The statement further stated that “NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.” the statement reads.

NCDMB to Host 4th Nigerian Oil And Gas Opportunity Fair

pandemic, the biennial event is set to return to the NCDMB Conference Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State from the 17th to 19th May 2023, and would showcase the various opportunities that exist in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The event which was introduced by the Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote led NCDMB in 2017, with the inaugural edition held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has consistently showcased short to medium term plans and activities of operators and project promoters in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry.

The NCDMB Chief Executive had previously explained that the showcase of upcoming projects is intended to give Nigerian service companies ample opportunity to build relevant capacities that might be required to execute the projects in-country, thereby creating employment opportunities, and retaining spend in-country.

The goal, he added, is also to reassure stakeholders of the industry that opportunities still abound in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and encourage them to look forward and invest in the sector, despite concerns about energy transition and other emerging developments in the global oil and gas industry.

The event which is managed by Jake Riley Ltd promises to have a greater impact this year and the agenda would focus on industry linkages as well as opportunities within the African continent. The event promises to showcase opportunities that exist in the industry over the next three to five years and presentations will be made by over 20 international and indigenous oil and gas companies. Some of the topics that will be

discussed at NOGOF 2023 will include upstream opportunities, linkage industry opportunities, gas and downstream opportunities, financing and investment, environmental, social and government (ESG) and sustainable and regional opportunities with members of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation, (APPO). Other topics will include topical and challenging issues currently facing the oil and gas industry, with the goal of finding lasting solutions in the industry.

The event will be attended by both government and private organisations, which would come from international and indigenous oil and gas companies, federal government agencies, financial sector and linkage industries.

The event will begin with registration of guests on the 17th May, and the day will close with a networking cocktail. The second day will feature the opening ceremony and will have speeches, goodwill messages and addresses from leaders of the industry and the host governor.

The event will continue with presentations from operating companies, international finance institutions, key players in the industry and relevant government institutions. Delegates at the event will be entertained with performances from A-list musicians at the gala and award night that will be held in the evening of Thursday, 18th May.

The event would end on Friday evening with presentations, technical and opportunity sessions and would have other activities like exhibitions and opportunities for meetings by interested companies and individuals.

Speakers at Polaris Bank Webinar Advocate Empowerment of Women in Workplace, Society

Acall has gone to organizations operating across all sectors in the country to create opportunities that empower women to fulfill their full potential for the good of society.

The call was made by CEO of Digital Jewels, Adedoyin Odunfa while speaking as a Guest Speaker at the Webinar organized by Polaris Bank Limited themed: Advancing Women Empowerment through the Adoption of Technological Innovation and Digital Education to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day which held in Lagos last week.

Focusing on the IWD 2023 theme:

#EmbraceEquity, Odunfa while addressing gender imbalance in the workplace, cited statistics that show that women make up only 46 percent of the workplace and less than 2 of 5 percent of them end up in leadership positions.

She pointed out the need to address gender imbalance and prevailing conscious and unconscious biases against women. She also emphasized the need to intentionally empower women with technological innovation rather than just pay lip service to it.

According to Odunfa, one of the ways to create these opportunities is to have more women in the workplace to develop products and services that empower women. She also highlighted the need to intentionally target women for instance, in the design of financial services and products to make them more accessible, affordable, and relevant.

To achieve this, Odunfa called for improved financial literacy and investment in education, as well as training for gender parity in the workplace and marketplace. This sentiment was echoed by two other Panelists at the webinar: Chinyelu Chikwendu, a Director with Vatebra TechHub and Ededayo DurosinmiEtti, CEO of Herconomy.

Also contributing at the session as a Panelist, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Sambo-Magaji, an AI specialist, Researcher and Tech policy maker, emphasized the need for collaboration and a system approach to promote gender equality in the digital space.

The statement noted that the recent thunderstorms recorded over parts of the coastal and inland states showed that the Agency’s prediction is on-point, reliable and accurate.

NiMet further cautioned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, this weather hazard can cause significant disruptions, stressing that thunderstorms can lead to turbulence, lightning strikes, strong winds, heavy rainfall, downdraught, microburst, and hailstones.

“All of these pose significant threats to the safety of lives and property. The effects of thunderstorms are more hazardous to the aviation industry, particularly the aircraft operations and passengers. Thunderstorms can also cause delays, diversion and cancellations of flights, as aircraft are often grounded in the face of severe weather”.

The Agency assures pilots, the aviation industry and airport users that it has installed weather monitoring systems, thunder detectors, satellite receiving ground-stations and Automatic Weather System (AWS) across the airports (and other stations) nationwide as a measure to mitigate the effects of thunderstorms to the aviation industry.

The Agency has also developed a variety of products and services to help track the thunderstorms and its attendant hazards. It added that the Pilot Briefing Rooms are always available for Services.

NiMet therefore advises all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution during flight operations (during this adverse weather) as the rainy season begins.

“The rains which are currently prevalent in the Southern parts of Nigeria and occasionally around the Central States, are usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which are bound to affect air navigation,” the Agency reiterated.

NiMet therefore enjoins Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, enroute and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet offices prior to flight operations for effective planning in their air navigation.

In a related development, NiMet boss Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu has also been selected into the Scientific and Academic Advisory Board of the AGRHYMET Regional Center, Regional Climate Center for West Africa and the Sahel (RCC-WAS), AGRHYMET, a specialized institution of the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).

L-R: Mr. Obafemi Giwa-Amu, founder, Zig-zag Nation; Princess Dominica Onugu, Chief Executive Officer, DomBeads Ventures; Mr. Ogbonnaya Agbafo, Principal, Agbafo & Co. and Mr. Jide Bodede, Principal, Lawfields Solicitors at a One-Day Investment Summit with the theme 'Investment as Desideratum for Economic Re-Birth in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects' held at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on March 17, 2023.

Seplat Women's Group Throws Weight Behind Roger Brown

BY SAM DIALA

Against the backdrop of the ongoing sponsored smear campaign against Roger Brown, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, a group known as Seplat Women's Awesome Network (SWAN) has declared their support for Roger Brown, the CEO of Seplat Energy one of the leading players in the country's oil & gas sector.

Only recently, the CEO of the company, listed on both the Nigerian and London Stock Exchange, had been accused of discrimination, racism and intimidation by some workers who voluntarily resigned from the employ of the organization and some other people outside the company. The group composed of women who work for Seplat described the allegations against Roger Brown as "misleading and distasteful public propaganda."

FCMB Group Announces Issuance of Series I Bond

FCMB Group Plc has successfully completed the issuance of a N20,686,000,000 Perpetual 16% Fixed Rate Resettable NC5.25 Additional Tier I Capital Subordinated Bonds (“the Series I Bond” or “the AT1” or “the Instrument”) under its N300,000,000,000 Debt Issuance Programme.

The Group’s AT1 Issuance is the first non-sharia local currency AT1 instrument issued in Nigeria and the Group’s maiden issuance of its N300 billion funding programme in the Nigerian Capital Markets to support its next phase of growth.

The book build commenced on January 24, 2023, and closed on February 3, 2023. The offer was well received by the market with active participation from a diverse range of high-value investors, including Corporates, other Financial Institutions, Trustees and high net-worth individuals.

The AT1 instrument was issued at a clearing coupon rate of 16.0% per annum.

The successful Series I Bond issuance highlights the Group’s track record of innovation across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian financial service industry and is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s desire for financial sector stability and well-capitalized banks.

The net proceeds from the Series I Bond will be invested in the Group’s Banking Subsidiary – First City Monument Bank Limited (“the Bank”) – enhancing the Bank’s Tier 1 and total capital adequacy ratios and enabling the Group and the Bank to expand its support for the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

Commenting on the Series I Bond issuance, Ladi Balogun, Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc said: “FCMB Group Plc is grateful to our investors, advisers and regulators (particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria)for their support on the maiden issuance in our N300 billion bond programme. The innovative structure of a perpetual, income yielding, bond that qualifies as tier 1 capital, – a first of its kind in the domestic Capital Markets – achieves 3 objectives for our investors: it is nondilutive for existing shareholders; creates capacity for potentially improved earnings per share and dividends per share; and provides an attractive income stream for investors in this instrument. We are also pleased to have been able to support our largest banking subsidiary towards the attainment of its growth, risk management and strategic objectives with this investment.”

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank Limited said: “FCMB is very proud to be a part of a group that embraces innovation and thanks the investor community for their support which will enable the Bank to achieve its long-term strategy. In addition to strengthening the Bank’s capital base which will comply with the forthcoming application of Basel III capital requirements, the AT-1 bond will enable the Bank to finance incremental term lending in priority sectors.”

Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited and FCMB Capital Markets Limited acted as the Issuing Houses to the Series I Bond.

Unity Bank Appoints Acting Chairman, Non-executive Director

Unity Bank has announced that the chairman of its board of directors, Aminu Babangida, will be retiring from the organisation with effect from 18 March. Oluwafunsho Obasanjo, a non-executive director at the lender, will also exit by way of retirement on the same date, according to a statement issued by the bank on Friday.

The two board members’ departure “follows the expiration of their tenure as directors on the board of the bank and in compliance with the prescribed tenure for non-executive directors under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Code of Corporate Governance for Banks,” the document added.

