THEWILL NEWSPAPER, July 07, 2024

Digital

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Elozonam Ogbolu came into the public’s eye when he contested in the Big Brother Naija show. Since then, he has made a mark in the entertainment industry, advancing significantly, particularly in the movie industry. Ogbolu’s transformation from a reality TV star to a significant force in the creative industry proves his hard work. Elozonam Ogbolu wasn’t always into acting; he was more into his music. It wasn’t until he entered the workforce that he transitioned into acting. “I think it was when I got to school that people told me that I’m such a dramatic person I would do well in acting, but I didn’t think about it then because all I cared about was music at the time, and it was when I got into the workforce that acting became like a thing but there wasn’t a moment I went off in my head that I would like to be an actor. I think acting just sort of found me.” Read our cover story on pages 8 to 10. Don’t forget that you can now scan the QR code on the magazine cover to download the latest issue.

Expressing your style and personality through tailoring is a unique and personal experience. Small details like the lining and fabric can be customised to your taste, making you stand out. Discover how tailoring can elevate your style on pages 4 and 5.

Our décor page offers exciting suggestions to transform your kitchen into a visually stunning space. Get ready to be inspired on page 11.

As always, you can click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download our playlist.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo:

Kola Oshalusi

@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2024 THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnews.com

THEWILLNIGERIA

COVER

RED ALERT

BY AMOS ESELE

Last Thursday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, sympathised with residents over the previous day’s downpour that left hundreds stranded and many areas submerged besides a few recorded deaths. When he alluded to the fact that nature had taken its full course on the state on that day, he was merely stating the obvious.

Wahab said, “I will start by saying to Lagosians, ‘We are sorry for the inconvenience caused due to nature’s course yesterday morning.”

According to John Adeyinka Adebayo, a retired professor of Applied Geology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure in Ondo State, that is the true situation of things.

“It is going to get worse because of climate change. A geological process is ongoing. The circle has started and human beings are unfortunately aiding the circle by burning fossil fuel, wood and

so on. So, the problem is going to increase. With the melting of ice in the North pole, the sea level will continue to rise and in turn raise the water level on land. It is a geological phenomenon. That is why states like Lagos that are close to the Atlantic Ocean and few metres above sea level will continue to be flooded, though the impact can be mitigated by proactive action,” Professor Adekoya told THEWILL on Friday.

Explaining further, Adekoya said that the melting of ice in places like Iceland in the North pole is becoming rapid as a result of the increased volume of carbon dioxide released in the air due to human activity.

“The carbon dioxide does not allow heat to escape, thus leading to the gradual increase of temperature in the air which causes water to evaporate and precipitate as rain,” he noted.

Already, the Federal Government is not leaving things to chance. The Minister of Water

Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, last Thursday in Abuja warned that river flooding is expected, starting from this month.

He called on the states and local government councils to step up efforts to avert flood-related disasters in their domains as “we approach the peak of the flooding season.

“At the national level, some states have started experiencing some level of flooding and its associated disaster as of April this year. So far, more than three states such as Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have experienced high levels of flooding, with several casualties recorded, including displacement of people and loss of properties,” Utsev lamented.

Interestingly, the minister said there was no release of water yet from any of the dams within and outside Nigeria. For Kainji and Jebba Dams on River Niger, he said water is still impounded into their reservoirs. According to him, 20 states

COVER ...Rivers, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kogi, FCT, Others

are likely to be impacted by anticipated heavy flooding, including the FCT. They are Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers and Taraba.

DOUBLE DANGER AHEAD

Unlike in previous years when flooding was a major headache for flood-prone states and their citizens, this year’s recurrence will be compounded by Cholera disease which is typically contracted from water supplies.

According to Utsev, the increasing level of flooding and continuous rainfall may worsen the spread of cholera in the country. His warning came a day after the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris sounded the same alarm.

Dr Idris, who attributed the Cholera outbreak to the ingestion of contaminated food and water, expressed the fear that flooding would heighten the spread of the disease because of factors, such as open defecation, inadequate toilet facilities and poor sanitation. He disclosed that a total of 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases have already been recorded as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, since the outbreak of the disease.

“Clearing of blocked drainage systems and canals, replications of people living along waterways and states and local governments, are encouraged to desilt river channels and canals in their respective constituents, to collect runoff water is part of the recommendation file for flood motifs,” he advised.

Confirming that the death toll from the spreading cholera outbreak had risen to 63, and 2,102 suspected cases in 122 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, he said that about 90 per cent of the cases were recorded in 10 states, with seven of them in the southern region.

Alarmingly, many of these affected states are flood-prone: Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta.

CAUSES

Apart from the remote cause of climate change identified by Prof Adekoya, the immediate causes include blocked canals, drainages and waterways by either buildings or sewage, even as he expressed the country’s capacity to curtail further spread despite the challenges posed by the culture of open defecation.

Disclosing the challenge posed by open defecation to the spread of the Cholera, Idris said that only 123, which is 16 per cent, of 774 LGAs in Nigeria are free of open defecation. Apart from Jigawa, being Nigeria’s only open defecation-free state, more than 48 million Nigerians practice open defecation.

Inadequate and existing toilet facilities are not well maintained, even in many government

facilities, he said, adding that 11 per cent of schools, six per cent of health facilities, four per cent of motor parks and markets, have access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services in the country. He also listed other challenges, including waste management practices, food, environmental and personal hygiene practices, as well as a capacity gap among healthcare workers at the state and LGA levels.

Other challenges that he identified included poor regulation on the construction of soakaway pits and boreholes; poor regulation of food vendors and commercial water supply, which compromises poor hygiene standards; inadequate implementation and enforcement of public nuisance law and other relevant public health laws are some other challenges. Delayed disease reporting by states and local government councils also compounds the problem.

REMEDY

Professor Adekoya said that though governments have no control over global warming and multilateral agreements on climate change are designed to reduce the causative factors, urged the authorities to plan with policies that cut down carbon dioxide and prolong life and property.

“Places like Lagos may get submerged in the future, but that is something that may take thousands of years to happen. So, we need to do

“Dr Idris, who attributed the Cholera outbreak to the ingestion of contaminated food and water, expressed the fear that flooding would heighten the spread of the disease because of factors, such as open defecation, inadequate toilet facilities and poor sanitation. He disclosed that a total of 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases have already been recorded as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, since the outbreak of the disease

something to ameliorate the situation.”

For immediate measures, he suggested that drainages and canals must be cleared regularly, waterways should not be bridged, people must be made to respect and obey the relevant laws, while those on flooded areas heed government calls to relocate to higher grounds.

For long-term measures, he advised that drastic action must be taken to avoid use of fossil fuels and heavy investment made on green energy, solar and wind power and electric cars.

Dr Idris, who said the Federal Government had demonstrated a strong political will to control the outbreak of Cholera with an inter-ministerial cabinet committee established to support the response efforts, called on the citizenry to embrace the knowledge and practice of basic hygiene, such as hand washing, proper defecation and general sanitary habits.

He disclosed that the agency had initiated the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate what he described as a robust response to nationwide cholera cases, adding that the NCDC activated the EOC after conducting a dynamic risk assessment.

According to him, the dynamic risk assessment was conducted by subject matter experts on the cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week in response to rapidly increasing cholera cases.

He said, “The subject matter experts were drawn from relevant Ministries (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, etc.), Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners. The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at “High Risk” of increased risk of cholera transmission and impact”.

Nigeria as a country that produces petroleum and begins to de-emphasis dependence on those products because they generate additional carbon dioxide, Professor Adekoya canvassed. “Solar, wind power and other forms of green energy that produce no harm to the environment are the way to go,” he said.

FOOD INSECURITY

Professor Adekoya also contended that potential disasters lay ahead as unchecked flash floods often affect the fertility of the soil by washing away the topsoil which is the richest part of the soil containing organic matter and other crop nutrients and deposits.

Confirming this possibility, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) in June 2024 reported that flooding alongside high food prices, conflict and insecurity were key drivers of food insecurity in Nigeria, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Somalia. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics said recently that “food inflation rate hit a record high of 40.66 per cent in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s 40.53 increase. This surge represents the largest year-on-year increase in food prices since records began in 1996.”

L-R: Member, Senate Committee on Marine Transport and Blue Economy, Senator David Jimkuta; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Committee Chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Senator Karimi Sunday Steve; Senator Saliu Mustapha and Senator Yunus Akintunde, during a courtesy call to the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja on July 4, 2024.

Tinubu

Launches

National Resettlement Scheme For Victims of Conflict

BY FELIX IFIJEH

President Bola Tinubu has laid the foundation for the official launch of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) to address the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacements across Nigeria.

