THEWILL NEWSPAPER, September 01, 2024

Digital

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Although men have historically held the upper hand in some fields, some women have overcome obstacles, shattered stereotypes, and forged careers that inspire future generations in those fields. These women have shown that talent, perseverance, and dedication know no gender by surpassing their industry expectations and questioning the status quo. Women participate and lead in every setting, from boardrooms to operating rooms, photography studios, and aircraft cabins.

More than just exceptional professionals, these women are paving the way for the next generation to dream bigger. They are not just breaking down barriers, but also setting new standards for achievement in historically male-dominated fields.

On pages 8 to 10, we profile six women who are doing exceptional work in industries dominated by men.

Berets are a fashion staple that few people invest in. However, they are emerging as the go-to piece for enhancing any ensemble. Our fashion pages show five chic ways to wear a beret. Scroll to pages 4 and 5 for this.

Hyaluronic acid is notable for its ability to retain moisture and hydration. It also works wonders for ageing skin by increasing its suppleness. We spotlight this miracle ingredient on page 12, highlighting its benefits for the skin.

We all face challenging times, and during those moments, the support of a partner can make a world of difference. We’ve compiled a list of six ways to be there for your partner when they need you the most. Scroll to page 15 for these invaluable tips.

Our movie review page has a playlist, which you can download by clicking on the instructions below the QR codes. You’ll love the music selection.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo:

Kola Oshalusi

@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

COVER LABOUR PARTY CRISIS UPDATE

Alex Otti’s Reconciliation Meeting Shaky as Factions Sustain Rivalry

BY AMOS ESELE

With the three tendencies in the crisis-ridden Labour Party, LP, rigidly holding on to their positions, the reconciliation meeting called by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in Umuahia for Thursday, September 4, 2024 may go up in smoke.

Pained by the cold shoulder that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, gave the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, by not inviting him to the Commission’s last week’s third quarterly meeting with political parties, in addition to his humiliation at two previous quarterly meetings when he was asked to leave the gathering, Governor Otti invoked his powers as a leader of the party to host a reconciliation meeting on the impact of the lingering leadership crisis in the party, which INEC’s faux pas had so dramatised.

THEWILL’S investigation showed that Abure and his National Working Committee are expected to attend the Umuahia meeting alongside the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja; President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Festus Osifo and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, governorship candidates of the party during the 2023 General

Election and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“We may not attend the meeting because we are yet to be properly invited,” National Publicity of the party loyal to Abure, Obiora Ifo told THEWILL on Friday, adding that, “in fact, the only problem we have that I know of is with INEC. They stopped inviting us to their functions.”

Ifo’s predecessor, who later became spokesperson for the Comrade Lamidi Apapa led-faction that was sacked by the Court of Appeal in March, 2024, Abayomi Arabambi, on Friday tagged the Umuahia meeting called by Governor Otti as illegal.

Arabambi said, “That will be an exercise in futility. Abure is not going to attend the meeting, I can confirm that. Only he can convene such a meeting, according to the party’s constitution. Governor Otti is a leader in the party, but he has no powers to summon a meeting. Obi is not a member of the National Executive Committee, NEC, nor is he a member of NWC.”

The Campaign Spokesperson of the LP presidential committee, Tanko Tinubu, disagrees. He told THEWIIL that

Obi is a moral leader of the party, having rebranded the party by his personality and it was because of his stand in the party that he met with Abure and his exco members, as well as the NLC leadership in an attempt to bring the warring factions to the conference table to resolve the crisis.

He said, “On July 10, 2023, according to a 2021 agreement, Abure’s tenure had expired. That was why INEC refused to invite him and LP to three of their quarterly meetings with political parties in Abuja.

“It is a failure on the part of INEC, which witnessed the agreement to administer a written letter to say that Abure’s tenure had expired and so the party should deal with the matter based on the dispute resolution agreement we mediated. That would have been a clear decision that would have shut everybody up and prevented this crisis we are experiencing now.”

ENTER THE LABOUR PARTY NATIONAL TRANSITION COMMITTEE, LP-NTC

Efforts made by THEWILL to reach the NLC transition Committee Chairman, Abdulwaheed Omar, former NLC

COVER ...Shaky as Factions Sustain Rivalry

president, failed as he could not be reached for comments. But a close aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Abure’s tenure as National Chairman of the party had elapsed and the Labour Party National Transition Committee, LPNTC, would not tolerate his presence any longer.

In a statement made available to THEWILL by the aide, the LP-NTC stated that intelligence revealed that Abure was planning a membership registration/validation, congresses and national convention.

“Anything touched, handled, processed, organised, conducted or contaminated by Mr Julius Abure and or his assigned minions is political leprosy before the law and will end in disastrous nullity,” the LP Chairman, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar was quoted as saying. His committee alleged that Abure’s actions are part of a scheme to disintegrate the Labour Party and ensure that it poses no electoral challenge to the ruling political party in the 2027 general election.

“The goal of the scheme is to ensure maximum anarchy of internal rancours designed to tear and disintegrate the Labour Party to ‘hopeless shreds’,” the LP-NTC stated.

THEWILL recalls that Abure’s tenure as National Chairman, following the 2018 agreement, expired on June 10, 2024. Before the expiration of his tenure, he was suspended by the Labour Party in Ward 3, Arue, Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In May, 2024, the Edo State executive of the party and their supporters stormed the INEC Headquarters and were received by top INEC officials, who commended their peaceful nature and pledged to look into their requests as contained in their letter of notification to INEC on Abure’s suspension.

The letter notifying INEC of his suspension dated May 14, 2024, and another letter of ratification dated May 15, 2024, both of which were ratified at a meeting of the state executive committee on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Benin City, stated that the suspension was with immediate effect.

The LP-NTC also alleged that Abure had struck a deal with a frontline ruling political party to conduct the illegal congresses and national convention, with promises of ministerial and senatorial slots in 2027.

LABOUR FACTION REACTS

In the eyes of Abayomi, the law supports Abure in his actions taken so far.

He based his argument on two rulings by the Supreme Court. The first is the suit involving a one-time Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, who became an Interim National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in 2016.

In that case between Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, the apex court, in its judgement delivered by Justice Mary Odili, ruled that the NEC of a political party shall be the highest decision making organ of any political party and that political parties must obey their constitution.

Similarly, in the case of Senator Magnus Abe vs Rotimi Amechi, the apex court deepened its earlier judgement when it ruled that any time there is a conflict of interest between the party’s constitution and the country’s constitution, the party’s constitution must be set aside. Similar judgements by the apex court have followed this pattern.

“Now, the National Secretary under article 14, (4 a and b) is empowered by our party’s constitution to supervise the daily activities of the party and he shall be the principal administrative officer of the party in consultation with the National Chairman. He shall issue notices of meetings of National convention, NEC and the NWC in consultation with and approval of the National Chairman.

“Then Article 2 (A) specifies the composition of our party’s NEC: National Chairman and other executive officers, national offices, President and Vice President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, if produced by the party, as well as all state governors, deputy governors, President and General Secretary of NLC, President and Secretary of Trade Union Congress, TUC. The total membership is over 70. We do not have members of the State Houses of Assembly there.

“So where does Otti and presidential candidate Peter Obi derive their powers to convene a reconciliation meeting in Abia? They are usurping the powers of the National Secretary to issue notices for party meetings.

Yinusa disagrees: “Abure’s leadership has expired. What alternative do we have?,” he asked and answered, “There are elected leaders of the party who are constitutionally recognised as leaders of the party. In this case we have a governor, Alex Otti of Abia State, the NLC and TUC presidents and other statutory members of the party. So, if the tenure of Abure has expired then these statutory leaders of the party come in. That is why Governor Otti is calling for a reconciliation meeting, including Abure himself. As a moral leader of the party, Obi signed the letter calling on all stakeholders, starting with his meeting at LP office and then that of the NLC office, promising that he was going to call for reconciliation.

BACKGROUND TO THE CRISIS

The background to the hardened positions adopted by the tendencies in the party can be traced to the period between 2018 and 2021 when the court of law had to be drafted to mediate through a binding judgement that was signed by Abure and the NLC President at the time, Ayuba Abba, in the presence of INEC.

“During this challenging period for the party, three successive National Chairmen from A.A Salami through Maria Labake to Abure emerged through appointments of the NEC.

JUSTICE KOLAWOLE’S 2018 INTERVENTION

The signatories to that agreement after the court was drafted to intervene and Justice G.O Kolawole in his judgement in March 20, 2018, recommended an expansive and inclusive National Convention to be organised in line with the LP’s constitution in the future.

This is what the Abure faction claimed to have done with the conduct of a convention in Nnewi National on March 27, 2024.

For the NCL-TC and Governor Otti, no convention, according to the binding agreement, has been held as Abure himself did not emerge through a convention. That is why INEC, which witnessed the signing of the agreement among the disputants, refused to allow Abure to attend its meetings with political parties.