Meanwhile, the lender has appointed Hafiz Mohammed Bashir, a former chairman of the bank’s Board Finance & General Purpose Committee, as its acting chairman.

He joined Unity Bank’s board in November 2017 and was previously a member of Board Credit Committee, Board Governance & Nominations Committee and Board Risk Management & Audit Committee.

Mr Bashir has profound experience in the public and private sectors, and holds a postgraduate diploma from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi as well as a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the Business School of Netherlands.

The bank has also announced the appointment of Iyabo Obasanjo, a daughter of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as a non-executive director.

An associate professor, Africana Studies programme at College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, Ms Obasanjo was previously Ogun State’s commissioner for health and the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District from June 2007 to June 2011.

She is a graduate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan and holds a Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine as well as a PhD Epidemiology, Minor: Immunology from Cornell University, Itacha, New York, USA.

Unity Bank disclosed in the same statement the appointment of Halima Babangida as a nonexecutive director of the bank.

Ms Babangida is a graduate of Business Management at the AGSB University, Switzerland and Business Administration from Montruex School of Business, Switzerland.

“She has cognate experience in stevedoring, logistics, farming/food chain industry and in the real estate and property management businesses,” the statement said.

Seplat Awesome Women's Network described the allegations as misleading blatant falsehood fabricated by disgruntled individuals outside the company. Part of the statement released by the group said: “It is therefore concerning that persons outside of our employee population can purport to speak so purposefully and publicly on our welfare."

"The unfortunate (but perhaps intended) consequence of these efforts is to disparage the sterling record of our corporate champion and steadfast cheerleader while diverting the much needed time and resources of our ministry of Interior and courts away from legitimate concerns requiring their attention."

The group who described itself as a body of women who stand for the utmost truth and equity for all stated that it has resolved to rise in support of Roger Brown against sponsored public attacks on his person and leadership.\

"The SWAN proudly stands alongside Roger Brown and joins the Seplat Board of Directors to declare our utmost confidence in him as our CEO and foremost champion for diversity and equality," the statement said.

The group said that it was under the leadership of Roger Brown that a vision for gender equality crystalized at Seplat and wondered why some misguided people were out to destroy his laudable achievements.

"On this matter, there can be no stronger voice or authority than SWAN because we are a body of Seplat employees composed only of women “the gender globally recognized as victims of workplace discrimination, prejudice and inequality" the group said.

According to SWAN, it was under the leadership of Roger Brown that a Nigerian female staff member with longstanding service at Seplat was appointed as the first Managing Director of the oil & gas subsidiary operating the eastern asset of the company.

Other achievements recorded by the CEO is the increase in the paternity and maternity leave periods for Nigerian staff of the company, the launch of the crèche facility at the Temple Towers office of the company and funding for all SWAN activities, audit on Seplat facilities at its field locations to ensure equal access and use for women. The funding of the group activities enabled collaboration with industry partners and other key stakeholders on high impact and upskilling programmes to break the bias and advance the cause of women at Seplat and at large.

Chairman, National Steering Committee on Strategic Implementation Plan of Leather and Leather Products Policy in Nigeria (SIPLLPPN), Prof. Muhammed Yakubu (left), presenting a souvenir to the representative of the Minister of Environment, Mr. Charles Ikea, during the Committee’s visit to the Minister Office, in Abuja on March 15, 2023.

Genetically Modified Foods: Business, Health And Public Concerns

BY TIMI OLUBIYI

Genetically Modified (GM) foods are foods that are produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. Genetic modification, also known as genetic engineering, simply means having the DNA of crops and foodstuffs altered using genes from other plants or animals to achieve specific aims.

Scientists take the gene for the desired trait in one plant or animal and they insert that gene into a cell of another plant or animal. So, with this in mind, the natural ways of growing crops and even mating by animals can be bypassed for commercial and business gains. This concept differs from the conventional gestation period and natural farm harvest time.

The common social concerns over GMO include the country's high mortality rate, poverty and malnutrition. But for health concerns, the advice is usually to reduce fat, cholesterol and sugar intake, improve nutrition and a good diet, avoid smoking and so on, to avoid health issues.

However, the fact is that food is all about health and healthy living, but less is heard about the need to promote organic food eating in a world where innovation is now widespread in agric-business and farming, with the genetically engineering of crops and foods.

Scientists take the gene or seed for a desired trait (colour, flavour, texture, early maturation, greater yield, and bigger output) in one plant or animal. They insert that gene into another plant or animal cell to produce the specific and desired results.

I am made to understand that the benefits of this innovation in agriculture include better taste, a longer shelf life, better nutrition, and quality; increased profit for growers; virus and insect resistance; herbicide tolerance and increased food yield to alleviate hunger. Furthermore, the key benefit of this trend is mainly for multiple productions of food, though many fish or chickens can mature more quickly with this innovation as well, with the hope of lowering costs, with fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer).

The big question is who regulates this process in the country? A place where shortcuts, dumping and profiteering at every cost are the order of the day, this should give cause for concern. I have seen firstgeneration agricultural products, such as oranges without seeds, corn with less harvesting period, plastic-looking tomatoes, bananas and plantains look like toys, just as nowadays chicken is always ready for consumption within three months, mainly due to commercialisation. The motive is the profitability of the businesses involved in the enhanced food production.

Enhanced food production through genetic modification of the foods may be everywhere, considering the economic woes, shrinking disposable income and the poor affordability of many. But are there any quality checks or controls on all these genetically modified foods freely available in the markets? Who monitors the health implications if any?

Businesses may just be feeding the poor and the hungry with this process without any scientific checks. In fact, many consuming these foods may not necessarily be aware of their makeup or that they are actually consuming genetically modified foods. A quick survey to understand consumers' viewpoints on genetically modified foods showed that many were unaware of the concept in agriculture or farming.

In a country where many shun moral and ethical values, much is expected from the Research Institutes, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Consumer Protection Council, and other sister agencies to regulate, control and set standards for genetically modified foods

In fact, a large number close to 90 per cent of those surveyed have no idea what the concept means.

Most of them answered,” I am just hearing about it for the first time”. This is the key reason for this piece, to bring awareness to the growing trend of genetically modified foods and the need to provide guidelines and improve food safety in order to avoid potential harm and cases of unknown sicknesses in the world and indeed Nigeria.

Although the concept could make food available commercially and make for better yield compared to traditional breeding, the important thing is the quality control and the need to certify it fit for consumption before production on a commercial scale because like all new technologies, such foods may also pose some known and/or unknown risks.

In a country where many shun moral and ethical values, much is expected from the Research Institutes, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Consumer Protection Council, and other sister agencies to regulate, control, and set standards for genetically modified foods.

Although there is no evidence of detrimental or toxic effects from the use of genetically modified foods in the country, the truth is that no one can predict all its consequences. Currently, public knowledge is weak and farmers, food retailers, restaurants and caterers rarely inform customers or consumers of the foods, crops or ingredients they deal with, whether it contains genetically modified organisms or not because currently no law compels them to do so.

Even as the production of genetically modified foods involves tampering with nature, the entrepreneurs, businesses and farmers involved in such production process claim that these foods are safe and have no side effects. Conversely, I believe genetically modified foods represent a significant innovation and commercial breakthrough in agric-business. Therefore to a high degree, abundant harvests and profitability may just be the key drive, so there is need to regulate.

So, effective regulations, standard guidelines, and the need for genetically modified food Regulations in the country are reasonable. I am just concerned and think many too should be, over the safety of the food we consume and the health implications because the majority are poor, and what is affordable might not be right for consumption.

Nevertheless, genetically modified foods have entered our food basket largely via imports or due to the cultivation of genetically modified food crops, it is still right for the apex food regulators in the country to carry out safety assessment because this is central in ruling out fear, uncertainty, and doubt (often shortened to FUD) in consumers and citizenry going forward.

In conclusion, the government and the regulators must set up a system for regulating both domestically produced and imported genetically modified food products because Australia, Brazil, the European Union and others do regulate genetically modified food. Nigeria needs to do so too, without exceptions.

•Dr Olubiyi is an entrepreneurship and business management expert.

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari receives in audience Nigerian former Ambassador to Benin Republic and former Chief of army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, at the State House, Abuja on March 17, 2023.

L-R: Head of Accounts, Centre for Memories (CFM), Mrs. Chioma Nwangu; Executive Secretary of CFM, Mazi Iheanyi Igboko; Head of Programmes, Ms Nwada Nnamani and Head Corporate Communications of CFM, Mr. Chukwudi Utazi during a news conference on CFM forthcoming summit in Enugu on March 14, 2023.

L-R: Asst. Comptroller, Ndubuisi Maduemezia; Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Customs Area Controller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Comptroller Malami Mohammed Gidado and PRO, MMIA Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Superintendent Juliana during the 12th Nigeria Aviation Award in Lagos on March 12,2023.

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT), Danladi Umar and Justice Williams Atedze during an audience with the Management of Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) held at the State House Abuja on March 16, 2023.

