THEWILL NEWSPAPER, NOVEMBER 24, 2024

Digital

Omomene Odike is a successful human resources consultant who didn’t always have a career in human resources. She had a successful legal career and transitioned to human resources to balance her professional and personal life demands. As an ambitious woman deeply committed to her legal practice and growing family, Odike was at crossroads. The pressures of legal practice were constantly at odds with her desire to nurture a fulfilling family life. This prompted her to reevaluate her priorities, leading to a pivotal decision to step into the human resources world and start U-connect. She had envisioned that being an entrepreneur would allow her to find a healthier balance between her professional commitments and her personal responsibilities, but she was wrong. Entrepreneurship proved to be more challenging than she had anticipated. The entrepreneurial landscape was not the family-friendly environment she had imagined; it was demanding and required resilience to manage business growth and family dynamics. Soon, what began as a career shift evolved into a passion for empowering others.

Read Omomene Odike’s story on pages 8 through 10.

We all crave healthy, radiant skin and, in the process, use skincare products with different ingredients. Unfortunately, not all ingredients work well together, often resulting in breakouts. This week’s beauty page lists five ingredients you should never mix. You’ll find this on page 12.

I was really looking forward to watching Red One, but after reading this week’s review, I’m torn between seeing it and ditching it. I’ll decide on that later. For now, click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download this week’s playlist. You’ll love it.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Photo: Kola Oshalusi

@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

OnahNwachukwu

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024 THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnews.com

THEWILLNIGERIA

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024

THEWILLNIGERIA

COVER

End of the Road for Simon Ekpa, Pro-Biafra Agitator

BY AMOS ESELE with FELIX IFIJEH and SAMSON OHUEGBU

Two days after Simon Ekpa’s arrest and remand in a Finnish prison last Wednesday allegedly for terrorism, his hitherto perceived larger than life image as a major force in the agitation for selfdetermination in southeastern Nigeria hit rock bottom. Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed last Thursday that his arrest alongside four others was tied to a preliminary investigation into crimes allegedly committed with terrorist intent.

A district court of Päijät-Häme remanded him after the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) charged him and four other men for alleged terrorist offences. The Finnish authorities “alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the southeast of Nigeria.”

“This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels,” said Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen.

According to THEWILL’ s checks in the SouthEast geo-political zone, the arrest of the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafran Government in Exile by Finland’s Central Criminal Police is being applauded by most people in Igboland, though a very insignificant few still frown at the development.

The reason for this general applause, this newspaper has learned, is not far- fetched: his sit-at home orders have been losing appeal recently since the man for whom the prolonged sit-at-home directive on Mondays is being enforced as a protest against his detention, Nnamdi Kanu, has since appealed that the directive be

stopped. Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has insisted that people in the region are already endangered on all aspects of national life and things should not be made worse for them through the economically damaging sit-at-home order because of his incarceration since October 15, 2015, on charges bordering on alleged terrorism. Ekpa’s arrest and detention has reinforced the merit of this appeal.

With Ekpa’s arrest therefore, some of his die-hard followers in the South-East will in all likelihood jettison the agitation in order to survive because their mentor’s arrest and detention will seriously impact the sponsorship and funding of insecurity in the region. And likely, the insecurity in the South-East will begin to improve.

Indeed, this challenge on insecurity in the South-East is on Ekpa, according to investigation. If his faction of IPOB is strong and well-structured as he claims, then, his followers in the South-East should have been calling on the Federal Government to discontinue with the pursuit of his extradition from Finland to Nigeria to face the weight of the law and by implication, continue the prosecution of the stay-at-home order.

“The major cause of insecurity in the South-East is Kanu’s continued detention”, a top government official told THEWILL anonymously on Friday night in Owerri, the Imo State capital. “If Ekpa is extradited and swapped with Kanu, insecurity will automatically vanish in the South-East,” the official added.

This sounds like a subtle campaign for the release of Kanu, a campaign that Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State recently re-ignited three years after

the last of the first republic parliamentarian and Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amechi, who passed on recently, led a powerful Igbo delegation to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa, Abuja, to seek the release of Kanu, in November 19, 2021.

This sentiment is pervasive now in the region, following Ekpa’s arrest as many think that he worsened the insecurity in the region through his active prosecution of Monday sit-at-home orders, which Kanu has since renounced.

But while the elite are cautious in making comments as many prominent persons asked to be excused from commenting, “until things become clearer,” Ekpa’s co-agitators are vocal in denouncing him to the public.

IPOB, OHANAEZE JUBILATE

Infuriated by the BBC linking Ekpa to its organisation, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, at the weekend insisted that the Nigerian-Finnish citizen is neither a member nor a leader of the organisation.

Powerful restated the commitment of the proscribed IPOB to achieving Biafra’s independence through non-violent means, specifically via a United Nationssupervised referendum.

According to him, “Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement. Contrary to the deliberate misinformation from the BBC, Simon Ekpa is not an IPOB leader. He is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or globally.

“IPOB, established by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a peaceful movement dedicated to seeking Biafra’s independence through non-violent means. We have never resorted to

COVER

...Road for Simon Ekpa, Pro-Biafra Agitator

violence or armed struggle despite provocations from successive Nigerian regimes.”

He further accused Ekpa of forming the Biafra Liberation Army, which it described as a violent faction that contradicts IPOB’s principles.

Powerful also expressed disappointment with individuals whom he claimed initially supported Ekpa, believing he was genuinely committed to the Biafran cause.

“Unfortunately, some innocent Biafrans, passionate about restoring the sovereignty of Biafra, were misled by Ekpa’s actions. It has since become clear that he is a destructive agent, paid to infiltrate and undermine our peaceful movement. Now he has said that he is not a prime minister of Biafra and that he is an ordinary member. He is not our member.” he added.

Earlier, the Igbo social and political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also hailed Ekpa’s arrest and called for his prosecution for fuelling unrest in the region.

The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the arrest and detention of Ekpa would resolve the prolonged insecurity problems currently plaguing southeastern Nigeria.

Isiguzoro hinted that Ekpa’s plan to unveil a map and publicly declare a Sovereign Biafra Nation on December 2, 2024, had heightened tensions in the region and further undermined the concerted efforts of many prominent sons and daughters at home and abroad to resolve the impasse which has cost the region “22 trillion naira in investment opportunities, thereby stifling the economic viability of our region.”

“His intentions could have sparked uncontrollable civil unrest and perhaps culminated in another Biafran War, a prospect that the Igbo people have conclusively rejected and remain unprepared to engage in.” Isiguzoro said, adding that, “Upon this crucial arrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the notion that individuals like Simon Ekpa possess the capability or legitimacy to summon the Igbo Nation into a conflict. This organisation acknowledges Ekpa’s disturbing record over the last three years, wherein he has systematically wreaked havoc upon the very fabric of our society and economy, implementing his illegitimate Monday Sit-At-Home directive with the aid of armed men who have terrorised our communities.”

He maintained that the Igbo seek a restructured Nigeria that would foster peace, dialogue and development, rather than engaging in perpetual conflict for the sake of prosecuting an exclusive, self-destructive agenda.

Secretary to the State Government of Enugu State, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, at the weekend expressed joy at the news of Ekpa’s arrest and detention. Promising that the state government would willingly provide evidence of his harmful activities on the lives and property in Igboland, Onyia said, “Ekpa has, for too long and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege mentality in the South-East. His arrest and trial will no doubt strengthen peace, security and stability in all parts of the South-East.”

BOTTLENECKS AHEAD

Risk Strategist, Vine Onyekwelu, a former British police officer, who spoke to a national television at the weekend, agreed that while the arrest and detention of Ekpa was a welcome development, considering his open insurrectional activities in the Southeast, the road to bringing him to justice may be paved with obstacles. “Does Nigeria have a bilateral agreement with Finland on terrorism? If it does, Ekpa can be extradited because what he has been arrested for is a crime, the act of terrorism which includes instilling fear in a civilian population and using arms to achieve a political goal in the course of which people get killed,” Ezeala said. Since Nigeria has no extradition treaty with Finland, Onyekwelu expresses certainty that Ekpa would have his day in a Finnish court to defend himself against terrorism allegations. He fears that the “human rights records in Nigeria, considering the way the authorities handled #EndSARS protesters, the #EndBadGovernance protesters and the trending video of an army general and guard molesting a Nigeria couple, will fail the European Union human rights test and prove a stumbling block to any extradition request on Ekpa.”

EKPA’S RECENT ACTIVITIES THAT EXPOSED HIM

Mr Ekpa is known to have been using his social media handles to advocate a secessionist agenda, issue illegal orders and solicit funds for suspected terrorist activities. On July 3, 2023, for example, he posted on his verified X handle that “50 men and 50 women were needed to fund the Biafra movement with $10,000 monthly for the next six months, with the promise that this would lead to the restoration of Biafra by the end of 2023.”

On October 23, 2024, Ekpa wrote on his X account that the current Director- General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, facilitated a World Bank and IMF loan of $57.5 billion to the Biafra Republic Government in Exile to form our government after December 2, 2024, declaration of Biafra. He denied the tweet after Iweala denied the statement as false and outrageous, “which no sensible person would believe.”

He also claimed to have engaged the services of lobbyists in the United States to advocate for support for a sovereign of Biafra, prompting the Nigerian government to urge the incoming Donald Trump presidency to distance itself from him. Then, he had scheduled the unveiling of a map for his intended Biafra territory to be launched on December 2, 2024. WHAT NEXT FOR IPOB?

With the group’s two prominent figures, Kanu and Ekpa incarcerated over alleged terrorism, the question begging for answer is who fills the leadership vacancy that their absence has created?

“THEWILL recalls that Ekpa rose to prominence after Kanu’s arrest in 2015 and began issuing directives on social media to his local foot soldiers in the Southeast from his Finland base, until he was arrested and detained by Finnish police last Thursday. As at press time on Saturday, no person has laid claim to the leadership position, according to THEWILL checks. IPOB through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, has however vowed to press on with its separatist agenda though through peaceful means.

FG NOT LOSING SLEEP

Welcoming the development on Ekpa arrest and detention, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Defense Headquarters described it as a critical step toward addressing security concerns in the South-East, indicating that diplomatic efforts were afoot to extradite him to Nigeria for prosecution.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the weekend confirmed its commitment to monitoring the legal proceedings in Finland. Acting spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the arrest followed high-level engagements between the two countries aimed at neutralising transnational threats to Nigeria’s national security.

According to Mr Ebienfa, his arrest follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Federal Government on Finland to act against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria. He said the arrest of Ekpa was a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security.

