THEWILL NEWSPAPER, February 4, 2024

Plateau: Leadership Beyond The Crises

VOL 4 NO. 05 • FEBRUARY 04, 2024 04, 2024 VOL 4 NO. 05 • FEBRUARY

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Telecoms: NCC’s Regulatory Savvy Boosts Revenue For Govt, Banks, Operators

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CHINYERE NWABUEZE PAGE 10

Born to Act

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FEBRUARY 4, 2024 • VOL . 4 NO. 5

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RERUN POLLS:

Again, INEC on Trial

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

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Digital

Onah Nwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

F

ebruary 4th is World Cancer Day, a day set aside internationally to raise

awareness for the disease known as cancer. The different kinds of cancer are all deadly, ranging from skin cancer to lung cancer, prostate cancer to breast cancer, and the fight to prevent, detect, and treat these cancers continues.

Some people have taken it upon themselves to put an end to the rise of cancer in Nigeria; one such person is Dr Omolola Salako, an Oncologist who founded Sebeccly Cancer Care, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, The Oncopadi app, and Prosecare AI, a digital patient monitoring platform in Nigeria.

She decided to start the fight against cancer after she lost her sister to the disease.

Her inspiration to become an oncologist stemmed from caring for her sister and a desire to enhance the quality of cancer care in Nigeria.

At one of her organisations, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, their three-fold priority—prevention, treatment, and survivorship, reflects their commitment to closing the cancer gap. According to her, 40% of cancers are preventable, so prevention takes precedence, with an emphasis on educating individuals on reducing their risk of developing cancer and promoting healthy habits.

Her interview is very informative; I urge you to read it on pages 8 through 10.

VOL 4 NO. 05 • FEBRUARY 04, 2024

What is an ultra-feminine wardrobe? It usually features soft hues, delicate prints, and dainty detailing. Pages 4 to 5, our fashion pages, guide you on how to build an ultra-feminine wardrobe.

These days, we mostly have virtual meetings; this era is dominated by them and online content creation. But you don’t have to be caught unawares for your next virtual meeting; look your best on camera. Our beauty page shares tips to help you look picture-perfect for your next virtual meeting or when shooting content for social media. See page 13.

You’ll find more fantastic content on the other pages of this magazine.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

UNVEILING THE INNOVATIONS OF

DR OMOLOLA SALAKO in Cancer Care

OnahNwachukwu @onahluciaa +2349088352246

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RETRACTION OF STATEMENTS MADE BY OCEAN MARINE SOLUTIONS LIMITED AGAINST SHORELINE NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED AND ITS DIRECTORS CHIEF KOLA KARIM AND MR. TUNDE KARIM PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (“OMS”) hereby unreservedly withdraws its statements about Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (“SNRL”) and its Directors namely Chief Kola Karim and Mr. Tunde Karim concerning SNRL’s roles in the OML 30 joint venture operation and maintenance of the Trans Forcados Pipeline in the Niger Delta Region.

Specifically, in January 2019, OMS made certain statements about SNRL and its Directors which were considered defamatory and injurious to their hard-earned business reputations. Some of the statements objected to by SNRL and its Directors were published in various online and print media (“the statements’). Whereas, it has been several years since the statements were made, OMS considers it appropriate to formally withdraw the statements made by or attributed to it and, therefore, hereby unequivocally withdraw the statements. OMS hereby acknowledges the invaluable contributions of SNRL to the energy industry, and in particular, the oil and gas sector and commends the leadership of Chief Kola Karim, and Mr. Tunde Karim of SNRL. Lastly, we look forward to working collaboratively with SNRL and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to deliver best-in-class solutions that fosters innovation, investment, employment, and environmentally sustainable growth.

SIGNED:

REAR ADMIRAL ABRAHAM ADAJI (RTD) ACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR OCEAN MARINE SOLUTIONS LIMITED

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COVER

RERUN POLLS:

Again,INEC onTrial

BY AMOS ESELE WITH UKANDI ODEY, TUNDE OMOLEHIN, SUNDAY OGBULIE AND ANIEKAN BASSEY

E

very election cycle in Nigeria appears to have a way of placing legal and political landmines on the path of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and leaving the Commission to its own devices.

A few hours to the conduct of rerun polls on Saturday to fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 26 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/ Wards and 8,934 Polling Units in the country, a fresh legal and political challenge reared its head in Plateau State.

Emmanuel Agim referenced APC’s contention that the appellant was not qualified to contest the election.

The APC argued that Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s nomination as a candidate and his election were invalid by virtue of non-compliance with the electoral law.

The Court of Appeal, upholding APC’s argument, had held that the primary election that produced Governor Mutfwang as PDP’s candidate and his subsequent nomination to INEC was invalid.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which lost two elected senators, four House of Representatives and 16 House of Assembly members over a preelection matter dealing with disobedience to a High Court order and lack of structure, thought it had been cleared for the Saturday re-run through the recent Supreme Court statement that faulted, “the appellate court for going into the issue of nomination and sponsorship despite several decisions of the apex court to the effect that another political party cannot challenge the primary election of another."

Assessing the Court of Appeal’s decision, Mr Agim held, “We have held in a plethora of cases that the sponsorship of a candidate for election is an internal affair of a political party.”

Delivering the lead judgement of the Supreme Court’s five-member panel on the matter, Justice

But the Supreme Court justice said there was evidence showing that the PDP complied with the

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The Court of Appeal had hinged its decision sacking the governor on the alleged failure of the PDP to comply with an order of a High Court in Plateau State to conduct fresh congresses before holding a primary election for the nomination of its candidates in the 2023 general election.

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order of the High Court.

The party was wrong. When the electoral umpire delivered materials for the polls in the state, the party discovered it had been excluded from the ballot.

REACTIONS The Chairman of the party in Plateau, Chris Hassan told THEWILL on Friday that the party was shocked to find that it was not on the ballot when the INEC distributed materials for the election to the state.

“No explanation has been given to us. But we have obtained a court judgement to compel the INEC to do the needful.”

Contacted for his reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, forwarded a Friday statement by the Commission to THEWILL. The statement by the Head of the Voter Education and Publicity Department in Plateau State, Mr Egwurube Michael Otokpa, dated Friday, January 2, 2024, simply debunked “breaking news claiming that Senate/House of Representatives elections scheduled for tomorrow, February 2 has been postponed because of the absence of the Peoples Democratic Party from the ballot.''

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COVER

...INEC on Trial It added that "The Plateau INEC wishes to inform the public that contrary to so-called breaking news, it has concluded plans to conduct the election.”

jurisdiction over the matter, then whatever INEC did is in contempt of court and the election will be null and void.”

Nevertheless, Oyekanmi said if there was a court injunction, it is yet to be made available to the Commission.

SITUATION REPORTS FROM AFFECTED

At any rate, the development has left the political parties in disarray in the North Central State. On the one hand, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, called on other political parties to boycott the polls because of the exclusion of the PDP. This action warranted the counter statement

by INEC’s Egwurube on Friday, a few hours to the conduct of the poll.

Apart from Plateau State, 25 states witnessed rerun polls on Saturday. They are Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

However, surprised by the local IPAC’s directive, the national body issued a counter statement on Friday.

National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Chinyere Ogekalu, dissociated the council from the position of its local chapter in Plateau, saying at a meeting with political parties recently, INEC explained why the PDP cannot participate in the polls in Plateau State, “owing to a subsisting court judgement barring the party from participating in the rerun election.”

Ogekalu submitted: “The court judgement is already being challenged by the concerned political party, meaning that it is aware that the PDP has challenged the Commission’s decision in the law court.''

“Apart from that, we have made several representations without success to INEC, especially after the Supreme Court ruling, about the need to include our party on the ballot,” National Publicity of PDP, Debo Ogunagba, told THEWILL. He added, “We cannot force ourselves to be on the ballot, but we will review the case and take appropriate action. We recognise that the Appeal Court is the last stop of cases affecting the legislature, however the interest of justice demands that where there is injustice and a judgement is considered perverse as the Supreme Court said on the Plateau case, the INEC needs to have regard and respect for the rule of law.”

The only plausible explanation for INEC’s stand on the PDP’s case in Plateau State may be found in INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, ’s last statement on the conduct of the rerun across the country.

Prof. Yakubu said, “The forthcoming by-elections are fresh elections for which political parties conducted primaries and nominated their candidates. For the rerun elections to be held on the same day, the list and personal particulars of candidates have been published before the 2023 general election.

“The rerun elections are conducted pursuant to the orders of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.

They are not fresh elections open to new/disqualified candidates which obviates the need to publish their personal particulars again.”

Nonetheless, a Lagos based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who pleaded not to be quoted because he has not fully studied the matter however offered a legal clarification.

He told THEWILL on the condition of anonymity: “Whatever the Supreme Court says about a case that is not brought before is just a comment. Jurisdiction over cases involving lawmakers ends at the Appeal Court. However, if the court order the party claimed was given by a Federal High Court that has

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STATES

According to Prof Yakubu, the bye-elections were conducted in nine out of the 26 states to elect two senators, five members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly.

In other states, he noted, the rerun elections took place at designated constituencies or polling units as ordered by the election appeal tribunals.

Prominent among the vacancies to be filled are those of two senators, namely Senator David Umahi, who resigned from the Senate to take up appointment as Minister for Works and Senator Ibrahim Geidam, who took up appointment as Minister of Police Affairs. The affected four members of the House of Representatives are Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker but a member of the House of Representatives before he was appointed Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu in August 2023; Bumi Tunji-Ojo who was a member of the House of Representatives before he was appointed Minister of Interior; and Hon Tanko Sununu who resigned from

“

We cannot force ourselves to be on the ballot, but we will review the case and take appropriate action. We recognise that the Appeal Court is the last stop of cases affecting the legislature, however the interest of justice demands that where there is injustice and a judgement is considered perverse as the Supreme Court said on the Plateau case, the INEC needs to have regard and respect for the rule of law

the House of Representatives to become Minister of State for Education.

Others are Hon Isma’ila Maihanchi, a representative member-elect from Taraba who died before inauguration and Hon. Abdulkadir Danbuga from Sokoto who died in October 2023.

The remaining vacancies involve members of State Houses of Assembly who were either sacked by the election petition tribunals or died while serving.

In all, the two Senatorial Districts are Ebonyi South and Yobe East, while the five Federal Constituencies are Shanga/Ngaski/Yauri Federal Constituency of Kebbi State; Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State; Akoko North East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State; Jalingo/Yorro/ Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State and Isa/ Sabon Birnin Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.

The three State Constituencies held in Guma I State Constituency of Benue State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State and Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND OUTCOME As usual, less than 10 out of 18 registered political parties participated in the rerun and in some of the affected states, such as Sokoto, Ebonyi and Yobe, some of the parties, against the backdrop of the worsening violence in the country, have been made to sign a peace accord to abhor violence and accept the outcome of the polls. The prominent parties are the APC, PDP, African Democratic Congress, ADC, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Social Democratic Party, SDP; Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP. Despite the directive on restriction of movement and assurances of a free and fair conduct of the polls issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the expressed hope for transparency by the Directorate of State Security, DSS, on Friday, there were fears that electoral malpractices would still rear their ugly heads.

Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, a non-profit organisation promoting participatory democracy by active monitoring and observing of polls, thinks the two critical areas that often mar the polls conducted by INEC are still very much present. These areas are “collation officers and local government officials of the Commission who always manage to sabotage the electoral process.”

Mr Obaro Aisien, Deputy Director, Voter Education at INEC headquarters, however, submitted in a media interaction on Friday that INEC has since adapted to the challenges posed by the electoral process, even as insecurity still remains a major challenge.

He contended that the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security headed by INEC Chairman was up to the task. PDP’s Ologunagba also contended that excluding the party from participating in the rerun amounted to recklessness and insensitivity to the rule of law and democracy.

According to him, the party would exhaust all legal options to ensure that “INEC is compelled to follow the dictates of the law and not act according to its whim, as if it is acting to please another master other than democracy. We are a law- abiding party and will always act in ways that are consistent with our character.”

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NEWS

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Jacques Liao; Vice President of CCECC, Mr. Michael Jiang; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President of CCECC, Mr. Chen Sichang; Chairman, CCECC Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Jason Zhang and other top officials of CCECC, during the governor’s meeting with the corporation’s management at its headquarters in Beijing, China, on February 1, 2024.

No Plans to Convert Cross River Issues Leadership Requires Domiciliary Account Security Numbers to Greatness, Sacrifice, Holdings into Naira - CBN Commercial Vehicles Refusing Status Quo – Cleric

BY SAM DIALA

FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has refuted media reports that it plans to convert domiciliary account holds into Naira as a means of tackling the lingering forex scarcity.

In a statement on Saturday, signed by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Bank denied the alleged policy shift, urging the public to ignore the report.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a story published by a national newspaper alleging that the Federal Government is considering converting $30bn domiciliary deposits to Naira.

“This allegation is absolutely false and aims to trigger panic in the foreign exchange market, which the CBN is working assiduously to stabilize, as evidenced by its recent work and policy directions.

“Similar false narratives have been spread on the work of the CBN over the past few months and it is clear that vested interests are determined to sabotage our efforts.

“We want to assure the general public that CBN is working to build confidence and would never do anything to undermine the currency and the economy.

“We, therefore, urge all stakeholders to disregard stories aimed at causing panic in the system and see them clearly for what they are - acts of national sabotage.

“We wish to advise, in the strongest terms, against the peddling of false reports that have the potential to be disruptive to the economy.

“The Bank is the only designated authority for monetary policy changes and will always advise on any policy change(s) before they are brought into operation.”

The statement stressed that CBN is always open to answer questions about its policies, and warned strongly against any quarters peddling such false rumours.

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he Cross River State Government, through the State Ministry of Transport, has commenced the process of issuing security numbers (codes) to operators of commercial vehicles plying the state.

The essence of the security numbers, THEWILL learnt, is to enable the state government track down criminals using their vehicles and tricycles to abet insecurity and other criminal activities.

Addressing operators in the sector, (representatives of bus drivers, tricycle operators, truck drivers) the state transportation Commissioner, Pastor Ekpeyong Cobham, solicited the cooperation of the transport operators to enable the state government restore sanity in the sector.

Pastor Cobham said he has given the operators of the sector up to the end of March 2024 to complete the process of registration with the ministry threatening to sanction those who default.

"There are requisite fines, against defaulters known to have disobeyed government directives or criminally forged Coding number will be handed over to law enforcement agents.

"As the head of the ministry, I am conscious of the fact that we are at the very critical period to reform the sector in line with His Excellency's mantra of people's friendly policies".

Cobham maintained.

Cobham stressed that Vehicle Coding has become necessary to assist the state government generate data that would help to regulate the transportation sub-sector especially now that insecurity is troubling the state.

"We had an instance where someone used a tricycle for robbery, it was impossible to track down the criminal because he had a fake security number on his tricycle.

"We have to holistically commence the process of thinking outside the box on how to restore this critical function of the ministry.

"Initial phase is to reconcile the existing numbers to determine those which are fake and those that are authentic, stressing that there are certain documentation that will aid the ministry differentiate codes that were authentic from fake ones.

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he Lead Pastor, Hope Restoration Ministries and a Leadership Consultant, Chris Mathebula has proposed five attitudes to grow as a servant leader.

The five attitudes according to him is greatness and sacrifice; Refusing the status quo; Choosing 'the road less travelled'; Embracing the future; Living with a sense of urgency; Giving up temporary for eternal and having the value to the next generation.

Mathebula made this known while speaking at the Christian Leadership Empowerment Summit and Church Leaders Conference in Lagos with the theme: "The Resilient Minister".

He said sacrifice is not something that comes naturally to us, adding that greatness in life would never be established without sacrifice.

He reminded all the attendees of the significance of leading sacrificially.

Also speaking at the summit, a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mr Tony Arenyeka said leaders failed when they failed to be resilient.

He counselled that for a leader to be successful, he must be firm and be decisive.

He said a good leader must also be committed, think positive and have unforsakeable focus in himself .

The convener of the summit, Pastor Adekunle Olusanya said the choice of the theme for the summit: " The Resilient Minister" is as a result of the current realities in the country.

He said economic crisis, global epidemic, political polarisation, diseases, marital earthquakes are impacting negatively on the church.

"So it is becoming very difficult to stay the course, to remain focus on the works of the ministries. If we lay emphasis on the challenges, we will backslide. We have to stay the course, be resilient, not minding the challenges", "That is why we convene this conference to challenge ourselves, to encourage ourselves, and to let the people know why they must keep doing the right thing in spite of the challenges", he said.