L-R: Members of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Adeyemi; Dr. Toyin Olatemi; Dr. Olayinka Eyelade and Dr. Kemi Otolorin during a press conference on the International Women's Day Celebration, in Ibadan on March 9, 2023.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, (left) being conducted round the Government Technical College, Igbara Odo-Ekiti by the Vice principal, Mrs Yemisi Abidakun (3rd left) and other officials in Ekiti on March 8, 2023.

The Creative Director of House of Irawo, an upscale fashion brand, Abby Ikomi, speaks with Shade Wesley-Metibogun on her journey to the industry, motherhood and advice to women in commemoration of Mother’s Day. Excerpts:

I'M BLESSED TO HAVE MY DAUGTERS RUN WITH MY VISION – ABBY IKOMI

Didyou always desire a career in the creative industry or you stumbled upon it by accident?

Yes and no. I always wanted to be a super model because I had it in me. I was very tall and skinny, like size two. My mother used to be worried then. She would insist that I eat well, give me multivitamin supplements and all that. People always say that I ought to be walking on the runway. But, my father made sure that I was not given that opportunity. He did not want me anywhere near modeling. He just didn’t want it. So, he blocked all the opportunities I had to become one.

I met my husband early in life and before we knew it, we got married. Then the children started coming. All that ended my quest for modelling. I have always been a very creative person. My late brother was a big-time artist. His name is Kayode Lawal. All of us are very creative in my family. My fashion business was borne out of the fact that at one point it occurred to me that I had so much more to offer. There is a thing about creative people. If you don’t make use of it, I believe it can slow you down in other ways. The creative part of your brain is bigger and more powerful than any other. I started Irawo Studio when I was 46 years-old. Irawo is seven years old today. My first daughter and her siblings at that time wanted something African to wear. They said I should make them something. I went round and later got someone in Ikeja, but the person ended up charging a lot of money. When I sat down and looked at what I got, I was not satisfied. When I travelled to America to see my children, I had to look for a Chinese woman to work on the dresses again, the woman had to redesign it. I gave her instructions on what to do and I ended up paying another round of money. When I got back from the trip, I said no more. I went to the market, bought machines and got the necessary things needed. That was how I started the fashion business.

But prior to this, you were into furniture making and interior decoration. Do you still run the business?

Not anymore. I ran it for a very long time, but when I started the fashion business, three years into it, I shut down the interior company.

Why?

I don’t want to say I had tunnel vision. That will be counter-productive. I didn't want to be distracted. I wanted to be focused and give it my all. I can’t afford to be distracted. This business is not even where I want it to be. I want it to be a global brand, I want people to be able to order from Spain, from anywhere in the world. Almost like what Zara is.

I am not trying to be a super luxury brand, no. I want to be affordable and fashionable at the same time. I wear my brand and I represent my brand. We have not even scratched the surface of what we want to do. We want to be in every corner of the world, exporting everywhere, having shows and exhibitions. We make all our fabrics ourselves. I design the fabrics and I tell my artisans how I want it, the colour and the shape. We have not even started. We have the potential to go further. I have to be different because we incorporate African styles, our culture and modernise them. We don’t do culture appropriation; we will use what we have here and take it over there.

How do you get the inspiration to create such beautiful pieces as I’ve seen?

I have a lot of ideas in my head. If someone is walking, I could look at the person and visualize the fabric and style that would look nice on that

person. There is an idea in my head about how I want the average woman to look. You don’t have to wear the most expensive clothes. You can still look clean and stylish in a clean nice shirt and trainers. At the end of the day, transitioning from wearing something casual in the day can be transformed to an event at night. You could change your shoes, drop your hair, put on more makeup. Such is the image on the profile I want Irawo Studio to have, the ability to transition from casual to looking chic. Those are the things that get me inspired.

What challenges have you had running the brand over the years?

It is quite challenging, I cannot lie. Funding is the biggest challenge facing the average Nigerian businesswoman. It is a major challenge. You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you don’t have the funds to bring the ideas and dreams into reality, you will just be stuck. That is one of the issues women are facing today. Banks don’t give loans to women. I heard that Access Bank is doing that though. I want a financial institution to believe in my dream. The second challenge is staffing. It is very difficult to get the right people that can carry on with your vision. There are so many challenges in the country. If you believe this person will come and do this thing for you at a particular time, what if they don’t come to work? They will come up with all kinds of excuses. Electricity is another challenge. We hardly have it and even if it is available, the charges are too high. If I tell you how much I pay to Eko Electricity Distribution Company every month, you won’t believe it. It is quite outrageous and I still have to buy diesel. It can be discouraging. If you don’t have a passion for it, you will give up easily. At the end of the day, it is your passion, you are not even focusing on the profitably of the business. Even if you are discouraged, just move to your place of work, the energy will come. Any time I get to my office, there is usually a burst of energy I feel.

I think that in the long run, Nigeria will get better. We will get there. A few days ago, I was really challenged. My tailors didn’t come to work and a customer needed to wear aso ebi. She needed it for a function. I had to call everyone I had on my contact because I needed a tailor. Those are the kind

of things that will make you ask yourself why you are doing such business. At times, I tell myself that I am stressing myself at my age with what I do, but once you overcome it, you keep moving.

As a very busy businesswoman who still runs her home successfully, how do you navigate through your tasks with ease?

I have to thank God and my husband for that. I have to really thank God for the kind of husband that I have because he really helped me. He came through for me as much as he was still a busy banker when the kids were young. Whenever I am stuck, let’s say during production, he will come home on time and fill in the gap, maybe help the kids to do their homework and stuff. And my kids will tell you that their mom sacrificed a lot for them. They often say it. Now that they are bigger, they keep sending me gifts. They will say: ‘Mom, you did so much and you could have been more. We know that you are a very creative person, we know but you didn’t really focus on yourself.’

As much as I had a business to focus on, my primary focus has always been my family. I don’t joke with my family, my children. All my friends know that I don’t joke about my children. I make sure that they are sorted out first. My husband allowed me to be myself. I am not caged. I am like a butterfly, anywhere I go, I bring in my colour. You cannot find me anywhere that is dull. I am for positive vibes. Anywhere I see negative vibes, I take my leave immediately.

It is not as if life has not brought me some challenges. Life has brought me a few challenges, but I am thankful God kept me, it means he still wants to use me for the benefit of people around me. I am so energised because I chose to be that way. In life, you have to be intentional about everything, what you do, the things you wear and the kind of people you interact with. If not, you will just lose focus.

Which project gave you the big break?

I think my big break was when we took part in the Arise Fashion Week. That was it. I just started this business a year before then. I remember some people told me not to do the fashion show, that I would mess up and become embarrassed. I was asked what I knew about the business and my collection. They said that I should leave the fashion show to those who had been doing it. I got a lot of discouraging words then. However, within a week and half, I came up with the collection and I had the show. We did very well. My oldest daughter came all the way from her base abroad and she told me she wouldn’t let me do it all alone. That was really what put us on the map. We were a baby brand then. I am still a baby brand now and we are still learning. I came into the business with nothing but my own passion and my gift. I didn’t go to any school to learn this. It was just me being fashionable. A lot of people doubted that I could do it.

The Ikomis

Ikomi

They said I shouldn’t just say because I was fashionable I would be able to run the business. But I kept on pushing and I knew that greater days were ahead.

How much effort did you put in the fashion show that gave your business a bounce?

The fact that people became aware of us gave me the incentive to continue pushing. So I was not going to give up. I was motivated to work hard and keep pushing. Now, I can’t say that we are a household name, but a lot of people know us and relate with us. We produce pieces that are of good quality and our clients keep coming back. My phone is always buzzing. Rome was not built in a day. People need to realise that. You just have to put in the effort. Let me say to people that are in a similar business: Keep pushing. Obstacles will come, but you will get there. In anything you do in life, if you give up easily, you are not going to get to where you are going.

Which of your three daughters is interested in the creative business and can take after you when you retire?

I want to give each one of them their own area of strength. My oldest daughter, Dola is very good with administrative work. She is the one coordinating all the things that happen in the back room. She studied Public Relations and Marketing. My second daughter is an accountant. She has a Masters degree in Accountancy. She is the one checking our numbers and making sure that things are up to date. My third daughter attended Parson School of Fashion in New York, USA. She studied fashion marketing. She would look at the pieces we have and talk to other brands that can carry us, anything to put our name in the International map out there. She will send emails to similar brands. The three of them are involved in the business.

Maybe my eldest daughter can say she will be interested in taking over from me. She is an artist, too. She draws well. It is a family-owned business run by women. As for my son, he is only interested in the numbers. He wants to know the profitability of this and that. When we make good numbers, he congratulates us for a job well done.

How does it feel having children who are involved in what you do?

It is a blessing for your children to be interested in carrying on your vision. It is a blessing. They attended the best schools in the world, but they are not looking down on my business. They see the vision and want to carry on with it. They do the rebranding and handle all the things going on our social media pages. We hold meetings every weekend and exchange ideas. If anything comes up, they call me. They wake me up. They all have their respective jobs abroad, yet they combine their jobs with the fashion business. They multi-task.

Most parents would want their children to focus on the more lucrative jobs.

Were you not at first reluctant to allow them to join the business?

