THEWILL NEWSPAPER August 13, 2023

Many people complain about not being able to get a visa to South Africa, so it was only natural that I ask our cover personality Dr Bobby Moroe the Consul General of South Africa in Lagos, about the process for securing a visa. Is there a particular category of people who are issued a visa? He responded that people who meet the requirements get a visa. They have even taken it a step further by asking that applications be screened so those who do not meet the criteria don’t have to spend money applying. This way, they save their money. “However, what we have done is we have requested VFS to screen all applications so they don’t accept those that do not qualify. It would be a waste of their money for us to accept when we know that perhaps the applicant doesn’t have a bank statement or yellow fever certificate, so we make it easier for them by making sure that we don’t accept incomplete applications.”

We also talked about the killing of Nigerians, which he called acts of criminality, not xenophobia. We discussed the process investors must go through to invest in South Africa, just as South African companies like MTN have been able to invest here in Nigeria. Read his interview on pages 8 through 10.

I recently had a breakout on my face and was worried about how to conceal it. Luckily, I knew not to try to cover it with makeup. Instead, I bought a face wash to address the problem. Our beauty page points out mistakes people make when trying to conceal pimples.

A positive outlook on life helps us overcome challenges when faced with them. Our wellness page spotlights how positive thinking impacts our lives and examines ways in which positive thinking affects us.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Tinubu’s Dilemma Deepens as Nigerians Resist Military Intervention

BY AMOS ESELE WITH ADDITIONAL REPORT FROM AYO ESAN

West African military chiefs have agreed to meet in the days ahead to draw up a plan on the best way to set in motion the directive of ECOWAS leaders to deploy a standby force as an option against the Ngerien junta.

Having met in Nigeria’s capital Abuja on August 2, 2023, four days to the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given by ECOWAS to the Nigerien Junta to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, this second meeting would be a follow-up to the Abuja extraordinary summit which directed the regional defence chiefs to be on stand-by, should the diplomatic option fail.

However, THEWILL investigation shows that member states’ readiness in terms of mobilisation, finance and support for the envisaged military option may prove challenging.

A recent report commissioned by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA, showed “that

Nigeria and 10 other ECOWAS countries are currently in distress, based on a debt sustainability analysis.

“The 10 other countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

The report, titled ‘Debt Management, Restricting and Sustainability in ECOWAS’, showed that, “11 ECOWAS countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo – are currently in debt distress. However, the remaining four countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali and Sierra Leone – are at low risk of debt distress.

“We also find that a financial catastrophe caused by a debt crisis in one country may spread throughout the region. Nigeria’s financial woes, in particular, portend a serious threat to other countries in the region,” the report concluded.

For the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, the challenge is stark.

Following the sudden reaction of ECOWAS leaders to the coup plotters through the issuance of an ultimatum to the junta to restore President Bazoum to power, President Tinubu as Chairman of the regional bloc on August 4, wrote to the Senate but failed to get its support for request for military build -up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger, should they remain recalcitrant.

Other request like cutting off electricity supply to Niger Republic; mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique; preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports; closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivation of the border drilling exercise, sailed through.

Nigerians Resist Military Intervention

“Tinubu is being forced to become a puppet of the West to protect conspiratorial Western interest and this is not good for what he stands for,” Professor Bola Akinterinwa, former Director-General of Nigeria Institute for International Affairs, NIIA, told THEWILL in a brief interview on Friday, regarding the military intervention being considered by ECOWAS leaders.

He added, “The President’s foreign policy is to defend Nigeria. He must not accept that conspiracy to undermine Nigeria. Being President of Nigeria confers on him the power to lead the most populous country in Africa and black people all over the world. He must see himself in that perspective and not that of ECOWAS which is a supra-national organisation to which every country delegates a fraction of its sovereignty.”

For the current president and director-general of the Bolytag Centre for International Diplomacy and Strategic Studies, diplomacy is the only viable option Tinubu must support because unlike Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea which are under military rule, Niger is composed of almost 80 per cent Hausa- Fulani, which make the neighbouring country look like another northern Nigeria. “ECOWAS interest must not trump Nigeria’s interests,” he said.

PECULIAR CONNECTION BETWEEN NIGER AND NIGERIA

One of the strong points that nailed Tinubu’s requests before the Senate was the interconnectedness between Nigeria and Niger, which is geographically situated on top of Nigeria. The ancestral, cultural and social-political connection was aptly demonstrated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During Buhari’s 2019 campaign re-election bid, four state governors from Niger Republic crossed the border between both countries into Kaduna, dressed in the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, white/green uniform and joined the former president’s campaign train.

While commissioning the Katsina to Maradi (Niger) railway line in 2021, Buhari said the aim for constructing the line was to ease transportation in Niger. Moreover, many Nigerians, as confirmed by former Katsina governor, Aminu Bello Masari, following terror attacks, relocated to Nigerien towns where they own houses and come to work in many Nigeria cities and towns in border states, such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe and Zamfara. In fact, Tinubu’s meeting with the governors of these states recently highlighted their interconnectedness with Nigeriens.

THEWILL recalls that on the eve of his departure from the Presidential Villa, Buhari said he would relocate to Niger if politicians failed to let him be after vacating office.

“I believe that all Nigeriens are Nigerians and they are brothers and will continue to be brothers. It has never been heard or said that war should happen between them.

“But you know I am a Tinubu supporter and I like democracy because it enables human beings to live in peace and harmony, so I support resolution of the Niger impasse through dialogue, not war,” elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai, who was presidential adviser to late President Shehu Shagari, told THEWILL on Friday, The point, said Akinterinwa, is that Professor Agboola Gambari, former UN diplomat and Chief of Staff to Buhari, has a theory on foreign policy, which says that Nigeria’s security is intertwined with the security of her immediate neighbours. Therefore, Nigeria’s immediate neighbour constitutes an inner circle of circles. If we were to wage war against Niger, we would be fighting ourselves. Then consider the humanitarian crisis that could follow. It is unimaginable.”

Akinterinwa narrated an experience he had while carrying out research for a book that took him by road through many states in Northern Nigeria and he found out that, “empirically the border between

Niger and Nigeria exists on paper unlike what you have between Nigeria and Cameroon, with Benin and with Chad.”

It is for these reasons “to protect ordinary peoples’ rights,” that Akinterinwa joined a consortium of right activists to lodge a complaint in ECOWAS Court through their counsel, Kayode Ajulo and Co Castle of Law last Wednesday.

For former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yomi Farounbi, it is a pity that Nigeria had to rush into making and supporting measures that undermined her relationship with Niger.

Speaking with THEWILL on the impasse in Niger, on Friday, Farounbi said, “It is a pity. I think diplomacy must start first before you begin the war because even at the end of the war, you still have to bring diplomacy and discussion. I thought that ECOWAS had not exhausted all available resources to diplomatically solve the problem.”

Arguing that ECOWAS leaders did not understand the reality of the problem in Niger before taking certain decisions, he submitted that the regional leaders should have studied developments in Niger Republic very well “to know whether there are viable and credible opposition,” the level of judiciary independence and fairness, as well as the assertive and proactive nature of the legislators.

“In fact, that the common man on the streets in Niger has started to rejoice over the coup is an indication of the failure of the civilian government.

“So, you have to understand the place very well. When you empathise with them, it will be easier to negotiate.

“But when you rush with a deadline and a threat and in the process of that you even break diplomatic rule. Like for example there is an agreement between Nigeria and Niger since 1964 to supply Nigeriens with electricity so that they will not dam the upper stream of River Niger and therefore make our dam in Kanji inefficient and ineffective. But you cancelled the agreement without any consultation. In my view, you have just begun to fight the war of another country.”

Attempts to get reactions from the presidency failed as the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr Ajuri Ngelale, failed to answer calls put through to his phone. Neither did he reply to messages delivered sent to his phone.

THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION COMPLICATING MATTERS, FORCING NIGERIA’S HAND

The strong undercurrents driving the Nigerien stalemate to war as the junta there has dug in by appointing a 21-man cabinet after it had broken diplomatic ties with former colonial master France, the United States of America, Togo and Nigeria on the heels of international pressure, is said to be gas and uranium. Apart from Russia and Kazakhstan, both of which have large quantities of Uranium, Niger is said to supply 40 per cent of European consumption.

The ongoing Russo-Ukraine war has reportedly changed the equation and the importance of uranium mineral and gas supplies to Europe, hence the importance to Europe of the Nigeria-Algeria gas pipeline project passing through Niger, which was revived during the ongoing war in Ukraine as an alternative to supplies from Russia after the Nordstream gas pipeline from Russia to Europe was blown up by saboteurs and supplies from America, which rose to fill the gap in supply, is becoming more expensive.

From Algeria, the gas pipeline links the TransMediterranean-Maghreb-Gaisi pipeline to Europe. This scenario has widened the interests, allies and parties beating the drums of war in Niger.

WAY OUT FOR NIGERIA

Stakeholders in Nigeria from the governors of the states bordering Niger to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Senators from northern Nigeria, Nigerian Muslim Leaders and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, to mention a few, agree that negotiations are the only option and it must be explored every inch the way. which the ECOWAS leader last Thursday listed as one the options.

“Military intervention is out of the question,” said Akinterinwa, “Continued negotiations and finding a way to pacify the coup plotters is best. ECOWAS leaders should not confuse recognition of the government with recognition of the people. They are quarrelling with the government in power different from the state of Niger. Their relationship with Niger is critical to the survival of ECOWAS. Now that Nigeriens have risen in support of the Junta, you cannot remove the government forcefully without having problems with the people. The Junta can be persuaded to organise fresh elections and a timetable worked out with them.”

Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu agrees with Akinterinwa. In a statement on Friday, titled, "Tinubu Is Nigeria’s President, Not ECOWAS,” the one-time governor of Abia State said, “Niger Republic is in our backyard and Nigeria should not join ECOWAS’ plan of military invasion.

“Nigeria, U.S. and France can intervene in Niger by giving them between one year and six months to hand over to a new government. If ECOWAS will cost Nigeria the peace it needs, there is nothing wrong with pulling out of ECOWAS. Nigeria is a sovereign nation and the concerns of its people matter most.”

Continued negotiations and finding a way to pacify the coup plotters is best. ECOWAS leaders should not confuse recognition of the government with recognition of the people. They are quarrelling with the government in power different from the state of Niger. Their relationship with Niger is critical to the survival of ECOWAS. Now that Nigeriens have risen in support of the Junta, you cannot remove the government forcefully without having problems with the people

Aggressive Reforms Being Implemented to Boost Nigeria’s Economy – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, in Abuja, reassured Nigerians that he will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to evolve policies that will benefit all.

Speaking at a meeting held at the State House with the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Professionals Forum, led by former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, President Tinubu said his administration is doing everything it can to make sure the economy of the country recovers for the greatest number of Nigerians.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made these known in a statement on Friday.

“This economy must recover for the good and greatest number of Nigerians, and we are seriously committed to seeing through a change for the better", he said.

To steadily ensure measured growth and enhanced public enlightenment on policy outcomes, President Tinubu said every effort across sectors will be documented and periodically reviewed for performance verification and public presentation.

“So far, we have taken some baby steps and pushed some aggressive positions", the President told the APC professionals, who had earlier pledged their support for the reforms.

The former Bauchi Governor thanked the President for his bold interventions on the economy, adding that “more than two million people have been registered as professionals in different fields since 2018 and stood ready to provide structures for mobilisation and sensitisation on government policies.

“Foreign capital is a coward that does not move into unsafe areas, so with your successful interventions so far, we look forward to better security that will attract investors”, Yuguda added.

Capacity Building: Group Launches Mental Health Toolkit For Journalists

ANon Governmental group, the Mental Health KAFE, has launched a Mental Health Toolkit for journalists in a bid to build an informed Media in Nigeria.

The launch was the highlight of a virtual capacity training for journalists across the country put together by MHKAFE, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Nigeria Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, APN.

The training, according to the organisers, aims to address the pressing need for accurate and responsible reporting on mental health issues in Nigeria.

The Founder of Mental Health KAFE (MHKAFE), Deborah Adenikinju, explained that the media has a deep impact on shaping public perceptions through the toolkit, adding that the toolkits aims to drive positive change in how mental health is portrayed and understood across Nigeria.

Police

Presents

Cheques to Families of Deceased, Injured Officers in

C’river

FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

In line with its insurance policy for officers, the Cross River State Police Command has presented cheques to families of 60 officers who either died or sustained injuries while serving in the state.

The cheques totalling N22, 609, 508. 83 was presented by Police Commissioner Gyogon Grimah in his office.

CP Grimah, while presenting the cheques, said it was the Inspector-General of Police’s policy to insure police personnel in case something happens.

He added that no matter how long it takes, the insurance cheque will surely come and assured that the presentation is just a batch and more people will be covered subsequently.

"It is the policy of the force from one inspectorgeneral of police to the other that personnel serving in the force are insured in case something happens.

"That insurance aspect is being properly taken care of no matter how long it takes it must come and I want to thank the inspector general of police for making it possible that today we are presenting cheques to 60 family members or beneficiaries", he said.

He said the insurance policy of the force has a lapsing period and advised family members of officers to always start the process of getting the insurance whenever something happens.

"We need to advise ourselves that this insurance policy has a elapsing period. When something happens and family members to start processing it. If it is for accident, it will elapse within three months.

"In an instance of death, the family members have up to one year to come and process it otherwise it is lost. So ,pass this information to others who have not done so", he said.

He added that it is the joy of the police force that what is supposed to get to its officers is not denied them.

In his remarks, one of the beneficiaries Eno Inah expressed joy that he has finally received the cheque.

He said the family has been pressing for the insurance cover since 2015 but said he's happy over this particularly with the fact that they did not have to travel to Abuja to get it.

She urged participants to make use of the facts gained from the training to tackle the rising concerns of mental health in Nigeria.

During his lecture, renowned psychiatrist, Professor Taiwo James Obindu while quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), statistics that 30-60% of the global population will encounter some form of mental illness during their lifetimes, urged the media to remain vigilant in reporting on mental health issues.

Professor Taiwo James Obindu, while addressing the challenges within the mental health landscape in Nigeria, identified key issues such as limited mental health professionals, inadequate facilities, stigma and discrimination, insufficient funding, and a lack of political commitment from the Federal Government.

C’River IPMAN Chair Sues For Peace

The Chairman of the Cross River State branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Comrade Peter Okim Abang, has appealed for calm among the members of the association, urging them to remain united and work as one indivisible entity. The chairman made the appeal during a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Calabar shortly after the factional leadership of state branch of IPMAN paid a courtesy visit on Secretary to Cross River State Government SSG, Prof. Anthony Onoh, in his office yesterday.

He said just like any entity, challenges are bound to be tackled, notwithstanding the differences that exist among the association’s members, and he has capacity to address such challenges, calling for team work, as team work is the surest way to achieve success.

Abang’s reaction follows stories trending in the media that the state government through the SSG had given recognition to the Comrade Robert Obi-led faction of IPMAN.

He urged member of the association not to be cajoled by any one peddling the rumour that the state government has thrown it’s weight behind anyone other than him.

He said, “I’m shocked that same people who sometimes ago accused the state government of interfering with the affairs of the union are the same persons attempting to curry favour from state government.”

He said that the only sin he committed was attempting to put the the erstwhile IPMAN leadership in the state out, thereby blocking loopholes used by the erswhile IPMAN leadership to milk state government dry.

He said that these cabals are angry with him, and asked certain individual in the association parading himself as as Chairman to desist forthwith as the association has only one chairman and not two.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima with members of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee after the inauguration of the Committee at the Presidential Villa in  Abuja on August 8, 2023.

KNSG Vows to Combat Resurgence of Polio,

Flags-off Vaccination Exercise

The Kano state government has reaffirmed its commitment to support the fight against the resurgence of Polio Virus in some states of the Federation.

The State Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, made this pledge during the official launch of Polio Vaccination Exercise in Gabasawa LGA ..

Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed concern over the resurgence of polio in 26 states, including Kano, following Nigeria's certification as polio-free by the World Health Organization on August 25, 2020.

A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Garba Shu'aibu, said Governor Abba disclosed the decision to start the campaign in Gabasawa was due to it having the highest ratio of unvaccinated children in the state, as per health reports.

The Governor revealed various national and international donors, such as WHO, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the African Field Epidemiology Network, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, have provided resources to support the fight against the Polio Virus.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, urged parents to cooperate and ensure their children receive proper vaccination.