Pastor Olusanya said circumstances are making the people to walk away from the church, saying, "they are no longer focus attention on the churches as the hope of mankind".

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POLITICS

Plateau: Leadership Beyond The Crises

BY UKANDI ODEY

L

ast May 29, when transfer of power took place in Plateau State, it sounded like a political witch-hunt and blackmail when in his inauguration speech, Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared that he was not mistaken or in doubt about the enormity of the task ahead.

That was actually a moment that sobriety came with sober sobs. An era of incompetent leadership and inchoate governance just left the state in an all-time-high debt profile, with the socio-economic environment around the state in stench and stink and the average Plateau indigene despairing at the nadir of hope about the Plateau Project petering into nothingness and possible extinction. This put the dawning dispensation under enormous pressure to deliver on good governance and quality leadership.

Beside the discouraging and disenabling handover details from the preceding administration, the Assets Verification and Recovery Committee uncovered what was disgusting enough – the large-scale theft of public property – to warrant the incoming administration to invite the leadership of the church in the state to intervene and facilitate the recovery of missing critical assets back to the state’s coffers.

With an empty treasury, a demobilised and despairing public service pulverised and traumatised by unpaid wages and devastated by hopelessness, no sooner did the new administration settle down to refurbishing a diminished official inventory and personnel morale than the ferocious scamper, bloodletting and comprehensive arson turned most of Plateau Central zone into an orchestra of humanitarian disaster and destination of global pity and human charity.

The crises in the Plateau Central zone early in the life of the Mutfwang administration did not only test the will and ability of the regime to keep its focus and forge ahead, they were of the potential to humble a leader with a frail character and resolve, and harass it to a terminal halt and total surrender.

That the main theatre of the crisis was Gindiri and other parts of Mangu, Mutfwang’s home local government area, and given the sophisticated weaponry employed by the terrorists and the superb coordination and sustenance of the onslaught, it was not really imperfect analysis to read political undertones into the deadly campaigns and that the fledgling Mutfwang administration was a target for blackmail and possible collapse.

But this major challenge also became a unique moment for the tender administration to demonstrate leadership potentials in the manner it rose and responded to the occasion and deployed resources to contend the violence in Plateau central zone that turned in heart-rending figures in death toll and internally displaced persons, IDPs. The way forward, as demonstrated by Mutfwang, was in determination, brinkmanship, diplomacy, contacts, mobilization and deployment. The governor did not only secure audience with Mr President to present the urgency and emergency status of the situation in Plateau at the time, he won the attention of the President who did not hesitate to deploy security personnel on special intervention to Mangu and other parts of Plateau Central that were under terrorist siege and attacks.

Describing the attacks as “genocide”, and faulting the rather misleading old narrative of “farmer-herder clash”, Mutfwang visited the leaderships of the various state security formations and made several critical and strategic public and media appearances to decry the state of insecurity in Plateau, as well as the extent to which the natives have been endangered by non-state actors perpetrating ambush, attacks, killings, land grabbing, displacement, and destruction of farms and agricultural produce.

Part of the strategies to resolve, or terminate the cycle of invasion and attacks, has been to engage internal stakeholders, including religious leaders and faith-based platforms, elders, ethnic nationalities and their socioeconomic assemblages, and reviewing the strategic roles local security arrangements such as the state-owned Operation Rainbow and vigilante groups can play to ensure enduring security that will bring about safe thriving and food security will be achieved by the new administration.

The Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu were not only large scale with humongous casualty in human and property destruction, they stretched the

state in terms resources, with the point being emphasized that more still has to be done, and more hands have to get on the deck, if political leadership has to find workable solutions that will restore the State to its age-long status of “home of Peace and tourism”.

It is part of the programme and policy of calming frayed nerves that the Mutfwang government has offered to bear the medical bills of those injured during the attacks; with a greater resolve to liaise with all stakeholders to facilitate the return and resettlement of those who have been displaced to their ancestral homes. However, the policy frowns with emphasis at land grabbing, as it advises that those without title to land who wish to acquire land should do so through the due process, and should respect the indigenes value system.

In similar vein, the Plateau State Government has been deliberate about transparency and fairness in the administration of interventions and assistance received from organisations and individuals towards cushioning the plight of victims of the attacks.

Notably, a committee was constituted to oversee the disbursement of the five hundred million naira intervention brought by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on behalf of the Tinubu Foundation, in reaction to the July/August attacks in Mangu and parts of Plateau central zone.

Last week Thursday, led by its Chairman and governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the PDP Governors’ Forum paid a commiseration visit to Governor Mutfwang at the Government house in Jos. On the occasion, Governor Bala Mohammed announced a one hundred

“

It is part of the programme and policy of calming frayed nerves that the Mutfwang government has offered to bear the medical bills of those injured during the attacks

million naira donation to assist the cause of the victims of the attacks. Importantly, the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman added voice to the position that Mutfwang has consistently canvassed as part of initiatives to end or tame insecurity within states and inter-state crime, that the establishment of State Police and state policing be legalized to strengthen the efforts of the present organs of state security.

In demonstrating leadership beyond the crises, the Mutfwang administration has proceeded with public service and governance as if there are no distractions. Using the infrastructure renewal programme which has seen the government rehabilitating old roads and bridges, and completing projects abandoned by past administrations in different communities and different parts of the state, different settlements and groups – Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, native settlements and all have been captured and touched with one project or another.

As of press time, Governor Mutfwang was enjoying unprecedented positive reviews and excellent rating in social circles talks and opinion polls in the State. From the Hausa/Fulani dominated Bauchi Road to Fillin Ball in Nasarawa Gwong, to Ibo-dominated area of Apata, to the allcomers enclave in Tudun Wada area of Jos, all demographic groups are united in celebration and the dominant subject is that Mutwang’s eight months have surpassed Simon Bako Lalong’s eight years. Enthusiastic commentators prefer to dub the phenomenon as Leadership beyond the crises.

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POLITICS INTERVIEW

We'll Continue to Contest Until we Win – Hon Eni Chima Dr Eni Uduma Chima contested in the National Assembly Election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2023. He speaks with SUNDAY OGBU about his experience during the last General Election, the Supreme Court judgement on the Ebonyi Governorship Election and rumoured decision to quit the APC for another party.

Excerpts:

D

o you think the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement is a reflection of the March 18 governorship election?

On the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement concerning the governorship election in Ebonyi State, I am so happy that it ended the way it did. If you look at the result, the gap was so much. So, the Supreme Court barely affirmed the will of the people. The mandate was freely and overwhelmingly given by the people of Ebonyi State. There was no point posing any distraction to the Ebonyi State Government. The proper thing would have been to wait for the next election.

What breakthrough has the police made pertaining to the matter on ground?

I will give you an example. The case that was much talked about — the New Year case of the killing of the commander's wife of Ebubegau that was built on a foundation that he slept at home and saw all the people he mentioned, the police was able to prove that he told lies. What he reeled out was a long list of names given to him by politicians to implicate the supporters of a particular person. He did not sleep in Edda the day in question and did not see anybody.

Like Justic Chukwudifo Oputa would say, “The Supreme Court is not final because it is infallible.Iit is infallible because it is final.” The final judgement as given by the Supreme is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of Ebonyi people. I will urge the opposition people to be satisfied that they were given the opportunity to explore all options of attaining the mandate of the people.

Do you see the security fishing out the perpetrators behind the mayhem that once erupted at Edda?

They are doing the correct investigation and the proper culprit will be brought to book, while the innocent ones will be released. I commend the Nigeria Police, Ebonyi State Command under the leadership of Compol Augustina Ogbodo. They are doing well. They are all doing very well. Both the military, the police, civil defence and the department of state security, they are doing well. And the situation in Edda has normalised.

What advice do you have for the opposition, considering the fact that the matter has ended at the Supreme Court?

The opposition, since it is not one political party, should put their houses in order and prepare to give viable opposition. The position of the opposition is important for any government to thrive because one party system is not healthy for any society. There should be viable opposition. I have cause to worry about the future of opposition politics in Ebonyi because each day the persons that make opposition politics in Ebonyi are leaving in large numbers to the ruling party. It is good for the ruling party. Also, it is something to worry about.

There is this rumour that you have quietly left the APC. What is your take on this?

I am in the All Progressive Congress. Recall that I was the party’s candidate in the 2023 general election. Despite the internal sabotage by the party Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, nothing will push me out of APC. I am a stakeholder and I am grounded there. I worked for the party and I have to stay to reap the fruit of my labour. My ward single handedly gave the governor 50 per cent of the votes he got from Edda Local Government Area. The rest of the votes came from the adjourning wards, which are also in my community.

You talked about sabotage from the APC Chairman.

Can you shed more light on this?

The APC Chairman was not in town on March 18. He did not even cast his own single vote for the governor. So, the rumour that I am leaving emanates from him. And my reply is that I am not leaving. I am staying and standing firm in APC. It is a government we built, a government we sold to Ebonyi people.

Nobody advertised for the acceptability of APC than myself in THEWILLNIGERIA

THEWILLNG

What is the present situation of security in Edda local government area?

Security agencies are doing wonderfully well. They have been professional in their duties. What is the case of Edda is the politicising of crime. If you check, it will surprise you that Edda: Afikpo South and Afikpo North, that is Edda and Afikpo North local government areas have the lowest rate of crime in Ebonyi State. But anything that happened is overhyped.

It is blown out of proportion for political reasons, to achieve cheap political goal. And that is to create the impression that a particular politician in Edda is a devil and very violent person.

That is what most of the politicians have been employing as their antics to work against us.

Are you saying that Edda is peaceful now?

Both on ground and in reality, Edda is a very peaceful place and the people understand who their leader is. Besides what you see on social media, people mudsling us and tarnish the image of the clan in the guise in getting one man down. So, every other thing is working out very well. We are doing well in terms of security. The military operation that is going on there, the people are cooperating with them. We have five army check points within Edda. But we know that gradually, everything will be normal. As for crime, we have low crime rate. I can tell you that as somebody who has been in charge of the council area for seven years. They are politicising crime. And sooner than later, all the people who are framed up and jailed for political reasons will start regaining their freedom because the judiciary is independent. Even the police, they have been showing professionalism.

If it is true that the gap between the number of votes obtained by the APC and that of the opposition parties was clear, why the legal tussle?

But it is also good that the opposition, who felt aggrieved, went about the expression of their grievances in the proper way. They did not take law into their hands; they did not also incite violence or bitter opposition manifesting in any other form. They followed the proper channel to vent their grievances and I feel that has been addressed.

My advice to the opposition parties is that they should put their houses in order and come back with a strong platform on which people can contest elections. That way, there will be balance in the scheme of things. I will also advise having gone this far, having exploited all options to now surrender to the will of the people and then prepare for the next round of election.

What is your advice to your teeming supporters at this point in time?

I will tell them that tribulations and temptations may come, but they have to be focused. He who has his eyes upon the mountains does not count the time spent in the valley for the upward journey. At the end of the day, he will enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain top. And we will enjoy it because we have been so long in the recess of the valley. So, we do not have any problem, they should be of good cheer with high spirit. Little by little the good time shall come. We have had good times already, better days are ahead.

all languages, in English and Igbo. I put my resources into making sure that APC is totally acceptable to our people. We also campaigned based on projects I contributed in executing.

I also did projects than anybody.

Are you saying your election was sabotaged? How? The whole idea of our losing election stemmed from internal sabotage. By the provision of the electoral act, you must supply the list of agents in advance which we did and which was retrieved because that submission was done through the party.

It was retrieved in the guise of correcting a mix up and they removed all our agents.

But that notwithstanding, I still won all my elections in Afikpo South, where I had been local government council chairman for seven years to the shame of my enemies. I won my elections.

I did not fail in Edda. So that impression that we lost out that we are aggrieved that we want to leave is not true. We are happy and very cheerful as you can see. We are not depressed and we are preparing for the next election.

Do you want to contest again?

By the grace of God, we will keep contesting until we win and we will do what we have in mind for our people. All other positions which we occupied in the past, we acquainted ourselves very well. We were able to perform creditably so that we can beat our chest that we have justified the confidence reposed in us and the opportunity given to us.

THEWILLNIGERIA

“

Like Justic Chukwudifo Oputa would say, “The Supreme Court is not final because it is infallible.

Iit is infallible because it is final.”

The final judgement as given by the Supreme is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of Ebonyi people. I will urge the opposition people to be satisfied that they were given the opportunity to explore all options of attaining the mandate of the people PAGE 11

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PERSPECTIVE

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

The Fringe Cities: Abuja’s Informal Settlements And Urban Security Crisis BABA ISIMI

I

n the heart of Nigeria, beyond government buildings and the well-paved streets of the central districts, lies a different kind of Abuja. A sprawling expanse of informal settlements that have expanded rapidly, engulfing the outlying suburbs of Mararaba, Masaka, Zuba, Suleja and beyond. These are the fringe cities within the city, where the buzz of the bustling capital fades into the silence of the uncharted, the unplanned and the ungoverned.

postal deliveries.

In addition to urban planning and service provision, security sector reforms are urgently needed. This includes training and equipping the police force to operate effectively within these informal areas. Community policing models that build trust between the police and the residents they serve can go a long way in improving security. The use of modern technology, such as GPS mapping and drones, can also help in policing efforts where traditional methods fall short.

It’s here that an estimated 60 per cent of the city's population resides, a staggering statistic that becomes palpable as one navigates through the alleys and makeshift dwellings.

These areas are devoid of the most basic urban amenities: Roads are unpaved or altogether absent, street names and addresses are a luxury few can claim and the notion of a postal service is as remote as the idea of these settlements themselves being mapped.

Lastly, economic development must be part of the strategy.

Job creation and skill development programs can provide alternatives to criminal activities. By fostering local economies and entrepreneurship within these informal settlements, the government can help integrate them into the broader economy of Abuja.

The implications of this urban neglect are far-reaching, but none more immediate and alarming than the prevailing insecurity. The lack of infrastructure has inadvertently fostered an environment of obscurity and anonymity, ideal for those with nefarious intentions. Criminals, miscreants and kidnappers find refuge in the chaotic sprawl of these areas, where the anonymity provided by the absence of street names and addresses aids their escape from the arm of the law.

The shadow cities of Abuja are not just a challenge to be overcome; they are an opportunity to create a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous urban future. The informal settlements are teeming with potential, and with the right mix of policies, investments, and community engagement, they can become exemplary models of urban resilience and innovation.

The task ahead is complex, but the stakes are too high to ignore. It will require sustained commitment, resources, and the collective will of all stakeholders involved. If successful, the transformation of Abuja's shadow cities will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together to uplift and secure its people, no matter where they live. The time for action is now, and the blueprint for a brighter, safer future for all of Abuja's residents lies in our collective hands.

Law enforcement is sporadic and often ineffective, with the areas being critically under-policed. The security architecture, which ought to safeguard the residents, is practically non-existent,and the police are ill-equipped to navigate or patrol the unmapped and unregulated terrain.

The resulting situation is a cycle of crime and fear, where the residents are left to fend for themselves against a backdrop of increasing criminality.

It’s not just about laying down roads and naming streets, but about recognising the humanity of the residents of these settlements. It's about providing them with the dignity of an address, the security of a well-lit path home and the assurance that they are not forgotten by the city planners or the government.

The situation in Abuja's informal settlements is a microcosm of a larger national issue, where rapid urbanisation and population growth have outpaced the government's capacity to plan and provide. It is a call to action for urban planners, policymakers and law enforcement agencies alike. The shadows cast by these settlements can either continue to darken, offering cover to those who wish to do harm or they can be illuminated by the concerted efforts to integrate these communities into the fabric of urban life.

As Nigeria continues to grow and develop, the choices made today will determine whether these shadow cities will remain as havens for insecurity, or whether they will be brought into the light, transformed into vibrant, planned and secure neighbourhoods that contribute to the vitality and safety of Abuja as a whole. The time to act is now, for the security of the city and the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens are at stake.

To bring about this transformation, a comprehensive urban planning initiative is needed, one that includes the voices and needs of the residents themselves. Participatory planning processes can ensure that the solutions are not just top-down impositions, but rather collaborative efforts that address the unique challenges of each settlement. This means involving community leaders in decision-making, understanding the social fabric of these neighborhoods, and developing tailored interventions that resonate with the local context.