No, my children are very hard working. Even in the field they choose over there, they have been able to combine the two together. It is not that they are coming to Nigeria to sit down with the business. Right now, the world is a global village, everything can be done on the Internet. You can be working in a corporate firm over there and still reside in Nigeria. I don’t need them to move back to Nigeria to help to make the company grow. I also don’t need their time 100 percent. If I can get 10 percent, I am okay. They also need to focus on their careers over there. I am not Oliver Twist, I am okay.

If you were asked to give your daughters a piece of advice that you would have given your younger self, what would that be? Not to rush into anything. I will still tell that to anyone, irrespective of their accomplishments in life. Also know that people change. Don’t rush easily into things, take your time and give yourself time to understand people and situations. In anything you do, exercise caution, and take your time. I started the business in my forties. Some people would say what will I achieve at that time, but the business restructured my thinking. It was like having a new baby that you need to nurture and watch it grow. That is having hope. People used to say that I look younger than my age, it’s because I am doing something giving me hope.

What is the best way to raise kids in the present dispensation? Spending time with your kids is very key. Don’t just leave them to nannies. Yes, nannies are needed. When my kids were growing up, I had a couple of them, but quality time must be spent with your children so that you can instill positive values in them. You must be able to transfer the values your parents instilled in you to them. If not, they will pick things from the society and it will mould them into something you don’t want. Once you transfer those things to them, they will know what to do each time. Younger people should find that time. And it is not the responsibility of the mother alone, the father too should be involved. It’s a dual responsibility, the two of them must do their parts. Most of the issues we have now come from the things the children pick from the Internet. My children know that I will block all channels apart from cartoons. When they were in high school, they knew they couldn't use phones. They put their phones down. At a point they didn’t even have one. It might look as if you are strict but you need it. Once they leave home for school, that’s the end.

You do not look like a 54 year-old. Are there things you do to enhance your looks?

I am one woman who does not joke with her beauty routine. I eat right, take my vitamins, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. I avoid toxic people. Anything that would deprive me of my peace of mind is usually avoided. I also educate myself. Look at my skin. I can’t be doing this business and my skin will be looking dull, you wouldn’t want to buy from me. If you see my dressing room where I put my makeup, some professionals don’t have the things I have there. Then, I read a lot, research about things I can do. I drink a lot of green, I blend different fruits and drinks. Care for yourself. Look after yourself, nobody will do it for you.

What advice do you have for ladies looking to venture in your kind of business?

Make sure you follow your passion. Don’t do something because your best friend is doing it. It will cost you a lot. Do not venture into anything because you think it is easier to do. There is no business that is easy. There is no business that is a walk in a park. If you cannot work, the business will not grow.

How best do you think a woman can be a career person and still be happily married?

It is about respect. Respect your marriage, husband and children. What is the role of the woman in marriage? She has to maintain her home. You must know how to manage your home. You cannot do anything else above your husband. Don’t be confrontational about issues. You are traveling for work related duties, manage your home before going. Put everything in place before leaving. You have to balance it. I was able to balance mine. When my kids were in school in Nigeria, I was picking them up every day unless I am not in Nigeria. You need to make sacrifices, be involved in their daily routine, be in control and give respect.

Why is it difficult for marriages to stand the test of time nowadays?

A lot of people give up so easily. Social media is one factor for me. A man will wake up in the morning, instead of talking to his wife, he will go on

a woman who will be there for you and has been there for you. If push comes to shove, she is the only one that will stand. These social media girls will collect money and leave. They have a lot of people they collect from.

Some men are so distracted and a lot of women are quite aggrieved. Women in my own generation and that of my mother’s took a lot, they endured a lot. We can’t tell our daughters to take certain things and it still boils down to social media. The young ladies nowadays are more aware of their rights so they will not take certain things. The day that people start respecting one another, things will change.

My husband will not deliberately hurt me. He respects me, we respect each other. No matter how crazy in love you are, it will not last for 50 years because of the challenges of life but the respect you have as friends will keep you going. There are no respects in marriages again. Then, you have to pray, it is important to pray, pray together. Let your children know the importance of prayer. There are a lot of things we have forgotten, people are no more humane, no empathy again.

The Ikomis

Ikomi

It is a blessing for your children to be interested in carrying on your vision. It is a blessing. They attended the best schools in the world, but they are not looking down on my business. They see the vision and want to carry on with it

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

TUNDE SABIU, THE YOUNG MAN WHO GAVE

BOLA TINUBU NIGHTMARES

He is only a young man, but he is one of the most powerful men in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, a position he inadvertently assumed after his uncle became president. He is a member of the much talked about cabal operating in Aso Rock and is alleged to be responsible for how the cabal operates following the death of Abba Kyari, the late chief of staff who held that position until he passed on. He has the ears and eyes of the president as his uncle's private secretary and therefore utilizes it as he pleases, to wield enormous power and influence, much more than Aisha, the president's wife, with whom he is at loggerheads with.

Tunde Sabiu whom Buhari named after the late Tunde Idiagbon, his former number two man during his regime as a military Head of State, decides who sees and speaks with his uncle, no matter how important the personality is. If he thinks you don't deserve the attention of his uncle, regardless of how important your reasons for wanting to see him are, even if your reasons are of importance to national security, Tunde will ensure your request does not fly. If you call him the unofficial Nigerian president, you may not be wrong. or how else would you describe one who allegedly takes briefings from military chiefs and then relays the message to his uncle?

One of those who got in large doses, his 'special screening treatment' is the presidentelect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That Tunde gave Tinubu countless sleepless nights before his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC the president-elect, would be simply putting it mildly. Tunde, who is old enough to be Tinubu's son, made sure that it was easier for the biblical proverbial camel to pass through the eye of the needle than it was for Tinubu to see the president. He ensured he blocked every possible avenue for Tinubu to have an audience with Buhari. Phone calls are usually routed through him to Buhari but each time a call comes through and it is Tinubu on the other side, he either refuses to pick the call or gives the excuse that the president is busy but he never relayed such calls from Tinubu to his uncle. This and several more instances frustrated Tinubu so much and was the root cause of some of his outbursts during his campaign. Tunde also tried to fly the Fulani agenda kite, vowing to ensure that Tinubu's presidential aspiration doesn't see the light of day. This may allegedly have been responsible for why Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, felt confident of winning the presidential elections and called the bluff of the G-5 governors - Nyesom Wike of

Adefarasin Brothers Reunite to Bid Their Mother Final Farewell

Rivers State; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. Tunde's silent behind the scene moves to scuttle Tinubu's ambition put palpable fear in the presidentelect's camp that a certain northern governor who would ordinarily not boldly accuse the president of incompetence, began running from pillar to post and granting interviews. But February 25 has come and gone and Tunde's plans boomeranged in his face. Whether he still has some chess moves up his sleeves remains to be seen. But in the days after INEC declared Tinubu the president-elect, he had a chance encounter with Tunde. Tinubu had travelled to present his certificate of return to Buhari in faraway Daura, Katsina State when he bumped into Tunde who wasn't too happy to see him as he looked visibly upset. Tinubu in his characteristic manner exchanged greetings with him not minding Tunde's atrocities against him. He reminded Tunde about how he ruthlessly blocked him from having access to Buhari and ended his short exchange with him with, "we shall see."

The three most prominent of the Adefarasin siblings - Pastor Wale Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, Lagos; Apostle Michael Yemi Adefarasin, the chief servant of Kingdom Lifeline Apostolic Ministries International and Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor of House on The Rock Church and host of The Experience, an annual interdenominational gospel concert with several hundreds of thousands of worshipers in attendance globally, reunited last weekend for the sake of their late mother. Their mum, Hilda Victoria Joanne Adefarasin recently passed on in February at the age of 98, barely two weeks after her last and favourite son, Pastor Paul clocked 60. The brothers who hardly ever converge to celebrate occasions within the family except in very rare instances which are few and far between, put aside whatever differences they may have against each other to bid their mother a final goodbye in a solemn ceremony that spanned two days. Whatever might have caused the rift between the two brothers has remained a top secret

over the years. A service of songs was held in her honour in the evening of Thursday, March 16, at the House On The Rock Church, Lekki, Lagos. The following day, on Friday March 17, her funeral service took place at Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, Lagos after which her body was interred. Some of the dignitaries present at the funeral service were Bishop David Oyedepo, the presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, who officiated the service; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area, AFCTA, Segun Awolowo; founder First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Ituah Ighodalo; Pastor Idowu Iluyomade; Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro; two time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Jimi Agbaje etc. A women's rights activist and a onetime president of the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS), the late Hilda was survived by five children, the other two being Bola and Jide Adefarasin, and several grandchildren.

Pedro, Schwebig, Onigbinde Make WEF 2023 List of Promising Leaders

In keeping with the tradition of identifying the world’s most promising leaders under 40, the World Economic Forum has announced the Class of 2023 into the Forum of Young Global Leaders, a prestigious community of outstanding people addressing the world’s most pressing problems and driving innovation for positive change

across civil society, the arts, culture, government and business. Of the 12 trailblazers from Africa, the trio of Uche Pedro, Tokini Schwebig, Oluseun Onigbinde are the only Nigerians. This year's list is nothing short of impressive, featuring almost 100 exceptional individuals who are all making significant contributions to the world. While Pedro is the founder of BellaNaija,

Uche Okonkwo Poised to Continue Father's Political Heritage of Service CIS Honours Mustafa Chike-Obi

Unknown to many, wealthy businessman, Clement Annie Okonkwo, already spent and tired of physically representing members of his constituency in the National Assembly, set up a succession plan and who best to continue from where he stopped than his 32-year-old son, Uche Harris, whom he propped and groomed on how to navigate the murky waters of politics.