The Federal Government, he added, was closely watching the legal case in Finland and would pull all the stops to have him extradited to Nigeria.

In their separate reactions, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, described Ekpa’s arrest as a major victory in the fight against terrorism and expressed hope that the arrest, “will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Efforts to get official reactions from the presidency were unsuccessful. But a presidential aide who spoke to THEWILL anonymously said tersely, “The law is taking its course, let it take its course.” The aide reiterated that Ekpa’s arrest is the culmination of a series of diplomatic efforts by Nigeria, most recently in August this year when a delegation of Nordic Countries, comprising Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland paid a visit to Nigeria and discussed trade, security issues.

THEWILL recalls that during that visit, Elina Valtonen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland disclosed that the Finnish Government would cooperate with the Federal Government to resolve the Ekpa issue. She said the Finnish authority took notice of the request and discussed it with the Nigerian authorities in full collaboration, adding that “the entire process is within our judicial system, in Finland, we operate very strictly by the rule of law.”

Although the Federal Government at the weekend attributed Ekpa’s arrest to sustained diplomatic pressure on Finland to act against his alleged role in fostering violence and instability in Nigeria’s SouthEast region and disclosed ongoing diplomatic efforts to extradite him to Nigeria for prosecution, experts think the Nigerian Government is engaging in a wild goose chase.

They point out Ekpa’s Finnish citizenship, his party affiliation as member of the governing National Coalition Party in Finland since 2017 and the lack of an extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland, despite both countries being signatories to the Rome Statute, which enjoins member countries to cooperate in the prevention of terrorism and conflicts detrimental to their interests.

Lawyer, Chukwuma Ezeala and a National Security

Unfortunately, some innocent Biafrans, passionate about restoring the sovereignty of Biafra, were misled by Ekpa’s actions. It has since become clear that he is a destructive agent, paid to infiltrate and undermine our peaceful movement. Now he has said that he is not a prime minister of Biafra and that he is an ordinary member. He is not our member

Indeed, the Federal Government had made unsuccessful and repeated efforts to extradite Mr Ekpa to Nigeria to face prosecution.

In the heat of the 2023 general election, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, over a threat by Mr Ekpa to disrupt the country’s polls

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had visited the Finnish Ambassador and requested the Finnish Government to accede to Nigeria’s request to arrest Mr Ekpa over threats to disrupt the exercise.

Responding, Mrs Pylvanainen had pledged that “everything has to obviously be done according to Finnish legislation.”

As things stand now, nobody wants to touch Ekpa until the courts pass a verdict on his case.

Governor  Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (Middle), presenting the 2025 Budget Estimates at the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA),  in Lagos State on November 21, 2024.

Tinubu Seeks NASS Confirmation of Oluyede As COAS

BY FELIX IFIJEH

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

In separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu emphasised that the confirmation is in line with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act. Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted Tinubu’s confidence in Oluyede’s leadership, which he believes will help secure the nation and maintain stability.

Before he was appointed as Acting COAS, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, had served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

His military career began in 1992, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant, and he was promoted to Major-General in September 2020.

Throughout his distinguished career, Oluyede has held numerous key positions, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He has participated in various military operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

For his exceptional service, Oluyede has earned several prestigious awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, among others.

Oluyede is married and has three children.

Police Confirms Abduction of Journalist’s Relations In Kogi

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three relatives of the former Daily Trust Newspaper Editor, Mallam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), William Aya, who confirmed the incident, said the Divisional police officer, (DPO) in charge of the area, has already deployed his men to the area to ensure the rescue of the victims

He added that the Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha has also ordered the drafting of the police tactical team to the area to reinforce the team there, assuring that everything possible would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted persons and bring the criminals to justice.

Our Correspondent gathered that the victims were abducted on their way from a nearby community market in Awo, Ankpa local government area of Kogi State, along the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road.

Recall that Mallam Ahmed Ajobe lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Ajobe’s family friend told Our Reporter that the victims were said to have gone to the market to purchase items for the 7-day prayers of the ace Journalist’s deceased mother when they were kidnapped.

Although the journalist could not be immediately reached for details on the incident, a family friend said their abductors have demanded N50 million ransom for the release of the victims.

“Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3:pm on Thursday.

“The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding N50 million as ransom.

“However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja.

“What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet and the victims are still in captivity,” he explained.

Benue Varsity Offers Free Healthcare Ahead of Convocation

The management of Benue State University, Makurdi, has announced plans to provide free healthcare services to staff and students as part of activities lined up for its combined 22nd to 24th convocation ceremonies.

This announcement was made by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, during an emergency meeting with the chairpersons of 12 sub-committees set up for the convocation planning.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Simon Ubwa, the Vice Chancellor emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure a successful event scheduled for December 5–7, 2024.

Iorapuu described the forthcoming convocation as “special,” noting that it would feature the active participation of the institution’s visitor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Sir Paul Chukwuma, both of whom will be attending in their official capacities for the first time.

The convocation lecture will be delivered by globally renowned scholar and historian, Prof. Toyin Falola of the University of Texas at Austin, USA.

The lecture, themed “Power, Politics, and Policies,” is expected to be a highlight of the ceremony.

In a statement signed by the Chairperson of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Dr. Tyotom Keghku, the university encouraged individuals and corporate organisations interested in endowing awards and prizes to write formally to the Vice Chancellor for approval.

Other key events planned for the three-day celebration include a pre-convocation press briefing, novelty football match, convocation theatre performance, the commissioning of the CEFTER Food Technology Innovation Centre, and the award of higher degrees and prizes

The management assured all stakeholders of a memorable celebration while reiterating its commitment to the welfare and development of the university community.

FROM JOSEPH AMEDU, LOKOJA

BY KAJO MARTINS, MAKURDI

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Dr Emeka Obi; Minister of  Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on November 21, 2024.

NSCDC Arrests Eight Teenagers for Gang-Raping 14-year-old Girl in Ogun

BY SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA

Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested eight teenagers for allegedly gang-raping and filming a 14-year-old girl in the Ijebu-Mushin area of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Dyke Ogbonnaya, and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Ogbonnaya recounted that the suspects, which included 17-yearold Mathew Omotayo and seven others had taken the victim to a secluded room and had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

He chronicled that the suspects also recorded the scene of the act and had continually used it as blackmail to deter the victim from reporting the incident.

The PRO identified the other suspects as “Mojeeb Solomon, male, 16 years; Olamilekan Adefuye, male, 18 years; Damilola Ismail, male, 19 years; Emmanuel George, male, 17 years;

Aborisade Paul Ayomide, male, 17 years; Paul Chukwuchebe, male, 19 years; and Lateef Adeoye, male, 16 years.”

He said, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Command Headquarters, Abeokuta, has arrested one Matthew Omotayo, male, 17 years, and seven other suspected teenagers for alleged conspiracy, sexual abuse, unlawful sexual intercourse, exploitation and assault of a 14-year-old minor (name withheld) at the Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State on Friday, November 15, 2024.

“The alleged suspects, who claimed to be students of St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure, Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state, took the said minor without consent to a secluded room and had violent sexual intercourse with her and putting the same event in a video form.

“According to the narrative of the assaulted minor, she was sexually abused the first time and was recorded and the alleged suspects threatened to upload the video on social media if she did not allow them to have her again which she also consented to until her resolved to report the matter to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Divisional Office at Ijebu-Mushin,

Ogun State.” The NSCDC PRO noted that the victim, however, reported the matter after she was allegedly beaten and verbally assaulted by the suspects.

He added that the victim’s statement led to the arrest of the teenagers while the victim was made to undergo a medical examination. Upon conducting a preliminary investigation, Ogbonnaya noted that the command sought a remand order which was granted by a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ijebu.

He stated, “The results of the investigations culminated in the application for a remand order by the state command’s legal officer through the Magistrate Court in Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State.

“Upon the presentation of the matter by the prosecution counsel with several pieces of evidence, the court ordered a 60-day remand of the eight suspects after which the directives of the Department of Public Prosecutions on the matter should have been out.

“The Hon. Magistrate Sotayo granted the prayer of the civil defence legal officer to remand the suspects pending the outcome of the advice from the DPP, and he thereafter adjourned the matter to January 20, 2025.”

Reacting, the Ogun NSCDC commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, stressed that the command would not tolerate abuse of minors while noting that perpetrators of such acts would be dealt with.

EFCC Warns Banks Against Fraudulent Practices

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has warned banks against making themselves available as instruments of fraud. The warning was handed down at the weekend when the management team of Moniepoint, led by its founder and Group CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda came on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

corruption. We are open and would assist, however we can. No one is above the law”

The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe noted that Nigerian banks over the years have become notorious as conduits of financial crimes and advised that they should turn a new leaf for the sake of the growth of the country “There’s hardly any financial crime that would not go through the financial institutions. Money laundering is a major issue and you find out also that the perpetrators go through the banks. Nigeria will be the greatest beneficiary when we do the right thing,” he said.

Addressing the Moniepoint delegation , he said, “Try as much as possible on your own to avoid any form of connivance and don’t be a channel for money laundering. Don’t be a tool, don’t make your system porous. You are a major stakeholder when it comes to the fight against

Olukoyede observed that there was a high level of poor internal control by fintechs at the level of the unbanked, the under-served and the middle class population spectrum. “There’s quite a whole lot of fraud that goes around that particular level, so the issue of KYC (Know Your Customer) is very important, especially because of the issue of how fintechs open tier-one accounts, sometimes without attention to KYC. And people take advantage of this and are quick to commit fraud through this negligence. So, that’s one area you have to also look at to see how you can improve on your KYC. Increasing your level of collaboration with the EFCC would mean to see yourselves as stakeholders in the fight against corruption. We would like you to be able to respond to us when we make inquiries and when we make requests. Speaking further on the readiness of the Commission to collaborate with Moniepoint to get things right, Olukoyede stated that “On our part, we are open to whatever it is that you want us to do. We value it that you are here today to seek a stronger tie and collaboration. When we have stakeholders come in and want to be part of what we are

doing, majorly stakeholders like you, it gives us joy because we know that no one man can fight corruption alone. The collaboration you seek tells us that you want to strengthen your system; you want to be able to create more internal controls. You want to be able to put in place things that will mitigate those weaknesses that will lead to fraud within your system, that’s what we do. Our core mandate is enforcement and investigation of economic and financial crimes. So, we’re glad and wish to collaborate with you”

Earlier in his remarks, Eniolorunda noted that the expansion in the operations and services of the fintech and microfinance company have come with challenges which have made the need for a strategic collaboration with the EFCC compelling.