The provision of basic services such as clean water, sanitation,

To effectively address the challenges posed by Abuja's informal settlements and the broader urban security crisis, a multi-jurisdictional approach is essential. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must collaborate closely with neighboring states—Nassarawa, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi—to establish joint planning controls and regulatory jurisdiction over the adjoining suburban areas. This regional collaboration can harmonize urban development policies, ensure consistent service provision, and create a united front against the security challenges that do not respect administrative boundaries.

Isimi

The government’s response to this crisis has been lacklustre at best. While there have been talks and plans, action on the ground is yet to materialise in any meaningful way. Urban development experts argue that a multi-faceted approach is necessary – one that involves not only improving law enforcement presence but also integrating these informal settlements into the larger urban framework through planned development and provision of basic services.

“

To effectively address the challenges posed by Abuja's informal settlements and the broader urban security crisis, a multi-jurisdictional approach is essential. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must collaborate closely with neighboring states— Nassarawa, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi—to establish joint planning controls and regulatory jurisdiction over the adjoining suburban areas

The creation of a dedicated agency with the mandate to manage issues related to informality and the development of informal settlements is a pivotal step towards a structured and sustainable solution. This agency would be responsible for coordinating efforts across different levels of government, engaging with community stakeholders, and implementing policies aimed at the gradual formalization of these areas.

It would serve as a central body to oversee the planning, development, and integration of informal settlements into the city's formal structure.

and electricity is also crucial. These are not just amenities; they are fundamental human rights that underpin health, safety, and economic opportunity. By improving the quality of life, the government can also reduce the propensity for crime, as communities with access to basic services and economic opportunities are less likely to harbor criminal elements.

Moreover, the regularization of land tenure would give residents a sense of ownership and stake in their communities, encouraging them to invest in their homes and surroundings. Such a move would also facilitate the creation of formal addresses, which is a prerequisite for a range of other services, including emergency services and

Such an agency would need robust funding. Therefore, it is imperative to look both inward and outward for financial resources. Locally, the government should allocate a portion of its budget to address the informal settlements as an investment in the nation's social and economic stability. Internationally, partnerships with development agencies, non-governmental organisations and foreign governments can provide the necessary financial support and expertise. Grants, loans and technical assistance from international development partners can complement local funds and provide a more substantial financial base for the comprehensive and long-term initiatives required.

Philanthropic organisations and the private sector also have a role to play. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can contribute to infrastructure development, community services, and job creation programs that will benefit the residents of informal settlements. Public-private partnerships can incentivize investment in these areas, spurring economic growth and development.

•Baba Isimi FNIA is an architect, businessman and politician.

THEWILLNIGERIA

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com THEWILLNG

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FEBRUARY 4, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

SHOTS OF THE WEEK Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Board of Trustees members of Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF), Mr Zubair Idris; Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande (4th left); Country Prof. Ladi Adamu; Chairman of the Forum, Mr Abdullahi Yelwa and Vice President Kashim Shettima, Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr Oliver Stolp (4th right) and during a visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on January 31, 2024. others, during the Minister's visit to UNODC Office in Abuja on February 1, 2024.

L-R: Pastor Tunde Ojo; Guest speaker, Dr. Tunde Elebute; Convener, Church Leadership Conference, L-R: Founder, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyagbola; award-winning media Pastor Adekunle Olusanya; Pastor Kate Nwokoye; RCCG, National Elders Region, Pastor Jide Aiyegbusi; icon and entrepreneur, Mo Abudu; Chairperson of the 2023 ALMC Planning Committee, Mrs. Tokunboh Prof. Segun Akinsete and Pastor Iyiola Olayori, during the Church Leadership Conference, which had as George-Taylor and Executive Secretary of WISCAR Afiniki Mangzha, during the 2023 WISCAR Leadership theme: "The Resilient Minister" held at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos on January 31, 2024. and Mentoring Conference, held in Lagos recently.

L-R: State Chairman of the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jubrin Ndace and Chief Executive Officer and DirectorNsa Gill and the Port Manager of the Calabar Port, Festus Olumati, during a courtesy call on the Port General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Mr Olalekan Fadolapo, during the VON Manager by the NUJ on January 31, 2024.

Director General visit to ARCON office in Lagos on January 30, 2024.

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14

EDITORIAL

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

Second Chance For INEC

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Last Saturday, the electoral body embarked on yet another roller-coaster as it conducted rerun and byeelections in 26 out of the 36 states in the country. The exercise was to fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 26 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 Polling Units in the country

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, February 3, 2024, had another chance to redeem its image, following its lacklustre performances in the 2023 general election, despite the huge amount of money the exercise cost the nation.

Generally believed to have fallen below acceptable standards, INEC's performance in the last general election is still a subject of discourse till date.

Last Saturday, the electoral body embarked on yet another rollercoaster as it conducted rerun and bye-elections in 26 out of the 36 states in the country. The exercise was to fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 26 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 Polling Units in the country.

The 26 states are Plateau, Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

While Nigerians wonder why rerun and bye-elections would be held so soon in 26 out of the 36 states of the federation, if INEC had done a good job during the general election held less than a year ago, the

NIGERIA BUREAU: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja.

Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888 EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA LETTERS/OPINIONS: opinion.letters@thewillnews.com

Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, came up with an explanation.

Yakubu said the bye-elections were conducted in only nine out of the 26 states to elect two senators, five members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly. In other states, he noted, the rerun elections took place at designated constituencies or polling units as ordered by the election appeal tribunals.

Despite Yakubu's explanation, some situations which, unfortunately, marred the last general election also reared their ugly heads during last Saturday's exercise. Although not completely the fault of INEC in some of the instances, as in previous exercises, less than 10 out of 18 registered political parties participated in the rerun.

It is, indeed, sad that in Nigeria, most elections are not really won at the polling booths but at the courts of law and, in some cases, ''by the highest bidder,'' depending on the financial ability of the contestants, thus prompting some to question the real importance of the electoral body in choosing candidates into political offices.

Already, threats are being made to challenge INEC at the courts over the exclusion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, especially in Plateau State, over the interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment that reinstated Governor Caleb Muftwang as the duly-elected governor of the state.

In some of the affected states, such as Sokoto, Ebonyi and Yobe, some of the participating parties were made to sign a peace accord to abhor violence and accept the outcome of the polls, given the worsening violence across the country.

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for instance, has provided an insight into what to expect next, especially, with the case in Plateau State., saying the party would exhaust all legal options available to ensure that “INEC is compelled to follow the dictates of the law and not act according to its whim, as if it is acting to please another master other than democracy.''

Though INEC had promised to do its best to avoid the mistakes of the past, thus redeeming its already battered image with the rerun and bye-elections, Nigerians still have their doubts as they await the full results of the exercise across the states where it held.

We only hope that INEC has learned enough lessons to put its house in order and justify the trust that most Nigerians still have in the ability of electoral umpire to do the right thing as the last exercise has provided yet another opportunity to really redeem its image.

THEWILL NEWSPAPER TEAM Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Business Editor – Sam Diala

Photo Editor – Peace Udugba

Austyn Ogannah

Copy Editor – Chux Ohai

Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph

Editor – Olaolu Olusina

Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata

Deputy Editor – Amos Esele

Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu

Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh

Politics Editor – Ayo Esan

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Guest Art Director – Sunny Hughes

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15

OPINION

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

Dollar Earnings From Oil: Big Question Tinubu Must Ask NNPC

BY IFEANYI IZEZE

I

f President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is staid or rather sincere with sanitising the nation’s oil revenue earnings and rebooting the battered Nigerian economy, the question he should be asking the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), now is: How much oil does Nigeria produce on daily basis for sale at the international markets and where are the dollars from our crude oil sale?

Discrepancies in the figures of Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output, given by people and authorities that should know, are as confusing as they are laughable and should make every Nigerian curious about the integrity of the trumpeted transparent operations and accounting for the nation’s oil proceeds. The minister of petroleum (oil), has a different figure; the NNPC has ALL THE VESSELS THAT COME a different figure and the foreign TO LOAD IN NIGERIA, AT LEAST multinational oil companies have their figures also different THE ONES WE SEE AND VERIFY from those of the NNPC and the Ministry.

BOTH ONSHORE AND OFFSHORE,

TRAGICALLY, ARE CALIBRATED PHYSICALLY. SHAMEFULLY, THAT IS WHAT IS STILL BEING DONE IN THIS COUNTRY IN A 21ST-CENTURY OIL ACCOUNTING BUSINESS PHYSICAL CALIBRATION oil production with certainty? This is tragic for a nation like ours.

This question has become imperative because if we don’t know how much oil is pumped out every day, how can we know how much oil leaves our shores and what we are supposed to earn as revenues from sales?

Where do we get the figures used in planning and budgeting as there is no office, even the Presidency, that can give you the correct figure of the nation’s daily

Nigeria gets about 90 percent of its dollar earnings from the export of crude oil, despite all the grandstanding from some other sectors. Whether anybody wants to hear this or not, the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its partners to bring in dollars from oil sales is exacerbating the crisis in the Nigerian foreign exchange market where a dollar currently exchanges for over N1,600 at the unofficial window. This is just the truth!

As said in a recent podcast by the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi Lamido, “Oil is not going to grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If you took out all the oil in Nigeria today and sold it, it would raise our per capita income to $4,000. We won’t even be a middle-income country. Oil will never make us rich but it is working capital. It is the lubricant for our import-dependent economy and we cannot afford to continue producing the oil and not seeing the revenue.”

Why is NNPC not able to bring in dollars from the sale of our crude oil? Where are the dollars because Nigerian crude grades are not sold in naira?

Reiterating what I had serially said, Emir Sanusi reminded us again that nobody in this country including the President can with exactness tell you how much oil we pump out every day for sale.

The Finance Minister cannot tell you because he doesn’t have a metering system that reports to him.

“Finance Minister cannot tell you that today this is how many barrels of oil we produce and export on a daily basis. He can only rely on NNPC telling him.”

Truth be told, those barrels are not just figures, they are revenues that belong to the Finance ministry.

We’ve been talking about this for several years. We need a metering system. The Finance Ministry needs to know how much oil we are producing every day how much oil we are selling and where the money is going “because if you don’t fix the leakages in that system, if you don’t fix the revenue, the dollar revenue issue, you will never fix exchange rate problem and in turn the economic problem.”

This is an issue that this country must address because these NNPC people have taken us for too long.

All the figures being dangled by the managers of our national economy including the NNPC about our daily oil output are fictitious. Take it from me! There are no reliable figures to work with.

All the vessels that come to load in Nigeria, at least the ones we see and verify both onshore and offshore, tragically, are calibrated physically. Shamefully, that is what is still being done in this country in a 21st-century oil accounting business physical calibration.

So, we don’t even know the real calibration of those vessels. All we know is that we have approved a vessel to load for instance 30,000 metric tonnes of crude. But we don’t know if actually, the capacity of the vessel is 50,000 or even 100,000 metric tonnes. So we don’t even know how much those vessels take away from our shores. The NNPC and the foreign multinational operators have taken this joke too far!

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), does not measure oil output, regardless of claims by Abuja that production has now risen to 1.7 million barrels per day.

Now this is the big one: what’s not known to many in this country including our National Assembly members, present and past, is that most of the oil we produce now has been sold in advance in a crude-for-credit swap arrangement by the managers of the NNPC and some gladiators at the Presidency under General Buhari. So we are pumping out oil on a daily basis not to sell and generate revenue but to pay a backlog of debts collected by a few individuals in collaboration with the NNPC without the Finance Ministry in the know.

Is it not absurd that a state-owned oil company could unilaterally go to creditors without the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to collect huge loans using our national asset (crude oil), as a bargaining chip? You and I know that those foreign creditors particularly China and the West will smartly or rather criminally package the agreement to ensure they get more than 300 percent or more in crude oil equivalent of whatever *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

The Beautiful Game is The Only Nigerian Vehicle

BY UZOR MAXIM UZOATU

I

t’s only one vehicle bearing the legend “One Nigeria” that plies the badly maintained roads to the turf of this benighted country.

That long-suffering vehicle is called football or soccer or, on the aficionado frequencies, the beautiful game.

When Nigeria plays, all men and women and children, even the living, the dead and the unborn, are kicking ball. And when Nigeria wins, the globally anointed happiest people on God’s earth forego sleep in an orgy of celebration and solidarity.

Nigeria’s exotic dance of football-induced unity happened just the other day that the Super Eagles locked horns with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the AFCON tourney in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Every Nigerian had an opinion on the match, with one Pentecostal pastor making bold to prophesy that Cameroon would beat Nigeria 3-1!

I can swear by Fela’s Shrine that the many bush-doctors of Nigeria went very deep into the forests of the six geopolitical zones to cancel that satanic prophesy.

As the match was billed to be played in the night, a good friend of man called Honourable bought two litres of fuel in these hard times to watch the titanic match-up – one litre to watch the first-half and the second litre to watch the second-half!

When informed that the match could go into extra-time up to a penalty shootout endgame, Honourable fired dangerous prayers that no such thing should happen.

“God is a Nigerian!” is a regular Nigerian mantra, and one cannot but attest to the fact that Honourable’s dangerous prayer was answered.

Many a Nigerian heart was palpitating acutely and chronically at the same time before the start of the match because the Super Eagles had only managed to register three somewhat accidental goal in the three matches of the group stage.

Star striker had only managed to head in the equaliser in the first match against minnows Equatorial Guinea, and the captain William Troost-Ekong scored a penalty-kick against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the second match while a Guinea Bissau own goal offered victory in the final group match.

It wasn’t that the Indomitable Lions were roaring in their own matches but they had somehow conjured up victories against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in three past AFCON final matches.

The curious aspect of the match was that Nigerian ball fans were passionately praying that Cameroon should field their star goalkeeper Andre Onana who plays his club football for Manchester United of THEWILLNIGERIA

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England and had flown to the tournament via a private jet at the last minute.

For these Nigerian football fans, Andre Onana as per his Manchester United form leaked more goals than a regular basket leaked water!

WHEN NIGERIA PLAYS, ALL MEN AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN, EVEN THE LIVING, THE DEAD AND THE UNBORN, ARE KICKING BALL. AND WHEN NIGERIA WINS, THE GLOBALLY ANOINTED HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON GOD’S EARTH FOREGO SLEEP IN AN ORGY OF CELEBRATION AND SOLIDARITY

The prayers of the Nigerian supporters for the goalkeeper to be fielded in the match were not answered – maybe their prayers were not dangerous enough.

There was the other dimension of prayers in which Nigerian fans prayed fervently that the erstwhile Super Eagles Number One goalie, Francis Uzoho, should never ever feature between the sticks.

When the match eventually started, the Super Eagles did not waste much time in putting the ball into the Cameroonian net via defender Semi Ajayi.

The jubilation from Abidjan to Lagos and Abuja to all over the country and the vast Diaspora had to peter out when VAR chalked off the goal.

The fluid 3-4-3 formation adopted by Nigeria’s much criticised Coach Jose Peseiro allowed no penetration to the Indomitable Lions such that they had no shot on target.

As the match pulsated on, hardworking Victor Osimhen dispossessed Cameroon’s defender Gonzalez and fed Ademola Lookman to score Nigeria’s first goal.

Nigerians across the world danced in unity, with Adamu embracing Ngozi, and Iyabo doing foxtrot with Emuesiri and Inatimi.

The second half was a cagey affair even as the Cameroonians applied some strong-arm tactics that eventually injured Nigeria’s trusted new goalie Stanley Nwabali. *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 • VOL . 4 NO. 5 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

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4228%

Dangote’s Three Songs in One Week

Cadbury Nigeria Records 4228% Increase in Operating Profit

Dangote

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Customs Unveils 43% Increase in Import Duty / PAGE 35

Telecoms: NCC’s Regulatory Savvy Boosts Revenue For Govt, Banks, Operators – As Taxes, Levies Surge

GOVT, BANKS, TELECOS REVENUE TREND: 2021 & 2022 ($, N, m, bn, trn)

FAAC

MTN

EMTL

VAT.

15TRN

B

AIRTEL

B

PAT

REVENUE

10TRN

1TRN

500BN

100M$

he strong regulation by the Source; NBS/Coy Reports Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the telecommunications (telecoms) industry has created the environment for expanded revenue opportunities by government, banks and operators, THEWILL can confirm.

The various windows of taxes, levies and service charges became imperative as the increasing reliance on mobile phones, internet services and other connectivity makes it imperative to ensure that the industry operates within regulatory frameworks that promote efficiency, competition and environmental sustainability.

