N’Assembly Passes N54.99trn 2025 Appropriation Bill
SANWO-OLU HOSTS SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS' FORUM...
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
(Oil), Senator Heineken
CONGRATULATIONS
PEOPLE'S GOVERNOR TO Governor,
His Excellency, SENATOR DOUYE DIRI
State
y family and I join millions of well-wishers, especially MBayelsans and the Ijaw nation, to celebrate my brother and inestimable friend, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, on the joyous occasion of his fifth-year anniversary at the helm of affairs in Bayelsa state
In the last five years as governor, the dividends of your transformation agenda abound and evident in the nooks and crannies of the state. The people-oriented policies of your administration have brought governance closer to the people now, than ever before and earned you a place in the hearts of many. The people's Governor, the miracle Governor, you have
accomplished enviable strides in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, education, security, and created an environment for a host of other spheres of endeavor for the betterment of Bayelsans and the Ijaw nation The personal values driving these feats have greatly endeared you to the people of our great state I am s i n c e r e
achievements
Your Excellency, may God continually grant you long life, in perfect health, divine wisdom, and grace to execute your plans to actualizing them all for a better, enviable Bayelsa State.
From The Bank with A Heart
On this Valentine’s day, we reaffirm our commitment to you. Wishing you a Valentine filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities!
From All of Us At Fidelity Bank.
LIFC COUNCIL, ENTERPRISENG AND THECITYUK VISIT TO CBN AS PART OF PUBLIC SECTOR ENGAGEMENT...
FG: Devt Banks to Play Key Role in Disbursement of $350 Million Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund
NPA port rehabilitation projects to generate over 20,000 jobs Attract investors for development of eight deep sea ports
Eromosele Abiodun Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, in Lagos revealed that Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in partnership with stakeholders in the maritime sector, had finalised arrangements for the disbursement of the $350 million (N525 billion) Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
Oyetola said the port rehabilitation projects by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), were expected to generate over 20,000 jobs. He said seaports modernisation was a top priority of the Tinubu administration.
The minister added that the government was extending necessary support to private investors to encourage participation in greenfield port projects, like Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, and Bakassi deep sea ports, as well as the development of river ports and jetties across the country.
Oyetola made the assertions at an interactive session with editors of print media organisations in Lagos.
He explained that disbursement of CVFF would assist indigenous shipping operators in acquiring new vessels and enhancing capacity.
Nigeria is estimated to be losing a whooping N1 trillion annually to the non-disbursement of the CVFF.
Section 44, part VIII, of the Cabotage Act 2003 provides for the establishment of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), and a two per cent deduction on cabotageprotected trade earnings goes into the savings for the development of indigenous tonnage (ships) in Nigeria.
Oyetola stated that his ministry was facilitating the development of an appropriate template to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the fund.
He added that efforts were on to bring development banks into the disbursement process.
"I am glad to inform you that NIMASA is working on this and has almost completed the process," he stated.
Oyetola said inland dry ports were being developed across the country to enhance trade facilitation. He pointed out that the ports served as cargo handling and clearance hubs, which help to improve logistics efficiency and ease access to international markets.
He explained, "Recently, the Funtua Dry Port in Katsina State was commissioned. Also, similar facilities in Kano and Kaduna are already supporting trade operations.
“Dry port development in Abia, Plateau, and Borno states are at various stages of development, to further strengthen the nation's trade infrastructure. Additional dry ports in Oyo, Ogun, and other states are planned."
Oyetola said the ministry was working closely with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Works to rehabilitate internal access roads and improve port connectivity, in order to reduce congestion and transit time.
He stated, "Furthermore, we are leveraging the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to drive blue tourism, support fisheries industries, and promote eco-tourism.
“To further enhance trade facilitation, the government is implementing
the National Single Window (NSW) project.
“This digital platform will streamline trade compliance processes, link ports with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, and create a seamless, efficient system.”
The minister said the maritime sector had a huge potential to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
He stressed that the blue economy comprised activities, such as maritime shipping, shipbuilding and repairs, ports infrastructure and services, and coastal tourism. Others, he said, included fishing and aquaculture; blue/renewable energy; seabed mining; underwater cabling; marine biotechnology (pharmaceuticals and chemicals); and water desalination.
commended President Bola Tinubu for creating a dedicated ministry for the marine and blue economy. He said the strategic initiative reflected the president’s determination to unlock the vast potential of marine resources, expand opportunities beyond land-based development, and establish the sector as a key driver of national prosperity in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
He added, “The vision is for the ministry to ensure that the country’s marine resources are harnessed sustainably to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation.
“To lay a solid foundation for the vision, the ministry has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the regulatory, legal, institutional, and policy frameworks for the
management and development of the sector. We have painstakingly devoted attention to the crafting of a sound policy framework to govern and direct the sector. “We have ensured that both the process and outcomes are given diligent attention. Our approach has been to guarantee a comprehensive and holistic national policy for the sector."
Oyetola stated that a major strategy in that regard was the adoption of a multi-layered broad-based stakeholders’ engagement and consultation with eminent sector groups (World Bank, NESG, AU-IBAR, WorldFish, etc.).
He said in partnership with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
and the Kingdom of Norway, the marine and blue economy ministry had concluded the development of Nigeria's National Blue Economy Strategy document.
Oyetola also said the ministry's National Draft Policy for Marine and Blue Economy was ready for presentation to the Federal Executive Council for approval. He stressed that the policy had taken note of the need to leverage technology and private sector initiatives to boost the sector. According to Oyetola, “It has also been distilled into a 10-Year Roadmap to guide its implementation. Even though we have dwelt deliberately and extensively on the crafting of an enduring policy framework, our attempts to rejig and reform the sector have not passed without notice.
NESGAS Limited, a leading player in Nigeria’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution sector, has signed a $200 million contractor financing agreement with Cakasa Nigeria Limited for the construction of a state-of-the-art 50,000 metric ton LPG storage facility in Onne, Rivers State.
In a statement yesterday, the firm described it as a milestone agreement, noting that it marked a significant step in NESGAS' com-
mitment to expanding Nigeria’s LPG infrastructure and enhancing supply security.
Besides, it stated that it will support the country’s transition to cleaner energy, while the financing will enable the timely execution of the project, reinforcing NESGAS’ position as a key driver of energy accessibility.
Speaking on the deal, Managing Director of NESGAS, Tunde Banjo, stated that aside from enhancing Nigeria's gas value chain, the agreement will make the required
expertise as well as the funding available.
"This project is a major leap forward in our mission to strengthen Nigeria’s LPG value chain. Partnering with Cakasa ensures we have the expertise and financial backing to execute this ambitious development successfully," Banjo
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigerian government’s commitment to the welfare of members of the organised labour, inclusive economic policies, and wage reforms. He also stressed that President Bola Tinubu is committed to a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem. Speaking Thursday during a meeting with a delegation led by the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Gilbert Houngbo,
and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi at the State House, Abuja, Shettima lauded what he described as Nigeria’s vibrant labour movement and its role in national development. According to him: “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare of Nigerian workers. We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it.
"Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national
level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights.”
The Vice President noted the global workforce transformation and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, citing the country’s youthful population as a major advantage.
“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we
can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” Shettima said.
He expressed confidence in the country’s future workforce, saying, “our young people are digitally more literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.”
The Vice President told the ILO chief that the Nigerian government remains committed to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth.
Nigeria’s leading payment service bank, has announced the deployment of a new agent banking software with robust functionalities to promote financial inclusion and enrich its agency banking services. The new agency banking software supports the most comprehensive range of agency banking services including bills payment, instant reversal of failed transactions, payment for lottery and
from
The
transaction
amongst
software has been integrated with MMPSB’s core
to
for
and various stakeholders
to the
introduced "to provide a seamless banking experience to customers using our POS terminals across the country. Customers can now enjoy a wide range of banking transactions from a single point while improving revenue streams for agents. With the deployment of the new software, MoneyMaster is now in the top league of financial institutions with cutting edge technology for POS terminal operations. Having secured its payment service banking licence, the bank was one of the early movers that championed USSD banking amongst the financially excluded. It later expanded its banking channels to include mobile banking app and internet banking.
Oyetola
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
L-R: Lagos International Financial Centre, LIFC Council member/Director, Policy and Public Affairs, Enterprise NGR, Lami Adekola; Executive, International Development - TheCityUK, Alyaa Hassan; Head, Eurasia, Middle East & AfricaTheCityUK, Alex Milne; Central Bank of Nigeria CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso; LIFC Council member/CEO, EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe; Head of Research, EnterprisingNGR, Tayo Muritala and Acting Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, during a visit to the CBN Governor by LIFC Council, EnterpriseNGR and TheCityUK as part of the public sector engagement on the establishment of LIFC, at the CBN Office, Abuja… yesterday
This Valentine’s, treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
Enjoy 25% off on Jumia with your UBA Naira Mastercard and 75 off on AliExpress when you spend 150+ using your UBA Dollar, Euro or Pound Mastercard.
T&Cs apply Get your UBA Card at any branch close to you.
PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER FOR THE PROGRESS OF DELTA STATE...
L-R: Delta State Commissioner for Works, (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, perusing a document during the state executive council meeting at the Government House in Asaba…yesterday.
Loan Controversy: Court Rules on Otudeko, Onasanya Jurisdictional Applications March 17
EFCC demands Otudeko's physical presence
Wale Igbintade
A Federal Court in Lagos has scheduled March 17 for ruling on various applications challenging its jurisdiction to hear a 13-count charge filed against the former chairman of First Bank Nigeria (FBN), Oba Otudeko, and three others, over alleged fraud.
The court set the date after hearing arguments from the counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defendants.
EFCC filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko; former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya; former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo; and Anchorage
Leisure Limited. In the case, marked FHC/ L/20C/2025, the defendants were accused of obtaining N12.3 billion from First Bank under false pretences.
When the case was called yesterday, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) appeared for the prosecution.
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, while Mr. Olasupo Shashore (SAN) appeared for the second defendant.
Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) represented the third defendant, and Mr. Ade Adedeji (SAN) appeared for the fourth defendant.
Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN) appeared as a watching brief for the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria.
at next hearing Olanipekun: Otudeko left Nigeria legitimately for medical reasons
Addressing the court, Olanipekun informed the court that Otudeko had filed an application dated January 28, 2025, explaining his absence.
The application included an affidavit detailing Otudeko's absence from court. It stated that the Honeywell Group Chairman left Nigeria on January 16, 2025 for medical treatment in the United Kingdom, arriving at Heathrow Airport the same day.
Olanipekun maintained that Otudeko left the country legally and did not abscond to avoid trial. He added that Otudeko travelled overseas several days before the charge was filed.
The counsel informed Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that Otudeko's
travel documents would confirm his departure on January 16.
He emphasised that Otudeko was unaware of any charges by EFCC at the time of his departure.
Other defence counsels briefly introduced their applications challenging the court's jurisdiction to proceed with the matter.
In response, the EFCC prosecutor informed the court that he had complied with the court's directive, issuing substituted service of the charge to the first, third, and fourth defendants and attaching proof of service.
However, he stated that he had received processes from the first defence counsel confirming that
Uncertainty as Nissan, Honda Ditch $60 Billion Merger Talks
Nissan and Honda ended merger talks to forge a $60 billion car company yesterday, pitching Nissan deeper into uncertainty and highlighting the pressure on legacy automakers from Chinese rivals upending the industry.
The talks between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, its third, were announced in December but were soon strained by disagreements, including over the balance of power. The deal was ultimately sunk by Honda's proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary, sources have said.
The car companies said they would continue with an earlier agreement, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors, to cooperate on technology and other areas, Reuters reported.
Analysts said such collaboration was crucial for established carmakers as BYD and other Chinese EV makers gobble up market share with sleeker, more software-rich cars.
Japan's carmakers also face the added threat of tariffs in the United States on vehicles they import into the US from Mexico, an important manufacturing hub, the Reuters report said.
Nissan is in many ways the most troubled of major legacy automakers, having never fully recovered from the years of crisis and management turmoil sparked by the 2018 arrest and ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn.
"Honda is pretty confident and has a lot in their favour, whereas Nissan
is in a bad place. They don't have a dance partner right now," said Japan autos analyst at brokerage CLSA, said Christopher Richter. "They probably need to think about doing something different," Richter added.
The merger would have created the world's fourth-biggest auto group by vehicle sales after Toyota, Volkswagen and Hyundai.
Honda Chief Executive, Toshihiro Mibe, told a press conference that while joining the two companies would have meant "quick pain", he ultimately became more worried about the fallout if the talks dragged on without progress.
He said that Honda had no plan to launch a hostile takeover bid for Nissan. The failure of the discussions was "disappointing", he said.
French automaker Renault, Nissan's top shareholder, said the terms of the proposed merger, including the lack of any premium, were unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Nissan on Thursday cut its full-year forecast for the third time and reported another big drop in third-quarter earnings. It said it would accelerate the turnaround programme it first unveiled last year.
The company now aims to close a plant in Thailand by June and two more plants, which it did not name, after that. It has previously said it would cut 9,000 jobs and reduce global capacity by 20 per cent.
Nissan CEO, Makoto Uchida, told a press conference that ending the malaise was the most pressing issue, after which he would be willing to bow out.
"If I can see the direction in which this will take shape," he said, referring to the turnaround. "I will naturally be ready to pass the baton to the next person," he said.
Nissan said it would seek new partnerships as part of the review, and would give an update about the turnaround within a month.
Sources said in December that Nissan would need to further reduce its capacity in China, where it oper-
the first defendant was not within the jurisdiction.
Oyedepo also mentioned receiving numerous motions from other defence counsels challenging the court's jurisdiction.
He argued that the priority should be determining when the defendants could return to court to take their plea, as the first defendant was absent.
Olanipekun replied, informing the court that he had served the defendant's application on the prosecution, and they had seven days to reply, but had not done so yet.
He argued, citing the authority of Barclays Bank vs. CBN, that the court must first decide whether it has jurisdiction before proceeding with the case.
He posed a hypothetical scenario to illustrate that a defendant could raise certain pleas, such as "autrefois acquit" (previously acquitted) or "autrefois convict" (previously convicted), before the arraignment could proceed.
Olanipekun asserted that the case reflected a fiduciary relationship in which payment had already been made in full, with an agreement not to press charges.
He urged the court to schedule a
hearing for the defence’s application, stressing that such motions should not be dismissed just because they may be seen as tedious by the prosecution.
In response, Oyedepo argued that the arraignment should take precedence before any application was entertained.
He cited the Court of Appeal's decision in the case of Yahaya Bello and referenced section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
He emphasised that criminal proceedings must be regulated by the ACJA, which aimed to address defects in the criminal justice system. Oyedepo stated that the case should proceed to arraignment and the court should not delay further.
Olanipekun, however, argued that it was important for the parties to avoid unnecessary delays and distractions.
Citing judicial authorities, such as FRN vs. Idahosa and Shema Ibrahim vs. FRN, he contended that the court had previously dispensed with the defendant's physical presence in court.
The third defence counsel, Ogunwumiju, argued that the court should hear the defence’s objections before proceeding with the case.
ates eight factories through its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor. It has already suspended production at its Changzhou plant as part of efforts to optimise operations.
Reuters quoted sources as sayings last week that Nissan was open to working with new partners, with Taiwan's Foxconn seen as one candidate. Uchida said Nissan and Foxconn had not held talks at management level.
GTBank Eliminates POS Processing Fees to Support Business Growth
Nume Ekeghe
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank) has removed all processing fees on transactions made through its Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, a move designed to ease costs for businesses and encourage wider adoption of digital payments.
The bank in a statement noted that effective from Tuesday, February 11, 2025, merchants using GTBank’s POS terminals will no longer have to pay Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.
It states that by eliminating these fees, GTBank is giving businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a much-needed
boost. With rising operational costs already squeezing margins, this initiative allows merchants to keep the full value of every transaction, improving their cash flow and making digital payments more attractive for businesses of all sizes.
Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, Miriam Olusanya, explained the rationale behind the decision: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem.
“By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has strongly refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against its Executive Secretary, insisting that no investigation has been launched against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement signed by the Head of Media Unit, Fatima Abubakar, the Board described the report published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) on February 10, 2025, as a smear campaign orchestrated by some disgruntled staff members, including a suspended director, Lawal Hafiz.
According to the statement, Hafiz and his associates had filed multiple petitions in 2024, alleging the diversion of funds meant for accreditation exercises.
However, NBTE maintains that these allegations were addressed in official correspondence to the Minister of Education and other relevant government agencies.
The Board explained that before 2024, accreditation of institutions was
conducted physically, requiring cash advances to staff for payments to resource persons, covering air tickets and honoraria.
However, in early 2024, a digital accreditation system was introduced to eliminate cash advances. While the transition is ongoing, a temporary window for physical accreditation has been extended until March 2025 to allow institutions to upgrade their ICT infrastructure. Addressing claims of financial irregularities, the NBTE defended its expenditure, citing the example of Ramat Polytechnic, which hosted 101 external resource persons last year. The Board clarified that the N30 million spent on their engagement translates to an average of N300,000 per expert - an amount deemed reasonable given the cost of travel and allowances. Additionally, payments made by institutions include other components such as service charges, NBTE journals, and inspectorate surcharges, further inflating the overall cost. On the issue of NBTE Consult Ltd, the Board described it as a legally registered entity established in 2021 to generate revenue through training and consultancy services.
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
FRED Pretty Woman Necklace
Chopard 18k Rose Gold Happy Hearts Bangle
Messika Lucky Move Pavée PM Ring in Rose Gold and Diamonds FRED Force 10 Ring
FRED Force 10 Bracelet
LAUNCH OF LONDON'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE DEVELOPMENT...
L-R: Partner, International Project Sales, Knight Frank London, Logan Cordy; Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Knight Frank Nigeria, Lanre Sonubi; Partner, Africa Desk, Knight Frank London, Ben Woodhams; Senior Partner/CEO, Knight Frank Nigeria, Frank Okosun; and Group Sales Director, Mount Anvil London, Jon Hall, during the launch of London's newest boutique development, The Edit, crafted by Mount Anvil, held in Lagos...yesterday
FG Lists Priority Areas of Partnership with ILO
NECA, NLC, TUC demand speedy passage of reviewed labour laws
The federal government yesterday said it was interested in fostering more collaboration with the International Labour Congress (ILO) in its efforts to advance social protection measures, enhance occupational safety and health standards, and promote gender equality in the workplace. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, stated this during a reception for the visiting Director General of ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo.
Dingyadi said Nigeria would like to deepen collaboration in the implementation of lLO conventions.
In a related development, employers and organised labour unions yesterday made a joint bid for the fast-tracking of the reviewed labour laws currently pending at the National Assembly.
In what appeared to be first major convergence of opinion by labour stakeholders in recent times, the organisations’ leaderships said the enactment of the new labour laws will reflect current realities and global best practices.
While receiving the ILO directorgeneral, Dingyadi said, "I am confident that your discussions will further consolidate our mutual efforts in tackling pressing labour market challenges, particularly in the areas of youth unemployment, skills development, and informal sector integration.
"Our government remains resolute in its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that supports sustainable enterprises, encourages decent work, and drives economic growth."
The minister said Houngbo’s visit
also reaffirmed the shared commitment of ILO and Nigeria to building a future where the principles of decent work and social justice would be realities, and not just aspirations.
Dingyadi expressed the determination of the Nigerian government to deepen its collaboration with the organisation in the implementation of lLO conventions, many of which Nigeria had ratified and remained committed to upholding.
The ILO director-general said the organisation will galvanise member states to campaign for social justice and decent workplace.
He said role of social dialogue could not be overemphasised in efforts to ensure industrial peace and stability.
Meanwhile, speaking at the special guest at the Third Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum, organised by Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) in Abuja on Thursday, NECA president, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, said the reviewed labour laws had stayed longer than necessary, forcing the sector to rely on obsolete legislations.
"I appeal to all relevant authorities to expedite the passage of the reviewed labour laws, ensuring that they reflect current realities and global best practices," he said.
Okoye urged that the National Labour Advisory Council be resuscitated and remain active, adding that its role in fostering constructive engagement among social partners is invaluable.
He said the council would have an important role to play in promoting industrial harmony and sustainable economic development.
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, expressed dismay over the continued
delay in passing the reviewed labour laws, adding that some of the fresh additions may become outdated.
Ajaero also raised concern over alleged move to remove labour matters, especially the fixing of National Minimum Wage, from the Exclusive Legislative List.
Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Tommy EtimOkon, said there were lots of challenges besetting workers and employers, which the reviewed Labour Act was expected to address.
Etim-Okon appealed to the federal government and members of the National Assembly to join hands
and see to the quick passage of the labour law so that the country could witness sustained industrial peace and harmony.
Etim-Okon said availability of decent work practices, for instance, was fast becoming an illusion in the country, as many workers now faced a bleak future with salaries that could not no longer provide their basic needs.
While speaking on the theme of this year's forum, NECA president said, "Labour Adjudication and Appellate Jurisdiction: Challenges and Prospects, is both timely and critical.”
According to him, adjudication process is the foundation of industrial
justice, which ensures that disputes between employers and employees are resolved with fairness and equity. He said labour relations had become increasingly complex and the role of a strong appellate system in upholding justice and maintaining industrial harmony could not be overstated.
Okoye stated, "At NECA, we firmly believe that a well-structured and independent adjudication system is essential for industrial peace and economic growth.
"The ability of our courts and arbitration mechanisms to deliver swift, impartial, and fair decisions is key to building trust between
employers and employees."
Dingyadi responded to concerns raised by NLC, which alleged that there was a plan to move issues of labour from the Exclusive Legislative List. He assured workers that nothing of such was being contemplated by government.
The minister said the federal government was currently in talks with organised labour with a view to resolving issues of conflict. Houngbo used the occasion to implore the Nigerian state to develop policies that would ensure good remuneration and decent work environment for workers.
Local Content Act Violation: Host Communities Threaten Protest Against Oil Firm
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Host communities of OML 115 and OML 67 also known as “Ebok and Okwok Fields”, operated by Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) in Akwa Ibom, have threatened to protest against the oil firm if they fail to implement the Local Content Act of 2010.
This is as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and the Community Development Committees (CDC) of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas, have called on the federal government to sanction any oil company that refuses to implement the Local Content Act.
The two groups made the call following the alleged delay by the
House Passes Bill to Regulate Gaming Operations, Enhance Revenue for Second Reading
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill seeking to create a comprehensive and harmonised regulatory framework for the operation and business of all forms of online and remote gaming that transcend state boundaries and extend beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The proposed legislation was titled, "Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of all forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and beyond the Borders of Nigeria, Provide for
the Conduct of Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, and enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation and for Related Matters."