“Moniepoint has over the years grown to become one of Nigeria’s largest payment service providers and the bank for mostly mid-class businesses and the under-served. Today, Moniepoint processes roughly 70% of Nigeria’s payments on Point-of-Sale (PoS) and transfers. We are present also in the U.K and we are going through some potential setup also in Kenya, which is at an advanced stage with its Central Bank. And also in Tanzania,” he said.

Reps Still Pursuing the Six -Year Single Term Proposal

Abubakar is a supporter of the single-six- year tenure, though in a slightly different form from that

Abubakar’s proposals, addressed to the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, and dated August 30, 2024, contains recommendations that border on themes like procedures for the educational qualification of candidate(s) in elections, internal democracy in political parties and rotation of presidential position among the six (6) geo-political zones of the country.

According to the explanatory note covering the proposals by the former Vice President, the amendments that he seeks in the review of the Raising the standard of the educational qualification of political office seekers

An end to violent takeover of political parties and thereby strengthening internal structure of political

Reducing the tendencies of political parties to breach the constitution, electoral act, rules and guidelines made thereunder and the constitution of

“The implication of the above is that political parties are allowed a very wide latitude to breach

“Such indiscipline by political parties and infidelity to the electoral parameters yield chaos in the system. “The above amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy,” Atiku stated.

The recommendation for rotational presidency in the proposal reads thus: Add paragraph “A” to section 130(1) to read – “The Office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of Six Years flowing between the North and South on the single term of

Amend Section 135(2) to read – “Subject to the provisions of the subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of Six Amend Section 137(1)(b) to read – “he has been

Atiku described the vote against the bill as unfortunate and agreed with the sponsors in their bid to further engage stakeholders on the Sani kicked against the six—year-single tenure for reasons of

He said: “When some elbow-throwing grievance groups clamour for government preferment hanker for single tenure for president and governor as panacea to feckless performance, it is because such people ignore performance as ingredients for socioeconomic

“Else, they will know that single tenure has no incentives and motivation for high performance precisely because there is no difference between those who perform and those who do not

“When motivation is removed as an instrument of management practices, It is no more leadership but something else. We have seen how single tenure for Vice chancellors have not improved

“As regards the submission that single tenure will remove abuse of incumbency, we cannot solve that problem and create a different

“To solve the problems of abuse of incumbency without killing

“Chile and Uruguay practice multiple tenures, but they are not consecutive. That is to say a President cannot conduct an election in which he or she is a candidate. That way, incentives and motivation for performance are not sacrificed on the altar of

Oil Theft Allegations

LastMonday, Chairman of Tantita Securities Services Limited, a private security outfit engaged by the petroleum authorities to prevent crude oil theft in Nigeria, Chief Government Epkemupolo, aka Tompolo, accused the Nigeria Navy of aiding and abetting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

of doubt and source of conflict.

It is very sad for us to hear that our own military is accused of involvement in oil theft. It is as if there is no end to it and the sabotage in our region. If security forces that are supposed to work with civilian authorities to bring this to an end are also involved, then there will be no end to it

According to him, naval personnel had severally shot at his men, Department of State Service (DSS) officials and men of the Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC), while performing pipeline surveillance duties. He condemned the Navy for preventing the interception of a vessel allegedly used in oil theft in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently and decried the face-off between the Navy and Tantita.

“In fact, the Nigerian Navy is frustrating us. The operatives of the navy are colluding with these criminals to swindle the nation,” Tompolo said while receiving the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on a fact-finding mission on Monday.

On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters responded robustly. It dismissed Tantita’s boss’s accusation as “cheap blackmail.”

Dismissing the accusation, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba harped on the need of all anti-oil theft security outfits to jointly aid the government in its efforts to increase crude oil production so as to boost the dwindling economy fast and offer respite to suffering millions of Nigerians. He pledged on behalf of the armed forces to readily work with all partners to address the lingering areas

To buttress his argument that the Navy has been working hard to earn its pips in the fight against oil theft , he reeled out arrests that have been made since October this year alone:171,400 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 86,400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), which accounted for the disclosure by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited that the nation’s crude oil production rose to 1.8mbd in October; recovery of an estimated sum of over N921.8m while a total of 51 perpetrators of oil theft were arrested within the period under review.

Troops operating in the Niger Delta, Buba said, also destroyed 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 56 drums, 26 storage tanks and 56 illegal refining sites and recovered two speedboats, one barge, two tricycles, one pumping machine, two walkie-talkies, two outboard engines, nine mobile phones and 12 vehicles.

In that same month, troops recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined AGO, Buba said.

As telling as these facts and figures may be, the fact remains that accusations such as Tompolo has made are not new. The fact that such accusations are still being made four years after the NNPCL awarded the pipeline security contract to Tantita Services leaves much to be desired.

In 2019, the then Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike accused an army

chief of engaging in oil theft. Recently, Governor Duoye Diri raised the same fears when the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team, which was created to curb the menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa in October this year.

Addressing his guests, Diri said, “Before now, there have been accusations that the military and other security agencies were involved in oil theft.

“It is very sad for us to hear that our own military is accused of involvement in oil theft. It is as if there is no end to it and the sabotage in our region. If security forces that are supposed to work with civilian authorities to bring this to an end are also involved, then there will be no end to it.

“But it is the military that is now taking the lead among other security agencies. I can see the police and the NSCDC also represented in the committee. So, it means we are all now closing ranks.”

We hope the governor’s assessment and the Defence Headquarters Monitoring Team represents the new, true picture of things on the way forward.

The fact that Defence Headquarters has put a Joint Monitoring Team in place speaks volumes about the renewed commitment of the armed forces to walk their talk. However, we call on the various security outfits combating oil theft to sink their differences and work together to eradicate this scandal.

OPINION

Delta State 13% Derivation Fund: Matters Arising On Utilisation

OLOROGUN STEPHEN K. DIESERUVWE

he 13 Per cent Derivation Fund in Nigeria is a benefit-sharing system that provides funds to oilproducing communities to help them address the effects of oil and gas exploration in the area of Infrastructure. The fund helps communities address infrastructural decay and degradation. It is also meant for oil-producing communities access to healthcare, potable water and good roads. The fund is also supposed to assist with the provision of economic empowerment and compensate oil-

IT SHOULD BE MADE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT STATE GOVERNORS IN RECEIPT OF THE 13 PER CENT DERIVATION FUND, BY LAW, DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OR PREROGATIVE TO UTILISE THE FUNDS AS THEY DEEM FIT. IF THEY DO SO, IT WILL AMOUNT TO MISAPPROPRIATION AND MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUND SPECIFICALLY MEANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OILPRODUCING COMMUNITIES

The fund is paid to the oilproducing states every month. Although not all the figures are captured from the National Bureau of Statistics website, on request, the figures weren’t made available by the government.

In his press statement titled: Okowa and EFCC: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fairy Tale, following Okowa’s arrest and detention by EFCC, Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary (2019-2023) threw light on the funds received and disbursed by the Delta State Government, excluding the loans taken in the

In the statement, he said, “.....for the avoidance of doubt and the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State Government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state. Total Revenue (FAAC, IGR, Other receipts) = N2.65 trillion, Salaries = N628.5bn, Pensions/Contributory Pensions/Social Benefits = N141.22bn, Overhead/Consolidated Revenue Charges = N489.83bn, Grants/Contributions = 107.88bn,

DESOPADEC = N221.2bn, Internal Loans Repayment/Public Debt Charges = N200.38bn, FAAC Deductions for Loan Repayment = N150.63bn, Total Capital Expenditure = N729.2bn.”

In his statement, Ifeajika quoted from the audited accounts of Delta State Government. It is interesting to note that DESOPADEC, which by law is meant to receive 50 per cent of the Derivation Fund disbursement to Delta State only received the sum of N221.2bn in eight years.

Now, let us analyse the percentage of the Fund from the total FAAC allocations to Delta State in eight years.

Of the gross allocation received from FAAC, on average, the Derivation Fund makes up about 79 per cent, whilst statutory allocation represents 21 per cent. If we go by the incomplete 13 per cent derivation fund of N1.09 trillion, DESOPADEC should have received 50 per cent, amounting to N545 billion for the development of oil-producing communities.

From the figure released by Olisa Ifeajika, as contained in the audited accounts, DESOPADEC only received N221.2 billion. The salient question to ask is, how did the Ifeanyi Okowa Administration utilise the (N545 billion - N221.2 billion = N323.8 billion) N323.8 billion meant for the development of oil-producing communities?

Without gainsaying, the Fund is meant for the development of oil-producing communities. Based on the DESOPADEC Law, the State withholds 50 per cent, and the other 50 per cent meant for DESOPADEC was not fully disbursed during Okowa’s tenure.

It should be made abundantly clear that state governors in receipt of the 13 per cent Derivation Fund, by law, do not have the right or prerogative to utilise the funds as they deem fit. If they do so, it will amount to misappropriation and mismanagement of the fund specifically meant for the development of oil-producing communities.

Without the oil exploration and exploitation from those communities, Delta State wouldn’t be one of the beneficiaries of the Fund and it would only be stocked with the statutory allocation component of FAAC allocations. It is unjust and inhuman to deprive oil-producing communities of their rightful entitlement.

We are requesting Olisa Ifeajika to use the same medium used in the defence of the arrest and detention of Gov. Okowa, to publish the Derivation Fund and Statutory Allocation Breakdown of FAAC Allocation received in the eight years of former Governor’s Okowa government for the sake of transparency and accountability on the part of the state government and to know if oil producing communities were fairly treated. It is not wise to use unprintable words on those asking questions for clarification’s sake, and seeking equity and fairness.

We await the information on the breakdown of the question of FAAC Allocation asked above. We are at the point where the voices of all genuine advocates of fairness equity, and justice are to be heard,

Tracking President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Housing Initiatives

BY FREDRICK NWABUFO

Housing is a corporeal, psychological, and social need. It is not only a rudimentary component of existence, but also an apodictic facet of human dignity. It is as essential as life. Nigeria does have a challenge of affordable housing. The enormity of the challenge is even more perturbing when our steadily rising population is thrown into the dialectics of demography and poverty.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s population, which currently is estimated to be 223 million, is projected to hit 262.9 million by 2030 and 401.3 million by 2050, becoming the third largest in the world. This obviously should be a critical concern for a forward-thinking government, particularly as regards housing, vis-a-vis the present gaping deficit.

On assumption of office, President Bola Tinubu activated his Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development, inventorising salient objectives hedged around not only providing essential housing for citizens, but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

It was in full apprehension of the fundamentality of housing that the President decoupled the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from the Ministry of Power. This was primarily to ensure efficiency, timely delivery, and to eliminate unwieldiness.