Findings by THEWILL revealed that the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) rose by N4 trillion to N15.7 trillion or 34 percent in 2022 over the N11.7 trillion cumulatively shared by the three tiers of government in the previous year – 2021.

Components of the figure include the Value Added Tax (VAT) which rose to N3.3 trillion in 2022 against N2.4 trillion recorded in 2021 part of which was realised from the telecoms sector.

The Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) introduced by the Finance Act of 2022, boosted the revenue of the government significantly from mere N11.4 billion in 2021, to N394.7 billion in 2022, representing a 3,353 percent jump.

This service relies largely on the functional output of the telecoms operators who provide the enabling platform for the transactions to

A

A

2021

A

$256m

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B

A

$185 m

0

0

BY SAM DIALA

10M$

$401m

100BN

$553m

500M$

N358.87 bn

1TRN N2.01trn

1BN$

N295.65 bn

0

5TRN

N1.65 trn

N11.5 bn

10BN

N394.8 bn

N3.4 trn

N2.5 trn

100N

N15.8 trn

5TRN

N11.8 trn

Continues on page 33

/ PAGE 34

43% EDITOR Sam Diala

he President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, had three songs to render last week – all with winning tunes.

Song 1: Happy Senegalese Speak The billionaire mogul was presented with the esteemed National Order of the Lion Award by President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal – the peninsular-like former West African French colony, last Friday.

According to the announcement through a statement the previous day, the National Order of the Lion Award is recognised as the highest civilian honour that can be conferred upon an individual in Senegal.

The award showcases the acknowledgment and appreciation for Dangote’s significant contributions to the Republic of Senegal and has been widely celebrated. The recognition extends to his business acumen, philanthropic efforts, and developmental projects that have the potential to bring transformation to Africa as a whole.

Notably, the Dangote Group operates a cement plant in Pout, Senegal, further solidifying the businessman’s ties with the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed his congratulations to the billionaire entrepreneur, lauding his enterprise, ingenuity, and positive impact on job creation and economic development in Nigeria and West Africa at large.

Song 2: N10 Trillion Market Cap Dangote Cement last week emerged as the first company to achieve a market capitalisation of N10 trillion on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), closing trading on Monday with a market cap of N10.098 trillion.

The company’s market cap surged by N917 billion in a single trading session, marking an 85.25 percent increase in capital gains for investors.

This achievement comes on the heels of the company displacing Airtel Africa as the most capitalised stock on the local bourse earlier in the month.

The company holds 17.04 billion outstanding shares, and a significant majority, approximately 85.8%, is controlled by Dangote Industries Limited, spearheaded by Aliko Dangote. Africa’s wealthiest individual The company’s growth has been

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thrive.

The financial services institutions are huge beneficiaries of the revenue boost created by the various taxes, levies and service charges in consuming the services of the telecom operators.

Using the Tier-1 banks as benchmark, the four major financial service institutions, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and GT Corporation (GTCO) recorded enhanced revenue haul through the application of their various channels and e-business transactions, facilitated by the telecoms operators.

Data from their various audited annual reports showed that the four major financial services institutions pooled a combined revenue of N208 billion from their electronic service transactions in 2022, compared to N190 billion they achieved in 2021.

Similarly, the two major telecom providers, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Africa, both quoted on The Exchange, recorded significant revenue haul through the use of their connectivity as their profit after tax rose from N298.65 billion in 2021 to N358.8 billion in 2022 (for MTN), and $185 million in 2021 to $256 million in 2022 for Airtel.

The two telecoms giants also pooled enormous revenue during the review period with MTN recording N2 trillion in 2022 against N1.6 trillion in THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS WEEKLY ...Boosts Revenue For Govt, Banks, Operators

...Three Songs in One Week

2021 as Revenue, as Airtel pooled $553 million compared with $401 million in 2022 and 2021 respectively.

Industry experts say, the telecoms firms, as the enabler and central to the buoying digital economy, are the inevitable drivers of the rapidly expanding fintech ecosystem and the aggressive financial inclusion strategy.

“Beating the telecoms operators into the path of professionalism, efficiency and playing by the rules is one measure the NCC has pursued without reservation to put the telecoms industry in a position it should serve the purpose required of it,” said Mike Akhigbe, a telecoms specialist in a chat with THEWILL. According to Akhigbe, the NCC leadership from the outset focused on the telecoms operators and ensured they did not misbehave or take undue advantage of Nigeria’s thirst for effective telecoms services and this has created an enabling environment for the citizens to enjoy the benefits of the telecoms industry.

The Commission is responsible for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.

The mandate has led to the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy with the inbuilt windows for revenue opportunities across the sectors through taxes, levies and charges as the telecoms act as enablers in expanding the digital economy.

To achieve its objective, the NCC often engages with stakeholders in the telecoms ecosystem with a view to pursuing proactive regulatory interventions targeted at ensuring an enabling operating environment and improving investment climate in the Nigerian telecoms industry. This also enhances revenue drive for the government and the corporate bodies.

A similar event, which took place recently in Lagos, was an assemblage of key industry stakeholders with the central objective to analyse the current state of the sector, process the issues, and chart new pathways to a more effective and sustainable regulatory regime for the stability and growth of the Nigerian telecoms industry.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, used the opportunity to unveil key drivers for the telecoms industry.

This was part of activities to mark his first 100 days in office following his appointment as the new boss of the nation’s telecoms regulatory body by President Bola Tinubu.

Maida, who unveiled the strategic blueprints at an interactive meeting with the media in Lagos, also stressed his commitment to driving a good total customer experience for telecoms consumers in the country.

According to him, all efforts will be deployed to ensure that the sector contributes more, especially in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the economy, job creation and more revenue to the government, adding that he would need the support of the media to be able to achieve that.

He noted that one of the key things “we have to recognize is that within the digital economy space the NCC plays a very huge role, because the communications infrastructure especially in this digital age is the backbone of the digital economy and of course the backbone of any nation.

The utilisation of the telecoms sector as a platform for the economic and social development of Nigeria manifests in the tax revenue windows that the effective regulation of the sector by NCC guarantees.

bolstered by strategic initiatives, including two tranches of share repurchases conducted between 2020 and 2022. These buybacks, amounting to 166.9 million shares, are believed to have fortified the stock valuation.

Dangote Cement closed its last trading day (Friday, February 2, 2024) at N763.00 per share on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). Dangote Cement began the year with a share price of 319.90 NGN and has since gained 139% on that price valuation, ranking it first on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Current market cap is N11.3 trillion.

The company’s growth has attracted major investors, with Femi Otedola, a prominent Nigerian billionaire, recently acquiring shares worth an impressive N6 billion in Dangote Cement Plc. Dangote Cement’s milestone on the NGX has also fueled speculation about the potential listing of other Dangote Group entities, including the newly operational Dangote Petrochemical Refinery. Analysts had projected the listing of Dangote Refinery, along with Dangote Foods (a result of the ongoing merger of Dangote companies).

Song 3: Tax Appeal Tribunal Concurs The Lagos Zone of the Tax Appeal Tribunal has ruled that Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has paid all the tax liability owed to the Nigerian Government following the payment of the revised final additional assessment in the sum of N220,973,124.

News reports said that Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc sued the Federal Inland Revenue Service, asking the Tribunal to enter judgement on the revised final additional assessment in the sum of N220,973,124, a tax liability already paid covering 2008 to 2013 years of assessment.

According to reports, the company in the appeal filed through its counsel, Dare Sokoya, stated that after the appeal was instituted before the Tribunal, parties continued to meet in a bid to amicably resolve the case.

It noted that several meetings were held by the parties and reports were made to the court on the progress made.

Following the meetings, the Respondent (FIRS) revised the Appellant/Applicant's tax liability to N220,973,124, as the full and final payment of the tax liability for the relevant years in dispute.

The Tax Appeal Tribunal in a unanimous decision ruled that the Appellant/Applicant had fulfilled its obligations.

The Tribunal held: "It is in the light of the above that this Honorable Tribunal has resolved the sole issue in this case in the affirmative.

“We hold that from the circumstances of this case, the Appellant/Applicant has fully discharged its additional assessed liability in the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira Only (N220, 973, 124).

"Accordingly, this application is hereby granted and it is hereby Ordered, thus; A consent judgement of this Honorable Tribunal in the revised sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand One Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira Only (N220, 973, 124), in favour of the Appellant/Applicant.

"An Order that the executed terms of settlement have been fully adopted as the judgement of this Honourable Tribunal.

"The already settled amount in the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira Only (N220, 973, 124) should be deemed as the Final and Conclusive settlement in this matter."

Dangote Sugar was subsequently discharged.

The utilisation of the telecoms sector as a platform for the economic and social development of Nigeria manifests in the tax revenue windows that the effective regulation of the sector by NCC guarantees

FBN Holdings Posts Pre-tax Profit of N362.24bn

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BN Holdings Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s oldest bank FirstBank, has posted its unaudited financial statements for 2023.

The group posted a profit before tax of N362.24 billion during the year, marking a 129% growth from the N157.90 billion reported in 2022.

The group posted an interest income of N917.71 billion in 2023, reflecting a 66% increase from the N551.94 billion posted in 2022.

A big bulge in interest income helped net profit jump 127.6 per cent to N309.9 billion. Interest income climbed 66.3 per cent to 917.7 billion as the lender leveraged the high-interest rate environment in the banking industry to charge borrowers more for loans.

The group realised a gain of N251.10 billion attributable to the devaluation of the Naira, primarily arising from exchange differences THEWILLNIGERIA

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in the translation of its foreign operations.

In Q4 2023, the group posted a pre-tax profit of N91.91 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 75% from Q4 2022.

In 2023, the group’s total assets increased to N16.90 trillion, representing a 60% growth from the N10.58 trillion total assets reported in FY 2022.

Barbican Capital Limited, which represents the interest of industrialist Oba Otudeko, is FBN Holdings’ top shareholder, holding 13.6 per cent of the shares.

Gross earnings went up 76.9 per cent to N1.5 trillion, helped by the commercial banking division of FBN Holdings, which contributed 92.2 per cent of revenue.

Net interest income, which measures the difference between interest earned by lenders and how much they pay to savers for keeping their deposits, rose to N530 billion from N363.2 billion..

The cash FBN provisioned to cover

potentially bad loans soared nearly threefold to N200.4 billion. It was essentially the price the lender paid for high borrowing costs, considering that borrowers tend to default on their obligations in the face of elevated lending rates, causing impairment charges to rise.

Fees and commission income were up by 42.3 per cent, driven by higher revenue from letters of credit.

Against the current trend where lenders with foreign currency-denominated assets are reaping big from a weaker naira after conversion into the local currency, FBN Holdings incurred as much as N350.3 billion in foreign exchange loss in contrast to a gain of N22.4 billion a year ago.

Femi Otedola was announced as the new Chairman of FBN Holdings Plc last week, as he holds a most significant individual shareholding of 5.57% in the bank. However, the most substantial shareholder is Barbican Capital Limited with a 13.61% shareholding.

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BUSINESS NEWS

L-R: Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola; Member, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, during the Courtesy visit to the Nigerian Exchange Group, held in Lagos on February 1, 2024.

Cadbury Nigeria Records 4228% Increase in Operating Profit …Wins Top Employer in Nigeria Award

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ollowing the approval of the unaudited financial statements of Cadbury Nigeria Plc by the Board of Directors, the Company has announced an operating profit of N8,397 billion for the full year ended 31 December 2023. This represents an increase of 4228 percent over the N194 million it recorded in the same period in 2022.

The Company’s gross profit also rose by 130 percent from N7,723 billion in 2022 to N17,790 billion in 2023, while revenue increased by 46 percent from N55,213 billion to N80,379 billion within the period under review.

In a statement, Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, said the Company sustained its current growth trajectory, despite the difficult operating environment in the country, due to its resilience as well as focus on revenue and cost management.

Noting that the massive devaluation of the Naira impacted negatively on businesses particularly operators in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) sector that rely on imported inputs, in the period under review, she said the increase in the Company’s operating profit was an indication that the growth strategies that it has put in place are yielding fruit.

“We operate in a challenging environment that requires a degree of creativity and tenacity to remain in business,” Adeboye added. “Despite the strong economic headwinds we faced during the year under review, Cadbury Nigeria remains committed to delivering value for its various stakeholders and we shall continue to put our consumers at the heart of what we do.”

Meanwhile, Cadbury Nigeria was rated number one Top Employer in Nigeria by the Amsterdam-based Top Employers Institute, recently. Cadbury Nigeria was rated number two last year in Nigeria and recognised with the prestigious Top Employer certification as a Regional Top Employer in Africa, for the third consecutive year.

Commenting on this award, Adeboye said: “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future, our commitment to excellence, and innovation. The well-being of our people will continue to drive us forward.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact we make together.”

She added that the Company is focused on nourishing and delighting consumers with the right snacks and remains committed to its stakeholders.

Wole Odubayo, Human Resources Director, Cadbury Nigeria, who dedicated the award to the employees of the Company, added: “You are the force behind our success, and we are immensely proud to have you as part of the Cadbury Nigeria family.”

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices.

Through the Institute’s Certification Programme, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognised as an employer of choice.

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

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Ex-Senate President Invests in Cross River Oil Palm Sector BASSEY ANIEKAN

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former Senate President and two term governor of Kwara state, Dr Bukola Saraki, has joined the farming community in Cross River State by investing in the state's oil palm sector.

The former lawmaker who has taken up substantial investment in the Ayip Eku Oil Plantation in Akamkpa, said owing to Governor Otu's pragmatic economic policies, Cross River has become an investment destination with enormous potential.

Senator Saraki who paid a courtesy call on the state governor said they are encouraged by what the governor has been doing and they hope to belong term investors in the state.

In a release made available by Governor Otu's Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, he quoted the former lawmaker as saying that "When you have a head of government who understands what it takes to govern and the role of government, he ensures that investors are comfortable.

"We have been very encouraged. It is not only in the oil plantation that we are focusing, we are also looking at other businesses. We were at the Export Processing Zone earlier; we intend to be long-term partners of Cross River State," Saraki stated.

In his remarks, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed delight in having a personality like Dr. Saraki investing in the State.

The governor assured him of his administration's readiness to partner with him and potential investors in changing the economy of Cross River.

Last year, Governor Bassey Otu during a media parley to mark his 100 days in office announced that his administration had secured a $15 million dollar investment in the oil palm sector in the state.

The investment, the governor said, will be going into the about 12,400 hectares Ayip Eku Oil Palm plantation.

Prior to this, the government had initiated a peace meeting between the Ayip Eku Oil Palm and landlords of host communities.

The communities were contending over the equity distribution of ground rent by an investment company which stalled the takeoff of the estate for over a decade.

As part of the settlement, the government presented cheques and bank drafts to the landlord communities being ground rent from 2008 to 2023.

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BUSINESS NEWS

L-R: Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Prof Abiodun Otegbayo; Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa; Chairman, Theater Management Committee UCH, Dr Bolaji Ayandepo, during the Minister's visit to UCH in Ibadan on February 1, 2024.

Customs Unveils 43% Increase in Import Duty

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igerian Customs Service has unveiled an increase in import duty by 43 percent.

Importers and stakeholders in trading were taken unawares on Friday over the increase in the exchange rate, which before now was set at N951.842 per $1 as of December 2024, taken up to N1356.42.

THEWILL recalls that the exchange rate for duty collection is usually determined by the CBN. Reacting to the development, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprises, CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, was quoted as expressing shock at the development, saying that the increase will further worsen the already bad economic situation.

Yusuf wondered if anybody was advising the Governor of the CBN on the implications of these actions.

He said, “I am shocked at the development, I mean with all these suffering, with all these costs, we have not recovered from the unification of the exchange rate they just did, now another increase in duty.

“This increase will definitely affect every area of our economic life, already; we recorded a drop in the volume of import last year, so you imagine what will happen with this increment.

“The sharp depreciation and the increment of import duty will no doubt affect the volume of trade because the cost of import is going to increase significantly and this will affect practically all the key components of cost.

“That is the cost of transportation, the cost of shipment, the cost of clearing and this will slow down the velocity and the tempo of activities in the maritime sector. And that tempo has already reduced anyway and it further reduces.”

He warned against the upward review of the exchange rate for the computation of import duty, adding that it would be devastating for both the economy and the citizens.

Equities Market Records Positive Week-end Performance

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he NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 1.97% and 2.00% to close the week at 104,421.23 and N57.158 trillion respectively.