He also announced that the Kano Primary Health Care Development Agency would begin distributing syringes for vaccination in various LGAs from the following week.

Additionally, Labaran appealed to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to supply more vaccines to Kano state, not only for under 5 children but also for over 20 million people, including pregnant women.

The Emir of Gaya, Alh. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, represented by District Head of Gabasawa, Alh. Sani Dawaki, appreciated the state government for launching the exercise in Gabasawa LGA and requested improvements in Gabasawa hospitals and an increase in the number of doctors for better health service delivery.

Kogi Guber: SDP Denies Report of Mass Defection of Members to APC

The Kogi State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has denied reports of mass defection from the party, describing them as crude, dishonest, and part of the antics of desperate politicians ahead of the November 11 governorship election.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Yahaya Bahawudeen, in a statement, said it was curious that the story was scripted from Government House Lokoja, described it as fiction, and wondered why it was not supported by any pictorial or video evidence.

While insisting that no single member of the state EXCO had dumped the party, Bahawudeen said the story is part of the crude campaign of falsehood aimed at disparaging the SDP and its candidate, Alh. Murtala Ajaka. He accused the government of concocting and spreading fake news against the SDP.

“These are crude fakeries concocted by the desperate renegade in power in Kogi by the name of Yahaya Bello, who has engaged in every known act of dishonesty and violence to desecrate the exalted office he occupies.

“For a governor who Photographs every visitor that as much as set foot in his Abuja Residence (which has been the defacto Kogi Government House in the last eight years ) to use for blackmail and information manipulation how come the entire Executives of the SDP met him to decamp and eulogise him and there’s no single pictorial or video record of such a momentous event?

“No single member of the executive of the SDP in Kogi has decamped or defected to the APC. The name of the Zonal Chairman of Kogi East is Pastor Sunday Atabor; That of Kogi Central is Musa Salawu Odogba, while the Zonal Chairman of Kogi West District is Hon Emmanuel Adebayo A.

“All these Zonal Chairmen and the LG Chairmen are not only steadfastly in the party but they are by the grace of God leading the charge to dislodge Bello and his cabinet of gangs of thugs from the governance of our dear state.

Stakeholders Hail Tinubu’s 18% Tax to GDP Target to Moderate Govt Borrowing

Some stakeholders have commended President Bola Tinubu for the recently inaugurated Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Mr Taiwo Oyedele.They made the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) 0n Friday in AbujaTinubu had on Monday inaugurated the committee composed of experts from both the private and public sectors and will be responsible for various aspects of tax law reforms, fiscal policy design and coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration.An economist, Dr Tope Fasua, commended the president for taking steps to introduce needed changes in Nigeria’s tax reform.He said that it was good for the government to optimise revenue generation to cut down on borrowings.

Fasua advised that every state should take concrete steps to improve revenue generation for the economy to grow sustainably.He urged the private sector to always cooperate with the government in its revenue drive rather than antagonise such initiatives.“The private sector kicks in anytime the government proposes a tax increase, no matter how insignificant. It has turned itself into an enemy of the government,” he said.According to him, the Nigerian government will also need to get its expenditure priorities right.“We have a debt problem, we have a revenue problem and we have an expenditure problem.

“Although debt-to-GDP ratio is not high compared to other countries, Nigeria needs to start spending wisely and generating more revenues,” he said.

Dr Ayo Abina, the chairman of AACS, an international consulting and investment company, said rather than continued borrowing, Nigeria could generate enough to fund the government's expenditure.

“Nigeria can earn additional 53 billion dollars by raising the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 per cent without raising taxes, and save four billion dollars by tackling oil theft”, he said in a publication.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had also waded in, urging the Federal Government to take steps to increase the country’s revenue base.

A research organisation, Pol Eco Analytics, commended the president for taking steps to introduce needed changes in Nigeria’s tax reform.

L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Publisher, Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka Pemu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat and widow of late Lateef Jakande, Alhaja Sikirat  Jakande at the 2023 First Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial lecture  in Lagos on August 7, 2023.

El-Rufai: Betrayal of a Serial 'Traitor'

BY AYO ESAN

Last Monday, the Senate, after screening the ministerial nominees in the list submitted by the President Bola Tinubu, said it confirmed 45 out of the 48 nominees and left out three.

It was however, a huge surprise that the Senate failed to confirm the nomination of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Senate did not also confirm the ministerial nomination of the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Senator Abubakar Danladi and the nominee from Delta State, Stella Okotete.

THEWILL gathered that El- Rufai, probably jolted by his non-clearance by the senate told President Tinubu during his visit to him last Tuesday afternoon that he was no longer interested in becoming a minister.

El-Rufai had last Tuesday paid the President a visit and Tinubu was said to have told him that he received some petitions that were critical of his ministerial nomination.

He was said to have asked to be given time to review the petitions and a report by the Department of State Security (DSS) and get back to the Senate. But a report quoting sources within the Presidency said El-Rufai informed President Tinubu that he would no longer consider his nomination as a minister in the government.

He reportedly assured Tinubu that he would continue to contribute his quota to national development as a private citizen.

The report said El-Rufai recommended Jafaru Ibrahim Sani who served as commissioner in three ministries – Local Government, Education and Environment in Kaduna State – as his replacement to President Tinubu.

The alleged withdrawal of ElRufai from Tinubu’s incoming cabinet comes on the heel of a call by the former DirectorGeneral of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr. Doyin Okupe, that the Senate should ask Nasir El-Rufai to write an undertaking before his confirmation

El-Rufai, according to the report, told Tinubu that he ‘needed time to focus on his doctorate programme at a university in The Netherlands’ and assured him that he would find Sani ‘very useful and resourceful’ in the government.

Reports, however, added that the spokesman to ElRufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, is yet to speak on the matter.

The alleged withdrawal of El-Rufai from Tinubu’s incoming cabinet comes on the heel of a call by the former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr. Doyin Okupe, that the Senate should ask Nasir El-Rufai to write an undertaking before his

confirmation.

Okupe said El-Rufai should be made to sign an undertaking not to make comments on religion. He urged the Senate to reconsider its decision to drop El-Rufai as a minister.

Tweeting, Okupe said El-Rufai has the capacity to handle the power crisis in Nigeria. He said, “I am not a fan of Mallam El-Rufai, who I consider to be a radical of sorts and who has in the recent past demonstrated some traits of religious extremism. Still, very few people will doubt El-Rufai’s competence and immense capacity to perform.

“The Senate may insist on an undertaking from him before his confirmation that while in office as minister, he will refrain from making any comments or remarks on religion.

“The power ministry is extremely important in our economy and in our serious efforts to combat poverty.

“If any Nigerian can fix our energy problems, former Governor El-Rufai is certainly one of such people.

THEWILL recalls that during screening on Tuesday August 1, 2023, El- Rufai confidently told the senators that President Tinubu had asked him to work with him on the power problem facing the country.

He said the President had given him a target of seven years for Nigeria to stop experiencing power outages in the country.

The question then is why did the Red Chamber refuse to confirm the former Kaduna governor who is seen as a strong member of the APC and a close ally of President Tinubu in a Senate dominated by

Continues on page 12

Niger Coup: Nigeria Should Not Be Turned into Battle Front – Farounbi

Dr Yemi Farounbi is a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines. In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks extensively about the military coup d’état in Niger and the need for Nigeria to approach the situation there with dialogue rather than military option. Excerpts:

Wewant your view on what is happening in some West African Countries, especially the issue of military coup d’état in Mali, Guinea, Chad and lately in Niger. How do you see the developments?

Well, it is unfortunate that at this stage of our development, we have begun the second wave of military intervention. It is an indication of our inability as leaders and followers in Africa continent to sustain the growth and maturity of democracy.

It has shown our incompetency or inefficiency and that is the reason why there is grumbling among the people that is being articulated in the form of a coup.

If democracy has satisfied the wishes of the people, it would have provided infrastructure, it would have put food on their tables, it would have put works before them, provided houses and the kind of comfort that we get in the western countries. We would have been able to sustain democracy. The inability of the various leaders to sustain this is the reason why we are now having some new inspire arising wearing military dresses.

How do you see the military option first raised by President Bola Tinubu, which has now been adopted by the ECOWAS leaders in restoring democracy in Niger?

It is a pity. I think diplomacy must first start before you begin the war because even at the end of the war, you still have to bring diplomatic amendment and discussion. I thought that ECOWAS has not exhausted all availabilities to see that they can diplomatically solve the problem.

I also believe that ECOWAS did not understand the reality of the problem in Niger. It appears that they think that once there is an Agbada wearing head of State, then there is democracy.

Have they studied the country well to know whether there is a viable and credible opposition? What is the level of judiciary, how independent, how fair are they? What about their legislators? Are they assertive or proactive? What is the provision of dividends? The fact that the common man on the streets in Niger has started jubilating is an indication of the failure of the civilian government.

So, you have to understand the place very well. When you empathise with them, it will be easier to negotiate. But when you rush with a deadline and a threat and in the process of that you even broke diplomatic rule. Like, for example, there is an agreement between Nigeria and Niger since 1964 to supply them electricity so that they will not dam the upper stream of River Niger and therefore made our dam in Kanji inefficient and ineffective, but you went and broke that without any consultation. In my view, you have just begun to fight the war of another country.

Why is it that the military coups that have happened are in French speaking countries, in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and now Niger? Why? It has to do with the level of development. It has to do with the kind of independence they had. It has to do with the pact they signed at the independent that 80 per cent of their revenues will be banked in France. They cannot withdraw from it unless as a loan for which they pay

interest. It has to do with what that pact says that all infrastructural developments will be undertaken by French companies.

That pact says mineral exploration and you know that uranium is an important mineral in Niger. They produced about 15 to 18 per cent of the whole World production, had to be done under that pact by the French companies. So, it is the pauperisation of the French-

speaking countries by their former colonial masters. Unfortunately their subsequent political leadership has not been able to solve the problem.

Finally, we all must realise that democracy is not necessarily the best source of infrastructural or economic development. It is the best source of participation and freedom and it will keep on surviving in the West because all the basic needs that they want in the West, America and Europe like roads, water, education and jobs are there. They are not just looking for it. But these are African countries that are in dire need. Take Nigeria for example, we need urgently more than 21 million houses. Democracy may not necessarily deliver those things.

See what is happening in the National Assembly. This can pose an obstacle on the way. They can be busy sharing allowances. We have seen the quality of the screening they have just done and Nigeria is still the best of these African countries. We saw what happened in South Africa with the last President that was imprisoned. We see the level of corruption that we don’t see in the West. We see the level of perversion of justice that we don’t see in the West. We see so much intolerance of the opposition that we don’t see in the West.

So, when you begin to speak about democracy you must begin to realise that for it to succeed in Africa, there has to be some level of discipline. An indisciplined democracy that allows a state governor to appoint about 100 Special Advisers, a thousand Special Assistants and have an inflated cost of governance, is going to ultimately create a problem.

I think Nigeria should look at it, when we went into ECOMOG, we bore all the cost. Nigeria’s economy today cannot bear that cost. It cannot bear such kinds of financial and human losses.

Also, I think the people have forgotten that Niger is 80 per cent Hausa, same as Northern Nigeria. And its deposed President was an Arab. The minority tribe that has one percent of the population. We are Africans and we know what language does to us, what ethnicity does to us. You have a minority president that control only one per cent of the population and he is running a country in an answer to the interest of the West. The West says it is fighting insurgency, the way it pushed Ukraine into war. Ukranians are dying, their economy and infrastructure are being destroyed, not the economy of the West. In any case, they will still pay for the ammunition.

I think that Nigeria should not be turned into a battlefield because there are certain states sharing boundaries with Niger and there are no physical boundaries. This is the truth because of the sandy nature, there is no physical boundary. So, we may end up fighting ourselves or creating a situation in which the loyalty of some of our fighting men will be tempted when they meet people of their culture, language and religion and they begin to wonder whether to fight or not.

The new military Head of State of Niger didn’t see the envoy of Nigeria, ECOWAS or African Union, but he saw a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. That shows you the kind of religious tie they have with Nigeria and I think we should look at it carefully.

Some people are saying that President Tinubu is so concerned about the coup d’état in Niger because of the fear that it may spread to Nigeria. How can we curtail military coups in West Africa?

I love what George Weah was quoted to have said that the AU allowed the President of Cameroon to remain in office without saying anything. ECOWAS that allowed people to create third term, fourth term and five terms for themselves which we called institutional coup, cannot be crying if some people topple those people. When we started NEPAD, it was to allow clear referencing, clear judgment, and clear assessment among the countries. But where is NEPAD today? It is gone.

So, when people are not ruling well, you don’t talk and when they get overthrown, you begin to talk. The answer to it is, provide the people with the minimum they need. They don’t expect that you will do the maximum, but they do not also want too much hardship. Every human being has what I call the elasticity level, beyond which he cannot tolerate hardship or tolerate hunger. Once the government takes note of that, they take care of that, I think that is the answer to it.

I think that Nigeria should not be turned into a battlefield because there are certain states sharing boundaries with Niger and there are no physical boundaries. This is the truth because of the sandy nature, there is no physical boundary

POLITICS

"But you have had my deputy say many times that he escorted me to PDP and many times we have challenges in integrating into the PDP platform but since we started, I learned to give people responsibility because of my background to enable us to build institutions rather than individuals.

"In anything I am doing, I am open to the SSG and my deputy and give them responsibility. When I went on vacation I handed over power to my deputy. He called me while on vacation on some issues but I told him that he is in charge, urging him to go ahead and make mistakes. When I am back, we would correct it together.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his deputy, Philip Shaibu, is desperate to become the next governor of the State and will explore every possible means to achieve his desperate ambition including ousting him (the incumbent) through a coup.

Obaseki said this during a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East and Central Local Government Areas of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West LGA, as part of campaigns for the September 2, 2023, local council election.

The governor said, "My Deputy Governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and become the governor of Edo State.”

Obaseki, who expressed shock and disappointment over the recent actions of his deputy, said: "What struck me was his action after the proclamation of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and preparing to elect officers in the House. He was in Abuja and came back that day. I am the Chief Security Officer of the State, I get any information I need but keep quiet about it and use that information quietly.

“My Deputy called a leader in APC telling him that during the election of Speaker of the House of Assembly the next day, that he has five loyal members and that he would like the seven members of the APC in the House to work with him to produce the Speaker. I called the PDP members to my house to familiarise myself with them following this information. Shaibu tried to barge in. I said you can't come into my house. It's my private house, not even the Government House. You have to have the courtesy, but now it's my prerogative to allow you in or out.

“After hearing what he did, I didn't allow him to come in. The next day, we went to the House and he came and we elected our Speaker. What he did is not working in the interest of the party. How can he have a different candidate aside from what the governor wants?”

Obaseki further narrated how he sacrificed to ensure

Continued from page 10

members of his political party.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed at the end of Monday’s session that the three ministerial nominees whose names were not mentioned were awaiting security clearance.

The spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, also said, “Forty-eight names were sent, comprising both males and females. 45 were confirmed; the three others are awaiting further legislative actions, which will be hinged on other arms of government, having given us all the necessary impetus to do the final screening.

“But today, out of the 48 names sent, 45 have been confirmed and approved as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This will be communicated to the President alongside the three other names which are still awaiting further legislative actions.”

However, THEWILL gathered that El-Rufai might

Shaibu retained his position as deputy governor after they had moved from the APC amid the crisis in the runup to the 2020 Governorship poll.

He said, "Remember the unfortunate incident that made a lot of you to leave with me from the other party? When that problem started, I told you and you said where ever I go, you will go with me. As one family fighting injustice, we went to PDP and many of the leaders in unity said Obaseki must return.

"In that process, I insisted that for me to be governor, Philip Shaibu must be my deputy and never allowed any negotiation on that stand. If you want me to serve as governor of Edo State, it must be me and my deputy.

Shaibu Desperate to Become Governor – Obaseki ...Betrayal of a Serial 'Traitor'

have been dropped because of various petitions written against him, which bothers on security and the alleged “toxic comments” he has made in the public against the “national interest.”

THEWILL recalled that a couple of petitions, including those sent by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), were presented against El-Rufai during the screening.

During the ministerial screening, Senator Karimi, moved against the former El-Rufai. He told the chamber that he had a petition written against the former governor over the issue of insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

Karimi said, “Your performance in every office you found yourself in the country has been outstanding. In the Bureau of Public Enterprises, your record is there; in the FCT, as a minister, your record is there, and as a two-time governor of Kaduna state, you did well.”

