THEWILL NEWSPAPER, April 28, 2024

OnahNwachukwu

Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Eso Dike, a man of many talents, is not just an actor but also a rapper, lawyer, and media entrepreneur. While he may not be actively practicing law, his degree proves beneficial when it comes to understanding his movie contracts. Juggling his various roles, he dedicates most of his time to making movies and building his media company. His music career, which he is now actively pursuing, is set to culminate in an album release this year.

His acting career isn’t restricted to the big screen; there’s also NollyTube, the Nollywood movies on YouTube, and Dike has been in several of them. He is also working on his NollyTube movie titled We Move. With all these projects, it’s safe to say that he is a busy man. Still, he finds some free time to do what he loves, which includes watching movies, playing football, and drinking tea, amongst other things. In all that he does, there will be criticism. The actor says he feels good when he gets positive feedback and has learnt to decipher negative criticism for constructive criticism. Read his story on pages 8 through 10.

For the weekend, treat yourself to breakfast in bed. To achieve this, you will need simple breakfast recipes, and we have the right ones on our food page, Bon Appetit, on page 7.

Red is a very strong colour; you must know how to style it. This week’s fashion pages highlight ways to style your red bag. You’ll find that on pages 4 to 5.

Scroll to page 16 and click the instructions below the QR codes to download the playlist. You’ll love the music selection.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

AS TINUBU EYES KANO VOTES IN 2027

Ganduje Walks Tightrope With Presidency’s Stoic Silence

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf and the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, appear to be walking a political tightrope in their ongoing supremacy battle. Sources say that both warring parties want to keep tearing at each other without getting the President involved.

The governor and his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, are said to be subtly grateful to President Bola Tinubu “for allowing the party to retain Kano,” as there is a deep perception that “if the president wanted Kano for APC, it would have happened somehow.” And because of this, said the source, they want to be as discreet as possible in their ongoing battle with the governing APC National Chairman.

For Ganduje, however, the optics are bad for the party. The pressures are mounting and arrows

are flying from different directions.

The combatants are deploying tactics and strategies to outwit one another. For Kano, sources say the ongoing probe on the Kano State Government’s multimillion-naira fraud allegation against Ganduje is an immediate goal. But the long-term plan is to remove whatever influence or hold on local politics that the former governor still has in Kano, one of the North’s largest sources of votes during elections.

While the probe goes on in the short term, the politics of control of the state from now through 2027 is said to be the long-term plan.

THE KWANKWASO CONNECTION

For one, Governor Yusuf’s mentor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was presidential candidate

of the NNPP in the 2023 general election, is still targeting the 2027 presidency and the control of Kano politics is crucial to that ambition.

But the carpet is being pulled from under the former governor’s feet and accusing fingers are pointing in the direction of his enemies in the state. Last week, eight months after a faction of the party accused him of anti-party activity for meeting President Tinubu and later holding talks with the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general election, the founder of the NNPP, Boniface Aniebonam, accused Kwankwaso of betrayal of trust.

He accused Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement of trying to hijack the party structure, which he described as a betrayal of trust. He said that he gave Kwankwaso a platform to achieve

BY AMOS ESELE

COVER

...Tightrope With Presidency’s Stoic Silence

his political ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president on a silver platter.

Aniebonam claimed that he personally established and developed the NNPP from 2002 to 2022, at which point Kwankwaso and his associates requested him to represent the party just before the 2023 presidential election.

He said: “Buba Galadima led the delegation, including Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi and Professor Sam Angai to my country home in Anambra to plead for us to accept Kwankwaso in the NNPP.

“After the talks, I placed a call to Kwankwaso and after asking him questions about his intentions for Nigeria, I offered him the platform of NNPP as its sole candidate.”

Aniebonam held that Kwankwaso would be forgiven if he mended his ways and even then, with no exclusive rights to the NNPP’s candidacy.

Efforts by THEWILL to get Galadima’s response to Aniebonam’s claims were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and messages to his phone.

But in an earlier explanation, Galadima reportedly exonerated Kwankwaso of any blame. He said the former Kano governor violated no known rules of the party as he often told key members of the party, numbering 13, of any of his meetings, either with President Tinubu, once in France and twice in the Presidential Villa or with any politician.

He pointedly accused Ganduje of orchestrating the crisis in the NNPP, betraying the trust of his mentor Kwankwaso in a bid to continue his dominance of Kano politics. According to him, there was nothing wrong in Kwankwaso holding a meeting with the President and then agreeing to “work together to uplift Nigeria.”

Working together to uplift Nigeria is a platform that gives Kwankwaso the negotiating power that the retention of Kano by the NNPP has consolidated since the Supreme Court gave the judgement that upturned the Election Petition Tribunal and Appeal Court rulings. The electoral victory has given Kwankwaso more leverage at a time Ganduje had to quit governance of the state for Yusuf, Kwankwaso’s godson.

GANDUJE’S TRAVAILS

With the Kano State Government bent on going ahead with a probe of Ganduje’s tenure and alleged dollar contract kick-back, the governing party’s National Chairman is being kept busy trying to put out the fire.

From his ongoing experiences dealing with expulsion by his ward chairman to his reinstatement after an intervention by the court to protest calls for his resignation, the immediate past governor of Kano faces an uncertain future as considerations for 2027 politics gather momentum.

But the APC is not abandoning its Chairman yet. Just as Galadima accused Ganduje of orchestrating Kwankwaso and NNPP’s problems,

the APC authorities have accused the Kano State Government of witch-hunting the national chairman of their party.

They attribute Ganduje’s expulsion by his ward and later by a faction of the APC in Kano to the handiwork of the state government in an attempt to blackmail their Chairman.

In the aftermath of his expulsion and then reinstatement by the court of law, 37 chairmen of the state chapters of the party, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, paid the former governor a solidarity visit and passed a vote of confidence on him.

Moreover, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, said, “We are right now in the stage of status quo where we were before the purported suspension of Ganduje as the national chairman. He still remains our national chairman.”

According to dependable government sources, Ganduje has nothing to fear when it comes to the President choosing him as a loyal party man and a trusted ally who will always be in his good books. But then a source noted, “Politics is also about managing conflict, plotting to capture power by conciliating interests at play.”

Accordingly, the ongoing power play in Kano is to be expected given the calibre of politicians involved and the timing, which is considered auspicious because there is still time to study and evaluate the situation. Even so, stakeholders are

“From his ongoing experiences dealing with expulsion by his ward chairman to his reinstatement after an intervention by the court to protest calls for his resignation, the immediate past governor of Kano faces an uncertain future as considerations for 2027 politics gather momentum

not unmindful of what is at stake in Kano.

The centrality of Kano to the country’s politics, notably for its voter strength as well as its importance in commerce and business: Some of the country’s captains of industry come from Kano; Aliko Dangote, Rabiu Abdul Samad, the Dantatas. It is also a politically volatile state, given its strong tradition of radical politics dating back to centuries.

These are the reasons why, sources say, the President would maintain a warm relationship with Kwankwaso of NNPP while keeping Ganduje, his National Chairman, as an ally in spite of the bitter conflict between the duo. But can two strong captains maintain a ship?

ENTER 2027

For the aforementioned political and economic reasons, capturing Kano is crucial for President Tinubu who has lately come under the criticism of some critical stakeholders from the North for “implementing policies that adversely affect the region.”

In the midst of these challenges, other arrows are pointing at Ganduje. His travails have opened a campaign by the North-Central geopolitical zone for the position of the party’s Chairmanship.

Indeed, former National Vice-Chairman of the party in the North-West, Dr Salihu Lukman, last year, resigned his position in protest against installation of Ganduje as National Chairman. He said the appointment breached the party’s zoning arrangement, which reserved that position for the North-Central.

Last Thursday, Lukman’s position re-echoed in Jos, Plateau State, when the North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum condemned the vote of confidence passed by the 36 governors on Ganduje.

Speaking further, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the vote of confidence which the state chairmen of the party passed on Ganduje was not in the interest of the zone and called on the former Kano governor to resign. He called on President Tinubu to remember that all the NorthCentral states, except Plateau, are all controlled by the APC, meaning that the zone is party compliant besides being robbed of its deserved right to produce the party’s National Chairman as aptly captured in Article 31.5(i) of the APC constitution dealing with what to do when there is vacancy.

While Zazzaga may be reacting to the crisis in the party at the moment. THEWILL has learnt that what may be displeasing to Ganduje is that his arch-enemy may reopen talks with the President on a working plan, ahead of 2027. With his recent ouster by the founder of the NNPP, Kwankwaso is said to be ready to open talks with the President for a likely defection to the APC with the possibility of pairing with Tinubu as Vice President, a position Ganduje himself “is eyeing but may be too old and tired at 78 to vie for in 2027,” said a party source.

overnor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has rehabilitated 29 urban roads equal to 47.37ks within the Jos-Bukuru metropolitan area in the past 10

Speaking during a ministerial press briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Adams Lekshak, explained that most of the road works have already been completed while on-going ones are

According to the Commissioner, the roads network in the JosBukuru metropolis was in dire need of rehabilitation and this caught the attention of the governor who apparently assumed power with a readiness and will to work.

