THEWILL NEWSPAPER, November 17, 2024

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Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., is the House of Representatives’ spokesman and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs. His political journey is deeply rooted in a sense of duty to serve his community and country, inspired by his family’s rich legacy of public service. From all indications, he is following in the footsteps of his father, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic.

Rotimi, Jr. didn’t always work from within the Nigerian government structures. Earlier in his career, he engaged in philanthropy, focusing on pressing issues in Nigeria and post-conflict African nations. While those efforts provided essential support, he quickly realised that they often offered only temporary relief rather than creating sustainable, long-term change. Activism allowed him to advocate from the outside. Yet, he understood that lasting and systemic reforms could only be achieved by working within government structures, which led him to pursue a path in politics.

Read more about Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. on pages 8 to 10, where he discusses the pressures and expectations of being a public figure and much more.

You may become busy, and before you know it, your hair starts to exhibit signs of neglect, such as an itchy scalp. These signs tell you that your hair needs a wash. Our beauty page highlights five signs that you are not washing your hair enough.

A gym is a public space, and as such, there are certain behaviours that you shouldn’t exhibit. Leaving workout equipment lying around after use is a big no, no. So, our fitness page takes you through gym etiquette 101, a simple guide on how to behave at the gym.

As always, the movie review page has a playlist curated just for you. To download it, click on the instructions below the QR codes.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

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Kola Oshalusi

@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

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DANILO MCGARRY

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024

THEWILLNIGERIA

COVER

ONDO DECIDES 2024

Aiyedatiwa Takes Early Lead as PDP’s

Ajayi

Trails, Alleges Irregularities...

BY AMOS ESELE with FELIX IFIJEH

Eighteen registered political parties participated in the Ondo State Governorship Election which took place yesterday. But in reality, only two parties were in the contest: The governing All Progressives Party, APC and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

By 7: 30 pm on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had uploaded results from 3,543 polling units out of a total 3,933 polling units, comprising 90.08 per cent of the results from the election to its Result Viewing Portal. THEWILL can report that incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is way ahead with the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi trailing.

The electoral commission is expected to officially declare results of the election later today in Akure, the state’s capital.

PDP’s Ajayi who cast his vote at Apoi Ward II, Unit 004 in Kiribo, Ese Odo Local Government Area, accused INEC and the security agencies of compromising the election in favour of the APC.

Agboola, who won the unit by polling 194 votes to defeat his main rival, Governor Ayedatiwa who scored 003 votes, said a preliminary report across all the local government areas had shown that the election was far below standard. He asked the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu to resign for conducting the most corrupt election in Nigeria’s political history.

He said, “If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that we are running into anarchy in Nigeria. I have been getting reports across the state and they are the same. I am a victim here in my unit and I want to say it is deliberate on the part of the Ondo REC and the INEC. Don’t forget we have said earlier that we don’t trust Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola who is the REC. She can’t be fair.

“The system is compromised and there are complaints everywhere in the state, including vote-buying and BVAS not

working. Don’t forget that the machine is a rigging tool for them. It is a very shameful exercise. I think Nigerians should just call on INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, if he can’t do the job, he should honourably resign because the system is compromised, this is sad.

“Under Professor Attahiru Jega as INEC chairman, our electoral process was getting to that international standard, but Professor Yakubu has drawn us back. This is sad and Nigerians are not happy.

“From my community here, the military operatives deployed more men to this area and I will take it up with the brigade commander. They can’t intimidate voters. How do you station seven to 10 armed soldiers? We are not at war here!

The incumbent governor who voted at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 5, Obenla community in Ilaje Local Government Area, where he secured 128 votes to defeat Ajayi of the PDP, who scored 3 votes, said INEC was transparent with the whole process.

He said, “I went through the process myself. I was accredited, given the ballot paper and I cast my vote. That is what they have been doing for every voter. So, I think that it is the process. They are adhering to the process.

“But for security, they are also on ground. And so far, we have not recorded any issue or crisis. Anyway, I’ve not heard of any violent incident. I can only be at one polling unit at a time. That is where I am.

“We have not heard of any violent incident, as it were. So, I want to believe that the election will be peaceful.

“Apart from 1983 when we had a major crisis, we have been peaceful. We’ve learned our lessons. We comfort ourselves. I want to also salute the youth. They have been very obedient. I want to believe the whole exercise will be peaceful, transparent, credible and conclusive.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa has said he will accept defeat if the conduct

of the election is transparent.

ZLP’s Mimiko who won his polling unit at Ward 7, PU20, Mona Clinic, Agbogbo Oke, in the Ondo West local government area of the state with 65 votes to defeat the governor who polled 60 votes in the tight race, expressed confidence in winning the election, maintaining that voters were tired with the major political parties who have had their turns but failed to delivered democracy dividends to the people.

15 POLITICAL PARTIES MISSING IN ACTION

The Labour Party, which is structurally strong enough to be considered a third force, fell into a prolonged crisis that was complicated by the last-minute Appeal Court judgment last Wednesday. The judgement knocked out its candidate and restored the candidacy of another faction which INEC hurriedly included in the final list of contestants on Friday, a day to the polls. It created confusion for the party and its members, thus creating doubts in the minds of voters.

The National Exco of the party, however felt relieved that Mr Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus whom they had supported all along was confirmed by the Appeal Court ruling and enlisted by INEC. According to LP Ondo Chairperson, Mrs Remilekun Ojo, the “reports of Mr Ebisemi’s disqualification by the court were all lies because the crisis had been internally resolved before the judgement.”

Efforts to contact the party spokesperson, Obiora Ifo failed as he did not respond to calls to his phone. His predecessor and member of the party, Abayomi Arabambi told THEWILL that Ojo and youth leaders were probably right in insisting that there was an internal settlement of the crisis, but they were wrong about the Appeal Court ruling.

He said, “I really do not know where they got their idea from. She (state chairperson), is speaking from a position of ignorance. It is true that the Federal High Court in Abuja confirmed Ebisemi and asked INEC to remove Olorunfemi’s name from the list

...PDP’s Ajayi Trails, Alleges Irregularities...

of candidates. But the party appealed the case because Section 31 of the Electoral Act was violated. The section states that a candidate must submit a handwritten withdrawal letter, not a typed letter to the National Chairman, who will submit it with a covering letter to INEC. This was not done. So, the Labour Party candidate for the poll is Olurunfemi.”

APPEAL COURT JUDGMENT, INEC’s COMPLIANCE

Indeed, the Appeal Court ruling that state chairman, Mrs Ojo said was misreported by the press, is very explicit and conclusive. According to the Certified True Copy of the judgement obtained by THEWILL and signed by Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice of the Appeal Court and Judith M Jabbe, Deputy Chief Registrar, the suit with No: CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024, the three justices, namely Hamma Akawu Barka, Adebukunola A. Banjoko and Abba A. Mohammed, held that the appeal is against the Federal High Court in suit FHC/ABJ/SC/1105/2024.

They held that the judgement of the lower court in the referenced suit delivered on September 27 was “set aside and the suit before the lower court struck out for want of jurisdiction.”

Contacted on the development, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi forwarded a Friday statement of the commission on the final, updated list of governorship contestants to this newspaper.

He said, “The Commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division. The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the Commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.

“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/ CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgement of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.

“In obedience to the court order, the Commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and uploaded the same to our website for public information.”

With that last- minute name substitution and supporters of each faction going into the election divided, LP had an uphill task contesting against the governing APC and main opposition PDP. ENTER APC, ZLP, PDP APC

As the parties rounded off their campaigns with less than two days to the poll, three out of 15 candidates withdrew from the election and endorsed the incumbent Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the APC, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They jnclude Dr. Ajobola Faleye of the Accord Party, Hon Jenyo Ataunoko of the National Rescue Movement and Mr Oladele Rashid Ibrahim of the African Democratic Congress. They all stated that their decision to step down for Aiyedatiwa was because of the latter’s commitment to the development of the state.

The incumbency factor appears to have played a major factor for the governor as some though aggrieved members of the party, particularly members of his predecessors’ family had voted with their feet against APC. This division in late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s camp became noticeable when members of his family openly endorsed the candidacy of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye.

Nevertheless, Aiyedatiwa counted on the subtle but powerful influence of President Bola Tinubu, who is eyeing his re-election in 2027, for his victory on Saturday. The President’s embarrassing loss to Labour Party in Lagos during the 2023 general election still rankles, according to government sources, not to talk of the PDP governing in two of the six southwest states, namely Osun and Oyo.

Ordinarily, for a party that controls all three senatorial seats, eight out of nine House of Representatives and 22 out of 26 Ondo House of Assembly members, the election should be a walk-over. But the dust triggered by in-fighting among party loyalists during the late Akeredolu’s illness and the fractious party primaries posed an initial challenge to the incumbent governor.

PDP

One of the strong points that could have swung votes for Ajayi, apart from the internal crisis within the APC, where he once held sway as Deputy Governor during Akeredolu’s first term from

2017 to 2021, from where he left to contest the governorship election on the platform of Zenith Labour Party, in 2022 is the hardship in the country induced by the APC-led administration. Another factor was the issue of minimum wage implementation. Although the government had pledged to start payment in November when the wage implementation committee might have finished its work and submitted the outcome to the government, the general feeling is that the governor has politicised it by making it a campaign issue. Unfortunately, these permutations failed on the altar of vote buying and alleged compromise of the electoral process by INEC officials.

ZLP

Mimiko, who is younger brother to a former two-time governor of the state, Segun Mimiko, is said to be a dark horse in the election because he provided an alternative to new voters who are mostly youths, believed to be fed up with the APC and PDP, which they considered to have mismanaged the affairs of the country between them. He hails from Ondo Central zone. He said he joined the governorship race to rescue the state from “troubled times,” adding that he does not believe in zoning, just like the new voters whom he was able to sell his campaign message to.

