THEWILL NEWSPAPER, June 30, 2024

Digital

OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

Wale

Ojo is a versatile actor with a career spanning decades, establishing him as a prominent figure in Nollywood. His journey into acting started at a very young age, and he hasn’t looked back since then. Ojo’s first significant role was on stage in England; today, he has played in most of the major theatres in England. His compelling performances in film have finally paid off with his Best Actor win at the AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards). But it wasn’t always easy for the actor; he went through challenges in the early part of his career, and he explains this in his interview where he said, “I think the biggest challenge I faced, especially at the beginning of my career, was being able to survive, being able to live, and still have a passion for what you do, especially if you wake up in the morning and are not able to eat. It’s hard drinking garri and water and then going out there to be quoting Shakespeare; it’s a hard one. “ Don’t miss the exclusive insights from Wale Ojo in his interview, available only on pages 8 to 10.

Discover the secrets of styling different types of skirts and where to wear them, exclusively on our fashion pages on pages 4 and 5.

Did you know that drinking on a flight could be bad for you? We outline why you shouldn’t drink when you fly on page 7.

The beauty page shares valuable tips tailored to makeup and sensitive skin. Scroll to page 11 for this.

You can now scan the QR code on the magazine cover to download the latest copy.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo:

Kola Oshalusi

@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024 THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnews.com

THEWILLNIGERIA

COVER

Rumble in Sokoto Sultanate

● Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III's Alleged Romance With PDP Draws Government’s Ire

BY AMOS ESELE

The chieftaincy matter involving the Sokoto State Government, the Sultan and District Heads is still brewing, even though some fence-mending is going on at the background.

On Friday, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, told 15 embattled Sokoto District Heads that they remain deposed in the eyes of the law.

A day earlier, a High Court sitting in Sokoto had restrained the state government from removing 10 district heads in the state.

The judge, Justice Kabiru Ahmed, gave the order dated 13 June in exparte applications by two district heads for maintenance of the status quo ante bellum.

The injunctive relief was to stay the hands of the Governor of Sokoto State, the Attorney-General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction filed before the same court and scheduled for hearing on July 23, 2024.

The complainants, Buhari Tambuwal, District Head of Tambuwal in Tambuwal LGA and Abubakar Kassim, District Head of Kebbe in

Kebbe LGA, sued the Governor Ahmad Aliyu, the Attorney-General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, asking the court to restrain the defendants from further actions in connection with all matters dealing with the removal and or dethronement of district heads in Sokoto State.

Unfazed by the ruling, Barrister Nasiru Binji said the court order on the deposed district heads in the state has been vacated. He explained that the district heads stand deposed as the court order ceased to exist seven days after it was granted, citing Order 13 Rule 3(3) of the High Court of Sokoto State Civil Procedure Rules 2015.

“By the operation of Order 13 Rule 3(3) of the High Court of Sokoto State Civil Procedure Rules 2015, the order has abated (vacated) automatically. Because the order was made ex parte,” he said, adding:

“The duration of the order is seven days; the order was given on the 13th of June 2024, therefore it was vacated on the 20th of June.”

THEWILL ckecks show that what is playing out in Sokoto is similar to what is happening in Kano at present. It is all about the politics of 2027. The opposition is being forewarned of dire consequences ahead.

Moving with the government plan, which has attracted widespread criticism because of its perceived intention, the State House of Assembly last Wednesday entertained the second reading on the Emirate Council Amendment Bill, which seeks to strip the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, of certain powers. It requires the Sultan to obtain government approval before appointing kingmakers.One of the strident critics of this perceived move against the Sultan, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, who had that Wednesday described the bill as “outrageous, nauseating, and anachronistic, a direct attack on the traditional institution of Sokoto State and an undisguised attempt at weakening his powers and making him less relevant in the scheme of traditional settings,” told THEWILL on Friday, “ We had to cry out because our concern was that the governor wanted to depose the Sultan though we do not know what had transpired between them.”

THE ISSUE AT STAKE

For what may have transpired between them, there is no official revelation, nor has there been a denial of the reason that has been given. Arewa Cultural Heritage Network last Tuesday alleged that the issue is political. Spokesperson for the

COVER ...Sokoto Sultanate

group, Yunusa Abdullahi, said, “The Sultan of Sokoto, despite his esteemed position, has been found guilty of neglecting his palace duties, showing disloyalty and demonstrating a lack of respect towards the current administration. His evident support for the PDP candidate (Saidu Umar) during the last election despite the electorate’s mandate for Governor Ahmad Aliyu has further strained relations.”

He further explained that the proposed amendment to section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law is intended to align the legal frameworks with the customary procedures in Sokoto State so that “the authority to appoint district heads, while still involving recommendations from the Sultanate Council, will ultimately lie with the governor, reflecting both traditional and contemporary practices.”

Abdullahi questioned Vice President Kashim Shettima's call-out charge to the state government to respect the sultanate, faulting the deputy governor's reference to the “Sultan of Sokoto,” as unnecessarily meddling in the affairs of the state. VP Shettima had faulted the Deputy Governor Idris Gobir for his remark that appeared to undermine the Sultan's status and influence.

This position tallies somehow with the position of the state government which denied any move to unseat the Sultan and blames MURIC for blowing things out of proportion.

According to Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello, there is no plan to depose the Sultan. The district heads, he said, were removed for “unbecoming behaviours, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insubordination to constituted authority”, while the amendment of the traditional rulers law, is to “align the law with what has been in practice for decades” until 2007, during the administration of former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when the law was amended to give sole powers to the Sultan to appoint village heads without recourse to the state government”.

Still, a constitutional lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, thinks that whatever the allegations may be, the Sultan does not deserve the kind of treatment that is going on right now.

“Assuming without conceding the allegations to be true that the Sultan had sided with one candidate during an election, he has the constitutional right to do so.

“The Constitution of Nigeria is clear in Sections 39 and 35, which deal with personal liberty and right to freedom of expression. So, in that respect, the Sultan has the constitutional right, safeguards and freedom like any other Nigerian to support any candidate he so wishes. We are in a constitutional democracy and we should practice it with the right mind set,” he told THEWILL in an interview on Friday.

Explaining further, Fagge, who painted an ideal and legal perspective, said it needs to be restated that the Sultan has powers that extends beyond Sokoto, legally speaking, making it unnecessary to restrain or curtail his influence.

Citing an example with the National Hajj Commission Act enacted by the National Assembly, he maintained that trying to limit the influence of the revered traditional and religious leader in a bid to curtail it would amount to treading on dangerous grounds. In addition, the Sultan is the head of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA.

Defending his earlier, combative stand, Prof Akintola who dug up history to buttress his point that politicians in the exercise of their constitutional powers of appointment and deposition over traditional rulers since the First Republic, can depose kings with different political views, narrated how Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of the Western Region deposed an Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Adeniran II, for sympathising with rival NCNC, the Military Administrator of Sokoto State, Col Yakubu Muazu deposed Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki in April, 20, 1996, presumably with instructions from Head of State, General Sani Abacha and Anambra Governor Charles Soludo deposed four traditional rulers in one day.

“The

Constitution of Nigeria is clear in Sections 39 and 35, which deal with personal liberty and right to freedom of expression. So, in that respect, the Sultan has the constitutional right, safeguards and freedom like any other Nigerian to support any candidate he so wishes. We are in a constitutional democracy

and we should practice it with the right mind set,” he told THEWILL

in an interview on Friday

“The problem is with politicians who want to exercise absolute power and you know that absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said.

He quickly added that the alarm he raised had paid off. He said he held a fruitful virtual meeting with Governor Aliyu brokered by a respected Islamic scholar in the North and all the contentious issues had been resolved. He said, “Current events have overtaken recent developments. It is true that the Assembly is considering a bill that may whittle down the powers of the Sultan. But we are addressing the issues through dialogue. I had a fruitful tripartite discussion with the governor and a respected Islamic scholar from the North. We held a virtual meeting on Thursday and we reached a good understanding. We were able to breach the gap in communication between us. The governor gave us assurances that he would not depose the Sultan. Even the bill that the House of Assembly is considering will be handled through dialogue.”

With an eye on the ongoing tussle for the emirate in Kano and the attendant daily tensions, Barrister Fagge and Prof Akintola suggest ways to prevent a crisis in Sokoto.

WHAT TO DO

Section 6 cap 26 of the Chieftaincy laws of Northern Nigeria empowers state governors to appoint and depose an Emir or Sultan, said Professor Akintola. All other states in the federation have such laws.

“If we must have sanity in this matter, the power to appoint and depose the emir, obas or obis should be taken away from the governors. The governors are elected for four years, at the most eight years and traditional rulers are there till death do us part. Kingmakers should be left to handle the appointment of traditional rulers,” he said.

When reminded that constitutional democracy as practised in the country gives little room for his advocacy, he replied that the relevant state law should be amended to define roles for traditional rulers and insulate them from perceived partisan politics, which the current situation encourages to their detriment.

Arguing that traditional rulers are custodians of “our cultural heritage, shared values and therefore should be allowed to be appointed by kingmakers, Prof Akintola disclosed that MURIC will continue its campaign to have the current chieftaincy laws amended

For Barr Fagge, the chieftaincy law, which is currently in the residual legislative list, should be moved to the exclusive legislative list and centralised so that the affairs of traditional rulers are removed from the purview of state governors.

“Although their office is ceremonial and advisory, people recognise their influence and leadership hence politicians always feel threatened by traditional rulers who fail to back them. Traditional rulers are human beings and they will be partisan or perceived to be partisan till the end of time,” he said.

