THEWILL NEWSPAPER January 08, 2023

Imust admit that I was pretty put off by the term self-care when it became popular during the pandemic and has even become more popular since then.

The reality is the world as we — my generation and older know it has changed, and certain things such as mental health and self-care are at the forefront as part of the essentials of survival as a human being these days.

The question is: What is self-care? Simply put, it’s putting you first in a way that isn’t selfish but improves you in every sense of the word.

In the past, we waited for a time when stress levels hit avoidable highs; only then did we decide to have ‘me time.’ But studies in recent times show that we must make time out very often for self-care, and it doesn’t have to be as serious or ceremonial as taking a vacation or booking a seven-hour-long session at the spa. It could be as simple as burning incense and letting the fragrance clear your head, listening to music—whether worship or soul or even nursery rhymes. Sitting outside in nature and admiring the beauty in God’s creation or booking a massage at home. What matters is that the process helps you de-stress, boost your mood, and give you clarity, which will help you become a better person, ready to take on tasks and challenges as they come. That way, you can stop leaving bald spots on your eyelashes and head from pulling on the hairs unconsciously in a bid to self-soothe.

I’m certainly seeing the importance of doing those little things and urge you to pick from a list of things that soothe you and enjoy some ‘me time’ doing those things.

Read about the importance of self-care on our wellness page and why it is an important activity we must all endeavour to incorporate into our lives this year. One final thought: You deserve it. Until next week, enjoy your read. Onah Nwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN @onahluciaa +2349088352246

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

2023 Budget: Buhari’s Parting Gift of Uncertainty

BY SAM DIALA

For most Nigerians hopeful of a new lease of life with the coming to power of a new government after the 2023 general elections, the content of the last budget expenditure of the Federal Government may jolt them into harsh reality.

Why?

Jobs, food, regular pay, growth of business, security, power and life generally will hang in the balance.

How?

Because, more than 60 per cent of the N21.83 trillion 2023 budget signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 3, will finance debt repayment at N6.31 trillion, personnel cost at N4.99 trillion and overhead cost at N1.11 trillion. This means that there will be little left for spending to keep the economy running fine and raise growth.

With mounting debts, structural deficiencies and rising inflation, the economy remains undiversified fuelling poverty and unemployment.

In a shocking revelation during a Public Presentation and breakdown of the 2023 Appropriation Act in Abuja on Wednesday, January 4, Finance Minister, Hadja Zainab Ahmed, disclosed that the Federal Government spent 80.6 percent of its revenue to service debts in 11 months of 2022.

Ahmed said that “a total of N5.24 trillion was spent on debt servicing between January and November 2022, out of its N6.5 trillion retained revenue” for the same period. She added that only N3.36 trillion was earmarked for fuel subsidy in Nigeria’s 2023 budget as fuel subsidy will terminate in the middle of the year.

What this portends for Nigerians, according to Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University,

Keffi, Uche Uwaleke, is that the huge deficit and subsidy provisions would elevate inflation and make the realisation of the 2023 objectives difficult.

In a note to THEWILL, he said; “The 2023 federal budget of about N21.8 trillion is weighted more on recurrent expenditure (N8.32 trillion) and debt service (N6.55 trillion). This has grave implications for inflation and interest rates given that the huge budget deficit will be financed chiefly through borrowing.

“So, fiscal conditions may deteriorate which will likely attract downgrades by Rating agencies such Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch, negatively impacting confidence and stock prices.

“A related issue is the government plan to securitise over N23 trillion government debt owed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). What all these portend is a high interest rate environment in 2023 which will not augur well for the stock market.”

HOPE VS REALITY

Christened ‘Budget of Fiscal Sustainability and Transition’ President Buhari said the government’s principal objective in 2023 is to maintain fiscal viability and ensure smooth transition to the incoming Administration.

“The expenditure policy of Government in 2023 is designed to achieve the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan 2021 to 2025, including macroeconomic stability; human development; food security; improved business environment; energy sufficiency; improving transport infrastructure; and promoting industrialization focusing on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

“Against the backdrop of the challenging global and domestic economic environment, it is imperative that

we strengthen our macroeconomic environment and address subsisting challenges as a country. The 2023 Appropriation therefore is a Budget of Fiscal Sustainability and Transition. Our principal objective in 2023 is to maintain fiscal viability and ensure smooth transition to the incoming Administration,” President Buhari said at the budget presentation to the Joint Session of the National Assembly in October, 2022.

The 2023 budget prioritises investment in road and rail projects, power projects, clean water, construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country, and critical health projects. It is unclear how it will reduce the high unemployment and poverty rates in the country which might worsen as a result of the chaotic fallouts of the budget. The reason is that these projects are not widespread and labour-intensive enough to absorb millions of unemployed Nigerians.

It is also unclear how many of the projects will be completed in view of the external shocks and internal structural challenges the economy will be exposed to.

The structural defects would not easily address key challenges of high cost of doing business, exchange rate volatility, spiraling insecurity, election-related uncertainties, high rate of talent exodus, dwindling foreign investment and effects of the nation’s mounting debt.

However, experts express concern that the budget lacks the mechanism for effective implementation to achieve the stated objectives. This is against a poor resource base, severe fiscal challenges, huge debt profile, wasteful government spending and the 80 percent debt-to-revenue. This positions the budget in the most challenging juncture that makes life more difficult for the people.

The Achilles’ heel of the budget, according to many of the experts, is that the government does not have more than half of the money it plans to spend.

The budget of N21.83 trillion has a deficit of N11.34 trillion.

THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnigeria.com

...Buhari’s Parting Gift of Uncertainty

This is 5.03 percent of GDP – higher than the 3 percent threshold specified by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. This points to the country’s worsening fiscal health since the beginning of the Buhari-led administration in 2015 when the nation’s debt profile was N12.06 trillion.

On funding sources for the 2023 budget, Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said 22 percent of projected revenues will come from oil-related sources while 78 percent will be earned from non-oil sources.

She said the overall budget deficit for the 2023 budget is N11.34 trillion, representing 5.03 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The minister further explained that the budget deficit would be financed mainly by borrowings, noting that N7.04 trillion would be borrowed from domestic sources, N1.76 trillion from foreign sources, N1.77 billion from multilateral and bilateral loan drawdowns, while privatisation proceeds would provide N206.18 billion.

REACTIONS

Experts say the optimism of the government is anchored on uncertainty. Analysts and professional bodies believe that the budget could lead to chaos and despair due to its unrealistic outlook that shows it as unworkable.

They express concern that the budget lacks the mechanism for effective implementation to achieve the stated objectives. This is against a poor resource base, severe fiscal challenges, huge debt profile, wasteful government spending and the 80 percent debt-to-revenue. This positions the budget in the most challenging juncture that makes life more difficult for the people.

The Achilles’ heel of the budget, they say, is that the government does not have more than half of the money it plans to spend. The budget of N21.83 trillion has a deficit of N11.34 trillion. This is 5.03 percent of GDP – higher than the 3 percent threshold specified by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. This points to the country’s worsening fiscal health since the beginning of the Buhari-led administration in 2015 when the nation’s debt profile was N12.06 trillion.

Paul Alaje, Senior Economist and Partner at SPM Processionals thinks the government’s explanation about the performance of the budget is misplaced optimism.

He said that the budget deficit is far in excess of revenue projections and the fundamentals of achieving the economic objectives are not there.

Alaje expressed concern over the challenges the budget would create for Nigerians who would bear the brunt of bad leadership and bad policy. He noted that the 2023 Finance Bill could not be signed by the President over protests by the organised private sector against multiple taxation. He stressed that the budget does not create the required enabling environment for the private sector, especially the SMEs.

The Abuja-based Economist said that repaying loans without a proper plan on how to generate the revenue is a major problem with our economic management. He expressed pessimism that 2023 will not be different because, according to him, the attitude of government officials has not changed.

He recalled that the government approached the National Assembly with a supplementary budget of over N800 billion in 2022 when the revenue target had not been met. “I cannot see this attitude change any time soon because we have the same politicians dominating our governance space,” Alaje said, adding that the 2023 budget is already doomed except something is done about the fundamentals.

“When we borrow internally, we are telling the labour market to prepare for a higher rate of unemployment”, Alaje explained, adding, “We are going to witness higher unemployment figures in the coming days ahead.”

OPTIMISM VS PESSIMISM

However, the Debt Management Office (DMO), says there is no cause for alarm.

It said Nigeria's debt profile stood at N44.06 trillion as of the third quarter of 2022, while the Ways and Means

advances by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the life of this administration stands at N23.8 trillion.

The government is pushing for the securitisation of the CBN loan into a 40-year Treasury Bill in violation of the CBN Act, which the National Assembly is dilly-dallying.

Director-General of DMO, Mrs Patience Oniha, said that the next administration will inherit a public debt of N77 trillion, adding that the CBN securitization of the Ways and Means advances would remove N1.8 trillion in interest on the loan.

Nigerian Economist and CEO, BIC Consultancy, Boniface Chizea, agrees to this reasoning by the DMO boss. He told THEWILL that the President’s request to the National Assembly for approval to securitise the CBN loan is the way out.

“The National Assembly has no option but to give its approval. That will be the best thing to happen now in the greater interest of the national economy,” Chizea said in a note to this newspaper.

Alaje is unamused. He condemned the accumulation of over N23 trillion through Ways and Means under Buhari, saying securitising the facility into a 40-year Treasury Bill would not help the economy without fixing the fundamental problem of productivity.

The organised private sector believes that this could worsen Nigeria’s cycle of deficits and debts. They argue that without fostering structural transformation and attaining full diversification of the economy, promoting sustainable economic growth, and reducing unemployment and poverty would remain a mirage.

In its reaction, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has painted a gloomy picture of the global economy in 2023 which will, by extension, impact on the implementation of the budget.

In its New Year statement on the economy, signed by Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, the chamber predicted a recession or substantial global economic slowdown owing to a number of limiting factors.

On the domestic front, the Chamber identified; rising inflation rate, tight monetary policies, an unstable currency, foreign exchange scarcity, debt burden, currency management, food supply disruptions, exchange rate volatility, and election spending as major factors that would drive economic indicators in 2023.

The Chamber also expects further hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) in the first month of the New Year to check inflation and capital flight, noting that in 2022 the apex bank applied a tightening policy to steady prices in the system.

“During the year 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in response to the spiraling inflation rate, deployed a

tightening monetary policy to stabilize prices. The rates rose from 11.5% in January and peaked at 16.5% as at November 2022.

“This is expected to rise further during the MPC meeting in January to 17% to curb the persistent inflation and prevent capital flight,” LCCI said.

The Chamber warned that rate hikes alone would not curb inflation apart from tackling the main factors that trigger it such as, food supply disruptions, high energy cost, scarcity of FOREX, and the security challenges around agricultural production locations that have fuelled low production and high logistics cost.

“In 2023, we need fiscal interventions to support strategic sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, transport logistics, and more allocation of FOREX to productive sectors,” LCCI stated further.

Although Ahmed had declared that the economy is fully diversified with oil and gas accounting for only 22 percent of the government revenue, the declining rate of agriculture as the largest employer of labour is a matter for concern.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) stressed on rescuing the sector from the grips of forex volatility, high cost of doing business, multiple taxes, insecurity to enable it boost the economy. The group noted that Nigeria’s informal sector contributes about 80 per cent of the country’s employment, making it difficult to collect taxes. An increase in the number of Nigerians in formal sector jobs would raise more income taxes and reduce the need for borrowing. Manufacturing enterprises also tend to be more stable.

In addition, the country does not generate enough foreign exchange earnings to pay for its imports and it is the forex scarcity that led to a dual exchange rate. “This has led to a parallel market in foreign exchange, with most businesses and individuals turning to the parallel market to source major foreign currencies such as the US dollar,” MAN said.

The debt burden resonates in the devaluation of the Naira because when Nigeria borrows to fund consumption, pay salaries, settle fuel subsidy expenses it weakens the value of the local currency because no production has happened. Amid lingering infrastructural deficit, companies cannot produce optimally, employ workers and grow the GDP. The 2023 budget is therefore a package of uncertainty and only time will tell.

Meanwhile, the Director, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, has urged the government to urgently address the tax regime that he said is stifling investment and economic growth, and would frustrate any good objectives that the 2023 budget might have.

The policy think-tank said that an economy that desires job creation, economic inclusion, investment growth and poverty reduction, should have an accommodating tax regime for investors.

He said; “Corporate tax in Nigeria is 30 per cent. But effective corporate tax is much more than that. There is a tertiary education tax of 2.5 percent of profit; NITDA Levy of 1 percent of profit; NASENI Levy of 0.25 percent of profit; Police Trust Fund Levy of 0.005% of profit. This brings effective corporate tax to about 34 percent.

“This rate is one of the highest in the world. Average corporate tax rate for Africa is 27.6 percent;

“The multitude of taxes is crippling investment in the Nigerian economy and there is need for an urgent review,” Yusuf said.

Alaje agrees. He said that “Any country like ours with a large population must embrace manufacturing. What thrives the economy is manufacturing. That is what happened to the US, Brazil, Germany, Russia and China. We are not doing what these countries do: integrating manufacturing in their economy. But the infrastructure must be got right, and we must find a way of supporting them instead of killing them with multiple taxes.''

However, tax review is not in the books of the government for now. However, the federal government has decided to abolish all the tax waivers and exemptions enjoyed by specified businesses, including the SMEs. This will come into effect when the postponed 2023 Finance Bill is signed by President Buhari in the coming days.

“The organised private sector believes that this could worsen Nigeria’s cycle of deficits and debts. They argue that without fostering structural transformation and attaining full diversification of the economy, promoting sustainable economic growth, and reducing unemployment and poverty would remain a mirage

Buhari Leads Tinubu's Campaign to Katsina,

Sokoto, Adamawa, Yobe, Others

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed further commitment to the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the February 25, 2023, presidential election after earlier appearing not to show keen interest in the campaigns.

In a move expected to leapfrog Tinubu's presidential bid, Buhari has committed to lead the APC presidential campaign train to his home state, Katsina, as well as Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Imo, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos and Kwara States.

Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who is is also the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The statement read: “The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress announces that in its revised Campaign Timetable just released, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has shown further personal commitment to the cause of the All Progressives

Congress and its Presidential flag-bearer, ASIWAJU Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2023 Presidential election, by indicating his readiness to be physically present at some of our forthcoming presidential campaign rallies.

“Recall that Mr President, out of his very busy schedule, had earlier attended the flag-off of the Presidential Campaign in Jos on the 15th of November, 2022. This was also after graciously accepting to be the Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling party.

“In the latest Campaign Time Table released yesterday (5th January, 2023) the President is billed to join the Campaign Train in at least ten States. The States are Adamawa State on the 9th of January; Yobe State on the 10th of January; Sokoto State on the 16th of January; Kwara State on the 17th of January; Ogun State on the 25th of January; Cross Rivers State on the 30th of January; Nasarawa State on the 4th of February; Katsina State on the 6th of February; Imo State on the 14th of February and the Grand Finale in Lagos State on the 18th of February.

2023: Cross River APC Unveils Campaign Council

The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its 2023 Campaign Council.

This was disclosed by the State Chairman of the party, Alphonsus Eba, in Calabar. He said the Campaign Council will be headed by former Nigeria's ambassador to Mali, Chief Sonni Abang, and its slogan will be "Sweep It Clean".

He said Chief Abang will be assisted by three deputy director generals - Stephen Odey ( North), Chief Chris Obasse (Central) and Chief Ofu Aya (South).

Giving more details about the campaign council, he said the State Campaign Council will have 2,500 members while the Local Government Campaign Council will have 52,000 members with 27 directorates.

He added that the Campaign Council targets 500,000 votes which will represent

about 80 per cent of the expected voters.

He thanked the party's presidential candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for helping to bring peace to the Cross River State chapter of the party and also Senator John Owan Enoh for withdrawing his case against the party.

He said the magic the party has performed in the state will endear it to voters particularly the achievements of Governor Ben Ayade.

"Cross Riverians know who the APC is and what we have done, particularly the magic of hitting the rock for water to come out in building over 30 factories when N403 billion debt was handed over to governor Ayade," he said.

He added that the party has already won the elections ahead of time.

He also disclosed that the party leadership is taking the elections to Jerusalem for prayers.

Benue Varsity Chancellor Warns Staff Against Truancy, Redundancy

Administrative activities resumed at the Benue State University, Makurdi after Christmas and New Year break, marking the commencement of the Second Semester of the 2020/2021 Academic Session with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Tor Iorapuu, warning staff against truancy and redundancy.

The Vice Chancellor, who charged staff to be committed to their duties, also encouraged them to put in their best in ensuring that the mandate establishing the University is vigorously pursued to enhance academic excellence and manpower development.

He later proceeded on an unscheduled visit to the Bursary, Registry, Audit, Pension, Fire Service, Establishment (Junior Staff Office), Information Unit, Academic Office as well as Counselling and Human Development Centre and other adjoining offices during which he inspected offices to ascertain actual staff on duty on first day of resumption.