Apart from the rehabilitation works, he said that routine general patching of potholes on roads within the same metropolis is being carried out, and, so far, the patch work has been completed with 22 roads involved.

200 Medics On Resilience, Recovery of Survivors

BY LADI DAPSON

The Borno State Government in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), has trained 200 healthcare professionals on mental health and psychosocial Support Services across the 27 local government areas of the state.

The Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, Professor Abubakar Kullima, disclosed this during a training session at Umoru Shehu Centre of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, which was held in Maiduguri. He said the training session was one of the challenges facing the sector, adding that this initiative represents a significant step towards promoting healing, resilience and recovery among those who have experienced immense suffering.

coffers to a Bureau de Change operator and used the money for his child’s school fee in advance.

“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de Change (and) used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance. Over $720,000 or thereabout, in anticipation that he was going to leave the Government House. In a poor state like Kogi? And you want me to close my eyes under the guise of ‘I’m being used’. Used by who? At this stage of my life? Used by who?

“I didn’t initiate the case; I inherited the case. I called for the case file and I said there are issues here," Olukoyede said.

The documents reportedly reveal four additional Bello children enrolled at AISA for the 2021/22 academic year, with a potential sixth child planned for enrolment in August 2022.

The agreement reportedly covers not just Ali Bello but also his siblings Farid Bello (Grade 8), Zahra Bello (Grade 6), Na’ima Bello (Grade 4), Nana-Fatima Bello (Grade 2), and a future student, who will be enrolled in August 2022. If the application is successful and there is space available for Ali Bello PreSchool.

EFCC has requested a full refund, citing the alleged source of the funds.

AISA, in response, confirmed receiving $845,852.84 from the Bello family in September 2021. The school, however, claims that they are entitled to deduct the cost of educational services already rendered to Bello’s children.

AISA offered to refund $760,910.84, representing the remaining balance after deducting these fees.

In commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day, Ibom Air Limited has launched its signature CSR project, FAMpact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children).

According to a statement endorsed by Aniekan Essienette, General Manager, Marketing and communications, Ibom Air, The initiative underscores Ibom Air's dedication to making a positive impact in the communities it serves by addressing the urgent issue of malaria among pregnant women and children under the age of five.

"FAM-pact is designed to significantly decrease malaria prevalence in these vulnerable groups through a range of strategic interventions, including awareness campaigns, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, provision of malaria medications, and community outreach programs". She explained.

Prof. Abubakar stressed that the training marks a crucial step towards addressing the needs of those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

"This initiative serves as a follow-up to a previous training session where 150 healthcare workers across 27 Primary Healthcare Centres were trained, bringing the total number of trained health professionals to 200 people.

"The victims, primarily women and children who have been displaced and traumatised by the conflict, have endured the unimaginable loss of their husbands and children”, he said. He reiterated the significance of putting this knowledge into practice to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

"This training was aimed at equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to provide specialised care to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly women and children who have been displaced and traumatised by the conflict, the training underscores a shared commitment to building a more resilient healthcare system that can better serve the mental health needs of those impacted by insurgency", Prof Abubakar said.

He emphasised the critical importance of the training in equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective mental health and psychosocial support services to survivors of trauma.

On his part, the State Project Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), Baba Zannah Abdulkarim said the project helps the state to recover from its shocks occasioned by the insurgency.

FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO

OPINION

Preventing Frequent Building Collapse

LThe Building Collapse Prevention Guild actually listed 2022 as the year with the most building collapses in the country with 62 collapses, even as Lagos State remains the state with the highest number of collapses

ast Friday's building collapse in Kuntau, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, which claimed three lives and injured two others, is just one of a few cases that have been reported this year alone.

The three-storey building under construction in the area, according to the Kano State Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi, had caved in early Friday morning, trapping an unspecified number of workers before rescue workers were alerted.

“Five persons were rescued and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Hospital where three of them were confirmed dead, while the remaining two who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment,” Abdullahi said.

The Kano incident is coming about a month after a fivestorey shopping complex, also under construction, on Basden Street, Fegge in Onitsha, Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State, collapsed after a downpour, trapping some of the construction workers on the last floor.

Only three weeks before the Fegge building collapse, a three-storey building had also collapsed in the same Onitsha, claiming the lives of no fewer than six persons at the Odu-Igbo section of the Ochanja Market.

THEWILL recalls that also in February, a three-storey building under renovation in the Binuyo area, off Ita Faaji Market on Lagos Island had caved in during a morning downpour with few of the workers on site escaping unhurt, according to a statement signed by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Magaret Adeseye.

The Federal Capital Territory also had its share of building collapse as a two-storey building in the Garki area of Abuja collapsed last August during a downpour , killing two people and injuring others who were trapped under the rubble.

Substandard materials used in the construction of most of the affected buildings were responsible for most of the incidents, with failure on the part of the regulatory authorities to act when necessary as also a causal factor.

The Building Collapse Prevention

Guild actually listed 2022 as the year with the most building collapses in the country with 62 collapses, even as Lagos State remains the state with the highest number of collapses.

With 20 incidents alone in 2022 and an estimated 315 others between 1974 and July 2022, the Guild listed some of the most recent incidents to include the three-storey building collapse in Yaba; a three-storey building collapse in Ebute-Metta and the three-storey building collapse in the Oniru area of Lekki.

While the Lagos State Government is putting measures in place to stop these unfortunate incidents through effective and efficient mechanisms for building approvals and soil testing through its agencies, corrupt officials who manipulate approvals for financial gain must be shown the way out of the system.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) also needs to step up its game in building materials testing, especially iron rods, to ensure that fake and substandard materials do not flood our markets, just as quacks in the building and construction industry must be exposed.

NIGERIA BUREAU:

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EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA LETTERS/OPINIONS: opinion.letters@thewillnews.com

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Austyn Ogannah

– Olaolu Olusina

Editor – Amos Esele

Editor – Sam Diala

A Toast to a Great Humanitarian

ne of Nigeria's finest columnists, Haroon Aremu, on April 16, 2024, in an epic article opined that amidst the chaos and corruption in Nigeria, there are still those who stand as beacons of hope. These, according to him "are the leaders who, despite facing a myriad of challenges, remain steadfast in their commitment to uplifting the nation and its people. Their unwavering dedication serves as a deep contrast to the rampant greed and self-interest that often circulate the

The above, no doubt, is a perfect description of the people-centric governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno who, against all odds, has distinguished himself as a leader who feels what the people feel and understands the language of the poor and the rich.

He has severally suspended protocol and the official security boundaries stripped himself of the governorship regalia and stooped low to meet people, interact with them and encourage them. This is only what a servant-leader who is intoxicated with a sense of

Perhaps, this empathetic disposition of Pastor Umo Eno, which has punctuated his government at every point in time, stems from his humble beginning and the character of placing humanity over personal gains, a virtue he has built and sustained over the years. This has, however, earned him the badge of an advocate of the principle of humanism which places the value of humans

With all sense of modesty, Pastor Eno is a beacon of hope to people of all classes. He has condemned himself to the service of humanity capped with a level of empathy that has never been heard of by a Nigerian politician. Placing humanity at the centre of his administration has undoubtedly given his leadership a human face; where the rich and the poor, the privileged and the downtrodden, elders

Everything about Pastor Eno represents humanity, in line with the age-long truth that the essentiality of human existence is service to humanity, a motto amplified by the Rotary Club- Service Above Self. And without mincing words, on completion of his tenure, he will indeed leave behind a legacy of A few weeks after he assumed office, the governor, without prior invitation apart from being moved by

empathy when he sighted two coffins in a compound at Ekpene Ukim, in Uruan Local Government Area, branched the venue of the burial. Imagine the shock and surprise on the faces of the people who never dreamt that the number one citizen in the state would be their guest.

To cut a long story short, Uduakobong Effiong, the only child of the deceased, has since been established with a piece of state-of-the-art sewing equipment and shop, courtesy of the governor's benevolence.

On several occasions, the governor had stopped to buy fruits from women selling at different locations and equally empowered them. That's the kind of leader occupying the Hilltop mansion today. He feels the pains of the people and shares in their joy as well.

Just a few days ago when he returned from an official assignment, he was briefed on the unfortunate incident that befell an Akwa Ibom daughter in the boat mishap that claimed the lives of other Nollywood practitioners during a film production in Anambra State. Moved with compassion over the sad story, he went straight to meet the deceased family at Ikot Udoma, Eket. After consoling the family members, he was moved with compassion when he heard that the deceased 's dream was to see her two siblings who are undergraduates become graduates. The governor gave scholarship to the two siblings, offered automatic employment to the elder sister and gave orders for the building of a befitting home for the parents.

Yesterday, the governor’s devotion to the promotion of human welfare moved his milk of kindness, which never runs dry, to flow to the path of a gardener who had served at Government House for over 30 years.

The governor, who consistently rewards diligent service, gave the man's son automatic employment. Also in appreciation of the staff and security team at the complex, the governor donated a special welfare allowance of N10 Million to all the staff on duty and commended them for their hard work and contributions to the bureaucracy and the security of the State.

With every sense of humility and decency, Governor Eno has honestly demystified leadership and the position of the governor by still relating with the people and humbling himself to the barest minimum at every given opportunity.

