Pay Cut For Members Spark Debate
l Slice NASS, Executive’s Ridiculous Allowances Too by Half, Responders Demand
l Planned Nationwide Protest Over Hardship Worry Officials
l MAN Urges Allocation to Productivity, Says Manufacturing Now Unattractive
Digital
OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN
Over the last few decades, the Nigerian music industry has experienced growth like none other, thanks to music labels that promote talented artists. These labels significantly transform local sounds into international sensations, providing platforms for Nigerian artists to showcase their talent. Music labels have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the careers of various artists. Their influence goes beyond individual artists’ success to influencing how Nigerian music is perceived globally, pushing Afrobeats to a worldwide audience. Nigerian music labels have ensured that the country’s vibrant sounds have travelled worldwide through strategic planning, such as artist collaborations, digital footprint, and tours, contributing to the economic growth of the Nigerian music industry.
From Olamide’s Yahoo Boy No Laptop to Chocolate City Music, Don Jazzy’s Mavin Record to Davido’s Davido Music World, Wizkid’s Starboy Entertainment, and Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa, we highlight some of the music labels responsible for putting Nigerian music on a global stage.
Our other pages have exciting articles: The fashion pages discuss ways to transition your wardrobe from the dry to the rainy season with a few essential pieces.
When your body is under stress, it affects your skin. The beauty page shows you ways to keep your skin clear even during stressful times. Scroll to page 11 for this.
Marriage is a beautiful adventure. Although the first year is exciting, some challenges come along the line. That is why Downtown Confidential suggests some tips for newlyweds to build a strong foundation. You’ll find them on page 15.
Click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download our playlist. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
Photo: Kola Oshalusi
@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024 THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnews.com
THEWILLNIGERIA
COVER
House of Representatives Proposed 50% Pay Cut For Members Spark Debate
l Slice NASS, Executive’s Ridiculous Allowances Too by Half, Responders Demand
l Planned Nationwide Protest Over Hardship Worry Officials
l MAN Urges Allocation to Productivity, Says Manufacturing
BY AMOS ESELE
When members of the House of Representatives last Thursday pledged to cut and donate to the Federal Government 50 per cent of their monthly salaries for six months, little did they know they would trigger an immediate debate on the need to cut cost of governance across all sectors and deploy the realised money to revive badly needed social and economic infrastructure.
Two representative views by @DanObed374851 and @USMANBABBA80305 summarise the various reactions on social media. Dan Obed said: "Whether the NASS' Salary Slash of 50 percent is for six months or one month, it underscores the beauty of the progress we can attain, united and standing up against our Leaders! Now, we must question the legislature if this six months’ gesture is enough to re-position our country financially"
For UsmanBabba, this is just window dressing. He said, “They have to do better than this. I don't
think this is enough to appease Nigerians. So, after six months, everything will slide back to the status quo.”
Explaining further in an interview with THEWILL on Friday, professor of political science at the University of Lagos, Sylvester Odion Akhaine, said the lawmaker’s gesture pales in significance to the enduring call for cutting the cost of governance in the country, a move he thinks will release needed funds for social programmes.
“The gesture by the House of Representatives is not enough. It is surface scratching,” he said, adding, “They need to half their entire monthly take-home package that includes allowances. It will go a long way to reduce income disparity and free funds for social programmes. Even the content of their allowances is outrageous. It should be expunged to reflect objective reality.”
In fact, when THEWILL sought more
Now Unattractive
explanations from the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Honourable Akin Rotimi, to get a full picture of the donation as the motion on it was scanty, he failed to respond to the questions he asked to be forwarded to him via SMS. The questions were about how the House intends to disburse the money to the Federal Government or whether it would be tied to specified projects; whether other elected and appointed officials across the states would be persuaded to participate as the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas asked of the Senate.
The Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, commended the House of Reps for the salary cut, but contended that the gesture was not enough to do the envisaged work.
Reacting on his X account, the former Vice President said, “The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But
...50% Pay Cut For Members Spark Debate
it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of the lawmakers and government officials in general.”
WHAT THE HOUSE SAID
That Thursday, the House of Representatives resolved to cut members’ salaries by 50 per cent for six months to support President Bola Tinubu’s government and provide some relief to Nigerians suffering untold hardship due to the government’s harsh economic policies.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Ibrahim Isiaka, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Government Affairs, during a plenary.
In an amendment to the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, pleaded with the lawmakers to cut their salaries by 50 per cent for six months.
According to him, this gesture was to support the government in providing comfort to Nigerians going through hardship. Like Isiaka, he noted that the motion was in response to the planned nationwide protest in August against the government over economic challenges and food insecurity in the country.
Isiaka said that Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances, but that maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government was crucial for resolving the nation’s issues. He appealed to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider and toe the path of patience, dialogue and collaboration.
He said, “We trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria. The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.”
Noting that the current challenges experienced in the country are similar to global trends, he sued for peace and added that change would not happen overnight but with collective patience, perseverance and commitment to working together towards a common goal.
Interestingly, the lawmakers said the motion would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders and the general public to promote a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing national issues.
FEAR OF LOOMING NATIONWIDE PROTEST
The fear that prompted the Reps’ action is rooted in the ongoing mobilisation of Nigerians in the social media for a protest against economic hardship in the country, starting from August 1. The mobilisers appear faceless except for the 2023 elections presidential candidate of the
African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore and some audio messages from unverifiable origin claiming to be by sympathetic soldiers warning the protesters against turning into a mob that may trigger security agencies to shoot at them.
But last Thursday, the director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, told journalists in Abuja, that the agency’s nationwide structure had identified the sponsors of the proposed protest and likely flashpoints, adding that the, “identities of many of the brains behind the protest are known, along with their collaborators who are safely residing abroad, and the government is taking necessary actions to stop their subversive plans.”
Deputy National Secretary of the Conference of Political Parties, Comrade James Ezema, in an interview with THEWILL on Friday, said, “I support the action the Representatives have taken in response to the hardship in the country. We have been calling on those in government to also make sacrifices, just as they call on Nigerians to make sacrifices.
“
It is a good step, but the real deal is for the government to reduce the cost of governance in the country so that those who have made a career out of politics and spend only four or eight years will not end up with fat retirement benefits, while those who have laboured for more than 35 years find it difficult to access their pensions. For now, the move by the Reps is a good example which should serve as an example across all the various arms of government so that we know that everybody is making sacrifices for the country
“It is a good step, but the real deal is for the government to reduce the cost of governance in the country so that those who have made a career out of politics and spend only four or eight years will not end up with fat retirement benefits, while those who have laboured for more than 35 years find it difficult to access their pensions. For now, the move by the Reps is a good example which should serve as an example across all the various arms of government so that we know that everybody is making sacrifices for the country.”
Painting a picture of a country in deep economic distress where manufacturers as major employers of labour, alongside agriculture, are at the mercy of government policies, such as the devaluation of the Naira, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said the government can rescue the situation by synergising the monetary policy, the fiscal and economic policies.
In a note sent to THEWILL on Friday, the MAN president who asserted that a volatile business environment such as Nigeria’s has made business projections difficult called for the implementation of otherwise good ideas of government to the latter, said that as at 2023 about 733 manufacturing firms had ceased to operate in the country, adding that scarce food and poor energy, which are driving inflation, have to be solved urgently.
Meshioye said, “When you have high interest rates and high energy cost in the face of the fuel subsidy removal, floating of forex which led to the devaluation of the Naira, manufacturing becomes unattractive and discouraging. You cannot expand your investment. In the end, you have to pass on part of the costs to the consumer who is already contracted and so has to prioritise their purchases. So, the manufacturer has less turnover, less demand and higher stock, all of which make it difficult to meet stakeholders’ demands, pay salaries and so on. Reduction of cost of governance, patronage of made in Nigeria goods and sufficient forex allocations would go a long way in addressing the difficulty experienced by the real sector.”
WAY FORWARD
Professor Akhaine contends that the Reps should take a permanent cut that “reflects levels of income in other sectors.” He urged the Senate to lead by example and join the bandwagon.
“Whatever happened to the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report?” Atiku asked in his X account and then added: “Recently, the ballooning of the MDAs with attendant cost implications has been observed. There is too much wastage and prioritisation of non-essential expenditures. What is desirable is an across-theboard cut in expenses…”
Meshioye, who maintained that President Tinubu is focused and has passion to transform the economic and political landscape of the country, urged that those who share the same views with him should be deployed in strategic institutions, agencies and offices to put to practice what the government preaches.
L-R: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero and President, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo, after their meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the new Minimum Wage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 18, 2024.
CBN Directs Banks to Transfer Funds in Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed deposit money banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions in the country to transfer funds in dormant accounts and unclaimed balances into an account controlled by the apex bank.
A circular issued by its Acting Director of Financial Policy and Regulations, John S. Onoja, said the directive was stated in the "Guidelines on Management of Dormant Account and Unclaimed Fund" published on Friday.
According to the apex bank, the objectives of the guidelines, among others, were to identify dormant accounts/unclaimed balances, and financial assets with a view to reuniting them with their beneficial owners; hold the funds in trust for the beneficial owners; standardise the management of dormant accounts/ unclaimed balances, and financial assets; and establish a standard procedure for reclaiming warehoused funds.
It explained that “eligible accounts are dormant account balances that have remained with the FIs for a period of ten (10) years and beyond.
“Eligible dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and other financial assets shall include: current, savings, and term deposits in local currency; Domiciliary accounts; deposits towards the purchase of shares and mutual investments; and prepaid card accounts and wallets.
