FRIDAY 21TH MARCH 2025

Interior Minister Announces Arrest of Interpol Red Listed Fugitives in Nigeria

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the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, that he telegraphed attacks on oil pipelines in the state.

Rivers: National Assembly Ratifies Emergency Declaration, Tinubu Hails

Meets behind closed-doors, says it will oversight sole administrator Recommends committee of eminent countrymen to reconcile Wike, Fubara PANDEF: Tinubu stabbed us in the back Politicians, lawyers, groups, other stakeholders condemn Senate, House

his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly, as announced by Tinubu, through voice votes.

The National Assembly,

approved the declaration of a state

The red chamber, which met behind closed-doors, ratified the six-month

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who chaired the plenary, did not call on members to make their contribution after the two hours closed-door session. In approving the emergency rule, the senate, however, said the National Assembly should oversight the activities of the sole administrator, Obot-Ette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Harcourt, yesterday

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed as false, allegation by the federal government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka, Nume Ekeghe, Adeyinka Adeniji in Lagos and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

yesterday,

of emergency by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

suspension of Governor Sim Fubara,

L-R: Chuck Nduka Eze, a high Chief, the Queen, Mrs Azinge, HRH Professor Epiphany Azinge, President Bola Tinubu , Chief Chike Ogeah and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajagbiamila during the Asagba’s visit to the Presidential Villa … yesterday

Tinubu Orders Probe into Abuja Tanker Explosion as Death Toll Hits 10

Presidential CNG office visits scene of crash, commiserates with victims' families

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Wale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday ordered a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion that resulted in multiple accidents and loss of lives in Karu, along the Abuja-Keffi highway on Wednesday night.

The President, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condoled with family members who lost loved ones in the inferno, which happened at the peak hour.

The president also ordered priority treatment of the injured in various medical facilities in the capital city and directed security agencies, particularly those concerned with road safety, to pay closer attention to traffic around the capital city’s entry and exit points.

Also, the office of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) yesterday visited the scene of the accident.

However, THISDAY learnt that contrary to earlier reports that the truck was laden with CNG tubes, the vehicle, which was indeed fuelled by compressed gas, was actually carrying a load of cement.

Also, it was gathered that the accident was not caused by the newly introduced fuel, but was as a result of failed brakes, causing the truck to ram into several other vehicles along the road at the time.

A statement in Abuja by the office,

signed by the Technical Assistant, Stakeholder Management and Public Engagement, PCNGI, Kenechukwu Chukwu, quoted the Chief Executive & Programme Director of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, as calling for more safety measures by truck drivers and other road users.

During the fact-finding mission, Oluwagbemi stated that while the investigation of the incident is still ongoing, a proper licensing regime for commercial drivers that require both safety and evacuation training, should be carried out.

“This morning (Thursday) at 10:49 hours, the Chief Executive & Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) , Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, inspected the scene of the unfortunate accident at Karu bridge in Abuja, FCT alongside officials of the Nigeria Midstream Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) who are conducting their own investigations.

“Oluwagbemi commiserated with the victims of the accident and their relatives, and called for more safety awareness and adherence to safety protocols at accident scenes. He also called for better monitoring of articulated trucks for brake safety and compliance with maintenance requirements, while ensuring a proper licensing regime for commercial drivers that require both safety and evacuation training.

“Further to its preliminary findings yesterday, and its call for patience for

authorities to get to the root cause of the accident, the PCNGI reiterates the intrinsic safety of compressed natural gas vehicles and enjoins all stakeholders to work towards a better monitored gas vehicle ecosystem with the proposed launch of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS),” the statement added.

To this end, Oluwagbemi, an engineer, noted that the PCNGI was committed to continued safety of Nigeria road users as it promotes alternative sources of energy that is cheaper, safer and more reliable for the economic development of the nation.

Yesterday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lamented the tragic tanker explosion that resulted in the death of several Nigerians, with many more injured and property destroyed at

the Karu Bridge.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said the Abuja explosion added to the scary upsurge of disastrous incidents that had persistently befallen the country due the worsened state of infrastructure under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Ologunagba said: ''This avoidable heart-rending incident in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital sadly points to the general poor management of urban infrastructure and heightened insecurity in the FCT under the current APC government.

''Our party is saddened that due to the misgovernance of the APC administration, innocent Nigerians continue to perish with families in

PDP blames APC for poor infrastructure

peril, anguish and devastation over the death of their breadwinners and loved ones''.

The PDP called on the federal government to institute a systemwide investigation into the Abuja explosion and similar incidents in other parts of the country and take urgent steps to ensure safer roads in Nigeria.

The PDP saluted the efforts of rescue teams, including the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Fire Service, other agencies and patriotic Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the death from the truck explosion has risen to 10, according to the Forecasting, Response and Mitigation of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD).

A statement by Head of Public Relations, FEMD, Nkechi Isa, said eight bodies were deposited at Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at Asokoro District Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.

She added that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns in the multiple accidents. Some of the victims were also referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi and Cedarcrest Hospital Abuja for proper evaluation. No fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident.

In the meantime, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has offered to foot the medical bills of the victims of the accident.

Steel Development, Cornerstone of Nigeria's Economic Growth, Says Audu

According to the minister, Nigeria imports about $4 billion worth of steel annually.

He stressed the need for import substitution to reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

Audu said, "For Nigeria to produce steel in the desired quantity

John Shiklam in Kaduna Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) was a cornerstones of the federal government’s plan to grow the economy to $1 trillion by 2030. Speaking during a visit to the agency on Thursday in Kaduna, Audu said President Bola Tinubu was determined to rehabilitate the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu Decries Women’s Marginalisation in Politics

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has decried poor representation of women in politics, calling for the education of the female child.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call at the United Nations headquarters in New York, US on the sidelines of the just held 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

In her contribution during a panel discussion on the topic: “30 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope,” presented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Odumegwu-

Ojukwu commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for making the historic event possible.

The minister noted that women go through a lot but regretted that sometimes, the limitations that women have are caused by other women.

According to her, women have relegated themselves in African societies to just being praise singers. They form musical groups and applause for men who are going into office, but when women want to go into office, it is hard to get women to vote for them.

“So, I think what we need to do is to start changing that mindset. We have to also appreciate the fact that in other societies, when you have

political parties in other societies, be it in the Consecutive Party, in the Labour Party, in the Republican Party, in the Democratic Party, you don’t have women leaders but in African political parties, you need to have women leaders yet you don’t have men leaders.

“And what that says is that we have accepted that we are a segment that needs always to be carried along and I think that mindset needs to change,” the minister said. She also decried hurdles faced by women when they seek elective political positions, pointing out that at such periods, they are either reminded of where they come from or where their spouses hail from.

"Another aspect is this, discrimination knows no status. When you are a woman and you are going into politics, that is when they will remind you of where you come from, of where your husband comes from,”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu lamented.

Recounting her personal experience, she said that one of the biggest challenges women faced was making money at young age as this could lead to derailment and abandonment of their education.

The ex-beauty queen disclosed that the pageants she had won came with fame and money, then, there was the temptation of abandoning her law programme at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus.

we desire, it is very important that the exploration arm of the industry is operating at full capacity."

He commended NSRMEA for its performance, stating that previous assessments ranked the agency as one of the best-performing agencies under his ministry.

The minister disclosed plans to partner with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to produce military hardware.

He said, “One of President Bola Tinubu’s key objectives is the rehabilitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

"We are working towards integrating military hardware production into the complex as part of a broader plan to establish a military-industrial complex in Nigeria.”

Audu added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been drafted and shared with DICON, and it was awaiting presidential approval.

He said as part of efforts to reposition the steel sector, plans were underway for a summit to bring together stakeholders in the steel sector to develop a comprehensive blueprint for the growth of the industry.

Audu also highlighted the

progress of the Metallurgical Industry Bill, which according to him, had passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

“The bill, once passed and signed into law, will provide a regulatory framework for both private and corporate steel players, ensuring proper governance and development of the sector,” the minister said. Audu added that the federal government was attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) to the steel industry.

According to him, during Tinubu’s visit to New Delhi in September 2023, a commitment was made for the production of five million metric tonnes of steel in Nigeria. He said in addition, a Chinese company was investing $300 million in a steel plant in Ogun State, which would go a long way in expanding Nigeria’s steel production capacity.

The minister expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would revive the industry.

“Our target is to produce 10 million metric tonnes of steel annually,” he stated.

"Once our plans are fully implemented in the next five years, we will achieve all our objectives and significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported steel,” he added.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal; Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party Spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko; and Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, at a joint press conference by concerned leaders and political stakeholders in Nigeria on the unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, held in Abuja, yesterday

PhoTo: ENoCK REUBEN

SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS...

African Finance Ministers Seek Immediate, Full Implementation of AfCFTA Agreement

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The 57th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has called for the immediate and full-scale implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The just-ended 57th session was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the theme, "Advancing the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: Proposing Transformative Strategic Actions."

Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Claver Gatete, said advancing the full implementation of AfCFTA would help achieve inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.

Gatete emphasised the need for African countries to focus on market integration, infrastructure development, and industrialisation to boost intra-African trade, drive economic growth, and support the continent's structural transformation.

He said, "It is certainly a welcome development that AfCFTA-participating countries will remove tariffs on 90 percent of the goods they produce, eliminate other non-tariff barriers, including regulatory bottlenecks to trade, and accelerate economic integration."

Secretary General of AfCFTA

Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, stressed the need for Africa to strengthen investment platforms, boost regional value chains, mobilise domestic resources, and enhance infrastructure and digital connectivity to unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA.

Mene said, "The immediate implementation of the AfCFTA is crucial in the face of global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, which have heightened political uncertainty, restricted investment, and kept interest rates high."

Stating that 49 African states had already ratified the AfCFTA agreement, Mene said the initiative will promote industrialisation and strengthen value chains in sectors where African countries had historically been raw material suppliers.

The annual conference brought together Africa's leading economic policymakers, central bank governors, development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss strategies for accelerating trade integration and driving industrialization across the continent.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) also called for tax reforms in Africa, underscoring the importance of harmonised tax systems and revenue-generation mechanisms that would sustain government finances while fostering trade liberalisation to speed up AfCFTA.

ATAF actively participated in the

which started last year.

In the spirit of Ramadan, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched the distribution of 25,000 of 10kg bags of rice to provide relief to the needy across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State. Speaking at the flag-off during the event in Bauchi yesterday, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Ahmed Hasheem, said the importance of the initiative is to help in addressing challenges faced by vulnerable citizens, particularly during the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.

Hasheem who is the Group General Manager of Dangote Industries Limited, presented the consignment to the Bauchi State Government on behalf of the Foundation, saying this was the second edition of the palliative

According to Hasheem, “Every year during Ramadan, we target the less-privileged and ones that are privileged in the sense that through the Dangote Foundation we extend this gesture of giving food to Nigerians.

“This is the second edition; last year, all the LGAs in Nigeria through their respective state governments were given one million bags of Nigerian rice of 10 kg. So, this year again, we are doing the same thing”.

He said that after Kano, Bauchi was the second state to respond when letters to this effect were sent to the states from Abuja to their respective liaison offices, adding that Dangote Foundation has also been intervening in the provision of food, medicals, building hostels to universities, faculties, and even contributed a

57th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, which reinforced the urgency of transformative actions to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Participants discussed strategies for strengthening regional integration and unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade.

The conference underscored the critical role of tax and customs policies in ensuring that AfCFTA delivered on its promise of economic transformation.

ATAF emphasised the importance of harmonised tax systems and advocated revenue-generation

mechanisms that would sustain government finances while fostering trade liberalisation.

ATAF used the platform to strengthen its collaboration with key continental institutions, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Afreximbank.

These partnerships remain essential in advancing tax and customs reforms that align with AfCFTA’ s objectives, ensuring that trade policies are designed to enhance rather than hinder economic integration.

One of the pressing concerns

raised at the conference was the financial impact of reducing tariffs under AfCFTA.

Many African governments rely heavily on trade taxes for revenue, making it necessary to explore alternative sources of income.

ATAF advocated tax policy reforms that would maintain fiscal stability while promoting trade facilitation.

Discussions focused on optimising domestic taxation to support revenue mobilisation, enhancing digital tax solutions, and strengthening indirect tax measures to ensure sustainable government financing.

The need for improved tax administration and coordination

was also emphasised to help countries navigate the evolving trade landscape ATAF further championed the adoption of enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation strategies, stressing the importance of strengthening tax administration, broadening tax bases, and harnessing digital solutions to improve tax collection efficiency. Through its active engagement at the conference, ATAF reaffirmed its commitment working closely with its partners towards shaping effective tax and trade policies that supported AfCFTA implementation and fostered sustainable economic growth across Africa.

Aba Power: No Court Ruling Against New Electricity Tariff in Nigeria

Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company (Disco), has refuted reports that an Abia State High Court voided the new electricity tariff from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its customers and the other 11 Discos in the country. NERC had ordered a new tariff for Aba Power effective January 1, 2025, on December 30, nine months

after it approved a new tariff for the other Discos. Speaking on the veracity of the reports, the power utility declared the publications false.

"It is untrue and completely misleading for the online media to claim that Mr. Justice Enyinnaya Ikpeazu of the Isiala Ngwa High Court in Abia State has directed Aba Power to revert to the old tariff.

“An amorphous group called the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum went to the Abia State High Court in protest against the new NERC order, but the judge ruled that the group is unregistered and, therefore, unknown to the law. It has no legal standing.

"Rather than tell the public the court’s decision, the group went into a propaganda overdrive to mislead

lot during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He described the gesture as Foundation’s token contribution apart from what the state governments were doing, and expressed confidence that the donation would meet the target people.

Hasheem said “We have started this significant effort in Kano and Bauchi is the second state that benefitted we will also go round the remaining 34 states and Abuja.”

According to him, "This initiative stems from a deep understanding of the struggles faced by our most vulnerable citizens, especially during Ramadan and Lent. These are periods of reflection, but for many, they also bring heightened hardship.

“By providing this support, we at Dangote Foundation aim to ease their burden and enable them to focus on their spiritual observances”.

Oghenevwede

Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has assured serving corps members that they will start receiving the improved N77,000 allowance promised by the federal government following the new National Minimum Wage. He said both the scheme and the federal government were responsive to corps members' welfare and would continue to ensure that their

electricity consumers so that they will not pay the new tariff,” Aba Power Communication and Brand Manager, Edise Ekong, said in a statement.

Ekong also explained that the court directed the promoters of the unregistered group led by one Ike Opigwe to appear before it as individual electricity consumers.

The Aba Power senior manager urged customers to continue to pay the new rate in the Aba ring-fenced area covering nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, which took effect almost one year after the rest of the country began to pay the new electricity tariff.

“This is the right thing to do because the federal government has already announced that there will be a significant increase in

tariff anytime from now, perhaps this month.

“The significant increase is a major step by the federal government in its desire to end the huge subsidies to both generation and distribution companies amounting to over N6 trillion despite their privatisation since November 2013,” the statement added.

Ekong observed that Aba Power is the only Disco that has not benefited from any subsidy, adding that the generation arm of the Geometric Power Integrated Power Group has not benefited from the government's financial support either.

"We are delighted that we are widely considered a role model in the electricity business in Nigeria", the company said.

well-being was accorded maximum priority at all times.

He said, "With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance.

"Management would continue to instill the virtues of patriotism, discipline , self-restraint, good morals, leadership qualities and teamwork in the successive batches of corps members.

"NYSC is good at record keeping and l can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation

and the Scheme appreciate you.

" NYSC is a beautiful Scheme that is building bridges and exposing graduate youths to learn and understand the cultural values of places outside their places of birth."

He thanked the corps members for their selfless service to the nation and advised them to remain calm, dedicated, focused and disciplined. He also appreciated the founding father of the scheme for conceiving the vision, while he advocated that all and sundry should rally round the Scheme.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right) and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, during the security meeting, held at House Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. ... yesterday

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Breaking of fast with royal fathers...

MOFI's Real Estate Investment Fund

Secures N250bn Initial Capital Raising Future

rounds of NItn fund to focus on more investor participation

ndubuisi francis in Abuja Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Thursday, announced that Series 2 of its N250 billion initial capital raising for the NI trillion multi-tranche Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) was now fully subscribed, signalling pent-up appetite for housing finance.

MREIF is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-approved and regulated fund designed to expand homeownership and strengthen Nigeria's housing drive.

Executive Director (Co-ordinator), MREIF, Sani Yakubu, said, "The MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) has successfully closed its NGN250 billion pilot fundraising,

attracting strong private sector participation under a NGNI00 billion issuance tranche.

"With an Aaa rating from Agusto and an AA rating from GCR, MREIF has established itself as a highly credible, market-driven investment platform to address Nigeria's housing finance gap. "The NGNIOO billion Series 2 issuance was fully

subscribed, with strong demand across a broad base of institutional investors, thereby depicting high investor confidence in the Fund's structure and long-term potential market confidence and institutional backing

"Following MOFl's sole investment in the NGN150 billion Series 1 offer, private sector participation in

FG Seeks Reduction in Production Cost to Address Food Inflation, Accessibility

NALDA develops 10-year blueprint to revolutionise agriculture, boost food security

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, yesterday said farmers must work to optimise production resource to reduce food inflation in the country.

The minister lamented that currently cost of production accounted for about 60 per cent of total expenses from land preparation to harvest, noting that this has significant impact of food affordability in the country.

He spoke at a strategy co-creation workshop for stakeholders with the theme, “Alliances for Sustainable Agricultural Land Development and Food Security”, which was organised by the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA) in collaboration with AG Partnerships in Abuja. Abdullahi said the production

system should be optimised, adding that “We must reduce production cost” to make food cheaper.

The minister further noted that while cost of production remained “very high”, farmers would at the end of the day move to recover the amount spent during the cultivation process as well take some profit.

He said such costs would ultimately be transferred to consumers in the form of higher food prices.

He urged all stakeholder at the workshop to recommend ways to achieve address the high cost of production to achieve President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

The minister commended the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NALDA, Mr. Cornelius Adebayo for the workshop and pledged government’s support to help the authority actualise its mandate on food security.

The NALDA boss said the author-

ity had developed a 10-year strategic plan (2025 to 2035) that will guide land development going forward.

He said the authority had also identified the need for strategic partnership to track challenges and provide good and sustainable solutions to address them.

He said, “Land development is not only land clearing, you have land clearing, land preparation, irrigation, including infrastructure on the farms and so on.

“You notice that some clusters that we are proposing would have hostels for farmers, security facilities and that's why yesterday you saw that we signed an MoU with the Police Trust Fund to provide security installation within our clusters.

“So, generally, it's a framework that will guide us in delivering sustainable land development in the next 10 years.”

Speaking on the plan, Adebayo

Energy Commission Unveils New Policy, Regulations to Reduce Electricity Cost for Industrial Users

oghenevwede ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has unveiled a new policy and regulations to help conserve energy and reduce the cost of electricity for industrial users.