The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Hon. Bamidele Salam informed his colleagues that the legislative proposal to repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017 and enact the Central Gaming Bill aligns with the recent decision of the Supreme Court on the conflict of jurisdiction between the federal government and the states regarding the regulation of gaming.
He recalled that the Court clarified that gaming, including lotteries and betting, falls within the legislative competence of states except where it pertains to matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, such as cross-border or international gaming operations.
The lawmaker said this underscores the need for a comprehensive legal framework that respects the constitutional division of powers while addressing the realities of modern gaming, particularly online and remote gaming, which often transcend state boundaries.
His words: "The Bill provides a clear legal foundation for the conduct of gaming activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the federal government retains regulatory authority"
Oriental Energy to comply with the agreement it signed with the Effiat/ Mbo host communities in Akwa Ibom State in 2023 to implement the necessary guidelines.
In separate statements issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, CDHR said it was appalled by the oil firm's “blatant and persistent refusal to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010".
The statement added: "Despite numerous calls, resolutions, and warnings, OERL has deliberately ignored its obligations under the Act, prioritizing profits over the well-being and interests of the people of Mbo/ Effiat host communities.
"It is pertinent to say that while we
appreciate OERL on its delivery on social corporate responsibility, SCR, and the establishment of Host Community Development Trust Fund, HCDT, well-funded, let it be known that the above cannot undermined the Local Content Act.
"It is shocking that the Company can implement PIA Act of 2021 and neglects that of 2010".
Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Branch of CDHR, Ndifreke Afangide, said in the statement that “the NOGICD Act 2010 is a critical legislation aimed at promoting local content in the oil and gas industry, mandating companies like OERL to prioritize local companies, goods, and services in their operations.
“This legislation is designed to
ensure that the oil and gas industry benefits the local community, promotes economic growth and development, and reduces poverty and inequality”.
He warned that “the window of opportunity for compliance is rapidly closing, and Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) is urged to take immediate action to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010”.
He added that “plans are already underway to lead the mother of all protests to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in Uyo and the National Assembly in Abuja. We warn OERL that its refusal to implement the NOGICD Act 2010 will have serious consequences".
The Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA) has shut down seven filing stations for under dispensing to customers in Kogi State and branding without authorization.
The Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbe Godwin, disclosed this during a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday.
According to him, "This is so disheartening to note that some people keep sabotaging the effort of the system for their own selfish interest. We are not telling them not to sell their product at their own price, but cheating the public we will not condone it.
"It is a big offence to under dispense
petroleum products to customers.
Any petroleum marketer caught will face the full wrath of the law.
"NMDPRA visited 50 filling station recently and shutdown seven for under dispensing. All the seven filing stations we shut today will be paying to the coffers of the federal government. This will serve as deterrent to others who intend to follow this dubious act.
"For the purpose of record, the following filing stations were shut down by NMDPRA for under dispensing in Kogi State. They are Solag Resources Limited Ankpa, Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana, Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba, S.O.T Nigeria Limited, Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba, (branding without authorization) and NIPCO filling station Phase 1 Lokoja.”
He lamented that some filling stations were also shut down for operating illegally in Kogi State. He said: "Four filling stations were sealed in Ankpa for operating without license. They are Absala Oil and Gas, Yak Ali Oil and Gas, Yamuda Nigeria Limited, and Hanimat Nigeria Limited, all in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State".
"Let me sound a note of warning to any marketer who is operating illegally in the state. It is better you go and do the needful by registering your stations with the Federal Government or the long arms of the law will catch up with you.
"There won't be any breathing space for individuals who intends to sabotage government efforts in ensuring that petroleum products are available without any compromise".
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
AfDB’s Adesina Dismisses Alleged
2027 Presidential Ambition
Reiterates he’ll be available to serve in any capacity, globally, including Nigeria
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, has debunked reports associating him with the race for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.
Adesina was reported to have given a hint that he would be contesting for the presidency in 2027 following a recent interview.
However, the AfDB president denied the media reports, stating that he never
said he wanted to contest for president. In a post clarifying his statement on his X handle on Thursday, Adesina said his interview was misinterpreted and misrepresented in several Nigerian media reports.
He restated an earlier position that he would be available to serve in any capacity globally, including in Africa and Nigeria, after his AfDB presidency.
Adesina stated, “A segment of my recent interview on @ARISEtv has been both misinterpreted and
misrepresented in several Nigerian media outlets. What I said was, ‘I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country.’
“A listen to the substantive and robust interview, which is available online, will show this to be the case. For clarity and for the record, I did not say that I am running for the office of President of Nigeria.”
It was not the first time Adesnia, whose tenure as AfDB president will
end in May, would be distancing himself from Nigeria’s presidential race.
Amid speculations ahead of the 2023 elections, Adesina had released a statement ruling himself out of the presidential race.
He stated, “While I am deeply honoured, humbled and grateful for all the incredible goodwill, kindness, and confidence, my current responsibilities at this time do not allow me to accept to considered.”
The statement continued, “I remain
fully engaged and committed to the mission that Nigeria, Africa, and all the non-African shareholders of the African Development Bank have given me for Africa’s development.
“I remain fully focused on the mission of supporting the accelerated development and economic integration of Africa.” Adesina, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan, was first elected as AfDB president in 2015, before winning re-election in 2020.
LOKPOBIRI MEETS AFREXIMBANK PRESIDENT, ORAMAH, OVER PLANNED TAKE-OFF OF $5BN ENERGY BANK
Africa's quest for energy security and sustainability. It described the bank as a landmark initiative poised to transform the continent's energy landscape.
During the meeting with Oramah, Lokpobiri reiterated Nigeria's strong support for AEB and its pivotal role in unlocking Africa's energy potential.
“Nigeria, as a leading oil and gas producer, is well positioned to leverage this transformative initiative,” the minister stated.
The statement added that Afreximbank, as a key partner, was transferring its full equity investment in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment to driving energy infrastructure development across the continent.
Hosted by their Chairman and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the meeting was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebaniji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).
Makinde was the first to arrive a few minutes past 10am, andreceived by Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat;the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.
The closed-door meeting, which started at 12:15pm, focused on common interests and key regional issues, which included agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, security, and the South-West Development Commission.
After their discussion, Lokpobiri and Oramah proceeded to the AEB headquarters for an inspection tour to assess the level of readiness ahead of the commencement of operations, the statement said.
“The visit provided first-hand insights into the bank's operational preparedness and strategic align-
“We encourage industry players to seize this opportunity to invest in Africa's energy future," he added.
WE’RE BATTLE-READY FOR ISWAP’S THREAT, SOUTHWEST
Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique after the four hours meeting, said, after exhausting deliberation on key issues affecting the South West and the country at large, the forum arrived at far-reaching decisions.
Addressing security within the region, "the forum commends the South West Governor for maintaining relative peace and security in the region, particularly during the very recent festive period. "The forum, therefore, calls on all states to continue fostering peaceful coexistence amongst our citizens.”
Acknowledging the threats posed by ISWAP activities in some parts of the South West, the forum strongly condemned any threats to the region's security. Therefore, the forum “encourages
ment with Africa's broader energy development goals,” it stressed.
Speaking on the significance of AEB, Oramah emphasised the bank's role in bridging Africa's energy financing gap, saying, "The establishment of the Africa Energy Bank is a game-changer for the continent.”
GOVS WARN TERRORIST GROUP
the enhanced collaboration between the Nigerian police force and our various local security outfits while urging them to remain vigilant."
While reiterating the commitment to taking necessary action to counter any form of threats into the region, "The forum agrees to appoint special advisors on security in each state and establish a joint surveillance monitoring team which will oversee and coordinate security efforts across the region.
"And as part of the resolution, the forum has committed to deploying advanced technology including area surveillance systems that will enhance security operations.
"Additionally, the forum resolves to strengthen intelligence gathering by fostering a collaboration between
Abuja Court of Appeal Complex Will Be Completed in September, Wike Promises
Appeals to NUT over minimum wage, says strike won't solve any problem
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said the Abuja Division of Court of Appeal project currently under construction would be completed in September.
He made the assurance yesterday after carrying out an inspection of some key projects in the territory, including the International Conference Centre.
The minister, who also inspected the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), expressed optimism that the International Conference Centre, undergoing rehabilitation would be handed over by April ending or sometime in May.
"We also believe, as we agreed, with the company carrying out the project of the Abuja Division, the Court of Appeal, will be handed over in September this year. And we have also agreed with Gilmore, that is in charge of these two areas, ONEX that will be part of our second year anniversary," Wike said.
The minister commended the contractors for the quality of work carried out, and assured that the landscape of the FCT would change by the time ONEX was completed and opened to use.
Meanwhile, Wike, has urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing to call off their strike over non implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, saying strike has never solved any problem.
He made the entreaty yesterday while addressing the media after a tour of some ongoing projects in the FCT.
The NUT had ordered primary school teachers in the six Area Councils to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from yesterday, Thursday, February 13, following the non-payment of outstanding demands of the workers.
These included the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase and the N35,000 Wage Award among others.
The leadership gave the directive in a joint statement with the National Union of Local Government Employees of Nigeria (NULGE) FCT Chapter.
Wike, however, described the strike over minimum wage as unfortunate, while assuring he would ensure that the teachers resume work.
He said: "We are talking about the interest of Nigeria, not the interest of few people. Strike has never solved any problem. Rather, it has created more problems. So, I believe that, within a short time, we will sort it out.
"It is unfortunate. Two days ago, I had a meeting with the security agencies and the Area Council Chairmen and the Minister of State over security issues that we have to bring to them to understand what is going on.
“There, again, the issue of strike by the primary school teachers came up. I directed the Honorable Minister of State to invite the teachers and see what we can do.
"We will do everything we can to see that the area councils implement the minimum wage
as approved by the National Assembly. But again, I have also said that some of the teachers should also know that we are talking about the impact when you go on strike like this, have proper dialogue or consultation.
"Just two days ago, I was told about this and I directed the Minister of state. Now for them to go on strike knowing fully well that I directed is not good."
The National Assembly, yesterday, passed the N54,990,165,355, 396 Appropriation Bill for the 2025 fiscal year.
The fiscal legislation was passed simultaneously by both chambers of the National Assembly after due consideration.
The passage of the bill followed a recent revision by President Bola Tinubu, who raised the budget from an initial N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.
Tinubu said the adjustment was based on additional revenue projections from various government agencies.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola, and his counterpart in the House, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, presented the joint report before their colleagues during plenary.
The report stated that the joint committee had met with the Presidential Economic Planning team to further discuss revenue projections and expenditure for
The Afreximbank president commended Nigeria for taking the bull by the horns in hosting the headquarters of the bank. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's oil and gas portfolio, saying the bank will not only benefit the energy sector in Africa, but will also guarantee immediate benefits for Nigeria.
our state security operatives, local security networks, and of course the federal enforcement authorities.”
The forum commended President Bola Tinubu, for the economic stability and improvement recorded across the nation, pointed to the sustained supply and distribution of petroleum products and the stabilisation of the exchange rate.
"The forum urges citizens to continue supporting the president's efforts at strengthening the economy and improve the overall wellbeing of all Nigerians.
"The forum applauded the federal government for the successful implementation of the students’ loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund, which has benefited South West students in tertiary institutions.
"We, therefore, encourage all eligible students in the region to take full advantage of this initiative across all our high institutions, vocational training, and skilled action centers in the region," the communique read.
Regarding the South West Development Commission, "the forum commends the federal government and the National Assembly for establishing the South West Development Commission. And the forum collectively agreed to situate the headquarters of this commission when it finally gets signed in Ibadan.”
On the Oodua Investment Company, the forum received presentation and thereafter acknowledged efforts of Oodua Investment Company Ltd to
the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The report noted the 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented late, compared to that of 2024.
It urged the executive to present subsequent budgets to the National Assembly not later than three months before the next financial year, to maintain the January to December budget cycle.
A breakdown of the approved budget showed that the total sum of N54,990,1 65,355, 396 was passed.
The sum of N3,645,761,358,925 was for Statutory Transfers; N14,317.142,689,548 was for Debt Service; N13,064,009,682,673 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure; while N23,963, 251,624,250 was for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.
Briefing journalists after the passage of the budget, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation explained why the National Assembly approved an additional N700 billion to the N54.2 trillion budget size.
Adeola said, “It is to be noted that the recent action by the United States government to suspend further intervention in the Nigerian health
Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria's readiness to collaborate towards the success of the continental bank,
efficiently manage assets in the South West, particularly over the last five years.
The forum also commended both the board and management of this company on the various ongoing developments, especially around the redevelopment of the premier hotel in Ibadan, and of course, the proposed redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Hotel here in Lagos.
On food security, "the forum recognises the need for food security. We encourage what we see as an ongoing collaborative effort among our South West states and implementing measures which is aimed at reducing economic inflation in the entire region.
“We believe also that the forum discussion will express concern with activities of unscrupulous middlemen. We, therefore, took a view and agreed to establish what we call a Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team, which will be able to foster inter-state collaboration and to mitigate food inflation.
"Finally, regarding the DAWN Commission, the forum commends the Development Agenda of Western Nigeria. It's called the DAWN Commission for its improved performance, especially over the last 12 months.”
The forum, therefore, “encourages them to continue to work diligently with and for the interests of the Southwest, especially working well with the Forum of Commissioners of Agriculture, ensuring that they can develop other policy areas in infrastructure, in industrialisation, and in all forms that can help integrate the collective efforts of individual states.
sector through provision of vaccines and drugs for malaria, Polio, HIV and Tuberculosis using its agency USAID will have adverse effects on Nigerians affected by such diseases.
“On this note, the president proactively made a new provision of $200 million, which is equivalent to N300 billion, in the Service Wide Votes to fill the gap created by the United States (US} government's suspension of interventions in Nigerian health sector, to proactively address the above-mentioned health challenges, which are currently being suffered by countries, like Uganda and others.”
He added that the increment took care of some critical agencies of government, which made the National Assembly to forward genuine requests to the president.
He said after thorough examination by the Joint Appropriations Committee, additional funds were provided to some federal agencies.
The agencies included the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC}; Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
describing it as a bold step. He stated, "This bank represents a bold step in ensuring that Africa controls and finances its energy future. It is an avenue for stakeholders to invest in a self-sustaining energy sector that will drive industrialisation, job creation, and economic prosperity."
The statement said as Africa prepared for the operational launch of AEB, the Nigerian government called on industry stakeholders to engage proactively and explore the vast opportunities the initiative presented.
“The successful take-off of the AEB will mark a new era in Africa's energy development, positioning the continent as a global force in the sector,” it explained.
Lokpobiri also met with top officials of TotalEnergies to discuss ways to accelerate the oil giant's projects in the country.
At the event, the minister explained that with an industry built over the years and anchored on “one of the best legal frameworks across the world”, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Nigeria will continue to offer a leadership role in the African energy landscape for the benefit of Nigerians, Africa, and the world.
The minister hosted Senior Vice President, Africa, TotalEnergies, Mr. Mike Sangster, and other members of his team, including Managing Director and Country Chair, TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, and Executive Director, Strategy, Business, and Asset Management, Mr. Abiodun Afolabi. Lokpobiri said the parties “talked about all the projects that TotalEnergies is investing in Nigeria”. He added, “I reiterated the federal government’s readiness, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to support all players in a bid to continue to increase production.
“By strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, such as TotalEnergies, we remain focused on unlocking the full potential of our energy sector to drive sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.”
(EFCC); and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC). Others, according to him, were the National Judicial Council (NJC); National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Department of State Services (DSS); Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the armed forces, among others.
Adeola clarified that the country was currently implementing the capital component of the 2024 budget.
He said, “We are running just two budgets – the 2024 budget capital, which has been extended to June of 2025, and the one that has just been passed, the 2025 budget.
“So, we have only two budgets that are working and we are in consciousness of that. The reason we are having two budgets presently is as a result of the procurement process.
“I believe we are doing something in that regard to ensure that once the budget is passed, procurement should commence. So that in no time, once the procurement is concluded, funding of the budget can also commence.”
Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Adesina
SENATORS AFTER PASSING 2025 APPROPRIATION BILL...
L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare, Idiat Adebule; Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Eshinlokun, after the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill ....yesterday.
Tinubu Approves Employment of 50 Doctors, 100 Nurses for Correctional Centres Nationwide
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country.
A statement on Thursday by Babatunde Alao, the spokesman of Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the approval for the employment of the professionals was given by the president through the minister.
Alao added that the minister had also gotten a presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional
centres for the service year, in realisation of the need to protect the rights of the weakest in society.
The minister announced the approval of the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to cover for shortfalls in the short term.
Alao said before the appointment of Tunji-Ojo as minister, a state, like Rivers, lacked an adequate number of medical personnel to cater for inmates, hence, the need for the employment intervention.
He said the minister noted that the recruitment exercise would alleviate unemployment, as it will become a continuous exercise.
The minister also announced the completion of the renovation of Kuje Correctional Centre, stating that the facility has experienced a facelift from what it used to be into a befitting edifice.
Tunji-Ojo was quoted as saying, “It is entirely new; from the cells to the water supply, to the hospital, amongst others, as we are making sure Mr. President's magnanimity is felt across all areas.
“For the president, it is about building a system that will stand the test of time, as he is not just providing short-term solutions to long-term problems. He is not providing long-term solutions to short-term problems, but providing short-term solutions to short-term
problems and long-term solutions to long-term problems, which is encouraging.”
In addition, the minister announced the presidential approval for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, reinstating the need to establish a degree-awarding institution where young citizens will be trained in paramilitary engagement.
Tunji-Ojo said, “We need a degree-awarding institution, like the Nigerian Defence Academy, that will train young persons after securing admissions through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
"When they come out, they come out as officers, properly
Odu’a Investment Group Leaders Restate Commitment to Strengthen Corporate Governance, Infrastructural Devt, Youth Employment, Transformation
The leadership of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) yesterday expressed commitment to strengthen the corporate governance, empower youths in the South-west through employment, and transform the company to the original ideals of the founding fathers.
The promises were made yesterday at the annual meeting of directors of the Odu’a Group, held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
In his opening address, Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba ‘Bimbo Ashiru, said the Odu’a Group Annual Directors Meeting was a crucial gathering of minds, “because today reflects our collective commitment to strengthening corporate governance, driving strategic transformation, and securing a sustainable future for our great Odu’a Group”.
Ashiru announced that “our Agusto Ratings for Wemabod and OICL, A and A+, respectively. We anticipate stronger Agusto ratings in 2025 that will further enhance our investment appeal”.
While appreciating the dedication and expertise the directors had brought to our group, Ashiru stated, “I extend my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support in advancing our shared vision.”
Ashiru added, “As we navigate the complexities of today’s economic landscape, strong governance remains the bedrock of our success. My meeting with subsidiary chairmen on September 8, 2024, underscored our collective drive to reinforce corporate governance and strategic alignment.
“The role of our boards in shaping the future of Odua Group cannot be overstated, therefore, the need to bring
together all the directors in the Odu’a Group to this annual meeting.
“We are also actively ensuring sustainable leadership succession. Key initiatives, such as the tenure review of subsidiary MDs, job evaluations, and competency assessments, are already in motion to guarantee leadership effectiveness across our subsidiaries. This is essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of our group.”
On the legacy and infrastructure development of the group, the chairman stated, “This year marks a significant milestone for us – Cocoa House (in Ibadan) at 60! The celebrations and stakeholder engagements are already in planning, and we look forward to showcasing this historic landmark’s continued relevance in our business portfolio.
“Additionally, the successful inauguration of the Cocoa House Enhancement project on October 30, 2024, stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving and enhancing our heritage assets.
“We have also ventured into real estate, so our sole aim for all these is to create employment for our youths – this is our focus, which was originally the focus of our forefathers who founded this company. Also, our aim is to encourage the youths through our foundation as well as our ICT project. Want our youths to be busy and creative.
“Another major project in our infrastructure development strategy is the Premier Hotel Redevelopment in Ibadan, which is progressing steadily. With 25 months of work already completed, we are on course for a grand reopening in Q2 2026.”
Ashiru stated, “Our collaboration with the DAWN Commission is creating new opportunities for regional
economic integration, while our alliance with Iwosan Hospital Investment Limited is paving the way for the establishment of Medical Parks, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in our region.
“Additionally, we are repurposing the Epe Plywood premises into a strategic property investment to maximise asset utilisation. In the energy sector, our BITA Exploration initiative is gaining traction, and we are actively working towards securing funding for first oil in 2025.
“These efforts align with our broader objective of diversifying and strengthening Odu’a Group’s investment portfolio.”
Ashiru said, “Our financial health
remains a top priority. We have recorded significant and consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and exercised greater cost management across the group.
“Our transformation journey in the SRC 2025 has been guided by a steadfast commitment to corporate governance, strategic growth, and operational excellence. One of the most notable outcomes of this journey is our ability to deliver unbroken dividend payments to our shareholder states for the past 11 years, as well as a significant increase in revenue and profit before tax (PBT). These achievements are testaments to the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives and the dedication of our leadership team.
trained to contribute their quota to national security.”
On visa issuance, the minister stated that the process was taking a new dimension, adding that all Nigerian visas will now be applied
for online and processed (approved or rejected) within 48 to 72 hours. On security of lives and property, the minister reiterated government’s effort to sanitise the Private Guard sector.
Senate Seeks Super Highway Treatment for Nigeria’s Federal Roads
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The senate yesterday asked the federal government to extend its Renewed Hope Super Highway Project to all federal roads across the country.
The resolution of the red chamber followed a motion by the senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje, on the approval granted by the federal government for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and other major highways.
Goje noted the Federal Executive Council meeting of Monday February 3, approved N4.2trn for the construction of Lagos-Calabar Road and other major highways and bridges across the country.
He was of the view that the massive road infrastructure projects were conceived to deliberately address the deplorable state of federal road networks nationwide.
He also said it would lead to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of others in line with the policy thrust of the current administration.
He said the projects would revamp the road infrastructure challenges
in order to boost socio-economic development of this country.
He said: “The president should be commended for this bold initiative as it will go a long way to improve effective transport system as well as address the challenges of insecurity, as criminal elements had taken advantage of the deplorable nature of highway road networks to perpetrate their nefarious and dastardly acts.”
