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FAAN, CBN Relocation Unsettles Northern Leaders

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Onah Nwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

hen our confirmed cover personality for this week suddenly backed out at the last minute, we were left high and dry. I called an emergency meeting, and we decided to do something on education, seeing as it was International Day of Education on the 24th. Interestingly, last year, we had Ekua Abudu on the cover to mark the day, and we discussed our educational system in Nigeria in detail. This year, however, we are taking the route of accessibility of education for everyone, whether the children have a disability or are children with special needs. We have to be educated about this so we don’t treat them differently from other children. Also, the government needs to pay more attention to public schools where children are cramped in one classroom with hardly enough seats. The learning conditions are pretty poor in public schools. Luckily, some good Samaritans have taken it upon themselves to provide free education for children in poor neighbourhoods. We profile some of them. Read the cover story on pages 8 to 10.

VOL 4 NO. 04 • JANUARY 28, 2024

This week, we are introducing a new column by our online editor, Ntianu Obiora. It makes for quite an interesting read. You’ll find that on page 12. Our beauty page highlights non-surgical options for youthful skin. You will find treatments like ultherapy, laser skin resurfacing, and much more. I’ll let you read about them on page 13. Page 14, our wellness page, discusses the importance of sleep while shedding some light on how to get quality sleep. This should come in handy if you are struggling with insomnia. As usual, click on the instructions underneath the QR code on page 16 to access the playlist. Until next week, enjoy your read.

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COVER

FAAN,CBNRelocationUnsettlesNorthernLeaders

BY AMOS ESELE

ust when the presidency took the wind out of the sails of the opposition from the North to the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, through a reassuring statement that the capital remains in Abuja, another development surfaced to ensure that the issue remains on the front burner. According to the Katsina Elders Forum, last Thursday, contractors renovating the Yar'Adua International Airport were ordered to stop work and move their equipment to Enugu, Lagos or Calabar, all in the South. Secretary of the Forum, Aliyu Mohammed, in a statement, said there was an indication that the Federal Government planned to move important projects from the Katsina airport to Lagos. According to him, a letter written by a contractor had suggested to the Minister of Aviation that an ongoing hangar project at the airport should be moved to places, such as Enugu, Calabar or Lagos in the South.” Mohammed said that when he enquired, the reasons given were rather clumsy. “They mentioned things like unskilled labour, the distance between Lagos and Katsina and lack of water,” he said, adding that when the contract for the project was awarded by the Muhammadu Buhari Administration in 2022, the same contractor mobilised to site and started working in earnest. PAGE 6

This sudden change of things, Mohammed noted, alongside the movements of CBN offices, would affect the North economically in terms of employment, access to financial services and transport facilities.

to the relocation of the FAAN and CBN offices. They chose to express their displeasure with the Federal Government’s decision, using politically loaded words, even as the agencies had given administrative and cost-reducing reasons for the action.

Contacted for clarification, FAAN Director of Public Relations, Obiageli Orah asked to be sent a text message for her reaction, but she never sent a reply.

The CBN, in a January 12 circular issued by the director of its human resources department, had stated, “The action plan focuses on optimising the utilisation of other banks’ premises. With this plan, 1,533 staff will be moved to other CBN facilities within Abuja, Lagos and understaffed branches.”

“Whatever the intention of the government on the Yar’Adua International Airport, I do not think it is proper,” Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai, who said he was aware of the development, told THEWILL on Friday. He, however, supported the relocation of CBN offices and FAAN to Lagos. “If the Federal Government so decides for the reasons it has given. But the Katsina thing is questionable. When Nigerians, wherever they are, feel that the decision of the government is wrong, they are entitled to express their grievances. It is their constitutional right. Government is made to serve human beings and therefore, it can be wrong. After all, they put that contract in the budget,”Yakassai said. STILL POLITICS The Katsina airport angle somewhat resonates with the reactions of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Northern Senators Forum and the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume

“Our current occupancy level of 4,233 significantly exceeds the optimal capacity of 2,700 designed for the Head Office building. This overcrowding poses several critical challenges.” For FAAN, whose offices were only just relocated by immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the movement to Lagos, the hub of aviation business, is an “administrative decision to align FAAN with the industry it regulates,” even as it still maintains offices in Abuja. For the ACF, the reasons adduced for the relocation policy are being “used to obfuscate sinister motives.” The NSF, among others, called on the “aggrieved northerners to exercise patience with the inconveniences they might have faced due to the relocation of the agencies to Lagos.” Senator Ndume said that “political cartels,” within

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...Relocation Unsettles Northern Leaders government and “Lagos boys who are thinking that Lagos is Nigeria” were misinforming and advising President Bola Tinubu wrongly. Also, Professor of Political Economy at the Lagos State University, Odion Akhaine, told THEWILL that the reactions represent particular viewpoints about Nigeria. He said, “To kick against the Federal Government’s action is an expression of the centrist view of the Nigerian state. Nigeria is a federation, not a unitary state. But beyond that, bureaucratic convenience requires you to locate administrative offices where the objects of administration are situated.” According to him, the reactions show the ongoing struggle for power in the Nigeria political space, though he thinks it is misplaced, adding that there has to be an equilibrium to foster peace and progress. UNDERLYING FEAR THEWILL investigation confirmed Prof Akhaine’s view. Some key appointments by President Tinubu have not gone down well with many stakeholders in the North. The first is the appointment of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the first of its kind since the movement of the capital territory from Lagos to Abuja on December 13, 1991 during the military regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd.). “That appointment was a sign of things to come from the Tinubu presidency. It kept critical stakeholders up North on the edge. Afterwards, an upsurge in insecurity, which we thought had a political dimension to it, followed. But as it turns out, the increased violence may have unintended consequences as some major embassies may also think of relocating if the situation here gets out of hand,” an anonymous government source told THEWILL. The source explained that, so far, there is nothing to show that President Tinubu is sectional in his approach to governance, but the Lagos image in the mind of his political enemies will not go away. “It is a mindset,” the official said. Delving into history, the official recalled a similar situation in 2001 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo when former Defence Minister, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), had to announce the relocation of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, from Abuja to Lagos in accordance with the agency’s core mandate. The government has initiated a ports reform programme to reduce inefficiency at the ports. The vacated Ship House of the NPA in Abuja was converted by the Nigeria Army to house its offices. Moreover, there is also palpable fear among the political elite that Tinubu may embark on a political restructuring programme “unannounced,” according to sources and Lagos may be the fulcrum of that agenda. In this light, the agitation for Lagos to be accorded a “special status,” has come into the calculations for many who think and fear that the President may spring a surprise on this. That agitation has gathered strength for quite some time now, but the THEWILLNIGERIA

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Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took it a notch higher last October. Sanwo-Olu made this known while presenting the 2023 Budget Estimate for the state to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Ikeja. According to the governor, Lagos experienced increased pressure on social services due to the unhindered migration of people from other parts of the country. “It is for this reason that I always sought and I will still continue to reiterate the need for Lagos to be accorded a special status as a national asset.” Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was too big for the country to “allow it to fail”. He went on, “Lagos is too strategic for us not to see that its wholesomeness is the wholesomeness of this country, that the benefits of Lagos transcend one region, one part or one scope of this country. “As a microcosm of the entire country, Lagos deserves all the support that it can get at the national level.” Finally, there is this thing about Tinubu and his Lagos crowd, dominating South-West politics and then transferring their turf to Nigeria. It is not just northern, it is even pronounced in the South-West. An Editor of the Tribune Newspaper puts it succinctly in a recent article on the recent appointment of Judges into the Supreme Court recently titled, Powerful Lagos and Powerless Osun. In the lengthy article, the writer, Lasisi Olagunju, questioned why Lagos State should have two justices at the apex court when there are 22 seats meant for 37 states of the federation, arguing that it must be for a reason for “investing its men in the court.” After arguing how Osun State, which by merit and seniority ought to get a slot for the South-West, he wrote, rather poignantly: “The wisdom of Lagos here means craftiness and determination. It gets

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To kick against the Federal Government’s action is an expression of the centrist view of the Nigerian state. Nigeria is a federation, not a unitary state. But beyond that, bureaucratic convenience requires you to locate administrative offices where the objects of administration are situated

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anything it wants because it is Lagos. If you do not have money, everything you have amounts to nothing, including your wisdom. Lagos is rich both in means and guile and that combination is lethal.” OTHER REACTIONS Apart from the presidency, which stated that opposition to the relocation of FAAN and CBN has no political undertone and urged those championing the conspiracy theory of a calculated means to relocate the federal capital territory from Abuja to Lagos to bury the thought, a former Governor of the bank, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi II, a former Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu and a former Director, Mohammed Yakasai, have supported the relocation. They condemned attempts to ‘politicise’, the move and agreed that the massive, aluminium façade of the 23-storey office of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Custom Street in the Lagos Central Business District was built in 2013 for the sole purpose of accommodation. The FAAN and CBN move is an “eminently sensible move,” said Sanusi II, who supervised the building of the Lagos edifice during his tenure as governor of the bank, adding that “moving staff to Lagos office to streamline operations to make them more efficient and reduce cost is a normal prerogative of management.” Those opposed to it were playing “dirty politics,” he added. WAY FORWARD Professor Akhaine maintained that apart from the reason of convenience and cost-cutting measures adduced for the relocation of the agencies, the Federal Government should take a bold step to revisit the Oronsaye Report for the reorganisation of the federal bureaucracy, which will lay to rest the kind of opposition that has trailed the FAAN, CBN relocation exercise. “Otherwise in this logic, you are going to have to call for the relocation of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL to Port Harcourt or Warri and Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, FACC to Lagos.” Although he supported the move, Sanusi II has a word or two of advice for the Central Bank authorities. He urged the bank to do proper communication of its intention so as not to open the “door to mischievous representation and arbitrariness.” Empathy, not coldness, shows shine through policy implementation, he said. Individual circumstances should be considered when moving staff. A mother raising school age children or those with medical conditions should be allowed to remain in Abuja. Another point he made is the issue of credibility. For him, the CBN “needs to focus on exchange rate and inflation,” to earn its credibility” among Nigerians or else it would become a target and any other thing it does would become an issue of public importance. Yakasai emphasised the need for the government or its agencies to be clear and communicative of their policies at all times. “The problem is that if policies are unpopular, the next government will change them. So, it is necessary to avoid a crisis.” PAGE 7

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NEWS

L-R: Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Segun Mimiko; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal; (Host), Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; wife of the former Governor Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; former Oyo state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja and another former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Dr Hamid Gbadamosi, during the inauguration of 8.2km Agodi Gate/Old Ife Road/Alakia Adegbayi Road in Ibadan on January 25, 2024.

Gunmen Abduct A’ Ibom Police Command Benue State University Lagos PDP Chairman Arrests 79 Suspects For Graduates Best Globally – VC Various Offences

BY FELIX IFIJEH

he Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State Chapter, Philip Aivoji, has been abducted by unknown gunmen. Aivoji was abducted on Thursday evening around the Ogere area of Ogun State, on his way from a stakeholders convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke tateof Oyo and Osun States, respectively, in Oyo State. Spokesperson of the Lagos PDP, Hakeem Amode, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday. He called on security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure the release of Aivoji. “It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning. “The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace. “Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown. "We implored the governments of Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers. “We firmly believe that, with increased efforts PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to notify the general public that I, TONY NWABUZOR, now wish to be addressed as ANTHONY CHINEDU NWABUZOR. All former documents remain valid.

from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.” the statement said.

FROM GEORGE MARTINS, MAKURDI

FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO

he Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, has said that the command arrested a total of 79 suspects in the state for various offences within the month of January 2024. The police boss stated this at a news conference held at Police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Friday. He said the operatives of the Command arrested the suspects for various crimes ranging from murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism. According to him, the greatest achievement in January is the arrest of 10 kidnappers, who were planning to unleash mayhem on the state. Durosinmi said the police recovered four AK 47 rifles during the operations. "As we strive daily to keep the state safe, criminal elements too have continued to try to penetrate their nefarious acts. "This January alone, 79 criminal elements have been arrested for various crimes. "The greatest achievement within the last one month is the arrest of 10 confessed kidnappers, who were planning to unleash mayhem on the state and recovery of four AK Riffles. "On Jan. 16, 2024 about 3:45pm, police operatives from Ibiono Ibom Division, relying on credible intelligence stormed Ibiaku Ikot Oku community forest, where over 15 heavily armed suspects were camping and engaged them in a gun duel. "Some of the suspects absconded with bullet wounds while four of them were arrested and one AK 47 riffle recovered. "A swift follow-up operation by the Anti-Robbery unit of the command led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of three more AK 47 riffles," Durosinmi said. The commissioner of police said that the suspects came from neighbouring states to cause havoc in Akwa Ibom. He said the suspects confessed that they were planning and monitoring to kidnap an expatriate involved in construction work along Calabar-Itu Expressway. The commissioner added that the suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigations are concluded.

he Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi, Professor Joseph Tor Iorpuu, has applauded the quality of graduates of the institution who, according to him, are doing well in their chosen careers across the globe. Professor Iorapuu, who gave the applause at the grand finale of the one-week celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the university held at the College of Medical Sciences auditorium on Friday, noted that no fewer than 15 products of the university are currently in the Benue State House of Assembly. "In the United Kingdom, three students of Benue State University came to greet me in the church. They are found in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory and are doing well in their various trades," he said. The Vice-Chancellor expressed the optimism that in the next 30 years, the university will overcome the challenges of power supply as seen in the quality which graduates of the institution have displayed beside the auditorium hall. The VC, therefore, called on all not to be disillusioned because knowledge is power and thanked all for their time to attend the occasion. In her remarks, a former Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Charity Angya, who was the chairperson at the ceremony, said the celebration of 30 years of the university has allowed its management to take stock of its past and present and chart a way forward for greater height. "We are celebrating Benue State University's 30 years of impact, productivity and excellence. All hands must be on deck to sustain the achievements posted so far," Angya said. Activities for the celebration included a students’ carnival/ rag day event, an Igede cultural performance and old school music carnival by the Idoma cultural group, while the Tiv students took the stage with a display of cultural attires. Also on the schedule for the 4th day was the students’ enterprises competition at the COHS exhibition stand mounted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship students, Centre for Food and Technology Research, Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Information and Public Relations Unit and Mass Communication beauty pageant, among others.

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NEWS

L-R: Technical Director, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative(EITI), Alex Gordy; Register-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Ishaq Magaji; EITI Executive Secretary, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji and Regional Director, of EITI, Gilbert Makore, during the visit of EITI’s delegation to CAC in Abuja on January 25, 2024.