Explaining further, Yinusa said, “Before the 2023 general election, coming from a particular leadership challenge, we from the National Patriotic Front and other stakeholders were able to get Abure to agree to a reconciliation of all the problems. During that time, Comrade Wahab Ayuba was President of NLC. Prof Pat Utomi, Wale Okunniyi and Femi Falana, SAN, were part of the team that mediated in the crisis and a truce was reached.

“INEC was part of the truce, as regards the signing of a document where it was agreed by all the parties, including Abure and Ayuba that there would be an alternative dispute resolution as occasion demands, we would have a national convention, starting from the ward level upwards and there was going to be an inauguration of a Board of Trustees to be led by one Comrade SOZ Ejiofor. It was also agreed that there would be a NWC that would include three members from the NLC. That document was signed by Ayuba and Abure. During the 2023 general election, it was clear the convention could not be held because of time. So, in a meeting in Asaba, Abure’s tenure was extended for one more year.

“After the expiration of that one year, it was expected that we would go back to that initial agreement that was signed by Abure and Wabba, but Abure in his own wisdom decided to go and do a National Convention in flagrant disobedience to the agreement. That is the beginning of the current crisis.

WAY FORWARD

Abayomi said, “The NLCT was formed by NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and President of NLC, Joe Ajaero. They do not have the power to determine who becomes what in LP. There is no provision in the trade union Act and the NLC constitution that empowers the president and secretary of NLC to appoint Chairman and Secretary for the Labour Party.

On the question about who qualifies as leader of the party, he said, “The letter the NLC wrote to INEC on this matter is outside their jurisdiction. Secondly, Article 14, (1 A) of the party constitution on powers of officers, states that the National Chairman is the leader of the party and presides over all meetings of national convention, meeting of the NEC and NWC of the party.

They NLC transition committee say they will file a case of contempt against Abure. We are in court already. We have filed a suit before Justice Obiora Egwuato at Court 11 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. It is slated for hearing on Sept 11, 2024. “Our demands are firstly, that Abure tenure subsists through a valid NEC in 2021. Secondly, NLC, and Obi lack the legitimate power to ask Abure to resign. Thirdly, INEC should be restrained from dealing with any other group or party on behalf of the LP

Unrelenting in the pursuit of its position, the Abure faction maintains that there is no leadership crisis in the party and no vacancy in any office.

Abure stated, “The National Working Committee (NWC) consequently notes as follows: “It is safe to conclude that Labour Party under this leadership has complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act, Nigerian Constitution and the Labour Party constitution in convening the national convention of the party that was held at Nnewi, Anambra State, on March 27, 2024. Therefore, for any person(s), group or agency to speculate that the tenures of the current executives have expired, it is not only mischievous but a deliberate attempt to put the party in comatose.”

Arabambi told THEWILL that only the law courts can resolve the issues at stake.

He said, “They NLC transition committee say they will file a case of contempt against Abure. We are in court already. We have filed a suit before Justice Obiora Egwuato at Court 11 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. It is slated for hearing on Sept 11, 2024.

“Our demands are firstly, that Abure tenure subsists through a valid NEC in 2021. Secondly, NLC, and Obi lack the legitimate power to ask Abure to resign. Thirdly, INEC should be restrained from dealing with any other group or party on behalf of the LP. If they want Abure to be changed, it must be through a valid National Convention. We have served INEC. This is a matter of rule of law and obedience to court order.

“The Umuahia reconciliation meeting will hold and take a far reaching decision of the crisis,” Yinusa said. “Abure’s tenure has expired and he knows it.”

UI Sends Protesting Students Home For Three Weeks

he University of Ibadan has sent its students home after a one- day protest over increased school fees on

In a statement, Registrar, G.O Salau, said; “Following the meeting of University Management with the leadership of the Students Union on Friday, August 30, the Vice- Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, has approved three weeks break for students of the University of Ibadan, with effect from Saturday, 31, August, 2024 to 20 September, 2024. The hostels will be reopened for students from 12 noon on Friday 20 September, 2024.

He said the three weeks will give students ample time to complete their online registration as the first semester examination will start on Monday, September 23, 2024. “Students who do not register will not be allowed to write the examinations.” He added.

Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) had staged a protest against the school fee increment approved by the governing council of the institution.

During the protest which lasted between 10:20 pm on Thursday and 2 am on Friday, the President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Bolaji Awed; Vice President, Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary, Daniel Elemide, who spoke on behalf of the students, demanded immediate reversal of the increase.

“We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking on a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled. We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands are met,” they said.

The union leaders urged students to make use of social media platforms to mobilise others using the hashtags #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until their demands are met.

The governing council of the university, on Thursday, approved the increase in tuition fees from 100 to 400 levels and also fixed the deadline for payment.

An earlier statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the council advised students who are yet to complete their registration to do so on or before September 4.

“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before Sept. 4, to enable departments download lists of registered students in preparation for the First Semester Examination.

“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other wellmeaning philanthropists to cater for indigent students. Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline.”

Again, Police Summon NLC President, General Secretary Ugboaja Over Alleged Criminal Intimidation

Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, have again been invited to appear at Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.

This is coming less than 24 hours after Ajaero, on Thursday, honoured an earlier invitation by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The latest invitation by the Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) accused Ajaero and Ugboaja of alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties.

Signed by the Commissioner of Police (OPS), CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, the invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.

“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. “Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.” Earlier on Thursday, Ajaero honoured police invitation over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.

Speaking shortly after he left the police headquarters, Ajaero said the NLC remained committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers. Declaring the allegations against him as unfounded and targeted to weaken the NLC, Ajaero had said his decision to honour police invitation was in the interest of transparency.

He restated his commitment to fight for the welfare of Nigerian workers and declared that the NLC will not be intimidated.

Kano Eid Shop Owners Reject Media Reports on Govt's Shops Reallocation

BY ABDULLAHI YUSUF

The Masallachin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association in Kano has rejected media reports that the State Government is reallocating for sale its members' business premises which had earlier been demolished.

The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Auwal Saidu, and its Secretary, Ibrahim S., said,

"The attention of the leadership and members of the Masallachin Eid Shop Owners and Traders whose business premises at Kofar Mata Eid Ground in Kano was demolished by the State Government in June 2023 has been drawn to a news item circulating social media and some online newspapers concerning the fate of now vacant, fallow and desolate area infested by crimes and criminality.

"The news is to the effect that the Government had reportedly gone ahead to reallocate shops for sale to the general public in the premises."

The group said its decision to respond to the speculations was informed by enquiries from people who wanted to know the truth of the matter.

It, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the media reports, adding that the State Government had denied any plans to reallocate the plots.

"The association wants to further state that it is in good contact and consultation with the government on the fate of the premises and that if anybody deserves being reallocated shops in the premises it is our members by virtue of our prior possession and existing court judgement upholding the validity of our status.

"Consequently, those vested interests pressurising the Government to reallocate the land to them for business purposes should be aware that they would be usurping the remnants of the association's judicially affirmed interests on the land and would meet stiff resistance.

"In the meantime, amicable and friendly consultation and interface continue as the Government makes the final decision," the group added.

L-R: Chairman, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Prof. Linus Ogbuoshi; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on External Relations, Mazi Uche Anichukwu; Secretary of ACSPN, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka; Senior Lecturer, Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, Dr Maxwell Ngene and representative of the Rector of IMT, Dr Ifeanyi Ojobor, during the Eminent Person's Lecture Series by ACSPN in Enugu on August 29, 2024.

NEWS

Six Dead, Three Injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Auto Crash

SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA

Six persons have been confirmed dead and three others injured in an auto crash that occurred on Friday, at Verona, Ogere, Ogun State along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Spokesperson of the Ogun State Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta, at the weekend.

According to Okpe, the crash involved a Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE692EL and a truck that could not be identified, as it did not stop after the crash.

She explained that the suspected cause of the accident was excessive speed on the part of the Sienna Space Bus, which rammed into the moving truck from the rear.

"Two men and seven women were involved in the accident. Unfortunately, two men and four women died, while three women sustained injuries.

"The injured victims were taken to Patmag Hospital, Ogere, while the deceased were deposited at FOS morgue, Ipara," she said.

According to the spokesperson, the Sector Commander, FRSC, Ogun State, Akinwumi Fasakin, described the crash as an avoidable act if proper caution was fully put in place by the driver. He urged motorists to ensure they give maximum concentration to driving and obey all traffic rules while driving on the highway.

Fasakin also commiserated with the families of the crash victims and wished the injured a quick recovery.

Students Killed as Gunmen Attack Islamic School in Yobe

BY FELIX IFIJEH

Gunmen, on Friday, attacked the Faudiya School in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing at least three students. The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, said one of the students who got injured had been taken to an undisclosed hospital where he’s receiving treatment.

Suspected to be members of Boko Haram, Abdulkarim said the assailants who rode into the school premises on motorbikes, wielding AK-47 rifles, attacked the school at about 3.44am on Friday, shooting sporadically.