The senior Okonkwo's efforts paid off as Uche will be representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives at the 10th National Assembly on the platform of Labour Party. The young man defeated heavy weights like the Peoples Democratic Party’s incumbent, Hon. Obinna Chidoka, the younger brother of Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of

Aviation and a chieftain of PDP. Uche who had planned to run on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, resigned his membership of the party, following the irregularities that marred the primary election. Rather than take the party to court, he chose to chart a new course by joining the Labour Party. A youth empowerment campaigner, this isn't Uche's first rodeo. In 2019, at only 28 years, he tried to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP, but his ambition did not fly. He went back to the drawing board to restrategise and today he is happier for it. A double honors graduate with Ivy league credentials, Uche possesses a calm mien and has a lovable personality which also worked in his favour on February 25.

In line with the vision of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers to admit into their membership community, persons who have distinguished themselves as thoroughbred professionals of the calibre deserving of being honorary stockbrokers, the Council resolved to admit 10 eminent Nigerians, seven of who have already been invested. And recently, the CIS, decided to admit one more in the person of Mustafa Chike-Obi. The CIS revealed that the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, was bestowed this honour for being a true icon of the Nigerian corporate community, a

thoroughbred professional who has continued to support the growth and development of Nigeria's economy. This honour is just one out of the several accolades, laurels and recognitions that Chike-Obi has received from stakeholders in Nigeria's banking and financial services industry. A former economic adviser to Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation in the 2019 presidential election, it is noteworthy that Mustafa Chike-Obi created the Treasure Department concept in the Nigerian banking sector, now a critical part of Nigeria's banking industry. His career has seen him traversing Chase Merchant Bank; Goldman Sachs; Madison Park Advisors, a US based financial

a digital media platform, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, whose father is Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC, is the founder of ART X Collective, a cultural management company in Lagos, whose flagship fair, ART X Lagos, is the leading international art fair in West Africa. Oluseun Onigbinde is an open data analyst and the co-founder and CEO of budgIT, a Nigerian civic startup. Pedro made the list for her groundbreaking work in digital media, while Onigbinde's innovative approaches to governance, earned him a place on the list. Similarly, Peterside-Schwebig's outstanding contribution to the arts is the reason she made the list. The WEF Young Global Leaders Class of 2023 is a true reflection of the diverse talents and achievements of young leaders from Africa and around the world.

service advisory and consulting firm specializing in hedge fund and private equity investment which he founded and Bear Stearns and Co. He is currently the Executive ViceChairman of Alpha African Advisory Limited.

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

Sabiu

Pedro Schwebig

The Adefarasins Onigbinde

Okonkwo

Chike-Obi

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

HOW MASHOOD MUSTAPHA CELEBRATED 60TH BIRTHDAY Meet Attah Achief

Honourable Mashood

Mustapha, former Commissioner for Land and Housing in Kwara State, has joined the Diamond Jubilee club. One would have expected the two-time commissioner to roll out the drums in celebration, but the influential politician only held prayers at his residence with a few political bigwigs and traditional rulers in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, called for unity among the people. Prayer was offered on behalf of the celebrant for long life and good health. The guests were treated to refreshments before leaving the celebrant’s residence.

MM, as he is fondly called, announced his plan to establish a foundation that would cater to the needs of the poor in Kwara. The celebrant was a

prominent member of former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s cabinet during the latter’s eight-year tenure as governor of the state. He served the administration in different capacities as Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, and Deputy Director General of Mandate Campaign Organisation for the reelection of Saraki as the Executive Governor of Kwara State a few years ago. He also served as Commissioner for Land and Housing, and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state. Mustapha contested for the House of Representatives seat under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 and was elected to represent Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency.

Isaac Fayose Puts up Multi-Million Naira Hotel For Sale

Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, is set to sell Viewpoint Resort, one of his hotels located at Federal High Court Road in Ibadan, Oyo State. It was gathered that the managerial team running the hospitality centre, which was established 18 years ago, has not been doing a good job and this has affected the image and the turnover of the business, as well as prompted the businessman to put it up for sale.

Although Viewpoint Resort is situated in the highbrow area of the city, failure to get the right set of people to oversee the running of its affairs greatly affected it. Fayose had

to let it go. And the fact that he doesn’t reside in Nigeria made overseeing the affairs of the business a hurricane task for him. The management of the hotel, it was gathered, failed to meet the expectation of its owner. While waiting to dispose of the facility, Fayose has gone on to splurge millions of naira on a mall, Envy Mall which he is erecting at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Once completed, the mall will house many businesses.

Fayose’s love for real estate is evident in the series of investments he has made in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan. He boasts of three hospitality centres while the fourth, which is a mall, is in the offing.

YEWANDE ZACCHEAUS MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER’S PASSAGE

Foremost event planner, Yewande Zaccheaus has marked the 10 years anniversary of her late father, High Chief Ilelabayo Akinnola’s passage. She shared photographs of her parents and some of her siblings on social media in commemoration of the event. Photographs of her father and some of his grandchildren were also shared. She recalled the memorable times they shared as a family and some of the lessons he taught her before his unfortunate demise at the age of 78 in 2013.

The author of ‘God’s Waiting Room’ recalled how the news of her father’s death was shared with her while she was away in Barcelona to study. The sad news was announced through a phone call from her brother who informed her of the sad event. Being daddy’s girl, she learnt how not to give up, the importance of relationships and hard work amidst other valuable virtues from the late chief.

Late Chief Bayo Akinnola was the Lisa (or Prime Minister) of Ondo Kingdom and second-in-command to the king. He was also the former chairman of Lafarge West African Portland Cement, makers of African Portland cement. The late high chief is father to former Minister of Information Technology, Mrs Mobolaji Johnson.

Afew weeks ago, Thaddeus Attah Achief won the National Assembly election in Lagos State to represent Eti-Osa Federal Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). He defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Bankole Wellington, professionally known as Banky W, and Babajide Obanikoro, son of Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence at the polls. Attah had 24,075 votes, while Banky W had 18,666 votes and Obanikoro polled 16,901 votes. Many have been eager to know more about Attah since his emergence at the poll. From the food basket of the nation, Benue State, he grew up in Lagos State. He made his debut in the political arena in 2022 and rose quickly to become a force to be reckoned with in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, especially in Lekki. The new lawmaker owns a block manufacturing factory in Lekki and a few investments in real estate. Ahead of his victory at the poll, he organised a medical outreach for the people in his constituency. He also engaged in a sanitation programme within the constituency. Attah played an active role in the Obi-Datti presidential campaign across the state. However,

the businessman has a few controversies trailing his person. It was gathered that he had on several occasions harassed some residents of the estate with law enforcement agents over a business deal gone sour.

After Attah emerged as the Labour Party candidate for Eti-Osa Local Government, a Lagos-based lawyer, Ayo Ademiluyi, also laid claim to the victory. Ademiluyi alleged that he, not Attah, is the authentic candidate of the party in the election. He alleged that he was cheated out of the post because Attah had more influence than him. He alleged that the Labour Party national leadership refused to forward his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, while it organised a false substitution primary in which Attah emerged.

Indian High Commission Honours Abike Dabiri

Abike Dabiri, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has been honoured by the High Commission of India in Nigeria. According to Gangandharan Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, the former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on foreign Affairs and Diaspora was honoured for her immense

contributions to nation building both in Nigeria and the Diaspora. While speaking about Dabiri's achievement as the CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, he stressed the fact that Dabiri has played an active role since she was appointed to head the commission. She has raised awareness of discrimination against Nigerians in the Diaspora and taken action to safeguard their lives and property, ensuring that those who need to be repatriated to the country are brought back home. Dabiri paid a courtesy visit to the High Commission where she was presented with an award plaque and certificate of excellence in service. Since she took over the helm of affairs of the Diaspora Commission, Dabiri has embarked on a series of interventions to stop attacks on black Africans in South Africa including Nigerians. As part of her interventions, the commission has received many stranded Nigerians back home in the country and ensured they are well settled into their respective destinations.

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STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

BUHARI APPOINTS ACCESS BANK MD TO PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council on Support to Women and Girls. His appointment was given as a result of Access Bank PLC’s dedication to women’s empowerment through adequate financing and literacy promotion, as well as advocacy and specialised training.

Since Ogbonna took over the helm of affairs of the financial institution, he has focused on equal access to opportunities and social infrastructure for women. Under his leadership, the bank has signed a commitment letter with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the sum of $280 million in financing to help address the financing

gap for small and mediumsized enterprises and advance financial inclusion in Nigeria, aiding the Bank’s commitment to supporting women-owned and led businesses.

While accepting the responsibilities, Ogbonna described his appointment as a significant task given to ensure gender equality, equal access to opportunities, and national development through purposeful longterm initiatives targeted at women.