The Director General of ECN, Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja, Thursday while addressing journalists during the unveiling of the ECN compendium of industrial energy efficiency policies and regulations.

The event was a validation work-

shop organised by the Commission to validate the recommendations from the analysis of Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Policies, Regulations and Standards in Nigeria, titled, "Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Pragmatic Approaches and the Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions."

The ECN boss explained that with the new policy and regulations, industrial players will conserve energy which will lead to reduction

in the cost of electricity.

"We are unveiling the new regulations and also a policy for industrial players, for them to be able to use electricity and conserve it safely. save electricity and with that, we are sure that electricity costs will be reduced.

"There are two key things here to note: energy generation and energy efficiency. If you generate energy, no matter the volume of that energy you're generating, if you're having 20,000 megawatts, if you're not using that efficiently, then that would be wasted.

said, going by the presidential mandate, “we need to open up 10 million hectares. And it costs a lot of money, you cannot do it alone, government cannot do it alone. So, this framework helps to get private sector involvement.

“Even if we are able to achieve that five million hectares in the next five years, or even before then, can we optimise the use of land? Because recovery and harvest per hectare is too low.

“So, you realise that even the 10 million target that we set for ourselves might be too much because if we optimise even five million, we might be able to produce way more than we expected.

Series 2 was resounding, positioning MREIF as a leading platform for mobilising capital into Nigeria's real estate sector."

He added that the fund was structured to deliver competitive returns while enabling affordable homeownership through long-term, low-cost mortgage financing at scale.

The statement also quoted Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, as saying, "The successful close of this pilot phase marks the beginning of a long-overdue transformation of Nigeria's housing sector.

"The full subscription of Series 2 offer demonstrates the pent-up demand for a structured, long-term housing finance solution, and affirms the private sector's confidence in MREIF as a sustainable investment vehicle."

MREIF is configured to address both housing supply and demand constraints, and is expected to offer affordable mortgage financing with up to 20-year repayment tenors at interest rates as low as 12 per cent, significantly below commercial rates.

It is also designed to off-take guarantees for developers, unlocking financing for large-scale housing projects.

Commenting, Managing Director/ CEO of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, said, "MREIF is unlocking new investment frontiers in Nigeria's housing sector.

"This fully subscribed series

demonstrates investor confidence in the Fund structure and longterm potential, which MOFI fully supports."

On next steps, which will focus on expanding private sector participation, the statement explained that with MRElF's NI trillion multi-tranche programme now underway, future rounds will focus on broadening investor participation and accelerating housing development.

The fund is structured to integrate seamlessly with commercial and mortgage banks, developers and financial institutions to scale up long-term housing finance.

MOFI stated that investor engagement opportunities were now open, and institutional partners were encouraged to explore participation in upcoming rounds.

By bringing together public and private sector capital, MREIF aims to make affordable housing more accessible to Nigerians while supporting economic growth.

"With N250 billion already raised, MREIF is a key driver of investment," the statement said.

MOFI had last December said it had subscribed to the N150 billion Series 1 offering under the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) as the sponsor and anchor investor. Last month, it launched the N100 billion Series 2 offering to raise subscriptions to N250 billion, a build-up from the successful N150 billion Series 1 subscription earlier launched in 2024.

Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, a prominent indigenous downstream petroleum operator and provider of innovative energy solutions has announced the appointment of Mrs. Adenike Labinjo as its new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

The downstream oil and gas major announced this in a statement issued yesterday.

Pinnacle said the strategic appointment signifies a pivotal moment in its journey, reinforcing its dedication to outstanding operational efficiency, industry excellence, and sustainable expansion within Nigeria’s vibrant oil and gas sector.

With her distinguished career spanning over three decades in oil and gas, the new CEO has consistently

demonstrated exceptional expertise in business development, operations management, and corporate strategy.

According to the statement, having served as both Chief Operating Officer and Acting Managing Director at Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and succeeded the immediate-past managing director, Bob Dickerman, bring extensive experience and strategic acumen to her appointment as MD/CEO.

“We are delighted to confirm Mrs. Adenike Labinjo as our new MD/CEO", Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero stated.

“Her dynamic leadership demonstrated during her tenure as Acting MD, coupled with her unparalleled industry experience and strategic

vision will drive Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited to unprecedented levels of success.

“We are confident that her expertise will be pivotal in expanding our market dominance, optimising our operations, and solidifying our position as the leading provider of innovative energy solutions", he added.

Prior to joining Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Labinjo served as Chief Operating Officer at Petrolex Oil and Gas Limited, where she spearheaded strategic initiatives to substantially boost profitability across diverse Strategic Business Units (SBUs). The statement noted that her significant management career at Oando Plc included facilitating the meticulous integration process for the equitable merger between Agip Nigeria and Unipetrol (now Oando).

L-R: Ebi Idena of Idena, Oba Lukmon Salami; Olu of Imasayi, Oba (Dr) Lukmon Kuoye; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola and the Onisheri of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade after Iftar (breaking of fast) with the Governor at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

Peter Uzoho

James emejo in Abuja

450,000bpd Trans-Niger Pipeline Explosion: Renaissance

Reroutes Oil Transportation Through Alternative Line

Rules out force majeure declaration

Peter Uzoho

Renaissance Africa Energy Company

Limited has rerouted crude flow through an alternative line after the Trans Niger Pipeline got ruptured and exploded on Monday due to sabotage.

The alternative line passed an integrity test on Wednesday, allowing oil transportation to continue while repairs are underway, according to Reuters.

The TNP, with a capacity of about 450,000 barrels per day, is a critical artery for exporting Bonny Light crude, one of Nigeria’s premium oil grades.

The attack on TNP has raised

bilateral relations with the various countries including Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, Equatorial Guinea, France, Cuba, Qatar, UK, India, and Brazil.

Tuggar, who gave account of his stewardship as minister of foreign affairs said the ministry's primary responsibilities have been to facilitate investment and economic partnerships that contribute to Nigeria's growth and development.

He said to this end, the ministry has successfully secured a range of significant investment deals and forged strategic relationships which include: “Facilitating $14 billion worth of investment commitments from three Indian investors across diverse sectors, including ICT, agriculture, power, steel and manufacturing, defense, telecom, space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate, and hospitality.

The senate also recommended the setting up of eminent Nigerians, who would meet with the warring parties in the Rivers State political tussle.

House of Representatives, which sat earlier, also approved Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.

The decision was reached through a voice vote during yesterday’s plenary after the House failed to form a quorum the previous day, preventing any debate on the president’s proclamation.

Tinubu and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), lauded the National Assembly for what they described as its decisive and patriotic ratification of the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

They said it was a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

But Nigerians across many divides condemned the development, expressing disappointment in the federal legislature.

Addressing his colleagues after the decision had been taken at the executive session, Akpabio said the red chamber followed its rules and constitutional requirements needed to pass such a critical resolution.

According to him, “The senate in closed session discussed issues relevant to the workings of the senate, in particular, and the proclamation of a state of emergency by Mr. President and matters connected with the National Assembly, in general.

“Hence, the senate in the closed session received briefing from the President of the Senate on the circumstances of the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the state of affairs in Rivers State and the senate resolved as follows:

“The senate invoked the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and approved the proclamation of the state of emergency declared by Mr President in Rivers State of Nigeria.

“The senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency as contained in the proclamation document and hereby mandates

fresh concerns over Nigeria's oil security, just as the country was making progress in reviving its crude production and attracting investment into the sector.

The incident comes just days after Renaissance, a consortium of Nigerian oil firms, completed the acquisition of Shell’s local onshore assets operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Despite the attack, Renaissance has ruled out declaring force majeure – a legal provision that allows companies to suspend contractual obligations due to unforeseen circumstances.

At least two tankers are currently waiting to load Bonny Light crude from the Bonny terminal, according

“This massive investment is expected to not only provide substantial financial returns but also stimulate job creation and technological innovation within Nigeria.

He said: “A €250 million investment was secured from the Netherlands to boost existing businesses in Nigeria, creating further opportunities for economic growth.”

“Additionally, a $2 billion investment with Germany on the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project aims to revamp the nation's power sector, enhancing electricity supply and reliability.”

In the area of asset recovery and national development, the minister said the “Ministry successfully facilitated the repatriation of $52.8 million in stolen assets from the United States, an effort that was finalized in January 2025.

“These funds will be utilized for

the president to review and even to terminate the state of emergency at any given time but not later than six months.

“The senate further resolved that Section 11(4) be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a Joint Ad hoc Committee of both chambers to oversight the administration of Rivers State, henceforth.

“The senate further resolves that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the government of Rivers State within the period of the state of emergency in Rivers State.

“The senate further resolves that the committee to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State should consist of eminent Nigerians.”

Akpabio added, “Distinguished colleagues, the senate hereby approves the proclamation of the state of emergency 2025 declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 305 (2) and pursuant to our rules, section 1(b), of the Standing Orders of the Senate, and also pursuant to rules 134, 135, and 136 of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Distinguished colleagues, let me thank you for your cooperation and patriotism as enunciated, as expressed, as elucidated and as displayed on the floor of the senate today.

“It is our hope that this declaration of a state of emergency by Mr. President, will bring peace and ensure speedy resolution of all the issues that led to the impasse.

“I hope that all will abide by this and use this window of opportunity within the next six months to resolve all issues so that we can have peace and tranquillity with good governance in the Rivers State of Nigeria. I so thank my colleagues.”

In the House of Representatives, a similar decision was reached through a voice vote during plenary session after the House had failed to form a quorum the previous day, preventing any debate on the president’s proclamation.

The lawmakers, however, introduced an amendment allowing for a flexible review of the emergency rule.

Rather than adhering strictly to the six-month duration stated in the proclamation, the House resolved that the emergency could be reassessed and potentially lifted at any time if the situation improved.

to Bloomberg ship tracking data.

The Nigerian government, which had touted recent security gains as a key factor in boosting oil production, has now imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State where the attack occurred.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and sacked all elected officials including the governor, deputy governor, and all members of the state House of Assembly.

Tinubu cited the ongoing political crisis in the state as the basis for the attack on TNP and the consequent declaration of a state of emergency.

“This is a blow to the Tinubu government’s recent successes on

national development projects through a World Bank grant to support the rural electrification agency, benefiting over 6 million households.”

Tiggar said another major accomplishment under his stewardship “was the signing of a pact with Saudi Arabia to tap into the $7.7 trillion halal economy, explaining that this cooperation will position Nigeria as a leading player in the global halal market, opening doors to trade and investment in halal-certified products. Strengthening National Security for Peace and Stability.”

The minister also listed as another achievement under his watch the British International Investment’s (BII) commitment to expand its investment in Nigeria from $230 million to $1 billion, driving growth in infrastructure, energy, and technology.

The minister also listed the role of the ministry in the signing of the

Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who moved the motion, urged members to support the president’s efforts to restore stability in Rivers State, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue to establish lasting peace.

According to Section 305(2) of the Constitution, the declaration requires the approval of at least two-thirds of both legislative chambers—amounting to 240 votes in the House and 73 in the senate.

During the debate, Hon. Obinna Aguocha and Hon. Frederick Agbedi stressed the importance of confirming a quorum before proceeding.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, while responding to the concern assured the House that all procedures would be constitutionally complied with.

Deputy House spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese, suggested forming a national mediation committee to

That was as the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), assured that he would ensure the stability of the livelihood of citizens and residents of the state, even as he warned against the willful destruction of critical national assets.

In a statement by his equally suspended Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara, who took his time to respond to some of the allegations against him, said the federal government knew the criminals and should have gone after them.

The statement read in part, “It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be ‘telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines’ and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the state.”

Detailing his response, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the state.

“There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed

oil output, gains driven in part by improved security measures,” the Director for sub-Saharan Africa at Horizon Engage, a political-risk consultancy, Clementine Wallop, told Bloomberg.

“It is also a very difficult investment signal during a period where the government seemed to be turning a corner on energy,” he added.

The sabotage is an extreme occurrence in Nigeria’s oil sector, where pipeline vandalism and theft remain major challenges.

Analysts say how Renaissance responds to this crisis will set the tone for indigenous operators navigating Nigeria’s complex oil environment.

“The approach Renaissance takes

commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project deal to boost agriculture productivity and enhance privatesector investment in Nigeria.

He said the ministry also played a significant role in improving health and sanitation by facilitating USAID’s $50 million Water for the World initiative, focusing on access to clean water and hygiene in rural Nigeria.”

He also noted that significant steps were taken to enhance Nigeria’s national security and regional stability through its diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of Nigeria and the West African region has been central to the ministry’s objectives.

Also, in the area of digital and creative enterprises programme, he said the ministry in the £100 million financing agreement for the Digital and Creative Enterprises Program

facilitate peace between Fubara and the state Assembly.

He stated, "We saw in the past when this country was at the point of a precipice, national committees were set up. In the past, even when there were no constitutional provisions, the doctrine of necessity was invoked, to give life back to the country.

“I want to recommend that we set up a national committee of eminent Nigerians, comprising members of the executive and the parliament like we had not long ago with Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and His Eminence, Bishop Hassan Kuka.

“This committee will mediate to ensure that there is peace in Rivers State, so that within the period of the emergency rule, the parliament, working with executive and other eminent Nigerians, will ensure that

Continued on page 36

Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.”

According to him, “Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

“First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the state.

“It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others

will be crucial in setting the tone around how the above-ground challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector will be resolved by indigenous operators,” said Mansur Mohammed, head of West Africa upstream research for consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.

The attack threatens to disrupt Nigeria’s recent oil production recovery. The country had seen a 40 per cent increase in crude output in recent years, even surpassing its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in January. However, continued sabotage could erode investor confidence and hinder efforts to maximize revenue from the sector.

The Nigerian government has

(I-DICE) which aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that this is also beside another signing of MOUs worth $600 million between Nigeria and France to further promote technological development and creative industries.

He said in the area of Diaspora Engagement, the ministry launched Nigerians in Diaspora Database, which exceeded 11,000 registrations.

He said: “This database strengthens engagement with the diaspora community and informs policy planning.”

He said “The Ministry negotiated the release of Nigerian nationals who had been wrongfully detained in foreign countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of its citizens abroad.”

Tuggar also addressed concerns raised about delay in the appointment of ambassadors, explaining that it is part of the nature of governance and politics.

He reassured Nigerians that in the near future, the ambassadorial list will be forwarded to the Senate for approval.

He however explained that mission officers are currently managing the embassies, ensuring that diplomatic operations continue smoothly.

He said: "The delayed nomination of ambassadors is what it is. It is the nature of governance and politics. You work with the circumstances you find yourself in.

“I want to assure you that in the near future, names of the nominated ambassadors will be forwarded to the Senate. It is something that is concluded.

"We have missions’ officers running the embassies for now. We have immigration, defence, military officers and several others. It does

are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.

“Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT minister, which he rebuffed.

“Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.

“He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasised the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the state, urging his supporters and the people of the state to avoid acts capable of destabilising the state or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritised investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the state by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and

regions, restoring stability remains a significant challenge.

not mean that the missions are halted simply because an ambassador has not been appointed. We are working. Our missions are functioning".

On the international scene, the minister revealed how Nigeria helped facilitate infants from Gaza to UAE, Jordan and Egypt.

He said, “The Red Cross reached out to us, asking if Nigeria would be willing to take in some of the infants from Gaza because they were looking for countries that had expressed concern over the dire humanitarian situation.

“Our response was that we cannot take the risk of flying such fragile infants, some born with heart conditions, all the way from the Middle East to Nigeria. If something happens, people will question why we took such a risk when we have our own healthcare challenges here.”

He also added that the government leveraged diplomatic channels to negotiate with the governments of Jordan, the UAE, and Egypt, urging them to take in the children.

“We used our good offices and diplomatic connections to reach out to the foreign ministers of these countries and impress upon them the need to accept and provide medical care for the infants. And alhamdulillah, it succeeded.”

He noted: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully advanced Nigeria’s national interests through its multifaceted diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives. With key investments, partnerships, and strategic alliances secured, Nigeria is well-positioned for long-term growth and prosperity.”

He added: “Looking ahead, the ministry will continue to prioritize economic growth, national security, and global engagement, ensuring Nigeria remains a key player in shaping the future of global governance and international relations.”

other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

“His commitment to total peace and good governance in the state has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the state into the Federation Account has shown over the months.

“On the claim that the governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the state House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.”

Fubara stated further, “Let it be clarified that the former governor and now FCT minister repeatedly criticised the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

“It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023,

Continued on page 35

pledged to take stronger action to secure critical infrastructure, but with tensions still high in oil-producing

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri

BUSINESS WORLD

Investigation: Cargo Terminal, MMIA Becoming

Major Gateway for Drug Trafficking in

Chinedu Eze

It has emerged that the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos has become major hub and gateway for drug trafficking in West Africa. Despite the efforts to significantly curtail the movement of illicit drugs through the airport, the cargo terminal has increasingly continued to record high number of consignments.

Inside sources revealed that most of the drugs discovered at the cargo terminal were always in high volumes adding that despite deterrent efforts, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) still see incessant drug movements through the terminal.

Following the embarrassing development, it was learnt that a recent agreement was allegedly reached between NDLEA and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) on how drug bursts should be reported.

According to the agreement, whenever there is drug burst not involving high volumes the name of the handling company where the drug was intercepted should not be mentioned.

The purported agreement, sources said, was at the behest of Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), in the effort to boost cooperation and collaboration. Consequently, NDLEA recent

reports just identify the Lagos airport as the airport of arrest without identifying the handling company that the drug was discovered in its facility.

Insiders at the handling companies volunteered that while corporate organisations and agencies like the handling companies, airlines, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may not be involved in the illicit drug trafficking, their workers allegedly engage in the nefarious trade.

“There are agents and their collaborators. Their collaborators are members of staff of some companies and clearing agents. These agents will never stop in engaging in the business to make at least N1 million a month, but members of the staff of some organisations involved in

cargo handling could be dealt with. And recently a lot of them are being very careful.

“These days they are involved in moving small drugs they put in duvet and because of the stringent conditions the handling companies gave the members of staff, such incidents have been significantly curtailed,” one source said.

“There was an incident last year involving Ethiopian Airlines flight when the aircraft landed and everybody had left the aircraft but they left a big black bag and when members of our staff came to clean the aircraft; they wondered why the bag was left in the aircraft when every passenger had left. The head of the cleaners being an experiencedperson raised the alarm

and alerted the concerned authority and the bag was taken out and drug was discovered in it.

“I can tell you that there is connivance between Customs officials, airline staff members and handling company officials. If the cleaners did not raise the alarm when they saw that bag, the people who knew about the consignment will follow the cleaners. When they reach the place they will trash the wastes, those involved in the drug movement will come and carry it. But in this case, they knew the drug has been busted and you will not see anyone around it,” the insider further said.

The source said every drug that is coming to Nigeria was monitored by some individuals ‘doing legitimate jobs at the airport’.

that the

Africa hub for drug trafficking but the biggest consignment of drugs is hauled through the sea and Nigeria is a huge depot.

