THEWILL NEWSPAPER, April 01, 2024

Ojy Okpe never envisioned being a journalist; she always wanted to be a filmmaker because that was what she studied. Her journey in journalism started in 2013 when she got hired to be a producer for Arise News’ flagship show, Arise Entertainment 360 This was in New York. She eventually started producing short features and short documentaries for the documentary unit. In 2015, they won a NY Emmy for the documentary Game Changers: How the Harlem Globetrotters Battled Racism. According to Okpe, this was the game-changer in her career. It led her to realise that she was drawn to human-angle stories. She now anchors her show on Arise News, What’s Trending With Ojy Okpe, where she treats human-angle stories and other stories.

When it comes to challenges she has faced in her career, Okpe says she has faced a couple of challenges from women and that men have been more supportive of her career than women. Read her story on pages 8 through 10.

Men make fashion mistakes that can be avoided. While it is advised that you should experiment when trying fashion trends, there are rules to follow. We have listed some fashion faux pas for men in this week’s fashion pages. See pages 4 and 5.

Our beauty page highlights steps to take while choosing the right serum, from determining your skin type to choosing the suitable serum for your age.

Don’t forget to click on the instructions beneath the QR codes on page 16 to download the playlist.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

COVER

BATTLE FOR CONTROL OF LABOUR PARTY:

Obi Dumps Abure, Backs Moves to Salvage Party

BY AMOS ESELE

The ongoing tussle for power and control of the Labour Party between the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, entered a critical stage last week when the NLC formally announced its decision to take over the party as the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Petter Obi, may have dumped embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure and backs moves to salvage party.

But the newly 'elected members' of the NWC of the party have stuck to their guns, staring eyeball to eye-ball with the union leaders.

Shortly after the Labour Party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, declared the controversial convention that returned Julius Abure as National Chairman of the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which is supposed to give legal backing to the convention by monitoring it, declared it a “charade” and washed its hand off the event, thus effectively adding fuel to a simmering situation.

Contacted for further explanation, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, restated his earlier position to THEWILL that the Commission did not monitor the convention. He refused to be drawn into further questioning about the implications of the Commission’s non-observance for the emergence of the party’s NWC.

Even so, the basis of the Commission’s absence cannot be far-fetched as Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, states that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days’ notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting. This includes the convention or meeting convened for “merger” and electing members of its executive committees and other governing bodies or nominating candidates.

The change of venue at short notices by the NWC, which at first planned the convention for Benincity, then changed it to Umuahia in Abia State until Nnewi in Anambra State was finally chosen, is said to be the main reason for the absence of

the electoral umpire at the convention.

THEWILL contacted the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obora Ifo, on this. He was cautious in his response.

“We choose what we reply here,” he said, in response to INEC’s statement. When asked if INEC’s absence does not pose a legal problem for the party, he simply replied, “Thank you so much.”

OBI REACTS

Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has described the Nnewi convention in uncomplimentary terms.

Speaking on his absence at the National Convention, Obi said Abure and other leaders failed to consult widely. Obi, who spoke during an X Space session hosted by Parallel Facts on Friday, said the time had now come for Abure and the leadership of the party to do the right thing in order to salvage it.

COVER ...Backs Moves to Salvage Party

Efforts to get a reaction from the NLC failed. The General Secretary of the union, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, failed to answer his call or respond to messages.

THE CRACK BEGINS

While the combatants are still in the trenches, the crisis has begun to take its toll on the party and its supporters.

A day after the controversial convention took place, six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly on the platform of the LP defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP last Thursday. The lawmakers are Ejike Eze, representing Igbo-Eze North 1; Johnson Ugwu, representing Enugu North; Princess Ugwu; Enugu South Rural; Pius Ezeugwu, Nsukka West; Amuka Willams, representing Igbo-Etiti East and Osita Eze, representing Oji River.

The defectors cited the “existence of irreconcilable division, an ongoing crisis within the Labour Party at the national level and across the state chapters,” in a letter read during plenary by the Speaker of the House, Uche Ugwu.

in the presence of INEC officials on June 27, 2022, to stick to the mandate as directed by the judgement.

In a detailed reaction, however, the Abureled NWC of the party expressed surprise at the existence of a BoT for the party.

According to Ifo, the last time they heard of Comrade Ejiofor was two decades ago when he was the first National Chairman of the party. Since then, he maintained, “Ejiofor is not even known in his ward and he has not paid a single dime as membership dues which qualifies him as a member.”

He argued that the 350 delegates that participated in the Nnewi convention was more representational of the membership of the party as they included Governor Alex Otti of Abia State who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the Deputy Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Hon. George Ozodinobi, who led 10 other members of the National Assembly to the event, the Deputy Minority Leader in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Clinton Amadi, as well as their counterparts from the Enugu State House of Assembly.

He contended that since the Labour Party is, according to article 77 (1) of the Electoral Act, a corporate body with perpetual succession and a common seal which may be sued and can be sued in its corporate name, the party cannot be taken over by a union like the NLC.

THEWILL however gathered that the ‘Obidient Movement,’ now has what can be called partisan and non-partisan members. The partisan members, according to a reliable source, are those who have joined forces with the embattled National Chairman of the LP, Julius Abure, while the non-partisan members still retain the core leadership of the movement at inception in 2023. These stalwarts include Aisha Yesufu, Prof Chris Nwakobia, Dr Paul Moses, Dele Famoroti,

“

The Labour Party never pledged to deliver a new Nigeria nor did it promise transparency, integrity and efficiency. The party never vowed to transition from consumption to production or dismantle the structures of criminality. Mr@Peter Obi did. So, this is not a moment for blind outrage or aimless uproar, it is time for clarity, focus and unwavering determination

March Oyinki. They have reacted to the fallout of the convention stoically.

In a note made available to THEWILL, Dr Moses paints a picture of this group. He recounts how he had been overwhelmed with calls and messages “in the aftermath of the Labour Party Convention”, by those who “feel disheartened, disillusioned and drained by the outcome.”

He said, “The Labour Party never pledged to deliver a new Nigeria nor did it promise transparency, integrity and efficiency. The party never vowed to transition from consumption to production or dismantle the structures of criminality. Mr@Peter Obi did. So, this is not a moment for blind outrage or aimless uproar, it is time for clarity, focus and unwavering determination.”

Moses called on fellow ‘Obidients’ to exercise patience and restraint, “For in due time, our revered leader, Mr @Peter Obi, will guide us with wisdom and clarity. Our journey towards a better Nigeria continues, fueled by hope, resilience and an unwavering belief in our collective potential. Together, we shall forge ahead, undeterred by momentary setbacks, towards the brighter tomorrow we envisioned.”

The general thinking now within the party and movement is that Obi may leave the party, even though leaders of the NLC are said to be persuading him to stay.

But his influence in the party appears to be waning. At the peak of the crisis, before the controversial convention, Obi had intervened and called for the postponement of the convention, wider consultations over the lingering problems, until frayed nerves had calmed down.

According to the spokesperson of the Obi/Datti Campaign Organisation, Tanko Yunusa, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate met with the warring parties at an Asaba meeting alongside party members at the House of Representatives to wade into the crisis.

WAY FORWARD

The NWC looks prepared not to concede defeat, ready to stick to its gun and have its way. Mr Ifoh told THEWILL that the newly elected members will go for the Easter holidays when asked, “Where do you go from here?”

He said, “After the holidays, we will all resume duties.”

For the ‘Obidients,’ investigations further show that the aforementioned non-partisan members are only waiting on Peter Obi to make a decision on what a dependable source called, “the next step”.

Many comrades within the NLC think this is the time to reform the Labour Party and turn it into a fee paying mass movement that is representative of the welfarist aspirations of workers drawn from 48 –affiliate members of the union and Nigerians at large.

Easter: Tinubu Felicitates Christians, Says Nigeria Will Triumph Over Challenges

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Christians in Nigeria and around the world, on the occasion of the 2024 Easter, a significant moment and glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.

In a statement issued on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, President Tinubu emphasised "love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season".

The President noted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity as a lesson for leaders and Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Commending Nigerians for the sacrifices they made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, President Tinubu further assured that "the seeds of patience, which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will, in no time, bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

“As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, President Tinubu assured all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end.”

National Grid Successfully Restored – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the national grid has successfully been restored following a ‘system disturbance’ that occurred at about 4:28pm on Thursday, March 28.

A statement by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said full recovery was achieved by 10:00pm that same day.

According to Mbah, a report from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo, Osun State, indicated that the "system disturbance" was triggered by a significant reduction in generation capacity, primarily due to gas constraints.

Most Wanted Boko Haram Commander Surrenders to Troops

Most wanted Boko Haram commander, Mallam Yathabalwe, who has been terrorising Gwoza and the surrounding Mandara Mountain communities, has surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The Emir of Gwoza in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, disclosed this to journalists on Friday.

Yathabalwe had been fingered in a series of attacks and killings, including the attacks of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and its environs.

While the military has not officially confirmed the development, the Emir said Yathabalwe willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition and surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

“We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top commander of Boko Haram, who has been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the NorthEast.

“He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

“Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs,” he said.

Senate Leader, Bamidele, Salutes Tinubu at 72

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday.

In a congratulatory message, Friday, titled, Ode to People's President, the Senate Leader described President Tinubu as ''my leader and mentor,'' saying he is ''a timeless doyen of democracy and an astute mentor of many leaders.'' The message reads: ''Today, I celebrate a timeless doyen of democracy and an astute mentor of many leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. By global standards, Asiwaju is truly a man of the people and the visionary of our times, who devoted his life to pursuing the greatest goods to the greatest number of people. This has been the core of his heart and life from when he was a boardroom guru in the 1980s to when he joined partisan politics in the 1990s.

''Born on March 29, 1952, Asiwaju’s foray into politics in 1991 was never a mistake, though it came with a huge sacrifice that cost dearly. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I celebrate how Asiwaju firmly stood with the people rather than dining with the military oligarchy that annulled the outcome of the June 12, 1993 presidential election ostensibly won by Chief M.K.O Abiola (now of blessed memory), an annulment that set our fatherland back to the pre-colonial era.

''I also celebrate how Asiwaju teamed up with the progressives to establish the National Democratic Coalition, a movement of likeminds and progressives that fiercely challenged the regime of the late tyrant, General Sani Abacha; mobilised support for the restoration of democracy to our fatherland and campaigned for the recognition of Chief M.K.O Abiola as the winner of the June 12 presidential election. And this conviction and pursuit eventually earned him exile from the land of his birth.

'' Yet, he was undaunted in his quest to see his fatherland liberated from the era of locusts that pitched us against the comity of nations.

''I celebrate how Asiwaju returned to Nigeria in 1998 when the darkest era of the late tyrant finally folded into the abyss of extinction after fighting doggedly on the side of the people. The end of the dark era culminated in his election as the third civilian governor of Lagos State in January 1999.

''Though faced with diverse heinous challenges at the inception, Asiwaju came out strong and victorious, setting Lagos on the path of irreversible progress, reforming the coastal state to a globally competitive smart city and turning it to a constant destination of strategic investment.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Bababjide Sanwo-Olu (middle): Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi (left) and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi (right), during the committees courtesy visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Marina on March 28, 2024.

Insecurity: NSCDC Unveils ‘Information Not Disinformation’ Campaign in Imo

FROM SAMPSON UHUEGBU, OWERRI

s part of efforts to fight insecurity in Imo State, the state’s Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has unveiled the ‘Information Not Disinformation’ campaign.

The campaign was unveiled by the NSCDC Commandant in Imo, Mr Matthew Ovye, at the command’s headquarters

THEWILL reports that the ‘Information Not Disinformation’ campaign is a brainchild of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo council , aimed at effective partnerships with security agencies in the state to fight insecurity through responsive journalism and accurate reporting.

The commandant, who commended the chapel for the “apt initiative, “ said that it couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the state is grappling with the effects of misinformation and disinformation in the fight against insecurity. He expressed confidence that the campaign will correct disinformation so as to enhance economic activities for growth and development of the state.

According to him, the corps remained committed to the protection of critical national assets, using its anti-vandal and agrorangers units, as well as the Special Intelligence Squad of the Commandant-General (C-G), Ahmed Abubakar-Audi.

going to flag off the coastal road. So we will combine it.

“The most important thing is the lane marking. The moment the lane marking is done we open the road unofficially. In seven days Nigerians will be able to ply this road.

"We also discovered that there is a need to put CCTV both on top of the bridge and under the bridge and we don’t want to put CCTV that is powered by diesel generator so we are going to be procuring solar generator and we are putting CCTV all through the 11.8 kilometres and we are going to install CCTV under the deck to watch the illegal mining of the sand, which is a problem we have encountered as far as the integrity of the pipes that were driven by skin friction is concerned and so tomorrow when we go there we will look at it.

"The bridge before now and over the years and administrations, was being maintained by overlaying asphalt upon asphalt on top of the concrete decks and the dead loads designed for the concrete deck is just two inches of asphalt. So over the years we have had asphalts overlay between 10 cm to 30 cm and so it shot dead weight on the bridge.

“Let me say that part of this bridge has undergone some measure of depletion. But we have removed the dead weight. So when we came on board Mr. President went through this bridge and he directed for immediate rehabilitation of the bridge.