As the saying goes, "Charity begins at home", this summarises the reason why Pastor Eno came back to Akwa Ibom to start a business instead of staying in Lagos where he grew up. It was a strong desire to help the Akwa Ibom people that made him relocate to the state and started with just 5 rooms, and grew consistently to the conglomerate that we see today.

Since the scripture has affirmed that he who is faithful in little, much shall be given to him, heaven smiled on Pastor Umo Eno during the 2023 governorship election and the good people of Akwa Ibom state massively voted him as governor.

Blazing The Trail in Nigeria's Aviation Industry

SUNDAY EZE

n March 30, 2024 history was made as the direct inaugural flight of Air Peace from Lagos, landed at Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom. The ever-busy and rewarding LagosLondon route was proudly graced by the newly acquired second iconic Boeing 777 Airbus. Air Peace has carved a niche for itself as the leading domestic and international carrier in the Nigeria's aviation sector. After seven years attempt of flying that route by Virgin Atlantic and Arik Air, a Nigerian airline has reactivated the famous Lagos to London. Testimonies of those on board the inaugural flight revealed that it was top-notch. The airline has made Nigeria proud and should be commended for its unwavering commitment and patriotism by providing a practical solution to the challenges that are constantly facing travelers on the Lagos-London route.

This unarguably has introduced healthy competition to the aviation business which hitherto was monopolised by foreign airlines. In fact, it has crashed airfares which have been deliberately high on that lucrative route by half for the good of Nigerians. This incursion into London is an opener.

One can say without fear of contradiction that multinational airlines have exploited Nigerians too much for too long on that route.

The uncommon courage and resilience of Allen Onyema - the chairman and his team to make the aviation sector competitive is praiseworthy. Air Peace has raised the bar and broken the jinx. The company took a leap further the line and opened a new vista of opportunity. Healthy competition has been instituted heralding an era of transparent professional operations and easy access to a new alternative for air travellers in Nigerians.

It was a patriotic and tortuous journey attained specifically to place Nigeria on the global map of serious-minded aviation stakeholders. The joy of having a Nigerian carrier parked side by side with other notable airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways and the rest at international airports cannot be quantified. This in itself is another great feather added to the cap of the aviation industry in Nigeria. Nigerians all over the world are proud of this mean feat. Air Peace has dared to expose decades of decadence, manipulation and exploitation ongoing in the industry before now.

Consequently, other airlines will not watch idly as the carrier remained determined to challenge the status quo, alter the narrative and take the lead. They will fight back as a means of survival.

Deploying some under hand tactics backed by their partners in crime in the Nigerian aviation industry, they have concluded plans to frustrate Air Peace. There is already reports that visible pace was denied Air Peace while ground charges are intentionally raised.

A few days ago, Allen raised the alarm over plans by foreign Airlines to crash their air fares. Ethiopian Airline had descended from N1.9 million charged on economy class before now to a little above N600,000 for the same Lagos-Gatwick, while Air Peace charged above N1.4m.

If you are a Nigerian making plans for international travels, it is advised that you do not fall for the antics of low price adjustment by other airlines. By crashing the fares which remained unnecessarily high before now, those affected cannot remain silent. The fare slash by foreign airlines is a business and psychological game. Nigeria can overcome the game by patronising made in Nigeria. For years,

these airlines have practically made it impossible for many Nigerians to travel abroad due to their exorbitant fares.

Nigerians were paying double of what Air Peace is charging, compared to what foreign airlines charged for the same destination even when their flights were not direct. They have operated without any recourse to downwardly review their fares until Air Peace compelled them to do so. It will be quite unfair and irrational for Nigerians to abandon their own and travel by other airlines just because their price is now lower than that of Air peace.

THE AIRLINE HAS MADE NIGERIA PROUD AND SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT AND PATRIOTISM BY PROVIDING A PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGES THAT ARE CONSTANTLY FACING TRAVELERS ON THE LAGOSLONDON ROUTE

Most foreign airlines are financially and diplomatically backed up by their home governments. The government is therefore needed at this crucial time to stand in the gap and insulate Air Peace from hostile competitors and unprofessional practices. Government and well-meaning Nigerians should not let these efforts aimed at placing Nigeria on the global map of aviation stakeholders go down the drain like others in times past. The Nigerian Government should not see this as Allen's business only. It has transcended beyond him as an individual.

Therefore, diplomatic and aviationbusiness support to sustain the tempo should be activated. Ministries of aviation, foreign affairs, trade and investment should step up action aimed at grabbing a level playing field to ensure that 'Ojochide' did not die like others before it. Moreover, for Air Peace to survive this gang-up against it, the government should think of tax reductions, subsidise aviation fuel and apply waivers. Air Peace has to up their game to remain relevant. They should inculcate the necessary international best practices to survive. Delay of flights without apologies, refunds and compensation should not be an option. The airline can as well provide special discounted offers to lift travellers intending to travel to London from local airports in the country and directly connect them to Lagos. This is what other international airlines cannot do.

REV RICHARD PETERS

Food Insecurity to Worsen Agric GDP Decline in 2024

Nigeria’s rising headline inflation rate has been driven by high cost of food. This has been the trend for a long time now, culminating in the latest inflation surge of 33.2 percent in March 2024, up from 31.7 percent as of February.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) maintains that the surge in food inflation continues to challenge the economy with firms shutting down over high operation costs while households experience steep drop in living standard spiked by high cost of living.

The NBS also explained that worsening insecurity across the country, especially in the North whichs the nation’s food basket, is behind the high cost of food. It noted that the mass food producing areas of the North have been under the siege of insecurity in the past nine years.

In states like Niger, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Katsina, Taraba and others, the farming communities have deserted their farm lands where they were displaced by bandits, herdsmen, terrorists and kidnappers; and are now living in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Unfortunately, there are no signs that the ugly trend is likely to improve in 2024 given the continued spate of killings and abductions in the North since the beginning of the Bola Tinubuled government in May 2023.

An added dimension to the sad situation is the insecurity and high cost of transporting food items from the North to other parts of the country, especially the South. Recently, there are cases of youth attacking trucks carrying food items and looting their cargoes.

Additionally, extortion, multiple levies and taxes created by security personnel, state and local government

EDITOR Sam Diala

FirstBank Emerges Best Private Bank in Nigeria, Best Private Bank For Sustainable Investment in Africa at Global Finance Awards

PAGE 15

N30trn Ways And Means: Senate’s Financial Probe Exceeds Deadline, Rolls Into Eight Weeks

BY SAM DIALA

The Senate’s probe of N30 trillion Ways and Means loan obtained by the Muhammadu Buhari Administration from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has snowballed into eight weeks, against the scheduled four weeks deadline for a report.

The Senate had on February 27, 2024 constituted a nine-member ad-hoc committee to probe the disbursement and usage of the humongous N30 trillion Ways and Means loan and to submit report back in four weeks.

The Senate’s action followed public outcry over the detrimental impact of the obviously mismanaged Ways and Means facility on the economy, setting the pace for runaway inflation, which has created severe economic challenges for the people.

Inflation rate surged to an unprecedented 33.2 percent in March 2024, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. Government places the high inflation rate at the door steps of the Buhari contrived N30 trillion Ways and Means.

According to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, the N22.7 trillion printed by the Central Bank of Nigeria through Ways and Means overdraft under former President Muhammadu ignited the economic troubles. Edun, who stated this while briefing the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja, noted that during the period, the printing of naira in trillions was carried out without any corresponding productive activities. He said, “We talked about inflation, and you have helped to solve that. Where has it come from? It came from the eight years of just printing money not matched by productivity. It’s not like when you earn dollars and you free it.”

While constituting the ad-hoc probe committee, the Senate further reiterated that the alleged reckless spending of the overdraft collected from the CBN under Buhari largely accounted for the food and security

crises facing the country.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibirin, who presided over the plenary, said:

“According to statistics, broad money supply, which is a key parameter for key inflationary trends, increased from N78.3 to 78.4 trillion in 2023. The highest ever recorded in Nigeria.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Ways and Means which provides direct lending to the federal government of Nigeria caused unprecedented liquidity in the economy and the current inflationary pressure that we are experiencing.

“The financial obligation to the CBN now stands at N30 trillion. The inability to repay this temporary accommodation by the federal government of Nigeria led to the regularisation of a 40-year loan at 9 per cent interest per annum.”

The Red Chamber therefore resolved to set up the ad-hoc committee, to investigate the overdraft because the details of the spending were not made available to the National Assembly.

Political and financial experts who spoke to THEWILL expressed skepticism over the Senate’s ability and willingness to pursue the probe to a logical end. They cited several probe cases embarked upon by the Upper Legislative Chamber in the past which failed to yield the expected result.

The latest was the probe of the over N11 trillion spent in the repair of Nigeria’s moribund refineries.

The Senate is yet to publish the report of its special committee constituted on October 24, 2023 to investigate all the contracts awarded for the rehabilitation of all state-owned refineries said to have gulped N11.35

Continues on page 15 Continues on page 15

BUSINESS WEEKLY

...Senate’s Financial Probe Exceeds Deadline, Rolls Into Eight Weeks

trillion in 13 years.