On discovery of termites causing damages to trees and buildings on campus, the ViceChancellor directed the Faculty of Science to embark on research to develop pesticides that can terminate their existence.

Professor Iorapuu also directed the Maintenance Unit to rise up to its responsibility of ensuring that University properties, particularly buildings and water reservoirs are properly maintained to avert the risk of eventual breakdown with its attendant effects.

During the visit, the Bursar, Dr. Amos Egwurube Otse; Registrar, Dr. Mfaga Modom; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Linus Chia Saalu, Academic Officer, Mr. Aondover Zwawua and Mr. Oliver Kende Adasu, were on ground and conducted the Vice Chancellor round the respective offices.

Earlier in an exaltation, Revd Fr Mimi Chokom began with a prayer session in the Vice Chancellor’s office, offered prayers for Management, Staff and Students for God’s guidance and protection in the New Year especially the beginning of the Semester.

Revd Fr Chokom also encouraged staff to continue to support the management, saying only a peaceful environment will facilitate the needed growth and development at the ivory tower.

Presidential Amnesty Programme Denies Fraud Allegation, Threatens Legal Action

The Management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has dismissed a report published by an online platform, alleging that the programme was embroiled in sharp corrupt activities.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media , to PAP, Thomas Peretu, denied the allegations, describing the report as unsubstantiated. PAP has therefore given the publication seven days to retract the story and offer a public apology, failure of which a legal redress would be sought.

The statement which reads: "The attention of the Management of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has been drawn to a spurious story published on the 3rd of January, 2023, by PMEXPRESS, an online publication.

"The author of the unsubstantiated story, one Aisha Abubakar, alleged that some staff members of the finance and audit departments are involved in mindboggling corrupt practises through what she called "Advance Payment", despite the new Interim Administrator's concerted efforts to stamp out corruption in the system.

"The story entitled, “Presidential Amnesty Programme Still A Cesspool of Mind-Boggling Corruption", was nothing but a figment of the author's imagination.

"From all indications, the misguided reporter was on a mission to dent the image of the programme.

"We are at a loss to understand what the writer means by 'Advance Payment' (AP) and how it is being used to perpetrate fraud in the system.

"It is unfortunate that the reporter did not substantiate her bogus claims with verifiable evidence of corruption in the programme.

"The story is diversionary and totally at variance with the good traditions of journalism.

"We challenge the reporter or her cotravellers to provide proof of her claim with facts and figures of such "mind boggling" underhand dealings."

"We hereby demand an unreserved public apology from the reporter and the PMEXPRESS for misleading the public.

"The management of the PAP may be constrained to take legal action to redeem its image.

"The author of the report and the PMEXPRESS are hereby given seven work-ing days from today, Thursday, 5th January, 2023, to retract the story, and render public apology to PAP or be faced with a legal action.

"In the meantime, we enjoin the public to dis-countenance the said report because it lacks merit and does not represent the real picture of activities at the PAP."

L-R: Adamawa APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Aishatu Ahmed (Binani); President Muhammadu Buhari and APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, as the President receives in audience Adamawa APC Gubernatorial Candidate at the State House on 5th Jan 2023.

FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

FROM GEORGE MARTINS, MAKURDI

FROM AMOS OWEI, YENAGOA

Makinde Receives 2022 Hajj Reports, Pledges Continued Support For Pilgrimage Board

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, maintained that his administration will continue to support the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board in its bid to have hitch-free Hajj exercises in the state.

The governor, while receiving the 2022 Hajj reports from the chairman of, Muslim Pilgrimage Board, Prof. Sayed Malik, at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, admonished the board to double up its efforts by ensuring that the standard is maintained.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor called on the board to constantly engage the pilgrims, saying that regular and early preparations are quite important and key.

He, therefore, pledged to complete the projects abandoned by the previous administration at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

He said: "We want to say thank you to the Board. We know the challenges you faced before, during and after the pilgrimage. Some of them, as you said, are not peculiar to Oyo State. But what I will say is, for us, we don't make excuses and we don't say that because something is happening in another state, it should happen here. No. We are proactive and we try to see our things through.

"So, I will advise the board members to double up their efforts to ensure that the standard is maintained and that we start early. If I take the issue of the Basic Travel Allowance as an example, it is something that we should have handled a lot better if those who are supposed to be on top of the situation are actually there.

"On social media, I noticed that some of the pilgrims were castigating Oyo State, saying they were the only ones suffering in Saudi Arabia. I think they also must have learned one thing or the other.

“As a government, we cannot be blackmailed because we stand up to our responsibilities and take them seriously. It is not as if we are sloppy. But if we have forex issue in the country, what can we

do? We have to activate alternative plans, which may not bring immediate comfort to the people.

“But the fact that they are not being left alone and the officials saddled with the responsibilities of dealing with such issues have that engagement with them. We also have one or two things to learn from that episode. Engagement is key.

“You may not be able to solve people's problems immediately but if you give them hope, and engage with them, they probably would have reacted differently. So, it is a big lesson.

"Another lesson for me is the corruption within the process because I had to personally address the 150 people that could not perform the Hajj. And the names of some of them were changed. It is something that has been happening in the past but we must put a stop to it. Do we have the capacity and integrity to do that? My answer is yes. We must do it.

"For the 2023 Hajj, please let us start early as I will still be here to commission the Hajj project. So, I want to say thank you to the Board and encourage you. For the Hajj, rest assured of my total support."

Earlier in his address, the state chairman of the Pilgrims' Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Prof. Malik, who recounted various challenges encountered before, during and after the 2022 Hajj operation, appreciated Governor Makinde for his moral and financial support towards the board.

Prof. Malik also revealed that the governor has approved the funds for the completion of the abandoned projects at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, which were neglected by the previous administration in 2015.

He equally announced that the board has refunded the sum of Sixty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred Fifty-Six Naira, Sixty-One Kobo, (N62, 556. 61k) to each of the pilgrim that performed the 2022 Hajj in the state, adding that the total amount refunded to all pilgrims was ThirtySeven Million, Nine Hundred and Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Five Naira and Sixty-Six Kobo (N37,909,305.66).

Foundation Organises Free Medical Checkup, Disburses Relief Materials to Widows

AUnited States- based non- profit organisation, Ikon Health Foundation (IKON), has organised a free medical checkup for widows in Amokwe, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

Owned by Pharmacist Ikenna Ogwuegbu, the foundation also distributed assorted relief materials to the widows and other Indigent persons in the area.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of this humanitarian gesture have expressed appreciation to the CEO of the foundation, Ogwuegbu, for touching their lives positively.

"My name is Mrs. Monica Nwachukwu. I am a native of Amokwe community. I pray to God Almighty to bless this my son, Pharmacist Ikenna Ogwuegbu, for remembering us."

Another widow in her late sixties, Mrs Oluchi Ginikanwa, told THEWILL that the donor had been offering them free medical outreach and food items for a long time and therefore prayed God to bless him.

"Since I lost my husband three years ago, nobody has taken care of me. IKON HEALTH FOUNDATION is a God-sent to us. May Almighty bless him bountifully," she prayed.

Others that benefitted were, Mrs. Georgina Okonkwo, Roseline Maduakolam, Theresa Asibe, Okonkwo Fidelia, Theresa Maduakolam, Celine Okonkwo, Florence Ohanaka, Susana Nwokiwu, Florence Chikwendu and Stella Amechi

Over 20 widows who were said to be the poorest in the area smiled home with various relief materials offered to them by the IKON Health Foundation.

Before now, the Ikon Health Foundation (IKON), with its team of medical professionals, had graciously visited many communities within and outside Nigeria and offered free medicals to the poor in the areas; as well as donation of medical equipment to Health centres in the rural areas.

BY SAMPSON UHUEGBU

A

US- based Attorney, Charles Onyirimba, has said that the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has all it takes to change the ugly narrative of the country. Onyirimba said this while interacting with members of Mbano Journalists Association, MJA, who paid him a courtesy call in his Owerri residence.

The Imo Labour Party governorship aspirant urged people of the State and Nigerians to cast their votes for Obi, who is contesting under the platform of the Labour Party, whom he said would do better if he emerges as President in the February 2023 election.

"Okigwe zone has suffered as a people... leadership must be inbuilt, I'm not seeking firm power, I am seeking to serve Ndimo," he said.

On why he is running for governorship, the aspirant said, he had lived over 40 years of my life in public service, saying he would deliver effectively.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the Mbano Journalists Association, Comrade Kelechi Uzoma, said that there are many pull- him - down syndrome in Mbano. He noted that the association has watched Onyirimba for a long time and discovered that he has the leadership qualities to rule the State.

" We are committed towards ensuring that Mbano is restored to its place of birth. We believe that if you become the Governor, Imo will be better, " Uzoma told Onyirimba.

Obi Has All it Takes to Revive Nigeria – Onyirimba New NAF Spokesman Resumes Duties

The newly-appointed Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, on Friday assumed office following his recent posting and redeployment by the service.

Maigida, who was the Commander of 551 NAF Station in Jos, took over from Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who also replaced him in Jos.

The NAF Headquarters had on Wednesday announced the redeployment of its commanders at various levels.

Maigida had served as Acting Director Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters before his posting to Jos in 2022.

In his address, he promised to consolidate on the achievement of his predecessor, adding that it was a rare opportunity for him to serve as the image maker of the service.

The director thanked the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, for the honour and privilege, saying he was fully aware of the responsibilities of his office to project the operational engagement and other activities of NAF.

“With the aim of galvanising support and goodwill for the NAF in striving to project air power to conquer the myriads of security challenges currently bedeviling the country.

“Let me assure you that the directorate will keep forging ahead under my watch to continue to churn out and leverage on online social platforms to bring out NAF stories in clear picture.

“Indeed, I will continue to use the media space to strive and bring the narrative of NAF in enhancing national security architecture in the country,“ he assured.

Presidential Candidate,  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello during  Tinubu-Shettima National Youth Town Hall Meeting, held in Abuja on January 6, 2023.

BY SAMPSON UHUEGBU, OWERRI

POLITICS

Obi Obasanjo

Campaign Watch: Season of Endorsements

BY AYO ESAN

As Nigerians entered the new year, and with less than 60 days to the much awaited Presidential election, a new development that caught the attention of the three leading presidential candidates, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, (APC); Peter Obi of the Labour Party, (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP); their parties as well as their supporters came to the fore.

It came from no other person than the former military Head of State and the first democratically elected president of Nigeria in the current Republic, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo in his New Year letter to Nigerians on New Year day said he had endorsed Mr. Peter Obi for President and urged Nigerians to vote for him, as according to him, Obi is the best candidate among the 18 people vying for Nigerian President’s position in the February 25, 2023 election.

Nigerians are aware that Obasanjo has never stay on the fence whenever there is a matter of national importance. He has always been a frank person and he dished out his opinion not minding the reactions that may trail it.

Nigerians are also used to his method of using letter writing as a means of conveying his opinion on national issue and even at a stage he was styled, “A Letter Writer”.

The letter that Obasanjo issued on Sunday January 1, 2023 has therefore joined a long list of letters by the Ebora Owu as Obasanjo is fondly called by the Yoruba people and like previous letters, this has also generated mixed reactions.

In the letter titled, “My Appeal To All Nigerians Particularly Young Nigerians” which was made available to the newsmen by his aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described the last seven years of the Buhari regime as horrible and hell on earth for most Nigerians.

The letter partly read, “The last seven and a half years have no doubt been eventful and stressful years for many Nigerians. We have moved from frying pan to fire and from the mountain top to the valley. Our leaders have done their best, but their best had turned out to be not the best for Nigeria and Nigerians at home and abroad. For most Nigerians, it was hell on earth.

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“Those of us who are alive should thank God for His mercies, brace ourselves for the remaining few months of this administration and pray and work very hard for an immediate better future – a future of liberation, restoration and great hope and expectation.’’

While appraising the suitability of the presidential candidates, Obasanjo accused them of deceit, saying some of them had been trumpeting what was not realistic in a desperate bid to win the election.

He expressed sadness over the terrible state of the nation, stressing that the presidential candidates did not realise that Nigeria had been dragged down well below the level it was when he assumed office in 1999.

He said Nigeria was in very bad shape and was tottering on the verge of collapse and break-up when he took office, but the nation, he added, was not faced with the current level of pervasive and mind-numbing insecurity, rudderless leadership, mismanagement of diversity and pervasive corruption and bad economic policies, which he said had resulted in extremes of poverty and massive unemployment and galloping inflation.

He said “We have had campaigners going up and down the country feeding us with what they mean and what they do not mean, what they understand and what they do not fully understand, what is possible and what is not possible, what is realistic and what is unrealistic, what is true and what is untrue. I believe that we need not

be confused or be gullible. Let us be cautious, not to be fooled again,’’ he advised the electorate.

Obasanjo took cursory look at the presidential candidates, and came to the conclusion that the former governor of Anambra State who is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi is the best among the lot vying to serve as president of Nigeria.

By his action Obasanjo has endorsed Peter Obi as his preferred candidate and urged all Nigerians, particularly the youth to support Obi in the drive for a new Nigeria.

In the letter, Obasanjo why explaining his choice of Obi among the 18 candidates vying for election said:

“None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline, and vitality, efforts required to stay focused on the job, particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge. “One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost. “In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary. He has a young and able running mate with a clean track record of achievement both in public and private life.”

Immediately and as expected, the other two leading political parties, APC, PDP, and their candidates reacted angrily to Obi’s endorsement by Obasanjo.

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation dismissed the endorsement of Obi as the ‘subjective support for the LP presidential candidate’, by Obasanjo which does not reflect the position of an overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the country.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the AtikuOkowa Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the campaign council said, “While former President Obasanjo is entitled to his personal opinion; as remarkable as it may appear, it remains individualistic and cannot redirect Nigerians from their determination to rally with the more experienced, more proficient and more accepted presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to rescue and rebuild our nation from the APC misrule.”

One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost

POLITICS

In the same vein, the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the APC described the endorsement of Peter Obi by Obasanjo as worthless.

The Director of Media and Publicity of APC/ PCC, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said the ruling party respected the democratic right of the former President to support and endorse any candidate of his choice in any election. Onanuga stated that “The endorsement is actually worthless because the former President does not possess any political goodwill or leverage anywhere in Nigeria to make anyone win a Councillorship election let alone win a Presidential election. He continued, “Obasanjo is a political paperweight.”

The presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu also, last Thursday said that the January 1, 2023 endorsement of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, amounted to poison for Nigerians.

“Can that man recommend a leader for you in Nigeria? Is that not sending an agent to pick your pocket? A blind leading the blind”, Tinubu said.

Besides, Tinubu further added that Obasanjo took that decision out of hatred for his person (Tinubu) and sheer wickedness, stressing that despite the endorsement; he would still beat all the candidates for the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu who stated this in Benin during his campaign at the University of Benin Sports Centre, disclosed that he and his team while he held sway as the governor of Lagos State were challenged intellectually, when Obasanjo, as the president then, withheld the allocations of Lagos State over the issue of creation of Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), in the state.

The seizure of the state allocations, Tinubu said, made him to think outside the box and made him and his team to turn Lagos State to a mega state it is today.

“Obasanjo seized our salaries, local government monies. Do you call that person a good or a wicked man? So, if he says he endorsed somebody, is it not poison that he is giving to you? One who doesn’t know the way cannot show the way. He is endorsing Obi but he doesn’t know the road,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu also said “Can that man recommend a leader for you in Nigeria? Is that not sending an agent to pick your pocket? A blind leading the blind”.

Political analysts and watchers of political developments in the country have faulted the Director of Media and Publicity of APC/ PCC, Bayo Onanuga over his statement that Obasanjo endorsement is ‘worthless’ and ‘paperweight’ .

They have equally disagreed with Tinubu that Obasanjo’s endorsement is like a blind man leading another blind man. They believe that Obasanjo with his experience as a former military head of state and two term civilian president cannot be described as blind to how to govern the country and to recommend who he thinks can serve the nation better as president.

They are of the view that if actually Obasanjo’s endorsement is worthless, why did the Tinubu presidential campaign went to him in August last year to seek his blessings and support?

Nigerians could recall the drama that followed Tinubu’s visit to Obasanjo in his Abeokuta home where they leaked the news that Tinubu had been endorsed by Obasanjo.

Media report had it that House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila who was on Tinubu’s entourage had told journalists in Lagos that Obasanjo made encouraging statements about Tinubu’s aspiration and even prayed for the APC presidential candidate.

The situation was put to rest when Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo’s aide on Media said the discussion during the visit was “more brotherly than political.”

Obasanjo’s aide further said the former President has neither agreed nor disapproved of Tinubu’s ‘request’. “Those crediting to me statement I had not made are enemies of the visitor and are not doing the visit any good.”

From the statement, Obasanjo revealed that he neither agreed nor disapproved of Tinubu’s ‘request.’ What ‘request’ could Tinubu and his entourage have made

from Obasanjo whose endorsement is ‘worthless?’