He listed the beneficiaries of the massive road projects to include, Lagos - Calabar Highway; Delta State Access Road; Anambra State Access Road; Lagos - Ibadan Express Way; Auchi-Edo Section; Benin Airport Area Section; and the Third Mainland Bridge, in Lagos. They also included, the Ado Ekiti-Igede Road Project; Onitsha Owerri Express Way; Abia & Enugu States Road Projects; Udukpani Junction - Apeti Central Section of Calabar ~ Ikom - Ogoja Road; Abeokuta - Ajibo Road - Iyanan Mosa Road in Ogun State; Adulu — Ajibu Road in Anambra State; Umuahia - Ikuano — Ikot-Ekpene Road; and the Umuahia ~ Umudike; Ijebu - Igbotita in Ogun State.
PHCDB: Insecurity, Manpower Shortage Accounts for Zero Dose of Immunisation in Plateau
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
As the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) flags-off "Big Catch Up" Immunization exercise in Plateau State, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the State Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), Dr. Yakubu Dauda Izang, has attributed unending insecurity in the state to the issue of ZERO dose of immunization in Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Speaking in Jos South yesterday, during the flag-off of the Big Catch Up Immunization Campaign with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), he said
that Zero dose children are common in Wase, Kanam, Shendam and Qua-an Pan LGAs.
The director however commended UNICEF and other partners for partnering the board to address the Zero dose challenge through the ongoing Big Catch Up Immunization campaign.
He stressed the state has been recording improvements, with parents submitting their wards for immunisation following the efforts of the government to stem the issues of insecurity.
“The rate of zero dose was on the high side, Plateau State was marked as a ‘Zero Dose State’accounting for the high rate of children who have never received
immunisation in their lives.
“Those four LGAs have witnessed a series of attacks. You don't expect people who are witnessing attacks to have access to healthcare services –especially immunisation."
"Most of them were displaced.
Secondly, there was a shortage of manpower but I'm very certain His Excellency is prioritising that. Very soon, there will be employment of frontline health workers to carry on with the job," he said
In her remarks, the Director, PHC, Jos South LGA, Lynda Chuwang said that, "Big Catch Up Immunization campaign is good concept which is really catching up with the Zero Dose children in the area."
According to her, "As I said earlier on, all children that had missed immunization from the beginning are now being reached. You know the importance of immunization, so, bringing up this big catch-up campaign has really helped a lot.
"A lot of children are now able to receive their immunization vaccines. This morning, I went round to the communities for supervision before I came here. I met a mother that had earlier refused to bring her children for the immunization but when we spoke to her, she understood the negative effect on her children and decided to bring them."
Sunday Okobi
www.thisdaylive.com
Friday February 14, 2025 Vol 27. No 10902
opinion@thisdaylive.com
2027: POLITICIANS TO LOOK OUT FOR JOSHUA
J. OMOJUWA lists all manner of politicians wanting to grab power
HANDCUFFING THE IMMIGRANT DREAM
The long-term solution to illegal immigration is to develop employment opportunities in the countries from where they hail, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
The principle of fair treatment underlines the quest for additional state in the Southeast, contends IFEANYICHUKWU AFUBA
TINUBU, KALU AND SOUTHEAST'S EXCEPTIONAL CASE
Expectedly, criticisms greeted the recent statement by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review about creation of 31 new states. The disclosure which was wrongly presented as recommendation by sections of the media, was later clarified as just list of requests from the six geo - political zones. And all were without satisfaction of constitutional requirements for effective demand. Regardless, opposition to the notion of state creation was swift and widespread. From socio cultural organisations, ethnic associations to political leaders, the proposal met with resounding rejection. Dismissal of the idea was hinged on two main planks; first, lack of economic viability. The second ground was the weakening of States and associated threat to federalism. Not only do the size and resources of affected States shrink from state creation, the fact of multiplication leaves the States puny dots before a giant, federal government. The overviews cannot be faulted. But there's a unique circumstance, the southeast case, which presses an exception and powerfully concedes creation of one more State in the southeast zone.
A salient point to note at this juncture is that the constitutional requirements for creation of new states are very difficult to accomplish. The stringent provisions of Section 8 (1 - 3) of the 1999 amended Constitution have stood in the way of state creation in over 25 years of the Fourth Republic. Similar conditions were applicable in the Second and First Republics ensuring that new states did not come into being. Yes, a breakthrough was achieved in the First Republic with the carving out of Midwest Region from Western Region. But it was an exception, which singular act does not vitiate the knotty nature of state creation during democratic order. As it is with State creation, so it is with birthing new local government areas. No new local government has been added to the list in the Constitution since the return of democracy in 1999. The reason for rigid state creation process is not far fetched. States and local governments are part of the power structure. Having exercised exclusive authority on the distribution of states through the military, Nigeria's ruling establishment seeks continued control of the system with the very difficult conditions outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution. Procuring two thirds consent of legislators from the affected areas, approval in a local referendum, followed by approval by majority of state legislatures and national assembly are tough conditions by the conflicting nature of proposed state compositions. In some cases, some towns and local government areas are included in as many as three different requests. The only option in the present circumstances is to treat the issue of state creation, in this case, an additional state for the southeast east, as a national question.
We already hinted at the First Republic experience leading to the Midwest Region. The agitation was made a national agenda and subsequently endorsed by the governments of eastern and northern regions. Although the proposal was opposed by mainstream political leadership in the West, mobilisation and support in the inclusive constituencies was high. With respected leaders such as Dennis Osadebe, Anthony Enahoro, Oba
Akenzua of Benin and others leading the movement, the ensuing referendum recorded over 90 percent approval. Today, the southeast presents a more compelling case than that of the Midwest. The minority position the southeast has been reduced to despite the Igbo constituting no less than 25 percent of Nigeria's population, creates an imbalanced federation. Nobody has offered the criteria that justifies degrading the southeast with five states while other zones have six and seven states. The six geo - political zones have come to stay as enablers of Nigeria's federation since the Constitutional Conference of 1995 and further serve to drive implementation of the federal character principle so boldly proclaimed in the Constitution. But here is the same zonal structure under serious attack. The resulting political instability manifests in several ways, one of which is the IPOB campaign for secession.
There is need to situate the marginalisation of the southeast in it's proper context. It's important to recognise the arbitrariness behind the relegation of the southeast to a minority. States and local governments creation during military rule was a power game of individual and ethnic dimensions. In the aftermath of the civil war, the Igbo were taken out of the equation in the armed forces. No known standard yardsticks were used in determining who got what states and local governments. Kano and Lagos States had an equal population of 5.8m and 5.7m respectively from the 1991 census result. But after the Babangida junta's tinkering with the system that same year, Kano State ended up with 44 local government areas and Lagos 20. It's a measure of Igbo suppression that the S.J. Cookey led Political Bureau went beyond it's mandate to recommend creation of a State in the southeast in the Panel's 1986 report. The Bureau obviously considered a sense of social justice necessity for progressive political engineering. Significantly too, the 2014 National Conference concluded with a call for a sixth state in the southeast. These go to show that there is an unfinished business with the southeast.
The point then is that Nigeria does not need another round of general state creation but specific, surgical action to remedy the disadvantage of the southeast. And it seems to me that much of the spade work for this assignment falls on the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and President Bola Tinubu. As Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on State
Creation, Kalu is familiar with the subject matter. He is in charge of certain processes therein, and evidently at home with the terrain. But beyond this official handle, there are other considerations that project Kalu for this role. The Deputy Speaker happens to be the highest Igbo political office holder in the present dispensation. That affords him clout and leverage to influence some policies in government - other things being equal. At the same time, the position places enormous responsibilities on his path. And it would appear that the seventh citizen by order of protocol is keen to discharge the responsibilities of his office. He is not laidback as most deputies are wont. With regard to the southeast, the Deputy Speaker played an active role in realising the final stages of the Southeast Development Commission. Kalu has drawn attention to his leadership approach from his engagement with Tinubu's presidency. The Deputy Speaker has emerged as an enthusiastic partner of Tinubu's presidency; one of the high profile defenders cum publicists of the administration's policies. Kalu has publicly praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing an Igbo Chief of Naval Staff; assigning a key portfolio in his cabinet, Works, to an Igbo. We may well leave the debate on the comparative adequacy of these appointments for another day. The focus, at this stage, is the passion with which the Deputy Speaker identifies with the President's leadership. In a February 2025 interview with TVC News, Kalu affirmed that Tinubu deserves the title "enyi ndigbo" literally, friend of the Igbo. The Guardian of December 29, 2024, provides more insight into Kalu's eulogy. "The President has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo...He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development." Perhaps, it's providential that the foremost Igbo holder of political office at this time is one with so much confidence in the President. Let the Deputy Speaker graciously convert his rapport with the President to realise one more State for the southeast. He will do well to lead a southeast front for the necessary consultations and consensus. This is a task that should commence immediately. History beckons on the President at this juncture of Nigeria's journey. President Tinubu is very intelligent. Notwithstanding commendations of the Deputy Speaker, Tinubu would realise that there's still a lot of work to do in pacification of the southeast. The principle of fair treatment underlined in the quest for additional state is all too clear. And it's an agenda that weighs far above transient benefits of government patronage. As father of Nigeria's community, no one would appreciate better than the President the duty to foster a sense of equity and social cohesion. Accommodating a zone that made other electoral choices at the presidential election shows statesmanship. And Tinubu has a history of progressive activism.
Afuba writes from Awka
Okpebholo: 100 Days of Masterclass in Leadership and Governance
Fred Itua in this piece enumerates specific interventions of Governor Monday Okpebholo towards addressing pressing challenges facing Edo state through proper leadership and governance since he assumed office on November 12, 2024.
Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses – Mitt Romney
The first 100 days of any administration serve as a defining period, setting the tone for governance and providing an early glimpse into the leader’s vision, priorities, and capacity to effect change.
While the Nigerian Constitution grants a governor a full four-year tenure to implement policies and drive development, public scrutiny is fiercest during the formative days. Although this period represents only a fraction of a governor’s tenure, its significance lies in the foundation it lays for long-term transformation.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office have been marked by decisive actions, impactful policies, and a clear commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing Edo State.
From security and infrastructure to healthcare, education, and economic revitalization, his administration has taken bold steps to reposition Edo State for growth and development. These early achievements reflect a deep understanding of governance, proactive decision-making, and a leadership style rooted in responsiveness to the needs of the people. Measured against both expectations and precedent, Governor Okpebholo has exceeded expectations, proving that governance is not about rhetoric but results.
In just over three months, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to navigate challenges, assembly and rally his team, and deliver tangible benefits to the people of Edo State. The administration has embodied the essence of proactive governance, reminiscent of great world leaders who seized early opportunities to lay solid foundations for lasting legacies.
Like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who transformed America’s economic landscape within his first 100 days in office, Okpebholo has hit the ground running, implementing bold reforms that address the State’s most pressing needs.
Security is a fundamental prerequisite for development. Governor Okpebholo wasted no time in tackling the security crisis that had plagued various parts of Edo State, particularly the rising cases of cult-related violence, kidnappings, and armed robbery. His administration swiftly deployed a Special Tactical Team to areas like Agenebode and Uromi, resulting in the successful rescue of kidnapped victims and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.
Beyond immediate interventions, the Governor has also institutionalized long-term security measures. Unlike his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who openly expressed frustration over the unchecked activities of confraternity groups in the State—reporting a staggering 150 casualties between January and June 2024—Governor Okpebholo has taken a more proactive and decisive approach.
Rather than merely lamenting the crisis, he has opted for a strategic crackdown on cultism through a collaborative effort with the legislative arm, signaling a firm commitment to restoring law and order.
The passage of a new Cultism Prohibition Law, which imposes stringent penalties on cult-related activities, sends a strong message that Edo State will not tolerate lawlessness. Additionally, the procurement of brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles and 1,000 high-performance motorcycles has enhanced mobility and response time for security agencies.
The reconstitution of the Edo State Security Corps, combined with the recovery of over 5,000 illegal firearms, has significantly strengthened the State’s security architecture. A key aspect of this approach is the integration of this localized security arrangement, which enhances intelligence gathering, fosters community trust, and enables swift responses to security threats. These strategic interventions are already yielding tangible results, with residents reporting improved public safety, reduced crime rates, and a more efficient law enforcement system tailored to the State’s unique
security challenges.
The health sector in Edo State has received significant attention within the first 100 days of Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Recognizing that healthcare access and quality remain
major concerns for residents, he moved swiftly to remove bottlenecks and enhance service delivery.
One of the administration’s earliest achievements was securing 25 hectares of land and a Certificate of Occupancy for the National Obstet-
rics Fistula Centre, a critical project that had been stalled for nearly two years. This decisive action not only revives a vital healthcare initiative but also underscores the government’s commitment to addressing maternal health challenges. When completed, the facility will provide specialized treatment for women suffering from childbirthrelated complications, significantly improving maternal healthcare, reducing obstetric fistula cases, and enhancing the overall well-being of women in Edo State and beyond. Additionally, it will serve as a medical hub, attracting skilled healthcare professionals and fostering advancements in reproductive health services.
Furthermore, the launch of the IsDB LLF Support to the Malaria Elimination Project, which guarantees free malaria testing and treatment in government hospitals for the next two years, marks a significant milestone in public health intervention. This initiative not only provides critical healthcare relief to thousands of residents— particularly in underserved rural areas—but also strengthens the state’s fight against one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. By ensuring early detection and prompt treatment, the program reduces severe malaria cases, prevents avoidable deaths, and alleviates the financial burden of healthcare on vulnerable households. Additionally, it contributes to broader disease control efforts, enhancing overall public health outcomes in Edo State.
-Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo Governor, writes from Benin City.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Keyamo’s Onerous Task at Aviation Sector
Shamsudeen Aminu writes on various steps taken so far by the Minister of aviation and aerospace development, Mr Festus Keyamo to turn around the nation’s aviation sector for the better since he assumed office in august, 2023.
Recently, I flew with a foreigner from Abuja to London. He said for the first time he slept on board a flight from Nigeria. He is an aviation expert and after spending two months in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission, he could sleep.
This is an incredible testimony about the Nigerian Aviation Sector, our Aviation Sector. According to him, the sector has been greatly transformed. Literarily, Festus Keyamo, the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has breathed life into it, and now it has become the African aviation hub and international beauty.
That is exactly what Keyamo has been doing. Everything the Minister touches bows to him becoming good. At the last count, he has turned around two ailing and distressed Federal Ministries back to life.
A former Minister of State, Niger Delta, and renowned human rights activist, with a prolific wealth of knowledge and experience in championing the course of the governing party and that of humanity, while serving as the Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Employment, his commitment led to the symbiotic integration of the African continent and the promotion of trade, movement of persons, goods and services and the infrastructural development.
Greatly acknowledged for his sacrifices and dedication to duty, especially in pursuing the welfare of the people through laudable initiatives like providing a framework for long-term social security, Keyamo led a transformation of the Ministry, building a formidable framework and establishing a sound platform for good governance and social order.
Keyamo’s passion, courage, confidence, and brilliance as a legal luminary, entrepreneur and established international business mogul, brought to the table several initiatives,
innovations and interventions, shaping policies and creating a fundamental understanding of the position of government in serving Nigerians.
The establishment of the Special Public Works Programme in which 774,000 Nigerian youths were engaged, with the monthly payment of stipends greatly arrested the incidence of youth restiveness, created jobs, entrenched a period of peace and security in the country and also revived the coordinating Agency, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
His collaborative endeavour with AU-ECOSOCC focusing on advocacy for child labour, fair recruitment, poverty alleviation, the review of the local contents laws to create room for more job creation and leveraging on AU-ECOSOCC continental structure, has been adjudged as a superlative milestone breakthrough in history.
A man who has built a larger-than-life reputation of honour, integrity and accountability and championed the fight against corruption long before public office, probity and openness remain some of his guiding principles in life.
An innovative, team-oriented, proactive and purposeful leader, Keyamo’s tenure as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment also led to a collaboration with the National Population Commission on the Special Public Works Initiatives which also enhanced the engagement of the nation’s teeming youthful population for Sustainable National Development.
Now as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, his ambitious dream of making Nigeria the aviation hub of Africa is daily becoming a reality. His intention to transform Nigeria’s air transportation into a catalyst for economic development, a vital engine for global socio-economic growth the premier contributor to the advancement of modern society and a key instrument for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs is gradually but surely being achieved.
Keyamo’s outstanding leadership, patriotism and dedication have earned him several honours, distinctions, awards and recognitions including the “Super Minister Award” from The Street Journal.
As usual, he met an aviation sector that was marred with excessive dollar scarcity, high aviation fuel costs, and multiple taxation. However, his focused, innovative and inclusive leadership has not only transformed the sector with a rare freshness and newness but turned it into an international destination haven and tourist attraction, building confidence in air safety and accomplishing profoundly superlative performance even to the admiration of national and international aviation experts.
-Aminu writes from Abuja.
JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA lists all manner of politicians wanting to grab power
2027: POLITICIANS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Nigeria is always in election mode. People are either looking to retain power or to take power. God bless those in government who just want to get things done; however, there is a sizeable number who just want to win the next election. Then, there is a special kind of people who have not stopped campaigning even after the 2023 elections ended. Everything they have done has been with 2027 in mind. God bless their heart.
Who are the politicians to look out for?
Let’s start with the newcomers. They have always loved the country. They love people too. They have spent the last few years gathering certificates from here and there, hardly ever a degree though. Here, it is more about the perception of being seen to be in school than any commitment to learning. A good bonus if the school is popular in Nigeria. They not only believe they have all the solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, they also have a clear plan on how to clinch a party’s ticket and are never optimistic about their chances of winning at the polls. They are hardly given to pragmatism. In their world, to not be idealistic is to have sold out to the prevailing order. They always learn, but later.
Then there is the group who have already been trusted with a mandate. They won their election the last time and are looking to win another term. Of this group, there are those who are so serious about getting re-elected, they have committed themselves towards delivering the objectives of their office. They work, night and day, to ensure those who trusted them with their votes — and those who didn’t — get the leader they deserve. Then there are those who are seriously not about anything other than playing all the political games that’d return them to power. Governance, to this group, is an afterthought.
Of the lot scheming and plotting to win in 2027 are those who found themselves out of government; on account of not running the last time due to term limits, not being reappointed or appointed to a role or even being played out by the politics of the times. Of this lot, the most desperate are the ones who see being in power as some divine right. To this group, when they are in power, everything must revolve around them, when they are out of it, same. They are the ones to speak to loyalty and who isn’t loyal to them, when a cursory look will show that the only thing they are loyal to is their own naked desire for power. They will do, say and sacrifice anything to take power, because in their head, to be out of power is to be missing out on some divine purpose.
There are others, but they are all one, seeking power for its sake, to protect themselves, to deploy its tools and appurtenances against their perceived enemies and at other times, to deliver on the promise of good governance.
Coalitions will form. They are legal. There will be noise aplenty. New books will be
ghost-written and launched with pomp and pageantry. Accusations will be thrown around like confetti. There will be empty and genuine confessions of love for country. Many, as usual, will be moved. Many will be tempted. There is a group, they are like the sheep in Animal Farm. In their head, “out of power good, in power bad”, so they repeat that to themselves to judge intention. They have no memories. So, it does not matter if “out of power good” was months ago “in power bad”. They just bleat and move along with whatever mob has their head on call.
I must spare a thought for the brilliant, well-meaning, yet naive minds. They will be led to believe that some of these people mean well. That they are the fabled good guys. They will buy into their ideas before any ideologies are sold. They will be moved, more by charm and charisma, than by any proven good intentions. Like those before them, they will be used as tools to advance the chosen. Then dumped without notice.
Long after they have been used and dumped, they’d still be there thinking themselves allied to the same group that regards them as nothing better than a stepping stone, one of many, to have, never to keep, to be used, and then left behind until there is another need for stepping stones and tools. The ones who are used again go from brilliant, well-meaning, yet naive minds to brilliant, well-meaning, yet never mind. Lost causes.
Nigeria is desperate for leadership. It will be for the next half-century because it is playing catch-up on all the major indexes for development. Those who mean well must always look to call everyone’s attention back to what really matters: governance. This is more so for those who have a mandate to deliver good governance to the Nigerian people. That mandate extends to the appointed, because you serve on account of the trust that was handed to whoever appointed you. When the push and pull of politics come knocking, the best answer will always be the proven results of what you have done and are currently doing for the progress and development of our country and the interest of our people.
The title of this piece suggests that there are names to be listed, as the main actors to look out for the next election. However, sometimes, you end up listing more names when you hand down a profile that many people can fit into. These indeed are the politicians to look out for. There are others with different profiles and there are those that intersect frameworks. Who you will not find is someone who only cares about the development of Nigeria. Not their ego, not their personal ambition, not a quest to have power to protect themselves or have a go at their enemies. There are no such angels. Everyone’s got an ego, some just have wisdom alongside it.
Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing
The long-term solution to illegal immigration is to develop employment opportunities in the countries from where they hail, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
HANDCUFFING THE IMMIGRANT DREAM
Like Indians across countries, I was aghast to see Indian immigrants, who were in America illegally, returning home in shackles and handcuffs. I was embarrassed, that after 75 years of independence, my countrymen were returning in a demeaning manner. Sure, it was their fault for having over-stayed their legal welcome in America. Nevertheless, the episode left a bitter taste.
Indians are respected across the world. Indian managers manage many multinational corporations, like Google, in America and Europe. Indian-origin businessmen keep the wheels of industry and trade moving seamlessly, in East and West Africa. Indians are well-accepted in South-East Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
Indian soldiers garnered rich accolades, when 2.5 million of them fought under the Allies banner, in World War II, between 1935 and 1945. About 87,000 of them lost their lives in the War. Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, the Commander-in-Chief of India, said that Britain “couldn’t have come through both wars (World Wars I and II), if they hadn’t had the Indian Army.”
All eyes were on President Mr. Donald Trump, as to how he would actually deal with the immigrants in America. He had threatened to send them back to their countries, by the planeload. He has started the process.
The important question is, why do people from Asia and Latin America want to migrate to the West? Quite simply, because they do not have adequate job opportunities in their own home countries. They find life easier in the West because of higher social security and medical benefits. They also get jobs, even if it is as delivery staff for pizzas. They can feed their families. These people are unhappy in their own home countries. Hence, they seek livelihoods in the West. Happy people, do not migrate to other countries.
The long-term solution to illegal immigration is to develop employment opportunities in the countries from where they hail. Mexico, India and the African countries are the principal regions from where the immigrants hail. These countries should create massive job opportunities and develop their social support services.
Developing countries like India and Mexico need to expand employment opportunities within the country. Many sectors of their economies like construction, roadbuilding, information-technology, modern agriculture, distribution and logistics, poultry farming, animal husbandry, etc., have immense potential for employment generation. They should expand these industries.
