DOWNTOWN
Culture guides the entertainment business, infiltrating everything from music to television. Over time, we have seen how powerfully entertainment and culture complement each other, shaping trends, stories, and social standards. Known as the Culture Squad, BET Africa’s Daala Oruwari and MTV Base’s Iloosie Omonhinmin and Oluchi Harrison are among the increasing number of people taking the stage and leveraging their platforms and voices to engage audiences. They discuss their journey in the entertainment industry, their passion for promoting culture, and the impact they hope to make on audiences across the continent on pages 8 through 10.
Our décor page highlights unconventional wall coverings outside wallpaper to take your space from boring to exciting. From wood veneer finishes to fabric wall panels and cork wall tiles, transform your living space into a haven. Scroll to page 11 for this.
Did you know that adding sea salt to your bath can help with many things, including reducing stress, relieving dry skin, and improving sleep? On page 12, we discuss in detail the many advantages of having a salt bath.
This week’s travel page, on page 7, tells you how to discover hidden treasures in your city. It highlights things like uncovering culinary delights, seeking out street art, and connecting with local history. This makes for an interesting read.
I was out with a friend to see The Fall Guy, the movie our movie review guy reviewed this week. She totally enjoyed it, as did I. So, I agree with the rating of 8 out of 10.
Don’t forget our movie review page is interactive. Click on the instructions below the QR codes to download our playlist. See page 16. You’ll love it.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
The Rivers State High Court ruling of Friday that restrained Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 24 other Pro-Wike lawmakers from acting as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly provided some respite from the tension that had gripped the riverine state at the onset of the current political crisis ignited by a battle for supremacy between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, currently Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to Justice Charles N. Wali who issued the restraining order, following an ex parte motion in a suit filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others, Amaewhule was also prohibited from convening plenary in the premises of the House of Assembly.
The case was adjourned till May 29 for hearing of the motion on notice. May 29, just for the record, is when Governor Siminalayi Fubara, like others across the country, will celebrate his first year in office, now partly spent in waging a battle with probably no end in sight as both pro- Fubara and pro-Wike camps refuse to give in to appeals to cease fire.
Indeed, THEWILL checks reveal that when the governor on Thursday made a detour from an official trip to visit the legislative quarters shortly after Hon. Oko-Jumbo of the Peoples Democratic Party had proclaimed himself speaker with the support of five members of the Assembly who shared the position of Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader among themselves, some members of the Amaewhule- led group present fled the premises. They thought the governor was coming for a fight, a source told this newspaper. Amaewhule at a news briefing accused the governor of planning to demolish the quarters; the government however dismissed the accusation as untrue and unfounded.
Addressing this stalemate on Friday night after Justice Charles N. Wali issued the restraining order, Professor of Law at Gregory University in Abia State, Anthony Agbazuare, reportedly submitted that the 27 lawmakers stand no chance in the ongoing crisis, saying legally, they are in limbo.
According to him, the law is very clear in Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution, which states that a member of a House shall vacate his seat in the House…if (g) being
a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which the House was elected.
“I do not know Governor Fubara or Wike, but that is what the Constitution says,” he said, adding, “There is a caveat in Section 2, 109, which says that once the Speaker gets evidence that elected lawmakers have defected, they lose their seat.”
He supported the decision of the 5-man House with its Speaker, Deputy and Majority Leader: “The 27 lawmakers that left cannot now be a judge in their own case, according to the rule of natural justice. Section 95, I (g) of the same Constitution says that when the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent, those left or present choose one among themselves to fill the vacancy. Whoever is saying anything less is ignorant of the law. It is now left for the court to say whether the procedure was followed.”
The All Progressives Congress, APC, however disagrees. In its reaction to Governor Fubara’s declaration last
week Wednesday that the House of Assembly did not exist by virtue of the defection of 27 members in clear violation of sections of the constitution, the governing party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Friday, said the 27 Assembly members did not lose their membership of the Assembly by virtue of their defection.
Morka, who is a lawyer, said there is nothing “homeostatic about Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution. It is not self-perpetuating. The Proviso to the said Section 109(1) (g) established exceptional grounds to the applicability of Section 109(1)(g) Section 109(1) states: A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if - (S.109(1)(g) - being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before expiration of the period for which that House was elected.
"Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored."
Surprisingly, a day to the election of the new Speaker Oko-Jombo and two days to the restraining order by the High Court, Governor Fubara and his Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, had declared publicly that the 27 lawmakers who defected to the rival APC were not known to law.
Investigation shows that both parties to the dispute, namely the Rivers State Government and the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers embarked on another round of conflict after each party breached the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu between Wike and Fubara on December 18, 2023.
Highlights of the deal stated that commissioners who had resigned should be called back; the 2024 budget should be represented to the House of Assembly; all cases in court were to be withdrawn; impeachment proceedings against the governor to be withdrawn and the withheld allowances of the lawmakers should be paid.
Investigation shows that the governor fulfilled all except one of the signed agreements: That is re-presentation of the budget. The 27 lawmakers on their own failed to withdraw one of their cases in court in Abuja. In fact, they went ahead to get judgement in their favour.
The lawmakers had filed a case at the Federal High Court, Abuja shortly before President Tinubu’s intervention. It had the National Assembly, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader as the first to the fifth defendants, respectively. The sixth to I0th defendants were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Speaker of the House, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, and Clerk to the National Assembly. Governor Fubara, Attorney-General of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police and Edison Ehie were the 11th to the 17th defendants.
The reliefs sought by the plaintiffs was an order of injunction restraining the first to the 10th defendants from entertaining any request from Fubara to take over the performance of the functions of Rivers State Assembly, including its role to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Rivers State in respect of matters that are within its constitutional and legislative competence. Then on January 22, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Rivers N800 billion Budget, passed by pro- Fubara four lawmakers, illegal.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Johnson failed as he did not pick repeated calls to his phone. But a top government source confided in THEWILL that the state government decided to move against the proWike 27 lawmakers for three major reasons, after deep consideration.
The first is political. “The assembly members defected from the PDP to the APC when there was no crisis in the party, either at the state or at the national level. On this, the Constitution is very clear and the Appeal Court and Supreme Courts have ruled that you cannot transfer the mandate of your party to another,” the source said.
The second reason the source gave is legal: “The 27 lawmakers said they dropped impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara after the President’s intervention. While the governor withdrew his case against the lawmakers, they refused to withdraw the case they instituted against him before the peace deal. So, they were the first to violate the presidential agreement. They should stop crying as if they are the victims.”
Finally, the source said the 27 lawmakers had, by their “confrontational” posture, taken things too far as the governor had been treating them as members of the same family.
When asked that the government too had violated a part of the presidential deal by not re-submitting the budget for passage by the Amaewhule-led Assembly, the source simply replied: “A High Court ruling had recognised the Speaker that passed the budget. Based on that, the budget was signed into law by the governor because it had legal backing, however you look at it.”
THEWILL could not get reactions from any of the 27 lawmakers as a contact stated that only Amaewhule can speak on the issues in contention and the press statement he had earlier issued had addressed “all contending issues for now,” especially after the Friday
“Investigation shows that both parties to the dispute, namely the Rivers State Government and the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers embarked on another round of conflict after each party breached the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu between Wike and Fubara on December 18, 2023
High Court ruling had restrained him from parading himself as Speaker or convening plenary at the Assembly premises.
Speaking through his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule described the governor’s remarks on the non-existent of the Assembly as unguarded and a direct affront to the grundnorm of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said he would not join the governor in what he described as “messy comments.”
“We will continue to perform our constitutional functions as an institution and one of the tripods of democratic government,” Amaewhule said.
An indication that the political crisis is still ahead emerged when the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Dr Emeka Amadi, declared the emergence of Speaker OjoJumbo as illegal.
He said, “As the Clerk of the Rivers State House and one who administered the Oath of membership and office to all members and a custodian of all records of the House, I write to state the following: “That there was no change in the leadership of the House today and Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule remains the Speaker of the House, while Rt. Hon. Dumte Maol and Hon. Major Jack remain Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader, respectively.”
Opposed to the governor too are the local government chairmen who accused the government of withholding allocations to some of the councils, an accusation the government denied and asked them to be ready to vacate office when their tenure expires in two weeks.
The Rivers State government source, who asked to be anonymous, stated confidently that the lingering crisis, in spite of Tinubu’s intervention, could lead to the development of a frosty relationship between the Federal Government and the state because the President’s intervention is yet to have the desired effect.
“It was a political solution which was good in its intention but using it as a cover to violate the law is unacceptable. There is nothing like federal might here. The truth of the matter is that people became name droppers at some point,” the source said.
A presidential source simply reacted by saying that political intervention, as President Tinubu did, is “only one option to the resolution of the lingering crisis. The legal angle is also available."
Although there is no clear indication how this crisis in Rivers State will pan out, given the power play on display, things appear to be massively in favour of Governor Fubara since a respected former governor of the state, Peter Odili publicly declared the governor as leader of the Peoples Democratic party, (PDP) in the state. Support from traditional rulers, youths, market women and politicians have equally grown for Fubara, leading him to be more assertive in behaviour.