Stanley Nkwocha, Media Spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the project, which marks a shift in the government’s approach to internal displacement and conflict resolution, expressed the commitment of President Tinubu not just to provide temporary relief but long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of affected communities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the pilot phase of the project in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Shettima, said, “There couldn’t have been a better place for the take-off of this intervention than this diverse state.”

According to the President, “Kaduna State has offered us a launchpad to venture into the communities dislodged by conflict. For so long, we have been held hostage by the fear of ourselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. Today, we gather to say, ‘Enough is enough.'”

Earlier in February, VP Shettima had inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as members.

Other members of the committee include the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director General of NEMA, among others. The project will initially focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts. They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna State. President Tinubu said his administration is determined to break the cycle of violence and displacement that has plagued various parts of the country for years. “Our journey to this point has been long and arduous, but today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity,” he stated.

Alleged N4.8bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Cletus Ibeto’s Trial Till Oct 24

Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, adjourned till October 24, 2024 further hearing in the alleged N4.8bn fraud trial involving Cletus Ibeto, Chairman, Ibeto Energy Development Company.

Ibeto alongside Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd are to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 10-count charges bordering on allegations of obtaining by false pretences, fraudulent conversion of property, criminal breach of trust, forgery and deception to the tune of N4.8bn.

The defendants are further accused of obtaining the sum of N2.5 billion from their victims as consideration for a nonexistent 14.1 hectares of land.

The offences are contrary to Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006, Section 365(3d) and (e), and Section 366 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, expressed concerns over the plans of the defence regarding the matter, given the fact that the defendant, rather than appearing in court for his arraignment, had chosen to negotiate with the Commission how to pay back his debt.

According to Jacobs, “ We need to know what their plans are. Are they planning to continue with the litigation? Or do they want to sit with the prosecution and complainant to negotiate an out-of-court settlement?

“He has paid back a large part of the money, and we need to know whether we should use it as an exhibit or consider it his commitment to an out-of-court settlement because they have continued to file different applications challenging the court’s competence to hear the matter.”

Counsel to the defendant, Adebayo Oshodi, did not react to the submissions by the Jacobs. He, however, sought the leave of the court to re-list an application challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction.

Responding, Jacobs kicked against the prayer by the defence, saying the application had been voluntarily withdrawn at the instance of the defence team before it was struck out by the court.

“ It can not be re-listed before the same court,” he added. The judged upheld the argument of the prosecution counsel.

Though Justice Ogala also frowned at the move by the defendant, who has been meeting the EFCC investigators on ways to pay back the money he allegedly owes the complainant instead of appearing in court.

Alake: Reforms Spur Investor Confidence in Mining Sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has affirmed that reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration have led to a renewed investor interest in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Giving the keynote address at the Nigeria Middle East Investors Expo and Awards, Alake stated that the federal government’s focus on solid minerals has redirected global attention to Nigeria’s mining sector, spurring increased investments and revenue for the country.

Highlighting the impact of his 7-point agenda, the Minister detailed the successes of the mining marshals in combating illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest and prosecution of numerous culprits across the country.

“Since deploying the mining marshals as part of our comprehensive plan to sanitize the mining environment, they have been working assiduously and efficiently. Over 300 illegal operators have been apprehended, with more than 133 currently undergoing prosecution. We are making significant progress,” Alake noted.

To enhance the operations of the mining marshals, Alake revealed plans to incorporate satellite monitoring of mining sites. “We are installing satellite surveillance mechanisms, allowing us to monitor all mining sites in Nigeria from the Minister’s office, identify any illicit activities, and promptly deploy mobile mining marshals,” he said.

The minister urged investors to capitalize on Nigeria’s extensive mineral deposits, noting the identification of over 40 million tonnes of talc deposits in Niger, Osun, Kogi, Ogun, and Kaduna states; approximately 1 billion metric tonnes of iron ore in Kogi, Enugu, Niger states, and the Federal Capital Territory; and an estimated 10 metric tonnes of lead and zinc spread over eight states, among others.

In furtherance of efforts to improve the operating environment and ease of doing business, Alake recalled the recent launch of the Decision Support System (DSS), an online platform providing comprehensive information about Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to assist prospective investors worldwide in making informed decision about investing in the mining sector.

Highlighting the abundance of high-grade critical minerals in the country, Alake affirmed Nigeria’s readiness for business and encouraged investors to take advantage of improved regulatory frameworks and incentives.

L-R: Founder, Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), Prof. Ola wale Albert; Vice President of SPSP, Mr Ndifon Neji and President of the Society, Mr Nathaniel Awuapila, during the SPSP’s Annual International Conference on Networking Kinetic and non-Kinetic for tackling insecurity in Africa, in Kaduna on July 4, 2024.

NEWS

Don Urges FG to Resolve Nigeria’s Mounting Debt

Achartered accountant, financial analyst and lecturer with the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi, Mr Timkat Peter has urged the government to urgently address the country’s mounting debt currently at 52 per cent to the GDP.

According to him, "It's astonishing that Nigeria, a country rich in resources, has a debt ratio of 52% of its GDP. This staggering amount indicates a concerning departure from international standards.”

"This high debt level has severe implications for economic growth, development, and future generations. It limits the government's ability to invest in public services, infrastructure, and social programs. Urgent action is necessary," he said.

He also urged the President Ahmed Tinubu to address food insecurity through the agriculture and rural transformation agenda for the survival of the citizens.

Other recommendations he made include effective debt management strategies, diversification of the economy, promotion of economic growth, education and skills development for a competitive workforce and ensuring transparency and accountability in government.

He explained further that focus on production and consumption of local goods will boost the economy and create jobs.

He said, “As it is now we must learn from countries that have achieved economic prosperity through effective resource management. Our leaders must prioritize national interests over personal gains. It's time for urgent action to address Nigeria's debt crisis.

NOA Mobilises 4000 Staff to Track Promoters of Violence

As security agencies warn against the planned protests around the country, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals nationwide involved in the planned protest.

This directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the Commission, are mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government. Deputy Director, Press, Paul Odenyi, said the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, also urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest, saying the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilise the country and cut short investigation into their nefarious activities.

He said that while directing the 4000 staff of the agency to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, it says the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programmes and activities.

“A group has been recruiting young Nigerians, including students, through social media to protest against the EFCC’s operational activities, particularly in enforcing cybercrime laws,” Issa-Onilu said. The NOA DG noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.

NOA, therefore, urges Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app.

Insecurity: Gov. Ododo Empowers 1,050 Hunters With Security Gadgets

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has distributed security gadgets to 1,050 hunters as enabling empowerment to tackle insecurity in the State.

The governor while performing the ceremony at the Government House, Lokoja, on Thursday, vowed that his administration would not relent in ensuring that the state is free from all forms of crimes and criminalities.

According to the governor ” My Administration will not give room where Kogi State will be a breeding ground for criminals. However, all hands must be on deck to assist government to achieve this laudable goal” While charging the hunters to remain professional in assisting other security agencies in combating crimes in the State, Ododo disclosed that his administration has adopted Kinetics and non kinetic approach to ensure security of our people.

“Kogites, we must protect ourselves. If we don’t do it, nobody will do it for us. Kogi State is not a free trade zone for criminals. “When you see them, deal with them decisively. Criminals must be wipe out of our land. When you are coming with criminal mind, we are ever ready to take you out. Once again, when you see criminals, deal with them” he warned.

Earlier in his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police Bertrand Onuoha disclosed that the items distributed is to assist conventional security agency in the State to combat insecurities. While expressing appreciation to the Kogi State governor for his foresight in securing lives and properties, the Commissioner said “All of us knows the topography of Kogi State which poses security challenges. All this we are seeing is in line with the Inspector General of Police on community policing. ”If all this security agencies are establish without synergy, much will not be achieved. Am using this medium to call for the integration of all security agencies in the State. I have directed Area Commanders to always make use of vigilantes and hunters. When we harmonize, our services will be more interesting” Onuoha advised members of the hunters association and vigilantes to always work in synergy with other security to nip in the bud criminal elements from Kogi State. He urged them to always put in their best in protecting law abiding Citizens in Kogi State.

FROM JOSEPH AMEDU, LOKOJA

POLITICS

No Respite For 25 Rivers Lawmakers

BY FELIX IFIJEH

The Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday reacted immediately to Thursday’s Appeal Court ruling which vacated an order of the Rivers State High Court restraining 25 defected Rivers Assembly lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule from sitting and parading themselves as members of the Assembly

By filing an appeal at the Supreme Court, challenging the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

THEWILL learnt that Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, one of the lawmakers loyal to Fubara, said the appeal became necessary because the Rivers Assembly “strongly believes that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine suit no. PHC/1512/CS/2024.”