While the Police had commenced investigations on the attack, Abdulkarim added that a teacher who managed to escape told the police that the attack came as a surprise as there was no confrontation with any member of any armed groups. The Islamic school is owned by the Muslim Brotherhood Movement, a Shiite sect.

NMA Chairman Attributes Mass Exodus of Doctors to Insecurity in Nigeria

The Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA) has attributed the mass exodus of medical doctors out of the country to the spate of insecurity in Nigeria. The Kogi State Chairman of NMA, Dr Abubakar Hassan, disclosed this while reacting about the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, (NARD).

Dr. Hassan lamented that medical personnel in recent times had become the prime targets for criminal elements despite their service to humanity. He argued that it had crippled the health services across the nation and that Kogi State was not exempted. Dr Hassan asserted that there are many unreported cases of doctors who are being held in captivity by their abductors across the Country. According to the Kogi State NMA Chairman, “There are many others that are unreported. Some people have decided that they won’t like to kidnap of their colleagues to make the news for security reasons.

“May be at this juncture, I should add that in a particular North Central State, at least two doctors are currently in captivity, one for an upward of one year now. The second one happened only recently, just a week ago. The story is the same across the entire Country. "It has got to a state that doctors themselves , having been patient for too long despite the unfavorable situation in the country, are becoming patients, no thanks to their ordeals in the hands of these hoodlums.

“Doctors are becoming patients simply because they need the attention of other medical practitioners each time they fall victims of kidnap; They suffer physical injuries and psychological trauma in the process. “So, imagine a doctor going out in the morning to his practice to attend to patients but on his way also turning out to be a patient to be attended to by other colleagues in the aftermath of his ordeals in the hands of kidnappers? . This is the situation we have come to find ourselves in today in Nigeria.

”It is one of the reasons responsible for the mass exodus of doctors from Nigeria to other Countries. We have gotten to a stage where practising in some African Countries is becoming more attractive to doctors in Nigeria. ”Whenever you hear doctors leave this Country, what people now refer to as JAPA syndrome, it is not all about the welfare package. Welfare should be looked at from a holistic perspective. Security should be factored into any welfare package for it to be meaningful.

"Even if you were to pay someone N10,000,000 per month, if he can not sleep with his two eyes closed, such a person can not be guaranteed movement from his resident to the hospital to attend to his patients. This results in anxiety and a great many people are suffering from anxiety neurosis”

Dr Hassan, who averred that down tooling was the last option for doctors to press home their demands bemoaned the federal government for failing to provide security for its citizens, adding that it has become a serious hindrance to the practice of the medical profession in Nigeria. With respect to Kogi State, he said ” The Kogi State NMA under my watch, as I stated in my acceptance speech, will ensure that strike doesn’t become an option. We have a number of strategies to achieve our goals. We are lucky to have a Governor in Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo ,who listens to the people at all times. Kogi State also has a Commissioner for Health who is doctor – friendly.

terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.

Ajaero was led to the Force Headquarters by his lawyer, Femi

Much Ado About Nothing

You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex

are to appear at Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.

The latest invitation by the Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) accused Ajaero and Ugboaja of alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties.

Signed by the Commissioner of Police (OPS), Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, the invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, reads: "In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th

“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr Usman on GSM number

“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”

No sooner had the NLC helmsman arrived at his home than another letter of invitation came from the police. This time he was asked to come along with the General Secretary of the NLC, Emma Ugboaja for another round of interrogation. They

Earlier on Thursday, Ajaero honoured police invitation over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.

It is our considered opinion that if the 6-3-34 system, as it is currently being operated, continues, the two -year pause may be detrimental to the students who finishes at 16 and has to be made to waste two good years away for the sake of enforcing a policy that would succeed only in stunting and retarding the educational growth of the future leaders of Nigeria

Education Minister Should Rethink Age-Restriction Policy

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman has stirred an unnecessary controversy among stakeholders with his policy on age brackets for students sitting for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination, JAMB and by implication, the final examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, and the local National Examination Council, NECO.

According to the minister, who also said that the National Examinations Council, NECO, and the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, would not allow “under aged” students to write their examination, the education policy on JAMB is an old one. He is merely enforcing it.

Still, ‘’ underage,’’ in this context means 17 and a half years, according to the Mamman’s calculation.

“Even basically, if you compute the number of years, pupils, and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a halffrom early child care to primary school to junior secondary school to senior secondary…” Minster Mamman said.

If the current policy on education that Prof Mamman insists he is enforcing is old, that would obviously be the current 6-3-3-4 policy initiated by one-time education Minister, Professor Jubril Aminu in the 1980s. That is more than a generation ago. The dynamics have changed and so many things have evolved since then. We are in the age of technology, ICT and AI, when information/communication moves with the speed of light, thereby boosting

the intellectual capacity across age groups; “under age,” children are so digitally compliant they can make use of computers, remote controls and manipulate phone functions without assistance.

In fact, when added up, the 6-3-3-4 system gives 16 years, which is currently the admission age bracket for entrance into tertiary education.

Indeed, when it is considered that the Federal Government has a school for gifted children in Suleja, Niger State, it is easy to see that this policy is retrogressive.

That school, Federal Government Academy in Suleja for gifted and talented children, admits only children below age 11.

In the context of that critical section of the stipulated criterion, we can infer that even an eight-year old might sit for the examination. Let us even assume that a 10-year old sat for the examination, that means they would be 16 by graduation from Senior Secondary School, meaning they would have to wait for another two years to meet the education minister’s policy.

What would these otherwise gifted and talented children be doing at home during the two years? Sports betting? Yahooing? Or simply lazing around? All of which are counter-productive to learning. The thinking that only 18 years and above are socially mature is mistaken.

At any rate, it is well known and it has been stated by educationists that in this matter under consideration maturity can be defined in physical, emotional and intellectual terms. The digital world has proven this to be true. And this expert

advice on intellectual maturity would have formed the basis for the setting up of the Suleja academy.

By the way, is it not the same ministry that classified children as gifted and exceptional and recommended the Suleja school? Or don’t they have an education psychologist there any longer?

It is our considered opinion that the major challenges negatively impacting education in the country have nothing to do with the age of the average student but deficiencies in infrastructure, welfare of teachers and the curricula that make education “what each generation gives to its younger ones, which makes them to develop attitudes, abilities, skills and other behaviours that are of positive value to the society in which they live,” according to the father of Nigeria education, late Professor Babs Fafunwa, a former Minister of Education.

Stakeholders ranging from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP and proprietors of colleges like American University in Yola, Adamawa State, Atiku Abubakar, have kicked against it on the ground that the ability of the student rather than age should be key to sitting for an examination, particularly in this digital age.

It is our considered opinion that if the 6-3-3-4 system, as it is currently being operated, continues, the two -year pause may be detrimental to the students who finishes at 16 and has to be made to waste two good years away for the sake of enforcing a policy that would succeed only in stunting and retarding the educational growth of the future leaders of Nigeria.

OPINION

The Return of Fuel Subsidy

BY REUBEN ABATI

IWHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH, THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE SUBJECT TELL US, IS SIMPLY THE FAILURE OF POLICY, THE LACK OF VISION AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS AND THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THE MANY YEARS OF THE OIL CURSE

was away on vacation for just two weeks only to return to meet fuel queues still on the streets of Nigeria with the fuel stations rationing fuel in Lagos and other parts of the country. It is a big shame and an embarrassment that the world’s sixth-largest producer of crude oil cannot refine its own petroleum products. Nigeria has the finest blend of crude- Brent Crude notable for its low sulphur content, but as in everything else, we export the best of our assets, including people, only to buy back the same assets from outsiders. With finished petroleum products, we now import the same petrol that flows in abundance in the creeks of the Niger Delta and the backyard of some people’s ancestors. Reuters reported recently, that NNPC Limited, the sole importer of finished products, enjoying a monopoly in that regard was indebted to gasoline suppliers to the tune of over $6 billion, forcing traders to back out and resulting in scarcity of fuel in the country. Under contract terms, NNPCL is required to pay within 90 days of delivery, failing which the traders collect a late payment compensation of $250, 000 per cargo. So, when Nigeria tenders for fuel, a number of traders now look the other way. Nigeria has no savings to bail it out, instead the government is desperately looking for money. It won’t be long before the Nigerian government begins to tax persons for dying, having babies or for marrying or engaging in the basic ordinary tasks of living.

In 2023, NNPCL took a loan of $3.3 billion from Afrexim Bank, but it looks like even that has been depleted. What we are dealing with, those who are familiar with the subject tell us, is simply the failure of policy, the lack of vision at the highest levels and the cumulative effect of the many years of the oil curse. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu worsened the situation. The crisis that the non-availability of fuel in the country has now created, with the high cost of living, inflation, loss of time and capital and the widespread angst in the land could have been avoided. We suffer because of Tinubu’s populism, overexcitement and lack of caution. On May 29 2023, at his inauguration as President of Nigeria, Tinubu allowed his emotions to get the better part of him when he suddenly announced in his inaugural speech that “fuel subsidy is gone!” Some poorly educated persons in his team must have told him that he should do something radical from the first day and that after all in Kenya, William Ruto did something radical as soon as he assumed office. Today Ruto rues the day he caused the tragedy that his exuberance has brought upon him.