We all know the lawmakers as a bunch of jokers when it comes to critical national issues like they are currently toying with

The Senate action followed a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi during plenary, raising concern that the state-owned refineries had been a drain pipe of public finance, depriving the citizens of the benefits of being an oil-producing nation.

The Senate was told that from 2010 to date, Nigeria had spent about N11.35 trillion, excluding other costs in foreign currencies, such as $592, 976, 050.00; £4, 877, 068.47 and N3, 455, 656.93, on the renovation of refineries, yet the facilities remained unproductive.

The committee was directed to submit their findings to the Senate within four weeks (November 24, 2923). Seven months after it was inaugurated, the outcome of the committee’s assignment is yet to be announced by the Senate.

“The Senate’s action would amount to nothing. Nigerian lawmakers are funny characters. Probe and investigation has become their way of passing time when they want to draw the public's attention. We all know the lawmakers as a bunch of jokers when it comes to critical national issues like they are currently toying with”, said Engr. Greg Ikhehide, an oil and gas operator.

While the public awaited the outcome of the Senate committee set up to investigate the perennial refineries repairs, the government announced that it was set to audit the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Wale Edun, following criticism of the national oil company by the World Bank which referred to NNPCL activities as lacking in transparency.

Some oil and gas as well as investment experts had reacted to the federal government’s plan to audit the operations of NNPCL amid Senate’s probe of the unending repair of the refineries, describing it as an elaborate hoax that will yield no useful results.

An investment expert and managing director/CEO, Taurus Oil & Gas Limited. Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, had told THEWILL that the government was not telling Nigerians the truth as NNPCL cannot be audited by the same government that has full control over it, without restructuring the organisation.

According to him, the government would pretend to be eager to please the World Bank but, in reality, nothing will come out of it because it is difficult for the government to indict itself over the deep-rooted corruption that the NNPCL is notorious for over the years.

“While the decision to probe the humongous 30 trillion Ways and Means is commendable, this ‘Rubber Stamp’ Senate lacks the capacity to execute it. Except it is aimed at witch-hunting a particular individual, nothing will come sout of it,” said Ademola Bakare, a public affairs analyst.

According to Bakare, it is the same politicians that approved the endless requests from Buhari without asking questions. He recalled that the immediate past Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, had boastfully said the Senate would approve any request from Buhari because the lawmakers are there to serve the people. So, any request from Buhari should be seen to be in the interest of the people.

THEWILL recalls that the Senate had on December 30, 2023 approved the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion outstanding Ways and Means debit balance advance in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government as requested by President Bola Tinubu (which raised the total Ways and Means to N30 trillion).

Some public affairs analysts blamed the wave of frivolous Ways and Means approved by the Senate on the unfortunate mishap where the federal government abandoned raising revenues to focus on cheap money for printing without assets or reserves.

...Worsen Agric GDP Decline in 2024

agencies and hoodlums add to the frustration experienced by motorists and traders who dare it to convey the food items to other parts of the country.

At the backdrop of sustained rise in prices of staple food items in the market, Nigeria has recorded an unprecedented food inflation rate of 40.01 percent in March 2024

According to NBS, food inflation in Nigeria averaged 13.26 percent from 1996 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 40.01 percent in March of 2024 and a record low of -17.50 percent in January of 2000.

Economists and financial analysts explained that the development would put more pressure on the purchasing power of average Nigerian and they also predict that the trend will continue for some months before stabilising.

The analysts also see a wider headline inflationary jump in this month (April) to 34.6 percent, representing a 2.4 percentage month-on-month rise resulting from the recent hike in electricity tariff.

“The inflation outlook is biased to the upside, a consequence of the recent implementation of a new electricity tariff. For context, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) have hiked price for Band A customer from N68 to N225 per kilowatt hour.

“Nevertheless, we see some downside risk from the recent currency sustainability. Overall, we project inflation to print 34.6% in April 2024”, analysts at CardinalStone Finance Limited, a Lagos-based investment house said in a note to their clients.

The trend will certainly impact negatively on the agricultural sector which has been on a continued decline in the past seven years – since 2017.

According to data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), aside from the second quarter (Q2) of 2016 when agriculture achieved a real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.5 percent year-on-year, the sector has maintained an uninterrupted slide in the past seven years. The facts speak:

In Q2 2017, agriculture declined to a growth rate of 3.01 percent (from 4.5 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year), before it hit 1.19 percent in Q2 2018. The fortune of this strategic sector, which is the largest employer of labour, rose marginally to 1.79 percent in Q2 2019, then plunged to 1.58 percent in Q2 2020.

Although the overall GDP growth rate rose to 3.40 percent in Q2 2021 from -1.92 percent in the previous year’s equivalent period, the positive trend did not impact on agriculture

The sector, instead, nosedived to a 1.3 percent growth rate in Q2 of that year. It then sank deeper to 1.2 percent in Q2 2022, before recording a stunted growth of 1.50 percent in Q2 2023.

In all, while the overall contribution of agriculture to GDP hovered on the average of 23 percent during the seven-year period, the receding fortune of this sector was a major concern to the consumer goods firms. This is because the consumer goods firms rely significantly on agriculture to source their local raw materials under the backward integration policy.

In his reaction, President of Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr Femi Egbesola, said the development will worsen survival of small businesses, including those in the agricultural sector.

“More Nigerians will suffer from hunger, and lack of access to basic necessities and amenities, worse of it is health and medical needs.

“Overall, the implications of this on SMEs is that many more businesses will die off and become ailing, job losses will increase as many more businesses will lay off workers”, he was quoted as saying.

FirstBank Emerges Best Private Bank in Nigeria, Best Private Bank For Sustainable Investment in Africa at Global Finance Awards

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, announced its recognition as the Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa at the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held at the Harvard Club of New York on March 21, 2024. According to Global Finance, its Private Bank Awards honours banks that best serve the specialized needs of high-net-worth individuals as they seek to enhance, preserve, and pass on their wealth.

FirstBank Private Banking business model was revamped in January 2023 on the back of a stellar performance in 2022, to consolidate its position and maintain a pride of place as the leading Private Bank in Nigeria with distinct product offerings covering investment advisory, wealth management, asset management and lifestyle solutions.

The bank has remained consistent in reinventing itself, enabling success through the years of its existence for the last 130 years, responding to the changes in the private wealth space and

the opportunities presented by certain factors like borderless technology, renewed interest in mineral wealth, migration opportunities, concerns for wealth preservation amongst many others.

Receiving the awards, Idowu Thompson, Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management, FirstBank said; “We are greatly honoured to be recipients of the awards Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa. Both are testaments to our enduring commitment to continuously creating value by strengthening financial awareness and driving inclusiveness in our customers journeys from wealth creation, growth, preservation and its orderly transfer.”

“We are delighted with the impact we have made in putting our customers first as this has played a very vital role in enabling their successes and contributing to national development. These awards are dedicated to our esteemed customers. We reaffirm our continued dedication to continuing to improve and delivering excellence in banking.”

Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance said: “Private banking

is an art as well as a science in which knowledge of economic and financial trends are paired with a deep understanding of client needs. Global Finance’s Private Bank Awards highlight institutions that deliver both.”

Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty are: Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Most Innovative Digital Bank, 2024- Nigeria by Digital Banker Africa the Most Innovative Banking Brand in Nigeria 2023 by Global Brands Awards; Financial Institution of the Year 2023 by Afrexim Bank; and Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023 by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations. Through strategic investments, innovative solutions, and a steadfast dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, FirstBank has remained a trailblazer in sustainable finance for its customers, irrespective of where they may be across the globe.

DEBT PROFILE & EXCHANGE RATE 2014-2023(Q2)

...A Legislative Intervention ENERGY/FOR THE RECORD

Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as The Nation Migrates to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market: A Legislative Intervention

This statistic is not just a number; it represents a dire constraint on economic potential and a significant barrier to improving our collective quality of life and as such this workshop and other similar thought exercises are not only timely but must move beyond talk that is referred to as being cheap to action that will translate into a reality that will make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY INTERVENTIONS

Act 2005, Implementation of the National Electric Power Policy and creation of the National Energy Policy framework were key initiatives in the early 2000s, along with the establishment of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and the initiation of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs). This period also saw the enactment of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), leading to the formation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the unbundling of the power sector into 18 companies. Additionally, policies promoting renewable energy were introduced with the Renewable Energy Action Program (REAP).

- Privatization and Tariff Structuring (2008-2013): The sector's roadmap was established with the introduction of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), and privatization efforts were accelerated with the sale of generation and distribution assets. These efforts aimed to create a more efficient and financially viable power sector by aligning costs and tariffs and attracting private sector

- Reform and Recovery Measures (2014 to date): A transitional electricity market was implemented, followed by the release and subsequent opposition to MYTO 2.1 by consumer groups.

The Power Sector Recovery Program (PSRP) was released to address sector challenges. Most recently, the "Eligible Customer" regulation was issued, and the Electricity Bill was signed into law as the Electricity Act 2023 to further regulate the market, aiming to bolster investor confidence and ensure sustainable development in the power sector.