The President launched the construction of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in February 2024 with 3,112 housing units in Karsana, Abuja, and a string of analogous projects across the country. It is heartwarming to report that significant progress has been made on the projects, in addition to the reforms initiated to strengthen the housing sector.

Here is a rundown on the housing outcomes as presented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

RENEWED HOPE CITIES AND ESTATES

Currently, there are 14 active construction sites nationwide, for a total of 10,112 housing units.

Renewed Hope Estates: 12 estates, comprising 250 housing units each, across 12 states, with two states from each geo-political zone, under construction. The states include - Yobe, Gombe (North-East); Nasarawa, Benue (North-Central); Sokoto, Katsina (North-West); Abia, Ebonyi (South-East); Delta, Akwa Ibom (South-South); totalling 3,000 units.

Renewed Hope Cities: These are larger urban projects which are being developed in the FCT (3,112 units), Kano (2,000 units), and Lagos (2,000 units), with additional cities planned in Enugu, Borno, Rivers, and Nasarawa. The goal is to build at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone of the country and the FCT.

A significant number of these units are at the roofing stage, and the ministry is working closely with the developers towards their completion and inauguration. For instance, at the Renewed Hope City in Abuja, 1,000 units are near ready with only plastering, internal features remaining.

Job Creation and Economic Impact: At an average of 25 jobs per house, the ongoing projects have directly and indirectly generated over 252,800 jobs for Nigerians, including skilled and unskilled workers. At an average daily wage of N5,000, many workers are earning over N150,000 monthly.

From professionals such as architects, civil engineers, surveyors, skilled workers like masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steel fixers, welders to labourers, security personnel, concrete pourers, excavation

workers, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates is unlocking the potential of housing construction as a veritable source of good paying jobs that are taking the youth off the streets.

HOME OWNERSHIP

PRESIDENT TINUBU IS CONFRONTING NIGERIA’S HOUSING CHALLENGE WITH GRAVITAS AND A DELIBERATE PLAN, UNDERSTANDING THE CRITICALITY OF THE SITUATION. HE IS DETERMINED TO RENEW THE HOPE OF CITIZENS ON AFFORDABLE AND FUNCTIONAL HOUSING

The home ownership options include: The National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loan from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. This loan can offer Nigerians up to N50 million to purchase the house, pay back over 30 years, at a 6% interest rate instead of the 18-23% interest rates from commercial banks. What makes this NHF loan more interesting is that it requires a maximum of only 10% equity, compared to the up to 30% equity from commercial banks. What this means is that if you want a N10 million loan, all you need to have is N1 million.

FMBN Rent-to-own. With this product by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, contributors to the National Housing Scheme are allowed to move into homes and pay gradually over 30 years without any upfront equity in monthly, quarterly or annual instalments towards owning the home at 7% interest rate. Outright purchase: There is an outright purchase option for those Nigerians who can afford to pay upfront.

The option of payment by instalment is also available with up to four instalments allowable for convenience.

A one-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, built under a PPP model, costs about N22 million, while a similar unit under the Renewed Hope Estates, funded through budgetary allocations, costs approximately N8–9 million.

ONLINE ACCESS

To streamline and ensure easy, transparent, and convenient access to the homes the Renewed Hope Online Housing Delivery Portal has been developed. This is an innovative and user-friendly platform where Nigerians can explore available housing units, apply, and track their ownership journey. Already, over 47,605 Nigerians have created accounts on the platform with over 1,000 paid applications recorded so far.

It is a one-stop shop for homeownership. Nigerians do not need to lobby anyone to own a home under

Over 65% of Nigerian Households Can’t

EDITOR Sam Diala

At least 65.8 per cent of Nigerian households were unable to eat healthy, nutritious or preferred foods in the past 30 days due to lack of money.

This is based on the General Household SurveyPanel Wave 5 (2023/2024), a new report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report, supported by the World Bank, further shows that 63.8 per cent of households relied on a limited variety of foods, while 62.4 per cent expressed worry about having insufficient food to eat.

Also, 60.5 per cent of households said they consumed less food than they should, with 12.3 per cent reporting that at least one member went a full day without eating. A notable 20.8 per cent of households had to borrow food or seek assistance from friends and relatives to survive.

The report read: “Approximately two out of three households (65.8 per cent) reported being unable to eat healthy, nutritious or preferred foods because of lack of money in the last 30 days. 63.8 per cent of households ate only a few kinds of food due to lack of money, 62.4 per cent were worried about not having enough food to eat and 60.5 per cent ate less than they thought they should.

“Furthermore, 12.3 per cent reported that at least one person in the household went without eating for a whole day, and 20.8 per cent of households had to borrow food or rely on help from friends or relatives.”

Geographic disparities were evident, with households in Nigeria’s southern zones reporting higher levels of food insecurity than those in the northern regions.

In the South-South zone, for instance, over 60 per cent of households admitted to skipping meals due to financial difficulties, compared to fewer cases in the North Central zone.

The report also highlighted the disproportionate burden on female-headed households.

A staggering 72.2 per cent of female-led

BY SAM DIALA

Many customers of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), have applauded the restoration of effective service delivery by the bank, following the completion of its tech-system upgrade. The bank had last month embarked on the upgrade of its core banking applications in line with industry demands. This exercise which led to weeks of harrowing experience saw the customers pass through frustrations in the use of the bank’s various service channels.

In a message to its customers via e-mail, the bank announced that it would embark on the weeklong tech-service upgrade which, it noted, would create some operational hitches before completion.

Part of the message, dated October 10, 2024, read:

“Important Notice: Transition to a Robust Suite of Core Banking Application Systems:

“As part of our commitment to bringing meaningful improvements to the lives of our customers, by leveraging technology, we will begin the transition from our current Core Banking Applications to a new and robust suite of Finacle Core Banking Application Systems, on Friday, October 11, 2024.

“During this period, we kindly ask you to bear with us as all our branches nationwide will close early to customers at 12 noon on Friday, October 11 and reopen at 9 am on Monday, October 14.

“Additionally, there will be service disruptions on our digital banking channels for 11 hours, specifically between 10 pm on Sunday, October 13 and 9 am on Monday October 14.” The bank went further to itemise the period when there would be service disruptions per banking channel.

THEWILL visited many branches of Guaranty Trust Bank in Lagos and some up-country locations last week which revealed that normal banking services had been restored and that the system had become more efficient hitch-free.

Some customers interviewed at the busy Akowonjo branch in Alimosho Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the bank’s upgraded facilities, acknowledging that the channels have

become more efficient and seamless.

“I can see that those days of frustration were not in vain. I am happy that the bank now has more efficient and seamless service applications that meet and exceed customers’ expectations. All the banking channels I have used proved far better than what they used to be,” said Marcos Ejemba, a building contractor.

At the Wetheral Road branch in Owerri, Imo state, a restaurant operator, Maria Abangwu, confirmed the efficient performance of the bank’s channels since the conclusion of the system upgrade. She revealed that she was at the verge of closing her account with the bank when what she called the service revolution occurred.

Responses from Abuja, Ibadan, Uyo and Kano confirmed that GTBs services have been fully restored and that the banking Apps now function better than before.

Explaining the development, a senior official of the bank who would not want his name published as he lacked the authority of the bank to speak, said, “We changed our core banking application completely and it took some time to get services back to usual service levels. For example, for instant transfers, where there is a failure, instead of instant reversal, customers had to wait up to 24-48 hours on some cases.” The official added, “All that has totally changed. Feedbacks we receive showed that our customers are happy with the new system because the services are quicker and hitch-free all through.”

Some social media reactions obtained on X included the following:

“Little wonder, I’ve also been getting alerts for my transfers.”

“It looks like GTBank’s service is now working well.”

“FIRS staff said they received their salary payments yesterday via REMITA, ahead of other banks.”

“My transfers have been working fine, GTBank is great again.”

This confirms the recent announcement by the bank that its digital banking channels are fully online, following the system upgrade. In a statement released on X, the bank reassured its customers that all

...GT Bank’s Core Banking App Excites Customers BUSINESS WEEKLY

branches across Nigeria had become operational and ready to serve.

The deft application of technology contributed to GTBank’s impressive performance in the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, where it recorded strong and impressive growth across all its key indicators, leading to the robust performance of the Group.

GTCO’s 2024 third-quarter results, showed that pre-tax profits rose to N215.69 billion, compared to N105.8 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023.

These third-quarter profits helped boost the financial holding company’s nine-month pre-tax profits to N1.2 trillion — the highest on record in the financial services sector, following the N1 trillion milestone achieved in the first half of the year.

The nine-month performance also enabled the bank to reach N1 trillion in profit after tax for the first time, making it the first bank to achieve this milestone

Other impressive aspects of the results include net interest income which rose to N781.48 billion, marking a substantial 162.6% year-on-year increase.

This growth was driven by an increase in interest-earning assets or higher rates, allowing GTCO to benefit from a favorable interest environment.

This strong performance in net interest income highlights GTCO’s effective asset allocation strategy, which leaned towards fixed income securities amid rising interest rates.

Furthermore, net fee and commission income almost doubled to N158.55 billion, reflecting a 92.2 per cent year-

Ton-year increase. Analysts explain that the rise in fee-based revenue underscores GTCO’s diversification strategy, with income generated from non-interest sources such as creditrelated fees and commissions, e-business

NIGERIAN BANKS HAVE EMBARKED ON AGGRESSIVE UPGRADE OF THEIR E-BANKING CHANNELS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE AND ENHANCED

Consequently, the banks have engaged in systems upgrade in recent times which created service disruptions to the consternation of the customers and other banks’ services users. In the past weeks, major Nigerian deposit money banks have experienced system downtime that stretched beyond what the public had expected, or is used to. However, despite the prolonged and severe service disruptions, the exercise has not resulted in the loss of customers’ deposits or other assets maintained by the bank –traced directly to it.

REVENUE GENERATION, WHICH HAS CREATED A STIFF COMPETITION AMONG THEM

income, account maintenance charges, transaction fees, ancillary banking charges, and other services.

The bank’s financial report filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited also indicated that total deposits rose to N11.24 trillion, for the first nine months, representing 49.4 per cent, up from N7.54 trillion in the corresponding period of 2023. This indicates the growing confidence of the public in the 75-year-old financial services institution. It also points to the success story of its customer-focused digital initiatives.