Some people around President Tinubu may have told him to take a step that would please the IMF and the World Bank, both of which had always argued that Nigeria could not sustain its subsidy regime. What no one told Tinubu was that whereas the removal of fuel subsidy was prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act of 2023., President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor was happy to claim the credit that it was under his watch that the PIA was passed after 13 years – one of the longest running pieces of legislation in recent times - but he was not willing to implement every aspect of it.

Section 205(1) of the PIA states that wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products would be determined by market forces, to encourage competition and private sector investment. As of 2022, almost one naira in every four Naira earned by the Nigerian government was spent on fuel subsidy. Nonetheless, the Buhari administration played smart. It postponed the divine reign of market forces until after 18 months, stating that the removal of fuel subsidy could result in social upheaval and that the timing would be problematic. Buhari wilfully disobeyed the same law that he signed. He postponed the evil day and left a booby trap for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clearly out of overexuberance on inauguration day proclaimed that “the fuel subsidy is gone”. His media handlers have said that he was left with no option in the matter because in any case, the extension by the Buhari administration was due to expire. But could Tinubu have considered other options? Could he have chosen the option of a little honeymoon with the Nigerian people? The least that he could have done would have been to wait and study the situation and not resort to an impulsive policy-making decision to please the Western crowd. The error is not his alone. What happened to the so-called members of the transition, hand-over committee? They should have looked at the situation on the ground and advised the President accordingly. Buhari thought the removal of fuel subsidy would cause social upheaval, Tinubu’s transition team should have embarked on a rigorous interrogation of why and how Buhari tactfully avoided the storm. He must be laughing at Tinubu in his Daura home. And this is without prejudice to the fact that every economist that I know argued that the fuel subsidy regime was unsustainable. It had become an avenue for corruption and sharp practices, the very reason the Jonathan administration decided in 2012 to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

The Mafia, benefitting from the rot in the industry including present occupants in the corridors of power, sabotaged the Jonathan government. They have since eaten their vomit, returning to 2012, and they are shamelessly comfortable about it. In 2012, fuel subsidy gulped just about N1 trillion. Tinubu created a perfect storm by removing fuel subsidy and also abolishing the dual foreign exchange rate at the same time. It is simply common sense. Both moves were populist but the timing and the combination were wrong. Within 15 months, Nigeria is literally on its knees. Between May 2023 and now, the pump price of fuel has gone from N197 per litre to N617 per litre and up to N1,300. President Tinubu promised the people that he would renew hope. On the contrary, cases of sudden death syndrome have increased. Nigerian youths are fleeing abroad in droves because they cannot find hope in their own country. Nigeria has not even been able to meet its OPEC production quota. When the spot price of Brent goes up as it did during COVID-19, and now in the face of the conflicts in the Middle East, and between Russia and Ukraine, Nigeria is unable to take advantage of given opportunities.

The country is also underperforming in the Domestic Revenue Generation as the elites in power, after fashion, are more interested in their own luxury and comfort. The optics are scary. The Tinubu government has left the people in a place of confusion: Fuel subsidy was removed on a whim, without clarity and proper consultation with stakeholders, and apparently no coordination with the subnationals. What I find particularly intriguing is that last week the same Tinubu administration trying to find a way around the fuel scarcity in the country and the fact that fuel now sells for as much as N1,300 per litre in parts of the country, directed the NNPC to use its 2023 final dividends due to the Federation to pay for petrol subsidy, in other words, the Federal Government wants the payment of dividends to the Federation to be suspended, to boost NNPCL’s cash flow. On its part, NNPCL says it will be unable to remit taxes and royalties to the Federation anyway because of ongoing subsidy payments or what it calls “subsidy shortfall and FX differential.”

To be continued on Monday

Elected Representatives: Servants or Masters?

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC-43 BC), renowned statesman, lawyer, philosopher, poet and ‘the greatest forensic orator Rome ever produced’, was right. We have to go into the past to understand today.

The present conundrum in the National Assembly highlights just how far we have departed from many rational definitions of public service. It wasn’t always like this. From the early 1950s, with the commencement of self-rule in the regions and at the centre, parliamentarians were on allowances. This is because there was an element of public service entailed. There were no ludicrous, self-serving perks, such as constituency allowance and the absurdity of constituency projects had not yet come into place. This system functioned effectively, and the parliamentarians of that era etched their inputs into the public consciousness. The same thing prevailed at the centre. Since the parliamentarians were parttime, on allowances, most of them did second jobs in order to augment their incomes. Sadly, we’ve since abandoned this approach, succumbing to a culture of underperformance and increasing irrelevance. An instructive historical illustration comes from France, after the collapse of the 4th Republic on October 5, 1958. When Charles de Gaulle came in as President of the 5th New Republic in January 1959, one of his executive orders was to proclaim a Decree linking every post held by political appointees to a particular post in the civil service. In this way, the Senate President, for example, has the same remuneration as the Permanent Secretary. Today, over 6,000 French civil servants earn more than the President, yet this hasn’t hindered the country’s effectiveness. Instead, de Gaulle’s reforms have fostered a highly regarded public service, attracting top talent and demonstrating that equitable compensation can coexist with strong governance.

Characteristically, Nigeria’s political establishment has headed in the opposite direction, with predictably disastrous results. The consequences are stark: 133 million people (a conservative estimate) are mired in multidimensional poverty, soaring inflation and a public service system that rewards selfserving politicians. The humongous perks obtained by subterfuge are clearly not attracting the best and the brightest into public service since the very concept of public service has been distorted and placed on its head, into not-public, but self-service. The furore over Nigerian Senators’ emoluments has ignited a fierce debate, exposing the yawning chasm between the political elite and the masses. It’s a tragic reminder that, in our context, public service has become a euphemism for self-enrichment. The fact that these servants of the people have perfected the art of siphoning off public funds while their bank accounts overflow with ill-gotten gains reveals a sinister plot. It’s a twisted game of “trickle-down economics” where the only thing trickling down is the Senators’ tokenistic largesse. One can’t help but ask: What’s the price tag for selling one’s soul?

Unlike the relatively corruption-free First and Second Republics, today’s political system is ravaged by entrenched and widespread corruption. Emoluments have become a tool for buying loyalty and silence, rather than a means of compensating public servants. While previous systems had their flaws, the current excesses have reached catastrophic levels, igniting public outrage and demands for radical reforms. As Nigeria’s democracy teeters on the brink and its economy stagnates, one wonders: what concrete actions are elected representatives taking to alleviate the suffering of the masses?

UNLIKE THE RELATIVELY CORRUPTION-FREE FIRST AND SECOND REPUBLICS, TODAY’S POLITICAL SYSTEM IS RAVAGED BY ENTRENCHED AND WIDESPREAD CORRUPTION. EMOLUMENTS HAVE BECOME A TOOL FOR BUYING LOYALTY AND SILENCE, RATHER THAN A MEANS OF COMPENSATING PUBLIC SERVANTS

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of simple living and selflessness has inspired generations. Gandhi believed that leaders should prioritise the people’s welfare, living modestly and selflessly. Similarly, Lee Kuan Yew advocated for modest political salaries, prioritising public service over personal gain. Nelson Mandela embodied this spirit, living modestly and donating a third of his presidential salary to charity. Former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, demonstrated her dedication to public service by taking a pay cut and prioritising citizens’ welfare, especially during crises.

Former Uruguayan President, Jose Mujica, exemplified extreme simplicity by donating most of his salary to charity. Known as the “world’s poorest president”, Mujica lived in a modest farmhouse and drove an old Volkswagen Beetle. In India, former Tripura Chief Minister, Manik Sarkar, earned the nickname “Poorest CM” for his humble lifestyle, living in a simple apartment and using public transport.

*Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

‘Recent Fiscal Policies May Worsen Nigeria’s Inflation’ / PAGE 15

Concerns as NNPCL Seeks Private Firms to Run Refineries

abroad is paramount, with a task force focusing on qualification recognition and insurance schemes. It emphasised that Education,

Continues on page 16

cost-saving opportunities related to the procurement of consumables, personnel management and the use of systems, such as Computerised Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and Warehousing Management System (WMS).

Coming after many assurances by the NNPCL management to fix and deliver the refineries, including the ones located in Warri and Kaduna,

THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA

and having committed enormous sums of taxpayers' money in fixing the plants, the announcement was a huge surprise to Nigerians.

Speaking on an Arise Television News programme on Friday evening, an oil and gas expert, Mr Godwin Ibe, noted that though the arrangement was still unclear as to what the role of NNPCL would be when it transfers the operation and maintenance of the refineries to another party, the continued operation of the refineries by NNPC should stop.