Developing countries should foster entrepreneurship, to retain their bright talent. Countries like India, Mexico, Kenya, Nigeria, etc., should aim to innovate in technology. These countries should be the birthplaces of new technologies and global corporations like Google. It is significant that most global technological corporations, all took birth in the West.
India has yet to produce an organisation of the scale of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, WhatsApp, ChatGPT, General Motors, Ford, etc. Developing countries need to build world class, global corporations, with cutting-edge technologies, to lure talent.
Many years ago, when I worked in Brazil, I observed that the local managers did not want to be expatriated to other countries, even to Europe. They were delighted with the local salaries, work conditions and the culture of the country. Even a promotion or an expatriate salary, did not lure many Brazilians. I hoped that someday, Indians too, opt to work at home rather than seek careers abroad. Alas, that time seems far away.
Developing countries like India should also promote meritocracy and opportunities for growth within corporations. India is very proud that many top corporations in the USA, like Microsoft and IBM, are managed by CEOs of Indian origin. We
hero-worship these highfliers. However, why could India not retain these bright CEOs? They had to go abroad and prove themselves in a foreign country, perhaps because there were inadequate opportunities locally. Developing economies need to foster an atmosphere of learning, research and scholarship, in their universities and corporations to retain their talent. They also need to revamp their urban and rural infrastructure on a war-footing, to inspire youngsters to stay in the country.
India as the fifth largest economy in the world, with ambitious plans for growth, should also focus on creating labour-intensive jobs. When youngsters cannot get well-paying jobs in their own countries, they take grave risks and pay large amounts of moneys to dubious agents, to migrate to America.
India should also make energetic efforts to promote family-planning and harness its population growth. In Punjabi, we have an idiom, “Jitney chaddar ho, utne paer felane chaayie” (stretch your legs according to the length of the sheet covering you). It means assess your resources and then plan your life. About seven percent of the India’s population, yet lives below the poverty line. Then, there is need to limit the number of children a family should plan for. There is no point is brushing this fact, under the carpet.
During the emergency imposed by the former Prime Minister Mrs. India Gandhi between 1975 and 1977, family planning was imposed with some coercion across the country. Officials in states, towns and even villages, had targets for vasectomies. The policy was executed haphazardly. People were upset. Mrs. Gandhi lost the election.
Since then, most governments have fought shy of promoting family planning. It is time to encourage family planning and birth control, through education and awareness.
Some time ago, the Indian PM had said that India is the youth factory of the world. True. However, India must also find avenues to absorb these youngsters in gainful employment within the country. Then, they will have productive careers at home and will not want to go abroad illicitly.
America should deal with its illegal immigrants in a humane manner. It is not the fault of the immigrants that they seek a bit of the sky. They are merely looking for a living, a better life for themselves and their children. We should be generous to our fellow-men, who have not had the same opportunities of nutrition, education and exposure, that others have had.
Aneja was the Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of “Rural Marketing Across Countries ". He writes from Mumbai, India
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE GROWING SOCIO-ECONOMIC CRISIS
The authorities must do more by creating employment opportunities for the people
Three years ago, the World Bank reported that Nigeria was currently undergoing the worst unemployment crisis in its history. Sadly, the situation has since worsened with no indication that authorities in Abuja and the 36 states recognise the looming danger. Titled, ‘Of Roads Less Travelled: Assessing the Potential for Migration to Provide Overseas Jobs for Nigeria’s Youth’, the report particularly raised the alarm over the nation’s expanding working-age population combined with scarce domestic employment opportunities amid dwindling resources. This, according to the report, has created high rates of unemployment, particularly for youth.
It is noteworthy that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the problem.
“Nigerians are not lazy; the problem has been a lack of job opportunities. As the population grew, service providers did not expand proportionately,” said the president. “The steps we are taking now should have been taken long ago. People should have been incentivised to establish small and medium enterprises instead of seeking opportunities abroad.”
the number of Nigerian citizens seeking asylum and refugee status in other countries. A combination of rising unemployment, booming demography, and unfulfilled aspirations, according to the World Bank, result in increasing pressure on young Nigerians to migrate in search of gainful employment overseas. When you juxtapose that against the background that foreign direct investment to the country has virtually dried up, it is obvious that we have a serious challenge on our hands.
Good governance is that which is focused on the people, their safety and welfare, the optimal allocation of scarce resources and the effective implementation of policies for service delivery
While Nigerians await the fulfilment of that promise, the crisis of unemployment in the country has led to the creation of bubble jobs as political office holders appoint thousands of special assistants with no job schedules. The crisis has also engendered a prevalence of bribery and job racketeering, particularly in the country’s public service. Today, recruitment of civil servants and public officers is fraught with corruption, especially since public institutions have stopped advertising for jobs and vacancies as syndicates make applicants to pay scandalous amounts of money. It is therefore no surprise that we have a civil/public service that seems incapable of meeting the expectations of citizens both in terms of basic needs as well as institutional transformation.
The World Bank has particularly noted that the socio-economic challenges facing the country in the past decade have led to an astronomical increase in
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO
TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters
The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations has harped on how the insurgency deny farmers access to agricultural inputs in the area. But the problem is not restricted to the North-east. In virtually all parts of the country, many farmers cannot access their farms because of insecurity. This has started manifesting in the rising cost of food across the country. Meanwhile, there seems to be a misconception about what governance is all about. The tragedy of that misconception could be seen in the scorecards of some state and local governments' helmsmen who celebrate the building of religious houses, distribution of foodstuff during festivities, and donation of vehicles to traditional rulers as landmark achievements. Yet good governance is that which is focused on the people, their safety and welfare, the optimal allocation of scarce resources and the effective implementation of policies for service delivery.
While states and local governments seek oil-rents and jeopardise internally generated revenue, successive national governments have also not adequately used oil revenue to lift the ordinary Nigerian out of poverty. Rather, and in addition to rent-seeking, these revenues have served as slush funds and continue to enrich a few corporations and individuals over the masses. The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in the education sector also contribute to deepening the challenge of unemployment as the nation continue to churn out a crop of uncompetitive youth in a world driven by technology.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
THE VIOLENCE AGAINST THE AWKA LECTURER
This is to strongly condemn the appalling display of violence by a female student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, against her male lecturer, who incidentally, is old enough to be her father.
Recall that a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, met a female student on a walkway from the lecture room to his office, creating a TikTok video content. He tapped the student with "excuse me". The student responded with an insult for interrupting her content creation. Surprised by the response, he turned back to be sure if she was his student, and the girl attacked him.
But for a video evidence, the lecturer and all other university lecturers would have been abused with all sorts of names on social media for sexually harassing the female student.
This egregious incident is a disturbing reflection of the erosion of moral values and respect for authority in our society. The student's action is utterly unacceptable as it undermines the fundamental values of discipline and respect in society.
We believe that women can and should speak out against unacceptable behavior, even when it involves one of their own. There-
fore our condemnation of this incident demonstrates our commitment to upholding the values of respect, civility, and non-violence. Furthermore, this incident highlights the need for universities to take a firm stance against violence and disrespect on campus. Institutions of higher learning should be safe spaces where students can learn, grow, and develop without fear of violence or intimidation.
We urge the university administration to take concrete steps to address this incident, including providing support to the affected lecturer and taking disciplinary action against the student.
We also urge the university to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident and to punish whoever is found guilty, in accordance with the university's rules and regulations. In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and non-violence in our society.
Comr. Muniretu Isah, President, Association of Female Comrades
President Trump's Gaza redevelopment plan involves getting all of the Palestinians to go somewhere else with Jordan and Egypt being suggested. The only problem is that they don't want more refugees sent to them and have said so although the response was “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid."
This idea of withdrawing aid is simply a threat and another example of bullying and without doubt illegal.
How long will the people of America allow themselves be seen as irrational bullies? Hopefully not the remaining, almost four years.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia IS THIS
Aviation Sector Faces Funding Challenge as Airlines, Regulatory Agency Battle with Cash Squeeze
Chinedu Eze
Poor passenger growth, high cost of operation and high exchange rate have impeded domestic airlines financing which calls for effective and prudent management of lean resources.
This has also affected the revenue of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which depends largely on five per cent passenger and cargo sales charge to generate revenue.
As airlines are going through economic drought, they find it challenging to effectively remit the obligatory charges to NCAA, although these charges come from passengers who pay the charges through their flight tickets and they are collected by the airlines on behalf of the regulatory authority.
The implication is that if the airlines face financial quagmire, as indications currently show, it
would also affect the regulatory authority and subsequently other aviation agencies.
This was part of the discussions thrown up at the Aviation Finance/ Revenue Assurance Summit held in Lagos, where finance and aviation experts brainstormed on ways to improve revenue and effectively manage financial resources in the sector.
One of the resource persons, who is also a consultant in the aviation industry, Dr. Michael Awa, noted that the aviation industry operates within a highly regulated environment that demands strong financial management strategies to drive sustainability, efficiency and the improvement of safety concerns.
He stressed that achieving these goals requires seamless collaboration among key stakeholders, including aviation government agencies, regulators, airlines, financial institutions and services providers
to create a stable and supportive operational framework.
He spoke about the factors that hinder profitability among domestic airlines and this include escalating operational costs, rising fuel prices, maintenance expenses, and labour costs. Then there are also other challenges including cybersecurity threats, as increased digitalization has made financial transactions and data vulnerable to cyberattacks, in addition to managing limited financial resources effectively.
Awa also noted that the current economic situation is exacerbated by stringent regulatory requirements and evolving taxation policies, which further pose financial challenges and noted that one of the challenges in the industry is frequent policy changes, remarking that aviation finance regulations are frequently evolving, requiring constant monitoring and adaptations.
Reviewing the current financial
landscape, Awa said airlines often relied on heavy borrowing, making them susceptible to interest rate charges and liquidity, and also observed that high capital expenditures and limited access to financing affect sustainable financial initiatives.
Awa said one of the ways airlines can survive is through collaboration and partnerships, including working effectively together with aviation agencies. He regretted that fluctuating demands, fare competition and external economic factors create instability in revenue streams.
“The cost of aviation fuel remains a significant variable in financial planning, with airlines increasingly adopting fuel hedging strategies.
In the post pandemic recovery, airlines are focusing on capacity rebuilding, cost-cutting measures, and optimizing revenue streams following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Speaking, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo stated that the economic challenges besetting the industry has challenged us at the NCAA to re-strategies and re-model our approach to discharging our constitutional responsibilities, part of which is what we are witnessing today.
“Essentially the lack of the required collaboration and synergy between the revenue and cost recovery units of the Authority and their counterparts in the airlines has been the major reason for the underperformance in terms of revenue projection and collection targets. There tend to be wide gaps between the revenue generated and actual collection in the NCAA.
“This situation which is tantamount to under optimization is mostly traceable to the poor working capital management
capacity of the CFOs/Head of Accounts of the domestic airlines and their deputies on one hand and the informational inefficiency as well as lack of co-operation and synergy on the other hand. The CFO’s tend not to be fully aware of their statutory obligations to the Authority with regards to prompt remittance and credible revenue reporting and financial dealing with the NCAA in line with international best practice and global air transport and civil aviation standards,” Najomo said. In the communique released after the summit, participants agreed that Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of airlines must monitor changes in government policies and regulations in a bid to ensure airlines are in tandem with developments in the global aviation industry.
Industry Minister Lauds Berger Paints for Resilience, Contributions to Nigerian Economy
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Enoh, has commended Berger Paints Nigeria Plc for its steadfastness, resilience, and contributions to the Nigerian economy despite the challenges facing Nigerian manufacturers.
Enoh who stated this during a facility visit to Berger Paints’ office in Ikeja, Lagos, described the company as a foremost industrial giant, stating that, “There is no Nigerian that is not dealing with Berger Paints’ Products at different levels. This is a testament to the quality of Berger Paints products. We commend the resilience of Berger Paints in an economy where a lot of companies are closing shops.”
According to him, the visit was part of the collaboration initiative between local players and the present administration’s initiative to lessen the challenges of doing business in Nigeria. He assured that the Federal Government was pushing for the use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services while also pushing for quality goods and services at the same time.
Senator Enoh also disclosed that the government would continue to create a level playing field for local industries saying: “But lots of work needs to be done. The government wants to set up an Industrial Revolution Work Group. The Group shall comprise representatives of different sectors,
including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as part of the strategy to implement the eight-point agenda of the present administration in which industrialization is one of them”.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Alaba Fagun, told the Minister that the company had a proud legacy spanning over six decades as a leading manufacturer of high-quality paints and coatings. According to her, Berger Paints remains at the forefront of innovation, quality, and sustainability, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.
“At Berger Paints, quality is our watchword. Our products meet and exceed international standards, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification. We have invested significantly in state-of-the-art production technology, including our ultramodern fully automated factory, which ensures precision, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Our coatings are developed to international specifications, including specialized applications such as marine coatings and protective finishes used in high-performance industries’, the GMD explained.
She however pointed out that despite meeting these rigorous standards, penetrating key sectors,
including the multinational oil and gas industry, remains a challenge calling on the Minister’s support in advocating for greater recognition of local manufacturers in critical industries.
Fagun noted further that Berger Paints was not just a business but a vital part of Nigeria’s industrial fabric which provides direct and indirect employment to thousands of Nigerians, from factory workers to suppliers and retailers.
She added that through its Swift Painting initiative, Berger Paints is actively involved in workforce development, training young Nigerians in professional painting skills and empowering them for gainful employment while
prioritizing sourcing raw materials locally where possible, thereby supporting Nigerian suppliers and strengthening local value chains. She however lamented that: “ While we maximize local sourcing, some raw materials are not available in Nigeria, and the high import tariffs on these materials significantly increase production costs”. She appealed to the government for a reduction in import duties on essential raw materials not locally produced to lower production costs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian-made paints.
Air Peace Explains Benefits of Strategic Interline Agreement with Emirates
Stories by Chinedu Eze
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, has said that the landmark interline agreement with Emirates, one of the world’s premier airlines, will enhance travel options and connectivity for Air Peace customers, providing seamless access to international destinations via Dubai while increasing accessibility to key cities within Nigeria.
Through this interline agreement, Air Peace customers flying from Dubai to Lagos on Emirates can now conveniently connect to multiple domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.
Head of Communication, Air Peace, Dr. EjikeNdiulo, said business and corporate travellers will also
benefit from streamlined access to major economic hubs such as Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Warri, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in Africa’s aviation industry. He explained that the partnership expands Air Peace’s global reach, allowing its customers to seamlessly book multi-destination flights under a single ticketing system. Passengers will enjoy hassle-free transfers, improved baggage handling, and enhanced travel convenience, reinforcing Air Peace’s commitment to delivering top-tier service.
Speaking on the agreement, Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace Limited, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide said, “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travelers. It aligns with
our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach.”
She further explained that the collaboration not only expands Air Peace’s international reach but also offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.
“By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE,” she added.
The Air Peace COO insists that the partnership further reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning the country as a critical hub for regional and global travel.
FAAN Strengthens Global Aviation Ties in Abu Dhabi
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reinforced its commitment to aviation excellence as its management team actively participated in the 2025 ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The prestigious event, held from 10 to 12 February 2025, brings together aviation stakeholders worldwide under the theme, ‘The Next Flight: Innovating for a SustainableTomorrow.’
Led by FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Nigerian delegation is engaging in high-level discussions on key industry issues, including balancing aviation growth with sustainability, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced airport operations and training, and
strengthening implementation support for resource-constrained states.
Additionally, the team is exploring strategies for digital transformation in aviation training and sustainable airport management.
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, disclosed that the major highlight of Authority’s participation came on the second day of the symposium when Mrs. Kuku received the TRAINAIRPLUS member plaque on behalf of FAAN.
In a significant stride towards advancing aviation training, she also signed the FAAN-ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Manuals in the presence of FAAN’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Emiola Luqman, and the acting General Manager of Training, Mrs. Toyin Akinlade.
This development underscores FAAN’scommitmenttofosteringworldclass aviation training and capacity building.
The Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood, is also part of the delegation, contributing to discussions that shape the future of aviation in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking on the significance of the symposium, Mrs Kuku remarked, “We are particularly interested in exploring the role of AI in revolutionising both airport operations and training. Our goal is to integrate these technologies effectively to enhance efficiency and sustainability at ourairports.”
FAAN’s participation in the ICAOGISS reinforces its dedication to global best practices in aviation and continuous improvement in airport operations.
Ethiopian Airlines Connects Africa, Asia with New Hyderabad Route
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and one of the fastest-growing airline brands in the world, has announced the launch of a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, starting from June 16, 2025.
This new route exemplifies Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global network and enhancing connectivity between Africa and Asia, providing passengers with convenient travel options.
The new flight will commence operations with three mid-day departures from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad and morning arrivals
on the return leg. Regarding the launch of the new service, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are delighted to commence a new passenger service to Hyderabad. Since our first flight to Mumbai, India, in 1971, we have expanded our footprint throughout the country, offering convenient passenger and cargo transportation services.
“This new service will not only enhance travel options for our esteemed passengers but also strengthen trade and tourism ties between the two countries and beyond. Additionally, it is
also a testament to Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing its position as the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service”.
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines offers over fifty weekly dedicated passenger and cargo flights to five Indian cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, With the opening of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India and enhance flight alternatives for passengers travelling between and outside the region.
Imose Sempe, Bam III Smartphones Launched in Nigeria
Air WAtCh
As NCAA Clocks 25 Years of Operation
Chinedu Eze
There is cause for celebration as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) clocks 25 years, even though the 25 years was full of challenges and successes, which include many accomplishments and some failures in terms of the high record of accidents and serious incidents that happened within the period.
But the regulatory authority may have got it right somewhat because these days it has taken pre-emptive measures to ensure that what may lead to mishaps is stopped in its stride.
Good examples are the actions taken last year and this year against the airlines that did not have the finances to conduct safe flight services.
NCAA insisted on stringent conditions that must be met before an airline put an airplane into the skies and also that airlines must operate the services they were designated for.
Going back into the history of the regulatory authority, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority was created by an Act of Parliament in 1999, with among others, perform statutory responsibilities of ensuring regulation, monitoring and promotion of the safety, security, economic and reliability of air navigation oversight in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The Authority effectively commenced operations on 1st January 2000.
One of the major challenges of NCAA was to stop aircraft from falling from sky. To achieve this, it had to secure a level of autonomy to stop the interference of politicians. It was able to achieve this through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act, 2006, which empowered the agency to make regulations guiding the aviation industry and as such established the Civil Aviation Regulations 2015.
The Civil Aviation Act 2006 granted NCAA autonomy. It was passed by the National Assembly in 2006 and assented by the President. The import of this is that the NCAA is not only empowered to regulate aviation safety without political interference but also to carry out oversight functions of airports, airspace, meteorological services, etc. as well as economic regulation of the entire industry.
This act helped NCAA to stamp itself firmly on the ground as effective regulator of the industry. Luckily it was under the tenure of the former Director General of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, that the act was passed. He epitomised this act by making sure that the old tradition of airlines calling highly placed politicians to influence the decision of NCAA was stopped. Demuren was not afraid of losing his job; so, he could brow-beat anyone who wanted to intimidate him.
That was when the good story of NCAA started because accidents involving schedule commercial airlines were significantly contained. In fact, there were few accidents after that, which included the Beechcraft 1900D plane with registration mark 5N-JAH belonging to Wing Aviation crashed in Cross River State. The wreckage was not found until six months after.
Then the most tragic of air crashes in recent time in Nigeria happened on Sunday, June 3, 2012, when the nation was thrown into mourning, as a Dana Airlines Flight 9J 992 carrying 153 passengers on board crashed into Iju-Ishaga, a densely populated residential area of Lagos, killing all passengers on board,
and maintenance. Before then, US airlines were not coming to Nigeria because the airspace was deemed unsafe and Nigerian airlines were not allowed to fly to any destination in the US. The Category 1 status opened the door for both US and Nigerian airlines to fly to both countries.
An IASA Category 1 rating means a country has the laws and regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and that its civil aviation authority equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters meets international standards for technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping, and inspection procedures.
When Dana Air operation was suspended, some critics were asking why. They did not realise that economic regulation is a critical part of what NCAA does. Part 18 of NCAA regulation provides for the rules governing the administration, licensing, permits, registration and economic assessment of air transport activities.
Since Demuren left NCAA, other Director Generals continued with effective regulation of the industry. But many of them were afraid of losing their jobs; so they gradually kowtowed to the whims of political leadership of the industry to some extent. On matters concerning safety, some of the Ministers allowed the Director Generals to have their way. But there has been a lot of interferences in the affairs of NCAA which nibbled at its autonomy, a tendency that reached a climax under the Buhari administration.
Many industry observers have reiterated the need for the autonomy of NCAA, urging that the regulatory authority should also be firm in dealing with airlines and not to look at faces while taking decisions that will reinforce safety in Nigeria’s airspace.
The Managing Director of Aero Contractors and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY recently that NCAA should take actions against airlines when it feels that such airline is negating the regulatory principles, especially in the area of safety.
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
Imose Technologies has announced the launch of its latest range of made-in-Nigeria smartphones called Sempe and Bam III, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and local production. Giving further details, Executive Director, Imose Technologies, Taiye Osayi-Izedonmwen, said, “The launch of Sempe and Bam III smartphones into the Nigerian market represents a significant milestone for us as we continue to provide high-quality, technology solutions that cater to the needs of the Nigerian customer.
“Our brands are proudly Nigerian and proof of our dedication to creating homegrown solutions that enhance the daily lives of our customers.”
According to her, both
smartphones are designed with the user in mind, offering features that cater to both personal and professional use. Sempe and Bam III are engineered to deliver exceptional performance making them ideal for the modern, on-the-go lifestyle of many Nigerians. The sleek Sempe is available in teal and black while the portable Bam III only comes with a black casing. With a focus on research and development, innovation and local production, Imose Technologies aims to provide cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to the preferences of Nigerians. Consumers can buy the Sempe and Bam III from Imose Mobile retail and online stores and distributor outlets around the country, Osayi-Izedonmwen further said.
Also, on October 3, 2013, an aircraft belonging to the Associated Airlines conveying the corpse of the former Ondo State governor crashed, minutes after take-off at the local wing of the Lagos Airport. The plane had 20 people onboard.
But since 2013, there has not been any major accident involving commercial airlines in Nigeria. Yes, a lot of helicopter crashes; mishaps involving cargo planes: aircraft overshooting the runway and others.