A total turnover of 3.893 billion shares worth N95.147 billion in 69,117 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 2.981billion shares valued at N57.873 billion that exchanged hands last week in 67,962 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 2.640 billion shares valued at N47.654 billion traded in 31,929 deals; thus contributing 67.81% and 50.08% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 347.962 million shares worth N4.064 billion in 5,972 deals. The third place was the Conglomerates Industry, with a turnover of 337.682 million shares worth N4.709 billion in 5,493 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely FBN Holdings Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 961.288 million shares worth N21.390 billion in 9,966 deals, contributing 24.70% and 22.48% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

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Mining Development: Nigeria, US Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

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he Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has described the United States (US) as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development.

Speaking while receiving Charge d’Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office in Abuja, Mr Alake lauded the United States’ commitment for fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.

“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London this year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for a reduction in global warming.

“We also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,” Mr Alake said.

The minister welcomed the partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.

In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potential to rival the contribution of oil to the nation’s economy.

“Nigeria and the US have had decades of cultural ties, and cooperation in security agriculture amongst others. Your mining sector has huge potential and we are interested in collaborating to invest in extracting and processing of minerals alongside providing training and knowledge transfer to the security agencies to assist in securing your mining environment,” Mr Green asserted.

Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the Federal Government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; ongoing plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the formalization of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.

“The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here.

“We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators.

We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, a policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others,” Mr Alake emphasised.

The US diplomat assured Mr Alake that his country is exploring investment in Nigeria’s mining value chain, noting that the global energy transition from fossil fuels to critical metals makes it imperative for both countries to harness areas of comparative advantage for strategic collaboration.

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BUSINESS WEEKLY

Spiking Inflation: Is The Worst Over For Nigeria?

cases, such locally produced items end up ‘pushed’ out of the market by much cheaper imported brands or substitutes. This, coupled with Nigerians’ avid taste for foreign goods, have gotten too ingrained to be reversed in the short term (say in 2024).

The world is already a global village; and as such, ‘alien’ issues and crises have been filtering into all nooks and crannies of the globe, including Nigeria. And so, global inflationary pressures and the ongoing war in Ukraine have also contributed to rising input costs and disrupted supply chains, impacting Nigeria's inflation.

By late last year, the conflict in the Middle East and natural disasters in several other places had joined in the disruption of economic activity and propping up implicit high inflation. This is yet to abate!

For Nigeria, given the variety and complexity of the causes/drivers of the persisting runaway inflation, there may not be ‘quick fix’ solutions to the spiking CPI—not in the short term. Also, many drivers of the high inflationary trend in the country are exogenous factors that are largely beyond the purview of the powers that be. Therefore, addressing this high inflation requires a multi-pronged approach from the Nigerian government and a wide range of stakeholders.

BY MARCEL OKEKE

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rom a level of 21.34 per cent as of end-December 2022, Nigeria’s headline inflation maintained a consistent upwards trajectory, closing the year 2023 at 28.92 per cent—a rate widely considered to be the highest in about three decades.

to an unprecedented devaluation of the currency against virtually all other hard currencies across the globe.

Yet, subsisting economic fundamentals and policies do not show any likelihood that the consumer price index (CPI)—which measures inflation rate—would in any way be decelerating to attain the 21.25 percent projection in the 2024 Federal budget.

In point of fact, the factors driving the runaway inflationary trend remain more potent in 2024 than they were in the past couple of years.

No doubt, the depreciation of the Naira against major currencies makes imports significantly more expensive. This impacts not only consumers directly but also manufacturers who rely on imported raw materials, pushing up production costs and ultimately consumer prices. Call it ‘imported inflation’; it also fed into the local runaway inflationary trend.

Specifically, the fallouts and upshots of removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023—which led to unprecedented spike in the prices of all goods and services in Nigeria, are yet to be meaningfully addressed. Ironically, in the past eight months or so, governments at all levels have been cobbling all manner of palliatives to assuage the misery, poverty and hardship unleashed on the citizenry by the fuel subsidy removal initiative. The subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which drove the price of fuel up by over 300 per cent has since pushed the cost of transportation, food, services, etc. to dizzying heights.

In a ‘decoupled’ form, a core driver of the hiking CPI has been food inflation—a key reflection of Nigeria’s worrisome level of food scarcity/insecurity. Thus, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the rate of food inflation increased to 33.93 per cent in December 2023 from 30.64 per cent in September 2023.

The statistics agency reported price rises for a range of food products in December 2023, including cereals and bread, oil, fish, meat, fruit, and eggs. Unfortunately, most of what is called the “food basket” of Nigeria have been akin to ‘war zones’ in recent times—being almost ceaselessly ravaged by rampaging armed bandits.

Practically all the farming communities (in those places) have been displaced—the farmers now living in several camps as internally displaced persons (IDPs). These millions of occupants of the IDP camps are the farmers; and their living as refugees forecloses their agricultural production and productivity.

Even when the ‘remnants’ of the farmers in remote villages and hamlets manage to produce, the cost of transportation to take their produce to the market has since become outlandish. And this adds to the ultimate price to the consumer; still driving the dreaded inflation to even greater heights!

However, the high and rising inflation in Nigeria, currently at a staggering 29 per cent as of December 2023, is a complex issue with no single cause. Thus, in a less-than-obvious way, rising money supply has been one of the drivers of the runaway inflationary trend in the country. Although the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) up until May 2023 tightened its monetary stance, there has been a notable increase in money supply.

Apparently, ‘under the table’, the CBN has been availing the government with trillions of Naira facility through the ‘Ways and Mean’ window. This ‘surplus liquidity’ has been fueling higher aggregate demand, leading to a chase for limited goods and services, pushing prices up.

It was not until the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration (in 2023) that it became public knowledge that over N23 trillion had been made available to the government by the CBN through ‘Ways and Means’.

One of the steps must be a return to tight monetary stance by the monetary authorities. The CBN can further control money supply growth and raise interest rates (somewhat) to dampen demand and stabilize prices.

In this regard, it is imperative that the current leadership of the apex bank must eschew secrecy in the conduct of its monetary policy.

Structural bottlenecks (especially Nigeria's infrastructure challenges), including poor road networks, unstable power supply, and inefficient logistics, significantly increase the cost of production and distribution, translating to higher prices for consumers. Thus, with the trillions of Naira claimed by successive governments to have been sunk into the provision of infrastructure, the reality on ground remains frustrating to all economic agents.

The prevailing indecision about whether or not to continue to hold the normal Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings does no good to the apex bank. Transparency and creativity demand that the CBN should quickly recommence the MPC meetings, and come up with its usual communique to make its monetary stance known without further delay.

Today in Nigeria, practically all the operators

Related to this is that the apex bank must quickly do whatever it takes to stabilize the Naira exchange rate. Implementing policies that promote exchange rate stability can reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The prevailing situation where, even in the official forex market, the Naira exchange rate varies markedly from day to day is a key disincentive to businesses.

It was not until the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration (in 2023) that it became public knowledge that over N23 trillion had been made available to the government by the CBN through ‘Ways and Means

This environment is even made worse by the high and rising premium between forex rates in the official window and the parallel market—currently about N300 to N400 per dollar.

This is the time for the government to come up with the incentives to encourage and promote domestic production. Such policies must encourage local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports—to help stabilize prices and boost economic growth.

Same thing goes for addressing infrastructural deficiencies and improving logistics efficiency, to significantly reduce production and distribution costs.

All said, addressing these issues will require sustained efforts from policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike to deal with both the immediate challenges and the underlying structural issues that hinder economic growth and stability.

At this point, the government, against the intendments and provisions of the CBN Act (2007), pushed for the securitization of the humongous ‘loan’ facility. This was practically pushed down the throat of the National Assembly—and the (long term) security was added to the huge and yet rising stock of Nigeria’s public debt.

At present, it is already being feared that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration might go the route of its predecessor, in ‘secretly’ abusing the ‘Ways and Means’ window.

in the private sector provide their critical infrastructure.

Manufacturers, especially, have to have their generating sets (electricity), water supply, roads, waste management/disposal schemes, internal and external security arrangement, etc.

As for the government, particularly, there is the need for effective monitoring of its ongoing policies and interventions to see how they impact inflation rates in the coming months. It’s a task that must be done!

By far, however, one of the major drivers of the subsisting hyper inflationary trend in Nigeria has been the floatation of the national currency—Naira—in June 2023. The policy translated

All these usually add substantially to the cost of production of whatever items in Nigeria—and end up making such businesses uncompetitive vis-à-vis their foreign counterparts. In almost all

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

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

Nigeria Needs to Work With Volkswagen to Grow Auto Industry – Director-General, NADDC

BY OLAOLU OLUSINA

The Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, led a three-man delegation on a week-long visit to the South African Auto Industry, penultimate week. Other members of the delegation are the Director, Policy Planning and Statistics, M. Sani Musa and the Director, Research, Design and Development, Fidelis Achiv. The well-structured and highly organised trip was highly successful as it turned to be a learning curve and eye-opener for the Nigerian delegation. While visiting the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) facility and assembly plant in Kariega, South Africa, Director General Osanipin and his hosts, Martina Biene, who doubles as the Managing Director/ Chairperson, VWSA and President, AAAM, as well as the CEO, AAAM, Dave Coffey, spoke in an interview on the experience and lessons learned. Excerpts:

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eason for Visiting AAAM – Joseph Osanipin

''I want to see what is happening in other countries and climes to see how we can take what is good in all these areas and replicate same in Nigeria. That was the main reason we came here and we have met AAAM. Fortunately, Martina (Biene) has to wear two caps here as the President of AAAM that hosted us since Monday that we have been here. They made it easier for us to meet the stakeholders in the industry. ''On the first day, we met Automotive Transformation Fund, AAAM, VGA, the institution that champions automotive agenda for Germany. We met a lot components parts sectors. From there, we moved on and we decided to come to the headquarters of Volkswagen Africa. ''Today, we dedicated today for facility tour. Not only that, we want to know how can we get Volkswagen to be part of what we are doing in Nigeria. We had honest discussions and let them know the reality. It is better we let everyone know our reality so that it will be easier for us to work together. ''Based on that, we had a facility tour with Martina and all our team. We were at the press shop, body shop, assembly plant and we watched the video of the painting. Everything we have seen are amazing. The story of how they started and at a point when they had 11 models. Today, they have two models and they are the one supplying Polo GTI to the whole world. ''This is the story that we just want to be part of. We have learnt a lot from them and we learnt what we also need to do concerning Nigeria if we need to work hand in hand with Volkswagen Group and Volkswagen Africa, in specific, with Martina on how to grow auto industry in Nigeria."

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CEO, African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), Dave Coffey (far left); Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, (4th left); Chairperson/Managing Director, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), Martina Biene (5th left) and other members of the NADDC delegation during a visit to Volkswagen Africa assembly plant in Kariega, South Africa, on January 21, 2024.

We had a Very Good Engagement – Martina Biene

Come Back - Biene

"We had a very good engagement from my point of view, specifically, as you might remember when you three were visiting us. We were joking. Give us the policy and we have seen the ideals of the policy. And not only the ideals, but the crafting of the policy in Nigeria, which is pretty much a very comprehensive policy that will help the automotive industry to thrive in Nigeria, if implemented. That was really good.

"We are interested in the Nigerian market. We know that we also have a history in the Nigerian market. We will also re-emphasis that VW signed an MoU in 2018 with the government to establish a partnership. That is also what we want. What is needed is new car market in Nigeria. New car market is going to happen with the implementation of the policy and once we establish a proper new car market, I am pretty sure that we all want business. We are eager to start the business. We are not committing to any partners but I am just saying we want to come back."

"The next step is ratification and implementation in the National Assembly in Nigeria. In Nigeria, we agreed on supporting the Association of Automotive Manufacturers in Africa, but, of course, Volkswagen is interested in the Nigerian market. We really want to be part of the Nigerian market. We also want to be part of the prosperity in the Nigerian market and we have seen a very good approach in terms of policy. ''The previous (immediate past) Minister of Trade and industry had been consulting the AAAM and he has been also instrumental in crafting some of the African automotive policies. He was also very encouraging and complimenting under an automotive policy that Nigeria is now putting forward. Yes, we need to work on some details. That is fine, but it's really now about getting going and having an automotive show in Nigeria. ''It was a very good engagement. We have really shown everything in full shape. Suppliers, manufacturing and supporting businesses.Iit has been very positive.''

NAIDP Needs to be Implemented – Dave Coffey "We are impressed with NADDC for putting together a visit like this. I was delighted because the interest was there.

At AAAM, we believe that NAIDP needs to be implemented.

It needs to be approved and we will assist you in guiding whatever we can and support you. We believe this is a great opportunity and the time is ripe.''

Volkswagen is Interested in Nigeria ...we Want to

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We Learned Many Lessons - NADDC DG "The lesson that we have learnt here is firstly, we need to put policy and process in place. That is what can drive investments. Two is that auto is about volume. We have seen when VW was doing 11 products and they couldn't meet the numbers they were doing. But now, they have only two models and they are doing far better in terms of the number they are doing. It is all about volume. Today, we have different kinds of volumes in Nigeria. ''In SA, we have seven manufacturers with 40 models.

With this, it has enabled them to put up huge volumes.

So compare that one with what we are doing in Nigeria today, where we have varieties of assemblers of over 35 and we are still getting more. So, this is what we get to look at.

Even to look at the components parts. If we have all these everywhere, how are we going to get the component parts that will come with that volume?

"It is a lesson that we have learnt and some other things we need to do differently like bringing VW or any other OEM that will produce new vehicles, then we need to look at the quality of our fuel. We have Euro 3 but we need to produce at Euro 4. All these things are things we have learnt that we will start working on and see how we can prepare the ground for them, for huge investments from OEMs and most especially from VW. "

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Former Minister at War With Sister-in-Law

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

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ormer Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, is up in arms with his former sister in-law, Lilian Onoh, a former Nigerian ambassador to Jamaica and Namibia, over allegations bordering on defamation and financial misappropriation.

Lilian is the daughter of late Christian Onoh, a former governor of old Anambra State. She is also the sister of Onyeama’s ex-wife, Nuzo Onoh. Both are sisters to Bianca Ojukwu, a former beauty queen and widow of late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Onyeama and Onoh have been involved in a legal battle in Nigeria and the United States, accusing each other of defamation.

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UJU KENNEDYOHANENYE AND ABUSE OF POWER

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ontroversy seems to be second nature to Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye. Ever since she got sworn in as the Minister of Women Affairs, she has been enmeshed in one controversial issue or the other. First, she had threatened to sue the United Nations over the management of donor funds. She had asked the UN to publish monies collected from donors for the benefit of Nigerians within 30 days or risk a legal action by her ministry. She had claimed that the UN had not been transparent in the manner

Continues on page 43

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

I Didn't Stumble Into Acting, I've Been Prepared All my Life - Chinyere Nwabueze Nollywood actress and movie producer, Chinyere Nwabueze, speaks with Ivory Ukonu about her career and the gains of being an active operator in the make-belief world. Excerpts:

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s acting a means to an end or a dream come true for you?

Acting is not a means to an end. It is a passion for me. That is why I put my soul into the craft. I did not stumble into it accidentally; I studied Theatre Arts in school. Even before the advent of Nollywood, I worked in the banking industry before I ventured fully into acting. So, it is not a means to an end because I don't actually see myself doing any other thing other than film making. Although I have other side hustles, my main job is with the film industry.

How did your journey to the acting world begin?

My journey into the acting world started as a passion in secondary school. I attended Owerri Girls Secondary School, Imo State. I was quite prolific in literature studies and the English language. I belonged to the dramatic club and participated in stage plays. So it was only natural that I chose to study Theatre Arts for my higher education and that was even before the advent of Nollywood as an industry began like I mentioned earlier.

How easy or difficult was your acceptance in the industry?

It was quite easy for me to adapt in the industry because it was passion driven and I wasn't in any way discouraged or frustrated because I was working towards a goal which I knew was bound to come with challenges. As for acceptance, because I had something to offer to the industry it was natural for me to be accepted.

Which movie gave you your big break?

I did lots of jobs that gave me a break in different ways. Notably was 'Stolen Bible' where I played Mother Superior. That movie got me noticed. Then 'Wise inlaws/Best Honeymoon' got me a nomination at the Zulu African Film Academy Awards, also known as ZAFAA Global Awards, an annual ceremony that rewards African films in the Diaspora. I was nominated in the Best Actress in a Comedy category.