“Drug cartel is a big organisation with a lot of networks. They use the air to move drugs very fast but they use the sea to move heavy drugs. Airport workers, from the staff members of relevant agencies to airline officials, many are on their payroll, but you will never notice. Many of those arrested are those implicated because they did not pay up.

Oyetola: Maritime Sector Positioned for Green Shipping

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on maritime stakeholders across Africa to leverage the continent’s renewable energy potential to become a global leader in green shipping.

Oyetola made the remark at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation, held in Abuja.

He stated that with the International Maritime Organization

(IMO) advancing efforts to adopt the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy, Africa must assert its presence and safeguard its interests.

This was as the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised that Africa must prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks as the continent develops. Oyetola said, “With over 90 per

cent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic imperative. Africa must ensure that its voice is heard, and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods.

“Shipping decarbonisation goes beyond just shipping, as it touches various sectors of the economy and livelihoods. Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just

and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.

“Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage, renewable energy potential, and growing Port infrastructure development to become a global leader in green shipping. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic growth,” Oyetola said.

In his welcome address, Mobereola explained, “The shipping

industry accounts for approximately 3 percent of global GHG emissions, contributing to climate change.

The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonization, and Africa must not be left behind.”

Mobereola noted that the focus of the two-day summit is on Africa’s cooperation regarding the IMO’s GHG strategy and the basket of mid-term measures, ensuring a just and equitable transition for

the continent and enhancing its technical capacity for climate action. He further stated, “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals. This summit provides a unique opportunity to align our regional strategies with international frameworks while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities.”

A former senior staff of NDLEA who retired last year, told THISDAY

Lagos airport is West

Eromosele Abiodun

NSIB, Aero Sign Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Air Safety

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Aero Contractors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in industry-led safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development.

This will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards.

The agreement, which was signed in Lagos, is a pioneer effort between NSIB and a Nigerian carrier to establish a framework for structured training programs, technical collaborations, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.

Director-General of NSIB,

Captain Alex Badeh Jr., described the MoU as a transformative step toward mutual growth and safety enhancement.

“Today’s MoU is more than just a document; it is a commitment to mutual growth and safety enhancement. Through this agreement, we will work together to design and deliver customised on-the-job training programs for our Transportation Safety Officers and other staff. This initiative will equip our personnel with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in their duties, drawing on Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and technical resources,” he said.

Badeh also emphasised the reciprocal nature of the partnership,

noting that NSIB will support Aero’s technical personnel with training in accident investigation and related areas.

“This two-way exchange of expertise will benefit both organisations and contribute to the overall safety of Nigeria’s airspace,” he added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating. He said: “Safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the cornerstone of our industry. With over 60 years of experience in the aviation sector, Aero Contractors has cultivated a deep-rooted safety culture, and we firmly believe that Safety is everyone’s business.

Air Peace Rewards Five Winners at Silverbird Awards

Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by conducting a raffle draw at the Silverbird Man of the Year 2024 Awards.

Five lucky winners emerged from the draw, reinforcing Air Peace’s dedication to enriching lives, supporting businesses, and connecting people with boundless opportunities.

The raffle draw, a highlight of the event, saw Abodede Samuel Opeyemi, Comfort Bassey, and Folajimi Olayinka Oduyebo win return economy tickets to any of Air

Peace’s domestic destinations, while Osuagwu Divine Nwamarachi and Eremu Precious Tosan struck gold with economy return tickets to London, thus providing them with seamless travel experiences across Air Peace’s extensive route network. The initiative aligns with the airline’s unwavering mission to make air travel more accessible while empowering individuals and businesses to reach their full potential.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema emphasised the airline’s role in driving socio-

economic development through its robust CSR initiatives.

“At Air Peace, we believe that aviation is more than just transportation; it is a bridge to opportunities, a catalyst for economic growth, and a tool for empowerment. We are committed to supporting individuals and businesses by connecting dreams with possibilities,” he stated.

Air Peace continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the aviation industry, not only by providing world-class services but also by actively contributing to community development.

WIME Seeks Gender Equality in Maritime, Energy Sector

Mary Nnah

The Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards board has emphasised the need for amplified impacts, balanced representation, and leadership roles for women in the maritime and energy sectors.

During a recent courtesy visit to the CEO of Adelaar Energy Limited, Mrs. Grace Orife, the WIME board, led by Chairperson Dr. Chizoba Anyika, stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive industry landscape.

The WIME board emphasissed that amplifying the impacts of women in the maritime and energy sectors is

crucial for driving meaningful change and inspiring future generations of female professionals.

This pivotal discussion sets the tone for the upcoming 2025 Women in Maritime and Energy Awards.

The prestigious event will honor outstanding women, allies, and organisations who have made significant contributions to the maritime and energy sectors.

The awards ceremony is expected to draw attention to the achievements of women in the industry, drive advocacy and gender diversity, and inspire the next generation of female professionals to excel in these

industries.

By recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in maritime and energy, the WIME Awards aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Mrs. Orife, who is also a co-chair of the African Women Business Energy Network of the African Energy Week AEC, expressed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote knowledge and skill acquisition, enabling engagement for women in maritime and energy.

The 2025 Women in Maritime and Energy Awards promises to be a milestone event in the industry’s journey towards gender parity.

SAHCO Wins 2024 Logistics Innovation Award

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has been honoured with the Logistics Innovation Award 2024 by the Air Transport Quarterly (ATQ) Magazine Editorial Board in recognition of its outstanding contributions to innovation and operational excellence in the Aviation Ground Handling sector. The award was presented to

SAHCO during the 4th Annual ATQ Awards held at the Country Club Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. The recognition underscores SAHCO’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class logistics and aviation handling services, consistently setting industry benchmarks through efficiency, reliability, and customer-centric solutions.

As a leading provider of aviation ground handling services in Nigeria, SAHCO remains at the forefront of industry innovation, consistently setting new standards in operational excellence, cutting-edge solutions, and superior customer service. The latest accolade further solidifies SAHCO’s reputation as a trailblazer in the aviation ground handling and logistics industry.

Ethiopian Airlines, AfDB to Build Africa’s Largest Airport

Air WAtCh

Aero Expands Maintenance Facility to Address Forex

Chinedu Eze

In order to meet the yearning need of Nigerian carriers and other airline operators in West and Central Africa, Aero Contractors has embarked on expanding its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/CEO of the oldest Nigerian carrier, Captain Ado Sanusi, who said the company was in a process of renovating the facility and expanding it. According to Sanusi, the expansion plan would accommodate more aircraft and at the same time, meet the demand of airline operators in dire need of major maintenance facility in Nigeria to cut down high foreign exchange in ferrying their aircraft overseas for repairs.

“We are in the process of renovation, expansion. We have two hangers that we have increased the size to accommodate most of the narrow-body aircraft. So, we are talking about Boeing 737NGs, Airbus A320s, and we are also including other types, Bombardier CRJs, Embraer 145s. We are at the point now of improving the infrastructure. So, we are raising the roof of the hangar. We are redoing the floor. We are doing the electricity, the lighting, and all that stuff. We are also looking at buying new tools. We have bought new tools.

losing value massively against major currencies of the world, airlines in Nigeria have been finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their aircraft overseas due to Forex challenge.

The airlines earn their revenues in naira and use so much of it to buy few dollars because of the naira’s heavy fall in value, a situation that has reduced the ability of the airlines to acquire more aircraft and pay and bring some of the aircraft taken overseas for maintenance.

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)

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to develop Africa’s largest airport—the Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia.

The $7.8 billion project aims to dramatically scale up Ethiopia’s aviation capacity, to handle 60 million passengers annually by 2040, up from the current 17 million.

CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, and Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Strategy at AfDB, Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The new airport will be constructed in Abusera, near Bishoftu, in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

Ethiopia’s Finance Minister

Ahmed Shide welcomed the deal, highlighting the AfDB’s broader financial support, which includes $1.2 billion in investments toward key development initiatives.

He also urged the Bank to support Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reform program and transformative projects in renewable energy and regional integration.

AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina praised Ethiopia’s robust economic performance, citing 8.1 per cent GDP growth over the past year and Addis Ababa’s rapid development under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

He called the Bishoftu International Airport a flagship infrastructure project for Africa, reiterating the Bank’s full commitment to supporting its successful delivery.

“We are moving to upgrade the hangar to the next level. We have also modernised our workshop. We are in the process of expanding the facility to make sure that we are not only caring for the older aircraft, known as the classics, but also for modern aircraft types. We are also looking forward into the new generation aircraft. As you are aware, we have signed some line maintenance contracts with some companies that are flying the Boeing 737 MAX. They are flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

So, we are moving forward to ensure that we provide to our customers who are flying new airplanes that capability. Yes, we believe in the next 90 days the MRO renovation and expansion should be finished,” he said.

Sanusi further explained that there was need for Aero to expand the maintenance facility in order to reduce the number of Nigerian carriers that ferry their aircraft overseas for maintenance and also provide major maintenance checks for all the aircraft types that operate in Nigeria and beyond.

He also explained that the MRO, when completed, would be able to conduct heavy checks like C and D checks on some aircraft types, especially on the Boeing Classics.

“The MRO has what we call the capability list, so that is our capability to conduct checks on some aircraft types, which we can share with you, it is a long list. But to give you context, for the Boeing 737 classic, we can do up to D check, so A, B, C, D, up to D check, okay, and then for the Bombardier Dash 8-300 and the 400 series, we can do up to D check. We are building the capability for the Bombardier CRJ aircraft type now, and for our workshop, we have a lot of capabilities,” he said.

The company is also training more of its engineers and other technical personnel that specialise on engine workshop, auxiliary power unit (APU), landing gear and others. With such certifications, the facility can comprehensively maintain aircraft in its hangar with its full technical personnel.

“What we want to do next is, we are looking at increasing our capability in the workshop for engines, for APU, auxiliary power unit, landing gear, overhauls, component repairs, and other stuff that we believe we can do. Then for the NGs (New Generation Boeing), I think we can do up to HMV 2, I believe we can do up to HMV that is heavy maintenance 2, which is a different type of maintenance when you compare it with the Boeing classics. And then we intend to also have capability for the Airbus A320, I think we will start the classic very soon, and also the Embraer 145s and other aircraft. Our aim is at the end of the day, we will be a one-stop shop for maintenance in West and Central Africa. That is our aim, and I think we are moving slowly there,” he further said.

It was learnt that Aero Contractors is striving to meet the needs of local aircraft fleet in terms of conducting maintenance for most of them because since 2015 the Nigerian currency, the naira started

Invariably, this has given rise to limited capacity and high cost of flight ticket, which has consequently reduced the number of people who travel by air, a situation that is threatening the existence of the airlines. So, Aero may provide the elixir by the time it competes the upgrade and expansion of its maintenance facility.

Sanusi further explained that maintenance facility must be certified by the regulatory authority, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which sine years ago issued Aero with Approved Maintenance Organisation (ATO) certificate. Aero has also obtained ATO from other regulatory authority in some countries in West and Central Africa and beyond. So, airlines can come from these countries to maintain their aircraft at the Aero facility.

The Aero boss also said: “There are checks for the classics that are based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. That this is the checks that you need to carry out, and they are based on either calendar or hours flow (Nigeria allow 18 months before compulsory C-check; except on brand new aircraft). So, those checks, like the A checks, the B checks, mostly are line checks. And then when you start coming to C check, well the B check can be maintained at the base too. But when you come to base (maintenance facility), you have the C check. The C check also has categories of C1, C2, all the way to C6, which is the D check, which we call the D check. And then those are checks that are usually on hours and calendar driven. Now when you come to HMV (Heavy Maintenance Visit), it’s totally different.

“It’s MSG (Maintenance Steering Group), I think it’s an MSG programme. What it means is that it is like a live development program that manufacturers have seen over the years. And they have built reliable aircraft on it. So, they are trying to remove calendar limitations, and now you are more or less looking at components. So, you are more or less looking at, okay, how many hours this component has reached, how many hours that component has reached. And then you put them up, and then you have a HMV one.”

In other words, aircraft manufacturers are looking at a situation where certain components of the aircraft will be replaced when they are due after operating for hours or landings. So as they are replaced on that count, there would not be any need taking the whole aircraft out for maintenance on calendar calculation. This new programme is for new generation aircraft, but the old classics will still face their calendar maintenance programme.

“I think those are the main differences between the classic, which is older aircraft, and the newer NGs, which is more like a development programme that you have. They have built an aircraft, and they have seen how reliable the aircraft is, so, they are no longer having a calendar cap on it. Rather, they are monitoring the components,” Sanusi further said.

Politics

Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 s M s O n LY

Still on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations against Akpabio

Kunle Somorin writes on the need for the Senate to thoroughly investigate all allegations levelled against the Senate President, Senator Godswill akpabio by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha akpoti-Uduaghan.

In the annals of political intrigue, the Nigerian National Assembly has rarely seen a scandal as sensational as the recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Branded “sex-for-motion” by social media wags, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of making unwelcome advances, a charge the Senate President and his wife, Ekaette, fervently deny. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an independent investigation, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s narrative began with an ostensibly innocent seating reassignment in the Senate. Initially alleging intimidation, the matter reached a climax when she, during a live Arise TV broadcast, linked her refusal to yield to Akpabio’s advances. Her public allegations disrupted legislative sessions, leading to her referral to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action. Akpoti-Uduaghan responded by filing a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, citing derogatory remarks from one of his senior legislative aides on Facebook.

The allegations have been met with skepticism from various quarters. Senator Ireti Kingibe, speaking for the other three female senators, alongside Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, defended his character.

Insiders speculated that Natasha’s fury stemmed from her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Kingibe pointed out that Natasha had enjoyed more privileges than other female senators and stressed the importance of adhering to Senate rules.

Former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, called for a thorough, impartial investigation, highlighting the need to protect the institution of the National Assembly and the potential damaging impact of sexual harassment on women’s advancement and the necessity to protect women in the workplace.

The interplay of power and desire is not new. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato observed that “the measure of a man is what he does with power.” This observation resonates in the Nigerian National Assembly, where an alleged sex-forfavor scandal has overshadowed legislative proceedings.

The controversy is traceable to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to comply with a seating reassignment mandated by Akpabio in his capacity as Senate President. Senate rules, as outlined in Order 6, grant the Senate President authority to allocate and reallocate seats. Natasha’s defiance of this directive violated established protocols and led to a confrontation on the Senate floor. Her accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio escalated the tension, casting a shadow over the Senate.

This incident is not unprecedented. In 2018, Akpabio clashed with then-Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki over a similar issue of seating arrangements. However, Akpabio chose to apologize, demonstrating humility and respect for the institution, a contrast to the current situation. This highlights the importance of decorum and adherence to rules in maintaining legislative integrity.

The use of sex as a tool for manipulation is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, sexual allure has been used to control and manipulate. In corporate settings, individuals in power have exploited their positions to coerce subordinates into compromising situations. The question is: Is Akpabio a saint? The answer is complex. While the allegations against him are serious, they must be weighed against the broader context of his actions and the accuser’s motivations.

Senator Natasha’s allegations were met with scepticism by her colleagues. Senator Ireti Kingibe noted that none of the other female senators had reported similar experiences. Moreover, Natasha’s history of making similar allegations against other politicians, including ex-governor Yahaya Bello, Dino Melaye and Reno Omokri, and though married, her complicated marital past with bearing children through other men, casts doubt on her claims. This pattern of accusa-

tions raises questions about her credibility and possible ulterior motives. Akpabio himself has been tainted by Joi Nuine, for helmswoman claim that he made passes that made her slap him. Sexual harassment in public office is a complex issue. The Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton affair is a poignant example of how power dynamics can complicate personal interactions. Lewinsky, a young intern, became entangled in a scandal that led to Clinton’s impeachment, highlighting the vulnerabilities of subordinates and potential power abuses.

Chinweizu’s “Anatomy of Female Power” explores how women have historically used their sexuality to gain power and wealth. This perspective underscores the complexity of human interactions and power dynamics. The use of sex as a weapon can both empower and victimize individuals.

Allegations of sexual misconduct have brought down numerous politicians globally. Former U.S. Senator Al Franken resigned in 2018 after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned

in 2021 following an investigation that found he had engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile work environment. Similarly, former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner resigned in 2013 after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment.

-Somorin writes from Abeokuta.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

As Otti Moves to Get Federal Secretariat Sited in Abia

Charles Nnaji writes about steps being taken by Governor alex Otti and other stakeholders in abia state towards ensuring the siting of a Federal Secretariat complex in the state.

When it comes to “Renewed Hope Agenda” it could be said that the sun rises in the East. But, the South East has often been the thread that, though vibrant, seemed frayed at the edges. For decades, the region has yearned for its fair share of federal projects, a longing that has often felt like a cry in the wilderness. Yet, Presidents upon Presidents have come and gone, even as the cries lingered.

Today, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the narrative has continued to shift. Like a master weaver, Tinubu is threading the needle of equity and inclusion, stitching together a patchwork of promises into a quilt of tangible progress.

At the heart of this transformation is the long-awaited Federal Secretariat in Abia State, a project that has become a symbol of the fulfillment of a promise long deferred.

It is mind-boggling that Abia State could not be connected to the centre in terms of federal infrastructure. After nearly 34 years of its creation, the story of Abia’s Federal Secretariat is one of persistence, bureaucratic labyrinths, and the determined commitment of a few good men.

It began on a crisp October morning in 2019, when Hon Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, while representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, stood before the then Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola during a budget defence session. With the precision of a surgeon, Onuigbo dissected the glaring omission of Abia State from the list of states slated for inclusion in the Federal Secretariat projects.

“Why,” he asked, “should states created after Abia have functional Federal Secretariats

while Abia, the first alphabetically, remains in the shadows?” His question was not just a query but a call for justice. Fashola’s response was both a challenge and a promise: the Federal Government would construct a Federal Secretariat in Abia, provided the state-allocated land for the project.

What followed was a marathon race of advocacy, spearheaded by Onuigbo, who became the torchbearer for this cause.

Like a relay runner, he passed the baton of urgency to then Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who, to his credit, endorsed the project and allocated seven hectares of land at Ekeoba Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area. Yet, as with many noble endeavours, the road was fraught with obstacles. The project became enmeshed in the web of bureaucracy and political manipulation, with the lack of title documents and compensation payments acting as a cog in the wheel of progress. For instance,

Onuigbo’s letters to the state government, dated 23 October 2019, 12 March 2021, 21 February 2022, and 27 March 2023, were met with silence, a silence that echoed the frustration of a people long accustomed to waiting.

Enter Governor Alex Otti, a man whose leadership style can be likened to a breath of fresh air in a room long stifled by inertia. Upon Otti’s assumption of office on 29 May 2023, Onuigbo wasted no time as he met with the governor on 20 June 2023, less than one month after his inauguration, and reintroduced the matter. He explained the bottlenecks that had stalled the project. Onuigbo further conveyed to Governor Otti the urgent need to engage with a critical stakeholder in the actualization of the project, His Royal Highness, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, the Traditional Ruler of Ekeoba Kingdom, the landowners. True to his reputation as a pragmatic leader, Otti facilitated the issuance of the title documents and ensured the payment of compensation to affected landowners.