Within this period also, NCAA recorded invaluable achievements. Nigeria achieved Category 1 air safety rating from the US Government under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program in 2010. The FAA Cat 1 Safety status enables Nigerian carries to fly to the US and for US carriers to fly to Nigeria. This means that Nigeria complies with international air safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations
Recalling a recent major incident involving Max Air, which lost its undercarriage at Kano airport, Sanusi noted that the signs that led to what happened to Max Air might have manifested some time ago, when a Captain in the airline raised the alarm about breechings in operating standards, but he was dismissed with insinuations that he might have mental issues. Captain Sanusi said that was the time NCAA could have zeroed in on the airline to scrutinize its operations, but the airline was allowed to continue operations, even after it had busted tyres on landing at the Yola airport.
He also observed that in terms of safety regulation, NCAA seems to have lost its firmness in the last few years, noting that the regulatory authority should not ingratiate to be loved by the airline, but to stringently carry out its oversight functions because human lives are involved.
The Aero Managing Director and Chief Executive said that NCAA must not work with sentiments but to be decisive about its actions; remarking that there could be such sentiments like, this is the only airline from this section of the country; therefore, it should not be grounded or allowed to die.
But it has to be noted that NCAA autonomy is relative. The agency by law ought to execute the policies of government in the aviation industry. It is therefore in endearing romance with government, which set it up. So, congratulations, NCAA, as Nigerians hope for another 25 years of successful outing.
Keystone Bank: Story of Resilience, Reinvention, Growth
Donatus Eleko
Keystone Bank’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategic transformation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the Nigerian banking landscape.
From its origins to its current standing, the bank has navigated challenges, adapted to evolving market dynamics, and emerged as a strong and reliable financial institution.
In fact, since the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on January 10, 2024, the bank has experienced an extraordinary upward trajectory, evolving into one of the most resilient financial institutions in the country.
Remarkably, a pivotal recent legal development in the bank has further strengthened the position of the financial institution.
On February 11, 2025, the Lagos State Special Offences Court gave a judgement regarding the former shareholders of Keystone Bank: Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Alhaji Umaru Modibbo.
Following the intervention of the CBN in January 2024, the federal government had filed charges against the two shareholders for the alleged conversion of N20 billion belonging to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
At the court’s sitting on February 11, 2025, the court ordered the forfeiture of 6.2 billion units of their ordinary shares of Keystone Bank, valued at N1.00 each, to the federal government. This means the federal government now fully owns the bank.
The significant milestone paves the way for a seamless recapitalisation process for the bank. In addition, the complete transition of ownership to the federal government will enable Keystone Bank to continue its path of growth, increased profitability, and enhanced service delivery to its customers and stakeholders.
Keystone Bank has maintained a strong financial position, and has consistently met its obligations. The bank has continued to build on its successes, strengthening its balance sheet and delivering exceptional value to its teeming stakeholders.
Within a short period, the bank’s monthly account openings skyrocketed by a staggering 150 percent. This robust growth in new accounts demonstrates not only the bank’s appeal to existing customers
but also its ability to attract new clients with innovative banking solutions. The boost in customer engagement is a testament to the bank’s growing reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
In addition to its financial milestones, Keystone Bank has also made remarkable strides in its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Collaborating with various state governments, the bank launched the Keystone Bank Educational Support Initiative, aimed at positively impacting the educational sector across Nigeria.
In the first phase, the bank successfully executed projects in 12 states: Lagos, Zamfara, Ekiti, Anambra, Katsina, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano, Benue, and Borno. The bank’s commitment to education and community development has earned praise from both local and state officials.
As Keystone Bank continues to flourish, customers and shareholders alike can rest assured that the bank remains safe, healthy, strong, and resilient. With its leadership firmly in place and a commitment to excellence, the bank is poised to navigate the future with renewed confidence and strength.
Keystone Bank has shown that through strategic transformation, visionary leadership, and a strong focus on social responsibility, it has solidified its position as a key player in Nigeria’s banking sector. The journey from January 2024 to today highlights not just survival, but an exciting evolution that promises even greater success in the years to come.
The bank has embraced transformation, moving from strength to strength, with remarkable achievements in both financial performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
A significant landmark for Keystone Bank has been the impressive turnaround in its financial performance. The remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of the new leadership and the strategic decisions implemented to revitalise the bank’s operations.
Led by the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hassan Imam, alongside the executive management team, backed by a solid Board of Directors, has not only restored profitability but has positioned the bank for sustained success in the competitive Nigerian banking landscape. The transformation is a testament to the leadership’s bold vision, decisive action, and unrelenting commitment to driving growth.
As part of efforts to maintain its healthy relation with its customers, Keystone Bank Limited recently hosted an exclusive dinner event to celebrate and appreciate loyal customers for their unwavering support throughout the year 2024. The event, themed ‘Celebrating Partnership’ took place in Lagos.
At the event, Imam had appreciated the bank’s customers, stakeholders and the staff for their commitments and resilience in making Keystone Bank a leading financial institution in the country.
“We have developed several products that have also been approved by the CBN. Monthly account opening has increased by over 150 percent.
“In addition, under our Corporate Social Responsibility, working with the state governments, we set up the Keystone Bank Educational Support Initiative for the educational sector.
“In the first phase, we executed projects
in 12 states: Lagos, Zamfara, Ekiti, Anambra, Katsina, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano, Benue and Borno States,” he said. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, who were among several dignitaries at the event, expressed gratitude to Keystone Bank for its meaningful CSR initiatives in their states. Governor Lawal, in particular, lauded Keystone Bank as the first financial institution to visit Zamfara State and implement impactful CSR programmes. Both governors praised the visionary leadership of the bank’s CEO, Hassan Imam, for spearheading the remarkable transformation of the bank in such a short period.
They further reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their partnership with the bank, recognising its positive impact in their states and communities.
The Keystone Bank brand is built on meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing simple, convenient banking service at all times. As a financial service provider with an obligation to comply with international best practices, Keystone Bank Limited has continued to ensure that its business operations and activities comply with applicable national environmental and social regulations.
Its commitment to exceptional service extends beyond providing traditional banking services. It includes giving back to the communities in which it operates to make a lasting difference through its four main corporate social responsibility pillars: Health, Education, Women & Youth Empowerment and Employee Volunteer Scheme not neglecting the environment in which we operate.
Demonstrating its commitment to CSR is a deliberate strategy for Keystone Bank that aligns its business values, purpose and trust with the social and economic needs of stakeholders, whilst entrenching responsible and ethical business policies and practices in all our activities.
Keystone Bank’s story is an inspiring example of how an organisation can overcome challenges, adapt to change, and achieve remarkable success. The bank’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to customer-centricity. As Keystone Bank continues to innovate and evolve, it is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of banking in Nigeria.
‘Nigerian Entrepreneurs Face Unpredictability of Govt Policies’
Al Amin Mota is the Visionary CEO Behind Sarkinmota Autos.In the fast-paced world of automobile sales, he has leveraged on digital platforms which has proven to be a game-changer. In this interview, he speaks of his journey into the automobile industry, which began in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional business operations worldwide. Excerpts
Can you tell us about your background, education, and the experiences that shaped your early life?
My name is Al Amin Mota. I studied at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and have lived in Abuja all my life. I am a businessman specializing in automobile sales, a passion I transformed into a thriving enterprise.
One of the defining factors of my early life was my deep-seated desire for financial independence. From a young age, I disliked relying on family or relatives for my needs. This mindset pushed me to always seek opportunities to be self-sufficient. I have always believed that true success comes from taking control of one’s destiny.
Growing up, I had a natural love for cars. It wasn’t just about the machines themselves, but also about the industry and the limitless possibilities within it. People often say that the best business is one that aligns with your passion, and I couldn’t agree more. I turned my love for automobiles into a source of income, and that has made my journey fulfilling.
Can you tell us about the pros and cons of being a businessman, as well as your challenges and success story?
Being a businessman comes with both rewards and challenges. The freedom to create wealth on your terms is empowering, but it also comes with risks and uncertainties. One of the key factors that contributed to my success was leveraging social media. I started selling automobiles in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown happened, people spent more time online, and my Twitter account became a valuable asset. I gained about 50,000 followers at the time, and I realized that this audience could be converted into customers. That strategic move helped my business grow significantly.
However, like any business, the automobile industry has its challenges. One of the biggest risks is unknowingly buying stolen cars or vehicles with accident histories. This can create legal and financial issues. Another challenge is market unpredictability—sometimes, you buy a car expecting to sell it at a specific price, but market fluctuations may reduce its value.
That said, when it comes to quick turnover, I believe the automobile business is better than real estate. Selling a house can take a long time, whereas I could sell about 15 cars in the same period and make an equivalent or even higher profit. Cars are necessities—once people reach a certain stage in life, they must own one. While real estate is essential, many people buy a car before they buy a house, making the automobile business consistently profitable.
What do you think are the challenges of entrepreneurship among most youths in Nigeria? The biggest challenge young entrepreneurs face in Nigeria is the unpredictability of government policies. Policies on import duties, taxation, and foreign exchange rates fluctuate without warning. A few years ago, import duties were relatively affordable, making it easier for small business owners to thrive. Today, increased duties and the high exchange rate make it difficult for many to
sustain their businesses. For instance, someone who planned to start a car dealership with N10 million a few years ago could afford two cars. Today, with that same amount, they might only be able to buy a tricycle (laughs). The rising costs create serious barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs. Another challenge is the tendency to copy what others are doing without innovation. Many people enter business because they see others succeeding, but they fail to develop unique strategies. What worked for me may not necessarily work for someone else. The key is to be creative and find a niche.
Location is another critical factor. Business success is highly influenced by the environment. I can sell automobiles worth N100–200 million in Abuja because the demand exists here, but someone in Osogbo may struggle to sell the same type of cars. Even if that person is more hardworking than I am, my strategic location gives me an edge. Entrepreneurs must consider location when choosing a business to venture into.
Do you think building potential and skills and not just certificates a lasting solution to unemployment?
In today’s world, skills are more valuable than certificates. However, I still believe having a certificate is important. Even if you don’t use it directly, it adds value to your personal and professional life. I always say that education goes beyond school—it improves your thinking, helps you communicate better, and shapes how you interact with the world. The difference between a learned and an unlearned person is always clear.
That being said, potential and skills are the real determinants of success. Two people may have the same degree, but the one with stronger skills and real-world experience will secure better opportunities. The job market today values what you can do over what you studied.
As a businessman with plans for expansion, what other business subsidiaries are you considering?
Our company is looking to diversify into several industries. We have strong interests in real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture. However, I must admit that agriculture comes with its own set of challenges. Many people assume it’s easy, but in reality, dealing with middlemen and local communities can be difficult. It’s also a time-consuming industry that requires patience and commitment.
Additionally, we are exploring opportunities in the recycling industry, which remains an untapped market in Nigeria. Many young people overlook this sector, considering it a “dirty” business or beneath them. But I believe that no work that puts food on the table should be belittled. Waste recycling is not only profitable but also environmentally impactful. Over the next three to five years, we plan to establish subsidiaries in these industries.
What’s your hobby?
I love riding power bikes. It’s my main hobby and a passion I truly enjoy. There’s something about the speed, control, and freedom that comes with biking—it’s a great way to clear my mind and have fun at the same time.
What’s your advice to youths who intend to take up entrepreneurship?
My advice to young entrepreneurs is simple: think beyond your immediate environment. Success often lies outside your comfort zone.
Just because you were born and raised in a particular city doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself there. I always encourage young people to seek exposure—travel, meet people, gain new experiences, and learn from different environments. The world is bigger than your hometown. Creativity is another key ingredient for success. Don’t just do what everyone else is doing; find a way to stand out. Entrepreneurship is about solving problems—if you can offer unique solutions, success will follow. Finally, never underestimate the power of networking. The right connections can open doors that hard work alone cannot. Build relationships, stay consistent, and always aim for excellence. With the right mindset and strategies, you will thrive.
Mota
Vivian Anozie: Curating Lifestyle Experiences through Nigeria’s First Specialised Bed and Bath Retailer
In 2009, Vivian anozie made a pivotal discovery that would change the face of Nigeria’s retail landscape. She recognised a significant void in the market: a lack of specialised retailers catering to the bedroom space. Consumers were limited to either local markets or imported goods that didn’t align with Nigerian lifestyles. Seizing the opportunity to bridge this gap, anozie embarked on a mission to provide tailored solutions and an elevated shopping experience. This vision led to the birth of Vivano Beddings & More, Nigeria’s first specialised bed and bath retailer. Today, anozie is a respected entrepreneur, lifestyle influencer, and sleep and wellness advocate, celebrated for her innovative approach and commitment to excellence. In an exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, anozie opens up about her remarkable journey, sharing valuable insights on the lessons she’s learned, the challenges she’s overcome, and the lasting impact she’s making in the lives of Nigerians
What’s your favorite childhood memory, and how has it shaped who you are today?
Iwas raised by strict parents and yearned to grow up quickly and leave home. However, I cherished listening to my father’s life lessons, rich with Igbo proverbs, about how our choices, good or bad, shape our destinies. This instilled in me a strong sense of awareness from a very young age.
Growing up, what values did your parents instill in you that have influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
I was quick to pick on the vital roles of hard work, a strong support system, and proper guidance in fostering growth.
What was your first business idea, and how did it evolve over time?
My first business was selling shoes and bags. That venture proved invaluable, providing the funds I needed to pursue my true passion for addressing the need for specialized bed and bath retailers in Nigeria. That inspired what is now Vivano Beddings, which I’m so thankful has grown to offer tailored bedroom solutions to our clients.
Who’s your biggest inspiration, and what qualities do you admire about them?
My late Dad (bless his soul). When he believed in something, He was all in heart, head and hands. He didn’t have too many friends but the few he had, He was very loyal to them.
What sparked your realisation of the void in Nigeria’s market for specialized bedroom retailers, and how did you identify the opportunity?
In 2009, I identified a significant gap in the Nigerian market while trying to get fitted sheets. I noticed a distinct lack of specialised retailers focusing on bedding and bath products. Consumers were faced with limited options, often choosing between local markets and imported products that didn’t align with our lifestyle as Nigerians.
Can you share more about the challenges you faced in understanding the Nigerian consumer’s needs and preferences when it came to bedroom solutions?
Understanding the Nigerian consumer’s needs and preferences required extensive research and engagement. We attended international trade shows, gathered feedback from customers, and conducted market research to inform our product development.
How did you conduct market research to validate your idea, and what were some key findings that informed your business strategy?
Constant engagement with customers and incorporating the feedback we got, testing responses to inform our product development. We also monitored global trends by attending international trade shows.
What was the most significant hurdle you overcame in establishing Vivano Beddings, and how did you navigate it?
Sizing remains our biggest challenge. Clients often struggle to provide accurate bed dimensions, compounded by the lack of standardized sizing. This was a major hurdle, but we’ve since found a solution.
How do you stay attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of Nigerian consumers, and what role does feedback play in shaping your business decisions?
We prioritize understanding our clients’ lifestyles and needs through regular feedback sessions, market research, and social media
engagement. This helps us design and deliver products that meet their expectations.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about building and maintaining relationships in business?
Building strong relationships requires trust, empathy, and mutual understanding. By prioritizing our customers’ needs and delivering tailored solutions, we’ve fostered strong relationships that drive our business forward.
How do you approach networking, and what advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Networking is about building genuine connections and providing value to others. My advice would be to focus on building meaningful relationships and staying true to your values.
Who’s been your most valuable mentor, and how have they helped shape your entrepreneurial journey?
Architect Olajumoke Adenowo. Her Salt class, which I attended years ago, was a truly transformative experience. It brought clarity to the core purpose of my business, and her guidance on business decisions has been invaluable ever since.
What do you hope people will remember about you and your entrepreneurial journey?
I want to be remembered as a passionate and driven entrepreneur who wasn’t afraid to take risks and innovate. Someone who persevered through challenges to build a successful business that truly made a positive impact on people’s lives.
How do you measure success, and what impact do you hope to leave on the world?
We believe true success lies in ensuring our clients feel valued and supported. This means delivering exceptional products, providing truly outstanding and attentive service, and actively contributing to the growth and well-being of the community we all share. Your comfort and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about creating a lasting legacy?
Building a lasting legacy means understanding how our business affects society and the environment. We aim to improve our customers’ lives while
also benefiting our community.
In what ways do you think Vivano Beddings has contributed to changing the landscape of Nigeria’s retail industry, particularly in the bedroom space?
As Nigeria’s first specialized bed and bath retailer, Vivano Beddings has transformed the market by offering customers tailored solutions and an elevated shopping experience.
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to identify and capitalize on market gaps in emerging economies? I would say, understand the local market and its challenges by engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and adapting to change.
What’s next for Vivano Beddings, and how do you see the company evolving in the next 5-10 years?
We’re committed to growth and enhancing the customer experience. Our plans include expanding our product lines, exploring new markets, and investing in digital transformation. With the belief that everyone deserves a good night’s sleep, our ambition is to become the leading provider of bed and bath solutions, not just in Nigeria, but across the region.
Vivian Anozie
CardinalStone Partners Limited Completes Acquisition of Radix Pension Managers
Oluchi Chibuzor
CardinalStone Partners Limited, a leading independent investment banking and multi-asset management firm, has announced the successful acquisition of a majority equity stake in Radix Pension Managers Limited, a long-standing player in Nigeria’s pension industry.
Following the acquisition, Radix Pension Managers Limited has been rebranded as CardinalStone Pensions Limited, marking a new era of growth and innovation in pension fund administration.
In a statement, the company said this transition represents a significant milestone in its strategic expansion into the pension industry, according to the firm.
“With this acquisition and rebrand, CardinalStone Partners Limited solidifies its position as a key player in Nigeria’s financial landscape, leveraging its expertise and resources to enhance CardinalStone Pensions’
operations and service delivery. CardinalStone Partners Limited, renowned for its comprehensive financial services catering to institutional and high-net-worth clients, boasts of a team of seasoned investment professionals with a proven track record of visionary leadership. The firm’s expertise spans across Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities Trading, Trust Services, Registrar Services, Financing, and more recently, Pensions.
“Recognised by Euromoney as the Best Equities House and Market Leader in Investment Banking, Nigeria, and honored twice by the Nigerian Exchange as Equity Trader of the Year, CardinalStone brings extensive resources, expertise, and a diversified portfolio of investment and asset management solutions to support its pension business, the firm said in a statement released recently,” it said. With a clear vision for growth and innovation, the Group Managing Director of CardinalStone Michael Nzewi,
said they see this acquisition as a new chapter for CardinalStone and the industry at large.
According to him, “Our collective strength provides us with the pivotal opportunity to strengthen our position in the pension industry and broaden our range of services for our valued clients. By integrating the expertise and resources of all businesses in the CardinalStone Group, we are poised to deliver even greater value and innovative solutions to our customers across the board.
“Despite the change in ownership and brand identity, there will be no disruption to the operations of CardinalStone Pensions, as the firm will continue its business operations as a Pension Fund Administrator.
“With the backing of the CardinalStone Group, CardinalStone Pensions is set to leverage its strengths to further enhance its offerings, ensuring continued excellence in pension fund administration and delivering superior value to its customers.”
‘Ecovis Technical Committee Will Assist Clients Navigate Regulatory Changes’
Ecovis OUC (Chartered Accountants) has established a technical committee to assist clients navigate the complex and ever-changing regulatory and business environment.
Managing Partner of Ecovis OUC, Andrew Uviase, in his remarks at the inauguration of the committee, said: “As a firm of professional accountants, our work is highly influenced by regulations, standards and laws. As a professional firm in public practice, we have a responsibility to our stakeholders to ensure that we are up to date with the current developments in regulations, laws and standards
that guide the profession.
“The technical committee is therefore a deliberate attempt by the firm to stay current in the regulatory environment and continue to provide cutting edge professional services to our discerning clients.”
Uviase explained that the technical committee is a forum for collecting up to date developments in the legal and regulatory environment for our professional practice.
“The committee will guide the reporting department on the requirements for published accounts. They will assist the reporting department to ensure
that the financial statements produced for clients comply with the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards, Companies and Allied Matters Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and any other specific requirements of the applicable sector,” he added.
Chairman of the Ecovis OUC Technical Committee, Mr. Henry Dugbele in his remarks said: “The creation of the Technical Committee is a vital step toward strengthening our foundation and ensuring that we continue to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of the audit and assurance profession.”
KPMG Introduces Tax Orbit to Simplify Tax Compliance in Nigeria
Audit, tax, and advisory services firm, KPMG, has unveiled an advanced software technology, Tax Orbit, to streamline and improve efficiency in tax compliance for companies in Nigeria.
The launch, which was held at the company’s premises in Lagos yesterday, brought together businesses together to explore how technology can be deployed to strengthen corporate governance, improve data collection and storage, ensure efficiency in tax payment, reporting, and compliance, while saving operational costs.
With high inflation rates, rising tax liabilities, intensified regulatory enforcement, and special audits such as transfer
NCBA Gathers Experts to
In its continued efforts at empowering individuals and corporate organisations for financial stability and growth, the Nigerian-Canadian Business Association (NCBA) will on Friday, in Lagos, assemble experts to brainstorm on unlocking financial pathways and strategic project financing.
Dignitaries that will grace the all important event include Mrs Adebola Agunbiade, an accomplished economist, chartered accountant, and financial advisor, who is the keynote speaker to deliver a paper on, “Unlocking
pricing assessments, Tax Orbit presents a proactive solution for businesses to navigate Nigeria’s tax landscape while helping companies reduce the risk of unexpected tax bills.
Partner, Financial Services Industry and Deals Advisor at KPMG, Ms. Olanike James, stated that as businesses grow, the need to adapt to the changing tax environment while maintaining profitability is key. Hence, businesses must take advantage of technological services such as Tax Orbit to optimize tax costs.
James said: “Our tax regulations are evolving very fast, and our tax authorities are embracing technology at an extremely fast rate. This is probably one of the few times you see that industry is probably playing catch-up to the tax authorities.”
Meanwhile, speaking on the product offering, Manager, Tax Technology and Transformation, Ms. Akaoma Osele, explained that Tax Orbit is built on a regulatory policy of seven years, allowing clients to extend their contract at will.
She also added that in the event of a termination of the contract, the Tax Orbit team would help clients transfer their data from the Tax Orbit platform.
Furthermore, Partner, Consumer and Industrial Markets and Tax Reimagined Lead at KPMG, Mr. Olufemi Babem, stated that although the product is designed to take off specifically in Nigeria and Ghana, it can be configured to suit individual firms’ needs.
Brainstorm on Financial Pathways,
Financial Pathways: Wealth Building & Project Financing Strategies.”