“Our people have resolved to support Governor Fubara 100 per cent. The local government chairmen have 14 days remaining to serve their tenure,” said Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Chijioke Ihumo.
Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, who on Friday called on both the APC and PDP to stop issuing provocative statements that can increase the tension in the state, urged elders and stakeholders of the party to intervene in the political crisis before “it becomes a national conflagration.”
L-R: Minister, Solid Minieral Development, Dele Alake; Nassarawa State Governor, Ibrahim Sule: President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (represented President Bola Tinubu); Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo; Mr Hu Yongwei and Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin, during the commissioning of the Lithium Industry in Nassarawa on May 10, 2024.
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) on the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. This was disclosed on Friday, at the 90th birthday ceremony of the traditional ruler held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The President, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the award was in recognition of the immeasurable and invaluable contributions of the traditional ruler to national development.
He also announced that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, has been directed to take over the management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, which the royal father bequeathed to the university.
President Tinubu described the Awujale as an extraordinary royal father and hero of Nigeria’s democracy who is adored all over the country for his sincerity of purpose and courage in the face of any adversity threatening national development.
THEWILL recalls that President Tinubu, in a birthday message to the traditional ruler on Thursday, described him as an epitome of honour and dignity.
Tinubu said he had always enjoyed the trust, friendship and confidence of Oba Adetona.
The statement reads in part,“Oba Adetona is not just another traditional ruler in Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria and Africa, he is a preeminent royal father who has brought rare honour, integrity, dignity, courage and impeccable strength of character to the throne over the last 60 years.
“Within this period, he has seen the low and high points of our country. During the turbulent and dark days of military dictatorship when it was difficult to speak truth to power, Oba Adetona displayed uncommon courage and stood on the side of the people. Against billows and tides, truth became his refuge.
“Kabiyesi can look back with gratitude to the Almighty God and take pride in the phenomenal progress Ijebuland has witnessed under his peaceful reign. Among monarchs, he continues to command respect and admiration. More importantly, he has seen his kingdom and people flourish in leaps and bounds during his reign.
“I have always enjoyed the trust, friendship and confidence of Kabiyesi Awujale Ogbagba ll in the course of my political journey, through the struggles of our fight for the return of democratic governance in our country and beyond my tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
BY KAJO MARTINS, MAKURDIThe commission of inquiry set up by Governor Hyacinth Alia to investigate the income and expenditure of the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, said it has commenced collection of memoranda.
In a statement signed by Justice Taiwo. O. Taiwo (retd) and Dr. Abraham Gberindyer on Friday, the commission said that all memoranda, which will be addressed to the Chairman, should be in 11 hard copies and 1 soft copy.
According to the statement, such mail should reach the commission at Court 6, opposite Nigeria Immigration Service Command, Makurdi not later than 14 days from May 10, 2024.
The Commission is to, among others, identify the income of the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023; look into the expenditure and utilisation of the income of Benue State from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023; identify all the Benue State Bank accounts and examine the propriety or otherwise of the transactions in the accounts from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023
The commission is also to identify the loans taken by the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, and ascertain the appropriateness of the utilisation, interest charged on the loans and the possible abuses thereof.
Others are to identify the loans given out by the Benue State Government, the alleged waivers and the possible abuses thereof, as well as identify the special interventions, including, but not limited to, the bailout funds, Paris Club refunds received by the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023 and their application thereof.
The Commission is to further determine the internally generated revenue and the utilisation of same and identify cases of misappropriation, abuse, misuse and diversion of Benue State funds from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023 and such persons that were involved in the misappropriation, abuse, misuse and diversion of the funds and suggest the appropriate actions thereof.
It is also expected to Identify all the contracts that were issued by the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023 and examine whether due process was followed in issuing such contracts and whether such contracts were actually executed; identify the actual wage bill of Benue State Government and payment thereof from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023; identify all the ghost workers who were paid salaries from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023 and review all such transactions and advise government on the appropriate action in the interest of the people and good governance, as well as to act on all other matters connected thereto.
BY AMOS OKIOMAThe Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has fixed May 20 for judgment in the suit filed by a youth activist, Comrade Collins Opumie, against the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NOAC) over his illegal arrest and detention for over two years.
The presiding Judge, Justice Ebiyon Duke Charlie, on resumption of the court, directed all parties to the suit numbered YHC/324/2022 to submit their final addresses and argue their position based on law.
Counsel to the first defendant, Sonia Okiri Esq and 2nd defendant, E. O George Esq, argued in their final addresses that the court should dismiss the claims made by the claimant, Comrade Collins Opumie, and throw out the relief sought.
In her submission, the counsel to the DSS, E.O. George Esq, submitted the final address based on the premise of the issue raised by the claimant on whether the court has jurisdiction and whether the claimant has made reasonable effort to seek relief.
She also prayed the court to dismiss the claimant's suit for lack of merit, arguing that the claimant had failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.
Counsel to the claimant, Ebipreye K.V. Sese Esq, after the adoption of the final written address, submitted that the claimant has been able to discharge the evidential burden placed on him by the provisions of the Evidence Act, 2011 (as amended 2023) that it is trite law that he who asserts must prove in order to succeed in his claim.
"That the claimant has been able to prove his case against the 1st & 2nd set of Defendants, which is Agip and DSS and as such, he's entitled to all the reliefs sought," he said.
Barr. Sese further argued that throughout the hearing of the case, the DSS has vehemently denied that they did not at any time detain the claimant. However, contrary to their denials, the evidence before the Court clearly established the fact that the claimant was actually detained by the DSS for (2) two years in its prison facility at its Headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja without bail or arraignment in a court of law upon the instigations of the NAOC.
Recall that the Bayelsa youth activist, Comrade Collins Opumie, had in 2023, filed a suit against his illegal arrest and detention, demanding the sum of N9 billion as damages.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State received National President, Nigeria Medical Association Dr. Uche Ojinmah, during a courtesy visit to the Governor on Wednesday 8th May, 2024
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has charged students under the Amnesty scholarship scheme to intensify efforts to sustain their record of academic excellence in their universities.
Otuaro spoke on Thursday, when he visited the PAP scholarship students at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo; Western Delta University, Oghara, and Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor, all in Delta State.
He had earlier visited PAP scholarship students at Igbinedion University, Okada, and Benson Idahosa University, Benin, all in Edo State, as part of his tour of partnering institutions to interact with the management and the students, on Wednesday.
Otuaro, who was inundated with the beautiful record of academic performance by students under the PAP scholarship scheme, stressed that the positive reports would only encourage the government to do more to invest in human capacity development.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro stated that this was in line with the policy of the Tinubu administration to channel the human resources in the oil-rich Niger Delta to productive activities as part of the sustained efforts to promote peace for economic growth in the area.
Otuaro, who was briefed differently by the vice-chancellors of the three institutions, promised that PAP would provide the necessary support to brilliant and serious-minded students under the scheme who might want to study for a Master's degree if they can secure admission.
He said, “Formal education is a critical aspect of this programme. We have produced many students who have First Class and Second Class Upper while others made distinctions at the post-graduate level.
“These excellent grades are a very encouraging way of bridging the human capacity development gap in the Niger Delta. I hold the view strongly that formal education would offer self-reliance and higher chances of success to 80 percent of beneficiaries.
The resurgent activities of killer herdsmen, especially in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, who kidnap, kill and destroy farmlands are threatening the peace of the state.
At the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia at Government House in Makurdi, he raised the alarm that the activities of killer herders have posed a threat to nine local government areas in Benue State in which residents could no longer go for their legitimate farming activities for fear of attacks and killing.
Admitting that he cannot do it alone, Governor Alia urged Benue State stakeholders to synergise to find common solutions to the disturbing scenario. He listed the local government areas under serious threat, including Kwande, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer East, Gwer West, Agatu and Oturkpo, among others.
At the meeting, Alia listed the efforts that his government has made since assumption of duty on May 29, 2023, to tackle insecurity, especially the activities of herders who flout the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law of Benue State 2017, noting that the unknown gunmen's aim was to grab land, maim and kill.
The governor, therefore, appealed to the Nigeria Police to help the state get rid of the unknown gunmen who are currently occupying ancestral homes and lands of persons displaced as a result attacks in nine local government areas in the state.
"My government is committed to ending food insecurity in the state and beyond by enabling farmers to return to their farmlands to cultivate. By your posting to Benue, there is hope in town that you continue to keep our lives and democracy safe,” he said.
A peep into the activities of killer herdsmen in the state indicates that Terwase Orbunde, the Chief of Staff to former Governor Samuel Ortom, was attacked by suspected herdsmen on Friday, April 12, 2024, close to the Genabe Cemetery, along Mobile BarracksWelfare Quarters Road in Makurdi. He sustained injuries in the process, while his wife, Abigail, and their housemaid, Patience Ogute, were kidnapped during the attack.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release. However, Mrs. Orbunde and her maid regained their freedom on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom to their abductors.
The lawmaker representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, Isa Dogonyaro, is dead.
A statement by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said Dogonyaro died on Friday, after a brief illness.