Like a skilled mechanic, Otti removed the rusted bolts of delay, allowing the wheels of progress to turn once more.

While the efforts of Onuigbo and Otti have been instrumental, the project’s ultimate realization hinges on the commitment of the Federal Government. Here, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda shines like a lighthouse, guiding the ship of development to the shores of the South East.

-Nnaji writes from Abuja.

India Seeks Streamlined Regulatory Processes to Deepen India-Nigeria Business Relations

Esther Oluku

The Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Vartika Rawat, has called for a more streamlined business regulatory process in Nigeria to make for improved trade relationship between both countries.

Rawat made this submission during a panel session held at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the India Trade Expo which held in Lagos.

According to her, the strategic position of Nigeria on the African continent and the existing relationship between India and Nigeria hold enormous potential to open up new vistas in trade relations for both countries, grow indigenous businesses and open up new markets for both countries on the continent of Africa.

She opined that with the event, the India High Commission hopes to bring together the Indian origin companies for renewed engagement with the Nigerian government, chambers of businesses, and private businesses in Nigeria for shared prosperity and mutual growth.

In her opening remarks, she said: “The presence of over 200 Indian origin companies in Nigeria itself speaks for the opportunities that are available. I thank Nigeria for extending

the hospitality to over 50,000 Indian expatriates who have made Nigeria their home. The success stories of Indian entrepreneurs is the success of Nigeria.”

She highlighted the need for stronger collaboration stating that the expo underscores the need to open new vistas in trade and economic relationship between both countries.

Speaking on the need for a more harmonious regulatory environment, she said: “It is important to have those small businesses and entrepreneurs, the startups, to be able to build and Nigeria as a country with a very young and very entrepreneurial population, it is very important, therefore, to streamline and have seamless regulatory processes so that companies can come, register and a single window system can be made.”

“Digital solutions can be put into place that could also enable small and micro enterprises which have less capital to infused, to come up and utilize the opportunities and the potentials that are there in the markets,” she said.

Commenting on the significance of the event to the trade relations between India and Nigeria, the President, Indian Professionals Forum, Mr. Pradeep Pahalwani, stated that the expo presents an opportunity for the “Indian

government to be more open minded and for the Nigerian government to look at the bigger picture” of bilateral trade and business for both countries.

On his part, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that his administration is keen on strengthening the existing partnership between Nigeria and India. Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Olugbemiga Aina, encouraged Indian businesses to engage the immense potential that Lagos offers across various sectors.

Speaking, the Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated that while partnerships are essential to success, there exists an urgent need to improve the volume of trade between both countries.

He said: “The potential for synergy between our industries is immense, and I am confident that together we can unlock new markets, create jobs, and drive economic development. We must be ready to change the trajectory of the bilateral trade volume between our two countries, which has declined from $14.95 billion in 2022 to $7.89 billion in 2024.”

Group Advocate for Equity, Financial Empowerment for Women

Oluchi Chibuzor

As part of efforts to develop a policy framework that supports inclusion, Leading Ladies Africa (LLA) has advocated for robust economic equity to enhance women’s financial empowerment.

Speaking at a Women in Finance Breakfast Forum in Lagos recently, the Founder of LLA, Francesca Uriri, emphasized the need to advance gender-inclusive leadership and economic equity for African women and girls.

According to her, “The Women in Finance breakfast forum is a high-level convening of female leaders, policy

makers, government officials, and civil society groups within the finance sector. The programme aims at facilitating dialogue and developing a framework for advancing gender-inclusive leadership, financial inclusion, equity and economic justice for women within the finance industry.”

Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), Uche Uzoebo, highlighted the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and collaboration among women.

“We need to celebrate ourselves. We need to encourage mentorship. We need to start sponsoring women. Sponsoring, not discarding,

that woman or that little girl, even in small ways. We must intentionally think of our fellow women when spaces open up,” she said.

Emphasising the significance of support mechanisms and personal development for career growth, the Deputy Head of Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Olufunke Amobi, stated that these factors cannot be overemphasized.

“I have benefited from support mechanisms throughout my career, both at work and at home. As women, we must strive for personal development to enhance our competence and capabilities in our jobs,” she said.

Stakeholders Convene Summit to address Worsening Food Insecurity

A recent report by the World Food Programme(WFP) has revealed a worsening food shortage in the country, projecting that 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity in 2025, up from the 26.5 million persons projected for 2024. Amid this worrying trend, stakeholders are coming together at the Nigeria Food Summit (NFS) to chart innovative path towards strengthening the food systems in Nigeria.

Organisers of this summit expressed that prevailing reality continued to pose an increasing threat to Nigeria’s economy and public welfare, noting that NFS seeks to address challenges and reposition the local food sector.

Convener of the sum -

mit, Gbolabo Adebakin stated that the theme of the summit, “Making Nigeria a Global Food Destination,” highlights the urgency to leverage Nigeria’s rich food culture and modern agricultural technology to drive industry growth.

He emphasised partnership gap in supply chain ,adding that a line-up of industry experts, policy makers, farmers and business owners, amongst others attending the second edition of the summit in March 21 will lead discussion on bridging gaps in local food value chain.

“We have a unique and diverse food culture that deserves global recognition. Through NFS, we are creating a platform that connects every player in the food ecosystem- from farmers to culinary professionals-to

drive innovation, sustainability, and economic expansion,” he said.

Also linedup for the summit according to Adebakin include: Masterclasses,culinary museum exhibitions, activations and panel discussions on food technology, business scalability, and supply chain improvements.

Also commenting regarding the event holding in Lagos, CEO of Q21 Solutions, Eunice Adeyemi affirmed the event’s significance to transforming Nigeria’s food sector. She explained further that the initiative which had the input of key partners like Sterling Bank, Opay, Nestlé and glovo, amongst others will also be hosting a Pitcha-ton competition

Where emerging food business owners will be privileged to access grants, mentorship, and investment opportunities.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Omolabake Fasogbon

Stock Market Records Marginal Decline to Maintain Bearish Trend

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday dropped by 0.05 per cent to maintain its decline performance for the fifth consecutive session.

Specifically, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) shed 56.36 basis points or 0.05 per cent to close at 104,858.77 basis

points. Also, market capitalisation dipped by N36 billion to close at N65.754 trillion. Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth, closed negative as 14 stocks advanced, while 28 declined. CWG emerged the highest price gainer of 9.64 per cent to close at N9.10, per share.

Veritas Kapital As -

surance followed with a gain of 8.41 per cent to close at N1.16, while Deap Capital Management and Trust appreciated by 7.61 per cent to close at 99 kobo, per share.

Wapic Insurance rose by 4.26 per cent to close at N2.45, while Wema Bank appreciated by 2.37 per cent to close at N10.80, per share.

On the other side, Livestock Feeds led others on the losers’ chart with 9.57 per cent to close at N7.65, per share. Royal Exchange followed with a decline of 8.24 per cent to close at 78 kobo, while Custodian Investment increased by 6.98 per cent to close at N20.00, per share.

UPDC lost 6.23 per cent to close at N2.86, while

Chams Holding Company depreciated by 5.16 per cent to close at N2.02, per share. The total volume traded decreased by 77.28 per cent to 310.528 million units, valued at N6.248 billion, and exchanged in 10,182 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank led the activity with 40.031 million shares worth N672.793 million. Veritas

Kapital Assurance followed with account of 37.176 million shares valued at N42.415 million, while Nigerian Breweries traded 27.012 million shares valued at N890.075 million.

Zenith Bank traded 22,906 million shares valued at N1.072 billion, while Access Holdings traded 20.984 million shares worth N464.012 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF m ARC h/19/25

Dr. Lina Eze: A Woman of Influence Accelerating Action for Women’s Empowerment

as the world marked the 2025 International Women’s Day on March 8, with the theme “accelerate action”, the spotlight shone on one of Nigeria’s most inspiring women leaders, Dr. Lina Eze, Managing Director of Tenece Holdings Limited. With her impressive track record in business, technology, and sustainability, Dr. Eze is a true trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of women leaders. In this exclusive interview with MArY NNAH, she shares her insights on women’s empowerment, leadership, and entrepreneurship, as well as her vision for Tenece Holdings Limited and its commitment to driving positive change in Nigeria

Can you tell us about your journey to become the Managing Director of Tenece Holdings Limited?

Like they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—I hope that’s how the saying goes (laughs).

Anyway, my journey to becoming the Managing Director of Tenece Holdings Limited (THL) started over 15 years ago. We began our careers like many other young people who sought a better life for themselves. After university, I completed my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Wailo, Bauchi, which is in the northern part of Nigeria.

I often use “we” to describe my journey because I met my husband, who is now my life and business partner, during my NYSC. After our service, we began job hunting; he (Sir K) relocated to Lagos while I went to Port Harcourt. I was more interested in working with oil and gas companies due to the financial prospects, and I had the added benefit of living with my older sister. However, Sir K encouraged me to join him in Lagos because there were more opportunities there. That’s how I eventually found myself in Lagos.

Initially, life in Lagos was overwhelming for me because of the fast-paced hustle and bustle, which contrasted sharply with the slow, relaxed atmosphere I was used to in the north. I started my career at the then Diamond Bank in the electronic purse unit of the Information Technology department. One of my key responsibilities was to champion the setup and installation of automated teller machines in the pioneer branches and provide support to users.

After working at Diamond Bank for over three years, I felt the need for a new challenge, so I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Diagnostics/ Management. I hoped to return to the oil and gas sector, aiming to work with companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, LNG, and NNPC. However, despite having a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering and a distinction in Environmental Diagnostics, I faced frustration after multiple unsuccessful applications.

Since my ideal job in the oil and gas sector was not materializing, I sought opportunities elsewhere. Thanks to my network at the time, I was able to secure positions with consulting firms owned by former Accenture employees. This phase of my career allowed me to gain exposure to a wide range of business consulting experiences, including organizational restructuring, process design, and financial modelling, across various sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, information technology, and both public and private sectors. I travelled to different locations for various projects.

While accumulating these experiences, I was also supporting our company, Tenece Professional Services Limited, which we registered in May 2006, from home. In 2009, I decided to stop working with the consulting firms and focus on establishing our Lagos office. I handled all back-office services, including administration, human resources, finance, brand and corporate communications, internal control and compliance, and legal matters. By 2012, we had built a significant level of capacity, which enabled us to hire a large number of employees.

Today, Tenece has evolved from a single organization— Tenece Professional Services, Nigeria, which has branches in Enugu, Lagos, and Abuja—into a conglomerate (Tenece Group) with interests in consumer goods, real estate, energy/power, agriculture, IT, and entertainment. Tenece Professional Services Ltd. operates in ten countries, serves 168 clients, has completed 1,067 projects, and boasts an annual turnover of approximately $120 million—all achieved through bootstrapping without any external capital injection.

Currently, I serve as the Managing Director of the group company, which houses the shared services centre that provides administration, human resources, finance, brand and corporate communications, internal control and compliance, and legal services to all subsidiaries within the group. We currently have twenty-two subsidiaries in our group, including Chloe Hygiene & Baby Products Limited (Chloe - manufacturers of Eight table & dispenser water and Supaklin table water); Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA - owners of the Enugu Lifestyle & Golf City Project).

How do you leverage your diverse experience in banking, IT, and management consulting to drive growth and innovation at Tenece Holdings?

There is a saying that “man proposes, and God disposes.” God knows the end from the beginning.

Looking at my career trajectory and experiences, it may appear to be a well-curated plan -combining IT and management consulting with exposure to relevant industries, a master’s in environmental diagnostics, a master’s in management research, and a PhD in strategy and general management with a focus on entrepreneurship and family business.

However, that is not the case. I once badly wanted to work with an oil company, but I am grateful that did not work out. I take pride in what we have built today, especially considering the challenging economic environment for doing business in Nigeria.

My background in banking has equipped me with strong financial management skills, which I apply to enhance profitability and sustainability across Tenece’s subsidiaries. I utilize my knowledge of risk management principles to identify and mitigate potential risks in our business operations. My experience in IT has enabled us to implement digital transformation initiatives across Tenece, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience across all businesses in our group. I foster a culture of innovation by using IT to develop new products, services, and business models that drive growth and competitiveness.

My management consulting background has provided me with expertise in strategic planning, which I use to develop and implement growth strategies across Tenece’s subsidiaries. I apply my knowledge of operational excellence principles to optimize business processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance productivity across our operations. My diverse experience has allowed me to cultivate interconnected thinking, enabling me to identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration among Tenece’s subsidiaries. I am committed to developing and mentoring talent within the organisation, ensuring that our people possess the skills and expertise needed to drive growth and innovation. I encourage heads of departments and team leads to think like entrepreneurs.

As a strategist and organisational transformation expert, what’s your approach to managing a diversified conglomerate like Tenece Holdings?

To whom much is given, much is expected. My approach to managing a diversified conglomerate like Tenece Holdings involves several key strategies. First, I ensure that the strategy of each subsidiary aligns with the overall vision and objectives of the group.

I regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of each subsidiary to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.

I leverage shared services across subsidiaries to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance capabilities. Encouraging collaboration and innovation among subsidiaries is essential; therefore, I foster a culture of knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices.

Establishing a robust governance framework ensures transparency, accountability, and oversight across the group. Balancing centralized oversight with subsidiary autonomy allows each business to operate with flexibility and agility.

Additionally, I focus on developing and implementing a group-wide talent management strategy that identifies, develops, and deploys key talent across the organisation. Investing in leadership development programs equips subsidiary leaders with the skills and expertise necessary to drive growth and innovation.

Furthermore, I aim to develop a comprehensive digital strategy that leverages technology to enhance growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. By establishing innovation incubation programs, I encourage experimentation, entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship within the group.

I also emphasise the importance of a solid risk governance framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks across the group, ensuring that all subsidiaries comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Finally, I implement stakeholder engagement strategies that foster trust, loyalty, and advocacy. This involves

identifying and mapping key stakeholders across the group, including partners, customers, employees, investors, and regulators.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to make a mark in their industries?

My personal tagline is: “Effort is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishments.”

Business schools and textbooks often guide us to identify our purpose, passion, and values. Consider these questions: What problem do you want to solve? What impact do you wish to make?

Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable objectives.

Stay curious, experiment, and take calculated risks. Innovation is essential for staying ahead of the curve. Don’t be afraid to fail; instead, learn from your mistakes and use them as growth opportunities. Surround yourself with talented, diverse, and dedicated individuals who share your vision. Demonstrate integrity, empathy, and transparency. Inspire and motivate your team to reach their full potential.

Be prepared to pivot or adjust your strategy as market conditions, customer needs, or other factors change. Cultivate a growth mindset, and learn to navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. Continuously update your knowledge, skills, and expertise to remain relevant in your industry. Seek experienced mentors who can offer guidance, support, and valuable insights.

Operate with ethics, transparency, and accountability. Prioritize fairness, equality, and social responsibility. Consider the impact of your business on the environment, community, and society. Explore ways to give back, contribute positively, and create lasting value. Foster relationships with other businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to drive growth, innovation, and mutual benefit. Participate in industry events, conferences, and local initiatives to stay connected, share knowledge, and build your network.

Here are some key takeaways from our journey as a business so far: Start with something you know well. Be conscious of your operating environment and focus resources on high-impact areas. Think big, start small, and scale up as quickly as possible. If you must fail, fail fast—fail with $1 rather than $1 million. In the 21st century, successful businesses are often knowledge-based, so invest in the right people and provide training for them. Finding and training the right people has proved to be a successful strategy for us. This is why we send our executive management to top business schools like INSEAD, Harvard, London Business School, and Esade.

Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, adaptable, and committed to your vision. Keep learning, growing, and pushing boundaries. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to women everywhere, and how does Tenece Holdings support women’s empowerment?

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I would like to convey a message of hope, resilience, and determination to women everywhere. I want to remind them that they have the power to create

the change they want to see in the world. They have the power to break down barriers, to shatter glass ceilings, and to achieve greatness.

At Tenece Holdings, we are committed to supporting women’s empowerment in all its forms. We believe that women are the backbone of our society, and that their contributions are essential to our collective success. That’s why we have implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, providing opportunities for women’s development, and supporting women-led businesses.

We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive workforce, where women are represented at all levels of leadership. We are also committed to providing mentorship and training programs that help women build their skills and confidence.

As a woman leader myself, I am passionate about paying it forward and creating opportunities for other women to succeed. I believe that together, we can create a brighter future for all women, and for our communities as a whole.

What’s your take on the role of women in leadership positions in Nigeria, and how can we encourage more women to take on leadership roles?

The Virtuous Woman. To ignite the economic development of a nation, it is imperative to elevate women into leadership positions. However, it is essential that these women embody remarkable qualities such as dignity, patience, diligence, generosity, courage, wisdom, devotion, integrity, capacity, consistency, credibility, and compassion—virtues that are vital for fostering a nation’s growth, development, and prosperity. Regrettably, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles, and it is high time we close this gap.

In Nigeria, while strides have been made in recent years, women continue to confront substantial barriers in their pursuit of leadership. Presently, they occupy fewer than 6% of leadership roles across politics, business, and other sectors. Traditional societal expectations often confine women to domestic and caregiving duties, while many face a lack of access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and support systems that could empower them to advance in their careers.

To inspire women to embrace leadership at every level, we must provide them with access to high-quality education, robust training, and capacity-building programs that cultivate essential leadership skills. Establishing dynamic mentorship programs and vibrant networking opportunities will connect women with seasoned leaders and peers who can guide and uplift them. Additionally, we must challenge regressive societal norms and champion a culture that celebrates and supports women’s leadership. By implementing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion—such as quotas, flexible work arrangements, and parental leave—we can lay the groundwork for transformation. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in leadership will inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps.

Several pioneering initiatives and organizations are dedicated to promoting women’s leadership in Nigeria. The Nigerian Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Women’s Leadership Institute, among others, offer invaluable training, mentorship, and support to aspiring women leaders. Professional networking groups like the Nigerian Women’s Network and the Women’s International Networking Group forge connections among female leaders, creating a rich tapestry of collaboration and growth. Moreover, organizations such as the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund and the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative tirelessly advocate for policies that uplift and empower women in leadership roles.

To truly advance women’s leadership in Nigeria, we must adopt a holistic approach that addresses societal expectations, prioritizes education, enhances mentorship, and revamps policy. By coming together in this noble cause, we can cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society that both values and champions women’s leadership.

How do you balance your work and personal life? Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Balancing work and personal life can feel like juggling three balls: work, personal life, and overall well-being. Each aspect is essential, and the goal is to keep all three in the air without letting any fall.

To achieve success in your career, it’s important to prioritize your work responsibilities. At the same time, nurturing personal connections, maintaining your physical and mental health, and engaging in activities that bring you joy are crucial for your personal life. Regular moments of rest and relaxation are equally important; taking time to unwind and recharge is vital for your overall well-being.