Bayelsa Wades Into Dispute Fubara Swears in Re-nominated Commissioners Between Otuegwe II, Okarki Communities G BY FELIX IFIJEH

FROM DAVID OWEI, YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State Government has waded into a lingering boundary dispute involving Otuegwe II Community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state and neighbouring Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The government on Friday called on both communities to avoid provocative actions that might lead to a breakdown of law and order, advising them to maintain the status quo ante concerning the dispute. Speaking at a meeting with the paramount ruler, CDC chairman, chiefs and other stakeholders of Otuegwe II Community in Government House, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, assured that the state government would take steps to resolve the disagreement amicably. Ewhrudjakpo, who stressed the need for the two neighbours to be at peace with each other, said the government would do its best to prevent the escalation of the issue into a major intercommunal crisis. He promised that the governments of Bayelsa and Rivers States would jointly look at the protracted land dispute to proffer a lasting solution to it. According to him, the National Boundaries Commission (NBC), would be brought into the matter as a last resort for the resolution of the dispute, if the efforts of the two states fail to resolve it. He called on the Commissioners of Police of both states and the divisional police officers (DPOs), of Akinima in Ahoada West LGA and Kolo in Ogbia LGA to call their people to order in order to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order in the area. "The Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs raised the alarm over the land dispute between Otuegwe II and their Okarki neighbours in Rivers State. "The state boundary committee handles all inter-community boundary disputes within the state, but this case involves two communities from different states, one in Bayelsa and the other in Rivers State. "So, we will do our best to resolve the matter, working with the boundary committee in Rivers State. I will contact my Rivers counterpart to resolve it and by God's grace, it will be resolved peacefully. "It is only when our efforts fail, that the national boundary commission would come in because it is the responsibility of the Commission to handle boundary disputes involving two states," he said. THEWILLNIGERIA

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overnor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has sworn in nine re-nominated commissioners in the state. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted on Friday at the State Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt. The commissioners had resigned their appointment in December amid the political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. THEWILL reports that the reinstatement of the former commissioners is part of resolutions reached in Abuja at a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu. The commissioners, including Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN); Commissioner for Works, Dr. Des George-Kelly; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke; Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Aguma; Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom; Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Gift Worlu; Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Jacobson Nbina; and Commissioner for Environment, Austin Ben-Chioma, took the oaths of office together.

N’Delta Entrepreneur Commends Oborevwori Over Pinawou’s Appointment FROM DAVID OWEI, YENAGOA

leading Niger Delta entertainment businessman, Prince Peres Ogbogbo, has commended the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for appointing Hon. Kalanama Pinawou as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. According to Ogbogbo, the choice of Pinawou will add more value and experience to the MORE agenda of Oborevwori for the entire Delta State. In the congratulatory message to Governor Oborevwori, Ogbogbo, who is also a former governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Bayelsa State, described Pinawou as a "valuable asset" to the present administration in the state and one of many others needed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. Hon. Pinawou served as the Special Adviser to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the Directorate of Local Government Affairs. He was a member of the transition committee set up by Governor Oborevwori before his inauguration on May 29, 2023. Ogbogbo, in a statement made available to journalists in Yenagoa, stated: "We are not surprised by this appointment. The tact, discipline, dedication, and loyalty with which Hon. Kalanama Pinawou worked during the last administration and his commitment to the spread of democracy at the grassroots left no one in doubt of his ability to fulfil his new mandate under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori." He also congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his victory at the Supreme Court, which upheld his election and urged opposition candidates to accept the court's judgement and work for the development of Delta State. Ogbogbo, who is also a politician, urged Governor Oborevwori to extend the hand of friendship to the opposition leaders to enable the speedy and pragmatic development of the state.

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POLITICS

Supreme Court: Fubara’s Victory And Challenges Ahead BY AYO ESAN

ast Thursday, was a joyful day for the embattled Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, as his position was ratified by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dismissed as lacking in merit an appeal the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Mr Tonye Cole, filed to challenge the outcome of the governorship election that held in the state on March 18, 2023. Fubara recently had a problem with his political godfather and predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike, which nearly paralysed the activities of the state until the situation was halted by President Bola Tinubu who waded in and resolved the crisis. It was with apprehension, therefore, that the people of Rivers awaited the Thursday ruling of the apex court. THEWILL also recalls that the APC had pulled out from the case against Governor Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), while it was being heard by the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. Despite the position of the party not to challenge the declaration of Fubara as winner of the governorship election, Cole vowed to prosecute his petition to its logical conclusion. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared that Fubara of the PDP polled a total of 302,614 votes to defeat his closest rival, Cole of the APC who got a total of 95,274 votes. However, Cole, having felt dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll as announced by the INEC, approached the tribunal to challenge it. He, among other things, alleged that the governorship poll was marred by corrupt practices, insisting that it was not conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. He further alleged that Fubara did not validly resign his previous position, as required by law, before the election was held. He said that Fubara continued to sign documents as the Accountant-General of Rivers State, even after he was nominated as the candidate of the PDP for the governorship election. Consequently, he urged the tribunal to nullify the Certificate of Return that was issued to Fubara and declare

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He said that Fubara continued to sign documents as the Accountant-General of Rivers State, even after he was nominated as the candidate of the PDP for the governorship election

that he was not the bonafide winner of the election. Cole further prayed the tribunal to declare that he was the authentic winner of the gubernatorial contest. However, both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal dismissed the case for lack of merit. Although the appellate court, in the verdict it delivered on November 28, 2023, affirmed the unanimous judgement of the tribunal that dismissed Cole’s case, it, however, faulted the lower court over its position that the petition was invalidated by the withdrawal of the APC, which has

the statutory responsibility of nominating and sponsoring a candidate for the election. The appellate court held that the fact that APC withdrew from the petition against Fubara’s victory did not prohibit its candidate, Cole, from pursuing the appeal in his own right. The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a separate appeal that was entered against Fubara by the candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, (APM), in the election, Innocent Kere. The appeal was dismissed after the appellants, through

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POLITICS

...Fubara’s Victory And Challenges Ahead

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their lawyer, applied to withdraw the case. Reacting to the victory, Governor Fubara said his victory at the Supreme Court had laid to rest the legal battles that added to the distractions his administration grappled with in the last eight months.

The Rivers elders are very grateful to God for touching the mind of the Supreme Court to do what is right. They have saved Rivers State and they have saved Nigeria

He, however, declared his resolve to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected, saying he would not allow anything to distract governance of the state. He has avowed commitment to undistracted governance. The civil servants, as well as other Rivers people immediately declared celebration parties over Fubara's victory. The governor, who spoke immediately after the delivering of the government by the Supreme Court in Abuja, expressed his resolution to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected and will not allow anything to distract governance. He said “About an hour ago, the Supreme Court revalidated our mandate in the election. It is a victory for the entire State. It is important for us to note that we need this victory to consolidate the purpose of governance. Prior, we have had a few distractions here and there.

Fubara signed at a reconciliatory meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja in December. “The Rivers elders are very grateful to God for touching the mind of the Supreme Court to do what is right. They have saved Rivers State and they have saved Nigeria.

“And the good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.”

Meanwhile a group, Rivers Peace Initiative, has advised that the Fubara’s victory does not warrant unhealthy celebration “knowing that this is simply a resolution of a difference between brothers, so as not to fuel the feeling of loss that may result in violence”.

Governor Fubara expressed his gratitude to God for His help and to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role concerning the internal crisis and the litigation against his election.

The convener of the group, Obinna Ebogidi, who was reacting to the Supreme Court judgment stressed “In light of this, we call on our politicians to refrain from using inflammatory, derogatory and vexing words to avoid heating up the political and socio-economic landscape of our state. We must realize that everything in life has got its time and season.

The governor also thanked Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whom he described as his “Oga”, for all his support. He however, called on everyone to join hands with his administration to build a competitive state that will be reckoned with as truly prosperous in all ramifications.

“If the dispensation is not favourable to you today, it is not the end of life. The next election cycle may be your season. So, let’s desist from the attitude of tearing down the system simply because it does not appear to favour us. We need to be more accommodating and less confrontational to dissenting views, as they will always be there, no matter what.”

“We have a dream of making Rivers a highly competitive state that will measure, if not up to Lagos, but close to becoming like Lagos. We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace. “So I am calling on everyone, not just on our internal issue, but those members from other parties. The issue is settled, come and let us build the Rivers State of our dream. We will continue to protect and provide the basic needs of governance to everyone who is doing business and who lives in Rivers State.”

He said politicians should stop forthwith, the obnoxious attacks and disparaging remarks on the office of the Governor of Rivers State. He equally advised elders in the state “not to take sides nor make statements capable of aggravating the situation on ground as we have seen in recent past. Elders are not judges to decide who is wrong, but peace-makers and speak wisdom to authority. This is your role especially now that the Supreme Court has given its verdict”.

He said: “We shall address our state very soon on the victory, but for now, let everybody be happy that one elephant is out of the road, the other one, by God’s help, will be resolved amicably and the family will be one.” Many individuals and groups have since felicitated Fubara on his victory at the court. One of the groups, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated him on his affirmation by the Supreme Court as the duly elected Governor of the State during the March 18 governorship poll. The NUJ, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo, described the Supreme Court’s declaration as a confirmation of the people’s trust and mandate freely given to the governor. The statement appealed to Governor Fubara to be magnanimous in victory and also see his victory at the Apex court as a birthday gift to him and the good people of Rivers State. The NUJ urged the governor not to be distracted by political opponents but to focus on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State. The Union also advised the opponents to accept the Supreme Court’s judgement in good faith and join hands with the government to move the state forward. “We urge the people of Rivers State, THEWILLNIGERIA

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especially the political class, to put all that happened during and after the elections in the state behind them and support the Siminalayi Fubara-led government to succeed and make Rivers State a better place for all”, the statement added. The Rivers State Elders Council, hailed the judgment of the Supreme Court that affirmed the victory of Governor Fubara in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. The leader of the Council, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the Supreme Court’s verdict had freed Fubara from the overbearing posture of his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike. THEWILL recalls that the Rivers elders sided with Fubara amid the political crisis between him and Wike. The group is opposed to the eight-point resolution, which

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He further appealed to the youths to shun the urge to foment trouble in the state. “We are also grateful because the right thing is done. We have nothing against Tonye Cole. He is our son. But as it stands today we don’t want Nyesom Wike to get third term. That is what Rivers people are fighting against.” Speaking with THEWILL on the Supreme Court judgement and its implication for Fubara and Rivers State, a public affairs commentator, Paul Eruwe, said, “The judgement is a good relief on Governor Fubara. Like he himself said, a distraction has been removed and he may only have to manage his godfather, Nyesom Wike. His removal from office would have spell doom for the state, but all is well that ended well. “Now is the time for Governor Fubara to face the task of governance, the state having been guaranteed his tenure by the Judiciary. Work must begin, less distractions, all actions . That is my advice to him”.

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JANUARY 28, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

POLITICS

Edo2024: LP Aspirants, Party Disagree Over N30m

PDP to Screen Aspirants on January 29 The National Working Committee, (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed January 29, 2024 for the screening of its Edo State governorship aspirants. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, also disclosed that a seven-man committee was approved to oversee the screening. The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and former Osun State Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, are in the team.

BY AYO ESAN

head of the September Governorship election in Edo State, one of the major parties in the election, the Labour Party, (LP) and its governorship aspirants are at loggerhead as they have rejected the N30m charged as fees for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

The statement read, “The National Working Committee of our great party, the PDP, has approved your nomination to serve on the Screening Committee. “The committee will screen all the gubernatorial aspirants for the upcoming governorship primary election in Edo State.

The party has scheduled its Primary Election for February 22, but while the aspirants reject the nomination fees, the party insists that any aspirant that cannot pay the amount stipulated may withdraw from the race.

“The screening exercise is scheduled to be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the NWC Hall, Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat, Abuja, FCT, by 9am prompt.

THEWILL recalls that one of the aspirants, UKbased financial analyst, Dr Egbe Omorodion, told journalists in Benin City that all governorship aspirants had rejected the bid and scheduled a meeting for Monday, to take a stand on the matter.

“Members of the committee are Caleb Mutfwang as the Chairman; Erelu Olusola Obada (Member); Aminu Shagari (Member); Afolabi Alimi (Member); and Hassan Saleh (Member).

On January 16, LP announced a N30 million fee for nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants vying for the governorship position in the September 21 election.

APC Dispels Speculation on Pruning of Aspirants

The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee announced this during its meeting in Abuja.

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) has given the nod to all those aspiring to contest the governorship election to go ahead and buy their expression of interest forms.

The NWC further said that the sale and submission of the forms would be between January 25 and February 11. It, however, exempted female aspirants from paying for the expression of interest form. The national leadership of the party also said it would adopt the indirect primary on February 22, to choose its party flagbearer for the governorship poll. The Labour Party (LP) has said that the N30 million it charged for both the expression of interest and nomination forms for the governorship election is the lowest in the country among the three major political parties. The party, therefore, said any person who cannot afford the fees should not be thinking of contesting in the election. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, who said this on Wednesday in Abuja, also said the guideline for the primaries recently released, as approved by its national leadership, is in line with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. “Comparatively, the fee charged by the LP is still the lowest among the three major political parties in the contest. Therefore, any person who cannot afford that fee does not have the capacity to run for the governorship election,” he said. Explaining the rationale for the amount fixed, Ifoh noted that political party funding is a major challenge and it must also be noted that the sale of forms is a major source through which a political party is funded. “A lot of issues that may arise as a result of primaries and election itself which has to do with litigation arising from primaries and election itself as well as other logistics issues makes it imperative for the parties to charge that much so that the party can adequately discharge its responsibilities to the party, to the aspirants and to the candidate. “There is also the cost of conducting the various congresses leading to the emergence of the candidate through the congresses in wards to local governments, culminating into the party primaries,” Ifoh also said.

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The State Publicity Secretary gave the assurance while briefing newsmen at the party secretariat in Benin City. Within the last few weeks, speculations surrounding the decisions of the governorship screening committee to prune down the number of aspirants to contest in the February 7 primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have been at the front burner.

“

The alleged decision of the committee, which was not made officially, dashed the hopes of some aspirants who decided to abide by the decision of the committee and dropped their aspirations.

Explaining the rationale for the amount fixed, Ifoh noted that political party funding is a major challenge and it must also be noted that the sale of forms is a major source through which a political party is funded

In a swift action aimed at discouraging discontentment within the party, the state chapter of the party has now doused the tension by asking all aspirants to go ahead and pursue their ambitions. The criteria used by the committee headed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Julius Ihonbvere, centered on suitability, track records, and popularity amongst party members. THEWILL recalls that the special committee set up by the leadership of the APC to reduce the 29 governorship aspirants angling to pick the party’s ticket has concluded its report.

He added that the guideline released by the party had, no doubt, widened the scope of participation among members of the party, as all of them, from the ward level, will have one role or the other to play in the emergence of the party’s candidate. “It is consequent upon these, that all members of the party from the ward level will be nominating two delegates each who will converge in their various local government areas to nominate five delegates each that will participate in the primary election scheduled to be held on February 22, 2024, which will produce a candidate for the party,” he said.

The committee disclosed that six aspirants had scaled the first hurdle and were cleared to commence their campaign and partake in the February 17, 2024, primary election. Those that have made the list are said to be Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (Owan East Local Government Area; Prince Clem Agba (Etsako East Local Government Area); Mr. Lucky Imasuen (Ovia North-East Local Government Area); Mr Dennis Idahosa (Ovia South West Local Government Area); Dr. David Imuse (Esan West Local Government Area) and Senator Monday Okpebholo (Esan Central Local Government Area).

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JANUARY 28, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

POLITICS NEWS

Chairman, Committee on National Valuers Charter (NVC), Dr Mohammed Haruna (middle), presenting a report to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris (left) and DirectorGeneral , Voice of Nigeria, Jubrin Ndace (right), during the presentation of National Values Charter in Abuja on January 23, 2024.