“So we started with a contract of milling just two inches. We thought it was two inches that had failed and so we procured the bridge as follows: milling of two inches of asphalt, 8 lanes of 11.8 km and replacing it, you know, changing 90 percent of the expansion joints, painting the parapet capes, changing all the electric poles and changing them to solar poles that were the initial scope.

FRSC Sets up Over 200 Mobile Courts Operations to Check Traffic Offences

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is conducting aggressive road safety enforcement with over 200 Mobile Courts to check a wide range of traffic offences across the country.

With the mobile courts, offences such as Speeding and Dangerous Driving/Overtaking; Lane indiscipline/Route violation; Road Obstructions; Use of Phone while Driving; Overloading; Seat Belt/Child restraint Use Violations; Passenger’s Manifest Violation; Operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles; Latching and Twist-Locks Violation and Illegal use of the Spy Number Plates will be legally handled.

To achieve this, over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes are being deployed as part of the patrol logistics.

Furthermore, reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, several extricating machines and digital breathalysers are part of the tools for special operations.

Added to the above is, a total of 23 Help Areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions, and rescue operations during the period. This, he said, is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which will be dedicated solely to identifying traffic gridlock areas to be manned by our personnel on a 24/7 basis.

This is in addition to 28 Road Traffic Crash Clinics and 53 Zebra points located along the major routes. This would be covered by 92 ambulances to be fully utilised for prompt response to crashes and rescue of injured victims to hospitals for more professional attention.

The plan and FRSC readiness for the Easter season were made known in an official statement issued Wednesday and signed by the Assistant Corps Marshal,

POLITICS

Edo, Ondo Polls Raise Issues of Trust in Electoral Process

BY AMOS ESELE

As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC prepares to conduct two-off season elections in Edo and Ondo States this year, two months after it issued a comprehensive report on the 2023 General Election, issues of apathy, trust and accountability in the electoral process are being raised in the polity.

In the days and years ahead, polls will hold in Edo and Ondo polls on September 21, 2023 and November 16, 2024 respectively, and then Osun and Anambra State in 2026 before the general poll in 2027.

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, INEC published the names of political parties and their approved candidates that will participate in the Edo State governorship poll on September 21, this year.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the Commission, in keeping with the provisions in Section 29 (3) of the Electoral Act, has to publish the personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates on March 30, a week from the last date for the submission of nominations by the political parties.

He said the 17 parties that fulfilled the requirements are the following: Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, and the Allied Peoples Movement.

Others are Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, African Action Congress and Zenith Labour Party.

While electioneering kicks off on April 24, 2024 in Edo State, primary elections are about to be held in Ondo State on April 6-27, 2024, with the campaign date fixed for June 19, 2024.

During these outings, the electoral process and institutions, including political parties, candidates, voters, security personnel, government and civil society organisations will come under scrutiny.

“The 2023 Election Report has sufficiently addressed what happened during the General Election and INEC will continuously improve with every election that it conducts henceforth,” Professor Ayobami Salami told

“Salami, who is the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, added, “With the feedback the Commission has got from the public and other outcomes, we are better prepared to improve on the conduct of the next round of election in the Edo and Ondo States

...Issues of Trust in Electoral Process

THEWILL, when asked about the Commission’s preparedness to handle the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship polls amid some gaps disclosed in the report.

Salami, who is the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, added, “With the feedback the Commission has got from the public and other outcomes, we are better prepared to improve on the conduct of the next round of election in the Edo and Ondo States.”

He disagreed with the suggestion that the generality of Nigerians have lost trust in INEC over “Whatever you say will not be agreed to by everybody. You can only explain to the best of your ability and people will still stick with their opinion.”

For Mr Ajanya Esrom, an operational officer with the Kukah Centre, which often gets candidates and their political parties to sign and commit to pre-election peace agreements, trust in the political process is not a given.

He told THEWILL in an interview, “It must be earned. It can be taken and it can be given.”

Speaking from experience during his interaction with political parties, Esrom said the country is at a point where political parties and other stakeholders in the electoral process have to begin to earn the trust of Nigerians.

He however maintained that the process of earning trust is not an overnight task because it must be demonstrated by evidence. “That is part of the work we are doing at the Kukah Centre, to help political parties demonstrate that evidence. They have to show the Nigerian citizens through manifestoes that they can be trusted with the position of governance which they must administer inclusively.”

He submitted that the elected politicians must be held accountable through a multi-stakeholder approach of different state institutions, which operate at every layer of the electoral process before, during and after the conduct of elections. “For example, during elections politicians will present their party manifestos to Nigerians, who should interrogate the contents. During voting, INEC, the security agents, voters and the media should be involved. The issue of democracy is a contested process.”

This multi-stakeholder approach on rebuilding trust in the electoral process, institutions and election was the focus of a workshop in Lagos last week. Organised by the International Press Centre, IPC, with its co-partner, the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project, the workshop drew participants from the academia, media, civil society organisations and the security agencies.

Isaac Olawale Albert, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Ibadan, who gave the lead presentation, titled, ‘The Role of Critical Stakeholders in Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process, Institutions and Elections in Nigeria,’ said, “There is no alternative to democracy and elections are important in the process. Without trust, democracy is a façade.”

What this means is that politics in Nigeria is business. It is not about service to the people. That is why it will be difficult to trust elected office holders,” he said, adding: “Today, if as a farmer or businessman you go to the bank for a loan, you will have to go from one end of Nigeria to the other to get the requirements “

preparation which focuses on long-term goals to drive the approach and set rules; engagement to mitigate tension while focusing on priorities and action plan to revisit goals and plan next step.

A former National Commissioner of INEC, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, held that trust is fundamental to elections and the society at large because it is about social solidarity. For Ibeanu, there are three critical factors in building and retaining trust in the electoral process.

“The first is a normative framework which provides for a system of rules, particularly for institutions because they are created by rules. The second is the ability to implement the rules by those who have the professional capacity to do so and thirdly is a robust system of redress for holding accountability and rewarding those who do the right thing. Trust is the basis of legitimacy,” he said.

Curiously, political parties, which are the major beneficiaries of the electoral process, ought to be the fulcrum of the views canvassed at the workshop were found wanting because of the view expressed about politicians by the National Chairman of the umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle.

According to Dantalle, many politicians in Nigeria see politics as business and political office transforms the economic status of the political office holder immediately after election.

“What this means is that politics in Nigeria is business. It is not about service to the people. That is why it will be difficult to trust elected office holders,” he said, adding: “Today, if as a farmer or businessman you go to the bank for a loan, you will have to go from one end of Nigeria to the other to get the requirements.

But the moment you are elected into office, the banks will come for you, to give you a loan that you did not seek or need. What this means is that the economic status of the elected person has been transformed and he would be able to pay the loan.”

Dantalle contended that democracy is only practised at the state and national levels, with the grassroots, where it matters most, being left out. The reason, he adduced, was the strangle hold governors maintain on the electoral process through state independent electoral commissions.

He said that plans are afoot by his administration which came into office in November 2023 to reorganise the parties through a well-articulated code of conduct for political parties before 2027 polls. He disclosed that some strategic plans on this had been drawn by the political parties with support of Westminster Foundation, adding that democracy as currently practiced in the country was still far from the reality let alone the ideal.

IPAC, he said, has also created a Directorate of women affairs and People with Disability for more inclusion clauses for parties.

Albert said public perception is key to effective participation in the electoral process, adding that key institutions and actors in the electoral process, such as INEC and the Judiciary, have to deal with institutional credibility, while politicians have to deal with procedural credibility and National Assembly have to deal with personal credibility.

He outlined a five-step approach to stakeholder engagement in the political process, viz; engagement strategy whereby vision is set for future appointment; stakeholders mapping dealing with definition criteria for identifying and prioritising stakeholder engagement;

“These challenges are part of the culture of impunity I have seen from the first to the second, third and now fourth republic, robbing me of my trust of the system; hence building trust is a multi-stakeholder problem,” said Dr Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, co-host of the workshop.

“The task of building trust in the electoral system is a collective responsibility,” said Mr Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC.

PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees in 19 States, FCT

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the appointment of the Executives whose tenures have expired in some State, Local Government and Ward chapters to serve as Caretaker Committees in the affected States, LGAs and Wards respectively, for three months

ABIA – LGA: With effect from March 22, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 15, 2024

AKWA IBOM – LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024 ; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

BAUCHI – LGA: With effect from March 22, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

BAYELSA – State: With effect from March 23, 2024; LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

BENUE- LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

CROSS RIVER – LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

DELTA- LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

EKITI – Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

ENUGU – LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

GOMBE- State: With effect from March 23, 2024; LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

IMO – LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

JIGAWA- Ward: With effect from March 16, 2024

KADUNA. – Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

NIGER. – Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

ONDO – LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

PLATEAU – LGA: With effect from March 23, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

RIVERS- State: With effect from March 21, 2024; LGA: With effect from March 18, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

SOKOTO- Ward: With effect from March 16, 2024

TARABA- Ward: With effect from March 14, 2024

FCT- LGA: With effect from March 21, 2024; Ward: With effect from March 7, 2024

Governor Idris Seeks Review of Revenue Sharing Formula

GThe governor who said this in an interview with journalists at the weekend in Abuja, said the revenue sharing formula was lopsided in favour of the federal government to the detriments of the states.

He said the three arms of government have duties to people that elected them, adding that one arm should not therefore take a proportion that is disadvantaged to the rest.

He said, “A situation where the federal government takes 55 per cent of the total share of the revenue was to say the least unfair. We must look at the formula in order to meet our campaign promises to our citizens. When you look at it, the states and local governments are the closes to the people and most of the challenges faced directly by citizens are handled by the state and local government.

Revenue among the three arms of government sis shared in accordance with the vertical formula, as determined by the Revenue Mobilsation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and approved by the National Assembly. The formula allocates 52.68 per cent, 26.72 per cent, and 20 per cent to the Federal, State and Local Government, respectively.

Governor Idris said, “It is the at the state where you will find farmers, the artisans, the poorest of the poor and it is our responsibility as governors to make life meaningful and worth living for them. So, I believe that the federal government has fewer responsibility in terms of direct interaction with Nigerians. Governors and local government chairmen deal directly with the people and it is a huge burden on them. The revenues should be shared in such a way that state and local governments that often have direct interactions with the Nigerian people should collect higher percentage to meet their yearnings and aspirations.”

Sanwo-Olu, Oba of Benin Sue For Peace at Easter

Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly Christians and Lagos citizens, as they celebrate this year’s Easter. He urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to reflect on the sacrifice and love that Jesus Christ showed mankind through His crucifixion and resurrection.

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, in the same vein, has asked God to heal Nigeria during the Easter celebrations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the plea at the weeken while speaking with newsmen after attending the Combined Special Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of the Easter and Ramadan celebrations at Lagos House, Ikeja.

He further urged Lagos residents to be peaceful and maintain the peace and tranquility for which Lagos is known. The governor appreciated Lagosians for their patience and understanding, wishing them all a happy celebration of Easter.

“I want to wish all Lagosians a happy celebration of Easter, as we have just ended the Christian Lenten season.

“I believe it has been a worthy journey for all our Christian brothers and sisters who have been fasting to ask for the strengthening of our state and country. And coincidentally, we are in the 19th day of Ramadan as well. So, everything around prayers and supplication is working very well.

“My wish is for all of us to enjoy the season. We need to be as peaceful as we have always been, do things in moderation, and ensure that we keep the peace and tranquility that Lagos is known for,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has asked God to heal Nigeria during the Easter celebrations.

In a prayer contained in a message of felicitation signed by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba at the week, Oba Ewuare 11

The statement read, “The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has called on God and his ancestors to heal Nigeria during the Easter celebration.

“The royal father also admonishes the Christian faithful, to be Christ-like and pray ardently to God for the forgiveness of sins and ask God to heal the nation.

“The Oba urges Christians to emulate the virtues of Christ in their daily life and Implores them to draw strength from the message of hope offered by the sacrifice of Jesus and promote virtues of love and cohesion, irrespective of their challenges.”

L-R: National External Relations Director, Women in Energy Oil and Gas Nigeria (WEOG), Hasiya HassanAudu; Executive Vice President, Upstream NNPC Limited, Mrs Eyesan Oritsemeyiwa; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye and the President of WEOG, Dr Dunni Owo, during the Strategic Women in Energy Oil and Gas Leadership Summit and awards, Northern Region 2nd Edition in Abuja on March 26, 2024.

overnor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has called for a review of the sharing formula of federal allocations to meet the democratic needs of citizens.

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Minister of State for Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo (4th right); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr Sani Gwarzo (4th left); Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri (3rd right); Chief Group Executive Officers, NNPC, Mele Kyari (2nd right) and others, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Sectoral Retreat on the Ministerial Deliverables (2023-2027) for the Oil and Gas, Organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja on March 26, 2024.

United States Congresswoman, Barbara Lee; Leader, US Congress delegation to Nigeria, Sen. Cory Booker and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the visit of United States Congress delegation to Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Abuja on March 27, 20234.

L-R: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Senate President and Executive Committee member of the International Organization of Parliaments (IPU), Godswill Akpabio; Director General of the WTO,  Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, after a courtesy call on the WTO chief in Geneva, Switzerland on March 26, 2024.

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ali M. Ali, during a courtesy visit to Governor Adeleke in Osogbo on March 25, 2024.

L-R: Chairman, Lagos SWAN, Debo Oshundun; Chief Executive Officer, White Collar Football League, Dave Jones and Chairman, WFCL Board of Trustees, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Amodu-Tijani, Olu of Iowa and Apapa Kingdom, during the signing of MoU between WFCL and Lagos SWAN in Lagos on March 28, 2024.