The statement reads: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hon. Isa Dogonyaro (Kogunan Ringim), the distinguished Member representing the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Hon. Dogonyaro passed away after a brief illness.”
“Hon. Isa Dogonyaro was a dedicated and passionate legislator who served his constituents and the nation with utmost commitment.
“He was a pillar in the House, contributing significantly to the development of legislation, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, where he served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee.
“Elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Dogonyaro was known for his integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“His presence will be sorely missed in the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives. Hon. Isa Dogonyaro was a detribalised patriot who was very jovial as much as he was an intellectual.
Three days after he resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, paid a surprised visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
“Delighted to have met with my esteemed brother and friend, Governor @alexottiofr, at his residence in Isialangwa. We had a convivial discussion, even as I commend his giant strides in Abia State,” he wrote on his X handle.
The ex-governor of Imo State whose tenure was terminated by a controversial Supreme Court ruling in on January 14, 2020, blamed his resignation on the party because it had, “taken a path that is at variance” with his belief and despite his attempts to offer counsel, “the party, is, sadly, not able to carry out reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.”
Explaining further two weeks later, he said he left the PDP because of his large followership’s desire for him to lead a change and rebuild Imo State.
Speaking on his exit from PDP, Ihedioha said: “It was bound to happen. So far, the tendencies operating in the party remained there, for quite some time, the warning shots were very clear, just before the election, yes there were issues, but it makes sense that we get into the election convinced to regain power at the federal level and a number of states. But of course, several things happened and after the elections, the issues came to the fore.”
Ihedioha said that he and his group spoke about the need to address those issues, but rather than address those issues and a barrage of demands, they saw a further drift from the desires of the people in a manner that was inconsistent with the mission and vision of the founding fathers of the party, which joined at its inception in 1998 and served as director of publicity. So, he said, he acted essentially based on the desires of his large followership and his support base back at home and nationally who felt the party had lost its bearing and there is a need for them to forge ahead.
He painted a sorry state of the party in the state during the last governorship election in 2023.
According to him, “It was our most dismal performance. The PDP did not win one single LGA in Imo State. When I ran for office in 2019, we didn’t have one single member in the State House of Assembly, but I led the party to victory. We won 13 seats in the Assembly and won the governorship election with close to 100,000 votes
I know that he (Ihedioha) is always in discussion with Peter Obi, but the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party may be responsible for the former governor’s decision to wait awhile. Because of this, his camp is divided. Few want APC, many prefer LP, others say APGA. It might be LP, but do not quote me
difference with the major opponent. In 2023, we saw abysmal performance and nothing was done to remedy the situation.”
Recall that the party headed into that governorship election with the party’s serving National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu as its flag bearer despite stiff opposition by stakeholders in the state, who felt the decision improper and inconsistent with the party’s constitution on holding office.
Offended by the silence of the national leadership of the party to resolve the matter in response to several petitions they wrote, many members of the party in Imo started to have second thoughts about the relevance of the party in Imo State. And when the party lost in the governorship race, things took a turn for the worse.
Ihedioha’s resignation a fortnight ago precipitated the ‘mass movement’ from the party. But so far, none of the aggrieved members
and leaders have indicated the party they are moving to. Although Ihedioha’s sudden visit to Governor Otti gave a clue, THEWILL learnt that the ex-deputy Speaker is still testing the waters before giving his teeming supporters the platform to defect to.
THEWILL learnt that barring any changes in the political climate in the South-East, the Labour Party may be the next platform of Ihedioha and his group. The geo-political zone fell in love with the Labour Party due to Peter Obi’s rebranding as its presidential candidate in the 2023 General election. A close aide of the Imo ex-governor confided in this newspaper that the politician will take time to make his political views public because his supporters and followers are still not united on which party to defect to, though the choice weighs heavily in favour of LP.
The source said that on a scale of one to five, LP was far ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. APGA has a foothold in Anambra, but with Obi still active in the political scene and Governor Otti’s victory in Abia, LP had taken the shine off APGA, he said.
“I know that he (Ihedioha) is always in discussion with Peter Obi, but the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party may be responsible for the former governor’s decision to wait awhile. Because of this, his camp is divided. Few want APC, many prefer LP, others say APGA. It might be LP, but do not quote me.”
The idea is to prepare early enough for the late 2027 governorship poll on a r platform that a presidential hopeful has made popular in the geo-political zone.
Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]
L- R: Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi; Senior Area Manager, The Macallan, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Nicky Sonderegger; Director, Smokes & Barrels, Chadi Estaphan and Trade Marketing Manager, Edrington Portfolio (NBC), Tsolaye Everett-Eleorama, during the unveiling of ‘A Night On Earth - The Journey’, The Macallan’s limited edition single malt whisky, in Lagos on April 27, 2024.
Collaboration
and
Most Nigerians consider the new Cybercrime Levy an extra burden, given that many are still reeling under the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate challenges with implications of prices of items as well as the recent increase in electricity tariff
The newlyintroduced Cybersecurity Levy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has been generating a lot of reactions, really needs a reconsideration.
The CBN, in a circular titled, "Cybercrimes Act 2024 –Implementation Guidance on the Collection and Remittance of the National Cybersecurity Levy,” issued on May 6, 2024, had directed all banks, with effect from May 20, to start charging 0.5 percent (equivalent to 0.005) cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions value as specified in the Cybercrime Act, Section 44(2)(a).
To underscore its determination to effect compliance with the levy that is also expected to significantly bolster government revenue and enhance effective corporate tax in the country, the apex bank has detailed the consequences of non-compliance to include a fine of not less than 2 percent of the defaulting business's annual turnover upon conviction.
The Cybersecurity Levy is, however, considered an extra burden and an over kill on Nigerians and businesses that are already contending with other mandatory taxes/levies, such as the Tertiary Education Tax (2.5 per cent of profit), the National Information Technology Development Agency Levy (1 per cent of profit), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Levy (0.25 per cent of profit), and the Police Trust Fund Levy (0.005 per cent of profit), among others.
Although apparently introduced to curtail heightened cyber threats and boost cybersecurity infrastructure, the levy is however coming at the wrong time, given the increasing hardships most Nigerians and their businesses are going through presently.
Coming at a time of increasing living costs exacerbated by rising inflation, we align ourselves with the position of well-meaning Nigerians and organisations, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) that the cybersecurity levy is, without doubt, mistimed.
Just like the NESG, we believe that the levy should be targeted at high-net-worth individuals and a specific amount transferred electronically to allay the fears of the populace, who are still struggling with skyrocketing food prices and other essentials of daily life.
Most Nigerians consider the new Cybercrime Levy an extra burden given that many are still reeling under the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate challenges with implications of prices of items, as well as the recent increase in electricity tarrif.
We therefore agree with NESG that while acknowledging the imperative of enhancing cybersecurity resilience, there should be a prudent consideration of the cybersecurity levy's timing and implementation modalities.
"By fostering dialogue, targeted application, and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, Nigeria can navigate the evolving cyber threat landscape while safeguarding economic stability and promoting inclusive growth," NESG maintains.
NIGERIA BUREAU: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria.
info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888
EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA
LETTERS/OPINIONS: opinion.letters@thewillnews.com
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Austyn Ogannah
Editor – Olaolu Olusina
Deputy Editor – Amos Esele
Business Editor – Sam Diala
Copy Editor – Chux Ohai
Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata
Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu
Photo Editor – Peace Udugba
Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph
Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh
Guest Art Director – Sunny Hughes
he call for deeper economic ties and trade between the Caribbean and African countries, particularly Nigeria, is not just a matter of convenience; it is a strategic imperative for unlocking
For African nations to move towards economic prosperity and abundance, trade relations with our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean are a must. We must go beyond the rhetoric. We must take
The history of Africans forcibly taken to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade serves as a poignant reminder of our shared heritage and interconnectedness. Millions of Africans endured unimaginable suffering and hardship as they were torn from their homelands and transported across the ocean to work on plantations in the Caribbean. Their resilience and resistance in the face of oppression laid the foundation for the vibrant cultures and communities which thrive in the Caribbean today.
As Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk of Suriname rightly pointed out, there exists a wealth of untapped economic and cultural synergies waiting to be harnessed for the mutual benefit
Brunswijk's commitment to deepening ties between Suriname, Nigeria and other African nations underscores the importance of strengthening connections across the Atlantic. By fostering direct flights between Caribbean countries and Africa, we can facilitate greater trade, investment and cultural exchange,
leading to a myriad of multiplier effects.
In one of its numerous interventions to connect Africa and the Caribbean, The African ExportImport Bank (Afrexim Bank) emphasises the immense potential for AfriCaribbean nations to forge significantly greater trade and investment linkages. According to it, by bolstering economic cooperation, we can stimulate growth and development, creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities on both sides of the ocean.
At the 30th Anniversary Annual Meetings in Accra, Ghana, of Afreximbank in Ghana, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, asked for unity in the Caribbean and African nations to pave the path of development. PM Mottley asserted, "We, the leaders of the Caribbean and African nations, must continue our developmental journeys together, for the path to our mutual success will be one forged in unity."