The privatisation of November 1st, 2013, on the back of EPSRA (2005), was supposed to provide an environment, from legislative, regulatory and policy perspective, which would have alleviated or ameliorated the issues that have been previously listed. In particular, EPSRA established the legal framework for structuring the privatisation, established the basis for the formation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), provided for a regulatory framework and process, and also sought to promote the tenets for a commercially viable and sustainable electricity

Alas, what EPSRA did not envisage were the challenges that are currently besieging the NESI – lack of market liquidity, policy and regulatory inconsistency and somersaults, historical absence of a cost-reflective tariff and inconsistency in tariff reviews, unstable macroeconomic environment, customer inability to pay and theft of electricity, a prevalence of outdated and inadequate electricity infrastructure due to lack of investment that, fundamentally, undermines the operators’ ability to provide efficient service, a metering gap puts DisCo revenue assurance at risk, while alienating customers who are subject to estimated billing, etc

As a matter of fact, since the privatisation initiative under the now-repealed Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 (EPSRA), the sector parties have encountered numerous challenges:

From:

- Limited generation, as power production remains distressingly low at around 4,000 MW for a population exceeding 200 million; The generating companies received for example 9% of the invoices in the last payment cycle.

To - Bankability issues across the sector, with declining investment which can be traced to regulatory inconsistencies and an unattractive National investment climate;

- And unemployment which has limited the national purchasing power, exacerbated by insufficient industrial activity, and which continues to rise alarmingly.

It is general knowledge that the Legislative and Executive arms of government have taken steps to close the gaps that exist in the power Sector, foster initial Public-Private Partnerships and stimulate sector-wide investments, from 2001 to date, certain steps have been taken, including: - Policy and Legislation Evolution (2001-2013): Enactment of the Electricity Power Sector Reform

This does not imply that the legislative and executive branches have been complacent; quite the contrary, as evidenced by the actions outlined above.

There is an age-old saying that investors are averse to risk that is unmanageable. Unfortunately,

ENERGY/FOR THE RECORD

largely, the risk associated with the power sector has been outside of the control of the investors, with the passage of the Electricity Act, 2023 (EA), which we are here to discuss, a case in point. I make this reference within the context of the investors not being invited to contribute to the drafting of the related Bill. While I note that the drafting of the EA and its subsequent enactment was driven by the need to address the inadequacies of EPSRA and, as investors, we applaud the related effort, we believe that our participation in the bill-making process would have strengthened the EA in a way that would have, perhaps, further contributed to the enabling environment that NESI urgently needs. Nevertheless, we are grateful for this workshop which, from my understanding, seeks to, potentially, improve upon the EA. Only rapid and accelerated investment can ameliorate the challenges in the sector, the quantum of investment required is too large for Government alone and hence Laws should be investor friendly, and investor aligned (within the

Indeed, the National Assembly, via the Act, is to be commended for introducing reforms that seek to enhance and promote sectoral performance, as well as introduce sub-national (State Government) participation along the electricity value chain. With the enactment of the EA, understandably, as investors, we have reviewed the act to determine how best it can both promote efficacious operations of NESI, as well and foster increased investment in

• Contributing to increased efficiency, innovation, and

• State participation that allows for a collaborative arrangement across the spectrum of the Federal Government, State

• Protection of investor assets, in the event of revocation of license

• Greater and improved opportunities for the operators to partner

• An Independent System Operator (ISO) to perform market and

• Increased bureaucracy, transaction costs and lack of clarity of contractual obligations associated with mandatory formation of subsidiary companies that result from State formation of electricity boards/commissions or establishment of electricity markets.

Accordingly, I do not believe that it is farfetched to state the recent increase under Band A tariffs is directly connected to the clarity and provisions that the regulator now operates under, in accordance with the stipulations of the EA. This increase is a major contributor, as a first step towards addressing the growing illiquidity of NESI. Collectively, we have to be mindful that public debt is generational debt, at a time when government electricity tariff subsidy obligation, previously estimated at N1.6 trillion for 2024, but projected to exceed N3 trillion (without the recent increase under Band A). There is no such animal as “government debt” that is separate from us as citizens. We all share the burden of debt, with the risk or danger of passing such debt to future generations, in the absence of corrective action.

Question of validity of state electricity laws versus federal laws. Lack of clarity of operator roles, i.e. Distribution of electricity licensee versus Electricity Supplier licensee. Lack of clarity on license duration, with related determination left to the Licensing of IEDN’s to coexist with subsidiary DisCo. Flow of power between states – boundary metering

• Absence of provision addressing mobile courts, for expedited prosecution of electricity offenses.

• While the provision under the act allowing for the regulator’s licensing interventions of revocation, board dissolution or suspension seeks to promote efficiency, accountability, and performance of the operators, it needs to be revisited to provide transparency and guidelines to

• The Fiscal uncertainties the new Act has created need to be addressed urgently and head on. Subsidies do not only exist as a consequence of inefficiencies in the market but also exist when Governments decide to intervene on behalf of citizens. When a State decides to regulate, does it inherit the subsidies created during tariff regulation if cost reflectivity isn’t achieved? How does this impact service providers that are national? It should be noted that States generally and legally do not operate fiscal deficits. What happens when a State regulates a subsidy it has not budgeted for fiscally? Some of the provisions of the EA need to align with the other Fiscal laws of the land and align to how the National and Sub-National expenditure frameworks operate. Without this, some of the provisions may be deemed incompatible with the law or inoperable.

• Operation of Gas laws and Gas pricing have significant impacts on the NESI due to the fact that Gas Generation is 70%+ of the nation’s production, we need to look at the sustainability of pricing gas for domestic power supply in US Dollars while consumers earn wages and pay for electricity in Naira. Partial indexation and dedicated local supply gas wells with incentives need to be looked at.

It is difficult for the NESI when extemporaneous factors that impact the sector are not considered. The main driver for today’s subsidy was the Naira devaluation’s impact on Gas prices to the sector. Subsidy had been substantially eliminated by the last administration through consistent tariff

Looking at where we are coming from, Indeed, it is clear that the history of NESI is replete with all manner of regulatory, policy and contractual aberrations, including multiple instances of declaration of Force Majeure by the operators. Any legislative intervention under the EA that fosters the progressive resolution of NESI’s historical deficiencies is a good thing.

the tariff adjustment not only compels the DisCos and other operators along the NESI value chain to bring their “A game,” no pun intended, it also sends the right signals to investors and lenders that there is a pathway to recovery of invested or lent funds. Furthermore, it provides the beginning of the injection of capital that is critical to improving service delivery across the customer tariff bands. Cost reflectivity or recovery is not a punitive measure adopted by the regulator or electricity operators, but a pricing approach that is consistent with every day commercial practice of doing business. Of particular interest is the fact that with the increase in the Band A tariff, Nigeria’s electricity tariff remains the lowest in West Africa at $0.02/kwh versus an average of $0.17/kwh for Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Not to allow for the operators to recover their reasonable and efficient costs of operation, thereby stemming the mounting debt, is to put the entire NESI value chain at a risk of systemic failure, specifically, and a continued deterioration of the economy in general. There is no further affirmation of the need to work diligently towards addressing NESI’s illiquidity than this quote from American Financial Advisor, Mr. Dave Ramsey, who said, “There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt.”

In conclusion, I would like to applaud the House of Representatives and, specifically, the House Committee on Power, for scheduling this workshop. Beyond scheduling this workshop is the message that is being sent that law-making is dynamic; that law-making is serious business on how to improve the lives of Nigerians; and that the House of Representatives is attuned to the challenges of NESI, with an interest in how to legislatively contribute to getting NESI on the right track for commercial sustainability and viability.

Clearly, from my perspective, legislation must go hand-in-hand with regulatory and policy determinations to promote the enabling environment that will encourage investment in the sector. For these to happen, there are some points to note:

• On Grid Modernization: If the grid is to support renewable energy, focus on integrating technologies to support renewable energy sources and enhance the resilience and capacity of our national grid is important. The goal is to create a smart grid that not only supports current demand but is also adaptable to future innovations and energy needs.

• On Boosting Investment Appeal: To revive and sustain investment in our power sector, we must establish a stable and transparent regulatory environment. Investment security, through policy consistency and favorable economic conditions, is essential to attract both local and international investors. Our focus must be on creating an attractive value proposition that balances risk with potential returns, fostering an investment climate where stakeholders feel confident and valued.

• On Consumer Empowerment: At the heart of our reforms must be the empowerment of Nigerian consumers. They deserve not only consistent and reliable access to electricity but also a voice in how energy policies are crafted and implemented. Enhancing consumer rights, ensuring affordability, and improving service delivery must be at the forefront of our efforts. True empowerment means moving beyond mere access to fostering ownership and participation in the energy ecosystem.

• On Collaborative and Inclusive Reform: The complexity of the challenges we face requires a collaborative approach that includes all stakeholders: government, private sector, civil society, and consumers. By working together, we can ensure that reforms are not only well-conceived but also effectively implemented. This collaborative approach will also facilitate the sharing of ideas, innovations, and best practices, essential for the iterative process of policy refinement. I would like to end with two quotations from the recent World Bank Spring meetings.

“Electricity is the basis by which people can access to health, people can get access to education, people can get access to the ability to innovate and manufacture and build productivity. … Without affordable access to energy, nothing is possible.”