Director of Finance and Account, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mohammed Danjuma; Director, Special Duties, Mr Tajudeen Salami; Director, Human resources Management, Mrs Asma’u Shehu Adaji; and Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nicholas Ella, during a townhall meeting with the management and members of staff of the ministry to brainstorm on the Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas sector in Abuja on June 27, 2024.

FG, NGF, Others to Revitalise Healthcare in North-East

BY LADI DAPSON, MAIDUGURI

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors' Forum, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reiterated readiness to revitalise the healthcare system in the North East to achieve universal health coverage for the country.

Speaking at North-East States Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) Engagement in Maiduguri on Friday, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Angus Ikpe, explained that the ministry has designed a strategic blueprint for 2023-2026 to rapidly improve health outcomes for Nigerians.

He noted that the goal is to reduce infant mortality, maternal mortality, and other health-related issues.

The "One Plan" priorities are aligned with the National Health Development Plan (NHSDP) II and the Strategic Blueprint.

He said the "One Plan" initiative has identified 13 health sector priorities that reflect the most urgent needs of the health system. These priorities include reproductive health, newborn and child health, immunisation, and HIV/AIDS, among others.

The "One Plan" initiative aims to improve health outcomes in Nigeria by addressing the identified priorities. The initiative involves stakeholders from various sectors including health, education, and finance, working together to achieve the set goals. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services and to reduce the country's high mortality rates.

Also, the UNICEF Health Manager, Clement Adams, said the partnership is aimed at implementing the government's plan to improve healthcare services for the benefit of Nigerians.

He revealed that UNICEF is working in collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure effective service delivery in the health sector in the North-East.

"To achieve this goal, UNICEF is sponsoring a program to support the implementation of the government's plan. The sector-wide approach adopted by UNICEF is designed to improve service delivery in the health sector.

"One of the major challenges facing the sector is infant and maternal mortality, which is why UNICEF is working closely with the Governor's Forum and the Federal Government to provide funding and coordination.

"The collaboration between UNICEF and the government is crucial in addressing the healthcare needs of Nigerians, particularly in areas where access to quality healthcare is limited."

Tinubu Sign Executive Order For Zero Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals

President Tinubu at the weekend signed an executive order to introduce zero tariffs, excise duties and value added tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs

The Order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties and VAT on specified machinery, equipment and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance our local manufacturers’ competitiveness.

Specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, other essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial health products like drugs, syringes and needles, Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic Kits, among others.

According to the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, the Order mandates collaboration among the ministers of health, finance, as well as industry, trade and investment, to develop a harmonised implementation framework — expediting regulatory approvals and reducing bottlenecks.

The Order also provides for establishing market shaping mechanisms such as framework contracts and volume guarantees, to encourage local manufacturers.

Benue Moves LG Election

The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission has moved the state’s local government election from July 6 to November 16, 2024.

The Chairman of the commission, John Chen, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Friday in Makurdi. Chen said the change of date was necessitated by logistical constraints. According to him, the commission needed more time to prepare and procure election materials, which he said had not yet been procured.

“We have commenced the process of rescheduling by developing a revised timetable that will accommodate all critical activities and allow sufficient time for adequate preparation.

“Today serves as the date for the issuance of the election notice in accordance with the relevant Statutes, particularly Sections 103 (3) and 150 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended, and detailed guidelines will be released in due course in accordance with these laws,” he said. The Chairman appealed to all political parties, candidates and critical stakeholders to cooperate with the commission to enable it to conduct a free and fair election. (NAN)

BY FELIX IFIJEH

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described as dictatorial the recent statement by some Nigerian governors that each state would determine what they deem fit as the minimum wage for its workers, urging them not to "reduce Nigerian workers to beggars".

In a statement issued by Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, the Congress emphasised that the national minimum wage is not an arbitrary figure, but a collective agreement designed to ensure a minimum standard of living for every worker in the country.

The governors’ desire to unilaterally set the minimum wage contradicts this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy.

Reminding the governors that the minimum wage is separate from the individual pay structures of states, which already reflect their unique financial capabilities and circumstances, Upah stressed that “The concept of a national minimum wage represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid."

This flexibility, he noted, allows states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.

The NLC, also criticised the inconsistency in the governors’ stance, pointing out that political office holders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission without similar objections.

“This double standard pit a few privileged individuals against the majority poor, which should concern anyone who loves this country", it added.

The NLC expressed deep concern over what it described as a “blatant display of ignorance” regarding global best practices for a national minimum wage by some governors. Despite frequent travels abroad, these governors, according to the NLC, have failed to educate themselves on fundamental issues crucial to successful governance. The Congress recommended that these governors “return to school for proper education” to avoid posing a threat to democracy.

The NLC commended the governors who prioritise workers’ welfare and urged the federal government to address the issue of the national minimum wage without yielding to pressure from “selfish governors.”

The Congress reiterated that workers’ salaries are not charity but hard-earned income that drives the economy.

NEWS

Nigerian

Army Needs Prayer,

Says General Yusuf

The Director-General, Land Forces Simulation Centre (LFSC), Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the Armed Forces to be able to overcome the security challenges facing the nation.

Yusuf made the call while speaking with newsmen at a Special Juma’at Prayer held in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 on Friday in Abuja.

He also called on Nigerians to give the military as much information as they could give to enable them win ongoing battles against those threatening the security of the country.

According to him, the special Juma’at prayer is to kickstart activities lined up for the week -long 2024 NADCEL commemoration , which ends on July 6.

“I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the country, pray for our leaders, for Almighty God to guide them aright.

“And to also pray for the Armed Forces to be able to overcome all the security challenges we are facing.

“We also beg Nigerians to give us as much information as they can give us so that we can win these battles as quickly as possible,” he said.

The Brigade Imam, Guards Brigade, Capt. Salisu Musa, who led the Juma’at prayer on behalf of the Director of Islamic Affairs, urged parents to train their children with the fear of God.

Musa said the insecurity ,such as terrorism, emanated from lack of proper religious training, adding that those involved in such acts lacked the fear of God and sympathy of humanity.

He said there was need to continue to preach that every member of the society should become a potential preacher and counsellor.

“We need to put all our hands together to continue to counsel and guide and we need to be more prayerful and be more God -fearing.

“Individuals should adjust themselves, fear God and move close to him and then, they should also pray for the nation.

“We closed this with prayer for the country, for our president, for all the commanders and leaders. We also pray for all our troops ,who have been deployed and those who are yet to be deployed,” he said.

NADCEL is an annual event organised to celebrate the journey and achievements of the Nigerian Army since its establishment 161 years ago.

PEBEC: Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy Emerges Overall Best Performing Ministry

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has achieved an exceptional milestone by emerging as the overall best performing ministry in the Ease of Doing Business ranking.

This was revealed on Friday, at the town hall meeting, by the Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole. Gboyega Oyetola is the Minister of the Ministry.

According to her, the town hall meeting, chaired by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was organised to receive an update of the report on Regulatory Reform Accelerator (RRA) in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's eight-point agenda and prioritising business climate reforms.

She further said the minister summoned a meeting of the heads of agencies under his watch and charged them that he wants the ministry to come top and today he's made it. "The minister deserves a special recognition and applause," Dr. Oduwole added.

This recognition, experts noted, stands as a testament to the strategic vision and tireless efforts dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector by the minister.

With the latest ranking, the ministry's commitment to sustainable development and innovative policies has set a new benchmark for excellence in governance and public service.

Kogi to Establish Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has said that the state government is ready to meet all requirements for the establishment of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in the state.

Governor Ododo gave the assurances when he hosted a delegation from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security which had earlier visited the state to undertake an assessment tour of the proposed project sites in Kogi state. The project which is an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Kogi State Government is expected to attract significant foreign and domestic private sector investment into the State.

Governor Ododo noted that the state government has already allocated 254 hectares of land in Ukpake, AjaoKuta local government area for the purpose of the special agro-industrial processing zone, stressing that the decision to establish the agro-industrial processing zone in the area was due to the strategic location and its proximity to essential resources such as water supply, electricity, gas, a railway line linking Kogi and a number of states and the proposed international cargo airport in Adogo which is a few kilometers from the proposed site of the agro-industrial facility.

Governor Ododo assured the delegation that the Kogi State government will do everything possible to provide the enabling environment for the selection of the State and the eventual take off of the project, stressing that it is in line with his administration’s policy on industrialization and to guarantee food security through investment in agriculture.

He further noted that such investment in the agricultural value chain will increase productivity, provide access to market for farmers and provide job opportunities for the teeming population of the state.

The Governor commended the African Development Bank for the initiative which he said would enhance job creation and guarantee food security in Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Gaya who led the AfDB delegation, said the assessment tour is intended to verify the readiness of states to be selected in the 2nd phase for establishment of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Nigeria, which he noted are being implemented in 18 countries across Africa.

He disclosed that the first phase in Nigeria, covering seven states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has commenced, adding that the team was in Kogi to asses the State's readiness as a possible beneficiary in the second phase of the project.

L-R:  Governor  of Kaduna State,  Uba Sani; Governor of Kano state,  Abba Yusuf  and Governor  of Imo state, Hope Uzodimma,  during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 28, 2024.

FROM JOSEPH AMEDU, LOKOJA

POLITICS

INEC to The Rescue of Abuja Council Chairmen

BY AMOS ESELE

The problem had lingered since May 20, 2022 when the six outgoing Area Council Chairmen of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, secured a controversial one-year tenure extension.

The six council chairmen were inaugurated on May 20, 2019, under the 2010 Electoral Act and based on that Act, their tenure ended on Friday, May 20, 2022 and the new chairmen, based on the elections held in February of that year, were to be sworn in on May 20, 2022.