NEUTRAL ISSUES THAT FAVOURED EITHER CANDIDATE

Zoning

The zoning formula that governs informal power sharing arrangement in many states in Nigeria is also at play in Ondo. Of the three zones in Ondo, namely Ondo North, Ondo South and Ondo Central, the South has produced a governor once and for one term, unlike the other two zones which have produced governors who did two terms besides rotating the office between themselves.

Curiously, Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi come from the south zone, meaning that they stand a chance of harvesting votes from supporters of the rotational principle as well as from their own areas within the zone. The zone is made up of six local government areas out of Ese Odo, Ilaje, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo, Irele, Odigbo, and Okitipupa. Aiyedatiwa comes from Ilaje, while Ajayi hails from Ese Odo.

These local government areas are known to have voted for the APC in previous elections, but the prevailing reality of ‘son of the soil’, factor however failed to change the political dynamics for the election.

Increased voter population: According to INEC, 2.05 million were registered for the ballot and 1.75 million or 85.6 per cent collected their PVCs. This is a high collection rate, which may go a long way in determining the fate of each candidate.

INEC disclosed that 1,793,914 registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards are eligible to vote across 3,933 polling units in the state.

There are 2,053,061 registered voters, a 3 percent increase from the 2023 general election figure. Youth participation is expected to be significant, with voters aged 18 to 35 years accounting for 35.41 percent of the electorate. Students, representing 33.85 percent, form the largest occupational group among registered voters, while persons with disabilities make up 0.09 percent.

Vote Buying

Compromising voters through monetary inducement has become a regular feature in Nigerian election, whether at the national or local level. In the last night before polling money bags will pour into town and position themselves in the areas of any opposition and pay for votes. The party with a big war chest to influence voting choices usually gets more voters to do its bidding.

In fact, the two major parties, APC and PDP, were said to have engaged in vote buying. A suspected vote buyer was, on Saturday, arrested at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, near St. Stephen’s Primary School, Akure, Ondo State during voting. He was arrested by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) with two bags of naira cash which are suspected to be for the inducement of voters. A security source said the bags contained millions of naira.

Another source who is a member of one of the two leading parties in the Sunshine State said voters across the three senatorial zones got, at least, N20,000 to N30,000 per vote as money rained during the election.

INEC PREPARED

Speaking on INEC’s preparation on Friday evening, Mr Oyekanmi said most of the materials for the election were deployed by 2:30 pm and moved to the polling units by 8:00 am on Saturday, adding that the riverine areas were also adequately attended to. According to him, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had the previous week, met with transporters and extracted commitment from them to deliver the materials promptly and safely.

Prior to the conduct of the election, INEC, Rotimi further disclosed, had conducted Continuous Voters Registration exercise in the state and made cards available to the people. It also conducted extensive voter education on radio and television, at markets, event centres and with traditional rulers just at carried out mock accreditation when the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, 4,000 of which were deployed to 3,900 polling units and an additional 13,000 kept as back-up.

He gave the assurance that, “votes will count because after voting has taken place at the polling units, the presiding officers and his assistant will count and declare the votes, enter the results into form EC and upload into INEC Result Viewing Portal, IRev, until it gets to the final level of collation.

In an update on voting on Saturday, the Commission said that of the 3,933 Polling Units (PUs) across the 203 Wards in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State, 3,823 (97 percent) opened by 8.30am. The remaining 110 PUs opened between 8.31am and 10am.

SECURITY

At least 30,239 Police personnel would be deployed to Ondo State for the November 16 governorship election in the state, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed on Thursday.

Egbetokun, who disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Thursday, noted that a breach of the peace or security can surely scuttle the success expected in the exercise.

By 7: 30 pm on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had uploaded results from 3,543 polling units out of a total 3,933 polling units, comprising 90.08 per cent of the results from the election to its Result Viewing Portal. THEWILL can report that incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is way ahead with the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi trailing

IGP, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7, Abiodun Olabisi, called on stakeholders to discharge their various duties with security-conscious approaches. According to him, the areas of concern for security cover the voters, the electoral officials, the electoral materials, and the general public which will have to be effectively provided before, during and after the election. This can be efficiently achieved by concerted covert and overt operations by the synergised security agencies assigned for the election duties.

Other security operatives, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who have been deployed in large numbers to ensure a peaceful process.

The Defence Headquarters said it would station troops at border points and identified flashpoints, a move the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba described as a deterrent against interference and violence.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing election security, Sylvester Alabi, and his men conducted regular tours of polling units and collation centres to ensure that voting materials remained intact and the counting and collation of votes were conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

L-R: Chief of Staff  to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Civil Service, Mrs Didi Warson-Jack; representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Emanso Umobong Okop; Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Tinubu, during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on November 14, 2024.

Nigeria’s Inflation Hits 33.88% in October Amid High Food Prices

BY FELIX IFIJEH

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 33.88 percent in October 2024, showing 1.18 percent points higher compared to the 32.70 percent recorded in September 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics said in its Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report released Friday in Abuja.

According to the Bureau, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in October 2024 was 6.55 percent higher than the rate recorded in October 2023 at 27.33 percent. On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in October 2024 was 2.64 percent, which was 0.12 percent higher than the rate recorded in September 2024 at 2.52 percent.

“This means that in October 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in September 2024,” it noted.

The report said the increase in the headline index for October 2024 on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis was attributed to the increase in some items in the basket of goods and services at the divisional level.

It noted that these increases were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel, clothing and footwear, transport and furnishings, household equipment, and maintenance.

Others include education, health, and miscellaneous goods and services, restaurants and hotels, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and kola, recreation and culture, and communication.

Bournvita, among others.

“On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in October was 2.94 per cent, which was a 0.30 per cent increase compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 at 2.64 per cent.

“The increase in food inflation on a month-on-month basis was caused by an increase in the average prices of palm oil, vegetable oil, mudfish, croaker, fresh fish, dried beef, goat meat, mutton, and skin meat. Others are bread, guinea corn flour, plantain flour, and rice, among others.

“All items less farm produce and energy’’ or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy, stood at 28.37 per cent in October on a yearon-year basis. This increased by 5.79 per cent compared to 22.58 per cent recorded in October 2023.

“The exclusion of the PMS is due to the deregulation of the commodity by removal of subsidy.

“The highest increases were recorded in prices of bus Journey within the city, Journey by motorcycle, and bus journey intercity among others.

“Others are rents, meals at a local restaurant, hair cut service, woman hair brush, women’s hairdressing, among others.” The NBS said on a month-on-month basis, the core inflation rate was 2.14 per cent in October 2024.

“This indicates a 0.04 per cent increase compared to what was recorded in September 2024 at 2.10 per cent.”

Ododo Approves N316M Bursary For 8,750 Kogi Students

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has approved the sum of N316 million as bursary for 8,750 undergraduate students from the state who have already been cleared to benefit from the Scholarship Scheme. Similarly, students of Kogi State origin studying Law at various law schools will henceforth receive N300,000 each as bursary.

A total of 201 law students from the state have also been cleared for the Law bursary, amounting to N60.3 million.

Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, disclosed this during the presentation of a complimentary cheque to Miss Favour Oluwatimilayo Toyin Adebayo, a Kogi State indigene currently studying on scholarship in Poland.

The scholarship awarded by the State Government to Miss Favour is to support her studies in Poland. She won the scholarship while studying at Nasarawa State University through an exchange programme. The State Government presented a complimentary cheque of N5 million to Miss Favour.

Mr. Afolabi Joseph Raji, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, stated that the State Government, through the Board, is committed to ensuring that every student from Kogi achieves academic success and becomes responsible citizens.

The Chairman emphasized that the State Government is dedicated to supporting Kogi students, noting that the scholarship is intended to complement Miss Favour’s tuition and accommodation fees, as well as cover other areas of need.

Cultists Kill Physically Challenged Man in Ogun

While the percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months ending October 2024 over the average CPI for the previous 12 months was 32.26 percent, this indicates an 8.82 percent increase compared to the 23.44 percent recorded in October 2023.

On food Inflation, NBS said the food inflation rate in October 2024 increased to 39.16 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 7.64 percent higher compared to the rate recorded in October 2023 at 31.52 percent.

The report added, “The rise in food inflation on a year-onyear basis is caused by increases in prices of guinea corn, rice, maize grains, beans, yam, water yam, and CocoYam. Others are palm oil, vegetable oil, Lipton, Milo, and

BY SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA

Suspected cult group on Friday night shot dead a physically challenged man, identified as Hon. Mutual Akinbami popularly called Igor, while riding on a motorcycle in Abeokuta metropolis of Ogun State.

Akinbami was shot dead between Brewery bust stop and Olomoore Junction of the metropolis around 6: 13p.m. by his assailants who drove on a tinted Toyota Hilux whose registration number plate could not be ascertained.

Our correspondent gathered that the victim, who was riding on the motorbike with his daughter, was one of the immediate past Councilors at the Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

It was observed that the deceased, clad in a black polo and a top jeans trouser, had previously been walking in an iron rod after his left leg had been cut off.

Eyewitnesses and some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) said Akinbami’s assailants had trailed him from his house located around the Olomoore Federal Housing Estate (FHE) and immediately made a detour at the Brewery after their mission was completed.

News of Akinbami’s death however, elicited discussions among several people in the Brewery and Olomoore Junction, majority of who claimed that he was a dreaded member of the Eiye secret cult group in the state during his lifetime.

STORIES

Trouble Ahead for Oluomo as NURTW Boss

or ex-Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, last Saturday was the fulfilment of a dream come true when

Akinsanya was the only candidate who participated in the other participants were delegates from only the Southwest zone of the union, which has branches across

From four South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti they all came for the election held at the Union’s Zonal

Understandably, no delegate came from Oyo State. Following the leadership crisis that rocked the state at a time, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration banned the union because of alleged security breaches caused by repeated factional clashes of its members in Ibadan, the

Even so, Akinsayan’s election, which took place at the 19th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the union, held at the NURTW Zone 2 headquarters, in Osogbo, the Osun State

It was supervised by the acting National President of the group, Aliyu Issa-Ore, who was represented by Mrs Adedamola Salam, the Head of Finance, National

Delivering Issa-Ore’s address at the occasion, Mrs Salam gave an explanation for what looked like a zonal affair

She said the union’s constitution set down criteria for the election in a sense that the South-West zone was next to produce the National President of the union after which the

She said, “The South-West zone has fully complied with the constitution in electing Oluomo as the President.” And so, the delegates went ahead to do their job and elected Akinsaya as National President, while Tajudeen Agbede emerged as Vice President, South-West and Akeem Adeosun as Trustee from the Zone.