- Mr. Ajay Banga, President, World Bank

“No economy can grow in the dark. No economy can industrialize in the dark. No economy can be competitive in the dark.”

- Mr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Let us, therefore, illuminate Nigeria together, ensuring that our collective future is bright, sustainable, and inclusive.

Thank you.

•A keynote speech by Kola Adesina, GMD/CEO Sahara Power Group, to the House of Representatives Commitee on Power Works resently,

Adesina

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I'm Determined to Nurture Engineering to New Heights – Oguntala

On January 1, 2023, Margaret Oguntala became the first female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, an institution with roots dating back to 1958. She speaks with IVORY UKONU about her plan for the institution and sundry issues.

Excerpts:

Congratulations on breaking the glass ceiling and emerging the first female president of Nigeria Society of Engineers. What does it feel like?

Thank you. Being the first female President of NSE is a groundbreaking achievement, representing a significant milestone in the history of the engineering profession in Nigeria. feel so proud to have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of female engineers to pursue leadership roles within the NSE and even beyond. It is indeed an honour to serve as a role model and inspiration to other women in the field, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without limitations. At the same time, being the first female President comes with a sense of responsibility to effectively represent the interests of all NSE members, regardless of gender. am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the engineering profession, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for ALL engineers, regardless of their backgrounds.

As a woman and mother, who embraces the responsibility of nurturing life, I am determined to nurture engineering to new heights, by rebirthing the NSE for the growth, empowerment and advancement of engineering in Nigeria. Overall, being the first female President of the NSE has been a profound empowering experience, allowing me to contribute to positive change in engineering and inspire others to believe in the limitless potential of women in engineering.

Is this a dream come true for you? Did you ever think in your wildest imagination that this would be your story some day?

Becoming the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers is truly a dream come true for me. It's an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the engineering profession in Nigeria. In all honesty, while I always aspired to contribute to the field of engineering and to advance within the Nigerian Society of Engineers, I never could have imagined that would be entrusted with such a significant leadership role. It's a testament to the support and encouragement I've received throughout my career, as well as to the progress that has been made in promoting gender diversity and inclusion within the engineering community. am deeply grateful for this opportunity and am committed to fulfilling my duties with dedication, integrity, and passion.

What are the qualities you believe worked in your favour and put you in the best position to emerge president of NSE? Several qualities have played a significant role in my journey to becoming the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

I have demonstrated strong leadership abilities throughout my career, both within the engineering profession and in various leadership roles within the Nigerian Society of Engineers. My ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as to effectively communicate a vision for the organiSation, has helped me gain the support of my peers and colleagues.

As an engineer, possess a strong technical background and expertise in my

field. This technical competence has earned me the respect of fellow engineers and has contributed to my credibility as a leader within the Nigerian Society of Engineers. addition, I am deeply committed to upholding highest standards of excellence in everything do. This commitment to excellence has guided my work within the Nigerian Society of Engineers and has earned me the trust and confidence of my colleagues. As a female engineer, have been a strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusion within the engineering profession. My efforts to promote diversity and to empower women engineers have resonated with many members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and have helped to create a more inclusive environment within the organization.

I have a clear vision for the future of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a strategic approach to achieving our goals. My ability to think strategically and to develop and implement plans for the advancement of the organization has been instrumental in my success as a leader.

How long is your tenure and is there room for re-election?

The tenure of the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers is 2years. Upon completion, the Deputy President will transition to the position of President. There is no room for re- election. So, you must be fully determined to make an impact in the Society within the two-year tenure.

You have obviously settled down to work. What are you hoping to do different from your predecessor to make your mark? NSE is now on a transformative journey to elevate Engineering in Nigeria and as the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, am deeply committed to advancing the role of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in nation building and ensuring their relevance in addressing the challenges facing our dear country.

Let me tell you some of our strategic roadmap outlining our priorities. We are prioritizing initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity, skills and competencies of Nigerian engineers, especially the young engineers to meet the evolving needs of the industry. We have started walking the talk. Right now we are about to conclude with our partners on international training, world-class workshops and certification programmes. These will commence in due course. Also, it is our plan to champion initiatives that foster innovation and research within the engineering community, with a focus on a developing homegrown solution to local challenges. We are creating platforms for collaboration between engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs as well as support innovative projects and start up. We already have engineering hub which we intend to scale up. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a hub for engineering. In addition, we have started contacting government agencies, policy makers, and stakeholders showing interest to work together and advocate for policies that promote the growth and development of the engineering profession in Nigeria. This includes, but not limited to, advocating for increased investment in infrastructure, adoption of innovative technologies and the implementation of sustainable development practices. Let me also add that we are prioritising Vocational Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (VSTEM) education to empower future leaders. We are supporting dedicated institutions with strategic endowments to ensure the thriving of VSTEM education for a generation of STEM leaders. For a greater Nigeria, we shall uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the profession, including adherence to codes of conduct, ethics, and best practices. We shall raise public awareness about the importance of engineering in nation building and engage with local communities to address their needs and concerns. Overall, we shall harness the collective expertise, passion, and ingenuity of Nigerian Engineers to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress in Nigeria. Together, we will build a brighter future for our country and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Although the situation is gradually changing and more females are now embracing engineering as a career, the numbers are still a far cry from that of the male folks. How do you plan to make it an even more attractive career choice for females to pursue?

As the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, I recognize the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the field of engineering. While we have made progress in encouraging more females to pursue engineering careers, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender parity in the field. I plan to support APWEN as a division of NSE to launch outreach programs targeted at young girls in schools to spark their interest in engineering

from an early age. These programs will include interactive workshops, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to successful female engineers as role models. In addition, we shall advocate for scholarships and funding opportunities specifically aimed at female engineering students to alleviate financial barriers and encourage more women to pursue higher education in engineering fields. Also, we shall continue to campaign to highlight the contributions of female engineers and showcase their achievements in various engineering disciplines. By raising awareness of the important role women play in engineering, we can challenge stereotypes and inspire more females to consider engineering as a viable career option. By implementing these initiatives and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we will make engineering a more attractive career choice for females and pave the way for greater gender diversity and representation in the field.

With the coming of artificial intelligence and society advancing as a result of it, how do you think it can positively influence engineers within the Nigerian context and to help them remain at the forefront of this technological advancement? believe that artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities for engineers within the Nigerian context to remain at the forefront of technological advancement. AI technologies can streamline engineering processes, automate repetitive tasks, and optimize resource allocation, thereby improving efficiency and productivity in engineering projects. This will enable Nigerian engineers to deliver high-quality solutions in a timely manner, enhancing their competitiveness on both local and global scales. Likewise, AI fosters innovation by providing engineers with powerful tools and techniques to solve complex problems and explore new frontiers in engineering design, analysis, and optimization. By leveraging AI technologies, Nigerian engineers can develop innovative solutions to address the unique challenges facing the country, from infrastructure development to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. AI-enabled collaboration platforms facilitate communication and collaboration among engineers, both within Nigeria and across borders. These platforms enable knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and collective problem-solving, fostering a vibrant engineering community that can tackle large-scale projects and drive socioeconomic development in Nigeria. Unarguably, AI education and training programs can help Nigerian engineers acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage AI technologies effectively in their work. By investing in lifelong learning and professional development initiatives, the Nigerian Society of Engineers can ensure that engineers remain abreast of the latest AI advancements and trends, positioning them as leaders in the field. Let me summarize that AI presents immense opportunities for Nigerian engineers to drive technological innovation, enhance productivity, and address societal challenges. By embracing AI technologies and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we will empower engineers to remain at the forefront of this technological revolution and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of Nigeria.

Female engineers suffer non-inclusivity and are sometimes overlooked for their male counterparts. How do you plan to change this narrative and promote inclusivity?

Like said earlier, I am deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and gender equality within the engineering profession. To change the narrative and address the challenges faced by female engineers, plan to raise awareness about the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity within the engineering profession through advocacy campaigns, workshops, and seminars. Educate both male and female engineers about the benefits of diversity and the need to create an inclusive work environment.

It is our plan to establish mentorship programs to pair female engineers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career advice. Create support networks and peer mentoring groups to foster collaboration and solidarity among female engineers and provide them with opportunities for professional growth and development. We shall recognize and celebrate the achievements of female engineers through awards, scholarships, and public recognition programs. Showcase their accomplishments and contributions to the engineering profession to inspire the next generation of female engineers and challenge stereotypes and biases. Of course, we shall continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity within the engineering profession. Work with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners to implement policies that support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of female engineers.