But the swearing–in of the new chairmen was briefly suspended because the FCT High Court granted a oneyear extension to the incumbent six chairmen.

Based on this judgement, the supporters of the new chairmen took to the streets of Abuja in protest against the suspension of the swearing-in.

According to the judgment, based on the recently signed Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that the tenure of the chairmen of the area councils in FCT would now be four years, instead of three years, the existing chairmen whose tenure were meant to expire on Thursday have another one year to continue, based on the new law.

Unfortunately for them, however, they had been swornin before the new Electoral Act granting 4-year tenure became operational. But old habits die hard.

About a week ago, the settled case reared its ugly head again. A lawyer, Elom Aleke, wrote the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on behalf of his client, Fatima Abubakar, a politician looking forward to another round of poll for the FCT councils.

Aleke, in his April 17, 2024 letter to INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the tenure of the current chairmen of area councils and councillors in the FCT, who assumed office in 2022, would elapse soon.

He said, “We most humbly urge you to rely on Section 28(1) (a) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which empowers you and the commission to release ‘Notice of Election’ not later than 360 days before the day scheduled for holding an election under the 2022 Electoral Act.

“Therefore, we, on the instruction of our client that since the three-year term of the current chairman and councilors will expire in June 2025, our client demand from you and your office to kindly release or cause to be released the notice of election for the 2025 Federal Capital Territory Area Councils election forthwith in line with Section 28(1) as of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

On Friday, June 28, 2024, INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu, seized the opportunity of his meeting with the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Abuja to lay the matter to rest.

Seeking clarification on the tenure of the current FCT area council chairmen and Councillors in Abuja, Yakubu told the leadership of IPAC, led by Yusuf Mohammed Dantalle, that INEC will not be conducting FCT Area Council polls next year until 2026.

He said their tenure will come to an end in June 2026.

IPAC and INEC had convened the meeting to tackle the lingering issue involving the six area council chairmen and 62 councillors, following agitations by political parties and candidates interested in contesting the area council election on what they considered a delay by the commission in releasing the timetable for the election

Yakubu noted that the Commission had received inquiries from some law firms, an individual, a political party and one FCT Chairmanship Aspirants’ Forum, questioning the tenure of the councils based on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, which initially provided for a three-year term.

According to the INEC chairman, Section 108(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, under which the current Chairmen and councillors were sworn in on 14th June 2022 is clear and therefore unambiguous

Nigerians are aware that the National Assembly has since repealed and re-enacted the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) as the Electoral Act 2022. In particular, in the exercise of its powers as the lawmaking body for the FCT, the National Assembly extended the tenure of the area councils from three to four years, thereby aligning it with executive and legislative elections nationwide

The Electoral Act 2022, which came into force on February 25, 2022, extends the tenure to four years, aligning it with national executive and legislative elections.

He said, “Nigerians are aware that the National Assembly has since repealed and re-enacted the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) as the Electoral Act 2022. In particular, in the exercise of its powers as the lawmaking body for the FCT, the National Assembly extended the tenure of the area councils from three to four years, thereby aligning it with executive and legislative elections nationwide.

“This is one of the important provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. The Act came into force on Friday 25th February 2022, two weeks after the last area council election in the FCT.

“By the time the elected chairmen and councillors were sworn in four months later on 14th June 2022, they took their oath of allegiance and oath of office based on the new electoral Act (i.e. the Electoral Act 2022) which provides for a four-year tenure. Consequently, their tenure expires in June 2026,” he explained.

He drew the attention of the participants that the tenure of the Chairmen and Councillors is determined by the date of the oath of office, not the date of election, citing several judicial authorities to support this interpretation.

For the avoidance of doubt, he said, tenure is not defined by the date of election but by the date of the oath of office for executive elections or the date of inauguration for legislative houses.

“To further illustrate this position, the Commission has since released the timetable for the 2024 Edo and Ondo governorship elections. This does not mean that whoever wins the election in Edo State in September or in Ondo State in November will immediately assume office.

“This will only take place after the administration of the oath of office upon the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent holders of the offices. Elections are only held earlier to avoid vacuum. That is why the Constitution empowers the Commission to hold elections not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the end of the tenure of incumbent holders of elective offices,” he said and added that.

“Again, there are several judicial authorities, including the judgment of the Supreme Court that tenure begins from the date of oath of office and not the date of the election.

“The law firms that have written INEC on behalf of their clients ought to have drawn their attention to both the law and judicial pronouncements on the matter.

“You may also wish to note that when the Electoral Act 2022 was signed into law two weeks after the commission conducted the last Area Council elections in the FCT, the incumbent holders (chairmen and councillors) challenged us that we conducted the election too early, claiming that the new Electoral Act extended their tenure from three to four years.

“We reminded them that they took their oath of office under the old law before the coming into force of the new Electoral Act. Therefore, their tenure will expire in June 2022.”

He was quick to point out that the FCT Council remains a model for LGA polls in the country. He said “As you are all aware, the area council election in the FCT conducted by INEC remains a model for local government elections in the country. There is stability of tenure for chairmen and councillors. There has never been a caretaker committee in any area council in the FCT. Democratic elections are conducted on a regular basis.

“There is a plurality of electoral outcomes as no single political party has ever won elections in all the 68 Constituencies (six Area Council Chairmen and 62 councillors). We will continue to uphold the sanctity of tenure and improve the credibility of these elections.”

However, it is gratifying to note that the Head of the Nigerian Medical Team, Dr. Abubakar Ismaeel reported that 17 pilgrims from Nigeria were affected by the heatstroke but only two reportedly died from complications. Others received prompt attention from Nigerian medics and were revived. He added that 15 deaths were recorded during the pre-hajj and immediately after the Hajj period

Sad News From Saudi Arabia

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State’s criticism of the National Hajj Commission, NAHCO, over the shoddy logistics and welfare arrangement for Nigerian pilgrims in this year's Hajj, despite the N90 billion support fund from the Federal Government, has once again raised the issue of accountability and transparency.

Statutorily, NAHCO is responsible for the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in Medina, while state welfare boards handle the pilgrims in Mecca, just as Saudiauthorised vendors manage feeding and accommodation in Muna.

NAHCO also oversees the operation of Nigerian clinics in Medina, Mecca and Muna. Governor Bago thinks that body should be scrapped because it has not lived up to expectation. Accommodation, feeding and welfare were poorly handled, such that, according to him, “Nigerians were falling sick.” Not done, the governor faulted the manner the N90 billion FG largesse was handled.

He lamented, “Imagine sharing this money with the 36 states. Some states also paid subsidies. In Niger State, I paid N3 billion. That N90 billion is enough to fund UBEC for four years. So, we can’t be handing our resources to people. Some people paid N8 million for this operation and received just $400.”

Coming on the heels of the announcement of the death of 1,301 pilgrims by the Saudi Arabian authorities from heat waves of over 51 per cent Celsius, most of whom were unregistered, illegal and aged pilgrims, there is need to pay more attention to the entire process of organisation for our pilgrims.

More so, when the avoidable deaths were also linked with the activities of complicit

travel agencies from the originating countries of yet to be fully identified pilgrims, who died or are still undergoing treatment in hospitals in the Holy Land.

Although the Saudi authorities said they made adequate preparations ahead of the warning from a meteorological agency on the impending catastrophe by providing air conditioned tents for all fully registered pilgrims, it beggars belief that such a global tourist event could be breached by uninvited pilgrims, who unfortunately paid the supreme price.

Even so, for Nigeria which voted N90 billion as subsidy for the pilgrimage, we think there is a need for full audit of accounts to be done in the face of this global misfortune.

In fact, Governor Bago also made the point in his criticism of NAHCO, claiming that some states got more than their share of the sponsorship fund. The governor even queried the paltry allowances given to each pilgrim, thereby exposing them to the elements.

It is all about due process and accountability. That is what many similar countries like Egypt and Turkey have done by announcing the numbers of their nationals involved in the death toll in Saudi Arabia, applied the appropriate sanctions like withdrawal of licences of involved agencies, suspended officials, ordered the prosecution of some others and demanded an audit of the entire pilgrimage process.

What is more, reports say Senegal’s health authorities have detected COVID-19 in dozens of pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. This calls for alarm. We hope Nigeria's health authorities have taken notice and will do the needful. For a country that is currently battling with shortage of vaccines for the rampaging Cholera in the country, unchecked invasion by the deadly COVID-19 virus

would be too devastating for the health system to cope.

However, it is gratifying to note that the Head of the Nigerian Medical Team, Dr. Abubakar Ismaeel reported that 17 pilgrims from Nigeria were affected by the heatstroke but only two reportedly died from complications. Others received prompt attention from Nigerian medics and were revived. He added that 15 deaths were recorded during the pre-hajj and immediately after the Hajj period. In the report he presented to stakeholders, including the media, during the post-Arafat meeting held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, he explained that out of the number, three were recorded from the Mashair, while 12 were recorded during the pre-Arafat period. He also explained that six pregnancies were recorded out of which three miscarriages occurred, adding that a total of 14,504 consultations were made which also included 79 emergencies.

Nevertheless, we hope that everybody draws lessons from this debacle. On the personal level, we urge pilgrims who cannot afford the trip and cannot find any form of sponsorship at any point in time to plan ahead because there is always a next time for the fulfilment of an injunction, such as a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to be performed at least once in a lifetime.

For the government, we hope they can see that donating a whopping N90 billion to support this year's pilgrimage raises no issue if the money is adequately deployed for the projected purpose.

Governor Bago's claims need to be attended to urgently for the sake of due process and transparency, especially now that the runaway cost of living crisis in the country has eroded public trust in government agencies and their manager.