L-R: Manager, Research, Knowledge Management & Engagement, African Women on Board, Micheal E. Umoh; Assistant Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Idorenyin Emmanson and Macallan Brand Educator and Ambassador, Lagos, Daniel Atteh, at the Annual African Women on Board Roundtable, Lagos on March 14, 2024.

It is sad and shameful that despite the huge sums of money and resources pumped into the power sector over the years, all we could boast of in this age and time is an abysmal 2,984 MW for a country of over 220 million people

Incessant Grid Collapse as National Embarrassment

Incessant national grid collapse in the country has become a national embarrassment, just as the state of the power sector itself.

Last week, the country suffered another grid collapse at a time many were preparing for the Easter holidays.

Although the grid has been totally restored, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the effects are very damaging as the whole country was thrown into total darkness.

Last year, the national grid collapsed three times – September 14, 19 and December 11. We are at it again this year, the second time in three months. The last one happened on Thursday, March 28 at about 4 pm.

This time, power dropped from an embarrassing 2,984 megawatts (MW) to zero within just an hour as all the 21 plants connected to the grid simply packed up by 5 pm.

Attributing the development to what it described as a ''system disturbance’' TCN, in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the grid was fully restored at about 10pm same Thursday.

Mbah told curious Nigerians that a report from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo, Osun State, showed that the "system disturbance" was caused by a significant reduction in generation capacity, primarily due to gas constraints.

“This reduction led to a rapid decline in system frequency. This created a sudden imbalance in the grid. The imbalance in grid stability was exacerbated by the sudden tripping of Egbin generation turbine 3, resulting in an additional loss of 167MW load and the subsequent collapse of the grid,” she said.

She added that the grid has since been recovered, stable and currently transmitting all the generated power to distribution load centres

nationwide.

“TCN emphasises its unwavering commitment to addressing grid challenges and actively working to mitigate disruptions. In instances where challenges extend beyond TCN’s control, the company collaborates with other stakeholders in the power sector value chain to minimise the impact and swiftly restore the grid to normal operation,” TCN added in the statement.

It is sad and shameful that despite the huge sums of money and resources pumped into the power sector over the years, all we could boast of in this age and time is an abysmal 2,984 MW for a country of over 220 million people.

We therefore call on the Federal Government to declare a total state of emergency in the power sector as Nigerians cannot continue to be fed with all the cock and bull stories coming from TCN which cannot manage less than 3,000MW in a country as huge as Nigeria.

Geometric Power And Yoruba Omoluabi

BY DR KENNY ADENIRAN

he whole nation has been over the moon since Vice President Kashim Ibrahim commissioned the Geometric Power Group on Monday, February 24, 2024, designed to generate 188 megawatts and supply power to the Aba industrial city and the environs in Abia State as a ring-fenced area. The nation has been agog for three principal reasons, namely, the first time a part of Nigeria will have constant and quality electricity; Aba will serve as a model to be used in other parts of Nigeria, as Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu stated during the commissioning; and the Geometric Power takeoff shows the tenacity of its chief promoter, Professor Bart Nnaji, who has battled all manner of people in government and their minions for a whole 20 years to get to the Aba Independent Power project to this level. I join millions of Nigeria in congratulating Professor Nnaji, whose oneyear tenure as the Minister of Power from 2011 to 2012 achieved unprecedented heights in power development in Nigeria.

IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT DURING THE PRIVATISATION OF THE POWER HOLDING COMPANY OF NIGERIA (PHCN) SUCCESSOR COMPANIES IN 2013, CERTAIN POWERFUL INDIVIDUALS IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY BLUNTLY REFUSED TO RECOGNISE THE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND GEOMETRIC POWER IN 2005 AND, CONSEQUENTLY, SOLD IT AS PART OF THE ENUGU ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY (EEDC) TO A CONSORTIUM OF CORE INVESTORS

After reading Nnaji’s speech, I came out with a strong conviction that the Yoruba omoluabi has always been at play from the inception of Geometric Power. The omoluabi principle made the Aba IPP

Omoluabi is a philosophical concept among the Yoruba that makes working for the common good a supreme good. It is the direct opposite of parochialism or self-centredness. Therefore, the new attempts by some politicians to sow seeds of enmity between the Igbo and the Yoruba since the 2023 general elections do not reflect who the Yoruba people are.

In the nationally well-received speech, Professor Nnaji noted that though the seed to build the thermal power plant was sown by the late World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, and Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, when they visited Aba on March 7, 2004, to see firsthand the potential of Aba as an industrial city, it was the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo which made the seed planting possible.

Until 2005 when the Power Sector Reform Act was enacted, the Federal Government, through the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), had the monopoly of power generation, transmission and

distribution. Still, President Obasanjo went out of his way to carve out Aba as a kind of island for the Geometric Power team to generate its own electricity and distribute it. The whole idea was to accelerate Abia’s rapid development as Nigeria’s foremost indigenous manufacturing place. In taking this far-reaching and unprecedented measure, Obasanjo, a Yoruba, did not care about the part of the country from where Professor Nnaji hails.

As Nnaji revealed in his speech at the commissioning, ex-President Obasanjo has continued to support the Aba IPP with infectious enthusiasm, even out of office. In recognition of his preeminent role in the emergence of the project, the IPP promoters insisted that the statesman commission the imposing building of the Aba Power Electric Company, their electricity distribution subsidiary. Even when Obasanjo was not going to attend in person because he was in Namibia for the funeral of the country’s president, Hage Geinob, the Geometric Power team expressed satisfaction that he could be represented by a member of his family. Today, the Aba Power complex, which houses the corporate headquarters of the Geometric Power Group, proudly bears a plaque stating that it was commissioned by Obasanjo, who was represented at the commissioning ceremony by his son, Dr Seun Obasanjo. It is regrettable that during the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies in 2013, certain powerful individuals in the government of the day bluntly refused to recognise the agreement signed between the Federal Government and Geometric Power in 2005 and, consequently, sold it as part of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to a consortium of core investors.

The sale was despite the fact that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) stated clearly in all documents presented to the EEDC bidders that the Aba Ring-fenced Area was not part of the EEDC. Analysts point out that the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) took this strange stance because of Nnaji’s opposition to secret moves by top government officials during the PHCN successor companies’ privatisation to corner the national assets when he was the Minister of Power.

The Yoruba omoluabi was demonstrated fully again during the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company’s privatisation. Bola Onagoruwa, the Director-General of the BPE, one of the FG agencies that signed the 2005 agreement between the Federal Government and Geometric Power, put her foot down against perversion of justice, arguing that the NCP must respect the agreement over the Aba IPP. Ms Onagoruwa, a lawyer and niece of Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Olu Onagoruwa, SAN, is imbued with conscience and a fighter for justice. She was fired instantly for her insistence on justice and due process. The senior Onagoruwa had earlier in 1995 been fired as the justice minister for opposing Sani Abacha’s dictatorship gravitation towards malevolent dictatorship.

The Yoruba omoluabi came to play again in the resolution of the nine-year-old legal battle between the Geometric Power Group and Interstate Electrics over the ownership of the Aba Ring-fenced Area which comprises nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.

In his speech at the commissioning ceremony of 26 February 2024, Prof Nnaji noted that the resolution was done during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and quickly attributed the heavy lifting to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Power Minister Babatunde Fashola. In other words, these two Yoruba persons ended, at least legally, the mess that became the EEDC privatisation in 2013 which caused Geometric Power a decade of waste. Interestingly, the mess occurred during the presidency of the man some politically exposed Igbo persons used to call an Igbo when he was in office because of their private gains.

•Dr Adeniran writes from Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Children in Agriculture

BY DAVID SANNI

Children's participation in agriculture reflects a blend of historical practices, economic necessities and modern challenges, especially in some regions of Nigeria. Historically, agriculture has been fundamental to human existence, with traditional farming methods shaping societal norms and cultural practices.

In many areas, communal farming was common, with families collaborating or hiring labourers for mutual aid in tending to their fields. Children often participated in these activities, learning valuable skills from an early age.

However, the advent of industrialisation and mechanisation brought significant changes to the agricultural landscape. Mechanised farming methods, while increasing efficiency and productivity, also marginalised traditional practices, particularly among small-scale farmers.

Yet, due to the high costs associated with modern equipment, many small-scale farmers continue to rely on manual labour, with children playing essential roles in farm work, including land preparation, planting and harvesting.

Economic factors further drive children's involvement in agriculture, particularly in regions facing economic instability and food insecurity. In Nigeria, where agriculture serves as a vital source of income and sustenance, families depend on farming to meet their basic needs. Inflation and market fluctuations compel families to maximise agricultural output, making children's labour crucial for farm success and family survival.

Political leaders, recognising the importance of agriculture for economic empowerment and food security, have encouraged citizens to embrace farming. Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, for instance, announced that all citizens should go back to farm making agriculture a means of poverty reduction and employment creation.

This encouragement reinforces the significance of farming in national development agendas and motivates children to engage in agricultural activities alongside their educational pursuits.

In rural areas with ample land access, children have greater opportunities to participate in farming activities. Many rural families own or have access to large tracts of land, enabling children to contribute to agricultural endeavors alongside their parents.

This involvement not only supplements household income but also imparts valuable skills and knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of agricultural traditions.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

EQUIPPING CHILDREN WITH THE SKILLS AND RESOURCES NEEDED FOR MODERN FARMING PRACTICES EMPOWERS THEM TO SUCCEED IN AGRICULTURE. BY NURTURING THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, POLICYMAKERS, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS CAN PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Despite challenges, such as limited access to education and resources, children involved in farming demonstrate resilience and determination. They leverage their understanding of local agricultural practices and their willingness to work hard to create livelihoods for themselves and their families.

Their contributions sustain agricultural livelihoods, foster economic resilience, and contribute to community development.

To support young farmers, investment in agricultural education, training, and infrastructure is crucial. Equipping children with the skills and resources needed for modern farming practices empowers them to succeed in agriculture. By nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit, policymakers, educators and community leaders can promote sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation in rural communities.

•Nwaogbe contributed this piece from Umuahia.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

Heirs Technologies Set to Make Nigeria Africa’s Leading BPO Destination

As Nigeria strives to excel in the world of technology, Heirs Technologies, a subsidiary of the Tony Elumelu majority-owned holding company, has said it will make the country a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination in Africa.

The firm also said it wants to become like Tek Experts which outsources IT support for businesses whose cores are not techoriented but need tech for their operations.

The Heirs Technologies management team disclosed these at a media parley in Lagos led by its Managing Director/CEO, Obong Idiong.

Idiong said the firm intends to offer these service through the Managed IT Services segment of its business, which will aim to offer infrastructure management services. Others are IT monitoring, software update and patch management, cybersecurity, cloud services management and monitoring, network management, data analytics, backup and disaster recovery.

He noted that the recent launch of Heirs Technologies has ignited excitement and anticipation in the African tech community, heralding a new era of groundbreaking solutions and transformative impact.

He added that the firm is at the verge of training up to 100,000 young people on digital skills, this year

“We are set to provide businesses with a seamless and secured IT environment, allowing them to concentrate on their core operations while the technology aspect is expertly handled”, he said.

According to him, the company will model its business after the success of India, Eastern Europe, and a couple of other local companies that have made progress in outsourcing talents for companies.

He said Heirs Technologies is banking on Nigeria’s youth population and growing developer population, which rose by 45 percent in 2023, to help create a sustainable pipeline of available tech talents.

The CEO highlighted that the new tech company will also build “campuses across the country to support outsourcing initiatives on the continent” to grow its pipeline.

Dr Fumbi Chima, Chairman of Heirs Technologies, emphasised the vision of the firm at the forum..

EDITOR

Sam Diala

Alternative Finance: VFD Group Mulls SplitXchange For Creative Industry

Lagos Mulls Pro-Health Levy on SSBs to Boost Public Health

Access Corporation Grows Assets by 78% to N26.68trn, Retains Grip on Industry Leadership

BY SAM DIALA

In an unyielding bid to maintain the lead in Nigeria’s banking industry space, Access Corporation Plc recorded a 78 percent growth in assets, which rose to N26.68 trillion in 2023 from N14.99 trillion in the prior year. This remarkable balance sheet growth consolidates the group’s status as the largest financial services institution by assets which it has maintained over the years.

The impressive performance accrued from various segments of the group’s operations which reflected sterling results amid a challenging environment that triggered punching headwinds in the economy.

The group last week reported N729 billion profit before tax (PBT) in its financial results and accounts for the full year ended December 31, 2023, a significant increase of about 335 percent from the N167.68 billion reported in 2022.

The Tier-1 financial services institution also declared N619.3 billion profit in 2023, the last financial year in which the late Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe was at the helm of affairs. This represented an increase by 307 percent compared with the N152.2 billion reported in 2022.

The significant increase was also part of the foreign exchange revaluation windfall enjoyed by the banks, following the unification of the foreign exchange market in June 2023.

Access Corporation reported N628.93 billion foreign exchange gain, reflecting a growth of 87.44 percent from the N335.55

billion reported in 2022.

The group also recorded significant growth at both net interest incomes of N555.8 billion and net fee income of N207.7 billion revenue lines. while fair value gains on non-hedging derivatives, equity investments and fixed income securities brought in a further N512.3 billion.