Answering a question on the feasibility of achieving the objective of the exercise as explained by NNPCL, Mr Ibe lamented the many years that the plants had laid dormant, and observed that a large portion of the plant would have become obsolete as the manufacturers of those plants would no longer be in existence, adding that the facilities ought to have

“The ideal situation would be to sell off the refineries to private investors. If NNPC still wants to be involved, they should have equity because it has been proved that NNPCL cannot operate the refineries. They should not

He recalled that at the twilight of former President Olusegun Obasanjoled government, the refineries were sold to Aliko Dangote, which was reversed by the late President Umaru Yar’adua. He also recalled that many people opposed the move, which he said would have put the refineries in a better shape and saved Nigeria the energy crisis that had

“If Dangote had acquired those refineries, we would have gone far in resolving the lingering energy challenges that now confront the nation in terms of producing what we require as a country. These refineries should Reacting to the development, a financial engineer and oil and gas expert, Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, expressed concern over the many years that NNPC had been on the matter without result.

“Let us stop wasting our time. The NNPC has been on this game of deceit since 2015. They do not want to let go of those refineries. They do not want to fix the downstream sector of our oil industry because NNPC has become a cesspit of corruption.

“If we want those refineries to start working within the next six months, it is very simple. Let the federal government put the refineries in a bucket, Value and equip the bucket. Sell 80 percent of the shareholding

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NIGERIA'S PETROL IMPORTATION 2016-2023

...Private Firms to Run Refineries

Ten months after the Senate embarked on the probe of the endless maintenance of Nigeria’s moribund refineries without a report, the upper and lower legislative chambers jointly commenced a similar exercise

BUSINESS WEEKLY

of those refineries. Get high net-worth, technically sound private investors who will take over the place, manage it and run it efficiently, just like we have the NLNG today.

“If they want that place to work, value it, sell off 80 percent of shareholding in those refineries to private investors, just like what Obasanjo did in 2007. That is the way the refineries will work,” Dr Obiaraeri told THEWILL in a chat.

The lack of functional refineries has forced Nigeria to rely heavily on imported refined petroleum products, which has had a significant impact on the country’s economy. But the end does not seem to be in sight.

On August 3, 2022, former Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr Diepreye Sylva, told Journalists that FEC had approved $1.48 billion for the rehabilitation of both Kaduna and Warri refineries. He added that 15 percent of the contract sum had been disbursed to the contractors: Saipem SPA, and Saipem Contracting Ltd.

On October 27, 2022 (barely two months after), then Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the President, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the then President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Seoul, South Korea, expressed delight as he witnessed the signing of the MoU between NNPC and Daewoo Group on the rehabilitation of Kaduna and Warri refineries and constructing NLNG Train-7 project.

The installed capacities of the Warri and Kaduna refineries, operated by NNPC, are 125,000 bpd and 110,000 bpd. At the time, the project was expected to be completed in three phases of 21, 23, and 33 months.

Nigeria, for years, has stopped producing petroleum products after all its government-owned refineries packed up.

THEWILL recalls that NNPC Ltd had in July 2023 promised that the Port Harcourt Refinery would resume production in December of that year.

While Nigerians awaited the outcome of the promise, the Senate on October 24, 2023 constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate all contracts estimated at over N11.35 trillion awarded for the rehabilitation of the four moribund refineries in the country.

Ten months after the Senate embarked on the probe of the endless maintenance of Nigeria’s moribund refineries without a report, the upper and lower legislative chambers jointly commenced a similar exercise in August, 2024..

Following fresh controversies trailing the nation’s oil and gas industry, especially in the aspects of sabotage, corruption and oil theft, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, named a seven-member committee to probe alleged economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector. Surprisingly, this came on the heels of the action by the same Speaker who abruptly relieved the joint committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream and Midstream of the responsibility of a forensic probe into the sector amid allegations of massive fraudulent activities.

The panel headed by House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was to join the Senate in executing the same task. The House said the new structure aimed to ensure synergy between the two chambers of the National Assembly towards a holistic approach in addressing the issues involved.

On its part, the Senate also raised an Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate the Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. The upper legislative chamber expressed concerns over the $1.5 billion approved in 2021 for the turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery with little or no result.

Opeyemi Bamidele, chairperson, Senate Ad Hoc Committee, said it was unfair and wrong to treat public companies shabbily while private businesses were flourishing and thriving.

...Foreign Education in 10 Years – Report

as an exportable service, holds immense potential for Nigeria. So, embracing transnational education enables Nigeria to expand international education access and strengthen collaborations with global partners. This strategic move goes beyond academics, fostering cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and skills development.”

The benefits of transnational education, it added, are far-reaching, enhancing the educational landscape by introducing co-funded scholarship programmes, student support services, and establishment of foreign universities in Nigeria.

The statement recognised that as Nigeria experiences a surge in higher education interest, partnerships with key players such as China, UK, Canada, US and Australia are crucial to meeting the growing demand for quality education.

“In the post-pandemic world, focusing on education as a tradable service not only drives economic growth but also fosters cross-border relationships, emphasising Nigeria's commitment to global partnerships and excellence in research and teaching.

“The present geopolitical, economic and policy contexts in Nigeria have posed challenges for international education activities, with a focus on other sectors in the past.”

The massive brain drain currently ravaging the Nigerian corporate world is leaving a huge skill gap in most organizations, as it seems the best hands are the ones jumping on the “Japa” trend, making an imperative case for firms to train and retrain their staff to fill the space. This has also meant more competition in terms of hiring as firms now develop strategies to outwit themselves in getting the remaining best hands in the industry.

Some firms have had to adopt a more flexible work environment, in order to allow employees that prefer to work part-time, or from remote locations to fit into their work schedule.

Foreign education spending requires the availability of foreign exchange, something which the Nigerian economy is in shortage of at the moment. The increased demand for the dollar to pay for foreign services, speculative needs, and importation amongst others have caused a significant depreciation in the local currency against the US dollar.

The Naira traded at N1,598.56 to the dollar on Friday, August 30, 2024 – on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) according to data from the FMDQ website - pointing to the huge depreciation of the local currency which traded at N471.67 to the dollar on June 13, 2023 before the devaluation of the Naira on June 14, 2023.

The implication of increased foreign exchange spending is that it piles more pressure on the exchange rate and as a result depreciates the local currency when the supply of FX is inadequate.

At a time commercial banks have mandated travelers in need of dollars for Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) to get travel debit cards as they began the disbursements of dollars through cards. A move aimed at curbing the abuse by travelers who get forex but fail to use it for trip-related purposes. This is following the continuous scarcity of FX in some banks to meet travelers’ demands.

‘Recent Fiscal Policies May Worsen Nigeria’s Inflation’

Aforemost credit rating agency, Agusto & Co, has warned that Nigeria’s inflation, which recently saw a slight moderation, is at risk of persisting due to several upcoming fiscal measures.

According to Agusto & Co, the proposed supplementary budget, increased FAAC allocations, and the planned minimum wage increase could reignite inflationary pressures.

Its monthly newsletter published on Friday read: “The risk of a renewed inflationary surge is heightened by several factors, including the proposed supplementary budget of N6.6 trillion, increased liquidity from monthly disbursements to the three tiers of government, and the impending implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. These factors could potentially offset the positive impact of recent policy measures and prolong the disinflationary process.”

These factors, coupled with existing economic challenges such as food supply disruptions and the high cost of fuel, present a complex environment for the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy efforts.

Agusto & Co also noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to maintain the current policy rate at its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in September 2024.

This decision will be based on the recent inflation data that validates the CBN’s tightening stance.

The consistent month-on-month decline in inflation since March and a slower year-on-year increase in the latter half of H1 2024 suggest that contractionary measures are effective.

With Q1 2024 GDP growth showing signs of strain due to rising borrowing costs, the CBN may adopt a “wait and see” approach, holding the policy rate stable to monitor inflation trends, exchange rates, and upcoming Q2 GDP data before deciding on further policy adjustments.

The newsletter read: “The latest inflation data vindicates the CBN’s tightening monetary policy stance. The consistent moderation in monthon-month inflation since March, coupled with a slower pace of year-on-year increases in the latter half of H1 2024, reinforces the CBN’s conviction that the contractionary monetary measures are yielding positive results.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced many policies to regulate the volatile foreign exchange market which has not witnessed relative stability, but without a strong Naira. *Continues

“The CBN, at the last MPC meeting in July 2024, re-emphasised commitment to stay on course with the tightening cycle in view of the urgent need to address inflationary pressures to consolidate on the gains thus far achieved.

While acknowledging the recent progress made, Governor Cardoso hinted at potential rate cuts in the future if inflationary pressures continue to ease.

“Given tepid GDP growth numbers in Q1 2024 amid a constrained business environment, worsened by rising borrowing costs, the CBN could decide to ‘wait and see’ and hold the policy rate stable at its next meeting in September.

“This strategic pause would allow it observe the trend of inflation and the exchange rate in the coming months as well as the Q2 2024 GDP growth numbers before making further adjustments to its monetary policy stance.”

However, the credit rating agency noted that while most inflation sub-indices have aligned with the headline index, the persistent structural issues reflected in the core inflation indicate that the risk of inflationary pressures resurging remains significant.