Nigerians are known to be some of the most brilliant people on a global scale. But they suffer some drawbacks, one of which is in their various professions. With engineering, what solutions would you proffer for these drawbacks and how do you plan to enhance the visibility of Nigerian engineers on the world stage? While Nigerians are indeed known for their brilliance and talent, there are some challenges and drawbacks that hinder their full potential. Nigeria faces significant challenges in infrastructure development, including inadequate transportation networks, unreliable power supply, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Also, corruption and governance issues remain pervasive in Nigeria, affecting public trust, investment climate, and overall development prospects. Nigeria lags behind in research and innovation compared to other countries, limiting opportunities for technological advancement and economic growth. To address these drawbacks and enhance the visibility of Nigerian engineers on the world stage, NSE will advocate for increased investment in infrastructure projects and support the development of sustainable infrastructure solutions. Nigerian engineers can play a critical role in addressing infrastructure deficiencies by designing and implementing innovative solutions for transportation, energy, water, and sanitation infrastructure. Also, NSE will collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners to expand access to quality engineering education and training programs. This includes promoting STEM education, offering scholarships and mentorship programs,

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Corruption and bureaucracy in government agencies and regulatory bodies often impede the growth of engineering projects. Bribery, red tape, and inefficiency can delay projects and increase costs, discouraging investment and innovation. Many engineers in Nigeria face challenges accessing state-of-theart technology, tools, and resources needed to execute engineering projects effectively. This hinders their ability to compete globally and deliver highquality results.

What was your motivation for settling for engineering when you could have settled for anything else?

From the onset, I always wanted to have the opportunity to impact society in meaningful ways and make a difference by designing sustainable infrastructure and addressing global issues like climate change and poverty. Also, am drawn into engineering because I enjoy solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Engineering offers continuous opportunities for growth and development and attracts individuals who are intellectually curious and enjoy learning new concepts and skills. All these influences my decision to settle for engineering.

How has your career choice shaped you to become who you are today?

My career as an Engineer often involves solving complex problems and addressing technical challenges. This fosters a strong problem-solving mindset and the ability to approach issues analytically and systematically, which are valuable skills in leadership roles that am holding now. Engineers are trained to think innovatively and creatively, seeking novel solutions to problems. Take a strategic approach to problem solving considering long term implications. This mindset of innovation is what am applying to leadership roles, driving the organizational growth, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement while strategic thinking ability is essential for me to make decisions that impact the future direction of the Society. Overall, the engineering career choice has shaped me to become an effective leader in the society by instilling valuable skills such as problem-solving, innovation, strategic thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. These qualities are essential for success in leadership roles within engineering organizations like the NSE.

You are a board member of some companies including BlackHouse Media, a Media and Public Relations outfit. Your role as an engineer and what BHM represents are two poles apart. What is the correlation?

My background in engineering equips me with a strong analytical mind set and problem-solving skills, which are valuable assets in any boardroom setting. BlackHouse Media, for example, thrives on innovation and strategic thinking, areas where my engineering background can contribute alongside the creative strengths of the team. Serving on multiple boards allows me to leverage my diverse skill set and gain exposure to different industries, fostering well-rounded business acumen.

You are a recipient of many awards. Which of the awards would you say is most important to you and why?

All the awards are so important to me because all the awards validate my hard work, achievements, align with my personal values, reflect my impact on society, recognize my philanthropic efforts, advocacy work and many more.

If you weren't an engineer, what other profession do you think you would have excelled in?

In a different life, might have gravitated towards a career in communications or storytelling. Acting in Wale Adenuga’s movies was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to explore creativity and connect with audiences. These are transferable skills that can be valuable in various fields.

nurturing life, I am determined to nurture engineering to new heights, by rebirthing

and advocating for curriculum reforms to align with industry needs. We shall not rest on our oars in advocating for transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in engineering practice. Engineers can serve as advocates for good governance and integrity in infrastructure projects, helping to combat corruption and promote sustainable development. As a technical Professional body, we shall support research and innovation initiatives that promote technological advancement and economic diversification. We are prioritizing strengthening partnerships and collaborations with international engineering organizations and networks. This includes participating in global engineering forums, conferences, and exchanges to showcase Nigerian engineering talent and expertise on the world stage.

What are some of the drawbacks mitigating against the growth of Nigerian engineers? Nigeria's infrastructure is often inadequate and poorly maintained, which limits opportunities for engineers to work on large-scale projects and hinders professional development. Nigeria allocates minimal funding to research and development compared to other countries. This lack of investment hampers innovation and limits opportunities for engineers to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects. Let me tell you that the current high rate of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria affects engineers, leading to job scarcity, low wages, and limited opportunities for career advancement.

Oguntala

Oguntala

&SOCIETY WEEKLY

RAZAQ AND SHADE OKOYA CELEBRATE 25TH MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY

The sayings that you should follow your heart if it brings you happiness and to not pay attention to what others say because there will always be opinions rings true for Folashade Okoya, the youngest wife of Chief Razak Akanni Okoya. When she met the now 84-year-old, she was very young, beautiful and still a student at the University of Lagos. She would later follow her conviction to marry him soon after she graduated. Many believed she was marrying the billionaire industrialist for his wealth. But she was confident in her decision and followed her heart. Some even speculated that the man wouldn't live long due to his age. However, God has blessed them both immensely. Not only is the octogenarian still well and alive, living in good health and thriving, but their marriage has also produced four lovely children who have all

grown up. Shade who's 47th birthday coincided with her marriage anniversary is today a successful wife, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and more. The double celebration expectedly took place at her expansive home in Lagos. It started off with prayers led by a group of Islamic clergy men. The party proper began as the prayers were rounded off. Some of the important personalities in attendance were Sena Anthony, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Mrs Risikiyat Adunni Adesoye, Queen Sekinat Elegushi, Justice Oguntade, Chief Adebutu Kessignton, Musiliu Obanikoro etc.

Bags Chieftaincy Title

are of utmost importance to him. He recently came out of hibernation when he celebrated his installation as the Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye by His Royal Majesty, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adenugba. The title was previously held by late Chief Jubril Martins-Kuye until his death in January 2021. Ironically, the title was conferred on Onabanjo in 2022 and the necessary traditional rites were performed at the Ebumawe's palace to confirm the chieftaincy title. The formal installation ceremony was however deferred to a later date which turned out to be this past weekend. Oba Adenugba said Onabanjo was chosen for the title in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of Ago-Iwoye. He said the footprints of Alex Onabanjo in the annals of Ago-Iwoye will forever remain indelible, noting that he has always been a pacesetter and champion of the good of Ago-Iwoye.

The lavish ceremony which took place at Ogun State, was witnessed by prominent sons and daughters of the State some of whom included, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Sunny Kuku, Oba Otudeko, Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Yeye Funke Daniel; Parallex Bank MD, Olufemi Bakre and his wife; Otunba Lekan Osifeso; Moji Dokpesi; Kenny Ogungbe; Idowu Ogungbe; Kenny st Brown and several others. Giving him her full support is his young wife, Kunle who stood by him like the rock of Gibraltar. Onabanjo who was an inlaw to former president Olusegun Obasanjo and

is still an inlaw to Caverton helicopters boss, Chief Remi Makanjuola, met and married Kunle when his marriage of 40 years crashed like a pack of badly arranged cards in 2018. Until their marriage crashed, himself and his wife, Yeye Lanre were a model couple to many who looked up to them because of the infectious love and companionship they both radiated. Onabanjo is an accomplished oil & gas magnate with global tentacles.

A philanthropist of note, some of his most significant contributions to humanity were made in the education sector. There is the endowment of Geological equipment worth N200 million to the Department of Earth Sciences in Ogun State University Ago-Iwoye which he made in 1999 and N227 million Otunba Alex Onabanjo Petrochemical Science Laboratory and Office Complex at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun Ogun State in 2007.

Another contribution he made was his donation of an auditorium and a senior staff Canteen to Tai Solarin University Of Education. Also, he donated an Electronic Library with 500 Computers and two generators. In 2020, to celebrate his 70th birthday, he built and donated an Academic Staff Building at the Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State and donated an Auditorium and a Senior Staff Canteen to Tai Solarin University Of Education. In addition to his current chieftaincy title, he is also the Otunba Sakinmolu of Ago-Iwoye and the Aro Oba of Ago-Iwoye.

Meet Patience Ndidi, The Only Female Governorship Aspirant in Edo State

The Akpobomes

ALIBABA AND WIFE TO DEDICATE TRIPLETS IN MAY

Veteran comedian and actor, Atunyota Akpobome Alleluia, otherwise known as Alibaba, is getting set to shut down the Lekki area of Lagos with a party in celebration of the dedication of his triplets which he welcomed a few months ago. The party is expected to take place next Sunday. The event will start with a dedication service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ the Lord Central Parish, Lekki, Lagos State. This will be followed quickly by a mother of all reception parties at the Jewel by Aeida Event Centre, also in the Lekki area.

Recall that the comedian who is a father of grown-up children had announced on his social media page on April 1, that himself and his wife, Mary had welcomed a set of triplets. Expectedly his social media page where he had put up the post was flooded with congratulatory messages. However, not a few were a bit sceptical about the authenticity of the news and understandably so for a few reasons. He made the announcement on a day that is widely regarded as All Fools Day, a day (in this regard, April 1) set aside for harmless pranks, practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting 'April Fools.' Also, putting into consideration his wife's age she is 55, the plausibility that she actually got pregnant, and they both welcomed triplets was slim. Alibaba himself is inching towards 60. Besides, they already had five children. So, who in their right senses would welcome more children after five, right? Or so the skeptics thought. And finally, the comedian named his boys, Aaron, Aalexander, and Aandrew. Skeptics were double sure he played a prank.