The impressive performance comes on the heels of raging inflation among other economic headwinds which have made business activities more challenging

Deposit from customers increased by 65.62 percent YoY to N15.32 trillion from N9,25 trillion (Dec 2020: N4.9 trillion) reaffirming the group’s strong market access and robust funding base reflected in the expansion in loans and advances to customers which rose to N8 trillion from N6.1 trillion in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 31.6 percent.

THEWILL had reported that the group’s Q3 robust performance mirrored acceleration towards the 2023 targets as contained in its five-year strategic plan (2023-2027).

It also underlines the group’s corporate strategies in forming a holco structure two years ago (March 2022) during which it recorded enhanced expansion that would consolidate its grips on industry leadership as Nigeria’s largest quoted firm

BUSINESS WEEKLY

...Assets by 78% to N26.68trn, Retains Grip on Industry Leadership

The customer acquisition drive to hit 100mn for the Retail Business by 2027 will continue, as we emigrate the majority of customers to digital platforms by 2027 across touch-points

by assets.

At the presentation of the five-year strategic plan in Lagos in January 2023, the then Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Access Corporation, Mr Herbert Wigwe, emphasised that its expansion programme would be driven by technological innovation. Apparently to maintain its industry leadership narrative.

“By the end of 2027, we expect to be in at least 26 countries and in at least 3 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries supporting trade (in the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America).

“The customer acquisition drive to hit 100mn for the Retail Business by 2027 will continue, as we emigrate the majority of customers to digital platforms by 2027 across touch-points.”

He added, “We want to be a global player with African heritage. We are a growthoriented organisation and we will continue to invest in our people amid changes.”

Access Corporation closed its last trading day (Thursday, March 28, 2024) at N24.50 per share on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), recording a 2.1 percent gain over its previous closing price of N24.00. Access began the year with a share price of N23.15 and has since gained 5.83 percent on that price valuation..

Access Holdings is the third most traded stock on the Nigerian Exchange over the past three months (Jan 2 - Mar 28, 2024), It has traded a total volume of 1.93 billion shares—in 36,754 deals—valued at N48.3 billion over the period, with an average of 30.6 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 117 million was achieved on January 10th, and a low of 6.07 million on February 13th, for the same period, according to data from the NGX.

The Board of Directors of Access Holdings on February 13, 2024 had announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, following Wigwe’s tragic demise.

In like manner, pioneer Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc., Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, was recently appointed Chairman of Access Holdings.

Wigwe owned 2.58 billion direct and indirect shares in Access Holdings, equivalent to 7.27 percent of the bank as at the end of 2023.

Air Peace Lagos-London Route

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has commended Air Peace for their Lagos-London route, which he said has helped to reduce the pressure on the Nigerian currency: the Naira as against the US Dollars.

Keyamo made the observation Friday night, during Air Peace's inaugural flight ceremony held at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

Air Peace on Friday, 29th March commenced its daily flight to Gatwick London with its Boeing 777 fully loaded with passengers.

Eases Pressure

...Africa’s Leading BPO Destination

She reiterated that Heirs Technologies is here to answer the Africapitalism call-to-action for businesses to make decisions that will increase economic and social wealth, and promote innovation.

According to her, the company aims to herald the concept of Africapitalism – the economic philosophy developed by Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, the founder and chairman of Tony Elumelu Foundation which is predicated on the belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development..

As Nigeria wants to become an outsourcing hub in the coming years and Anant Rao, Executive Director of Heirs Technologies, believes that the government initiative on outsourcing of technology will help private sector effort in the space too.

Dr Chima further explained that Heirs Technologies emerged on the scene with a vision that transcends conventional boundaries, aiming to revolutionize diverse sectors through cuttingedge technology solutions.

Founded by visionary leaders with a passion for innovation, she said, “Heirs Technologies is built on a foundation of creativity, expertise, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible”.

At the core of Heirs Technologies’ mission is a commitment to addressing key challenges and driving positive change.

Idiong said, with the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach, the company specialises in several key areas, namely Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-security and Data Privacy, Cloud Computing and Infrastructure, IoT and Connectivity Solutions.

He said Heirs Technologies harnesses the power of AI and ML to develop intelligent systems that optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and unlock actionable insights from data.

He noted that recognising the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, Heirs Technologies offers robust solutions to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate cyber threat

Leveraging cloud technologies, Heirs Technologies enables scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for businesses, empowering them to embrace digital transformation seamlessly, he added.

He explained that with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT), Heirs Technologies designs interconnected systems that drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create new avenues for growth.

“Heirs Technologies understands the power of collaboration and partnerships in driving innovation and fostering growth.

“We actively engage with industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and government bodies to create a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing, co-creation, and collective impact”, Idiong said. “By forging strategic alliances and alliances, Heirs Technologies accelerates the pace of innovation and expands its reach across diverse markets and sectors”.

In his comment, Anant Rao, the executive director, Heirs Technologies, said, beyond technological advancement, the company is committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.

He highlighted how the company integrates principles of environmental stewardship, diversity, equity, and inclusion into its operations, aiming to make a positive difference in the world while delivering value to stakeholders and communities.

The team maintains that the firm will be driven by innovation by concentrating on solving client’s real problems in a non-conventional manner that works on the answer to the question:

“What does the client want?”

For the training beneficiaries, the team maintained, “We are not just teaching them about hardware and software, we are setting them on the path of soft skills for them to unleash their creative thinking, design thinking and become more relevant in today’s workplace and entrepreneurship.”

on Naira, Says Keyamo at Inaugural Flight

Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo said that the Tinubu-led government is going to ensure that they support local operators in accessing aircraft lease arrangements like what Air Peace is doing.

Keyamo pointed out that Nigeria had been on the blacklist when it comes to dry lease arrangements because of the previous experiences of the lessors.

He said, "Nigeria is on a blacklist to get these dry leases. That is part of what I have been undertaking since I came. I have been trying to assure the world and aircraft manufacturers, like

Airbus, that we can protect their assets when they bring them into Nigeria. This is because what they want is whether we can allow them to take these assets when there are breaches of agreements".

"The problem they always face is that when they bring their assets into the country, and there is a breach sometimes, because of court injunctions and local politics, they can no longer take their aircraft away. It is a huge loss to them. What they want is that they should be able to take these assets away when there is a breach. How do we do this? It is the government that will assure these creditors that please bring in your aircraft."

Keyamo also noted that with Air Peace on the London route, there will be no problem with trapped funds, adding that the aviation company is a local company and that the government does not have to repatriate the sale of tickets to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

By doing so, the Minister stated that under such a situation, Nigeria would be liquid enough in terms of foreign exchange to repatriate those funds.

He said: "All the airlines that come into Nigeria, what they experience is massive repatriation of funds that puts pressure on the Naira because they have to seek for dollars, both the commercial banks and CBN. This new development eases the pressure on Naira because this is a Nigerian company that deals in naira and buys in naira. The only problem is that they still have to go abroad whenever they want to service their aircraft.

So one of my major objectives is to bring the MRO into Nigeria.

Alice Onyema, Vice Chairman, Air Peace, (5th left); Allen Onyema, Chairman (6th left); Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development (7nd right) flanked by some crew members during Air Peace Lagos-London inaugural flight ceremony from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.

L-R: GCEO-designate, Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar; Chairman, Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; GCEO, Airtel Africa, Dr Segun Ogunsanya and CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, at their meeting with the Minister in Abuja on March 27, 2024.

Alternative Finance: VFD Group Mulls SplitXchange For Creative Industry

VDF Group Plc has stressed the need for increased financing for the entertainment and media industry to boost foreign exchange earnings and economic development.

The Managing Director of Splitar Limited, Mr Folagbade Adeyemi, stated this while speaking at the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) quarterly Forum, sponsored by VFD Group Plc.

Adeyemi noted that the group is actively pursuing an exchange platform tailored to the media and entertainment sector, offering diverse investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors.

He disclosed that SplitXchange, currently in development stage by the group, would offer a platform for financing the media and entertainment industry, among other alternative assets.

Adeyemi noted that seeing the huge potential in the alternative assets, Splitar Holdings through the Split Exchange, would drive the alternative assets space with its revolutionary digital exchange.

With Nigeria's estimated population at 208.8 million people, Adeyemi highlighted the increasing demand for Nigerian content.

Speaking on the theme: "Beyond Tradition: Increasing Relevance of Alternative Assets in Capital Market," Adeyemi lamented the absence of robust funding pillars in the country. Adeyemi noted that funding for the Nigerian entertainment sector primarily originates from outside the country.

According to him, the new market in alternative assets, include Arts and Commodities, Real Estate and Entertainment and Media (E&M).

Speaking on the potential of Entertainment and Media, specifically, Adeyemi noted that globally there is an average market size of $41 billion as at 2021 with an estimated growth 4.2 per cent. However, the country earns $5 billion from the E&M, while the United States earn $750 billion from same sector; and United Kingdom, $140 billion.

Adeyemi whilst pointing out investments by Netflix and Amazon which had churned out blockbuster movies that have gained viewership and streams across the globe noted that Nigeria’s biggest investor in the form of Pension Assets was yet to invest in the entertainment or streaming services.

He stressed the need to solve the problems of liquidity, efficiency, and barriers to entry in the country.

“In today’s market, the quick conversion of assets into cash is a challenge due to the absence of a well-structured marketplace that oversees and regulates these assets.

“The automation of processes such as compliance, escrow account management, dividend distribution, corporate action management, and drag-along actions technology presents a significant challenge in today’s alternative market.

"The high initial cost of assets in this market restricts participation to only affluent individuals and corporate investors,” he said.

Adeyemi explained that the entertainment sector as a self-starter is dependent on the banking sector as the primary provider of funding.

*Continues online at www.

Lagos Mulls Pro-Health Levy on SSBs to Boost Public Health

The Lagos State Government is considering a pro-health levy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to boost public health and lower the rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi noted that an SSB levy would contribute to driving the state’s human capital agenda – healthier children and good nutrition – and positively impact its health and education sectors.

The global public health expert spoke Tuesday during a meeting with transparency watchdog Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), United States-based Global Health Advocacy Incubator and the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA). Prof. Abayomi’s comments followed the delegation’s presentation of a simulation study of the “Potential Fiscal and Public Health Effects of SSB tax in Nigeria”.

Nigeria is the 4th highest soft drinks consuming country in the world, and the study proposes, among others, that to wean Nigerians off their addiction to SSBs and bring down the NCDs burden, the federal government ought to increase the SSB Tax to N130 per litre, from the current N10. Nigeria

The policy could also earn the government an estimated N729 billion in tax revenue, which CAPPA and other stakeholders propose could be allocated to strengthening the health sector. CAPPA’s Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi explained the health and fiscal benefits of the policy for Lagosians.

He said: “We think that this is one of the tools that we can use to lower NCDs that are becoming a big burden in Nigeria - including obesity, high blood pressure, etc.

“The government imposed a N10 per litre tax on SSBs in 2021, which is actually five kobo for 50cl of SSBs. At that time, it (SSBs) was selling for N100. It is a fixed tax. Today, it is selling for N300. The government tax is still N10. And if you look at the inflation rate, that, in itself, needs to have been improved.”

“We commissioned the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA) to look at the potential health and fiscal impacts of SSB tax. We did a simulation, and even before the floating of the naira when this study was completed, the simulation projected that N130 should be the appropriate tax per litre of SSBs in Nigeria.”

Oluwafemi expressed delight at engaging policymakers like the health commissioner, adding, “We see Lagos as one of the champions of public health policies, and how we can take this further.

“We are looking for support because we will soon be looking at a national legislation that will make Sin Tax a much more sustainable law rather than every year and at that point we will be looking at champions to speak for this.”

Responding, the commissioner acknowledged the problems caused by NCDs and advised that localised legislation through the House of Assembly would align with the state’s immediate health goals.

Prof Abayomi reasoned that funds raised through such a policy could be “channelled specifically to the areas of the consequence of those consumptions. So, it can go to health and education, because we're now using it to drive a human capital agenda, which is healthier children and good nutrition.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

Before CBN Dabbles in Murky Waters of Agriculture Again

BY MARCEL OKEKE

In what could be seen as an outright volte-face, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, doled out a whooping N100 billion (worth of fertilizer) to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) “to boost food production across the country.”

Over the years, the apex bank had been muddied in its efforts at trying to improve agricultural productivity across the country through a variety of (funding) interventions. Till date, huge sums are yet to be retrieved by the CBN from numerous beneficiaries of those intervention (concessionary) facilities. Indeed, the outstanding repayment is yet in trillions of Naira.

While making the latest donation to the FMAFS at Abuja, Cardoso explained that while the CBN had been implementing several initiatives to curb inflation in the short term, the inflationary pressure had remained predominantly driven by escalating food prices. Cardoso pointed out that while transient inflationary pressure might persist, the government anticipates substantial alleviation by the third quarter of 2024.

“This is precisely why we convene today to strengthen our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture with a shared objective of mitigating the surge in food prices,” Cardoso said.

Further explaining his food-inflation-fighting gambit, the CBN boss said “in alignment with our strategic shift towards focusing on our fundamental mandate, the CBN has veered away from direct quasi-fiscal interventions, and transitioned towards leveraging conventional monetary policy tools for executing monetary policies.”

Truly, the apex bank has had its fingers burnt in spreading its attention and resources too thinly across practically all sectors of the Nigerian economy. In November 2023, during the Bankers’ Dinner organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Cardoso had thoroughly excoriated the erstwhile leadership of the apex bank for this ‘adventure’.