Speaking with THEWILL, Comrade Sola Olawale, a member of the Campaign for Democracy in Abeokuta, Ogun State said the drama that followed Tinubu’s visit to Obasanjo alone goes to show that Obasanjo’s endorsement is worth something,

‘Why were they craving for it, if they feel his endorsement is worthless”, Olawale asked.

Olawale further said that the PDP that dismissed Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi celebrated and is still celebrating Obasanjo’s endorsement of their presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2019.

“Onanuga and the APC were wrong to say that no candidate backed by Obasanjo had won any election. Nigerians could recall that in 2015, the APC leadership including Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and Ibikunle Amosun among others followed Muhammadu Buhari to Obasanjo’s Abeokuta home where Buhari was endorsed by Obasanjo. Buhari later won the election in that year.

“Also, Obasanjo as a democratically elected president of Nigeria for two terms? The first person since 1999, talking from experience, is more than qualified to assess presidential candidates and pick who he thinks is the best for the job.

“However, I agreed with others that Obasanjo’s choice is not binding on the generality of Nigerians. The final decision is that of Nigerian voters. And Obasanjo rightly directed his letter to them”, Olawale said.

Clark said he was throwing his weight behind Obi because the next president of Nigeria must be educated and experienced.

According to him, an Obi Presidency would also give sense of equity that would pull the South-East as an equal partner in the polity.

He said that the time had come for someone from the South-East geo- political zone to lead the country because the zone has resourceful and educated people to govern Nigeria.

Clark, who doubles as the leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF), also urged the youths not to allow anyone bribe them, saying Nigerians needed a transparent president, who is strong, healthy and had every leadership quality Nigerians want.

Clark said: “They want to use you (youths). Don’t allow anybody to bribe you. We want a transparent president, a president, who is strong, a president, who is educated, a president who is one body, a president, who has every leadership quality that we want. We don’t want a president we have to beg to sit down, to find out whether he will fall or stand. “We want a president we should not doubt his age. We don’t want a president who will be changing every year how old he is.”

The elder statesman and Ijaw leader also called on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and even political backgrounds, to vote for Peter Obi without hesitation, as he is the nation’s best hope of a new Nigeria of peace, stability and progress.

According to him, he is also backing Obi because of his vision for more equity and justice as it pertains to the South-South, which in the past 60 years has produced much of the revenue for the national economy but has been neglected with little impact in terms of infrastructure and social development.

In his speech, titled: “Peter Obi, my Choice for the 2023 Presidential election,” Clark, disclosed that on his directive, the national leadership of PANDEF met with Obi in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Friday December 23, 2022, where after discussions, Obi met the expectations of the group and Niger-Delta.

*Continues online at www. thewillnigeria.com

Clark

Ortom

Clark, Ortom’s Endorsement of Obi Coming two days after former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said with the former Anambra State governor as president, the country would be more united.

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... Season of Endorsements

POLITICS

2023: Makinde And The March Date

AYO ESAN

Oyo State Governor. Engr. Seyi Makinde last Thursday began his second term campaign in the ancient city of Ibadan. The well attended rally witnessed the presence of the aggrieved PDP Governors, the G5 and some members of the Integrity Group including the former governors of Ekiti and Ondo State, Ayodele Fayose and Dr Olusegun Mimiko respectively.

However, what happened at the rally and the prevalent political situation in Oyo State has shown that Makinde may face multiple hurdles on his journey to second term in office

Makinde it could be recalled joined four other PDP Governors including Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Okpezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ifeanyi Ugwuayi of Enugu State to form a G5 – Governors who had fallout with the leadership of the party.

Upon the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, the five governors had demanded the immediate resignation of the national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and his replacement by a southern member of the party.

They have maintained that there was an agreement before the party’s primary that if a northerner emerged as the presidential candidate, then Ayu would vacate his position for a southerner to ensure balancing and fairness.

However, Ayu has said that he is not going to resign his position and the G5 Governors have boycotted the presidential campaign of the party and they said they will maintain their stand until Ayu resigns his position. They have also threatened that they will work against the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the February 25, 2023 election.

Their leader, Wike, has said that they will make their preferred presidential candidate known this month. So as a sign of solidarity, members of Integrity Group otherwise known as G-5 Governors were present in Ibadan for the kick off of Makinde’s campaign but they were greeted with surprise in Ibadan as the crowd at the rally were shouting Atiku, Atiku and sang songs in support of the presidential candidate of the party to the embarrassment of the G5Governors

This became pronounced when Wike asked the PDP supporters to vote for other candidates of the party, to the exclusion of Atiku in the coming election but the crowd at Mapo Hall, venue of the rally, reacted swiftly in open resistance.

The deafening cries of “Atiku” was a major blow to the G-5 and their opposition to Atiku,

The implication of the action of the PDP members is that Makinde is going into the next election with a divided party and this may affect his re-election bid.

It would also be recalled that on Wednesday, a day before the Makinde rally, PDP leaders in the state organized a freedom walk for Atiku and in attendance were the leaders of the party like the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (State), Jumoke Akinjide; an ex-Deputy Governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Minister, Mines and Steel Development, Wole Oyelese and Engr. Femi Babalola among others.

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These leaders among others boycotted the rally organized for Makinde re-election the next day.

In response to the solidarity received from the Oyo State PDP in Ibadan, Atiku took to his twitter on Friday, January 6, 2023 and said “Oyo State, I heard you loud and clear yesterday. I take it warmly as a vote of confidence in me and our great party, @ officialPDPNig.

You proved that my love for the Pace – Setter State over the years is not in vain. My promise to you is this: we shall work loosely together in the mission to recover Nigeria-AA”

It could also be recalled that Makinde has lost the loyalty of some people who worked for his election in 2019. They include former Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Barrister Sarafa Ali ; former House of Representative Majority leader, Mulikat Adeola ; Adebisi Olopoeniyan who is now a chieftain of NNPP and another former House of Representatives member, Ajibola Muraina among others..

In his address at the rally, Makinde appreciated his G5 colleagues, party loyalists in the state, and people of the state for their support in 2019.

The governor therefore reeled out his achievements and asked the people to support his re-election bid.

“Under Omituntun 1.0 (referring to his first term in office), I promised a government that would put the people of Oyo State first. And our decisions have always taken the people of Oyo State first. Now, it is time to upgrade. It is time for Omituntun 2.0.” He added.

Other achievements listed by the governor include the growth of the state’s IGR from around N1.4 Billion monthly in 2019 to about N3.8 Billion monthly in 2022, securing the sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, the upgrade of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to a University of Education and the renovation and equipment of over 250 health facilities across the state.

“I promised economic prosperity to the people of Oyo State under Omituntun 1.0. I said I would take them from poverty to prosperity. We have grown our IGR from N1.4bn every month in 2019 when we took over the reins of government to N3.8bn as of November 2022.

“Under Omituntun 1.0, I promised that our infrastructure would integrate all the zones of our state and target our economy. We have done the 65km Moniya-Ijaye-Iseyin Road. “There is OyoIseyin Road; Ogbomoso-Iseyin Road; Apete-AwotanAkufo Road; Airport Road; Akobo flyover and others.

“We scrapped the N3, 000 education levy. “I promised that workers and retirees would get their full salaries and pensions on or before the 25th of every month; that date is now known as the GSM date and since 2019, workers and pensioners get paid.

“I promised the people a safe and secure environment, and we brought in Amotekun. I promised a government that will put the people first and all our decisions have shown just that. Now, it is time to upgrade. It is time for Omituntun 2.0.”

The governor, who appreciated all members of the Integrity Group for their support and presence, said, “Let me use this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their support.”

Benue State governor, Ortom, solicited support of the people of the state for the re-election bid of the governor.

Ortom said, “We want to assure you that the Integrity Group and the G-5 Governors are committed members of PDP in our various states. We have a challenge with the national leadership of our party because they have failed to deploy internal conflict resolution mechanisms to solve the problems that arose after the convention.

“We are committed to PDP in our various states. At the appropriate time, we are going to let you know what to do. We are united. We are together. Don’t listen to gossip and social media ads. We are committed to PDP, and we are working for all our candidates in our states. All our candidates are going to win the governorship, the Senate, House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly. We are going to deliver it to PDP.”

The implication of the action of the PDP members is that Makinde is going into the next election with a divided party and this may affect his re-election bid

Makinde

POLITICS NEWS

INEC Sets up Committees For National Situation Room, Collation Centre

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established committees for the National Situation Room and Collation Centre for the 2023 general elections.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, in Abuja.

Okoye said that INEC at its weekly meeting has deliberated on several issues, including the venue for the national situation room and collation centre for the 2023 general elections.

PDP Salutes Oyo People Over Overwhelming Support For Atiku

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it saluted. the commitment and courage of the people of Oyo State for their support for its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and all other Candidates of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

The party in a release issued and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba said "Our Party commends the tenacity of our members and supporters in Oyo State for expressing their support for Atiku Abubakar at the flag-off of the PDP Governorship Campaign in Oyo State on Thursday, January 5, 2023, in defiance of attempts to dictate their electoral preference.

The party said the “overwhelming chanting of “Atiku! Atiku!” by the resilient crowd in rejection of a request that they follow the dictate of some individuals in the Presidential election summarily conveyed, in one voice, their unnegotiable resolve to vote Atiku Abubakar as the next President of our country.

“The people of Oyo State as independentminded and political savvy have again demonstrated their sobriquet as Pacesetter in the politics of Nigeria by establishing that power lies in the Will of the people and not the endorsement or dictate of any person or group of persons.

“Unambiguously, the expression of the people of Oyo State at the flag-off event firmly signposts and reaffirms the support of the South West Geo-Political Zone for Atiku Abubakar and all our candidates in the South West and across the country”.

The PDP counsels those seeking to dictate to Nigerians on their electoral preferences to retrace their steps especially now that it is clear that the people are not ready to be swayed by personal, group or sectional consideration in their support for Atiku Abubakar and the PDP.

It said “Nigerians across board have found in Atiku Abubakar the desired integrity, cognate experience, capacity, ability, mental alertness, presence of mind, PanNigeria deportment and required Will Power to unify and lead our nation at this critical time.

“Our Party therefore charges the people of Oyo State, the South West Zone and all Nigerians to remain firm in their resolve by coming out en-masse to vote as well as take every measure available in a democracy to protect their votes in the overall quest to rescue our nation from the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and return her to the path of national stability, peace, economic prosperity and happiness of all, that Atiku Abubakar embodies”.

APC PCC Donates Food Items to Christian Community in Zamfara

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has donated 1,000 bags of rice and corn flour to the Christian community in the state for the celebration of the 2023 New Year in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

“The food items which comprised 250 bags of rice and 750 bags of maize flour were handed over to the Christian community in the state by the State APC

PCC Coordinator Sen. Kabiru Marafa.

“The gesture was aimed at joining the Christian community in celebrating the festive season in the zone which is coordinated by Gov. Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara.

“Marafa called on the beneficiaries, the Christian community leaders in the state to ensure that the gesture reached the majority of their members especially those in need throughout the state,” Idris said.

*Continues online at www. thewillnigeria.com

2023: APC Campaign Committee Begins Voters’ Sensitisation in Lagos

The Lagos Mainland All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee has kicked off activities for members and voters sensitisation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Committee Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Abdulrauf made it known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Abdulrauf said campaign activities started on Wednesday at Ward A Mainland with Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation held at Otto Primary School.

According to the committee chairman, activities laid down includes, members engagement and voters sensitisation taking place across the Wards in both Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba LCDA respectively.

He said: “These programmes are slated for Jan. 4 to 22 at 4.00 p.m. daily while there will be a Re-visit of some wards from 22 to 30.

“This is necessary for strategic purposes. “Thereafter, from Feb. 1 to 10, Wards House to House campaign begins and it will be monitored by the local government campaign committee members for effectiveness.”

Abdulrauf added that on Feb. 11, a ‘Walk Thru Rally’ would be held for APC Candidates while on Feb. 18, Lagos Mainland APC would hold its Unity Rally.

For the effectiveness and successful outcome of the election, the chairman noted that Yoruba and Pidgin jingles would also be deployed to complement the party’s campaigns activities.

He, therefore, sought the support and understanding of members and voters for a successful outcome of the election.

Abdulrauf also appealed to the people to get their PVC’s while ensuring they came out to exercise their civic rights on Election Day. He noted that without the PVC, the electorate would not be able to exercise their power, adding that it was the only tool that could be used to do the best for the country.

Okoye said that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would head the Collaboration Secretariat Committee, National Chairman while the National Commissioner, Mrs May AgbamucheMbu, would chair the Situation Room Committee.

”As general elections approach, the commission establishes a national situation room and collation centre where the results of presidential elections are collated.

”Once again, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja will serve as the venue for this important exercise,” he stated.

Okoye said that the commission also established two committees for the purpose.

He stated,”First is the Collation Secretariat, where presidential election results from the states will be collated.

“This will be headed by the chairman of the commission, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election. In addition, a few technical staff will assist him.

”The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee.

”This shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers, media, etc.”

Okoye said that the committee members were National Commissioners: Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Festus Okoye; director of electoral operations; ICT; Planning and Monitoring.

Others were: directors of security; election and party monitoring; international cooperation and protocol; research; health services as well as director estate, works and transport.

Also listed as members of the committee were chief technical adviser to the chairman; special adviser to the chairman; chief press secretary to the chairman; while director of the Commission Secretariat will serve as Secretary.

Okoye said the situation room and collation centre committee was inaugurated by Yakubu, who charged it to start work in earnest and to discharge its responsibilities diligently.

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose during the flag-off of Makinde campaign for second term held at Mapo, Ibadan.

AYO ESAN

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Nigeria And COVID-19 Resurgence

It sounds ironic but actually a disturbing piece of news that in the midst of COVID-19 resurgence in China forcing many countries to impose travel restrictions on travellers from that country that Nigeria would say travel restrictions have no significant health benefit.

The ironic part of this official stand is that a few weeks ago, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, issued a positive COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines for any passenger onboard aircraft and inside airport terminals.

The NCAA rule, signed by its Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu, made the wearing of face masks discretionary, cancelled the disinfection of bags at the entrance of terminal buildings and maintenance of social distancing at airport terminal buildings and vacated pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests for all passengers, irrespective of vaccination status.

It also suspended PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially or not fully vaccinated.

Moreover, health declaration forms and permission to travel/QR code are no longer required but a simplified health questionnaire form (nonCOVID-19 specific) which shall be completed by all passengers travelling to Nigeria, preferably pre-departure on the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP).

The disturbing aspect of the

Federal Government’s reaction is the reasoning behind its statement.

It read in part, “We have not seen any difference between people coming from China and people coming from other countries. But if we see any red flags, we will be able to consider what to do. So far, we have not seen any red flags to necessitate us to take action against any country.”

This sounds morbid.

The only red flag that attends COVID-19 and its several mutations is infection that is contagious and possibly death, depending on strict adherence to regulations, management and treatment.

Coming at a period when over 22 countries globally have reacted immediately to the new viral threat by imposing travel bans on travellers arriving from China and Covid-19 test on others, the government’s stand is alarming.

The reason is that this position flies in the face of evidence: One of the fastest and easiest ways to spread the deadly virus is through travel, mostly by air. In addition, compulsory travellers medical tests besides widespread vaccination and lock-down remain the best way to attack the early warning signal which the surge in China has presented, almost two years after the initial outbreak in Wuhan.

It shouldn't be surprising that the Nigerian health ministry and its COVID-19 regulatory body, sees nothing beneficial in it, because of its inability to effectively implement it in the past. Sharp graft practices and widespread conspiracy theories can be associated with the

recorded failure at every level of enforcement and vaccination.

When things are not done properly, failures and possible discrediting is always the result.

“All persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempted from any form of testing done either prior to boarding from the originating country or on arrival in Ghana except passengers originating their journey from China,” the statement reads.

It is on this note we call on the authorities to be proactive like their counterparts in Europe, America and Asia which have

promptly taken measures to tackle the resurgence of the deadly virus.

For one, the earlier COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines issued by the NCCA should be reworked in the face of present realities.

Passengers originating their journey from China should be made to present valid negative COVID-19 PCR test results 48 hours prior to departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers should be made to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival at any international airport in the country.

Instructively, WHO has urged countries to act in the best interest of its citizens.

According to the Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a tweet last week: “In the absence of comprehensive information from China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations,”

For most countries issuing the current travel ban and insisting on incoming China passenger tests on arrival, the test would help experts know which strain of the virus is out there. Knowledge of the variant would assist greatly in developing the necessary medication.

We understand that the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, has been unrelenting in tracking and reporting COVID-19 cases in states across the country and we salute them for that.

We urge them to be more proactive in handling the virus which has shown more resilience in mutating as people travel and interact across the world.