OPINION

The Problem With EFCC

BY MICHAEL OWHOKO

In every government or institution, there is a corresponding invisible hand that remotely controls its affairs with immense influence, over the decision-making process, predominantly on matters of interest. In most cases, while the head and, perhaps, the kitchen cabinet, may be aware of this imperceptible parallel, it is mostly unknown to other members of the team, who ignorantly believe that the administration’s decisions are without external interference.

UNTIL THE POWER TO APPOINT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION IS REMOVED FROM THE PRESIDENT, THE HEAD OF EFCC WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE UNDER THE DOMINANCE AND INFLUENCE OF THE PRESIDENT, DOING HIS BIDDING AND COVERTLY YIELDING TO HIS WHIMS AND CAPRICES, WITHOUT THE ETHICAL COURAGE TO ACT OTHERWISE

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is a victim of this invisible hand. The head of the Commission and possibly, his inner caucus, are not oblivious of its presence and interference, but it may be unknown to other members of staff. By conferring the power to appoint the Chairman of the Commission on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, lawmakers have unwittingly created an invisible hand for the EFCC. The invisible hand is the President, and by extension, the Presidency. Section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, clearly states that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President”, and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.

By this Act, the EFCC was delivered as a bondservant from inception, lacking autonomy and courage to function effectively outside the grip and body language rhythm of its master, the President. And since the head of the Commission occupies the driver’s seat, obeying all traffic regulations as beamed by the President, liberty is replaced with dependency. Under this circumstance, what courage can the Commission’s Chairman muster to prosecute the President’s loyalists without upsetting his ego and sensibilities? This is the burden of the EFCC. Until the power to appoint the Chairman of the Commission is removed from the President, the head of EFCC will continue to operate under the dominance and influence of the President, doing his bidding and covertly yielding to his whims and caprices, without the ethical courage to act otherwise.

No matter how committed and sincerely intentional the Chairman of EFCC may be, his drive for efficiency is weakened by presidential interference. Even if angels are imported from heaven or heads of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States of America (USA) are redeployed to manage the EFCC, their competence would be undermined by the effect of the President.

supported the process of his ascension to power. Besides political affiliates, some of these stalwarts permeate both the critical public and private sectors.

As a politician who sets his eyes on consolidation and re-election, the President may want to stand with his loyalists during moments of travail, as part of a reciprocation gesture for sustained support. By this action, he stifles the power of the Commission to effectively go after real and powerful perpetrators of financial crime and money laundering in the country, making the Commission’s Chairman helpless without the courage to step on toes for fear of being removed from office. The President also has the power to suspend or remove the Chairman of the Commission.

Evidently, circumstances that had led to the sack of all past chairmen of EFCC, could be linked to the invisible hand of the President. To avoid this route, EFCC handles high-profile cases deemed to have ties to the President with caution, classifying them as persons with blue blood in their veins. This is the trouble with EFCC, and why it is unable to effectively wage war against financial crimes and money laundering.

Most ex-governors, ministers and other political and business bigwigs that have been prosecuted and convicted to date are those with either weak links or fallen out of favour with the President. Examples were former governors of Delta State, James Ibori, and Bayelsa state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (now late), whose demand for resource control irked the then President, General Olusegun Obasanjo. The former President believed that the ex-governors were a source of funding for the defunct Niger Delta agitation group, the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), and consequently activated the invisible hand which compelled the EFCC to cut the former governors to size.

EFCC now treads with caution without discretionary initiative, constraining itself mainly to petitions received from the public, as against initiating and executing investigations on suspected individuals, and organisations, particularly those that are prone to financial crimes and money laundering. The ministries, agencies, departments of government (MDAs), legislature, judiciary and the organised private sector, are black spots.

The Nigerian environment is fraught with financial crime and money laundry, particularly the political space, yet, EFCC pretends not to know. Politics is a big industry and a quick source of unearned income where people become multi-millionaires or billionaires overnight just by participating in politics or serving in the Executive, Legislature or the Judiciary. For example, National Assembly members who carry out oversight functions in various MDAs and the private sector, also double as contractors to these same organisations, despite the conflict of interest.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is replete with such unethical practices, yet, EFCC feigns ignorance.

Why is the EFCC not interrogating legislators on the padding of budgets? Why is the EFCC not putting the spotlight on MDAs’ budgets, matching line items against executed projects? Why is EFCC not looking at state governors and how they abuse Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) remittances, including security votes and derivation funds?

Despite admitting that Nigerian banks perpetrate about 70 per cent of financial crimes in the country, why is the EFCC not quizzing banks’ chief executive officers (CEOs) over questionable funds’ inflow, foreign exchange manipulation, and round-tripping? According to the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), financial institutions in Nigeria collectively lost about N159 billion to fraud since 2020, yet, EFCC has not deemed it necessary to initiate any probe. Why are key operators and players in the Nigerian capital market not being investigated over unlawful manipulation of stock prices?

This finds expression in the crux of allusions to EFCC’s selective war against financial crime and money laundering in the country. The public must recognise that the President is first, and foremost, a politician, who came to power on the ticket of his political party. He has his loyalists and those who *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

Finding a Balance Between Living Wage And National Minimum Wage

BY KENECHUKWU AGUOLU

Acountry’s national minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer is required by law to pay any employee. The minimum wage ensures a baseline standard of living for all employees, protecting them from exploitation and severe poverty.

Consequently, it has far-reaching implications for daily life, as it affects the purchasing power of workers, the cost of goods and services, and overall economic stability. The national minimum wage directly influences household income, living standards, and the ability of families to afford necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.

The negotiation on the tripartite committee on national minimum wage in Nigeria has once more reached a deadlock. Organised labour is insistent on a minimum wage of N494,000. On the other hand, the Federal Government and the organised private sector have agreed on a figure of N60,000. The end to this deadlock may not be near, given the wide disparity between the proposals.

The government-organised private sector’s proposed increase is 100 per cent, while the organised labour’s demand represents a 1,647 per cent increase from the current minimum wage of N30,000.

Organised labour has consistently emphasised that it is seeking a living wage, not just a minimum wage, the government and the organised private sector may appear to focus solely on a basic minimum. In addition to the inflation challenges the country is facing, Nigerian workers have been significantly underpaid. Seeking to address this, organised labour is requesting a substantial increase in the minimum wage, which at first glance, may seem excessive.

With the inflation in Nigeria standing at 33.69 per cent as of April 2024, the proposed 100 per cent increase in the minimum wage by the Federal Government and the organised private sector might seem like a good idea. However, in real terms, the removal of subsidies has caused the price of petrol to rise from N197 to about N680 in a place like Abuja, representing a 345 percent increase. It is more expensive in some other parts of the country. This increase has led people to spend as much as N200,000 to fuel a car monthly. Those who have opted for public transport have seen prices increase by 150-200 per cent.

Additionally, the floating of the naira has led to its devaluation. Prices of goods and services have risen indiscriminately, leading many to believe that the real inflation rate is much higher than the quoted 33.69 per cent.

THE GOVERNMENT AND ORGANISED PRIVATE SECTOR NEED TO LOOK BEYOND PERCENTAGE INCREASES. A 100 PER CENT INCREASE IN A GROSSLY INADEQUATE MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT AS BENEFICIAL AS IT MIGHT SEEM. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO PRIORITISE EMPLOYEE WELFARE

More compromise needs to be made by all parties involved. The Federal Government has stated that it cannot afford and sustain the proposal of N494,000 and that it is also concerned about its potential impact on the entire economy, including the possibility of job losses in the private sector. It is important to note that some state and local government councils have struggled to pay the existing national minimum wage of N30,000.

The organised private sector also highlighted concerns regarding the ability to pay amidst the current economic conditions in the country. With government workers comprising only about 1.2 million people out of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million, organised labour must consider a broader perspective to avoid the perception that they are advocating solely for federal workers.

The government and organised private sector need to look beyond percentage increases. A 100 per cent increase in a grossly inadequate minimum wage is not as beneficial as it might seem. It is imperative to prioritise employee welfare. Similarly, organised labour must understand that while their demand may seem justifiable, the affordability and sustainability of implementing such an increase are essential. Also, such a hike could further exacerbate the nation’s inflation woes. There is no point in agreeing on a national minimum wage that will be frustrated by the inability to pay and that can potentially lead to massive job losses.

Declining Agriculture: Food Crisis Looms Over Worsening Insecurity

The worsening spate of insecurity across the country appears to be receiving a residual attention in real terms while agricultural, the major affected sector, is declining speedily.

The Federal Government insists it is paying enough attention to agriculture aimed at boosting food production. Recently, it disclosed that activities in the agricultural sector, particularly the harvest of crops led to the injection of N309bn into the Nigerian economy in the past year.

It also revealed that Nigeria is currently working in partnership with Brazil to provide agriculture mechanisation hubs across the federation, adding that about N1.6bn (N995,000) was being used for this. However, facts on ground do not attest to this success story claim.

For several years, food inflation has been the key driver of Nigeria’s running inflation which hit a threedecade high of 33.95 percent as of May 2024. Food inflation rose to an all-time highs of 40.6 percent during the period.

“In May 2024, Nigeria’s food inflation rate reached 40.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis, a significant increase from the 24.82 percent recorded in May 2023. It is also higher than the 40.53 per cent recorded in April 2024.

“This sharp rise in food prices has been attributed to a range of factors affecting various food categories,” the NBS said.