THEWILL had exclusively reported that Alibaba wasn't playing pranks and he indeed welcomed the children but not with his wife. They were born via a surrogate in the Federal Capital City. At first, they chose to keep the delivery under wraps for reasons best known to father and mother. But soon, Alibaba began to itch to announce their delivery while his wife preferred, they continue to keep it under wraps. Alibaba won the game of wits and made the announcement.

candidates of their various political parties, the number has been finally pruned to 17 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Of the 17, only one woman made the cut. And she is Patience Ndidi Key who will be jostling for the number one seat with 16 men on the platform of Peoples Redemption Party, PRP. Patience began the journey with about eight women in the race, some of whom included Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Omosedei Igbinedion, Victoria Amua Amu, Asha Emily Okojie, Angela Aburime-Asom etc. who all didn't make the

final cut. Ironically, she was also a presidential aspirant on her party's platform, PRP in the 2023 general election. Unable to make a headway as a presidential aspirant with her manifesto, following claims that Kola Abiola stole her mandate by emerging the presidential candidate of the party during the primary, she is hoping to do so as a gubernatorial aspirant. A graduate of Geography and Regional Studies from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Coppin State University, Maryland, USA.

Dahiru Mangal Hosts Northern Elites to Daughter's Wedding

Dahiru Mangal, the billionaire businessman who serves as the founder and chairman of Max Airline this weekend, hosted northern elites to the grand wedding of his daughter, Nafisa to her lover, Muhammad Bashir Mangal who happens to be her uncle. The groom is a nephew of the businessman. The wedding extravaganza began on Friday April 26, in an event aptly named traditional Kamu day. Kamu means to catch the bride and it is one of the oldest and most interesting events in

northern traditional weddings. To get the bride, the groom’s family negotiates with the bride’s friends for her release. It is a really fun event and negotiation may take up to 30 minutes followed by a fun reception. This took place at Katsina's foremost event centre, Paramount Event centre. Guests made up of the mother's friends, family members and the bride's friends were thrilled by Hamisu Breaker and Aminu Mai Dawayya, both popular northern musicians. Katsina State cultural troupe were on hand to entertain the newlyweds and their guests as well. Steering proceedings at the pre wedding event was one of Kano State's most sought-after female Master of ceremonies, Sury Mata. Later that evening, the bride changed into a white bridal wedding gown to host close friends and family to an intimate dinner. On Saturday was the main wedding party and it had a roll call of the who is who in northern political and business circles.

Is Senator Enoh Charting New Course For Nigerian Athletics?

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

As the world's spotlight gradually shifts towards the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a sense of cautious optimism permeates the Nigerian sports fraternity. For decades, the narrative has been one of immense talent overshadowed by inadequate funding, haphazard preparations and administrative lapses. However, under the stewardship of Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, there is a feeling that a new dawn may be on the horizon.

Enoh's insistence on the timely release of funds to prepare Nigerian athletes for the upcoming Games has struck a chord with stakeholders long accustomed to the pitfalls of delayed financing. "The ministry would ensure the timely release of funds to prepare Nigerian athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games," he stated emphatically when discussing the Ministry of Sports Development’s readiness for the Games, a declaration that carries both promise and responsibility.

Yet, actions will ultimately speak louder than words. The minister's assurances must be backed by a meticulous implementation strategy and rigorous oversight to ensure that the funds reach their intended destinations – the athletes, training programmes and support systems – without falling prey to the bureaucratic quagmire that has plagued Nigerian sports for far too long. A failure to uphold these commitments would only perpetuate the frustrations of the past and further erode the dwindling trust of athletes and fans alike.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope that Enoh's vision will extend beyond mere rhetoric. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has disclosed ongoing camps for homebased athletes in preparation for the World Relays, a crucial stepping stone towards securing Olympic qualification

For every hint of optimism, there are glimpses of Nigeria's entrenched challenges that refuse to dissipate. The AFN has long been embroiled in leadership tussles that have consistently threatened to undermine its efficiency and cohesion, a distraction that could derail even the most well-intentioned plans. Even with the Minister's promising display, it was not that long ago that Nigerian athletes protested at the Tokyo Games against their own government's treatment in what remains an international embarrassment. Footballers, male and female, have also had cause to protest, a stark reminder that troubled finances have been par for the course in Nigerian sports, often leaving a trail of broken promises and unfulfilled potential in their wake.

The Mangals

The Okoyas

Before The NFF Appoints a New Super Eagles Coach..

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confronts a pivotal decision in appointing the next head coach for the Super Eagles, a choice that could profoundly shape the trajectory of Nigerian football in the years ahead. Among the frontrunners are two former Nigerian internationals, Emmanuel Amunike and Finidi George, whose illustrious playing careers were marked by notable achievements on the global stage.

However, the NFF must evaluate their credentials as coaches objectively, weighing both their strengths and limitations, rather than relying solely on their reputations as players. The role of the Super Eagles head coach demands a comprehensive set of skills that extend far beyond mere familiarity with the Nigerian football landscape.

As a player, Amunike immortalised his name into the history books, becoming the first African to score at both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. He was recognised as the African Footballer of the Year in 1994 and the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 1996, highlighting his exceptional talent on the pitch.

Amunike's coaching career, however, has been a mixed bag. While he guided the Nigerian Under-17 team to an unprecedented fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2015, demonstrating his ability to nurture young talent, his tenure as the head coach of the Tanzanian national team was less successful. Despite leading Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in nearly four decades, his team failed to win a single game at the tournament, resulting in his leaving the position.

Amunike's decision to pursue the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence makes obvious his commitment to self-improvement and a desire to stay current with modern coaching methods. However, his stints with Egyptian club, Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambian side, Zanaco, were not particularly remarkable, raising questions about his ability to consistently deliver results at the highest levels.

win against Ghana and a loss to Mali.

While George's ability to command respect from his players and implement his tactical philosophies was evident, his decision-making regarding team selection and substitutions drew criticism from some quarters. Additionally, his lack of extensive

experience at the international level raises concerns about his readiness to lead the Super Eagles on the global stage, where the demands and pressures are significantly higher.

On the other hand, Finidi George's name evokes a sense of nostalgia among Nigerian football fans, as he was an integral part of the Super Eagles' historic journey to the 1994 FIFA World Cup and their triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. His playing career featured stints with top European clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, where he won the UEFA Champions League and Real Betis, highlighting his adaptability and mental fortitude.

As a coach, George has enjoyed success in the domestic league, guiding Enyimba FC to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title in the 2022/2023 season. However, his recent interim appointment as the Super Eagles head coach during the international break yielded mixed results, with a

The NFF's

The NFF's decision cannot be based solely on the candidates' playing careers and coaching records; it must also consider their potential impact on the broader development of Nigerian football, their ability to nurture the next generation of talent and their vision for establishing a sustainable winning culture within the national team setup.

Amunike's discovery of talents like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze during his time with the Golden Eaglets demonstrates his eye for identifying and developing young players, a skill that is invaluable for a national team coach. However, his recent coaching stints have not yielded consistent results, raising questions about his ability to translate his player development skills into sustained success at the senior level.

On the other hand, George's tenure at Enyimba FC and his recent interim role with the Super Eagles provide him with a platform to exhibit his leadership abilities and tactical chops on a national and continental level. However, his lack of extensive international coaching experience may be a concern for those seeking a more seasoned candidate to guide the Super Eagles through the rigors of World Cup qualification and major tournaments.

Moreover, the NFF must consider the candidates' ability to transcend their roles as coaches and become ambassadors for Nigerian football on the global stage. The Super Eagles head coach carries the weight of a nation's expectations and his conduct on and off the pitch can shape perceptions of Nigerian football worldwide. In this regard, Amunike's pursuit of the UEFA Pro Licence demonstrates his commitment to professional growth and his desire to be recognised as a coach of international calibre, while George's recent interim role provides him with an opportunity to showcase his leadership qualities on a broader stage.

Another critical factor that the NFF must weigh is the financial implications of each candidate's appointment. While both Amunike and George may represent more cost-effective options as local coaches, the Federation must ensure that the chosen candidate can command the resources and support necessary to build a competitive and sustainable programme.

Furthermore, the NFF must evaluate the candidates' long-term visions for Nigerian football, their ability to develop and implement a comprehensive youth development strategy, as well as their plans for fostering a strong domestic league that can serve as a breeding ground for future national team players.

Ultimately, the NFF's decision must be guided by a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's qualifications, their ability to elevate the standard of Nigerian football and their potential to inspire future generations of players and coaches. The role of the Super Eagles head coach is a responsibility that carries the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. The choice made will resonate far beyond the confines of the pitch, shaping the trajectory of Nigerian football for years to come.

Amunike and George possess impressive credentials and experiences that make them viable candidates for the Super Eagles head coach role. However, the NFF must look beyond their status as former Nigerian legends and look deeper into their capacity to lead, inspire and elevate Nigerian football to unprecedented heights. It is a decision that demands careful consideration, weighing the strengths and limitations of each candidate, and choosing the one who can best guide the Super Eagles towards sustained success on the global stage.

decision cannot be based solely on the candidates' playing careers and coaching records; it must also consider their potential impact on the broader development of Nigerian football, their ability to nurture the next generation of talent and their vision for establishing a sustainable winning culture within the national team

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