Dr. Lina Eze

LASG, QNET Reaffirm Commitment to Consumer Rights, Sustainable Development

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and driving sustainable development in the state.

Speaking at the recently held 2025 World Consumer Rights Day celebration, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, the governor emphasised the importance of ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in business practices.

The annual event, which highlights the significance of consumer rights in economic development, had the theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola SalauHundeyin, highlighted several government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, including circular economy projects, clean energy programmes, and plastic waste reduction strategies.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his address, underscored the need to balance economic growth with consumer rights, noting that sustainable development must incorporate consumer protection frameworks.

“By prioritising economic sustainability, we aim to create a 21st-century economy where businesses thrive while upholding the rights of consumers,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu also called on businesses to embrace ethical practices and urged consumers to make informed choices that support sustainability.

“Let us make informed choices, hold businesses accountable, and work together to build a Lagos where prosperity and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” he added.

The governor further emphasised that his administration was strengthening consumer protection frameworks, including enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance, as outlined in the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law.

He encouraged stakeholders, including

community leaders and organisations, to collaborate with the government on sustainability projects and consumer awareness campaigns, stating that collective action was necessary for real change.

One of the stakeholders at the event was Qnet, a globally recognised direct-selling company in the lifestyle and wellness sector, reaffirmed its dedication to consumer rights and sustainable business practices. The company, in collaboration with LASCOPA, stressed the importance of ethical business models and environmental responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Theodocia Naana Quartey, Head of Compliance at QNET, expressed the company’s continued support for consumer protection efforts.

“Last year, we were here to support the good work of LASCOPA. Today, we are here again to show our commitment to this worthy cause of consumer protection which QNET takes as a pillar of sustainability,”

she said.

She highlighted that World Consumer Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder of corporate responsibility, particularly in ensuring ethical business practices, environmental responsibility, and consumer empowerment.

“This year’s theme is particularly relevant as it points to the need for ethical business practices—Environmental Responsibility and Consumer Empowerment. This should be made available to everyone, and not for the privileged few,” she added.

Quartey outlined several milestones achieved by QNET in promoting ethical business and sustainability. Among these initiatives is its award-winning Green Legacy programme, which focuses on environmental conservation, plastic waste reduction efforts, and sustainable product innovation.

She emphasised the need for inclusivity in

sustainability efforts, stating: “Our commitment to transition to a sustainable future must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind. Sustainability should be a right, accessible to everyone, not just a privilege for a few. QNET believes in fostering a business environment built on integrity, transparency, and ethical consumer education.”

In his welcome address, Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager of LASCOPA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening consumer rights and promoting sustainable lifestyles in line with global best practices.

Solebo stressed the importance of collective action in ensuring an inclusive and fair marketplace, stating that the theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” highlighted the urgency of integrating environmental responsibility into consumer habits.

“As the world grapples with environmental, economic, and social challenges, it is imperative that we, as consumers and stakeholders, actively participate in shaping a sustainable future—one that upholds fairness, accessibility, and inclusivity,” Solebo stated.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, emphasised the necessity of a fair and inclusive transition towards sustainable consumption.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Olugbemiga Aina, she highlighted the pressing environmental challenges of the past decade, including record-high temperatures, pollution, and threats to biodiversity.

The event was attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from various industries, traditional rulers, government officials, and consumer rights advocates. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit exhibition booths set up by event sponsors to explore their products and services.

The presence of multiple industry players, including QNET and government officials, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in enhancing consumer protection and sustainability in Lagos State.

Beth Beauty Medical Spa Partners Mama Spade for Historic Journey across Six African

Beth Beauty Medical Spa, a premier luxurious beauty and medical spa in Lagos, Nigeria, has partnered renowned female biker Omolewa Adesuyi, popularly known as Mama Spade, as she embarks on a historic journey through several African countries.

Termed an epic ‘Ride for African Unityʼ, Mama Spade will embark on an extraordinary motorbike journey from Lagos in Nigeria, through Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Angola, Namibia, and Cape Town in South Africa, covering approximately 7,000 kilometres in over five weeks.

In this partnership, a testament to Beth Beauty Medical Spa values, our highly skilled team of beauty and medical practitioners will ensure that Mama Spade is physically and mentally prepared for this challenging journey across

CEO & Director Beth Beauty Medical Spa, Adenike Adebagbo presents a health and wellness kit to renowned female

Spade, at the spa’s office in Lekki, Lagos

25 cities in seven African countries.

Adenike Adebagbo, CEO and Director of Beth Beauty Medical Spa, said the spa outfit was supporting Mama Spade

in this epic journey to ensure that her body and mind remain in perfect shape during what is expected to be an exciting ride for African unity.

“At Beth Beauty Medical Spa, we celebrate strength, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Our partnership with Mama Spade as she journeys across Africa is a

Gov Alex Otti Names Ezinne Dora Abia State Sports Ambassador

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has named the renowned FA Licensed Football Agent, Uk, Mrs Ezinne Dora Okoro the state’s Sports Ambassador. The governor made this appointment known through the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba.

According to the commissioner, the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development on behalf of the Abia State Government is happy to associate with you in your effort in showcasing your state by bringing recognized scouts of refute to come and witness our budding players from our

teams Enyinba Football and Abia Warriors that are endowed with unique skills in soccer.

“Chief Ezinne Okoro as our AMBASSADOR, we look forward to working with you as we await to welcome you and your guests to GOD’S OWN STATE.”

The appointment is a testament to her immense contributions to the sports industry. Ezinne Dora’s impressive career is a reflection of her hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. As an FA Licensed Football Agent, Uk, Dora has represented top client like former Manchester City

and Shakter Donetsk forward Olarenwaju Kayode, and has been instrumental in shaping his successful football career.

Dora is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

Through her tireless efforts in advocating for sports development, Ezinne Dora Okoro has proven that with the right mindset and commitment, barriers can be broken, and great things can be achieved.

With this new role, Ezinne Dora Okoro is poised to continue her advocacy for the development

and growth of sports in Abia State and beyond. Her vision and dedication to empowering athletes, especially women, will inspire future generations to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and excel in the world of sports.

With Dora’s wealth of experience in football and other related sports activities, footballing will undoubtedly take a new shape in Abia State as she will use her contacts to showcase the talents in the state to the world which will also encourage more participation in football and sports in general.

testament to our commitment to empowering individuals who break boundaries and redefine possibilities.

“The ‘Ride for African Unityʼ initiative is both timely and inspiring, as it aligns with the growing call for a borderless continent through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement AfCFTA . We are honored to support a cause that champions unity, collaboration, and the breaking down of barriers that have long hindered African businesses and communities.

“Together, the Beth Beauty Medical Spa and Mama Spade partnerhip will pave the way for a more connected and prosperous Africa. We are proud to support her historic ‘Ride for African Unityʼ, and look forward to cheering her on every step of the way, Adebagbo said.

With an impressive online

Countries

community of over 100,000 followers, cultivated through years of biker adventures across African communities, Mama Spade is well-positioned to advocate for the ease of cross-border exploration in Africa. She aims to reshape the narrative of a fragmented continent, repositioning Africa as a prime destination for tourism and business.

Beth Beauty Medical Spa is a premier medical spa offering a wide range of advanced aesthetic treatments in a luxurious, professional setting. Our team of highly skilled practitioners is dedicated to helping clients achieve their beauty and wellness goals, providing personalised care and the latest in medical spa technology. From skincare to body treatments, we offer a comprehensive approach to beauty, health, and self-care in a relaxed environment.

L-R:Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina; Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salau-Hundeyin; Theodocia Naana Quartey, Head of Compliance at QNET; and Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager of LASCOPA

Mrs Ezinne Okoro with Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba

L-R:

biker Omolewa Adesuyi, popularly known as Mama

TOTALENERGIES’ DONATION TO ST. THERESA PRIMARY SCHOOL...

L-R: Executive Director & Secretary General, TotalEnergies, Mr Emmanuel Morand-Fehr; Bashorun of

Manager, Country Services, TotalEnergies, Mrs Adesua Adewole; Representative

the commissioning of the newly constructed toilets and sickbay at St. Theresa

Apapa

Alleged Procurement Fraud: Court Grants Emefiele's Request, Restrains EFCC from Calling Additional Witnesses

Enumah

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from calling additional witnesses in the alleged procurement fraud suit against former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Hamza Muazu agreed with Emefiele that it would be prejudicial to allow

the anti-graft agency continue to list witnesses and file additional proof of evidence after over a year when trial commenced.

The commission had in 2023, arraigned Emefiele on a 20-count amended charge, bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank's boss. In proving the allegation, EFCC's

lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, after calling 10 witnesses had earlier brought an application seeking to file additional proof of evidence as well as calling two new witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extra judicial statements were made in August 2024, in respect of the charge against Emefiele.

But Emefiele, through his counsel, Mr. Matthew Burkaa, SAN, brought an application before the court seeking to prohibit EFCC from calling

additional witnesses after the 10 witnesses listed on the proof of evidence have already testified.

Arguing the motion on February 3, Burkaa pointed out that the anti-graft agency had tendered all necessary documents relating to the alleged procurement fraud charge against his client, adding that permitting them to go for additional witnesses will be overreaching the court.

But Oyedepo vehemently opposed the motion on the grounds that the

Sanwo-Olu Vows to Protect Lagos Residents against Consumption of Adulterated Products

Bennett Oghifo

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has vowed to ensure adulterated products are taken off shelves and stalls in the state.

The governor made this pledge during the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day celebration, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at Ikeja, recently.

The Lagos State Government, he said, “Is committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring residents are safeguarded against the consumption of adulterated products,” and pledged “to promote sustainable consumer practices for a healthier and safer society.”

Sanwo-Olu stated the annual event serves as a reminder of the vital role consumers play in shaping the economy and the immense re-

sponsibility borne by the government in upholding their rights.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin, commended LASCOPA for its unwavering dedication to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair business practices.

He emphasised that consumer protection remains a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus framework.

He noted the commemoration highlights the urgent need to empower consumers with the knowledge and resources to make environmentally responsible choices without compromising their basic rights or quality of life.

The governor also stated the establishment of the Lagos State Carbon Registry will help track and reduce carbon emissions across

various sectors.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose, emphasised the crucial role of consumers in shaping markets, influencing businesses, and driving innovation.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Olugbemiga Ayoola Aina, stressed it is a collective responsibility of government, businesses, and civil society to ensure that the transition to a more sustainable future is just, inclusive, and beneficial to all.

She urged businesses to commit to ethical and sustainable practices by integrating sustainability into their supply chains, reducing waste, and offering eco-friendly products at fair prices.

Likewise, she called on the govern-

WISCAR Calls for Stronger Protections for Women in Leadership

As Nigeria celebrates International Women's Month and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) has urged the government to implement policies that safeguard women in leadership roles from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

The organisation emphasised the importance of ensuring that all allegations against women in leadership positions are addressed with transparency, impartiality, and adherence to due process.

The Executive Secretary of WISCAR, Ekemini Akpakpan in a statement, also called on all public institutions to uphold the principles

of procedural justice in every case, adding that all stakeholders in government, corporate organisations, and civil society should reaffirm their commitment to gender inclusion. According to her, "let us create enabling environments where women can lead, contribute, and thrive without bias or discrimination. Together, we can build a better Nigeria for all."

She explained that women across the globe continue to face systemic barriers in governance; from cultural and structural discrimination to targeted intimidation aimed at silencing their voices.

"The journey to leadership remains fraught with challenges," Akpakpan stated.

As a developing nation with

immense potential and a female population of 49.5 per cent, the executive secretary noted that Nigeria cannot afford to marginalise women in leadership.

" Research consistently shows that countries with greater gender parity in governance experience stronger economic growth, improved policymaking, and more robust democratic institutions. Empowering women to lead is not just a moral imperative, it is in our national interest," she said.

She described empowerment of women as that which creates an environment where they can rise without fear of harassment, discrimination, or victimisation and ensuring that women in leadership are afforded the same respect, opportunities, and protections as their male counterparts.

ment to initiate policies that support green innovation and consumer protection, while policymakers must create regulatory frameworks that encourage responsible business practices and safeguard consumer rights.

The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advocating for consumer rights.

He assured that under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the agency would continue to work towards greater consumer empowerment, equitable access to resources, and responsible consumption that benefits both people and the planet.

right of the EFCC to fair hearing will be violently breached. He therefore pleaded with the court to reject the application in the interest of justice.

After listening to submissions of counsel, the judge adjourned till March 20 for ruling on Emefiele's application.

Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Muazu observed that the anti-graft agency had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

The judge who state, who said the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC had a resemblance of denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

Justice Muazu, agreed with Burkaa that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

In the ruling, the judge also agreed that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair

hearing was being breached. Muaza held that the position of the law was that a charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.

The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and. therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

Muaza said the charge could not be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed, adding that having gone so far, justice would be served if the trial was completed on its merit and final judgement delivered in the matter.

He also declined to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from the court records as requested by Emefiele that the evidence of the two witnesses offended Section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing.

Emefiele had in the motion argued by his lawyer complained that the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga were brought to court by EFCC without confronting him with their extra judicial statements made long after the trial had commenced. Muaza fixed June 3 for continuation of trial in the charge marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

Sani Awards 78 Road Projects, Completes 21, Says Commissioner

John

Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government said it has awarded 78 road projects, totaling 775 kilometers, in the last 21 months, despite challenges.

The commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza, disclosed this at a briefing with journalists at the Government House, Kaduna.

According to him, 21 of 78 road projects have been completed and have been put into use, thereby enhancing more economic activities across the state.

The commissioner said the completion of the Kaduna Bridge from Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Road was launched, pointing out that its completion will decongest traffic.

Hamza lamented that his ministry faced serious challenges as a result of the huge liabilities inherited from the Urban Renewal Programme of the previous administration.

According to him, some of the contractors received enough payments “to finish their projects, but have not finished and were bringing outrageous claims."

"This is part of the reason why we didn't continue with such projects,’’ he said. The commissioner said the administration of Governor Uba Sani inherited liabilities of unpaid contractors, over invoicing and lack of documentation in road projects as well as low capacity utilisation in the water sector.

He said most of the challenges had been overcome through a workable solutions that enabled the continuation of inherited projects and the initiation of new ones.

“Since the coming of this admin- istration in the last 22 months, the government of Senator Uba Sani has done remarkably well.

"We have tried, notwithstanding the bedeviling challenges and obstacles that we encountered in the ministry

itself and all the parastatals.

“We have largely overcome almost all the challenges that we met. These challenges are not limited to liabilities inherited, vandalization, lack of proper documentation.

“Contracts were awarded without documentation. Some were overinflated and there were no records,” Hamza said.

Speaking on the water sector, the commissioner said, Sani’s administration "met capacity utilisation of the water supply scheme at less than 5 per cent, but raised it to 30 per cent and by the end of the year, it will reach 100 per cent."

He said a lot had been invested in the water sector by the previous administration “but unfortunately, the result is not commensurate with what has been invested.’’

According to him, “Some money was also borrowed from Islamic Development Bank to the tune of about $81 million.

Ojora,

Iganmu Kingdom, representing His Royal Majesty, the Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, Chief Akeem Ojora; General

of the Executive Chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Olufemi Bamidele; and Education Secretary, LGEA Iganmu, Mrs Fausat Olawepo, at

Primary School, Marine Beach, Apapa, Lagos State, yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Funmi Ogundare

Alex

in Abuja

HEIRS HOLDINGS PARTNERS WITH GIVO AFRICA...

strategic partnership with GIVO Africa, a climate technology and recycling

Dangote to Harvard Scholars: Nothing Is Impossible, Life Not Worth Living without Ambition

Peter Uzoho

The President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged young entrepreneurs and scholars to rise above limitations and push their ambitions to help transform the world into a better place.

The prominent industrialist made this call when a delegation of Harvard Kennedy School scholars visited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals complex and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

On the other hand, the visiting scholars described Africa's richest man and fearless investor as an entrepreneurial genius providing innovative solutions.

Addressing the 50 scholars, representing 18 different nationalities from across the globe, Dangote emphasised the importance of being driven by ambition and a 'can-do' spirit, as exemplified by the Dangote Group in constructing the world’s largest single-train refinery.

He stressed that ambition should be paired with a desire to create a legacy and make an impact, not simply for profit.

“Life is not worth living without ambition. In this life, nothing is impossible. Don’t allow fear to hold you back. Be knowledgeable about the business you want to pursue. I am not an engineer, but I don’t engage in any business I don’t understand,” he said.

Dangote, who spent over 40 minutes answering questions from the scholars, recalled being advised against building

the refinery, as many argued that such mega projects were only feasible for sovereign nations, not individuals.

He shared that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had to find ways to sustain the project.

He also noted that the ingenuity involved in constructing a world-class refinery, which meets global best practices, produces Euro V products, and is capable of processing over 100 different types of crude oil, has kept it running despite shortage of Nigerian crude oil.

Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Group, Edwin Devakumar, explained that building the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery was a monumental feat that required immense courage, vision, and

determination.

He pointed out that the group acted as its own Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project – a refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day – a feat that had never been attempted before.

"Our Group President has a plaque in his office that reads, 'nothing is impossible.' This is the mindset he instilled in us when faced with challenges. He does not accept impossibilities and always aims for excellence.

“This approach was the same when we revolutionised the cement industry in Nigeria. We turned the country from one of the largest importers of cement into a net exporter. Today, after decades of depending on imported

refined products, we now have the capacity to meet all of Nigeria’s refined product demands, with surplus supplies of jet A1, gasoline, and diesel for export. Other products from the refinery include polypropylene, carbon black feedstock, and sulphur," he said. Devakumar highlighted the significant investments made to realise the project, including dredging 65 million cubic metres of sand to raise the height of the site by 1.5 metres to safeguard against potential sea level rises due to global warming.

He said the group also procured 330 cranes and lifting equipment due to the lack of local capacity, built the world’s largest granite quarry to supply materials such as coarse aggregates,

stone columns, and stone dust, and constructed the refinery on 250,000 piles – potentially the largest number ever used for a single project.

The scholars, who toured the magnificent complexes, were in awe and praised Dangote for his ambitious vision, which seeks to address global needs. They commended him as an inspiration and entrepreneurial genius, with many describing the visit to the refinery as the highlight of their tour, which also included stops in Ghana and Abuja.

Leader of the Harvard Kennedy School student-led Nigeria-Ghana Trek and a global advisor for the Women for Prosperity project with

the Atlantic Council's Freedom and Prosperity Center, Sheffy Kolade, said that the Dangote Group symbolises Nigeria’s resilience and economic transformation.

"I want to start by saying that the Dangote Group is not just a business. It is a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. It is a symbol of the bright future that lies ahead for us. It represents the extraordinary achievements possible when we put our minds to something. I am happy that we are here to witness the economic progress happening in Nigeria. We’ve seen the largest single-train refinery in the world, and we’ve visited a fertiliser plant that exports to South America and the US," she said.