Ekiti State Branch Chairman of the Union, Joseph Falope nominated Oluomo as president and he was seconded by Ademola Ojude from the Ondo State branch.

In his post -election speech, Akinsanya called for peace to reign in the crisis that plagued the leadership of the union last year and gave his commitment to pursue unity among members.

According to him “I have forgiven everyone that offended me and I wish that those I offended will forgive me. This is our union and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.” Not so fast for some aggrieved members, who thought the election was in violation of a subsisting court order and the constitution of the union.

Disputing Mrs Salam’s position, a claimant to the position of National President of the union, Tajudeen Baruwa, said the inauguration of Akinsanya, was both illegal and unconstitutional.

According to Baruwa’s lawyer, Mr Tolu Babaleye, the inauguration of MC Oluomo as the National President of NURTW was without recourse to the judgment of both the National Industrial Court and Appeal Court that affirmed his client as the leader of the transport union.

He said the inauguration of MC Oluomo as a factional President of NURTW violated the constitution of the union that guarantees the tenure of the offices of the leadership.

“From all indications, it appears that a faction sat and decided on its own, having no recourse to the constitution of the union, or to the decision and judgment of the court and decided to select a random individual as the President

of Nigeria and judgment was delivered in his client’s favour on tMarch 11, 2024 by Hon. Justice O.O. Oyewumi, dissolving the illegal Caretaker Committee.

Unsatisfied with the judgment of the court, Yasin appealed the judgement and the Court of Appeal, on November 8, 2024, dismissed Yasin’s appeal and affirmed the judgment of the National Industrial Court, barring Yasin from interfering in the dayto-day running of the union as led by Baruwa.

“To our utmost surprise however, even before this decision of the honourable court could be celebrated by the victorious party, the news of the inauguration of MC Oluomo as the National President of the Union was announced in flagrant disobedience and disregard of the decision of the court, despite being aware that the tenure of Comrade Baruwa Tajudeen Ibikunle still subsists and running as confirmed by the judgments of the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal concurring.

“We therefore unequivocally state that Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, Aka Mc Oluomo, is not and cannot be the National President of the Union, and urge that all news stations or platforms parading him as such be disregarded in its entirety.

“We further state that the only legally recognised National President of the Union is Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa Ibikunle and this position has been confirmed by the court. The Attorney-General of the Federation should not standby and allow the judiciary to be rubbished this way.”

We further state that the only legally recognised National President of the Union is Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa Ibikunle and this position has been confirmed by the court. The Attorney-General of the Federation should not standby and allow the judiciary to be rubbished this way

“ of the reunion.”

Babaleye said Baruwa was sworn in as the President of NURTW in accordance with the constitution of the union in 2023 and a faction of the union led by a former President, Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin, contesting the results of the election of the union, decided to put up a caretaker committee.

Baruwa went to court to ask for proper interpretation of unfolding events according to the union’s laid down rules.

He said a suit was instituted at the National Industrial Court

In a related development, a group, Arewa Renaissance, rejected the election of Musiliu Akinsanya, describing it as an affront to the judiciary.

Reacting in a statement issued by its Head of investigation, Haliru Nadabo, the Arewa Renaissance, described the election of Oluomo as a direct affront to the judiciary.

The group therefore urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to intervene, warning that failing to act could undermine the authority of judicial verdicts and integrity.

According to the group,”The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice must also look into the matter and invite the affected personalities to address the issue in line with judicial interpretations.

“We cannot allow our judiciary to be rubbished. The holding of elections by MC Oluomo and his cohorts is an affront and confrontation on the judiciary and must not be tolerated.

“Not even the President and Commander in Chief can defy the courts’ ruling, talk more of his political boy.

“It is a known fact that Alhaji Prince Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa was affirmed as the re-elected National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Najeem and MC Oluomo faction took it to the Appeal Court. The court affirmed Baruwa still as the re-elected president, so why can’t MC Oluomo, Najeem Yasin the board of trustees chairman obey the court verdict?

“Are they better than any Nigerian citizen or above the law? We want the newly sworn-in Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere Ekun to prove her competence and neutrality by acting fast and calling the bluff of MC Oluomo and his loyalists.”

Corruption and Electricity Supply

The fact that the anti-graft boss’s disclosure looks new speaks volumes about the lack of collective effort to deal a blow to not just the issues surrounding national grid collapse but also the stagnant national wattage, which sometimes falls to an abysmal low 3,000 watts

he disclosure by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukeyede, that corruption is at the heart of the intermittent collapse of the national grid in recent time, raises doubts about any remedy in the foreseeable future.

This is because corruption in Nigeria is not just a national pastime but also the grease that runs government machinery. Recall that late Chief Bola Ige, who once served as Minister of Power, boasted that he would restore power in six months. But he ended up requesting to be transferred to the Federal Ministry of Justice and appointed as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Another Minister, Professor Chinedu Nebo once ridiculously traced the problem to witches and wizards, whom he vowed to tame but to no avail. Corruption defeated them. More than two decades after their failure in office, electricity is as epileptic and unavailable as ever. The chief culprit is corruption. This is shameful, condemnable injustice against Nigerians who have had to endure this continued malfeasance in government.

With barely two months to the end of this year, nobody knows when the next national grid will collapse; the national grid has collapsed 12 times in this year alone. In fact, in the last week, the grid collapsed twice.

In all of those occasions, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has attributed the cause to vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on the other

hand, says it has to do with decayed infrastructure.

Indeed, the military is said to have reportedly located the bad spots where bandits and terrorist attacked and damaged transmission lines. There is no doubt that there is substance in this piece of information. TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, disclosed the recent attack in which vandals damaged the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line early last Saturday. According to Mbah, TCN engineers attempted to re-energise the line that morning, only for it to trip repeatedly.

But none compares to the full disclosure by Olukeyede.

Speaking when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes visited the Commission’s headquarters last Tuesday, the anti-graft boss said contractors in the power sector purchased inferior materials to execute their contracts, which is the reason for the frequency grid collapses.

He said, “As I am talking to you now, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears.

“People who were awarded contracts to supply electricity equipment, instead of using what they call 9.0 gauge, will go and buy 5.0. Every time you see the thing tripping off, the thing gets burnt, all of that falters and it collapses. It’s part of our problems.”

Unfortunately, like the Transmission Company and Minister Adelabu that

continues to blame insecurity and obsolete transmission infrastructure for the country’s national grid collapse, he offered no concrete solution to arrest the national scandal that keeps the national wattage endlessly at between 5,000 and 7,000.

The fact that the anti-graft boss’s disclosure looks new speaks volumes about the lack of collective effort to deal a blow to not just the issues surrounding national grid collapse but also the stagnant national wattage, which sometimes falls to an abysmal low 3,000 watts.

On this note, we call on the EFCC Chairman to go more than speaking but also naming the culprits. Nigerians need to know these contractors who shortchange them and ruin their businesses, interrupt learning in schools and render homes uncomfortable. He should follow the example set by the minister who recently exposed a private company that held on to N32 billion paid into its account in 2003 for the supply of three million prepaid meters in three years. Although the government eventually recovered N12.7 billion of the amount, the exposure appeared not to have served as a deterrent to those with similar intentions, particularly the rogue contractors in question.

Clearly the contractors are not acting alone. The entire electricity value chain in Nigeria stands indicted in this scandal. It is high time the Federal Government took a frontal position on electricity failure and ensure regular supply in sufficient quantity and quality in Nigeria. Enough of these endless jeremiads of elected and appointed officials.

OPINION

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms and the Need for Realism

Nigerian proverb that says, “If you want to lie, you need more lies to package the first” shows Nigeria’s reality. For many years, Nigerians have grown accustomed to a system built on borrowing, living a life of “borrow pose”, suffering and smiling. This cycle of dependence has

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria’s reserve has increased from a whopping $33 billion he met in office to $40 billion. This growth is followed by a significant reduction in debt servicing from 97 per cent to 65 per cent, marking the first drop since the Umaru Yar’Adua

TRUE GROWTH DOES NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. MUCH LIKE A BUILDING UNDERGOING RENOVATION, NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC OVERHAUL WILL TAKE TIME AND THE PROCESS WILL INITIALLY LOOK CHAOTIC OR INCOMPLETE. IT IS NECESSARY TO BUILD A FOUNDATION THAT CAN SUPPORT FUTURE PROSPERITY

The President also declared that his government paid the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion and cleared the ways and means of over N30 trillion. The 21 per cent increase in the foreign reserve shows how effective the new policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu are in promoting a healthier and self-reliant economy. This feat, without doubt, is worth celebrating, especially in Nigeria’s current fiscal constraints. This reduction of debt servicing from 97 per cent to 65 per cent signifies a shift for a country that relies heavily on debt for government functions. This decrease reflects improved revenue

Understanding that Nigeria’s economic hardship is not limited to financial but cultural constraints. Nigerians have grown accustomed to government-subsidised services. Subsidies, while seemingly beneficial, only provide temporary relief why they delay crucial reforms, leading to a culture of dependency. No developed country offers its citizens a free ride, as Nigerians often observe in the diaspora. From taxes on wages to charges on waste disposal, citizens contribute to the functioning of their societies. These sacrifices lead to better infrastructure, stronger institutions and a higher quality

of life.

As former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, once pointed out, “No nation can prosper while freeloading on borrowed time.” As Nigerians, there is a need to realize that progress requires collective contributions, not mere expectations.