CACOL Hails Supreme Osun PDP Congratulates Edo 2024: Edo South PDP Adopts Ighodalo Court’s Affirmation of Ajisafe on Ratification Farouk Lawan’s Jail Term as Southwest PDP Vice as Sole Aspirant Chairman L AYO ESAN

he Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, has hailed the Supreme Court judgment affirming the jail term of Ex-lawmaker, Farouk Lawan. In a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran, he noted that “The Supreme Court, on Friday, upheld the judgment that convicted and sentenced the former Chairman of the then House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe, Mr. Farouk Lawan, to five years in prison for bribery. The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, dismissed as lacking in merit an appeal the former lawmaker, who has been in prison custody since 2021, filed to challenge his conviction. Lawan had, among other things, contended that he was not allowed to make a plea of allocutus (plea for leniency) by the trial court before it jailed him. However, in its lead judgment that was prepared by Justice Inyang Okoro but read on Friday by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the Supreme Court said it was “crystal clear that failure of the trial court to call for allocution, did not vitiate the sentence passed on the Appellant.” Trial Justice Angela Otaluka, found the four-term lawmaker for Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State, guilty of demanding an aggregate sum of $3 million from Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Chief Femi Otedola, to give his company a clean bill of health in the fuel subsidy probe the House of Reps initiated on 2012. The trial court held that the Defendant acted in breach of section 17 (1) (a), section 8(1) (a) (b) (ii), and section 23 (i) of the Corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000, and committed an offence punishable under section 8 (1) 17 (1) and 23(3) of the same Act. The court said it was satisfied that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC), successfully established a criminal case against the Defendant, even as it convicted him on all the three-count charges that was preferred against him.

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he ruling party in Osun State, the People's Democratic Party said it warmly congratulates Barrister Kamorudeen Ajisafe on his ratification as the PDP National Vice Chairman, South West in Ibadan during the Southwest PDP Zonal Caucus meeting at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

This ratification of the Southwest Chairmanship position is coming months after the death of the former Southwest Chairman, Late Hon. Soji Adagunodo, who passed on in the month of May 2023. A congratulatory statement released by the media unit of the party and signed by the State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi described Barrister Ajisafe as an astute politician and an exemplary leader who has all it takes to unify the Southwest PDP Caucus and bring the party back to its glory days in the region. "Your wealth of experience, commitment as well as a deep understanding of the political landscape are enough stead for you to steer the party higher and unify our great party in the Southwest. “We believe, your ability to foster cooperation and build consensus will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of the PDP in our region. We are certain that under your leadership, the PDP will continue to be a formidable force, strong enough as a veritable platform for the welfare and progress of our people." "As you take on this mantle, we have full confidence in your ability to be a chairman for all, who will work alongside respected members of the southwest team, towards greater unity, cohesion, and success. Your strategic vision and passion overtime will come in handy as invaluable assets as we work together towards achieving our collective goals in the region" "Once again, congratulations, Barrister Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Kosolowoe), on this remarkable elevation. We look forward to working closely with you as we chart a new course for a brighter future for the PDP in the Southwest and the country at large,"

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eaders, members, and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo South Senatorial District have adopted the former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and frontline aspirant for the PDP for the 2024 Edo governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo as their sole aspirant ahead of the party’s primary election, assuring him of their 100 percent delegate votes during the primaries scheduled for next month. The unanimous endorsement was disclosed during Ighodalo’s visit to Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon, and IkpobaOkha Local Government Areas of Edo State in continuation of his statewide tour to seek support ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary election. According to the leaders and members of the party in the senatorial district, the endorsement was informed by the aspirant's track records of excellence in the various capacities he has served in the past, stating their confidence in his capabilities to transform the State. The motion for Ighodalo’s adoption in Uhunmwode was moved and seconded by former Senator Roland Owie and Mr. Charles Egbe respectively, amid wide acceptance and jubilation. Addressing the people of the LGA, Ighodalo, appealed to the people to nominate him as the PDP flagbearer for the September 21 governorship election, maintaining that with his capacity and proven track records, he remains the best candidate for the job. He said, “Edo has no reason not to be developed if the right leaders are chosen to lead the state. I am that leader who will take the state beyond the next level, hence, my appeal for your nomination and support. “Let us choose who can help us; someone who knows the developmental road to lead Edo State and in doing so, we will have good roads and other basic amenities.” Speaking on his track record and experience, Ighodalo stated, “I worked hard to stardom, and today, God has blessed me as I have created one of the biggest law firms in Africa. God made me the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries and Sterling Bank, among others.”

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EDITORIAL

JANUARY 28, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

Much Ado About Nothing

he furore being created, especially in some quarters in Northern Nigeria, over the recent relocation of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja back to Lagos, is quite unnecessary.

We are however consoled by the fact that despite the confusion being created and misinterpretation of government's intentions, some notable leaders, even in the same North, really know the truth and are speaking out against the false narrative of the few elements who are simply taking the ongoing power struggle in the country too far

Reading some funny meanings to decisions that are simply meant to achieve administrative convenience, some elements in the North are taking their ethnic bigotry too far by misinterpreting the moves as a subtle move to relocate the capital of Nigeria back to Lagos. Instead of dissipating their energy on proffering practical solutions to insecurity and other challenges facing the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and the entire North as a whole, they are busy poisoning the minds of the largely uninformed populace by reading political meanings to purely administrative and economic decisions. Sadly, these self-styled advocates of the North have easily forgotten, and so soon, how other parts of the country suffered unjustly in the lopsided appointments and ethnocentric decisions made during the inglorious tenure of the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari

NIGERIA BUREAU: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888 EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA LETTERS/OPINIONS: opinion.letters@thewillnews.com

, who practically pursued a northern agenda throughout his eight-year tenure. Now that the table is turning, it is just natural that those who benefitted from the rot and mistakes of the past should be afraid, no matter how unfounded, as in the case with the FAAN and CBN relocation. Instead of misleading their people with their jaundiced thoughts and sentiments, they should realise that Nigeria remains a federal state and not a unitary state, hence the need for decentralisation of authorities and resources. These bigots also need to be lectured on the role and importance of Lagos to the economy of the country as the commercial capital of Nigeria. The question we should ask them is: Who strips a commercial capital of a country of the presence of the apex bank and an aviation hub of the regulatory authority? The anomalies and jaundiced decisions of the past could only happen in Nigeria! Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu puts the importance of Lagos succinctly recently while making a case for Lagos to be given a special status by the federal government. “Lagos is too strategic for us not to see that its wholesomeness is the wholesomeness of this country, that the benefits of Lagos transcend one

region, one part or one scope of this country. As a microcosm of the entire country, Lagos deserves all the support that it can get at the national level,” Sanwo-Olu said. We are however consoled by the fact that despite the confusion being created and misinterpretation of government's intentions, some notable leaders, even in the same North, really know the truth and are speaking out against the false narrative of the few elements who are simply taking the ongoing power struggle in the country too far. Former CBN Governor, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi 11, has thrown his weight behind the relocation as he condemned the attempts to ‘politicise’ the move, as, according to him, those opposed to it were playing “dirty politics.” Sanusi, who supervised the construction of the massive, aluminium façade of the 23-storey office of the CBN on Custom Street in the Lagos Central Business District in 2013, during his tenure as governor of the bank, said it was built for the sole purpose of accommodation . The FAAN and CBN move is an “eminently sensible move,” he noted, saying “moving staff to Lagos office to streamline operations to make them more efficient and reduce cost is a normal prerogative of management.”

THEWILL NEWSPAPER TEAM Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Business Editor – Sam Diala

Photo Editor – Peace Udugba

Austyn Ogannah

Copy Editor – Chux Ohai

Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph

Editor – Olaolu Olusina

Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata

Deputy Editor – Amos Esele

Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu

Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh

Politics Editor – Ayo Esan

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OPINION

JANUARY 28, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

Meeting Amid High Performance Scorecard BY IFEANYI IZEZE

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

including the President can with exactness tell you how much oil we pump out every day for sale. The Finance Minister cannot tell you because he doesn’t have a metering system that reports to him.

Discrepancies in the figures of Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output, given by people and authorities that should know, are as confusing as they are laughable and should make every Nigerian curious about the integrity of the trumpeted transparent operations and accounting for the nation’s oil proceeds. The minister of petroleum (oil), has different figure; the NNPC has NIGERIAN UPSTREAM PETROLEUM aa different figure and the foreign multinational oil companies REGULATORY COMMISSION have their figures also different (NUPRC), DOES NOT MEASURE OIL from those of the NNPC and the Ministry.

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

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

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

Where do we get the figures used in planning and budgeting as there is no office, even the Presidency, that can give you the correct figure of the nation’s daily oil production with certainty? This is tragic for a nation like ours.

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

OUTPUT, REGARDLESS OF CLAIMS BY ABUJA THAT PRODUCTION HAS NOW RISEN TO 1.7 MILLION BARRELS PER DAY

Nigeria gets about 90 percent of its dollar earnings from the export of crude oil despite all the grandstanding from some other sectors. Whether anybody wants to hear this or not, the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its partners to bring in dollars from oil sales is exacerbating the crisis in the Nigerian foreign exchange market where a dollar currently exchanges for over N1,600 at the unofficial window. This is just the truth! As said in a recent podcast by the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi Lamido, “Oil is not going to grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If you took out all the oil in Nigeria today and sold it, it would raise our per capita income to $4,000. We won’t even be a middle-income country. Oil will never make us rich but it is working capital. It is the lubricant for our import-dependent economy and we cannot afford to continue producing the oil and not seeing the revenue.”

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

This is an issue that this country must address because these NNPC people have taken us for too long. All the figures being dangled by the managers of our national economy including the NNPC about our daily oil output are fictitious. Take it from me! There are no reliable figures to work with. All the vessels that come to load in Nigeria, at least the ones we see and verify both onshore and offshore, tragically, are calibrated physically. Shamefully, that is what is still being done in this country in a 21st-century oil accounting business physical calibration. Haba, who do us this?

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

Is it not absurd that a state-owned oil company could unilaterally go to creditors without the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to collect huge loans using our national asset (crude oil), as a bargaining chip? You and I know that those foreign creditors, particularly China and the West, will smartly or rather criminally package the agreement to ensure they get more than 300 percent or more in crude oil equivalent of whatever Also, we were told by no less a person than the money they are lending to the syndicate. This is what NNPC thought out as the best option to raise funds for their illicit affairs. That’s Nigeria for you!

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

President Tinubu said the Federal Government no longer pays subsidies on petroleum products. So where are the dollars that we were previously expending on the scheme?

Reiterating what I had serially said, Emir Sanusi reminded us again that nobody in this country

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

Non-Aligned Movement And Nigeria’s Quest For Equal Access to Capital BY TUNDE RAHMAN

s the Non-Aligned Movement still around? Is the organisation still in existence? That was the weighty question Professor Ikechukwu Okoro, a visually impaired Nigerian and Iowa State University don, slammed on me the moment I informed him of my mission in Kampala, Uganda.

Professor Okoro and I had met on our way to Addis-Ababa, me en route Kampala and he, Atlanta, in the United States. It wasn’t as if the issue he raised had not previously crossed my mind, but I did not bother much about it since I was headed for the NAM conference anyway until I encountered the sharp and witty Professor Okoro. He then got me thinking about the question of importance and relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in today's global power structure and politics. Indeed, only an unwary observer or naive student of global politics would have missed the seeming emptiness about NAM. Established in 1961, the group of countries in NAM had espoused non-alignment with either the Eastern bloc or Western bloc, opting for a middle ground and avoiding being part of the cold war. It was during the cold war era. The objectives of NAM then were cooperation, neutrality and selfdetermination. The cold war was an ideological conflict between the Western and Eastern blocs, which began shortly after the end of World War II in 1945. It was a conflict over which political-economic system, West’s Capitalist system or Communism of the Eastern bloc- was supreme and more beneficial to countries around the world. However, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the cold war. With the end of the cold war, where is the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement? Where is the place of NAM, one may ask, echoing Prof. Okoro? The answer soon emerged as the 19th summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Non-Aligned Movement officially opened on January 19, 2024 when the leaders began delivering their national statements. NAM offers the biggest gathering of countries, second only to the United Nations. Currently, 120 nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement with another 18 nations as observers. Most African and Asian countries belong to NAM with others from Americas and Caribbean, Pacific and even Europe.

attended this year’s summit, it had in attendance among other global dignitaries, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and President of UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis.

THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TAX SYSTEMS, LARGELY SHAPED BY THE INTERESTS OF MORE AFFLUENT NATIONS, OFTEN LEAVE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AT A DISADVANTAGE, ESPECIALLY IN TAXING DIGITAL ECONOMIES

Two summits actually held in Kampala about within same week. NAM summit ended on January 20 while the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China was convened from January 21 to 22. It’s a case of two conferences, similar agenda, and one venue - Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Uganda, some 15 minutes drive from Kampala, the capital city. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was represented at the two summits by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. With Vice President Kashim Shettima in Davos, Switzerland attending the World Economic Summit, Senator Bagudu was tapped to lead the Federal Government delegation.

In the delegation, among others, were Dr. Lanre Adekanye, a Director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and this writer. Minister Bagudu is profound, focused and committed to Nigeria's economic development. He is very strong on issues of global finance and financing mechanisms. This deep understanding of the pressing global economic issues and dynamics of world finance and politics was evident enough in the way and manner he canvassed Nigeria's position at the two summits, no wonder his presentation at NAM summit was greeted by a thunderous applause.

This organization, with such a strong and extensive membership, is a veritable platform to be used to galvanize support for any issue or crusade, against the backdrop of the diverse challenges facing the world, including health pandemics, threats to international peace and security, climate change, terrorism and cyberspace attacks, conflict and wars like those between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing wanton killings in Palestine by Israel over Gaza.

The highpoint of Nigeria's presentation at NAM summit is the demand for equitable access to capital for developing countries. President Tinubu said such would provide the much-needed resources for development, adding, however, that the developing world was not seeking sympathy or begging for aid, but fair and equal opportunity.

It is a platform to be engaged for its capacity to galvanise concerted action on major global issues. Such is the significance of NAM that apart from the many heads of state and governments that

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

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•Rahman is a Senior Presidential Aide

JANUARY 28, 2024 • VOL . 4 NO. 4 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

5.179 billion

Equities Market Maintains Bullish Trend in Week Ended January 26 / PAGE 34

EDITOR Sam Diala

Dangote Refinery: Don’t Expect Petroleum Products Supply in 3 Months – Experts NIGERIA'S PETROL IMPORTATION 2016-2022 5TRN

(N'trn)

4TRN

3TRN

4.00

4.56

2.00

1.71

1TRN

2.95

BY SAM DIALA

2TRN

1.97

Continues on page 33

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Expert Lauds Domination of Equities Market by Local Investors / PAGE 34

1.63

he Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) concluded its two-day strategic meeting last WednesdayThursday in Abuja where it showcased its exceptional performance scorecard. The report showed that the revenue agency collected a record N12.374 trillion as tax revenue for the federation in 2023, surpassing the year’s target of N10.7 trillion. The Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, disclosed this at the opening of the twoday strategic management retreat of the agency held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, on Wednesday. He said the Federal Government had handed the agency a target of N19.4 trillion for 2024. Mr Adedeji stressed that the target was achievable with the emplacement of an effective tax collection system and creating of a viable economic environment for businesses to prosper. During the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, commended Mr Adedeji for surpassing the set target for last year and tasked him on higher tax revenue in line with global trends. Giving a breakdown of the figures, one of the FIRS’ coordinating directors, Mrs Amina Ado, said oil revenue accounted for N3.17trillion of the total takings, representing 25.6%, while non-oil revenue was 74.4% at N9.2 trillion The initial tax target of N10.7 trillion for 2023 was reviewed upwards to N11.5 trillion by the agency in view of the exchange rate, indicating that actual collection was surpassed by N817billion. A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, said increase in non-oil tax revenue for 2023 as against previous years came as a result of improved efficiency in tax collection which saw the FIRS exceeding targets in tax types such as Company Income Tax, Value-Added Tax, Education Tax, Stamp Duties, Electronic Money Transfer Levy and others. Answering a question of how realistic the 2024 target is, Mr Adedeji said “What determines whatever we have comes from micro-economic indices because when the economy runs well, we are going to be taxing prosperity, not poverty.