Cardoso said at the Dinner “Hitherto, the CBN had strayed from its core mandates and was engaged in quasi-fiscal activities that pumped over 10 trillion naira in the economy through almost different initiatives in sectors ranging from agriculture, aviation, power, youth and many others.”

These initiatives, he said “clearly distracted the Bank from achieving its own objectives and took it into areas where it clearly had limited expertise.” It therefore looked odd and cause for worry, when the CBN boss, Cardoso, had to once again, veer off track (as it were) to hand over the sum of N100 billion to the FMAFS—in a manner reminiscent of the activities of the CBN of recent years.

Today, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is facing a daunting challenge as farmers and agricultural firms grapple with repaying a staggering sum of N380.97 billion in loans provided by the CBN under motley intervention programmes. The due

Today, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is facing a daunting challenge as farmers and agricultural firms grapple with repaying a staggering sum of N380.97 billion in loans provided by the CBN under motley intervention programs

amount comprises both unpaid principal and accumulated

This outstanding indebtedness amply shows the hurdles being encountered by the CBN in recovering funds it disbursed to stimulate agricultural productivity and enhance food security. The apex bank had injected an estimated N2.07 trillion into agricultural development through eight targeted loan programs, with a huge chunk of this sum yet unrepaid, raising concerns about the sustainability of these interventions in bolstering the nation’s economy.

In the agricultural sector alone, among the eight intervention schemes of CBN were the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS), Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS), National Food Security Program (NFSP), Paddy Aggregation Scheme (PAS) and Rice Distribution Facility (RDF). In all these, while almost all have had substantial disbursements and some repayments, most are facing considerable outstanding balances and repayment arrears.

Specifically, the ABP with a disbursement reportedly exceeding N1.12 trillion is yet harboring an outstanding principal balance of N581.87 billion and due repayments totaling N367.06 billion. Similarly, the CACS is said to still have an outstanding principal of N115.26 billion, while the NFSP has an outstanding principal of N32.27 billion.

In the face of all these, Mr. Cardoso while doling out the N100 billion (or the fertilizer equivalent), claimed he was (indirectly) fighting the runaway inflationary pressure that has seen the Consumer Price Index (CPI) standing at 31.70 per cent in February 2024.

It becomes apposite, however, to ask: what is the overarching agricultural development blueprint of the FMAFS that the apex bank is keying into through the ‘fertilizer donation?’

Even if the ‘fertilizer donation’ is an agenda of the erstwhile leadership of the CBN, must it be carried through in the current circumstances?

Has the apex bank not been ‘over exposed’ by virtue of its countless interventions in recent years in the Nigerian economy? Indeed, there is little or no nexus between ‘fertilizer donation’ to the FMAFS and the quest to tame soaring inflation.

In point of fact, the CBN under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso had either cancelled and/or adapted a number of programs and initiatives it inherited from their predecessors. Therefore, the excuse is lame that the ‘fertilizer donation’ is a carryover from the past regime; it is by no means compulsory for the CBN to keep engaging in frivolous donations or quasifiscal engagements that add no value to national life.

Without any known agriculture plan of the FMAFS, who and where are the farmers that stand to benefit from the CBN’s dole? It is on record that a large number of the beneficiaries of the ABP, for instance, have been chased out of their farms in their hamlets and villages.

Today, most of them live in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps across the country. This situation is more widespread in the states and regions normally referred to as the ‘food basket’ of the country. The ever worsening spate of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, insurgency, Boko Haram invasion, among other social upheavals are existential threats to farming and farmers across the land.

In recent years, not a few farmers have paid the supreme price for venturing to be in their farms.

All these tend to put a serious question mark over the CBN’s support for the largely unknown plan of the FMAFS for improved food production in Nigeria. Truly, for the apex bank, it is a very circuitous and windy process of ‘fighting inflation.’ It is like the CBN has come to its wits end, by practically licking its vomit to now keep committing resources to things that ‘distract’ it.

As it is, the CBN should have cancelled the N100 billion (or fertilizer equivalent) support to the FMAFS, an obligation it claimed to have inherited. By its seeming volte-face in making the donation, the CBN could unwittingly be creating the perception that it is still tied to the ‘ugly past.’ It should be better focused in tackling Nigeria’s subsisting economic challenges and do everything possible to avoid dabbling, once again, into the murky waters of (in)direct agriculture financing.

•Okeke is a practising Economist, Business Strategist, Sustainability expert and ex-Chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc.

RETURNS ON SOURCES OF FUNDS PURCHASED FROM CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK ENDED FRIDAY 28th MARCH, 2024

KState governor, Uba Sani, has disclosed that his administration inherited a huge

billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration, making it difficult for him to pay workers’ salaries.

The Governor, who spoke on Saturday, at a Town Hall Meeting, lamented that the debt was eating deep into the State’s monthly Federal Allocation, and making it difficult to pay monthly salaries. He also said due to the rise in the exchange rate, Kaduna State is now paying back almost triple what was borrowed by the previous administration of former governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Sani, who said N7 billion out of the N10 billion Federal Allocation due to the State in March, was deducted to service the debt, disclosed that the state was left with N3 billion, an amount which is not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stands at N5.2 billion.

However, despite the debt burden on the State government, Sani said he had yet to borrow a single kobo in the last nine months of his administration. He assured that his administration remained resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development, as the government has conducted a thorough assessment of the situation.

"Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 Contractual Liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.

“The Key priority areas of our government include Safety and Security, Housing, Education, Healthcare, and Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). We are also prioritizing inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing", he said.

Governor Sani highlighted some of his administration’s top priorities for 2024, including; safety and security, infrastructural development, education development, house and urban development, social intervention and investment drive among others.

On security, the Governor said the state has made a lot of progress through revamping the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) by recruiting 7,000 additional personnel for the service, while over 100 operational vehicles and 100 motorcycles have been procured for distribution to KADVS and the Federal security agencies working in the state.

In the area of education, Sani said aside from the establishment of several skills and vocational cities to address skills deficits in the state, his government in collaboration with Kuwait is working to reduce out-of-school children in Kaduna by 200,000., adding that the four-year program which will start in May or June 2024, is a 62 million dollar project that will build 102 new schools in Kaduna and renovate 170 existing ones within four year.

For infrastructure, the Governor also said that, despite the numerous challenges confronting the state, “our collective efforts are essential for Kaduna State’s progress. We aspire to make rural living enjoyable and transform Kaduna into a premier business hub. Our ultimate goal is to rebuild trust and foster peace and harmony".

Also speaking at the event, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) urged efforts to address the security challenges facing the state, noting that without peace and security, no meaningful development can be achieved.

He commended Governor Uba Sani for cutting the cost of governance due to the huge debt of the state, while all residents eschew political, religious, or ethnic differences and support the state government in overcoming the debt challenge.

The Third Mainland Bridge will reopen fully for operations on Thursday, April 4, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed on Saturday. The Bridge had been partially closed since seven weeks, for extensive repair work. In a post on Saturday on X, Osiyemi thanks Lagos residents for their patience and cooperation all through the time the Bridge had been closed.

"Dear Lagos Residents, We’re pleased to share that the Third Mainland Bridge will resume full operations on April 4th, 2024, following extensive repairs.

“We sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation, and we look forward to even smoother travels ahead", the post read.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, to “widely publish copies of the loan agreements and spending details of some N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT, including details and locations of projects executed with the loans.” SERAP also urged them to “promptly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”

The request followed the disclosure last week by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left $587m, N85bn debt and 115 contractual liabilities, making it impossible for the state to pay salaries. In the Freedom of Information requests dated March 30, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish copies of the loan agreements and details of how the loans obtained are spent. “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors. "Widely publishing copies of the loan agreements and spending details of the loans obtained would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.”

The FoI requests read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.

Funke Daniel Hosts Nigeria's Elite to 60th Birthday Party

Although she clocked 60 last year, November 17 to be precise, Yeye Olufunke Daniel however chose to celebrate hitting the milestone in a grand way four months after. Save for a few public shoutouts to her on the auspicious day, not many were aware she was a year older on her actual birthday.

At first she had settled for a quiet celebration as a few incidents may have been responsible for why she chose not to roll out the drums. First, her only daughter, Kehinde, who got married to media entrepreneur, Debola Williams, a little over two years ago welcomed a baby girl in the United States. She obviously felt compelled to be there for her daughter to put her through the necessities required of a new mother. And then inadvertently getting into the crossfire between her husband and the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun. The result of which got her five-storey multi-billion-naira plaza building demolished. Having taken a breather from these two incidents, she made up her mind to throw a lavish party to herald her entrance into the

MEET FUNMI WAHEED-ADEJOKO, SOLE FEMALE GOVERNORSHIP

ASPIRANT IN ONDO

EDITOR

Ivory Ukonu

Leading Ladies in Banking

Following the announcement of Oladunni Odu, a former secretary to the Ondo State government who relinquished her ambition to become the first female governor of the sunshine state and her resolve to throw her weight against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim's governorship ambition, another female has decided to face the daunting task among the sea of men jostling for the ticket. She is Dr Funmi Waheed-Adejoko and she plans to actualise her ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The 40-year-old mechanical engineer has already picked up the N10 million expression

• Adeola • Edun

• Smith

• Smith

Akpabio, the Daniels, Hamzat

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Female Bankers Shattering The Glass Ceiling

After decades of taking the back seat, Nigeria's banking sector is witnessing a paradigm shift; women are now taking over the driver's seat, shattering glass ceilings and steering the multibillion-naira industry. It was the late Bola Kuforiji-Olubi who paved the way back in 1984 as the chairman of United Bank for Africa. She would later become the first woman to be made the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN in 1989. A decade before then, she was the first woman to lead a multinational, VYB Nigeria Ltd. Her legacy helped spur a new wave of women leaders in the banking sector. IVORY UKONU shines the spotlight on these female banking gurus.

She is the first female MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc and she will be using her over 30 years of banking experience to steer the tier one bank to its next levels.

Prior to her appointment, she was the Deputy Managing Director of the bank. Adora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a FirstClass Honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja. Her educational achievements also include a Master of Law from the University of Salford, UK, and a Master’s in Business administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar.

Adaora's academic pursuits extend to a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA, and a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management, USA. She has completed executive programmes in Strategic Management at Harvard Business School and attended the Global Banking Programme at Columbia Business School, USA. Additionally, she participated in management programmes at various renowned universities worldwide, including Wharton Business School, USA, and has a certificate in Leading Global Business from Harvard Business School. She is the founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), known for promoting ethical banking and humanitarian service.

Harriet-Ann Omobolanle Adesola

Fondly referred to as Bola Adesola, she is the Chairman of Ecobank. She was previously Senior ViceChairman at Standard Chartered Bank Group. Bola has over 33 years of experience in the banking sector. She commenced her banking career with Prime Merchant Bank, where she served as Treasury Officer before moving to Citibank in 1990. While at Citibank she held several Treasury roles, including Country Treasurer for Citibank Tanzania. Her nine years with Citibank included other senior management roles for nine years in Nigeria. In 1999, she was headhunted and appointed Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Kakawa Discount House Limited, a securities trading and asset management firm owned by a consortium of the biggest banks in Nigeria at that time. In 2005, she joined First Bank as the Executive Director, Corporate Banking. Thereafter she became the Executive Director, Lagos Directorate for the bank. She also served as Director on the boards of FBN Capital Limited, and FBN Trustees Limited. In 2011, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited appointed Bola as the first Nigerian, and first female CEO of the bank. Bola’s portfolio for Standard Chartered Bank was expanded in 2015 to include the Group’s business in West Africa. She also served on the boards of the Standard Chartered Bank in Ghana, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, respectively.

She was Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, Mauritius. After eight years of firmly embedding sustainable profitability for the bank and championing the growth and development of African talent for the bank, Bola was appointed Senior Vice-Chairman, Africa for Standard Chartered Bank. In May 2021, Mrs Adesola retired from Standard Chartered Bank after 10 years of impactful service. In July 2021, she was appointed to the board of Ecobank Nigeria Limited as Chairman. She has also been Chairman, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) since July 2020.

As a board member of Imperial Logistics Plc, a shipper listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Bola also serves on the Board Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee. She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, as well as the immediate past-President of the Alumni Association. Bola holds a Law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK and Nigeria. She is an Honorary Fellow and former Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria, a founding Trustee of Financial Markets Dealers Association and has served on the boards of Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems Plc and the Financial Institutions Training Centre. Bola is also past Chair of the Bankers’ Committee sub-Committee on Economic Development, Sustainability and Gender (Nigeria). She is also a member of the Institute of Directors and of Women Corporate Directors. She sits on the board of several organisations. In 2015, she was appointed to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Board by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon and as Co Vice-Chair of the Board in February 2018.

Adaora Umeoji OON

Hajara Adeola

She is the wife of Fola Adeola, a co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and one of two females chairing a bank, Hajara is the Chairman of Lotus Bank. Before transforming into a bank, it was Lotus Capital Limited, a pioneer firm in Shari’ah-compliant asset management, private wealth management advisory services and financial advisory services.