"Today was a historic moment for people of African descent. It was clear to me that as we came together – leaders from the Caribbean and the African continent – the path to our mutual success will be one forged by unity," said the prime minister. She said that whether it be by improving the connectivity of their people by increased airlift, functional cooperation, improved access to services, tourism and cultural exchanges or creating linkages between their regional institutions, their experiences and the work they have done to get to this point has shown them that they can and will find success by looking east and west to each other, instead of only looking north.
Indeed, direct transport linkages between the Caribbean and Africa will not only streamline trade but also foster greater cultural understanding and collaboration. Through increased tourism, educational exchanges, and artistic endeavours, we can celebrate our shared heritage and diversity, enriching the fabric of both regions.
Deeper economic ties between the Caribbean and Africa hold the key to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change. By leveraging our collective strength and resources, we can advocate for sustainable development practices and secure global action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As more and more senior policymakers from the Caribbean are stretching forth their hands of fellowship to us in Africa, we must exchange the gesture by deploying our economic arsenal to make the handshake an economic prosperity reality. Nigeria, being the biggest economy in Africa, must take the lead in this respect.
As Vice President Brunswijk aptly stated, "Let us unite in our commitment to forging a stronger, more vibrant partnership between the Caribbean and Africa, realising the full potential of our shared destiny."
The intangibles of leadership are as potent and profound as the corporeal manifestations of governance. A people must not only see the brick-and-mortar elements of leadership; they must also feel and sense leadership in its quantum of compassion, healing, solace and capacity to inspire unity, as well as foster peace and progress.
In fact, the incorporeal constituents of leadership are so important that citizens may not see utility in improved economic well-being and massive industrial transformation, if the leadership does not manage the delicate confluences of social and psychological needs.
In some of my treatises as a columnist years ago, I had written that beyond other rudimentary ingredients and supplements of leadership, Nigeria needs a leader who is a healer-in-chief and a unifier by example. A leader who has the proclivity and deliberateness to bring the nation together.
I am most delighted and proud to say Nigeria has found its healer-in-chief; its unifier by example, and consoler-in-chief in President Bola Tinubu. He is the President for all Nigerians. It has been President Tinubu’s one year of healing and unifying Nigeria. In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, the President made a declaration that has become a defining motif of his administration. He said: “Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear, and injure it.’’
And true to his promise, President Tinubu has been listening and reaching out to Nigerians of diverse complexions and artificial partitions, as well as mending and healing the nation.
Healing and unifying the nation, how, you might ask? By personal example; in words and in deeds. There is no greater purpose and value to leadership than personal example. The place of leadership in forging bonds of communality is the place of purpose and deliberateness. Leadership must be deliberate in managing diversity and in fostering kinship among variegated people. Nation building cannot be left to chance or to a whim. There must be purposive plans and actions towards uniting the people. And these plans and actions, President Tinubu has been successful at carrying through in the past one year.
The President has maintained an accustomed patriotic, graceful, and expansive mien. In his public statements, mostly done extempore, he has always faithfully affirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
In one of his many noble articulations, he said: “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy has been reflected greatly here since we assumed office.’’
Also to consider are the broad and far-reaching projects and programmes which are in themselves totems of unity – with all Nigerians, irrespective of class or creed, as beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries.
The approval of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare and education, with salient projects across the country is a further affirmation of statesmanship and leadership.
The ongoing epochal Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, with its attendant immense economic and social benefits to many states within and outside that corridor; the Sokoto-Badagry Road project, and the completed Port Harcourt to Aba stretch of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow-gauge rail, among other key developments across the nation, assert the all-encompassing and genuine intentionality to nation building. No Nigerian is left behind.
A PEOPLE MUST NOT ONLY SEE THE BRICK-AND-MORTAR ELEMENTS OF LEADERSHIP; THEY MUST ALSO FEEL AND SENSE LEADERSHIP IN ITS QUANTUM OF COMPASSION, HEALING, SOLACE, AND CAPACITY TO INSPIRE UNITY, AS WELL AS FOSTER PEACE AND PROGRESS
Within the first year, the President also approved the upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.
The following teaching hospitals across the geo-political zones were marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres as part of the President’s bid to ensure that top-tier cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country: (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital, (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Ten other hospitals across all the geo-political zones were also pencilled for critical healthcare-service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization.
The take-off of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme, which is essentially a mitochondrion enabling citizens to improve their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time, and by the same token bolstering local industry and stimulating job creation is another social cohesion sealant – with all classes of working Nigerians as beneficiaries.
In summary, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) with the preeminent vision of safeguarding Nigeria’s future by ensuring that all Nigerian students and youths, regardless of their social, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, have access to sustainable higher education and functional skills, further accents the President’s fidelity to building a stable, strong, united, peaceful, and progressive nation.
One thing is certain: Citizens agree that they have a President for all Nigerians.
•Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement.
After countless, yet unachieved, completion targets announced by the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the past years, 2025 has been announced as the new completion target. This has triggered concerns among Nigerians who have borne the brunt of the nation’s total reliance on imported refined petroleum products, while its four refineries remain dormant, yet consuming resources.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Ifeanyi Ubah, disclosed on Wednesday that two refineries, Port Harcourt and Warri, would be fully operational by the end of 2024, while Kaduna would be ready in 2025 (thus completing the cycle of maintenance that has lingered for many years).
Ubah said plans had been put in place to achieve the target, stressing that the Kaduna Refinery would also be operational before the end of 2025.
“My mandate is to ensure that the refineries in Nigeria are up and functional. By my involvement, before the end of this year, two refineries will be up and running. Also, before the end of next year, the Kaduna Refinery will come on stream,” he said.
THEWILL recalls that President Bola Tinubu had in July 2023 promised that the Port Harcourt Refinery would resume production in December of that year.
While Nigerians awaited the outcome of President Tinubu’s promise, the Senate on October 24, constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate all contracts estimated at over N11.35 trillion awarded for the rehabilitation of the four moribund refineries in the country. Senator Uba was a member of the ad-hoc committee which has not submitted its report after the four-
Continues on page 15
EDITOR Sam Diala
BY SAM DIALA
Transcorp Plc, Africa’s leading diversified conglomerate, has announced its interim results for the first quarter ending March 21, 2024, achieving a remarkable growth of 173 percent in gross earnings from N32.39 billion reported in Q1 2023 to N88.55 billion in Q1 2024.
According to the interim financial results for Q1 2024 highlighted at the Analysts and Investor Call on Thursday, May 9, by the President/ GCEO, Transcorp Plc, Dr Owen D. Omogiafo, this impressive growth in gross earnings resulted in a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 1,501 percent in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N2,85 billion in 2023 to N45.68 billion in 2024. Profit After Tax (PAT) also recorded significany growth of 1,832 percent from N1.85 billion to N35.92 billion in the period ended March 31, 2024.
The increase in gross earnings is majorly due to improved average daily rate (ADR) in the hospitality segment of the group during the
period. The ADR improved by 59 perccent to N189.16 billion in Q1 2024, from N119.21 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.
The ADR is a metric widely used in the hospitality industry to indicate the average revenue earned for an occupied room on a given day. The metric is one of the key performance indicators (KPI) of the industry.
The hospitality industry has remained the cash-cow of the group yielding significant returns that boost the group’s earnings as the sector recovers from the challenging years of the economy due to unfavourable fiscal and monetary policies.
Transcorp Hotel Plc recorded a 72 percent gowth to N13.8 billion in Q1 2024 from N8 billion in 2023. Gross profit grew 75 percent to N9.9 billion in Q1 2024 from N5.7 billion during the corresponding period
Continues on page 15
in 2023.
Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders
Similarly, the increase in earnings is attributed to the growth in patronage in the hospitality sector and the remarkable improvement in power supply.
This followed the federal government’s intervention in resolving the lingering challenge of huge debts to generating companies (GenCos) by the distribution companies (DisCos). The group also managed its operating expenses in the midst high inflationary trend.
According to Omogiafo, there was “Increased patronage in the hotel business resulting in improved occupancy rate up to 82 per cent”.
Additionally, “Transcorp Power and TransAfam Power recorded significant improvement due to an increase in power generation and sales tariff.
The cost of funds grew by 14.3 percent N3.21 billion in Q1 2023 to N3.47 billion in Q1 2024 notwithstanding the high interest rate environment suggesting efficient management of funds which also reflects in the 8.3 percent rise in total assets, from N530 billion as at December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024.
Notwithstanding an increase in operating expenses from N5.90 billion in Q1 2023 to N8.24 billion in Q1 2024, cost-to-income ratio dropped significantly to 21 percent in the review quarter against 42 percent recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased by 16.01 percent in Q1 2024 against 1.18 percent in Q1 2023 underpinned by improved gross earnings, as the Group sought to deliver better shareholder returns. Return on Average Assets (ROAA) also grew significantly by 6.26 percent from 0.40 percent in the same period of the preceding year.
The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.
Exuding confidence about the Group’s operations in the year, Omogiafo said, "Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.
“Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximizing opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets. We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.
“This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.”
Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
week deadline.