At the centre of the problem is insecurity, and the government seems more occupied with providing infrastructure which may not be

Continues on page 14

EDITOR Sam Diala

Expert Raises Concern as Nigeria's Debt Repayment Exceeds Recurrent, Capital Expenditure

HY 2024: Equities Gain N15.68trn as NGX ASI Maintains Surge

BY SAM DIALA

The Nigerian equities market recorded significant gains in the first half of the year with market capitalisation closing at N56.60 trillion on June 28 2024, and the NGX ASI: maintaining the surge it recorded within the period to close at 100,057.49 basis points.

This resulted in a market capitalisation gain of N15.68 trillion year-to-date (38.3 per cent), as the ASI also closed positive with 25,283.72 basis points gain representing a growth of 33.1 per cent year-to-date.

This achievement surpassed the N33.19 trillion market capitalisation and the NGX

ASI 60,968.27 basis points recorded in the equivalent period of the preceding year (HY 2023) representing a growth of 70.5 percent and 64.1 percent, respectively, as the local bourse sustained the rally into the new trading year.

The exceptional performance was primarily attributed to the remarkable surge in banking stocks, with major financial institutions, such as Zenith Bank, GTCO, UBA leading the charge.

Investors strategically positioned themselves to capitalise on the impressive earnings reports released by the banks awash with cash from the forex variation windfall.

Also, fortune hunters, itching for a bigger pie, had witnessed a huge exodus from the fixed income window to the equities market when the yields were less attractive as the government

battled to salvage the troubled economy.

The local bourse had furthered its rally into 2024, rising by 1.63 percent on January 2, the first trading day of the New year.

The trend remained unwavering to the end of January as the NGX ASI appreciated by 3 percent to cross 100,000 index points hitting 101,571.11 points – the first time in the 23 years of existence of the Exchange.

It is on record that the NGX had earlier secured its position as the world’s best performing stock market in the first three weeks of 2024, when it capped off the trading day on January 19, 2024, at a record 94,538.12 points.

With a remarkable year-to-date return of 26.43 per cent, the NGX had outshone its global counterparts within the first quarter.

Additionally, the demand for shares in blue-chip firms such as BUA Foods, MTN and Transcorp group earlier in the year contributed to this positive market sentiment.

Financial analysts further reacted to this strong market performance by attributing it to recent corporate actions. They anticipated that investors will continue to selectively invest in fundamentally strong stocks.

Continues on page 14

...as NGX ASI Maintains Surge

It is on record that the NGX had earlier secured its position as the world’s best performing stock market in the first three weeks of 2024, when it capped off the trading day on January 19, 2024, at a record 94,538.12 points

The bank recapitalisation programme will also expand the performance of the equities market as the financial services institutions invade the stock market to raise their capital base within the period prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Concerning the spate of delistings in the NGX, market operators argued that the limited consideration of delisting actions had not shown any discernible impact on investor sentiment. Instead, the market is setting new records, and year-to-date returns are soaring.

Analysts further attribute the ongoing market rally primarily to the consolidation shots of high-net-worth individuals and the robust trading activities of institutional investors. They argue that delisting, especially when accompanied by higher offer prices, results in minority shareholders realizing higher investment values

A stockbroker, Dr Paul Uzum, attributed the rally in the equities market to the impact of fiscal and monetary policy circumstances.

“Change in government policies and removal of fuel subsidies fueled a rally in oil and gas, while devaluation caused the banks to make huge profits from FX gains. So the market responded. There is also a huge inflow from politically exposed persons who now have the confidence to invest due to change of government,” Dr Uzum said in a note to THEWILL.

In the last week of the half-year ended June 30, a total turnover of 2.651 billion shares worth N49.976 billion in 41,610 deals was traded by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 3.301 billion shares valued at N53.157 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 27,536 deals.

The financial services industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart, with shares valued at N30.455 billion traded in 21,899 deals; thus contributing 69.67 per cent and 60.94 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively, the Conglomerates with 1.847 billion.

Industry followed with 272.398 million shares worth N3.546 billion in 2,165 deals. The third place was the oil and gas industry, with a turnover of 112.800 million shares worth N2.259 billion in 2,748 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely FBN Holdings Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc,and Access Holdings Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 1.032 billion shares worth N19.799 billion in 6,083 deals, contributing 38.92 per cent and 39.62 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value, respectively.

Despite the bloated recurrent spending in the 2024 budget and a significant infrastructure gap, Nigeria's debt repayment now exceeds both recurrent and capital expenditure.

This is alongside the country’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) being at an all-time low of under US$1 billion.

Mr. Tilewa Adebajo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The CFG Advisory, disclosed this while speaking on the topic "Nigeria's Fiscal Environment in an Era of Monetary Policy Tightening" at the July 2024 edition of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) bi-monthly forum in Lagos.

Although N8.7 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2024 budget, infrastructure development will receive just N1.32 trillion of this.

According to Adebajo, Nigeria's current debt burden of US$130 billion is being serviced by 95 percent of revenues, as debt repayment now exceeds both recurrent and capital expenditure.

...Crisis Looms Over Worsening Insecurity

functional given the current security challenge that has bedeviled the country, especially in the past nine years.

Thousands of farmers have been killed and their farmlands deserted. Many are now living in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps where they are languishing in penury, disease and melancholy. There cannot be food production under this situation and that explains the unprecedented high cost of food in the country.

The agricultural sector in the first quarter of 2024 grew by 0.18 per cent (year-onyear) in real terms, an increase of 1.08 per cent points from the corresponding period of 2023, and a decrease of 1.92 per cent points from the preceding quarter which recorded a growth rate of 2.10 per cent. It grew on a quarter-on-quarter basis at -32.25 per cent.

However, the sector contributed 21.07 per cent to overall GDP in real terms in Q1 2024, lower than the contribution in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 which stood at 21.66 per cent and 26.11 per cent, respectively.

The growth the sector recorded in Q1 2024 was the first in a long while - manifesting the trouble of the sector that is a priority to human existence.

Stakeholders have expressed concern that Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been on a continued decline in the past seven years – since 2017. This is not good news for the consumer goods firms who depend on the sector for local sourcing of their raw materials under the backward integration scheme.

According to data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), aside from the second quarter (Q2) of 2016 when agriculture achieved a real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.5 percent year-on-year, the sector has maintained an uninterrupted slide in the past seven years. The facts speak:

In Q2 2017, agriculture declined to a growth rate of 3.01 percent (from 4.5 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year), before it hit 1.19 percent in Q2 2018. The fortune of this strategic sector, which is the largest employer of labour, rose marginally to 1.79 percent in Q2 2019, then plunged to 1.58 percent in Q2 2020.

Although the overall GDP growth rate rose to 3.40 percent in Q2 2021 from -1.92 percent in the previous year’s equivalent period, the positive trend did not impact on agriculture: The sector, instead, nosedived to a 1.3 percent growth rate in Q2 of that year. It then sank deeper to 1.2 percent in Q2 2022, before recording a stunted growth of 1.50 percent in Q2 2023.

In all, while the overall contribution of agriculture to GDP hovered on the average of 23 percent during the seven-year period, the receding fortune of this sector was a major concern to the consumer goods firms. This is because the consumer goods firms rely significantly on agriculture to source their local raw materials under the backward integration policy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Nigerian government to confront the rising food insecurity squarely to save the citizens from possible extinction.

“Amid annual food price inflation of 35.4 per cent, the spiraling cost of living has triggered sporadic protests across the country and looting of food reserves in areas including the capital, Abuja. At least 40 per cent of Nigeria’s population of more than 200 million live in extreme poverty,” the IMF said.

The Chief Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, Mr Tilewa Adebajo, stressed the need for the Nigerian government to address the challenge of insecurity plaguing the agricultural sector.

Nigeria’s public debt stock rose from N97.34 trillion in December 2023 to N121.67 trillion in March 2024, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).

“Nigeria’s debt levels are now clearly unsustainable. Add to this US$10 billion from the 2024 budget deficit, and the question begs: is Nigeria heading for the default direction of Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia? The discussion on restructuring both domestic and external debt must commence alongside the ongoing economic reforms and revenue drive to avoid Paris and London Club imposition," he warned.

He added that with a significant infrastructure deficit and growth challenges, Nigeria is set to become the third largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa and Egypt.

Explaining the current state of Nigeria's economic indicators, Adebajo regretted that the economy is still in stagflation, with ongoing reforms aiming to achieve a sustainable growth trajectory.

He noted that the introduction of the Nigerian

Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) and the removal of fuel subsidies has seen the FAAC account increase by 130 percent from May to November 2023 to over N1 trillion.

“FDI is at an all-time low of under US$1 billion; power transmission and distribution infrastructure are still very poor, impacting industry and economic growth; the macroeconomic situation has declined over the last 7 years with a loss of US$180-200 billion in GDP, currently at US$390 billion.

"GDP growth of 3 percent is not sustainable for our population of 200 million; Nigeria requires 8-10 percent GDP growth for sustainability; 135 million Nigerians are in the poverty trap, with 40 percent unemployment and very low job creation and industrial productivity. Dwindling reserves and increasing credit default swap premiums have resulted in Caa1 junk bond rating status for our international credit ratings,” the finance and economic expert stated.

Nigeria: Dangers of Reliance on ‘Easy Money’ For Economic Progress

BY MARCEL OKEKE

Deliberately or otherwise, the Nigerian Government has been depending on inflow from Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), ‘Ways and Means’ from the apex bank and an assortment of loans (foreign and local) for financing its operations.

These can be classified as ‘easy money’ as against incomes generated through improved production and productivity in the country; including export drive. This trend has led to the violation of practically all rules and regulations regarding public finance management as it relates to these funding sources.