Addressing the House at Friday’s plenary, Oko-Jumbo insisted that no declaration of the courts, including Wednesday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal has nullified the pronouncement made by the immediate past Speaker of the House, Ehie Edison on December 13, 2023, declaring vacant the seats of Amaewhule and 24 other members who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oko-Jumbo maintained that he remains the authentic Speaker of the House and that the seats of Amaewhule and 24 other embattled lawmakers remain vacant.

“There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed, any state in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the only House of Assembly in Rivers State.

“As the whole world knows, on the 11th day of December 2023, Martin Amaewhule and his 24 friends defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“On the 13th Day of December, 2023, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared the seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others in the RSHA vacant. That declaration by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria,"he said.

In its reaction, the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, is divided in its view between a faction loyal to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Rivers State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, who is loyal to former governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Okocah reportedly said the Appeal Court verdict meant that the pro-Wike lawmakers are still in charge. The camp loyal to Amaechi disagreed.

According to Okocha, “The grey areas that have led Rivers into a litany of litigation have been sorted out. Justice was served. The reasoning adduced by the venerated Justice of the Court of Appeal, under which stood the bedrock of their unanimous decision, is very sound and unimpeachable.”

The Publicity Secretary of the APC loyal to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Darlington Nwauju, in a statement, said the judgment did not change the fact that the 25 pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC.

Nwauju, however, urged the parties in the suit to respect the rule of law and approach the Supreme Court if they deemed it necessary.

He said, “We urge the parties in dispute to respect the path of the rule of law and constitutionality and approach the highest court if they deem it expedient.

“The fact that the Court of Appeal has taken a decision

one way or the other pooh-poohs the fact that while awaiting the decision of this court, the madness that took place on June 25, 2024 in the name of a protest for which an improvised explosive device was detonated, was ab initio infantile, illogical and grossly irresponsible.

“Finally, today’s ruling does not vitiate the fact that the 27 Assemblymen did defect from the PDP to the APC.”

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday declared as "null and void", an order of the Rivers State High Court restraining 25 defected Rivers Assembly lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, from sitting and

There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed, any state in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the only House of Assembly in Rivers State “

parading themselves as members of the Assembly.

THEWILL recalls that Justice Charles N. Wali, Presiding Judge of the Rivers State High Court, on May 10 and 30th, granted the interlocutory order restraining the 25 lawmakers from the State House of Assembly.

Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others including Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Timothy, in a suit filed through their lawyers, B.N. Owunabo, Esq., K. O. Ogunjobi, Esq, B. S. Orupabo, Esq, 0. J. Ifejika, Esq. and T. Aprioku, Esq., argued that Amaewhule and 24 other defected lawmakers ceased to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13 when their seats were declared vacant.

The 25 lawmakers announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023. Subsequently, the Rivers Assembly, led by former Speaker, Edison Ehie, on December 13, declared their seats vacant following their defection.

But in an appeal No.CAs/PH/198/2024, filed by the 25 Lawmakers against Oko-Jumbo and five others, the appellants are seeking to set aside the order of the lower Court for want of jurisdiction.

Faulting the jurisdiction of the lower court, the appellants prayed the appellate court to stay the execution of the interlocutory injunction restraining them as lawmakers of the Rivers Assembly and also set aside whatever decisions Oko-Jumbo has taken while in office as Speaker.

Ruling on Thursday, a three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, held that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit filed by Oko-Jumbo and others.

The court held that Section 272(3) of the Constitution gives the Federal High Court powers to determine whether the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant.

It held that the express mention of the Federal High Court in Section 272 (3) of the Constitution automatically excludes all state high courts from having the jurisdiction.

"Consequent upon the foregoing, the order of the trial court having been made without Jurisdiction is of no effect and is hereby declared null and void", a unanimous judgement by Justice Bada, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka and Justice Balikisu Bello Aliyu, declared. The matter is now left for the apex court to adjudicate while the defected lawmakers await the final verdict on their fate.

In the past few months, Olukoyede has come across as forthright and intentional in executing his mandate as the EFCC Chairman. In the often hazy and opaque system that almost all administrations have run in the past 25 years, it is comforting to find an appointee of the government talking with such zeal and directness

Ugly Face of Corruption in Nigeria

From the anti-graft czar, Olu Olukoyede, came a strong indictment of corruption in Nigeria last week. During a courtesy visit by the management team of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, led by its Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Olukoyede said anytime he checked the case files and sees the amount stolen in the country, he wonders how it still continues to survive.

He added that if Nigerians were to see some of the files they would weep. He was talking about public corruption and of course, its enablers in the private sectors

“When I look at some case files and see the humongous amount of money stolen, I wonder how we are still surviving. If you see some case files, you will weep. The way they move unspent budgetary allocation to private accounts in commercial banks before midnight at the end of a budget circle, you will wonder what kind of spirit drives us as Nigerians,” he lamented.

History, they say, always holds the answer to a seeming puzzle.

He stressed that transparency and accountability should be embedded in both the public and private sectors for optimal development of the country.

In 1991, a distraught Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, blabbed that the Nigerian economy ‘defies every economic principle and theory in the book,’ after having

worked with the best minds from the academia and great social engineers, whose practices failed to pull the country out of economic downturn. Blunt and frank, Olukoyede, appeared to have provided the answer to Babangida’s query 33 years ago, a generation after.

As one of the most corrupt countries in the world, according to the Global Corruption Index, with 133 million Nigerians suffering multidimensional poverty, even by government standard, it is easy to see why government after government and their policies since Babangida’s era, have failed to make Nigeria earn its name as the biggest black country in the world, despite being renowned for its wealth in human and natural resources.

Corruption is the only and biggest threat to the economic growth and development in the country. Governments and their officials pay lip service to the eradication of corruption and yet lift no finger to do anything about it.

Indeed, the immediate past Muhammadu Buhari’s administration made the fight against corruption one of its cardinal principles. It is doubtful if he as much as succeeded in laying a foundation, let alone fight it.

EFCC’s Chairman’s disclosure is enough evidence that nothing serious was done during the eight years of that baleful administration.

The fact that a Minister of one of the direct-people impact ministries of that past administration, Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Sadiya Farouk, and head of a section, were

made to return billions of Naira as well as the former Minister of Aviation, Hadji Sirika, currently undergoing questioning by the EFCC, shows that corruption was well and running under Buhari’s eight years. This is not only a sad commentary on the quality of that administration but a warning not to take elected officials for their words.

Shedding more light on the problem, Olukoyede identified the system of revenue generation which allows leakages in the mobilisation and allocation of funds. “If we do not look at the system, we will be chasing shadows,” he said.

In the past few months, Olukoyede has come across as forthright and intentional in executing his mandate as the EFCC Chairman. In the often hazy and opaque system that almost all administrations have run in the past 25 years, it is comforting to find an appointee of the government talking with such zeal and directness.

While praising him for his forthrightness, we wish to state that he is also putting himself on the spot for public opinion and assessment in the execution of his job. Every form of support should be given to the new department of the agency, namely, Department of Fraud Risk and Assessment and Control to carry out its preventive task over corruption.

In a country where borrowing is almost an official government policy, thus plunging the country into debts with little left for fiscal financing, recovering looted funds and blocking leakages in the system will go a long way in releasing the need for capital to execute projects and enhance good governance.

Ag.

– Amos Esele Business Editor – Sam Diala Copy Editor – Chux Ohai

Sunny Hughes

OPINION

The Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs

he Nigerian state is controversial, with citizens often living in a climate of conspiracy theories. Recently, a picture surfaced on social media showing military graduands with a backdrop of the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs. This has generated mixed reactions across various ethnic and religious groups. At first, I ignored it because not everything is worth one's attention, but on second thought, it is worth my time. I don't know how true the background sign is, particularly in the era of deep AI, but if it is true, there is nothing wrong with unbundling school curricula to serve a

I am a political scientist majoring in Development studies. Under political science, there are various studies, including international relations, development studies, public administration, security, and peace studies. This is also true for Mass Communications, which now includes public relations, advertising, prints, etc. It wasn't always so; the field of Development studies emerged after World War II to address global inequalities, particularly to bridge the gap between the rich North and poor South and so are

Coming to the subject at hand, the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs, it is common knowledge that the Nigerian state is at war, particularly in the Northern parts, fighting terrorist groups and bandits, among other criminal elements. The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria is a long-running conflict that began in July 2009. The group, formed in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, initially opposed Western education but later evolved into a terrorist organisation seeking to establish an Islamic state

The conflict is part of a larger pattern of religious violence between Nigerian Muslims and Christians, with Boko Haram targeting both civilians and military personnel. The group's first terrorist attack occurred in January 2010, marking the beginning of a violent campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement. The conflict escalated in 2014, with 10,849 deaths reported that year alone.