Nigerian banks have embarked on aggressive upgrades of their e-banking channels for maximum performance and enhanced revenue generation, which has created stiff competition among them.

he Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Olasupo Olusi, has disclosed that the bank has raised over $5 billion from international capital markets since 2017. Olusi made this known at the BoI’s 65thanniversary news conference in Lagos.

These funds were secured through Eurobonds, loan syndications, and green finance instruments

He highlighted the bank’s evolution from its establishment as the Investment Company of Nigeria (ICON) in 1959 to its transformation into the Bank of Industry in 2001.

He noted that in November 2023, the bank concluded a global loan syndication, raising not less than two billion euros. This marked the largest fundraising in BoI’s history and the largest syndication in the history of African Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

“BoI has partnerships with state governments, and foundations to establish the ‘Matching Fund’ scheme. We also have partnerships with trade associations, such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and Manufacturers Association

The push for migration to new core systems is driven by multiple factors, including security, cost management, and operational flexibility. Industry experts explained that security concerns are a major reason for the upgrade. With cyber-attacks on the rise, banks are seeking more secure systems to protect customer data and financial information.

Sterling Bank customers were among the first to experience severe disruptions in September when the bank began migrating its core system from T24 to SEABaaS, a new locally developed banking application. This migration caused multiple transaction failures, frustrating customers who were unable to use the bank’s services for days.

In a similar move, GTBank recently transitioned from its Basis/Banks software, provided by ICS Financial Services, to Finacle, an Indian banking technology solution.

of Nigeria (MAN), to deepen real sector financing.

“BoI recently signed a partnership agreement with SMEDAN to provide Nano and Micro Enterprises in Nigeria

Continues from page 15

Over 65% of Nigerian ...

households were unable to afford healthy meals, compared to 64 per cent of male-led households.

The gap was even more pronounced in cases where households completely ran out of food, with 55.2 per cent of female-headed households affected versus 41.3 per cent of male-headed ones.

The data also revealed a significant rise in food insecurity compared to 2018/2019. The proportion of households worried about food due to financial challenges has nearly doubled, climbing from 36.9 per cent in Wave 4 to 62.4 per cent in Wave 5.

The North Central zone experienced the largest increase, where households expressing food-related concerns tripled from 16.2 per cent to 44.9 per cent. Meanwhile, the South West zone saw a smaller increase, from 46.7 per cent to 61.7 per cent.

Also, 37 per cent of households reported experiencing food shortages in the past 12 months. Among these, 61.6 per cent faced shortages during specific months, particularly June, July and August, which were identified as the most difficult periods.

The North-East zone recorded the highest food shortages at 53 per cent, while the NorthCentral zone had the lowest incidence at 25.7 per cent.

Nigeria has been battling with a high rate of food inflation of over the years.

Investigation revealed that food inflation skyrocketed from

with a one billion dollar fund at a singledigit interest rate,” Olusi said.

Olusi added that the Federal Government recently appointed BoI as the executing agency for the N200 billion FGN MSME Intervention Fund. This includes a N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), a N75 billion Manufacturing Sector Fund, and a N75 billion MSME Intervention Sector Fund.

“Our strategic partnerships also extend to numerous organisations, such as African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Finance Corporation (AFC), Investment Climate Reform (ICR) initiative, and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF). Other are the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the United States Export Import Bank (USEXIM), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), amongst others,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Shekarau Omar, BoI’s Executive Director for MSMEs, revealed that the bank plans to disburse N120 billion to two million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by the end of the year. He explained that despite an initial target of N103 billion for 1.5 million MSMEs in 2024, the bank had already exceeded its goal.

24.82 percent in May 2023, to the peak of 40.87 percent in July 2024 before decelerating to 39.16 percent in October 2024.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WPF) recently published the “Hunger Hotspots” report, which highlights the devastating impact of conflict, climate change, and economic instability on food security across the world, with Nigeria among the possibly worst hit in Africa.

The worrying rise in food inflation mirrors the impact on agriculture and, by extension agribusiness, which witnessed a receding trend during the period. The agriculture sector in Nigeria’s 2024 Q2 GDP dropped to 1.41 percent in real terms from 1.50 percent in the same quarter of 2023.

The trend has added to the woes of MSMEs which derive their continued operation from a viable agribusiness value chain across the sectors.

According to Abdulrasid Yarima, president/chairman of the governing council of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), about 10 percent of the 40 million MSMEs in the country have shut down since the subsidy removal.

In a statement late last year, Yarima said, “It’s been very tough for our members as we are managing to survive. Some of them are closing shops while others are looking for new business opportunities.”

According to Omar, as of October, the bank had disbursed N107 billion to a larger number of MSMEs than originally planned.

He highlighted the importance of the MSME sector, saying, “The potential of Nigeria’s MSME sector is estimated to be between 39 and 40 million businesses.”

THEWILL recallsthat the Bank of Industry BOI confirmed the disbursement of over N37.8 billion through the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, also known as the Trade Grant Scheme.

The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme is a palliative initiative designed for nano businesses, with a target of reaching 1 million beneficiaries, each receiving N50,000.

The program is structured to allocate 70% of the grants to women and youths, 10% to individuals with disabilities, 5% to senior citizens, and the remaining 15% to other groups.

To date, more than 700,000 people have benefited from the scheme, while over 200,000 applicants are still awaiting their grant.

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is also focused on development of the MSME sector as engine of the economy.

JATUF: Aviation Stakeholders Lament Abuse of Employees’ Rights to Unionise

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry have decried a series of abuses of employees’ rights to belong to the unions of their choice.

The Chairman of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum (JATUF), Comrade Ahmadu Ilitrus, who made the observation at the 2nd Annual Strategic Aviation Unions Leadership Conference, warned that airlines are still frustrating the rights of the workers in Nigeria.

Ilitrus, however, stated that the law allows the workers to join the unions to contribute to creating an enabling environment to grow the industry.

The JATUF Chairman, who emphasised that there was a need for them to enforce the rights of Labour to organise and the rights for workers to belong to unions of their choice, said the unions for some time have stepped down their agitations because they wanted to open an avenue for engagement between the workers and employers.

“Sadly, some of these airlines have come and gone, some have celebrated 10, 15 years, anniversaries. They terminate their workers and they pay them nothing”, he said.

Corroborating Ahmadu, President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Comrade Adedayo Alele, warned that the unions will not hesitate to take action to protect workers’ rights.

“You have freedom to associate, then the workers, you are stopping them from using their freedom to associate in their own organisation, we will deal with it”, Alale stressed.

Ben Nnabue, President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), also warned against underestimating the unions and disallowing

workers to join unions of their choice.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had commended JATUF, stating that the gathering reflects the enduring commitment of aviation unions to foster dialogue, build consensus, and strengthen the aviation sector. According to the Minister, safety and productivity are non-negotiable imperatives in aviation.

Achieving these objectives, the Minister said, requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector.

“As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognise and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry.

“This aligns closely with my administration’s FivePoint Agenda, which prioritises Safety and Security, Infrastructure Development, Economic Growth, Human Capital Development, and Partnerships and Collaboration.”

Speaking through the FAAN’s Director, Corporate Services, Engr. Jensen Asaba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, said management and labour are not opposing forces but partners in progress. Adding that ”through mutual respect and trust, we can enhance operations and uphold world-class safety standards.”

On her part, the Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, also represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development,

Debola Agunbiade, assured the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of the workforce and strengthen industry operations.

According to her, aviation is inherently a collaborative enterprise. Achieving safety and productivity, the twin pillars of their operations, demands the concerted efforts of management and labour.

As the heartbeat of our industry, she observed that aviation unions play an indispensable role in fostering an environment of trust, professionalism, and innovation.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of the workforce and strengthen industry operations. We will continue to work hand in hand with aviation unions to build a culture of excellence, efficiency, and safety”, she said.

The conference organised by JATUF in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was geared towards providing a valuable opportunity to explore innovative solutions, deepen collaboration, and chart a course for greater synergy amongst the unions’ management and other stakeholders to better the fortunes of the industry.

It was attended by a cross-section of Labour leaders within and outside the country including the African Regional Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Comrade Mohammed Dauda Sefiyanu, who commended JATUF for their initiatives.

Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo (right) presenting the certificates to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku (left) at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja recently.

CAPITAL MARKET

Abuse of Indigenisation Policy Among Nigerian Entrepreneurs

BY SOLA ONI

Prior to the promulgation of the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree (now Act) in February 1972, the Nigerian capital market was operating like a silo. But deliberate government policy, popularly called indigenisation, aimed at increasing the participation of Nigerians (indigenes) in the management and ownership of businesses was initiated.

While a few Nigerian entrepreneurs took advantage of this policy and made success of it, some abused the opportunities and grounded their companies. For instance, prior to the debut of indigenisation, companies like Nigerian-German Chemical, formerly Hoechst, a pharmaceutical company, Unic Insurance and Niger Insurance were amongst the high flyers. But today, the companies have become caricatures of their past. It is as if Nigerians cannot manage business.

The latest in the series of companies that Nigerians bought from white men and progressively mismanaged to the point of grounding, is a one-time famous paints manufacturing company - IPWA PLC, former International Paints West Africa.

Storm is brewing on the Board of IPWA PLC. It is a trial of corporate governance. Many of the shareholders can no longer endure what has become an opaque mode of corporate governance by the majority shareholders, the famous Daniyan Group with above 30 percent stake.

When the frontline manufacturer of Marine Oil and Gas paints was listed on the former Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX) in 1992, the expectation was high that it would enhance its drive to contribute more to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through increased employment and output and generate value to shareholders.

(AGM). Consequently, NGX delisted the embattled company as an investor-protection intervention.

Let nobody blame the current hostile operating environment in Nigeria on the woes of IPWA. Market watchers noted that the company had lost focus when the majority shareholder shut the door on the other directors who would have provided fresh ideas on the way forward a long time ago.

It is frightening that IPWA parades directors of a median age of 70 on its board and they relish in deploying the same strategy for over 10 years, expecting new results.

In its 2021 Annual Report, despite that there was no Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is one of the indices of corporate governance by companies either private or public, the company claims to uphold the highest standard of corporate governance saying “The company is committed to the best practices and procedures in corporate governance. Its business is conducted in a fair, honest and transparent manner which conforms to the Code of Best Practices on Corporate Governance in Nigeria.”

While a few Nigerian entrepreneurs took advantage of this policy and made success of it, some abused the opportunities and grounded the companies

However, due to lack of innovation, the company has been groaning under the yoke of bleeding profit and loss accounts and fragile balance sheet. By 2016, IPWA could no longer comply with the Post Listing Requirements of NGX, the minimum of which was regular disclosure of information and payment of statutory fees. For almost one decade, IPWA never held an Annual General Meeting

Key stakeholders are expressing concerns in measured tones that landed properties of IPWA are either on sale or lease agreement. This may explain why the company is operating below installed capacity utilisation and rendering many staff redundant.