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

Coming at a period when over 22 countries globally have reacted immediately to the new viral threat by imposing travel bans on travellers arriving from China and Covid-19 test on others, the Federal Government’s stand is alarming

Skullduggery as OBJ Claims Moral Authority, Writes Letter to Youths

BY MAGNUS ONYIBE

Former president, General (chief) Olusegun Obasanjo, OBJ, inadvertently revealed his agenda or motive for endorsing Mr Peter Obi when he wrote in his 1st January sensational letter to Nigerian youths, goading them to vote for Mr Peter Obi as president on 25 February 2023.

Referring to Mr Peter Obi, he wrote: “In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary.”

Unfortunately, he forgot that when he thought he could 'pull the ears' of Umaru Yar’dua of blessed memory, he failed to realise that Yar’adua was not ready to be his stooge or lackey.

Hence the president that succeeded him in office in 2007 promptly reversed most of the policies that Baba OBJ had introduced, chief amongst them is the reversal of the reform policies for the unbundling of electricity generation and distribution, as well as petroleum drilling, refining and distribution sectors that had been under the management of the government, resulting in sub-optimal output.

It is on record that the refineries that had been sold to Dangote Group, etc, under Baba OBJ/Wazirin Atiku Abubakar regime, were taken back and the billions of dollars spent in acquiring assets to boost the electricity supply in our country were wasted, as the equipment imported to enable the scaling up of its supply was left to rot away in the seaports when Yar’dua took over as president. The perfidy stated above was the subject of the Ndudi Elumelu-led committee of the House of Representatives, which delved into the issues surrounding the investments by the OBJ regime, totalling $16 billion during Umaru Yar,adua/Goodluck Jonathan regimes between 2007 and 2011.

In light of the above, the concept of supporting a candidate so that he/she can be a lackey to do an outgoing president’s bidding has never been an efficacious strategy.

This is why l expected that Baba OBJ would not be susceptible to such at this point in time and should have been immune with his level of experience in the leadership of our beloved country.

How can we also forget that Baba OBJ also lost out to president Goodluck Jonathan, whom he had also backed to step up from vice president into a substantive president

after President Yar’dua passed away as a serving president in 2010, and there was a leadership lacuna in Aso Rock Villa.

To get his pound of flesh after what he perceived to be a letdown by Yar’adua soon after his ascension to power, Baba OBJ had pushed for his replacement with Jonathan after his passage. That was when in the spirit of presidential power rotation between the South and North, politicians from the North had started clamouring for Yar’adua’s replacement with someone of their own ethnic stock, simply because it was their turn, as Yar’adua was yet to complete his tenure before his sudden demise two (2) years into his first tenure.

Jonathan succeeded in getting re-elected, but it didn't take long for Jonathan as president to seek to detach himself from what was deemed as an overbearing influence of Baba OBJ, who had stomped for him to become president as he is currently doing for Obi.

So, my suspicion is that Baba OBJ is still seeking ways to enjoy the 3rd term that he failed to get legitimately when his term was up in 2007 and he attempted to tweak the constitution that limits tenure to two terms of eight (8) years and four (4) years per term to accommodate his apparently vaulting ambition.

The truth is that if and when Wazirin Atiku Abubakar, AA, becomes president in 2023, he will be coming back to continue where he stopped when he served as vice president of OBJ and was in charge of the privatisation council. In the likely event that it so happens, petrol scarcity now tormenting Nigerians will be a thing of the past and epileptic electricity supply would also be history, just as he made it possible for Nigeria and Nigerians in October 2001 to witness a revolution in the telecoms sector, which we are all currently enjoying because he had the opportunity to start the process and complete it over twenty-one (21) years ago.

But, out of spite, OBJ stripped AA of the position of masterminding the telecommunications revolution, a decision that was a malicious fallout of the events leading to his (Baba OBJ’s) re-election in 2003.

In fact, l am of the conviction that if AA had enough time to complete the process of privatising the electricity power and petroleum refining and distribution sectors while he was chairman of the privatisation council, Nigeria would not be in darkness today and a whopping N6 trillion (some

would argue in excess of N15 trillion since 2015), would not have been spent on subsidising petrol pump price instead of subsidising education in 2022 national budget.

In the highly caustic letter penned by Baba OBJ, he admonished politicians not to make elections a do-or-die affair. How hypocritical!

Nigerians can't forget that it was baba OBJ that stated in the run-up to the election that ushered in his successor, Umaru Yar’adua, in 2007 that election is a do-or die-affair.

It is heartening that after leaving office he has realised that it's better that democracy is practised without the autocratic elements that marked his eight (8) years reign as a democratically elected president (1999-2007)

That is keeping in mind the atrocities committed by the military against civilians under his watch in Odi, Bayelsa state, where 900 people were killed in November 1999, for allegedly murdering policemen sent to keep the peace and about 200 lives were also snuffed out in Zaki-Biam, in Benue state, in the month of October 2001, as reprisal action against the alleged abduction of 19 soldiers, who are members of the Nigerian army.

Given the abhorrent records above, it is difficult for democracy watchers in Nigeria not to suspect that Baba OBJ’s motive for endorsing Obi and Labour Party, LP, are not altruistic.

That is why sceptics are scoffing at his latest letter.

In any case, I had concluded long ago that the last sixty (60) days to the general elections would be packed with dramatic events, as political actors ramp up activities for the last leg of the race to the Aso Rock Villa-presidential seat of power.

But l was stunned by Baba OBJ’s 1st of January letter, specifically to Nigerian youths and the electorate in general, endorsing Mr Peter Obi, who is LP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

•Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur, public policy analyst, author, development strategist, alumnus of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA and a former commissioner in Delta state government, sent this piece from Lagos.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

Dakum Should Not Reintroduce Violence on The Plateau

BY GABRIEL SABBANANI

What happened at Shendam last Tuesday, is most unfortunate and should be condemned by every peaceloving citizen, both within and outside Plateau State, as the state has gone beyond violence and cannot be allowed to retrogress to an ugly and sordid past, simply because of the desperation of certain politicians in the state.

For the nearly eight years that Governor Simon Lalong has been at the Little Rayfield Government House, the state has experienced peace and security to world acclaim.

But Tuesday, we have seen how some are willing to trade away all that gains on the altar of politics, not minding the consequences on the people of the state, the very people they are intending to govern.

Last Tuesday in Shendam, the home local government of the governor, some youths known to be sponsored and enabled by the Labour Party candidate in Plateau State, Dr Patrick Dakum, were instigated into taking actions meant to embarrass the governor.

Before this incident, it was clear that these elements, going by their nocturnal and clandestine meetings, were planning something mischievous due to the popularity of Governor Lalong, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Plateau South Senatorial District.

The opposition has seen how the governor blended and interacted freely with his people during the festive period and knew for certain that his election and that of the presidential candidate of the party, as well as the APC governorship candidate, is a foregone conclusion and have become jittery hence resorting to desperate measures.

They are yet to fathom how the governor, with his appointment as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima APC Presidential Campaign Council, has been able to whittle down the attempt

at primordial politics to politics of issues and ideas and is set to deliver Plateau to the APC in the next general elections.

But one is not surprised that they are doing what they are doing now because they have lost touch with the people and cannot campaign on issues, as Lalong has covered every ground they would have tried to promise the people.

Governor Lalong has achieved lasting peace and security in the state, so candidates of other parties have nothing to say about the restoration of peace, which used to be a problem in the state.

The Governor has also paid salaries and taken care of the welfare of workers, so that too, which used to be a big issue with the past administration, is no longer a campaign issue.

Further to that, Governor Lalong has built several lasting infrastructures in the state and has put on ground legacy projects that are tested to serve the people of Plateau for the next 50 years!

It is because of these that the opposition party candidates have resorted to dirty and bitter politics, where name-calling, threats, brigandage and thuggery rule the day.

But Governor Lalong has been a peaceful governor, who made the return to peace a cardinal principle of his administration and cannot be pressured into such acts of desperation.

For the over seven years he has been in office, peace has returned to Plateau State and incidences of violence that pervaded communities in the state have abated.

All these were not mere happenstance, but results of concerted efforts by the government to see to the general well-being of citizens and for meaningful development to take place in the state.

These should not be thrown away on the altar of party politics.

But this is hardly surprising, as one is not unaware of the bad politics that characterised the primary of the Labour Party in Plateau State, where a candidate was intimidated to accept his demotion to the position of a placeholder just to pave way for the emergence of certain privileged aspirants, who never believed in the ideologies of the LP, but see it only as a platform to vent their desperate spleen wrongly couched as ambition.

It is this desperation that is making them take these heinous actions of reintroducing roguery and thuggery to plateau politics.

They should learn from Governor Lalong, who for all the times he has contested and won elections, starting from his days at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to the State House of Assembly, to when he became Speaker and now governor, he always plays by the rules, knowing fully well that his ambition is not worth the blood of any citizen.

It is God that bestows power on people and this cannot be supplanted by the level of desperation or violence unleashed by misguided political wannabes.

The people of Plateau are watching and they know those who love them and would do anything to see them live peacefully and securely and those who at the slightest challenge, are ready to upturn peace and expose them to harm and violence.

The antics of the leaders of the Labour Party in Plateau State are abhorable, but they must be put in their proper place as Plateau is bigger than any of them.

This is the first time that Patrick Dakum is contesting elections, so he should allow those who know the terrain put him through; violence and brigandage are simply not the way.

•Gabriel Sabbanani writes from Jos, Plateau State.

FBNH Tops NGX-30

BY SAM DIALA

FBN Holdings Plc recorded the highest traded shares volume in the first trading week of 2023, among the four Financial Services equities of the outstanding NGX-30 group.

Data by the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that FBN Holdings witnessed huge investors’ interest leading to a total share volume of 261,744,724 ahead of three others in the Financial Services category in the week ended January 6th, 2023.

Access Corporation followed with 54,774,234 while Zenith Bank and United Bank of Africa (UBA) posted 20,757,134 and 39,242,402 respectively. The four equities recorded a total share volume of 376,518,494,

The NGX-30 index tracks the top 30 companies in terms of total value of equities listed on the NGX (market capitalization) and liquidity.

The indices, according to the NGX, were developed to allow investors track market movements and properly manage investment portfolios. Designed using the market capitalisation methodology, the indices are rebalanced on a semi-annual basis on the first business day in January and in July.

The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NGX 30 Index in February 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NGX developed five sectoral

indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors.

The sectoral indices comprise the top fifteen most capitalised and liquid companies in the insurance and consumer goods sectors; the top ten most capitalised and liquid companies in the banking and industrial goods sector; and the top seven most capitalised and liquid companies in the oil & gas sector.

BUA Foods Plc and Wema Bank Plc have joined the list of most liquid stocks in the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) leading to their inclusion in the NGX-30 index, while Union Bank and … exited, according to an update announced on the NGX website.

The market opened for four trading days last week as the Nigerian government declared Monday 2nd January 2023 a Public Holiday to mark the New Year celebration.

A total turnover of 921.856 million shares worth N27.154 billion in 15,601 deals was traded in the week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 1.880 billion shares valued at N18.988 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 12,036 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 616.527 million shares valued at N6.452 billion traded in 7,208 deals; thus contributing

Elevates ACM, 7 Corps Commanders

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Aviation Experts Take Swipe At Civil Aviation Act Stakeholders

in the nation’s aviation industry have come up with their views on the national aviation policy following a letter sent out by the Director General, Civil Aviation (DGCA) for stakeholders to contribute views and submissions that would help regulate the industry better.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is

the regulatory body for aviation in Nigeria. It became autonomous with the passing into law of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 by the National Assembly and assent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Act not only empowers the

Continues on page 33

The Federal Road Safety Commission has approved the promotion of 1 Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), and 7 Corps Commanders (CC) to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM).

The promotion was announced Friday, following the approval which came at the end of the meeting of the Commission, ratifying the resolution of the Establishment Committee of FRSC on promotion of Officers, where the exercise was diligently deliberated upon.

Aviation Experts Take Swipe At Civil Aviation Act

Authority to regulate Aviation Safety without political interference, but also to carry out oversight functions of Airports, Airspace, Meteorological Services, etc as well as economic regulations of the industry..

Commending Civil Aviation Policy review, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, Chairman of West Link described as a welcome development, the Director General Civil Aviation’s plans to review the National Aviation Policy for the development of the industry saying he has made his submissions.

This is just as he has criticised what he described as disingenuous state weather minima laws, wondering why the country would pay so much to acquire Cat 3 equipment and lighting that land aircraft in zero visibility with pilots trained to land in adverse weather, but are prohibited to do so due to such laws.

Mshelia was reacting to the DGCA’s assertion last week that he had sent out an All Operators Letter ( AOL) for stakeholders to contribute views and submissions that would help regulate the industry better but met with very few responses.

Mshelia who expressed support for the review said it was impressive because no nation builds itself and the stakeholders will build the industry with their contributions.

Mshelia said,”Well, talk about National Aviation Policy. I think the DG did very well in pushing for a review, the last one was 2013. It’s due for review,

ideally every 10 years or anytime it’s necessary. He’s done well there, he sent out that AOL to everybody I can vouch for, he is correct, I received it. I received it, I have contributed my own quota officially with a letter to his office. I’ve made my own contribution.

“I am particularly impressed he sent an AOL and attached the 2013 document and he did assure us that he is willing to work with us so that we bring all our problems and change it. I sat down and did my own and submitted it to the DGs office directly before I closed for the holidays.

On the DG’s submission on very poor responses he said, “I agree with the DG, part of the problems why the government has not been able to put fingers on challenges and fix them is because of us, the so-called professionals.

“So yes, the reason the DG is saying this is because the truth of the matter is no nation builds itself,the citizens build the nation.We do have experts and all claim experts but why is our aviation system still the worst around here? This is because there is no good intention.

On the State weather minima, Mshelia said the law was an impediment but stressed pilots have no choice but to comply with the laws or be cited for violations, which no pilot wants as it affects their careers and employability.

He said a pilot is trained to fly through adverse weather and normal weather knowing when to do what, and when not to go as he/ she is certificated by the CAA only to be limited especially during harmattan.

He said,” A pilot is trained to fly through adverse weather and normal weather he knows when to do what, he knows when not to go, he is certificated by the CAA, then the government now limits the pilot’s ability especially during harmattan and say ‘ you cannot fly unless the weather is 800 metres and above’ I have been shouting about this for a long time but nobody is listening, we are trained on this.

Also speaking was Olumide Fidel Ohunayo, Head, Research & Corporate Travel, Zenith Consult, Tours Travel who stated that the amendment of the 2006 Civil Aviation Act to reflect the present realities in civil aviation is commendable and long overdue considering a review is necessary every five years at most.

According to Ohunayo, the goal of the amendments is to have a National Civil Aviation Policy that promotes a harmonized approach for sustaining the best global practices in the management of the various aspects of civil aviation and to have a regulator which is vested with the independent responsibility for safety, security oversight and economic regulation of the aviation industry in accordance with all international conventions and agreements, government policies and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

He said "The institution given this responsibility is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which is an agency under the supervision of the ministry of Aviation" .

"The 2006 act gave the Ministry of aviation some roles that conflict with the NCAA, such as coordination, formulation, and review as well as monitoring of the implementation of aviation technical policies with emphasis on the promotion of safety and security of civil aviation in Nigeria in accordance with international standards and best practices. They were also assigned the supervision of the design, construction and maintenance of Federal Government owned airstrips and aerodromes including other non-revenue generating facilities of the aviation industry".

"Also, some of the responsibilities of the Economic Regulation unit in the ministry and the proposed Nigerian Aviation Economic Regulatory body that died during incubation, hopefully never to be conceptualized again, should be in the Air Transport Regulations

FBNH Tops NGX-30 Index Traded Volume

Continued from page 32

66.88% and 23.76% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Industrial Goods Industry followed with 138.314 million shares worth N13.356 billion in 1,063 deals.

The third place was the Conglomerates Industry, with a turnover of 55.931 million shares worth N92.845 million in 502 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely FBN Holdings Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 450.338 million shares worth N17.203 billion in 1,862 deals, contributing 48.85% and 63.35% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 0.06% to close the week at 51,222.34 and N27.899 trillion respectively.

All other indices finished higher with the exception of NGX Main Board, NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Sovereign Bond indices which depreciated by 0.54%, 0.58% and 0.09% respectively, while the NGX ASeM index closed flat.

Thirty-eight (38) equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than forty-four equities in the previous week. Seventeen equities depreciated in price higher than sixteen in the previous week, while one hundred and two equities remained unchanged, higher than ninety-seven equities recorded in the previous week.

Investors’ appetite for financial services’ stocks resonated on the first trading day of the year –January 4, with UBA and Access Corp. emerging among the five most traded equities. The trend reflects investors’ attitude during earning seasons preceding the publication of annual reports and dividend declaration.

Investigation by THEWILL in December showed that Access Corp[oration, Zenith Bank, FBNH and UBA were set to raise the banking industry’s total assets with a minimum of N15 trillion based on their performance trajectory in the year.