THEWILL further recalls that former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to meet the deadline for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which was set for the first quarter of 2023. On January 9, 2023, former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, revealed that the rehabilitation of the 60,000 bpd refinery was being completed and was going to be started by Q1 2023, a statement corroborated by NNPCL CEO, Mele Kyari. The refinery was initially scheduled to commence operations in December 2022.
“Our promise has been that the 60,000 bpd plant within the Port Harcourt Refinery would be rehabilitated by the end of Q4 2022. It is being completed and will be started by Q1 2023 as promised,” Sylva said while giving an update on the Port Harcourt refineries during the Ministry of Petroleum Resources 2022 scorecard in Abuja.
Of major concern has been the huge public funds committed to the rehabilitation of the old refinery, which is part of the larger Port Harcourt Refinery complex. Equally worrying is the Federal Government’s attitude of embracing opaqueness in its oil and gas business.
This followed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of $1.5 billion (about N600 billion) in March 2021 for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery complex, comprising the old and the new refineries.
Sylva said the contract was awarded to an Italian company, Tecnimont SPA, who, according to him, are experts in refinery maintenance.
He further disclosed that the funding of the repairs would be from many components, including NNPCL, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), budgetary provisions and Afreximbank TEXEM Advert.
“So we are happy to announce that the rehabilitation of productivity refinery will commence in three phases. The first phase is to be completed in 18 months, which will take the refinery to a production of 90 percent of its nameplate capacity.
“The second phase is to be completed in 24 months and all the final stages will be completed in 44 months and consultations are approved. And I believe that this is good news for Nigeria,” Sylva said, adding that a maintenance company would also be put in place to ensure an effective maintenance culture.
The minister assured that rehabilitation works on Kaduna and Warri refineries would also be carried out on or before May 2023.
This top-of-the-roof optimism ended in a crashed hope with Nigerians suffering and paying more for petrol, directly and indirectly. Besides, the government has not been held to account for the “unending refinery rehabilitation” which has gulped a huge chunk of public fund.
The approval of the $1.5 billion to rehabilitate the refineries was not received as good news. It was promptly greeted with mixed feelings as the country had in the past spent billions of dollars on refinery maintenance. Despite such expenditure, however, the facilities have not worked with many experts calling for their privatisation.
Notwithstanding their moribund state, the refineries spend billions of naira on salaries, wages and other benefits on workers despite producing no refined product in recent years. For instance, the Port Harcourt refinery reported no income in 2020 but incurred administrative expenses of N19.22 billion, according to its audited reports. The refinery employed 487 new staff members in 2020. Its directors received N99.75 million as emoluments in 2020, a 67 percent increase from N59.66 million in 2019.
The workers, among the highest paid in the country, earn their salaries, promotions, allowances and go on local and foreign training programmes while the facilities are idle.
Timipre Sylva had said that “the incoming government would continue from where this administration stopped in fixing the refineries because government is continuum”.
Commenting on the state of the refineries, an oil and gas expert, Engr Bala Zaka said, “No society succeeds on corruption, waste and pursuit of parochial interest.
“Government is now confused and they have resorted to taxing the people to run the country in the midst of abundant oil and gas deposit. Life thrives on laws and principles. China and Japan do not have prophets; they follow the principles of success and they achieve success.
“You saw how the last government talked elatedly about the refineries, energy transformation … the resources invested in fixing them? Where are the refineries today? What happened to them?”
As part of efforts aimed at improving access to finance for small business owners across the country, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), says it has since inception disbursed more than N787 billion to over 495,000 Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the year 2023.
The Bank in its recently released cumulative “Social Impact Report” for the year ending 2023 noted that out of the disbursed N787 billion, 72% of the beneficiaries were women, while 24% of the beneficiaries were youth, solidifying DBN’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and recognizing the importance of women-led businesses in driving economic development.
The report also reveals that in the past year, more than 3,500 MSMEs were trained by the Bank in a wide range of courses such as Essentials of a Business Plan, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Marketing and Branding, Business Sustainability, Environmental and Social Risk Governance among others.
Commenting on DBN's impact in 2023, the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi said "The year 2023 has marked another significant milestone for DBN as we continue to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's economy. Through our strategic projects and initiatives, we have empowered MSMEs, facilitated job creation, and promoted inclusive economic growth across various sectors. As we look ahead, DBN remains committed to driving positive change and fostering entrepreneurship for the prosperity of our nation."
According to him, “One of the distinctive features of DBN's interventions is its focus on capacity building and technical assistance, equipping MSMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness in the market. This holistic approach not only addresses financial needs but also empowers entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.”
Dr. Okpanachi also stated that the Bank
established several partnerships with notable entrepreneurship-oriented organizations such as LBS, Google, GIZ, FSFM, GAIN, etc. “As Nigeria strives towards sustainable development and economic resilience, following the policy reforms of the current administration, DBN remains committed to supporting MSMEs to unlocking their full potential as catalysts for inclusive growth and prosperity, through continued collaboration with stakeholders and strategic partners.” He affirmed.
Speaking on the company’s financials for the year ended December 31st, 2023, the DBN Boss disclosed that the wholesale development institution recorded a Gross earnings of N52.4 Billion and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N35,3 Billion. He attributed the impressive performance to the improved support it received from its development partners and other critical stakeholders who are committed to its vision of alleviating financing constraints faced by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small Corporations in Nigeria.
SIM boxing happens when a person uses a special equipment, what is called a SIM Box containing tens to hundreds of SIM Cards— from 32, to 96, to 512 and more SIMs —to terminate international calls by bringing in the international call into the SIM Box using internet connections and regenerating the calls to the called party from one of the hundred SIMs in the box. This way, the called party will see the local number of the SIM from the SIM Box, and not the original international number calling.
With SIM Boxes, the syndicate charges international call carriers lower rates than what regular Nigerian telecommunications operators would charge, as they do not have to pay the full cost of maintaining and operating a phone network. Basically, they are bypassing the normal route for international phone call termination to terminate international calls cheaply and making windfall profits off it.
Take for instance, a telecommunications operator in Nigeria would ordinarily charge international carriers 10cents per minute for terminating an international call in Nigeria. However, by routing the call through a SIM Boxing syndicate, the international telecommunications carrier only pays a fraction of the charge to the syndicate, say 5cents per minute and does not have to pay the full 10cents per minute charge.
The SIM Boxer will terminate this call to the called subscriber at a rate of, say N15 per minute using one of the SIM cards in their SIM Box. The SIM Boxer thus makes a killing from the differential between the rate charged to the international carrier and the rate paid to telecommunications operators whose SIM they utilise in their SIM Boxes, at the expense of our national security and income of mobile network operators and quality of our service to consumers.
Asides the revenue loss that local mobile network operators suffer courtesy the activities of these syndicates, networks face congestion around areas where the illegal call routings via SIM Boxing occurs. With the huge traffic from the boxes, callers around the area see more dropped calls, poor call quality, and slower data speeds.
The introduction of the linking of National Identity Numbers (NIN) to SIMs is one way the Federal Government has worked to tackle this criminal enterprise. With every SIM in the country being linked to an NIN, an identity is tied to the owner of each line, and regulators now have visibility of ownership. That is not all. There is also the “Max-4 Rule” where a subscriber is not allowed to have more
With every SIM in the country being linked to an NIN, an identity is tied to the owner of each line, and regulators now have visibility of ownership
than four lines per network operator linked to his NIN. With this rule in place, coupled with the NINSIM Linkage, every telephone subscriber in Nigeria would not just be accurately identifiable but limited to having only four telephone lines per subscriber.
To enforce this rule, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the 29th of March 2024 announced the deadline for Mobile Network Operators to bar all subscribers who had five lines and above, and whose NIN failed the verification test of biometrics matching.
Over the last few weeks, sources within the NCC have confirmed cases where a single NIN was linked to over 100,000 lines. Some NINs had well over 10,000 SIMS linked to them, others over a thousand, others had hundreds. Many have questioned the reports and asked, what would any single reasonable person be doing with these number of lines? Justifiable questions, because no sane person—who is not running a business—should own more than five SIM cards.
Given the ‘Max 4 Rule’ in place and the NIN-SIM Linkage Policy, SIM Boxers have been boxed into a corner. The applications they use require tens to thousands of SIM Cards, and the imperative to stay anonymous. If these policies are well and fully implemented, this is the death knell for SIM Boxing merchants.
But the regulator, NCC needs to be fast and ready for the battle ahead. SIM Boxing is a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. They are not going to go down without a fight. It is like taking a bone being chewed from the mouth of a bulldog.
Already, the battle seems to have kicked off. A lawyer, Barrister Olukoya Ogunbeje has recently taken the Federal Government, NCC and Mobile Network Operators to court, claiming that the barring of SIMs not linked to NINs goes against his fundamental human rights, and has cost him the loss of business opportunities. Anyone who has Nigeria’s interest at heart ordinarily supports this policy. It then does not add up seeing a so-called activist lawyer take up such a matter that is clearly against the public interest— unless this is the Haka cry of SIM Boxers.
A most interesting observation with his case is that it is not even a class action, but individually driven. It begs the question then, who is funding Barr. Olukoya Ogungbeje? What is his interest in fighting this policy that puts paid to the business of a criminal enterprise? Is he funded by interests in the SIM Boxing world? Time would tell. But in the meantime, NCC must go head on without fear or intimation and clean the Augean stable of SIM ownership in Nigeria.