Rivers Crisis: Olawepo-Hashim Canvasses Swift, Peaceful Resolution

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, called for swift and peaceful resolution of the current political tussle rocking om the state.

Olawepo-Hashim also warned that people stood to gain nothing from the power tussle between the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In a release issued in Abuja on

Thursday, Olawepo-Hashim expressed deep concern over the decision by of President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18.

He described the development as troubling, stating that political disagreements in Nigeria’s past were often driven by ideological differences and national interests rather than personal rivalries and ego battles.

According to him, "Political conflicts in the past were driven by ideological differences and national

interest, not ego and power games.

The current situation in Rivers State reflects a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s political culture that could undermine our democratic order."

He called on Tinubu to exercise greater statesmanship and wisdom in resolving political conflicts to safeguard national stability.

"Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with complex fault lines and competing loyalties. Extreme measures like a state of emergency should be applied with caution and fairness to avoid further political and social instability," the politician said.

Olawepo-Hashim drew parallels between the Rivers crisis and previous instances where states of emergency were declared in Nigeria since the

return to democracy in 1999. He referenced the state of emergency declared by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Plateau State on May 18, 2004, when Governor Joshua Dariye and the House of Assembly were suspended following violent clashes between Christian and Muslim communities that claimed over 2,000 lives. Similarly, in response to escalating insurgency and sectarian violence, former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in selected local government areas of Borno and Plateau States on December 31, 2011.

Sunday Okobi

A US-based Nigerian healthcare technology expert, Mrs. Mobola Agboola, has urged the government at all levels and stakeholders in the health sector to become transformative forces in harnessing telehealth to advance healthcare access across Nigeria as well as promote TechQuity in the system.

She stated that the programme, Telehealth, is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery globally by bridging both geographical and logistical gaps, adding that telehealth leverages digital tools to enable remote diagnosis, consultation, and patient monitoring - making quality care accessible even in the most remote areas. In an interview with THISDAY

recently, the nursing doctoral student in the University of Minnesota, US, stated: “Imagine a future where robust broadband reaches even the most remote communities, and investments in healthcare infrastructure ensure every citizen has access to timely, high-quality medicare.

“Globally, the adoption of telehealth has surged, with a growing number of healthcare interactions taking place virtually. This trend did not only emerge as a necessary response to public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic but also signaled a broader, lasting transformation in how healthcare is delivered.

“By reducing the need for travel and facilitating timely medical intervention, telehealth paves the way for more inclusive and efficient healthcare systems.”

Agboola, who expressed commitment to bridging the gap between advanced technology and equitable care to ensure that every community in Nigeria benefits from modern healthcare solution, added that telehealth represents a sustainable innovation, redefining healthcare delivery both in times of crisis and in everyday practice as well as offering the promise of better outcomes for communities everywhere.

The nursing informatics expert, whose research work is focused on Nursing Infomatics (using digital innovation to improve healthcare access for the vulnerable population), called on the government and telecoms companies to expand broadband access and reinforce telecommunications networks in the country, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Onuminya Innocent

The Pan African Leadership, Symposium and Honours (PALESH), Nigeria 2025 conference is set to bring together experts and leaders to discuss the most pressing issues affecting Africa’s stability, security, and economy.

The 3-day Executive MBA Masterclass and Leadership Symposium, themed “Adaptive Leadership and Stability in Africa: Prospects and Challenges,” will delve into five critical topics, including the implications of the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community

Olawepo-Hashim, however, stated that the Rivers’ crisis stood out because it marked the first time a state of emergency had been declared solely due to political infighting rather than large-scale violence or security threats. He welcomed the recent position taken by the House of Representatives regarding the supervision of the sole administrator appointed for Rivers State.

The House rejected the proposal for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to oversee the administrator's actions, asserting that the National Assembly should have supervisory authority to ensure constitutional balance and accountability.

In a more extensive move, Jonathan imposed a state of emergency across the entire northeastern region of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states on May 14, 2013, due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

Nigeria 2025: Experts

of West African States (ECOWAS). The event slated for April 1, 2025 in Lagos State, is organized by the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC).

Other topics to be discussed include mediation, reconciliation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as the role of adaptive leadership in promoting stability and security in Africa. The upcoming PALESH Nigeria 2025 conference will feature expert discussions on mediation, cultural diplomacy, and traditional institutions as mechanisms for promoting peace and stability in Africa.

According to the conference organizers, the symposium will explore the effectiveness of mediation, reconciliation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving conflicts, using the Rwanda and DR Congo conflict as a reference point. Additionally, the conference will discuss cultural diplomacy as a conceptual approach to achieving sustainable peace through tourism. Experts will examine how cultural exchange programs and tourism can foster greater understanding and cooperation among African nations, promoting peace and stability.

L-R: Heirs Insurance Group Communications Executive, Nimiweremi Selekere; Afriland Properties Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor; GIVO Africa CEO,

Victor Boyle-Komolafe; Heirs Holdings Group Sustainability Officer, Clari Green; GIVO Africa Operations Lead, Tairat Bashorun; and Heirs Holdings Group Communications Executive, Akindamola Akintola, during the meeting to announce its

company, yesterday

COURTESY VISIT BY THE EKITI STATE GOVERNOR TO PROMASIDOR NIGERIA...

L-R: Corporate Affairs and IDF Director, Promasidor Nigeria, Dr Eno Udoma-Eniang; Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji; Chief Executive Officer, Promasidor Nigeria, François Gillet; and Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services, Stanley Eluwa, during the courtesy visit by the Ekiti State Governor to Promasidor Nigeria’s headquarters and factory in Lagos, yesterday

2027: Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Others Lead

Coalition of New Opposition against Tinubu

Accuse FG of manufacturing crisis to take over states Ask N’Assembly to stop power grabbing in Rivers

A coalition of opposition leaders, yesterday, resolved to work together to wrest power from President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party in the 2027 general election. This emerging group was led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and former National Vice Chairman North-West of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

similar to what was witnessed in 2013, which subsequently metamorphosed into the APC.

The coming together of the aggrieved former members of the ruling APC, elements from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as well as the Labour Party, was

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the opposition leaders in Abuja, Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers state.

He said the recent events in Rivers prompted the opposition leaders

to come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by Tinubu on Tuesday with the “illegal suspension” of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

Atiku added that this action was not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and imposition of autocratic federal control

EFCC Rearrests Suspect in Alleged N3.4bn International Ponzi Terrorism Syndicate Case

As court remands Chinese national in prison custody

Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearrested Audu Friday, a key suspect in an alleged N3.4 billion international Ponzi terrorism syndicate, initially arrested in December 2025.

Following his rearrest, he was swiftly taken to a transport hub near the courthouse and placed into a vehicle.

over a duly elected state government.

“We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on the constitution of our country and the institutions of our democracy,” he said.

The former vice-president said the illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was presumably driven by the protracted but insidious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.

Atiku noted that the opposition leaders expected all parties to the dispute to follow laid-down procedures, and in good faith, to promptly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land.

“We note that despite provocative

statements and belligerent attitude of his opponents, Governor Fubara had demonstrated goodwill and appeared disposed to the implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he said.

Atiku stressed that rather than rise above the fray, the president yielded to petty favouritism and betrayed the oath that he solemnly swore to before God and man, which was to "do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

Atiku emphasised that if Tinubu had conveniently disguised his true intentions in the past, his broadcast to the nation on 18th March, 2025 betrayed his bias and fell far below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office.

However, the court denied bail to two other co-defendants, Chinese nationals accused of orchestrating the large-scale fraud syndicate that led to the arrest of 792 persons in Lagos late last year.

The defendants - Huang Haoyu, Friday Audu, An Hongxu, and Gentting International Ltd - were arraigned before Justice Osiagor on a 12-count charge of cybercrime.

The EFCC prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, opposed the

Earlier, Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had granted Audu Friday bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties - one of whom must be a serving director and a property owner with verifiable title documents deposited in court.

and experts’ reports, the government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 per cent completed.

“It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free local government election in the state on the 5th October, 2024, the supporters of the FCT minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters.

“It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led administration.

“This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or

hindrance.”

Ibas Warns against Destroying National Infrastructure, Vows to Ensure Stability

Ibas assured that he would ensure the stability of livelihoods of citizens and residents of the state.

He warned troublemakers not to tamper with national infrastructure in the name of political crisis in the state.

Speaking during his broadcast at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Ibas stated that he was appointed by the president to restore peace, security and stability for economic activities to continue to thrive and avert any disruptions to the way of life of the people of the state.

He stated that the action of President Bola Tinubu in declaring a state of emergency and his subsequent appointment was primarily to ensure stability of livelihoods for the people.

He stated, "For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation. First, as a member of our Armed Forces, where I had the honour and privilege of serving as

bail application, arguing that the defendants posed a flight risk.

"We have filed a counter-affidavit on March 19, urging Your Lordship to deny bail because these defendants are the key masterminds behind the alleged fraud scheme. The first defendant is a flight risk, and even their employees were denied bail on Monday by this court."

She further urged the court to refuse bail and instead order an accelerated trial.

Lead counsel for the first defendant, Emeka Okpoko (SAN), pleaded for bail on liberal terms.

the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and more recently, as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana.

"After what I believed to be my final retirement from public service, duty has once again called. I have answered, not for personal ambition but out of an abiding commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria as a whole and more specifically, Rivers State."

He said his appointment came at a difficult and consequential moment in history, stressing, "The political impasse of nearly two years in Rivers State has paralysed governance, desecrated democratic institutions, threatened security and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.

"It has deepened divisions amongst the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. These are realities we cannot afford to ignore. As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I recognise the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead.

“The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable and I feel the

Meanwhile, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), representing the second defendant, Audu Friday, also sought bail, requesting that court officials verify any granted bail conditions.

In a brief ruling, Justice Osiagor granted Audu Friday bail under the stipulated conditions.

However, the court denied bail to the first defendant and remanded him at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The third defendant, who had not yet filed a bail application, was also remanded in custody.

The trial was adjourned to May 2, 2025.

weight of families, young and old, businesses that have made both little and huge investments in Rivers State uncertain what the immediate future holds.

"My mandate is clear to restore law and order, stabilise the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation."

While calling for collaboration of all in the state to achieve the needed peace, Ibas said, "This is not a task for one man alone. Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, trade leaders, youths, women, the media and civil society."

Ibas explained that he was not in the state as a partisan actor nor as a competitor in the struggles, but as a servant of the state, entrusted with the duty to restore peace and order so that Rivers can move forward and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, "My role here is to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of our people are not held hostage by crisis and instability. Governance is not a solitary endeavour. True stability

Troops Raid Katsina Terrorists’

Enclave, Kill Three,

Rescue 54 Children, 30 Adults

Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided the enclave of a notorious terrorists’ leader, Sanusi Dutsin-Ma, at Pauwa highlands in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

and renewal requires the collective will of the people.

"I extend my hand to every son and daughter of Rivers State, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or creed. I urge you to remain law-abiding, peaceful and optimistic. Let us set aside our differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future of our children.

"Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta have since put behind us. Through collective engagements, our people have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it.

"Not only does it deprive the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, the damage to the environment has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihoods of our people."

He warned that Niger Delta people must resist the temptation to return to the ugly days, engage in dialogue and honest engagement as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflicts of any kind.

During Tuesday's raid, the troops killed three terrorists, rescued 54 children and 30 adults, including 23 females and seven males, from the terrorists.

This was contained in a statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mua’zu, on Thursday in Katsina. He explained that the “successful operation” was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Forest Sanity.

He said: “On March 18, 2025, at approximately 0900 hours, security forces commenced a deliberate advance and attack into the enclave of notorious terrorist leader Sanusi Dutsin-Ma at Pauwa highlands general area in Kankara LGA.

“The operation involved coordinated air strikes on pre-arranged targets while ground troops advanced for offensive maneuvers. The troops made contact with the terrorists at Malori and Matalawa villages, engaging them decisively and pushing them further into the hills.

“At approximately 1509 hours, the security forces arrived at the camp of Sanusi Dutsin-Ma and engaged in firefighting until about 1630 hours. The operation resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists while an unconfirmed number escaped with injuries.”

Mua’zu added that, “Consequently, the security forces successfully rescued 84 captives comprising 7 males, 23 females, and 54 children who had been held in terrorist camps. Pairs of camouflage uniform and other suspicious items were also destroyed.”

Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Fub A r A Den I e S L I nk To ATTA ck on oIL

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

GO FORTH AND BREAK BARRIERS...

L-R: President, Southwest Games 2025, Dr Olanrewaju Alfred, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, when the Chief of Staff endorsed the Southwest Games, starting on 25th March and culminating on President Bola Tinubu’s birthday on 29th March

Ganduje: No Political Arrangement Can Stop President Tinubu in 2027

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, has said no amount of political arrangement or gang-up could stop Nigerians

from re-electing President Bola Tinubu as President in 2027. Ganduje, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, yesterday, said his support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 was

unshakable and stood like the rock of Gibraltar.

“Dr. Ganduje does not have any fear of the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027. Tinubu will surely emerge victorious because of his unparalleled

R I ve RS : N ATI o NA l A SS emblY R ATI f I e S e me R ge N

we all work together to make sure that the things that led to the emergency rule in River State do not resurface again.”

Deputy Minority Whip, Ali Isah, proposed that the six-month emergency rule could be shortened if peace was quickly restored.

Isah expressed confidence that with strong commitment from all parties, the crisis could be resolved within a short period.

He said, "With strong commitment, the matter in Rivers can be resolved within the shortest period of time. I believe the matter can be resolved by next week.

“If the president shows commitment, and everyone else, we don't need to wait for a longer period of time. Within a short time, the matter can be resolved. The president should be able to review the state of emergency at any given time."

Delta lawmaker Benedict Etanabene argued that the emergency rule should be considered alongside Section 11 of the Constitution, which allowed the National Assembly to assume legislative functions in states where the House of Assembly was unable to operate. He argued that Section 305 could not be read in isolation of Section 11, which gave the National Assembly the powers to take over the role of a state Assembly that was unable to function as was the case with Rivers State House of Assembly.

The House, therefore, approved all three recommendations through a voice vote, with Speaker Abbas confirming that 243 lawmakers had signed the attendance register.

The northern caucus in the House of Representatives had dismissed the call by opposition leaders for immediate reversal of state of emergency rule in Rivers State, insisting it must stand.

The caucus said it was in total support of the president in the discharge of his constitutional powers as clearly stated in Section 305 of the constitution.

It called on the coalition of opposition party leaders to live above partisan lines and be wary of the fact that the laws of the land were

unambiguously sacrosanct and could not be contemplated by anyone.

The chairman and leader of the Northern Caucus, Hon. Ado Doguwa, in a statement said the government could not sit down and allow miscreants, hoodlums, and politically motivated thugs to continue to destroy critical national assets at the expense of the national economy.

Doguwa said, "In view of the ongoing discourse on the State of emergency in Rivers State, we are compelled to state clearly that the steps taken by Mr. President and C-in-C of the federal republic of Nigeria are apt, timely and constitutionally appropriate.

“We, as a legislative institution will not allow Mr. President's constitutional declaration of emergency to fail. Nigeria is indeed greater than any selfish coalition and its conspiracies. The constitutional proclamation of emergency in Rivers state must stand.”

Dogunwa accused Fubara and some other interests outside the state of having knowledge of destruction of critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sector in the Niger Delta.

He stressed that while the legislature was not insensitive to the constitutional imperatives and implications involved, it would not however ignore or take for granted the derailment of law and order in Rivers state.

Tinubu, APC Salute National Assembly for Patriotic Stand on Rivers’ Emergency Rule

Tinubu lauded the National Assembly for a decisive and patriotic ratification of the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

He said it was a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

The president specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership – Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members – for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State

people above partisan interests and other considerations.

He further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

He stated, “The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023.

“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”

The president affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed sole administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

He said, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured.”

He thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.

APC Urges Nigerians to Ignore Opposition

All Progressives Congress (APC) commended the leadership and

performance since he assumed office as President of Nigeria.

“Forget the recent political gatherings and rantings from some politicians who presently do not have any identifiable political base.

members of the National Assembly for the swift approval of Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, as constitutionally stipulated.

National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, said the 10th Assembly demonstrated patriotism by putting the interest of peace and security of the people of Rivers state first, and uniting in the national interest.

“In this regard, we particularly applaud the opposition caucus for rising above partisanship in support of the proclamation.”

Morka added that the president was committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting critical national assets in Rivers state, and ultimately, restoring constitutional order in which all three arms of government — executive, legislature and judiciary – co-existed and performed their constitutionally assigned functions for the well-being and good governance of Rivers state.

He stated, “We urge Nigerians to ignore roving opposition opportunists seeking to exploit the situation in Rivers State to escalate tension in the country.

“These opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stood idly by, did nothing to help defuse the crisis that had become a clear and present threat to peace, safety of lives and national assets in Rivers State.

“Today, these self-serving individuals did what they do best - issued a lengthy, convoluted and utterly meaningless statement intended to score their names on news headlines and drum up tension.”

The ruling party further urged the people of Rivers State and all well-meaning Nigerians to support Tinubu in his effort to secure peace, protect lives and property in the state.

Politicians, Lawyers, Civil Society Groups, Other stakeholders Condemn Senate, House Nigerians across spectrums

“Their gathering from the Labour Party, PDP SDP and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests that can never agree on any issue politically.

“The gathering is an assem-

continued to condemn the National Assembly for expressly ratifying Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State.

South-South Governors Reject Emergency

The South-South Governors’ Forum expressed strong reservations over the federal government’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

According to the forum, the political situation in the oil-rich state does not warrant such drastic action by the president

A statement signed by the forum’s chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, acknowledged the president’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order, but stated that the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution for declaring a state of emergency had not been met.

The forum said, “The current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in the constitution. Such a declaration should be considered only under extreme conditions, like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, or a breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.”

It argued that removing a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly must follow constitutional procedures as stipulated in Section 188, even as they suggested that due process might not have been fully considered before the emergency declaration.

“We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat,” the governors said.

On the way forward, the forum demanded an immediate rescission of the state of emergency to ease tensions and restore stability within the state.

While urging all parties to remain calm, uphold the Nigerian constitution,

blage of people with divergent political interests. No amount of political arrangement or gang up can stop the good people of Nigeria from re - electing Tinubu as President in 2027,” he said.

and embrace dialogue as the best solution to the crisis, the forum said, “The moment for dialogue is now.”

Obi: Action Fostering Impunity Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election, in an open letter to Akpabio and Abbas, said Tinubu's action fostered impunity.

The letter read, “I am moved to come to you, the heads of our legislative branch, in this form because of the present critical situation in the country that needs your urgent and vital intervention to save our democracy.

“President Bola Tinubu's Tuesday intervention in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis through a declaration of a state of emergency that led to the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“This is clearly an ultra vires action capable of fostering a culture of impunity, which your arm of government, the legislature, is established to forestall.