“Government Owned Accounts; Proceeds of uncleared and unpresented financial instruments belonging to customers or non-customers of FIs; Unclaimed salaries and wages, commissions, and bonuses; Proceeds of stale local and/ or foreign currency drafts not presented for payment by beneficiaries; Funds received from a correspondent bank without sufficient details as to the rightful beneficiary and/ or a recall of funds made to the remitting bank to which the Nigerian bank account had not been debited.
“A judgement debt for which the judgement creditor has not claimed the amount of judgment award; and any other deposits or financial assets that may be designated by CBN.”
It, however, emphasised that the "following classes of dormant accounts/financial assets are exempted: Accounts that are subject of litigation; A judgement debt for which the judgement creditor has not claimed the amount of judgment award and the case is still active in rt; Accounts under investigation by a regulatory authority or law enforcement agency; and encumbered accounts, including, but not limited to, collateral and liens."
Gov. Alia Donates N2bn to BSUTH For Cancer Treatment Centre
BY KAJO MARTINS, MAKURDI
The cancer centre at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi has received a major boost with the cash donation of N2 billion by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The Governor, who made the donation at the International Health Investment Summit and Scientific Exhibition and Endorsement Fund for the establishment of a cancer centre in Makurdi, decried a situation where over 79,000 deaths were recorded in the country over cancer ailment.
According to Governor Alia, on the assumption of duty, he approved the recruitment of 500 staff in hospitals to address cases of shortage and unemployment.
He commended former governor Gabriel Suswam for accepting to chair the event, saying Benue’s interest is most paramount irrespective of party affiliation.
The Governor also thanked international companies and experts for their contribution to addressing health challenges, especially the menace of cancer in the state, saying the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, has proven his capacity to move the medical facility to the next level.
Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who also donated N2 million, said Governor Alia is changing the negative narrative that nothing good will come to Benue State
The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and his Idoma counterpart, John Odogbo, all endorsed the quality of services Governor Alia has brought to Benue State in the past one year, pledging to mobilise their subjects to key into it.
Earlier, the CMD of BSUTH, Dr. Stephen Hwande, commended Governor Alia for showing interest in the development of the institution through adequate funding and staff recruitment.
He stated that the idea of the summit and fundraising was to add to what was on ground, noting that with the upgrade of facilities, Nigerians will be attracted to Benue, thereby ending medical tourism.
The highlight of the ceremony was fundraising for the establishment of a cancer treatment centre with companies, traditional institutions, and individuals donating huge sums of money.
263 Boko Haram Terrorists, Families Surrender to MNJTF
BY LADI DAPSON
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of Operation Lake Sanity 2 said a total of 263 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops in Sector 1, Cameroon.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Military Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, to newsmen in Maiduguri.
According to him, the wave of surrenders started on July 11, 2024, when 5 terrorists surrendered to MNJTF troops in Wulgo, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
“Preliminary information indicated these individuals hailed from Tumbuma and Kutumgulla in Marte Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria.
“On the same day, Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old, escaped from the Jibilaram hideout and surrendered to the troops. Additionally, on 11 July, 19 terrorists surrendered in the village of Madaya, extreme North Cameroon, and another 11 surrendered in Wulgo from the Tumbuma hideout in 2 waves.
“On 12 July 2024, 64 individuals surrendered in Bonderi, Cameroon, including 6 adult males, 20 women, and 38 children. Moreso, On 13 July, 27 terrorists surrendered.
“The trend continued on 15 July 2024, with another 102 individuals surrendering in Bonderi, Extreme North Cameroon, including 20 adult men, 40 women, and 42 children. Additionally, 5 individuals surrendered in Wulgo, with 2 coming from the Tumbuma hideout, southern Lake Chad.
“On 16 July 2024, 2 more terrorists surrendered. The following day, 17 July 2024, saw the surrender of a total of 48 terrorists and their families, comprising 10 adult males, 15 females, and 23 children,” he stated.
He said the surrendered individuals are from Nigerian communities and have been handed over to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
The MNJTF confirmed that the surrendered terrorists and their families are being handled according to international laws and human rights standards.
L-R: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani-Gwarzo; Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmiminu Jibrin and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa-Dangiwa, during the oversight visit of the House Committee to the Ministry in Abuja on July 18, 2024.
NEWS
Writers Appeal to Tinubu to Rename National Library After Chinua Achebe
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) has made a formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to honour the late Prof. Chinua Achebe by renaming the National Library of Nigeria after the renowned author.
President of SYNW, Wole Adedoyin said that this request comes in recognition of Achebe's immense contributions to literature and his lasting legacy as the author of the bestselling novel "Things Fall Apart" and the winner of the 1987 Man Booker International Prize.
Adedoyin highlighted Achebe’s profound impact on Nigerian and global literature, noting that renaming the National Library would be a fitting tribute to his memory and contributions.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent decision to rename the National Theatre after Prof. Wole Soyinka in celebration of his 90th birthday, he said SYNW Global believes that a similar honour should be extended to Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Wole Adedoyin emphasized that Achebe’s work has not only shaped African literature but has also brought international acclaim to Nigeria. "Things Fall Apart" remains a seminal work that has been translated into numerous languages and has educated readers worldwide about African culture and history.
The writers’ body also expressed its appreciation for the actions of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, who recently renamed the state’s international airport after the late Chinua Achebe. This move was praised as a commendable step in preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s greatest literary figures. SYNW Global noted that the National Library of Nigeria, as a repository of the nation’s knowledge and heritage, would be an ideal institution to bear Achebe’s name. The organization believes that this renaming would inspire future generations to explore Achebe’s works and the rich literary heritage of Nigeria.
In their statement, the writers acknowledged the significance of national institutions being named after individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. They argued that Achebe's literary achievements and his role in promoting African literature globally make him a deserving candidate for such an honor.
FG Clamps Down on Illegal Gold Site, Arrests
The nationwide onslaught of the federal government against illegal mining has gathered momentum with the arrest of several suspects allegedly involved in the illegal mining of gold in Yagba East LGA, Kogi State.
The operation, carried out by the mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA, involved dislodging illegal miners whose activities have prevented lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for 16 years. Reports indicate that the nefarious activities have gone unhindered for over 20 years. The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander, Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven (7) suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area. Following the successful operation, site workers were given 5 days to completely vacate the site as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities will continue in earnest. It will be recalled that a similar operation was carried out recently by the mining marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, leading to the arrest of eight (8) Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, suspected to be involved in illegal mining. The trial of the suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, and they were remanded in Kuje prisons until the adjourned date.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the leadership of Dr. Dele Alake is committed to fighting the menace of illegal mining headlong and bringing culprits to book
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the weekend presented its 14th prosecution witness, PW14, Sahibu Salisu, a former Director of Administration and Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in the trial of alleged N6.9bn fraud involving a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, before Justice Chukujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC had, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, re-arraigned Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn ( Six Billion Nine Hundred Naira). The defendants had first been arraigned on October 22, 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun. At the resumed sitting on Friday, Salisu told the court how he paid the sum of N200m and another N2billion to a firm, Sylvan MacNamara, for security purposes on the instruction of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the PW14 , who disclosed that he served as the Director of Administration and Finance between 2011 and 2015, explained the process of payment, saying, “ Once the NSA gave approval for payment, we processed it accordingly. The payments we made were mainly for operational activities.” When asked to state the roles of the NSA Office , he said: “The roles of the NSA Office are purely about the security of the entire country. And any money expended on security was expected to be retired.” When shown a document tagged Exhibit S, which was the payment voucher raised for the fund, he said: "It is the payment mandate raised by me as the Director of Administration and Finance on the NSA’s instruction. The first figure was N200 million in favour of Sylvan McNamara and it was paid to the company’s Diamond Bank account. It was the NSA who gave me the account details."
He said though the NSA did not tell him the purpose for which it was meant, the memo raised and the mandate payment showed it was for physical security infrastructure. "All the payments made from the Office of NSA were supposed to be for security activities and security structures,” he said. When asked who signed the payment mandate, he said: “I will sign my own part as signatory B. “Thereafter, I would take it to the NSA for final signature, which was approved. Then, I would take the mandate to the Central Bank of Nigeria for payment.” Giving further testimony on the exhibit S, he said the former NSA and he appended their signatures on it. According to him, the payment was made and there should be retirement, after the purpose for which money was paid for had been completed. He, however, stated that “ Up till I left the office, I could not say whether or not the money was retired.”
When asked about the exhibit S1, which was payment to Sylvan McNamara to the tune of N2 billion dated June 13, 2014, he said: "We paid the amount of N2 billion to Sylvan McNamara on the instruction of the NSA. I was not a signatory to this account, so I am not in a position to know whether it was retired after payment. The NSA and former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Mahe, would be able to know whether it was retired or not". Salisu, under cross-examination by the counsel to the first defendant, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, testified that all payments made by the NSA office were made through the bank and they had to raise the mandate before it was done.
POLITICS
Road to Edo 2024 Getting Messier
BY AMOS OKIOMA
Two months to the September 21, 2024 governorship poll in Edo State, the language of conversation has turned violent with a likelihood of worsening as some of the contestants jostle for reckoning.
Nobody can say for sure what actually triggered last Thursday’s attack in Benin-City on the convoy of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the reinstated Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, until police conclude their investigation. But the strained relationships and diatribes against and between contestants and supporters have fouled the terrain, according to analysts.
A few days earlier, Shaibu, who was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly on April 8, 2024, was last Wednesday reinstated, following a ruling by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Abuja High Court, who held that the former Deputy Governor was unjustly impeached.
The House of Assembly reacted immediately in a statement that it had appealed the judgement.