A complete overhaul of the system is needed. Implementing new reforms and policies is important in Nigeria’s growth due to their impact on the external revenue reserve increase. While these reforms may seem harsh in the beginning, data from developing and developed economies indicate that growth requires disciplined and often uncomfortable changes. Singapore’s transformation from a poor nation in the 1960s to an economic powerhouse today required strict policies and high taxes, which were unpopular but essential for growth. The same could be said for South Korea, whose rapid growth in the 1980s involved a period of sacrifice, where citizens contributed to government funds and adjusted to a higher cost of living in return for better infrastructure and economic opportunities. Applying these lessons in Nigeria is nearly impossible because it has become clear that the discomfort associated with reform is not welcome by us, even when it is part of the journey to sustainable growth.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, once said, “Nigeria needs to implement reforms that may be initially unpopular but are crucial for long-term growth.” Understanding that irregular and unpopular processes are needed for Nigeria’s growth will assist us in appreciating the government’s efforts, even when they initially come with hardships.

True growth does not happen overnight. Much like a building undergoing renovation, Nigeria’s economic overhaul will take time and the process will initially look chaotic or incomplete. It is necessary to build a foundation that can support future prosperity. President Tinubu’s government may not be perfect, but the reduction in debt servicing and external revenue growth shows a long-term vision worth acknowledging.

For Nigerians, moving forward means shedding the habit of clinging to temporary solutions and instead embracing a realistic approach to governance. This doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes committed by the government, but understanding that complex problems require time to solve. We must learn to assess government efforts critically and recognise progress where it exists. As Nigeria’s revenue rises and debt servicing drops, we should applaud President Tinubu’s effort to ensure Nigeria is no longer a borrow-reliant country. It is important to shift our perspective – from expecting free services– we might finally dismantle the culture of ‘packaging’ and move toward true, sustainable growth.

Mr Adeleye is the CEO of The Elite Creative Solutions, a property sourcing, cargo and logistics, public relations and integrated marketing company in Nigeria and the United Kingdom

The Storming, Stunning, Thumping Return of Trump

BY REUBEN ABATI

As democracy is perfected, the office of the President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain follies of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and complete narcissistic moron” – H.L. Mencken, The Baltimore Evening Sun, July 26, 1920.

I was an editorial writer intern on the Editorial Board of The Baltimore Sun and later the Los Angeles Times sometime between 1996 and 1997, but I do not think that this gives me the right or the entitlement to reflect on the recent US Presidential elections, November 5, that the legendary H.L. Mencken, master of the English language, the master columnist has been proven right on the count of every claim above.

Is Donald Trump who has now stormed back as America’s 47th President awaiting inauguration on January 20, 2025, a fool and a moron? He was the 45th President and he has now thumped his way back in a decisive manner- the greatest comeback in American history much better than the feat recorded in 1893 by Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.

In the lead-up to the elections, the polls from CNN to New York/Siena predicted that the race was too close to call. There were talks about the seven swing states that would determine the election. Donald Trump has now made history by winning in all seven battleground states: Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – a landmark victory that gives him a resounding mandate to reshape America. Yet, this was/is a man who four years ago faced two impeachment trials. He was also accused of inciting an attack on the US Capitol in January 2021. He faced four criminal charges. In the course of the campaigns, two assassination attempts were made on his life. He was even branded a fascist. But he has now ended up as the people’s choice, winning both the popular vote and the electoral college vote, performing significantly better than he did in 2020.

The magnitude of his return speaks to “the inner soul of the people” to use H.L Mencken’s words, that is the American people who have now re-hired him. At 78, he will be the oldest leader to be sworn into office in the United States. He left office in 2021. He was accused of making the Republicans perform badly in the 2022 mid-term elections. But he is back – the first convicted felon to be elected as US President.

He has not just won victory for himself. He has re-invented the Republican Party. The ideology of liberalism, touted much since the days of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, America’s longest-serving President and a Democrat, suddenly became a byword for intolerance and rigidity as the Republican elite rose and Trump seized advantage of the confusion.

The pollsters were wrong, dead wrong. This outcome in the United States puts a mark on the value of opinion polls in the United States and the place of public opinion in democracies. Even those members of the Republican Party who lined up behind Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential candidate have now been shown that it is precisely the man that they called “fascist”, vengeful and divisive that the average American has now voted for. This is about the American mind. There are perhaps more people in America like Trump than there are of the likes of Kamala Harris. The questions have been asked: What does Trump 2.0, as the victory is otherwise called, mean for America, the world and specifically Africa? Americans have embraced their choice boldly and confidently. The National Coast Guard was called out in the event that there would be a repeat of the violence seen in 2021. The election was described as a possible repeat of the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, but nothing of the sort happened. It wasn’t close to call and there was no violence.

MOST AMERICANS, WHO TURNED OUT EN MASSE – THE HIGHEST TURN-OUT FIGURE IN 50 YEARS, VOTED FOR TRUMP BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED THE AMERICAN ECONOMY WOULD DO BETTER WITH HIM. DESPITE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IN CREATING JOBS AND BRINGING DOWN INFLATION, THE AVERAGE AMERICAN STILL THOUGHT TRUMP WAS A BETTER ECONOMIC MANAGER

the wishes of the American people because it is what they want.

Most Americans, who turned out en masse – the highest turn-out figure in 50 years, voted for Trump because they believed the American economy would do better with him. Despite the achievements of the Biden administration in creating jobs and bringing down inflation, the average American still thought Trump was a better economic manager. Americans held a largely negative view about their country’s economy and they were suspicious of the incumbents.

Trump has promised to place “America First”. He is first and foremost American, so he would Make America Great Again (MAGA). In this regard, he is determined to impose his right-wing views about biology and medicare. He will drive away undocumented immigrants and make America safe for the citizens – those people from Haiti whom he says eat cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio and those from “a shithole country.”

He will reduce dependency on America by the rest of the world by taking a second look at NATO, climate change and carbon emissions, the oil and gas industry and America’s relationship with the world. He will take aim at the Paris climate accord. He will ease restrictions on the oil industry’s emissions of methane. His win is not surprisingly a major win for the big-money elite. All three major US indexes have been doing well since it became clear that Trump and the Republicans were poised to win. Cryptocurrency has hit $80,000. Billionaire Elon Musk who supported Trump has been jubilating since. Trump promoted crypto during his campaign, backing a venture that had his sons involved. In his earlier Presidency, he dismissed cryptocurrency as a scam. He is forever changing his mind. And yet the people voted for him.

His provincialism, some say nativism or isolationist approach to global politics has brought upon the world a season of great uncertainty and this has generated conversations and measures around the

Trump had threatened to challenge the results if the election was adjudged unfair by him. He didn’t have to. Even President Biden says that the thing to do is to respect

MAXWELL ADELEYE

Dangote Exposes

Nigeria’s Allergy to Functional Refinery

With the calming of nerves between Dangote Refinery and the behemoth Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the nation can now relax over the anxiety that unending scarcity of petrol creates. While the pump price remains high to the detriment of the people and businesses, the availability of the commodity provides some comfort. It has been a turbulent moment for Dangote Refinery which the world had expected would finally nail the coffin on petrol importation in Nigeria.

From open confrontation against the emergence of the $20 billion domestic facility to a surreptitiously organised betrayal by the authorities, a deal has finally been reached after the confusion about the role of NNPC in the distribution of Dangote petroleum products created.

Going by the latest development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) can now lift petrol direct from Dangote Refinery and sell as the market forces would determine.

EDITOR Sam Diala

What does all this imply? Nigeria is allergic to functional refinery. Importation of petroleum product seems to be in the DNA of the system where corruption holds sway. That is why it is uncertain whether the country has really ended the importation of petrol.

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, will tell the story how he overcame. But the spirit of

Continues on page 15

Cash Crunch: CBN Directs Banks to Load ATMs / PAGE 15

Wema Bank: Recapitalisation Poses Hurdle to National Spread

BY SAM DIALA

Wema Bank Plc, a lower-rung Tier-2 financial services institution, may face additional challenge of achieving effective national spread under the recapitalization policy initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The apex bank had on March 28, 2024 issued a circular announcing a new recapitalisation policy for commercial, merchant and noninterest banks in Nigeria, effective from April 1, 2026.

For commercial banks, the requirement for international, national and regional operating licences was set at N500 billion, N200 billion and N50 billion, respectively. Wema Bank falls under the national operating licence.

In 2001, the bank received a universal banking license from the CBN, however, it had to revert to regional banking license in 2009.

THEWILL recalls that during the 2008-2009 banking crisis, Wema Bank had to take a strategic step of revising its licence to a regional banking license, which restricted its operation to a maximum of 12 states. By 2015, the bank raised sufficient funds to elevate its license to one of national authorisation.

Notwithstanding the elevation, the bank has not been able to achieve an effective national spread, and there are concerns that the recapitalisation exercise would place additional hurdle towards achieving a true national visibility as it has most of its operation domiciled in the South-West.

Currently, Wema Bank has 149 branches across 19 states and the FCT in Nigeria, with 17 states hosting no Wema Bank branch. The bank has no branches across the five states in the South-East region, and in the North-East it boasts branches only in Bauchi State. Wema Bank has branches in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, FCT, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, Cross River, Nasarawa, Kano, Bauchi, and Kwara states.

Concerning the capital base, Wema Bank presently has a paidup share capital of about N15.1 billion, thus requiring about N184.1 billion to meet up with the N200 billion minimum capital requirement for a national banking licence.

Wema Bank raised about N40 billion in a rights issue in December 2023. When this sum is reflected in its share capital, the bank’s required capital raise is expected to drop to N144.9 billion. The bank however looks to raise N200 billion through rights issue and other means as it mulls new 37.14 billion shares via rights issuance. The Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank Plc, Moruf Oseni had declared that the bank will retain its national banking license when the recapitalization deadline expires in 2026.

He noted while answering questions from shareholders at the bank’s Annual General Meeting in May 2024 that the bank would not go back to its regional banking license. Oseni highlighted that capital raise was the next major hurdle for the bank hence he sought the support of the shareholders.