“The legislature checks potential executive abuse of power through many means, including the ability to override executive actions through vetoes.

“The legislature's override of executive actions, such as vetoes of legislation, demonstrate its power to check possible abuse of executive's authority.

“The separation of powers, where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have distinct functions and powers, is a fundamental principle of democracy designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant.

“The legislature's role in checking possible executive abuses or excesses is crucial for maintaining a balanced and accountable government, preventing potential tyranny and ensuring that the executive branch operates within the bounds of the law.

“This situation throws a huge challenge on the two of you as the heads of the legislative arm of the country.

“I urge you, therefore, to take a dispassionate look at the situation in

CASTLE LITE AND NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH...

L-R: Castle Lite Nigeria Marketing Manager, Oluwatoyin Ogunjimi; Route-to-Market Director, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), Yvonne Onyejiaka; NBA Africa Vice President and Country Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; and Communications and Sustainability Manager, IBPLC, Damian Igwe, during the Castle Lite and National Basketball Association (NBA) partnership launch in Lagos…recently

Interior Minister Announces Arrest of Interpol Red Listed Fugitives in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has announced the arrest of two wanted suspects on Interpol's red list in the country.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced yesterday at the 5th edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, which he attended with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. Tunji-Ojo while stating that these arrests marked a change in the country’s approach to law enforcement and border security, said the arrests demonstrated the

progress the country was making in its security of its borders. He said, “Just two days ago, someone on the red list of Interpol was apprehended in Abuja. Last week, another individual on the same list was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

The minister noted that this development signaled a shift in security in the country and further showed that, “it is not business as usual."

The minister also noted that significant improvements had been made in border control, with new posts constructed and officers now

stationed to regulate migration.

Additionally, he said Nigerian Immigration Service now operates a command and control centre that integrates real-time security data from around the world.

The minister also disclosed that as part of moves to reduce the high number of minor offenders and alleviate congestion of inmates in correctional centres across the country, over 4,082 inmates had been released, effectively allowing the nation to save more than N1 billion annually in the expenses.

Tunji-Ojo, equally disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved an increase in the feeding allowances

R I ve RS : N ATI o NA l A SS emblY R ATI f I e S e me R ge N cY Decl ARATI o N ,

Rivers State and ensure that you deploy your arm of government properly in the interest of the people of Rivers State and our democracy.

The former governor of Anambra State called on the National Assembly members from the Labour Party to stand firm and reject the removal of governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

Obi, in a press statement posted on his verified Facebook handle, said he had long refrained from speaking about the lawmakers because he wanted them to concentrate on their job, but the recent removal of Fubara had made it auspicious that he addressed the.

He stated, "I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.”

Ozekhome: It’s Violation of Constitution

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Mike Ozekhome, berated President Bola Tinubu over the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.

Ozekhome described the president's action as a clear violation of the constitution.

The legal luminary declared that neither the president nor the National Assembly had the power to remove a sitting governor or dissolve a state House of Assembly.

He stated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, did not provide for the removal or suspension of an elected governor under emergency rule.

Ozekhome stated, in a press release yesterday, "Section 305, which grants the president powers to declare a state of emergency, does not include provisions for the removal of state officials."

While citing various judicial precedents to buttress his position, Ozekhome said Tinubu's action, if

allowed to stand, would set a dangerous precedent for future presidents.

Ozekhome cited historical precedents, including the 2004 Plateau State emergency declared by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which was widely criticised as an overreach of executive power.

Stating that the elected governors and members of Houses of Assembly derived their mandate directly from the people and not from the president, he argued that Tinubu's action undermined true federalism, the very essence of democracy and the rule of law.

PANDEF: Tinubu Stabbed Us in the Back

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), yesterday, condemned the state of emergency slammed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying the president stabbed the region in the back. The group stated this in a communique issued at the end of its Board of Trustees/ National Executive Council held in Abuja on Thursday.

The communique was signed by HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass; Obong Victor Attah; Amb. Godknows Igali, National Chairman; and Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Spokesman

The communique said, “The said actions taken by the president have sadly occurred barely one week after he received a high level South-south delegation of top traditional rulers, former governors, former service chiefs, former ministers, former senators, numbering over 100 eminent Nigerian personalities.

“At that occasion, the president appreciated the peace efforts of PANDEF Peace and Reconciliation Committee headed by Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and encouraged them to continue with the reconciliation activities and report progress back to him.

“The president also charged PANDEF Peace Committee to encourage the governor to comply with the now

heavily flawed Supreme Court judgement to present the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly.

“This declaration of state of emergency totally negates the avowed positions of President Tinubu, as was widely publicised during his interventions in May 2013, when former President Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa at the height of Boko Haram insurgency even without removing governors.”

A prominent elder statesman and former publicity secretary of PANDEF, Anabs Sara-Igbe, had also accused the federal government of orchestrating a political assault and biases against the state.

Sara-Igbe voiced mounting concerns over the safety of Fubara, warning that Fubara’s life is at risk and his whereabouts unknown. He said this yesterday in an interview on ARISE News, where he also called for the immediate dismissal of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he blamed for fuelling instability in Rivers State.

He stated, “If two people are fighting, and you genuinely want peace, you should fire the minister causing confusion, not just take action against the governor.

“The president has the power to dismiss a minister, who has been causing unrest, not only in the Niger Delta but also in the north and the South-east. Instead, he wants to sack a governor. Other governors are watching this unfold.

“If he applies this method elsewhere, particularly in PDP-controlled states, governors who do not do his bidding will be removed.”

CSOs Urges Tinubu to Rescind Order

A coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, urged Tinubu to annul his recent state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

of inmates and had approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres that were within residential areas due to urban development.

The minister stated that a correctional centre should be located 100 metres away from residential buildings, noting that the facility in Uyo, was located opposite the Government House, while Suleja Prison was now within the community.

He disclosed that over 3,000 buildings in more than 240 correctional centres were being renovated, noting that some of these centres were built over 50 years ago, while one of them was constructed in 1914. He said:

The coalition led by Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), spoke yesterday, while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Dr Christian Onyegbule, representative of CLO, said Tinubu must rescind the state of emergency and reinstate all duly elected officials to restore constitutional order.

The group demanded that an independent panel should be constituted to investigate the root causes of the crisis, and ensure accountability and justice.

It stated, “All stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and prioritise the welfare of Rivers State residents. The president must mandate all relevant institutions to ensure the full and unbiased implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

CHRICED: Tinubu’s Action at Variance with Position on Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) denounced the emergency rule as a blatant affront to the rights of the citizens of Rivers State, who had exercised their democratic right to elect their representatives.

In a statement, CHRICED said such a declaration posed a significant threat to democratic governance in Nigeria and reflected both political and economic misjudgements that required immediate rectification.

The statement added that by instituting emergency rule in Rivers State, Tinubu appeared to endorse military coups, undermining his credibility to critique the military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

CHRICED, in the statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stated that Tinubu had brazenly contravened the 1999 Constitution, which he pledged to uphold, by suspending Fubara, Odu, and all the members of the Rivers State House

“If we know where we were, we will appreciate where we are now.”

The minister said during the present administration, two jailbreaks were recorded but no jail attacks, explaining that a jailbreak was organised by the inmates, while a jail attack was orchestrated from outside the prison.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, credited Nigeria with working in conjunction with the Red Cross to save thousands of Palestinian infants and babies during the ongoing war in Gazza.

He said after it was approached by the Red Cross, Nigeria facilitated their transfer from Gazza to hospitals

of Assembly, and hastily appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retd) as an administrator to oversee the state for an initial period of six months.

The group said, “Although Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency, it does not authorise him to suspend an elected governor.

Chapter 6, Part 2, Section 188 of the constitution specifies a defined procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy governor, which necessitates an impeachment process by the state House of Assembly.”

Nwuche: Tinubu Saved Rivers from Anarchy

Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, said the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu saved the state from anarchy and bloodshed.

Nwuche called on the National Assembly to expeditiously ratify the president's declaration in the interest of peace, progress, development and good governance of Rivers and the country.

Nwuche, Wike’s ally, observed that the political crisis, which spanned over one year had adversely affected governance and economic prosperity of the oil-rich state.

Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, he alleged that investors were leaving the state in droves because of the crisis, and added that the state was near comatose with confusion and uncertainties defining the daily activities of government.

Nwuche said with the declaration and the appointment of a sole administrator, the president had demonstrated that he was a proactive leader and would not sit idly and watch any part of the country burn.

Rivers Elders, Okiro Seek Dialogue

Former Inspector General of

in Jordan, Egypt and UAE.

“The Red Cross approached us to find out if we would be willing to take in such babies because we were looking for countries that had shown concern about the state of affairs in Gaza, particularly of young people, of the hardship that the Gazans were facing at the time.

“So our responce was that you cannot take the risk of such infants that were in fragile conditions. Some of them were born with heart conditions, for instance. For them to be flown all the way from the Middle East. I said, if something happens, I'm sure everybody will say, what do you say when you have a problem?

Police, Sir Mike Okiro, urged all parties involved in the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution and respect for human rights. But Rivers elders and leaders expressed regrets that the president did not take any disciplinary action against Wike for alleged gross public misconduct, saying this is miscarriage of justice and is condemnable. In a statement, yesterday, the former IG, who is also from Rivers State, expressed concern about the political impasse that had plagued the state for nearly two years. He called on all warring factions to sheathe their sword and engage in peaceful dialogue to find a resolution that benefited all parties involved. He stressed the need for unity, dialogue, and respect for human rights in order to overcome the current crisis in Rivers State.

At a press briefing, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum said for “Mr President to single out Governor Sim Fubara and the Honourable members of the Rivers State House Assembly for suspension, without taking any disciplinary action on his minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, for gross public misconduct, is a clear miscarriage of justice and it is condemnable”.

The forum, in the briefing led by its chairman and former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George, observed, “If Governor Fubara and the lawmakers are facing a six-month suspension, it's only fair and just that Wike, the Minister of FCT, should also face a similar six-month suspension.

“This move would ensure that justice is served and that all parties involved in the unfortunate crisis are held accountable for their actions.” They recalled that Fubara made efforts to obey the Supreme Court judgement, and stressed that the governor’s efforts were frustrated by the 27 lawmakers, who allegedly refused to comply with him.

Two Soldiers, Three Others Killed by Suspected Herdsmen in Benue

George Okoh in makurdi

Two soldiers, three others were yesterday killed in an ambush by armed herdsmen in Benue State.

The incident occurred at Anyiase community, near Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

Several communities around Jato Aka have repeatedly come under attacks from armed herdsmen who, over time, sacked several of the

communities, forcing the locals to flee to the center of Jato Aka for safety. It was gathered that the two soldiers were killed in an ambush by the bandits who on Thursday mid night attacked the community, where three of the locals were also killed.

According to the source, “We were told that the bandits attacked the community killing three persons and the soldiers who were on patrol ran into them and in the ensuing fight two soldiers were killed and

Anambra: LP Guber Aspirant, Nwosu, Denies Stepping Down for Moghalu

David-Chyddy Eleke in awka

An aspirant of Labour Party(LP) in the Anambra State 2025 governorship election, Mr. John Nwosu, has denied rumours making the round that he has stepped down for another aspirant of the party, Mr George Moghalu.

A press statement by the Director-General of John Nwosu Campaign organisation, Hon Ben Chuks Nwosu, which was made available to journalists in Awka, stated that there is no truth in the rumour.

Part of the statement read:

“The attention of the John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Organisation has be drawn to the scurrilous rumour making the rounds that John C. Nwosu, the leading Labour Aspirant for the 2025 Governorship

has stepped down for Chief George Moghalu, another LP aspirant. This is a lie of enormous proportion.

“John Chuma Nwosu is set for the 5 April, 2025 party primaries. The Labour Party delegates will decide who will be the party’s candidate. Party nomination cannot be won through lies, subterfuge and mischievous fake news.”

He said that the aspirant, Mr John Nwosu just returned his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, which he purchased and filled just the previous day at the Labour Party National Secretariat in Abuja, and that the issue of stepping down never arose.

He insisted that his principal is very much in the race, while urging party faithful to disregard such distractive misinformation.

‘Tinubu’s Economic Policies Inspired Us to Start FoodsbyMomi’

Nigerian entrepreneurs, Omowunmi Owokoniran and Segun Michael Sosanya have explained how the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu inspired them to establish their now successful food exportation company, FoodsbyMomi.

According to the duo, President Tinubu’s economic policies aimed at shifting Nigeria from an importdependent nation to an exportdriven economy inspired them to begin exportation of Nigerian food to foreign countries which has now become a success.

As former importers of foreign goods, Segun and Wumi said they had firsthand experience of the impact of the naira devaluation on Nigerian businesses which has led to rising cost of the dollar making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their import-based business.

They said as the profitability of imported goods declined due to Nigeria’s weakened purchasing power, they recognised an urgent need to pivot towards export.

“Instead of struggling to chase dollars, why don’t we focus on exporting and earning in dollars?” Omowunmi asked one day. That single question sparked immediate action,” said Segun, a new product planning and development expert and a global expansion & market strategy specialist.

With their new found business idea, the pair said understanding the importance of compliance and industry best practices, they immediately engaged FIIRO consultants for specialised training while also working closely with NAFDAC officials to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Sanwo-Olu, Radda, Mbah, Aiyedatiwa for FIN-Forbes’ Renewable Energy Roundtable, Awards

Four Nigerian Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) will lead other leaders to the 2025 Annual FIN-Forbes’ renewable energy roundtable and awards.

Apart from the four governors, former Katsina State Governor and Chairman of TETFUND, Aminu Masari Bello; Founder/Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources Ltd, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi; CEO, Pacific Holdings Limited, Dr Deji Adeleke and Founder/Chairman, Yudala and Co-founder of Konga, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh will also be part of the dual event.

The 2025 Annual Roundtable of Foreign Investment Network (FIN), a renowned investment consulting agency based in the

some of the bandits were also killed.”

“The development has forced a lot of people to flee their homes while many ran to catch a glimpse of the remains of the soldiers.”

United Kingdom and knowledge partner of Forbes (Emerging Markets, USA), will be hosted at the margins of the Net Zero MEA Summit.

The Chairperson of FIN, Dr. Olayinka Fayomi, who disclosed this in a statement made available yesterday, stated that the roundtable event alongside the FIN-Forbes Award ceremony will take place on April 9, 2025 in Al Jaddaf, Dubai.

Fayomi further disclosed that the Net Zero MEA 2025 summit is a high-level international event for the solar, energy storage, and renewable energy sectors in Africa and Middle East.

She said: “This event highlights individuals and institutions driving Africa’s economic evolution through policy, investment, and innovation.”

In his comment, the President-General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT), worldwide and Chairman of leaders of Benue Socio-Cultural organisations, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, who hails from Kwande LGA said: “Five

persons made up of two soldiers and three natives were killed in the attack.”

Chief Ihagh appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify efforts to improve the security of the state’s people and

urged the Benue people to learn to always defend themselves. He charged the people to “re-enact the 1804 traditional ways of confronting the invaders through their poisonous arrow to defend themselves.”

DHQ: Military Not Aware of Peace Path Between Communities, Bandits in North-west

Linus Aleke in abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that it was not aware of any ongoing or existing peace path between communities and bandits in the North-west operational theatre.

The military also said that it cannot deploy troops to every community simply because some

lawmakers called for deployment to protect their constituencies. Responding to questions during the biweekly briefing at DHQ in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, said that the military authority is not aware of any peace path between communities and bandits.

Communities in the North-west

were alleged to be entering into a peace path with bandit groups to protect their localities, a situation critics said is an affront to the military and the nation’s counter-insurgency effort in the zone.

General Kangye stated: “To the best of our knowledge, we have never had any peace deal with the bandits as a military.

When communities want to do that, I don’t think that they seek approval from the military to do so.

“The military authority is not aware of that. The military is conducting its operations in accordance with the rules of engagement and code of conduct for internal security operations.”

Expert Identifies Corruption, Regulatory Agencies as Bane of Drug Trade Control

Hammed Shittu inIlorin

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, Kwara State, Dr. Issa Baba Awoye, has identified corruption within law enforcement and regulatory agencies as the bane of efforts in controlling drug trade especially synthetic drugs in the country.

Amoye stated this in Ilorin yesterday during the second Kwara State stakeholders’ summit on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, titled: the Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Synthetic Drug Abuse: A Clinical Perspective.

The summit was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant

to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Mukail Aileru, with the theme: ‘Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for a Safer Kwara’.

He said that the ugly development has become growing public health and security concerns in recent years.

Amoye, who stated that inadequate resources for drug control and rehabilitation programmes also restrict effectiveness, lamented the increasing use of synthetic drug among youths in the country. He said that the country has seen a rise in the production, trafficking and consumption of synthetic drugs, particularly among young people.

Clerics Demand Openness in Resumed Trial of Nnamdi Kanu

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo

in Umuahia

As the trial of Nnamdi Kanu starts afresh today at a federal high court Abuja, a group of clerics has called for an open and fair trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The clerics, under the aegis of

the Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission(CIMC), made the call in a statement signed by its International President, Rev Tony Uzo Anthony, urging the international community “to prevail on the Nigerian government” to ensure transparency in Kanu’s trial.

The trial is expected to start afresh before Justice James

Omotosho, who was assigned to handle the case which was adjourned sine die on February 10, 2025 by the former trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako.

Kanu had practically compelled Justice Nyako to hands off his trial citing issues of jurisdiction as the judge had hitherto recused herself, in addition to the IPOB leader’s allegation of the judge’s bias against him. However, the concerned clerics said that it has become imperative for the global community to take more than a cursory interest in the travails of the champion of Biafra self determination, saying that they should “ensure Kanu’s trial is conducted in the open and is seen to be fair and transparent.”

Group Condemns EFCC’s Witch-hunt of Bauchi Officials

Olawale Ajimotokan in abuja

The Bauchi Accountability and Truth Awareness Front (BATA) has expressed concern at recent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against officials of the Bauchi State government, particularly the arrest of the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja.

In a statement signed yesterday by its chairman, Lawal Sani Ningi, BATA described the EFCC’s claims of a N70 billion fraud investigation, allegedly linked to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, as nothing more

than a politically motivated witchhunt aimed at undermining the integrity of the state leadership and destabilising the progress achieved under the current administration.

It said the arrest of Alhaji Jaja, alongside individuals purportedly connected to him, raised serious questions about the motives behind the EFCC’s actions.

“While the fight against corruption is a noble endeavor, it must be conducted with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to justice. Instead, we are witnessing a spectacle that appears to be driven by ulterior motives rather than genuine concern for accountability” BATA said.

It said the timing of these arrests, coinciding with critical periods in the politics of Bauchi State, suggested an orchestrated effort to tarnish the reputation of the state officials and, by extension, the office of the governor.

“It is imperative to note that the linking of this investigation to Governor Bala Mohammed is particularly alarming. Such insinuations serve only to distract from the real issues at hand and divert public attention from the significant strides the governor has made in governance, infrastructural development, and social welfare in Bauchi State”.