Concerned shareholders have the right to demand for Annual General Meeting. The apex capital market regulator in Nigerian, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Commission’s intervention cause IPWA’s board to convey the Meeting with SEC’s representative in attendance to produce report of the meeting for necessary action. Although IPWA is highly geared, there are options to reposition the company. Given the company’s loss of focus at the moment,

floating rights issue may be a costly gamble. Shareholders are already disillusioned and they need clear evidence of new direction before they can part with their money.

Huge amount of money is required to revamp the company’s machinery, perhaps in phases. IPWA’s admission into NASD PLC after its delistment at NGX presents an opportunity to recalibrate its operations.

The company is in dire need of Angel Investors , Private Equity and solid Turn Around Managers for capital injection. These group of institutional investors Invest efforts with more zest and innovation. A huge working capital will enable the moribund company to acquire licenses to participate in the Oil and Gas Sector.

It had demonstrated competence in these areas in the past and can still do the same. As the last option to step up a new beginning, the company can approach government development agencies such as the Bank of Industry (BoI) for a special loan at subsidized interest.

But the board has to be rejigged to pave the way for fresh ideas. Every investor will demand for proven evidence of sound corporate governance and rebranding for new market share and enhanced profitability. IPWA should not be allowed to die an avoidable death.

A paradigm shift in this unpleasant situation in many companies in Nigeria is for the regulators to show more interest in their affairs. This will justify the general belief that investor- protection is at the core of market regulation. The time for regulatory intervention is now.

•Oni is Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications

‘KINGMAKERS’ MULL REMILEKUN BAKARE AS DAPO ABIODUN’S SUCCESSOR IN OGUN STATE

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NEWTON JIBUNOH ABSENT AS WIFE CELEBRATES 70TH BIRTHDAY

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

CContinues on page 20

here is an indication that businessman and politician, Remilekun Rasak Bakare, who is popularly known as RRB, may likely throw his hat in the ring to battle for the number one seat in Ogun State, judging by how often his name is being bandied around by those that matter in the political landscape of the state, as the incumbent, Dapo Abiodun’s replacement, come 2027.

EDITOR

Ivory Ukonu

hief Elizabeth Ifeyinwa Jibunoh, a former society matriarch and wife to popular environmentalist, Newton Jibunoh, otherwise known as the Desert Warrior, recently clocked 70. She spared no cost to celebrate her entrance into the club. The celebration started with a thanksgiving service at the St John’s Anglican church, Falomo in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Social Media Should Be Correctly Used for Social Good, Self-development and Nation Building – Bodex Hungbo

Serial entrepreneur and social media advocate, Bodex Hungbo speaks with IVORY UKONU about one of her initiatives, Bodex Social Media Hangout and some of the things that have shaped her outlook on life. Excerpts:

What is Bodex Social Media Hangout all about?

It is a platform where we bring social and digital media practitioners, including the traditional print and broadcast media and stakeholders, together to learn more about the social media and how it can be correctly applied for social good, self-development and nation building. In Nigeria, there is so much conflict between the media and stakeholders like the Federal Government, state governments, corporate bodies, prominent individuals, etc.

So, I thought of how I could be of help in this regard, using my media background to bring everyone together so that way, the stakeholders can outline their challenges, the media practitioners can outline theirs too and then we can find a common ground to resolve some of these conflicts. Because the truth of the matter is that we all cannot exist without each other.

We tell our own stories in a different way, most times, highlighting the negatives over the positives, making non-Nigerians think that Nigeria is the worst place on earth, not knowing that it is because of our wrong use of social media that is exposing foreigners to such narratives. I created the platform so that we can learn to tell our own stories better so that foreigners can better view us and the country in a more positive light. The project is about the media selling Nigeria and selling Nigerians positively because without us there is no Nigeria and without Nigeria there is no us. You may think it is the job of the government to sell Nigeria positively, but remember they are not media practitioners who know better the power of the pen and in this case, the power of social media. This is one of the reasons governments set up media teams once they get into power so that professionals can help craft a positive narrative not only around their principals, but about their states and ultimately, the country, which is then sold to the outside world.

What are these conflicts between media practitioners and stakeholders?

The media can be brutal about the way they write about stakeholders - scandals, rumours, lack of proper investigations and the likes. Not only does it make them keep their distance from the media and over time, they begin to have little or no regard for the media. It also sends a negative signal to people who are closely following events in Nigeria. Yes, there is freedom of speech and everyone is free to write as they please. But that is no excuse to go overboard and throw decency or decorum out the window. Anything you write or comment on, remember the Internet doesn’t forget and it haunts people. On the part of the stakeholders, I will say, they should be more careful in their dealings in order not to project a contrary image than what they hoped to project.

Who are the speakers for this year?

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide SanwoOlu, and many social media influencers. This year’s event will be hosted by Frank Edoho. It’s an open affair for everyone.

What is the ultimate goal with these annual hangouts?

We have over 200 million Nigerians and not everyone will change overnight and align with the positive use of social media. It is a gradual process and with each annual hangout, we keep getting closer to our goal. At the hangout we also teach participants how to make money on social media instead of wasting their time and energy being a troll or constituting themselves into nuisances. Before long and sub -consciously, people will start knowing how to use social media for social good, awareness and development. We also plan to do a social and digital media school tour. You know there is an adage that says you have to catch them young that way it is embedded in their subconscious, and they grow into adulthood with that mentality to always push for the positive side of the social media.

It’s the fifth anniversary of the media hangout this year. What is significant about it?

It is not easy to do an event in Nigeria and successfully so for that matter. We have done four editions successfully aside the year 2020 which we missed because of COVID-19. So, I think the fifth anniversary is worth celebrating because a lot of people started some good initiatives, but today, they have packed up because of the economy. Here we are still standing because not only do I have the passion for this, but also I have been lucky to attract people who truly understand what the social media hangout is all about and the power of social media.

What informed the theme for this year’s hangout, ‘Social Media: The Power, The Impact, The Influence’?

This year, we have had a lot of positive impacts via social media. From somebody dancing to an old school song and in the process, raising unprecedented awareness of both the song and the composer, so much that the composer who was living in near penury now lives a relatively comfortable life. We now have a lot of influencers who genuinely use their platform to help people and raise awareness of good causes. Some even go as far as opening gofund me accounts for people who need urgent help. These are positive impacts made by social media influencers ranging from content creators to entertainers and social advocatesbasically whoever has a large followership and uses his or her platform positively or negatively such that they are able to sway their followers. These people have a voice and they need to understand the power of how they can use their voice to influence positively.

How challenging has it been keeping the hangouts running for this number of years?

The thing with being in Nigeria is that once you have a dream or vision, no one will want to roll with you until you get started and achieve an appreciable level of success. It happens elsewhere too, but it is worse in Nigeria because we do not believe in ourselves. This is unlike abroad where if you conceive an idea and discuss with one or two people, companies who see where you are going are already keying into your vision. So, yes, it has been extremely challenging keeping it running every year and getting sponsorship is a herculean task. The first and second editions were done with my own money. I run about eight different companies. So, what I do is that at the end of each year’s hangout, I start to save some percentage of money from these other companies that I run, just in case I am unable to get sponsorship for the next hangout or what I get isn’t enough. That being said, I now get sponsorship from the Lagos State Government. Every year, I get a different commercial bank to come on board and what they give is a token. I also get little support from a few friends who like the idea of what the social media hangout is all about. It’s also very challenging trying to bring both the traditional and online media together for the hangouts. Many of them are sceptical and some just assume that I collect huge amounts of money from organisations, though the reverse is the case. But it has been an interesting journey so far.

What would you say has been your greatest achievement since you started this journey?

I was invited by the University of Georgia in the United States to give a

talk in Kenya about the impact of Bodex Social Media Hangout. I did a course at the university, Civic Engagement and part of my project was on my event and that was how I got invited to speak at the event, on an all-expense paid trip. Another achievement is that the event won an international award as the best digital media platform in Africa. The event has also won some local awards as well.

How did you conceive this idea of a social media hangout in the first place?

I relocated to the United States on two different occasions. The last time I did was in 2017. While I was there, I was trying to start my online television, Bodex TV, but I soon realized that it was a tall order for me to think that it would be easy to get someone like, say, a Cardi B or a Beyonce to interview on Bodex TV. It’s not that it isn’t achievable, but it will take me years of building myself to get to a particular stage such that they will be able to identify with me and easily accept to be featured on my online TV. Then in 2019, I suddenly remembered that I was once a public relations consultant to a Nigerian president, and I already had some bit of media strength. I looked around the media in Nigeria and that was when I realized there is no love lost between the media and stakeholders. The idea began to brew and I decided to come back home to kick start it. It was something I knew I could easily do if I was outside the shores of the country, but I needed to get it started back home and grow it to the point where I will attract international recognition. In

Hungbo

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

September of 2019, I returned to Nigeria and held the first edition in November of that same year.

Do you have any regrets with your reverse japa?

I don’t and I also do not regret leaving Nigeria all the times I did. I just realised when I got to the US that it would take me a longer time to achieve my dreams since I didn’t have my foundation there unlike in Nigeria where I grew up and already had some businesses up and running before travelling out. But today, I run my businesses in both countries. Relocating in the first place was because I wanted a saner place to operate in.

You studied Industrial Chemistry in school. How did you now find yourself in the media space?

I actually wanted to study Mass Communication, but my late father wanted me to be a science student. After I graduated, I gave him the certificate and went in search of my own happiness. I got a post graduate diploma and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication. In all of the places I worked in shortly after my graduation, I was always somehow drafted into things that had to do with the media or entertainment. From Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC to MTN to Global Fleet oil and Gas. And I enjoyed those assignments. While I worked in Global Fleet Oil and Gas as Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s personal assistant and secretary, I was running a personal lifestyle blog on the side, just uploading pictures of myself doing basic everyday things either at work or outside work. I was doing that just to satisfy myself, not even to make money but people were hooked on the updates. I didn’t know that there were some key people who were following the blog. So, when a president was looking for a blogger to consult for the 2015 general election, my name came up and that was how it started.

Your name is quite unusual. Did your parents name you Bodex?

I am from Badagry in Lagos State and my parents named me Whenume which means Bodunrin in Yoruba language because I was born on the 27th of December. So Bodex is from Bodunrin. Over the years, people have always called me Bodex so all my documents now bear Bodex.