According to Oseni, “Capital raise is a major one in front of us, but please be rest assured that your bank will do all we can to get the funds in. And in two years’ time, come 2026, Wema Bank will remain a national bank. We have no plans of going back to regional banking.”

Some industry experts express doubts over the ability of Wema Bank to achieve the N200 billion national operation authorization and cover the areas that it currently lacks presence. “Much as banking is now effectively run on technology, for a bank that operates a national licence, Wema cannot operate like a regional bank – seen in limited areas, while its presence is lacking in others,” said George Edigin, an investor analyst.

I cannot see Wema Bank come out of the recapitalization hurdle and maintain presence in virtually all the states,” observed Matthew Olalekan, a retired banker, adding that the tough operating environment calls for efficient management of resources, even if the bank operates a national licence “by mouth”.

Investor group leaders who spoke to THEWILL maintained that Wema Bank would not fail to meet the recapitalisation deadline.

“Wema Bank will definitely meet up the target.

The present GMD and the management team are doing marvelously in repositioning the bank.

Going through the bank’s financials since he assumed office, nobody can be in doubt that the bank is gaining momentum with investor confidence going higher every day.” said Mukhtar Mukhtar, chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, in a note to THEWILL

Similarly, Prince Anthony Omojola, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria expressed strong optimism about Wema Bank’s capacity to meet the N200 billion requirement in two years’ time.

“Every bank sets its priorities towards certain objectives. Wema Bank is able to channel its efforts towards the N200 billion recapitalization and will achieve it within the set period,” Omojola said in a note to THEWILL, citing the bank’s impressive performance since the year.

Wema Bank Plc posted impressive results for the Q3 2024 operations incorporating its 9-month performance for the period ended September 30, 2024 in what is seen as a mark of efficient management of its assets.

As in the half year, the bank’s topline and bottom line profits were positively impacted by the efficiency in asset allocation during the Q3 period.

The bank hauled N289.1 billion in revenue, which is 90.6 percent

Continues on page 15

DANGOTE

BUSINESS WEEKLY

...Recapitalisation Poses Hurdle to National Spread

CURRENTLY, WEMA BANK HAS 149 BRANCHES ACROSS 19 STATES AND THE FCT IN NIGERIA, WITH 17 STATES HOSTING NO WEMA BANK BRANCH

more than the N151.6 billion achieved in Q3 of the preceding year; while it constitutes a 27.4 percent yearto-date growth against N226.9 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Profit before tax rose significantly to N60.6 billion from N22.1 billion constituting a 27.4 percent rise year-to-year and 174.1 percent jump year-to-date against N22.1 billion.

The bank posted a 33.49 percent growth in profit after tax which jumped to N52.7 billion against N19.2 billion in Q3 2023, or a 51 percent rise year-to-date from N34.9 billion.

The high interest regime decreed by the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee impacted on Wema Bank’s interest income which surged to N229.9 billion during the review period from N127.4 billion in Q3 2023 representing a growth of 81.7 percent.

Forex revaluation which stood at a marginal N3.9 billion in Q3 2023 accelerated to N14.2 billion representing a 264.1 percent surge. However total assets rose by a moderate 37.5 percent to N3.0 trillion compared to N2.2 trillion as of December 31, 2023.

Industry experts argue that the forex revaluation windfall harvested by the banks in 2024 would thin down to reality in 2025 when inflation and other macroeconomic challenges have taken their due course.

On the equities market, Wema Bank closed its last trading day (Friday, November 15, 2024) at N8.50 per share on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). Wema began the year with a share price of N5.60 and has since gained 51.8 percent on that price valuation, ranking it 35th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

Data from the NGX showed that Wema Bank stock is the 25th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Aug 19 – November 15, 2024). It has traded a total volume of 282 million shares—in 7,624 deals—valued at N2.03 billion over the period, with an average of 4.47 million traded shares per session.

TContinues from page 15

Dangote Exposes Nigeria’s Allergy to Functional Refinery

importation has not truly fled.

Culture of contradiction

After decades of massive importation of petroleum products, the NNPCL on November 11, announced that it had finally ended the age-long practice.

The development which is expected to save Nigeria as much as $10 billion in hard currency in-country annually, came as the national oil company said it now buys from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery located in Lagos.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari, disclosed this in Lagos, while delivering his keynote message at the recently concluded 42nd annual international conference and exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE).

The announcement came amid another cheery news by IPMAN that it had struck a deal to buy products directly from the $20 billion Dangote facility.

The previous arrangement was for the independent marketers to buy from the NNPC and not from the Dangote Refinery, a practice the oil sellers had vehemently opposed.

Three days later, the NNPCL made a U-turn by saying that it has not stopped the importation of petroleum products into the country.

NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Soneye said the state-owned petroleum company would still source for products from outside the country when there is a need for that.

Soneye confirmed that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, said at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists conference that the company is not importing fuel anymore but taking from local refineries – a statement that totally contradicted Kyari’s announcement.

In all dimensions, the development poses great danger to Dangote because the nation is allergic to a functional refinery; that is why the four NNPC refineries have remained dormant for about three decades and may not be revived in the nearest future.

With the coming of Dangote Refinery, the question has been what will be the fate of the four NNPC refineries that have been moribund for close to three decades, yet consuming huge resources in endless repairs? Of course, the facilities may become relics of resourcegulping national assets that will ultimately go into oblivion. That also may mark the end of an era of contradiction in the behemoth national oil company that has enjoyed everything but reputation for a culture of good corporate governance.

The latest announcement by the NNPC to concession the Warri and Kaduna refineries to private companies for operation and maintenance underscores this point.

In an apparent state of bewilderment stemming from what stakeholders and industry experts ascribed to ineptitude and corruption, the NNPCL made a detour on the endless route towards fixing the nation’s dormant refineries which are said to have consumed over N10 trillion without producing a drop of petroleum products.

It is on record that the nation’s oil company had in the last 12 years embarked on the turnaround maintenance of the four refineries – in Port Harcourt (two plants), Warri and Kaduna – with countless promises of fixing the facilities to end the notorious practice of importation of petroleum products.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the NNPCL on August 30, 2024 announced that it was seeking private Operations and Maintenance (O&M) companies to bid for the Warri and Kaduna refineries (while repairs of the Port Harcourt refinery is in progress).

“NNPC Ltd is seeking to engage reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain two of its refineries, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), to ensure reliability and sustainability to meet the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations,” the company said in a circular.

Cash Crunch: CBN Directs Banks to Load ATMs

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to prioritise cash disbursement through automated teller machines (ATMs).

CBN gave the directive in a circular to banks on Friday titled ‘Mystery shopping & spot checks on cash disbursement activities of deposit money banks (DMBs)”.

In the circular signed by Solaja Olayemi, acting director, currency operations department at CBN, the apex bank said it commenced spot checks to ensure efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public and prevent the disbursement of mint banknotes to persons hawking naira notes.

The circular read: “Please refer to the subsisting circular on mystery shopping exercise and periodic spot checks on cash distribution/disbursement activities of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

“As you will recall, these initiatives were introduced to: 1. Monitor and prevent practices that facilitate flow of mint banknotes to “hawkers” of naira cash, thereby discouraging abuse of the Naira; and 2. Ensure that DMBs support efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public.”

There has been a public outcry from Nigerians against the lingering scarcity of Naira in the banks’ ATM.

Some Nigerians took to their X handle to complain of a lack of cash in bank ATMs, and having to depend on point of sale (POS) operators.

CBN also warned that banks disbursing naira notes to persons hawking the Nigerian currency will be penalised.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that: a) DMBs, to whom cash seized from “hawkers” of cash is traced, will be penalized 10% of the total value of cash withdrawn on the day the seized cash was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” the apex bank said.

“Every subsequent offense will be charged an incremental penalty of 5%.”

CBN warned that banks found engaging in cash hoarding, diversion, or any actions that hinder efficient cash distribution, “including violations of the Clean Note Policy, will incur appropriate sanctions”.

“As we approach the yuletide season, with an anticipated increase in cash demand. DMBs are advised to implement internal controls for responsible disbursement and accountability in respect of mint banknotes payouts at their outlets,” CBN said.

“To enhance access to cash, we encourage banks to prioritize cash distribution through ATMs.”

There are fears that Nigerians, especially in the remote areas, will experience difficulties during the year-end activities in finding cash to meet their personal and other needs.

Usually, there are long queues where the banks’ ATMs are functional which attracts criminals such as kidnappers and bagsnatchers.

CBN said during the yuletide season, it will collaborate with relevant law enforcement agencies, to intensify spot checks and mystery shopping activities to monitor and enforce responsible cash distribution and prevent naira abuse.

ECONOMY

Cost of Living Crisis: What’s Next?

BY TIMI OLUBIYI

It is no news that many economies, including Nigeria, are currently experiencing significant inflationary pressures. The cost of living crisis is getting worse every month as inflation does not seem to diminish, peaking in June 2024 at 34.20 per cent, the highest inflation figure witnessed since the return to democracy in 1999 about 25 years ago.

In reality and by implication, this inflation promotes the decline in the purchasing power of the majority and it has continued to lead to the closure of many businesses, in particular small businesses, and also a spike in poverty numbers in the country. In fact, a good number of Nigerians only work to pay bills, the main household expenditure focus goes on food and transportation,

The current pump price of fuel has made a lot of citizens vulnerable and also continues to impact negatively on businesses and the cost of living. The persistent inflation, if unaddressed, may result in limiting production, undermining economic growth and elevating poverty and unemployment to unprecedented levels.

With inflation, businesses and households usually perform poorly and expectedly more money is paid for the same goods and services. This has been the troubling trend in Nigeria in recent times, where high price increases have been recorded in transportation, food costs, household needs, raw materials, pharmaceutical products, health care, motor cars, vehicle spare parts, equipment and in the prices of services, amongst others.

Admittedly, inflation continues to erode our value of money, erodes the purchasing power of all of us and the poor become poorer and the working class folks become even more vulnerable. Therefore, the nexus of the impact of inflation is the specific focus of this piece.