Holding up a brown envelope, Karimi further states,

"I am an individual and anything that happens to me, Edo must continue as no vacuum in power. We work as a trio and everybody must know what each other is doing and that can only be possible if there is absolute trust that the person will not go back to betray you.

"That is how we ran Edo State in the last seven years, facing crisis but we can't continue to live in a crisis. At some point, we look for peace.”

Obaseki added, “Election that brought us in was a difficult one for us in Edo North, and after the election, I felt it was time to correct the mistakes made in the election. In all, I trusted him to manage it, including appointments, asking him to talk to leaders and make me know what they want. Even contract, I left for him to preside over and look at how we fell in the election.”

Obaseki, who frowned at how the Deputy Governor has mismanaged the politics in Edo North, said his style of handling political issues in Edo North has caused the party not to elect any member from the area into EDHA. He noted, "Today PDP doesn’t have one member in the House of Assembly from Etsako, and this has never happened before. In my background, if you are given responsibility and you fail, we change you immediately but I didn't do that. Rather, I decided to continue to manage the situation.

"Local government elections came, and the same thing happened. I called on him severally to settle issues here in Edo North but everywhere we went, it was trouble and crisis and we can't run a party like this, but I didn't react but continued managing the party.

"We came to Chairmanship and the problems continued. First, it was in Owan and then Akoko-Edo followed. In Akoko-Edo, the people said this is the person they wanted but my deputy said no, this is who I want and will give you but I insisted that he gives the people what they want. After consultations, I insisted that he allow the people to have their way and lead.”

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

“But, I have a very strong petition against you that bothers on the security, unity and cohesiveness of the Nigerian nation. And I think that the petition has to be considered in this screening exercise.” Karimi then proceeded to lay the petition before Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President who was presiding over the screening exercise at the time. But Akpabio intervening, saying, “This is not the place to consider petitions. We will sit with the petitions later and refer them to relevant authorities.

THEWILL also gathered that besides the petitions there were reports against El- Rufai claiming that he could not be trusted and he only wanted to accept the ministerial position so as to be in vantage position to advance his ambition of running for presidency in 2027.

El-Rufai was viewed with deep suspicion in some quarters. He was seen as “somebody who will work against President Tinubu’s second term ambition. He is not seen as a loyal politician who should be trusted.”

INEC Receives Electoral Management Innovative Tools From EU

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday received electoral management innovative tools from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).

The tools came through the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), to further enhance Nigeria’s electoral system.

Akure Youths Kick Against Ondo New LCDAs

Youths from the Akure community on Friday kicked against the proposed creation of only four Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the current Akure South and Akure North Local Government Areas.

The youths under the aegis of Akure Youth Coalition (AYC) expressed dissatisfaction against what they termed lopsidedness in the creation of the LCDAs, saying Akure community has been shortchanged in the exercise by the state government.

The President of AYC, Adekambi Oluwatuyi while addressing a press conference said Akure as the state capital, deserves more LCDAs than other areas, noting that the LCDAs created did not take into consideration the memoranda submitted to the state government Committee by Akure Kingdom, which requested for the creation of eight LCDAS from Akure South.

Adekambi noted that the map of the state has been balkanised to cede various parts of Akure to other communities and said the Akure people and indigenes will not accept the development.

According to him, “Creating three LCDAs from Akure South and one from Akure North grossly under represents us in terms of human population; voting population, land mass, housing units, utilities and public facilities.

“Akure North, with one of the biggest land mass, and Akure South with the biggest population and largest contribution to the economy of the state, deserve more LCDAs as both LGs are crucial to the development of the State.

“If the aim of the creation of the LCDAs is to bring development closer to the grassroots, then citing the headquarters of the new LCDA from Akure North in Oba-Ile, which is an urban area, defeats such aim when there are less developed communities like Ilu-Abo,

Igbatoro, Igoba and others.

He stated further that “The idea of equalling the unequal by creating same number of LCDAs in the three senatorial districts of the State without taking into consideration the various factors listed above is against the rule of fairness and equity.

“Akure, the State capital, should therefore be granted a Special Status and given the number of LCDAs as recommended to the government committee by the community”

Adekambi further pleaded with the state government to maintain the relative peace being enjoyed in Akure, but noted that development is capable of creating restiveness in the system.

He said “Akure community has been a good host to this government and the people of Ondo State. It, therefore should be given its dues”

“what logical explanation can the government give for creating more lcdas from a smaller local government than akure south local government, the state capital?

“With the proposal of the government, the current Akure South/Akure North federal constituency will now have six (6) LGA/LCDAs; another federal constituency will have eight (8) LGA/ LCDAs. How logical is this?

“In every State of the country where LCDAs have been created, including our neighbouring Ekiti, the state capital gets more than any other local government.

“Why is Ondo State different? Who are those pushing this satanic agenda in the government of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who has been absent from office in recent months?

“What offence has Akure committed to deserve this kind of insulting treatment from the government?

“We the people of Akure therefore reject in its totality any LCDA creation that will shortchange our people.

CCD Demands Inclusion of PWDs in Electoral Processes

The Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD) has demanded inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDS) in Electoral processes in Lagos and the country.

The Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, made the call at a twoday programme on Capacity Building on Equal Voting for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos.

It had the theme: “Building an AllInclusive electioneering Process in Lagos State’’.

Anyaele, in his welcome address, said that since 2019, CCD had been making efforts for election management and stakeholders to see the need for PWDs to participate in the electoral process.

He reviewed CCD’s pre-2023 national elections courtesy visit to INEC at its Yaba office in October 2021, in which CCD demanded PWDs inclusion in the electoral process.

It had also demanded that INEC provides PWDs with all the necessary assistive materials to enhance their access to voting in the 2023 elections.

Anyaele said that contrary to INEC’s claims of having provided the necessary materials for PWDs, it failed to deliver on its promises.

According to him, INEC did not provide adequate braille ballot papers and magnifying glasses for both the visually impaired and the albinos.

“Also, some of INEC’s adhoc staff were not conversant with the devices and even unsympathetic to PWDs; and that as a result, made them to be disenfranchised.

“We are concerned about the struggles PWDs go through in their efforts to participate in the electoral process.

“Our individual accessibility to social infrastructures and the awareness of our rights as PWDs remain very low.

The technology tools, received by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, were presented by acting Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Delegation, Mr. Ruben Aguilera.

They include Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS); Election Results Management System (ERMS); Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS).

Also were Media Monitoring and Analysis tools as well as an online App for voters and electoral officers, to easily locate existing polling units across the country. Yakubu, while commending the EU-SDGN for the support, said INEC would closely examine the tools with a view to adopting or tweaking them where necessary, to meet the immediate and emergent challenges in the conduct of elections.

He commended EU-SDGN for its support for INEC under its Phase II Project with several components, the first of which focused on support to INEC through the DAI.

Yakubu said that the support was designed to address five thematic areas i.e. enhancing and strengthening planning and operational capacities.

Other areas are improving the Commission’s internal communication and external engagements with stakeholders and enhancing the Electoral Institute’s capacity for training and research, among others.

He said that within the current electoral cycle, DAI had provided support towards capacity building, technical support, printing of non-sensitive reports and information flyers.

He said INEC was glad that today, some of the tools developed in collaboration with DAI were being handed over to the commission.

These included the CROMS intended to streamline, simplify and enhance the security, reliability and credibility of the recruitment process for collation and returning officers, açcording to Yakubu.

“The ERMS seeks to ensure better results management process, enhancing accuracy and creating a repository of election results, something envisaged by Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“The Media Monitoring and Analysis tool intends to enhance the Commission’s capacity to filter media coverage of the Commission.

“The PFRAS seeks to assist the commission to monitor political party finance more efficiently and effectively,” he said.

AYO ESAN

From left, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the New, General Officer Commanding 2Division of Nigeria Army, Major General Valentine Okoro and the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi, during a courtesy visit to Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Need to Answer Distress Calls by Nigerians in Niger Republic

Alarm bells are ringing about the fate of Nigerians resident in Niger Republic in the face of an imminent attack by the ECOWAS regional military force.

Detailed weekend reports have shown conclusive proof that the outbreak of hostilities in the bid to resolve the impasse in Niger will affect the lives of millions of Nigerians living there.

According to reports, Nigerians in Niger are begging the Federal Government for evacuation over the impending attack that may instigate hostilities by their hosts.

Curiously, relevant government agencies, such as the National Emergency Management Agency and Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, show no sign of preparedness. A stitch in time saves lives, to borrow the time-worn cliché, particularly against the backdrop of similar experiences by Nigerian citizens in wartorn Ukraine and Sudan. We recall that Nigerians and black people in general faced subjugation and humiliation in both countries before the Federal Government and the aforementioned agencies woke up to their responsibilities.

While logistic challenges may have played a role in delaying action during that dark page in humanitarian management, the same cannot be held

for the scenario playing out in Niger. Indeed, the situation in neighbouring Niger is degenerating so fast that the government, in all honesty, cannot say Nigerians will not become victims of xenophobic attacks in that country soon.

For rallying his co-heads of states to action as Chairman of the regional body, President Bola Tinubu has been a subject of intense ridicule in Niamey, the Nigerien capital. The Abdourahamane Tchiane-led junta shunned Nigerian mediators led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Sultan of Sokoto, HRM Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar 11, but met with the unofficial delegation led by former Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi 11, and his Damagun counterpart. Nigeria is among the five countries of France, Togo and the United States of America, whose ambassadorial duties were terminated by the junta. These threatening actions are in reaction to the perceived Nigeria inspired sanctions that have been imposed by ECOWAS. Thus, there is a deadlock which may sink into uncertainty if the parties, interests and allies involved in the festering Nigerien crisis fail to pursue negotiations to their logical conclusion and the inclination to war is avoided by all means.

While we support the diplomatic resolution of the Nigerien impasse as planned by ECOWAS leaders in their

last Thursday extraordinary summit, we appeal for restraint in the plan for invasion as implied in their directive to the regional military chiefs to be on standby. The humanitarian disaster that is likely to ensue and the proxy wars that involvement of Western powers would instigate is capable of turning West Africa into a prolonged war zone. For Nigeria, which shares porous borders with Niger, cultural and ethnic affinity, the reactions of the junta to some of the actions taken by ECOWAS are telling signs of danger posed to her citizens living there.

That they are alerting the government to this danger to their lives should be taken seriously. Embarking on full evacuation in answer to their cry for help may send the wrong signal of the possibility of outbreak of war and therefore heightened tension, doubt. But failure to respond to the distress call of those who feel sufficiently threatened and therefore need help is unjustifiable. We therefore call on the authorities to find a way around the problem and answer the distress calls of Nigerians feeling trapped in Niger. The discomfort is coming from different Nigerien towns inhabited by Nigerians, which means the anxiety is unequally felt.

Those who indicate readiness to leave Niger should be helped to do so. Waiting to take action until chaos takes place must not and can never be a way to act in volatile circumstances. It does not show sufficient regard for and value placed on human life.

We therefore call on the authorities to find a way around the problem and answer the distress calls of Nigerians feeling trapped in Niger. The discomfort is coming from different Nigerien towns inhabited by Nigerians, which means the anxiety is unequally felt

Niger: Are Military Coups Becoming The Norm in The Sahel?

BY ADEOYE AKINOLA

On 26 July, Niger experienced the fifth military coup in its troubled history. The head of the Presidential Guard, General Omar Tchiani, led a group of army officers to overthrow and detain the civilian President Mohamed Bazoum. On the second day, General Omar Tchiani was declared the new leader of the country. Just like in other West African countries that have been struck by coups in the last two years, the Tchiani-led coup plotters cited a ‘deteriorating security situation and bad governance’ as the main reasons for the military takeover. The plotters announced the immediate closure of the country’s borders, imposed a nationwide curfew, and suspended all the institutions of government.

institutions in Africa, have condemned the ‘unconstitutional’ change of government. The European Union (EU) has raised alarm over the growing instability of the region, and France must have been particularly worried about the anti-French songs echoed by the jubilant Nigeriens, who were celebrating with a Russian flag. The West is gradually losing its hegemony in the Sahel region. The DW reported a meeting between US Vice President Kamala Harris and Nigeria’s Tinubu, which has been categorised as the highest-level US engagement with Tinubu since his emergence as president of the ‘crippled giant’. Both Nigeria and Niger have been confronted by the Boko Haram reign of deadly terror and the possibility of how ceding the country to a military regime would threaten US’ counterterrorist initiative in the region.

WHEN LEADERS MANIPULATE THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELECTORAL PROCESSES TO ENGAGE IN POWER CONSOLIDATION BEYOND LEGAL LIMITS, IT UNDERMINES THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY AND CAN LEAD TO INSTABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND MILITARY COUPS

More worrisome are the celebrations that have been accompanying all the military coups in the region, which reflect the illegitimacy of the incumbent civilian administrations that were removed. While many have argued that such celebrations were directed against the civilian governments and were not necessarily in support of the military regimes, these ‘jubilant’ sights remain a dent on the marketability of democracy in Africa. Indeed, liberalism has not delivered on its ideological promises on the continent. Despite President Bazoum’s close partnerships with the US and other regional powers in the fight against terrorism, the country has struggled under the weight of insecurity and socioeconomic crisis. While the country is rich in uranium, about 40% of the population earns less than $1 a day, and hunger remains very prevalent.

The recent coup in Niger has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns over the country’s fragile political landscape. The coup plotters are primarily composed of a faction within the Nigerien military, and it is essential to analyse the motives and interests behind this coup. The interests of the coup plotters appear to stem from a combination of political grievances and concerns over the government’s handling of internal security challenges, particularly in the face of rising threats of insurgency in the region. Moreover, long-standing frustrations over issues of governance, such as corruption and the lack of political representation, likely played a significant role in fuelling the actions of the conspirators. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to closely monitor the coup plotters’ statements and actions to gain a clearer understanding of their objectives and potential impacts on Niger’s security and stability.

The international community, including France and the United States, as well as regional

This coup has unveiled a complex web of actors and interests, necessitating a holistic analysis of the resurgence of coups in Africa. Preliminary reports suggest that the military faction leading the coup has ties to various interest groups, including disgruntled military personnel and political elites dissatisfied with the current administration’s policies and the idiosyncrasies of President Bazoum. While internal dynamics are important, it is also pertinent to scrutinise the potential external influences that may have contributed to the coup’s planning and execution. The regional reality, such as the spillover effect of coups in neigbouring countries and transnational connections, could play a pivotal role in shaping the coup plotters’ interests, as Niger is situated in a volatile region known for its instability and terrorist activities. Understanding the underlying motivations and interests of the coup plotters is essential for both the international community and regional actors to formulate an effective response that prioritises the restoration of democratic governance and the preservation of peace and security in Niger and its neighbouring countries. The waves of military coups in West Africa are becoming a serious concern and if the trend is not urgently redressed, the number of military regimes in West Africa and the Sahel may soon outnumber civilian governments. The African Union (AU), and regional institution, ECOWAS, must brace themselves for a prolonged battle to rid Africa of military coups and other forms of unconstitutional change of government (UCGs). This becomes more imperative as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an agency of the AU, recently launched its “Africa Governance Report 2023: Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa”. About 43 countries in Africa, including Niger, participated in the APRM. The report highlights the causes, drivers, and triggers of UCGs and engages the efficacy and effectiveness of the AU policy, principles, and legal norms against UCGs. Incumbent civilian administrations have been accused of abuses of power, corruption, and authoritarian tendencies. It is crucial to enforce mechanisms that hold these leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and fostering a culture of public participation are vital aspects of democratisation. Moreover, the issue of illegitimate tenure elongation poses a significant challenge to democratic progress in the Sahel region. When leaders manipulate the constitutional and electoral processes to engage in power consolidation beyond legal limits, it undermines the principles of democracy and can lead to instability, conflicts, and military coups.

•Akinola is Head of Research and Teaching at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Between Import Restrictions And a Competitive Domestic Economy

BY IFEANYI UDDIN

Last week, I watched a footage on social media suggesting that the domestic market for tie-and-dye clothing fabrics (locally known as adire) is being gutted by cheap imports of similar looking textile materials from China.

The pitch went beyond the now familiar need to protect the livelihoods of domestic producers. It was more wistful pointing out how the adire clothing is included in the cultural definition of certain domestic communities — and how the Chinese imports are an identitarian challenge. It was, in this restricted sense, as much an economic argument as it was concerned about the production and consumption of cultural values.