Explaining his current status within his party, the governing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following Thursday’s attack, Shaibu said he was already an unofficial member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that he was merely bidding his time in the PDP until he officially dumps the ruling party in the state.
He also disclosed why he was in the company of the APC candidate, Senator Okpebholo. According to him, his spirit has since left the PDP.
He said, “In PDP now, everybody can support whoever they like. On the issue of supporting a candidate, the constitution guarantees that you can support who you like and you can belong to any political party,” adding that “As of now, I’m a PDP man and I will not support anybody while I am in another party, contrary to who I am supporting. For now, I am a member of PDP, but going forward, I am good as being a member of APC; I can tell you that I have my two legs in APC.
“The only thing that is keeping me in PDP is that I have not officially declared. Talking more seriously, I am actually a member of APC, but unofficial. My spirit has left PDP for a long time, it is only my legs and body that are still there because my PDP party card is still with me and I have not picked an APC party card yet.” But Shaibu blamed Governor Godwin Obaseki for fuelling the political crisis between them, claiming that his attempts to call a truce by phoning Obaseki, 111 times failed to yield any result.
“I have made up my mind not to call him again, but I always send him texts. Before now, when I started counting, I called him (Obaseki) 111 times during that crisis, but he never picked up. I sent him texts, and he never replied, but it never really mattered. The last text I sent to him was on his birthday,” Shaibu said.
In its reaction, the state government alleged that it had observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs working in connivance with the former deputy governor.
Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, alleged that thugs loyal to Shaibu have unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in the guise of enforcing the judgement reinstating him to office.
“We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to in pursuit of his aim to return to Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the
“In PDP now, everybody can support whoever they like. On the issue of supporting a candidate, the constitution guarantees that you can support who you like and you can belong to any political party,” adding that “As of now, I’m a PDP man and I will not support anybody while I am in another party, contrary to who I am supporting. For now, I am a member of PDP, but going forward, I am good as being a member of APC; I can tell you that I have my two legs in APC
judgement has been filed,” he said.
The Commissioner enjoined the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses.
On the Thursday attack on Senator Okpebholo and Shaibu, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the incident was being investigated.
“It is premature for the police to confirm at this time until the investigation is concluded,” he said. Meanwhile, THEWILL checks showed that security had been strengthened at the premises of the Deputy Governor of the state, Godwins Omobayo, located on Osadebey Avenue, near the airport, in Benin City to forestall any attack against him.
The Thursday attack happened on Airport Road, when Senator Okpebholo and several others, arrived the city from Abuja aboard a chartered flight.
A police officer was said to have been shot dead and three others wounded.
It was not immediately known if Okpebholo was wounded, but he is said to have been taken an undisclosed hospital in Benin City.
Meanwhile, a police officer identified as Okon and assigned to Okpebholo was killed after thugs attacked his convoy and that of Shaibu on Thursday.
Shaibu and Okpebholo arrived at the Benin Airport around 2 pm to the rousing welcome of supporters.
The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the convoy, which led to a reprisal by the armed security details assigned to the APC candidate and Shaibu.
The incident forced shops and offices around the vicinity to hurriedly shut down, while majority of motorists abandoned their vehicles and scampered off to safety.
But a statement by Mr Godswill Inegbe, an aide to Okpebholo said his principal was attacked by the gunmen.
“During the unprovoked attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Sen. Okpebholo were injured with bullet wounds, while one of the policemen is feared dead,” Inegbe said.
According to him, Okpebholo is at this moment admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin City for medical attention with other members of the entourage.
At the risk of sounding pedantic, we hasten to say that the knowledge acquired in tertiary institutions is mainly to open the mind, like an umbrella, to accommodate shades of ideas that broadens one’s horizon and enhances innovation and entrepreneurship. Certification is just a statement and proof of attendance, which further affirms the bearer’s qualities at given occasions
Condemnable Illegal Admission to Tertiary Institutions
The recent disclosure by the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, that over one million students were admitted illegally by some tertiary institutions in the country between 2017 to 2020, leaves much to be desired.
Fair enough that he made the statement at the 2024 policy meeting of heads of tertiary institutions in the country as admission for this year gets underway.
According to the JAMB boss, many of the students with illegal admission do not have the basic qualifications to be admitted into the course they registered to study, though the examination body has been able to regularise 600,000 of the numbers admitted illegally. The Federal Ministry of Education, in cahoots with some institutions, has engaged in this kind of racketeering between 2017 and 2020, a whole three years.
Recall that Oloyede was appointed JAMB Registrar in 2016, a year before this bubble burst. This means that this assault on admissions into tertiary institutions has, in all probability, been going on before his appointment.
It is a sad commentary on our educational system on the one hand and on the managers of the system on the other. Moreover, it is also a revelation of a deeper malaise
that is the endemic corruption that continues to blight institutions and men in the country.
It is one thing to say that many parents, as has often been the case, have contributed to compromising the standard of education in the country by their support and encouragement of examination malpractices. It is quite another to say that the supervising ministry of education had aided and abetted this ignoble act with its implication for policy miscarriage and value addition.
In last Thursday’s meeting of stakeholders in tertiary institutions where Oloyede made this indictment, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors were in attendance, as well as officials from the Ministry of Education, led by the Minister, Tahir Mamman. We can only imagine that hearing Oloyede’s public disclosure would make those of them indulging in the ignoble act to have a rethink and retrace their steps or better still, cooperate with the JAMB Registrar to end the ugly trend.
This is not to say that crooks do not exist in tertiary institutions. Far from it. The point is that bending the rules to illegally admit unqualified students into institutions of higher learning is akin to agreeing to breed quacks in a place not meant for them. The attitude is wrong, corrodes the system and gambles with values of education, among which is character building, diligence and competence. At the risk of sounding pedantic, we
hasten to say that the knowledge acquired in tertiary institutions is mainly to open the mind, like an umbrella, to accommodate shades of ideas that broadens one’s horizon and enhances innovation and entrepreneurship. Certification is just a statement and proof of attendance, which further affirms the bearer’s qualities at given occasions.
Professor Oloyede is widely respected for rescuing JAMB from the doldrums it was descending during the tenure of his many successors who virtually turned the agency to a bazaar of sorts and so, need to be supported to carry on with his onerous job as Registrar. We call on institutions participating in illegal admission to desist from it.
Prof Mamman as Minister should ensure his ministry stops facilitating the obviously corrupt VCs and Provost in perpetuating this fraud that takes away the shine from the ivory tower image of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. His recent plan to review secondary education curriculum in line with modern technological scientific and cultural trends as well as admissions into tertiary institutions should also add severe sanctions for those who deliberately compromise standards in admission into all tiers of education in the country.
Nigerians collective interests should trump the personal agendas of those who think only of their wards and usurp their positions to bend the rules for their personal gain.
OPINION
Sylva’s Ludicrous Pursuit of Power
hat Chief Timipre Sylva is chasing vague hope of returning to power through the back door as
It was indeed a tough call for Chief Sylva and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election, contesting against the incumbent and the “People’s Governor”, Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their defeat at the poll was predicted. Every single survey, including those conducted by the opposition, ahead of the election
The survey outcomes were unambiguous. Diri was to win convincingly in Sylva’s home LGAs of Brass and Nembe. The governor's prosperity agenda of his administration had sold Senator Diri to the electorate in the homestead of his opponent. The Nembe people had come to terms with the popular saying that a good friend is better than a bad
Their conviction was strengthened by several developmental projects embarked upon in the areas by the transformational approach to governance through various projects by the governor. The historic Nembe-Brass road started by the Prosperity Government was the icing on the cake and the needed tonic to deliver Senator Diri for the second tenure. Interestingly, out of the three constituencies in Sylva’s Brass LGA, Diri won in two while Sylva managed to win in his constituency after massive rigging and falsification of votes. Furthermore, in Nembe LGA, Diri won in Constituency One, Sylva, compromised the election in Constituency 2, Bassambiri community with an orchestrated violent situation before the election date. Sylva and his agents had a field day to execute
In Nembe Constituency 3, Sylva and his gang never allowed materials to get to any polling unit. They sat
in Bassambiri and wrote results without voting as confirmed by INEC, a development that prompted outright cancellation. Shamelessly, Sylva, claimed he won the election in Nembe Constituency 3. This is one of the bases upon which he approached the court for the tribunal to accept the “cooked” votes and be added to his earlier declared results. The lower tribunal in its ruling delivered on May 17, 2024, in Abuja, chided Sylva that he needed to prove with concrete evidence that the election truly held in the disputed 182 polling units. The tribunal held that the votes could not be backed by the BVAS accreditation machine and so, could not be accepted, more so that INEC had shown cause while the electoral body cancelled the process in the affected areas on the election day.
The court held that it is criminal to present forged documents to the Tribunal as INEC had denied those results tendered by Sylva. Just yesterday, the Court of Appeal agreed with the position and ruling of the Lower Tribunal that the purported results being brandished by Sylva are fake and never emanated from the electoral body that conducted the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State. The Judges said that forms EC40G's presented by the umpire, INEC are evidence that the election didn't hold in the disputed 182 polling units from where the Appellants brought imaginary figures to the court to be added to his scores.
Accordingly, the Court said no cause has been shown for the judges to believe that BVAS machines and voter’s registers were used at the disputed polling units. They ruled that the results produced by the Police officers in favour of Sylva from these 182 polling units, however, remain suspect and not tenable after INEC had denied them. Again, Sylva and his party, APC, went after the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo over his certificate.