Edo to Rank among Top States in Agric Production, Says Deputy Gov

Adibe Emenyonu

in Benin city

The Edo State deputy governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration has been working to stimulate agricultural production through various initiatives.

The deputy governor said those initiatives would place Edo among top states in agricultural production in the fullest of time.

He disclosed this yesterday in Benin, when he played host to the executives and members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State Chapter, led by the president, Alhaji Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako.

While noting that the state is blessed with arable land and also has the prospect of significantly increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Idahosa said it was the sector was among the five-point agenda of Okpebhololed administration.

“This administration remains committed to revamping the sector as of effort at improving the livelihood of its citizenry as well as residents.

“As an administration, food

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenevwede Jennifer ZIREGBE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oghenevwede Jennifer Akanya. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note.

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I formerly known and addressed as ITOHAN AGATHA IMAFIDON now wish to be known and addressed as ITOHAN AGATHA LEIGH. All former documents remain valid . The general public should take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I DOROTHY EBERE OHA, that my first name was wrongly misspelled as DORATHY instead of DOROTHY. Now, I want to be known , called and addressed by my valid name DOROTHY EBERE OHA. All my former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

security is a key component of our five point agenda.

“For the first time in the history of Edo State, we have over N70 billion allocated for agriculture in our budget. With this, you will know that there is so much emphasis on agriculture.

“We are so blessed with fertile land, and before the advent of petroleum, agriculture was the key and major source of

revenue to our country, and we were doing extremely well. When we discovered crude oil, we abandoned agriculture, and that is why we are where we are right now.

“In line with Mr. President’s agenda, he has asked every state to focus on agriculture. I can assure you, by the grace of God, Edo will rank top state in agric production and business,” he stated.

Akpoti-Udaughan: Kogi Central Constituents Vow to Continue Recall Process

Ebira indigenes have condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the Nation Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was not endorsed by the majority of the electorate in the area.

The indigenes, from across the five local governments of Kogi Central, said they had resolved to bring the embattled Senator back home, adding that the embarrassment she had caused the senatorial district had, unfortunately, taken an “international dimension.”

This stand was taken in a statement yesterday, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, respectively.

The constituents told Nigerians to disregard the

deliberate mischief by the camp of the Kogi Central Senator suggesting that people were deceived to come out for the recall exercise.

“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived. What she has done has been mainly propaganda. Even some of us that supported her on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria for the selfish, juvenile tendencies of a Senator.

“A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the Senate should not be one that would warrant a “sexual harassment” national embarrassment of this nature, especially where all evidences point to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras,” the statement said.

Tinubu Celebrates Legal Luminary Prof. Pinheiro at 60

Wale Igbintade

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, on his 60th birthday.

In a letter personally signed and dated March 18, 2025, Tinubu commended Pinheiro’s exceptional advocacy and significant contributions to Nigeria’s justice sector, particularly in legal reforms and anti-corruption efforts.

Prof. Pinheiro, the founder of the full-service law firm Pinheiro LP, is a leading prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“My dear Learned Silk, Kemi,” the President wrote, “It is with great delight that I congratulate you on your 60th birthday. This milestone is not just a celebration of years but of a life dedicated to justice, excellence in advocacy, and unwavering service to our

great nation.

“Kemi, your distinguished legal career, spanning nearly four decades, has been marked by a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and advancing justice. Your remarkable contributions— particularly in legal reforms, high-level advocacy, and the fight against corruption—have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal and governance landscape. I have long admired your dedication to defending the integrity of our institutions and your passion for mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

“Beyond the courtroom, your generosity and commitment to social justice, exemplified through the Mujibat Folashade Idowu Foundation, reflect the true spirit of service. Your impact extends beyond the legal profession, touching lives and inspiring many through your philanthropy and leadership.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Why You Should Do More Istighfar during the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan? WORLD

By: IslamiCity

The last ten nights of Ramadan are a deeply spiritual time for Muslims. These nights are especially significant because of the potential of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night that holds immense blessings and rewards.

During these nights, Muslims focus on increasing their acts of worship, and one key practice is Istighfar — seeking forgiveness from Allah.

What is Istighfar?

Istighfar is the act of asking Allah for forgiveness. The Arabic word “Istighfar” literally means “asking for forgiveness,” and it’s a way to purify our hearts and seek Allah’s mercy. We all make mistakes, and Istighfar serves to cleanse ourselves spiritually, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for our sins, whether they are major or minor.

Though Istighfar is important at any time of the year, it holds extra significance during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Let’s explore why this time is so important and why increasing your Istighfar is essential.

Why the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan?

The last ten nights of Ramadan are unique in that they are the nights in which Laylat al-Qadr may fall. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-3):

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

This night is better than a thousand months, meaning that any worship and good deeds performed on this night are multiplied in reward. It is a night when Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness are abundant.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever stands in prayer during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hope in Allah’s mercy will have all their past sins forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari 2014)

Therefore, the last ten nights of Ramadan are a time when Muslims strive to maximize their acts of worship, and Istighfar becomes even more important. It is a chance to purify ourselves and seek Allah’s forgiveness for our shortcomings.

These nights are an opportunity to ask Allah for everything we need — for our sins to be forgiven, for our prayers to be answered, and for our destiny to be changed.

Laylat al-Qadr: A Night That Can Change Your Destiny

Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense importance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his companions to seek this night during the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on the odd-numbered nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th.

Why is Laylat al-Qadr so special?

1. It’s a Night of Forgiveness: One of the most significant aspects of Laylat al-Qadr is the opportunity to receive Allah’s forgiveness. If you ask for forgiveness during this night with sincerity, Allah will forgive your past sins.

2. It’s a Night of Peace: Allah sends peace and blessings to the earth during Laylat al-Qadr. The Qur’an mentions that during this night, “the angels and the Spirit [Jibril] descend with the permission of their Lord” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:4). It’s a night filled with mercy and tranquility.

3. It’s a Night of Decree: Laylat al-Qadr is also the night on which the decrees for the coming year are made. This means that everything from your provision to your fate in the upcoming year is determined. It’s a powerful opportunity to pray for a better future and to ask for Allah’s

mercy in shaping your life.

The Importance of Istighfar During the Last Ten Nights

As we approach these blessed nights, it’s important to increase our acts of worship, and Istighfar should be at the forefront of our efforts.

1. Purification of the Heart: Istighfar is a means of purifying our hearts and souls. It helps to remove the impurities of sins and renews our connection with Allah. Our sins can weigh down on us, and Istighfar is a means to lift that burden and start anew.

2. Seeking Allah’s Mercy:

The last ten nights are filled with mercy from Allah, especially on Laylat al-Qadr. By making Istighfar, we are asking Allah to forgive our sins and grant us His mercy. It is a time when Allah is more likely to forgive us because He is so generous in His mercy during these nights.

3. A Path to Paradise:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness with sincerity, Allah will forgive them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). Asking for forgiveness during these blessed nights increases our chances of being granted a place in Paradise, as we turn to Allah with humility and repentance.

4. Strengthening Our Faith:

The act of Istighfar reminds us of our weakness and dependence on Allah. It humbles us and increases our awareness of our need for His help and guidance. The more we engage in Istighfar, the more we draw closer to Allah.

How to Increase Your Istighfar During the Last Ten Nights

To make the most of these last ten nights, here are some practical tips on how to increase your Istighfar:

1. Set a Goal to Repeat Istighfar Frequently:

A simple but powerful way to make Istighfar a part of your daily routine is to set a goal. For example, aim to say “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah) 100 times after each prayer or before bed.

2. Be Sincere in Your Repentance: Don’t just recite Istighfar mechanically. Take a moment to reflect on your actions, acknowledge your mistakes, and sincerely repent to Allah. This act of reflection makes your Istighfar more meaningful.

3. Make Dua Along with Istighfar: While asking for forgiveness, make supplications (duas) for your loved ones, for the Ummah, and for your own personal needs. The last ten nights are a perfect time to ask Allah to bless your family, to forgive you, and to grant you success in this world and the next.

4. Increase Your Worship on the Odd-Nights: While Laylat al-Qadr could fall on any of the last ten nights, it is most likely to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights. Dedicate extra time to worship on these nights — pray more, read more Qur’an, and do more Istighfar, as these actions will increase your chances of witnessing the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.

A Chance to Change Your Destiny

The last ten nights of Ramadan are a golden opportunity to turn towards Allah and seek His forgiveness. The power of Istighfar during this time cannot be overstated — it’s a way to purify your soul, earn Allah’s mercy, and seek blessings for the upcoming year.

The night of Laylat al-Qadr is a night that can change the course of your life, and performing Istighfar during this time increases your chances of receiving Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Make the most of these blessed nights by increasing your Istighfar and sincerely seeking Allah’s guidance.

MISSILE

APC Chieftain to President Tinubu

“Nigeriansandtheinternationalcommunityareintheknowthatthelingering politicalaltercationbetweenGovernorSiminalayiFubara,ononepartandthe FCTMinister,NyesomWikeandhisbandwagonofmoronicAssemblymembers, ontheotherpart,isadeliberateploybytheTinubuadministrationtocapture RiversStateeitherbyhookorcrook”--APCChieftain,ChiefEzeChukwuemeka,flays PresidentTinubu’sdeclarationofemergencyruleinRiversState.

DennisOTuArO

Niger Delta: Route to Peace, Security and Stability

Ayear ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON) graciously approved my appointment as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), a multi-faceted initiative conceived by the Federal Government to manage the reintegration of Niger Delta agitators into mainstream society and provide support for communities impacted by years of mindless exploration of crude oil which had devastated the land. The centrality of the Niger Delta region, Africa’s largest wetland, to our nation’s socio-economic well-being makes national economic development the wider objective of the PAP. In simpler terms, this mean the peace and security of the Niger Delta have serious economic consequences for the country as a whole and the PAP’s role in achieving this is crucial.

Therefore, fulfilling the goals that gave rise to the Programme is a major challenge, making my role as Administrator both demanding and highly responsible. It is on account of this I wish to place on record my most sincere appreciation to the President for trusting me sufficiently in a crowd of many qualified Niger Delta indigenes to drive the process designed to bring lasting peace and sustainable development to a region that is, by every objective metric, the mainstay of our nation’s economy as home to oil and gas exploration in our nation.

I equally wish to thank the President for his unwavering commitment to peace, security and stability-ingredients needed to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region. It is also very important to acknowledge the role of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose office has been generous with strategic support, without which the PAP’s modest achievements in the last one year would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to record.

I came to the office with a degree of familiarity with the challenges of the region and those of the PAP. I regard this as a real privilege. I had served on the Presidential Council on the Socio-Economic Development on the Coastal States of the Niger Delta and fortunate to have been a member of the Presidential Committee on the Environment for the Niger Delta. I was also a member of the Delta State Waterways Security Council, serving as the security sub-committee’s Chairman in addition to working at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

These elements, important as they are to the assignment I was handed by the President, do not, on their own, guarantee progress. Other elements play very significant roles. Notable among these is staunch support from the President, the NSA, and the various stakeholders of the PAP. Over the past year, support from these sources has been substantial, and there is increased hope that such will persist, as the Federal Government is fully committed to overcoming the challenges that have dogged the region and the PAP as an interventionist initiative.

Since oil was discovered in the late 1950s, the Niger Delta has been a region marked by significant communal dissatisfaction. Persistent widespread poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation have contributed to a climate of grievance among the local population. The people feel that they have measly benefits in return for their region’s natural endowments, which make the Niger Delta the source of the economic success that supports the unity of Nigeria.

In the early 2000s, local grievances escalated via greater frequency of militancy, a reflection of the depth of mistrust between oil-bearing communities and the government. This unrest resulted in substantial disruptions to oil production, which generated an overwhelming percentage of the

national revenue.

It was against this backdrop that the PAP was established by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration in 2009 to address the widespread unrest in the region. The PAP’s objectives include disarming and demobilizing agitators while facilitating their reintegration into civilian life. Additionally, the programme was conceived to provide training and education to equip beneficiaries with skills for economic empowerment and enhance employment opportunities across various sectors. Recognizing its importance, the administrations that succeeded that of the late President Yar’ Adua continued to uphold the initiative.

In terms of implementation, measures prescribed by the PAP (monthly stipend payment to exagitators and members of disaffected youth groups; provision of access to vocational training as well as educational scholarships and other educational assistance for beneficiaries and their dependents) have produced mixed results.

For a period, especially after the disarmament and demobilization of ex-agitators who accepted the amnesty initiative, violent agitation subsided. However, underneath the surface, ex-agitators and young people continued to feel restless. Communities fizzed with disappointment as the PAP faced various challenges. One of the most significant was funding constraints, which led to inadequate budget allocations. This hindered the PAP’s effectiveness and its ability to reach all the genuine beneficiaries.

Thus, delays in stipend payments led to growing dissatisfaction and unrest among recipients. This situation was made worse by reports of a lack of transparency and mismanagement, which damaged the credibility and effectiveness of the PAP. Additionally, there were complaints of inefficiencies in resource use resulting in waste and misallocation of funds, further exacerbating the issue.

At a deeper level, the lack of sufficient job opportunities has created challenges for the reintegration of ex-agitators into society. Many of these individuals were unable to acquire the necessary skills because they could not access the training and capacity-building programmes that the PAP envisioned, due to limited opportunities. Additionally, ex-agitators and youth expressed further dissatisfaction because they were excluded from scholarship programmes and other educational assistance initiatives, which were constrained by inadequate funding.

These conditions revealed a departure from the objectives of the PAP and underscored its failure to fully address the underlying causes of militancy. As a result, there was a resurgence

of militant activities that disrupted the country’s oil production, leading to facility sabotage, local unrest, and oil theft. For four consecutive years, the country was unable to meet the production quota of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In 2023, due to its failure to meet the allocated quota, OPEC reduced Nigeria’s quota to 1.5 million bpd, which the country still could not meet. This situation severely impacted its revenue-earning capacity.

The current leadership at the PAP recognized that effectively addressing these challenges was crucial to ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability. As such, its overarching strategy was to earn the trust of the ex-agitators, who were convinced that the new approach was worth their interest. Activities around the new approach have revolved around training ex-agitators to become entrepreneurs who can serve as agents of change within their communities. The approach has as its objective the transformation of a stipend-dependent category into self-sufficient employers and active contributors to the economic prosperity of both the Niger Delta and the nation.

The outcomes have been heartwarming, as the ex-agitators are involved in various programmes in impacted communities, where they have been discouraging young people from taking to crime and violent agitation. A hefty slice of the success in this regard has been with contributions from the Office of the National Security Adviser, security agencies, environment and minority rights advocates as well as Niger Delta-focused agencies. This synergy is the foundation on which the rise in the country’s oil output is erected.

Also as part of efforts to bolster stakeholder confidence, the PAP leadership decided on consistent multi-stakeholder engagements, which have provided invaluable opportunities to listen to stakeholders, understand their challenges as well enhance their understanding of the Federal Government’s vision for the PAP through clear communication.

Over the past year, we have held stakeholder meetings with traditional rulers, opinion leaders, women’s groups, youth organizations, community leaders, elders, and camp leaders. The purpose of these meetings was to communicate the Tinubu administration’s vision for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and demonstrate its commitment to this initiative, aimed at deepening and sustaining the existing peace in the Niger Delta.

To sustain peace, the PAP engaged with various stakeholders and successfully resolved over 100 potentially explosive conflicts, including those within the camps of ex-freedom fighters. Approximately 80 percent of these conflicts arose from inconsistencies in the personal data submitted to the PAP, which affected the monthly stipend payments.

Over the past 12 months, we have worked hard to enhance the efficiency of the PAP beneficiary help desk at the call center, which has expedited the resolution of beneficiary issues. During this period, the call center received approximately 25,000 phone calls, the majority concerning stipend payments. The remaining calls were related to training and post-training support. Staff working at the call center were sent to a specialized training program to enhance their skills in issue management, conflict resolution, and customer intelligence.

With stipend payment constituting a major source of beneficiary irritation, we have had to institute wide-ranging reforms in the PAP’s data records. About 12,500 beneficiary records were verified, revealing that 783 records were either duplicated or incomplete. The data management reform also allowed the PAP to eliminate 1,129 outdated records and uncover hundreds of data discrepancies, as well as inconsistencies in financial records, which are currently being addressed.

The PAP’s database update was crucial as it allowed for the review of 9,253 personal records. This review identified individuals who have either graduated or completed their skill acquisition programmes, and it also included 3,215 new beneficiaries in the programme.

The data reform has been central to enhancing the accuracy of the PAP’s operations. It has facilitated seamless data sharing among departments, which has accelerated the achievement of the PAP’s new vision. One significant benefit of this improved system is the easier verification of the enrollment status of approximately 1,700 scholarship awardees across about 70 educational institutions nationwide. Through the data management reform, the PAP identified beneficiaries who discontinued their education and was, as a result, able to prevent further committing funds to tuition and allowance payments.

The savings from this and other reforms in other places have assisted in providing the PAP additional resources to expand its capacity to take on more scholarship beneficiaries. The highest number of scholarship beneficiaries before this dispensation was 500. Currently, the PAP has 1,700 awardees in various institutions.

One of the most significant milestones under the current leadership at the PAP is the reintroduction of the foreign scholarship initiative, which had previously been suspended. For this, I wish to commend the President for his support. Currently, 60 students from the Niger Delta region are studying at prestigious universities in the US, Canada, and the UK. They are receiving a world-class education that will empower them to make a positive impact in the Niger Delta.

Significant attention has been paid to vocational education, particularly in the maritime and aviation sectors. Over the past year, the PAP has made notable progress by deploying 40 aircraft maintenance engineers for training. These engineers specialize in ERJ-145 and CRJ-900/B737 aircraft. Additionally, the same number of engineers is currently receiving on-the-job training at top-shelf organizations like Seven Star Global Hangar and Aero Contractors Limited. The PAP sent four cadet pilots for type-rating training in South Africa, from where they have since returned to the country after graduation.

Maritime training has received a similar level of focus aviation has attracted, with about 100 cadets currently undergoing refresher courses at the renowned Joemarine Institute towards their Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification.

The series of small steps taken has led to a significant reduction in militant activities, resulting in enhanced security and stability in the region. This decrease in communal tensions has also been reflected in a drop in pipeline vandalism, terminal shutdowns, and other operational disruptions. A striking indication of this progress is the increase in the country’s oil output, including condensate, which rose to 1.81 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2025, up from 1.667 million bpd recorded in December 2024.

In any language, this spells impressive, especially considering that for many years, the country has struggled to meet the production quota allocated to it due to the disturbances and crimes in the region. It is important to highlight that this resultoriented, multi-faceted approach to addressing the long-standing issues of marginalization and the general lack of socio-economic development in the Niger Delta is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. At the core of his administration’s agenda is the goal of restoring sustainable peace, security, and stability in the Niger Delta. The progress being made points toward a more promising economic outlook for Nigeria. •Otuaro (PhD), Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, writes from Abuja

President Bola Tinubu

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