He added that being appointed by the Presidency signifies that he and the financial institution he represents are doing something right and it also points to the impact of the various initiatives and vocational training programmes on the larger society.

Foluke Adeboye Bags UN Award

Pastor Foluke Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has received the prestigious Woman of Distinction award and named an Outstanding Global Peace Ambassador for Change by the United Nations Global Women Foundation. The cleric was awarded for her great contributions to the Christian community across the globe as an agent of peace. Her husband, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, took to social media to share the good news while posting the award plaque and

certificate presented to his wife for her laudable feat in nation building. He also congratulated her while praising God for his better half.

Mummy G.O, as she is fondly called, has been a worthy example in the ministry of her husband around the world with the peaceful and impactful life she has been living. She has extended the good news and message of peace throughout the branches RCCG has both locally and internationally. As part of the role she plays in the ministry, she handles the educational aspect by setting up schools and overseeing the running of their activities.

Paul Adefarasin Loses Church Drummer

The founder and Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin has been hit with another tragedy a few weeks after he lost his mother, Mrs Hilda Adefarasin. The clergy lost one of his devoted and very close church members to the cold hands of death on Sunday, during church service.

Allegations of Fraud Trail Banji Akintoye Anyim Pius Anyim Turns Farmer

Professor Banji Akintoye, the former leader of the Yoruba National Group, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, has been accused by Chief Wale Adeniran, a former member of the group, of allegedly collecting the sum of N6 million from the Canada chapter of the group on the pretext of using it to work for the interest of the group, but failed to utilise the money well.

It was gathered that a communique and audio document by Chief Adeniran and a member of the group who is based in the United States of America made its way online and caused disaffection among members of the group.

Akintoye was also accused of requesting funds for a trip to Brazil. Adeniran lamented Akintoye’s action and queried why

he cannot be questioned by the group. He added that such acts should not be condoned, and the leaders of the group should address the controversy. However, Ilana Omo Oodua released a statement where they sent Adeniran to the gallows for leveling such allegations against their former leader. According to them, the allegation is an attempt to discredit Akintoye in a bid to frustrate the group. Adeniran was labeled a liar and someone who betrayed the trust of others. He was condemned as someone against Yoruba ethos and culture. He was also accused of making such an allegation because he has resigned from the group. The llana Omo Oodua group promised not to fold its arms to see its revered leader being molested by the estranged member of the group.

Former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has unveiled another passion he has aside from politics. The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain who has spent more than two decades holding different political posts in the nation is also a farmer. The former senate president has always admired the agricultural sector because of its important role it plays in the economic system of a country. Anyim has some acres of land in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State where he planted mango

Chris Okafor, a drummer in the church, who had served the ministry for over 12 years, died after slumping in church last week. The incident came as a rude shock to the man of God who was just recovering from the sad demise of his mother. He took to Instagram

to announce the unfortunate event while mourning the deceased. According to him, Okafor was full of life though he died in his prime. His understanding of music and beats makes worship experience so graceful. He slumped and was immediately rushed to the in-suite clinic of the church for first aid before being taken to the hospital, unfortunately, he didn’t make it. The convener and host of the largest gospel concert in Nigeria penned comforting words to Destiny, wife of the deceased while assuring her that the church would offer its shoulder to lean on in her times of needs.

and Ogbono plantation while still considering adding more in his farmland. He shared pictures of his farmland and how he had to work on it while revealing how refreshing it is to watch his plants shoot out new leaves because of the rain. The politician who has made his political mark in Nigeria was first elected into the senate in 1999 and was voted as the next senate president in 2000 to 2003. However, he didn’t seek re-election into the senate. He was one of the politicians who joined the race to Aso Rock in 2022 however, he lost at the party's primaries.

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Not Another Boondoggle Blue Rail Line Project FEATURES

MICHAEL JIMOH

From the moment of conception 40 years ago, the Lagos Metro Line was doomed from the start. Proposed under the civilian administration of Lateef Kayode Jakande, it is one of the oldest projects by any state government in Nigeria, by far older than some that never quite took off or were simply abandoned midway.

At the time, Lagos was not only the seat of government and capital city of Nigeria, it was a fast-growing metropolis with a corresponding population explosion. The Metro Line was meant, therefore, to ease traffic congestion in the littoral state.

But it was fraught with problems from the get-go. No sooner had it landed on the drawing board of Lagos State Government than a military government scrapped it after overthrowing the civvies on December 31 that year. Skeptical of projects with dubious provenance by dishonest politicians they just ousted from power, the new military administration never considered the economic advantages or otherwise of the project itself and so dispensed with it presto.

And so with military fiat, the Muhammadu Buhari-led military junta aborted the project right on, making it seem like an idea whose time had not come, a sort of boondoggle project that wouldn’t amount to much in the end. But as it happens sometimes, the idea behind such projects are hard to extinguish. It proved to be so with the Metro Line and it would take another civilian administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 (now President-elect) to bring it back to life.

Now rechristened Lagos Blue Rail Line, the idea for a mass transit rail service has lurched on from successive governments in the state like a faulty locomotive, prone to derailing along the way but has proceeded doggedly on. And after 30 or so long years, the physical structures of the Blue Rail Line are now visible everywhere in major stopovers in the state with hard-hatted Chinese supervisors bending steel or raising mortar alongside

equally hard-hatted Nigerian workers.

On completion, the assumption is that the first and only such transportation system in the country will massmove 200, 000 – 300, 000 passengers at a go, thus easing the perennial gridlock in the state.

By some twist of fate, and almost 40 years to the day, the very man under whose government the Metro Line was aborted was on hand to commission the first phase of the rail project early this year. On assuming power in 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari halted the Metro Line rail. In late January 2023, the same man obliged the Lagos state government’s request to commission the first phase of the project – a 13kilometre stretch of elevated rail from Marina to Mile 2.

On that day too, there was a test-run of the Blue Rail Line for both high-profile government officials from Abuja and LSG, including some traditional rulers in Lagos. Besides, PMB himself, there was Lai Muhammed, Minister of Transportation, Cui Jianchun, Chinese ambassador to Nigeria.

“This milestone in the development of the Lagos rail mass transit is the culmination of several impactful reforms in the transport ecosystem of Lagos State, starting in 1999, the dawn of the fourth republic, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu assumed office as governor,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“Our vision for an integrated transport system is enunciated in the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. Our

Our vision for an integrated transport system is enunciated in the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. Our transportation strategy is a multimodal one, bringing together the various elements of the road, rail, and water, and ensuring they are seamlessly integrated

... Blue Rail Line Project FEATURES

transportation strategy is a multimodal one, bringing together the various elements of the road, rail, and water, and ensuring they are seamlessly integrated.”

Now under construction by China Civil Engineering Construction Company, an arm of China Railway Construction Corporation, some of the proposed terminals in the second phase for LBRL will be located at Agbado, Agege, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Iju, Ikeja, Mushin, Oshodi, Sogunle, Yaba with connections to the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The first phase which is now 80 percent complete will transport a quarter million passengers daily when it commences operation later this month – that is from Marina to Mile 2 with stopovers at National Theatre, Iganmu, Alaba and Orile stations up to Mile 2.

On the day of the test-run, spokesperson for the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Agency (LAMATA) Kolawole Ojelabi told journalists the “train is still under trial and will kick-start in late March or early April,” and also insisting the fare has not been decided. But what is clear for now is that passengers will avail themselves of the Cowry Lagos with the touch-and-payment system is already set for use at the station.”

Now sure to ease transportation in the state, the LBRL almost didn’t get to be. For one, the change in government almost hobbled its realization. Second, lack of funds almost crippled the dream project. And just barely a month after the test-run, one of the coaches was engulfed in smoke, causing panic at Marina where the fire broke out.

According to reports during the fire outbreak about three weeks ago, “the newly inaugurated Blue Rail Mass Transit at Marina Lagos Island, yesterday, was gutted by fire, which was said to have started from the generator in the facility. While road users scampered to safety, the fire service, the police, and other emergency responders were said to have arrived to quell the fire.

“Lagos State Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, called for calm. He said: “The fire at Marina started from the generator of the Blue Rail Mass Transit. Police patrol teams and the fire service are already on the ground to control the crowd and put out the fire, respectively. Hundeyin therefore, urged road users to go about their lawful duties and not panic, assuring them that the situation was under control.”

Though the coaches of the LBRL are Americanmade, some critics of the project contend that the state government may have made wrong choices when they settled for already-made coaches rejected by some other countries. For instance, it is possible, they insist that rather than shop for coaches that fit the topography of the state and climactic conditions in the tropics, the state government hurriedly bought the ready-made ones. That, in their assumption, possibly accounted for the fire outbreak weeks ago.

Baring all that, LSG, analysts now say, has made history with the LBRL. “In Lagos State,” one of them wrote recently after the test-run, “history has been made with the completion of the 13km Lagos Blue Line Rail Phase 1 scheme (Marina-Mile2) infrastructure, with testing scheduled between Wednesday and first quarter of 2023, when the line will be fully operational.

“The first passenger trip on Tuesday by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the House of Assembly; members of the state executive council, among other prominent persons, marked the completion of civil infrastructure work on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit being constructed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority. The Blue Line project is a 27-kilometre rail route designed to run from Okokomaiko eastwards to Mile 2 and then proceed to Marina via Ijora.