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N40.918 trillion

Dangote

FIRS Concludes Strategic Meeting Amid High Performance Scorecard

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hose banking on the newly A inaugurated Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company to ease the *Jan - Sep burden of high cost of petroleum products, Source; NBS such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol; Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise called diesel, and Jet A (aviation fuel), will have to adjust their expectations elastically.

This is because the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, in reality, will not commence actual production and supply of these commodities, or other petro-chemical products, in the next three to six months, according to findings by THEWILL. The milestones After the commissioning of the refinery by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 27, 2023, amid high expectations of ameliorating the impacts of the imminent fuel subsidy removal by the then in-coming Bola Tinubu-led government, the Dangote Group on January 12, 2024 (over seven months after commissioning) announced that the facility had commenced production. In a copious statement entitled ‘Dangote Refinery Starts Production’, the Group thanked President Tinubu for making the dream of starting production a reality. It also thanked the nation’s oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries for the support in taking the refinery to the level of actual production. The statement read in part, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel. “President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, elatedly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, encouragement and thoughtful advice towards the actualisation of this project. “Dangote also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory

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Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerians for their support and belief in the historic project. “We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details. “His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.” The statement continued: “We also thank the NNPC, NUPRC and NMDPRA for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey. We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. “We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market within this month once we receive regulatory approvals. “This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.” Outlet strategies Following the development, Dangote Refinery announced that it had commenced registration of distributors for the lifting and distribution of refined petroleum products across the country. According to the company, members of three prominent associations that THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS WEEKLY ...Products Supply in 3 Months – Experts constitute 75 per cent of the total market in Nigeria had been registered.

If Dangote Refinery will not produce petrol any time soon, yet we have to wait for about six months to see AGO and aviation fuel, it should be clear to the citizens that Dangote is not the answer to Nigeria's energy crisis

The associations are: the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN), and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN). The company added that it was also considering other marketers that had signified interest in the lifting and distribution of its petroleum products in the country. Contrary as fact Two weeks after the “start of production”, Dangote diesel and aviation fuel are yet to be seen in the market. All the marketers and distributors who spoke with THEWILL over the weekend, claimed that they had neither seen nor received the Dangote diesel and aviation fuel.

When contacted, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, told THEWILL by telephone that production was ongoing at the Refinery. He stressed that refining involves chemical reactions that takes some time and urged Nigerians to avoid towing the path of skepticism about the project as some critics had done. However, industry experts who are familiar with the works of the refinery, told THEWILL, on a note of disappointment, that Nigerians and the government are putting high expectations on Dangote Refinery beyond what is reasonable. They further argued that the government should not put pressure on Dangote to perform magic because refining is a careful process that must be handled professionally. According to the respondents who preferred to speak on point of anonymity because of their relationship with Dangote Group and some government officials, refineries are constructed on particular industry specifications (specs) that cannot be compromises. Dangote Refinery had earlier confirmed receiving crude supplies towards starting production. The industry experts explained that the products received by the refinery were meant to test the specs because the facility is new, and the process takes between three and six months to complete. “The process is technical and has to be done meticulously. The Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) which is at the heart of refining, the Columns, the Heat Exchangers, Isomerisation, Alkylation, Catalytic Reforming and other key processes have to be aligned with the refinery installations, and this takes time. I do not see Dangote Refinery commencing commercial production earlier than six months from now,” a Port Harcourt-based Petroleum Engineer told THEWILL in a note. He added that the massive pipeline architecture would have to be joined with the appropriate mechanical seals, while the metering systems and loading bays must be installed in accordance with international standards. Oil and gas investment expert, Dr Nnaemeka Ohiaraeri, confirmed the position of the respondents. In a note to THEWILL, the former NNPCL senior member of staff said Dangote Refinery will start actual production mostly in the second quarter. The experts believe that the Federal Government seems to be putting undue pressure on Dangote Refinery and linking its hopes on the new facility in a manner that overlooks the fact that the facility is a private enterprise. They maintain that Dangote cannot play the role of the government which has abandoned its refineries for many years and blamed the National Assembly for the failure in its oversight functions. *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

...Amid High Performance Scorecard “We will focus on the fruits and not the seeds. We need to ensure we have that viable economic environment that will lead to economic prosperity. And for us at FIRS, it is just to put the system in place to aid effective collection. “We are not a revenue-generating agency, but a revenue-collection agency. With the plan of President Bola Tinubu to rejuvenate the economy, companies are going to grow and prosper,” he said. Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Adedeji said the purpose of the retreat was to unveil to the directors in the agency the new roadmap that would drive an efficient tax administration. “Today marks a historic moment as we unveil the new FIRS organizational structure, a critical milestone in our commitment to revolutionize tax administration in Nigeria. “The cornerstone of this paradigm shift is the establishment of a customer-centric organizational structure designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in our tax operations. “The new structure, set to kick off from February 2024, embodies our dedication to modernize and digitize the tax administration landscape in Nigeria. “In our pursuit for a more efficient and contemporary tax administration methodology, we are embracing an integrated tax approach, leveraging technology at every step. This approach positions FIRS at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers in a rapidly changing world. “By tailoring our services to specific taxpayer segments, we aim to simplify the taxpayer experience. No more complexities, no more overlaps—just a seamless and user-friendly interaction for every taxpayer. “In a ground-breaking move, we are shifting away from traditional tax categorization. Instead of maintaining different departments for distinct tax categories, the new structure formulates taxpayer segments based on thresholds. “This tailored approach ensures that taxpayers are guided and serviced according to their specific needs, eliminating confusion and redundancy in tax administration,” the FIRS Chairman added. The Coordinating Minister, Mr Edun in his goodwill message, called for increased tax revenue to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities to the citizenr “First of all, I commend the FIRS chairman and the rest of his team for coming together right from the beginning of the financial year to come to rub minds and put up a strategy for increasing tax revenue. “Tax revenue in Nigeria is low. The collection level should be much higher as we have seen in other African countries not to talk of the developed countries. It is at 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when at the highest level, it goes around 55 per cent. “What the chairman and his team have done is build on already-established performance. In 2023, FIRS met his financial target and even surpassed it. But they need to do more. “And that is what the chairman and his team will be discussing for the two days to make sure they finalize plans to substantially increase internally generated revenue,” Mr Edun emphasised. In her own goodwill message, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, lauded the FIRS for contributing 70 per cent of the total revenues for the federation. She, however, charged Mr Adedeji to challenge the status quo in his bid to increase tax revenue. “We have seen a massive improvement in tax collection with the changes at FIRS over the years. The FIRS now contributes about 70% of the total federation revenues. “Yet, a lot of tax revenues are left uncollected. The current tax base needs to be expanded while at the same time finding new and improved ways and means and “partnerships” that engender tax revenue growth. “With strategic cooperation within FIRS and strategic partnerships, and by challenging the status quo, I am strongly convinced that FIRS can set a new standard for tax administration in Africa. If we continue to do business as usual, we continue to get the same level of results, Mrs Madein said.

NNPC Posts N2.5trn Net Profit in 16 Months

he Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recorded a profit after tax of N2.5 trillion for the 16 months to December 2022, its latest audited financials show. The new report breaks away from the previous tradition that set the annual financial year end of the oil firm at around August, with subsequent financials likely to follow a 12-month cycle ending on 31 December like most companies. Revenue for the period stood at N8.8 trillion, more than half of that supplied by proceeds from refined petroleum product sales. Yet, the contribution of that income source would have been bigger if not for the depleting effect of PMS Under Recovery, which accounts for the cash

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used for subsidising petrol, on revenue. The company spent N2.4 trillion during the period on fuel subsidies, which President Bola Tinubu abolished at his inauguration last May because it had been a big drain on the government’s purse. Fuel subsidies were the single biggest expense incurred by NNPC during the period, alone accounting for 35.8 per cent of the cost of sales. Under general and administrative expenses which totalled N1.7 trillion, the cost described as “other expenses” remains a grey area needing further clarification from the company, given its significance as the largest cost in this section, gulping as much as N496.4 billion. Profit before tax for the period stood at

N1.8 trillion. The group realised N2.2 trillion from exchange differences in translation of foreign operations, made possible by increased value from earnings in foreign currencies after conversion to naira. NNPC issued its first audited accounts for the first time in 43 years in 2020 and transitioned into a limited liability company two years later as part of efforts to free the monolithic enterprise from government control. Its push to become a publicly traded company has stalled after missing the target to launch its initial public offering last year. Independent auditor PwC did not raise any key audit issue in its report attached to the document. PAGE 33

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BUSINESS NEWS

L-R: Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits/ Ready To Serve, Uche Onwudiwe; Corporate Relations/Company’s Secretary, Rotimi Odusola; Director, International Premium Spirits, Reserve & Modern Trade, Viola GrahamDouglas; Marketing/Innovation Director, Mark Mugisha and Commercial Director, Adesanya Olusanya, all of Guinness Nigeria Plc, at the Press conference announcing the launch of the Smirnoff Ice Chill & Win Big Promo, held at the Guinness Nigeria HeadQuarter, Ogba - Ikeja on January 24, 2024. Photo: Peace Udugba.

Expert Lauds Domination of Equities Market by Local Investors

he Managing Director/Chief Executive of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe, has commended the rising profile of domestic players against foreign investors on the Nigerian Exchange. He noted that the development will guarantee the prevention of external shock on the local bourse as the bullish trend has defied prevailing economic headwinds. Mr Amolegbe also called on the Federal Government to encourage listings on the nation's bourse to boost capital market participation and tax revenue generation. Amolegbe highlighted companies in which the government had direct or indirect holding as well as companies that did business with government. This, he said, would not only deepen the capital market but would engender transparency and boost tax revenue in the country. Amolegbe made the call at the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) January forum in Lagos with the theme: "Review of 2023 Market Performance and Outlook for 2024." He said Nigeria’s market capitalisation to GDP stands at 13 percent as against over 50 percent in many countries. "This is an indication that majority of the big companies in the country are not participating in the Nigerian capital market," he said. Amolegbe, former President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, noted that the capital market ensures transparency for listed companies adding that increased listing would boost tax revenue for the government. “I believe government needs to consider urging companies particularly those they have direct holding in and those that have huge business with government to list on the market. "A lot of businesses are not listed on the exchange and they do business a lot with government; the more transparent the listing, the more tax revenue, he said. Expressing optimism on the listing of Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited, he said it would boost the capitalisation of the Nigerian capital market. He also charged the government on the rising spate of insecurity in the country saying until it is addressed, inflation would continue to soar and investors would remain wary of approaching country’s local bourse. “Insecurity is a major issue and government needs to work on it as it is disrupting supply chain and this contributes to the increase in inflation rate. "Farmers are unable to produce and the ones produced can't get to the market," Amolegbe said. "As long as the environment is seen as unstable, investors, both local and foreign, will continue to be wary of investing, leading to a further decline in foreign exchange inflow," Amolegbe said. He added that foreign exchange would be a significant contributor to where the capital market would be by the year end. “If liquidity improves and price stabilises, organisations can plan better. If not, 2024 might be a dicey year for a lot of quoted companies," he said. On the 2023 market performance, he noted that the All-Share Index closed the year at 74,773.77 points while the market capitalisation closed at N40.918 trillion.

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Heirs Energies Marks 3rd Anniversary, Rolls Out Achievements

eirs Energies has commemorated its three-year anniversary. In a short timescale, Heirs Energy has implemented a track record of significant production increases, pioneered a new model of community engagement and built a world class Nigeria management team, all contributing to a new beginning in ensuring Nigeria’s sustainable energy future. Heirs Energies launched in January 2021, following the completion of an 8-year, $1.2 billion transaction to acquire oil license OML17, from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, and ENI, and solidifying the joint venture partnership with the NNPC. The Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony Elumelu, expressed his pride, while reflecting on his vision for Heirs Energies, stating, “As someone from the Niger Delta, I had seen firsthand how Nigeria’s resource wealth can be mishandled. The energy sector was an industry that had frankly not served Nigeria’s interest. I knew Nigeria could do better and control her destiny. My vision was to build Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, focused on Africa’s unique energy needs. As I look back now, we have more than succeeded.” He listed the achievement of the company within three years of operation to include: significant rise in oil production: At a time when Nigeria needs to optimise output, Heirs Energies’ oil production has surged from 27,000 to 40,000 barrels a day. Theft and losses which reached a peak of 97% late 2021, has now been reduced to less than 15%, with definitive actions taken by government to address the pipeline security and related concerns, steady gas production for domestic use: Heirs Energies commenced gas production and has rapidly become an important contributor to domestic gas supply in Nigeria. The 100% of gas produced goes into domestic market to meet local demand, providing energy to thousands of households, supplementing power plants, and supporting various gas-reliant industries in the region and top quartile safety records: Heirs Energies boasts three incident free years, maintaining zero Loss Time Injury (LTI) operations in OML 17 with 1.5 million man-hours. Others include community engagement that works: Heirs Energies continues to live up to a philosophy of a shared destiny with local communities, by seeking out local talent and creating entrepreneurs. Over 300 young people have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes, while the electrical infrastructure upgrades across host communities have impacted a population of over 270,000 people and a world-class Nigerian organisation: Heirs Energies takes particular pride in its fully Nigerian team, who are catalysing and delivering innovative technical solutions every day. A true demonstration of Nigerian excellence in institutionalising and executing key strategies. Chairman, Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu, commended the team, sharing his deep gratitude for their commitment to his vision of creating value for all stakeholders within the energy sector. “I want to take this opportunity and mark this anniversary, by saluting and thanking the Heirs Energies team, led by MD/CEO, Osa Igiehon. Your hard work, dedication and expertise has enabled us to become a role model within the energy sector, as we strive towards our purpose of improving lives and communities across our continent.’ “Heirs Energies recognises the importance of a sustainable future and plans to play a role in Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy source. The journey reflects a commitment to bring abundant and affordable power to schools, hospitals, and industries, shaping a sustainable future for Africa”, the company stressed THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS NEWS

GMD/CEO (Designate), Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Mr. Temi Popoola (4th left); Outgoing GMD/CEO NGX Group, Mr Oscar N. Onyema (5th left); GCEO, JSE, Dr Laila Fourie (8th right); CEO, World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), Nandini Sukumar (7th right) and other CEOs of global exchanges, at the Working Group Committee meeting of the WFE, hosted by Deutsche Boerse in Frankfurt, Germany on January 25, 2024.