(price instability) in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised, we can all feel it.

Inflation is simply seen as a persistent rise in the general price level of a broad spectrum of goods and services in a country over a long period. Largely, when prices of energy, food, commodities, goods, and services go up, it hurts all of us and hardship is heightened. Will the current minimum wage of N70, 000 really help?

The current pump price of fuel has made a lot of citizenry vulnerable and also continues to impact negatively on businesses, and the cost of living

The most direct way to help workers in a time of high inflation is by increasing their wages, but a major driver of Nigeria’s headline inflation has been the consistent rise in food costs. In recent times we have noticed a daily rise in the price of commodities and food prices, which is already manifesting as a cost of living crisis.

the budget deficit and adopt significant structural policy reforms with monetary and fiscal policies. Such as reducing import duties on some essential items and commodities and so on.

This will help to control inflation and maintain stronger growth rates in terms of improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and to stabilise the tide of inflationary pressures on the economy and in business operations. It is advocated that political leaders should minimise avoidable public spending, reduce spending on nondevelopment activities, address insufficient infrastructure and build strong and effective institutions. The massive growth and developmental challenges of the country can improve by also promoting the human and SME ecosystem.

However, it was mainly instigated by the continuous rise in the level of inflation rate in Nigeria in recent times. The consequences and impact of inflation

Based on the aforementioned and from the inflationary perspective, to achieve adequate price stability in the country, the Federal Government needs to reduce

The SME sector can play a major role in the economic growth of the country through the distribution of wealth, poverty reduction and job creation. The sector is labour-intensive and can provide a reasonable reduction in the unemployment rate in the country, but the government needs to provide an adequate enabling environment and support for the sector to strive.

Considerably, institutions, businesses and individuals have the opportunity to beat inflation by accelerating the preservation of capital and strengthening purchasing power with income addition. This can be done by acquiring investments, particularly assets, such as real estate because they usually keep up with inflation. Remember N1 million today will not acquire the same value of investments, goods and services in five years mainly due to inflation.

Therefore, investing is key to hedge against a sharp inflation impact because it erodes the value of savings if funds are just left in the bank accounts.

Supportively, it is imperative to consider investing in other currencies, diversify your investment portfolio internationally if you can and consider inflation-protected securities with potential for higher growth like equities, Gold Shares ETF, or mutual funds.

These can earn more interest returns per year than the inflation rate therefore the options are reasonable.

It is also possible to start a business, cultivate passive income, even buy items with a long shelf life today to mitigate the impact of inflation. Good luck!

•Dr Olubiyi is an entrepreneurship and business management expert

IN DEFENCE OF REASON

Nigeria’s National Strategic Interest on the Global Arena: Foreign Policy Intiatives, 2025 and Beyond

BY BABA ISIMI FNIA

PREAMBLE

National Interest as a Vehicle of National Development

As Nigeria approaches 2025 and beyond, the emergence of ultra-nationalist governments in the Western world and the rise of autocratic governance in Eastern European nations and across the globe present significant challenges and opportunities for its development. In this shifting geopolitical landscape, the formulation and projection of Nigeria’s national interests and foreign policies will be pivotal. National interest serves as the cornerstone of a country’s foreign policy, guiding its interactions on the global stage. It is largely driven by domestic policies and the nation’s capacity to project influence beyond its borders. This capacity is shaped by the elements of national power, including military strength, economic stability, geographical advantages, intelligence, technology, population dynamics, political cohesion, and national psyche. The extent to which a nation develops these elements will determine its role on the global stage.

By examining the models of the United States, Britain, and France, Nigeria can derive lessons to enhance its foreign policy framework. This analysis will utilize the concepts of Core and Peripheral Interests, along with Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’s Concentric Circles and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers, to delineate Nigeria’s strategic priorities.

Global Models of National Interest

The United States exemplifies a model where national interest is often defined by military strength and economic dominance, allowing it to exert significant influence globally. Britain’s approach, rooted in historical Commonwealth ties, emphasizes diplomatic relations and soft power. France, on the other hand, combines cultural diplomacy with regional influence in Africa, leveraging historical connections to maintain its presence. Nigeria can learn from these models by balancing hard and soft power and fostering partnerships that reflect its unique position in Africa.

Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Framework Core Interests: The Inner Circle

According to Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’s Concentric Circles, Nigeria’s core interests lie within its immediate neighborhood, particularly the ECOWAS sub-region. Key core interests include:

1. Regional Security and Stability: Ensuring peace and combating threats such as terrorism and piracy is paramount.

2. Economic Integration and Cooperation: Strengthening economic ties within ECOWAS to enhance regional prosperity.

3. Economic Collaboration: Encouraging trade and investment across West Africa.

Global Interests: The Third Circle

On the global stage, Nigeria’s interests encompass participation in international organizations such as the UN and WTO, advocating for reforms that reflect the aspirations of African nations. Key global interests include:

By examining the models of the United States, Britain, and France, Nigeria can derive lessons to enhance its foreign policy framework

3. Protection of Nigerian Citizens Abroad: Safeguarding the interests and welfare of Nigerians in foreign nations.

Regional Influence: The Second Circle In the second circle, Nigeria must assert its leadership role within the African Union and ECOWAS, focusing on:

1. Promoting African Unity:* Championing initiatives that foster solidarity among African nations.

2. Conflict Resolution:* Engaging in peacekeeping missions, as demonstrated in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

1. UN Reforms: Seeking equitable representation for African countries.

2. Global Economic Governance: Engaging in discussions on international trade and financial systems to ensure fair practices.

3. Climate Change Initiatives: Promoting sustainable development practices that address environmental challenges. Peripheral Interests

Beyond core interests, Nigeria’s peripheral interests include:

1. International Cooperation on Security Issues: Collaborating with global partners to combat terrorism.

2. Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy: Building soft power through cultural initiatives.

3. Humanitarian Assistance: Providing development aid to countries in need.

Bolaji Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi advocates for Nigeria to align with other medium powers, such as Brazil, India, and South Africa. This approach aims to promote multipolarity,

counterbalance dominant global powers, and advance shared interests. The establishment of BRICS, following the fall of the Soviet Union, exemplifies this strategy, and Nigeria has a significant role within this group. Through partnerships, Nigeria can enhance its influence in global governance and economic discussions, leveraging collective strengths to address common challenges.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Balancing Interests: Nigeria must navigate competing interests among its diverse ethnic and regional groups.

2. Infrastructure Deficits: Poor infrastructure hampers trade and economic integration.

3. Historical Grievances: Addressing past injustices is crucial for national cohesion.

Opportunities

1. Leveraging Regional Influence: Nigeria can enhance its role in promoting African unity and cooperation.

2. Strengthening Alliances: Collaboration with medium powers can advance Nigeria’s global interests.

3. Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on oil through diverse economic strategies can enhance resilience.

Policy Recommendations

To effectively project its national interests, Nigeria should consider the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen ECOWAS and African Union Institutions: Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of regional organizations.

2. Promote Economic Integration: Foster trade agreements that facilitate intra-African trade.

3. Engage Medium Powers: Nigeria must engage, find accommodation within BRICS alliance, particularly develop special relations with emerging medium powers like Brazil, India, and South Africa, Turkey and Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Poland , Hungary, Saudi Arabia , South Korea to promote multipolarity.

4. Inclusive Governance: Address historical grievances through policies that promote national unity.

5. Diversify the Economy: Invest in sectors beyond oil to build a sustainable economic future.

In shaping both domestic and foreign policies, Nigeria must focus on developing its elements of national power. This requires a political ideology that resonates with the populace, ideally rooted in constitutional principles that guide political behavior and leadership. For instance, the Chinese model, which is heavily influenced by Confucianism, underscores the importance of intellectualism in governance. Political parties should align closely with higher educational institutions to foster a more informed citizenry and leadership.

Moreover, while soft power remains relevant, the contemporary trend leans towards “smart power,” as articulated by Joseph Nye, which combines hard and soft power to create a more effective approach to foreign relations.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s foreign policy must prioritise core interests, such as regional security and economic integration while balancing peripheral interests like international cooperation and cultural exchange. The frameworks provided by Prof. Gambari’s Concentric Circles and Prof. Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers offer valuable insights for analyzing and projecting Nigeria’s interests on the global stage. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of international relations amid the rise of ultra-nationalism and autocracy, a strategic approach to its national interests will be essential for fostering development, stability, and leadership within Africa and beyond. By embracing these recommendations and focusing on enhancing its national power elements, Nigeria can position itself as a pivotal player in the evolving global landscape, ready to meet the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

enultimate week, former First lady of Nigeria, Patience Goodluck, threw open the doors of her luxurious hospitality centre to the general public. The hotel, AA Hotels and Suites is situated at Mabushi area of Abuja. The hotel was almost completed when it allegedly got seized by the

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uring the week, Ayodele Oritsejafor, the Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church joined the 80’s club. Although he chose to celebrate with members of his church, some politicians opted to join him. Politicians like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; Deputy Governor of

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Female Music Managers Who Keep the Beat Going

Despite the fact that Nigeria’s music industry is dominated by men, more women are breaking through the barriers, pushing the boundaries and making their mark by introducing and managing new talents, championing diverse styles and genres. These female executives have taken on key roles in record labels, management companies and other aspects of the music industry, helping to shape the sound and direction of Nigerian music. IVORY UKONU takes a look at some female music managers that are behind some of the most successful music artistes in the country today:

Osagie Osarenkhoe

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espite not being a household name, Osagie Osarenkhoe’s influence is felt throughout Nigeria’s music industry. Her expertise has been instrumental to building an ecosystem that facilitates Nigerian artistes’ global outreach. She is a remarkable talent manager, boasting over 15 years’ experience in  showbusiness.