In 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, becoming the "Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP)”. However, the two groups split in 2016, with the dissidents continuing to operate as ISWAP.

The Nigerian military has struggled to contain the insurgency, with the conflict spreading to neighbouring countries. The humanitarian impact has been severe, with millions displaced and facing food insecurity. The conflict has also had a significant impact on the region's economy and social fabric. Now, those questioning or alarmed by this gesture ask, why won't the Military embark on such a study if not for the exigency of time? What is wrong with creating a department of studies to analyse this phenomenon?

In my opinion, the Nigerian Army's creation of a School of Islamic Affairs to study the nuances of Islamic extremism and terrorism is a prudent move, considering the current security challenges facing the country. The military's involvement in academic research may seem unconventional, but it is essential to understanding the context. The Nigerian Army is facing an unconventional enemy in Boko Haram, which uses ideology and religion to fuel its insurgency. To effectively counter this threat, the military needs to understand the ideological underpinnings of the group's beliefs and tactics. By establishing a dedicated department to study this phenomenon, the Nigerian Army can gain valuable insights into the motivations, tactics and strategies of Boko Haram. This knowledge can inform military operations, enhance counter-terrorism strategies, and improve overall national security. The exigency of time is indeed a factor, as the country faces ongoing security challenges. The military's involvement in research can provide timely and actionable intelligence to support ongoing operations. It's common for militaries to engage in research and analysis to better understand emerging threats. In fact, many military institutions around the world have research centres and think tanks focused on strategic studies, terrorism analysis, and cultural studies.

So, the Nigerian Army's initiative is a welcome development, and its findings could contribute significantly to the global understanding of terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies. As such, those calling for schools of Christian and traditional Affairs can start their insurgencies too, enabling the state or the Nigerian military to establish a department to cure the unneeded attention.

Rivers' Political House of Commotion

Rivers State has turned into a political house of commotion. The crisis currently rocking the state is dangerously spiralling out of hand. The battle for control of the state between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is threatening the existing peace and stability of the state. Therefore, urgent steps should be taken to prevent any attempt to impose anarchy on Garden City.

The relative peace currently enjoyed in Rivers and the Niger Delta at large should not be taken for granted or cracked on account of the personal political interest of two friends turned arch-enemies.

In fact, the strained relationship between both came unexpectedly too early. It was revealed that the godfather and godson turned foes when the former demanded a chunk of Rivers State's monthly allocation/revenues much higher than what the latter was willing to offer. It was not surprising that as usual and typical of Nigerian politicians, the godson deserves to be dealt with accordingly for disagreeing with the godfather and daring to assert himself.

It was reported that arrangements were concluded for the impeachment of the governor by the State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, the factional speaker loyal to Wike, who also served as speaker under his administration.

A night before the appointed doomsday for Fubara's ouster, a mysterious fire incident occurred in the House of Assembly Complex. Fubara went ahead to pull down the entire ruins of the complex after inspecting it and promised to build a new one.

Some members of the House and persons alleged to have perpetrated the act deemed loyal to Fubara were arrested and charged to court. Since then, the Amaewhule-led group have been sitting at the old legislative quarters of Port Harcourt mostly making a mincemeat of Fubara's government. More so, they have passed laws and resolutions, held press conferences and issued press statements opposing almost all the policies of Fubara's administration.

President Tinubu, who eventually waded into the matter to restore peace and tranquillity by extracting an agreement between the duo to bury their hatchets, was, however, surprised the cold war has festered despite his concerted effort to broker peace. Both contenders are now back to the trenches hatching plans on how to politically outdo each other.

This game of wits has substantially stalled the business of governance in the state. It has led to division between individuals, politicians and members of the House of Assembly, who are for and against the two political gladiators.

At one time, a video trended online where twenty-six members of the House loyal to Wike were said to have defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC). The matter has been a subject of discussion and court litigation. Nigerians are still in awe as they continue to witness the acrimonious absurdity playing out in Rivers State between the governor, Wike and members of the State House of Assembly serving the contending interests of only the gladiator.

This crisis was exacerbated when Martin Amaewhule, who led a faction of the state legislature passed a law extending the tenure of the past local government chairmen elected under Wike.

This invariably handed the ex-LGA chairman a piece of legislation to rely on, a ground for acquiring court orders and judgment to aid their longer stay in office. It was clear that the law was passed to massage the political ego of one man and not to deepen and strengthen democracy.

The tenures of the LGA chairmen cannot simply be extended because one godfather, who occupies an office in Abuja thinks he is so powerful and can use his office to make Rivers State ungovernable. Any alteration to an Act of the State Assembly like this can only be effective when it is done in the overriding interest of the public not to satisfy the political avarice of one man.

Proxies have practically inherited and taken the fight between Wike and Fubara to another level. The majority of the state legislators loyal to Wike, the local government chairmen under his administration, who were recently removed from office have resisted the governor's action and repeatedly shown no regard for the office of the governor.

A certain Samuel Anosike has on several occasions undermined the office of the governor with his unguarded utterances.

NIGERIAN POLITICIANS AND THOSE ACTING THEIR SCRIPTS SHOULD ENROLL IN LESSONS ON THE VAIN POLITICS OF LEADERS SUCH AS IDI AMIN AND MOBUTU SESE SEKO OF UGANDA AND CONGO, RESPECTIVELY

Rivers' ex-LGA chairmen and other politicians should stop acting like kids. They should be reminded that the insults they hurl at Fubara cannot be tolerated under Wike. Therefore, any attempt to create unrest in Rivers to spite Fubara or manufacture an atmosphere of insecurity to prepare grounds for the declaration of a state of emergency will fail.

Grown and educated adults should not present themselves as destructive tools in the hands of a man, who claimed to have bought the 2023 tickets of all the elected political office holders in Rivers. It makes no sense to act senselessly on the basis of being loyal to a mortal man.

Many people have grown tired of the overbearing influence of the man who thinks he is all-knowing. Fortunately, the people of Rivers have risen to protect their state in the face of this affront to democracy.

On June 19, when the tenure of the local government chairmen expired, Rivers Youth took over all the local government headquarters in the state.

New caretaker chairmen have been sworn in by Fubara. However, the police have taken over the LGA headquarters and denied them access, citing efforts to restore peace.

Political power is naturally transient. Tenures of office holders are already determined by the law. Therefore, no matter what one does to remain politically relevant or stay perpetually in power, the end must surely come.

Nigerian politicians and those acting their scripts should enroll in lessons on the vain politics of leaders such as Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko of Uganda and Congo, respectively. Despite the enormous powers both wielded at that time, their obvious influence, and affluence did not stop them from being ousted from office. They took to their heels when it became clear to them that people were fed up. Both died disgracefully in exile in foreign lands and were buried like common criminals.

TIFE OWOLABI

BY SUNDAY ONYEMAECHI EZE

Aviation Reforms in High Altitude

The reforms in Nigeria’s aviation industry are operating at an unusual altitude of professionalism, integrity and inclusiveness. In an uncommon twist of events the sector is beginning to reposition Nigeria’s image against what the international community knows – a country with unusual creativity for doing what is not right.

From the menace of touting to the ‘big man’ attitude of the Federal Government officials who would not pay toll fees, the impunity of illegal private jet operations and the temerity of fraudulent auctioning of the nation’s aircraft, the industry is wearing a new look.

A fact that emanates from this aviation revolution is that the process unlocks avenues for revenue boost, as the government aims at enhanced tax revenue by expanding the tax loop as against imposing more taxes and also dealing with this hydra-headed monster called multiple taxation.

Recent developments in the aviation space, therefore, are not only amazing but points to the bright weather of cultural transformation – away from the cloudy tradition of leadership by bad example.

Recently, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended 10 private jet operations over failure to begin the recertification process. This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on Friday, in Abuja.The agency said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flights from using their aircraft for carriage for commercial operation or charter services.

N78.35bn

As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA promptly suspended the PNCF of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation

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EDITOR Sam Diala

South-East States Record $1.89bn External Debt,

Investment Inflow in Four Years

BY SAM DIALA

Nigeria’s five south-east states accumulated a total of $1.89 billion external debt in four years, between 2020 and 2023; but recorded a paltry $261.6 million foreign investment during the period,

The south-east region comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the states’ combined external debt jumped by 14.1 percent from $428.3 million in 2022 to $489 million as of December 31, 2023.

Enugu state has the highest external debt stock of $494.72 million and recorded zero foreign investment during the period.

The reports showed Anambra in the second position of the zone’s external debt portfolio with $429.6 million during the review period. However, the state recorded a foreign investment of $51.48 million during the reference period.