Thus, with respect to FPI, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the guise of ‘fighting’ high inflationary trend, hiked the indicative interest rate (Monetary Policy Rate, MPR) from 18.75 per cent to an outlandish level of 26.25 percent. This was just between February and May 2024: in a purported bid to make the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTB) attractive to Foreign Portfolio Investors, under its open market operation (OMO).

In truth, however, the CBN was desperately hunting for ‘easy money’; in this case, ‘hot money,’ to improve forex (FX) supply to the wobbling foreign exchange market.

Although the quantum hike in MPR and the OMO attracted some FPI which was deployed to stabilising the FX market, the resultant high interest rates regime in the financial services sector put loans and other facilities beyond the reach of many businesses. Indeed, not a few businesses, especially, the Small and Mediumscale Enterprises (SMEs), got crowded out of banks’ funds due to outrageously high effective interest rates of between 35 to 40 per cent.

In other words, the short-lived FPI inflow occasioned by hiked MPR resulted in almost total loss of access to bank funding by many economic agents. In some cases, businesses have either scaled down their operating capacity or packed up—even if temporarily.

Businesses that manage to keep afloat now (unwittingly) add to the already high and growing Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) of the deposit money banks (DMBs). Many businesses are no longer able to service their loans or take any feasible restructuring option—when much of their output/products are stuck in warehouses due to already weakened consumer purchasing power.

Indeed, the first quarter 2024 unaudited reports of eight banks submitted to the Nigerian Exchange show that provisioning for loan losses had spiked from N45.13 billion in the first quarter of 2023 to N247.91 billion as at the end of the first three months of 2024.

The list of these banks include: Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Zenith Bank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Access Bank, Wema Bank and UBA. While these NPLs in the books of these banks are growing, neither the high rate of inflation in the economy is dropping nor the FPI inflow continuing.

On the contrary, the very ephemeral ‘success’ of attracting some FPI has since vaporized, and the volatility in the FX market is

Section 38 of the CBN Act 2007 says: “the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government about temporary deficiency of budget revenue at such rate of interest as the bank may determine.”

However, Section 38 (2) of the same Act makes it clear that: “the total amount of such advances outstanding shall not at any time exceed five per cent of the previous year’s actual revenue of the Federal Government.”

Unfortunately, successive administrations have violated this law with impunity; ending up keeping this ‘easy money’ to the tune of trillions of Naira per time—contrary to the Act. Today, due to the ‘illegal’ securitization, the immediate impact of this is massive accretion to the nation’s stock of public debt. Indeed, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said as of March 31, 2024, the country’s total public debt stood at N121.67 trillion; showing that it rose by N24.33 trillion within three months—from N97.34 trillion in December 2023.

Also, sharp and sustained increases in Ways and Means advances to Nigerian Government have been part of the drivers of the hyperinflationary trend in the economy. The massive injection of money into the economy (not backed by any production or improved productivity) by printing more Naira and putting them into circulation has since remained the core drivers of inflation.

Such injections by the CBN translate to rising volume of money in circulation per time—and truly act as counterpoise to tight monetary policy of the apex bank.

In truth, however, the CBN was desperately hunting for ‘easy money’; in this case, ‘hot money,’ to improve forex (FX) supply to the wobbling foreign exchange market

yet lingering. Indeed, much of the ‘hot money’ has since left Nigeria—which, in part, was why the Naira gain in the FX market was very short-lived. And so, the underlying challenge of acute FX scarcity in the market remains unresolved.

With respect to Ways and Means (‘easy money’) funding of the Federal Government by the CBN, contrary to claims by officialdom, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration still pulls off deals with the apex bank. Available records show that between June and December 2023, the current administration had drawn a cumulative sum of N7.3 trillion from the apex bank by Ways and Means. President Tinubu is reported to have even approached the National Assembly to approve his request “for the securitization of outstanding N7.3 trillion Ways and Means debt balance.”

Before this, on May 23, 2023, the Senate approved the securitization of the sum of N22.70 trillion accumulated outstanding Ways and Means facility of the Federal Government. Tinubu’s predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, had made the securitization request on December 28, 2022.

Securitised facilities normally get turned into (long term) bonds for sale to prospective investors. No doubt, the securitization of these huge sums have pushed up the stock of Nigeria’s public debt to dizzying heights.

Ordinarily, the extension of Ways and Means facilities by the apex bank to the Federal Government is normal. Accordingly,

The Federal Government’s penchant for seeking for loans from practically all parts of the globe is another worrisome recourse to ‘easy money’. Today, it is either that the Government has secured or is in the process of procuring some loans/grants from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the AfreximBank, etc. At the same time, it is also taking (project-tied) loans through bilateral relationships and sundry institutions. There is always the ready-made excuse of taking those loans for infrastructural development of the country. But the subsisting level of infrastructural gap or decay in the country is no proof of the humongous (foreign) loans usually claimed to have been invested. Rather, much of the ‘easy money’ attracted through loans do end up embezzled or misappropriated by officials of the Government that are supposed to midwife the infrastructural projects. Alas,

the country relapses into another debt trap, with its horrible encumbrances.

It is no longer certain whether the relevant committees of the National Assembly do the necessary scrutiny and oversight regarding the volumes and varieties of loans and grants being secured by the Government. This, in part, accounts for why the country’s debt sustainability has come under serious doubt in recent times.

Ratios such as revenue to total debt, tax revenue to debt services and debt to the gross domestic product (GDP) do not in any way look favorable to Nigeria public finance management trajectory. The fear is fast getting palpable that the country could get bankrupt.

In April this year, the DMO had raised an alarm, saying that “fresh borrowings may push Nigeria’s public debt to N111 trillion.” As it turned out, by the close of first quarter 2024, the debt profile exceeded the projection—hitting N121.67 trillion. And with plans to leverage more domestic and external borrowing sources already in the Government’s pipeline, the figure is likely to record a considerable increase by the close of the second quarter 2024. And when/where this trend will end is yet unknown!

•Okeke is a practising economist, business strategist, sustainability expert and ex-Chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc

COLOUR

000

000 Center

Double

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2024

N1, 550, 000

Double Spread Half Page N1, 200, 000 10X6 N700, 000

10X5 N650, 000

10X4 N600, 000

10X3 N500, 000

9X6 N440, 000

9X5 N395, 000

9X4 N335, 000

9X3 N310, 000

8X6 N410, 000

8X5 N380, 000

7X5 N320, 000

7X4 N315, 000

6X5 N280, 000

6X3 N145, 000

6X2 N85, 000

5X2 N70, 000

4X4 N160, 000

4X3 N95, 000

4X2 N65, 000

3X3 N60, 000

3X2 N50, 000

2X2 N30, 000

2X1 N15, 000 1X1 N7, 000

D V E R T I S E M E N T R A T E

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Popular Nigerian Widows Who Have Risen Above Social Stigma

Widowhood is caused by so many factors, including disease, poverty, war, accident, negligence and sometimes hatred, which always culminates in the death of a dear husband. For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a husband is always characterised by negligence and a long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity. It is a very traumatic experience.

Although there are more than 258 million widows around the world, widows have historically been left unsupported in the various spectrums of society. They are often stigmatised, denied the right to inherit properties when their husbands die. Every June 23 is set aside worldwide to focus on raising awareness of the plight of widows, especially the vulnerable ones and their children. It is also an occasion to address social stigmas that create exclusion, discrimination, or harmful practices.

This year’s theme, ‘Widows for Peace through Democracy,’ addresses the 2024 commission on the status of women with a priority theme of accelerating the achievement of gender equality, emphasising the strengthening of land and property rights.

In celebration of Nigerian widows, IVORY UKONU spotlights a few who have refused to be held down by social stigma and instead, focused on achieving success.

Seinye Lulu-Briggs

That Seinye Lulu-Briggs has fought and won many battles since becoming a widow is simply stating the obvious. She was married to late philanthropist and elder statesman, Chief O.B. LuluBriggs, who passed on at the age of 88.

After her husband passed away, Seinye literally weathered many storms. She had to fight off her older stepsons - Senibo, Sofiri and Dumo, a former governorship aspirant in Rivers State who accused her of not being truthful about what led to their father's death. The older Lulu-Briggs passed on, upon arriving at the Kotoka International Airport Clinic, Accra, Ghana on December 27, 2018, while on vacation to the country in company with his wife, family, friends and staff.

Seinye alleged that she was victimised and scandalised as lies were cooked up against her. She accused her stepsons of being more interested in her late husband’s asset and alleged that Dumo, in particular, repeatedly requested from her a list of his father’s assets so he could sell off some to raise money to give the deceased a befitting burial, but she refused to oblige him. What followed was a long battle that drew the attention of some prominent Nigerians, including politicians and clerics who had to intervene in the matter.

Even the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) placed a travel ban on her. On arrival in Lagos from London on January 14, 2020, she was detained for several hours without explanation. Similarly, on January 29, 2020, she was stopped from travelling at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, detained and kept in a solitary room. The following morning, she was released without her international passport and other travel documents.

Both the EFCC and NIS had made an attempt to justify the seizure of her passport and her detention, claiming that she was under investigation and granted an administrative bail, which she jumped. The development, they said, compelled them to place her on a watch list and ask the Immigration Service to seize her travelling documents. The travel ban was eventually voided by a Federal High Court in Lagos with an order for EFCC and NIS to pay her the sum of N15 million in damages and an apology to her in two national newspapers.

Today, Seinye is not only an accomplished businesswoman but also expanded her businesses, which include a bottling company, a foods and beverages firm, a multifunctional haulage, assetleasing and manpower management company. She also oversees the affairs of Moni Pulo Oil Producing Company Limited, her late husband's business. What is more, she has also taken on the plight of widows and helped them rise above victimisation and all forms of persecution by collaborating with the African Women Lawyers Association, AWLA, to offer free legal service, fully paid for by her husband’s foundation, to support embattled widows in the pursuit of their rights and the protection of their dignity.