Successful in her own right, she has made remarkable strides in the finance business in Nigeria. With over 20 years’ experience working in top-tier global investment banks in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, Hajara stepped up with the coming of Lotus Bank Limited, the first non-interest bank to commence operations in south-western Nigeria with a focus to serve people of all faiths. Before founding Lotus Capital, Hajara had worked with Arthur Anderson Consulting (now Accenture), UBS Warburg, BNP Paribas, and ARM Investment Managers. With solid academic qualifications, including an MSc in Finance (Durham University); MBA International Management (Exeter University), and BSc in Pharmacology (King’s College, London), Hajara has been instrumental to the development of Islamic finance products in the capital market and the issuance of the Sukuk bond in Nigeria.

Tomi Somefun

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe OON

She has been the MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank for three years, but in that time, she took over from Nnamdi Okonkwo, her leadership role has seen the bank grow exponentially based on her track record of outstanding performances. Before she became the first female CEO of the bank, she had been an integral part of the transformation of the bank in the last six years as an executive director, Lagos and South-West. Vastly experienced, Onyeali-Ikpe spent over 30 years working across various banks, including Standard Chartered Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Citizens International Bank/Enterprise Bank, where she held several management positions in Legal, Treasury, Investment Banking, Retail/Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking. The 59-year-old holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master of Law from Kings College, London. She has attended executive training programmes at various institutions including Harvard Business School, The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, London Business School, Said Business School, Oxford University, UK.

L

ike Yemisi Edun, Miriam Olusanya and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Tomi

Somefun is also the first MD/CEO of Unity Bank. A graduate of English Language from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun state, Tomi is an alumnus of Harvard Business school and University of Columbia Business School, New York. She began her professional career with Peat Marwick and Co. and later moved to Arthur Andersen (now KPMG) from where she moved to UBA Group where she led two major subsidiaries of UBA including a startup company, UBA Pensions Custodian and became its pioneer MD/ CEO. The 61 year old would later join Unity Bank plc as an executive director overseeing Lagos and southwest business directorates and the treasury department before assuming the role of MD/CEO in 2015.

Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya

She is also the first female MD/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank. She joined the bank as an executive trainee in 1998 and rose through the ranks and garnered experiences across Transaction Services, Asset and Liability Management, Financial Markets, Investment Banking and Investor Relations. She is known for her strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to financial inclusion. Miriam holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Master of Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She has also attended several executive management and banking specific developmental programs in leading educational institutions around the world. Prior to mounting the saddle as driver of the bank, Miriam served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Limited. She was also the Group Treasurer and Head, Wholesale Banking Division, responsible for balance sheet and financial markets activities of the Bank and its African subsidiaries, Corporate Finance as well as Investor Relations.

Yemisi Edun

She is the first female MD/CEO of First City Monument Bank, FCMB. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and a master’s degree in international accounting and finance from the University of Liverpool. Yemisi, who recently clocked 60 boasts an impressive track record in risk management and corporate governance. Under her leadership, FCMB has witnessed significant growth and diversification, solidifying its position as a leading player in the Nigerian banking sector. She began her career with Akintola Williams Deloitte (member firm of Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu) in 1987, with main focus in Corporate Finance activities. She was also involved in audits of Banks and other Financial Institutions.

Halima Buba

She is the MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank. A seasoned banker with over 22 years of cognate experience that spans the defunct All States Trust Bank, Zenith bank, Inland Bank, Oceanic bank, Eco Bank as a deputy general manager before climbing the saddle of SunTrust Bank as its pioneer MD/CEO. Halima holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maiduguri, as well as an MBA from the same university. She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. She sits on the board of Taj Consortium, an organization made up of young dynamic technocrats and financial advisory experts; Anchoria Asset Management Company Ltd; Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA and Adamawa Savings and Homes Ltd.

Yetunde Oni

Bukola Smith

She is the MD/CEO of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited. Smith holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and a B.Sc in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, and an Associate Member, Certified Institute of Pensions (Nigeria). Smith has over 30 years of progressive experience in the industry with a track record of strategic execution and leadership. Smith was an executive director-business development at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and held several other leadership positions in FCMB. She was responsible for the bank’s 200 branches across the country, as well as the public sector, business banking, agriculture, and transaction banking divisions. Under her leadership, the bank’s SMEfocused team moved from 5th position in the industry to first position in 2019 (KPMG Customer Service Report 2020) within three years. She also set up FCMB Trustees and FCMB Custody, both of which broke even in the first year of operations and are building traction in the asset management field. Little wonder she was tapped to replicate her magic at FSDH.

She is the second female MD/CEO of Union Bank after Funke Osibodu in the over 100-year-old bank. She assumed that position on January 10, 2024, following the dissolution of the Board and Management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank. The appointment marked a significant development in Union Bank’s leadership, with Yetunde’s extensive experience expected to play a crucial role in the bank’s strategic direction. Prior to her appointment, she was the first female managing director and CEO at Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone. Yetunde holds a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Executive Training at Oxford University, and an MBA in Business Administration from Bangor University. She started her banking career at Prime Merchant Bank Treasury & Money Markets Group in 1991 and then joined Ecobank Nigeria as a Relationship manager. In January 2005, Oni joined Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria as a Senior Account Relationship Manager where she rose to become the head of local corporates in 2010 and in 2014 was appointed as the Managing Director & Country Head of their Commercial Banking unit in West Africa. She is a honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).

Ireti Samuel Ogbu

Ireti Samuel-Ogbu was appointed MD/CEO of CitiBank in September 2020, the first female CEO of the bank in Nigeria, after 36 years of operating in Africa’s largest economy. Ireti holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, United Kingdom, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. With extensive experience in international banking, Ireti brings a global perspective to the Nigerian market. Under her leadership, Citibank is focusing on providing innovative financial solutions and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.

Before her appointment, she was the head of payments and receivables, treasury and trade solutions for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Citi's institutional clients group based in the United Kingdom. Ireti took over Citigroup’s Nigerian office at a time when the West Africa nation’s banking industry was struggling with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, a slump in oil prices and a dollar scarcity that is choking the economy and hampering businesses.

Kafilat Araoye

She is the MD/CEO of Lotus Bank. Kafilat holds a first degree in History from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos. With over 30 years in banking, Kafilat’s dedication to ethical banking and social responsibility is evident in her work at Lotus Bank. She champions sustainable financial practices and promotes investment in community development projects.

Kafilat also holds Islamic Finance certifications issued by Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment/Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, as well as the Islamic Research and Training Institute.

She has attended various executive management courses at the Cranfield School of Management (UK), Lagos Business School, Institute of Management Development (Switzerland) and INSEAD (France), Ross business School, University of Michigan (USA). She is certified in specialised banking courses, conferences and seminars, among them are the Structured Trade Finance Course by Euromoney U.K, Payments, Clearing and Settlement Conference by National Association of Clearing Houses, USA2006, 2007, 2008, International Banker’s Seminar, USA, South Africa and Swift regional conference.

She started her career in 1988 at National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc (now Conoil Nigeria Plc), and moved in 1990 to Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, as the pioneer head of Human Resources. She left with accolades in 2015 as General Manager but continued to consult for banks and other sectors through her consulting outfit until 2018 when she was appointed as the MD Designate for LOTUS Bank.

Kafilat has served, and currently serves as Member of the Governing Board of many institutions amongst them are Fountain University Osogbo; Crescent Schools; Victoria Island and City of Knowledge academy; Elder’s Council; Al Muhtudeen Islamic Foundation.

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Continued from page 38 STORIES

ENOCH ADEBOYE, FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA, JULIUS ADELUSI-ADELUYI TO BE CONFERRED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES

Four distinguished personalities were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees during the recently held 28th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti State University. These individuals include the General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo; Folorunsho Alakija; Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi. While the clergyman would be honoured with a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Adebayo will be honoured with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. The oil mogul who recently got separated from her husband will be conferred with a Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa while Adelusi-Adeluyi, a former Minister of Health will be conferred with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. The quartet were singled out for these honours because of what the institution describes as their exemplary lives in their various fields of human endeavours. Although he obtained a Ph.D in 1975, in Applied Mathematics from the University of Lagos, Adeboye is a recipient of eight honorary doctorate degrees from various universities globally. While Alakija has two other honorary doctorate

degrees, this is the first honorary degree for AdelusiAdeluyi who is both a lawyer and a pharmacist. It is also the first for Adebayo, a lawyer and a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Afe Babalola And Kayode Fayemi Fight Dirty

LANRE TEJUOSHO HOLDS BURIAL CEREMONY FOR MUM

AMeet Funmi Waheed-Adejoko, Sole Female Governorship Aspirant in Ondo

form at N10 million, while the nomination form goes for N40 million. However, female aspirants and persons with disabilities are given concession to only procure the expression of interest form while the nomination form is free. Funmi is unintimated by the heavy weights in the race and is hopeful for the outcome in the primary. Funmi who is a Fellow of the Society of Engineers has denied fronting for the governor or some political godfathers in the state and insists that she paid the N10 million with her hard-earned money. She also said she isn't in the race to represent or serve the interest of anybody and is only representing herself, the women in the world, especially in Africa. A business magnate, she is the founder of FunmiAyinke Nigeria limited, one of the

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leading Engineering companies in Nigeria that has gone to distinguish itself in the area of building construction, towers, roads and engineering surveying, public procurement training, supplies of petroleum products and many others. She is from a royal family. She started out to study medicine but changed to Mechanical Engineering due to the pressure after the death of her father and graduated from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State. The mother of four is also a philanthropist who has given the majority of her wealth to the less privileged. She founded the FunmiAyinke humanity foundation, which has sponsored over 10,000 students to school and has supported at least 15,000 widows in Nigeria.

Funke Daniel Hosts Nigeria's Elite to 60th Birthday Party

diamond club.

The elegant former first lady of Ogun State ensured she pulled all the stops to make the celebration grand. Earlier in the day, she held a thanksgiving service which was presided over by a few clergy men, including Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Some of those in attendance at the thanksgiving were Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu; Mrs Bola Obasanjo and several others. Later in the day, she feted the elite at the Balmoral Events Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Lagos last weekend.

court and reclaimed his stolen mandate. In spite of that, he embraced Babalola and even asked him to chair the Airport Viability Committee during his first term in office. Fayemi claimed Babalola accused him of stopping an airport project in Ekiti State, a statement he (Fayemi) claims to be false. Back in 2018, Babalola had granted an interview, revealing

and committing a sacrilege by using derogatory words against 94-year-old Babalola in his uncoordinated media attack which they referred to as hogwash and senseless vituperation. The group however, appreciated the maturity exhibited by other past governors of the state for not toeing the alleged arrogant path of perdition taken by Fayemi.

lmost two weeks after he gathered a cross section of eminent personalities to join him in celebration of his birthday, former senator Lanre Tejuosho and his siblings gathered them again, this time for the burial ceremony of his late mother, Madam Clementina Adetoun Olusola Tejuosho. She was aged 85. She died on February 16 and was buried on March 1st in the United Kingdom. Unknown to many, his mother was not part of the three famous Tejuosho Queens - Olori Omolara, Olori Yetunde and Olori Olabisi. The grand burial ceremony took place in Lagos about a month after she passed on. The church service held at Pastor Ituah Ighodalo led Trinity House Zion Centre, Lagos. Some of those in attendance include Ganiyu Solomon, Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Razaq Okoya and his wife, Shade etc. Fondly called Mummy Saudi because she plied her trade in Saudi Arabia, she was known for her indefatigability and resilience to impact humanity in her chosen career. She is survived by Princess Titi Tejuoso, Senator Prince 'Lanre Tejuoso, Prince Kayode Tejuoso, Princess Bimpe Tejuoso, Prince Bolawa Kunle-Tejuosho, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio; Wale Edun, finance minister; Jide Balogun; Olu Okeowo and his wife, Adejoke; Rotimi Amaechi; presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; Reuben Abati and wife, Kike; Lagos State deputy governor, Femi Hamzat; Labour Party's gubernatorial candidate of Lagos State, Gbadebo Vivour Rhodes; Chris Ngige; Chief Razaq Okoya and wife, Shade; Sijibomi Ogundele; Olumide Osoba; Musiliu Obanikoro; Muazu Aliyu; Oba Otudeko; Ibikunle Amosun; Ladi Adebutu, Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State; Iyiola Omisore; Chief Gani Adams, Wale Babalakin, Kayode Fayemi, two time governor of Ekiti State; Alex Onabanjo, Bola Shagaya, Abba Folawiyo, Sunny Kuku, Tunji Alapini, Bode George etc.

There was a large contingent of senators who were on ground to felicitate with their own and his wife. There were Opeyemi Bamidele, Adams Oshiomhole, Ennyinaya Abaribe, Aminu Tambuwal etc.

Resplendent in an all-white traditional attire that perfectly complemented her husband, Senator Gbenga Daniel’s ensemble, Yeye Olufunke exuded elegance and poise throughout the soirée. The couple, inseparable throughout the event, radiated happiness as they revelled in the company of their esteemed guests. There were two comperes at the party, one of who was Yemi Shodimu, a former aide to Senator Gbenga Daniel. The festivities reached a crescendo with the soul-stirring melodies of renowned saxophonist Abolaji Banjoko aka Beejaysax, captivating the audience and prompting the birthday girl to showcase her dance prowess, much to the delight of everyone present. Legendary Juju music maestro, Sunny Ade, added his signature flair to the occasion, mesmerizing the crowd with his electrifying dance moves and infectious tunes. Some of the high-profile guests in attendance were,

The traditional rulers in attendance at the party included the Olowu of Owu, Saka Matemilola; Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho; Ake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal and his wife, Olori Maryam. Yeye Olufunke’s 60th birthday celebration was not just an event, it was a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of grace, elegance, and influence that resonates far beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Tejuosho

Adeboye

Alakija

Adelusi-Adeluyi

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Eedris Abdulkareem Vs 50 When Will Eedris Stop This 20-Year-Old Lie?

went by, when the Burna Boys, Davidos and Wizkids became stars, Eedris wanted to plug into their success and so, he again changed the narrative to “I paved the way for you guys”. “Na me cook the food wey una dey eat today?”