Abia’s external debt amounts to $381.24 million, however, it recorded the highest foreign investment of $210.12 million among the south-east states during the four-year period.

The DMO data showed that Imo’s external debt position was $308.22 million but the state recorded zero investment inflow during the period. Similarly, Ebonyi which recorded the least external debt of $283.7 million had no capital inflow to the economy during the period.

A further study of the reports showed that Abia attracted its highest foreign investment within four months of Dr Alex Otti’s tenure as governor from May 29, 2023.

Although Abia is among the few Nigerian states that attract foreign investment to their economies on a fairly regular basis, the state never attracted capital inflow to the tune of $150.09 million within three months, as was the case in Q3 2023 under Otti.

By that outstanding feat, Abia came third after Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) Abuja in capital importation destinations during Q3 2023.

The report further revealed that Abia and Anambra remained investment destinations among the south-east states, while investors shunned the other three – Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi.

That of Imo was most disappointing. Despite housing the largest natural gas reserves in West Africa, and significant crude oil deposits, Imo attracted zero foreign investment in four years, between 2020 and 2023.

The NBS reports showed that, after recording $3 million in 2019, Imo had no dime to its name by way of investment inflow to the state during the four years. Imo was also the only oil-producing state that attracted no foreign investment for the period. The situation did not change in the Q1 2024 report by the NBS.

Among the five south-east states, Anambra and Abia achieved

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Anambra Ebonyi Enugu Imo Abia

BUSINESS WEEKLY

...Investment Inflow in Four Years

Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the states’ combined external debt jumped by 14.1 percent from $428.3 million in 2022 to $489 million as of December 31, 2023

a total of $51.48 million and $210.12 million, respectively in four years (Abia had received a cumulative of $60.03 million from 2020 to 2022.) .

Commenting on Imo’s potential energy wealth, former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, said Nigeria has nearly 300 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, ranking 9th in the world, with Imo holding the largest reserves amongst all.

“Imo state with 200 trillion cubic feet of gas deposits should be set for economic boom”, Sylva said during a visit to Governor Hope Uzodinma in Owerri in April 2019.

“Governor Otti is on a fast lane and has proved in practical terms that he has not come to tell stories like what his predecessors in office did. Matching words with action is the way to go.

You will soon see Abia and Anambra ahead of the other south-east states” said Clifford Okoro, a Lagos-based investment analyst from Abia.

Governor Otti on January 18, 2024, inaugurated the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, with a charge to evolve initiatives that are focused on identifying, capitalising and showcasing the state’s area of comparative advantage.

Speaking during the event, Otti said the calibre of individuals that make up the council speaks to the state’s vision.

The governor added that this development had sent a strong signal to potential investors that “Abia is poised to become the next big thing.”

The states have various mineral deposits in commercial sizes that could boost their economy if the enabling environment exists in the country, and the states show commitment to diversify their source of revenue.

Enugu is rich in coal deposits of a commercial magnitude that could transform it to a modern New Castle. The state also abounds in lead, zinc and limestone.

Anambra is an oil and gas producing state and harbours mineral deposits like clay, glass-sand, gypsum, iron-ore, lead/zinc, lignite, limestone, phosphate and salt. Aside from crude oil and natural gas, Imo has calcium carbonate, solar wind power and zinc. Its integrated oil palm plantation and one of the largest in Nigeria, Adapalm Limited, has fizzled into a redundant facility due to mismanagement, corruption and ‘bad politics’.

In Ebonyi, granite, salt, limestone, lead and zinc are among the mineral deposits found in the area. The NBS reports showed little evidence of foreign investors’ interest in the zone despite the huge oil and gas and other mineral deposits in the area, which their leaders have flaunted as a unique selling point in their global throttle for foreign investors.

Recapitalisation: Fidelity Bank to Issue

Fidelity Bank will issue an additional 8.2 billion shares, worth about N78.35 billion as the bank anticipates an oversubscription of its combined offering.

In a corporate disclosure on the NGX website, the company issued a notice for an extraordinary general meeting to be held on July 26.

As contained in the notice, one of the resolutions to be deliberated in the EGM is that the bank be authorized to accept additional funds from its ongoing public offer and rights issue.

The move comes in response to a potential oversubscription of the combined offer.

According to the notice, an increase in share capital is part of the resolutions to be deliberated upon. The bank seeks to increase its share capital from NGN22.6 billion, represented by 45.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each, to NGN26.7 billion, represented by 53.4 billion ordinary shares.

This increase will be achieved by creating up

...Reforms in High Altitude

Developments Ltd and Matrix Energy Ltd.

Others are Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

This is coming on the heels of a move by FAAN to stop touting at the airports

At a media interaction with journalists, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, said the agency would establish a dedicated task force to be headed by its director of Special Duties Henry Agbebire to address the menace. FAAN said it would engage all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures, adding that magistrate courts would soon be established at the nation’s international airports to prosecute offenders.

THE Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, has moved to compel politicians, government, and military personnel, including heads of ministries, departments and agencies and other security services to pay the mandatory fares at tolled airport access roads.

Keyamo insisted that earlier exempted VIPs, ministers, military officers and others do not have ‘free pass’ and must pay to optimise the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and others’ revenue. Industry watchers had urged the government to ensure that the declaration is rigorously enforced.

Keyamo projected that the MMIA could generate N250 million monthly from tollgate fees charged on vehicles commuting through its access road. Observers say it could be higher, given the high volume of traffic at the country’s premier airport.

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, ordered the immediate arrest of an alleged unlicensed auctioneer and the Director of Quality Control of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology for allegedly providing false information on oath, over the sale of two helicopters at $1.2m.

THEWILL had exclusively reported that two FG-owned helicopters were fraudulently ‘auctioned’ way below market value by former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, and now kept in in the US Florida Airport,

This newspaper confirmed that two Bell 206L-4 model helicopters belonging to the Nigerian College of Civil Aviation (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna, that the nowindicted former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hadi Sirika, ‘auctioned’ way below their market value towards the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration are now in a hanger operated by Dynamic Helicopters, Number 821-3, NE, 10 Street, in Pompano Beach, Florida, United States waiting to be resold at market value,

THEWILL further reported that the circumstances surrounding the ‘auction’ of the helicopters at a combined value of USD$1.2m are presently being investigated by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation.

“Nigeria’s aviation space stinks. It is a gateway of corruption, impunity and wrong behaviour. The moral burden the menace imposes on the country is alarming.

“If Festus Keyamo succeeds in reforming the aviation sector, combined with the CBN’s successful offload of huge payment backlogs earlier owed the international airlines, the aviation sector can breathe the breath of good health,” said Kingsley Douglas, an aviation expert.

to 8.2 billion additional ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each, which will rank equally with the existing shares. Specifically, 5 billion of the new shares will be allocated under the Public Offer and 3.2 billion under the Rights Issue.

Issuing 5 billion new shares at N9.75 per share to prospective shareholders will generate N48.75 billion. Additionally, the rights issue of 3.2 billion new shares at N9.25 per share will raise N29.6 billion, bringing the total extended offering to N78.35 billion.

The increase in the share capital is to accommodate potential oversubscription of the combined offering, as the bank is in a race to hit the N500 billion minimum paid-up capital before March 2026.

Fidelity Bank became the first bank to make a move in line with the CBN’s recapitalization exercise, through a combined offering which began on June 20 to close on July 29, 2024. In the combined offering, the bank is looking to raise N127.1 billion, through a public offering of 10 billion shares at N9.75 per

share, and a rights issue of 3.2 billion shares to existing shareholders at N9.25 per share on the basis of 1 new share per 10 shares held in the bank.

This potential extension in the bank’s offering has increased the bank’s target to N205.45 billion, from the initial N127.1 billion.

If Fidelity Bank achieves this target, combined with its current paid-up capital of N129.705 billion, the bank’s paid-up capital will reach N339.155 billion. Consequently, the bank will require an additional N160.845 billion to meet the N500 billion target.

On June 20, 2024, Fidelity Bank commenced its public offer of 10 billion ordinary shares at 50 kobo each, priced at N9.75 per share, alongside a rights issue of 3.2 billion ordinary shares at 50 kobo each, priced at N9.25 per share.

Onyeali-Ikpe said that the financial institution’s N127.10 billion capital raising exercise is to be considered as a pacesetter in the life of the banking industry capitalisation drive.

LENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Nothing Gives me as Much Joy as Birthing New Ideas – O'Tudor

Well known for his innovative approach to brand building across all sectors of the Nigerian economy through ADSTRAT BMC, Charles O’Tudor tells IVORY UKONU why he has been off the grid these past few years and what he has been up to. Excerpts:

About15 years ago, you were (still) the 'it' guy, in terms of strategy, personal or business brand building and engagement. You were bursting with so much energy and you were in our faces. All of a sudden, you fell off the radar. What happened?