As Founder/Managing Director/CEO of CandourCrest Finance, Lagos, Mrs. Agunbiade brings over 22 years of expertise in accounting, finance, leasing, risk, and asset management to address crucial aspects of wealth building and project financing in today’s dynamic market.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, His Eccellency, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú will handle the robust interac-
Project Financing
tive session designed to foster meaningful dialogue between Nigerian and Canadian businesses.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, Chairperson of the NCBA Board of Trustees, Ebi Obaro, observed that the topic is relevant in today’s global economic landscape, where innovative financing strategies are necessary to address development challenges, adding, “This breakfast meeting represents a crucial platform for businesses seeking to expand their financial horizons across the Nigerian-Canadian corridor.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo),
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Heirs Energies Head of External & Government Affairs Chidimma Ugbojiaku receiving “Independent Company of the Year award ‘ from Rixck W. Barsi-Giah , Vice President, (Technical Services) National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) at SAIPEC 2025
Esther Oluku
Haldane McCall Grows Profit by 168%, Propose N220.6m Dividend
Kayode Tokede
Haldane McCall Plc, yesterday announced its audited financial statement for the full year ended December 31, 2024 with profit before tax at N1.01 billion, a significant increase of 168 per cent when compared to N378 million reported in 2023 financial year.
The Real Estate and Hospitality company that was listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) by introduction closed
2024 financial year with a profit of N679.6 million, representing a significant increase of 164per cent from N256.96 million declared in 2023.
The growth in profits were driven by increase in revenue and the management divestment in non-core business which generated N20.82 million in the year under review.
Haldane McCall in 2024 declared N3.64 billion revenue, about 109per cent increase over N1.74 billion in 2023, primarily
driven by N2.68 billion sale of land and building in 2024, up by 156 per cent from N1.05 billion in 2023.
Sale of land and building contributed about 73.6 per cent of the company’s overall revenue in 2024 as against 60.27 per cent in 2023.
From the balance sheet position, total assets of Haldane McCall closed 2024 at N21.99 billion, about 22.8 per cent increase from N17.91 billion declared in 2023.
The Company’s share price yesterday gained a maximum of 50 kobo to close at N5.51 as one of the top 10 gainers following investors’ scramble for the shares:
“We are thrilled with our 2024 financial results, which demonstrate the effectiveness of our business strategy and the strength of our brand. We remain committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers, investors, and stakeholders, while driving growth and in-
novation in Nigeria’s real estate and hospitality sectors.”, says the Group Managing Director , Dr Edward Akinlade.
The management in a statement submitted to the NGX as part of the Post Listing Requirements , stated that 2024 unfolded against a backdrop of significant global economic challenges, a scenario that tested its resilience and adaptability in business. The company in a statement said, “the global supply chain and consumer
behaviour in the industry, we operate in term of operational cost, and the associated factors is well evidenced in the critical gap, we currently experienced in our National Housing Needs which has been experiencing a huge deficit. ”On the 2024 financial year performance, the company stated that it was a year of solid and significant performance, underpinned by strong commercial momentum and strategic operational efficiencies.”
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF FEBRUARY 12/25
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 12 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.
2025 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE...
Senior Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB),
Corporate Communications, NCDMB, Obinna Ezeobi; and the Supervisor, Litigation and Enforcement, NCDMB, Ilu Ezekhome, during the 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) held in Lagos... yesterday
Cardoso Urges Telecom Firms to Embrace Backward Integration, Source Essential Components Locally
Says move will reduce sector's reliance on FX
James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Wednesday renewed calls for deeper backward integration in the telecommunications sector.
The CBN emphasised the need to localise key supply chains while expanding financial services to benefit ordinary Nigerians.
He spoke when Airtel Africa’s management team, led by Group Chief Executive, Mr. Sunil Taldar, paid a courtesy visit to the apex bank's
headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement, Cardoso stressed the need to reduce the sector’s reliance on Foreign Exchange (FX).
He noted that the CBN has spent the past 16 months stabilising the foreign exchange market, strengthening the Naira’s competitiveness, and boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
He said with these gains, telecom firms must now embrace backward integration by producing essential components such as SIM cards, cables, and towers locally.
The governor pointed out that
the shift would not only ease dollar demand but also create jobs and strengthen the economy.
He highlighted the CBN’s broader vision of deepening financial inclusion and enhancing digital payment solutions for everyday Nigerians.
He announced plans for a highlevel summit where the apex bank will collaborate with key industry stakeholders to develop strategies that promote accessible, efficient, and innovative financial services.
Cardoso said, “The CBN is committed to ensuring that financial services reach more Nigerians,
especially in rural and underserved communities.
"Through collaboration with relevant agencies and industry players, we aim to build a more inclusive and digitally-driven financial ecosystem.”
He also reassured Airtel and other stakeholders that the CBN would take the necessary steps to create an enabling environment for financial service providers, fostering competition, innovation, and expanded access for Nigerians.
In his response, however, Taldar, commended the CBN’s reforms and voiced support for backward
integration, emphasising that reducing reliance on the dollar was in the mid to long-term interest of telecom operators.
He reiterated Airtel’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria through technology-driven solutions and pledged continued collaboration with regulators to drive digitisation and economic growth. He was accompanied by the Chief Executive, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh; Group CFO, Mr. Jaideep Paul; and Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Mr. Femi Adeniran.
Describes him as a man of fine character, principle and faith
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bishop Francis Wale Oke on his re-election as the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Bishop Oke, a respected religious leader and author, is the presiding bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, which he founded in 1983.
He is also the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU).
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria re-elected him at the 18th Biennial National Conference in Abuja.
President Tinubu described the renowned clergyman as a man of fine character, principle, and faith and encouraged him to continue using the pulpit to teach the good gospel of love, kindness, and peace as embodied by Jesus Christ.
The president prayed for the bishop's fresh anointing as he continues his leadership role in the Lord's vineyard.
The president, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also congratulated the Christian faithful and commended Bishop Oke for his consistent effort in promoting religious harmony and national renaissance, as demonstrated in his 'Nigeria Turning Point Prayer Movement'.
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
Families who lost their loved ones in the November 18th 1949 massacre of coal miners in Iva Valley, Enugu by the British Colonial Government have sued the federal government, the British Government and the Head of the Commonwealth, demanding compensation.
In a suit, NO: E/909/2024, instituted at Enugu High Court on their behalf, by Mazi Greg Nwachukwu Onoh, the families contended that "the deliberate and excessive use of lethal force by colonial police against unarmed and defenseless miners, who were
lawfully demanding fair wages from their British employers, constituted grave violation of their right to life as guaranteed under both domestic and international law applicable at the time".
Joined in the suit are the Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom, British Government, Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and Head of the Commonwealth.
The plaintiffs, through their lawyer, Prof. Yemi AkinseyeGeorge, SAN, also argued that "the indiscriminate execution
of these miners amounts to an egregious act of state-sanctioned murder, extrajudicial killing, and a flagrant abuse of human rights."
They are demanding an unequivocal acknowledgment of liability by the respondents for the wrongful and unlawful execution of the 21 coal miners; a formal apology from the British Government for the extrajudicial killings, comprehensive compensation for the families and dependents of the deceased miners for the irreversible loss inflicted by the British colonial administration.
The presiding judge, Justice A.O. Onovo moved the hearing of the case to April 15th after listening
to the prayers made by the lead counsel of the 4th respondent, (federal government), Mrs. N.R Chude, that based on the importance of the matter they should be allowed to file a rejoinder, a request which was not countered by the lead counsel to plaintiff, Prof. Akinseye-George. The High Court of Enugu had on 12th November 2024, granted leave to the applicants to proceed with the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the deceased victims. The Court also authorized service of the originating processes on the respondents, after which the substantive application was called up for hearing.
The federal government has the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the private sector arm of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy, stressing that such partnerships are vital for economic stability and job creation.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun who stated this reaffirmed government's commitment to private sector-led economic growth, highlighting IFC's role in driving investment across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at a World Bank
event on Thursday, the minister assured that the government would continue to foster a business-friendly environment that attracts private sector investment.
A statement released last night by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga said the praised IFC’s support in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy, stressing that such partnerships are vital for economic stability and job creation.
E noted that recent reforms, including subsidy removal and increased production, have strengthened public finances and improved the investment climate.
Acknowledging the impact of
higher living costs, he assured that boosting food security and expanding financial support for vulnerable Nigerians remain top priorities.
The minister also thanked IFC and other development partners for their continued role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
"As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic transformation, the partnership between the government and organisations like the IFC is crucial for driving growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. With renewed commitment and collaborative efforts, Nigeria is poised to unlock its full economic potential," the statement said.
Global anti-money laundering watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is on the verge of publishing a 'comprehensive analysis' of terrorist financing risks, drawing from experiences in approximately 200 jurisdictions, AML Intelligence has revealed.
Nigeria, one of the jurisdictions has been under FATF grey list for almost two years due to some lapses in its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing mechanisms.
The FATF President, Elisa de Anda Madrazo disclosed that the impending move to publish a detailed analysis of terrorist financing was
in response to the rising number of deaths from terrorism around the world.
Over 8,350 people were reportedly killed across the world by terrorists in 2023, indicating a 22 per cent increase compared to the preceding year .
The FATF president who spoke at a conference in Munich, Germany, said by “turning off the money tap” and combatting terrorist financing, countries can “cut off the blood supply of terrorism."
She added: “Terrorists need money – even small amounts – to prepare their attacks. And they do not announce their plans.
“The FATF is actively working
to support countries to increase their investigative and prosecuting abilities, after identifying that less than a third of countries are investigating and prosecuting terror financing adequately.
“To improve this picture, this year the FATF will be releasing a comprehensive analysis of terrorist financing, compiling cases provided by our global network of more than 200 jurisdictions.
“This will equip countries to better avert terrorist attacks, and ensure the safety of their people.”
According to her, financial institutions such as banks must become a ‘first line of defence’ against terror plots.
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
L-R:
Mofe Megbele; Chairman, PANA Holdings, Dr. Daere Akobo; the Manager
A MINISTER'S FAMILIARISATION TOUR...
L-R: Honourable Minister of state for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh and the Group Managing Director, MOJEC GROUP, Chantelle Abdul, during the familiarisation tour of the minister to MOJEC facilities in Lagos..... yesterday
Europe, US Adamant as Tinubu, African Leaders Set to Discuss Slavery Reparations
Debate to include land restitution, return of cultural artefacts
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
African leaders, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, meeting in Ethiopia this weekend are to launch a new push for slavery and colonial reparations.
However, they can expect to be stonewalled by former colonial powers, most of which have ruled out making amends for historical wrongs, international news agency,
Reuters said yesterday.
Tinubu departed Nigeria last week Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit en route to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. In Addis Ababa, Tinubu will join African leaders at
the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, which ends February 16, a presidency statement said.
Unprovoked Attack on Our Men By Air Force Most Embarrassing, Says Delta CP
and
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abariwonda Olufemi, has decried what he termed as unwarranted and embarrassing attack on a team of policemen by Air Force personnel deployed in Jeddo near Warri, Delta State.
But the Nigerian Air Force has said its men involved in brutalising police officers in Warri, were currently undergoing disciplinary procedures in accordance with military regulations.
Acknowledging the unsightly free-for-all by armed Air Force and police operatives, whose video clips had since gone viral, CP Olufemi accused the Nigerian Air Force officers of initiating the nationally embarrassing duel after allegedly attempting to obstruct the policemen who were on official and lawful duty in the area.
Specifically, he alleged that the Nigerian Air Force personnel launched the unprovoked attack on the policemen, at about 5pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 because the policemen resisted the attempt by to get them to release a certain criminal suspect with quantities of suspected illegal substances, including "hard drugs".
A statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police (SP), gave detailed account of the ugly incident, and appealed to national security authorities to forestall a reoccurrence.
He attached pictures of the fight between the policemen and Air Force personnel as well as the suspected illegal substances allegedly found on the suspect, which led to the arrest by the police.
"The Delta State Police Command is aware of the embarrassing situation between policemen attached to the Quick Response Squad of the Command and some Air Force personnel attached to Airforce Base Jeddo in Okpe Local Government Area where the personnel of Nigeria Airforce, without any provocation, attacked the policemen who were performing their lawful duty.
"On 11th February, 2025, at about 17:00 hours (5pm local time), operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) while on crime-prevention patrol flagged down a Toyota Corolla car with Registration Number AKD73-FL.
“But the occupants of the vehicle on sighting the police took to their heels, which prompted the policemen to go after them and arrested one of the suspects, identified as Ibohama Precious, aged 25 years, and recovered some weed suspected to be Indian hemp, Canadian loud and other hard drugs.
"While the policemen were on their way to the station along with the suspect and exhibit, upon getting to the Airforce checkpoint at Jeddo, they were stopped by the Airforce personnel and were told that they wouldn't be allowed to proceed until they released the suspects they were taking to the station,
which the policemen vehemently resisted; and, subsequently, the Airforce personnel attacked the policemen without justification," the statement stated.
Reacting, NAF in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said the incident had been addressed.
"The attention of the Nigerian Air Force has been drawn to a video circulating on social and other media,
depicting an altercation between some NAF personnel and police officers in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
"The NAF wishes to state that the incident has been decisively addressed," Akinboyewa said.
He disclosed that the Commander of the concerned NAF unit had engaged with the relevant police authorities in Delta State to resolve the matter with a view to enhancing inter-agency understanding.
While the issue of reparations has gained momentum worldwide, so has the backlash. US President Donald Trump has said he "doesn't see it (reparations) happening" and many of Europe's leaders have opposed even talking about it.
At the AU summit in Addis Ababa, leaders plan to shape a "unified vision" of what reparations may look like, from financial compensation and formal acknowledgement of past wrongs to policy reforms.
"Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa," the AU's Economic, Social and Cultural Council, ECOSOCC, wrote on X.
From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by mostly European merchants and sold into slavery.
The AU body added that the debate on reparations needs to address the legacy of colonialism and slavery today, from racism to the economic disparities between Africa and wealthy Western nations.
"It is increasingly becoming impossible to not acknowledge the damage caused by slavery
and colonialism," said Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert, Alfred Mavedzenge.
The continent's debt crisis can be traced back to African nations being saddled with heavy debts upon independence. Climate change can also be linked to colonialism: Africa is responsible for just a fraction of carbon emissions, but its fragile ecosystems have borne the brunt of global warming.
Much of the debate around reparations, particularly in former colonial powers such as Britain and Portugal, has focused on financial payments, but advocates say making amends for the past can take many forms.
"Reparations are more than just compensation," said ECOSOCC's head of secretariat, William Carew. "It is about... ensuring future generations inherit a world that acknowledges their past and propels them towards a brighter future," Carew added.
The AU said in a statement that reparations for Africa could entail land restitution in countries where land was taken from indigenous populations to the return of cultural artefacts.
Edo Govt Jettisons Obaseki’s Digital Revenue Collection, Okpebholo Unveils
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Government might have jettisoned digital revenue collection operated during the administration of Godwin Obaseki, and appointed a new revenue enforcement collector/consultant.
The government had during the administration of Godwin Obaseki operated 100% digital revenue collection that gives less space for human to human interaction and physical altercation that characterised revenue collections and enforcement in previous administrations.
However, in the letter of appointment by the Executive Chairman Board of Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Otunba Oladele Bamkole-Balogun, and addressed to
the Managing Director, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, with its headquarters at No. 1 Tony Kabaka Avenue, Ugbor, GRA Benin City, Edo State, stated that the contract was target-based and negotiable after 3 months.
The statement read: "I am pleased to convey His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State’s approval of your proposal to act on behalf of the Edo State Government as revenue enforcement consultant to the Edo State internal Revenue Service (ElRS).
"You will be expected to work closely with the in-house compliance and enforcement unit (EllS). This appointment is target-based and as such, the Service expects a marked
increase in revenue collection and remittance.
"You are to ensure in the conduct of this appointment with professional approach, devoid of any rancour or public outrage. The Service is mindful of its obligations to the people of Edo State and welcomes your partnership.
"This appointment is effective for three months in the first instance and subject to review at the end of the period. Please, accept the assurance of my warmest regards and best wishes."
In another development, Okpebholo has launched a back-to-farm initiative to boost food production across the three senatorial district of the state.
Okpebholo made this known
while meeting with farmers at the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, in Ovia South West Area of Edo South. The 2,300 hectares of farm land known as the Iguoriakhi farm settlement was established in 1963. The back-to-farm initiative is an agricultural revolution in the state, as the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in the three senatorial districts of the state, as well as provide farmers with the needed incentives to produce more food for the nation.
The governor said Edo people were known for farming and assured the people that his administration would revive farming across the State to produce food for Edo citizens, Nigeria, as well as export to other states and countries.
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Linus Aleke in Abuja
AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT OF NIGERIA PRESS CONFERENCE ON WORLD CRISIS...
R-L: Deputy National President, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez; Managing Director, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) International, Sir, Munir-ud-Din Shams; Director, MTA Africa, Mr. Umar Safir and Missionary-in-charge, Maulvi Adnan Tahir, during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria press conference on World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace in Lagos...recently
How PDP NWC Voted to Remove Anyanwu as Secretary, Settle for Sunday Udeh-Okoye
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Contrary to reports in the public space that the meeting where the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu was removed was just a "WhatsApp chat," fresh facts have emerged, showing that every process of the meeting was followed.
According to a National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the party, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the meeting was called via an internal memo dated 10th February, 2025, by the Deputy National Secretary, Hon Setonji Koshoedo.
The memo stated that, "the last (National Working Committee) NWC meeting was on the 20th November, 2024. This implies that the NWC Meeting was (last) held about 12 weeks ago.
"According to Section 29 (3) of the Constitution of our party, the PDP members are aware that the constitution provides that an NWC Meeting be held at least once every fortnight (Two Weeks) at the instance of the Chairman or at the of two-third (2/3) of members.
"In view of the role of NWC in the ongoing Zonal Congresses and the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, it is pertinent to call for an NWC Meeting as a matter of urgency to deliberate and resolve issues around those important activities of the party."
Koshoedo, in his prayers, invited the NWC members "to consent to a call for an NWC Meeting by appending their signatures on their names as provided on that attached list (of the memo) accordingly, and
approve Wednesday 12th of February, 2025 for an emergency NWC Meeting," among other prayers.
The consent for the meeting was signed by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and eleven other NWC members, thus meeting the statutory number of two-thirds (2/3) required to call the meeting.
The NEC member told THISDAY that having physically met and signed the consent meeting with the required two-thirds (2/3), the called meeting could be held physically or virtually.
Consequently, the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, forwarded an internal memo dated 11th February, 2025 titled Re: Legal Opinion With Regards to the Position of National Secretary to the NWC Digital Platform,
The memo stated thus: "I have received a memo from the National Legal Adviser corroborating the position of the Governors’ Forum and (Kabir Tanimu) Turaki (SAN Committee.
"First, by Taminu Turaki's opinion and submissions, from 22nd day of December, 2023, Hon. S.K.E. Udeh Okoye is the authentic and bonafide National Secretary of the party.
"That he does not need to be sworn in by the Ag. National Chairman as directed by the Enugu High Court and affirmed by the Appeal Court is immaterial. This is because equity sees as done that which ought to have been done.
“In other words, in the eyes of the law he's taken to have assumed office as the National Secretary of our party effective from the 22nd day of December, 2023.
"In the same vein, the opinion does not believe that an application for stay of execution of the judgement of Court of Appeal had been filed before that court.
"Secondly, in order not to err in the face of the law, I have written Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and attached all legal positions as stated for the two parties to avail them of the happenings in the party as regards to the office of National Secretary. You are aware that the position of
National Secretary is a signatory to all correspondence with INEC." Damagum, in the personally signed memo, which he placed in the Digital Platform of the NWC, prayed that members should:
"In your candid opinions, constitute adherence to our extant provisions, adoption of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN's verdict as corroborated by our National Legal Adviser that Hon Udeh Okoye has been the National Secretary in the eyes of law, since 22nd,
December, 2023?
"In exercising RESTRAIN, would you be of the view that we await INEC's position in the coming day, considering that Anambra's elections are underway, requiring authentic signatories.
"Your objective opinion in this matter is very important for posterity," Damagum submitted to the NWC members.
At the virtual meeting, Damagum, who wrapped the opinions of the NWC members declared that,
"It is obvious that majority view is on the opinion so far express, the opinion had already given tacit mandate that from 20 December 2023, Udeh (Okoye) is the NS (National Secretary)."
The Ag. Chairman had earlier notified the members of the NWC that the memo he posted on the platform was "coming from the outcome of governors’ meeting and BOT meetings. Your (NWC members) opinion and decision is sort (sought) on this.”
Bayelsa Gov, Diri, Renders Scorecard
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The fifth anniversary thanksgiving service of the Senator Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State, yesterday, offered a platform for the governor to render his stewardship.
The well-attended event had prominent Nigerians, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, and National Assembly members among others in attendance.
The thanksgiving service was held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, and had renowned Ghanaian preacher, Dr. Otabil Mensah, as the guest speaker.
Diri, in his remarks, said Bayelsa was witnessing a transformation with the completion of several impactful projects as well as ongo-
ing and newly-awarded projects.
He listed some to include the three big-ticket senatorial roads, particularly the Bayelsa Central road, which he said would get to Oporoma, headquarters of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and inaugurated this year.
He also stated that with the support of the federal government, the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road Bayelsa East would come on stream while the ongoing first phase would be 90 per cent completed by the end of this year.
Diri noted that because of the abundant sporting talents in the state, his administration would construct a 25,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium, which he said would be flagged off by Jonathan on Monday.
Among others, the Bayelsa governor stated that the administration was addressing the issue of civil
servants’ office accommodation by building an iconic nine-storey secretariat complex, adding that the contractor, Megastar Limited, had already been paid 50 per cent of the project cost.
In education, Diri said there had been a shift in paradigm to science and technical education and the government had built and equipped five science and technical colleges across the state. He directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that the two local government areas yet to be covered were completed this year.
On epileptic power supply in the state, he said it would be a
thing of the past when the 60mw gas turbines worth $60 million arrives the state, adding: “All of these projects run into billions of naira. Of course, the one that will make all of us happier and affects everyone is electricity.”
In his goodwill message, Shettima, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, commended Bayelsa State’s significant development and economic progress. He said the state was diversifying beyond crude oil and gas, which included agriculture, fishery and sports, that are crucial to the state’s prosperity.