HOW? Again, I ask, HOW?

I have a question for Eedris Abdulkareem: If what you did at the Lagos airport was noble and meant to “pave the way” or “cook food wey dem dey eat today” for the stars of today, why did you apologise to 50 Cent at the PHABA Awards ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, some years later?

Again, I was involved in the awards organisation as a member of the Media Committee. I and other journalists were at the lobby of the hotel where we were lodged on the day of the awards when news came that Eedris was seeking Journalists’ ‘approval’ and cooperation in advance because he would be apologising to 50 Cent later in the night.

All my friends and colleagues turned and looked at me. I was like, what was that look for? They wanted to find out my position about the move of Eedris. I told them I was cool with it. I was actually happy Eedris had regained his senses and tired of playing 'Gani Fawehinmi.' We were appealed to, to give that segment of the show some degree of media attention to achieve

among other things, a good image for the country because according to the organisers, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence were among the

Night came. 50 Cent was closing the show as he was coincidentally the headline artiste when Eedris crashed the stage. A bemused 50 Cent was taken aback. He only recalled who Eedris was when our Nigerian star explained himself and profusely apologised for that unfortunate and avoidable incident in Lagos. It was a brief, embarrassing moment when 50 Cents did not know who Eedris was. What that tells you is that Eedris did not fight 50 Cents but his security/bouncers.

Anyway sha, that night ended well, journalists published the news. It however did not gain much traction like the fight with 50 Cent in Lagos because Eedris firmly took over the narrative and controlled it (the social media that has turned everybody into a journalist now was not alive then) which turned him into a HERO and ‘Artiste’s rights activist.’

Another twist to the issue came years after the Abuja incident when Eedris ran into me at celebrity restaurant, O’jez, inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. I was waiting for some friends at the open air section when Eedris in company of another guy arrived. As they were making their way upstairs to the VIP section, our eyes met and he stopped and was talking to the guy with him. I was prepared for another fight because then, he was no longer the ‘biggest star in Africa’, so I figured he would take his anger and frustration out on me the second time. He walked straight to me and said: “Bro, I was told that I fought with you at the airport during the 50 Cent issue. I can’t remember that happening, but anyway, if it's true, I am sorry.”

I was stunned. He was told he fought with me. I could only mutter that I

Abdulkareem heard. And they left.

I must confess, I felt very sorry for Eedris. I thought something was wrong with him and he needed some help and counselling. It did not take long for him to continue his self-delusion about his fight for ‘Nigeria artistes’ and the industry anyway.

Eedris is like a once upon a time rich, local man. He had two cars and was very popular in the area. Then by some unfortunate strings of events, he lost his popularity and the little money he had. Suddenly, some very young boys sprang up in the neighbourhood; very loud, fleet of exotic cars, mansions, diamond chains and bracelets and endless clubbing. Eedris waited for them to come to him and say, “Bros, we are loyal. We understand how you were popular back then, hold this one. You too much bros”. He waited, none of these today stars ‘send’ Eedris. So, Eedris decided to spin his 50 Cent incident to make it look like he fought for the betterment of the Nigeria music industry. It was a bait. If these youngsters had swallowed it, they would have run to him to recognise his royalty. But these boys are smart. They checked for how Eedris “paved the way” for them, they did not see. And so, some ignored his yearly rant until Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, boldly called his bluff, and that is why you are also reading this piece because I have tried to stomach Eedris’ 20-year-old lie till now.

Like Burna Boy, I have decided to tell Eedris Abdulkareem that it is about time he stopped the lie and faced reality. It would have been better if he had humbled himself and used one of these new kids on the block to revive his career he killed with his own hands, instead of trying to claim what is not. His bloated sense of entitlement is not only annoying, but also irritating.

Concluded

Female Bankers Breaking Into Male Bastions

Say what you will about former military President Ibrahim Babangida, history will remember him for appointing women into jobs traditionally held by men. First was Professor Grace Alele-Williams as Vice Chancellor of University of Benin in 1985. Next was Mrs. Maria Sokenu as Managing Director of People’s Bank of Nigeria in 1992. In the intervening years, women have since crashed the glass ceiling in male dominated professionsaviation, engineering, law and, as is now plainly obvious, banking. THEWILL considers female MDs and CEOs of banks in Nigeria today. Michael Jimoh reports…

Bolaji Agbede, Kafilat Araoye, Halima Buba, Yemisi Edun, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu, Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya, Yetunde Oni, Oluwatomi Ayodele Somefun, Bukola Smith and Adaora Umeoji are all united by a common interest not only as bankers of some renown but also MD and CEO of their respective banks.

Together, they sit on top of some of the most viable banking institutions in Nigeria with a combined asset base in trillions of naira, perhaps more than the annual budget of six or so states for 2023 fiscal year. Two, three or so decades ago, it would have been unthinkable to have half as many on the board of opulent corporations (except as Company Secretary) let alone preside over crucial meetings where men are more in number. But starting from April 2015 when the very first of them Tomi Somefun was appointed MD/ CEO of Unity Bank, and during management meetings every Monday anywhere from Marina to Victoria Island and Ikoyi, heads (mostly male) turn to the women sitting at the head of oval, polished table tops reflecting the men’s cufflinks.

As for Oga Madam presiding, a Byblos pant suit will be just fine, complemented with expensive but not garish earrings and a matching silver or gold necklace. Gone are the days when the closest women could get in the banking hierarchy is the door next to the MD’s office, secretary-glasses firmly in place welcoming visitors to see Oga with that perpetual smile that hurts cheek muscles. As is now common, women have since crashed through the glass ceiling moving on and up to the astonishment of some male chauvinists bemoaning their fate that the female folk are sweeping them aside and taking over jobs traditionally meant for them.

The women themselves are not letting up. Newspaper headlines in the last couple weeks have been awash with high profile female achievers, considering that International

“Two, three or so decades ago, it would have been unthinkable to have half as many on the board of opulent corporations (except as Company Secretary) let alone preside over crucial meetings where men are more in number

Women’s Day is still fresh in the air and so celebrating female achievers is only to be expected.

“Full List: 11 female CEOs of top banks in Nigeria,” one headline screamed recently and proceeded to do just that by naming the women in question. Another catchy title boasted thusly: “Leading Ladies: Meet 10 female CEOs shaping

Nigeria’s banking sector,” complete with the alluring photographs of the prime movers and shakers calling the shots in banking halls. “As the world celebrates women across the globe for their contributions in all spheres of life in March,” the same newspaper underscored the importance of IWD, “it is pertinent to recognise some amazing female leaders in Nigeria’s banking sector.”

With a sweet smile of success on their faces, they all boasted formidable CVs, one a Mathematics and Statistics graduate, another with a first degree in Chemistry, another in Pharmacy, some more in Education English, Accounting and Business Admin. Many of them are fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Remarkably, all of them have been working assiduously like a computer and quietly like a Hoover. For instance, aside colleagues in banking, most people probably never heard of Mrs. Bolaji Agbede until relatively recently after erstwhile MD, CEO of Access Bank Herbert Wigwe died in a helicopter crash last month in the U.S., along with his wife, son, friend and crew of two. For those alive and the bank he left behind, life must go on. And so, a replacement for the deceased was announced in the person of Agbede.

You can be sure that ever since her appointment last month, Agbede’s resume will be required reading to most graduate students of Lagos Business School, starting with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from University of Lagos in 1990, her early years in managerial positions at GTB, notably as vault custodian and relationship manager. Agbede has also had stints with JKG Limited, a business consulting firm. Her move to Access Bank in 2003 where she took charge of the company’s chemical trading portfolio was justly deserved. She was the bank’s most senior founding executive director in charge of business support before her recent promotion to MD/ CEO.

The very first of the women who got elevated to MD/ CEO of a commercial bank in Nigeria was Tomi Somefun back in April 2015. A graduate of Education English from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, PhD at Redeemers University, alumnus of both Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School, Somefun did not start her career initially in banking. She had a brief spell with a financial service industry Peat Marwick & Co and then Arthur Anderson now KPMG. At Unity Bank, Somefun rose to the post of executive director before her appointment as the overall boss making

...Breaking Into Male Bastions FEATURES

her a pacesetter of the female bank execs to come after her.

In 2020, two female senior bank workers were given command of the banks they had put in years of active service.

The first of them was Kafilat Araoye appointed MD/ CEO of Lotus Bank. A first degree in History would not have been an ideal qualification to work in a banking hall under any circumstance. But then, Araoye went on to study Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from University of Lagos in 1987 and, at different times, Cranfield School of Management U.K., Lagos Business School, Institute of Management Development Switzerland and Ross Business School University of Michigan. All of that smoothed her way through managerial positions, first, at National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc (Conoil) in 1988 and then pioneer head of Human Resources at GTB in 1990. Analysts in the industry describe Araoye as an expert “in virtually all areas of core banking, with emphasis on international and domestic operations, Business Development, Risk Management, Human Resources and Strategy, ethical banking and social responsibility,” all of which will aid her in her position as MD/CEO of Lotus Bank.

The second female banker appointed in the same 2020 is Ireti Samuel-Ogbu MD/CEO of CitiBank. She became the first female CEO of the bank in Nigeria. Samuel-Ogbu had served in three continents in various capacities for the international bank in Europe, Middle East and Africa where she was Head, Payments and Receivables, Treasury and Trade Solutions under the bank’s Institutional Clients Group (ICG) London. With degrees in Accounting and Finance and MBA from Middlesex University and University of Bradford respectively, Samuel-Ogbu, according to industry sources, has “vast experience in international banking, bringing a global perspective to the Nigerian market, as she has served the banking needs at local and global level since 1984, focusing her leadership on providing innovative financial solutions and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.”

2021 couldn’t have started off so pleasantly for Nnena Onyeali-Ikpe who had joined Fidelity Bank six years before.

On New Year day, the management of the bank announced her as the new MD/CEO making her the first female to ever head the bank since inception in 1988. With a first degree in Law from University of Nigeria Nsukka and Masters’ in the same discipline from King’s College London, Onyeali-Ikpe was the executive director for Lagos and the entire Southwest directorate for years. Overseeing the busiest geopolitical zone with the largest customer base certainly propelled her rise to the top job at Fidelity Bank. Commentators have said the New Year gift for Onyeali-Ikpe is well earned.

Also deserving of her position as MD/CEO is the appointment of Yemi Edun of First City Monument Bank. Like OnyealiIkpe, she is the first female to occupy that plum position in the bank’s history. A first degree in Chemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife would have meant a possible career in Food & Beverages companies forever fussing over samples in microscopes and not without her pristine lab coat. But once she furthered her education with a Masters’ in International Accounting and Finance from University of Liverpool, U.K., it was clear she was going to trade her lab coat for snazzier pant suits and nifty stilettos.

Edun began her career with Akintola Williams Deloitte in 1987, focusing on Corporate Finance activities and auditing of banks and other financial institutions.

In July 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria approved her appointment as FCMB boss. It was not for nothing considering Edun’s intimidating resume: Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a CFA® Charter holder; Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers as well as Associate Member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya was also appointed to head GTB in the same month and year as her colleague at FCMB. She graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from University of Ibadan and then proceeded to University of Liverpool where she had a Master of Business Administration. Olusanya joined GTB in 1998 as an executive trainee and was an executive director before her appointment to the top job in the bank.

Of all the female bank bosses, none possibly has the wealth of

“With these number of female bankers stepping into the boss’s shoes in nearly a dozen banks across Nigeria, it is something to be cheerful about, especially for the women folk forever griping about lack of equal opportunities for them

experience across different banks in the country as Halima Buba appointed MD/CEO of Sun Trust Bank. She obtained a first degree in Business Management from University of Maiduguri and an MBA from the same institution. For 22 years, Buba worked in various capacities at Allstates Trust Bank, Ecobank, Inland Bank, Oceanic and Zenith banks, gathering experience along the way. The boss of Sun Trust is an alumnus of Lagos Business School, a member of the board of several financial institutions such as Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

Also in 2021, Bukola Smith became MD of FSDH Merchant Bank. A first degree in Economics from University of Lagos and an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School University of Manchester apparently prepared her for her future métier. Smith has been credited with establishing over 200 branches of the bank nationwide with 28 years of experience focusing on public sector, business banking, agriculture and transaction banking divisions.

Industry watchers insist that under Smith, “the bank’s SME-focused team in three years moved from 5th position in the industry to 1st position in 2019 (KPMG Customer

Service Report 2020)...she established the FCMB Women in Business Desk (branded SheVentures) which supports female entrepreneurs and set up FCMB Trustees and FCMB Custody.”

Though Yetunde Oni had been MD/ CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone, this is the first time she will rise to the top of a bank in her own country with her appointment as MD/CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria.