•Suleiman Bala Bakori is a researcher, and writes from the FCT.
800, 000
APRIL 1, 2024
Center Spread Half Page N1, 300, 000
Double Spread N1, 550, 000
Double Spread Half Page N1, 200, 000
10X6 N700, 000
10X5 N650, 000
10X4 N600, 000
10X3 N500, 000
9X6 N440, 000
9X5 N395, 000
9X4 N335, 000
9X3 N310, 000
8X6 N410, 000
8X5 N380, 000
7X5 N320, 000
7X4 N315, 000
6X5 N280, 000
6X3 N145, 000
6X2 N85, 000
5X2 N70, 000
4X4 N160, 000
4X3 N95, 000
4X2 N65, 000
3X3 N60, 000
3X2 N50, 000
2X2 N30, 000
2X1 N15, 000 1X1 N7, 000
It is no news that sometimes people combine two or more jobs together in order make ends meet. But when such people are movie stars and they happen to be active ministers of the gospel, they make headline news because they are already in the public eye. IVORY UKONU turns the spotlight on six Nigerian entertainers who are certified and ordained clergymen. Excerpts:
O
ne of the most popular Nollywood actresses in the 1990s, Liz Benson, as she is known, played major roles in many movies and television drama series, including popular soap opera, 'Fortunes'. Unfortunately she has since washed her hands off the film industry after she was ordained an evangelist.
Liz currently runs Rainbow Christian Assembly Church in Warri, Delta State with her husband, Bishop Great Emeya, who she married in 2009. Their marriage is blessed with three lovely children, namely, Richard, Lillian and Rosel.
He gained popularity in the early 2000s with hit films like 'Oganigwe,' 'Oracle,' 'Onye Eze,' 'Igodo,' and 'Izaga.' Although Larry claims not to have abandoned Nollywood and all of its glitz and splendor in favour of a life on the altar as a steward of the lord’s pasture, his presence in movies has been very few and far between. He is currently the General Overseer of Seed of favour Ministry in Enugu State.
Aveteran Nollywood actress and television personality best known for her roles in the 1995 films 'Glamour Girls' and 'Abuja Connection,' Eucharia is one of the best script interpreters in Nollywood. She decided to embrace Christ fully after she ended her union with now estranged husband, Charles Ekwu and later lost her son, the only product of the marriage to sickle cell anaemia. She is now an ordained minister of the gospel as she was ordained by Pastor Psalm Okpe, the General Overseer of the Fresh Oil Ministry Church in Egbeda, Lagos State in 2012. However, quite unlike her colleagues, Larry Koldsweat and Liz Benson, she combines her roles in Nollywood to winning souls for Jesus Christ. With the advent of the social media, she utilises the benefit that the platform offers to evangelise in a unique way.
The veteran actor is one of Nollywood's most prolific script interpreters. He would later combine acting with winning souls for Christ at first, after he was ordained a pastor in 2012 by the late Bishop Lawrence Osagie of Powerline Bible Church, Lagos. His zeal for the house of the Lord however got in the way of his role interpretation and he had no choice but to face soul winning full time. He has been spotted preaching the gospel of salvation in various churches in Abuja and outside the shores of the country.
The Nollywood actor combined role interpretation with soul winning but on a small scale, assisting his father the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in whatever capacity that he could. But when his father passed on in 2023, the church's board of trustees named him Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, while his sister Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun became his associate senior pastor. Despite being an ordained unconventional pastor, Jimmy who is also a musician, fitness enthusiast and motivational speaker has no plan to abandon acting as he once revealed that being a pastor does not in any way affect his acting career.
Pastor Abiodun Olapade was a comedian and master of ceremonies before he became a cleric. Popularly known as MC Abbey, he admitted to facing some challenges when he started winning souls for Christ. He revealed that people didn't take him seriously and thought it was all part of his comic act. He however admitted that his status as a cleric dictates the kinds of jokes he tells which has to be family friendly and ethical, giving no room for vulgarity or jokes that are not ideal. Even at that, he has reduced the frequency with which he attends comedy shows to make jokes and only does comedy ministrations when clergymen like Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House On The Rock Church or Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, calls on him. MC Abbey is currently the General Overseer of Destiny Way International Ministry.
Elizabeth Benson
Jimmy Odukoya
Abiodun Olapade
Eucharia Anunobi
Zack Orji
Larry Koldsweat
Two Nigerian women, Dr Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi and Professor RoseMargaret Ekeng-Itua, have both shattered the glass ceilings in their respective fields having recently achieved groundbreaking milestones.
Professor Ekeng-Itua recently became the first black woman in the world to obtain a Ph.D. in Cybernetics, a field that explores how information is processed in both machines and biological systems.
Ekeng-Itua’s journey to this historic achievement reflects her unwavering dedication to STEM education and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite growing up in Nigeria where societal norms often discouraged girls from pursuing excellence in scientific fields, she remained undeterred in her quest for knowledge and innovation. Her academic pursuits took her to the University of Reading in the United
Continued from page 18
Kingdom, where she earned her Ph.D. Despite facing challenges such as gender biases and a lack of representation, she has continued to push boundaries and inspire future generations, especially young girls, to pursue their passions in science and technology.
Similarly, Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi also made history as the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in U-M Robotics from the University of Michigan, USA. Her remarkable achievement was celebrated during the university’s commencement ceremony, where she spoke on the roles of advocates and mentors in realising her aspirations. Her research focus was in controls with applications in bipedal locomotion.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi stressed the significance of inclusion, reflecting on her journey as one of many PhD students initially uncertain of their goals but eventually finding ample opportunities to utilize engineering expertise for societal betterment.
feather to her cap. She has been appointed to serve as a shortlisting juror for the Public Relations Lions at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a prestigious festival otherwise known as the Oscars for the PR industry.
scale.
Penultimate week, Kehinde OnabanjoIyiola, celebrity event planner who is the official planner and decorator for many Nigerian top shots through her Finesse Events, as well as the face behind Whitestone Event Centre, a pristine event centre for luxury social and corporate events, rolled out the carpets to celebrate her 40th birthday. The theme of the party was black tie and guests turned out looking resplendent in mostly black.
Onabanjo-Iyiola made sure to dazzle her guests with different exotic displays at the party. First she changed her outfit three times during the party. In her first entrance, she was accompanied by four exotic dancers all dressed in skimpy outfits. Then there was her cake, which was mind blowing. It was a huge three-tier cake in black.
Continued from page 18
Chief Opral Mason Benson as Vice-President.
Adebutu takes over from Chief Iyabode Muheenat Foresythe, the Iya Abiye of Lagos who passed on in February 2024.
The General Secretary of the association and Aare Onimo Ero of Lagos, Chief Olawumi Gasper, noted that Adebutu and Benson were unanimously elected at the association’s last regular meeting where it also used the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers and past presidents of the association for using it as a vehicle for promoting the development of the Lagos economy through its involvement in transforming the Lagos public and private
sectors. Gasper identified past presidents of the association as Chief Kofo Abayomi – Babasale of Lagos; Chief Abiola Akerele – Lisa of Lagos; Chief G B A Coker; Chief Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi – Mayegun of Lagos; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Asoju Oba, President (2012-2015); and Chief Iyabode Foresythe – Iya Abiye, President (2015-2024). While thanking God for the privilege of being alive and available to serve at the leadership of notable men and women of Lagos, Adebutu further reaffirmed to hold dear the great position of trust and responsibility unanimously reposed in him by all the titled chiefs of Lagos.
Reacting to her appointment, Tokunboh said she couldn’t wait to bring her voice to the judging process to assess groundbreaking works that will push the creative boundaries of the PR industry for another year.
This appointment is coming less than six months after she reached another milestone. Her communications firm, Skot Communications in a strategic move, acquired Hill+Knowlton Nigeria’s business and assets. This strategic transition saw a talented team of 21 professionals and esteemed clientele like Netflix, Visa, and GE Vernova seamlessly joining Skot Communications.
With strategic locations in Lagos and London, Skot Communications has emerged as a premier global consultancy, renowned for its specialised expertise across diverse sectors, such as finance, energy, technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Under her visionary leadership, Skot Communications continues to elevate the standards of strategic communications consultancy, fostering growth and success on a global
Before joining Hill+Knowlton, Tokunboh spent over 14 years at Integrated Energy group, Oando Plc where she was a part of the Group Leadership Council, heading up the corporate services, corporate communications/CSR divisions along the way.
She was recently Director of the Oando Foundation, establishing the foundation in Nigeria, US and UK and developing its framework and partnerships. Whilst at Oando Plc., she led the communications team for local and international fund raising and the listing on the Johannesburg stock exchange. Before returning to work in Nigeria in 2001, Tokunboh was a Senior Account Manager in London with one of the UK’s leading technology and consumer public relations agencies, handling the media campaigns for B2B clients in telecommunications. Tokunboh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, USA. She is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Institute of Directors (IOD). She is also a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative-West Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She is also the Acting Chairman of the Oando Foundation as well as a board member of Legacy Office and CSR-in-Action Advocacy.