Bolanle Austen-Peters Acquires 10,000 Acres of Land For Film Village

Bolanle Austen-Peters has joined other movie producers, such as Kunle Afolayan and Ibrahim Chatta, that own film villages in Nigeria. Both Afolayan and Chatta's film villages, Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) film village and resort and Africhatta Film Village, built

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NONYE SOLUDO BAGS CHIEFTAINCY

TITLE

The First Lady of Anambra State, Nonye Solido, has been conferred with the traditional title of 'Mmili Gulu-Egu N’Isuofia' by Igwe (Colonel) Christopher Muoghalu (retd), the traditional ruler of Isuofia Community. She was conferred with the title during the 2024 'Iri Ji' (new yam eating) festival, an annual cultural festival held at the end of the rainy season in early August in Igbo land and symbolizes the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle. Ironically, the first lady's late mother, Mrs Gloria Uzoamaka Ezenwanne, was

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

Kunle Bakare

Journalism's Greatest Challenges Are Patronage, Payment For The Consumption of News – Kunle Bakare

Publisher and Editor-in Chief of Encomium Magazine, Kunle Bakare, also known as KB, recently clocked 60. He speaks with IVORY UKONU about how it feels to be 60, what he has been up to these past years and other matters. Excerpts:

Congratulations on clocking 60. How does it feel hitting the landmark age?

Thank you so much for your warm wishes. It is a pleasure to be invited to grace your platform. I am grateful for this gift of life, of being permitted to mark my 60th birthday in fairly good and sound health. I am not as fit and energetic at this age as I was when I was younger. There are aches and pains here and there. I am a bit slow nowadays, but old age comes with some maturity and circumspection which are beneficial. I feel good. I am alive and well, kicking and joyous.

Were you looking forward to turning 60 or did it just creep on you?

I have always looked forward to birthdays since I was 10 years-old. I remember shopping for my 10th birthday, going all the way to the then Kingsway and Leventis stores on Broad Street, Lagos. I bought an ensemble for my birthday and a hat. It was a memorable adventure which I embarked on all by myself. So, I have always looked forward to birthdays. And those who know me will remember that I always say: 'Do you know I am 30 years-old?' Or, whatever age I was whenever they tried to take advantage of me. And we would laugh over it. July 31st is important to me.

Have you accomplished all that you set out to do before 60? No, I haven't accomplished all that I set out to do. And I don't think I can. Life is a work-in-progress. You dream and attempt to achieve your dreams. It is perpetual, ongoing, never-ending. There are too many things I would have loved to accomplish, but there's little time, limited resources and energy to pursue and achieve them. For one, I would like to have a world class atelier that solves the sartorial needs of refined gentlemen. I have started already. Secondly, I would love to settle down as a writer of fiction and non-fiction and make a living out of it. Thirdly, I would love to have a media and tech company that advances the cause of mankind and make the world a better place. Fourthly, I would love to set up companies that convert waste to useful everyday items that benefit humanity. There are too many things to do. And I hope I can have enough presence of mind and resources to accomplish some of them.

Looking back, do you have any regrets?

Who doesn't? A renowned Nigerian once said that we should never believe those who claim not to have regrets. And this gentleman was one of the most accomplished human beings on earth. In 2018, I read a novel written by Jeffrey Archer and titled 'Heads You Win,' which explored how, if one took a different path at a particular time, life would not be the same. And that's how life is. There are many things I wish I did differently. I could have been an architect, a doctor, lawyer or soldier. I could have relocated abroad, or to my village. I could have chosen different paths. But that is not to diminish the wonders I have experienced. I am grateful, immensely thankful.

If you could turn back the hands of time, what would you have done differently?

Not one but many things. But what's most important is to be kinder and more understanding. To treat all with utmost respect, be more charitable and giving. To plan many years ahead and be dedicated to my craft and occupation.

Would you consider yourself a fulfilled man?

Fulfilment comes on one's death bed. You cannot be fulfilled when you don't know what's ahead and how it is going to end. I am grateful, thankful, considerably happy and joyful, so far and I pray that the latter days will be good.

What are you most grateful for?

For life. For being permitted to reincarnate and make atonement. For being given another chance to make amends. I am grateful for all the experiences. All the people and events that have shaped my life. My prayer is that it ends well.

‘Encomium Weekly,' which was once a must-have soft sell, has since run its course. Why did you rest it when you could have taken advantage of the burgeoning online media space? Encomium Weekly ran its course as a publication sold on newsstands and

when it was no longer profitable to print the magazine. One of the mistakes we made was to elongate and subsidise printing the magazine for years. We thought events would change to our advantage. Remember, everything runs its course. Everything. At that time, printing the magazine was no longer sustainable and profitable, the online business was also not profitable. If we had another chance, maybe we should have stopped five years earlier, but we couldn't see the future. With the size of 'Encomium Weekly,' there was no way, at that time, we could run an online publication profitably. Most profitable online sites then were one-man blogs which stole stories from the traditional media. However, encomium.ng is online—and we are re-engineering and working on a better site and medium on the internet. We are actually planning and working on a media and tech company. And we pray for success.

The magazine at the height of its fame was like a school of journalism of some sort for entertainment and society writers. Some people have argued that you should have set up a school to train young writers who may be interested in that genre but have no one to mentor them. What is your take on this?

The dream to teach journalism is still alive. And I am working on how to explore the opportunities. Fingers crossed. The good thing is that many beautiful people passed through 'Fame Weekly,' 'Encomium Weekly,' and they have the opportunity to fly our flag. And many of them are doing so well.

Journalism these days is no longer what it used to be. The younger ones are not willing to put in the work. Why do you think this is so and what can be done?

Nothing is how they used to be. But we must put things in perspective. I believe the world makes a lot of progress, in spite of our pessimism and what we publicise. I always refer my friends to the book, 'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling, which challenges negative perceptions and presents data showing how the world has improved in areas like poverty, health and education, among others. The major challenges journalism face are patronage and payment for the consumption of news. If these two can be addressed, we will notice all the positive changes we are capable of displaying. Once a profession, craft or vocation is profitable, it grows and attracts the best.

memories - the good people at 'Encomium Weekly' who made everything possible, the stakeholders like advertisers and readers, agents and vendors etc. We also hosted the classiest and most colourful events: the White Gig, the Black and White Ball, the Green and White Groove, the awards and more. We played our part, and hope and pray that we can still contribute more in future.

What were the challenges you encountered running 'Encomium Weekly,' and how were you able to overcome them?

What are your fondest memories running the magazine? They were journals of records - 'Encomium Weekly', 'Encomium Special' and 'E Lifestyle'. You read from them the authentic history of our people. Then there was 'A Decade of Encomium: 1997–2007,' a world class, three-part, 900-page coffee table compendium. There are too many fond

It is not easy to be a Nigerian, according to the late Olufela Anikulapo-Kuti. There are too many obstacles and hurdles. Nigeria is not friendly, but that is not to discount the endless opportunities. And in business, it is even tougher. So, you have to make sacrifices. There are too many challenges and you overcome them by planning ahead, investing well in the business and getting the right people. Different challenges require innovative approaches and solutions. Where does one start with the challenges? Electricity, the economy, manpower, theft... You just learn to cope and evolve solutions that keep you on top.

Why did you choose to become a journalist? What is your story? It's a long story. But let's say I started by wanting to be a doctor, architect,

Bakare

Bakare

lawyer and later journalist because of the subjects I was exposed to in secondary school. But once I tilted from science and technical subjects to arts, it was clear where I was headed. So it was either Law or Mass Communication and I opted for the latter.

Why did you choose this genre of journalism? Why not political or business journalism?

I met a gentleman when I was studying Mass Communication at the University of Lagos where I was between 1984 and 1987 who exposed me to celebrity and entertainment journalism.

Mr Wole Fagbohun whose father was a renowned tailor and designer based in Ibadan was a collector of foreign magazines. And he stayed opposite my room in Mariere Hall. We became friends and I read some of his magazines, one of which was the National Enquirer. I was fascinated by the stories and the seriousness they brought to bear in reporting, presenting and packaging their stories. And I made up my mind to explore that genre of journalism. Luckily, I also came across Mr Muyiwa Adetiba of 'Prime People' when I was in my final year in the university and began buying the magazine. While undergoing my National Youth Service Corps in Benin City, Edo State in 1988, 'Prime People' advertised for reporters, and I applied. I got the job, and had to redeploy courtesy of Mr Fola Arogundade, our editor at the time, in March 1988.

Are you proud of what you accomplished with the magazine, growing it to become one of the topselling soft sells in Nigeria?

I'm very proud of what we were permitted to do with the magazines. 'Encomium Weekly' was the most civil soft sell, apart from being a journal of records. Like I mentioned, we published other journals and hosted some wonderful events and awards which people still talk about and miss. I think we played our part wonderfully well.