NGX Plans Listing Rule Review to Align With Global Markets For Expansion

NCDMB’s Executive Secretary to Deliver Keynote Address at SAIPEC 2024

he Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Mr Temi Popoola has said that the Exchange is working with the regulator to review its listing rules aligning them with global markets such as London to attract a more diverse array of businesses to the Exchange. Popoola stated this whilst addressing leaders of exchanges from across the globe at the working group committee meeting of the World Federation of Exchanges hosted by Deutsche Boerse in Frankfurt Germany. He noted that the Exchange strategy also involves deeper intentionality to collaborate with the government in enhancing listing incentives. According to him. a prime example is the prioritization of listed companies in government procurement processes. “Recognizing the importance of government advocacy historically, our strategy involves deeper intentionality to collaborate with the government in enhancing listing incentives. “A prime example is the prioritization of listed companies in government procurement processes. “Also, working with the regulator, we intend to review our listing rules aligning them with markets such as London to attract a more diverse array of businesses to the Exchange,” he said. The GMD/CEO also spoke on the investments in technology under which he stated that the Group is exploring deepening data revenue generation and engaging market infrastructure stakeholders from the CCPs to the CSDs in meaningful API conversations to further strengthen agility. He highlighted other various plans by the exchange group to revamp its technology infrastructure, attract listings, and enhance retail investors’ participation and foreign capital Binflows. Speaking on attracting retail investors to the market, the GMD/CEO said: “We recognize the stark contrast between the investors currently engaged in the capital market and the vast potential represented by the 65 million banking accounts in Nigeria. Our vision is to bridge this divide, onboarding millions into the capital market and fostering financial inclusion on an unprecedented scale.” The difficulty of attracting listings and foreign capital inflows, common in emerging markets, was also discussed. CEOs from exchanges in Kenya and Egypt echoed similar challenges faced in Nigeria, with factors like high interest rates in the United States limiting capital flow to riskier markets. Popoola noted that the high-interest rate environment in the United States contributes to the localization of capital in the country, hence starving other riskier markets of the needed capital. “After navigating a challenging eight years with the previous administration, we now find ourselves under a more pro-market leadership. This shift positions NGX for renewed growth and resilience in the evolving economic landscape,” said Popoola. THEWILLNIGERIA

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he newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe has confirmed to deliver a keynote address at the opening of PETAN’s SAIPEC 2024 outlining NCDMB’s vision for the future to an audience from across the globe. In addition to Ogbe’s keynote, delegates at SAIPEC’s opening ceremony will also hear from Nicolas Odinuwe, Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, receive a host country address from Gbenga Komolafe, CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, while Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, APPO, will set out plans from an APPO perspective. Opening next month, 8th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, SAIPEC, is a world-class energy event offering direct access to Africa’s stakeholders and key energy players across the continent. Its full and varied programme, guided by an esteemed steering committee will stretch across three days with both informative strategic and technical streams, special focus sessions; the African Content Series, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, networking opportunities and The SAIPEC Awards.

Equities Market Maintains Bullish Trend in Week Ended January 26

he NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 8.32% to close the week at 102,401.88 and N56.038 trillion respectively A total turnover of 2.981 billion shares worth N57.873 billion in 67,962 deals was traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 5.179 billion shares valued at N77.797 billion that exchanged hands last week in 79,012 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.863 billion shares valued at N26.774 billion traded in 29,276 deals; thus contributing 62.50% and 46.26% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with 309.432 million shares worth N5.201 billion in 5,882 deals. The third place was the Oil and Gas Industry, with a turnover of 259.223 million shares worth N4.892 billion in 5,658 deals. Trading in the top three equities namely Transnational Corporation Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 686.291 million shares worth N12.943 billion in 9,490 deals, contributing 23.02% and 22.36% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

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BUSINESS WEEKLY

Significance And Symbolism of Shell’s Exit From Nigeria BY MARCEL OKEKE

lobal oil giant, Shell, operating in Nigeria as Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, announced the sale of its US$1.3 billion onshore oilfields and gas assets to Renaissance—a consortium of five companies. This is happening after close to a century of operation by Shell in Nigeria, thus joining the bandwagon of other international oil companies (IOCs) seeking to withdraw from the country’s restive Niger Delta. Specifically, The Royal Dutch/Shell Group established Shell D'Arcy, the first Shell Company in Nigeria in 1936, and secured an exploration license for oil throughout Nigeria in 1938. Eighty-five years ago! According to Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s integrated gas and upstream director, in a statement: “After decades as a pioneer in Nigeria’s energy sector, SPDC will move to its next chapter under the ownership of an experienced, ambitious Nigerianled consortium.” The acquiring consortium—Renaissance, includes Switzerlandbased Petrolin and four Nigerian oil producers, ND Western, Aradel Holdings, First E&P and Waltersmith. Although some of the consortium members have been operating in the Niger Delta for 20 years, the companies have little profile outside of Nigeria. In the ongoing divestment deal, the 88-year-old Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria will be acquired by the consortium for at least US$1.3billion. SPDC’s departure from Nigeria follows ExxonMobil of the US, Italy’s Eni, Norway’s Equinor and China’s Addax, which have all announced deals to sell onshore assets in Nigeria in the past two years or so. Each of them had attributed their exit to overlapping and persistent problems of oil theft, assets vandalism, violence and environmental damage, among others. Although Shell is not leaving Nigeria entirely, the planned sale marks an end of an era for the company, which has been at the centre of the country’s oil industry for almost 100 years— dogged by controversies and ding-dong with host communities. The group said it would continue to invest in Nigeria, focusing on its deep-water oil operations and integrated gas business. However, Shell has been seeking to leave its onshore business in Nigeria for the past three years. It was forced to halt the process in 2022 after a Nigerian court ordered Shell to suspend its divestment initiative pending the result of a court case related to compensation for environmental damage in the Niger Delta. Nigeria’s Supreme Court upheld the company’s appeal against this ruling earlier this month, allowing the sales process to resume. However, the sale to Renaissance still requires approval from the Nigerian regulatory authorities. If approved eventually, the SPDC transaction would fulfill Shell’s long-term goal of getting out from a challenging operating environment in the Niger Delta region, where its flag would remain hoisted in the offshore and deep offshore. Shell was granted its first exploration license to prospect for oil onshore in Nigeria in 1938 and drilled the country’s first successful well in 1956 in Oloibiri, Bayelsa state. Although oil production (in the Niger Delta) over the years generated billions of dollars in revenues for the IOCs and the government of Nigeria, it has been getting increasingly difficult and costly for the international operators. In the oil business,

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SPDC controls 30 per cent of the so-called SPDC Joint Venture (JV) in partnership with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which controls 55 per cent. TotalEnergies and Agip own 10 percent and five percent, respectively. The joint venture controls 18 oil production licenses and is operated by SPDC. Under the terms of the sales deal, SPDC, which is the pioneer and one the best-known companies in Nigeria’s oil industry, will left) gives credence to the perception of Nigeria as becoming an increasingly choking business environment.

For Shell to be leaving now that a number of other multinational companies are also exiting (or have just left) gives credence to the perception of Nigeria as becoming an increasingly choking business environment remain intact and continue to operate the JV, Shell said. SPDC and its new owners will also be responsible for the company’s ongoing contribution to the remediation of past environmental damage, it said. Thus, according to Zoe Yujnovich: “It is a significant moment for SPDC, whose people have built it into a high-quality business over many years. Now, after decades as a pioneer in Nigeria’s energy sector, SPDC will move to its next chapter under the ownership of an experienced, ambitious Nigerianled consortium.

Particularly, the exit of Shell and others could be perceived as a signal of declining stability and attractiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas sector. This would obviously deter other foreign investors, further negatively impacting the economy and government revenue. The exodus of these IOCs would also appear to negate the expected gains from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)—which is to massively attract investment into the hydrocarbon industry in Nigeria. These exits of the ‘oil majors’ would also question the dexterity and mastery of the critical oil and gas business by Mr President who is also the substantive minister of petroleum resources. Although Shell’s oilfields and assets are being transferred to a (local) consortium, the deal will certainly lead to loss of technical knowhow and expertise that Shell had gained in several decades in the Niger Delta. In truth, IOCs possess significant expertise and technology in exploration, production, and environmental management. Their exit could mean a loss of this expertise and hinder knowledge transfer to local companies, impacting the long-term sustainability of the sector. Without a doubt, the exit of Shell and other IOCs would lead to some loss of government revenue. Oil is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy; and a major source of revenue for the Nigerian government, through taxes and royalties. The decline in production and exports associated with the IOCs leaving could lead to a significant drop in government income, impacting public services and infrastructure development. Already, Nigeria has been facing a crisis of paucity of foreign exchange—a situation that has seen the crash of the value of the local currency—Naira, in the foreign exchange market.

“Shell sees a bright future in Nigeria with a positive investment outlook for its energy sector. We will continue to support the country’s growing energy needs and export ambitions in areas aligned with our strategy,” he said.

From all indications, the consortium—Renaissance—is not Shell, and cannot operate like it; the new owners must have to grapple with turning itself into a functional business entity. It will contend with disparate peoples and corporate cultures seeking for harmony and common goals. It is also not unlikely that many staff of Shell (including experienced hands) would lose their jobs—as the ‘new Shell’ emerges.

However, the exit of major oil companies from Nigeria, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and others really presents a complex scenario with both potential challenges and opportunities.

On a wider scale, the IOCs employ thousands of Nigerians directly and indirectly. Their exit could lead to significant job losses across the oil and gas sector, as well as related industries like services and logistics.

On the negative side is that Shell’s exit at this point (no matter how explained) projects a bad image of the country to the rest of the world. For Shell to be leaving now that a number of other multinational companies are also exiting (or have just

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

•Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

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

L-R: Co-Founder/ CEO, Iwosan Investments Limited, Fola Laoye; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Accountant General of the Federation, (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein; Minister of Finance, Olawale Olu; Co-Founder/ Chairman, Iwosan Investments Limited, Fola Adeola and Founder/CEO, Lotus Capital Edun and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, during the FIRS Ltd, Hajara Fola Adeola, at the inauguration of the Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Lagos on January 24, 2024. 2024 Strategic Management Retreat in Abuja on January 24, 2024.

President, West African Law Students Association(WALSA), Naziru Sanusi (middle); Trustee, WALSA, Mr L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; President of Council, Lagos Chamber of Odira Ezeh (5th left); Country Director, Ugorji George (4th right) and other Executive members, during Commerce, and Industry (LCCI) Mr. Gabriel Idahosa; Vice President, Leye Kupoluyi and Deputy President, a press briefing on the need for transparency and accountability on usage of World Bank loan in Abuja Knut UlvmoenI, during the leadership of the Chamber’s courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Lagos on January 25, 2024. State on January 24, 2024.

Director and Principal, Federal Science Technical College, Ilesa, Mrs Idowu Olabisi; Director, Technology and Science Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Dr Muyibat Olodo and the Founder of Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, Mr Olajide Ajayi, during the opening of 2023/2024 edition of robotics, Core Values and Artificial Intelligence Championship in Abuja on January 24, 2024. THEWILLNIGERIA

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L-R: Commissioner for Agriculture, Enugu State, Mr Nwabueze Ubru; Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi and President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Dr. Ojo Ajanaku, during National Cashew Association of Nigeria 2024, National Cashew Day and flag off Cashew Season in Enugu on January 24, 2024.

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Dolapo Badmus Bags Police Promotion

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

head of her 46th birthday and after spending 21 years in the Nigeria Police Force, former Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 2 and Lagos State Command, Dolapo Badmos, has been promoted to the rank of Continues on page 40

AYONNA TRIMNELL DUMPS ACCESS FOR SIGNATURE BANK

yona Aguele-Trimnell has dumped Access Bank where she was the Group Head, W Initiative, for Signature Bank, promoted by the Abia Continues on page 40

TEJUMOLA MAURICE-DIYA The Fashion Historian THEWILLNIGERIA

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JANUARY 28, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

African Fashion Set to Take Its Rightful Position on Global Stage – Maurice-Diya The Principal and founder of 'The Fashioned Museum', Tejumola Maurice-Diya, speaks with IVORY UKONU about the museum and why it is an integral part of the rich and everevolving African fashion heritage, as well as her plan to activate a broader and timely conversation around contemporary fashion in an ever-changing world. Excerpts:

hat is 'The Fashioned Museum' all about? Why did you establish it in the first place? The 'Fashioned Museum' stems from the fact that I am a fashion historian who walks people through the history of fashion and helps them to see the differences between the history and the future of fashion. The Fashioned Museum is an accumulation of beautiful history in general of what Nigeria does and what its people can offer as Africans. It is a collection of the years past and the future. It is a fashion-oriented organisation committed to making fashion accessible, inclusive and sustainable. Its mission is to activate a broader and timely conversation around contemporary fashion in an ever-changing world. For this to happen, the young ones and fashion entrepreneurs need to understand the history of fashion, the place of fashion in Africa and how to position themselves to be ready for partnerships with international brands. What is your fashion story? I have been in the fashion industry for over 12 years. I was once a model and a stylist. At some point I started a children's clothing line. With all that experience, I am fully aware of the challenges facing business entrepreneurs in terms of scaling, quality of their designs and finishing of their product. This is what really birthed The Fashioned Museum. People need to get to a point where they can find solutions to their problems so that we can take our rightful place in the fashion world. What was your experience like working as a model? I modelled for over 12 years ago. I was born and raised in Chicago, attended the University of Illinois where I studied Communication. We had a panel of African students and every time, we would run parties and themes and I would model for them. That was literally how I began my modelling career. Do you still model? No, but I am open to partnership. You are also the brain behind 'Bridging the Gap,' an offshoot of 'The Fashioned Museum'. What is that all about? Bridging the Gap is a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich fashion heritage and a catalyst for fashion’s promising future. It is an integral part of the Museum’s mission to activate a broader and timely conversation around contemporary fashion in an ever-changing world. The immediate aim is to celebrate the ever-evolving world of fashion by bridging the gap between the younger generation and the older generation, as well as between the Western World and the African continent. It is a call-to-action to connect, learn and envision a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable fashion world. The immersive experience unites fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals and aspiring fashionistas to bridge the gap between the rich history of African fashion and its promising future. It is a vibrant celebration of Africa's rich fashion heritage and a catalyst for fashion's promising future. African culture is finally taking its rightful position on the global stage with the explosion of broader music and culinary acceptance across the globe. THEWILLNIGERIA

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I have little doubt that fashion is the next frontier for us to showcase. We are highly creative and there is a place for us in this global village. We are here for this. Also, very often there are negative associations that can be made with being a Nigerian and it is very important to change that narrative to help people, particularly upcoming fashion brands, to recognise that they need to focus on the bright side of things. They need to embrace being Africans and Nigerian. They should be able to know that their dreams are valid at the end of the day and they have a place in the world. In addition to the reassurances, small business owners are also taught how they can scale up their businesses and strategically position themselves to be ready for partnerships with international brands. Bridging The Gap event is poised to become an annual event designed to essentially catch people at the grass root level. What was the inaugural edition of 'Bridging the Gap' like? Although fashion business owners were part of the inaugural edition, we chose to include students in secondary schools. It was targeted towards those who are -passionate about fashion in general. Why the choice of students? Were they fashion-inclined? Well, it was to essentially help them to see that there is a rightful place for them if they choose to go the way of fashion, for them to be able to see how to Maurice-Diya express themselves, through fashion and even through whatever it is that they do. The essence was to help them to understand what their dreams could be made up of. So there was a presentation that walked them through the history of Africa, and the history of African fashion. And by going through the history of Africa in general, we talked about culture, natural resources, food and the arts so that the students could understand what Africa actually represents. Later, we went to the African fashion aspect. It was essentially about how they can be successful in whatever they find themselves doing. At the end of the day, it was about pushing them towards achieving those goals they

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consider critical. How did you imagine this was possible, where did you draw your inspiration from? This will sound like a cliché, but my inspiration is the Holy Spirit. Everything that has come to mind is eventually me partnering with the Holy Spirit, and him telling me what it is that I need to do and where the gap is that needs to be bridged. You once owned a children's clothing brand. Are you thinking of resuscitating it or owning a proper fashion brand? I don’t know. Let us see what God has in mind. I don’t know what the future says. If it is meant to be, then I would actually go for it. I am very passionate about fashion. I would love to have a collection someday, maybe potentially partner with an international brand. I am open to international partnerships, if they are interested in creating the designs. How would you define your personal style? I love African textiles. I love to wear 'Aso oke,' 'Ankara,' and 'Adire,' as they are very comfortable and sustainable for me and that is what inspires me. Using our natural fashion to create fashion dresses.