Guests were serenaded by Abolaji David Banjoko, aka Beejay Sax, gospel singer, Adeyinka Alaseyori, SB Love Band, Laolu Gbenjo and Ebenezer Obey. There was an opening prayer by Goodman Akinlabi, the General Overseer of Elevation Church, to declare the party started. Some of those who graced the party were Chief Razaq Okoya and his wife, Shade, Rev Esther Ajayi, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, Oba Saheed Elegushi and his Olori, Sekinat, Banke Meshida, Bashir Olawale Fakorede and wife, Tayo, Olugbon of Orile Ogbon, Oba Francis Alao, Tai Elemosho Okesanjo, Prince Fuad Oloto, Sir Olu Okeowo, Eniola Badmus etc.
That Onabanjo-Iyiola , who is happily married with two children and has stamped her foot in the event planning and management industry, is not in doubt. Over the past one decade, she dominated the events management and decoration sector in Nigeria. Her arrival in the event management space changed the headlines and her reputation as a formidable manager of events is legendary. She deploys an amazing precision and attention to detail, which results in the complete transformation of any space into a spectacular setting.
Nigerian leaders from the political, academic, business, financial and media spheres recently gathered at the prestigious MUSON Centre in Lagos for the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of Late Prince Emeka Obasi, Founder of Business Hallmark Newspapers. The topic of the lecture was 'If This Giant Must Walk; Manifesto for a New Nigeria.' The lecture was chaired by former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke who set the tone for the conversation while Kayode to education for indigent Nigerian students. Emeka died in a Lagos hospital after battling an undisclosed ailment for a few years. He was 58 years-old at the time of his death. Emeka who was the Ezenwata of Ibeku Kingdom was an awardwinning journalist who was a onetime Commissioner for Information in Abia State. He founded the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), organisers of the annual Zik Prize in Leadership Awards.
Onabanjo-Iyiola Obasi
Dosunmu-Ogunbi
Ekeng-Itua
STORIES BY IVORY UKONU
It is not yet uhuru for Bianca, the widow of late Biafra war lord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as regards his property. Her sons with the late Ojukwu Afamefuna and Nwachukwu have both applied to be joined as parties in a 2011 suit filed by Ogbonna Ojukwu and others against the Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, in which judgment had been delivered in 2018. Justice Adedayo Oyebanji had while delivering judgment in the suit marked LD/794/2011, granted possession of Ojukwu Transport Ltd properties in Lagos to Ojukwu Transport Ltd including No 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos. Ojukwu was a party to the suit until his demise in 2011.
Based on the judgment, OTL, executed a warrant of possession on all its properties in Lagos with certificate of completion of execution of warrant obtained in July 2022. Afamefuna and Nwachukwu have now applied before the court to be joined as interested parties in the matter and also be exempted from the already executed warrant in a case in which judgment was delivered in June 2018. They based their application on the ground that another Lagos High Court had in a judgment in 2022 on a 2012 case marked LD/1539/2012 which they filed against OTL and others, granting them possession of 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi and four other properties. Justice A. M. Lawal had in the 2022 judgment granted a restraining order against interference with Afamefuna and Nwachukwu’s possession of the properties pending the harmonization of Ojukwu
Pproperties by OTL.
Claiming to be unaware of the matter before Justice Oyebanji, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu last year served a ‘Notice of Disobedience of Court order’ on OTL, the Ojukwu and other tenants of the property. In their application seeking to be joined in case before Justice Onyebanji, Bianca's sons claimed that they were not aware of the pendency of the suit and were not included as interested parties in the case. They argued that it would amount to miscarriage of justice for the matter to be conclusively decided without their input as the issues in the case affect their interest.
Of the five properties in the Bianca and sons’ 2012 suit, OTL claims that it had not been paid rent for 12 years (N144m) by Uche Obilor/West African Offshore Limited, occupants of 30 Gerard Rd,Ikoyi, Lagos. It also claimed that the occupants of 32a Commercial Avenue,Yaba, Foursquare Gospel Church, have not paid OTL any rent since 2017, while 4 Macpherson Road, Ikoyi has been under Police ‘lock and key’ since July 2015. It also insisted that 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Road, Ikoyi has been unoccupied for over 20 years, while 13 Ojora Road, Ikoyi is in good condition with good tenant-Landlord understanding. At the resumed hearing for the fresh application for the joinder on April 22, 2024, OTL Director, Dr P Ike Ojukwu, their agent, Massey Udegbe and lawyer, Chief Ifeanyi Okumah were in court, while Bianca, her sons and their lawyers were absent. The case was therefore adjourned till May 20, 2024.
Socialite and billionaire property developer, Sir Oluwatumininu Okeowo, has dragged his siblings, Tolulope Okeowo and Joe Faraday, a company belonging to his brother, Joshua Okeowo, claiming N100 million in damages over an alleged false and libelous publication regarding the estate of their late father, Sir Taiwo Okeowo. Joshua, like his brother, is also a property developer and his company was in charge of the seven-storey building that collapsed in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos in April 2023 while still under construction, killing two site workers and injuring several others. In his suit, Olu Okeowo is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from publishing libelous statements against him. He also prayed the court to compel the defendants to show evidence that he forged a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy over a property in Ikoyi, Lagos. However, the defendants, in their statement of defence, denied making any unprovoked assault or orchestrated smear campaign against
Okeowo’s character. They stated that they did not malign or defame Okeowo in any manner and shall put him to strict proof in respect of this allegation.
The defendants further stated that they did not author the purported Internet publication titled “Sir Taiwo Okeowo Estate Brief” or engage in a campaign of calumny against Okeowo. They
explained that the letter dated October 5, 2022, referenced in the statement of claim, was written on their authorisation as shareholders and directors of Manna Real Estate Company Limited and Metal Construction (West Africa) Ltd, and beneficiaries of the Estate of Late Sir Taiwo Okeowo.
In their counterclaim, the defendants alleged that since their father’s death in 2003, no letters of administration were granted to anyone to administer the estate. They alleged that Okeowo has been diverting assets of the estate to his personal use and has been illegally managing the assets of the estate without their consent or authority.
The defendants prayed the court for a declaration that they, together with Sir Olu Okeowo, are jointly entitled to the distribution of the assets of the estate of their late father. They also sought an order directing Okeowo to render a proper account of his management of the estate and an order appointing the AdministratorGeneral of Lagos State to take over the management of the assets of the estate. The case has been adjourned till May 20, 2024, for further hearing.
opular Lagos socialite and businesswoman, Alhaja Alimotu Sadia Oloto, popularly known as Iya Oyo, the wife of late Oba Fatai Buhari Oloto has passed away. Her death happened barely two years after the demise of her husband in July 2021 at the age of 80, exactly 10 months after he was crowned king of Iguruland, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Alhaja Oloto passed on at the age of 70, throwing the Lagos social circuit into deep mourning. Her remains were immediately committed to mother earth according to Islamic rites at the Ikoyi Vaults, Lagos. Because of her standing in the society, the burial was coordinated by leading Islamic clerics in Lagos, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque. Before her burial, a prayer service attended
by family members, friends and sympathizers, as well as notable dignitaries, was conducted at the Lagos Central Mosque, on Lagos Island. Details of her death have
remained shrouded in secret.
A few years back, the late Iya Oyo reportedly suffered a life-threatening illness, but she braved it and bounced back, full of life. She made several appearances at a number of social functions thereafter. A huge fabric merchant, she recently expanded her tentacles with an elaborate opening of a new branch of her fabric business in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos. A few weeks later, she celebrated her 70th birthday. The late Alhaja Oloto during her lifetime, was a prominent society matriarch in Lagos. She was a mother figure to many Lagos society ladies and an accomplished businesswoman who touched the lives of many positively. She is survived by a son who is based in the United Kingdom.
The Olugbodis
Afew weeks ago, advertising guru, Tunji Olugbodi, founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Verdant Zeal Group, a multi-disciplinary marketing and communications outfit with two international branches in key locations across West Africa, clocked 60. As exclusively reported by THEWILL, the day went by like any other. Rather than throw a lavish party, Olugbodi chose to have a quiet celebration with his staff serenading him for achieving such a milestone. Well, it turned out that Tunji did really want to celebrate, but he preferred to wait till his wife, Biyi also clocked 60. Their birthdays are just about a month apart. Last weekend was an opportunity for them to party hard. Venue was the Balmoral events centre, Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. Some of the esteemed guests in attendance were former Minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Nkiru Olumide; former Minister of Information , Lai Mohammed, Segun Osoba; former publisher of Encomium tabloid magazine, Kunle Bakare; Dele Momodu, Chief Sunny Kuku; Bisi Olatilo; Sola Salako, Vanguard newspaper publisher, Sam Amuka, etc.
For almost two decades, Olugbodi has bestrode Nigeria‘s marketing and advertising terrain like a colossus, leading Verdant Zeal on a progressive trajectory, morphing from a multi-disciplinary organisation into a multi-contextual group with specialised brand marketing competence in Strategy, Content Conceptualisation and Development, Digital and Interactive Media, Public Relations and Custom Publishing, Activation and Experiential Marketing, Specialist Communication, Entertainment, and Intellectual Interventions.