When you start working for bigger brands, you do not compete with them, you step back and let them bask in the spotlight. It is all about them, not you. I was working full time with the Cross River State Government and I was busy doing tours with the governor all the time. I realised that I had to open an office over there to duplicate our efforts in Lagos. But I soon realised that it is not necessary to be in the media, especially if you are working for a client that big. If you inadvertently shine either alongside your client or overshadow them, it creates a problem, it is dangerous. I know how many memos I got from the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, complaining that my press releases come out the same day as that of the governor's and what is more, my own press releases would be longer than the governor's.

But your duties were different from that of the CPS It doesn't matter. One of the things I have learnt over the years is to make money and to talk less. Let the client shine. So I retreated behind the scenes. That is the only reason, nothing else.

What incident made you come to this realisation?

I was working on a small part of the Cross River brand, the Obudu Mountain Race and the press release came out that I had been appointed as a member of the strategic committee team. I was a consultant on the project already. I was also working on Cross River State Signage Agency which I created. So, I was managing two very important projects: the branding, the signage agency. And while I was with the governor of the state in Lagos for an economic stakeholders meeting, the press release from my office in Lagos on the strategic committee team, came out. It was not funny. Everyone around him were not happy. I did not release it, my team did, and everyone was like how I can be putting out a press release from my office on a day the governor was having such an important meeting that I am in charge of.

Did it cost you your job wth the governor?

No. I kept on working with him for almost eight years, but what it did to me was that it made me smarter, made me more critical, more strategic in terms of my decisions.

What is happening to ADSTRAT BMC?

It is still very much alive and kicking. We are a 129 people working in our Lagos, Abuja and South Africa offices. I am stepping down as the Group Chief Executive Officer soon. I am grooming someone to take over from me.

Why are you stepping down?

I am moving unto something else

Is it something to do with branding?

It is not yet time for me to let the cat out of the bag. I do think that African entrepreneurs, particularly Nigerians, must know when to leave office, know when to walk away and put in place structures that will outlive them. I have been putting in place structures for the past nine years to ensure that if I step down, ADSTRAT will not die. I have been doing branding since I was 23 years-old. It is tiring and boring doing the same strategy thing. I have grown an industry. So, I think I have done quite well in that regard and I do not think it will be out of place to say that I want to move on to other things.

For the benefit of those you have inspired and who look up to you in the branding space, can you at least give out a snippet of what you are going to do next?

Okay, let me indulge you. I love to see people smile after finishing a plate of food. I want to set up a restaurant. I have done branding for almost six restaurants in Lagos, so I want to buy one, rebrand it and be the chief chef, Really, chief chef?

Oh yes. I am Efik, by the way. So, I know what I am talking about. The other chefs will go to the market to get the ingredients while I will be at the furnace preparing the sumptuous meals for clients. Thereafter I will relish in seeing the satisfaction on their faces after they have had a good meal, freshly made African meals, not the one that has been previously prepared and stored in the freezer. These are the kind of things I want to do next, while I keep an eye on my branding company. But with ADSTRAT, I want to expand it into something called innovative media, public relations and social media. It is going to be totally different, something never been done before, using Artificial Intelligence.

Is Nigeria really ready for Artificial Intelligence? They don't have to be ready. The question is, are we ready in ADSTRAT? Yes, we

are. We are not working with the masses; we are working for multinationals because they are mentally ready to adopt it. There is however a challenge with that because it might eliminate some people's jobs. I am also going to be collaborating with the Federal Government to re position Nigeria as a brand. Do you know how we look in the media to the western world? I once made an effort in one of the past administrations, but I eventually let it slide because it didn't look like it would sail through, the way I expected. So I am back at helping to reposition the Nigerian brand.

When you say Nigeria as a brand, don't you think it is the people who makeup Nigeria that require rebranding, reorientation, so to speak?

It is a process. I don't want to divulge too much because the blueprint of what I hope to achieve with the Nigerian brand is already with them. But yes, we will start with Nigerians.

There seems to be thin lines demarcating branding, advertising, public relations, they seem intertwined. To a lay man, how would you define the three?

No, there is no thin line, they are very big lines. Public Relations is external projection of what you have created, it accentuates. Brand management creating the soul of a brand. Advertising on the other hand is when you want to execute the externality of the creation you created using unique techniques to bring attention to a product or service in hopes of drawing attention of consumers.

What is the most important thing you have learnt in life so far?

Authenticity, being true to self, first and then being true to what you are creating. Authenticity is about realising that you have changed mentally first, emotionally and physically. I have gone through a lot that has made me change. Experiences have shaped my outlook to life. I grow with the times, but, unfortunately, a lot of people do not grow with the times, they stay static, stoic. People like to remain in their comfort zone when the world is moving past them, instead of them to catch up. Being authentic means re-evaluating where you are at every point in your life and if you are lucky, having a team around you to help you understand what to do to move ahead of everyone.

What must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today?

Some of the business management lessons I learnt from Deji Doherty, a businessman, politician and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He was the chairman of the first company I worked in. I was the managing director of the company, but after nine months, I resigned because we could not come to an agreement on a lot of things. He put out a disclaimer on me in the press. However, over the years, we reconciled and when I visited him recently, he said something I will never forget. He said the future right now belongs to those that can create the impossible. So when it comes to business, I learnt a few significant things from him. He is a man I respect a lot.

Do you consider him your mentor?

Of course, no doubt about it.

What challenges have you encountered over the years as a branding expert?

As a Christian, it is tough being a businessman in Nigeria. There are things people can do in business that I can't do. Many years ago, I could have done

them, but not now. Another challenge I have is over trusting clients. They pay half of the money when you start out and they won't pay you the balance and you will start chasing them to collect your balance. Most clients in this country are shifty.

At 53, what would you say has been your greatest achievement in life so far?

I think I have been too favoured by God. So I will say, raising God-fearing children of strong character who will never break the rules of engagement. As a parent I am constantly worried about my children and that worry puts me on edge. The second greatest achievement is having a successful marriage.

Why are you obsessed with black as a colour?

Because it is a beautiful colour. It is a prestigious colour, it is different, it characterizes power, success. I have only one outfit that is not black.

You are quite an unconventional person. You began wearing dreadlocks at a time it was not fashionable for a Nigerian CEO to wear it. What is the story behind your locks?

I am a natural 'dada', I was born this way.

Did you at any time cut off the locks?

Yes. I woke up one day and just cut it. I had promised God that I will not cut the locks and I reneged on that promise and ever since then, I have not made the mistake of cutting it again. This is almost 15 years.

What informed your decision to shed weight? You look really different I just want to be healthier. The older you grow, the more pangs of pain you feel. There are too many issues one has to deal with, but we have to be more conscious of our body weight and what we consume. I was feeling very heavy and decided I needed to shed weight.

O'Tudor

O'Tudor

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Ijeoma Akunyili, Otto

Orondam Elected to Board of Harvard Kennedy School

The duo of Ijeoma Akunyili and Otto Orondam have been elected to the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Alumni Board in the United States.

Alongside six others elected from different countries, including Mexico, India, and the United States, they will serve the institution for four years, playing a vital role in connecting the global HKS community. Their responsibilities include engaging the global alumni community to champion the HKS mission, increasing alumni engagement with one another and the school, collaborating with the Alumni Relations Office to strengthen existing programmes and communication channels, and advising the dean on alumni perspectives, among other responsibilities.

The HKS Alumni Board is a collaborative body of several working committees focusing

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on engagement, connections, recognition, governance, and communication. They work closely with the Alumni Relations Office, drawing insights from the Director of Alumni Relations, the Dean, and other senior administrators.

Ijeoma is the first daughter of Dora Akunyili, the former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex-minister of information who passed away in June 2014. In January 2023, she made history as the first Black chief medical officer at the Jersey City Medical Center (RWJ Barnabas Health) in the United States.

Otto, on the other hand. is a social entrepreneur, development consultant and community organiser and the founder of Slum2School Africa, a developmental organisation that supports the education of children living in underserved communities and slums.

Continued from page 18

Okafor

CHRIS OKAFOR IN RELIGIOUS RUMBLE WITH CHURCH MEMBER

Aformer member of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos, Michael Omolayo Ibukun and the founder and General Overseer of the church, Dr Chris Okafor, are at daggers drawn over the church's resources. Problems started between the duo when Ibukun wrote a petition to the police alleging that he was defrauded by the church.