“The five stations have been completed, with 13km of

When the LBRL becomes fully operational, commuting in Lagos will become easier and pleasurable, Nnadozie went on. “This is like buying one and getting two free. It’s only a servant-leader who thinks of people first and ways to ameliorate their daily struggles can deliver on this scale. Lagos public transportation will not be the same again from this year

the rail tracks laid in the first phase. Phase 1 of the Blue line is 13km long with five stations: Marina-National Theatre- Orile-Suru-Alaba-Mile 2, while Phase 2 will extend the line to 27km.

“The first phase will transport 250,000 passengers daily and, when completed, the entire 27km will transport about 500,000 passengers daily. Each train comprises four coaches and each coach can take up to 180 passengers conveniently.”

The success of the Federal government rail project from Lagos – Ibadan, Abuja – Kano possibly galvanized the LSG to hasten work on the LBRL. “The joy brought

about by the Lagos-Ibadan inter-state train rides have put more pressure on the delivery of the Lagos version of the service,” Uche Nnadozie wrote in March. “Nearly every resident who sees the massive work going on and the federal government-backed beautiful standard gauge service feel a sense of pride knowing that in a matter of days and weeks, two separate corridors will open for use by commuters.

“A safe, fast, comfortable train ride is what Lagos residents have dreamt of since the metro service was muted by the Lateef Jakande administration in the early 1980s. The older generation can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment seeing that the truncated mass transit service will be off the ground in their lifetime.

As we are aware, the colour codes are for brand differentiation. Well, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has equally added that the Blue line, which runs from Okokomaiko (near the Lagos State University) to CMS in Lagos Island is practically run on electric power. In Lagos, boarding any of the state-run modes of transportation has already been made easy. What experts call the multi-modal integrated transport system is one of a kind in Nigeria. Oh, this is not even the multiple modes of moving around in the state like buses, taxis, ferries and soon trains, it is the mode of payment which has been democratised! Today, with the Cowry card, you pay for your BRT ride, hop on your car hailing LagRide or go on a ferry on our lagoons. And of course from the end of this month, go on a train ride around town. The system is already seamless.”

When the LBRL becomes fully operational, commuting in Lagos will become easier and pleasurable, Nnadozie went on. “This is like buying one and getting two free. It’s only a servant-leader who thinks of people first and ways to ameliorate their daily struggles can deliver on this scale. Lagos public transportation will not be the same again from this year.”

SportsLive

X-raying Senegal's Dominance in African Football

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Senegal, a country located on the coast of West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the west, has become a rising powerhouse in African football. Their recent success in men's football is a testament to the country's commitment to developing its football programme at all levels.

The West African country has been on an impressive winning streak, securing four African titles in the space of only 13 months. The country's senior national team won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February 2021, followed by the African Beach Soccer championship in October of the same year, and the CHAN championship in January 2023. Their latest achievement is winning their first-ever Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, beating their neighbours Gambia 2-0 in the final. This impressive performance also saw them qualify for the U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Indonesia later this year.

Senegal's recent run of success in African football has been impressive and it is a reward for their dedication and hard work. The highlight of the dominating nature of Senegal's current status as top dogs in African football was obvious in their latest victory at the U-20 AFCON. The Senegalese team scored a remarkable 14 goals and conceded none, winning all their matches. It was the latest in a string of clear indications that Senegal is now a dominant force in African football and their successes show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

The recent success of the Senegalese football team is not limited to just the senior and youth levels. Senegal is also in contention for two other titles - the Under-17 championship in Algeria next month and the Under-23 Cup in Morocco in May/June. If they win those, they have successfully swept all six men's titles in Africa. Even though their current four titles are unprecedented, clearing all six, at all age ranges, will be beyond belief. There will be an unbelievable sense of the arrival of a never-before-seen domineering footballing power on the African continent especially in the men's category of the sport. It will be an accomplishment the continent has never witnessed before.

This has led to queries about Senegal's rise to this level of dominance in African football. The reality is that the country's current status has been driven by a combination of factors, including a strong domestic league, a focus

on youth development, and a commitment to creating a cohesive national team. To arrive at where they are currently, a look at their football pedigree is apposite. With a population of about 17 million people and a deep passion for the sport, football is a crucial part of Senegalese culture, and the current progress of their national teams is a testament to a rich history. Football was introduced to Senegal during the colonial era by French administrators, and it quickly became a popular sport among the local population. The first official football club in Senegal, the US Gorée, was founded in 1902. However, it wasn't until 1963 that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was established, and the country began to develop its own football infrastructure.

Senegal's national team, also known as the Lions of Teranga, made their first appearance in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1965. However, it was not until the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan that the team truly made a name for themselves on the international stage. Led by legendary striker El Hadji Diouf, Senegal defeated reigning champions France in the opening game of the tournament and made it all the way to the quarter-finals, where they were eventually defeated by Turkey.

Their displays in continental competitions are not removed from their homegrown football development system. Domestic football in Senegal is also on the rise, with the professional league, known as the Ligue 1, being established in 1966. The league has undergone significant growth in recent years, with the number of teams increasing from 12 to 14 in 2021. The league is also becoming more competitive, with a number of clubs vying for the title each season. One of the most successful clubs in Senegal is Generation Foot, based in the town of Dakar. Founded in 2000, the club has rapidly risen through the ranks and

won its first Ligue 1 title in 2017. Generation Foot has also become known for its youth development program, with several players going on to play for the national team and European clubs. Senegalese football faced one of the biggest issuesinfrastructure - squarely. They began updating many football

Their displays in continental competitions are not removed from their homegrown football development system

X-raying Senegal's Dominance in African Football

the quality of the teams that they have been called at different age ranges.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), as hitherto mentioned, has also been investing heavily in youth development, with the establishment of Football Academies across the country. These Academies provide a pathway for young players to progress from grassroots football to professional level, and ultimately to the national team. In addition to the focus on youth

resilience, teamwork, and determination, and is a proud moment for Senegal's football community. The successes of the men's national teams have also inspired younger generations, who see the likes of Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Chelsea's Edouard Mendy as role models and who will want to emulate the CHAN and U-20 youngsters to bring honour to the country. The players in the youth teams have shown a strong sense of national pride, and this has translated into their performances on the field. The team's style of play is also worth noting. They play with a direct approach, pressing opponents aggressively and attacking with pace and precision. This style of play has made them a formidable opponent in Africa and has earned them respect from their rivals.

Senegal's success in football is not just limited to the men's team. The country's women's team has also been making waves in African football, finishing as runners-up in the 2019 Women's AFCON. This is a clear indication that Senegal's commitment to developing football at all levels is paying off.

facilities in the country, which were in poor condition. Their investment in infrastructure has also led to a coaching level growth and training opportunities for young players have grown exponentially as a result. They also faced the challenge of player development. While the country was producing a number of world-class players, there was a need for a more structured and comprehensive approach to player development from a young age. They handled this by investing in youth Academies and grassroots football programs. The growth began gradually but today, there is a growing interest from investors and sponsors. This has the potential to lead to increased investment in infrastructure and player development, as well as greater exposure for Senegalese football on the international stage.

One of the key factors behind Senegal's success is their well-structured football system, which has produced a wealth of talent in recent years. As aforesaid, the country's football federation has invested heavily in grassroots development, providing young players with access to coaching, facilities, and support to nurture their talents.

Furthermore, the Senegalese domestic league has been a key factor in the country's success, with teams like Jaraaf, Generation Foot, and Diambars producing talented young players who have gone on to making exploits domestically, continentally and internationally. Some of these stars have also come to represent the country and play in the national team. The inclusion of these players have helped to boost

Continued from Back Page

development, the Senegalese national team has benefited from a strong sense of unity and cohesion. The team is made up of players from across the country, and the squad is known for its strong team spirit and work ethic. The victories of the national teams, at the senior and U-20 AFCON, the CHAN and Beach Soccer units, have shown that they are willing to work hard for each other, and this has been a key factor in their recent success.

Senegal's dominance of African beach soccer has been further strengthened as they secured their fourth consecutive Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title on Friday, October 28th, 2022, after beating Egypt's Pharaohs 2-2 in a tense final in the Vilankulo Arena. The Teranga Lions of Senegal have established themselves as a dominant force in African beach soccer, and their impressive run of major titles is a testament to their experience, talent, and hard work. It was the same drive evident in their first-ever Africa U-20 Cup of Nations title earlier this month, adding to an impressive run of major titles in Africa. With victories at the senior level and in CHAN, Senegal has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in African football. The Teranga Cubs' victory is a testament to their

Now That Tinubu is President-Elect, What Next?

by allocating more funds to the public health sector to improve the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria and also ensure that the funds are judiciously used. His government can also increase the number of healthcare facilities in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, investing in training and retraining of healthcare personnel to improve the quality of care and providing incentives to the personnel.

Boosting Education

Nigeria's education sector faces challenges, such as inadequate funding, low-quality teachers, and insufficient facilities. To boost education, Tinubu must prioritise education and provide adequate funding to improve the quality of public education in the country. He can achieve this by allocating more funds to the education sector to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, investing in teacher training and retraining programs to improve the quality of education, and developing modern educational facilities in Nigeria. Tinubu should also prioritise the development of educational facilities, especially in rural areas, to ensure that students have access to quality education.