Would you say that you are fulfilled with regards to the hangout?

Extremely. I live and breathe Bodex Social Media Hangout. I do it effortlessly like the air I breathe.

Earlier, you said you run about eight companies

Yes, but they are not all media related though. I have a food mart, I make shoes, I have a printing press, I have a delivery company, an online TV, a news blog that strictly promotes Nigerians and Nigeria, among several others. All of them I run under Bodex Group International.

Why shoe making?

I started making shoes out of depression. I had made some deals that failed and that plunged me into depression. I almost committed suicide. It was while driving to Third Mainland Bridge that I made a detour and drove to Ajegunle where I saw someone making shoes and I told him to teach me how to make shoes. Today he works for me. I then travelled to the United State to learn more on shoe making and later went to Turkey to acquire additional knowledge. So I would make some samples and send them to some state governors. Some will get back to me and that is how I ended up making shoes for former minister for Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and a whole lot more.

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Don’t you make shoes for women?

I do but I prefer to make for men because they do not stress me and they are my major clients. When I make shoes for them, they will now commission me to make for their wives.

Are they leather shoes?

Yes, pure leather shoes

How do you manage all of your businesses without any suffering?

My businesses are all interwoven. They are all on auto pilot because I started them myself before I began to employ people to handle the different aspects. So I can comfortably beat my chest that I can never be stranded if any of them decides to leave today.

What would you say must have shaped you to become who you are today?

The fear of poverty. The fact that I do not want to be at the mercy of anybody. I come from a very rich but polygamous family. Growing up was supposed to be fun, but it wasn’t because I was always at the receiving end. I always wished to be richer than my father and to make

“judicious use of money unlike how he was spending his own money. Why is that?

He only spent money on himself. As a socialite, he liked to dole out money to musicians who sang his praises at parties. He was also an artiste who travelled widely to perform so he was well exposed. I wasn’t really close to my father who, despite having so much money, sometimes found it difficult to pay my school fees. I hawked things for my mum, so she wouldn’t have to go ask my father for anything, seeing that he didn’t know it was his responsibility to take care of her. All of these made me vow to become really independent by trying everything that I can possibly make money legitimately until I eventually strike ‘gold’.

What drives you?

Happiness. I am an extremely happy person. I don’t know what it means to be sad except I don’t have money. I also want to make an impact beyond what I am currently doing. I want to be able to step into a place and everyone will be like, ‘here comes Bodex with the solution.’ I also want to be able to make people know that love is greater than anything. You don’t need to hate on anyone.

How do you unwind?

My work is how I unwind. While I am working, I am having fun on the side.

Bodex Social Media Hangout is a platform where we bring social and digital media practitioners, including the traditional print and broadcast media and stakeholders to come together to co-exist and learn more about social media and how it can be correctly applied for social good, self-development and nation building. In Nigeria, there is so much conflict between the media industry and stakeholders like the federal government, the state government, corporate bodies, prominent individuals etc. So, I thought of how I could be of help in this regard using my media background to bring everyone together so that way, the stakeholders can outline their challenges, the media practitioners can outline theirs and then we can find a common ground to resolve some of these conflicts

Hungbo

Hungbo

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Nike Davies-Okundaye, Jimoh Buraimoh, and Bruce Onobrakpeya Bag Lifetime Achievement Awards

Nike Davies-Okundaye, Jimoh Buraimoh, and Bruce Onobrakpeya have been given lifetime achievement awards when the US marked its 50 years of artistic collaboration with Nigeria. The ceremony also marked the collaboration between Atlanta US and Lagos Nigeria. The three awardees are beneficiaries of the US-Nigeria exchange programmes which began in the 1970s.  The exchange programmes, introduced to inspire artistic innovation, have impacted the areas of music, filmmaking, and art creation.

Davies-Okundaye, fondly called Mama Nike, is one of Nigeria’s most well-known ‘batik’ and ‘adire’ artists. She has had her art exhibitions across the world. She founded the Nike Art galleries in Osogbo, Ogidi, Abuja, and Lagos.

Dressed in a black and white ensemble, the celebrant was joined by her friends and close family members, including her 11 grandchildren, all of whom adhered to the white dress code, as she thanked God for sparing her life in good health. Thereafter, she hosted well-wishers to a grand celebration at the Hall restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos. Some of those in attendance were Major-General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); former minister of state for petroleum resources; Henry Odein Ajumogobia; Olori Ladun Sijuade, Olorogun Oscar Ibru and his wife, Wanda; Jide Balogun; Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; Olu Okeowo; Ireti Asemota, Florence Ita Giwa, Don Etiebet and his wife, Nike Agunbiade, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, Dede Mabiaku who performed to the delight of the celebrant and several other guests. Surprisingly, her husband, Newton Jibunoh was absent at both the thanksgiving church service

Continued from page 18

‘Kingmakers’ Mull Remilekun Bakare as Dapo Abiodun’s Successor in Ogun State

Buraimoh, born in 1943, is a renowned contemporary painter. His passion for art creation was ignited after participating in the 1960 workshop organised by Ulli and Georgina Beier. He is famous for his artworks in prints, paint, inlay tiles, beads, mosaic plaques and tables, and murals.

Buraimoh’s 1997 work titled ‘The Elders’ won the ‘Best Mosaic Mural of the Year’ at the Atlanta Urban Design Commission. 92-year-old Onobrakpeya, a Nigerian printmaker, sculptor, and painter, started his journey into art after he was admitted into the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1957. For decades, Onobrakpeya has exhibited some of his famous artworks in countries like Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the US. In 2023, he was awarded honorary citizenship in Atlanta, Georgia.

and the reception party. A Master’s degree holder in Museum and Gallery Management from the City University in London, United Kingdom and a diploma in Floral Artistry from Boerma Institute Alsmer, Netherlands Chief Elizabeth is an art consultant and also the founding Director of Didi Museum, Nigeria’s foremost private museum. She worked with the Smithsonian Institution to facilitate the repatriation of the Alonge Photographic Artworks back to their ancestral home in Benin City, Nigeria. In addition to dealing in exquisite leather goods to the upper crust of society, she is also a health and wellness resources person and runs both the Ridgewood Wellness Sanctuary and the Beth and Bue company. A passionate social entrepreneur, she is the Founder of the Strength of Women Initiative. She is an avid art enthusiast and enjoys mentoring rising artists.

Gbenga Agboola Joins Advisory Board of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art

Olugbenga Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, a payment technology company, has been appointed to the advisory board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. The National Museum of African Art, the only US museum devoted to the art of Africa, selected Agboola as one of seven new board members during its 60th anniversary. The appointment places Agboola alongside leaders in academia, healthcare and finance who will help shape the museum’s future direction. As a technology leader who has consistently worked to showcase African innovation on the global stage, Agboola brings unique insights to the museum’s mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding. His appointment creates an exciting bridge between Africa’s digital transformation and its rich cultural heritage. The National Museum of African Art’s collection includes over 13,000 artworks spanning more than 1,000 years of African history.

As a board member, the Flutterwave founder and CEO will contribute to the museum’s efforts to showcase Africa’s artistic achievements to a global audience. Agboola also represents Flutterwave, as an inaugural member of the Milken Institute’s Africa Leaders Business Council. He serves on the boards of several prestigious organizations, like the U.S.-Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Corporate Council on Africa.

THEWILL gathered that the 64-year-old who holds several chieftaincy titles has tentacles and appreciable followership spread across the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This standing and perception as a builder of people are said to be weighing strongly in his favour. From Ogun central, one of the two regions that produce the largest votes in the state, if and when Bakare decides to throw his hat in the ring, it won’t be his first rodeo as he already tested the waters back in 2011, but failed to get the ticket. And when he was offered a senatorial position as consolation, he reportedly turned it down.

A BSc holder in Financial Services from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, with a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and a Doctorate degree from Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, specialising in Accounting and Corporate Governance, Bakare is a Fellow of many professional bodies, such as the

Chartered Certified Accountants, UK; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Institute of Financial Services, UK;  Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Nigeria. He is the Director-General/CEO of Executive Business School, Lagos, a top-rated business school with affiliation and articulation agreements with leading British Universities. He was the pioneer Registrar/ Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. He had previously served as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Nationwide Securities Limited. Prior to this, he worked at United Bank for Africa Plc, Financial Trust Company Ltd and Wema Bank Plc in various capacities. He was also a lecturer at various times at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic formerly Ogun State Polytechnic, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Enugu State University of Technology Business School and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.

Why Ajayi Crowther University Wants to Honour Modupe Alakija

There is some silver lining in the cloud for businessman, Modupe Alakija, following his alleged estrangement from his wife of over 40 years, billionaire oil mogul and clergy woman, Folorunsho Alakija. Modupe who is a lawyer and also the Chairman of Famfa Oil, will be conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree by the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, next week. The management of the university revealed that Alakija was chosen to be honoured because of his outstanding contributions

to business law, corporate governance and economic development in Nigeria. Alakija’s career spans over five decades of groundbreaking work in corporate law, business administration and educational development since he was called to the Bar in 1971. The university also added that his innovative approach to corporate governance and unwavering commitment to excellence which has significantly influenced Nigeria’s business landscape, is another reason they decided to honour him.

Agboola

Alakija

Okundaye, Buraimoh and Onobrakpeya

SHOTS OF THE WEEK

Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

Senior Economist of World Bank, Maheshwor Shrestha; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr

of

to

L-R: Acting Managing Director, Manufacturers Power Development Company Ltd, (MPDCL), Oweh MbaSam; Chairman, Board of Directors, MPDCL, Ibrahim Usman; Vice Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Musilu Oseni; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye and DG, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, during the 2024 Manufacturers Energy Security Summit in Lagos on November 19, 2024

Commissioner of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Hyacinth Azuka Edozie (Right), receiving an award from the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Lecture/Award (left), during the 5th Zik’s Annual Lecture/Award in Abuja on November 19, 2024.

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Sen. Eze Emeka; UNICEF Chief WASH Nigeria, Dr Jane Bevan; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen Ibrahim

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev and Permanent Secretary, Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwas, during the Presidential Launch of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Revised Strategic Plan in Abuja on November

L-R:

Olubunmi Olusanya, during the visit

the World Bank team

the Minister of Youth Development in Abuja on November 21, 2024

Hadejia;

19, 2024.