Ibukun, who was a member of the church’s protocol team, alleged that two cars were forcibly taken from him and sold to unknown persons. In his petition, Ibukun alleged that the Grace Nation Church refused to pay the N50 million it owed him for the diesel his company, Blessed Energy Resources Limited, supplied to the church some months ago. Also included in the petition was a request that the cars taken from him by the church be recovered, while the monies owed him from the sale of diesel be paid in full. Reacting to the allegations, the church said it had no case to answer as everything written in the petition are all lies and a calumny against the church. The church claimed that the said cars were willingly given as an offering with the original documents attached to God by Ibukun who, joyous and in an expansive mood for the blessings he received from God, decided to drop the car keys on the altar after giving a testimony during one of the church’s services that was broadcast live about three years ago.

The testimony was that God broke the jinx of no male children in his lineage when his wife conceived and bore him a son, following the prayers of the church’s general overseer. The church also claims it is scandalised that Ibukun is alleging that he is being owed N50 million for the diesel fuel he supplied it when in actual fact he was paid all the monies owed him for the few times he transacted business with the church.

sustain and scale their businesses through her Noella Foundation where she is a co-founder. According to her, over a thousand applications were received from various businesses and she had to personally vet each business to shortlist 60 candidates and further prune the list to 14 beneficiaries.

At the presentation ceremony, her husband, Seyi, who she has since reconciled with following a brief marital issue, was by her side to give her moral support. The next stage after the disbursement of the funds is the bootcamp stage where the 14 candidates will be put through a five-week training programme where they will be taught the fundamentals of business by experts, thus aligning with her vision to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to

sustain what they have. Noella Foundation, founded in 2018 by Layal and her husband, has made significant strides in improving the lives of children and young people across Nigeria. With Layal at the helm, the Noella Foundation is poised to address evolving challenges and continue making a positive impact in the lives of marginalised communities. Her commitment to social change and international partnerships will undoubtedly bring a refreshing perspective to the foundation’s work. Besides running the foundation, the 34-year-old runs Tots Toys, a children’s educational toyshop, and learning space which provides a range of educational items all intended to aid children’s development and learning.

Meet Felix Chidi Idiga, One of President Bola Tinubu's Closest Allies

value, others prefer to operate in the background without an inkling to their ties with him. One of such men is Felix Chidi Idiga, a silent billionaire from Imo State. He reportedly owns the highest number of private jets and Rolls Royce that rivals even that of billionaire business magnate Arthur Eze. A business mogul and entrepreneur, he is the Chairman/CEO of JAFAC Group of Companies involved in dredging, marine, logistics, asphalt production and sales, construction, equipment sales/leasing, building construction, agriculture, hospitality aviation, offshore services such as vessel, tanker vessel, tugboats, barges, security boats services, etc. His JAFAC Group is made up of the following companies: JAFAC Motors Nigeria/ JAFAC

Auto Inc. USA; JAFAC Wine; JAFAC Construction Limited; JAFAC Investment Nigeria Limited; SWAT LINK’s Limited (Maritime); Swat Technology Limited; Global Private Jet Charter; JAFAC Hospitality Industry (Galpin Suites & Hotel); Jafac Oil and Gas; Jafac Real estate. His garage is filled with numerous collections of Rolls Royce ranging from Cullinans, Phantoms, Ghost, etc. He is alleged to have donated billions of naira to the leading political party in 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections. He also allegedly donated two private Jets for the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Election Campaign. Born on June 30, 1963, he became a multibillionaire in his mid 30s and holds the revered title of 'Akuatuegwu of Igbo land.'

The church also claims that Ibukun recently approached the GO to request a N10 million loan which he said he wanted to re-inject into his business and despite being unable to offer the assistance because of the enormous resources that had been sunk into the rebuilding and expansion project the church undertook in 2023, the clergy man said he still sought for a way out for him by referring him to his bank. Unfortunately, the bank could not help because, according to the GO, Ibukun failed to convince the bank that he would be able to repay the loan as he was considered not credit-worthy.

The church authorities also faulted Ibukun in the area of offerings and tithes giving, saying that it does not compel people to give and that since the church abhors the practice of making altar calls in which members or visitors are asked to drop their cars and landed properties, it is sheer contradiction to imagine that Ibukun was asked to.

The GO claims that Ibukun is currently on the run for defrauding two of his church’s members of the combined sum of N11 million and therefore doesn't deserve the sympathy he has desperately sought from the public with his tissue of lies and deliberate falsehood.

One of Lagos' veteran society matriarchs, Funmi Goka over the weekend rallied round her fellow society matriarchs to a party as she bade her mother, Augusta Davies nee Oluwole, a final farewell. Funmi, a former deputy managing director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) ensured she left no stone unturned for the grand burial which began with a funeral service on Friday at Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos. Prior to that, there was a service of songs on Thursday which

Nkiru Anumudu etc. The deceased was the widow of a First Republic politician and nationalist, Hezekiah Davies. She died on May 11, 2024, aged 91. She has been widely eulogised for her selfless life of service, love and deep faith. The 67-year-old has been absent from the limelight for over two decades and the burial ceremony was an opportunity for her to bond with her fellow socialites. The trained lawyer is married to a Ghanaian national, Frankie Goka.

Akunyili Akunyili

Goka

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

EMMANUEL EMENIKE UNVEILS

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

NEW STATE OF THE ART HOSPITAL IN OWERRI

Former Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Emenike, has built a new luxury hospital called Emenike Hospital in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The grand opening of the 40-bed hospital was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and pride. The event, which signifies a major advancement in healthcare services for the region, was attended by dignitaries and government officials, including football legend, Kanu Nwankwo. The hospital which will be operated by AGCare, a leading healthcare operations management company, will be committed to delivering comprehensive and specialised care across multiple demographics. AGCare will also be bringing on board its expertise and vast experience with efficiently managing healthcare services for optimal patient well-being. Some of the benefits of the network include access to internationally recognised specialists and a local workforce of over

500 healthcare professionals, ensuring that all assets are fully and efficiently staffed. The launch of Emenike Hospital marks a milestone in the region’s healthcare landscape, bringing hope and improved health outcomes to countless individuals. The hospital facilities, showcasing the advanced medical equipment and modern amenities designed to provide patients with a comfortable and healing environment will provide laboratory services, consultations, pharmacy services, paediatrics and neonatology, radiology, accident and emergency etc.

Former Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu Inducted as Academic Society Fellow

The immediate past governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).

Established in 1971, the NSBMB is a professional association that manages the advancement of collective exploration in natural chemistry and atomic science in Africa. The induction was in recognition of the former governor’s contribution to the body of knowledge in the area of biochemistry and molecular biology in Nigeria.

Ikpeazu, who served as governor of Abia State between 2015 and 2023, studied clinical biochemistry at the University of Maiduguri from where

he graduated in 1984. The former governor later obtained his master’s degree in biochemical toxicology from the same university in 1990, before bagging a doctorate degree in biochemical pharmacology from the University of Calabar, four years later.

Before joining politics, Ikpeazu served as a lecturer in many Nigerian universities. The former governor has indicated interest to attain professorship in his field where he has over 80 scientific articles published in different local and international journals. A fellow of the Nigeria Environmental Society, the former governor is a co-author of the book, 'The Biochemistry of Environmental Pollution.'

Theophilus Danjuma Opens Skills Acquisition Centre

Barely six months after billionaire retired general, Theophilus Danjuma, donated $1.36 million to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan for the building of a hostel block for its students, the highest individual donation so far and it was made through his T.Y. Danjuma Foundation in response to an earlier request by the college towards the realisation of the student hostel building project, the 86 years has recorded another philanthropic act. This time, the chairman of the Victims Support Fund (VSF) has opened a skill acquisition center in Yobe State. The center is one of nine being built in the Gujba, Gulani, and Fika local government areas. It aims to provide training in skills like computer training, tailoring, electrical work, welding, and carpentry to unemployed youths. The initiative is part of the organization’s recovery programs after the insurgency and is important because of the current peace in the state. Danjuma emphasised the importance of these centres in equipping the youth with practical skills for employment and

self-sufficiency. The centres will serve women, youth, and other community members, promoting sustainability and economic growth. Through his VSF organisation, Danjuma has been supporting the North-East geo-political zone since 2014 through various interventions, including educational materials, savings and loans associations, and grants for women to expand their

HAmina Balewa Ties The Knot With Gboyega Babalola

The capital city of Abuja last weekend was the place to be following two very important weddings that took place. Besides that of Nollywood actress, Sharon Ooja who tied the knot with her lover, Ugo Nwoke, another wedding which brought two notable families from Northern and Southern Nigeria together was that of the families of Afe Babalola and Tafawa Balewa. Amina Nicole Balewa, an entrepreneur who plies her trade in the real estate industry tied the knot in a spectacular ceremony that spanned three days with her lover, Professor Gboyega Edward Afe Babalola, The director of sports and an associate professor at Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). Amina is the daughter of Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, a son of Nigeria’s first

Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Hajia Hafsat Balewa, the Chairperson of Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone and China-Africa Investment FZC, Gboyega is the son of renowned legal luminary and elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN. Amina and Gboyega’s marriage was solemnised on Friday at the Ansarudeen Mosque in Maitama, Abuja. A grand reception party then followed at the Thisday Dome, Abuja with King Sunny Ade on the bandstand. Timi Dakolo and Wande Coal also thrilled guests at the party. The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, politicians and other notable dignitaries from across the country. Gboyega has an impressive resume. He received his bachelor’s degree in

economics from Mercer University in Macon, Ga. He furthered his education when he received his MBA in Atlanta, Georgia in 2004. After three years of working for SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, he decided to return to school to pursue his doctorate degree. He finished his PhD programme in 2011 with concentration in Management. During his study, Gboyega also worked at Bank of America to broaden his business acumen and experience. Upon relocating to Nigeria in 2014, Gboyega began to lecture and also serve as a member of Afe Babalola University Council. In 2019, Gboyega was promoted to the rank of associate professor and later assumed the role of director of sports in ABUAD in 2019. Gboyega is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing.

businesses. Danjuma, who is one of the country’s wealthiest individuals and a top investor on the Nigerian Exchange, is the founder of South Atlantic Petroleum, a leading oil exploration company which has consistently engaged in philanthropic endeavors. Beyond his extensive business interests, he is renowned for his commitment to community development. Back in February, he opened the Daisy Danjuma Eye Hospital named after his wife, Daisy Danjuma in Takum, Taraba State. The hospital is his own dedicated way of tackling health issues, especially visual impairments. The Daisy Danjuma Eye Hospital comes after the Goodwill Medical Center (GMC) was launched in Enugu State by the TY Danjuma Foundation. This modern medical facility, fully funded by Danjuma’s philanthropic organization, aims to greatly improve healthcare access for the underprivileged, highlighting Danjuma’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes. Danjuma is known for his strong commitment to community development.

FRED AJUDUA DONATES 50 HOUSES TO WIDOWS IN DELTA

new age, he donated over 50 houses to widows and the less privileged in his community. This was done through the establishment of the FCA Scholarship Foundation. The foundation has reportedly made notable contributions to Ibusa, demonstrating Ajudua’s commitment to charitable endeavours. But not a few are sceptical with this act of generosity and wonder if he isn't using other people's sweat to achieve his aim. Recall that two months ago, he was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for land fraud and forgery. His arrest may not be unconnected to accusations of land grabbing by Akwukwu Igbo residents and those of Ogbe-Iyase quarters in Akwukwu-Igbo of Oshimili North Local government areas of Delta State. The residents at some point formed a protest group and pleaded with the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to assist in dissuading Ajudua from taking over their farmlands to avoid crisis and bloodshed in the community. After seeing that the state government wasn't doing their bidding, some of the protesters got a court injunction restraining Ajudua from entering some portions of land. Ajudua ignored the court injunction and continued to trespass into the land using agents of a real estate development firm, Property World Africa Network (PWAN Plus) until he got arrested and later released on bail to Senator Ned Nwoko who stood as a guarantor for him.

Ajudua

The Babalolas

Ikpeazu

Danjuma

Emenike

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Sam Adeoye; Finance Director, CrimsonBow Initiative, Bolaniran Deji-Adeyale; Regional Operations Director (Lagos Region), Airtel Nigeria, Peter Francis; Founder and CEO, CrimsonBow Initiative, Timi Edwin; Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Head, CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; and Director of Strategy and Partnerships, CrimsonBow Initiative, Adebola Adedeji; during Airtel  Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign in Lagos on July 22, 2024.

L-R: Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, Gov. Umaru Muhammad-Bago of Niger State; Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed and Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr Yakubu Garba, during the visit of  the NYSC Director-General and the Minister to the governor in Minna, Niger State on July 3, 2024.

From left: Minister of State for Youth, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Acting Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Feyisayo Alayande; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Chairperson, Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, Mrs Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke; Board Chairman of LSETF, Mrs Bola Adesola and Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, during the 2024 Employment Summit organised by LSETF in Lagos on July 3, 2024.

President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, during the ground breaking for the construction of Abuja division of the Appeal Court Complex in Abuja on July 3, 2024.

Administrator,

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Mr Timothy Soetan; Wife of Chairman Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Ibadan District, Mrs Fausat Kilani; Chairman, ICAN Ibadan District, Alhaji Babatunde Kilani; President ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe; District Coordinator ICAN, Seun Ejodama, at the inauguration of Chairman, Institute, Ibadan District, at the University of Ibadan on July 3, 2014.

L-R: Hospital

Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital, Enugu (MCSHE), Rev. Maria Chinemerem-Igwe; Mrs Amaka Nweke; Chief Medical Director of MCSHE, Rev. Mary Ignatia-Okafor, during the donation of incubators and other medical equipment to the Specialist Hospital by Anonymous Foundation in Enugu on July 3, 2024.

Turning Crisis to Opportunity: Addressing Age Fraud in Nigerian Youth Sports

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

The recent allegations of age falsification among Nigerian athletes bound for the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, have cast a long shadow over the nation's athletics programme. This scandal, unearthed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), is not merely an isolated incident, but a symptom of a deeper, more pervasive issue that

The young athletes at the centre of this controversy serve as a stark reminder of what is at stake

has long plagued Nigerian sports.

At the heart of the matter are four young athletes, each with a promising future in athletics. Yet, their achievements now stand tarnished by discrepancies in their recorded birth dates. One male athlete, a double champion in the U18 category at the 2023 African U18/U20 Championships, inexplicably has two different birth years – 2004 and 2006 – listed in official records. Even more baffling is the case of a female athlete whose documentation boasts not two, but three distinct dates of birth.

These inconsistencies are not mere clerical errors. They represent a deliberate attempt to manipulate the system, to gain an unfair advantage in youth competitions. It is a practice that has become all too familiar in Nigerian sports, particularly in football, where the nation's success in youth tournaments has often been viewed with a mixture of pride and suspicion.

The implications of this scandal extend far beyond the individuals involved. It casts doubt on the integrity of the entire Nigerian athletics programme and raises questions about the effectiveness of age verification processes currently in place. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) now finds itself under intense scrutiny, tasked with not only addressing these specific cases but also implementing robust measures to prevent future occurrences.

This is not a challenge unique to Nigeria. Age fraud has been a persistent issue across African sports, with countries like Ghana, Guinea, and Gambia facing similar scandals in recent years, all of which highlight the widespread nature of the problem and the need for a continent-wide approach to address it.

The root causes of age falsification are complex and multifaceted. Economic hardship plays a significant role, with the allure of professional sports contracts serving as a powerful motivator for young athletes to misrepresent their age. This is often facilitated by a lack of reliable birth registration systems in many African countries, creating loopholes that can be exploited.

Moreover, the pressure to succeed in highly

competitive environments can drive athletes, coaches, and even officials to bend the rules. The potential rewards – both financial and in terms of prestige – can seem to outweigh the risks of being caught. This short-term thinking, however, overlooks the devastating long-term consequences of such actions.

The impact of age fraud on fair competition cannot be overstated. Youth competitions are designed to provide a level playing field for athletes of similar physical and mental development. When older athletes compete in these events, it not only gives them an unfair advantage but also denies younger athletes the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills. This can lead to disillusionment and potentially drive talented young athletes away from the sport.

Furthermore, the reputational damage caused by such scandals can have far-reaching effects. It erodes trust in Nigerian athletics on the global stage, potentially impacting future generations of athletes who may face increased scrutiny and scepticism, regardless of their individual integrity.

The Nigerian football scene serves as a cautionary tale. The country's remarkable success in youth football tournaments –including five FIFA U17 World Cup victories – stands in stark contrast to the performance of the senior national team. This disparity raises uncomfortable questions about the true age of players in these youth teams and the long-term consequences of age fraud on player development.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. The introduction of more scientific age verification methods, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, has been a step in the right direction. These scans, which measure the fusion of growth plates in wrist bones, have proven effective in detecting overage players. However, they are not without limitations and should be part of a broader strategy rather than relied upon as a silver bullet.

Improving birth registration systems and ensuring all athletes have verifiable documentation is crucial. This is a challenge that extends beyond the realm of sports and requires cooperation between sports federations, government agencies, and international bodies. The proposal to incorporate Nigeria's National Identity Management Card into the athlete registration process is a promising step towards creating a centralised and verifiable database.

Nigeria's Victorious U17 Team