The gut reaction from most people who saw the video was conservative. A ban on imports from China was proposed largely in defence of our traditional way of life. Strange construct, this, given that much of the industry today would be familiar to denizens of the Oyo Empire in the days of Bashorun Gaa.

In this space, even attempts to boost the industry’s productivity — modern technology, work practices, or even processes — will fall foul of the “defence of our traditions” argument. In the end, this is but a part of the problem with most policy responses that seek to circle the wagons in defence of domestic industry.

A simple thought experiment, then? Suppose I earn N100 a month. And because of my love for the adire fabric, now and again, I spend N20 on the Chinese make. What would a ban on Chinese imports mean to me?

Caught in a technological and process time-warp, the domestic substitute, obviously more expensive, would surely see my spend rise, say to N30 each time I indulge my taste for this fabric. This is obviously a diminution in my living standards. Thus, as a consumer, a ban leaves me worse off. But it is also a tax on consumption. A transfer of resources from consumers to domestic producers. Admittedly, not all the previous demand supported by Chinese imports will now feed through into demand for the local variety — simply because the domestic good is that much more expensive.

The first question arising from all this is: “How does the economy benefit from when money remains in the consumers’ pockets (and what are the costs) as against when, through non-market arrangements (fixed prices, or bans on competition), the same money is transferred to producers of goods/services (and at what cost)?” Rarely is this question

properly answered from the couches that are the favourite resting places of our talking heads. Ever more so, especially in the planning, implementation and audit of policies designed to drive positive economic outcomes, we need to go down the data-dependent route.

NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE A WELTER OF SMALL ARTISANAL PRODUCERS IN SECTORS WHERE THE ECONOMY IS INCREASINGLY EXPECTED TO COMPETE GLOBALLY. THESE PRODUCERS HAVE OPTED TO REMAIN AT OPERATIONAL LEVELS JUST BENEATH WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE TO TRANSITION TO THE FORMAL SECTOR

A far bigger question in the design of policy in this case is, why the local variety of adire is that much more expensive than the Chinese variety?

True, the Chinese manufacture on scale, and so are able to force prices down in markets where their products compete. This, however, was not always the case. Even when “Made in Taiwan” was a moniker for cheap knockoffs, the Chinese were not a manufacturing presence. Whatever they have done to improve their economy’s competitiveness occurred in the last four decades.

What have we done or failed to do?

Not only do we have a welter of small artisanal producers in sectors where the economy is increasingly expected to compete globally. These producers have opted to remain at operational levels just beneath where they would have to transition to the formal sector. Why? Because the cost of doing business in the country rises exponentially as businesses grow.

•Uddin, journalist and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

NAIRA INCHES TOWARDS

N1000/$1, 2 MONTHS AFTER EMEFIELE’S SUSPENSION

EDITOR Sam Diala

1.46m

The naira plunged deeper to N948/$1 at the parallel market on Friday, August 11, 2023 – two months after Mr Godwin Emefiele was suspended from office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023.

This represents a depreciation of N180 or 23.5 percent compared to N768/$ the local currency traded at the parallel market on June 13 before the new forex reform that saw the abolition of the multiple exchange rates on June 14.

Parallel market dealers in Lagos and Abuja who spoke to THEWILL on Friday attributed the continued slide of the naira to increased demand for foreign currencies, especially the dollar, which has put enormous pressure on the naira.

“There is a high demand for dollar, on a daily basis. People are leaving the country in large numbers and companies are paying through their nose for imported raw materials which cannot be sourced locally. There are also those paying for their relatives’ educational expenses which is becoming more expensive,” said a local currency dealer at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, who would not want his name published because of what he called the sensitive and confidential nature of their business.

At the I and E window, the naira closed at N740.60/$ last Friday – a depreciation of N268.93 or 57 percent from N471.60 the naira traded on June 13 before the new foreign exchange policy was announced on the following day (June 14).

THEWILL tracking of the daily exchange rate movement showed that the naira traded for N777/$ on the average in July, showing that the local currency depreciated by 66.7 percent on the I and E window compared to 4471.47/$ on June 13 – the day before the floating of the

N65.6bn

N500bn Palliative: Task Before NDIC Over Microfinance Banks’ Role

BY SAM DIALA

The plan by the Federal Government to engage the microfinance banks (Mfbs) in the implementation of its N500 billion palliative programme, brings to the fore the need for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to step up its statutory mandate over the activities of the Mfbs. This will engender the confidence among the public and the MSME operators to key into the scheme to achieve the objective of this all-important scheme

In his July 31 nation-wide broadcast, President Bola Tinubu outlined some measures by the Federal Government to ameliorate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the lives of ordinary Nigerians who are beginning to feel the pinch. At the centre is the implementation of the N500 billion economic plan to serve as palliative to the people through various business initiatives.

He said, “Our plan is to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows: “-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.

“N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

“This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with a strong performance record.

“In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.”

The government’s decision to stop subsidising imported fuel products and the unification of the multiple exchange rates into a single channel – the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I and E) window – has sparked off inflation as the exchange rate heightens.

As grassroots financial services institutions, the Mfbs, will definitely play a significant role in the strategic scheme that is

expected to reflate the economy and promote productivity. This will happen while Nigerians await the ‘dividends’ of the palliative scheme which experts say the gestation period will be tough and rough, especially as inflation maintains an upward trend.

“We are not expecting a drop in inflation any time soon. The fuel subsidy removal is already putting additional pressure on inflation with severe impact on the economy and that will continue the year round. The devaluation of the naira has its own impact. Nigerians should brace up for the impacts of these reforms which are not going to be easy,” said Ike Chioke, GMD, Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, in an interview with the media. This implies that the financial services institutions involved in the implementation of the N500 billion palliative, especially the Mfbs, must go extra mile in playing their role because of the way many of them have acted in the past and had to be beaten into line by NDIC which wielded the big stick.

Deposit Insurance is a system established by the government to protect depositors against the loss of their insured deposits placed with member institutions in the event that a member institution is unable to meet its obligations to depositors. It engenders public confidence in, and promotes the stability of, the banking system by assuring savers of the safety of their funds

The Corporation supervises banks so as to protect depositors, foster monetary stability, promote an effective and efficient payment system and promote competition and innovation in the banking system. This has helped in regulating the activities of the Mfbs.

The microfinance scheme holds a lot of prospects for the Nigerian economy as it is expected to empower the low-income earners, reduce poverty, and generate employment, among others. However, among the problems faced in the microfinance industry are inadequate finance, high risk, heavy transaction cost, mounting loan losses, and low capacity and low technical skills on micro-financing. As a result of these problems, some micro finance institutions in Nigeria have collapsed. This is why the NDIC intervention is very crucial.

TOTAL ASSETS OF NIGERIA BANKS 2017-2022

BUSINESS WEEKLY

...Task Before NDIC Over Microfinance Banks’ Role

The NDIC in collaboration with the CBN and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in 2009 commenced the Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP) for the Board, Executive and operators of MFBs to upscale capacity building in the MFB sub-sector

The role of NDIC in re-positioning Mfbs has been significant. It is on record that NDIC has been fully supportive of Mfbs since their inception. This is by ensuring that the pronounced policy objectives of the scheme are achieved and that the Mfbs are sustainable and profitable for inclusive growth and development of the economy for the benefit of all.

It is for this reason that the Corporation conducts routine examination on the Mfbs to ensure their soundness and safety, provide deposit guarantee, financial and technical assistance, financial literacy and depositor-friendly failure resolution mechanisms.

In a bid to boost confidence, the NDIC on January 1, 2008 extended deposit insurance cover to microfinance banks. The upward review of the deposit insurance limit from one hundred thousand naira as stipulated by the NDIC Act of 2006 to two hundred thousand naira in 2010 is adjudged a step in the right direction. It was another effort made by the NDIC to enhance the ability of these banks in savings mobilisation for investments, credit creation and economic development and to build public confidence in these banks.

The NDIC, in collaboration with the CBN and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), in 2009 commenced the Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP) for the Board, Executive and operators of Mfbs to upscale capacity building in the Mfb subsector. This was another mechanism of ensuring a mandatory continuing education scheme.

In keeping with its primary mandate of protecting depositors’ funds in registered financial institutions, the NDIC has paid a cumulative sum of N113.2 billion to over 440,000 insured and uninsured depositors of banks in-liquidation as of June 2022, according to the managing director/chief executive of NDIC, Mr Bello Hassan. Bello disclosed this in his keynote address at the 19th edition of a workshop for business editors and members of the Finance Correspondents Association in Port Harcourt in November 2022.

Giving a breakdown of the payments, Bello explained that NDIC paid N11.83 billion to over 443,949 insured depositors and over N101.37 billion to uninsured depositors of all categories of banks in-liquidation. Liquidation is the process of permanently closing a bank and its branches, selling off any assets and using the proceeds to settle as many of the bank's remaining liabilities as possible. Typically, customer accounts are closed and checks are mailed to account holders for the amount of their insured deposits.

... Towards N1000/$1, 2 Months After Emefiele’s Suspension

naira.

Findings showed that ten Nigeria’s major manufacturing firms, mainly in the consumer goods group, reported a total of N517.1 billion in non-recovery, net foreign exchange losses in the first half of the year (HY 2023), arising from the devaluation of the naira.

The development impacted severely on the balance sheets of Nigerian businesses who had to source extra funds in local currency to meet their dollar-denominated obligations such as foreign loan repayment, raw material supply, consultancy and other services, resulting in operating losses..

Data gleaned from the financial statements of the selected firms, revealed that the huge forex losses impacted severely on their earnings and drained their bottom lines as inflation rises. This resulted in a total pre-tax loss of N695.03 billion in HY 2023 suffered by the surveyed companies against pre-tax profit of N637.61 in the corresponding period of 2022.

The eroding wave of depreciation resulted in total post-tax loss of N370.57 billion by the 10 firms, compared with N175.9 billion post-tax profit they posted in the equivalent period of the preceding year.

Specifically, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Dangote Cement Plc were the worst hit with non-recovery net forex losses of N123.7 billion and N113.6 billion respectively.

They are followed by Nigerian Breweries Plc N85.26 billion, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc N83.09 billion and Guinness Nigeria Plc N41.9 billion.

Others are International Breweries Plc with N40.66 bllion, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc N22.82 billion, Unilever Plc N2.93 billion and Cadbury Nigeria Plc N1.03 billion. Emefiele was subsequently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and taken into custody on June 10 before he was arraigned on July 25 after over six weeks in detention following a court order on July 13 to charge or release him. He has been entangled in a legal battle for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights since then.

A federal high court in Lagos on August 10 fixed August 15 to entertain applications regarding the custody of Emefiele.

Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, on Thursday, adjourned hearing of the applications seeking to stop further prosecution of the bank chief and that of the Federal Government seeking to appeal the bail granted him by the court.

It would be recalled that on July 25, Mr Emefiele was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession” of firearms and live ammunition at a federal high court in Ikoyi and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million.

The judge had ordered that Mr Emefiele be kept in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

But the DSS insisted that Mr Emefiele must return to its custody -- a development that led to the face-off between the secret police and prison officials. After the face-off, the DSS in violation of the court order re-arrested the suspended bank chief in the court premises.

The DSS proceeded to file an application before a high court in the Federal Capital Territory seeking to further detain him.

The application was struck out after it was withdrawn by the service over jurisdictional concerns.

On August 3, the Federal Government also filed an application before the federal high court in Lagos, seeking leave to appeal against the order granting bail to Mr Emefiele.

UBA Partners Health-based Organisations to Enhance Customer Experience, Drive Healthy Lifestyle

Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has entered into exciting partnerships with three health-based organisations aimed at creating robust synergy to enhance customer experience.

UBA’s partnership with MedPlus Pharmacy Nigeria, I-Fitness Gym Nigeria, and Oriki Spa and Wellness Centre is expected to drive financial inclusion, promote brand loyalty and healthy lifestyle in the ever-evolving societal landscape.

Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who spoke during the signing ceremony with the three organisations, said the bank is continuously on the look-out for meaningful collaborations that will excite customers, while driving the bank’s vision of providing services that will be beneficial to its huge customer base across the continent.

She said, “The partnership brings together UBA’s innovative solutions with the distinct market presence of MedplusPlc, a renowned health and beauty retailer, Oriki’s premium skincare and beauty products, and i-fitness’

cutting-edge fitness and wellness offerings, and by combining their strengths, the companies are poised to revolutionise the financial and lifestyle experience of its customers across various demographics.”

According to her, with this collaboration, the parties will leverage their wide customer base and with the joint marketing initiatives, innovative campaigns, and events, they will be able to reinforce their position as a customercentric institutionsand cultivate long-term brand loyalty.

While stating that customers will enjoy exciting discounts, she explained that as part of the partnership, UBA will deploy the latest cuttingedge technology in the form of NQR (Nigeria Quick Response) codes. These codes will revolutionise payment systems and provide customers with a swift and efficient way to make transactions across various platforms.

The Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Medplus Pharmacy, Joke Bakare, expressed excitement at the partnership with UBA, and said that as Nigeria’s Leading Health and Beauty Retail Pharmaceutical Chain with over a hundred

branches nationwide, UBA customers will be entitled to discounted prices on drugs and other health services to our customers, as they will enjoy a 7.5% discount off drugs and 2.5% off non-drug products when they shop at any MedPlus Pharmacy nationwide.

“We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with UBA Group. The bank not only strive to make banking seamless for customers, but also offers ease in a key aspects of their lives which is health. At Medplus, we are passionate about our customers, health, beauty, lifestyle and wellness. We are excited to welcome UBA into the Medplus family,” she stated.

The Founder/Chief Executive Officer, I-Fitness Gym Nigeria, Folusho Ogunwale, said that as Nigeria’s First & Fastest Growing Fitness Chain with 21 branches across the country (18 in Lagos); the partnership with UBA will entail a 30% discount on joining fee to our customers as well as a 12%, 17% and 20% discount on monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription plan.

More Companies Should Integrate ESG Into Their Business Strategy – Awe

The Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo), Ms Tinuade Awe, has urged companies to incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their overarching business strategies, emphasizing the importance of listed companies aligning their ESG reporting with their business objectives, data management, and governance practices.

Ms. Awe conveyed this perspective during a Roundtable themed; ‘ESG Activity Reporting and Sustainable Investing’, at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, hosted by Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria in Lagos. Explaining how companies can integrating ESG factors into their financial reporting, she noted that businesses aiming to engage in ESG reporting must establish a clear ESG strategy that aligns with their business goals. She urged these companies to seek expert guidance and systematically monitor ESG-related data to facilitate accurate reporting. According to her, this approach is pivotal in encouraging prompt adoption of ESG reporting among NGX-listed firms.

Furthermore, Ms. Awe emphasized that companies that successfully integrate ESG reporting into their operational framework are considered responsible corporate citizens, as such companies are better equipped to mitigate operational risks, attract sustainable investors, and generate long-term value.

According to her, approximately 50% of listed companies on NGX have fully integrated sustainability reporting into their annual reports or have released dedicated standalone reports. She pointed out that the practice of ESG reporting will enhance Nigeria's global standing in terms of ESG performance and reputation.

Awe urged corporate entities to embrace this initiative, as it would contribute to Nigeria's aspiration of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Responding to questions about potential penalties for companies that fail to adopt ESG reporting, Ms. Awe noted that NGX has sustainability disclosure guidelines that became effective in 2019.

However, she indicated that these guidelines would be reviewed in accordance with the emerging International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards, alongside the evolving landscape of global ESG expectations.

In light of the rapidly evolving global ESG landscape, Ms. Awe stressed the necessity for a deliberate partnership between both public and private sector stakeholders in Nigeria as this would enable them to embrace their shared responsibility in building a sustainable future.

She noted that ESG reporting not only raises awareness of worldwide trends in climate-related reporting but also aligns with established guidance frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and the recently introduced International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) S1 and S2 standards.

NUPRC Harps on Energy Transition, Tasks Oil Operators

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the global momentum and impact of the energy transition have made it mandatory for players in the oil and gas sector bring in innovative measures to mitigate the effect of energy transition.

The NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The statement said Mr Komolafe made the statement while speaking at the Energy Year Nigeria 2023 Book Launch and Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

“There must be a concerted effort to drive African market integration with a population of about 1.46 million consumers which comparatively is larger compared to the combined population of America and Europe put at about 1.1 million consumers. Such a large market must be annexed.