A prolific and eloquent speaker and a professional par excellence, Olugbodi has graced several stages, speaking on customer service, marketing, leadership, strategic networking, public relations, risk and crisis management amongst others. Personable, confident and enthusiastic, he has also handled and coordinated several high-profile campaigns and effectively managed account teams, supervised setting up and running of specialist operations across the whole spectrum of marketing and communications.
Olugbodi is also the convener of The Innovention Series, an annual thought leadership convo that hosts creative and conceptual thinkers to a roundtable discussion on how to apply the concept of innovation to development. The platform has featured many distinguished intellectuals, political leaders and captains of Industry.
Okeowo Oloto OjukwuWhen he assumed office as Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State on May 29, 2023, Pastor Umo Eno had said his government was committed to supporting indigenous entrepreneurs to develop the state’s economy. He expressed in several fora, the determination of his administration to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in the people of the state.
In this report, UDEME UTIP takes an overview of how the vision of entrepreneurial revolution championed by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom-LED) is progressing in the state
Governor Umo Eno always expresses the entrepreneurship vision of his government with the, passion, conviction and zeal of an accomplished future.
He often envisions Akwa Ibom with able-bodied youths being conveniently engaged with entrepreneurial skills and putting to rest a culture of hanging around politicians and turning into unemployed aides to survive.
To halt the vice and reversed culture and birth his vision, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom LED) was established, as part of an event to mark the 2023 anniversary of the creation of the state, using the nearly abandoned E-Library, built by the Godswill Akpabio Administration as the Centre.
To interpret and implement this vision, the governor appointed Imo-abasi Jacob, managing director of AKICORP, as the Team Leader of Ibom-LED, a deliberate programme meant to train and equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, modernise and expand their business.
Governor Eno also appointed Mrs Ekaette Umoh, as pioneer General Manager of the Centre, while Mr Ime Uwah, SSA on Entrepreneurial Development, serves as its Programme Director.
The trio were tasked with the responsibility of interpreting the governor's entrepreneurial blueprint by articulating and implementing the strength of his vision, the passion of his conviction and the zeal of his futuristic insight in line with the administration's entrepreneurial philosophy.
IBOM LED consists of comprehensive training programmes to empower individuals with essential skills, fostering personal and professional growth for success, with business advisory service providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs and businesses in Nigeria, and organising business retreats to help people and organisations develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
The Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom LED) offer various programmes to support and nurture entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom, such as the Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), designed to promote business management skills and sustainable growth for both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs under three months, with one intensive week of learning every month. Topics covered include business development, market research, financial management, sales and marketing strategies, product development, legal compliance, and more.
Outcomes of EAP include Skill enhancement, exposure, networking opportunities and expert mentorship. Targeted at start-up entrepreneurs, micro and small business owners, youth, women entrepreneurs, innovators, tech entrepreneurs, and rural entrepreneurs.
2. Ibom-LED Business Mastery Programme (BMP): a comprehensive training programme covering various aspects of business management, including operations, communication, negotiation, marketing, leadership, and more.
I like to say clearly here that whether this programme will continue or not depends on you because you are the ambassadors of this programme “
3. Ibom-LED Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme (BLEP): focused on developing leadership skills
BY JUDE OBAFEMI
Age fraud in youth football competitions has been a pervasive problem that has plagued the sport for decades, transcending national boundaries and tarnishing the principles of fair play. The recent discovery of overage players in the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) MRI scans for the WAFU B U17 competition is a stark reminder of the persistence of this issue and the need for decisive action.
The spectre of age fraud has long cast a shadow over Nigerian football, with the country's youth national teams being banned by FIFA for two years in 1989 for fielding overage players in FIFA-organised Under-20 World Cup of 1985. This two-year ban and the subsequent stripping of Nigeria's right to host the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship served as a harsh wake-up call, yet the problem persisted.
By leveraging technology and fostering inter-agency cooperation, age verification processes can become more robust and less susceptible to manipulation
South African journalist Thomas Kwenaite's uncovering of age cheats representing South Africa in an Under-15 age group tournament and Kenya's dissolution of its Under-17 national team in 2003 after players revealed themselves to be over 18 years-old further highlighted the pervasiveness of this issue across the African continent. Adokiye Amiesimaka's accusations of the NFF being complicit with age cheats, though not taken seriously at the time, foreshadowed the challenges that lie ahead in eradicating this practice.
The implications of age fraud are far-reaching and detrimental to the development of genuine young talents. Players who are genuinely within the age range are denied opportunities to compete and hone their skills, while those who are overage often find themselves past their prime by the time they reach the senior level, diminishing their effectiveness in representing the country.
can deter potential age cheats and their enablers.
As the WAFU B U17 competition approaches, a united front against age cheating is imperative. Together with national football Federations, CAF must insist that African football authorities, especially in Nigeria, forge a fair and transparent system that nurtures genuine talents, ensuring the future of the sport nationally, continentally and even globally – remains untainted by deceit.
Football's governing bodies must lead the charge, implementing comprehensive reforms and fostering a culture of accountability. Only then can the beautiful game's integrity be preserved for generations to come.
As Nigeria's democracy continues to find its footing, the role of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm becomes increasingly crucial. The press serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and ensuring the free flow of credible and unbiased information to the public. However, recent events have cast a dark shadow over this vital institution, with journalists facing harassment, intimidation and persecution simply for doing their jobs.
It is a bitter irony that these attacks on press freedom are occurring under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a media practitioner himself, who once championed the country's return to democracy and faced persecution from military juntas. His tenure was supposed to usher in a new era of unfettered press freedom, yet the reality on the ground tells a different story.
One particularly egregious case highlights the precarious situation faced by journalists in Nigeria. Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested by the police on May 1 and held without charge for over 10 days. His alleged offence?
Authoring a report alleging that a senior government official had misappropriated funds meant for school construction.
Despite mounting pressure from colleagues, press freedom advocates and international organisations, the authorities remained unwavering, refusing to provide any legal justification for Ojukwu's detention. It was only after intense scrutiny and the pressure of growing international condemnation that he was finally released, a chilling reminder of the precarious position journalists find themselves in when exposing corruption and malfeasance.
The sanctity of press freedom is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, a fundamental tenet of any thriving democracy. The media's role as the fourth estate is to inform the public, hold those in power accountable and serve as a beacon of truth in a world often shrouded in propaganda and misinformation. Without a free and independent press, the very fabric of democracy is threatened.
The recent wave of attacks on journalists is a cause for grave concern. From physical assaults and arbitrary arrests to threats and intimidation, these acts not only violate the constitutional rights of media professionals but also undermine the principles of transparency and accountability that are essential for good governance.
The abduction of Segun Olatunji, the editor of FirstNews, by armed men and his subsequent detention without charge, is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by journalists. The brutal attack on Dayo Aiyetan, the Executive Director of
the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, during the 2023 presidential election, is a stark manifestation of the violence that journalists often encounter while carrying out their duties.
These incidents, coupled with the numerous cases of harassment, threats and unlawful arrests documented by organisations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Media Rights Agenda, paint a bleak picture of the state of press freedom in Nigeria. The newly enacted Cybercrime Act, while intended to combat internetrelated offences, has raised concerns among advocates who fear it could become another tool for censorship and intimidation, akin to the infamous Decree 2 used by past military regimes to hound journalists underground.
It is disheartening and ironic that such attacks on the press are occurring under the watch of Presi-
dent Tinubu, a crusader for democracy and a key stakeholder in the media. These scary trends are reminiscent of the dark days of military rule and should not be allowed to continue.
However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with the power of the pen. While the media must be free to report without fear, it must also exercise caution and adhere to the highest standards of journalistic ethics. Responsible journalism demands thorough fact-checking, impartiality, and a commitment to truth above all else.
There must be a delicate balance between press freedom and press responsibility, with the courts serving as the ultimate arbiter in cases where there might be libellous circumstances and one party feels aggrieved without recourse to armtwisting by men of our security agencies.
The media's role is not to wield unchecked power but to serve as a catalyst for positive change, shining a light on injustice and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
A free and independent press in a democratic society is the bedrock upon which the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance are built. Without a vibrant and fearless media, the voices of the people would be silenced, and the powerful would operate with impunity, unchecked and unquestioned.
As Nigeria navigates the turbulent waters of democratic consolidation, it is imperative that the freedom of the press is upheld and protected. Journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, and those who seek to silence or intimidate the press must be resisted.
At the same time, as journalists, we must embrace our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism. We must be unwavering in our pursuit of truth, impartial in our reporting, and courageous in our quest to hold those in power accountable.
The path forward requires a delicate balance, a dance between press freedom and press responsibility, with the courts serving as the final arbiter. It is a journey that must be undertaken with vigilance and determination, for the future of Nigeria's democracy depends on it.
In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." Let us heed these words and embrace the power of a free and responsible press, for it is the cornerstone upon which the edifice of democracy rests.
Without a vibrant and fearless media, the voices of the people would be silenced and the powerful would operate with impunity, unchecked and unquestioned