Both the Lower Tribunal and the recent Court of Appeal verdict insisted that such an issue bothering on eligibility remains a pre-election matter and that in fact, documents before them showed that Ewhrudjakpo was qualified to contest the election. Oh yes, there are no loopholes for Sylva to explore in his desperate chase and move to upturn Diri’s re-election. Governor Diri and his Deputy, are confident that no machination of Sylva can overturn the mandate freely given to them by the people of Bayelsa State. By implication, Diri has successfully retired Timipre Sylva politically and his chances to return as governor after 11 years when he left office look bleak. Sylva’s possible return won’t happen because the people have moved on with the new man on the seat, who is spreading developmental projects to every nook and cranny of the state.
Bayelsans are testifying to the impactful progress made so far under the Prosperity Administration, hence, the rejection of Sylva and APC in the last election in the State. Sylva can now go and look for another business to invest in. This is a genuine piece of advice.
Gov Alia: Our Son of Consolation
BY SIMON IMOBO-TSWAM
The English dramatist, William Shakespeare, posed the question, “What's in a name?” That was in one of his celebrated plays, Romeo and Juliet. And he proceeded to answer, "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Shakespeare meant names per se are mere human conveniences for identification and differentiation; and that names, in themselves, have no special meaning or depth. But one doesn't necessarily need to agree with him: for we know that there's much in a name i.e. there's some depth, weight or mystery about names beyond their surface or literal meanings.
So, we can disagree with Shakespeare and insist that names often have intrinsic meanings that go deeper than mere identification. For instance, if Governor Alia's birth name were Iortsaha or Iorvaa, rather than Iormem, would his tenure usher Benue people to their place or station of rest? Would he, like Barnabas (in the Bible) become the "Son of Consolation" or turn out to be the "Son of Despoilation"? That's why even God changes our names to align with His plans for us. Roll-call: Abram/Abraham, Jacob/Israel, Sarai/Sarah, Saul/Paul, Joseph/Barnabas are ready examples. So, let's look at our Governor's name: Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia.1. Father: In Jn. 21:15-17, Jesus told Revd. Fathers/Pastors: "Feed My Lambs/Feed My Sheep." That's what Alia is doing. And the Lambs/ Sheep appreciate it.
2. Iormem: People have rested/People are resting/will rest. This is the reality on ground in Benue today. Ask civil servants, ask teachers and pensioners or people on the street. The Ates are booming and nightlife has returned to our towns and cities.
3. Alia: The name transcends Tivland, Nigeria, cultures, faiths and geography. In the Tiv language, Alia means the Remnant, the Little portion that remains after use. It could be Flour, it could Grains, it could be Seeds or Seedlings. The Alia a kwagh (the Little of something) is/are often overlooked, underrated or doubted, given the quantitative disadvantage. But in the Hand of God, Alia can be anything (ranging from the tremendous to the phenomenal) since Jesus is not a God of Quantity. We see the "Little Cruse of Oil" launching the poor widow into the oil business! We see the Five Loaves and Two Fish feeding 5000 people with 12 baskets of leftovers!
The big lesson here is that once we put Alia (the Remnants, the Little thing) in God's Hand, anything is possible. Even the rejected, despised, ignored or underrated stone can become the "cornerstone!" In Hebrew, Wikipedia states that “Aliyah,” a variation of Alia, means "to go up" to, say, a higher level, upstairs, to the mountain top etc. In essence, Alia means High-level, the hilltop, and he, accordingly, summons Benue people: to go up, to go higher, to climb up ...to a higher life, to live a life of hope, value and dignity. But Alia/Aliyah has a broader meaning. Initially, it meant "going up" to Jerusalem to celebrate, but today, it "has come to mean the return of (dispersed) Jews to the Land of Israel." This too has both significant and symbolic meaning for Benue people. It means those Benue people uprooted from their ancestral lands will surely return to their ancestral homes, in due season. Plus, the Diaspora Benue will get more involved in our civic/community development efforts. This is not a forlorn hope, but a campaign promise. And, with Alia, every campaign promise is coming alive on Benue's landscape. In Christianity too, scholars tell us that Alia/Aliyah is not foreign to the Scriptures either. The first time we see Alia referenced in the Bible is in Exodus when it tells us of Moses "going up" to Mt. Horeb upon divine summons. This Alia, thus, invites us to move hither, to go up from the valley of lamentations to the high level of laughter and luxuriation.
In Arabic, Alia is derived from Ali. It is said to be gender-neutral, common in the Arab world, and means "high," "lofty" or "one who is elevated." The circumstances of Gov. Alia's advent and elevation advertise the organic and effervescent nature of the name. And in his elevation, he strains himself to elevate
others too to the high place, to a higher life or a place of restfulness. So, whether we look at his names within or without Tivland, they make sense - be it literally or figuratively. In fact, given the unfolding reality, we can say both his middle and surnames- Iormem and Alia - bother on the prophetic.
SHAKESPEARE MEANT NAMES PER SE ARE MERE HUMAN CONVENIENCES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND DIFFERENTIATION; AND THAT NAMES, IN THEMSELVES, HAVE NO SPECIAL MEANING OR DEPTH. BUT ONE DOESN'T NECESSARILY NEED TO AGREE WITH HIM: FOR WE KNOW THAT THERE'S MUCH IN A NAME I.E. THERE'S SOME DEPTH, WEIGHT OR MYSTERY ABOUT NAMES BEYOND THEIR SURFACE OR LITERAL MEANINGS
We can see the prophetic unfolding in the areas of social welfare and human capital development; critical infrastructure; a feverish urban renewal drive; and an ambitious effort to check the menace of annual flooding in Makurdi, especially in the Wurukum, Low-level and Achusa precincts. Benue has had governors who were deservingly called "Mr Infrastructure" by dint of their imprint on the state. And we are grateful. But suddenly, Gov. Alia is making them look like forerunners, those who came to prepare the stage for his revolutionary or transformational advent. Like magic, street lights are now working; major streets like Iorkyaa Ako are being tarred; the HighLevel Roundabout is closed to traffic because of the mega-project going on there. From testimonies from Gboko, Otukpo, and Katsina-Ala, Benue has become one giant construction site. Benue State is, once again, vibrating, pulsating with physical development. And the chorus is: "Alia Doo." Let me touch on something critical to the health of our homes, offices, environment and economy: Waste management. Waste management is an urban challenge globally speaking. This is why in some of our cities, it's an outright nightmare. I don't know if the Makurdi situation was a challenge or a nightmare prior to Alia's governorship. But challenge or nightmare, Alia has taken decisive action. The Benue State Government, via the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, has entered into a partnership with Sector Lead Ltd. The agreement is to transform metropolitan waste into wealth through a comprehensive valuechain project.
Specifically, the partnership envisions grossing nearly $200 million in the next couple of years, with reflective dividends on revenue accruals, power generation, environmental protection as well as the production of biofertilisers, biogas and the revegetation of dumpsites etc. All of the above comes with the creation of direct and indirect jobs. And for Benue which teems with an army of unemployed youths, the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation is a most welcome intervention.
*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com
FIDELIS IGBOGI
50% FX Gain Tax: Additional Burden on Banks as Shareholders’ Dividends Dip
In addition to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) levy, which takes a huge chunk off their profits, Nigerian banks will now experience further financial hemorrhage as the government plans to impose a 50 percent foreign exchange windfall tax on them– to fund the budget deficit. This will deplete the shareholders’ dividend as the move impacts on the profitability of the banks which declared unusually high earnings in 2023 financial year.
President Bola Tinubu had proposed an amendment to the 2023 Finance Act, aiming to impose a 50 per cent tax on foreign exchange gains recorded by commercial banks in Nigeria for the full year 2023.
This move, now awaiting Senate approval, has sparked considerable controversy among stakeholders
In a letter to the Senate, President Tinubu explained that the revenue generated from this tax would be allocated to capital infrastructure development, education, healthcare access, and public welfare initiatives.
In 2023, eight Nigerian banks made N754.8 billion in foreign exchange revaluation gains, largely due to the liberalization of the FX regime.
This was a 472.3 per cent increase from N131.9 billion FX gains reported in 2022.
The banks are Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Access Holdings Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Fidelity Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.
The statutory contribution made by nine banks to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria increased by 25.81 per cent to N306.06bn in 2023
EDITOR Sam Diala
Inflation, Insecurity Threaten Food Import, Forex Gains in
The Federal Government is firing from all cylinders to revive the ailing economy struck by the twin effects of removal of petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira. In the past one year, there have been strategic monetary policy actions, and a little bit of effort on the fiscal side, to reposition the battered economy on the path of growth.
The CBN has, since Dr Olayemi Cardoso became the governor, raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 750 basis points to 26.25 percent in May 2024 from 18.75 percent in July 2023.
However, inflation surge and worsening insecurity are throwing sand in the gear of accomplishing the objective. This has rendered the prospects of an economic recovery during the second half of the year a mirage, putting various economic agents in a quagmire, particularly those in the real sector.
Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to a 28-year high in June 2024, hitting 34.2 percent from 22.8 percent in June 2023 and 34.0 percent in May 2024. The inflationary pressures remain driven by currency depreciation, with the official exchange rate averaging N1471/US$ in June compared to N769/US$ in June 2023 and rising imported food inflation (36.4 percent year-on-year).
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), headline inflation (which refers to commodities like food and energy) remains dominantly driven by food inflation. That month, food inflation rose to 40.9 percent year-on-year, up from 40.7 percent in May 2024 and significantly higher than 25.3 percent in June 2023.
Similarly, core inflation (which excludes food and energy) rose to 27.4 percent in June 2024, from 27.0 percent in May 2024 and 20.1 percent in June 2023.
In the open market, a bag of rice now goes for N100,000, while a tuber of
NIGERIA'S INFLATION RATE JUNE 2023 - JUNE 2024 (%)
yam costs N10,000 as is the case with a paint-tin of beans. One seedling of pepper goes for N100 as a paint-tin of garri costs N5,000.