There is also the series, 'SPIDER,' which ran for like five years and I played the very hilarious and cantankerous Amaka Okorocha. It was quite a popular series back in the day and it gave me national recognition because it was on television all over Nigeria and beyond.

Then the movie that gave me my brand name, 'Madam Tinted' was the 'Palace Crisis/Palace on Fire' that I did with Mercy Johnson.

What determines the kind of roles you take on in movies?

An artist's ability to play any role given to him or her makes the artist good. Versatility is it for any actor who knows his onion in the game. I love challenging roles that, of course, bring out the best in me as an actor.

Do you sometimes have an input in the kind of roles you play?

I can play any role as long as I am not required to strip naked completely in the film. Also professionally I can make inputs and suggestions for the character that I am given to play, for better interpretations. Movie making is a teamwork. No director knows it all. Also, my long years and experience in the industry qualifies me to make inputs where necessary.

What determines the kind of movies you choose to appear in?

The story has to be good and the script tight, although most times, the script is just a guideline for the actor. A good actor is expected to bring out the best interpretations from a script, however badly scripted. Also I am quite particular with the calibre of director I work THEWILLNIGERIA

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with. I don't expect to turn into a director on a set where the director is mediocre because I am paid to act, not to be a director. I have had situations where I faced such challenges. What I did was to take up such responsibilities so as to save my face in the film. But these days, I won't do such a thing again. And that is why I have to know the capacity of a director before I take up a job.

Which role and what movie would you say challenged your craft as an actor?

I have had many challenging roles, but the movie or series that was quite challenging was my role as Amaka Okorocha in the television series, 'Spider.' I played an illiterate cantankerous local market woman.

There is also this other one where I played a crime fighting policewoman who was always chasing after criminals.

I had to physically fight the bad boys.

It was quite tough and challenging for me, but I did it so well that I still get positive reviews from people about my role any time they watch it.

Did you ever think in your wildest imagination that you would become as big and recognised as you are today?

Oh yes. I knew that I was going to be recognised and even bigger than this because I was quite prepared for it.

There is a saying that when preparation comes in contact with opportunity it becomes luck. All my life I had wanted to either be a broadcaster, an actor or a teacher. See where we are today.

Do you have a dream role in your bucket list and what is it?

Well, I have played almost every available role that any woman in my age bracket could play but I will still love to be stretched within my limit. I would like a role like that of Sola Sobowale in 'King of the Boys.' I think I have such strength and energy.

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Nwabueze

Like most of your colleagues who have dabbled into movie production as well?

Yes. I have been producing movies in between my acting career. The last one that I did was 'BIG MAMA'S HOUSE.' It is a 13-episode series where I got to work with kids. It was quite challenging shooting with about 15 kids between the ages of 3 to 14 years. But we were able to pull through the project. It came out beautifully well and it is going on air soon.

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What is the lure for actors to become movie producers?

Most of us actors are turning into movie producers and content creators because of the boom in internet monetisation of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. I am not going to let such opportunities slip by. So I am also taking full advantage of it. I am

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY working towards getting my Facebook pages and my YouTube monetised so that I can fully get down to the business of creating contents for my channels.

The best decision any actor will make in his or her career is to also become a stakeholder in the business. By doing so, the person will also become a contributor professionally. Maybe over the years, such an actor would have felt that things were supposed to be done in a certain way but weren't. And so, dabbling into movie production enables the actor to do what he feels best doing. With the advent of the Internet, it is a platform to showcase and market your films or contents, unlike back in the days where movie marketers were the ones calling the shots.

There is so much money to be made online and most actors that have turned into movie producers and content creators are cashing out big time. Most of us are not just relying on the artiste fees being paid to us to act, we have become investors too in the business and doing quite well at it. Artistes are now buying houses left right and centre from the proceeds of their productions.

the course of his career. We lived in the North and in the MiddleBelt. I speak Hausa almost fluently and a some Tiv. Coming down to the east, I speak the Owerri dialect fluently too. I did an Igbo movie where I chose to speak the Owerri dialect so convincingly that most people who watched the movie thought I was from Owerri, Imo State and not Ohafia, Abia State. People argued about it. So, the exposures that I had in my formative years made a big impact in my acting career. I also think that my mother is quite dramatic, and I must have picked the traits from her.

Who are some of the people you look up to in the game and why?

I think I am my own competitor. I believe that every actor is unique in his or her own ways of interpreting a role. However, I try to improve and get better in my acting skill as the days go by.

Has there ever been a time you thought of quitting as an actor?

Never ever! Despite the challenges that I had in my earliest days in the industry, there hasn't been a time that I ever thought of quitting because I have always believed that nothing good comes easy.

All my years of toil in the industry is actually paying off. And to God be the glory, I have managed to remain relevant and consistent these past 23 years that I have been in Nollywood. It will interest you to know that I got an award for the Most Consistent Actress in Nollywood last year.

You said earlier that you have other side hustles. What else do you do besides acting?

All other businesses of mine still revolve around the movie industry. I also own production equipment, like cameras, lights and I just recently acquired a very sophisticated drone for rental. In a nutshell, film making is the only business that I am involved in at present.

Maybe I might continue to do other things in the future, but for now this is only what I do. So far, so good it's paying my bills.

If you were given an opportunity to change one thing about your industry to take it to the next level, what would that be and how would you go about it?

Well, the change that we movie practitioners agitated for in the past is here. Marketing and distribution were the major challenges in the past. Now we have the distribution companies with us; Netflix, Amazon, Primeworld and, of course, the Internet.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement as an actor and in life generally?

Becoming an investor and a financial stakeholder in the industry has given me the opportunity to produce good stories and also to churn out good quality films shot with better equipment. I now have a say unlike back in the day where an artist didn't have much input in the films that were produced. My greatest achievement is the ability to stay on top of my game. The financial gains, the recognition locally and internationally and of course, the job satisfaction and the fulfillment that I am earning a living from my passion.

What are some of the challenges you encountered on the job?

I remember back in the early 2000 when I came down to Lagos in pursuit of my acting career, when there were no mobile phones, we would trek from one place to another within Surulere and even up to the National Theatre Orile Iganmu to scout for acting jobs. We would attend auditions after auditions. Most times I would pass the auditions and will have my name penciled down for casting but when I won't be informed when the movie will be shot.

You mean you won't know when the movie would be shot?

Yes, because most times messages wouldn't come to you on time that you are needed or one might be unreachable or competitors for the same role who might be around when they are looking for you, might mischievously lie to the production manager that you are out of town and then lobby for the role. So when mobile phones came, it became a lot easier to keep contacts or be contacted. Also they were fewer productions back in the day and so securing movie roles was a herculean task. Actors these days are having it much much easier because there are now movie productions everywhere and it's spread out both in Lagos, Asaba, Enugu and other major towns and villages. Back then, movie productions only happened in Lagos and Enugu States.

What was growing up like for you? Did it in any way influence your choice of career?

Growing up was quite fun because I got exposed to different people from different tribes. My father was a federal civil servant and so the family followed him to different states that he was transferred to in

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And your greatest challenge in life?

My greatest challenge in life is my body size and my conscious efforts to try to be smart and fit for my job.

“

Nwabueze

Because of the unavailability of mobile phones, most times messages wouldn't come to you on time that you are needed or one might be unreachable or competitors for the same role who might be around when they are looking for you, might mischievously lie to the production manager that you are out of town and then lobby for the role

How do you unwind?

I unwind by working out. Film making is quite strenuous work and the best way to manage stress is through exercises. Recently I have incorporated exercises into my lifestyle. Any period that I am not on a film set, you will see me at the stadium or at the gym house sweating it out. I also love to travel and I have travelled a lot in the course of my job. I love dancing and I also love to cook. A plan is on the way for a cooking programme which I am working on, 'The Lady Tinted Kitchen Show.'

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

OYEBANJI APPOINTS TUNJI OLOWOLAFE CHANCELLOR OF EKITI VARSITY D r Tunji Olowolafe is beside himself with joy over his recent appointment.

The wealthy businessman was recently appointed Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti by the Visitor to the University, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji.

Olowolafe was selected by the governor for his devotion to improving his homeland and his contributions across various sectors of the economy. Originally trained as a medical doctor before he left it all to venture into manufacturing and construction, Olowalafe founded Deux Project Limited, a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s economy, spanning many sectors, including healthcare, public works, power, roads and infrastructure.

Furthermore, Olowolafe is an investor with diverse business interests in oil & gas, power, real estate, mining, and technology. He is a non-executive Director of West Power and Gas, the primary stakeholder of Eko Disco, and Infracorp Nigeria, a $15 billion infrastructure Olowolafe investment entity jointly established by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Africa Finance Corporation and Nigeria Sovereign for COVID-19 testing, Investment Authority. underscoring his ongoing commitment to enhancing The business magnate is also the Chairman of GZ public health infrastructure and societal well-being.

Industries (GZI), West Africa’s leading aluminium He is one of those top figures whose charm and manufacturer. In 2020, he was pivotal in Ekiti State’s connections enables them to cautiously command response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Chair of the political and economic power. His remarkable fortitude Medical Logistics and Project Nomination Committee, and significant contributions to various sectors have he was responsible for enhancing healthcare facilities, garnered him numerous accolades throughout his including the Oba Adejugbe Specialist Hospital, and career. Among these distinctions is his recognition advancing the state’s research and testing capabilities. as a World Fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh, an His efforts extended to establishing a Molecular honour reserved for individuals who have exhibited Diagnostic Laboratory in Ekiti State Teaching Hospital extraordinary leadership and service.

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Former Minister at War With Sister-in-Law The ex-minister, who was a member of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, had sued Onoh after the latter accused him of condoning grand corruption in some of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Onyeama alleged that Onoh sponsored articles that were critical of him on issues of sleaze when he was foreign affairs minister. Onoh had raised an alarm that out of the $5 million donated by the Red Cross in Nigeria to victims of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the sum of $2.8 million was being frittered away by Nigerian diplomats in Jamaica.

The Nigerian mission in Jamaica Onoh was saddled with the responsibility of applying the $5 million donation to the humanitarian disaster in the Caribbean country. She said that, prior to her arrival in Namibia as Nigeria’s high commissioner, about $600,000 was embezzled by officials who also shortchanged the Namibian Government in VAT remittances.

In defence, Onyeama said he took action on every complaint received by referring such issues to the permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and directing that investigation be conducted.

The complaints in respect of Jamaica and Namibia, he noted, were handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, adding that the permanent secretary was charged with dealing with financial transactions and irregularities.

The former minister said he was interested in those two incidents because of their impact on Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with Jamaica and Namibia.

Onyeama claimed Onoh forwarded several media articles to his phone number and that many people advised her to desist from those libelous articles emanating from the social THEWILLNIGERIA

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media, but she refused to listen.

Instead, she wrote him indicating that he was trying to prevent certain media houses from publishing her defamatory articles. For this, he sued her. Onoh in turn filed a libel suit against her former brother-in-law at the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The case has been assigned to Judge Jane Boyle for adjudication, but no date has been fixed for hearing.

According to the suit filed by her lawyer, Steven Thornton, Onoh accused Onyeama and Gabriel Aduda, a former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign affairs, now a permanent secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, of using an online news platform (name withheld) to defame her. The said article claimed that Onoh was sacked by the Nigerian Government in 2021 on account of misappropriation of N50 million.

The article also claimed that a report by a sevenman committee indicted her over alleged financial misappropriation while serving in the Southern African country. It said that Aduda and Onyeama were members of the investigative committee that indicted Onoh for fraud.

The article further stated that Onoh was ordered to refund to the Nigerian mission all the money that she had improperly used.

About a week ago, Onyeama closed his case against Lilian after cross-examination before Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. The judge adjourned the case until February 12 for Onoh to commence her defence in the suit.

Justice Ogbonnaya said Onoh could testify from her base in the US. In addition, the judge ordered the defendant to file her statement of defence alongside her witness statement on oath before the next hearing of the suit.

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Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye And Abuse of Power

Oshiomhole

IARA OSHIOMHOLE’S UNANNOUNCED APPEARANCE AT STEP-SON’S WEDDING

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ast weekend, Iara, the young wife of Senator Adams Oshiomhole stunned many when she made an appearance after a long absence, during the wedding ceremony of her stepson, Stephen to his lover, Emerita in Abuja.

The former air hostess from Cape Verde looked ravishing as she sat next to her husband, playing the motherly role. There had been speculations over the state of her marriage to the former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, due to her unexplained absence.

Rumour mongers had gone to town with the tale that all was not well with the almost nine-year-old marriage and that she wanted out. But judging by her presence at the wedding, it is obvious that nothing, not even unsubstantiated rumours can separate them.

The wedding had quite a number of President Bola Tinubu's cabinet members in attendance, from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; to the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye; to Jennifer Adhidje, a Senior Special Assistant to Tinubu.

Others in attendance were businessman, Ayiri Emami, former president, Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata among several others.

in which they utilised funds they got from donations for Nigerians. She therefore gave the UN a one-month ultimatum, which ran from 16th of October to November 15. She had announced that she was working on a pre-action notice to be served on the UN. Her remarks were made oblivious to the fact that the UN is immune from domestic or international legal actions. Well, it's almost three months and three weeks and the minister is yet to carry out her threat. She had promised to make the lawsuit number public. She is still yet to do so. On another occasion, a leaked viral audio recording of her issuing threats and intimidation towards female students who had testified about alleged sexual harassment

by Professor Cyril Ndifon of the varsity, who is currently facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, went viral. Law faculty female students had protested against Ndifon, whom they accused of sexual harassment, an allegation he denied. First KennedyOhanenye reportedly took over the case, saying it was under her jurisdiction. The minister had in the audio recording, threatened to punish female law students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), including sending them to jail, over the sexual harassment allegation against the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law of the University. Condemning the minister's threat, the Vice Chancellor of the University expressed concern regarding what the minister said by emphasizing on the

importance of supporting and commending the students for their courage to come forward. Soon after, the minister was forced to issue a public apology after a coalition of over 500 gender rights activists under the aegis of Womanifesto and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) expressed grave concern about her utterances and its implication. They therefore demanded a retraction of the threat and public apology from her. There are several more instances of the minister roped in controversy but the most recent is a letter inviting her fellow ministers to the birthday celebration of her 'darling' husband, Double Chief Kennedy Ohanenye. Besides the fact that the letter was printed using the ministry's letter headed paper (Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs), the details of the letter shows an apparent lack of co ordination and untidiness and lack of coordination. The letter was dated 'January 29th, 2023.' The date and time of the party which will be held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was written as - '4th February, 2024 / 3pm dot.' She finished it off by appending her signature to it. What is even more worrisome is the fact that like several other Nigerians in positions of authority, they are unable to discern when private and personal matters should end and when public matters begin.

Hopefully, others in positions of authority learn a thing or two from this gaffe.

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

NUJ Set to Honour Tompolo

ADEMOLA ADELEKE BAGS MULTIPLE HONOURS

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ast week, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State was honoured for his giant strides in the state in particular and the South-West in general.

As part of his 66th birthday celebration, the Abepa of Joga Orile Land, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, conferred a chieftaincy title, the Baba Oba of Joga-Orile in Ogun State.

The ceremony was attended by Adeleke’s deputy, Kola Adewusi; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Senator Biyi fadeyi; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun; the Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal Laminisa; the Odole-Owa Bola Orolugbagbe, Prince Adedamola Aderemi; the

governor's sister, Yeyeluwa Modupelola AdelekeSanni and several other important personalities.

While thanking the traditional ruler on behalf of her husband, one of the governor’s wives, Chief Titilola Adeleke, described her husband’s new traditional title as a well-deserved one.

Also, in commemoration of his 50th anniversary on the throne, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin, honoured Governor Adeleke with a chieftaincy title. Prior to this, Adeleke had earlier been presented with an award by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. The award was presented to him during the commissioning of the 8.2km Agodi gate/Old Ife road, Oyo State.

Meet Tope Awotona, The Richest Nigerian-American in US

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orbes magazine has named Nigerian-born Tope Awotana as the richest immigrant and Nigerian-American residing in the United States. This is coming two years after he made Forbes billionaire list, nabbing the 2,076th spot.

The 42-year-old, born in Lagos, Nigeria is the second black tech billionaire in the US after David Steward. He holds a net worth of $1.2 billion and is the founder and CEO of Calendly, a scheduling software app for high performance teams and individuals.