Principal Librarian, Kaduna State University (KASU), Dr Esther Gani (Right), presenting an award to the Director, Kaduna State Library (KSL), Mrs. Martina Egwuibe, during the 38th anniversary of KSL lecture to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the National Library of Nigeria in Kaduna State on November 21, 2024.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi; members, House of  Representatives Committee on Tax Reform, Rep. Manuchim Umezuruike; Rep. Kalejaiye Paul and  the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, during an interactive session with stakeholders on the Tax Reform Bill, in Abuja on November 18, 2024.

CAF WCL: Debutants Edo Queens Impress, But Fall Short

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Nigerian champions, Edo Queens made history at their first CAF Women’s Champions League appearance by defeating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns before ultimately finishing fourth in Morocco.

The Nigerian side began their campaign strongly with a 3-0 victory over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, featuring goals from Goodness Osigwe, Emem Essien and Folashade Ijamilusi. A goalless draw against Egypt’s FC Masar in their second match set up a crucial final group game against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match against Sundowns proved to be the tournament’s most dramatic encounter.

After falling behind to Melinda Kgadiete’s 24thminute goal, Edo Queens mounted an extraordinary comeback in added time. Captain Emem Essien equalised before Mary Mamudu struck the winner, eliminating the defending champions and sending the Nigerian side to the semi-finals.

The team’s outstanding group stage performances earned recognition for two players in the CAF Technical Study Group’s Best XI selection. Defender Cordelia Odoma and forward Emem Essien were named among the tournament’s top performers, alongside players from hosts AS FAR of Morocco and other participating clubs.

Head coach Moses Aduku led his team with tactical discipline throughout the tournament. Speaking before the semi-final against TP Mazembe, he maintained a measured approach: “We take it one game at a time. The players are ready and everybody is prepared. The 90 minutes will decide who wins.”

The semi-final against TP Mazembe started promisingly when Emem Essien scored her third goal of the tournament in the 65th minute, cleverly lobbing the goalkeeper. However, the dream of becoming the first Nigerian team to reach the final slipped away when Merveille Nanguji equalised with a header from a corner in the final minutes of regular time.

The match went into extra time, where misfortune struck. Super Falcons defender Comfort Folorunso turned the ball into her own net in the 101st minute, giving TP Mazembe the lead. Marlene Yav Kasaj then converted a penalty in the 120th minute to complete a 3-1 victory.

Following the semi-final loss, Coach Aduku reflected on the crucial moment that changed the match: “My girls played well, but unfortunately, we lost

The tournament’s increased prize money, totalling $2,350,000, reflected CAF’s investment in women’s football development across Africa. Despite missing out on the top three positions, Edo Queens’ performance marked significant progress for Nigerian clubs in continental competitions.

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, praised the team’s efforts through his media aide, Crusoe Osagie: “I am happy with how far the girls have gone and the quality of the team we have. I am confident that we have a good team. They have shown potential for winning the African Women’s Champions League.”

at the 90th minute. It is unfortunate, but that is football for you. It can happen to anybody.”

The defeat set up a third-place playoff against FC Masar, with significant financial implications. A win would have earned Edo Queens $350,000, while fourth place guaranteed $300,000. The match proved to be another tense affair, ending goalless after 90 minutes, despite Edo Queens creating numerous chances.

The penalty shootout saw FC Masar prevail 4-3, leaving the Nigerian champions to settle for fourth place. The result meant Bayelsa Queens remain the only Nigerian side to claim a podium finish in the competition’s history, having finished third in the previous edition.

A win would have earned Edo Queens $350,000, while fourth place guaranteed $300,000

Throughout their campaign, Edo Queens displayed remarkable defensive stability, going unbeaten in regular time during the group stages. Their goalkeeper, Omini Oyono, faced the fewest shots in the tournament during the group phase and needed to make just one save.

The attacking threat was led by Emem Essien, who finished with three goals in the tournament. Her performances, along with creative midfielder Esther Moses, who created six chances during the group stages, highlighted the team’s offensive capabilities.

The experience gained from this tournament run, coupled with the financial reward, provides a foundation for Edo Queens to build upon. Their achievement in eliminating the defending champions, reaching the semifinals and finishing fourth demonstrate the growing strength of Nigerian women’s club football on the continental stage.

FC Masar coach, Ahmed Ramadhan, who guided his team to third place, acknowledged the quality of the competition: “This is a historic victory for us. We worked hard to get here, and this result shows that we are ready to compete with the best teams in Africa.”

For Edo Queens, while the tournament ended without a medal, their performances throughout the competition brought attention to the quality of Nigerian women’s football and set new standards for future participation in continental championships.

The team’s striker, Chioma Olise, remained optimistic throughout the tournament, stating before the semifinal: “The players are ready and they are happy to play in the semifinals. It means a lot, not only playing in the semifinals but just qualifying from the group is a great opportunity.”

Coach Aduku’s tactical approach and the team’s fighting spirit were evident throughout their campaign. Before their final group match against Sundowns, statistics showed that no Nigerian club had gone through an entire group stage without conceding a goal, making their defensive record particularly noteworthy.

The team’s participation in the tournament marked several firsts for Nigerian football, including being the first Nigerian club to avoid defeat in their opening two games at the finals. These achievements, combined with their dramatic victory over the defending champions, have established Edo Queens among the continent’s most competitive female teams. With the right investments of their prize money, it can only get better.

Edo Queens

Edo Queens

Coach Aduku

ogannah@thewillnews.com

Chidimma Adetshina: A Tale of Resilience and Glory

Cto Yoruba) and a Mozambican mother, has become a name that resonates with both admiration and controversy. Her story is a complex mix of aspiration, challenges and public debate, capturing attention across multiple platforms.

She spent her early years in Cape Town, South Africa where she cultivated her ambitions and currently, she is pursuing studies in Law. Her emergence in the public eye has not been without scrutiny, drawing both support and criticism.

Adetshina entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, a platform celebrated for recognising beauty and talent while offering participants the chance to make a significant impact. However, her participation was marred by issues concerning her background.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into her mother’s citizenship, an inquiry that cast a shadow over her involvement in the competition.

The investigation revealed alleged discrepancies in her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001, raising concerns that ultimately led Adetshina to withdraw from the contest. She cited concerns for her personal safety amidst the rising tension, which turned her withdrawal into a focal point of public debate.

While the Miss South Africa organisation maintained that Adetshina met all the requirements to participate, public discourse centred on her dual citizenship and the perceived implications for her eligibility. Her Nigerian roots and Mozambican connection became subjects of intense examination, with many questioning how they influenced her place in the competition. The broader controversy of her citizenship quickly gained political undertones.

The Economic Freedom Fighters, a far-left South African political party, stood in defence of Adetshina, framing the backlash as indicative of a deeper xenophobic sentiment within the country. They argued that her situation symbolised South Africa’s rich diversity and urged for greater inclusivity. However, other political groups, including the African National Congress and the Patriotic Alliance, leaned towards more stringent measures, advocating a thorough probe into her nationality. Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, supported the investigation’s continuation, reinforcing its necessity in determining the legalities surrounding Adetshina’s and her mother’s citizenship. Amidst this polarised environment, a video emerged online showing Adetshina celebrating her progress in the competition with Nigerian relatives. While some lauded the clip for its authenticity and relatability, others saw it as a distraction from the ongoing investigation. The footage further fuelled debates, with critics arguing that it underscored the complexities of her eligibility.

In October 2024, the situation took a definitive turn when the Department of Home Affairs revoked Adetshina’s South African identity

documents. This decision followed the findings of the investigation into her mother’s origins, confirming allegations of identity fraud. For Adetshina, this marked a significant moment, forcing her to reevaluate her position in South Africa. Public sentiment remained divided; while some empathised with her predicament, others viewed the revocation

as a necessary step to uphold the country’s laws.

The fallout extended beyond Adetshina’s personal circumstances.

The Puebla International Festival in Mexico, where South Africa was a featured participant, withdrew its invitation to South African panellists and guests. Organisers of the festival cited the treatment of Adetshina as a key reason for this decision, asserting that it undermined the principles of justice, equality and human dignity. This symbolic exclusion from an international stage pointed to the broader repercussions of the controversy, affecting not only Adetshina but also South Africa’s cultural representation abroad.

Amid this turbulence, Adetshina redirected her focus to Nigeria, where she quickly established herself in the pageantry world. On August 31, 2024, she represented Taraba State in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. Competing against 24 other contestants, she emerged victorious in an event that was

broadcast widely, drawing significant attention. Her win qualified her to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024, scheduled to take place in Mexico City.

Her participation in Miss Universe became a defining chapter in her career. Competing against representatives from 126 countries, Adetshina achieved first runner-up status, marking the highest placement ever for Nigeria in the prestigious contest. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig won the title, while Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán finished as second runner-up.

Adetshina’s success on this global stage elevated her profile significantly, earning her widespread recognition. Additionally, she was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, reflecting her standing as the highest-ranking African contestant of the year.

Adetshina’s achievements on the international platform were celebrated not only for their rarity but also for the resilience they symbolised in the face of prior adversity. Her success became a rallying point for many who admired her ability to rise above the controversies that had previously surrounded her. While her journey was undoubtedly shaped by the challenges she encountered in South Africa, it was her determination and focus that enabled her to seize the opportunities that came her way in Nigeria and beyond.

As her story unfolded, Adetshina expressed her intention to settle in Nigeria permanently, a decision likely influenced by her experiences in South Africa. For Adetshina, the move represented more than a change of residence; it signified a conscious choice to align herself with a place that recognised her value and potential without reservation.

Through her successes and setbacks, Adetshina has emerged as a figure of significance, her story resonating across countries and communities.

In Nigeria, her influence is likely to extend beyond pageantry. With her legal education and growing platform, she has the potential to champion causes that matter deeply to her. Whether through advocacy, public speaking or further involvement in international events, Adetshina’s trajectory holds promise for continued impact beyond pageants.

Her accomplishments on the global stage also signal a turning point for Nigeria in international pageantry. By achieving first runner-up at Miss Universe, Adetshina not only set a new benchmark but also inspired a new generation of Nigerians to aim for similar heights. Her story serves as a reminder that success often comes from perseverance and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

As the spotlight on Adetshina continues, her legacy will be shaped by how she chooses to use her platform and the lessons she has learned along the way. Her journey so far has demonstrated that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be opportunities for growth and transformation. Through it all, Adetshina remains a compelling figure, her story offering insights into the intersections of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.

Adetshina’s journey reflects the complexities of modern identity in a world increasingly interconnected yet often divided by national boundaries. Her experiences also reflect the dualities faced by individuals with multifaceted backgrounds, navigating societal expectations while striving to carve out a space for themselves

hidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent, according to open sources (Not sure about her dad being Igbo because her last name points