“Cost of living has become unbearably high in Nigeria because of high cost of transport and the depreciation of the naira. There is a world of difference between the official inflation rate and what really exists in the market,” said Monica Terembah, a grocery business owner in Lagos. She added that the purchasing power of Nigerians has declined remarkably making it difficult for her to record appreciable turnover in a month. She noted that most of the essential commodities, like food, have become unaffordable to most people.
Analysts have noted that the major cause of food inflation is insecurity as many farmers have abandoned their farms due to the attack by herdsmen and bandits, especially in the Northern parts of the country. Cost of distribution has also sky-rocketed due to bad state of roads and also insecurity.
Although fighting insecurity was a major promise by President Tinubu during the election campaigns and in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, the phenomenon has remained a threat to every step taken to curb it.
According to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a global data hub that collects real-time conflict-related data, 4,500 Nigerians were killed and 7,000 kidnapped in Tinubu’s first year as president.
An analysis of the data showed that the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, experienced several violent incidents within the period under review.
In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu vowed to tackle the lingering insecurity in the country
Continues on page 15 Continues on page 15
BY SAM DIALA
BUSINESS WEEKLY
...Food Import, Forex Gains in H2’24
The inflationary pressures remain driven by currency depreciation, with the official exchange rate averaging N1471/ US$ in June compared to N769/US$ in June 2023 and rising imported food inflation (36.4 percent year-on-year)
He said, “Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence,” adding that he would overhaul the sector.
“To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture. We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide better training, equipment, pay, and firepower,” he said.
However, one year after he assumed office as president, almost all parts of the country still suffer one form of insecurity or the other.
Arguably, one year may not be enough to judge the success or otherwise of an administration, there has been no significant improvement in the security sector from where Mr Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, left it.
These statistics, when compared to the previous year’s data, show that more people were killed across Nigeria in the first year of the Tinubu administration than in the preceding year.
Recently, the government disclosed that it had opted for massive food importation to ease the cost of living crisis bedeviling the country.
According to the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the federal government has approved a total sum of N2 trillion to tackle food inflation and actualise the accelerated stabilization and advancement plan.
The minister further said that the federal government had also approved a 150-day duty free import window for food commodities for the importation of certain commodities — through land and sea borders — under the programme. According to him, the 150-day duty free import window for food commodities include suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Amid the lingering security challenges, foreign exchange (FX) inflows into the Nigerian economy jumped by 57 percent in one year, resulting in the naira showing some signs of stability.
Analysts attribute the rising forex inflows into the Nigerian economy to consistent policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which have spurred investor confidence and instilled market stability into Africa’s most populous nation.
Data from the CBN showed that Nigeria recorded $8.86 billion in FX inflows in February 2024, higher than $5.66 billion in the corresponding period of February 2023, representing a 57 percent jump over the period.
Similarly, foreign exchange turnover increased by 180 percent year-on-year to $240.64 million in February 2024, compared to $85.80 million recorded in February 2023, the CBN’s economic report said. Inflows through the CBN rose by 29 percent to $3.26 billion in February 2024 as against $2.53 billion in the corresponding period of February 2023.
On a month-on-month basis, aggregate inflows into the Nigerian economy increased by 80 percent to $8.86 billion, compared with $4.91 billion reported in the preceding month, according to a monthly economic report of the apex bank.
Inflows through the central bank rose by 128 percent to $3.26 billion, from $1.43 billion in the preceding month. Also, autonomous inflows rose by 61 percent to $5.60 billion, from $3.48 billion. Experts say the upsurge in the FX inflows reflects positive impacts of the increase in the prevailing interest rate and the relative stability of the exchange rate. However, without taming the twin challenges of insecurity and inflation surge, there is little prospect of the efforts yielding the desired relief in a battered economy.
...Banks as Shareholders’ Dividends Dip
from N243.28bn in the previous year.
This is based on data gleaned from the annual reports of the banking groups filed with the Nigerian Exchange Group for the year ended 2023.
The banking groups and banks reviewed included FBN Holdings, Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, FCMB Group, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Fidelity Bank and Wema Bank.
According to the results, Access Holdings, the parent company of the largest Nigerian bank, paid the highest AMCON levy of N68.81bn, indicating a 30.48 per cent increase over the previous year’s figure
President Tinubu had asked legislators for an upward review of the 2024 Appropriation Act by N6.2 trillion, thus taking the total proposed expenditure to N34.9 trillion, up from the previous budget estimation of N28.7 trillion, as he plans to tax banks’ windfall from foreign exchange gains.
In 2023, eight Nigerian banks made N754.8 billion in foreign exchange revaluation gains, largely due to the liberalisation of the FX regime.
This was a 472.3 per cent increase from N131.9 billion FX gains reported in 2022.
The banks are Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Access Holdings Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Fidelity Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.
Analysts at FBNQuest confirmed that the banks will face a significant financial burden as a result of the move by the government to further impose the forex gain tax on them.
“This measure may have an impact on their profitability and capital adequacy, especially if they had anticipated using these gains as a counter-cyclical buffer against foreign exchange fluctuations, as directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” they said in a note last week..
Meanwhile, shareholders of 10 leading deposit money banks (DMBs) in the country have decried the massive increase in operating cost fuelled by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) levies, which reached a whooping N490.54 billion in 2023.
The 10 DMBs are: Zenith Bank Plc, Access Holdings Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).
Analysis of the audited/unaudited reports of the banks showed that while AMCON banking sector resolution costs stood at N316.53 billion in 2023, representing about 25 per cent increase over N252 billion in 2022, NDIC deposit insurance premium moved from N134.5 billion in 2022 to N174.01 billion in 2023, a growth of 29 per cent.
Analysts at FBNQuest further noted that while profits from FX revaluation gains are expected to increase revenue for the government, it will amount to scratching the surface considering the nation’s huge debt profile currently at N121.67 trillion. Despite this one-time windfall tax, analysts said the revenue generated is unlikely to cover the additional N6.2 trillion needed to fund the government’s expanded spending plans, urging the Nigerian government to look to other means of financing the plans.
The National Co-ordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, had at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the banks, lamented over the huge financial burden that the AMCON levy constitutes to the financial services institutions, and ultimately, impact negatively on the dividend payout to the shareholders.
Unity Bank Customers Win Over N4m in Cashtoken Rewards Promo
Unity Bank customers have claimed over N4 million in cash rewards in its ongoing loyalty programme recently rolled out with Cashtoken, a Cash Reward-as-a-Service company.
The winners included no fewer than 40 customers who adopted and transacted on the Bank’s digital banking platforms, including the UniFi mobile banking application, the *7799# USSD platform or activated their Unity Bank Verve Card to transact on e-payment terminals across Nigeria.
Beginning from onboarding in our customer lifecycle journey, the Unity Bank Cashtoken Partnership commenced as a loyalty and reward scheme to reinforce the benefits of e-banking platforms. To begin, Customer transactions earn cash tokens, which are then redeemed to qualify for the monthly Cashtoken Rewards draw. Consequently, winners emerge from the draws to claim the cash prizes.
Recall that the retail lender announced the ongoing Cashtoken Rewards loyalty programme in December 2023 in partnership with Cashtoken Rewards Africa to empower customers and improve customer satisfaction. The partnership with Cashtoken Rewards also provided an opportunity for the Bank to migrate customers—old and new—to a platform that will continually create exciting rewards and appreciation for loyalty.
Eghomware Iyamu, Unity Bank’s Head of E-Business, commenting on the success of the Cashtoken Rewards loyalty program, stated: “We are excited to see our customers win over N4 million in cash rewards through our partnership with Cashtoken. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the loyalty of our customers".
"By leveraging our digital banking platforms, including the Unifi mobile banking application and the *7799# USSD
platform, we are not only enhancing customer experience but also providing life-changing opportunities. The Cashtoken Rewards program is a testament to our dedication to improving customer satisfaction and creating meaningful rewards along our customer lifecycle journey. We look forward to seeing more of our customers benefit from this exciting program as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional value to them.”
Unity Bank has robust electronic banking products which include mobile and digital banking channels, including ATM, PoS, or any digital payment channels which support retail product transactions across the country. New-to-Bank customers are invited to open a Unity Bank account, onboard onto the digital platforms and begin transacting on the various platforms to earn cash token rewards and cash prizes while existing customers are encouraged to onboard and transact to win even more rewards and cash prizes.
Bukola Saraki, Siblings Hold Lavish Burial Party For Late Mum
ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY
Amonth after the death of Chief Mrs Florence Saraki, her children, including former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Tope Saraki-Edu and Laolu Saraki have said their final goodbyes via a lavish
t is beginning to look like Dr Aisha Achimugu's three-in-one-million-dollar birthday bash both in Nigeria and the Caribbean country of Grenada has somewhat
EDITOR Ivory Ukonu
I Have Successfully Curated Over 15,000 Events – Kehinde Onabanjo-Iyiola
In the last 15 years, Kehinde Onabanjo-Iyiola, who recently clocked 40 years, has dominated the events management and decoration sector in Nigeria. This unassuming and industrious lady who is the Chief Executive Officer of Finesse Events, an upscale event management company and The White Stone, a pristine event centre for luxury social and corporate events speaks with IVORY UKONU about the secrets of her success. Excerpts:
Youare one of the most sought after event planners in the country. What prompted your decision to go into event planning and management?