The four Nigeria’s largest deposit money banks (DMBs) by assets, showed from their Q3 reports that they could raise the banking industry’s total assets with a minimum of N15 trillion in 2022,

The four DMBs, all Tier-1 banks, showed Access Corporation with N11.73 trillion, Zenith Bank N9.44 trillion, FBN Holdings N8.93 trillion and United Bank for Africa N8.54 trillion – as of

December 31, 2021.

Data from the four banks’ Q3 2022 (nine months) interim reports showed a remarkable growth trajectory between FY 2021 and Q3 2022, as well as Q3 2022 numbers compared with the corresponding period (Q3 2021).

In Q3 2022, Access Corporation grew assets to N13.41 trillion from N10.33 trillion in the corresponding period, representing a 30 percent rise. Zenith Bank’s assets rose to 11.34 trillion from N8.75 trillion in Q3 2021 or 30 percent increase.

FBN Holdings (FBNH) recorded a balance sheet strength of N9.85 trillion against N8.51 trillion in the corresponding period. United Bank for Africa (UBA)’s assets jumped by 10.6 percent to N9,22 trillion from N8.34 trillion in Q3 2021.

To arrive at the projected N15 trillion, each bank’s Q3 figures were divided by three (quarters) and totaled. The average outcome was N4.47 trillion, N3.78 trillion, N3.28 trillion and N3.1 trillion for Access Corporation, Zenith Bank, FBNH and UBA respectively.

By implication, Access Corporation’s balance sheet growth was projected at N16.25 trillion in FY 2022, while Zenith’s was expected to hit N13.22 trillion.

FBNH would record a balance sheet growth to N12.21 while UBA’s assets was projected to hit N11.44 trillion. This newspaper had earlier reported that Africa’s Global Bank (UBA) would hit and exceed the N10 trillion assets mark in 2022.

Nuhu

The amendment of the 2006 Civil Aviation Act to reflect the present realities in civil aviation is commendable and long overdue considering a review is necessary every five years at most

“Data by the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that FBN Holdings witnessed huge investors’ interest leading to a total share volume of 261,744,724 ahead of three others in the Financial Services category in the week ended January 6th, 2023

FRSC Elevates ACM, 7 Corps Commanders

The Officer appointed to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal, Assistant Corps Marshal, Ann Marja is to represent the North Eastern Zone of the country following the appointment of the former DCM representing the Zone, Dauda Ali Biu as substansive Corps Marshal of the Commission.

The 7 Corps Commanders promoted to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal are, Corps Commander Stella Uchegbu, who is presently in charge of Special Duties in the Department of Special Duties and External Relations at the National Headquarters, Corps Commander Tukur Sifawa, the Corps Auditor, Corps Commander Anthony Oko , Corps Commander, Command and Strategy in the Operations Department, National Headquarters Abuja, Corps Commander Mohammed Kabo, presently, Sector Commander, Yobe State Command, Corps Commander Joel Dagwa, Deputy Commandant, FRSC Command and Staff College (FCSC) Corps Commander Meshack A Jatau presently on course at Army War College, and Corps Commander Pauline Olaye, in charge of Pensions and Insurance at the National Headquarters Abuja.

The Board Chairman, Mallam Bukhari Bello expressed delight over the attitude

of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process and urged the promoted Officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the Corporate mission of the Corps which is to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

He stated that the promotion exercise is part of the Commission's drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Corps.

The Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise, noting that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new ranks call for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

Speaking further, the Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps to the satisfaction of all. As such, he beckoned on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps.

Green Africa to Operate Double Daily Flights to Ilorin From Lagos, Abuja

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Green Africa has announced that it is increasing daily flights to Kwara state, Nigeria’s “state of harmony”. Starting from January 11th, 2023.

According to the airline, the value carrier will have two daily return flights into Ilorin from Lagos and Abuja, respectively. With the additional capacity, customers will have the flexibility to travel in the morning or evening and a clear option for a day return trip.

Green Africa, with its unrivalled flight affordability, currently operates over 120 weekly flights to eight destinations in Nigeria (Abuja, Benin, Akure, Port

Harcourt, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos & Ilorin), with plans to expand to more destinations in 2023.

Obiukwu Mbanuzuo, Green Africa’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Ilorin is a very important market for us, and we appreciate our customers for continuing to choose us as their preferred partner for their travel plans."

He added "This additional capacity from Lagos and Abuja into Ilorin will offer our customers more flexibility, while they continue to enjoy Green Africa’s affordable products and industry-leading on-time performance".

NCAA Grants 7Star AOC For Helicopter Operations

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted 7Star Airlines Limited Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to commence flight operations.

The presentation of the Operational Specifications (OpSpec) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) took place at the NCAA's Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 5th January, 2023.

The Director, Airworthiness and Standards (DAWS) who represented the Director General, presented the certificate to the 7Star team, lead by the Chairman, Daniel Richard congratulated the new entrant for successfully completing the five(5) phase process. He praised 7Star for the display of professionalism and discipline in the course of the stringent exercise.

Engr. Kayode Ajiboye enjoined the new operator to remain exemplary by imbibing the culture of safety as their core value. This, the DAWS said, is better observed by always keeping eyes on the ball.

In his response, the Deputy MD Air Cdr. Simon expressed satisfaction in getting the AOC which, according to him, is a milestone in the airline's bid towards commencement of helicopter service operations. He promised to ensure that safety comes first in all of 7Star's operations. He further commended the NCAA for the approval and assured that professionalism will be strictly adhered to.

DMD assured that 7Star will not rest on its laurels by ensuring strict adherence to safety standards and global best practices in its operations. He dedicated the certificate to the entire management, staff and partners of 7star for their hard work and support all through. Notable mention was NHV Group, a Belgian aviation firm with core strength in B-to-B Helicopter services. With over 25 years in operations and about 50 operational helicopters across three continents, NHV and 7star are expected to take aviation operations to the next level.

The Chairman of 7Star airline, Chief Daniel Richard, in celebrating the feat assured Nigerians that the same way 7Star hangar, a sister company to the new 7Star airlines, did not let Nigerians and aviation community down by meeting up with global standards, is the same way the airline will follow suit. He added that beyond the helicopter operations, 7star will soon launch her fixed wing operations to give affordable and premium aviation jet/prop services to her clients across Africa.

Delta Air Lines has introduced fast free onboard Wi-Fi, placing the carrier as first major U.S. airline to introduce such facility for all, in partnership with T-Mobile.

Experience coming to most domestic mainline aircraft by Feb. 1, with full availability on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.

According to the airline, Delta will offer fast, free Wi-Fi in partnership with T-Mobile to all customers on board most domestic mainline flights beginning Feb. 1 – the first major U.S. airline to offer free Wi-Fi as a core element of its customer experience.

The airline will offer the service on more than 700 Viasat-equipped aircraft by the end of 2023.

Delta also announced plans to bring free Wi-Fi on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.

Commenting, Delta CEO Ed Bastian at CES 2023 in Las Vegas said "At work, at home and everywhere in between, connectivity is essential to daily life, and your journey on Delta should be no different. Our vision has long been to deliver an experience at 30,000 feet that feels similar to what our customers have available on the ground.”

Designed to fuel Delta’s vision of more personalized travel, customers will log in using their Delta SkyMiles® account or join SkyMiles on the ground or in the air for free to connect.

Also commenting, Mike Sievert, T-Mobile CEO added “At T-Mobile, we believe staying connected while traveling should be an easy, seamless experience. T-Mobile customers already get free inflight Wi-Fi and now we’re partnering with Delta to bring that experience to all customers — regardless of their wireless provider — so that anyone flying Delta can enjoy online access from takeoff to touchdown.”

Delta also announced its plans for Delta Sync Exclusives hub — a new SkyMilesunlocked mobile platform coming this spring aimed at elevating the in-flight connectivity experience with exclusive offers, access and entertainment from beloved brands that are mainstays of everyday life. Delta will launch Delta Sync Exclusives hub later this spring.

Meanwhile, Delta has long used technology as a tool to further its mission of connecting people and to redefine consumer expectations.

Working with engineers from Viasat — the satellite internet service provider behind the airline’s connectivity revolution — teams at Delta have applied a rigorous approach to testing, learning and scaling best-in-class in-flight connectivity, with an eye toward rolling out the new system on more routes at an unprecedented scale by the end of 2024.

“We didn’t just want free Wi-Fi to offer base-level service – we wanted it to be transformative for the entire onboard experience. It is imperative all customers onboard can enjoy their favorite content just as they would at home, and we’ve put this system through meticulous tests to make that possible",Bastian added.

L-R: Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Founder of Seplat Petroleum, Dr ABC Orjiakor and Founder of Diamond Bank and Chairman of the 7th Edition of Imo Stakeholders' Forum, Dr. Pascal Dozie, during the occasion held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square New Owerri on January 5,2023.

THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnigeria.com

Nigeria?

BY MARCEL OKEKE

“The World Ahead 2023” is the 2022 end-ofyear special publication of ‘The Economist’ (of London) in which the journal reviewed the global economy in the outgoing year and made detailed projections about 2023, including what issues are most likely to dictate the trends in the coming year. It says: “After two years when the (COVID-19) pandemic shaped the immediate future, it is now the Ukraine war.” The journal gave four things to think about for 2023, namely: (1) the impact of the conflict; (2) the struggle to control inflation; (3) chaos in energy markets; and (4) China’s uncertain post-pandemic path.

Going granular in its analysis, the publication gave ten themes and trends for 2023—thus: all eyes are on Ukraine; recessions loom; climate silver lining; peak China; divided America; flashpoints to watch (IndiaChina, Turkey-Greece); shifting alliances; revenge tourism; metaverse reality check; and New year, new jargon.

‘The Economist’ publication specifically posits that “the world economy is slowing and many countries risk falling into recession in 2023.” It says tight money has brought about a strong dollar which is exporting inflation to emerging markets and making their hard currency debt harder to service. “Next year (2023) will be about battling inflation and economic stagnation,” the journal sums up.

On Africa, the journal says it “is the richest continent in resources but poorest in economic development, and needs to use its endowment of green minerals to build an industrial base.” Observing that “between 2020 and 2022, prices of staple foods in African countries increased by 24%”, the journal added that “higher energy prices have also driven up the cost of transportation and fertilizer.”

Unsurprisingly, these observations and predictions largely agree with those of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during its meeting in November 2022. Specifically, at the meeting, the MPC said it was concerned that the global inflationary pressures had continued to trend higher and financial markets were also facing challenges.

It observed that this was indeed the trend in Nigeria, with inflation attaining 21.09 per cent in October 2022; and by end-November 2022, the rate had climbed further to 21.47 per cent. In its communique number 145 of November 22, 2022, the MPC observed “the continued weakening of the global economy due primarily to the persistent increase in energy prices, supply chain bottlenecks, rising inflation, looming food crisis, and sharp increase in interest rates leading to frightening external financial conditions.”

The MPC observed further that “the volatility of the oil market, driven by policy stance by OPEC + and the US Government, is also creating considerable uncertainty in the market, thus making the overall direction relatively unclear,” adding that “moreover, global trade has dwindled significantly in 2022, with the outlook for 2023 looking weak.” The MPC also noted that global private and public debt portfolios remained high and, in some cases, expanding as several countries around the globe acquire debt to stay afloat.

Specifically on Nigeria, the MPC noted with concern, “the persisting uptick in inflation for the ninth consecutive month…,” pointing out that “the persisting uptrend in energy prices and prolonged period of scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), contributed to a sharp rise in transportation, logistics and manufacturing costs, which fed through to consumer prices.” It listed other contributory legacy factors to the inflationary trend to include “the lingering insecurity across the country, perennial flooding in major food producing states, critical

deficit of infrastructure in the country, and poor road network, among others.”

All these are clear pointers to the fact that the current and persisting global and local economic headwinds are most likely to spill into the year 2023, all things being equal. For instance, as the MPC observed, the rise in inflation for nine consecutive months is not likely to abate or reverse any time soon. The causative factors are both internal and external—with many of them beyond the purview/control of the monetary and fiscal authorities of the country. How soon can insecurity and flooding challenges be curtailed to diminish their effects on inflation, for instance? Nigeria has for long remained a largely importdependent economy—and the status quo has serious negative implications—especially with respect to foreign exchange inflow and management.

Currently, Nigeria remains largely a mono product economy, depending largely on crude oil sales for much of its foreign exchange earnings. How soon can this situation change? Granted, the CBN has commenced some serious efforts to shore up the non-

oil export proceeds of the country; but the desired result is yet to be achieved.

No wonder, in the MPC communique 145 of November 22, 2022, the Committee “observed the decline in the external reserves position, as gross external reserves decreased by 1.34 per cent at endOctober 2022 to US$36.87 billion, from US$37.39 billion at end-September 2022.” The MPC members therefore urged the apex bank to sustain its current policies to boost non-oil exports in order to shore up the external reserves, since there were indications that lower crude oil prices would prevail in the ‘futures market.’

Related to the dropping external reserves are the multifaceted challenges confronting the oil and gas industry in Nigeria: massive oil theft, exit of many big international oil companies (IOCs), vandalism on infrastructure and outright sabotage on critical production facilities, etc. These factors have conspired to make it practically impossible for Nigeria to meet her oil production/sales volume as allocated to her by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) of which the country is a key member.

Thus, although Nigeria’s OPEC quota stands at about 1.90 million barrels per day, for several months now, the country’s volume of oil production/sales has been hovering around just one million barrels per day. This translates to a huge loss of (otherwise realizable) foreign exchange months on end; and this trend is most likely to continue in 2023.

Also related to the oil/energy challenge is the albatross and controversial fuel subsidy regime in the country— arising from the almost total dependence of Nigeria on imported refined petroleum products. The higher the price of crude oil in the international market, the higher the prices of the refined products being imported by Nigeria. So, as the country ‘benefits’ from rising oil prices, it loses virtually everything to the cost of importation of refined products. And because of the high cost of imported refined products, the Government continues to partly bear the burden of the cost to Nigerian consumers—and so, the subsidy conundrum goes on—an entirely opaque process that now gulps trillions of Naira. Unfortunately, the end to this incubus is not in sight.

Allied to this challenge is the huge and rising humongous public debt (local and external), now standing at over N45 trillion. In recent times, the Government has been committing over one hundred per cent of its revenue to debt servicing, and borrowing more money to meet many other recurrent (expenditure) obligations.

Towards the end of 2022, Government was in a last ditch effort to lessen the debt burden via the securitization of over N23 trillion (of the CBN Ways & Means to 40-year instrument at nine per cent). This is in addition to a feverish move by Government to secure Parliamentary approval for N819.50 billion supplementary budget—a move that is like an additional local loan that would push up total domestic debt to about N22.57 trillion by year-end 2022.

So, in 2023, Nigeria will continue to be confronted with insecurity, high inflation, huge public debt, shortage of foreign exchange, massive unemployment and motely socio-political challenges—especially in the build-up to 2023 general election and its aftermath. As contained in ‘The Economist’ special 2022 year-end publication: “The editors of Collins English dictionary have declared “permacrisis” to be their word of the year for 2022.” And this means an extended period of instability, uncertainty and insecurity—and this, for sure, is the outlook for 2023, especially for Nigeria!

is an economist, sustainability expert and consultant on business strategy.

•Okeke

Specifically on Nigeria, the MPC noted with concern, “...the persisting uptick in inflation for the ninth consecutive month…

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Emefiele

Taming Investment Red Flags in 2023

BY SOLA ONI

The state of Nigerian economy and the financial market in 2022 can be captured in one wordUncertainty. There are a number of red flags that an investor cannot ignore in order to operate an efficient portfolio in 2023:

Soaring Inflation rate, interest rate conundrum, exchange rate volatility, Naira devaluation, cost of transaction in the stock market, insecurity and anticipated impacts of the presidential election on the economy are sending dangerous signals to investors. But the flags must be managed.

Inflation rate has done incalculable damage to the global economy and this will impact investment decision in this new year. As

one of the last options to tackle inflation , Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), raised the nominal anchor, called the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 16. 5 percent.

Yet, the inflation rate soared to 21.47 percent, a 17-year high as at November, 2022, amidst low purchasing power. The Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slumped 3.54 percent at Q2 2022 to 2.25 percent in the third Quarter according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The momentary gains from crude oil could not provide a buffer for the Nigerian external reserves which dropped to $36. 94 billion as at December 16. The reserve hit $40 billion in the corresponding period in 2021.

As an indicator of an embattled economy, the Naira plunged to 750 against the dollar at the parallel market, compared to 560/$ in 2021 and hit almost 900/$ in November 2022. The official rate (NAFEX) averaged N447.58/$ on Dec. 16, compared to N417.65/$ at the end of last year. Public debt has become an albatross., rising to N44.06 trillion as of September from N39.56 trillion by the end of 2021. By October, the Federal Government's debt to the Central Bank of Nigeria had peaked at N23.77 trillion from N17.46 trillion in the preceding year.