A recipient of several awards, about two months ago, she was bestowed with the traditional title of 'Ununwe Gwoduma Emene' of Ekpeye Land meaning ‘The Woman that Heals Ekpeye People’, by His Imperial Majesty, Eze Sir (Ambassador) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, PhD, Eze Ekpeye Logbo 111, the Paramount King of Ekpeye Kingdom and his council of chiefs.

Margery Chuba-Okadigbo

Alawyer and a former lawmaker who represented Anambra North Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Margery is the wife of late Dr Chuba Okadigbo, a political scientist who served as the 8th President of the Nigerian Senate between 1999 and 2000. He died of a respiratory problem on September 25, 2003.

Margery did not only suffer the loss of her husband, the graduate of George Washington University, Harvard University, Georgetown University, and the University of Chicago's Booth Business School, all in the United States, but also had to deal with the loss of two sons - first, Obiajulu Jideofor Okadigbo to an undisclosed ailment and her eldest son, Pharaoh Okadigbo on May 21, 2021, in a motor accident. But she didn't let these deaths dampen her spirit, instead she trudged on by establishing the Chuba Okadigbo Foundation to ensure that her late husband's legacies are sustained for all generations of Nigerians.

The foundation consistently offers scholarships, assists widows with credit facilities, picks hospital bills of indigent patients and secures employment for university graduates and non-graduates. In 2022, she was appointed Chairman of the Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by President Mohammadu Buhari's administration.

Tosin Dokpesi

Of the several wives the late media guru, Chief Raymond Dokpesi had - about four - Tosin was the most prominent because she was not only his fourth and last wife but also the face of his media empire. The 55 yearold widow has managed to confound her detractors and other naysayers who didn't think she would amount to anything.

Although she studied zoology at the University of Lagos, her passion for communicating with millions through the medium of the television tube through the now defunct Clapper Boards and later DAAR Communications, Nigeria’s preeminent private television station, where she started out as a corps member and later a full-time staff, could not be denied. She soon retraced her steps and swiftly earned a postgraduate degree in mass communications.

With the help of her stepson, Raymond Dokpesi Junior, who is the chairman of DAAR Communications, Tosin has helped to steer the ship of the media empire to greater heights as the Managing Director of Africa Independent Television, a subsidiary of DAAR Communications Limited.

Oke Maduewesi

Oke Maduewesi is a fine blend of beauty, brains and brawn. Despite losing her husband in the Sosoliso plane crash of 2005 and being pregnant with her second daughter at that time, Oke Maduewesi, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zaron Group of Companies, comprising Zaron International Limited and Zaron Cosmetics Limited, has kept her eyes fixed on the ball, refusing to be distracted by the pain of her loss. She has instead focused on delivering sleek premium quality products at affordable prices to enhance the lifestyle needs of African women. Zaron was conceived whilst she was doing an MBA at Leeds Business School. Prior to that, she was working in one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria until she decided to relocate to the United Kingdom with her two daughters who were four and two years-old, respectively, at the time in pursuit of her next chapter.

While in school, reviewing different business case studies and having this restlessness within, she knew without a doubt that she had to change the narrative of the Beauty and Wellness industry, which was one of the fastest growing industries at that time. Besides, there were no prominent African brands dominating the space at that time. So, she launched Zaron and allowed it to flourish.

Besides her thriving business, Oke is a source of inspiration to many young women and widows. Understanding the emotional needs of widows, she has for many years, through her Valentine’s Day outreach to widows, impacted on the lives of women who suffer the same fate of losing their beloved ones. This initiative of hers has helped bring succour to aching souls through acts of sisterhood.

Josephine Nwaeze

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Ngozi Nkoloenyi

Lagos society matriarch, Lolo Ngozi Nkoloenyi, became a widow about 12 years ago. She is the wife of late Paul Nkoloenyi who was a successful businessman until his death. But his death did not deter her from quickly taking up the role as the leader of her family and keeping hers and her husband's businesses staying afloat. The 64-year-old style and fashion icon runs Bloomingdale, an upscale fashion company and La Valerie, a fashion accessory outfit. She recently joined the league of female traditional title holders when she was conferred with the Nne Ora (Mother of all) title, by Igwe Polycarp Oyigbo, the traditional ruler of her hometown in Egede, Enugu State. It was a day of joy and celebration as many sons and daughters of Egede trooped out in their number to felicitate with Ngozi who is considered a role model as a wife, a business leader and a mother. When she is not busy running her businesses, she preoccupies herself with philanthropy using her status as the 18th president of Ikeja Viva La Amour Lion's Club or spending time with her grown children and helping to raise her grandchildren.

Kemi Adewunmi

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

The former First Lady of Ondo State is the widow of Rotimi Akeredolu, the late former governor of the State who died on December 27 of leukaemia and prostate cancer. A breast cancer survivor of over 20 years, Betty is anything but lily livered and this was evident in the way she asserted her authority as the first lady of the state and how she tried to keep the wheels from falling off during the period her husband was in and out of hospitals. The feminist and gender activist who is also the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, with its core duty of sensitizing the general public about the deadly disease by breaking down the wall of secrecy and stigmatisation associated with breast cancer, recently immortalised the memory of her late husband who died as a sitting governor. In recognition of his sterling contributions to the legal profession and Nigerian society and in appreciation of his legacy of excellence and service to mankind, she set up a scholarship fund in his memory for deserving law students. The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Scholarship Fund for Lawyers will be awarded annually to aspiring lawyers who have been admitted to the Nigerian Law School and who demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. It’s her own way of expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Bar Association, especially the Ibadan branch, for honouring the patriarch of the Akeredolu family with hopes that it will inspire and empower the next generation of lawyers who will uphold the values and principles that Aketi embodied.

Nosa Okunbo

Lady Josephine Nwaeze's story is about her inspiring journey of becoming an 'emergency leader,' following the tragic deaths of her husband and son. Josephine attributes her success in overcoming adversity to consistency, resilience, hope and trust in God. In 2006, Josephine’s husband, Sir Ojimadu Nwaeze, died in an ADC plane crash, leaving her to take the reins of his company, News Engineering Nigeria Limited, a 41-year-old indigenous electrical engineering company to greater heights. Years later, her son Ugo, whom she had been grooming to become an engineer, also passed away.

Despite the immense grief and hardships, she persevered, finding solace in her faith and focusing on her responsibilities as a leader. She has been able to take the company to formidable heights, such that she got conferred with a Honorary Fellowship by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the highest a member can attain in the society last years. The NSE said it conferred on her such honour because of her contributions to national development through her company, employing over 200 engineering personnel. This is in addition to successfully executing numerous engineering contracts, particularly in the Nigeria power sector.

The Lagosbased socialite, politician and humanitarian is the widow of a former Chief of Air Staff, late Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Alfa who passed away on March 16, 2000. Despite losing her husband to the cold hands of death and bearing him two beautiful children, Princess Kemi has worked hard over the years to be relevant in politics which is dominated by men. She has not allowed her status as a widow to deter her or determine her outcome, she has pushed boundaries in no small measure, and today, she

stands tall and distinguished in every circle she finds herself.

A former governorship aspirant in Ekiti State on the platform of People’s Democratic Party in 2022, Kemi is the president of Soroptimist International, Lekki as well as the president of the Women Initiative for Advocacy, Social Justice and Empowerment among many other organizations and groups she heads such as the National President, ATIKU LOYALISTS, member Teecom, G32 Contact and Mobilization, G32 Southwest ASO 4 ATIKU, G32 S/W Official etc. She is referred to as ‘an institution and a force to reckon with. Through her involvement and key roles in humanitarian activities and political engagements, Princess Kemi has been able to distinguish herself and impacted her state and Nigeria positively. She has constantly motivated and supported women to rise above the norm and take their equal place in most men dominated spheres of life.

She is the widow of late businessman, Idahosa Wells-Okunbo who died of pancreatic cancer in August 2021. Following his death, the family has been in one form of battle over the late business magnate's businesses and properties, but this has not stopped Nosa from forging ahead personally. A businesswoman who learnt well at the feet of her husband, she has been able to replicate the successes her husband recorded with his companies. on her own as the Founder and CEO of Windek Energy set up in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Her company prioritizes the delivery of high-quality energy from cleaner hydrocarbons while actively participating in the transition towards cleaner energy sources thus helping to address environmental concerns and reduce carbon emissions. The company recently began setting up 10 vehicle refuelling stations across Nigeria, to distribute clean natural gas and recharge electric vehicles to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

FAMILY HOLDS INAUGURAL

LECTURE FOR LATE PASTOR TAIWO ODUKOYA

Penultimate week the family of late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the founder and senior pastor of the Fountain of Life Church alongside members of his church, held the inaugural edition of a special annual lecture in commemoration of his 68th posthumous birthday. This was followed by a legacy dinner which culminated in a book launch. The book which is a collection of essays by the late cleric is titled, 'Reclaiming The Nigerian Dream, A Collection of Essays'. The venue was Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos and it was an opportunity to honour a man whose impact on faith, community, and family remains deeply felt by those who knew him. He was a man of good things: a leader, pillar, teacher and importantly, a reference for strength. Odukoya was a cleric who demonstrated toughness against the tests of life. He remained steadfast and full of praise amidst a storm of grief that would have sent some men spiralling. He was also a philanthropist who impacted lives through the Fountain of Life Church, which he founded with his first wife. Odukoya attained fame in his own right with his refined

the lower chamber.