“We can also optimize the value chain of our crude oil by developing our domestic refining capacity with multiplying effect on the midstream derivatives such as the petrochemical industry, methanol, ammonia production and LPG that will spur the industrialisation base and improve revenue for economic development,” Mr Komolafe said.

He said Africa’s industrialisation capacity is weak purely due to the energy gap and low midstream derivatives and feedstock for industrial development.

“An economy with low industrialisation is a weak economy,” he added. Therefore, he said an innovative approach for funding fossil fuel development in the Nigerian upstream has become more compelling now than ever as a mitigation measure against the onslaught of the energy transition.

“Alternative funding mechanisms must be sought and pursued vigorously to assuage the effect of defunding fossil fuel. Such mechanisms could include preexport financing, project financing, oil for service agreements and prioritisation of gas development being the adopted transition fuel,” he said.

“Others include continuous data gathering and studies to optimize discovery requirements to be pursued to reduce the chances of failure and downtime during drilling.”

He explained that the adoption of advanced technologies is crucial in transforming the upstream sector, improving production and delivering benefits to the government and investors.

“As the world is fast gravitating towards digitization and automation in all spheres of human endeavours, we must not be left behind.

“Embracing technologies like Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics and the Internet of things, will revolutionise our operations, enhance safety, and optimize resource utilisation,” he said.

Mr Komolafe said the NUPRC, has continued to be innovative and has demonstrated commitment to digitisation and automation of all its operational and regulatory processes in line with its core values of professionalism, responsiveness, ownership and integrity to reduce inefficiencies and optimising processing time cycle in its operations.

L-R: Mr. Sola Adeseun, Zonal Head, South West Zonal Office, PenCom; Mr. Oguche Agudah, CEO PenOp; Mr. Abdulqadir Dahiru, Head, Corporate Communications Department, PenCom; Mr. Ikenna Chidi-Ebere, Head, Consumer Protection Department, PenCom; Olajumoke Akinwa of PenOp at the journalists conference organized by PenCom in Lagos on August 3, 2023.

CBN Reports N65.6bn Profit in 2016-2022 Financial Statement

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released its audited financial statements for 2016-2022. The result showed that the apex financial services regulator recorded a profit of N65.63 billion in 2022 — more than double the figure it reported a in the previous year (N31.04 billion).

The apex bank said the financial statements of the last seven years hd been approved by its board in accordance with the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007.

“We present the state of affairs of the Group and the Bank as at 31 December 2022, the results and cash flows of the Group and the Bank in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 18 to 49 which are derived from the IFRS Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS Standards)”, CBN said in the statement.

In the period under review, CBN (the Group) recorded a profit of N103.85 billion. The Group refers to CBN and its subsidiaries including the Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Plc (MINT), Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Stabilisation Strategy Limited (NESI SS Ltd), among others.

“The Group and bank’s profit for the year was N103,854 million and N65,626 million respectively (2021: N75,125 million and N31,044 million respectively). In line with the provision of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2011, 20 percent of the net income of the bank will be credited to retained earnings, while the balance will be paid to the federal government of Nigeria,” the report reads.

NGX All-Share Index Climbes 0.20% as Market Cap Hits N35.57trn

The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalization Appreciated by 0.20%, and 0.26% to close the week at 65,325.37 and N35.572 trillion respectively.

A total turnover of 1.741 billion shares worth N25.087 billion in 30,652 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 2.575 billion shares valued at N29.615 billion that exchanged hands last week in 37,713 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.244 billion valued at N12.616 billion traded in 13,398 deals; thus contributing 71.43% and 50.29% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 133.034 million shares worth N575.673 million in 1,572 deals. The third place was the ICT Industry, with a turnover of 87.649 million shares worth N2.292 billion in 2,404 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, and Universal Insurance Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 518.847 million shares worth N3.917 billion in 1,901 deals, contributing 29.80% and 15.61% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Otedola Raises Stake in FBNH With 0.3% Worth N2bn

Amid lingering battle for the soul of FBN Holdings Plc, billionaire businessman and chairman of Geregu Power Plant, Femi Otedola, has acquired 110 million units of the bank’s shares worth N2 billion in a fresh deal that intensifies the supremacy battle at Nigeria’s oldest financial services institution. The units represent 0.3 per cent of the bank’s entire shares of 35,895,292,792.

The deal came after Otedola had offloaded about 834 million shares of FBN Holdings valued at about N9.28 billion, an acquisition that made him the largest single shareholder of the bank as of June, 2023.

The sale came after a protracted boardroom tussle over who owns the largest shares of the company. The confusion compelled the Nigerian Exchange to wade in and clarify issues regarding ownership. The audited accounts of the banks within the period placed the billionaire at 7.57 per cent ownership.

THEWILL had reported last month that the chairman, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, consolidated his shareholding as the largest shareholder with the acquisition of 4,770,269,843 units of shares through Barbican Capital Limited, an affiliate of Honeywell Group Limited, representing 13.3 per cent of its 35,895,292,791 outstanding shares of FBN Holdings.

This newspaper had reported that FBN Holdings Plc said it did not receive a court order stopping it from holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 15, 2023, emphasizing that the AGM would hold as scheduled. This followed reports that a section of the shareholders had secured a court order stopping the planned AGM on August 15.

The company disclosed this via an official statement signed by the Company Secretary, Adewale Arogundade, which was sent to Nigeria Exchange Limited.

Part of the statement read:

“The attention of FBN Holdings Plc (the Company) has been drawn to recent media reports purporting that the Company has received a Court Order stopping it from holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 15, 2023.

“We confirm that this assertion is a false narrative as the Company has, as at the date hereof, not been served with any court order to stop the forthcoming AGM. “Suffice to mention that the AGM is a statutory meeting of Shareholders that must be held in with the law, further to which the Company will notify the regulators and the public as appropriate if there is any lawful order to restrain the Company from conducting same.

“We hereby assure our esteemed Shareholders that the AGM shall hold on August 15, 2023, and we look forward to their attendance and active participation at the meeting.”

The company noted that if there was any restraining order to stop the AGM from holding, that they would have informed regulators and the investing public. They assured Shareholders that the AGM would hold on August 15, 2023.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

L-R: Ayobami Isaac Olowolayemo, Head, Lubricants, Hyde Energy; Comrade Moruf Egberongbe, Chairman, NATA; Asiwaju Jacob Fayeun, Chairman Emeritus, NATA; Nnamdi Uzoezie of Danal Consulting and Uwadia Isiraojie, Plant Manager, Hyde Energy, at the recent visit to Hyde Energy Lubricant facility in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on August 9, 2023.

Inflation: Impacting Health, Cost-of-Living And Businesses

The current economic situation of many Nigerians, be they unemployed, employed or small business operators is, to say the least, perplexing and confusing. Inflation continues to worsen the cost of living of the populace eroding the purchasing power of the citizenry with no succour in sight. Even though inflation is a concept that affects all of us, most importantly high inflation is hostile to even the economy.

With persistent inflation, businesses and households will continue to perform poorly and we will continue to pay more for the same goods and services. The consequence and impact of inflation (price instability) in recent times in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. We have witnessed job losses, an increase in malnutrition, declines in social status, food insecurity, high levels of different forms of begging from family, neighbours and friends and so on.

Likewise, most Nigerians in small businesses are struggling to survive daily because of low sales, accelerating inflation and worsening living conditions. It may even result in a higher mortality rate in the short term because when health care is expensive and unaffordable it will widen the inequality that already exists.

More lower-income earners are likely to replace healthier food options with what is available, which could be toxic and detrimental to health. Because the cost of living crisis affects more than just our bank accounts, it hurts and affects mental health as it increases worry and anxiety.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the headline inflation rate for May 2023 was 22.41 per cent and 22.79 per cent for June 2023. The same inflation rate was 15.68 per cent in 2016 and 9.01 per cent in 2015. Currently, the inflation rate in Nigeria is the highest in the last 17 years and this is a cause for concern. Though cost-of-living and inflation crises are typically global, the impact is more on the African continent.

For instance, inflation in Ghana reached 42.50 per cent in July 2023, the highest level in two decades. Ghana has over 100 per cent increase in food prices and transportation costs. The energy costs have risen dramatically. Inflation is running at 44.81 per cent for Sierra Leone as of June 2023, the highest in recent times, driven by food and fuel inflation and the depreciation of the leone. Inflation has risen to 36 years high in Congo and many African countries are under growing pressure of high inflation and an unbearable cost of living.

Even though it is a global phenomenon at this time the inflation the steady inflation in most African countries has been largely driven by the effects of the war in Ukraine, food, fuel and energy costs. In Nigeria, Forex unification, government policies, public debt and recently reviewed fuel costs are the main causes. Importantly, when prices of energy,

food, commodities, goods, and services go up, purchasing power usually goes down. The persistent rise in the inflation rate may continue to erode the value of African currency against the dollar and continue to cause general price instability and this is a concern.

Based on the aforementioned and from the inflationary perspective, to achieve adequate price stability, the government needs to adopt significant structural policy reforms, and tight monetary and fiscal policies to maintain stronger growth rates in terms of improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and to stabilize the tide of inflationary pressures on our economy.

The stipulated palliative of 500 Billion to poor households by the federal government of Nigeria is laudable. However, it is expedient to consider support for the structured small-scale businesses that are priorities for economic growth, job creation and social cohesion.

Recent empirical studies show that SMEs contribute to over 60 per cent of GDP and over 70 per cent of

total employment in low-income countries, while they contribute over 95 per cent of total employment and about 70 per cent of GDP in middle-income countries. So it is my opinion that to stimulate the Nigerian economy substantial part of the 500 billion palliatives can be considered as loans at 0 per cent interest to structured, traceable and collateralized SMEs with a repayment within five years. As such it will improve working capital, and stimulate businesses through technology adoption, asset acquisitions and business growth. The SME sector can play a major role in economic growth at this point through poverty reduction and job creation. The sector is labour-intensive and can provide a reasonable reduction in the level of unemployment rate in the country, but the government needs to provide an adequate enabling environment and palliative. It is further advocated that political leaders should minimize avoidable public spending, strengthen the judicial system, stiffen the anticorruption drive, address insufficient infrastructure, and build strong and effective institutions.

Furthermore, institutions and individuals have the opportunity to beat inflation by accelerating the preservation of capital and strengthening purchasing power with income addition. This can be done by acquiring investments particularly assets such as real estate because they usually keep up with inflation.

Remember one million (N1,000,000) naira today will not acquire the same value of goods and services in 10 years mainly due to inflation. Therefore, investing is key to hedge against a sharp inflation impact because it erodes the value of savings if funds are just left in the bank accounts.

Conclusively, it is imperative to consider investing in other currencies, diversify your investment portfolio internationally if you can, and consider inflationprotected securities with potential for higher growth like equities, Gold Shares ETF, or mutual funds. These can earn more interest returns per year than the inflation rate therefore the options are reasonable.

It is also possible to start a business, cultivate passive income generation, and/or even reduce unnecessary expenditures to increase the propensity to save. You might need to reach out using the details below for the necessary advice or for any further information you may require. Good Luck!

•Dr Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship and Business Management expert

BY TIMI OLUBIYI

Recent empirical studies show that SMEs contribute to over 60% of GDP and over 70 per cent of total employment in low-income countries, while they contribute over 95 per cent of total employment and about 70 per cent of GDP in middle-income countries

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Governor of Rivers State,  Siminalayi Fubara; members, Senate Ad-hoc committee on East-West Road and Eleme-Ogoni Corridor, Sen. Adams Oshomhole and Senator, Senator Osita Izunazuqqo, during the visit of the Senate Committee on East-West Road and Eleme-Ogoni Corridor to the Governor in Port Harcourt on August 9, 2023.

L-R: Mother to Omotola Thomas, Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Warrior and Founder of Parkinson's Africa, Mrs. Okupe; Chair, Board of Trustees, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson's Foundation (ADPF), Mrs. Morin Desalu and Chairmam, Governing Board, ADPF, Mr. Offong Ambah, at the #MOVE4PD Awareness Walk for Parkinson's Disease held in Lagos on August 5, 2023.

L-R: Board Chairman, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof. Roel Merckx; DG, IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during a visit of  Board Members of IITA to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 9, 2013.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia (Right), receiving a gift from the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed-AlShamsi, after a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 5, 2023.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogala (L), presenting a souvenir to the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, during the presentation of CNS research papers to participants at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on August 9, 2023.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar-Radda (4th Left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Yusufu (4th Right) and other dignitaries, during the Governor’s visit to the Permanent Secretary in Abuja on August 7, 2023.

Lagos Council Boss Under Fire Over N650k Aso Ebi For Party

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

The Executive Chairman of Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area, LCDA in Lagos State, Abolanle Samiat Bada, has been under intense fire for daring to announce her 50th birthday party and the cost of the aso ebi that will serve as part of the invite to the anticipated party.

Continues on page 41

HOW WALE EDUN RUINED DIMEJI BANKOLE'S CHANCES OF BECOMING MINISTER

Staying Relevant

For stepping down as a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, to enable Asiwaju Bola Ahmed emerge the presidential candidate of the party as well as his ceaseless presence at Tinubu's campaigns, former speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole had banked on playing a crucial role in

Continues on page 41

After All I Have Been Through, I'm Thankful to God I'm 60 – Ngozi Nwosu

Seasoned Nollywood actress, Ngozi Nwosu, aka Madam V-Boot, speaks to Ivory Ukonu on turning 60 and some life's lessons she has learned.

Excerpts:

Whatdoes it feel like turning 60?

How would I feel? I feel awesome. After all I have been through and I am able to get to this diamond age. I feel awesome. 60 is a milestone. You reach 60, you give God the glory. So I give God the glory. He is faithful.

What are you thanking God, most especially, for attaining this milestone?

I am thanking God most importantly for life, the air I breathe, my life, etc. I have passed through a lot, but I don’t even want to talk about those periods of my life. I just want to thank God that I am still standing. I am the last woman standing for what I have been through. I have gone through a lot. I just want to thank God. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I am just full of praise. I want to praise Him; I want to thank Him for keeping me thus far.

What is the secret of your good looks?

God and nothing else and I drink water and mind my business. You see, when you put God first, you drink water and mind your business, it makes you look a lot younger, especially in this industry. What makes one outdated is when you start meddling into what is not your business. When you start doing that, you will be having unnecessary headaches and wrinkles on your face because you will be insulted by substandard people. Although people may say it’s none of my business, if you abuse me from today till tomorrow,

it won’t stick. It’s not true, it sticks. So why don’t you drink water and mind your business? Don’t go anywhere you’re not wanted. That is the secret. And be natural. Be as natural as you can. All this bleaching stuff is not good. I don’t bleach. If you look at me, the way I was from the outset is the way I am till date, with regard to my complexion. I take care of my skin. I eat good food. I sleep when I am supposed to sleep. Also, the grace of God is sufficient for me. I will not pursue what is not pursuing me. That is what will make you grow grey hair before time. I am naturally a bubbly and happy person. Anywhere I go, if I hear music, I will stand up and dance. That is what I have always done before and I still do it. It is just that now, I have to take it easy with my dancing.

Do you really enjoy dancing?

Yes, that is my favourite sport. I enjoy it more than anything in this world. Especially, oldies. That was when music was

music. Like I said, I am a bubbly person, but I have curtailed some of the things I used to do, now I just take things easy.

If you weren’t an actor, what other profession do you think you would have excelled in? I would still want to remain in show business, but if I were not an actress, I would have been a newscaster.

Why would you want to be a newscaster?

I love the profession. I used to admire the likes of Julie Coker in those days and people like Sienne Allwell-Brown who graced our television screens reading the news gracefully.

As a veteran who begin famous in the era of old Nollywood and you have remained relevant up until this new era, what advice do you have for upcoming actors who desire your kind of staying power?

Well, for me, nobody is like any other. There is no need to be me or trying to be like me. I would advise them to be true to themselves and become what they truly want to become. They should humble themselves, because that is what will lead them far. They should focus and be down to earth. That is what will make you go far as

well. That is what will make you relevant in the industry. In this industry of ours, you have to be focused. You have to humble yourself and you have to move with the tide. Be innovative. There are new things happening and they should learn. Knowledge, they say, is power. They should learn, pick the good ones and leave the bad ones. That is what I mean by moving with the tide. They should develop themselves more in a good way, not in a bad way. Now we have social media awareness. So flow with the tide. Don’t be rigid. There are some people today who don’t even know how to operate GSM phones. Some of us that don’t know how to operate phones. You need to move with the trend of things, the good ones, not the bad ones though.