Developing Infrastructure

One of the key priorities for Tinubu's administration should be the development of critical infrastructure to attract investment and improve the standard of living in the country. Nigeria's infrastructure is currently in a state of disrepair, with inadequate road networks, power supply, and transportation facilities. Power supply must

be given the most extreme priority. Thankfully, President Muhammadu Buhari just signed the constitutional amendment that allows states to generate and distribute electricity as well as build rail lines.

Building infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports can boost economic growth by making it easier and cheaper to transport goods and services. This can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and stimulate business activity.

Moreover, infrastructure development can improve connectivity within and between regions, facilitating regional trade and integration. This can also lead to a more balanced distribution of economic activity across the country, reducing the rural-urban divide.

Nigeria is in trouble, in a very huge mess. The average Nigerian is frustrated and disillusioned in the hopelessness of things. Nothing seems to be working out well for the majority except, of course, those that have access to our national and state treasury. Our youths are angry because a bleak future awaits them. This year is our last chance if we are ever going to reverse the country's woes.

The Tinubu presidency must be decisive in handling some of these critical issues and others that I may have missed to accelerate economic development. Tinubu can help to create a brighter future for Nigeria and ensure that the country remains a beacon of stability and prosperity in the continent.

Indeed, the Senegal national football team has a rich history, and the sport has deep roots in the country. The team has had some notable successes on the international stage, and the sport continues to be immensely popular in the country. The country's football infrastructure has undergone significant improvements over the past decade, with new stadiums, training facilities, and academies being built to help develop young talent. The future of Senegal football looks bright, with a crop of young, talented players emerging from the country's youth teams. There is also significant investment going into the sport, with local and foreign investors supporting the development of the game at all levels. As the country's economy continues to grow, there is hope that more resources will be devoted to developing the sport, and that Senegal will continue to produce world-class footballers who can compete at the highest levels of the game.

Senegal's success in men's football is a result of a combination of factors, including a strong domestic league, a focus on youth development, and a commitment to creating a cohesive national team. The Senegalese team's recent run of success is a clear indication that their hard work and dedication are paying off, and their achievements will inspire young players across the country to strive for success in the beautiful game. Senegal's recent success is a significant milestone for African football, particularly for West Africa, which has produced some of the continent's most successful football teams in the past. Their achievements demonstrate that with the right investment, development, and support, African football can compete with the best in the world. Looking ahead, the challenge for Senegal will be to sustain their success and continue to develop their players. With a new generation of talented players emerging, the country has the potential to dominate African football for years to come. It will be exciting to see how they perform at the U-20 World Cup and beyond.

Now That Tinubu is President-Elect, What Next?

The 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria highlighted deep ethnic and religious divisions. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was declared winner of the disputed election amid claims of electoral fraud aided by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s inability to transmit results electronically from polling units in real time as promised.

Tinubu faces several challenges upon assuming office on May 29, 2023. Here, I have outlined what I consider the steps the President-elect can take to move Nigeria forward, including uniting the nation, which should be a top priority, addressing the high-level of insecurity in every region, revamping the economy, and rebuilding trust in the electoral process. These issues are interrelated, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach. A united and secure Nigeria, with a robust and inclusive economy, and a transparent and trustworthy electoral process, can become a continental and global power. Nigeria is a country with at least 200 million people, rich in natural resources and diverse in culture and religion. However, we have continuously struggled with political instability, corruption, and insecurity, which have hindered the development and progress of this country.

The 2023 presidential election has once more revealed a country divided along ethnic and religious lines. To move Nigeria forward, the President-elect must address some of these pressing issues.

First and foremost, Tinubu must strive to rebuild trust in the electoral process, which the election that brought him to power seriously damaged. The reports of violence, voter intimidation and election manipulation by INEC in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in some states particularly Lagos is, indeed, a grave threat to our democracy. Elections should not be fought as a violent war.

This is important because trust in the electoral process breeds a healthy democracy that relies on the fair and transparent conduct of elections.

When citizens lack confidence in the electoral process, they may become disillusioned with their government and lose faith in the democratic process altogether. This can lead to apathy and disengagement from the political process, as well as to social unrest, civil disobedience, political instability and even violence that could truncate our democracy. This can damage the reputation of a country and harm its relationships with other powerful democratic nations, both politically and economically.

Secondly, the President-elect will also need to ensure a sense of balance and fairness in his appointments to allay concerns of favouritism or nepotism for any of the cleavages of our country. There are very brilliant and smart Nigerians with excellent skills across all the states in the country that can serve and deliver if given a chance.

Uniting the nation is crucial for several reasons. A divided nation is more vulnerable to social and political unrest, which can hinder economic growth and development. A united nation is more likely to work together towards a common goal, creating a sense of national purpose and fostering a positive national identity. A united Nigeria can leverage its size and resources to become Africa’s real powerhouse and one of the most influential nations on earth.

Tinubu could work to promote national unity and build bridges between different ethnic and religious groups. This could involve investing in cultural and educational programmes that promote understanding and tolerance, as well as promoting policies that support national integration and shared values.

Thirdly, revamping the ailing economy and dealing with Nigeria's unemployment rate, which is projected to worsen in 2023, with inflation skyrocketing as a consequence, is worrisome. The President-elect must focus on accelerated and inclusive, double-digit economic growth to dent poverty rates. A strong economy is the foundation for a prosperous society, with people having more job opportunities, higher wages and better access to goods and services.

Another area of interest for the Tinubu government should be addressing corruption and improving governance to help build investor confidence and encourage both local and foreign investment. Tinubu could work to improve transparency and accountability in government operations and to root out corruption at all levels of government. These steps will create a more business-friendly environment and spur productivity, which can help to stabilise the currency.

Insecurity, which has spread to all six regions of Nigeria, with Boko Haram, IPOB and ISWAP terrorists carrying out violent attacks and kidnappings, is another major area of concern. The President-elect must create anti-terrorist battalions with Special Forces to tackle terrorists, kidnappers and bandits. Insecurity poses a threat to the safety and well-being of individuals and communities, leading to fear, anxiety and a decrease in quality of life.

Insecurity can also hinder economic growth and development, discouraging investment and tourism, as well as increasing the cost of doing business. Addressing insecurity can promote social cohesion by bringing people together and creating a sense of shared security and responsibility. A government that is unable to provide security to its citizens is unlikely to be perceived as legitimate and may struggle to maintain order and stability.

In addition to these measures, Tinubu could also consider implementing policies that promote economic growth and job creation, such as investing in infrastructure and education, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By creating more opportunities for Nigerians to earn income and participate in the economy, Tinubu can help to create a more stable and prosperous future for the country.

Addressing Insecurity and Ethnic Tensions

Revamping the economy can help to address social and economic inequalities, provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, close the wealth gap and provide a pathway to economic mobility. Revamping the economy can also have correlated benefits for security, creating new jobs in industries that can curtail unemployment and help to stabilise macroeconomic growth when the fraudulent subsidy regime is removed. The prioritisation of the development of non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing and services must be emphasised, as this is necessary for the creation of new job opportunities and the stimulation of economic growth. Additionally, Tinubu must implement policies that attract foreign investment, such as reducing bureaucratic red tape, improving infrastructure and providing tax incentives. The Tinubu government must also work on improving the ease of doing business in the country to make Nigeria a more attractive destination for investment.

Also of importance is fixing dollar shortages in the country and shoring up the value of the naira. Tinubu and the CBN must first address the root causes of the problem, which centers around difficulties in diversifying the economy. The foreign exchange problem has been with us for a very long time and only a pragmatic and practical solution with both the fiscal and monetary side working closely can resolve this.

Nigeria has been plagued by insecurity and ethnic tensions in recent years, with clashes between farmers and herders, ethnic and religious violence, and the rise of armed groups. Tinubu must work to address these challenges and promote peace and stability in the country. This is critical for Nigeria's future. Insecurity and violence can have a significant impact on the economy, discouraging foreign investment and driving up costs for businesses. In addition, insecurity can lead to the displacement of communities and the loss of life, creating a humanitarian crisis and damaging the social fabric of the country. Tinubu could also work to address corruption and improve governance, as corruption can fuel insecurity and undermine the effectiveness of security forces. By rooting out corruption and improving transparency and accountability, Tinubu can help to build trust between communities and government institutions, which can help to promote peace and stability.

Reversing the Brain-drain Syndrome

Nigeria has been experiencing a significant loss of skilled professionals to other countries due to factors such as insecurity, lack of opportunities, and better living conditions. To reverse this trend, Tinubu must create an enabling environment that will encourage Nigerians to remain in the country and contribute to its development.

Improving Healthcare

Nigeria's healthcare system is in a dire state, with inadequate facilities, low-quality care, and insufficient funding. To improve healthcare, Tinubu must prioritize the health sector and provide adequate funding to improve healthcare services in the country. This can be achieved

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The average Nigerian is frustrated and disillusioned in the hopelessness of things. Nothing seems to be working out well for the majority except, of course, those that have access to our national and state treasury. Our youths are angry because a bleak future awaits them