Official figure of unemployment rate stood at 33.3 percent in the review period but in reality Nigerian youths across various professions have taken solace in migrating to other countries in dire search of jobs. The controversy over estimated N4.1 trillion oil subsidy is still raging and the much- anticipated benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, are being called into

question by many analysts. No fewer than 133 million Nigerians are believed to be living below the poverty line.

Manufacturers contend with challenges of forex and other indices of a tough operating environment. It is not surprising that the stock market, a barometer for gauging the economy, has been on a prolonged bearish trend . Some companies on the main board of NGX PLC had to delist voluntarily and moved to NASD OTC Exchange, due to their inability to comply with the Post Listing Requirements. There have been layoffs and pay cuts in many companies.

Nigeria is not the only country undergoing an economic quagmire. For instance, there are speculations that one of the Wall Street’s giants, Goldman Sachs is planning to disengage thousands of employees to "navigate a difficult economic environment ". This confirms the belief that Wall Street is under stress as deal making is drying up and revenues plunging. It is obvious that 2023 signals a wild card for investment decisions.

Despite the inclement operating environment, investors in Nigeria realised good returns in 2022 through daring investment in Dollar-denominated products such as mutual funds, fixed income securities, Commercial Papers and equities. It is all about understanding market psychology and taking advantage of investment advice

from stockbrokers. At the basic level, it is clear financial instruments or other products are prone to significant risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. Similarly, every financial instrument or other product denominated in a foreign currency is subject to exchange rate fluctuations. This may have an adverse effect on the price or value of an investment in such products.

The famous Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has posited that commodities prices would recede in 2023 based on slow demand globally. But the magazine quickly added that low supply of commodities products would push up prices. " War in Ukraine will still affect agricultural commodities markets in 2023", says EIU.

But in the case of Nigeria, the more the Federal Government creates an enabling environment for the commodities ecosystem, the better for the country's ability to compete in the global market and generate forex. The Managing Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Mr Akin Akeredolu-Ale has always maintained that if the commodities for export pass through a commodities exchange by way of trading on its electronic receipts, it will reinforce the products' quality and enhance their global competitiveness because of the processes they will undergo at the Exchange.

Businesses across the globe will contend with the aftereffects of COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing war in Ukraine and continuous development in technology. Although 2023 portends more rivers to cross for every investor, an astute one would begin to focus on the recovery that lies beyond. His portfolio must be ready for a year of change and opportunity. This is the time for portfolio review and rebalancing.

Sectors that can provide succour for investors in 2023 include consumer goods, healthcare, utilities, major banks, agriculture, technology, top dividend paying firms, telecommunication, oil and gas, logistics and small caps stocks with strong fundamentals. However, in order to tame the investment red flags this year, a review of investment objective, risk tolerance and time horizon amongst others is necessary for an investor. This is the pathway to an informed investment decision.

•Oni, is the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications

Official figure of unemployment rate stood at 33.3 percent in the review period but in reality Nigerian youths across various professions have taken solace in migrating to other countries in dire search of jobs

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JANUARY 08 - JANUARY 14, 2023

JANUARY 08 - JANUARY 14, 2023

THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnigeria.com

THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnigeria.com

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

Some incredible talents made their debut last year. While some subtly registered their presence over the past few years, others however didn’t get the chance to shine as bright as their talent, but they are definitely people to watch out for in 2023. Shade Wesley-Metibogun chronicles a few of these underrated gems.

UNDERRATED GEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2023 MOVIES

Tomiwa Tegbe

Tomiwa Tegbe is best known for his role in MTV Shuga Naija series as Wasiu and Africa Magic TV series, 'My Siblings and I' where he acted as James. From Ibadan, Oyo State capital, he started his acting career as an undergraduate of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta where he was studying Environmental Management Technology. It was after his first auditioning and acting role that he made up his mind to make acting his career. He has since featured in a few movies, short films and TV series. The talented actor is also an illustrator who creates drawings that are used in newspaper, magazine, books and catalogues.

Genoveva Umeh

Genoveva Umeh rose to prominence after she featured in a Nexflix minidrama series 'Blood Sister' where she acted as Timileyin Ademola. Her role interpretation in the series earned her a place in the hearts of movie lovers. Umeh was born in Nigeria but grew up in the United States after her family relocated in 2006. She had her primary and secondary education in London and was trained at the Identity School of Acting where she honed her skills as an actress. She later studied law at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom before kicking off her acting career in Nollywood. While aboard, she worked with a UK media consultant as an usher for Nollywood London premieres. She was able to connect to some producers who gave her background acting opportunities. She sent her audition tapes for casting calls to Nigeria producers and was invited for Ebonylife, 'On the Real' which marked the beginning of her acting career in Nigeria. She has since acted in a handful of blockbuster movies and was nominated for the Best Actress in a Drama series at the 2022 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in 'A Tune Away,' a drama film.

Uzoamaka Onuoha

Nollywood actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha’s versatility in acting has endeared movie lovers to her craft. The alumni of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Theatre and Film Studies department has been interested in acting from a very young age. She mimicked stars she saw on television and reenacted their actions in the mirror.

She made her debut in Nollywood in 2018 in the movie 'If I Am President' and she has since featured in multiple films and television series. The Imo State born thespian has also featured in some stage plays. Her role as the lead cast in the crime thriller, 'Diiche,' the first Showmax Nigerian Original Limited series earned her applause and more movie roles in the industry and has placed her among the actors to watch out for in 2023.

Chinenye Ubah

Fast rising thespian, Chinenye Ubah started her acting career in Asaba, Delta State but moved to Lagos State to seek greener pasture in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. The graduate of Theatre Arts from Delta State University, Abraka, featured in her first movie in 2003 when she was in secondary school. She played the role of Grace, a child in 'Selfish Desires.' She then took a break after that to focus on her schooling but returned in 2016 where she took a lead role in 'The Eyes of Love.' The actress aspires to become a producer eventually, but she is taking out time to build her career as an actress and learn better skills. The introverted personality values her privacy so much that she shies away from the limelight. She has featured in a handful of movies and her role has been applauded in some of the movies.

Fast rising Nollywood actor, Tobi Makinde's acting career started from childhood, just like his other counterparts in the make-believe world. His first encounter with the screen was when his father introduced him to acting in Tunji Bamishigbin and Ralph Nwadike's movie, 'Silenced'. He also landed a role in Nathaniel Ibekwe's sitcom, 'Kamson and Neighbors'. He took a break to concentrate on his education thereafter and graduated from the department of Theatre Arts, University of Lagos. He later returned to the school for his Masters Degree program and bagged a second degree in Theatre Arts as well from the same university. Makinde attempted to make a comeback to the screen but was met with brick walls for some years until luck smiled on him and he was chosen to feature in 'Industreet'. Fans got to enjoy his acting prowess when he met Funke Akindele and he was offered to act in one of the most watched television series 'Jenifa's Diary', where he played the role of Timini. Makinde has proved that he is worth his onion with his acting skills. His humility earned him a soft spot in Akindele's heart, and she took him as a younger brother, tutored him and introduced him to movie production. The talented act earned a spot among actors to watch out for in 2023 because he has proved that his talent goes beyond just acting to movie directing. His very first effort at co-directing a movie was in the blockbuster movie, 'Battle on Buka Street' which was one of the highest grossing movies of 2022.

Tobi Makinde

CONTENT CREATORS

Fast rising content creator, Isaac Olayiwola, also known as Layiwa Sabi is one to watch out for in 2023. The talented act started out in secondary school by making short video clips with his friends in the classroom. He formed a comedy group, Emerald Star in secondary school and competed in a comedy talent show. It was the talent hunt that gave him a clear perception of what he wanted to do in life. He started taking comedy seriously when he was in his final years studying Law at Bowen University. He started out on TikTok and was getting engagements even when he had less than a thousand followers on the micro blogging app. The Osun State born influencer did so well with his comedy career in the university that he got an award as the most entertaining personality by the Law Students Society of Bowen University in 2021. His uniqueness lies in his ability to play with words and coin new words which lend his skits a kind of bookish mien.

Ope Keshinro

Skit maker, Abiri Tobiloba Folagade Festus, otherwise known as Folagade Banks had a total turnaround the day he decided to start mimicking different characters to tell his story. He started with the character, mama Deola, a self-righteous Yoruba woman who is highly opinionated. He didn’t want to take it seriously at first until he got positive feedback from his friends who encouraged him to keep at it. It all started during the pandemic when he was at home and feeling bored. He decided to amuse himself on social media and it later became a flourishing career for him. The graduate of Geography from Obafemi Awolowo University has not looked back since then. Though his childhood dream was to become a doctor, he later realized that he was cut out for the entertainment industry. His first award came when he was in the University as the funniest guy and most jovial on campus.

Isaac Olayiwola Abiri Tobiloba Folagade

On-Air-Personality, content creator, actress, voice over artiste, Ope Keshinro, also known as Swit Ope started out in secondary school where she honed her talents and got involved in the drama and dance group. She refined her talent at the University of Lagos where she studied Creative Arts and then ventured into broadcasting. Swit Ope also harnessed social media to win the hearts of skit lovers by engaging in hilarious skits and portraying different characters. She was once featured on CNN for her incredible talents. The brand influencer has had her hands in the movie industry and featured in a few Nollywood movies.

On Air Personality cum TikToker, Joseph Onaolapo also known as Jay On Air discovered his passion for content creation during the lockdown when he was out of job. He had quit his radio job and ventured into thrift business but the lockdown halted the business and he went into depression. To make himself happy, he ventured into the world of content creation on TikTok. He started lip-syncing popular sound and attracted the attention of followers who loved what he was doing. He started uploading his personal contents and began getting paid for them. Aside from content creation, Jay on Air is also a Masters of Ceremonies, radio host and is looking forward to pitching his tent in the business world again.

Joseph Onaolapo Nna-Udosen Mfoniso

Enugu State born skit maker, Nna-Udosen Mfoniso, also known as Kenzy Udosen started out on social media by disguising himself as a typical fashionable Igbo woman known as Madam Theresa. She addresses societal issues and vocabularies in humorous ways. The graduate of Combined Biological Sciences from the University of Nigeria Nsukka was able to gain prominence and acceptance with his character on social media. The talented actor is an all-round entertainer, an actor, presenter, content creator, social media influencer who has carved a niche for himself and joined the league of content creators to watch out for in 2023.

MUSIC

Balogun Oluwaloseyi

Kammal Zulu Okafor, otherwise known as Solis, took interest in singing when she was a child. Her stage name, Solis means the sun in Latin language. She fell in love with the name because it is a reflection of her music which gives hope to its listeners. She started posting music and bedroom videos on YouTube when she was 16 years. But she began getting noticed when one of her bedroom music videos 'Watch Me' went viral. She was invited to perform at some shows after her post generated impressive views. She also landed some features in Bowofoluwa Olufisayo Odunsi, 'The Engine.' She also featured in Lady Donli’s song, 'Enjoy our life.' The Indie soul, lo-fi influenced singer released her first song titled Angel. She released another song, 'Can’t Breathe' which was well received. Solis' songs come in the form of storytelling and odes with comforting and assuring lyrics. She is definitely one of the up-and-coming music artists to watch out for in 2023.

Kammal Zulu Okafor Godson Ominibie Epelle

Godwin Ominibie Epelle, professionally known as 1Da Banton is a dancehall singer, songwriter and producer. Born and raised in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, he was pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering when he dropped out and opted for music. He signed a record deal with Adasa Cookey Squareball Entertainment and relocated to Lagos State in 2014. His first musical debut was in 2017 when he released his debut extended play, The Banton EP, one of the Ep song, 'Way Up' was used for the third season of Big Brother Naija. His music was taken seriously after the release of 'No Wahala' in 2021. The song was also considered among the 2021 Spotify playlist of favourite song of the year. He has since wormed his way into the hearts of music lovers since then.

Adelabu

Adelabu

Afro-pop singer and songwriter, Balogun Oluwaloseyi, professionally known as Seyi Vibez came from a very humble background but from the contents he puts out there, his talent and music will soon set him on the world map. Currently a student of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Seyi began recreating the songs of other musicians and sang for his friends and family while in secondary school. He later ventured into the music industry in 2019 but his music started gaining followership in 2021 after releasing 'God Sent'.

Taking Fela Anikulapo Kuti as his inspiration, he started combining African neighborhood lingual Yoruba alongside moving verses with musical sound infusion. He has since released more songs such as 'Dia Father,' 'Pay Day,' 'Bamishe.' Seyi Vibez has since registered himself as one of the music acts to watch out for in 2023.

Alexander

Multi-talented singer, Edwin Madu, professionally known as Dwin shuttles between his love for journalism as the Editor in Chief of 'Zikoko' magazine and writing songs for other music artistes. He wrote some of Adekunle Kosoko aka Adekunle Gold's hit songs. He grew up surrounded by music of different genres as his father was a disc jockey. He took online courses to sharpen his skill in song writing and started out singing professionally with a singing group, Ignis Brothers. He employs vivid storytelling in his music while exploring themes ranging from love, death and politics which cut across several genres such as afro pop, soft rock and folk music. His first song, 'Stay the Night' garnered massive play on Spotify.

Alexander, also known as 'Magixx' is one of the new signees of Michael Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy’s record label, Marvin record. Music started for Magixx when he was an undergraduate at the University of Lagos studying Mass Communication. He started performing at university gigs and became a toast of students in Unilag’s entertainment community. He often posts freestyles of his songs on social media, in 2019, he made the cover of Burna Boy’s hit track which went viral. It was followed by the cover of Adekunle Kosoko aka Adekunle Gold’s track, 'Sinner' and caught the attention of Marvin boss, Don Jazzy who signed him to his record label in 2021. He released his debut EP, 'Magixx' EP a few weeks after he was signed. He is one of the promising talents to watch out for the Nigeria music industry in 2023.

Edwin Madu

BUSINESS

EstherBasseyWhyte

Adenike Isi Adeeko

Harmony Adenipekun Chika Madubuko

Multiple award-winning actress, On Air Personality, radio DJ, film producer and all-round entrepreneur, Esther Whyte Bassey is into a male dominated business and she is thriving in it. The night life queen as she is fondly called is the owner of 66 Lounge and Club. She ventured into the business because of her passion to see people dancing happily and making merry and she has given men in the same field a run for their money. Bassey's sojourn in the entertainment industry dates back to when she was 13. She produced her own movie at 16 and has featured in a lot of blockbuster movies. Since the inception of her career, she has proven that she has what it takes to build her brand to an enviable height.

Lawyer turned fashion designer, stylist and influencer, Harmony Adenipekun came into limelight after Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele started sharing his videos online. The plus size fashion designer's journey started in church with his unique dance steps which eventually went viral. Adenipekun had been dancing in church for five years before luck ran into him and he became a viral sensation. After one of his dance videos went viral because it was shared by the actress, he gained many followers and his content became widely accepted. While studying for his law degree, he ventured into the fashion industry and started Harmony culture, a bespoke tailoring brand for both male and female. He also ventured into event planning and set up Harmony Luxe Event which he juggled with his academics and content creation and influencing career. Adenipekun who has been able to build a niche for himself joins the league of up and coming small business owners to watch for in 2023.

Chika Madubuko’s journey into the entrepreneur’s world started as a result of trying to get a caregiver for her aged grandmother without success. After several attempts at getting a caregiver, she decided to fill the void in the life of others. She set up Greymate Care, a technology driven platform used to look for safe caregivers, doctors and nurses for their elderly. Before her foray into entrepreneurship, she had worked with multi-nationals such as Amazon Inc and Guinness. The young entrepreneur also has her hands in the Agricultural and health sector. Born in the northern part of Nigeria, Madubuko attended Nnamdi Azikiwe University where she studied Microbiology.

Adenike Isi Adeeko, the young vibrant serial entrepreneur is an industry -leading data management, digital advisory and strategist expert with a knack for driving innovation. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Tiki Culture, a night life hospitality centre in the Federal Capital Territory. The multi-talented businesswoman is also the co-founder of Donkey Technologies, a leading IT organization involved in web development, content marketing, app design and social media marketing. In addition to her numerous businesses, she recently set up an online store called Donkey Shop, an e-commerce start-up offering sales of household items and electronics. She has invested more than a decade of her career into the IT sector and made a success of her ventures. The hospitality and IT expert had devoted all her strength and passion in running her businesses that she beat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP senatorial candidate, Natasha Akpoti to clinch the young female entrepreneur of 2022 Democracy Heroes award.

Sekoni Bright

24-year-old Sekoni Bright is the Chief Executive Officer of Audacia Prime Realty Limited. An alumnus of Lagos State University, Ojo. He is known for his knack for pursuing greatness. Sekoni while on campus engaged in so many businesses before choosing to berth in the real estate business. Coupled with his oratory prowess, the sky has gone beyond being his limit. Sekoni started off as a sales executive in a real estate firm and his passion to become big drove him into owning his. Since owning Audacia, he has sold nothing less than N5 billion worth of property in Lagos State alone with the latest of them being Adunni Tech City. Sekoni mostly targets Generation Z and millenials for his real estate business because he believes that they are the future landlords that ought not to waste their funds on frivolities.

THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Two-time presidential candidate and a former minister of finance, Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae has been crowned king. The former secretary to the military government of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida retd, was crowned King in the last few days of 2022. He was presented with the Staff of Office as the Oluabo of Ilu Abo Kingdom in Akure North local government area of Ondo State by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu thus making him the first Royal father of the ancient town on the border of Akure the state capital. While presenting the Staff of Office to the Afenifere chieftain,

Akeredolu described Falae as one of the few highly reputable elder statesmen not only within the state but also in Nigeria whole noting that the presentation of the staff of office was a long-awaited victory and a breakthrough for the entire people of IluAbo and Ondo State. In his acceptance speech, Oba Falae said he had been the Olu of Ilu Abo for the past seven years during which the community had witnessed tremendous progress. Dignitaries, one of whom was former Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, came from far and near to witness the auspicious occasion, all of who described his coronation as a welcome development.

Recently, Senator John Azuta-Mbata celebrated his 63rd birthday amidst pomp and pageantry. One person who made it a point of duty to attend the birthday celebration was Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. Wike attended not necessarily because he needed to fulfill all righteousness but primarily to honour and show gratitude to one of the men that took a chance on him early in his life when it wasn't desirable to do so.

Mbata was elected Senator for the Rivers East constituency of Rivers State, at the start of the Fourth Republic, on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He got re-elected in 2003 and after the end of his tenure, he didn't seek another reelection.

Mbata took a chance on Wike, when he was just out of law school, having seen the potential and restlessness in Wike at that time and decided to convert it into a productive use. He made Wike his personal lawyer and put him in charge of his land and property transactions. Through him, Wike got his first big break. It was a big break as he had just gotten married and needed to quickly fulfill his duties at the home front.

In 1998, Wike joined PDP and had an ambition to contest for the local government chairmanship of the Obio/Akpor in Rivers State. Knowing he did not have the means to do so, he approached Mbata who gladly sponsored his election, and against all odds, ensured that Wike won both the party's primary and the main

election itself. That was Wike's turning point and he never forgot that good deed. Although Mbata as earlier stated never sought any elective position, he never lacked. Wike kept Mbata's construction company busy with local contact from his state government. No one knows what Wike's life would have turned out to be if Mbata had turned his back on him. He may or may not have become successful, either as a lawyer or in whatever he decided to venture into. The lesson in this? When people who owe you nothing decide to take a chance on you, by giving you a ladder to climb up the food chain, don’t forget to show gratitude when you finally get halfway or to the top of the food chain. Or better still, pay that kindness forward.

Having conquered the oil and gas industry as well as the public service, Ronke Sokefun, perhaps for want of a new adventure, has found a way to plug into the boom the real estate business is currently experiencing. The cerebral socialite has been tapped by Olawale Ayilara's Landwey Investment Limited, a real estate company, to be the chairman of its board of directors. Ronke must have been convinced beyond reasonable doubts before agreeing to chair the board of Landwey Investments. Only last year, 34-year-old Ayilara was in the news over allegations of his company's inability to deliver homes to individuals who already made down payments. He however denied the allegations, insisting that his company was simply going through some challenges he referred to as the burden of construction in Nigeria. Recently, the company announced its latest project called Isimi Lagos, the first wellness technologypowered eco city which offers a serene space for both living and working, to its long- and short-term citizens and visitors. A humongous project no doubt, it will be a testament to Ronke's acumen garnered over the years when the project is finally completed. A trained lawyer who joined OANDO in 2002 after a legal career that spanned 12 years with both Ighodalo and Associates, a company secretarial firm and the prestigious firm of Aluko and Oyebode where she left as a partner, the mother of one rose through the ranks to become the Chief Legal Officer of Oando. In 2011, she left for public service in Ogun State and proceeded to serve as a commissioner under Senator Ibikunie Amosun. In January 2019, she was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation where she still serves till date. Ronke used to be married to Gbenga Sokefun, the older brother to celebrity photographer, TY Bello until they both went their separate ways.

Oladapo Ashiru Adds Another Feather to His Cap

While still basking in the euphoria of his exceptional achievement as the first black Secretary-General of International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), Professor Oladapo Ashiru has added another feather to his cap. The renowned reproductive endocrinologist has again been honoured with the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF) Role Model Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.

HLF conceived and birthed against the backdrop of increasing decay in societal moral fabrics, dishonest practices and inept management of public affairs by successive governments, identifies and honours men and women of repute who by wide acclaim are considered worthy of being role models in their various categories. The HLF, made up of highly respected elder statesmen and women amongst them technocrats, academics and diplomats, bestowed Ashiru who is the Chief Medical Director of Medical Assisted Reproduction Technology, (MART) and Healthcare Services, with the honour during their 25th year anniversary which held recently in Lagos. Only seven months ago, IFFS.

a long-standing global organisation representing National Fertility Societies and made up of 50,000 physicians and reproduction medicine specialists worldwide including various healthcare professionals, appointed Ashiru as its first black secretary-general in the history of the global body. Ironically, this is one of many firsts in the life of the professor of Anatomy. He was the first youngest professor ever appointed in medicine in Nigeria. He was responsible for the birth of the first test tube baby in Nigeria and West-Africa, with the assistance of his colleague, Prof Giwa-Osagie. They both pioneered IVF and embryo transfer in West Africa. Ashiru was also the first to record a successful live birth of a sickle cell free baby through the technique of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). Trained at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1974, he obtained his master’s degree in Anatomy from the University of Nebraska in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the same University in 1979. He is fondly referred to as the father of In-Vitro fertilization (IVF) in West Africa.

Sokefun

Falae

Wike and Mbata

Ashiru

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

L-R: Divisional Police Officer, Eziama Police Station, Aba, Okwudili Idoko; Brewery Manager (Aba), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Abiodun Ajayi; Corporate Affairs Manager( South), NB Plc, Chukwuemeka Aniukwu; Corporate Affair Brewery Security Manager, NB Plc, Whyte Amadi and Human Resources Business Partner, Aba, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, during the presentation of a van donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to the Abia State Police Command on December 29, 2022.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); flanked by National President of Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (RESPAN), and the MD/CEO of Sweet Sensation Nigeria, Lady Kehinde Kamson (5th left); The BOT Chairperson and Managing Director of Tastee Fried Chicken, Mrs Pamela Adedayo (5th right), followed by Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr (Mrs) Lola Akande (4th right) and others during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Marina, Lagos on January 3, 2023.

L-R: Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North); Kebbi State Governor/Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, during Oyebanji’s visit to the Abuja residence of Senator Bagudu on December 29, 2022.

L-R: Security Team Lead, North West Region, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Steven Emeka; Senior Business Manager, Kaduna State, Airtel Nigeria, Maji Emmanuel; Chairman, Auto J Communication, Mr. Jerry; Home Board Brand Manager, North West Region, Airtel Nigeria, Miss Uloaku Amaobi at the presentation of 1,000 food packs at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Sabon Gari LGA during Airtel `5 Days of Love’ yuletide programme in Kaduna on December 28, 2022.

L-R: Product Manager, Pouchii, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), Ameze Ogunfuwa; Head of Customer Experience, SystemSpecs Group, Nkechi Nwokolobia-Agu;  Customer Experience Representative, SystemSpecs Group, Mariam Fawole; Product Manager, FundACause (STSL), Damilola Silver and Product Owner & Business Manager, FundACause (STSL), Ire Odega, during the 2022 ‘Sharing A Smile’ Christmas Outreach, organized by FundACause, (STSL) in Oniru Lagos on December 24, 2022.

L-R: Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Presidential Candidate, New National People's Party, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, during his courtesy visit to the Anambra State Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, Anambra State on January 5, 2023.

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

DMO: Alarm Over National Debt Quite Unnecessary Abuja Football Academy Plans to Export Talents Abroad

An Abuja-based club, Prestige Football Academy, said on Friday it had intensified plans to establish a football school in the FCT, to enable youths to develop their football talents.

The Manager of the academy, Uchendu Nwabara, said in a statement that the football institution, when completed, would combine secondary school education with football training.

Nwabara said the aim was to achieve holistic development of the players in line with modern sports business concepts.

“We want to create an opportunity for every player to achieve his or her career in a reputable club locally or internationally, with high academic standards as well as social and health development,” he said.

According to Nwabara, beyond establishing the school, the academy is planning to recruit 30 players between ages 14 and 20 in an exercise expected to hold from Jan. 9 to 21 in Abuja.

Nwabara explained that the recruitment was part of efforts to develop football career of some talented youths in Abuja.

He said that 14 of the 30 recruited players would be taken to Ghana for trials where scouts from UK, Italy, France, Poland, Qatar and Ghana would watch them play and subsequently land them deals with foreign clubs.

Nwabara said “qualified players from ages 18-20 will sign contracts with clubs, while the minor ages of 14-17 who excel in the trials can still be selected by the clubs to inject into their respective academies based on agreement with the academy”.

He said the screening, which attracted a token amount, would take place at Baze University Sports Field, Abuja, while that of Ghana would take place in Obuasi, Kumasi, Cheetah FC Stadium in Accra, Ghana.

The football manager said a curriculum had been designed for the academy to assist the players develop their football career alongside their academics.

“Our curriculum is mostly associated with teaching football skills and education which includes different approaches to football training, drills and exercises, learning and assessment as well as instilling quality relationships between coaches and the players.

“We have developed a curriculum that provides an opportunity to create a relevant, coherent and engaging environment for all players and coaches.

“Players are to have a clear purpose of representing the team and to provide a reference point not only for football but also for their education.

“We offer team assessment that provides the opportunity for self discovery, cognitive and mental development and we evaluate players’ skills and performance standards.

“We engage in local and international friendly matches to enable each player to attain his full capacity in football and we inculcate confidence, self esteem, knowledge and create the opportunity for players to participate in competitions at various levels.

“In general terms, our educational football academy consists of everything that promotes intellectual, personal moral values, social and physical development of the participants,” Nwabara said.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) says the alarm created around the country’s projected public debt by a segment of the media was unnecessary.

The Director-General, DMO, Mrs Patience Oniha, said this in a statement to react to reports by a segment of the media that the next government would inherit N77 trillion debts.

Oniha stated that Nigeria’s debt would only attain that level when the Ways and Means Advances from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were securitised.

According to her, the securitisation of the Ways and Means Advances will enable the DMO to include the debt in the public debt stock thereby improving debt transparency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the public presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Act, Oniha had explained the projected debt stock using the actual public debt stock of N44 trillion as a basis.

She stated that the total debt stock included external and domestic debts of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the FCT.

“Taking into account a number of on-going activities, the total public debt stock; that is the external and domestic debts of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the FCT would be about N77 trillion.

“The debts that will be added to the public debt data in 2023 include the N1 trillion Ways and Means Advances to finance the supplementary budget.

“This has already been approved by the National Assembly (NASS).

“It also includes N22.72 trillion Ways and Means Advances currently under consideration by the NASS.

“The projected debt stock for May 2023 also includes N5.567 trillion, representing about 50 per cent of the new borrowing of N11.134 trillion in the 2023 Appropriation Act.

“It also includes new Promissory Notes estimated at N1.5 trillion to be issued to settle arrears of the FGN and judgement debts,’’ she stated.

According to her, also included are estimates for new borrowings by state governments and the FCT.

INEC Sets up Committees For National Situation Room, Collation Centre

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established committees for the National Situation Room and Collation Centre for the 2023 general elections.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, on Thursday in Abuja.

Okoye said that INEC at its weekly meeting on Thursday, deliberated on several issues, including the venue for the national situation room and collation centre for the 2023 general elections.

Okoye said that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would head the Collaboration Secretariat Committee, National Chairman while the National Commissioner, Mrs May AgbamucheMbu, would chair the Situation Room Committee.

”As general elections approach, the commission establishes a national situation room and collation centre where the results of presidential elections are collated.

”Once again, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja will serve as the venue for this important exercise,” he stated.

Okoye said that the commission also established two committees for the purpose.

He stated, ”First is the Collation Secretariat, where presidential election results from the states will be collated.

“This will be headed by the chairman of the commission, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election. In addition, a few technical staff will assist him.

”The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee.

”This shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers, media, etc.”

Okoye said that the committee members were National Commissioners: Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Festus Okoye; director of electoral operations; ICT; Planning and Monitoring.

Others were: directors of security; election and party monitoring; international cooperation and protocol; research; health services as well as director estate, works and transport.

Also listed as members of the committee were chief technical adviser to the chairman; special adviser to the chairman; chief press secretary to the chairman; while director of the Commission Secretariat will serve as Secretary.

Okoye said the situation room and collation centre committee was inaugurated by Yakubu, who charged it to start work in earnest and to discharge its responsibilities diligently.

L-R: New Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Elemide; Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and a new Permanent Secretary, Engr. Sakirudeen Salaam, after the swearing in ceremony of five new Permanent Secretaries, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, at Oke-Mosan, in Abeokuta, Ogun State on December 4, 2023.

www.thewillnigeria.com

Ajah Christmas Day Tragedy FEATURES

MICHAEL JIMOH

Not infrequently, Nigerians get to read of the kind of tragic report last Christmas involving a police officer and an innocent Nigerian needlessly cut down in her prime in Ajah. Of course, the policeman had the gun. If the woman had any weapon at all, it would have been her handbag, useless in that kind of face-off against the officer with superior firepower.

The result was all too predictable: The woman fatally shot. As for the gunman, smoke curled from his weapon after expending two bullets. He is now on suspension ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.

As is now very well known, the Raheems were on their way from Christmas service that afternoon. The father of the house, Gbenga, was driving. His wife, Bolalne, seven months heavy with twins, was in the passenger seat. There was the woman’s sister at the back. The car itself had a foreign registration number, which probably aroused the law officer’s interest in the vehicle. By the time the Raheems got to the checkpoint, ASP Drambi Vandi waved them to the side of the road. They moved on.

Apparently, the ASP took offence at the disobedience. One wonders what might have happened if a uniformed man, an Army, say, or Navy officer, was driving. But the consequences of a civilian flouting a police officer’s orders has always had disastrous consequences. One such incident happened in far-away US which later resulted in the Los Angeles race riots in 1991.

An African American, Rodney King, was over speeding and possibly driving under the influence when the LA Police waved him down. He resisted. The police clubbed his shoulders to weaken him. Someone took a video of white police officers beating a black driver. Suddenly, the City of Angels was convulsed with such violence and days of looting and killings putting a lie to the city’s moniker.

The Raheems were also driving when ASP Vandi flagged them down. They were not drunk with alcohol but with the infectious spirit of Yuletide. In fact, reports had it they had returned from service and gone to a pizza joint to be savoured at home. It never got to be. Bolanle got fed a bullet instead by ASP Vandi.

Commenting on the incident in an editorial five days later, Vanguard quoted Gbenga who related it to sympathisers in his residence.

“On December 25, my wife, nieces, nephews, and cousins who had come for the holiday all went to church,” Gbenga said. “My wife suggested that since it was Christmas Day, we take everyone out, so we went to Abraham Adesanya supermarket, then to Domino’s Pizza.

“After that, we drove to Ajah and made a U-turn to return to Abraham Adesanya. We saw police officers stopping some vehicles as we made the U-turn. As we approached them, they said we should stop, and we heard a loud noise on my wife’s side window in the process. I noticed blood gushing out of her chest all of a sudden.

“

The Raheems were also driving when ASP Vandi flagged them down. They were not drunk with alcohol but with the infectious spirit of Yuletide. In fact, reports had it they had returned from service and gone to a pizza joint to be savoured at home. It never got to be. Bolanle got fed a bullet instead by ASP Vandi

“I immediately ran out; my sister-in-law, who was also with us, ran out and grabbed the cop; he cocked his gun at her as well. Talking to him was pointless, so I went to see what I could do; I saw my wife gasping for air, and by then, my sister-in-law had brought the cop into the car and pushed him into the front seat.

“We drove to a hospital, but they said they couldn’t handle it; we eventually took her to Grandville Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The

cops took her body and loaded it into the truck; they wanted me to follow them, but I told them I needed to go settle my children.”

Continuing, Vanguard observed that Police Spokesman SP Benjamin Hundeyin’s statement about interrogating the officers at the checkpoint wasn’t new. It is an old story, something that Nigerians are used to hearing all the time after such indiscriminate shootings.

“The police statement is not new,” Vanguard commented. “There is nothing reassuring to Nigerians about it. It is the usual ‘sound bites’ Nigerians have become accustomed to hearing from the Nigeria Police authorities almost from time immemorial. “I will kill you and nothing will happen” is the catchphrase for every killer cop in Nigeria. They brag about it, and nothing really happens each time they kill an innocent Nigerian. After all, a resident of Happy Land Estate in Ajah, Gafaru Buraimoh, was similarly shot dead by a policeman on December 6, 2022.