Not only are you a likeable person, but you are also able to easily switch from speaking Igbo language to Yoruba. What was your growing up like?

I grew up in Lagos, in the Fadeyi and Maryland area of the state. I don't want to dwell too much between that time and now, but I will just say life was good then. There was peace and security. You could walk the streets without fear of anything, but you cannot try that now because we are living a life of 'Oluwa Lambe,' In God we pray. Today fear, tomorrow uncertainty. Back in those days, we were our brothers’ keepers. Today, no one is your keeper. If you even keep yourself, they will still come and kill you. If you sleep and wake up, you should just thank God because the hardship is unbearable.

Nwosu

Nwosu

You see, when you put God first, drink water and mind your business, it makes you look a lot younger, especially in this industry. What makes one outdated is when you start meddling into what is not your business. When you start doing that, you will be having unnecessary headaches and wrinkles on your face because you will be insulted by substandard people

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

LAGOS LAWMAKERS UNHAPPY WITH SANWO-OLU FOR NOT CHOOSING PARTY FAITHFUL AS COMMISSIONER-NOMINEES

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are unhappy with governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the exclusion of party members from his commissionernominee list sent to them for screening and confirmation. The members are of the opinion that some of the party members who worked assiduously for his return for a second term when it looked like the odds were against him, or of the opinion that these party members needed to be rewarded with some slots in the commissioner list.

The lawmakers lamented the exclusion of some local government areas and constituencies from the list. The governor had on July 28 sent 39 names to the state lawmakers, but they fumed over the fact that government loyalists and All Progressives Congress, APC members were not nominated as much as the technocrats named in the list. They argued that those who sacrificed their ambitions for the party or lost during the last elections should also have been nominated as commissioners and special advisers, as they could still serve the people in other capacities. This may perhaps explain why the screening and confirmation is taking a long time to conclude, in the hope that the governor will see reasons with them and drop some acclaimed technocrats from the list for party members. Although the speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, agreed with his colleagues on the exclusion, he however, implored the members to see reasons with the governor over his choice of commissioners as the law gives room for the governor to decide who he wants to choose.

Continued from page 38

How Wale Edun Ruined Dimeji Bankole's Chances Of Becoming Minister

Tinubu's government as pay-back for his efforts. Unfortunately, Bankole's aspirations did not come to fruition. Recall that THEWILL had exclusively reported how Wale Edun, a ministerial nominee who was the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State during Tinubu's two term tenure as governor and is currently the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Monetary Policy, was moved as a former nominee from Lagos State to Ogun State. Dimeji Bankole was reportedly supposed to make up the third nominee from Ogun State which currently has the highest number of ministerial nominees. The other nominees are Bosun Tijani and Dr Isiak Salako. But Edun getting moved to Ogun State to make up the third nominee, ended his chances of being the third ministerial nominee. His supporters are however hoping Tinubu will do right by them and at least give Bankole a federal appointment. The 53-yearold has remained politically irrelevant since his tenure as the youngest Speaker in Nigeria ended in 2011. He had tried to run for governor in Ogun State on the platform of Action Democratic Party in 2019, but in vain. In 2022, he imagined himself emerging as president of Nigeria on the platform of the APC, but realising that he didn't stand a chance, he changed his mind and stepped down for Tinubu. In 2021, he tried to align himself politically by divorcing his long-suffering wife, Olaitan, in 2017 and marrying Aisha Shinkafi Saidu, the stepdaughter of the immediate past governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and a granddaughter of late political heavyweight Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, a one-time head of Nigeria Security Organisation, which metamorphosed into Department of State Security Services, (SSS). The result of the 'political marriage' is however, yet to manifest.

Matel-Okoh

Continued from page 38

Lagos Council Boss Under Fire Over N650k Aso Ebi For Party

In her invitation card, which surfaced on social media, the party is scheduled to take place later this year at an event centre in the Ikeja area of the state, with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal billed to keep guests entertained. Besides the N250,000 male guests are expected to part with for 10 yards of clothing material and a cap to match, female guests are expected to part with N650,000 for lace material and head tie to match. The lace material and the head tie, popularly referred to as HOH and 3D, respectively, is said to be in an exclusive class of their own when it comes to luxury fabrics.

Well, not a few people took Bada to the cleaners for planning to go extravagant for her birthday party at a time and season the economic policies of the new government, which she is a part of, has further impoverished citizens, with many not knowing where their next meal will come from.

For stating in the invitation card that the 'aso ebi' will serve as part of the access card for the party, it meant that even her underpaid subordinates, who do not want to be in her bad books if they fail to attend the party, will have to go over and beyond to find the means to purchase the fabric. What is more?

As a council boss, her take home pay annually is grossly inadequate to cover the cost of the party she is planning and this got people wondering how a public official, whose salary is sourced from tax paid by struggling citizens, comfortably lives so large without any form of accountability.

THEWILL gathered that a petition was allegedly filed by Concerned Ikosi/ Isheri LCDA residents over the issue. The group allegedly accused her of making it compulsory for councillors, supervisors and workers in the LCDA, to buy the fabrics, among other allegations levelled against her. She denied the allegation of compelling staff members to buy the fabrics, describing it as completely false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to blackmail her, tarnish her reputation and create unnecessary division within her administration. She also claimed that her friends and associates in the Diaspora were the ones who chose to wear the HOH lace fabric and 3D head tie costing N650,000, adding that there was no formal invitation to her staff, forcing them to contribute financially towards her 50th birthday celebration. Whatever her reasons and excuses are, it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

MEET KESSINGTON ADEBUTU’S SELF-MADE DAUGHTER

Unlike most of the famous children of lottery king, Sir, Kessington Adebutu, particularly Ladi Adebutu, the embattled Ogun State governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bola Matel-Okoh is a rare breed who has not allowed the web of influence and wealth that her father has woven around his children, to affect her sense of direction. She has done a successful job over the years to create a name for herself outside of her father's famous name. And unless you are told, it is difficult to link the two together as blood. A lawyer Bola who has over 30 years of legal experience is also a life coach who has been manifesting values in the executive space with focus on excellence, integrity and faith as guiding principles. She runs BMO advisory services, a life coach brand. She is also been a board member of Wema Bank as a Non-Executive Director for the past eight years. A member of the Nigerian Bar Association and New York State Bar, Bola also operates in the lifestyle business via N Lounge and Spa, a full-service beauty and wellness enterprise. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Ventures.

SHINA PELLER GETS NEW APPOINTMENT

Several months after his failed bid to return to the National Assembly, by transitioning from a member of the House of Representatives to the Senate on the platform of Accord Party, where he defected to from the All Progressives Congress, APC businessman and club owner, Shina Peller has been given a soft landing.

The son of late famous magician, Professor Moshood Abiola Peller, has been named a member of the organising committee for the proposed Nigeria–Benin

Investment Summit. The summit will be held in Cotonou, the capital city of Benin Republic. Peller's new role requires him to coordinate and bring in businessmen and women from Nigeria to attend the event. The summit will provide a unique opportunity for researchers, policy makers and development practitioners from Nigeria, Benin republic and other parts of Africa, to debate development and the policies required to eradicate poverty in the context of the Post 2015 Africa Developmental Agenda in particular with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The former House of Representatives member disclosed that he met with the Beninois Minister of Trade and Commerce, Madame Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, on the Summit during the country’s recent 63rd Independence Anniversary where President Bola Tinubu, was a Special Guest of Honour.

Peller

Sanwo-Olu

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

PASTOR ASHIMOLOWO QUITS PREACHING, FACES REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

After preaching the Christian gospel for over 40 years, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, has found a new calling: real estate business. Unknown to many, the televangelist has retired from full-time Christian ministry and is now one of the biggest land owners in Lagos. Although he has been acquiring real estate from the age of 27 when he aquired a small parcel of land, he expanded it to include about 900 acres of land in the Mowe area of Ogun State, where he built six estates before moving on to aquire more parcels of land in Ibeju Lekki coastal area of Lagos. In addition to owning several properties in Pinnoch Estate, Lekki, Lagos, where he lives, in a luxurious, smart-enabled mansion, he also owns several acres of land scattered around Lagos where he is making a kill. He is currently building one of the biggest luxury estates in Lagos via his Makarios Luxury Properties. The luxury estate known as Makarios: The Luxury Place, is a dream city as he would like to call it, a world class project, an absolutely outstanding luxury place to live in that he hopes will rival the Dubai Marina. It sits on 95 acres of land where many rich people are now buying service plots.

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Nigeria’s Oldest Woman to Conceive Via IVF Clocks 70

The estate, which is being constructed by a German company, will feature about 11 number, 10 floor high-rise buildings, 192 terrace houses, 18 detached houses at completion. He has earmarked almost 300 parcels of land on the luxury estate for sale. While he has a full-time pastor managing the Lagos branch of his church, his first son, Tobi, is in charge of the London branch and headquarters of the church. He is ably assisted to ensure the smooth running of the church by his wife, Pastor Yemisi. This affords him the opportunity to expend enough time and energy on his real estate business and complete the Makarios: The Luxury Place in record time. When he is not busy holding online early morning preachings andand dishing out prophetic declarations, the 71-year-old finds time to impact knowledge on the real estate business.

Adetola Nola Celebrates 6th Anniversary, Opens New Corporate Office

Adetola Nola and his team recently celebrated their years of hard work and success with the opening of a new corporate office in Ikoyi, Lagos to mark the company’s sixth anniversary. Dignitaries from all walks of life, honoured him with their presence at the ceremony as they marvelled at how well he has done for himself at his young age.

A young achiever and urbane entrepreneur, Adetola the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Veritasi Homes and Property Limited, one of the biggest real estate companies in Nigeria, headlining a team of real estate communities consisting of developers, property consultants and end-users, all combining their credible expertise in the real estate industry and beyond to provide cutting edge real estate solutions, has succeeded in redefining success and growing businesses in Nigeria by a youth.

At a time when the 'japa' syndrome seem to be the in thing for Nigerian youths who are despondent about the country, he remained optimistic about the future of Nigeria and resolved to build a groundbreaking company that will outlive him.

At only 31, Nola has successfully trodden where giants before him applied caution before treading. The company currently boasts of over 12,000 real estate consultants, 1300 Veritasi Realtors and dozens of full-time staff. His style of leadership, rooted in eye for details and profits, made the company record over N2

billion in revenue in less than five years of operation. But what is more interesting is the audacity he once exhibited to borrow over N5 billion on a commercial paper loan from the Financial Market Dealers Quotation Securities Exchange. For those who may not know, a commercial paper is a short-term loan that the biggest organisations in the corporate sector access to grow their businesses and boost their capital. These big corporations prefer commercial paper because it is cheaper than bank loans. They can get a commercial paper loan with less than eight per cent interest, while banks charge 25 percent to give the same loan. The only drawback is that repayment is usually shorter with commercial paper than with a bank loan. While commercial paper

repayment is usually 270 days, banks can extend loan tenure to two years. Commercial paper is usually recommended for companies that have a healthy cash flow but need cheap temporary loans to fund their business.

And in April of 2022, Nola's company signed for a commercial paper worth N5.5 billion and redeemed his debt ahead of its maturity date on December 30. A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nola started out selling shoes he made and selling them to retailers and end-user customers. He was so good at it that a client felt he could also sell real estate, and there arose his interest in real estate. He had to sell off the machines he used in shoe production, the generators, the car he used in delivering the shoes to customers and one other car they used for Uber to make money by the side. In 2017, he founded his own company with just one staff member, his secretary. It has not all been rosy as he has also experienced a lot of disappointments, but he never allowed it dissuade him, instead, he trudged on. And the recognition won't stop coming. Nola has been listed in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Business class, 2019, Avance Media: 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians, 2020 and Business Day: Top 10 Entrepreneurs to look out for in 2020. He has also been nominated for different awards including World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, 2020 and The Future Awards Africa, 2020.

On April 12, 2010, at the age of 57, Folashade Akiode became a mother of triplets, conceived through assisted conception, commonly known as Intro- Vitro Fertilisation at Nordica Fertility Clinic, Lagos. She was delivered of two girls (one named after her and the other, Esther) and a boy, at Isolo General Hospital. Unfortunately, she lost the boy 36 days after birth. He died in the hospital. Her journey to motherhood has been nothing short of inspiring. It is one of perseverance, which enabled her to surmount obstacles strewn before her. The retired pharmacist recently celebrated her 70th

birthday and she was beside herself with joy as she posed for photographs with two of the surviving triplets who are now 13 years-old.

Madam Akiode had at a point in her life thought that she would never carry her own child, but science proved otherwise and with God on her side, her fears were allayed. Unlike most people who had to try IVF about five or six times before being successful at conception, Mama Mary, as she is now called, only had to try once. Unfortunately, she had to go through the process all alone as a single mother since her husband opted out of the procedure, leading her to divorce him. Today she does not regret either divorcing her husband or conceiving by IVF.

Naomi Silekunola Back to Winning Souls For Christ

Silekunola

From all indications, Naomi Silekunola, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has returned to winning souls for Christ, her core area of competence before she abandoned it all to become a queen in Ile Ife. The mother of one ran an interdenominational ministry based in Akure, Ondo State before marrying the traditional ruler. She was also the founder of two Non-Governmental Organisations, EN- Heralds ministry

and Women in Need of Guidance and Support, WINGS. She was involved in running the ministry on a skeletal basis while functioning as queen in Ile-Ife. Recall that THEWILL had reported that shortly after she left the Ooni’s palace, she embraced life with a new fervour and relished her newfound freedom with so much gusto. Her holier-than-thou image, which she had projected before she became a queen, went with the wind. Instead, she projected an image of a good girl gone bad, turning her back on evangelism, attending parties and dancing to worldly music. Her style of dressing also changed as she cultivated a taste for extravagant and colourful dresses with very intricate styles. Also, Naomi who is now the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree, seems to be confused about the name she wants to be publicly addressed now that she has returned to sharing the gospel with fervour. She is yet to get over her time as the Queen of Ile Ife and sports a myriad of names with queenly attachment. While her social media pages refer to her as Queen Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi, her names on the Christian programmes she has been invited to, refer to her as either Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi or Prophetess Naomi Silekunola. These days, she gets invited to minister at gospel conferences. First, she was invited for a church ministration at the Christ Chapel International Church in Akure, Ondo State. Then she also organised a prayer ministration on Facebook Live and later this month, she will be part of the ministers invited to share the gospel at Christos International Abuja Worship Center.

Seasoned film, broadcast, communication scholar and and entertainment critic, Dr Shaibu Husseini, has been appointed an international voting member of the prestigious Golden Globe Award. In his letter of appointment, Helen Hoehne, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), organisers of the award said the HFPA was thrilled to have Shaibu as an international voting member for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards which will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Husseini, who described his appointment as the highest imprimatur for his career said his invitation to be a significant part of the Golden Globe awards was deeply meaningful to him as it afforded him the opportunity to play a pivotal role in deciding nominees and winners of the 81st edition of the Golden Globes. He described the appointment into the elite class of international voters as a privilege, to be able to support and celebrate

the world's best talent in television and film production and promised to, as he had always done to other assignments of this nature, tackle it with much joy and commitment.

Husseini holds a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. An alumnus of the Berlinale Campus Press, Husseini is reputed to be one of the most consistent documentarists of Nigeria’s vibrant movie industry, Nollywood and an astute commentator on arts, theatre and film development in Nigeria and the continent of Africa.

The Chair, for 12 years running, of the Selection Committee of Africa’s premier film award-the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and a member of the prestigious AMAA jury, Shaibu currently sits on a number of local and international ccommittees on film, theatre and allied matters including serving on the board and on the jury of a number of Festivals, Awards and Committees. He is a member of the Nigeria Official Selection Committee charged with the responsibility of deciding Nigeria’s entry for the Best International Film category of the Academy Awards.

Ashimolowo

The Akiodes

Husseini

Nola

Shaibu Husseini Appointed International Voting Member, Golden Globes Award

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

FAMILY, FRIENDS CELEBRATE CAROL KING AT 60

Veteran Nollywood actress, Carol King, spared no cost last week to ensure that she had a grand celebration as she turned 60 years. The event, which was a gathering of the close people within her circle, turned out to be the most fun-filled event that the movie icon has hosted so far. Ahead of her celebration, King had an elaborate photo-shoot which she used to paint the social media red, while naming herself an empress, conqueror, champion and lioness.