Described as “a seasoned professional with over 25 years in the banking sector known for her dynamic leadership and expertise in client solutions and team management,” Oni had a first degree in Economics from University of Ibadan and an MBA from Bangor University Wales. She began her career at Prime Merchant Bank Treasury & Money Markets Group, then as Relationship Manager with Ecobank for 11 years. In 2005, Oni joined Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria rising through several managerial positions and then Managing Director & Country Head of Commercial Banking in West Africa.

The last of the female Amazons in banking in Nigeria is by no means the least. Adaora Umeoji is certainly bracing up for a job she will step into on June 1 as GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank to replace Ebenezer Onyeagwu the current top man. His tenure will elapse on May 31.

Umeoji is a Sociology graduate from University of Jos, another degree in Accounting and a First-Class honours Law graduate from Baze University Abuja. The newly appointed MD/CEO has a sheaf of impressive degrees from institutions of higher learning within and outside Nigeria: Master of Law from University of Salford, MBA from University of Calabar, Doctoral degree in Business Administration from Appollos University Great Falls Montana United States.

With these number of female bankers stepping into the boss’s shoes in nearly a dozen banks across Nigeria, it is something to be cheerful about, especially for the women folk forever griping about lack of equal opportunities for them. According to a recent report on executive job placement for women, the stats are encouraging.

For instance, a subsidiary of Agusto & Co, Agusto Consulting, which is a pan-African credit rating agency, states that “the share of women on boards surged to an all-time high in 2022. It showed that the share of female board members has risen steadily in the past five years, hitting 25 percent from 18 percent in 2018. That compares with 36 percent in South Africa, 41 percent in the United Kingdom and 35 percent in the United States.”

Translation? More women in Nigeria are expected to be calling the shots from top positions in banks as the years roll by.

Osayi-Samuel And Turkish Football's Turbulent Landscape

“While the passion of Turkish football fans is undeniable, it needs to be channelled positively

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

The Turkish Süper Lig, a league renowned for its fervent fan bases and intense rivalries, has once again found itself embroiled in controversy. The aftermath of the recent clash between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor has taken a dramatic turn, with a pitch invader, dubbed the "knife-wielding joker" by Turkish sports newspaper, Fotospor, filing complaints against Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and his teammates.

To fully grasp the gravity of this situation, SportsLive delves into the cauldron of emotions that simmer beneath the surface of Turkish football. What quickly becomes obvious is that the Süper Lig is not merely a sporting competition but a reflection of the nation's cultural identity, where regional loyalties and historical divides converge.

The pivotal encounter between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor on March 17, was a microcosm of the league's intense rivalries.

Fenerbahçe, the cosmopolitan powerhouse from Istanbul, secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor, the fierce Black Sea Storm from the northeastern province. The tension was palpable throughout the match, with objects being hurled onto the pitch after Fenerbahçe's winning goal in the 87th minute.

This match was a culmination of the long-standing rivalry

between these two footballing giants. Fenerbahçe, with its rich history and passion for success, is chasing the league title, while Trabzonspor, fueled by the pride of their northeastern roots, aimed to derail their opponents' ambitions. The stage was set for a dramatic and potentially volatile encounter.

It therefore so happened that as Fenerbahçe players celebrated their hard-fought victory after the final whistle, a security breach occurred and Trabzonspor fans, angered by the defeat, stormed the pitch. In the midst of this chaos, a video went viral, capturing Osayi-Samuel confronting a pitch invader. Fearing for his safety and that of his teammates, the Nigerian international reacted instinctively, throwing a punch that knocked the fan to the ground. It was not long before pleased Fenerbahçe fans adorned a city building with a brightly coloured wall mural of a snapshot of this incident.

Yet, Osayi-Samuel's actions sparked a heated debate, with some lauding him for defending himself and his team, while others questioned the appropriateness of his response. The Nigerian international later explained that he felt compelled to act in self-defence, noting that some fans were armed and highlighting the injuries he and his teammates sustained during the fracas.

However, in a head-scratching twist, according to Fotospor, the individual involved in the altercation, dubbed the "knife-wielding joker," has filed criminal complaints against Osayi-Samuel and two of his Fenerbahçe teammates. Miraç Kara, the lawyer representing the complainant, emphasised the severity of the incident, arguing that the players inflicted serious harm and claiming that their footwear could be considered weapons.

Osayi-Samuel defending self and teammates from pitch invader

Coach punching referee in SüperLig

...Turkish Football's Turbulent Landscape

There is therefore a possibility that OsayiSamuel's actions can lead to his suspension from some league games, as the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) investigates the incident and determines the appropriate disciplinary measures. The TFF has confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify the fans who stormed the pitch and to impose necessary criminal sanctions on those responsible for the incidents.

Fenerbahçe, however, has come out to defend Osayi-Samuel in the wake of the incident. The club has invoked the issue of safety as a crucial factor in their decision to potentially withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig, should sanctions be imposed on Osayi-Samuel and his teammate, Jayden Oosterwolde. The club argued that any punitive measures must take into account the provocation they faced during the Trabzon incident.

Sadly, incidents of fan violence and pitch invasions are not uncommon in Turkish football. In December 2023, the league was suspended after a club president attacked a referee, highlighting the long-standing concerns about lax security and fan behaviour. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter security measures in football stadiums across the country. Still, this is hardly sufficient to curb further disturbances in the League. Stronger deterrents for pitch invasions, improved stewarding and harsher punishments for offenders are other crucial steps that can be effected towards ensuring player safety and minimal disruptions during matches.

cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, represents the modern, westernised face of the country. In contrast, Trabzonspor's roots lie in the northeastern Black Sea region, a bastion of traditional Turkish values and fierce regional pride.

Increased dialogue between clubs, fan groups and authorities is therefore essential to foster a culture of respect within the stadiums. Only through collective action can Turkish football ensure the safety of players, staff and fans, allowing the passion to shine through without descending into violence.

It is along this line that, in the wake of the incident, Osayi-Samuel has issued a poignant plea for increased player protection. He emphasised the unacceptability of violence and the need for referees to abandon matches when situations escalate to dangerous levels.

"Players wouldn't want to come to a place where they don't feel safe and can get hurt. Objects thrown on the pitch are everywhere, not just in Turkey, but when it becomes excessive, the referee has to stop the game," Osayi-Samuel stated.

While the passion of Turkish football fans is undeniable, it needs to be channelled positively. The intense rivalries between clubs are rooted in deep-seated regional and historical divides, transcending the sporting arena. Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor, two of Turkey's most decorated clubs, embody this rivalry, with their respective fan bases representing the cosmopolitan heart of Istanbul and the fierce pride of the northeastern province.

The rivalry between these two clubs is a microcosm of the broader cultural and geographical divides that have long existed in Turkey. Fenerbahçe, with its base in the

Continued from Back Page

These deep-seated differences have fuelled the passionate rivalry between the two clubs' fan bases, with each side viewing their team as a symbol of their respective cultural and regional identities. As such, matches between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor are more than just sporting events; they are battles for regional and cultural supremacy, where the pride of entire communities is at stake.

Nigerian Government Must Embrace Artificial Intelligence Now

The integration of AI into all aspects of Nigerian society is not just a matter of catching up; it is a strategic imperative for the nation's future growth and development. By embracing AI, Nigeria can leapfrog over the challenges faced by other nations and position itself at the forefront of the global AI revolution. The benefits of AI are immense and Nigeria can reap these rewards by taking proactive steps to integrate AI into its economy and society. The future is knocking; let us open the door.

To Nigeria's policymakers, legislators, government officials at every level and leaders across all sectors of society - the time to act on AI is now. We stand at a pivotal juncture, where the choices we make today will shape our nation's future for decades to come. Complacency and inaction are no longer options. The world is charging ahead, propelled by the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence. I must reiterate: should we fail to keep pace, we risk condemning Nigeria all over

again to the sidelines of progress, a mere spectator as other nations reap the rewards of this technological revolution.

This is an urgent call to action, a clarion call that demands your unwavering commitment and visionary leadership. Set aside partisan differences, transcend bureaucratic inertia, and unite in a common mission to establish a comprehensive national AI strategy. Prioritise AI education at all levels, invest in cutting-edge research and development, build robust digital infrastructure, and craft ethical frameworks that safeguard our citizens while fostering innovation. Collaborate with academia, the private sector, and civil society to create an ecosystem where AI can thrive, addressing our unique challenges and propelling us towards a prosperous future. The time for hesitation has passed – the time for bold, decisive action is upon us. Let us seize this moment and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place at the forefront of the AI revolution.

His words resonate with the broader concerns within the football community, where player safety should be celebrated, not as sources of conflict, but as testament to the rich tapestry of Turkey's cultural heritage and the beauty that is football in uniting diversities.

By promoting greater understanding and dialogue between fan groups, clubs, and authorities, Turkish football can harness the energy of its passionate supporters while fostering an environment of mutual respect and sportsmanship. Only then can the Süper Lig truly exhibit the beauty of the game, where skill and sportsmanship reign supreme, untainted by the spectre of violence.

The future of Turkish football lies in the hands of all stakeholders. By embracing the diversity of their nation's cultural heritage and working together to create a safe and inclusive environment, they can transform the turbulent landscape into a stage where the true spirit of the beautiful game can thrive.

Oosterwolde

Osayi-Samuel

Nigerian Government Must Embrace Artificial Intelligence Now

The thunder of artificial intelligence (AI) is reverberating across the globe as investors scramble for a stake in this transformative technology. Tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Apple and OpenAI are leading the charge with governments racing to craft regulations that harness AI's potential while mitigating its risks.

Yet, amidst this global awakening, Nigeria slumbers. We stand on the precipice of a technological revolution yet seem content to remain bystanders. The country does not have a national AI policy. In my opinion, this is a recipe for disaster. The Internet age dawned, and we watched as others built empires in cyberspace. Can we afford to repeat history with AI? The answer must be a resounding no. AI holds the key to unlocking Nigeria's potential. Imagine precision agriculture, with AI-powered tools analysing soil conditions, predicting weather patterns, and optimising fertiliser use, leading to increased yields and food security. Envision a healthcare revolution, where AI can analyse medical scans, diagnose diseases with greater accuracy and personalise treatment plans, saving countless lives.

exacerbate existing social inequalities. We must ensure equitable access to this technology and its benefits. Finally, as other nations develop advanced AI for military applications, Nigeria's defence capabilities could be compromised, pos-

privacy and security. We need strong data protection laws to safeguard citizen information. The use of AI for autonomous weapons systems raises serious ethical concerns. We must also collaborate with others to advocate for international treaties banning such weapons.

Picture enhanced security, with AI-driven surveillance deterring crime, while predictive analytics anticipate security threats. Efficient governance could become a reality, with AI streamlining government processes, identifying fraud and optimising resource allocation for improved service delivery. And in education, AI-powered tutors could personalise learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and fostering love for knowledge.

These are just a few examples. AI has the potential to transform every facet of Nigerian life – from the bustling streets of Lagos to the fertile fields of the north.

The cost of inaction is high. If Nigeria fails to embrace AI, we risk economic stagnation, as countries at the forefront of AI will enjoy a significant economic advantage. We will be left playing catch-up, struggling to compete in the global marketplace. Job displacement is another concern. While AI will create new jobs, some existing ones will become obsolete. Without proper planning and training, millions of Nigerians could be left behind. Furthermore, the benefits of AI could

ing national security vulnerabilities.

The time to act is now. We need a comprehensive national AI strategy, one that encompasses revamping our curriculum at all levels -- primary, secondary, and tertiary – to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-powered world. It must involve investing in AI research institutions and fostering collaboration between academia and the private sector. Building the robust digital infrastructure needed to support AI applications is crucial. Developing clear and ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment, ensuring transparency, accountability and responsible use is also essential. Finally, educating the public about AI, its potential benefits and potential risks, should be a priority.

Experts have sounded the alarm that AI is a double-edged sword. While it holds immense potential, it also carries risks like job losses. We therefore need to reskill and upskill our workforce to adapt to the changing landscape. AI algorithms can perpetuate existing social biases. We must develop robust data collection and analysis practices to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

AI applications could raise concerns about data

The path forward requires a collective effort. We need policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society to come together and forge a national AI strategy. It goes without saying therefore that open dialogue and collaboration are crucial.

Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Let us not be a nation of spectators while the world races towards the future. Let us embrace AI, not with fear, but with vision and determination.

Indeed, the integration of AI is not without its challenges. Nigeria faces obstacles such as inadequate public education, limited access to electricity, the digital divide and a brain drain of skilled professionals. Overcoming these hurdles will require a multifaceted approach, leveraging lessons from other jurisdictions and engaging all concerned regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

Crucially, Nigeria must prioritise ethical considerations in AI development, embedding principles of fairness, transparency and accountability into the design and deployment of AI systems. This will help mitigate negative societal impacts and ensure AI serves the interests of all citizens, not just a privileged few.

The road ahead will be long and arduous, but the potential rewards are immense. By investing in education, infrastructure and ethical frameworks, Nigeria can create an environment where AI innovation thrives, addressing pressing national challenges and propelling the country towards a prosperous future.

This is therefore a call to action for every Nigerian. Let us raise our voices, demand action and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place at the forefront of the AI revolution. Let us build a future where AI serves the needs of our people, propels us towards prosperity and positions us as a global leader in the new technological era.

The world is charging ahead, propelled by the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence. I must reiterate: should we fail to keep pace, we risk condemning Nigeria all over again to the sidelines of progress, a mere spectator as other nations reap the rewards of this technological revolution