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

JAMES IBORI THROWS 42ND BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR WIFE F

ormer Delta State governor, James Onanefe Ibori, never passes up on any opportunity to celebrate his young wife, Senami Sosu. Every January 16th always seems to be the perfect day to roll out the carpets in her honour. These celebrations are not unconnected to how supportive Senami was to him during his period of trial and tribulation. What better way to repay her for her unflinching support? Regardless of the life of luxury that Senami has been privileged to enjoy on account of her relationship with the 63-year-old, Ibori her loyalty has earned her a pride of place in the former governor’s life. She holds the key to his heart right now. Another opportunity presented itself this year and Ibori didn't let it pass by. The party, which took place at his swanky Ikoyi residence, had quite a number of his friends, family, close political associates in attendance, including the Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu; President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Former Ekiti State governor and the immediate past Minister of Industry,

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Dolapo Badmus Bags Police Promotion

Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, etc. Unfortunately, none of Ibori’s former colleagues was present at the party. Sporting a very trim look, Senami beamed with joy as she ensured everyone had a swell time at the party. Senami and Ibori were a hot item while he was still married to his wife, Theresa Nkoyo, who was his first lady as governor. At the point he met Senami, the marriage had broken down irretrievably as Nkoyo was conspicuously absent all through his second term as governor. Then he ran into international money laundering trouble in 2010, which subsequently led to his imprisonment in the United Kingdom. But Senami stood by him like a rock. Rather than turn her back on him, she weathered the storm with him and even took a long hiatus from the social scene, keeping a low profile for years until he was released. He in turn ensured that she was well taken care of while he was behind bars. They finally took their romance to the next level, with Ibori tying the knot with her in 2017.

Iluyomade

Unveiling Marie Wiseborn, The Lady HOW SIJI Who Swept Moses Bliss Off His Feet ILUYOMADE

ast weekend, gospel singer, Moses Bliss Uyoh Enang, made a show of his proposal to his fiancée, Marie Wiseborn, in London, sending many Nigerians into a frenzy. The surprise proposal, which took place in front of a beautiful orchestra and close friends, saw the singer perform a beautiful song to Marie before going down on one knee to ask her to be his wife. He said Marie was the evidence that God could show mercy to a man mercy, adding that he and Marie would be together till the coming of Jesus Christ. Moses’ and Marie’s paths crossed after she posted a video of herself dancing to one of his songs on social media about a year ago. She said she was prompted by the Holy Marie Wiseborn and Moses Bliss Spirit to tag him against her normal desire. Moses years. responded to Marie's charisma and She is the only daughter of her the rest they say is history. father who is a district minister The young beautiful lovebirds have in the Church of the Pentecost/ started visiting very close friends Pentecostal International Worship and associates to personally deliver their wedding invites. And they have Centre, Birmingham, UK. The church was initially founded as Gold Coast been documenting and making Apostolic Church by Reverend these visits public. But who really is McKeown in 1937 in Ghana after Marie Wiseborn who Moses chose a separation from The Apostolic out of the legion of ladies to finally Church, Ghana and later changed settle down with? Marie was born on August 20, 1999 its name after Ghana gained independence upon the instructions into a Ghanaian Christian home. She would later relocate with her of late Prime Minister Osagyefo parents to the United Kingdom Kwame Nkrumah in order to stop where she spent her formative the crisis in the church at that time.

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Marie's parents, Reverend Wiseborn and Mrs Felicia Agyare, are both of Ghanaian descent. Her parents serve as pastors in the UK. Marie had her early education at Archbishop Tenison's Church of England High School in London. She would later proceed to Wallington County Grammar School where she majored in Biology, Chemistry, and History. At Wallington County Grammar School, she was the President of the Christian Society. She graduated from the school in 2017. Marie would later bag a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the School of Law, University of Surrey in 2022. At the School of Law, she was the President of the Chosen Christian Society. Following this, she undertook her Bar Vocational Studies at the City, University of London in 2022, successfully completing the programme in April 2023. She was called to the Bar of England and Wales in November 2023. She is the Founder of Learning Lite. Marie loves to sing, dance and preach. Moses 'Bliss' Uyoh Enang on the other hand is a Nigerian gospel music minister, worship leader and songwriter from Akwa Ibom State. The 28 years-old is the founder of Spotlite Nation, a Christian record label.

CELEBRATED HER 60TH BIRTHDAY

enultimate week, Siju Iluyomade, the wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David parish, clocked 60. To celebrate, there was a workout session hosted by the celebrant at Onikan Stadium, Lagos. Very unlike her, especially for one who likes to celebrate the smallest of occasions, she disappointed a lot of her fans, members of her parish and friends when she refused to roll out the drums to celebrate her landmark age. Instead, she chose to take off to North America for an intimate celebration with her husband. She is still enjoying her birthday vacation. Known for her fashion, style, beauty and charisma, Mrs Illuyomade’s style lends credence to the saying that age is nothing but a number because even at 60, she never fails to dazzle every time she makes a public appearance. A legal practitioner and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, and International Bar Association, she is a partner in the law firm, Iluyomade and Iluyomade and Co. She has practised law in several courts in Nigeria, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Having seen firsthand that empowering women and girls can transform the health and prosperity of families, communities and nations, Mrs Iluyomade through her two main initiatives; Arise Women and The Handmaidens Women In Leadership Series (HWIS), has become a role model for kindness while simultaneously putting the human capital to work for economic growth.

Assistant Commissioner of Police. Dolapo was among the 164 police officers promoted by the Police Service Commission under the chairmanship of Dr Solomon Arase CFR. A total of 14 Commissioners of Police were promoted to Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police, 21 Deputy Commissioners of Police to Commissioners, while 20 Assistant Commissioners of Police made it to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. In the same vein, 109 Chief Superintendents of Police became Assistant Commissioners of Police. The promotion, which was recommended by the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, to the Commission requesting the promotion of the officers, had Dolapo, who is currently serving as CSP Administration

at Provost Marshal, Force Headquarters Abuja recommended as one of the deserving officers to be promoted from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police. The promoted officers are charged by the commission's chairman, who is also a retired IGP, to quickly settle down to their new ranks and go forth to win the war against all forms of criminality in the country. A controversial police officer, Dolapo has been reprimanded at least twice on account of gross misconduct by the police hierarchy. The reprimand contributed to a drastic reduction in her regular social media commentary. She was at one point dubbed an ‘Instagram police officer,’ for always dabbling into matters that were outside her jurisdiction.

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Ayonna Trimnell Dumps Access For Signature Bank State governor, Alex Otti. The soon to be 59-year-old is currently the spokesperson for the 14 months-old bank. She is bringing her wealth of experience, having juggled challenging roles in the areas of market research, brand management, corporate communications, marketing strategy, retail marketing across Africa and the Middle East, to help position Signature Bank to become one of the most sought-after banks in the country. While she was at Access Bank, Ayona was a

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leading advocate for women’s economic empowerment through financing, capacity building and creating networking opportunities. She was responsible for developing and sustaining the portfolio in seven subsidiaries across Africa. An ardent lover of art, an avid reader, a published author (Nigerian Women in Development – a book that explores the female entrepreneurship journey in Nigeria) and feminist, Ayona has always worked for women empowerment and equality of women at workplaces. THEWILLNIGERIA

JANUARY 28, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Ifeanyi Ubah, Charles Soludo Square up to Each Other

RUNSEWE THROWS LAVISH PARTY FOR DAUGHTER'S WEDDING

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The Runsewes and the bride

tunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), alongside his wife, last weekend, invited members of the diplomatic community, business community, his fellow socialites, friends and family members to the traditional wedding ceremony of his beloved daughter, Temitope. The young lady who is his first child married Olayiwola Gbadebo,

the son of the Archbishop of Ijebu Iperu, Solomon Olayiwola Gbadebo. The high-octane party which was held at 10 degrees event centre, Lagos had both Shina Peters on the bandstand and Sassy Live band who got guests gyrating to songs from their repertoire. Runsewe ensured he spared no expenses to give his daughter a befitting wedding.

Meet The Dynamic Duo Behind Vaniti Nightclub

ecall that late last year, THEWILL exclusively reported the transformation of one of the branches of Cubana Night Club, the Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island branch specifically, owned by king of nightlife, Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obinna Cubana, to Vaniti Nightclub after it was sold off. This newspaper had reported that Obi Cubana decided to cut his losses by selling off the branch to a new owner after patronage dwindled to an all-time low Akinbode with former loyal patrons deserting the club for newer clubs that sprung up on the island. Ironically, the patronage at the much newer branch of the club located in Ikeja GRA has been on an upward swing, with many night crawlers residing on the mainland preferring it to other clubs on the Lagos mainland and an even much newer one just a stone throw away. Well, the promoters of Vaniti NightClub are two dynamic young men named Uyi Ogbebor and Ayokunle Ogbebor Akinbode. Ironically, Uyi THEWILLNIGERIA

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once worked with Obi Cubana as a public relations manager at his Cubana Night Club, Abuja until he resigned, following irreconcilable differences. Both Uyi and Ayokunle run HWP Group, a media, entertainment and hospitality company under whose umbrella, top clubs like, Moscow Underground, Hustle and Bustle, Whiskey Mistress, Magic City and restaurants like Chow by Moscow and Tiki Cultures, all operate in the capital city. Uyi, who most people regard as the face of the group, is also a real estate entrepreneur with an ongoing estate project in the heart of Abuja named Apex Garden Estate. While Ayokunle is a graduate of Covenant University, Uyi is a graduate of Electrical Engineering from Igbinedion University. An innovator in the tourism and entertainment sector, the HWP Group’s strength lies in its partnerships with some luxury brands such as LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), British American tobacco, and Trace Nigeria. Back in 2018, Forbes rated the duo to be on a mission to own one of the best media, entertainment and hospitality companies in Nigeria by 2025. THEWILLNIGERIA

Adams

GANI ADAMS CELEBRATES 6TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY

ver the weekend, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, hosted important personalities to the 6th installation anniversary of his prestigious title, as well as the celebration of a new chieftaincy title. The venue of the ceremony was the Time Square Event Centre in Lagos, which had glamour on full display as royal fathers, dignitaries, family, friends gathered to celebrate with him. It was also an opportunity for him to confer chieftaincy titles on some personalities. To support him at the event was his newly wedded wife, Joy Onojaife, daughter of Lagos-based architect, Lucky Onojaife, who he formally introduced to guests at the occasion. It was their first formal outing together as man and wife. Mrs Adams looked resplendent in her white regalia and one could see that she was settling into her role as the wife of the Aare Onakankafo. Otunba Gani Adams’ estranged wife, Mojisola, who dumped him and relocated to the United Kingdom due to his alleged philandering nature, was conspicuously absent. Many guests were less concerned about her absence as all attention focused on his new wife, a former beauty queen and a graduate of Physiology from the Delta State University.

t looks like the die is cast between Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in the last governorship election in Anambra State and the incumbent governor of the state, Prof Charles Soludo. To what end? The struggle for who occupies the number one seat in Anambra come 2025. Recall that THEWILL had reported how Ubah was eyeing the governopship position in the state and aims to try his luck a third time. This newspaper had also reported how the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, had aided Ubah, who is representing Anambra South Senatorial District, by reshuffling the leadership of the senate committees and ensuring that he (Ubah) got one of the juiciest committees. Ubah who defected from YPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, got the Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, not necessarily because of his knowledge of the industry, being an active participant via his Capital Oil and Gas Limited, but primarily to help him build a formidable financial war chest to rival that of another opponent from other political parties, including the incumbent. But Soludo is already losing sleep over Ubas ambition and has decided to go to 'war' with Ubah in order to clip his wings and his supposed growing influence. Soludo’s recent suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni community, Igwe Damian Ezeani, for conferring on Ubah the chieftaincy title of 'Odenjiinji Neni' (Warrior of Neni), a title he reportedly holds from his Isuofia community, was not lost on political watchers. Soludo accused the traditional ruler of not seeking clearance from the state government before bestowing titles on people, including, "persons with questionable character, thereby bringing the traditional institution to ridicule and disrepute. This brazen disregard for law and order as well as directives by lawful authorities cannot be tolerated in the new Anambra of today. We have received confirmed

reports that you conferred such a phantom chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the code of conduct and without clearance from the Ministry. Your action is an affront to order and good governance," part of the suspension letter from the Anambra State Government to Igwe Ezeani read. Besides Igwe Ezeani, two other traditional rulers in Anambra State who had equally bestowed on him the chieftaincy titles of 'Ikemba Ojoto,' and 'Dike Eji Eje Ogu' (Warrior), quickly withdrew the titles and promptly apologised to the governor after they were sanctioned. Soludo's actions promptly sparked an argument over the state governor's high handedness, with many believing that the suspension was nothing but a political witch hunt targeted at Ubah. The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, a man who would ordinarily not put himself out there unnecessarily, livid with anger, faulted Soludo for sanctioning the traditional rulers and not having regard for traditional rulers, not to mention referencing a second-term “Right Honorable Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in a most disrespectful and offensive manner.” Ubah who has maintained some dignifying silence so far, finally broke his silence to slam Soludo. He said the governor was simply playing politics, adding that he (Soludo) was frustrated about his growing political profile. He said Soludo was frustrated by his acceptance and popularity and had become jittery about the next governorship election. Ubah said he couldn't understand why Soludo singled him out for attacks when he was not the only person to receive a chieftaincy title within the same period, as the former chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also honored while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was honoured in absentia. Ubah subsequently said he would leave Soludo to his conscience to judge him.

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Afrobeats to The World Gets Its Biggest Challenge BY JOEY AKAN

frobeats to the world has hit a new conundrum. The entire movement has achieved saturation and needs to rethink how it has approached this market. There is enough capital to fund three small countries and an Island nation, but not enough local stars exist to deploy this capital. And so the labels are stuck. The distribution houses are at an impasse with culture. They are sitting on money that needs to get working. The labels have thrown cash and contracts to every singer and producer who has a bit of leverage — sometimes that leverage can be just one hit song — and inundated the market with artists who flatter to deceive. How did they get here? By their hands, of course. Afrobeats to the world has never been about building the local industry and empowering the market to take off independently. While the theory that gets bandied around the Lagos music professional circuit supports this claim, the practicals, so far, hug another path. The complete premise of foreign music companies arriving on West African shores with boots on the ground, centres on extraction. These companies are mining the art from Nigeria and shooting it into foreign markets, with the hope of the music taking off in the West. The entire operation has been a play to mine the game for the best of itself, create a conduit to package and distribute it elsewhere, while telling the world that Nigeria is taking off. Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy were the guinea pigs of this expedition. Since 2016, they have had to define the rules of engagement, initially leading the market with failed attempts to fly internationally, before finding a path to generating value from home and abroad. Think of 2017’s “Sounds From the Other Side,” and how it fell into a black hole. And then there was 2016’s “Son of Mercy” which had Davido flailing in the wind, without an anchor to his homegrown fan base. Early problems aside, Afrobeats to the world have rallied by reeducating both at home and abroad. Local stars create art with a global outlook, while foreign consumers alter their consumption habits to accommodate and highlight this new sound of Africa offering novel escapism. The resultant success made the labels rapacious, signing every creator who offered a smidgen of connectivity. “Market share! Market share!” they chant all around the city, sharing deals across every leveraged artist. Everybody you know in music who has a hit song or has done anything of note has a foreign label accounting for where they make money, how they make that money and where they channel their creativity. But there is an unforeseen problem biting at the heels of the local music industry; We don’t mint enough stars to guarantee enough business for the foreign labels. Nigeria, for all its continental domination, has an average of two breakout stars a year. 2023 gave us Odumodublvck and Shallipopi. Two artists submerged in questions about their place in the game. But they already have their deals in place. Odumodublvck is signed to Native Records, a company owned by Seni Saraki and Teezee, who are in bed with Def Jam Recordings. Def Jam also has the singe-producer, Bloody Civilian, the bestkept secret of Afrobeats. Shallipopi is signed to DVPPER MUSIC, a local distribution company in bed with Virgin Music Nigeria. By extension, his deal is in the bag. Afrobeats to the world already claimed our latest offering. These companies are that effective. And so, the current market saturation comes with a need to engineer a new way to generate value.