She also gushed over herself as she affirmed her position as a child of God. The celebration continued a few days after the photo shoot with a party which was coordinated by Funke Kuti, legendary singer, Femi Kuti's ex-wife.

The duo of Ego Ogbaro and Orobiyi Motunrayo Abiodun, also known as Adunni Fretitiplus, had special renditions for the birthday celebrant. One of the highlights of the occasion was when the celebrant's daughter who couldn't make it for the birthday party made a video call to wish her mother a happy birthday and to apologize for her absence at the ceremony.

King’s friends rocked blue and red aso ebi specially made for the occasion with the inscription, 'Carol@60'. Guests were treated to tasty delicacies as they rocked the old school music played by a disc jockey. Tributes and accolades have since been pouring in for the thespian while friends have not stopped sending gifts and cakes days after her birthday party.

Segun Aganga Makes His Debut as Author

Segun Aganga, a two-term minister, has made his debut as an author.

Aganga first became a Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment during the President Olusegun Obasanjo's regime in 2010. He was also made the Minister of Finance during the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's government in 2015. His book, 'Reclaiming the African Jewel: A Blueprint for Taking Nigeria and Africa from Potential to Posterity', was first launched at the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), in Russell Square, London, United States. The book is a reflection of the former banker’s wealth of experience and passion both in the private and also in government. The book provides practical and pragmatic insights

Anthony Ani Expands Business

Aformer Minister of Finance, Anthony

Ani, has expanded his chain of businesses. Ani who is now the Obong of Calabar-elect has veered into manufacturing. He has set up a vehicle assembly plant in his hometown in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State. Setting up the multibillion-naira plant is part of his plan to elevate the status of youths in his community. The company has the capacity to employ over a thousand youths in the community and its environment. The former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, ICAN, always believed that the government does not have the capacity to employ all the youths in the country. While in office, he had called on private investors to establish businesses that would move the country

forward and reduce the rate of unemployment across the nation. He has been contributing his quota to ensure his dream and aspiration for his country is achieved. All hands are already on deck to ensure the plant kicks off operation before the end of the year.

that all Nigerians, and anyone concerned about the economic future of Africa should consider.

The second book launch took place last week at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Federal Capital Territory. The proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated towards poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria and other African countries.

Aganga is also a renowned chartered accountant with over four decades of experience. He worked as a managing director at Goldman Sachs in London and senior director at Ernst and Young. He is also the founder of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) and an advisory board member of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

Makinde

MRS MAKINDE BECOMES KNIGHT OF JOHN WESLEY

The First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has been made a knight of John Wesley. The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev Oliver Ali Aba, gave her the title at the Wesley Methodist Church, Elekuro, Ibadan, Oyo State. A knight of John Wesley is usually given to a devoted, committed, spiritual, peaceful and loving ardent defender of the Christian faith and promoter of the Wesleyan heritage. Makinde, was awarded in recognition of the roles she has played, not only within the Christian body but also among the people of the state.

The Knight of John Wesley award has retained its integrity over the years in a society where awards are not given on merit, as it continues to be bestowed on worthy individuals who have contributed immensely to upholding the integrity that John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement stood for.

Nkechi

Ali-Balogun Seeks Re-election Into Council of NIPR

Internationally acclaimed public relations practitioner, Nkechi AliBalogun, is set to return to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relation, NIPR. Mrs Ali-Balogun was a member of the Council who served as the first female chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Institute for two terms. She is seeking election as president of the institute.

The wife of veteran movie producer, Mahmood AliBalogun, is planning to use her wealth of professional and managerial experience including her experience and achievements while serving at the Lagos State Chapter, to lead at the national level. Prominent local and international personalities have thrown their weight behind her since she expressed interest into the highest policy formulation body of the Institute. They have capitalised on her experience as a member of the Institute’s Governing Council, her pragmatic leadership style, capacity and networking skills, as qualities that makes her the ideal candidate for the highest policy formulation body of the prestigious organisation. The election, which will usher in a new set of leaders at the NIPR, will take place in Abuja between August 23 and 25 during the Institute’s 2023 Annual General Meeting and the election.

Ani

Ali-Balogun

Aganga

King

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

CHIOMA AJUNWA BOWS OUT OF POLICE FORCE

Chioma Ajunwa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, has retired from the Nigeria Police Force after 35 years of meritorious service. The first female gold medalist in Nigeria received a surprise retirement party from her close associates and colleagues in the force last week to mark her exit from active service. Friends and associates who attended the party paid glowing tributes to Ajunwa, for her impact in the police force and her contribution to their lives and career.

The celebrant who appreciated the kind gesture noted that she might be retiring but still had a lot to do in terms of giving back to the society. Ajunwa revealed that she will be concentrating on her foundation, 'Chioma Ajunwa Foundation' which was established in 2017 to discover new talents in sports.

The retired DCP was a former track and field athlete, footballer and the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She is also the first black African woman to win an Olympic

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Toun Okewale-Sonaiya Inducted Into Nigerian Women Hall of Fame

The co-founder of Women Radio, Toun OkewaleSonaiya, has been inducted into the Women Hall of Fame of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, MBNCWD. She was inducted as the first Nigerian woman to establish the country’s only radio station for women and Africa's only commercial radio station for women.

gold medal in a field event. She joined the police force 35 years ago and has risen through the ranks to become the Deputy Commissioner of Police. In 2022, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, redeemed the house pledge made to the Olympic medalist in 1996 by giving her a three bedroom flat.

Adesina, Okonjo-Iweala, Mohammed

Bag National Diaspora Merit Award

The award ceremony took place at the State House Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa showered encomiums on the awardees for being worthy ambassadors of the country and encouraged them to continue flying the flag of the country high globally. The three awardees while appreciating the kind gesture promised an unrelenting effort in contributing to the development and transformation of Nigeria.

Okewale-Sonaiya was honoured as an achiever and role models in Nigeria who has broken the glass ceiling in her profession. Her achievements were written on a plaque and placed among others gracing the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development Hall in Abuja. The media entrepreneur co-founded the first women radio station, WFM 91.7 in 2015, with his brother, Dr Babatunde Okewale, founder of St Ives Hospital Group. The station has amplified the voices of Nigerian women by focusing on female-centric programmes that fosters national development.

MIRACLE TYNA ONEM FINDS HER GROOVE AGAIN

General election in Nigeria had her dream cut short in a car accident that kept her hospitalised for some time.

Onem had announced her intention to contest in the House of Assembly election in the state on the platform of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, but unfortunately got involved in a near-fatal accident within her constituency. Due to the serious injuries she sustained, she had to drop out of the race and her political career was put on hold since then.

Onem

Miracle Tyna Onem, former councillor representing Ogbia Ward II, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has found her groove again. The politician, who aspired to become a lawmaker in Ogbia Constituency II, Bayelsa State during the 2023

The trio of Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president, African Development Bank, AfDB; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and United Nations Deputy SecretaryGeneral, Amina Mohammed, have been honoured with the National Diaspora Merit Award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM.

The three were honoured in recognition of their selfless service, unflinching love and contributions to national development and the development of the continent in general as Nigerian Diaspora Global icons.

The awardees, who have been working at the global level, have proven over time that Nigerians are people of integrity. They

have positively changed the narrative about how Nigerians are perceived in other parts of the world with the levels they have individually attained in their careers.

Tynarated, as she is fondly called, was appointed by the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, a few weeks ago as the ViceChairperson of the Caretaker Committee of Ogbia Ward 2, Ogbia Local Government, Bayelsa State. Her inauguration took place last week and Onem has pledged to ensure a smooth transition and take- over by the next chairman of the LGA.

Ogiame Atuwatse III honoured With Sword of Faith, Armour in Scotland

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has been honoured with the Sword of Faith and Armour by the Aberdeen Royal Mission, ARM, in Aberdeen, Scotland. The award was presented to the traditional ruler by a representative of ARM, Joe Ochie and Graham Guyan, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, City of Aberdeen, during the Olu’s visit to Scotland.

Ogiame Atuwatse II was honoured for his contribution to Warri kingdom since he took over the stool. The Sword of Faith and Armour represents the unbroken bond between Aberdeen and Warri kingdom. Guyan described the traditional ruler as a righteous man of God who is worthy of the honour bestowed on him. He prayed for God's continuous protection over Warri kingdom and the Olu.

The Olu, who was excited by the kind gesture, thanked Aberdeen Royal Mission for the honour and also gave a historical background of Mary Slessor and other Scottish missionaries in the Niger Delta. According to him, Mary Slessor's exploits in Nigeria were celebrated for many years and she is always remembered for her contribution to the history of the Nigeria Delta.

While Mrs Howard, another missionary from Scotland to Nigeria who served in India College, Benin City, became the founding principal of the boarding school he attended. The Nigerian Ambassador to Aberdeen, Sarafa Isola, who was also present during the presentation, noted that it was the first time such an honour would be given to any Nigerian since he assumed office.

Okewale-Sonaiya

Ajunwa

Adesina Okonjo-Iweala

Mohammed

Atuwatse

NYSC Certificate Forgery: Politicians on Trial

By Michael Jimoh

On Wednesday July 4 2018, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun attended the Federal Executive Council meeting at Aso Villa like she’s done since 2015 after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed her Minister of Finance. On the driver’s seat of the engine room of the Nigerian economy, she had a lot on her shoulders. So much was expected of her from some of her colleagues who both admired and disdained her.

Her predecessor Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was so reviled that her traducers tried various meansincluding kidnapping her octogenarian motherto bend her to their will. She refused to be bent. Appointed by PMB to succeed Okonjo-Iweala, Adeosun already knew what she would be up against in that position. While her predecessor set her house in order, Ms. Adeosun left much to chance for her enemies to get a leeway into what seemed an impregnable fortress around her.

For starters, her benefactor and former governor of Ogun state Ibikunle Amosun, on whose special recommendation PMB put her in charge of the Finance Ministry, was the president’s main man, a dependable ally. Two, she was not one of those women men like to ogle just for their breathtaking beauty. Adeosun had a formidable intellect to match, a disarming combo which sometimes erode the confidence bit by painful bit of the most self-assured male folk.

But then something happened lending credence to the immortal observation by one of the most famous quartet of The Beatles band. By Saturday of that week July 7 while Adeosun was making plans about going to work the following Monday, a Nigerian online publication Premium Times devoted a six-minute read to how the sitting minister not only skipped NYSC but also presented a forged certificate to back up her claim. It was an exclusive in the real sense of the word and a bombshell the woman with impeccable and enviable credentials as a finance whiz could not survive.

As if roused up from its lethargy, NYSC’s director of Press and Public Relations promised on Monday July 9 to look into the allegations of forgery against the minister. It hardly mattered because, as they say, the deed had been done.

From then on, the only way for the super-bright investment banker and beloved member of PMB’s cabinet was out the door. It did not take long. On September 14 the same year, Mrs. Adeosun tendered her resignation to PMB whose mantra of fighting corruption was still tingling the ears of Nigerians. The opposition PDP still smarting from an unexpected electoral defeat and a phalanx of integrity groups joined in asking for Adeosun’s summary sack if any sense was to be made of PMB’s anti-corruption and sundry integrity issues he promised to tackle head on. Of course, the beleaguered public officer and ministerial appointee took the hint and, possibly bemoaning

her fate that her enemies had done their worst, she resigned.

"This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administration's focus on integrity,” Adeosun declared in a sort of mea culpa, “I must do the honourable thing and resign.”

Her resignation was a political albatross PMB never wished to hang around his neck, considering that the next presidential election which he hoped to re-contest

seminarian and soft-spoken like one, governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu state Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was early on called out by a pressure group for presenting a forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC.

Speaking for Total Support for Rule of Law and Justice Initiative and Enugu Progressive Forum as Coordinator, Cynthia Mabeokwu had invited the press to what the group considered explosive disclosures about Mbah hoping to run the Coal City as its state chief executive.

"We are pleased to inform you that the Certificate of National Service belonging to Peter Ndubuisi Mbah with Certificate Number: A808297 forwarded for verification was not issued by the NYSC," Mabeokwu declared to journalists at a special press convene in Abuja. The group, according to her, had written to INEC "and obtained Certified True Copies of all the documents and qualifications submitted by the various candidates to the commission.”

The candidate in question, according to the group, should explain to voters in the state "the circumstances of the alleged forgery. This explanation should be in clear precise terms leaving no doubt in the minds of any person,” insisting the explanation “should not be with any prevarications, insults, deflections or evasion of the facts. Where candidate, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has no explanation for this turn of events, we call on him to immediately apologise to our people and withdraw from the race forthwith and hand himself over to the police, confess his crime and be prosecuted.”

was less than a year away in 2019. Mr. President promptly accepted Adeosun’s resignation who thereafter became a political footnote, and much to the delight of her nemesis, in Nigeria ’s history.

Another politician was also destined for the dust bin of history shortly before the last general election in 2023. The issue in contention was exactly the same as Adeosun’s five years ago. With the genial face of a

The PDP candidate called their bluff, went ahead and contested the election, defeated his opponents and has since been sworn in as governor. Even before the election proper, the governor’s party responded to the allegations of forgery against their candidate. Director of Public Communications and Spokesperson of the Enugu State PDP Campaign Council Nana Ogbodo denied the allegations from the get-go.

There is no truth whatsoever to the allegation...we make bold to say that Dr. Peter Mbah was duly mobilised for the one-year mandatory national youth service in Lagos in 2002, duly completed the exercise and was issued with an NYSC discharge certificate

“Life is what happens to you,” rock legend John Lennon once mused, “when you’re busy making other plans.”

...Politicians on Trial

"There is no truth whatsoever to the allegation," he said, stating further that "we make bold to say that Dr. Peter Mbah was duly mobilised for the oneyear mandatory national youth service in Lagos in 2002, duly completed the exercise and was issued with an NYSC discharge certificate.

"We state unequivocally that these purveyors of malicious falsehood are the real forgers, as everything about the letter they claimed to have emanated from the NYSC bears all the imprimaturs of forgery; the language too inelegant and unofficial to have emanated from the NYSC."

On its part, NYSC Director of Corps Certification, Ibrahim A. Muhammad pitched in, saying the institution never issued any such discharge document to Mbah, prompting Mbah to sue Mohammed and NYSC for N20b as "exemplary damages" for "conspiracy, deceit and misrepresentation of facts.”

While the forgery scandal against Adeosun was clear-cut, that of Mba dragged on for months, allowing the contending parties to properly present their cases with all the facts laid bare for all to see. On the strength of current evidence, the governor seems to be having an edge with his supporters charging NYSC for shoddy record keeping.

Commenting on the matter in an opinion headlined “Mbah and the Rot in NYSC” published in THISDAY of July 22, Law Mefor put the case succinctly: “If the recent report on the investigation by the Department of State Security (DSS) into the discharge certificate feud between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State surprised anyone, it wasn’t me. Even though I was of the view that both parties should be given the opportunity to prove their respective case, NYSC’s story never looked straight to me, especially knowing the ineptitude, underhand practices, endemic corruption, shoddiness, and the poor and analogue record keeping that have become the hallmarks of most of our public institutions.

“As a psychologist, my field of study teaches me that there is always a motive for every crime. And I have been wondering what the motivation could be for Mbah. If his profile is anything to go by, then he was already a multimillionaire before heading to the UK to study Law. So, he was never in the unemployment market where he needed the NYSC to secure a job.

“Two, it is settled by the courts that one doesn’t need an NYSC discharge certificate to hold a public office. Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) spells out the qualifications for the office of the governor, and NYSC discharge certificate is not one of them…The audacity with which Mbah has faced the NYSC and its DG, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, does not suggest one who has something to hide. Rather than shop for the proverbial soft landing, Mbah has instead slammed a N20bn lawsuit on the NYSC…

"One interesting fact about Mbah’s lawsuit is his meticulousness in record keeping, even far better than the NYSC. Mbah kept and filed everything: his call-up letter and deployment to Lagos State, meal tickets in the camp, posting letter to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), rejection letter by the NPA, reposting letter to Udeh & Associates, his letter to NYSC DG seeking a suspension of his service to go for his Bar Final programme, DG’s approval letter, his handwritten letter seeking to return to complete his service year after the programme, pictures, and letter dated 7th May 2003 (with

reference number NYSC/ DHQ/CM/27/20) directing the Lagos State Director of the agency to “re-instate the corps member to continue his service year from where he stopped, with effect from May 2003.”