Best known for her role in discovering Afrobeats superstar, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, Osagie’s influence extends far beyond this notable achievement. Her career speaks more to her deep passion for nurturing

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ariam Aduke manages popular afrobeat singer, Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus, aka Joeboy. Before starting her career in the entertainment industry, Mariam, who holds a first degree in civil engineering and a master’s in oil and gas pipeline engineering practiced her profession while she was based in the United Kingdom. But after oil prices crashed and the company she worked with was unable to keep up, she made a transition to fashion styling after realising she had a passion for adding value to people and talent. She would later set up Luxe Reloaded, a talent management business and Malc Agency, a management and brand partnership agency which helps talents scale and grow on brand partnerships to get paid. Her talents are found all over the world, especially the UK and the United States of America. She focuses on talent from ethnic backgrounds like black agents and people from ethnic minorities. As a rule, only women work in her companies and she has clients like Cilla Purple, Mugler, Meta, Spotify. Last year, she was among the top Nigerian music players to be inducted into the Grammys’ Recording Academy Class of 2023.

talent, pioneering new ventures and shaping the future of African entertainment.

A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, her journey in the entertainment industry began as an Operations Manager at Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). During that time, she not only honed her skills in managing artists and operations, helping to solidify the label’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Afrobeats scene, she also managed one of the label’s signees, Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, aka Skales.

In less than a year with Empire Mates, Osagie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create her first platform, One Mic Naija. This initiative provided a stage for emerging artistes to showcase their talents, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to discovering and promoting new voices in music.  Her passion for talent discovery and development didn’t stop there. In 2016, she founded two more platforms: The Zone Agency and The Basement Gig. Both ventures were extensions of her vision to uplift and spotlight Africa’s next generation of entertainers, cementing her reputation as a force in the industry’s talent pipeline.

Osagie’s managerial prowess reached new heights in 2020, when she was appointed Country Manager for OnErpm, a digital distribution company and record label. In this role, she managed operations across Nigeria, overseeing the growth of independent artistes and the distribution of their music. Two years later, her expertise earned her a promotion to A&R (Artists & Repertoire) for the entire African continent—a role in which she continues to shape the future of African music on a global scale.

In addition to her accomplishments in music, Osagie co-launched GOSI TV, an online TV channel for independent creators by advocating the independence and visibility of Africa’s creative voices across all mediums. Her innovative ventures and talent for nurturing future stars make her a true architect behind some of the biggest names in African entertainment, including Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, aka Bella Shmurda, Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, Remilekun Khalid Shafaru, aka Reminisce, and late Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad. Osarenkhoe prioritises creating opportunities for emerging artists, as evident in her signing of rising stars like Oluwapelumi Olorunda aka Runda in 2023.

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lizabeth Sobowale is a programme director with the Music Business Academy for Africa (MBA Africa). She manages singer Adekunle Kosoko, aka Adekunle Gold, and Florence Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy on the side. She has many years of experience working in public relations firms. She also operates a consulting firm, Brand & Stitch and she is passionate about expanding the creative business as the Programme Director at MBA Africa. At a point, Elizabeth was almost frustrated by the lack of structures and clear career path in the music industry in Nigeria. She wanted to do more by helping others become managers, music executives, artists, etc. Then one day it clicked. She decided to use her experience and voice to not only help the clients that she managed but also advocate a community of people that have the desire to engage in the industry but lack the right support, education and funding to make their dreams happen. So, she went back to school to gain the right knowledgeabout advocacy, policy, politics, economy, geopolitical and the international relations of Africa and she is currently living her dreams.

She is well known for managing Tiwa Savage’s music career. She is one of the key figures in the music business and has had dealings with American pop idols, such as Beyoncé Knowles and Nicki Minaj. She has also planned and executed publicity campaigns for a wide range of international artists, including Grammy Awardwinning British R&B singer Estelle, Usher, Ciara, supermodel and activist Naomi Campbell, etc. She was the brain behind the debut sold out performance of David Adeleke aka Davido at the famous O2 arena

in 2019. Vanessa, who has a career in public relations and marketing spanning over 15 years, achieved these feats through her award-winning public relations firm and management agency, VA-PR.

Elizabeth Sobowale

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

the Kimani Moore Entertainment Company. Her eclectic love of all kinds of music; from Jazz, to soul, to reggae, a dab of Gospel and weirdly, the Wizard of Oz soundtracks influenced the type of musicians she manages now. classes on being a force within the entertainment industry.

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Ladi Adebutu, Wife Bag

Chieftaincy Titles

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY Church Members

Oladipupo Adebutu, a two-time governorship candidate in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Odogbolu. His wife, Yeye Adenike was also conferred as the Yeye Asiwaju of Odogbolu. They were both conferred with the titles by the Alaye of Odogbolu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa.

The installation ceremony which took place on the palace grounds of the Alaye of Odogbolu in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State saw notable royal fathers, party leaders and some politicians in attendance.

Oba Onagoruwa said he conferred the title on Adebutu so that he can continue his mother’s legacy in Odogbolu and to remain a reference point in the history of the community. The royal father, while noting that Adebutu’s philanthropic gesture and

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social investment has positively impacted the lives of the aged and the youth of the community, charged Adebutu to continue to emulate his mother’s legacy and foster unity in the community.

Adebutu thanked the traditional ruler for the honour bestowed on him, promising to continue his family lineage of community development. This isn’t Adebutu’s only chieftaincy title as he is a holder of several others. He alongside his wife holds the title, the Mayegun and Erelu Mayegun of Ijeun; the Otunba Badekale and the Yeye Otunba Badekale of Makun Kingdom. Similarly, the Ololo of Ijofin Kingdom in Ogun State, HRH Oba Moruf Ayinla Awode conferred on him and his wife, the Baajipe and the Yeye Baajipe of Ijofin. He is also the Sobaloju of Ilisan, a title conferred on him by the Olofin of Ilisan; the Lisa-Aje of Egbaland among several other titles too numerous to mention.

AYO ORITSEJAFOR IN DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS

Delta State, Monday Onyeme and several others. The event was also an opportunity to mark Pastor Oritsejafor’s 52 years in the Christian ministry. The clergyman who looks nothing near 80 years had every reason to celebrate, especially as he recently beat cancer through the miraculous power of God. Unfortunately, his wife, Mama Helen as she is fondly called, was nowhere near her husband to join in the double celebration. Recall that almost two years ago, the union between Oritsejafor who was a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and his wife was

reported to have collapsed. The former couple were alleged to have been bickering for a while, prompting Mrs Helen to relocate to the United Kingdom. At that time, she denied that her 25-year-old marriage had broken down and that all was well with her marital status. Oritsejafor who was at some point the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) got married to Mrs Helen in 1997, 13 months after the death of his first wife, Stella, with whom he founded the World of Life Bible Church on November 15, 1987.

Give Tunde Bakare N250m as Birthday Present

Among several gifts that Tunde Bakare received during his 70th birthday celebration last weekend, one particular gift stood out from the rest. The politician cum clergyman who likes to be addressed as the Superintendent Pastor of the Citadel Global Community Church was given the sum of N250 million by members of the church. While thanking them for their generosity, he said that he would employ God’s wisdom in channeling the money appropriately to the needy, that way the seed sown in him will continue to multiply to God’s glory. The details of the programme of Bakare’s birthday celebration was earlier reported by THEWILL. The event took place at the headquarters of the church in Ikeja, Lagos. While the morning session was laden with songs and worship to God, the evening session had King Sunny Ade thrilling guests with songs from his repertoire. Some of the important personalities in attendance at the evening session were the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who represented President Bola Tinubu; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamsat; former Ogun State governors, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Victor Attah; Fola Adeola; former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo; Dr Joe Odumakin; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and many others. The celebration also featured a public presentation of Bakare’s autobiography entitled ‘The Least But Definitely Not the Last.’

Rabiu Kwankwaso Fetes Dignitaries at Daughter’s Wedding

On Saturday, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) gave out his last daughter, Dr. Aisha in marriage to Engineer Fahad, one of the sons of billionaire business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal. The wedding is happening barely two weeks after Alhaji Mangal, founder and chairman of Max Airline, gave his second daughter out in marriage. The

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wedding fatiha which attracted the creme de la creme of northern politicians and businessmen, traditional rulers etc. took place at the Kofar Kudu Palace of the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II. The Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf who is an in-law to Kwankwaso stood in as the bride’s father during the ceremony. He personally handed over the bride to the family of the groom.

PATIENCE JONATHAN OPENS LUXURY HOTEL

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in 2016. At the time it was seized, the hotel was alleged to be worth over N10 billion. The road that led to its extrication from the EFCC was long, arduous and tortuous, but it was finally released to Dame Jonathan after a lot of legal fireworks had taken place and work on it was completed. The hotel was declared open by Pastor Jerry Eze, the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers (NSPPD) and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International. Pastor Jerry has become

somewhat of an adopted son to the former first lady. Sources close to THEWILL reveal that the hotel will be allegedly managed by Obi Cubana Group, owned by businessman and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu. Former GoodluckpresidentJonathan was unavoidably absent at the opening, but he was ably represented by a relative. Some of the important personalities present at the opening were Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, among several others.

Bakare

Kwakwanso

Adebutu and his wife with Kabiyesi

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Alexandre

L-R: Captain Usman Abubakar (Rtd); Director General/CEO, Professional Leadership Practitioners Institute, (PLPI), Dr Nathan Obasi; Business Process Analyst/Certified Lean Six Sigma Belt, Dr. (Mrs) Monica Nwosu; Guest Speaker, Prof. Jacob Kehinde Ayantayo and Director of Communication, Fellow Leadership  Practitioners Institute, (FLPI), Dr Fyneray Mbata at the PLPI 2024 Annual Conference, Lecture, Awards and Investiture, held at University of Lagos on November 7, 2024.

Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi

Director of Sustainability, IHS

CEO,

Field Office, Head of the Private Sector Partnership Unit and Lead of Generation Unlimited Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, during the UNICEF GenU 9JA Steering Committee Meeting held at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on November 12, 2024.

Guest Minister, Pastor Jerry

2nd Anniversary Thanksgiving of GICC, at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on November 10, 2024

Deputy-Director, Circular Economy, Mrs.

Nigeria

the

Mr.