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Music companies are now faced with the rudimentary work they have avoided for so long; building from the ground up. Instead of latching on to a great story and steering the narrative in their direction, they are now faced with servicing the entire value chain by creating new stars from inception. So far, everyone has won by avoiding kindling artistic fires. They all sat back and watched local teams fan the lame. And when the flares began, they swooped in with the fuel to make it bigger, licensing deals, project deals, single deals, and every other deal that doesn’t have the word “development” in it. But that has to change. The market demands it. With the lack of new stars to amplify, the majors now have to seek a new path. Find the kindling and strike stones until smoke erupts. Bottom-feeding, but with finesse. Enter artist development. The major task for all the music executives in 2024 is talent scouting, building from the ground up. That means unearthing the best creators from the farthest reaches of Nigeria and throwing them a deal that allows them to actualise their potential. It is planting season now, and everyone has to till the earth. The broader implication of this means, that Afrobeats to the world and the search for future gold now has to leave the artistic hubs of Lagos and Abuja, into fringe creative centres existing in Uyo, Calabar, Enugu, Abeokuta, Port Harcourt and Kaduna. This is the real

work. The one task that defines this era of creative enterprise in the Nigerian music industry. This is great for the local music industry. Think of this as the money going around and hitting the grassroots of the current Nigerian creative class. Think of this as the first real benefit of Afrobeats to the world in the wider ecosystem of creativity. One in which Sade in Ibadan and Ubong in Uyo will now possess access to the greatest music companies in the world and their refined, standardized systems. Early runners have found a hack and they are outsourcing this work. Think of United Masters, the US-based major distributor for indie artists, choosing to partner with Sarz and The Sarz Academy to develop new talents. EMPIRE, the current market-share leader already has the Pepsi Music Academy in full flow. Many more are straight up going the way of locking in mushroom agencies to handle the scouting for them. 2023 gave Afrobeats to the world its most stark realization. We don’t mint enough stars for the capital we attract. We either solve for that or plateau. And you know what happens when a culture hits the stationary phase. To stand still is to fall behind.

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NEWS XTRA

JANUARY 28, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

AVM Bgmibgmitawuza Solomon; Captain of I.E. Ibas Golf Club, Rear Admiral Julius Nwagwu; representative of Chief of Defence Staff and the Special Guest of Honour, AVM Nkem Aguiyi; representative of Chief of Air Staff, AVM Nanjul Kumzhi and the Chairman, Organising Committee, AVM Dalhat Ladan, during the golf tourney as part of the activities to celebrate 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at I.E. Ibas Golf Club in Abuja on 22, 2024.

FG Committed to Supporting NSIB Begins Local Airlines’ Growth – Keyamo Probe of Mattini Aircraft Incident at Ibadan Airport T

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

he Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to bolstering the growth and prosperity of Nigeria's airlines, ensuring they thrive in the global aviation landscape.

The Minister made the reaffirmation during discussions held in London, United Kingdom, where he met with the management of NORSE Atlantic Airways, led by CEO Ben Boiling. NORSE Atlantic Airways is a major carrier in the UK and Europe. The Minister highlighted the Nigerian government's unwavering support for domestic carriers, emphasising the importance of breaking new ground and fostering partnerships to sustain the viability of Nigeria's aviation industry. The discussions primarily revolved around the strategic partnership between NORSE Atlantic Airways and Air Peace, a leading domestic carrier in Nigeria. Acknowledging Air Peace's significant presence on regional and international routes, the Minister commended the partnership with NORSE Atlantic Airways as a positive step towards enhancing connectivity and facilitating growth within the sector. He underscored the pivotal role of aviation in the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and aimed at revitalising Nigeria's economy. Expressing gratitude for the Minister's involvement in the discussions, Mr. Boiling affirmed NORSE Atlantic Airways' readiness to commence the partnership with Air Peace, pending final authorisation for direct flights into Gatwick Airport from Lagos, Nigeria. Simultaneously, officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) engaged in discussions with counterparts from the UK Department for Transport to address challenges related to slot allocation for Air Peace operations at Gatwick Airport. Despite acknowledging the UK government's limited authority over slot allocation, both parties deliberated on key issues hindering the commencement of flights, including departure times, turnaround times, and the approval process for the 2024 summer schedule. The Nigerian delegation comprising Capt. Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General of NCAA; Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director of Air Transport Regulations at NCAA, engaged constructively with UK authorities to facilitate a resolution conducive to Air Peace' entry into the UK market. THEWILLNIGERIA

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BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

he Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving a Challenger 601-3R aircraft with nationality and registration marks N580KR operated by Mattini Air, which occurred On Friday morning at about 10:55am. The aircraft, with 12 passengers and three crew members on board, was en route to Ibadan from Abuja. The aircraft suffered a runway excursion on landing at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan. According to an official statement issued by the Bureau on Saturday, there was no fatality, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. The statement read in part: "NSIB has deployed a Go Team to investigate the incident. As the investigating agency, NSIB needs and hereby solicits your assistance. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the serious incident; that can assist us with this investigation. "The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until a formal report is released. "The Bureau will release the preliminary report as soon as possible.”

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Mutfwang Relaxes Curfew in Mangu LG FELIX IFIJEH

lateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area of the State. THEWILL reports that the Governor had on Wednesday, imposed the 24-hour curfew following a resurgence of crisis in the area. A statement issued on Friday, by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, said the curfew has been reviewed and will now be observed from 4pm to 8am daily until further notice. The review followed an improvement in the security situation in Mangu Local Government Area after strategic engagements with community leaders across various faiths and ethnic groups within the council area, he added. "Governor Mutfwang noted a remarkable improvement in the security situation and, after due consultation with the State Security Council, decided to relax the curfew. He urged the residents of Mangu Local Government Area to strictly observe the curfew and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. "The Governor also called on security personnel to enforce the curfew to avoid a breakdown of law and order. "Expressing gratitude for the cooperation received so far, Governor Mutfwang encouraged the community to continue collaborating with security agencies to ensure the complete restoration of peace and order in the Local Government Area. "He cautioned against complacency, stressing that the State Government remains resolute in preventing any act capable of disrupting public tranquillity. "Governor Mutfwang urged citizens to actively contribute to the security efforts by providing credible intelligence to the relevant security agencies. He concluded that the government is working tirelessly to restore permanent peace in the State,” the statement added.

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FEATURES

A Sense of Entitlement or Legitimate Demand? BY MICHAEL JIMOH

hat is the question Nigerians on two divides are trying to find answers to at the moment. On 18 January 2024, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku MD of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) sent a memo to Mrs. Obiageli Orah Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection that the agency under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development will be relocating to Lagos from Abuja. The memo originated from the minister himself Mr. Festus Keyamo three days before on January 15.

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For reassurance, Keyamo’s memo said: “Abuja continues to have full operational offices and the Authority has not scaled down operations in Abuja one bit. It is just the technical decision of where the Authority has its ‘corporate headquarters’ that has been taken without affecting the structure of operations as they are for now in both cities. In the near future, when befitting corporate buildings have been built for the Authority in both Lagos and Abuja, a final decision will be taken as to the location of the permanent headquarters, depending on the exigencies of the time. The Authority wishes to assure members of the public that it will continue to act in the best interest of the public and the country.”

Members of Arewa Consultative Forum were unimpressed. Both orders from different departments in the Federal Capital Territory was simply too much for some elders of the north who saw it as aiming to “under-develop the north.” Faster than winging a bird in flight, ACF called out both orders for its calculated disregard for northern interest.

But just last week after consultations with

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are in Lagos, given the huge passenger volume of the Lagos airports. The stakeholders and the minister decided against that and to save the country this waste.”

After taking off from Keyamo’s desk via FAAN MD’s office, the memo in question was yet to land on the desk of middle managers when news got around that Central Bank of Nigeria had given a similar order to relocate some of its department to Lagos from the FCT. Haba!

Headquartered in Lagos for much of its existence since inception and after undergoing several reincarnations from Nigeria Airports A uthority to Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in 1995, it oversees international, domestic operations and everything in-between from flight schedules to baggage handling and much else . But during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mr. Hadi Sirika who was Minister of Aviation at the time ordered that FAAN and its ancillary agencies relocate to Abuja where it has operated from since then.

There is nothing wrong with relocating some departments of the CBN to Lagos. Who did they consult when they moved the Navy to Kano, when they brought the Shippers House and the Nigeria Maritime Authority, NMA, to Abuja before former President Olusegun Obasanjo moved them to Lagos?

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stakeholders in the industry, Keyamo reversed the order. According to the ministerial memo, the move in 2020 was ill-advised in the first place because there was no single FAAN building in the Federal Capital Territory to accommodate all of them at once. Apart from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NEIMET) which had a structure in the FCT, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had not completed their buildings there. Worse still, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) operated from a rented office in Abuja even though it had two structures in Lagos. Therefore, operating from Lagos would be cost effective for FAAN. “The Minister has decided to stop this waste of public resources and rip-off on the public purse,” Mrs. Kuku’s memo stated. “The other option open to the Authority was abandon the old FAAN building in Lagos to rot away and to use its scarce resources to rent an office space in Abuja for millions of naira of public money when, in actual fact, more than 60 percent of its activities

“The CBN’s decision is no means of isolated or normal administrative action to fix some logistics problem,” Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba National Publicity Secretary said in a statement following the relocation orders. “Rather, it fits into a disturbing pattern of antagonistic actions often taken by certain federal administrations against the interests of Northern and other parts of Nigeria. The CBN’s announcement was followed by another from the Federal Ministry of Aviation’s Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN’s to also relocate to Lagos due to shortage of office space and claim of the volume of air traffic handled by Lagos. The proposed actions of the two agencies, i.e. CBN and FAAN, are precipitous and mala fide.” More galling to ACF is that out of the scores of directors recently appointed in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, “only 8 of the directors recently appointed are from the north!” So, from this sense of loss, the ACF is now making a legitimate demand for FAAN and CBN not to relocate to Lagos. Senators from the north have also weighed in their support. In tandem with ACF, the lawmakers are riled about the relocation of the government agencies to Lagos and the “lopsided allocation between the North and South in the 2024 budget,” insisting that the development was “designed to further under-develop the North.” Speaking for the lawmakers, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila of New Nigeria Peoples Party representing Kano South says there will be further consultation with the relevant authorities – “the executive arm of government, the National Assembly and stakeholders to address the issues.”

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FEATURES

...Entitlement or Legitimate Demand? “As representatives of the people at the national level (Senate), we are committed to addressing the concerns and feelings of our constituents regarding certain decisions and policies put forth by the federal government – lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the 2024 budget, relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos,” Kawu said. “We understand the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the government and its citizens, and it is in this spirit that we are announcing our collective efforts to seek an amicable people and their government, and it is with great responsibility and dedication that we undertake this task.” Though not as direct and straight to the point as ACF concerning the relocation of FAAN and CBN, Suleiman’s statement on behalf of the northern senators was somewhat solicitous. “We acknowledge that our constituents have shown great patience and trust in our abilities thus far. It is now our turn to ask for their continued support and understanding during this critical juncture. Together, we can work towards resolving the issues at hand and restoring faith in our democratic process resolution to these pressing issues, within the confines of our constitution and existing laws.” To those who think that the demands of the ACF and Northern Senators is a sense of entitlement, the response has equally been swift. National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Jare Ajayi has said that FAAN and CBN were originally in Lagos, insisting that there is nothing “wrong in the planned relocation if it will enhance the agencies’ performance.” Continuing, Ajayi maintained that “we even understand that the structure for some of those departments were constructed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is not as if this administration is starting something new. In many countries, there are some government agencies that are spread to various parts of the country. In this particular case, we don’t see anything wrong with it. Each of these departments is manned by officers from various parts of this country. What should be uppermost in the minds of all Nigerians is performance. As an organisation, we do not encourage nepotism and we do not say that projects should be concentrated in a particular area.” Likewise, Middle Belt Forum National President Bitrus Pogu ribbed the ACF stand on relocating FAAN and CBN to Lagos. “It is unfortunate that this country has not become a nation yet. Up till now, some people only think of themselves, their enclave, their tribe, their religion and not Nigeria,” adding that “some of these agencies are better there in Lagos. “Where is our stock exchange? So if you relocate something or organisation that has its command to Lagos, does it take away anything from the North? Has the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, been taken from the North to the South? It is not THEWILLNIGERIA

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even the North, Abuja is central Nigeria and not North. That is why the Gbagi and others were told that there is nothing like tribal group in Abuja. It is the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for everybody in Nigeria. So if some functions and agencies are taken to the South, it doesn’t amount to anything, it does not amount to witch-hunting the North. So we should not be reasoning in this manner against the South.” Though Pan Niger Delta Forum has maintained a studied silence on ACF and Northern senator’s position on the relocation, one of the senior citizens from the Niger Delta Chief Edwin Clark has added his voice to those calling out ACF and the senators. “There is nothing wrong with relocating some departments of the CBN to Lagos. Who did they consult when they moved the Navy to Kano, when they brought the Shippers House and the Nigeria Maritime Authority, NMA, to Abuja before former President Olusegun Obasanjo moved them to Lagos?