I studied law in school. It was really very demanding. There was a time I had a conversation with my mother. I don’t know if she remembers. I told her that I wanted to go into event planning. She told me she knew I could actually do it because I had the trait, the energy and the drive. But I was skeptical about how I would land big clients to give me the big jobs. She encouraged me to go ahead and give it a try; that with God nothing is impossible. She actually gave me the confidence that made me decide it was something I could do. And because of the passion I have for hospitality, seeing to the needs of people, I decided to settle for it after leaving school.
Can you recall the first job you did? What was the planning like?
The first job I did was my sister’s wedding in 2007. She actually paid me the sum of N250,000 to do the job. Till date, she takes pride in telling people that she paid me for my first job. In the first place, she saw the value in what I was going to render to her. Secondly, she knew I was just starting off and I didn’t have the resources or required tools. But she knew I had the idea and the knowledge to put an event together and make it a big success. In fact, I put all my efforts into that event, which was held at LTV 8, Ikeja. After my sister’s wedding, I got two more wedding events from her friends and that was how the journey began.
What job gave you your major breakthrough?
We had a Christmas party for one of our clients. We had actually done that for about two years, and it usually took place in their house. A former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, came for the event. It was a small gathering of about 100 people hosted by the then AttorneyGeneral of the state. The governor’s personal assistant also attended the event, and she was blown away by the beautiful things she saw. As fate would have it, her birthday was to be held two days later. She told the AG that she would want me to handle her event and the AG told me to see her. I met her, she invited me over to Bayelsa and I accepted. She asked for an estimate of the cost. When I told her I would work on it, she demanded an instant cost. I did the quotation, and she transferred the money on the spot. That was how we started the preparations and moved to Bayelsa for the event. After that event, we did all the events for the Bayelsa State Government while Sylva served as governor.
The event management industry has become thickly populated with practitioners, offering various forms of services. How lucrative is the business?
The event planning industry is a very lucrative one. I believe and I always tell people that once you put passion into whatever you do and give it value, the returns will definitely come. All you need to do is project yourself well, put your best efforts in every job you get, notwithstanding the amount you are paid. The fact that you have collected the job and committed yourself to it, you must go all out to deliver a good service. At the end of the day, it is the outlook that people will see, not the amount of money you were paid. People must understand that you are so privileged to market yourself in a circle of about 2,000 people. So you must give it your best and ensure the event is well delivered. If the event is properly handled, you will probably be able to knock down one or two potential clients. So, the industry is very lucrative. I started my business with little or nothing, but over the years, God has been faithful to us.
How did you feel when the profits began to roll in?
When I just started, I never saw profit; I saw funds that needed to be reinvested into the business. So it took me a long time before I started seeing profit because for every kobo that I made from any job, I was putting it back into the business.
Which of the jobs you have handled was most challenging for you?
For me, it’s really not the job; it has to be the client. Some clients can be quite difficult to handle and there are some who see and appreciate the value in what you deliver. I recall one particular event. We handled the birthday event of Governor Seyi Makinde’s father. Some years later, his old man died and we handled the burial ceremony, which had over 3000 guests in attendance. The governor was so impressed with the service we delivered that he sent me a cash gift to express his appreciation. I felt fulfilled because I saw the gesture as an expression of a true reward for labour. Meanwhile, there are some clients one would probably have made the same sacrifice for, put in so much effort to satisfy, and they will be unappreciative of the service one delivers. In any case, the truth remains that once you get a brief you have to go all out and deliver well because you have a reputation to protect. There are clients who are not patient enough to see the outcome of the service you aim to deliver. They always want to interrupt the process. Personally, I have not handled difficult projects. But I have come across some difficult clients who ended up adopting me as a member of their families.
For people who wish to learn the art of event planning, do you offer training?
Yes, I have a training school for people who are interested in learning event management and decoration. I do a lot of empowerment, too. I am in partnership with a couple of organisations and we do a lot of empowerment for women. For the event space, I do training for people that desire to learn decorations and event management, which explains why we have a training school. At present, we have a project on empowering women. I have some people, whom God has given me the grace to sponsor their education. I do not need to announce this. However, I try as much as possible to be a blessing to people in terms of having to train them in the area I specialise in. The women empowerment programme we
are doing now cuts across skills acquisition.
The White Stone is an architectural wonder. At what point did you decide to add an events centre to your events planning business?
I recall that the first business plan that I came up with in 2013, had an event centre in it. So, it has always been my passion. It has always been my wish to set up an event place that people can use. I nursed that vision for many years. Once you trust God for something, you should endeavour to stick to it, back it up with constant prayer and work hard towards achieving the goal. God will make it a reality.
With so many ultra-modern event centres springing up around the country, what makes White Stone stand out?
White Stone is a one-stop event space for people who want to do events. It takes away the stress of accessibility, interior, finishing and having to pay attention to all the basic needs. There are beautiful chandeliers, moving headlights, beautiful tables and chairs. Everything one needs to have a befitting event is already installed inside White Stone. The facility is situated within a beautiful premise, that one will
Onabanjo-Iyiola
Onabanjo-Iyiola
be proud to hold an event. We also have accommodation for lodgers coming from outside or those that need to change repeatedly during their event or those that want comfort before strolling into the event hall. We also have a restaurant that runs daily and a rooftop bar. There are two halls and a conference room. It is a one stop event space that provides whatever a client is looking for in terms of having to run any kind of event; conference, training, birthday parties, burial ceremonies, wedding receptions and any other kind of events. The space is conducive and befitting enough for any kind of event.
Who are some of the people who motivate or inspire you, those you look up to?
A lot of people motivate me and a lot of people have added to who Kehinde Onabanjo-Iyiola is today. However, I must say that someone like Preston Bailey motivates and inspires me a lot in the way he is able to conceptualise and create mind-blowing events. I am more inclined to look into the international space than the Nigerian space.
Who do you see as a competitor in the industry?
I don’t have a competitor. The sky is wide enough for all the birds to fly without their wings touching; and the world is big enough for all of us to shine. Just imagine a situation where I have to host 10 events in one weekend. I’m sure I will end up on drips. There are so many events happening in Lagos at the same time. So I don’t need competitors.
You worked with Elizabeth R, owned by the late Ibidunni Ighodalo in the early days of your career. In what way was she able to motivate you to start a career in events management?
She was a sweet-natured lady and she was like a sister to me. A week before she died, we sat down together and we talked for over one hour. Before then, we had not seen each other for a very long time, and there she was sitting next to me. We had a very deep and lengthy conversation that day, and I didn’t know it was her way of saying goodbye. She was a sweet-natured person, an amazing woman and I’m sure she is smiling wherever she is right now. Ironically, I started with her as an usher. Somehow, there was a long strike during my second year in school and that was when a friend of mine invited me for an ushering job. I grabbed the opportunity and that was how I landed an ushering job at her company, Elizabeth R.
ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY
observed everything about my father: his spirit of industry, his passion for his profession, his integrity, his dignity, his quiet demeanor, his unassuming look, and his thirst for more success. I like to believe I caught all these principles from him.
If you had not become an event planner, what other profession do you think would have caught your fancy?
Maybe I would have become a fashion designer. I like craft, art and imagining things, designing, conceptualising and executing, arranging and putting things together. It is a passion for me and I do it effortlessly.
How do you relax?
I enjoy watching movies, going on vacation, exploring new places and shopping. Also, I walk and skip a lot to keep myself in shape.
You seem to have good taste in clothes. What determines your fashion choices?
I like looking good and stylish. I like a bit of drama in my dressing. I like my outfit to be fitting and suitable, but I will not wear anything that exposes my body.
What turns you on and off in people?
I like brilliant and smart people. If you are brilliant, smart and trendy; you will definitely be my friend. I have zero tolerance for people that are not smart and forwardthinking. I like to have people who will drive me and impart knowledge on me and around me, not just people that will take from me.
You come off as someone who shares a deep relationship with God. Are you a religious or spiritual person? I won’t say I am a very religious person, but I believe in the God factor –things don’t just happen without a supernatural force. I believe in God. If God says He will do it, then He will do it. I believe that you should treat people rightly and justly. I believe that we are in this world for a short time. We need to make an impact during our time. I also believe that tomorrow is not guaranteed. From what we see happening around us and across the world, no one has ever been buried with anything. So all we can give people is our selflessness, our good nature and our investment in people. And when you invest in people, God has a way of paying you back. So, yes, I believe in God.
Your job is quite demanding and takes you away from the home most of the time. How do you find balance in your family and business?
I believe in investing in the family. I know that I don’t have too much time on hand, but whatever time I have, I try to take care of the children, prepare them for school and put them to bed. Generally, I try to create family time when I am around. I believe in family; it is all we have to hold on to. When the chips are down, the family is the one you run back to. I try to invest in family because what you sow is what you will reap. When you are available for your family, they will be available for you. When God puts you in a position, He just gives you the grace and ability to manage it. I can’t even explain how I cope, but I know that I do it effortlessly. Whenever we have event, my staff always say I don’t rest, and until I am done with whatever I have to do, I don’t rest. If I decide to cook the next morning, regardless of how tired I am, I will still strive to do it. It is just God, pushing me and giving me the grace to handle the challenges. I am aware that if you give commitment to your family, they will do the same for you when you need it. So I try to balance it up with everyone I am related to; my husband, my children, my parents, my team and even my friends. The truth is, I call myself to order to ensure that I put balance in every aspect of my life. I am not that good at maintaining good relationships and following up on people, especially family and friends. But with my immediate family, I try to measure up. I try not to push anything till later once it comes to my memory.
You have this outward appearance of someone who is gentle and unassuming by nature. What are the principles you live by?