Kennedy-Ohaneye has slammed the lawmaker with a N1 billion suit, accusing her of defamation of character. The minister claims Ogbara made wrong allegations against her while speaking on television earlier in the month.

She said that Ogbara disclosed that she was already under investigation by the Committee on Public Procurement and that she would be invited to appear before the House Committee on Women Affairs over various offences committed in the ministry she supervises.

The minister, who disclosed that she was wrongly blamed for transactions that transpired before she assumed office, said that the false accusations exposed her to odium and ridicule, especially before right-thinking members of the society, including friends, associates, lawyers, relatives, among others.

Kennedy-Ohanenye said she had expressed her disdain towards the false allegation and till date, Ogbara and her committee are yet to make any effort to retract the defamatory publication which is her reason for filing the suit against her.

Recall that about two weeks ago, THEWILL had revealed that a cold war was brewing between both women who are ironically, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The sparks they have both been emitting has become a source of concern for many political

brand of preaching the gospel. His messages were based on leadership development and building successful relationships and enterprises, which fetched him a wide range following worldwide. He was an accomplished author with over 100 books and praying manuals. Titles like Unleash Your God-given Potential, Created for Blessings, Limitless, Home Affairs, The Proof, Get All You Want, The Portrait of a Champion, 120 Days of Victory, 121 Days of Blessings, 125 Days of Favour etc. Odukoya died in the United States on 7 August 2023 at the age of 67. Following Odukoya's death, his two eldest children Jimmy Odukoya and Tolu Ijogun became the Senior Pastor and the Associate Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church respectively.

watchers, including their fellow party members. In May, the House of Reps unveiled a plan to investigate allegations concerning endemic financial misappropriation in the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Ogbara had revealed that some contractors had initiated a petition against Kennedy-Ohanenye over the payment of the sum of N510 million to contractors who did not participate in a bidding process, while those who did were left out in the cold.

Ogbara had expressed displeasure over the minister’s attitude to her committee, arguing that KennedyOhanenye had not been cooperative despite efforts made to synergise with her.

Ogbara also claimed that she has many petitions against the minister, particularly from people working within the ministry, who complained that the minister worked alone and dd not carry them along. She claimed that the minister had been invited several times to appear before the committee and address the issues she was being accused of, but the minister was aloof.

But in a rebuttal, ennedy-Ohanenye did not only deny Ogabara's claims but also insisted that she was not under investigation over allegations of financial misappropriation. She also said that the House of Reps did not invite her personally over the matter but her 'office' adding that Ogbara had no right to publicly say the things she said about her.

ABAYOMI AJAYI DIVERSIFIES

Dr Abayomi Ajayi, founder, Nordica Fertility Centre, one of the top In Vitro Fertilisation, IVF clinics in Nigeria, has decided to diversify from what it knows how to do best. He plans to commence High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for fibroids in his Abuja Centre from July 1.

HIFU is a form of treatment that converts waves of ultrasound energy to heat to burn off fibroids. He said the centre was launching the treatment at its centre in Abuja, following a successful treatment of 425 patients in its Lagos centre since it was launched in the state in 2021.

Dr Ajayi said the treatment option saved patients from complications associated with surgery and other methods. He said very unlike traditional methods, HIFU targets and destroys fibroid tissue without removing it, reducing the risk of complications. The HIFU machine generates sound waves, which focuses on a particular area at a specific intensity and power; and the generated thermal energy kills the fibroids. This new business is coming over a year after Nordica Fertility Centre celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Established in association with Nordica International, Denmark, Nordica Fertility Centre provides the latest and most advanced assisted reproductive services for treatment of male and female infertility and related issues. Dr Abayomi runs the fertility clinic with his wife, Olori Ranti Tola Ajayi as a sex therapist and a relationship coach.

Bola Odeleke Celebrates 50 Years of Full-Time Ministry

in an era when it was not fashionable for women to embrace full time ministry.

But her unwavering faith and determination propelled her forward, and she has gone on to build a thriving ministry that has touched the lives of thousands.

Over the years, she had baptized countless babies, married numerous couples, and comforted grieving families. She also founded several schools, maternity homes and community programmes, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the entire world.

To celebrate her landmark achievement, the cleric threw a grand party which spanned three days with music, dance, and testimonials from those whose lives she had touched. Great men

of God, including Bishop

Winners Chapel; Pastor Matthew

of Kingsway International Christian Centre; Bishop Wale Oke of The Sword of The Spirit Ministry International and President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN; Apostle Wole Oladiyun of Christ LivingSpring Apostolic Ministry and Chairman of Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Adegbite, all ministered at the three-day event. The now 74-year-old who is Africa's first female consecrated Bishop had her heart full of joy and thanksgiving. She looks forward to next year when she will be celebrating 30 years as a female Bishop.

Tunde Bakare's Son Weds Deola Sagoe's Daughter

In a dazzling ceremony that blended elegance with cultural heritage, Teni Sagoe, the creative force behind Clan Fashion Label and daughter of renowned designer, Deola Sagoe, tied the knot in a very intimate ceremony to Seyi Bakare, the second son of Pastor Tunde Bakare penultimate week. The union not only marked the coming together of two influential families but also symbolized the merging of creative and spiritual legacies, resonating deeply within Nigeria’s social and cultural spheres.

The wedding, a very private affair, was a grand one nonetheless, attended by notable figures from the worlds of fashion, business, and religion. The ceremony was a beautiful fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting the couple’s appreciation for their cultural roots and modern sensibilities. Teni, dressed in a stunning creation inspired by her and her mother’s design ethos, looking every bit the fashion icon that she is. Seyi complemented her perfectly, exuding charm and elegance.

Ajayi

Odukoya, Ijogun, Odukoya

The Bakares

David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide aka

Ashimolowo

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Managing Director/CEO, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Haruna Jalo – Waziri; Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Group Managing Director/ CEO, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola; Ag. CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka and CEO, NGX Regulation, Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo, during the e-Offering Platform Market Engagement in Lagos on June 26, 2024.

Guest of Honour, Chief Mathew Obodoechi; former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Chief Executive Officer, City Ride Broadcast Empire (CRBE), Mr Kizito Amechi-Aniagba; Igwe of Umuavulu Abor Community, Igwe Chike Onodugo and President Women Support Women Community Network, Mrs Amaka Nweke, during the inauguration of CRBE in Enugu on June 24, 2024.

Founding member and Director, Joint Prosperity Limited South Africa; Clifford Modiselle; General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, and Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Giwa Osagie, during the

State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and the Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Olawale Age-Suleiman, during the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, on June 25,  2024.

L-R:

NSACC June 2024 forum in Lagos on on June 27, 2025.

L-R:

L-R:

L-R: Wife of the Chief of Staff  to the Plateau State Governor, Janet Satmark; Wife of the Plateau State Governor, Helen Mutfwang and Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Pangiang, during the 2024 International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jos, Plateau State on June 27, 2024.

Chairman, Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria, Mr Bashir Are; Deputy Governor, Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; Executive Secretary, Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Mr Arinze Arum and Commissioner for Finance, Dr Nathaniel Urama, during the 2024 Enugu State  International Gaming Conference in Enugu on June 27, 2024.

L-R: Lagos

Addressing Head Injuries in Football After Mbappe, Varga Cases at Euro 2024

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

The spectacle of football, with its passionate fans and thrilling moments, often overshadows the inherent dangers players face on the pitch. Yet, as recent events at Euro 2024 starkly remind us, these dangers are real and significant. Injuries to the face, such as

The repeated heading of the ball, collisions, and accidental elbows or kicks to the head all contribute to this risk

those suffered by France's Kylian Mbappe and Hungary's Barnabas Varga, highlight the acute risks involved. These incidents underscore a pressing issue: the need for better policies to protect players from head injuries.

Mbappe, one of the world's most gifted footballers, is currently navigating Euro 2024 with a broken nose. His participation is shadowed by the necessity of wearing a protective face mask, a stark reminder of the collision that could have ended his tournament prematurely.

Meanwhile, Hungary's Varga endured a more severe fate. After a lengthy on-pitch medical intervention, Varga was stretchered off with facial fractures, his condition fortunately stable but his immediate football future uncertain.

These incidents are not isolated. They represent a pattern of injuries that footballers face regularly. The physicality of modern football, combined with the speed and intensity of play, has made collisions more frequent and, consequently, injuries more severe.

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria's star striker, serves as a poignant example of the dangers footballers face and the resilience required to overcome them.

In November 2021, while playing for Napoli, Osimhen suffered multiple facial fractures, following a horrific clash of heads with Inter Milan defender, Milan Skriniar, during a Serie A match. The injury was so severe that it required surgery and the insertion of titanium plates and screws to stabilise his facial bones. His return to football was marked by the necessity of wearing a protective mask, much like Mbappe is having to do now at Euro 2024.

Osimhen's case not only highlights the physical trauma but also the psychological impact such injuries can have on players. The fear of re-injury can affect a player's confidence and performance on the pitch. Despite these challenges, Osimhen's return to form has been nothing short of inspirational, yet it raises questions about the adequacy of

play. However, critics argue that more comprehensive measures are needed. Campaigners for collision policy reform suggest several areas for improvement.

One proposal is the mandatory use of protective headgear, similar to those used in other sports, to reduce the impact of collisions. While aesthetic and comfort concerns exist, the primary goal should be player safety.

Enhanced concussion protocols that mandate longer observation periods and independent medical evaluations before a player can return to play are also essential. This would reduce the risk of premature returns that could exacerbate injuries.

Varga

Infantino

Mbappe

Osimhen