“

What we have not yet understood is what they stand to gain in all of these. We have a plethora of issues begging for regional emergency and attention. We are faced with insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across our land. We have countless IDPs centres that should rather bother us on how to relocate them to their ancestral homes

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“Northerners should realise that Abuja does not belong to them, it belongs to everyone hence they are fighting Nyesom Wike because they believe that FCT belongs only to them. They are 19 states. Others are 17. The place is for all of us. Let us stay in peace, the Northern senators and Northerners should not provoke anyone. Abuja belongs to all.” Equally critical of the ACF and the senators is Arewa Consultative Youth and Women Forum (ACYWF). In a statement and reaction to ACF by Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Matazu National President of ACYWF, “it does not matter the location the office is sighted, provided that efficiency and productivity are not compromised,” saying that “we read with total shock how some of our people have decided to trivialise issues of national importance like the relocation of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria office to Lagos. “What we have not yet understood is what they stand to gain in all of these. We have a plethora of issues begging for regional emergency and attention. We are faced with insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across our land. We have countless IDPs centres that should rather bother us on how to relocate them to their ancestral homes. “It would have been a good discourse if our Northern elders are talking to the President on how to relocate these IDPs, create rehabilitation centres for the victims of attacks, bring humanitarian interventions to the people, creating more empowerment for the people and getting some of the moribund cottage industries and factories in the north to work again…If moving FAAN to Lagos will bring the desired reform and change the face of the Aviation industry for the betterment of all Nigerians, we the youths and women leaders from the North are fully in support of it. We believe in one Nigeria, and we believe in the progress and development of this nation.” PAGE 45

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Super Eagles celebrating a victory at AFCON

Nigeria's Unconvincing Display, AFCON Upsets as Round of 16 Rolls on BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Mane, Senegal’s

captain

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There are raging debates in Nigeria over whether Peseiro is the right man to lead a squad brimming with attacking talents

igeria entered the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast as one of the pre-tournament favourites, having won the competition three times and boasting a fearsome attacking lineup that included Africa's best Victor Osimhen. However, their journey to the knockout stage proved underwhelming, relying more on grit and defensive nous rather than attacking flair. Although some of the firepower in the final third was decreased with the injury-enforced absences of Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar, the team still had the numbers to impress. In their opening Group D match against Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw, struggling to find the back of the net against their opponents. With an array of attacking talents like Napoli's Osimhen, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Nantes' Moses Simon at their disposal, Nigeria's impotency upfront was worrying. Chance after chance was spurned and only a decisive header by Osimhen enabled the Nigerians a share of the spoils after the Equatorial Guineans had pulled ahead.

Nigeria eventually claimed consecutive 1-0 victories over hosts Ivory Coast and bottom team GuineaBissau. However, the manner of their progression left much to be desired. It was obvious that the Nigerian team lacked creativity from the midfield going forward. The injury that sidelined midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, in the lead up to the African tournament, has been an unpluggable gap. The Leicester man has been sorely missed. The balance of tactics was skewed in the team. It emphasised a solid defensive structure, a near absent midfield that broke transition to attack and a front line that seemed incapable of knowing what to do with the ball. Their strategy, which involved maintaining a compact shape in defence while swiftly transitioning into attack when possession was won, petered out because the midfield to facilitate that transition did not feature. The team relied on the pace and skill of their wingers to exploit spaces in the opponent's defence but quickly lost possession at random. This resulted in instances where they struggled to break down well-organised defences, resulting in a lack of goals. The only palpable sense of cohesion among the players was evident in their defensive organisation, as players like Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong put out consistently impressive displays. However, moments of miscommunication and lack of coordination, especially in the final third, led to missed opportunities. This notable lack of output in terms of goals, raises concerns about the team's ability to convert chances and ultimately go farther

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SPORTSLIVE

...Display, AFCON Upsets as Round of 16 Rolls on than the Round of 16.

Nwabili's calmness and shotstopping ability contributed to the team's strong defensive performance. He will have to continue in that starting XI. While Nigeria deserves immense credit for defensive solidity, having conceded just once in three games, manager Jose Peseiro has come under fire for negative tactics. There are raging debates in Nigeria over whether Peseiro is the right man to lead a squad brimming with attacking talents. Can he adjust his cautious philosophy to get the best out of Nigeria's stacked frontline? That question will be put to the test against Cameroon next. The upcoming Round of 16 match against Cameroon is expected to be a challenging encounter. Cameroon, a strong team with a rich footballing history, adds an extra layer of intensity to the fixture due to their historical rivalry with Nigeria. These two AFCON

Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde also demonstrated strong performances as the most impressive teams in the competition after the group stage. They finished first in their groups, with Equatorial Guinea thoroughly defeating the host country, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde holding 7-time champions, Egypt, to a 2-2 draw. These teams showed that they can compete with the favourites and should not be underestimated. was pivotal in the 2000 triumph. Nigeria, despite an unbeaten group stage, faces a resilient Cameroon known for dramatic comebacks. The match, charged with bitter memories and pride, carries more than a quarter-final spot as these African football giants collide once again. The Super Eagles will need to be well-prepared tactically and mentally to overcome the challenges they will definitely pose. Victory for Nigeria is possible as Cameroon showed their own vulnerabilities in scraping through Group G with just one win in three matches. Cameroon appeared almost disinterested and unmotivated in labouring to one draw (against Guinea), one loss (against Senegal) and one victory (coming from behind against Gambia). With a place in the quarterfinals on the line,

Continued from Back Page

VAR: What Can EPL Learn From AFCON?

active usage aligned with VAR’s objective to uphold fairness by correcting potential errors or misses. Positive assessments around AFCON VAR reflected in match reactions as well. Unlike EPL managers sparring over controversial interpretations, soccer administrators focused on the field and plan. Players concentrated wholly on performances, accepting VAR as an impartial system rather than an imposition. However, Algeria's dissatisfaction following their closely contested draw with Burkina Faso indicated potential trouble spots. Their statement of complaint cited unpunished fouls against Algerian players and VAR’s failure to penalise an unreported handball. More critically, Algeria questioned appointing the same VAR referee from their previous fixture, suggesting this compromised impartial assessments. The underlying context seemingly points to interpretation oversight rather than any intentional prejudice. Nonetheless, the incident highlighted areas for enhancing VAR usage protocols and capabilities in future AFCON editions to uphold consistency and accuracy. On the whole though, competent VAR integration along with receptive players and managers saw AFCON benefit immensely from harnessing techTHEWILLNIGERIA

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Cameroon's Karl Toko Ekambi, Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Christopher Wooh and Jean-Charles Castelletto can rise to the occasion. Nigeria will have to inspire themselves to progress. While Nigeria's unconvincing group-stage play raises concerns, some teams heightened expectations with eye-catching performances in the groups. Defending champions Senegal validated their pre-tournament tag as favourites, storming through Group B with three impressive victories, scoring goals freely while conceding just one. Their impressive performance earned them a spot in the knockout stage as one of the strongest contenders. Their key player, Sadio Mane, played a significant role in their success.

Cameroon National team

The coaching staff may need to reassess attacking options and consider alternative strategies to enhance the team's scoring ability. The Super Eagles generated numerous scoring opportunities in the group stage but struggled to convert them into goals. The team's attacking players, especially Osimhen, need to demonstrate more composure and decisiveness in front of goal to capitalise on the chances created. Fortunately, for the first time in a long time, the team's defensive solidity provides a strong foundation for hope in their upcoming matches. The decision to switch from Francis Uzoho to Stanley Nwabali in goal proved beneficial, bringing stability and confidence to the team's defensive unit.

heavyweights are set to rekindle a historic rivalry that stretches back in time. Cameroon holds the edge with victories in the 1984, 1988, and 2000 finals, the latter marked by a controversial disallowed goal. Rigobert Song, now Cameroon's coach,

nology’s strengths pragmatically. Off-field video assessments upheld refereeing authority in delivering justice. Constructive usage ensured seamless incorporation with minimal match interference, in stark contrast with chaotic EPL controversies breeding mistrust. In conclusion, AFCON has so far demonstrated VAR's immense potential in eliminating officiating errors given coherent and unified application. Unlike EPL events escalating anger around decisions deemed unfair, AFCON officials leveraged video assistance for timely and accurate match resolutions. Players focused on football with faith in an impartial system upholding rule-based decisions. EPL authorities seem prudent to re-evaluate VAR objectives, usage guidelines, operator recruitment protocols and review mechanisms, and, in the light of AFCON’s clinical deployment, this will be a wise move. Fine-tuning interpretations around offside, fouls and disciplinary measures accompanied by manager-referee consensus processes could resolve reliability issues plaguing technology adoption. Observing AFCON VAR efficacy provides the Premier League valuable inputs towards framing urgently needed reforms for transparent, consistent and controversy-free video assistance upholding the beautiful game’s integrity.

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Teams like the Atlas Lions of Morocco, Angola, and Mali, who finished as leaders of their groups, cannot be overlooked as potential contenders. However, Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo, which helped the latter qualify for the next round of the tournament. Nevertheless, Morocco’s ability to secure top positions in their groups shows their potential to perform well in the knockout stage in continuation of their impressive showing at the Qatar World Cup. Angola's performance was just as commendable. Their performance was marked by high-quality goals and efficient teamwork. This performance indicates that Angola has a good understanding of the game and can deliver high-level performances consistently. Algeria and Burkina Faso drew 2-2 in their Group D game. Tunisia picked up their first point after a 1-1 draw with Mali in Group E. Despite being one of the top-ranked teams, Algeria failed to finish top of their group, indicating that the ranking of African teams cannot always be trusted as a means of determining their potential success. Tunisia's performance also was disappointing with the team finishing at the bottom of the group. Gambia and Tanzania suffered a similar fate. It was no surprise to see their coaches Tom Saintfiet (Gambia) and Adel Amrouche (Tanzania) fired soon after Other teams like Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Egypt also made it to the knockout stage despite facing challenges. Ivory Coast, the host nation, had to scrape through as one of the best third-place finishers and swiftly fired their coach Jean-Louis Gasset. Cameroon reached the knockout phase despite failing to impress during their opening three games. Egypt scraped through despite the injury to Mohamed Salah, while Ghana did not qualify and went home early. Coach Chris Hughton was immediately fired. Indeed, an intriguing AFCON group stage saw several heavyweights underwhelm massively, while lessfancied teams like Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mali raised expectations heading into the knockouts. Nigeria and Cameroon, two regional rivals, round out an enthralling round of 16 lineup. With the defending champions Senegal looking dominant and upset potential high, the AFCON knockout stage promises intense drama and unpredictability on the quest to be crowned Africa's best.

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VAR: What Can EPL Learn From AFCON?

he Video Assistant Referee (VAR) represents a technological innovation in football officiating, involving trained video officials reviewing decisions and advising on-field referees. Implemented to minimise human errors impacting soccer matches, this system was formally adopted by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in 2018 after extensive trial phases across multiple competitions. VAR addresses critical in-game incidents relating to goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity. Operatives utilise video footage and multiple camera angles to evaluate refereeing decisions, recommending reviews in case of potential "clear and obvious errors." This technology aims to deliver accurate and equitable judgment, enhancing fairness crucial in a dynamic, fast-paced sport. Yet, for many fans of the English Premier League (EPL), this has not been the reality. The EPL unrolled VAR in 2019 to curb officiating mistakes and contentious calls. However, teething troubles plagued early adoption, with inconsistent interpretations drawing widespread criticism. Ambiguity around review protocols and intervention thresholds fostered frustration, marring the promise of impartial technology-enabled justice. Recent EPL history illustrates these grievances prominently across landmark matches. The January 14, 2023 fixture between Manchester rivals, United and City, encapsulated a typical VAR controversy. Marcus Rashford’s winner, seemingly offside, was awarded after a brief VAR check and on-field review. Despite upholding the goal, the decision ignited debates around interpreting offside rules and intervention timeliness. The Arsenal versus Brentford match on February 11 offered a greater VAR fiasco. A goal allowed to stand due to an overlooked offside offence rightfully elicited an apology and consequences for the video assistant involved. Critics spotlighted human negligence nullifying VAR’s central advantage – eliminating bias through technology. Lee Mason, who was at fault, was forced to leave his role with the VAR team. Crystal Palace’s encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion on the same weekend as the Arsenal case provoked similar outcry over another miscued offside call disallowing a legitimate goal. While errors are unavoidable, the Independent Panel Review's strong critique highlighted deep concerns around accuracy reflecting on the competition's integrity. Chelsea's September 3 contest against West Ham United presented additional dimensions to the VAR conundrum. A goal denied due to perceived foul play in the pre-scoring phase incited scrutiny over cause-effect interpretations. Despite match footage inconclusively evidencing said infringement, the VAR verdict emphasised prudent restraint in overturning on-field decisions to influence outcomes.

The Newcastle United-Crystal Palace clash on the same day saw a comparable scenario. VAR overturned the referee's initial decision to award Newcastle a goal, citing a collision involving Joe Willock before the scoring moment. This intervention attracted allegations of excessive nitpicking, triggering the bigger question of how VAR should balance upholding laws and maintaining match flow. Manchester United's encounter against Arsenal on September 4 witnessed arguably the season's most hotly contested VAR call. An Arsenal goal disallowed due to a foul in the buildup elicited vociferous responses from pundits and fans. Further intensifying emotions, the Independent Panel declared the VAR decision objectively incorrect, showcasing the

subjective complexities in football regulation. Tottenham Hotspur's eventful bout with Brighton on April 8 encapsulated wider grievances around lengthy delays accompanying VAR reviews. A disallowed goal and rejected penalty appeals drew substantial post-match analysis over incremental offside interpretations and minimal contact fouls. While critics argued for maintaining on-field referee autonomy, others highlighted the need for clarifying VAR usage protocols to optimise the technology's capabilities. Scrutinising Brighton’s and Arsenal's multiple matches reveals VAR’s inconsistent application across different fixtures featuring the same teams. Disallowed goals, overturned penalties and upheld disciplinary bookings produced contradictory outcomes, hampering consensus around standardised decision frameworks. Liverpool’s tense victory against Aston Villa on May 20 presented another pressure-cooker VAR examination. Video confirmation of offside ruling out a Villa

equaliser in stoppage time showcased razor-thin interpretations, provoking debates around perceived intentional touches from a natural playing position. Ultimately the Independent Panel deemed the interference judgement acceptable, despite discontent over context and common sense. Examining Liverpool’s journeys across competitions portrayed VAR’s repertoire beyond attacking decisions. Disallowed goals due to offside or fouls attracted attention as usual. However, video reviews also influenced disciplinary outcomes, ranging from overturned yellow card decisions to confirmed red card offences. These diverse scenarios illuminated interpretation complexities when applying VAR across multifaceted match incidents. VAR controversies even filtered into the FA Cup, evidenced by the January 29 clash between Brighton and Liverpool. A brutal Fabinho tackle only sanctioned with a yellow card despite red card clamours attracted eyeballs to the monitor. While inciting familiar frustration around subjective decisions, this event highlighted VAR’s incomplete scope in regulating unified foul punishments. EPL fans will agree that recent EPL history underlines dissent across stakeholders regarding VAR’s capacity to achieve fair and transparent justice. Inconsistent decisions dictated by interpretation nuances rather than facts fuelled allegations about the technology itself being wielded as a subjective tool arbitrarily distorting match outcomes. Mounting controversies threatened VAR’s credibility in resolving football’s perennial officiating challenges to the point that more than a handful of fans have asked for the technology to be scrapped. However, the experience of VAR at this year's ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast has so far provided a different perspective and an intriguing counterpoint that positions competent and measured VAR usage. This has the tendency to generate fresh trust around refereeing decisions and the application of VAR that is true to its origins. Right from Burkina Faso’s decisive 95th minute penalty against Gabon, awarded via VAR confirmation, video officials at Africa's grandest football competition have seen enhanced critical calls that have been on point. Overturning potential referee mistakes such as an erroneously awarded Congo penalty and an offside Ghana goal are some illustrations of how the seamless collaboration between officiating officers and technology can maximize accuracy instead of engendering controversy. Significantly, footage analysis also bolstered disciplinary decisions, as VAR assisted the referee in brandishing a red card to Guinea’s Francois Kamano against Cameroon after an initial mistaken yellow. Such proContinues on Page 47

Inconsistent decisions dictated by interpretation nuances rather than facts fuelled allegations about the technology itself being wielded as a subjective tool arbitrarily distorting match outcomes PAGE 48

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