“Bolanle Raheem’s murder is not an isolated case. The cold-blooded murder of innocent Nigerians by trigger-happy policemen is like a recurring decimal. It is a continuation of the trajectory that has been imposed on Nigeria by deep-seated corruption of which politicians who are now expressing surprises and sending condolence messages to the family of the slain lawyer have been part and parcel. ''

Referencing the October 2020 ENDSARS protest, the newspaper went on: “Police brutality, especially against young people, was the subject of the 2020 EndSARS protest – the biggest uprising ever by young people against established authority in the history of Nigeria.

"Yet, the issues raised by the youths and other well-meaning Nigerians against police highhandedness were glossed over. In the end, only cosmetic changes were made, such as renaming of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, to Special Weapons and Tactics Team, SWAT. Mrs. Bolanle Raheem’s cold-blooded murder on Christmas Day again brings to the front burner the need for the much-talked about state police. If President Muhammadu Buhari could confess that Nigeria was too large for him to rule, surely, the country is too large to be effectively policed from Abuja.

“As Nigerians go to the polls next year on February 25, 2023, to elect the next president and other leaders of the country, the sore issue of police brutality and needless murder of innocent Nigerians with guns bought by taxpayers’ money must be top on the minds of the electorate. Without security of lives and property, which largely depends on effective and responsible policing, no meaningful socioeconomic and political activity in any country can succeed.

“Nigerians must, therefore, seize the opportunities offered by the next election to elect only leaders whom they can trust to bring the required reforms in the Nigeria Police; leaders that have the capacity to stamp out corruption which is the root of the problem in the Nigeria Police.”

Raheem

SportsLive

Ensuring Better Life After Career For Nigerian Sportsmen And Women

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Sports can be a lucrative profession, with many professional athletes earning significant sums of money. It is even more so today, especially in sports such as football, where a player like Cristiano Ronaldo will be earning as much as $200m a year in the Saudi Arabia top division as elite stars in basketball, golf, tennis, American Football and hockey for instance. Having such money has had a significant impact on the lives of sports stars in a number of ways.

For one, it has allowed them to earn a living doing something they love, which is a rare and privileged position to be in. It has also given them the opportunity to travel the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures. Additionally, money has enabled sports stars to live a comfortable lifestyle and provided them with financial security. It has allowed them to purchase homes, cars, and other luxuries that they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

However, the excesses of these monies today were not always there, even if some athletes were very well compensated. Indeed, although they got enough to take care of themselves and more than that over, not all of these athletes are able to effectively plan for their future or handle their wealth, leading to financial struggles after they retire. This is especially true for sportsmen and women in Nigeria, who often face neglect and lack of support after their sports careers have ended. This can result in health issues, joblessness, and even premature death. The latter brings to mind the example of Rashidi Yekini, one of the most prolific and patriotic footballers ever to don the Green-White-Green of the Super Eagles who sadly passed on to glory in May 2012, aged just 48. After years of meritorious service to Nigerian football, the mercurial striker called it quits and hung his boots in 2005. But he suffered from depression brought about by a number of factors that included losing his life savings in a failed investment - apparently he had given his money in cash to a confidant who was then killed by armed robbers that made away with all the money.

Unfortunately, Yekini died unceremoniously in 2012 after having suffered ill-health for some time without the succour of welfare assistance or help from a country to which he gave everything. He is scarcely the only case. Former footballers in Nigeria, including Peter Fregene and George Omokaro, have faced health issues and financial struggles in their later years. Fregene's case was recently in the news as it was in 2019, without remedy. A former international goalkeeper, Fregene has been bedridden for nearly 20 years due to a stroke and is currently consigned to a wheelchair. He is now reliant on his wife for basic care and is unable to move or change positions on his own.

Yet, Fregene was once a successful player, representing Nigeria at the 1968 Olympic Games and playing for the national team between 1968 and 1971. He also won the FA Cup with the ECN and Stationery Stores and later became a coach. Succour came his way in 2009, when he underwent an operation at Reddington Hospital in Lagos with the sponsorship of the then Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, but has not been able to walk since.

Then, there is the case of Omokaro, a former midfielder, who had been bedridden for almost a decade due to complications from arthritis. More recently, the attention of the sports community was again drawn to the deteriorating health condition of the youngest member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON winning Green Eagles, Henry Nwosu, who was suffering from a stroke and desperately needed medical attention. The eccentric midfielder, who dedicated his playing days to championing Nigeria's football reckoning on the continent with 11

A former international goalkeeper, Fregene, has been bedridden for nearly 20 years due to a stroke and is currently consigned to a wheelchair. He is now reliant on his wife for basic care and is unable to move or change positions on his own. Yet, Fregene was once a successful player, representing Nigeria at the 1968 Olympic Games and playing for the national team between 1968 and 1971

years representing Nigeria's senior national team, also competed for the Green Eagles at the AFCON in 1982, 1984, and 1988. In 1991, he retired from representing Nigeria internationally and started coaching. His worsening condition was occasioned by slurred speech and permanent confinement to his bed.

These athletes have struggled to get the medical attention they need due to a lack of financial resources and have been at the mercy of philanthropic Nigerians and charitable organisations. Other former sportsmen, such as Emmanuel Okala and Christian Chukwu, have had to become gainfully employed to secure post-retirement

Fregene

independence and provide for themselves. Okala has worked as a coach and commentator, while Chukwu has worked as a coach and television analyst. However, the opportunities for coaching jobs may be limited, especially at the highest levels of competition, making it difficult for all former athletes to secure employment in this field.

A retired footballer himself, Segun Odegbami has spoken out about the challenges faced by retired sportsmen in Nigeria. Odegbami explained that there

Christian Chukwu flanked by Femi Otedola, Amaju Pinnick and Chukwu's wife

Ensuring Better Life After Career For Nigerian Sportsmen And Women

is little provision in the system to accommodate them after their careers have ended, which can lead to neglect, sickness, joblessness, depression, and premature death. Many retired sportsmen also face physical challenges, with muscle deterioration and various health issues being common. Odegbami has repeatedly called for the appointment of a Minister of Sports who is knowledgeable of these issues and capable in order to address some of these challenges faced by retired sportsmen in Nigeria.

In 2019, the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, announced plans to create a welfare foundation for former international players to provide financial support in the event of unexpected health challenges. It was a reactionary move that was evoked by the deteriorating condition of Christian Chukwu. Pinnick promised that the federation would provide a salary of N500,000 per month to Chukwu, who used to be a former Green Eagles captain, while he receives medical treatment in the UK. At the time, it was believed that these measures were going to help ensure that former players were not left in financial hardship due to unexpected health issues. What the case of Fregene immediately points to is that not much has been made in that direction.

In addition to a lack of support from the government, former athletes in Nigeria may also face a lack of support from their families and communities. This can be particularly challenging for athletes who are used to earning high salaries and living a lavish lifestyle. Without proper support, they may struggle to adapt to life after sports and may feel isolated and disconnected from society. In seeking to address these, the Harrison Jalla-led Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has engaged in a relentless drive for the PFAN to get proper representations in NFF. It desires to get a Collective Bargaining agreement in place to run its welfare programmes for current and retired footballers as an independent organisation but the response from the Federation has not been welcoming of PFAN. It is hoped that this is a situation that the new leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will address quickly.

This way of addressing the neglect of former sports men and women in Nigeria is the most direct. The government has a role and responsibility to provide more support for them after their careers have

Nwosu

ended. This could include a Welfare Policy of financial assistance for medical treatment, education and training opportunities, and access to employment. In addition, the government could work with sports organisations and private companies to create more opportunities for post-retirement employment for former athletes.

Remembering Our Retired Senior Citizens Who Are Owed Gratuities, Pensions By Governments

of politicking and campaigns for the upcoming general elections. That is why I am using my column this week to call on governors and those in charge of government parastatals charged with the responsibility of paying retirees what they are worth to demonstrate greater sensitivity to the predicament of the pensioners and workers, especially with an economy that is witnessing galloping inflation which has made life miserable for these past and present staffers. It is disheartening and unacceptable that state governments are treating workers and the welfare of the pensioners in their respective states with levity. Before the commencement of this election season, some of these governors owing gratuities and pensions doled out N100m (and other similarly large sums) to purchase party presidential nomination forms.

The Federal Government, which has been forthright in paying government support funds to states, is set to do so again. In December it was reported that the government will soon begin the process of verifying how states have used funds provided through the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme (a $750 million support operation programme from the World Bank) designed to provide grants and access to livelihood support and food security services for poor and vulnerable households and businesses. An Independent Verification Agent (IVA) has been hired to oversee the program and ensure that the funds are being used appropriately. The purpose of the verification is to reduce poverty in the country and help the government achieve its goal

of lifting 100 million people out of poverty. The Federal Government also cleared the arrears of 13% derivation fund owed since 1999 to all the Niger Delta states. Yet, these states (Cross River, Edo, Delta, Abia, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo) cannot absolve themselves from this practice of owing current and retired staff.

This is why the FG must collaborate with the organised labour unions and the NSCC to put pressure on the defaulting state governments and executives of agencies to pay retirees their entitlements.

This is also again a clarion call for states to develop the capacity to generate income internally and not depend solely on revenue from the Federal Government to survive and take care of their responsibility.

It is only just that those who have laboured in their active years be rewarded accordingly. Attention must be given to this and quickly before current office holders take their leave. The swift running of the process of accrediting, documenting and processing their payments must be made a priority and the system of their payments must be institutionalised to the point where they will not be made to endure grave circumstances, long queues, repeated visits to government offices and other similar maltreatment, even in their advanced ages, just to get their paltry sums of money. If their pay can be reviewed upwards as stipulated, according to existing laws, that will be a judicious benefit to deserving Nigerians, whose service kept the country going in their time.

Another way to address the neglect of former sports men and women in Nigeria is for the community to come together and provide support for these individuals. This could include providing mentorship and guidance, as well as offering financial assistance and other forms of support. One example of this is the philanthropy of Femi Otedola, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who has provided financial assistance for the medical treatment of former Nigeria international and football coach Charles Bassey through his Femi Otedola Foundation. By working together and supporting one another, we can help former athletes to transition smoothly from their sports careers and continue to thrive after their time in the spotlight ends.

It will be remiss to leave out the most important step of all, which is for these sportsmen and women to take more responsibility for their own financial planning and career development. This could involve acquiring education and training in other fields, managing their finances responsibly, and seeking out opportunities for postretirement employment. By planning for the future and considering their options beyond their sports careers, athletes can ensure that they are able to transition smoothly from their sports careers and continue to thrive after their time in the spotlight ends.

Overall, it is clear that there is a need for Nigeria to change its unfortunate neglect of former sports men and women. By providing support and opportunities for these individuals after their careers have ended, we can ensure that they are able to live fulfilling and successful lives. It is our responsibility as a society to take care of those who have given so much to our communities and our country through their sports careers. We must come together and work towards providing the support and resources that these individuals need in order to thrive after their time in the spotlight ends. Only then can we hope to see a change in the current scenario and a better future for our former sports men and women. And, we can encourage a new generation of patriotism and excellence in sports.

Remembering Our Retired Senior Citizens Who Are Owed Gratuities, Pensions By Governments

In Nigeria, there is a widespread problem of pensioners not receiving their entitled retirement benefits. This has led to a number of protests across the country, as retired government employees demand to be paid the pensions and gratuities they are owed. In Delta State, for example, a group of aggrieved, famished pensioners congregated in front of Government House in Asaba, holding placards with slogans like "Wicked Okowa, pay us our pensions" and "Okowa, you owe the living and the dead." These senior citizens, who had worked for 35 years, were frustrated and sat on mats and the ground, blocking traffic to and from the seat of government. They vowed to stay there until the governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, addressed them personally. At different times last year and even this year, similar protests have taken place in other states, including Kano, Imo, Niger, Anambra, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Ogun. In Kano State in October 2022, hundreds of pensioners marched peacefully to the seat of government, protesting the nonpayment of their accumulated entitlements totaling N30.9bn. In Imo State, pensioners also took to the streets in protest, and in Ekiti State, some pensioners have even resorted to fasting and prayer in an attempt to get the government to pay their entitlements. The chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in Ekiti State, Mr. Joel Akinola, lamented that the state government has abandoned its retired employees, even though they invested their active years in civil service.

Nigeria's policy on aging is based on the country's constitution, which guarantees the rights of all citizens, including the provision of old age care, pensions, unemployment benefits, and welfare for the disabled. The policy also incorporates regional and international instruments such as the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing. Nigeria's pension scheme began in 1951, but a lack of funding and mismanagement led to an accumulation of debt and forcing the creation of a new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2004. However, the CPS, managed by the Pension Commission (Pencom), has also underperformed. Nigeria ranked low, at 64th, in the Allianz Global Pension Report 2020 due to the inadequacy of its pension system. The National Senior Citizens Centre Act was passed in 2017 and established the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) in 2018, which fully became operational on June 7, 2021.

The NSCC has a mandate to identify older persons for inclusion in sustainable development and improvement of their quality of living and wellbeing for self-fulfillment. Omini Oden, Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications of the agency, told me that though the mandate of the NSCC does not include pension management, it relates regularly with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and other pension governance platforms to advocate for prompt payment of pensions to retirees who worked both in the private and public sectors.

There have been regular debates about how the country provides generous pensions to former governors, their deputies, former presidents and their deputies while many retired civil servants wait endlessly for months for their entitlements.

Paying pensions and gratuities to entitled retirees should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The welfare of aged retirees should be seen as a human rights issue.

State governments often claim that they are unable to pay the pensions due to a lack of funds, but the pensioners argue that it is a problem of misplaced priorities and theft of public funds that is responsible for the nonpayment of pensions which continues to cause great hardship for these retired government employ-

maintenance allowance (N2.3 million), entertainment allowance (N778,296), a personal assistant (N1.9 million), domestic workers, and police and state security protection for life. Delta State offers a furnished duplex, medical treatment, two vehicles every two years, police and state security protection, annual vacation, and other benefits to its former governors. Kano State provides its former governors and deputy governors with 100% of the incumbent's basic salary, a six-bedroom house, and free medical treatment for them and their families.

Approximately 22 states, including Oyo, Jigawa, Zamfara, Edo, Kwara, Yobe, Sokoto, Osun, and Rivers, offer similar pension provisions for former governors and their deputies. At the federal level, about N13.8 billion was proposed for the payment of pensions to former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, and other officials in the 2023 budget. These life pensions for former political officials are typically paid without issue, while pensioners who worked in the civil service for 35 years may not receive their retirement entitlements until they pass away. This ought not to be so!

Economic factors have put extra strain on this issue. For instance, the non-remittance of receipts from crude oil sales by NNPC to the federation account and the inability of most of the states to earn enough revenue internally have no doubt compounded cash flow issues for the states. For instance, Abia State owes 20 years of gratuities and 38 months of pension arrears while Ogun State owes about nine years of gratuities and pension deductions spanning over 21 months. Others owing huge amounts of gratuities include Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Anambra, Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, and Adamawa. Indeed, the issue of pension and gratuity is a huge problem for sitting governors as it predates their tenure in office and is seen as inherited responsibility. The Godwin Obaseki-led current Edo State Government which inherited unpaid pensions and gratuities from his irresponsible predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is one of the states in this category but has through ingenuity managed to handle its pension problems and is up to date with the payments.

ees, many of whom are elderly and in need of money for necessities such as food and medication. Some have even lost their lives or become sick and bedridden due to the financial stress caused by the nonpayment of their pensions.

As at August last year, 22 out of 36 states in the country had backlogs of unpaid pensions, and retired civil servants in several states have resorted to protesting the payment of their pensions and gratuities as their predecessors have done for years.

At the same time, as retired civil servants regularly struggle to receive their pension benefits, some states have outrageous laws that provide for generous life pensions for governors and deputy governors who have only served for a few years. For example, the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension) Law No. 11 in Lagos State provides a governor with 100% of the basic salary of the serving governor (about N7.7 million per year) for life, free healthcare for the governor and their family, six new cars every three years, furniture allowance (N23.3 million), house maintenance allowance (N778,296), utility allowance (N1.5 million), car

However, some governors have neither been sensitive to the plights of their retirees nor appreciative of their peculiar financial state because they do not take any of that into consideration when they enjoy an extravagant lifestyle beyond the allowance of their states’ economy particularly in a democratic government.

What has been said of states and their inability to live up to their responsibilities to past and present staffers can be directly applied to a host of other government agencies and departments, some of which no longer exist. In 2018, the federal government released N22.68 billion (about $62 million) to settle retirement benefits for former employees of Nigeria Airways, a national carrier that ceased operations in 2003. The government promised to address the remaining 50% of the owed benefits, approximately N45.3 billion, within six months, subject to the availability of government revenue. A committee comprising officials from various government agencies and the ex-workers' union was established to oversee the payment process.

With most attention turned to elections at the moment, the plight of these Nigerians has been lost in the noise

Paying pensions and gratuities to entitled retirees should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The welfare of aged retirees should be seen as a human rights issue