Like many businessmen, the road to success was not smooth at the beginning for Awotona. His life was defined by tragedy. He immigrated Awotona to the United States as a teenager after watching murdered. While it was a hard his dad get shot and killed by a transition for him, he was driven to criminal who stole their car. His become successful for his dad. mom wanted a better life for him Before founding Calendly, Awotona and his siblings and so moved had started a few other businesses, the family there. He fell into deep including one that sold projectors depression and could not eat or and another that sold garden sleep for months as a result of tools, which flopped. Calendly was the tragedy of seeing his father

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founded on the backbone of his frustrations. After graduating from college and working for many years in tech sales with companies such as Dell EMC, he soon realised how much time he was wasting just scheduling sales meetings, he decided to create a tool that will help him schedule appointments without sending emails back and forth. He put all his savings into it, quit his job and started Calendly.

He built its first product by hiring a Ukrainian firm for programming help. He moved to Kyiv during anti-government protests eight years ago for a while to ensure his dream saw the light of day. He bootstrapped Calendly for years before taking on a $350 million investment in 2021 that valued the firm at $3 billion.

Oludaisi

ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL FOR ELEMIDE OLUDAISI

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even months after he had put plans in place and spent millions of naira to throw a victory party in celebration of his anticipated election as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Elemide Oludaisi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was robbed of that celebration, cutting short his joy.

All arrangements were virtually in place but Oludaisi had no choice but to cancel the celebration and millions of naira went down the drain. Instead, Olakunle Oluomo was elected speaker in his place.

Unfortunately, seven months later, Oluomo, who represents Ifo 1 constituency, got impeached for gross misconduct and corruption. He is currently facing N2.5 billion corruption charges on alleged diversion of the assembly's funds.

Elemide, a loyalist of former governor Olusegun Osoba, was all set to become the Speaker in June 2023 after securing bulk support from legislators elected on the bill of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to complement backing from some of his party men before everything went to naught. He had made arrangement in his base for a grand celebration before an alleged strategic move by Governor Dapo Abiodun turned things around.

The development forced the cancellation of the victory party by Elemide who is currently serving his third term as a representative of Odeda constituency.

Seven months after, Elemide plans a re-enactment of his cancelled celebratory party, after using the same ploy that failed to get him the seat in 2023, with the addition of more stealth, to become the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

he Nigerian Union of Journalists is set to confer a national merit award on a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The national leadership of the NUJ said the award is in recognition of Tompolo’s contribution to the war against crude oil theft Ekpemupolo and pipeline vandalism. The works again by your pursuit formal presentation of of those pilfering the nation’s the award will take place oil wealth. sometime this month.

The NUJ says it Hailing Tompolo for his acknowledges the prevailing commitment to ending peace in the Niger Delta, for crude oil theft, pipeline which Tompolo has played a vandalism and other pivotal role and it is for these sharp practices associated significant contributions with exploration of crude which he has made towards oil and production, the the nation’s growth and NUJ leadership says it is development that it decided impressed with his patriotic to honour him with one of its zeal to ensure that Nigeria prestigious awards.

Betty Akeredolu Forges Ahead

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etty, the widow of the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, has cut off anything that would remind her of the dark times she went through in the past eight months. The former First lady, who is still mourning her husband of 42 years, has undergone a thorough cleansing of her social media footprints and personal life.

A glance at Mrs Akeredolu’s Facebook page shows that she has deleted everything she posted on the page in the last seven or eight months.

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Ironically, her social media platform was still very active until December 26, 2023. Some of the posts had captured incidents that took place during her late husband's illness, including her suspended and later canceled 70th birthday celebration in July 2023. This is in addition to the cryptic posts where she allegedly accused a woman of allegedly attempting to poison her husband and plotting to take over his position.

Akeredolu’s last post on her Facebook page reads May 7, 2023 while the last post on her Instagram page is December 25 with a Merry Christmas post. Her husband died on December 27, 2023 in his sleep at a hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing treatment for protracted prostate cancer.

He was 67 years-old.

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FEBRUARY 4, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Afrobeats to The World: Nigerian History is Repeating Itself

BY JOEY AKAN

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verything happening to Nigerian music today has happened before. This aspirational flight of our music from local studios to international audiences, via global music corporations and their local operators, is in its second coming. ‘Afrobeats to the world ', as I love to call it, isn’t new. It’s history repeating itself — a collective deja vu for our creative class and the ecosystem that supports it.

We have seen this before. Our ancestors — your parents and their parents — have been here before. The influx of new cash from global music corporations. The growth of the industry is stimulated by value generated from overseas capital. The boots on the ground, emerging from connecting flights with big dreams about cornering market shares in Lagos. The cross-cultural mixers overflow with the elite of the music industry. Fluid cultural exchange crystallised as cross-market artistic and brand collaborations. The tours, concerts and performance circuits that graciously open their arms to our ‘new’ sounds. Today is yesterday, only garnished by Tiktok and our global pop acceptance.

Nigerian sounds have always pushed beyond Lagos. The history books, where we can find them, reveal this. But to this new generation of creatives, industry operators and consumers who lack an awareness of the past, we are in unfamiliar territory. One that has promised and delivered giddy highs, imbued a global sense of pride in our diaspora communities, sprayed cash advances and their attendant contracts around the city and altered the landscape of the music business in Nigeria. We currently have a creative class, deeply ensconced in foreign markets via a plethora of deals that formalise these partnerships.

And while the mood in Lagos is a cross between novel wonder and hyperactivity, it reminds me of our past when we experienced something similar from the 1970s to the early 1990s.

From the late 1970s, through the1980s, Nigerian music experienced a cultural explosion. Same as we’ve had from the late 2000s to this point, using the same formula of creativity. Music hopefuls and would-be stars embraced and redefined foreign pop and traditional sounds from the US, UK and our neighbouring countries, creating a fine blend with our local sounds and peculiar interpretation of music. The end of the civil war firmly in our past, the creative scene from Lagos to Enugu and Port Harcourt flooded with legendary musicians who mined their reality across the nation to create hits. From the mid-70s, music movements sprouted all around the country, with Highlife (drawn from Ghana), Funk, Rock, Psychedelia, Disco, and many others played in live venues by locals who had found a local spin to accommodate global trends.

With Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa and Lagos being a truly international city, many dance floor-orientated genres – Afrobeat, Afro funk and Afro disco—flourished there in the 1970s and ‘80s. Despite its bloody colonial history and terrible dictatorships after 1970, there was still rich cultural exchange between Nigeria, the UK and US. A huge live-first market, bands made a killing by playing across clubs, venues and concerts all around the country.

These were the glory days of Nigerian classical music giving us a retinue of stars including Orlando Julius (Afro-disco), Fela Kuti (Jazz and Highlife, later Afrobeats), Segun Bucknor (soul, pop, funk), Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe (Highlife), Oliver De Coque (Highlife) and more.

The 1980s also brought us an explosion of Reggae, a genre from Jamaica, minting local stars such as Ras Kimono, Evi Edna-Ogholi, Majek Fashek, and many others. Check the books, Nigeria has a long history of producing stars with a focus on reimagining foreign music concepts to create local hits.

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Don Jazzy & Rema

And the foreign companies came in to do business. Yes, they all did.

Look through the discography of all our music heroes past, and one common denominator in how many conducted their music business was their dealings with global music companies and their subsidiaries.

Take King Sunny Ade, for example. The ‘Wizkid’ of his time attained pop success at levels that draw parallels to today. Sunny Adé introduced the pedal steel guitar to Nigerian pop music.

He also introduced the use of synthesizers, clarinet, vibraphone and tenor guitar into the jùjú music repertoire, such as dub and wah-wah guitar licks. After Bob Marley died in 1981, Island Records (Universal) signed KSA to their books to fill those shoes.

Famed French producer and journalist, Martin Meissonier, introduced King Sunny Adé to Chris Blackwell (Island Records founder), leading to the release of his major label debut album, Juju Music in 1982. Billed as “the African Bob Marley,” he gained a wide following with this album. Two Grammy nominations in, he

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left the label because he refused to allow Island to meddle with his compositions and over-Europeanise and Americanise his music. He didn’t want artistic tinkering for a larger audience, and Island looked elsewhere.

Fela Kuti signed to Arista (Sony), Polygram (Universal), EMI (Universal), MCA/Universal and more during his storied creative run that moved from Jazz and Highlife to Afrobeats. Prince Nico Mbarga was born in Abeokuta and is famed for his ‘Sweet Mother’ classic.

His first record deal came via EMI, but he was dropped because of his band’s inability to crossover. ‘Sweet Mother’ would later invalidate that analysis, after it sold 13 million copies worldwide.

Segun Bucknor, made soul, pop, funk and a version of Afrobeat.

During his brief career he released records under Afrodisia, the local label launched in 1976 by Decca West Africa in Nigeria. The label released several albums by Fela Kuti, as well as several other artists and bands, e.g. the Oriental Brothers International Band. How about Majek Fashek and his Interscope Deal?

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Nigerian GOs: Absolute Powers of The Pulpit At their command during Sunday service thousands of worshippers pray, stand, sit, dance, go on their knees or jump up for Jesus. With a pained expression on the faces of ushers standing rigid like statues, they nudge sleepers awake as if they’re committing a cardinal sin while the GO is preaching. And then, of course, there is the altar call towards the end – the obligatory offering, mandatory tithe, voluntary donations for a church project or some such levies pastors demand.

More powerful than monarchs in medieval Europe, GOs, pastors and leaders of Pentecostal denominations in Nigeria have never had it so good, inspiring God-like adulation from worshippers, blind obedience and total dependence. This one-way trust is oftentimes betrayed by supposed men of God taking for granted those looking upon them for spiritual guidance. THEWILL examines cases of pastors taking advantage of worshippers. Michael Jimoh reports…

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

She had fornicated with a member of the church, and so had to be disciplined. Ann was not the only transgressor on that day at CPA’s premises on 22 July 2006. There were five others. After flogging them while on their knees, Reverend King ordered their bodies doused with gasoline and then casually tossed a lit match on them.

Screaming and writhing in pain, five of the victims bolted. Ann was not so fortunate. On 2 August, after spending 11 days under intensive care, she died, a victim of the GO who was accuser, prosecutor and judge all at once.

Members of CPA are not unfamiliar with corporal punishment of that nature. There had been floggings for certain infractions, some of which the GO administered himself or commanded someone else to on his behalf. A graduate of Psychology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka who must have studied Pavlov and his theory of conditioning, Reverend King admitted during his trial for murder and attempted murder in a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole that, yes, he does not spare the rod in correcting the erroneous ways of his church members.

“I am a preacher. I know that the spirit of witchcraft is against the Almighty God. If somebody is a liar, he is bewitching God,” Reverend King said gamely in court as if God appointed him as a defence attorney. “I don't condone lie. Dr. King does not condone sin. I flog a lot.

I have canes. If husband and wife mess up by having misunderstanding, I have to settle them. But the person that is at fault, I must flog. If the person refuses to be flogged, I will send him out of the church.”

Flogging Ann didn’t excommunicate her from CPA. Because of the severity of her burns, she ended up six feet below, a case of premature death of a promising young woman who, instead of running for her dear life from the church, submitted lamely as a match struck by the GO engulfed her in flames.

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or the last days of her life, Ann Uzor was on life support in an ICU at a private hospital in Ajao Estate Lagos. With sixty-five degree burns on her body, she was rushed from Christian Praying Assembly on Ugo Nnabuife Street to the health facility in the same estate. From time to time, nurses in the emergency ward bend over her inert form covered in inky salves swaddled in bandages, listening to the faintest signs of life: a throbbing heart, a racing pulse, a flicker of eyelids.

Those who took the young woman to the hospital didn’t offer any explanation as to how she got burnt. One thing

“

Unlike Reverend King who has a university degree, TB Joshua never went beyond secondary school so didn’t have to understudy a Russian doctor and his drooling dogs. But he sure knew a thing or two about gas lighting people, especially church members who approach him for solutions to problems of the mind or body

was certain: it was not an act of self-immolation. So, who’d done it?

The man who had done Ann in was none other than the General Overseer of CPA, her own pastor Chukwuemeka Ezeugo aka Reverend King. Well-muscled, smooth of face with a shining pate contrasting sharply with chin whiskers filling out to luxurious black beards, church members looked upon King as some kind of father figure, no wonder many of them called him Daddy GO. With a combination of paternal affection and military discipline, the pastor kept his flock in line with CPA’s rules and regulations. Whoever flouted any of them was liable to punishment. What was Ann’s crime?

Ann’s death would forever change the fate of Reverend King and, by extension, the church he led. Instead of the usual Sunday service and weekly vigil, he started keeping dates with investigating police officers and making frequent appearances in court. From the comfort of his home, Reverend King was remanded in prison custody and promptly achieved infamy as a pastor who tormented worshippers for the slightest transgressions.

Meanwhile, the man himself was not beyond the very crimes he criticised parishioners for. For instance, a prominent member of CPA Edwin Akubue claimed during the trial that King was “romantically involved” with his wife.

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FEATURES

...Absolute Powers of The Pulpit Mugabe and his counterpart from Malawi, Professor Peter Mutharika will die, the latter dismissed the Nigerian pastor as “fake.”

While he was a law unto himself within his church premises, Reverend King was certainly not above the law of the state where a high court tried and convicted him for murder. Not even his defence that a generator which exploded in the church’s premises caused the burns Ann and the five victims sustained swayed the judges.

Verdict was death by hanging.

Indeed, TB Joshua’s fakeness prompted BBC’s investigation “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua” to uncover the seamy underbelly of a supposedly prosperous church whose overseer dispensed faith healings by mere touch of his hands.

According to church members interviewed by the Beeb for the documentary, miracles were often staged but passed of to the public as real.

But what gripped the public imagination most were the charges of rape, abuse and torture against TB Joshua.

The GO appealed the judgment. The Appeal Court judges were unmoved, reconfirming the death sentence passed by the lower court. Next was the Supreme Court. The justices were equally unimpressed with Reverend King’s defence because, as one of them said, the generator in question was never tendered as evidence. Verdict from the apex court? Death by hanging.

From Maximum Correctional Centre Kirikiri in Lagos where he was on death row, Reverend King has since been moved to Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja where he is now one of the most famous inmates awaiting the hangman’s noose. Whether the GO will have his day on the scaffold is hard to say. Though sentenced by those who know the law, a higher authority by way of the Nigerian Constitution forbids taking of human life through executions – firing squad, hangings, etc. As human rights advocate Mr. Femi Falana once argued, the Constitution provides every Nigeria with freedom from torture, which includes shooting by firing squad and death by hanging. In place of execution of prisoners on death row, Falana suggested, their sentences could be commuted to life.

Though out of sight of worshippers at CPA in Lagos and its branches elsewhere, Reverend King is forever in their minds. At least once every week, they receive sermons from the detainee in Abuja which is read to the congregation. More remarkably, some church members splashed 17 pages of colour adverts on Reverend King in THISDAY when he was a year older in February 2021 with accompanying adulatory messages stopping short of deifying him.

“Daddy, you are the reason why I and my family are existing,” a member of CPA by name Somtobechukwu wrote. “We wish you many more triumphant years. Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth and shall endure from everlasting to everlasting.” Another birthday wish went thusly: “On the glorious day of his birthday, you are the light of the world which have (sic) come to stay, to lighten the lives of your true children. Sir, you are the reason why we are alive today.”

Long forgotten is the late Ann by church members who may have been subjected to the same fate if they had gone against CPA’s dos and don’ts prescribed by Reverend King. Her death notwithstanding, the goodwill messages suggest that members not only believe in the GO’s innocence but that he is a much beloved man even though he is in prison.

The same outpouring of love and admiration by worshippers of Synagogue Church of All Nations followed the BBC’s recent expose on Prophet TB Joshua’s serial abuse and rape of women in his church. No fewer than 20 women, some in their preteens and of different nationalities were subjected to unwanted advances by the charismatic preacher and founder of SCOAN, the BBC investigation charged. Taking full advantage of their trust and belief in him, TB turned many of them into sex slaves holding them for decades in the church’s premises against their wish. Many of the nonconsensual sex resulted in abortions.

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“Evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world's biggest Christian evangelical churches has been uncovered by the BBC,” the report bylined by Charlie Northcott and Helen Spooner began.