Court Orders Service of N550m Suit against Army, COAS Via Newspaper Publication Defamation: Ekiti Magistrate Court Strikes Out Afe Babalola Vs Dele Farotimi’s Case
Alex Enumah
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the service of a fundamental rights abuse suit against the Nigeria Army and seven others, via substituted means; by placing the court documents on any newspaper with a wide circulation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The judge made the order while delivering ruling in an exparte application filed and argued on behalf of the plaintiff, Mr Ambrose Akhigbe, an Assistant Director in Command Secondary School, Ipaja,
Lagos. The plaintiff had instituted legal action against the Nigeria Army, the Chief of Army Staff, General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, Lagos, Lieutenant Akabor, Private Sani, Private Ahmed and Private Montero, who are 1st to 8th respondents respectively, over alleged threat to life, assault, battering, maltreatment amongst others.
When the case was called on Wednesday, plaintiff's lawyer, Mr Wayne Elijah, informed the court that the bailiff has not been able to serve the court's documents on the respondents hence, would
be asking the court to make an order directing the service through substituted means by pasting same on the notice board of the Federal High Court and sending scanned copies to the respondents' email.
However, Justice Abdulmalik, in her ruling observed that the respondents not being staff of the Federal High Court would not be able to see the court documents and rather ordered the service through newspaper publication.
She subsequently fixed hearing of the matter on May 5, adding that service of hearing notices be served on all respondents.
In the suit filed November
last year, plaintiff alleged that the respondents, particularly the 5th, 6th and 7th respondent violated his right when the beat him up and nearly killed him for allegedly making videos of inhumane punishments meted out on the SSS3 girls who were asked to roll on muddy, dirty water.
The plaintiff claimed that the beatings and attempted murder led to ceaseless flow of blood from the skull of his head which led to the immediate cease of academic activities in the school as all civilian staff staged a protest in solidarity to the oppression he faced against the respondents.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, yesterday, struck out the defamation suit filed against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Police.
The court acted upon the application and motion by the prosecutor, Martins Akala, an officer in charge of Legal at the State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department, for withdrawal of the suit from court.
Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, had on January 29, 2025, struck out charges brought by the Police against Farotimi bordering on cyberbullying and defamation following the police application to withdraw the charge.
In the matter at the Magistrate Court, the Police in Ekiti State had charged Farotimi to the court on December 4, 2024, following allega-
tions of defaming Afe Babalola in his book, titled, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Farotimi had alleged in the book that Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court justices among others, following which the court granted Farotimi bail on December 20, 2024, and adjourned the matter till February 13 for a hearing. But Afe Babalola had on January 27, 2025, following the intervention of prominent traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation cases against Farotimi from the court.
At the Magistrate court, yesterday, Akala said, “This matter is slated for hearing today. But I want to seek leave of the court to withdraw the charge against the defendant on the instruction of the police authorities.”
in Abuja
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
MINISTER’S COURTESY VISIT TO GUINNESS...
L-R: South-west Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mienye Badejo; Corporate Relations
Employment, Hon
Human Resources
during a courtesy visit by the minister to the company in Lagos…recently
Ribadu to Canada: Go to Hell If You Can’t
Respect Nigeria’s Military High Command
Relation with nation drifts over visa denial DSS DG advocates arming communities as first line of defence
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, told the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria “to go to hell” after its embassy denied some officers of Nigeria’s high military command, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, visas.
Unfortunately, Nigeria and Canada might be drifting towards a major diplomatic rift as a result of this development.
Musa, and some other senior military officers, who intended visiting the North American country on an official engagement, were denied visas. Reasons for the visa denial has yet to be established.
The CDS had earlier at an event shared his frustration over the incident, revealing that he alongside his team, invited to an event in Canada honouring war veterans were denied visas.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada.
There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing. This is a clear reminder that we must stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted,” Musa was quoted as saying.
However, reacting to the incident at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu expressed his displeasure and told Canada “to go to hell.”
Ribadu, however, told the CDS: “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.”
He added that: “Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you – it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work.”
He also commended the CDS for
his leadership in combating insecurity, emphasising that all security agencies are now working together across various regions of the country.
When contacted for the comment of the embassy, a senior public affairs officer at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, Oluwademilade Kosemani, promised to get the reaction of the embassy across to THISDAY.
He later said the statement was ready but it could not be released to the public since approval was yet to be given for its release, but pleaded for understanding, promising to put it out this morning.
Meanwhile, the Director General, Department of State Service (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has advocated the arming of communities to serve as first line of defence in curbing insecurity across the nation.
Ajayi, said, "We have to allow some level of armaments for the communities and they can serve as the first layer of defense."
Stressing that what the nation needed to start thinking about was how to
create the first layer of defence, Ajayi argued that the military, police and other security agencies were to deal with other bigger problem.
"It is impossible for us to deploy to every community in the country. It is unimaginable that any security agency has such resources to do that.
"So as we leave here, we belong to one community or the other. What we have to start experimenting is how we can make the community to be the first layer of defence.
"General Wahab said it. So, for me there are three take away from his lecture. He asked us a question, what is our culture? Our culture is communal, we do things together, we participate in festival and ceremony together.
"So why can't we fight some miscreants, some charlatan amongst us together? A community can say, you cannot come here, that was what communities in Tafawa Balewa local government area of Bauchi State had done. If you go to that community to attack them, you will be sorry for yourself. I challenge anybody to try it.
Obanikoro: Police Withdrew Charge against Us After Discovering Access Bank’s Fraud
The Managing Director of MOB Integrated Limited, Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, has said the Nigeria Police Force withdrew the charge of alleged N1.3 billion filed against him and four others, was because they discovered from their investigation that Access Bank was fraudulently attempting to appropriate their property over a loan they knew nothing about to a third party.
In a statement issued to further "set the record straight", Obanikoro disclosed that the police withdrew the four-count charge against him his company M. O. B. Integrated Limited after the police discovered the fraudulent attempt of Access Bank to convert their property over a loan to a third party.
"Following the withdrawal of charge No: FHC/902C/2024 between Inspector General of Police V Adejare Adegbenro and others vs the Management of MOB Integrated Services Limited, (MOB) considers it appropriate to set the record of events straight to all the stakeholders and members of the Public, especially, in light of the various media reports on this matter.
"In 2013, Balmoral International Limited (Balmoral) and Diamond Bank Pic (now Access Bank Plc) entered into a loan transaction for the disbursement of N333,139,000 to Balmoral," the statement read.
Explaining further, Obanikoro
stated that while the drawdown condition mandated Balmoral to provide a property as collateral, the Managing Director of Balmoral, Mr. Adejare Adegbenro, pleaded with MOB integrated Services Limited, and himself as the Managing Director, to provide the third party Mortgage and promised to fulfill all the loan conditions including payment of the facility at the due date.
He added that based on the representations, MOB provided a third-party legal mortgage over their property at No. 40B Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos as security for the loan.
Upon the conclusion of the initial loan transaction, Diamond Bank (now Access Bank Plc), he said, shockingly granted additional credit facilities to Balmoral without the knowledge or consent of the company, yet Diamond Bank (now Access Bank Pic) still used the property as security for these additional facilities.
Obanikoro recalled that sometime in 2017, they made inquiries on the status of the transaction, and to their greatest surprise, Diamond Bank (now Access Bank Plc) stated that the facility had now ballooned to N1,844,038,276.01 and in fact, followed it up with a Letter of Demand for the said sum.
"When our Company requested the Bank Statement of Balmoral to know the current state of indebtedness, the Bank refused to provide us with the document.
"Further investigation revealed that Diamond Bank Plc and Balmoral had entered into a consent Judgement in a Suit before the Federal High Court, Lagos State in Suit No: FHC/L/ CS/709/2016 and agreed to use our Company's Property to satisfy the alleged indebtedness by Balmoral.
"MOB was not a party to the Suit and was not aware of the pendency of
any Suit until a Demand was written to it on the basis of the purported Consent Judgement between Diamond Bank PLC (Now Access Bank Plc) and Balmoral.
"Access Bank Plc took over Diamond Bank subsequently and also refused to provide us with the Bank Statement of Balmoral while holding onto our Property documents.
This, to me is the way to go."
The Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), has warned against politicisation of security and weaponisation of poverty in Nigeria by the elite.
In his lecture titled, "Mobilising Stakeholders to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria: A Practical Approach," Wahab said the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria encouraged impunity. Advocating a timeframe in-which cases involving criminality would be dispensed with as it was the case with electoral tribunals, Wahab said justice for sale discouraged people from trusting the justice system.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, closed its defence in the petition challenging its victory at the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
The closure which came as a surprise, came a day after the APC which is the 3rd respondent in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, had called in four witnesses, who gave evidence in respect of the governorship polls.
The three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi had on Wednesday adjourned trial to yesterday to enable the APC, tender some documents which it claimed the remaining of its witnesses would rely on in giving their evidence.
Also, recall that the APC had told the court that it would be calling 28 witnesses in defending its victory at the September 21, governorship election in Edo, but after calling four
witnesses on Wednesday, it asked for an adjournment to yesterday, to enable it call its remaining witnesses, who would be relying on documents yet to be tendered before the tribunal. When the matter came up yesterday, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, who argued the case of the 3rd respondent, informed the court that the 3rd respondent was still awaiting documents from Benin City, which its witnesses would use in their evidence. He, however, announced that the 3rd respondent would be closing its case because, the plethora of documents tendered, the evidence of the petitioners during cross-examination by the respondents as well as the evidence of the 3rd respondent had done justice to their and as such makes it unnecessary to call further witnesses.
"Taking all the enumerated factors into consideration, we are happy at this stage to close the 3rd respondent's case, with the leave of my Lordships," Orbih submitted.
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Case of Violations of Religious Rites Against Nigeria
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has dismissed the case of one Priestess Lovina Amina Adonor against Nigeria for violation of her right to propagate religion, the right to security, and the right to own property without discrimination.
The court while delivering its judgment in the case of Priestess Lovina Amina Adonor v. Federal Republic of Nigeria, Application No: ECW/CCJ/APP/61/22, yesterday,dismissed the human rights violation claims by the applicant against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The applicant, Lovina Amina
Adonor, a Nigerian citizen and self-identified Priestess, brought claims against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, citing violations of her right to propagate her religion, the right to security, and the right to own property without discrimination.
She based her claims on obligations under ECOWAS basic texts and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
According to the applicant, her shrine was attacked and vandalised by private individuals, and she was forced to flee the community due to threats against her life.
She alleged that Nigerian authorities failed to provide adequate
protection, investigate her complaints, or address the destruction of her religious materials and property.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court, after reviewing the submissions from both parties, affirmed its jurisdiction to hear the matter, as it pertained to alleged human rights violations within an ECOWAS Member State.
It also declared the application admissible, finding that the applicant had sufficiently demonstrated her victim status and met the necessary procedural requirements.
But the Court assessed the claims under various human rights provisions and found that the applicant failed to establish a direct connection
between the alleged violations and the Nigerian government or its agents.
It argued that the respondent had taken steps to investigate the complaints, and the individuals responsible for the alleged acts were private citizens, who had been detained and later released after due process.
Additionally, the applicant’s claims under Article 3, 6, 12, 14, and 21 of the ACHPR were dismissed by the Court for lack of sufficient facts and evidence to warrant relief sought thereunder.
Furthermore, the Court found that National laws, such as Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution were outside of the Court competence.
Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Rotimi Odusola; Minister for State, Labour and
Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha;
Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ayodeji Abiola, and Legal Director/ Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Abidemi Ademola,
Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke in Abuja
BODEX MEDIA STUDIO INAUGURATION…
L-R Chief of Staff to Group Chief Executive Officer, Felak Concept Group, Mrs. Aisha Achimugu, Mr. Yusuf Waili; Mrs. Achimugu; Chief Executive Officer, Bodex Media, Ms Bodex Hungbo, and Executive Assistant to Mrs. Achimugu, Princess Mazoje, at the inauguration of Bodex Media Studio in Lagos…recently
Bishop: With Leaders Like Obi, a Better Nigeria Is Still Possible
Arabambi: LP will field Peter Obi against Tinubu in 2027
Chuks Okocha in abuja
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, has described Mr. Peter Obi as a leader who understands Nigeria’s pressing needs and is well-equipped to address them. He asserted that despite the country’s current challenges, hope remains alive with individuals like Obi.
This is just as the Labour Party (LP) factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi
Arabambi, has said that President Bola Tinubu won’t have a smooth sail if the party fields Peter Obi as its candidate.
Represented by the Diocesan Health Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Chidi Obasi, at the Mater Misericordiae College of Nursing Sciences, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, where Obi donated N10 million for infrastructural improvement, the Bishop emphasised the importance of strong leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future. He commended Obi for his
Kaduna, FAO Signs Agreement to Boost Agriculture
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Kaduna State Government has signed a technical cooperation with the Food And Agriculture Organisation(FAO) to address food security and leverage its potential in agriculture.
The project also seeks to support the smallholder farmers so as to address hunger, malnutrition and to stimulate an inclusive socio-economic growth in Kaduna State.
The project, titled ‘’Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement Through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State,’’ was signed yesterday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, the state has great potential for Nigeria’s food security as
the leading producer of many agricultural produce, including ginger, maize, soybean, tomato, sorghum etc.
According to him, ‘’agriculture accounts for more than 51 per cent of the state GDP with more than 70 per cent of the over 10 million population, mostly youth engaged in agriculture.
‘’We are also blessed with favorable climatic conditions that support the production of a vast array of agricultural produce and year-round agricultural activities,.
‘’Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country. It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyse our rapid progression towards attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa,’’ he said.
Ododo Extols Contribution of Radio to Deepening Democracy
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has praised the contribution of radio to the deepening of democratic culture in Nigeria, as the world celebrates this year’s World Radio Day.
This was obtained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismailia Isah, and made available to the journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
Ododo also used the occasion to restate his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusion in governance and leaving no voices unheard in the governance of the state.
He demonstrated this by ensuring the participation of youths, women, people living with disabilities and all stakeholders from different ethnic, religious and political affiliations in the administration.
According to Governor Ododo, “I am delighted to join the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s World Radio Day. I recognize the immense contribution of radio to our state’s development and the nation at large. Radio has been a trusted companion to millions of people around the world, providing news, entertainment, and education. It has been a powerful tool for social change, promoting understanding as a platform for all voices to be heard.”
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Radio and Climate Change’, Governor Ododo noted that the celebration presents an opportunity for people around the world to acknowledge the pivotal role radio plays in raising awareness about climate change, promoting and supporting communities affected by climaterelated challenges.
commitment to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, sectors critical to national development.
Mater Misericordiae Hospital,
founded in 1946, is one of Nigeria’s oldest healthcare institutions, with its Schools of Nursing and Midwifery established in 1952 and 1953,
respectively. Over the years, it has trained thousands of nurses and midwives who serve in various capacities across the country and beyond.
The hospital operates within the unique Catholic tradition, integrating academic excellence and moral discipline to produce well-rounded professionals.
Dichotomy: FG Urged to Allow Polytechnics to Run Degree Programmes
James Sowole in abeokuta
The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, has urged the federal government to allow polytechnics to run degree programmes in order to eliminate the longstanding dichotomy between Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
The Rector of the institution, Dr. Mukhail Akinde, who made the call, explained that by providing polytechnics with the opportunity to run degree programmes, the government can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable education system in Nigeria.
Akinde spoke yesterday at a news conference on the 22nd
Convocation Ceremony and 45th Founders’ Day Anniversary of the institution.
He noted that allowing polytechnics to run degree programmes would equally bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge.
Akinde, while commenting on the country economic situation, suggested massive investment in Polytechnic education, arguing that that is the only way to solve Nigeria’s economic setback. According to the rector, Nigeria’s current economic upheaval can be blamed on the poor funding of polytechnic, stressing the capability of technical education to solve the nation’s problems.
Kwara Awards N5bn Contract for Upgrading of 70 PHCs Facilities
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has awarded contracts worth over N5billion for the upgrading of 70 Primary Health Care facilities in the three senatorial districts in the state.
The Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health
Care Development Agency (KWHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, stated this in Ilorin yesterday during the signing of the contract.
She said that “the intervention will include infrastructural upgrade, solarisation, provision of staff quarters, potable water supply and supply of ultra-
modern hospital equipment across all benefitting Primary Health Care facilities.
“The intervention is coming with the support of the World Bank supported Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Progress and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.”
“It will make Primary Health Care facilities better positioned to provide quality and improved Primary Health Care services across the state.
“The overall objective is to make all the PHC facilities ‘fit for purpose’ since the PHC system is the first contact with the national health system.”
Out-of-School Children: Varsity Dons Identify Poor Policy, Budget Implementation as Major Causes
KuniTyessiinabuja
A staff member of the Department of Political Science and International Studies from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Idris Saminu, has identified Nigeria’s poor policy implementation and budgeting system as the untackled challenges
that have continued to impede on success of taking children off the streets and into the classrooms.
Speaking yesterday at a stakeholders’ workshop themed: “Bridging the gap: Empowering locals through technological innovation in educationally disadvantaged communities in northern Nigeria”, Saminu emphasised that the budgeting system which is fundamentally faulty usually fails at the point of allocation of funds which is subject to a time frame.
In the three-day programme, which is in collaboration with the University of London through its School of Oriental and African Studies, and the Department of Political Science in ABU, Zaria, and which is targeted at finding solutions to how technological innovations can bridge the gap in fragile and conflict affected places, as well as to engage the vulnerable towards acquiring access to education.
Bala Urges Traditional Institutions to Emulate Ooni’s Wife’s Humanitarian Efforts
Segun Awofadeji in bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, has called on traditional institutions across the country to emulate the humanitarian efforts of Her Majesty, Olori Temitope Adesegun Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, in making
meaningful impact on the lives of children and the less privileged in the society.
The governor made this appeal while receiving Oloro Temitope Ogunwusi on a courtesy visit at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Bauchi yesterday.
The visit was part of her humanitarian programmes under Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) aimed at supporting vulnerable children and communities.
Governor Mohammed thanked the Olori for her visit and praised her philanthropic efforts, which he noted have positively impacted lives across the country.
Commending her commitment to social welfare, Governor Mohammed praised her efforts in extending help beyond socioreligious boundaries.
The governor called on Nigerians to unite and work together to address the country’s challenges, emphasising the importance of giving back to society to ensure the vulnerable feel a sense of belonging.
Afrijet Expands Regional Footprint with Maiden Flights to Port Harcourt, Bangui, Central African Republic
Mary Nnah
In a major boost to regional connectivity, Afrijet Business Service (J7) has launched direct flights from Libreville, Gabon, to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Bangui in Central African Republic.
The inaugural flight to Port Harcourt, which touched down at the Port Harcourt International Airport on January 21, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans. The new route is expected to boost trade, commerce, and tourism between Nigeria and Gabon and further solidify Afrijet’s position as a leading carrier in Central Africa.
With this new route, Afrijet becomes the first airline to offer direct flights between Libreville and Port Harcourt, reducing travel time and increasing passenger convenience. The direct flights will operate twice weekly, with flights departing Libreville on Tuesdays and Fridays and returning from Port Harcourt on Wednesdays and Fridays. In addition to the Port Harcourt route, Afrijet has also introduced direct flights between Libreville and Bangui, Central African Republic.
Climate Change: Plant Trees as Valentine Gift, Says Goodwill Ambassador for Environment
Fidelis David inakure
Nigerians have been admonished to show goodwill and love by planting trees for their loved ones rather than indulging in sinful acts, especially fornication, while celebrating
Valentine’s Day, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and creating a sustainable environment.
The charge was given at a tree-planting event and donation of art object titled: ‘Extinction’, to the National Museum, Owo,
spearheaded by the Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms Olayemi Olapeju, in partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Environment.
Speaking at the event, Olapeju said although every February 14 is the day
for the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day in which lovers exchange cards, gifts or flowers with loved ones but the love for the environment is going into extinction, hence the need for Nigerians to plant trees for their loved ones as valentine gift.
Adeleke Alerts on Plot to Destabilise State
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised the alarm over credible reports of a sinister plot by elements within the opposition parties to launch vicious attacks on local government secretariats across the state, including orchestrated onslaught on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and top government officials.
In a statement issued, signed and made available to THISDAY yesterday by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the governor, he noted that the evil agenda is designed to
disrupt the forthcoming local government elections and create an atmosphere of chaos to push for the declaration of a state of emergency, warning that “anybody apprehended over the plot will face the full wrath of the law.”
The governor, who described Osun as one of the most peaceful states in the federation, decried the reprehensible desperation among the opposition politicians, especially of the All Progressive Congress (APC), “which is manifesting in their concoction of fake court rulings, deliberate fabrication of fake news and condemnable building of false narratives
instead of facing the electorate on February 22.”
According to the governor, there is a subsisting court judgment secured by the APP which nullified the kangaroo local government election held in 2022, declaring that the judgment remains valid in law and reality.
The statement affirmed that the judgment of a Court of Appeal in Akure was about the filing of court processes by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has nothing to do with the subsisting judgment that sacked the illegally elected council chairmen and councilors of the APC.
Otti Declares Abandoned Projects Anathema in Abia
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared abandonment of projects as an anathema in the ‘new Abia’ he is building, saying that every project flagged off must be completed within the stipulated timeline.
He stated this yesterday at Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area during the flag-off ceremony of the dualisation of the 5.5km Umuikaa - Owerrinta road that links Abia State to Imo and Anambra States.
Aside numerous ongoing road projects across the state, Otti said that “in the last few months, we have initiated over a dozen new road projects covering more than 200 kilometres across the state.”
Apparently to erase any doubt on his capacity to complete all the projects already undertaken, Otti assured the state that his government is equal to the task having come into governance well prepared.
He said: “We are not just flagging off projects for the fun
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UzOr EzINNE MAryqUEEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MrS. ONyEBUENyI EzINNE MAryqUEEN All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
That I was formerly known, called and addressed as MOHAMMED FAUSIA. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as FAUSIA BLESSING GBADAMOSI. That the ground for change of name is due to marriage.All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.
I formerly known and address as MISS IzIENGBE PAtIENcE OLIHA, Now to be known and address as MrS OkOjErE IzIENGBE PAtIENcE All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as BELONwU cHINwE NwANNEkA, now wish to be known and addressed as OkPALANEDU cHINwE NwANNEkA All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS kOFOwOrOLA ESOHE GEOrGE-tAyLOr, now wishtobeknownandaddressed as MrS. kOFOwOrOLA ESOHE HArrIS All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS jOHNSON FLOrENcE, now wish to be known and addressed as MrS SUNNy OLUcHI FLOrENcE All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
of it, the engineers and machines are working very hard at all our project sites.