I am very God-fearing and selfless by nature. I believe in some of life’s principles, chief of which is, what you give is what you get and you should treat others the way you want to be treated. I believe that life is a circle; there are no lucks, there are no circumstances – what you put into life is what you get out of life. That has been my perception of life.
What are some of life's lessons that have guided you over the years?
I learnt some good life lessons from my dad. Growing up, my father did his best to keep us grounded and raise us in the best and most appropriate ways. He was intentional, in ensuring that we were instilled with great values and principles. However, as they say, greatness is never taught, it is caught. While nothing was formally taught, I
I won’t say I am a very religious person, but I believe in the God factor – things don’t just happen without a supernatural force. I believe in God. If God says He will do it, then He will do it. I believe that you should treat people rightly and justly. I believe that we are in this world for a short time. We need to make an impact during our time. I also believe that tomorrow is not guaranteed. From what we see happening around us and across the world, no one has ever been buried with anything. So all we can give people is our selflessness, our good nature and our investment in people. And when you invest in people, God has a way of paying you back. So I believe in God
Onabanjo-Iyiola
Onabanjo-Iyiola
STORIES BY IVORY UKONU
Akintunde Ayeni Fetes Dignitaries at Son's Wedding
Penultimate week, Prince Akintunde Ayeni more popularly known as YemKem, the poster boy for traditional alternative medicine, hosted some dignitaries including Ademola Adeleke, Osun State governor; Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State governor; Ayodele Fayose, former Ekiti State governor; Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and several other prominent guests, to the wedding ceremony of his son, Christopher and his lover, Adeola Boye. The white wedding reception took place at Hyde Park, Lagos.
No doubt, the businessman has truly crawled out from his many years of hibernation. This will be about the second time since he went into oblivion that he will host lavish parties since he emerged from his cocoon. The first was his 6oth birthday party which took place a few months ago. That was the first sign that he was back to social reckoning. Before he recoiled into his shell, Ayeni was a staple for international media organizations like British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC and Cable Network News, CNN who ran documentaries on his
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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY
Continued from page 18
exploits. He succeeded in putting the country on the world map via traditional medicine. As his fame and exploits grew, so did his bank accounts began bursting at its seams and so also did he become the toast of society veterans. He soon diversified and went into the hospitality business. He built one of the biggest hotels in Ekiti State at that time and suddenly, he disappeared. So many insinuations about what he had been up to were bandied around. Some alleged that he had fallen on bad times particularly when he reduced the number of his office branches from 48 to 7. Others said he had quit the business due to competition from international companies that have flooded the country with their own brands of herbal medicines. But during the outbreak of the Coronavirus, he crawled out from hibernation and began a search into a remedy to quell the killer virus in partnership with the Ooni of Ife, HRH Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. But as the wave of the killer virus died down, Ayeni scurried back into his shell until he surfaced for his 60th birthday party.
Aisha Achimugu bags African Female Business Leader award
ON RASAQ AKANNI MOHAMMED'S 60TH DESTINATION BIRTHDAY PARTY
BBukola
Saraki, Siblings Hold Lavish Burial Party For Late Mum
burial party which had dignitaries who came from far and near in attendance. Mrs Saraki who died at the age of 88 years on June 18 was the pillar that held the Saraki dynasty years after the patriarch of the family, Olusola Saraki, a former senator himself in the second republic passed on. The ceremonies to usher Mrs Saraki to life beyond was as dignified as it was classy. A practising Christian till her last breath, (even though her children are devout Muslims including her late husband) her funeral was expectedly, a Christian one. There was a Service of Songs on Thursday, July 18 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The funeral service took place on Friday July 19 at the Cathedral
Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. This was followed by a private interment which had only close family members in attendance. A celebration of her life and legacies, along with a thanksgiving reception, took place at Eko Hotels thereafter. Prior to the burial activities, not a few people were taken aback the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu paid him and his family a condolence visit. It is no secret that president, Bola Tinubu and Bukola who was a former governor of Kwara State never saw eye to eye during the period before the 2015 general elections, all through Bukola's tenure as Senate president with the first lady as a serving senator and long after his tenure as senate president, for very obvious reasons.
Kessington Adebutu Builds Ultra-Modern Hospital
activated her recent winning streaks. First she got inducted into the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (CIPRMP) in March. The prestigious professional association headquartered in Ghana, welcomed Aisha OFR into their fold as a Senior Professional Chartered Fellow of the institute. CIPRMP had praised her as a trailblazer, succeeding in industries traditionally perceived as male dominated. The body highlighted her accomplishments as a testament to the transformative power of ethical leadership, responsible business practices, and a genuine commitment to societal betterment. Then in June, she bagged the philanthropist of the year award during 'Champion' Newspapers annual awards ceremony where her philanthropic acts which have impacted millions of people and communities in Nigeria over the years were highlighted. And only recently, she received the African Female Business Leader of the Year award at the 2024 African Achievers Awards held in the United Kingdom
Parliament. She was given this honour because of her impact in the business sector in Nigeria and Africa. During her acceptance speech, the serial entrepreneur urged Africans to be proud of their continent stating that Africans are great people created by God while also affirming that the continent has produced great people who are doing great all over the world and are also proud of where they come from. She thereafter urged Africans to make the continent great by moving away from making only speeches to taking actual actions and bringing progress. Aisha was honoured alongside Barrister Caleb Muftwang, Plateau State Governor; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; South African Visu Thembekwayo, Founder and CEO of MyGrowth Fund Venture Partner, South Africa; and Gospel Singer Moses Bliss. Aisha is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, comprising eight active companies spanning various sectors including Engineering, Maritime, Oil and Gas, ICT Learning and Development, among others.
usinessman, socialite and chairman of Lammex Group of Companies, Rasaq Akanni Olanrewaju Mohammed, a.k.a Lammex has joined the 60s club. He however chose to celebrate the auspicious day with close family members and friends outside the country. While his fellow socialites prefer exotic locations for their destination birthdays, Lammex chose to celebrate in faraway Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The three-day event which began on Monday July 15 with prayers at Umrah in Mecca was followed by a dinner party at Casa Di Ora in the same location the following day. The celebrations were rounded off with a boat cruise on Wednesday July 17. That he has done quite well for himself is not in doubt. His once small business enterprise, a freight forwarding agency, has today grown into a multinational conglomerate with diverse investments in maritime, aviation, haulage, logistics, oil and gas, hospitality, among others. A close associate of billionaire businessman, Dr Mike Adenuga, Lammex who used to be married to three women with a sizable number of concubines seems to have turned a new leaf as only his last wife was with him throughout the birthday celebrations in Saudi Arabia.
Business magnate and philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu the Odele Odua of Yoruba land, more popularly known as Baba Ijebu, has extended his business interests to the health sector. Barely three years after he commissioned a research centre at the University of Lagos, for the advancement of scientific theories, concepts and ideas, the soon-to-be 89-year-old has unveiled an ultra-modern hospital which he named DIAMED Centre, coined from the words Diagnostic and
Medical. Located in Lekki area of Lagos, the hospital is equipped with the latest high end hospital gadgets, equipment, drugs for diagnosing ailments and treating them within the highest medical standards. Prior to its unveiling during the week, a dedication service was held within the premises of the hospital. The service was officiated by clerics from Methodist Church, Nigeria including the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba; the Bishop of Lagos North, Right Rev. Gboyega Ohu; Conference Editor, Methodist Church Nigeria, Very Rev. Olusola Makindipe; Chaplain to the Prelate and Very Rev. Ime Ekpeyong. His daughter, Dr. Abiola Olorede, has already been appointed Chief Medical Director of the hospital. The standard of the hospital is such that it can compete favourably, side by side with the likes of Duchess International Hospital and Reddington Hospital, both located in Lagos.
Mohammed
Fayose, the newly weds, Oyebanji, the Ayenis
Adebutu
SHOTS OF THE WEEK
Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]
L-R: Academy Lead, Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), Joseph Umoibom; Chairman, Utica Capital Limited, Dr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade; Business Development Manager, TAFTA, Lanre Ajayi; Senior Programs Manager, TAFTA, Kayode Olusope and TAFTA Alumni, Abiola Folarin during TAFTA Action Learning Project (TALP)- A Tale of 5 Stage Plays, hosted by TAFTA in Lagos recently.
Commissioner
L-R: Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits & RTD, Guinness Nigeria, Uche Onwudiwe; Chief Executive Oficer (CEO), West Africa, MultiChoice, John Ugbe; Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola; Head of Beer, Guinness Nigeria, Mayor Esiaba and Executive Head of Marketing, West Africa, MultiChoice, Tope Oshunkeye, during the Press Conference by Big Brother Naija held at The Hall, VI Lagos on July 16, 2024.
L-R: USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones and Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, at the USAID and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), dialogue facilitated by USAID and international partners in Abuja on July 18, 2024.
for Works (Rural and Riverine), Delta State, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu (2nd Left); Community Relations Manager, NEPL, Owunari Tomikeimeye(4th right; Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Performance, Seplat Energy, Esther Icha (2nd right); Base Manager, Western Asset, Seplat Energy, Emmanuel Otokhine (left), with students of Imaguero College, Benin, the winners of the NEPL/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz competition held in Benin, Edo State recently.
L-R: Representative of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Elizabeth Eghareba; Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Ms Doris Uboh; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Asanye and other guests, during the inauguration of Global Clean Tech Innovation Programme (GCIP) in Abuja on July 17, 2024.
High Stakes as Search For Next Super Eagles' Coach Continues
BY JUDE OBAFEMI
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finds itself at a pivotal crossroads in its quest to select the next head coach for the nation's beloved Super Eagles. With Finidi George's departure still fresh in the minds of football fans, the NFF has cast its net wide, eyeing a handful of seasoned
and steer Nigeria back to footballing glory.