Femi Akintunde Johnson and Mayor Akinpelu and yourself cofounded 'FAME' magazine, but that relationship ended on a bad note. Would you care to share what transpired for the benefit of those peddling rumours of the real reason you all fell apart?

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

It will be difficult to tell the story of 'FAME' even in memoirs. And it will be unkind and uncharitable to tell it from only one perspective. There were too many events and experiences and players. Let me just say that the era was one of the most exciting, interesting and challenging periods of my life. This was between July 1991 and May 1997. I look at those years as momentous and try not to see any regrets, but lessons. Recalling and stating sides about who did what in the relationships will not be good form and appropriate, especially now that we are all over 60. What's important is that young men, who stood on the shoulders of Mr Tayo Adesanya, our chairman then and his wife, started what some have termed a significant part of the history of journalism in Nigeria. That singular milestone suffices and overrides all other pitfalls, shortcoming or wrangling. The fresh obstacles and feelings the three of us face and experience now replaced the emotions and challenges of those early years during and after we left the company. We are all alive and well, kicking and joyous and have moved on to do other magazines and businesses. What we must always remember is that there are no coincidences in life. But we can 'change' karma and 'redirect' destiny like the example I gave in Jeffrey Archer's 'Heads You Win'. So, it's all good!

Do your children take after you?

No. But my daughter writes well. And my son has the knack for designing and business.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently in relation to journalism?

I would have done many things differently. For one, I would have concentrated and mastered better the business of journalism and planned five years ahead all the time.

You are very sartorial. How did that aspect of you evolve?

It's a gift from my parents. It also grew out of interest. My parents exposed me to fashion and style. I learnt simplicity and elegance from them and I naturally got drawn to it more by watching, reading and learning from books, magazines and the Internet. You can learn anything. I've been lucky to have known and interacted with Nigeria's leading designers, clothiers and some international figures who taught and showed me a lot. Is this why you founded Omoluwabi by KB? What is it all about?

Omoluwabi by KB is my fashion brand for cultivated gentlemen who aim for being best dressed over well-dressed. Omoluwabi's signature style epitomises refined elegance. It is defined by clean lines, timeless sophistication, and nuanced subtlety. Our garments exude luxury with understated details that command attention without ostentation. We champion aesthetics that prioritize subtlety over spectacle, sophistication over showmanship, and quiet confidence over bravado. We make bespoke garments like white tie and morning dress ensembles, tuxedos, suits, kaftans and agbada and sell accessories such as shoes, caps, pocket squares and watches, suspenders, socks and more. The business was triggered by a friend who wanted some caps urgently for an occasion and

“

It will be difficult to tell the story of 'FAME' even in memoirs. And it will be unkind and uncharitable to tell it from only one perspective. There were too many events and experiences and players. Let me just say that the era was one of the most exciting, interesting and challenging periods of my life. Recalling and stating sides about who did what in the relationship will not be good form and appropriate, especially now that we are all over 60

he approached me. After the delivery, I decided to turn it into a business since I've always been consulted by friends and acquaintances on fashion and style. I even shopped for friends or accompanied them on shopping expeditions. Fashion and style have always been more than a fleeting preoccupation. It began as a business in 2018 with 'aso oke' caps and later kaftan before blooming into what it is today. I started it with the first payments for my garments and accessories by two of my friends: one an oil tycoon and the other a judge. There's still a long way to go because the COVID-19 pandemic delayed many of our plans. It is based here in Lagos and I work from out of my house

As a fashion forward person, what are the key elements that a man should take into consideration when building a classic and enduring wardrobe?

Many things should influence assembling a classic and timeless wardrobe. The first is your job and the dress code dictated by your calling. Then your position and what you aspire to be. Your lifestyle and the leisure events and activities that make your life more exciting should feature in your consideration. Your income also determines the garments you can afford. Assembling them in sombre colours of seriousness — black, white, blue, grey and brown – is equally as important as taking good care of them. Assembling an enduring wardrobe requires thoughtfulness and planning.

What motivates you?

The desire to be a better human being. To leave the world better than I met it. To contribute to the happiness and advancement of mankind. And the motivation comes from within. Though external factors can fire it, it must be from within. What would you say must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today?

My family and the people I've been fortunate to come in close contact with. The schools I attended and the books I have read. Coming across 'The Grail Message' early has contributed immensely to shaping me to who I am today. But there's still a lot to learn and inculcate.

When you are not so busy, how do you unwind?

I read and daydream, watch television and browse the Internet. I also go window shopping. And sometimes go for a drink and nibble at hotel lobbies. I love to observe what people wear.

Bakare

Bakare

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

How Tayo Ayinde Celebrated His 60th Birthday

Penultimate week, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, fondly referred to as Buffalo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hit the big 60 and rather than roll out the red carpet, he decided to celebrate the landmark age in a unique way. He chose to spend the entire day in the presence of his maker with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Christ the Light Church, Alausa Lagos. It was a blend of spirituality and celebration characterised by energetic praise and worship.

The thanksgiving service was further uplifted with songs by Abolaji David Banjoko aka BeeJay Sax, Evangelist Tope Alabi and the church choir. Many of the guests in attendance were given the opportunity to make glowing speeches about him in tributes and testimonies. The thanksgiving service was officiated by a group of clergymen led by Right Rev STV Adegbite, chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State chapter and Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. The highpoint of the service was the cutting of one of the four birthday cakes of the celebrant right there in the church while the church choir sang for him. The service ended with the celebrant giving a vote of thanks followed by a closing prayer as everyone departed for their various homes. Some of those in attendance at the service were the Lagos State Deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat and his wife; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Hakeem Muri Okunola, President Bola Tinubu's private secretary; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; white cap chiefs representing Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos etc. Earlier, members of the House of Representatives, Lagos State Caucus; Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of the state House of Assembly had paid tributes to him extolling his many virtues. Although he beamed with smiles all through the duration of the thanksgiving service, it was obvious that the day would have been a better spent day were his late wife, Princess Adedoyin Raliat still alive. She passed on in November 2022 after returning from a United Kingdom trip where she went to have their second baby. She was a niece of business tycoon and former AGIP Board Chairman, Adekunle Ojora. Ayinde has been described by those in government circles as a workaholic technocrat with a dignified calmness, an accountant with a sense of security, a

Continued from page 18

man of excellent gait and commanding presence and a strategic thinker. But Ayinde is this and much more, particularly in Alausa, the seat of power in Lagos State and Bourdillon, the 'kingdom' of his mentor and President Bola Tinubu. A National Diploma (HND) holder in Accountancy from the Lagos State polytechnic, he also holds a Master’s Degree (MBA) in Financial Management from Lagos State University and has attended the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, Harvard Business School for various short courses in finance and management. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Ayinde was a former staff of the Department of State, DSS where he served as the head of the accounts department of the Shangisha Office from 1993 to 1999. He was later deployed to serve with Tinubu when he was the Lagos State governor, a period that became his (Ayinde) turning point. He was allegedly tipped to be a successor to former governor Babatunde Fashola at some point.

Bolanle Austen-Peters Acquires 10,000 Acres of Land For Film Village

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY

HALIMA ABUBAKAR GETS HER GROOVE BACK

Former Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar seems to have moved beyond her issues with Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries International and is embracing what the future holds for her with open arms. There is an indication that she has found succour in philanthropy.

Halima claims to be passionate about children and people living with disabilities in Nigeria and Africa by extension. For this, she has set up a self-named foundation - The Halima Abubakar Foundation Appreciation Outreach. She recently unveiled the foundation with a charity event in Abuja, where she reached out to over 2,000 people with disabilities by donating food items, wheelchairs, crutches and other relief items. Halima noted that over the years, helping people in need was a priority for her.

The Emir of Karomajiji in Abuja, Suleiman Muhammad, who was present at the unveiling, commended Halima’s gesture, describing her as a woman of substance and loved by the people. This was even as he urged more popular figures to emulate her. It is however unclear if the fund for her philanthropic acts is from her personal pockets or if she is fronting for somebody. This is especially because of how much she cried out to the public for financial assistance, before and during her saga with Suleman which isn't too far off.

Halima, who in 2022 announced her retirement from acting over health concerns, had confessed to an alleged romantic affair between her and the cleric. She claimed that she agreed to an alleged romantic affair with the preacher because he told her he was divorced with three children. She was forced to make the confession when she got hit by a strange ailment which defied medical cure. She claimed that Suleiman was allegedly responsible for her deteriorating condition after she decided to move on with her life.

Although Suleman denied ever being in any alleged romantic relationship with Halima, Halima's sister accused him of being economical with the truth. She claimed that Halima allegedly has many framed photos of Suleman in their family house. Also, she claimed that because of her sister's debilitating illness which persisted for years, Halima allegedly had to forgo a political appointment from their State Government.