“I can guarantee you that all our projects shall be ready for public use within the timelines we had defined.”
The governor said that he is building “a gateway to a new Abia” because “we came prepared to change many ugly experiences road users coming into Abia from other states” were having in the past.
“Never again will bad roads be used to describe Abia State,” he vowed.
To banish the spirit of abandoned projects. Otti stated that funds for every initiated projects was usually set aside before the flag-off ceremony. This, he said, explains why his administration has zero indebtedness to contractors as confirmed by the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS).
“What sets us apart as a government is that before we move to any road for a flag-off ceremony like this one, plans must have been made for funds to effectively execute and deliver the project on schedule,” he said.
LG Poll: KTSIEC Begins Distribution of Sensitive Materials to 34 LGAs
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials to 34 local government areas ahead of the February 15 local government elections in the state.
The Chairman of the commission, Lawal AlhassanFaskari, while flagging off the distribution of the materials yesterday, said the materials would reach all the designated centres across the local government areas timely.
He reiterated that the distribution of the sensitive election materials early was to ensure their timely arrival to the assigned centres across the 34 local government areas, 361 political wards and 6,652 polling units in the state.
Alhassan-Faskari, said the commission had already
recruited and trained over 20,000 ad-hoc staff who will conduct the exercise in all the polling units in the state, adding that non-sensitive materials have since been distributed.
He expressed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible and rancor-free local government elections, promising to transport the sensitive materials which will be escorted by security personnel to their respective destinations ‘intact and safely’.
The chairman said: “I therefore call on the electorate to be rest assured that this time around there will be no issue of late arrival of sensitive election materials to all the polling centres.
“I also want to let this gathering know that dedicated mobile telephone lines will be made public for genuine complaint to the commission on the election day.”
SpIN Set to Crown First National Champion
Funmi Ogundare
The highly anticipated finals of Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN) is scheduled to hold on February 15, at the residence of the United States Consul General in Lagos. The event aims to reshape the traditional spelling competition by focusing not just on memorisation but also on developing critical thinking, language comprehension, and communication skills.
The event is supported by the American Business Council, the US Consulate in Nigeria, Rotary Club VI East, the Lucid Education Initiative, and Lagos State, with Indomie as the primary sponsor and Checkers Custard as a co-sponsor.
Convener of Spellingbee In Nigeria and affiliate of the renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee in the USA,
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
If We Have Faith in People, Why not in Allah and His Prophet? (I)
By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity
There are three constants in life: first, man is weak, ignorant, and gullible; second, everyone needs others for self-fulfillment; and third, a person’s relationships with others must be built on trust for those relationships to work.
In other words, on his own, a person will discover, know, experience, appreciate, and enjoy very little of the vast and complex phenomenon of life. Although he may fervently dedicate himself to the singular pursuit of mastering the art of navigating the myriad challenges that life presents, a person is destined not to go far and to achieve very little.
For example, today, after millennia of striving, humanity has yet to answer the fundamental questions about itself, life, and the many existential realities around it. As preposterous as it may seem, questions about gender, family, the role of women, human purpose, human differences, aliens, and morality remain at their most basic –primitive – stage.
That this is the outcome of ages of trying does not bode well for the future. The clock is ticking, so what guarantees that those questions will ever be solved satisfactorily? The current reality shows that while attempting the impossible, humanity keeps oscillating from one extreme to another and from one absurdity to another.
Indeed, these are not signs of progress, nor reasons for optimism, but instead signs of desperation and that humanity is about to hit a cul-de-sac (dead end).
Man is born to believe
Since life is an arena of human collective successes and failures, rises and falls, whatever a person knows is not solely the result of his own efforts—considering human inherent weaknesses—but rather a product of the cooperative struggles of humankind as a whole.
Life is such that every member of the human family must give and receive. This is the only way towards a shared actualization that translates into cultures and civilizations. Each individual is no more than a component in the system, a thread in the fabric.
For cultures to thrive and ennoble and civilizations to flourish, their members must trust others and be trustworthy themselves. Otherwise, bonds will weaken and mutual integrity will wither, leading to the weakening and ultimate collapse of the edifices of cultures and civilizations.
That said, a person must be a believer. He must believe in others to make sense of what is going on around him and to carve a niche for himself within the complexities of life. If not, a person will be alienated, ostracized, and doomed.
Eugenia Tachie-Menson, expressed her excitement about the competition’s success in its inaugural edition, adding that the competition will also equip students with valuable life skills that can help them excel both academically and professionally.
“We’re thrilled with the warm reception the competition has received from parents, students, and educators,” she said. “This goes beyond spelling, it builds confidence, public speaking skills, and deductive reasoning, preparing students for global opportunities.”
The final event , she stated, will feature 64 talented students from Abuja, Taraba, Osun, and Lagos states, all vying for the chance to become the first Nigerian to represent the country at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States in May 2025.
His humanity—and his sanity—will be questioned, and his own ideas and works will be doubted and ultimately rejected. There is no hope or compassion for nonconformity to these realities of life and the propensities of the human race.
Life is all about believing others
For illustrative purposes, we all trust and seldom question what we are told by scientists, historians, economists, leaders, doctors, journalists, teachers, influencers, and various experts in different fields.
This is especially true when matters seem factual and objective, rather than fictional and subjective. What is more, the same tendency applies to everyday occurrences and the most mundane things, such as conversations with parents, friends, colleagues, visitors, neighbors, and vendors.
One can imagine how absurd and even laughable it would be if someone claimed that the earth is not round, that it does not orbit the sun, that gravity, black holes, distant stars, solar radiation, global warming, and DNA do not exist, that some of the greatest historical figures and events associated with them were mere figments of imagination, and that the Holocaust, the 9/11 attacks, and
the genocides against indigenous peoples by Europeans were hoaxes, among other things.
Furthermore, one can imagine the reaction of a chef if told that someone does not believe his food uses appropriate ingredients and is safe to eat, or the reaction of a teacher if told that a student does not believe what he or she teaches, or the reaction of a bank officer if told that someone does not trust the bank with his money, or the reaction of a doctor if told that his diagnoses and prescriptions are doubted, or simply the reaction of a friend if told we do not believe him or her when they say they went somewhere for a holiday, etc.
What this demonstrates is that each one of us is a tiny speck of dust within the incomprehensibly enormous spectacle of life. If we base our personal knowledge on personal sensory experience and personal empirical evidence, we will know next to nothing and will arrive at no destination worth mentioning.
We need the support and assistance of others, putting our full trust in them. In short, we must acknowledge our limitations and dependence. We must be believers. Existential renegades and apostates are exceptions and are not welcome. There is no one who would dispute the validity of this conclusion.
What about other life aspects?
However, there are many other dimensions and aspects of life that lie beyond not only the scope of individuals but also of humanity as a whole. No one equally denies that there are immaterial, otherworldly, and spiritual sides to existence. At least everyone agrees that there must be “something else” out there. That “something else” could be aliens, God or gods, parallel universes, “the other side” of humanity, a world of abstract forms or ideas, heaven, or any kind of utopia. Empirically speaking, humans know little about these possibilities. They lack the abilities, means, and methods to prove or disprove them. Moreover, humans do not even understand the size, purpose, and function of the physical universe—essentially their own backyard—which disqualifies them from making further deliberations. How can someone who does not understand matter contemplate spirit, or consider the existence of a creator if he knows so little about creation?
Put differently, a person cannot move to grade two unless he passes grade one. To ascend to higher levels in a structure, a person must first scale the lower levels. Such is the unity, coherence, and organic nature of ontological realities and their interdependency.
It is impossible for those dimensions and aspects of life to exist without anyone speaking righteously about them. The totality of life, along with pure human nature and equally pure human intelligence, is so genuinely real that there must be a way to empower people to navigate through skepticism, nihilism, agnosticism, and relativism. It would be unfair and unreasonable to let humanity suffocate within the restrains of its smallness and inconsequentiality.
Every normal person would reject the painful truth that, despite thousands of years of supposedly productive existence on earth, the basic questions remain unanswered. This renders human life the least meaningful and significant of all living species. Every creature seems to know its purpose and direction except for man. He is the only one devastated by doubts, gloom, and depression.
However, the inborn human nature and intellect continue to assert that such a scenario is untenable. In the remarkably perfect world, this is the only thing that does not make sense. There must be a way. The problem lies not in the world, but in the rebellious and haughty man who insists on corrupting his innate disposition and impairing his intellect.
Saudi Arabia Insist No Alcohol in 2034 World Cup
Saudi ambassador to UK says LGBTQ fans will be allowed into the country
Saudi Arabia will uphold its current ban on alcohol during the 2034 World Cup, said Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the host country's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Global soccer governing body FIFA officially announced Saudi as hosts of the 2034 World Cup in December. The kingdom banned alcohol, which is prohibited for observant Muslims, in 1952.
It was not sold at stadiums in neighbouring Qatar, where drinking
in public is illegal, during the 2022 tournament but beer was available at designated fan zones and in some hotels.
"Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol - it's not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment we don't have alcohol,"
Khalid bin Bandar told British radio station LBC on Wednesday.
"Rather like our weather, it's a dry country. Everyone has their own
culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else."
Last year, Saudi announced the opening of an alcohol shop in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh to combat the black market and illegal imports. The store is only for non-Muslim diplomats, who must present diplomatic identification before they buy.
The kingdom has invested
heavily in sport over the last few years through its Public Investment Fund, which has acquired Premier League club Newcastle United and founded the LIV Golf tour, challenging the US-based PGA Tour's dominance.
Critics, including women's rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community, allege it is using the PIF to sportswash its human rights record.
Asked if gay soccer fans would be able to safely attend the tournament,
the ambassador replied: "We will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come."
In September, Hammad Albalawi, the head of Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid unit, also assured that LGBTQ fans would be welcome and their privacy respected, pointing to the millions of fans who had travelled to Saudi for sporting events in recent
are no public advocacy groups for LGBTQ people in Saudi and while state law is uncodified, it is understood by Amnesty that people can be sentenced to death if it is proven they engaged in same-sex sexual acts. Saudi Arabia's bid book pledged 15 stadiums, new or refurbished, by 2032, which are understood to be completed with the help of migrant labour.
U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Land in ‘Group of Death’
To play Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in Group B
Femi Solaja
Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa
U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire between 26th April and 18th May.
The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition, and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tourna-
Man Utd Offering Garnacho, Hojlund for Osimhen in Summer Transfer
In Manchester United’s desperate move to sign Victor Osimhen during the next summer transfer window, the club’s management has now offered two of their stars in exchange for the Super Eagles striker.
The struggling Premier League giants, Napoli, sources revealed yesterday, tabled the most serious bid for Osimhen in that January transfer window, but the 26-yearold striker insisted on his seeing
through his season-long loan at Galatasaray.
And now TBR Football has reported that United are ready to offer both Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli for Osimhen to move to the Theatre of Dreams at the end of the season. Napoli tried to sign Garnacho this past month.
It was also reported that several other Premier League clubs are hot on the chase for the striker.
Forest Sweat over Injured Taiwo Awoniyi Ahead Fulham Clash
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s away trip to Fulham in Saturday afternoon Premier League clash, Coach Nuno Espirito Santo, has said that Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi who broke his nose in Tuesday's FA Cup win over Exeter, is undergoing medicals to ascertain his suitability for the game.
“He is with the medical department and waiting for the right protocols to be followed.
“We have to wait and see if he is available. With concussion we have to be really careful. He is OK - he is smiling,” observed Santo yesterday.
Awoniyi has dropped in the striking pecking order and has been struggling for match time
mostly from the bench.
This season, Awoniyi has struggled to find the back of the net with just two goals so far unlike in his first season when he banged in 10 goals in the 2022-2023 season.
The Nottingham Forest’s Boss also threw light on Ola Aina’s contract talks, stressing that the Super Eagles defender was on verge of a renewed deal.
“Things are going well (for Ola Aina). I am positive and confident everything will be solved."
With Nottingham Forest surprisingly third on the Premier League standing on 47 points behind Arsenal (50) and leaders Liverpool (57), no-one expected Nuno Espirito Santo's side to be fighting for the Champions League places, but halfway through February, they are in the thick of the race.
ment. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.
Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the Group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team Group A. Cup-holders Senegal head Group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone. The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two thirdplaced finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.
THE GROUPS: GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone
Art Hotel Polo Team Banks on Royal Blessings for Majekodunmi Cup
One of the major contenders for the top prize at the 2025 Lagos International polo tournament, the Art Hotel polo team has sought the royal blessings of the Oniru of Iru-Land , HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Abisogun (11) CON, ahead of their opening campaign for the Majekodunmi Cup.
The contingent comprising the players, sponsors and partners of the team paid a courtesy call on the royal father at his palace in Victoria Island and were warmly received by the high chiefs who blessed them on behalf of the royal father.
Players of Art Hotel polo team who were elated with the royal blessing have staked a huge claim to winning the ongoing 2025 NPA/ GTCO Lagos polo tournament which enters its second week with games of the Majekodunmi Cup taking centre stage.
The Art Hotel team that had an impressive run last year, is stepping up to the event’s biggest prize with a newly assembled team made up of Bashir Dantata (Jnr.), Mohammed Sani Dangote, and professional players like Santiago Cernadas and Manuel both from Argentina.
The star studded side loaded with high-goal experience parading two Majekodunmi Cup champions, Bashir Dantata and Santiago, believe the team has all it takes to emerge winners of the Lagos high-stake prize that is revered as one the biggest polo titles in the world.
Dangote who doubles as the Polo
Captain of Lagos Polo Club will be playing his Majekodunmi Cup games and is upbeat that with the team chemistry, the well worked out game strategies, the royal blessing and their teeming supporters would be the biggest asset in the campaign for his first Majek Cup victory this year.
“It’s not going to be an easy ride but we are ready to go all the way to victory. We are lucky to have the mount and the players who have the required exposure and experience to clinch the Majek Cup this year,” declared Bashir Dantata who won the cup with his Lintex team three years ago. Art Hotel Art Sports Director, Adetunji Abdul who thanked the Oba for his blessings, stated that hosting the press conference at the Oba Oniru palace is a change from the usual venue with the intention of enhancing the significance of the event and celebrating the polo which is traditionally known as the sport of kings
Nyuima Shines as Lagos, NSC Applaud NSSF at National School Board Games
Despite being relatively unknown, 17-year-old Ferdinand Tersee Nyuima captivated everyone at the inaugural National School Board Games, organized by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB). The two-day tournament, featuring over 300 students from across the country, saw Nyuima emerge as the standout performer.
In the presence of notable dignitaries such as the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun; National Sports Commission (NSC) representative, Lanre Ogunjobi; LASUBEB Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Shittu; and NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, Nyuima demonstrated why he is considered Nigeria’s top chess player. The senior class three student
from Lagos-based Platform College clinched the boys’ U-18 championship title, outclassing all his competitors.
Even before Nyuima was declared the winner, the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Adeyinka Adewole, introduced him to the audience, who were thrilled by the presence of such a star. When the Benue State-born athlete was announced as the winner, it felt like a coronation of a chess king.
The event received high praise from the commissioner, NSC officials, and LASUBEB leaders, who lauded the NSSF's initiative as timely and crucial for developing students' mental strength.
Commissioner Alli-Balogun expressed pride in hosting the event and pledged continued support for future editions. He also commended the collaboration between NSSF and
LASUBEB, urging similar partnerships nationwide to foster sports development.
Ogunjobi, representing NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, highlighted the alignment of the event with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promised ongoing support for NSSF programs to promote healthy sports rivalry among young people.
LASUBEB Chairman Dr. Shittu was particularly pleased with the event's success and vowed to make future editions even bigger.
NSSF President Olabisi Joseph praised all participating students and teams, especially those from the Northern, Eastern, and Southern regions, and expressed intentions to expand such initiatives to other states.
“I must commend the leadership of LASUBEB and Lagos State for hosting this event on short notice.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have found themselves in the most difficult group of the Under-20 AFCON scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire as the seven-time former champions are to play South Africa, Egypt and Morocco in Group B
MISSILE
Firm to Federal Government
“If we can consume that volume of fabrics ($6bn every year from China and India), there is no reason we cannot manufacture them ourselves. If we as a country cannot feed ourselves and cannot clothe ourselves what again can we do?...over 300 containers cross our borders carrying on textile fabrics every single day. That will give you an idea about the kind of volume that is involved” --Chairman/MD, Sunflag Nigeria Ltd, Alok Bhardwaj, urges the Federal Government to ensure the survival of local textile industries.
KASHIMSHETTIMA
Africa in The Post-Idea World
Being the speech of His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Dr. Kayode Fayemi Commemorative SymposiumandLaunchoftheAmandla Policy and Leadership Institute, with the theme “Renewing the Pan-African Ideal for the Changing Times: The Policy and Leadership Challenges and Opportunities,” at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
[Protocols]
The world has never suffered from a scarcity of ideas. Nations and civilisations have risen on the strength of visionaries, and they have also crumbled under the weight of ideas left in the dusty cupboard of time. But today, the world as we know it is bowing to a reality in which we cannot afford to be freeloading bystanders. This gathering is an acknowledgment of this dilemma, and I am honoured to join my brother and friend, a scholar-statesman of the finest breed, Dr J. Kayode Fayemi, in his mission to be an intellectual prototype for the continent.
The post-idea world is not a world without ideas—it is a world where the excuse of not knowing has expired. Emerging technologies like the Large Language Models of artificial intelligence and machine learning have shattered traditional barriers to knowledge. The answers to our most complex problems are no longer elusive; they exist at our fingertips, generated in mere seconds. The real question is no longer What should we do?—that has been answered a billion times over. The real question is Who will act? Who will rise above inertia and ensure that our ideas do not remain ink on paper, buried in symposiums and policy documents?
For centuries, Africa was plundered for its resources. For these centuries, we were mostly prophets of lamentation and despair. Today, we face an even worse risk, the risk of being plundered for our potential. This is so because the algorithms shaping global power, the AI rewriting economies, the policies dictating climate futures are being coded in distant capitals while we linger in debates over yesterdays. The post-idea world forgives no such hesitation. It rewards only those quick to translate their ideas into actions or compete with the best ideologues and scientists from
other parts of the world.
Dr. Kayode and Mrs. Bisi AdeleyeFayemi understood this, and that’s why we are here. Amandla Institute for Policy & Leadership Advancement would have been just another think-tank for empty theories and fancy talk shows if it were not the brainchild of minds that have had the privilege of fusing intellectual rigour with actionable courage. Dr. Fayemi’s legacy, from pro-democracy activism to public administration, teaches us that leadership in this era demands more than ideation. It requires the stamina to execute, the grit to dismantle barriers, and the wisdom to see the inventions of the current wave of the Industrial Revolution not as a threat, but as a tool to reclaim Africa’s agency.
It was unsurprising that when the world converged on Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, last month, for the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, the focus was on how we could collaborate for the intelligent age. Their 2025 Global Risks Report is a call to each policymaker to pay attention to the gathering storm about to disrupt the fragility of the world, particularly our security, climate, and economic stability. It was not alarmism to point out that Africa has the gloomiest profile. This is because, while terrorism and insurgency destabilise fragile states, global geopolitical tensions are diverting international attention and resources away from our security needs.
The reflection of Africa in the mirror is not one of hopelessness. There are a million and one ideas for every problem
we see. We know what to do as climate change threatens our continent, and when extreme weather events like droughts and floods disrupt agriculture and livelihoods. We know the policy choices to prioritise to mitigate our economic instability, driven by inflation and debt crises, and we also know the historical greed and grievances that have brought us to where we are. We also know the devastation of the rise of misinformation and cyber threats, and what would happen if we don’t build public trust and the institutions to convert our hysteria about the digital age into fuel for innovative thinking. Whatever our differences across the continent, one fact that can’t be eroded by our infighting is that we are in the age of machines, and we can’t fight our development dilemma with spears and arrows while the rest of the world is fighting the same battle with missiles and tanks. The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up. While we parse political rivalries, others parse datasets. While we litigate history, others engineer futures. The train of progress accelerates, yet too many of our leaders cling to old carriages. These are our client-state mentalities, our dependency on foreign blueprints, and our governance by hashtag activism. This is the tragedy of our time.
The founding of Amandla Institute emerges as an antidote to this paralysis. We are here not only to generate more ideas but to create executors. We need leaders who wield policy as a scalpel, not a slogan. We need visionaries who see AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. We need a generation of Africans who recognise that Pan-Africanism, renewed for this age, must be rooted in actionable sovereignty.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the renaissance of this continent will not be gifted. It must be built. For too long, we’ve outsourced our thinking. For too long, we have relied on institutions and ideologies that treat us as consumers, not creators. But the post-idea world dissolves excuses. With the democratisation of knowledge, we must empower our youth to innovate in tech hubs across the continent, from Cairo, down through Nairobi, to Lagos, building unicorns without the permission of any gatekeepers. What they lack is not ideas but ecosystems—systems where policy, funding, and political will converge to scale their genius.
This is where leadership matters. Leaders must evolve from custodians of power to architects of platforms. Our imagination of Africa must be one where every government ministry houses AI strategists, where continental trade policies are drafted by homegrown think tanks like Amandla Institute, not foreign consultants, and where “Made in Africa” signifies not raw materials but algorithms, green tech, and cultural capital.
We are not here to be spectators in the post-idea world. The pace of change will not pause for Africa’s historical grievances or applaud our elegies for lost time. Regret, as the opening stanza warns, writes history in the ink of “what if.” The Amandla Institute must be a furnace where regret is melted into resolve; it must be a place that trains leaders to ask, “What will I break, build, or bet my legacy on today?” And I have no doubt that the founders are prepared for this revolution.
My candid advice for the African youth is that you are the first generation with tools to leapfrog colonial legacies. For those of us privileged to lead you through this interesting time, we must never forget that our legacy can only be sustained by the systems we institutionalise. Africa seeks collaboration, not patronage. This is the vision I expect Amandla to convey to the world. We are not a testing ground for experiments but equals in co-creating solutions.
As we honour the Fayemis, let us channel their restlessness. Let this symposium be remembered not for its eloquence but for its ignition. It’s time for Africa to stop debating ideas and start deploying them. The Amandla Institute must become a command centre for the continent, turning thinkers into doers, policies into progress, and Pan-African ideals into lived realities.
The post-idea world belongs to those who act. Africa must not see prosperity as a gift. It is a prize to be won. And to win, we must embrace the responsibility of leadership—not just in politics, but in policy, in business, in technology, in governance, and in shaping the narratives that define our place in the world.
Thank you.
•Kashim Shettima. GCON, is the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Fayemi
GUEST COLUMNIST