Mefor went on to quote Ibrahim Mohammed Director of Corps Certification at the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. In the columnist’s own words, the petition “ended in anticlimax because it ended up affirming virtually everything Mbah had said about his national service and discharge certificate. In his Statement on Oath and evidence before the tribunal, the subpoenaed witness and Director of Corps Certification, Ibrahim Muhammad, averred the following: “That Mr. Mbah Peter Ndubuisi was actually mobilised and deployed to Lagos State by the NYSC for the compulsory national service vide a call-up letter dated 7th January, 2002, with Serial No. 0134613 and Reference No. NYSC/ FRN/2001/890351…That after completion of his Law School Programme, Mbah Peter Ndubuisi applied to the DG of NYSC vide letter dated 03/4/2003 for re-mobilisation for national service, to enable him complete his NYSC programme.”

Upon investigation by the DSS Operations and Strategy Department, Mr. Yahaya Isa Mohammed admitted “there were exchanges of correspondences between Mbah and the NYSC at every stage of their interactions. Mbah did not take any action without the NYSC’s approval; that

Mbah’s file with the NYSC got missing at some point and NYSC started using temporary file for him.”

Mefor also quoted the national security outfit blaming the NYSC. Since NYSC lacked a proper record, it “resulted in the misplacement of Mbah’s initial file by NYSC and the use of temporary file for him as well as its inability to trace whom or which State(s) 12 of its certificates (A808297 to A808308) were issued; that all through Mbah’s service year, from the first mobilization to his service reinstatement after his Bar Final examination, Udeh & Associates where he did his primary assignment, issued him clearance letter on monthly bases.”

Just as the forgery certificate against Governor Mbah was finding less and less space in the front pages, another shocked the nation soon after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent his ministerial nominees to the Senate for vetting, confirmation. Made much of during and after the confirmation by the Upper House of the Legislature early this month, reports made the rounds that Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo member of the House of Representatives for Akoko North East/ Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo state presented a discharge certificate with discrepancies.

On Tunji Ojo’s appearance before the Senate, Sadiq Umar representing Kwara North Senatorial District had taken the nominee to task. According to reports, Ojo “claimed to have participated in the scheme between November 2019 and November 2020. His claim is strange given that he was a sitting member of the House of Representatives during the same period.”

First elected in 2019, Ojo sought and won re-election four years later under the All Progressives Congress. What the Senators couldn’t quite clear up was why the nominee “failed to state why his NYSC certificate, a programme he claimed to have completed in 2020, carries February 2023 as the date of issuance. It is also unclear where Mr Tunji-Ojo served as his Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) during the NYSC programme, and whether he received the monthly allowances paid to corps members. Some former and present NYSC officials said it is unlikely for the corps to mobilise a serving politician for national service at the same time he or she is in office.”

Like the governor of Enugu state, Ojo seems to have crossed the certificate hurdle as he has since been confirmed by the Senate.

Just as the forgery certificate against Governor Mbah was finding less and less space in the front pages, another shocked the nation soon after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent his ministerial nominees to the Senate for vetting... reports made the rounds that Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo presented a discharge certificate with discrepancies

Positives, Lessons For Resilient Super Falcons

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand proved to be a testing ground of both triumphs and tribulations for the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Amidst an arena of international competition, the team showcased remarkable spirit, tactical prowess, and unyielding determination against some of the world's most elite opponents. Their performances on the field were a testament to their dedication and skill, yet their campaign was marked by off-field turmoil, as financial disputes with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) cast a shadow over their achievements.

Throughout the tournament, the Super Falcons demonstrated their mettle in the face of adversity. Their prowess on the pitch was evident in their strategic play, defensive solidarity, and tenacity. However, the splendor of their on-field achievements was tarnished by the discord stemming from contractual disagreements and unpaid bonuses with the NFF. These conflicts cast a stark contrast against their sporting achievements, underscoring the challenges faced by the team off the field.

SportsLive looks at the encouraging journey the Super Falcons made on the global stage, delving

into their achievements, the intricate contractual disputes that marred their experience, and forwardlooking recommendations to harness their potential for future growth and success.

Placed in Group B alongside co-host Australia, Olympic gold medalists Canada, and a resolute Ireland side, the Super Falcons embarked on a challenging quest, against higher-ranked adversaries, to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Their opening match against Canada resulted in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, a testament to the exceptional goalkeeping prowess of Chiamaka Nnadozie, who stopped a penalty against the veteran Christine Sinclair, and the unwavering commitment of the defensive unit. Spearheaded by the seasoned leadership of Onome Ebi, the backline exhibited a tireless work ethic, meticulously organised to stave off Australia's rapid transitions and aerial bombardments. This disciplined defensive display set the tone for the team's tournament journey.

In a thrilling encounter against Australia, the Super Falcons showcased their ruthlessness on the counter-attack. Asisat Oshoala's clinical finish, after latching onto the ball from a defensive mixup, secured a 3-2 victory. The defensive foundation held firm once again, aided by Rasheedat Ajibade's adept hold-up play and seamless linkup with wing orchestrators like Christy Ucheibe. This synergy, from the backline to strike force, allowed the team to transition fluidly from defense to attack, navigating pressure with remarkable composure. Though their clash with Australia ended in another deadlocked 0-0, it marked a turning point in the team's mindset.

While the Super Falcons performed beyond expectations, there are clear avenues for improvements within various aspects of their setup

Alozie

Plumptre

...Lessons For Resilient Super Falcons

Despite being under pressure from the start, the Super Falcons displayed unwavering belief and determination.

Halimatu Ayinde's display in the defensive midfield position gave the Super Falcons a rigidity at the centre and the overall performance underlined the team's mental fortitude and tactical adaptability. Coach Randy Waldrum's strategic adjustments throughout the group stage showed the team's flexibility and resilience on the grand stage.

Finishing unbeaten and second in their group, the Super Falcons ventured into the Round of 16 to face England in an enthralling contest. Their organisation, industrious work rate, and potent counter-attacking threat frustrated England throughout the match. Nigeria had the European champions on the ropes for most of the latter stages of the tie, especially after initial nerves had settled.

Ashley Plumptre, one of those whose attempts came off the woodwork, put in a player of the match display, constantly turning up against her old mates. An out-of-form Oshoala remained a threat in front but the goals failed to materialise even after Nigeria gained a numerical advantage with the sending off of Lauren James in the 87th minute for stamping on Michelle Alozie. After extra time, with the same still goalless, penalties were required to separate the sides. Unfortunately, it was England that prevailed, but the Super Falcons departed the tournament with heads held high, having pushed a tournament favourite to the brink.

The emergence of youthful talents like Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Francisca Odega, and Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Oluwatosin Blessing Demehin, and the ever reliable Nnadozie, who conceded just two goals in open play of four World Cup matches, provided a glimpse of a promising future. These rising stars seamlessly complemented the experience of stalwarts like Desire Oparanozie, Onome Ebi, and Asisat Oshoala throughout their World Cup campaign. This harmonious blend of skills and leadership laid a foundation for sustained success in the years ahead. However, amidst the triumphs achieved on the field,

Continued from Back Page

the Super Falcons' participation in the World Cup was mired by acrimonious disputes with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), casting a shadow over their remarkable journey. The harmony they displayed during their matches was contrasted by discordant notes emanating from contractual disagreements and financial grievances.

Players voiced their discontentment over a litany of outstanding financial matters. Match bonuses, daily allowances, and participation fees from several matches dating back

NFF's neglect of investments in essential resources. Insufficient funding for facilities, equipment, coaching, training, and medical support, especially for women's football, prompted allegations of neglect. The Super Falcons argued that the NFF did not adequately value women's football and failed to provide the necessary infrastructure for its development. The international players' union FIFPRO rallied behind the Super Falcons, publicly supporting their grievances and urging the NFF to meet its contractual obligations. The spectre of potential legal action underscored the gravity of the situation, amplifying the urgency for resolution.

While the Super Falcons performed beyond expectations, there are clear avenues for improvements within various aspects of their setup. Tactically, a shift towards more structured possession play is advisable. The team often ceded possession to elite opponents, necessitating a defensive stance. By emphasising controlled buildup and precise ball circulation, the Super Falcons can exert greater influence over matches, reducing the need to absorb pressure and offering more avenues for offensive

Waldrum, utilised social media platforms to expose his predicament, revealing that he had gone without wages for seven of the fourteen months of his tenure. Waldrum also drew attention to the lack of key support staff, such as an assistant coach and video analyst, stressing the need for greater accountability from the NFF especially as he knew FIFA gave countries preparing for the World Cup as much as $960,000 to assist.

In a tense exchange, the NFF retorted by branding Waldrum as an "incompetent loudmouth," denying his accusation of their interference in squad selection and undermining the Technical Committee's authority. This public spat further strained the relationship between the team's leadership and the Federation. Beyond financial matters, players also bemoaned the

Niger Republic as Distraction to Nigeria's Economic Realities

ing in. It appears that President Tinubu does not understand that we need help urgently. By failing to capitalise on this opportune period, the administration risks further deepening the economic distress faced by ordinary Nigerians and exacerbating the challenges that have already manifested. To restore faith and "Renewed Hope," swift and decisive actions are imperative to set the nation on a course towards economic stability and growth.

As economic turmoil worsens three months into the new administration, Nigerians cannot afford to wait for the Niger political situation to resolve before solving the economic crisis at home. The distraction of Niger must be relegated to the back burners so that the President can face his primary responsibility of the welfare of each and every Nigerian.

As Nigeria faces some of its most daunting economic challenges in years, the Tinubu administration's diversion of focus toward Niger's coup amounts to a dereliction of duty. With inflation spiraling, people struggling to buy food and fuel, and the naira plunging in value, the Nigerian leader must make quick economic recovery its top priority. Any diplomatic initiatives abroad should not come at the cost of immediate action needed to rescue Nigeria's economy. Tough but urgent reforms, especially on fiscal policy, currency management, and reducing subsidy costs, cannot await stabilisation of Niger's political situation. Nigerian lives and livelihoods hang in the balance. It is only right that Nigeria's survival is accorded the importance of truly deserves. One cannot be putting out flames in the neighbour's garden when one's very own house is on fire.

The Super Falcons' set piece routines lacked diversity, presenting an opportunity for improvement. Incorporating intricate corner and free kick variations could offer an additional dimension to their attacking prowess. The Round of 16 match against England highlighted the potential impact of set pieces, suggesting the need for enhanced routines.

Flexibility in formations and tactics during matches is another area for development. While the team predominantly employed rigid 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations, embracing more fluid shapes with interchanging personnel can render their strategy less predictable. This adaptability would make it harder for opponents to anticipate their game plan and counteract their approach.

Directing attention to the future, bolstering the youth development pipeline is of paramount importance. Expanding grassroots initiatives, forging partnerships with local academies, intensifying coaching clinics, and establishing a comprehensive scouting network will enhance the pool of emerging talent. A rich talent base ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled players, fortifying the team's prospects over the long term. Furthermore, investing in video analysis tools and analytics software can offer data-driven insights for refined decision-making. This technology-driven approach can aid the coaching staff in refining tactics and opposition scouting. The ability to adapt strategies based on statistical trends spotted in the data would confer a strategic advantage on the team.

Off the field, the NFF must prioritise resolving the outstanding contractual disputes and payments with players and staff immediately. Greater funding and support for facilities and programs catered specifically for women's football is required from the Federation. Streamlining communication channels between the NFF and Super Falcons would help prevent future misunderstandings or feelings of neglect.

Heading into the future, concentrated efforts around enhancing technical play, expanding development pathways, and improving the relationship with the NFF can help elevate the Super Falcons to even higher levels of success.

Nnadozie Ohale

Niger Republic as Distraction to Nigeria's Economic Realities

Nigeria is currently undergoing a severe economic crisis under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023. This crisis is characterised by a significant depreciation of the national currency, the naira, against the US dollar and other foreign currencies, with a decline of over 50 per cent as news broke on Thursday that it traded at N950 to $1.

Consequently, inflation, which surged by 22.79 per cent in June from 22.41 per cent in the previous month, will more than double by the time August figures are in. June's jump was the highest inflation rate since September 2005 and the sixth consecutive month of increase in 2023. The main drivers of inflation were the rising costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, especially since the absence of cushioning policies to absorb the shocks of the fuel subsidy removal. All of these have resulted in considerable hardship for ordinary citizens. Unfortunately, the Federal Government's focus has been diverted by the military coup in neighbouring Niger, causing it to neglect urgent economic matters at home. This undue attention to the Niger situation has hindered its ability to address the escalating economic issues that have emerged within just three months of its term and created an unnecessary recipe for disaster in the country.

It is a fact that the economic woes plaguing Nigeria have been exacerbated by the dramatic depreciation of its currency. In a short span of time since President Tinubu took office in May, the naira has plummeted to record lows in the parallel market. This reflects the severity of the economic turmoil the country is facing. While external factors, such as the strengthening US dollar, disruptions in supply chains, speculators' activities and volatility in oil markets, have contributed to the currency's depreciation and inflation, the lack of serious attention to domestic problems, coupled with an obvious absence of a team to implement prudent macroeconomic management and little to no robust policy signals from the new administration, have exacerbated these challenges. The acute unavailability of effective strategies to mitigate these external shocks has left Nigeria's economy reeling from their devastating impact. The adverse effects of currency depreciation and high inflation are rippling through all segments of society, eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians and amplifying economic inequality. The urgent need for comprehensive measures to stabilise the currency, control inflation and restore confidence in the economy is apparent. However, the administration's attention diverted to the political situation in neigh-

bouring Niger has hindered its ability to effectively address these pressing economic issues at home.

The early months of President Bola Tinubu's tenure have ushered in a disconcerting state of policy paralysis and economic uncertainty in Nigeria. With critical economic roles left va-

fore continue to languish leaving the citizens in peril. The lack of policy direction and functional economic leadership highlights missed opportunities during this crucial period when perfectly executing bold reforms could help alleviate the nation's economic distress. While diplomatic efforts of neighbourliness are important, they must not overshadow the pressing need for immediate, effective measures to salvage Nigeria's economy. Yet, this tumultuous landscape at home is further complicated by the administration's preoccupation with the coup unfolding in neighboring Niger. President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has been thrust into a demanding role as he navigates the regional response to the crisis. Emergency summits convened in July and August underline the gravity of the situation, drawing significant attention and resources away from Nigeria's own economic predicament.

While President Tinubu's involvement in addressing the coup is expected, given his leadership role within ECOWAS, and while I do not support coups of any kind on the continent and beyond, I strongly hold that the excessive focus on Niger comes at a considerable cost to Nigeria's domestic economic stability. The acute economic challenges within Nigeria, characterised by currency depreciation, rampant inflation, and policy paralysis, demand urgent attention and strategic action. However, the administration's energies diverted towards the neighbouring political turmoil risk leaving the nation's own economic woes unaddressed, fostering a growing sense of disillusionment among ordinary Nigerians.

cant, the nation finds itself adrift without a clear compass. Notably, the key position of Finance Minister remain unoccupied, casting a shadow over crucial decision-making processes within the sector.

Amid this vacuum, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) operates without a substantive governor since the suspension of Godwin Emefiele. In fact, the CBN appears to have three people making key decisions today: Acting Governor, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters and Special Investigator]. This is bad for the economy.

These distortions fuel the prevailing sense of economic instability. This policy paralysis and leadership vacuum have left Nigeria's economic future uncertain, and the administration's failure to fill key positions hampers its ability to translate promises of a "Renewed Hope" into tangible economic relief for the populace.

Urgent economic priorities within Nigeria there-

Amidst the distraction of the Niger coup, which was not only bloodless but appears to have been sanctioned by the majority of the country's populace, the economic well-being of Nigerian citizens hangs in the balance. With double-digit inflation eroding purchasing power and currency devaluation driving up costs, the time for definitive actions to stem the slide into extreme immiseration is now. The administration must strike a delicate balance between regional responsibilities and addressing pressing domestic concerns, recognising that a failure to act decisively on the economic front could have far-reaching consequences for the nation's stability and the wellbeing of its people.

I am disappointed and disturbed that despite the confirmation of at least 45 appointees as ministers by the Senate, there are no immediate plans yet for their orientation to talk more of swear-

Continues on Page 47

The administration must strike a delicate balance between regional responsibilities and addressing pressing domestic concerns, recognising that a failure to act decisively on the economic front could have far-reaching consequences for the nation's stability and the well-being of its people