Leading the pack of potential candidates is Hervé Renard, a name synonymous with success in African football. The charismatic Frenchman's track record speaks volumes, having guided both Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations triumphs. Renard's potential appointment has set tongues wagging across Nigeria, with supporters and pundits alike pondering the impact he could have on the Super Eagles' fortunes.
Renard's ability to transform underdog teams into continental champions has not gone unnoticed. His tactical acumen, coupled with a knack for inspiring players to perform beyond their perceived limits, makes him an enticing prospect for the NFF. The Frenchman's experience in African football could prove invaluable in navigating the unique challenges that come with managing a team on the continent.
However, Renard's potential appointment is not without its complications. Currently at the helm of the French women's national team, his availability hinges on the conclusion of the upcoming Paris Olympics. This timing mismatch poses a significant hurdle for the NFF, given that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers loom on the horizon, set to kick off in September and the gaffer will need to have, at the very least, familiarised himself with the squad by that time.
the Super Eagles' recent shortcomings.
Conceição's familiarity with African football, coupled with his experience in managing high-pressure tournaments, makes him an attractive option. His ability to organise a team defensively while still allowing for creative expression in attack could be the formula needed to balance Nigeria's talented squad.
The third name in the mix is Laurent Blanc, a figure who needs little introduction in footballing circles. The former France and Paris Saint-Germain manager brings a wealth of experience from the highest echelons of European football. Blanc's tactical sophistication and his track record of nurturing young talent could be transformative for the Super Eagles, potentially elevating the team's style of play to new heights.
Blanc's potential appointment would signal a bold move by the NFF, bringing in a coach with a global reputation to oversee the national team. His experience in managing star-studded squads could be particularly beneficial in handling Nigeria's array of talents plying their trade in top European leagues.
Joining this illustrious list of candidates is Eric Chelle, the former Mali national team coach. Chelle's recent experience with African football and his understanding of the continent's unique footballing landscape make him an intriguing option for the NFF. His work with Mali, a team known for punching above its weight, demonstrates his ability to maximise resources and cultivate a strong team spirit – qualities that could serve the Super Eagles well.
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#EndBadGovernance Planned Protests: A Call For Caution, Foresight
substitute for active civic engagement and participation in the electoral process.
Chelle's tactical flexibility and his knack for developing young talent align well with Nigeria's current squad composition. His appointment could signal a blend of continuity and innovation, building on the existing strengths of the team while introducing fresh tactical ideas. The selection criteria extend beyond mere coaching credentials
Moreover, Renard's financial demands present another stumbling block. Reports suggest he is seeking a monthly salary of $180,000, a figure that would make him the highest-paid coach in Nigerian football history. This astronomical sum has raised eyebrows and questions about the NFF's ability to foot such a bill without substantial government support.
While Renard's candidacy dominates headlines, the NFF has kept its options open. Antonio Conceição, the former Cameroon national team coach, has emerged as another strong contender for the Super Eagles hot seat. The Portuguese tactician's stint with the Indomitable Lions was marked by defensive solidity and tactical flexibility, attributes that could address some of
The coming days will test our resolve as a nation. Let us rise to the occasion with maturity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good of our beloved country. The words of a Nigerian soldier supporting the protest resonate: "The security agents at where protesters are should protect them. The arms they are carrying are not to kill the protesters. All of us are tired." This sentiment of shared frustration and the need for peaceful resolution should guide all parties in the days ahead.
As we navigate this critical juncture, let us prioritise dialogue, responsible citizenship, and a commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all its citizens. The path forward requires patience, understanding, and a collective effort to address the root causes of our national challenges.
Chelle Renard
Gusau
ogannah@thewillnews.com
#EndBadGovernance Planned Protests: A Call For Caution, Foresight
The recent announcement of planned nationwide protests in Nigeria from August 1 to 10, 2024, under the banner #EndBadGovernance, is giving me concerns about the potential consequences for us and our dear nation if things go wrong. While the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, it is crucial to approach this event with caution and foresight.
The economic downturn and skyrocketing inflation have indeed pushed the majority of us to the brink. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's headline inflation increased for the 18th consecutive time in June 2024, reaching 34.19 percent. Food inflation hit an alarming 40.87 percent, putting immense pressure on households across the country.
The sentiment that our political leaders at state and federal level are more concerned with self-enrichment than alleviating the people's suffering is widespread. This perception is fuelled by actions, such as the exorbitant expenses incurred in the procurement of opulent and expansive residences for top government personnel, luxury jets, vehicles and yachts, while the average Nigerian struggles to put food on the table.
However, we must not forget the lessons of history. The 2012 protests during the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan over fuel subsidy removal serve as a stark reminder of how public demonstrations can be manipulated for political gain. What began as a genuine expression of citizen concern was co-opted by opposition forces to destabilise the government of the day. The long-term consequences of those actions continue to reverberate through our political landscape.
As those who paid attention will recall, on January 1, 2012, President Jonathan's abrupt removal of fuel subsidies (a good policy), championed by then Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, sparked nationwide outrage. The government's rationale - freeing up funds for public services and benefiting the economy - was met with scepticism by citizens who viewed the subsidy as one of the few tangible benefits they received from the state.
The immediate consequences were severe: fuel prices more than doubled from N65 to N141 per litre, leading to sharp increases in transportation costs and food prices. What began as localised protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano quickly spread across the nation, paralysing economic activity in major cities. The protests united Nigerians across religious and social divides, with both Christians and Muslims cooperating in Kano despite their usual conflicts.
The situation escalated further when major unions, including the Nigerian Trades Union Congress and the National Labor Congress, called for a national strike. The involvement of oil and gas workers dealt a significant blow to the economy, as oil production - accounting for 90% of exports and 80% of government revenuewas severely impacted.
While the government eventually partially reinstated the subsidy, lowering fuel prices to N97 per litre, the events of 2012 demonstrated the power of collective action and the potential for rapid destabilisation.
It is also crucial to draw parallels between these events and the Arab Spring that swept across the Middle East and North Africa starting in late 2010. While the Arab Spring began with hopes for democratic reform, it led to prolonged instability, violence, and in some cases, civil war in countries like Syria, Libya, and Yemen. The death
toll and displacement caused by these conflicts serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly peaceful protests can spiral into devastating conflicts.
Nigeria must learn from both its own history and the cautionary tales of the Arab Spring. While the right to protest is fundamental, we must be vigilant against forces that might seek to exploit genuine grievances for
their own political gain. The delicate balance between addressing legitimate concerns and maintaining national stability is more critical now than ever.
Today, Nigeria sits on a proverbial keg of gun powder. The economic situation has worsened, with food scarcity, currency devaluation and rising costs of goods and services pushing many into desperation. Unemployment is rampant, security is precarious and basic infrastructure continues to crumble. Political commentators have even called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the economy, citing the departure of multinational companies and the impact of currency devaluation on local industries.
These conditions create fertile ground for exploitation by those who may not have the country's best interests at heart. The risk of history repeating itself is real and must be taken seriously by all stakeholders.
The right to protest is indeed enshrined in our constitution, but it comes with the responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens. It's worth noting that President Tinubu himself, in a 2013 post on X (formerly Twitter), urged the police not to attack protesters, stating: "Police.
Do not attack protesters. Your children are involved. Your lives are involved. Your children's future lies here."
This sentiment remains relevant today but must be balanced with the need for maintaining public order.
The government must recognise its duty to engage with the people and take their concerns into account when formulating policies. The recent decision by members of the House of Representatives to donate 50 percent of their basic salaries for six months to assist the Federal Government in addressing the economic situation is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive action and deliberate policy, rather than knee-jerk reactions, is needed. They ought to give up their ridiculously inflated allowances and stop budget-padding, if indeed they truly care about bringing down the bloated cost of government.
Protest organisers must be vigilant against infiltration by political opportunists seeking to hijack the movement for their own ends. The demands listed in the circulating flyer, including ending the subsidy scam, reducing fuel prices, lowering tertiary education fees and cutting lawmakers' salaries, are legitimate concerns that deserve serious consideration. However, these must be pursued through peaceful and lawful means.
Security forces have a critical role to play in maintaining order while respecting citizens' rights. The leaked police memo directing operatives to be proactive and "mobilise well kitted and equipped personnel" ahead of the protest is concerning. Law enforcement must act within the confines of the law, which was a crucial point in the success of the Kenyan protests, using minimum force necessary to protect lives and property. Any overreach or brutality will only serve to inflame tensions further.
All parties involved must remember that we have only one Nigeria. In the current volatile climate, we are perilously close to the precipice of anarchy and civil unrest. The fear expressed by lawmakers during a recent Senate debate about potential attacks by angry citizens underscores the gravity of the situation.
It is incumbent upon the government to take immediate, concrete steps to address the economic hardships facing Nigerians. This may include targeted interventions to lower food prices, eliminating kidnappers and bandits from the farms so that farmers can return to their farmlands to boost domestic production, repair roads to ease movement of foods and people and secure our communities and roads.
Also, civil society organisations and protest leaders will have to consider alternative means of engaging with the government and making their voices heard, which will be necessary when the street protests end to keep these conversations and dialogue going.
The media has a responsibility to report accurately and objectively on both the protests and the government's response. Sensationalism and partisan reportage will only serve to inflame tensions and misinform the public. Ultimately, lasting change in a democracy comes through the ballot box. While protests can be an effective tool for expressing dissent, they should not be seen as a
Today, Nigeria sits on a proverbial keg of gun powder. The economic situation has worsened, with food scarcity, currency devaluation and rising costs of goods and services pushing many into desperation
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