Continued from page 18

Nonye Soludo Bags Chieftaincy Title

a bearer of the revered title which she carried with a deep sense of responsibility. It was a name that resonated with her deep-rooted worldviews of selflessness, discipline, and service. While thanking Igwe Muoghalu for the honour to bestow on her the title, Mrs Soludo accepted to bear the treasured crown while being aware of the long expectations and responsibilities it carries. She dedicated the special honour to her late mum who she said left a great example

Ernest

for what motherhood and service to God and humanity is really all about. Besides running the affairs of Anambra State alongside her husband, Mrs Soludo who is an advocate of healthy living is the Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Living Foods, a food company in the United Kingdom and Nigeria and the parent company of Royal Foods. She is also the managing director of Charles Frances Properties, a real estate firm in the UK.

Azudialu

Obijackson's Daughter Ties The Knot

Son over 70 acres of land with facilities like horse riding and other recreational activities, are both located in Oyo State.

The Austen-Peters Film Village, a 10,000-acre swathe of land and rolling hills, is in Epe, Lagos State. The producer’s latest movie, House of GA’A, was shot at the film village. Mrs Austen-Peters has announced that the facility is open for commercial purposes, including recreation and movie productions.

Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peter, daughter of foremost legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, is a lawyer turned entertainment mogul. She also holds a Masters from the London School of Economics. After working as a lawyer in the 1990s, first in her father’s chambers, Afe Babalola & Co and later at the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees in Switzerland, she founded Terra Kulture, which is fully involved in promoting Nigeria’s art and culture through exhibitions, indigenous restaurant and

storytelling through its award-winning plays and movies. Through BAP Productions, Austen-Peters has produced stage musicals like 'Saro,' 'Waka,' 'Fela & The Kalakuta Queens,' 'Death and the King’s Horseman,' among others. She has also directed feature films such as 'The Bling Lagosians,' 'Man Of God,' 'Collision Course' and 'Funmilayo: The lioness of Lisabi.'

In 2020, she was one of four women selected for a prestigious fellowship programme of the Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, USA, for the Legatum Foundry Fellowship, a transformative experience for accomplished entrepreneurs who are at an inflection point between scaling an innovation-driven company and transitioning into a role as an entrepreneurial leader catalysing systems change and inclusive economic growth across the African continent.

Halima's sister even claimed that the controversial cleric was allegedly engaged to her sister at some point in their relationship for four years.

Halima also claimed that she allegedly got pregnant for Suleman three times, but she had to terminate the pregnancies. Suleiman eventually sued Halima for N1 billion naira for damages and for continuously defaming him. He asked her to publish a retraction of her defamatory statements on her Instagram handle @alimabubakar and on several online blogs and newspapers. She was also asked to pay the cleric the sum of N20 million, being the legal fee paid to the counsels handing this suit. Despite the defamation suit against her, Halima continued to defame Suleman, claiming that he allegedly promised to marry her but that she turned down the offer several times.

Well, there is no record of Halima ever paying the N1 billion for defaming Suleman nor is there any record of her paying N20 million in legal fees to him or publishing a retraction of her defamatory statement. She has however heeded to some voices of reasoning and has moved on to a new chapter of her life.

even years after businessman, Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, Group Managing Director, Obijackson Group, played host to eminent personalities during the wedding ceremony of his eldest daughter, Chinazo Isabelle in Lagos, the big-time player in the oil and gas sector, hosted very important personalities last week, to the traditional wedding of his second daughter, Kene to her lover, Ugo, son of business mogul and CEO of Ekulo Group, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Okonkwo. It was a union of two influential families and saying that it was a lavish ceremony would be putting it mildly. Being a man who appreciates and understands cultural enrichment, Obiejesi ensured that some of the biggest highlights of the ceremony which took place in his country home in Ihiala, Anambra State was

the various cultural displays from different groups, put together to entertain guests. A few weeks before the traditional wedding, Ugo had proposed to Kene while on an intimate boat cruise in Lagos, accompanied by their close friends and family members. Obiejesi who is also the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nestoil is also the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, a private charity based in his home state through which he improves the socio-economic wellbeing of his community through better access to good quality education, empowerment, skill acquisition, infrastructural development and healthcare. He is also the organiser of the ‘Face of Okija’, an annual music and cultural festival targeted at youth empowerment and rejuvenation of the Igbo culture.

Abubakar

Ayinde

The Okonkwos

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Olufunso Adebiyi; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi

of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President,

President, Administration and Operations

L-R: Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC), Aliyu Adamu (2nd Right), with the children of the late former Chairman of ICPC, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, during the Chairman’s condolence visit to the family in Ibadan on august 27, 2024.

L-R: Head, Primary Markets, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Tony Ibeziako; Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation (NGX RegCo), Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo; Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Jude Chiemeka; Vice Chairman, AVA Global Asset Managers, Mr Kayode Fadahunsi and CEO, AVA Global Asset Managers, Mr. Efe Shaire, during the Closing Gong Ceremony to commemorate the listing of their N4.075 billion AVA Infrastructure Fund Series 1 on NGX in Lagos on August 29, 2024.

L-R: The Macallan Brand Educator and Ambassador, Lagos, Daniel Atteh; Manager, Windsor Gallery, Lagos, Sonia Nzete; Chief Executive Officer, Windsor Group, Richard Vedelago and Senior Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi at The Macallan and Windsor Gallery Exclusive Art Exhibition in Lagos on  August 23, 2024.

L-R: Wife of the Oni of Ife, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi; representative of the Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Sayo Olatunde and COO, Camroll Quest Ltd, SLTV’s Mega Dealer in FCT, Princess Nikky Onyeri, during the visit of a team from SLTV/Camroll Quest Ltd to the Chief of the Air Staff in Abuja on August 27, 2024.

L-R:

Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief

Ibrahim Hadeja; Senior Special Assistant to the

(Office of the Chief of Staff), Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh and others, during a familiarization visit by the Chief of Staff to NEMA in Abuja on August 28, 2024.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Faleye; Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Diket Plang, after the committee’s engagement with management of NSITF on their Staff Nominal Roll, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on August 28, 2024.

Tribute to a Gifted Goalkeeper And Heartland Coach

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Christian Obi's life and career are a testament to the heights one can reach through dedication, skill and an unwavering passion for football. His untimely death on August 23, 2024, following a tragic accident involving the Heartland FC team bus, has left a deep void in the Nigerian football community. Yet, the legacy he leaves behind is one that will be remembered for years to come.

Obi sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital

January 2, 1967, Christian Obi was drawn to football from a young age. His natural talent as a goalkeeper quickly became evident, and he began to make a name for himself in local leagues. His big break came when he was selected to represent Nigeria at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Obi played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal, a significant achievement for the country at the time.

squad. Obi instilled a sense of belief in the players, convincing them that they could achieve greatness despite the odds.

The 2022/2023 season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in the history of Heartland FC. Under Obi's leadership, the team went unbeaten throughout the NNL season, a feat that had never been accomplished before by the club. The team’s discipline on the pitch, combined with Obi's tactical flexibility, allowed them to dominate the league and secure a spot in the NNL Super 8 tournament.

Obi's performance at the tournament did not go unnoticed, and he was soon called up to the senior national team. He was part of the squad that competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where Nigeria's football team was one of the standout sides. Although the team did not win a medal, Obi's contributions were crucial, and he solidified his reputation as one of the country's top goalkeepers. After hanging up his gloves, Obi made a smooth transition into coaching, a path that would define the second phase of his football career. He started with youth teams, where his ability to nurture young talent became apparent. His coaching philosophy was simple: hard work, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game. These principles guided him as he moved up the ranks in Nigerian football.

One of his early successes as a coach was with the youth team of Heartland FC, where he was instrumental in developing future stars. His success with the youth teams earned him a promotion to the senior team, where he faced the challenge of restoring Heartland FC to its former glory. Heartland FC, also known as the "Naze Millionaires," has a rich history in Nigerian football. However, by the time Obi took over as head coach, the club was going through a difficult period. They had been relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), the second tier of Nigerian football, and were struggling to regain their place in the top flight.

Obi's appointment as head coach for the 2022/2023 season marked a turning point for the club. He inherited a team low on confidence, but with his tactical acumen and ability to inspire players, he set about rebuilding the

The NNL Super 8 is a fiercely contested competition, with the best teams from the NNL fighting for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Obi's Heartland FC entered the tournament with high expectations, and they did not disappoint.

The team displayed a combination of defensive solidity and attacking flair, attributes that had become synonymous with Obi's coaching style. They emerged as the tournament champions, earning promotion back to the NPFL in the process.

This achievement was particularly significant given the challenges the club had faced in the preceding years. Obi had returned Heartland FC to the NPFL but had done so in a manner that restored pride to the club and its supporters. His success with Heartland FC earned him widespread recognition, with many considering him one of the best coaches in Nigerian football.

On August 23, 2024, tragedy struck when the Heartland FC team bus was involved in a horrific accident. The team was travelling to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to participate in the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT pre-season tournament. The bus collided with a stationary truck in Okigwe, Imo State, resulting in severe damage to the front of the vehicle where Obi was seated. The severity of the accident was immediately apparent. Obi sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the country.

Christian Obi and Heartland Team

Christian Obi and Heartland Player

Scene of Accident