Managing

for

L-R: Global Brand Ambassador, Martell,

Combescot De Marsaguet and Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Evane Chenuet, during the launching  of Martell preview with an exclusive first look at the Martell Tower, Lekki, Lagos on November 8, 2024.

L-R:

Adeniran;

Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga;

Microsoft Nigeria, Olatomiwa Williams; CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Somachi Chris-Asoluka; Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Cristian Munduate; MD/ CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz and Chief

L-R:

Lawrence Pedok; Associate Lead Pastor, Global Influence Continental Church (GICC), Network, Pastor Bukola Sola-Adebawo; General Overseer and Lead Pastor, GICC Network, Rev. Sola Adebawo and Lead Pastor, GICC Network,  EVP Maxut Corporation, Mr. Martin Ajayiobe, during

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Prof. Timothy Adejumo;  Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Chancellor, Precious Cornerstone University, Bishop Wale Oke and his wife, Rev. Victoria Oke, during the 3rd Convocation of the University in Ibadan on November 11, 2024.

L-R:

Jirinsola Olaleye;

Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO

PLC,

Roger Adou; Commissioner

Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Mr. Mosopefolu George, and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mrs. Ore Famurewa, during

2024 Sustainability Week to launch the FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Zero Waste Hub in Lagos recently

Nigeria Qualifies For AFCON 2025 Amid Uncertainty

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have punched their tickets to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. However, the qualification journey has been anything but straightforward for the country’s senior men’s national squad.

Their qualification battle has been marked by controversy, tactical shifts and the stellar performances of key players, culminating in a dramatic qualification scenario. The Super Eagles needed just a point against Benin Republic on November 14 to secure their AFCON qualification and they managed to achieve this albeit in an underwhelming 1-1 draw. However, the context of this match was significantly altered before it even began, as Nigeria had already qualified due to Rwanda’s loss to Libya earlier that day. This turn of events meant that Nigeria had secured enough points to book their ticket to Morocco as one of the top two countries from their group.

There was minimal drama initially. The team was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Rwanda in their second 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Nigerian side failed to find the back of the net.

The match, played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, was a tactical affair with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria, who had thrashed Benin Republic 3-0 in their opening qualifier, were expected to easily overcome Rwanda. However, the Rwandan defence, marshaled by the experienced defender Eric Rutanga, proved to be a tough nut to crack.

The Super Eagles’ attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Moses Simon were unable to make a significant impact on the game. The Nigerian midfield also struggled to dictate the tempo of the match. Still, the draw meant Nigeria remained at the top of Group A with four points, but Libya, who drew with Rwanda in their opening match, were seem as breathing down their necks. A win against Libya in their next qualifier in Uyo, Nigeria, became crucial for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.

This was the precursor to the major drama surrounding Nigeria’s qualification which began with a controversial incident during their trip to Libya for the reverse fixture after beating them 1-0 at home. The Super Eagles were held at Al-Abraq Airport for over 17 hours, which led to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) withdrawing from the scheduled match and filing a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

On October 26, CAF ruled in Nigeria’s favour, awarding them three points and three goals due to Libya’s breaches of regulations, while also fining the Libyan Football Federation $50,000. This ruling was pivotal, as it not only boosted Nigeria’s points tally but also set the stage for their crucial match against Benin Republic. The unexpected points from the Libya incident provided Nigeria with a cushion, allowing them to approach the match against Benin with a sense of security, even though they were still eager to solidify their position.

The need for a substantive coach who can harness the full potential of the talented squad is paramount.

Austin Eguavoen’s interim management has been characterised by tactical experimentation and uncertainty. His decision to bench Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who has been in excellent form, in favour of the inconsistent Kelechi Iheanacho from Sevilla raised not a few eyebrows. This choice seemed to undermine the team’s attacking potential, especially given Boniface’s impressive performances in the Bundesliga.

Eguavoen’s tenure has been marked by a mix of promising results and puzzling choices, leaving many to question his long-term viability as coach. The tactical shifts he has implemented have not always yielded the desired results and the team’s performance against Benin was a reflection of the ongoing adjustments and uncertainties within the squad.

As the match against Benin unfolded, it was clear that the Super Eagles were not at their best. The game started with Benin taking an early lead, putting pressure on Nigeria to respond. However, the Super Eagles managed to equalise thanks to a goal from Victor Osimhen, who has been in stellar form for Galatasaray. His ability to find the back of the net has been a crucial asset for Nigeria throughout the qualifiers. The match ended in a draw, which was enough for Nigeria to secure their place in Morocco.

Despite the draw, the Super Eagles had already ensured their qualification due to Libya beating Rwanda by a lone goal, which added a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the match. Fans had anticipated a thrilling encounter, but the reality was a lacklustre performance that left many questioning the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.

Despite the coaching uncertainties, Nigerian forwards have been lighting up European leagues, providing a glimmer of hope for the Super Eagles. Osimhen continues to be a standout performer, consistently finding the back of the net for his new Turkish side and highlighting his skills as one of the top strikers in Europe. His partnership with players like Ademola Lookman, who has equally been impressive for Atalanta, coming off his Balon D’Or nomination, adds depth to Nigeria’s attacking options. However, the challenge remains for these players to replicate their club form on the international stage.

The inconsistency in performance has been a recurring theme for the Super Eagles and it raises concerns about their ability to compete effectively in high-stakes matches.

Looking ahead, Nigeria’s next match against Rwanda on November 18 presents another opportunity for the Super Eagles to solidify their position and build momentum as they prepare for AFCON 2025. While they have already qualified, the importance of maintaining form and cohesion cannot be overstated.

The dismal showing in the World Cup qualifying series has raised alarms about the team’s prospects for the upcoming tournament in North America, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. The NFF must take decisive action to ensure that the Super Eagles are not only competitive in AFCON but also in future international competitions. The need for a substantive coach who can harness the full potential of the talented squad is paramount, as the current interim arrangement may not provide the stability required for long-term success.

Indeed, the journey to AFCON 2025 has been fraught with drama, from the Libya incident to tactical decisions under Eguavoen’s interim management. While Nigeria has secured their place in Morocco, the path ahead requires a concerted effort from the NFF and a commitment to harnessing the full potential of their talented squad. The upcoming match against Rwanda will serve as a crucial test for the Super Eagles, as they aim to build on their recent qualification and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in both AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers.

Ademola

ogannah@thewillnews.com

Using Education, Social Reforms in Fighting Lakurawas, Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

Recent events in Northern Nigeria have brought into sharp focus the critical need for comprehensive social reforms. The emergence of a new militant organisation known as Lakurawas across Sokoto State marks another chapter in the ongoing security challenges facing the nation, yet the response must extend beyond military intervention alone.

Operating across five local government areas in Sokoto State - Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame and Binji - the Lakurawas group has established a concerning presence. Their activities include enforced religious taxation, armed robbery and the imposition of forced labour on local populations. The group typically arrives in large numbers on motorcycles, evaluating communities before establishing permanent presence through stationed members.

Reports I have read indicate that the group maintains connections with broader militant networks throughout the Sahel region. Their operational capabilities include communication in multiple languages - Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri and English - suggesting sophisticated regional links. The political instability in neighbouring nations has created conditions enabling the movement of weapons and personnel across borders.

The group’s origins trace back to developments in Republic of Niger, where recent political changes disrupted established cross-border security arrangements. Taking advantage of remote northern territories and challenging geography, they have successfully exploited areas with limited governmental presence. Initial community acceptance, based on misunderstanding of their intentions, provided opportunities for the group to establish local influence before revealing more aggressive tactics.

Military responses have included increased surveillance and intelligence gathering operations. The Nigerian Air Force has conducted operations against the group, though vast, sparsely populated areas present ongoing strategic challenges. However, these military interventions address only the symptoms of deeper social issues affecting the region.

Areas experiencing limited access to basic social services remain particularly vulnerable to radical militant elements. The current system, leaving numerous children without formal education, creates conditions that undermine

stability. This stands in marked contrast to predominantly Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Kuwait where established public education systems contribute significantly to social cohesion and growth.

Free and compulsory education through secondary school level should become an immediate national mandate particularly in the north. This programme must include updated curricula integrating practical skills training and preparing students for genuine employment opportunities. Equally important, basic healthcare services must become readily available to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.

Local government authorities, state administrators and

federal agencies have the responsibility to coordinate their efforts in implementing these essential services. This requires establishing dedicated funding streams to support educational infrastructure, teacher training programmes and healthcare facility development.

Religious leaders across Northern Nigeria could serve as vital partners in this transformation. Their support would prove particularly valuable in communities where traditional practices have sometimes created resistance to formal education systems. Their involvement ensures cultural sensitivity while promoting necessary chang es.

Civil society organisations would play an essential role in implementation, working directly with communities to ensure programmes meet specific local needs. Success depends on active participation from local leaders, parents, and youth representatives in shaping and supporting these initiatives.

The investment required for universal education and healthcare represents far better value than addressing security challenges through military responses alone. These preventive measures would yield significant long-term gains for the entire region and the country.

International development partners have the capacity to support these comprehensive programmes, potentially providing additional resources and expertise to speedy implementation.

These reforms require protection from political changes to ensure consistent delivery and development. State governments must lead coordination efforts between various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious authorities, and civil society groups.

I must commend the Nigerian military for their successes so far in the fight against terrorists and bandits in the North. However, each day without these essential services represents missed opportunities to strengthen community resilience to insecurity. The path forward demands courage from leadership at all levels to prioritise long-term social development over short-term solutions.

The fundamental solution to these security challenges in my view lies in providing universal access to education, basic healthcare and jobs. Free and comprehensive social services must become an immediate national priority, creating strong communities naturally resistant to extremist influence. The fundamental solution to these security challenges in my view lies in providing universal access to education, basic healthcare and jobs. Free and comprehensive social services must become an immediate national priority, creating strong communities naturally resistant to extremist influence

While military operations may address immediate security concerns, I am certain that only universal access to education and basic healthcare amongst other social reforms can create the lasting stability northern Nigeria requires. This investment in human capital represents the surest path to regional peace and prosperity.