“Dozens of ex-Synagogue Church of all Nations members - five British - allege atrocities, including rape and forced abortions, by Nigeria's late TB Joshua. The allegations of abuse in a secretive Lagos compound span almost 20 years.”

church members looked upon King as some kind of father figure, no wonder many of them called him Daddy GO

TB’s sudden death obviously prevented him from going to the slammer but not another man of God and GO of iReign Christian Ministry in Lagos Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels who was sentenced to life imprisonment last week for rape and sexual assault. Two teenage girls and members of iReign Christian Ministry had complained of rape and assault against Bishop Daniels leading to his arrest and prosecution. The first by an unnamed 19-yearold said the rape happened at the home of Feyi’s assistant pastor at Ikota Villa Estate in June 2020. Another assault took place at the church’s headquarters in Opebi Lagos in April 2021 where the pastor “forcefully sucked and touched the breast of a member without her consent.”

hear his accusers haul him to court and so make him a subject of public ridicule. His death in June 2021 was so sudden leaving many wondering how a man of God with such prophetic powers didn’t see it coming. But there were other theories. One of them was that TB Joshua got an inkling of the Beeb’s investigation in 2021. Aware of the possible massive public relations fiasco and humiliation to his person and the institution he set up and nurtured for decades, there was only one option left to him: suicide.

Led by prosecuting counsel Babajide Boye, the court pressed for conviction of Bishop Feyi who entered a plea of not guilty on April 17 and May 9 2023. But the presiding judge found the man of God guilty as charged.

“Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, I have convicted you of sexually violating two women, who were members of your church,” Justice Oshodi said in his ruling last week.

“The first one, you raped ferociously and caused her so much pain. The second, you sexually assaulted using your dominant character and position as a clergy.”

Staging his own death, a few discerning minds now suggest, was all part of the manipulative process of the respected preacher. Unlike Reverend King who has a university degree, TB Joshua never went beyond secondary school so didn’t have to understudy a Russian doctor and his drooling dogs. But he sure knew a thing or two about gas lighting people, especially church members who approach him for solutions to problems of the mind or body. And they went to him in multitudes, men and women, old and young, peasants and presidents, from all around the world.

Former President of Ghana Mr. John Evans Atta Mills flew from Accra to Lagos and shared SCOAN’s podium with TB Joshua himself sometime in 2009. In 2021, former Vice President and later President of Malawi Joyce Banda called at SCOAN with a sick spouse, Richard Banda, in tow. Nollywood greats and has-beens have not been left out of the holy pilgrimage to SCOAN, one of them famously performing the croc belly role right at the foot of a beaming TB. But not all were impressed by the ‘famed’ miraculous touch of the man of God. One or two saw through him and branded him as such. Following a prophecy by TB Joshua that onetime Zimbabwean president Robert

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Following Bishop Feyi’s sentencing, some people have praised it or denounced it. On his X handle, for instance, Oke Matarazi wrote thusly: “The reported case of a Lagos pastor, Feyi Daniels, receiving a life imprisonment sentence for raping a church member is a deeply troubling and unfortunate incident. Such acts of misconduct, especially within a place of worship where trust and moral guidance are expected, are reprehensible.”

To Mrs. Peace who is a leader in Evangelism and Welfare Unit of iReign, Bishop Feyi was framed, insisting that “I know my pastor. He will overcome. He has been a staunch attacker of this government and they are victimising him. Our God is not asleep. In this month of our fasting, we will not stop praying for him even while in captivity.”

Framed or not, Justice Oshodi best captured what Nigerian GOs are capable of doing to parishioners.

Looking at Bishop Feyi level-eye in his ruling, Oshodi said: “You sexually assaulted using your dominant character and position as a clergy.”

He could have been referring to either Reverend King

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Super Eagles team

Super Eagles Resilient March to AFCON Semi-Finals

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

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The Africa Cup of Nations has proven to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending the ecstasy of victories with the agony of defeats

In Group A, the Super Eagles faced Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, encountering a challenging start to their campaign. Despite a draw against Equatorial Guinea, the team claimed a hardfought 2-0 triumph over hosts Ivory Coast and another narrow 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau. Finishing second in the group behind Equatorial Guinea due to goal difference, the Super Eagles showed glimpses of their potential, but left fans eagerly anticipating an upward surge in performance as they progressed.

Lookman

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he Africa Cup of Nations has witnessed the Super Eagles of Nigeria embark on a thrilling journey, marked by resilience and determination, leading them to the semi-finals with their eyes fixed firmly on the prestigious trophy. From a rocky start in the group stages to a commanding presence in the knockout rounds, the Super Eagles have displayed a remarkable transformation, with key players stepping up to ensure their success.

The turning point came in the Round of 16 clash against football powerhouse Cameroon.

The Super Eagles, led by the stellar performance of Ademola Lookman and the tireless energy of Victor Osimhen, earned a

convincing 2-0 victory. Lookman's double marked a shift in momentum and ignited hopes for a successful journey through the knockout stages.

Facing Angola in the quarter-finals, the Super Eagles demonstrated their growth and determination.

Despite Angola's commendable performance in the tournament, Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory with Lookman once again proving instrumental. The 41stminute strike from Lookman sealed their place in the semi-finals, solidifying their credentials as serious title contenders.

The success of the Super Eagles in the tournament can be attributed to the stellar performances of key players who have consistently delivered when it mattered most. Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina formed an impenetrable defensive pair, in a defensive formation that has conceded only one goal in four matches. Their standout displays against Cote d'Ivoire particularly highlighted their defensive prowess.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, who is making his tournament debut and the only player in the starting XI playing club football on the continent, emerged as a crucial figure, making breathtaking saves that kept the Super Eagles in contention throughout the tournament. William Troost-Ekong, the team's captain, exemplified leadership skills while anchoring the defence alongside Bassey and Aina. Ademola Lookman, also in his AFCON debut since making the international switch from England to Nigeria, became a talisman for the Super Eagles, scoring crucial goals in key encounters.

With a spot in the semi-finals secured, the Super

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SPORTSLIVE

...Resilient March to AFCON Semi-Finals of 16, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against South Africa, a loss that shook the tournament dynamics. Defending champions Senegal experienced a similar heartbreak, drawing 1-1 with Ivory Coast but ultimately losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout, ending their title defence aspirations.

Their journey to the semi-finals stands as a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and growing confidence. With key players consistently delivering outstanding performances and a nearly impregnable defence, the Super Eagles have every reason to believe that AFCON glory is well within their grasp. The football crazy fan base back home eagerly awaits to witness the Super Eagles soar to new heights and etch their names in African football history, especially Osimhen, the reigning CAF Best Footballer.

Indeed, the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has proven to be a spectacle of surprises and gripping performances. The tournament has captivated football enthusiasts with unexpected twists and standout player achievements.In a surprising turn of events, the leading forces of African football – Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria – all faced untimely exits.

Morocco suffered an unexpected blow in the round

Egypt, another football heavyweight, shared Senegal's fate, exiting in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, losing 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Tunisia's journey took an unforeseen turn as they bowed out in the group phase, finishing 4th in Group E and failing to secure a spot in the knockout stage. Algeria, the 2019 champions, faced another wave of disappointment as they did in 2022, finishing 4th in Group D and failing to progress past the group phase.

Peseiro

Nwabili

Eagles are now shifting their focus to the ultimate prize – the AFCON trophy.

Their journey thus far has been marked by adaptability, learning, and a commendable rise to the occasion. The transformation from the group stages to the knockout rounds has been nothing short of remarkable, instilling confidence that the Super Eagles might be on the brink of lifting the coveted trophy for what has so far been an elusive 4th time.

Continued from Back Page

Nigeria Hemorrhaging Billions as Money Laundering Loot Remains Untouchable

Even more appallingly, German conglomerate Siemens laundered over $100 million in SEC blacklisted payments to skew demand for $130 million telecom contracts in its favour. Siemens pleaded guilty in America, but Nigeria refused cooperation to identify the ministers on take. Little surprise that laundering thrives when patrons face no legal disincentive.

Domestically, a money laundering linchpin seen in 130 questionable bank transaction reports, Kola Aluko, was probed for helping oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke wash $115 million by buying gala New York apartments. However, UK forfeitures never prompted Nigerian prosecution before Aluko smartly evaded the spotlight.

Most offensively, when whistleblowers exposed cash leaving the NIA to hush-hush pockets, rather than receiving commendations they faced witchhunting. Little momentum exists to trace this state-sponsored laundering. With such failure of accountability, Nigeria appears resolute to keep haemorrhaging prosperity.

Marring Nigeria's potential, an urgent course-correction is imperative with concerted efforts against laundering. Firstly, depoliticising financial probes could relieve institutional bottlenecks that stymie investigational progress. Where evidence leads, irrespective of stature, should dictate the course of investigations without meddling.

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The legislature should prioritise birthing regulations mandating public registries clearly listing the beneficial ownership of companies, assets and bank accounts so corporate smokescreens prove useless.

We should have a law that allows authorities to ask people to explain their source of wealth. The country today, according to reports,is now a major hub for illicit drugs and money laundering.

Moreover the judiciary requires capacity boosting for time-bound laundering prosecutions that weigh facts rather than personalities. Closure and recovery from fertiliser subsidy scams to pension fund disappearances remain a pipedream without a functional judiciary expediting judgement.

Internationally greater transparency and collaboration to immolate overseas laundering safehouses matter. Building institutional capability for global partnerships via avenues like UNODC and AfDB and activating multilateral instruments can expedite tracing, freezing and repatriating laundered loot.

The time for conveniently ignoring the Nigerian laundering pandemic is over unless another lost generation and drained economy sound appealing. Though the path ahead is laden with arduous challenges, political resolve can steadily redeem Nigeria's future that is chained today as one of the world's laundering capitals. The choices made now will irrevocably shape the country's destiny.

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The mass exit of these top-ranked teams sent shockwaves through the football community, challenging pre-tournament predictions and emphasising the unpredictable nature of the sport. On the flip side, one of the most astonishing developments has been the rise of Cape Verde, a team that has defied expectations to reach the quarter-finals. Their journey has overshadowed the likes of South Africa, who, despite a stunning victory over favourites Morocco, found themselves outshone by the underdog success story of Cape Verde.

In terms of statistics, the tournament has witnessed a total of 106 goals in 45 matches, averaging 2.36 goals per match. Emilio Nsue has emerged as the leading scorer with an impressive tally of 5 goals, a demonstration of his clinical quality in front of goal. This statistic reflects the intense competition and offensive capacities displayed by participating teams.

Some matches have been particularly thrilling, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The clash between Egypt and Mozambique ended in a captivating 2-2 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of what used to pass as weak teams and minnows of African football.

Additionally, Cape Verde's commanding 3-0 victory over Mozambique demonstrated their determination and ability to dominate on the grand stage.

As the tournament progresses, it continues to serve as a platform for showcasing the immense talent within African football. Beyond the competition, it has become a source of national pride for the participating countries, fostering a sense of unity and celebration of sporting achievement.

Nigeria, alongside Cape Verde, have been standout performers, with Moses Simon's stellar contributions exemplifying the Super Eagles' determination to clinch the title. The echoes of their triumphs reverberate not only within the borders of the nations they represent but resonate globally, drawing attention to the prowess of African football.

The anticipation among fans worldwide is palpable as they eagerly await more thrilling matches and standout performances in the remaining stages of the AFCON 2023. The tournament's ability to consistently deliver unexpected outcomes and unforgettable moments solidifies its status as a premier event in the African football calendar.

Even at this stage, the Africa Cup of Nations has proven to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending the ecstasy of victories with the agony of defeats. The overall competitive spirit on display that has elevated lesser ranked teams beyond the exits of the highest ranked sides in Africa make this edition a memorable chapter in the rich history of football on the continent.

As the drama unfolds on the pitch, the world watches with bated breath, ready to witness the crowning of an unpredictable champion and the culmination of yet another thrilling AFCON tournament.

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www.thewillnews.com February 4, 2024

Nigeria Hemorrhaging Billions as Money Laundering Loot Remains Untouchable O n Wednesday, last week, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that it had uncovered a religious sect in Nigeria involved in money laundering for terrorists. Additionally, he revealed that another religious body was found to be protecting a money launderer, as funds suspected to be laundered were traced to its bank account.

Olukoyede shared these findings during a dialogue on "Youth, Religion and the Fight against Corruption" at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Indeed, money laundering has metastasised into a malignant tumour in Nigeria's economy, politics and national fibre. By providing the ultimate sanctuary for dark money to not only secure immunity but purchase impunity, unchecked laundering has severely sabotaged Nigeria's growth story.

From the shadowy alleys of narcotics trafficking to the gilded halls of corruption, billions in illgotten profits are injected into legitimate financial channels annually, enabling criminality to fester while bleeding Nigeria dry. This breakdown of accountability and defeat of justice has allowed a crooked collection of strange bed fellows to capture politics, business and even sectors of society to pursue self-enrichment at the expense of national advancement.

Although money laundering in Nigeria finances diverse crimes, the methods remain remarkably standard. From moving bulk cash from criminal activities into the banking system to smurfing, trade-based laundering like invoice manipulation and currency smuggling or hiding illicit funds through the purchase of assets, crooks have appear to have mastered the act through complex transactions to mask the illicit origin.

Offshore shell companies, fake loans, front businesses and investments channel transfers through financial centre blacklist jurisdictions to Iran, China, Dubai and tax havens like Seychelles and Cayman Islands.

Once laundered, integration completes the washing cycle as money re-enters Nigeria "cleansed" as legitimate wealth. Plush real estate, luxury assets, political expenditure and starting apparently lawful corporations and non-profits represent integration endpoints.

This elaborate financial circus attracts both big fish like corrupt government officials and cartel henchmen along with a plethora of enablers like bank officials, lawyers and external middlemen who keep the carousel running for cuts. And the deep pockets this network accumulates by draining Nigeria finances impunity.

The ceaseless leakage facilitated by laundering takes away vital capital needed for Nigeria's economic upliftment. As the EFCC chairman approximated, 30 per cent of Nigeria's output, counting for billions in US dollars, vanishes annually through laundering channels. These parallel illicit flows rival and perhaps overwhelm government expenditures, miring us deep in underdevelopment.

They nourish the underground cash-based informal economy that suffocates legitimate business. Licensed enterprises struggle with credit unavailability, infrastructural inadequacies and red tape while ill-gotten empires next door rake profits unbound by regulations or taxes. This precipitates bankruptcies and soaring unemployment.

Moreover, extensive tax evasion through laundering directly bleeds Nigeria's revenues dry, affecting infrastructure projects, social services investments

and institutions vital for national progress. While roads crumble and hospitals wilt, laundered funds construct palatial getaways on Victoria Island or in Dubai for unscrupulous moneybags.

To conceal tracks and frustrate investigations, politically-backed interference has reduced anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC or ICPC into paper tigers. The few corruption cases that proceed to court face interminable delays from an overwhelmed judiciary. Appeals upon appeals allow indicted VIPs years outside prison bars before verdicts materialise. A former Abia State governor, Orji Uzo Kalu's conviction took 12 years, while exAdamawa governor Bala Ngilari was acquitted on technicalities. This tardiness amputates the capacity to recover looted assets or repair damages from plundering. It also broadcasts incentives for prospective looters that crime pays in Nigeria.

The extraordinary weakness in monitoring laundering has granted attempts to fund violence free rein. In damning disclosures, the UAE listed dozens of Nigerian individuals and organisations funnelling cash towards Boko Haram and groups causing carnage across the Middle Belt. Bank accounts of prominent politicians and business partners are linked to this enterprise that arms bloodletting.

Yet, collaborators in this illicit business openly ply their trade undisturbed by Nigerian law enforcement agencies. In fact, most of them are wellconnected to power. Such free licence to mobilise mayhem through laundering imperils Nigerian lives incessantly besides reputational battering.

Ultimately this paradigm where accountability exists only as rhetoric allows money laundering to strangulate Nigeria's potential in manifold ways. By incentivising graft that denies funds for development, condoning market manipulation, crippling institutions and permitting terrorism financing, the destructive fallouts pile up endangering Nigeria's future.

Highlighting how the influential enjoy immunity from laundering prosecution, numerous cases merit scrutiny. In perhaps the loudest international example, Halliburton bribed senior Nigerian leadership $180 million and deposited another $130 million across Swiss accounts for liquefied gas contracts near $12 billion. Albert "Jack" Stanley, the bagman, even confessed to orchestrating this laundering extravaganza. Yet after returning a $150 million settlement, those involved in Nigeria have not seen handcuffs, evidencing their untouchability.

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To conceal tracks and frustrate investigations, politically-backed interference has reduced anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC or ICPC into paper tigers. The few corruption cases that proceed to court face interminable delays from an overwhelmed judiciary PAGE 48

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